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yao tang
yao tang

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Solving Open VSX "Must log in with Eclipse Foundation account" Error

#vscode #extensions #opensource #troubleshooting

The Problem

When trying to create a namespace on Open VSX to publish VS Code extensions, I encountered this error:

Error: You must log in with an Eclipse Foundation account and sign a Publisher Agreement before publishing any extension.

The confusing part? I had already logged into my Eclipse Foundation account at https://accounts.eclipse.org/, but Open VSX kept redirecting me to GitHub login, and the error persisted.

Understanding the Issue

Here's what I learned:

  1. Open VSX only supports GitHub OAuth login - there's no direct Eclipse Foundation login option on the Open VSX website
  2. Eclipse Foundation account is still required - but it works behind the scenes through account linking
  3. Publisher Agreement (ECA) must be signed - this is separate from just having an account

The Solution

Step 1: Sign the Eclipse Contributor Agreement (ECA)

  1. Go to your Eclipse Foundation account: https://accounts.eclipse.org/
  2. Navigate to the ECA page: https://accounts.eclipse.org/user/eca
  3. Read and sign the Eclipse Contributor Agreement
  4. Alternatively, you can sign it directly at: https://www.eclipse.org/legal/ECA.php

Step 2: Link Your GitHub Account

  1. Go to your Eclipse Foundation account settings: https://accounts.eclipse.org/user/edit
  2. Find the "Social Accounts" or "External Accounts" section
  3. Connect your GitHub account that you use to log into Open VSX
  4. Make sure the connection is successful

Step 3: Wait for Synchronization

After signing the ECA and linking accounts, wait a few minutes (sometimes up to an hour) for the systems to synchronize.

Step 4: Create Your Namespace

  1. Clear your browser cache and cookies for open-vsx.org
  2. Log in to Open VSX with your GitHub account: https://open-vsx.org/
  3. Go to namespace settings: https://open-vsx.org/user-settings/namespaces
  4. Create your namespace - the error should be gone!

Why This Happens

Open VSX uses GitHub for authentication (OAuth), but requires Eclipse Foundation's legal framework for publishing. The connection between these two systems requires:

  • An Eclipse Foundation account
  • A signed Eclipse Contributor Agreement (ECA)
  • Your GitHub account linked to your Eclipse Foundation account

Troubleshooting Tips

If you still see the error after following these steps:

  • Clear browser data: Remove all cookies and cache for open-vsx.org
  • Try incognito mode: This ensures no old session data interferes
  • Wait longer: Sometimes synchronization takes time
  • Verify the link: Check your Eclipse Foundation account to confirm GitHub is properly linked
  • Re-sign if needed: If you signed the ECA a long time ago, try signing again

Additional Resources

Conclusion

The key insight is that Open VSX uses GitHub for login but Eclipse Foundation for legal compliance. Once you understand this relationship and properly link your accounts with a signed ECA, publishing extensions becomes straightforward.

Hope this helps others who encounter the same issue! 🚀

Have you encountered similar issues with Open VSX or VS Code extension publishing? Share your experience in the comments!

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