I built a "VSCode-Exclusive" BBS for Software Engineers using PocketBase

#pocketbase #vscode

About VS Lounge

The inspiration for this project came from a personal challenge in my daily development workflow. Since I began using LLMs for coding, I’ve noticed frequent "micro-waiting periods" while the AI generates responses. During these short gaps, I often found myself reflexively checking social media, which shattered my concentration. I realized that switching from an editor to a browser carries a high "context-switching cost."

To solve this, I created VS Lounge. It is a dedicated space for engineers that lives entirely within VSCode.

Zero Switching Cost: You can engage with the community directly inside your editor while waiting for LLM responses or long builds, staying firmly in the "development zone."

Exclusively for Engineers: Access is restricted to the VSCode extension and requires GitHub authentication, naturally fostering a high-quality environment for developers.

About PocketBase

For the backend, I chose PocketBase. It is an open-source, Go-based backend (BaaS) that packs a database (SQLite), authentication, file storage, and an Admin UI into a single executable file. It is a powerful, lightweight solution for modern app development.

Why PocketBase was the Perfect Choice

Here are a few reasons why PocketBase was an excellent fit for this project:

Relational Database (SQLite) over NoSQL: Unlike many BaaS options that rely on NoSQL, PocketBase uses SQLite. This makes data modeling more intuitive and reliable for structured data.
Seamless Migration Management: There’s no need to manually manage migration files. PocketBase automatically handles schema changes via the Admin UI, making iteration very fast.
Streamlined Authentication: Implementing GitHub OAuth was incredibly straightforward. The SDK is well-designed, and the setup required minimal effort.
Granular Access Control with API Rules: Similar to Firebase Security Rules, you can define detailed permissions for viewing or updating records directly in the UI.
Integrated Frontend Hosting: By placing built files in the pb_public directory, PocketBase can serve the frontend directly. This simplifies the deployment architecture significantly.

Conclusion

VS Lounge aims to be a place where engineers can stay connected without losing their flow. Thanks to PocketBase, I was able to focus on the core user experience and bring this idea to life quickly. If you’re a developer looking to stay in the zone, I’d love for you to check it out.