When Publisher opens, it immediately begins loading credentials and making API calls (fetching available integrations, env vars for existing deployments, etc.) without the user explicitly initiating a deployment. With browser-based auth, this is particularly jarring because it can trigger a browser auth flow the user didn't expect.
Problem
- Users see unexpected browser popups for auth without understanding why
- If there's no internet connection, the sidebar may be inaccurate with no explanation
- No indication that Publisher is "doing something" in the background
Proposed solution
Show a status message or notification indicating that Publisher is performing setup/fetching server details. Some considerations:
- Showing a notification on every startup might be too noisy
- Could potentially show it only when browser-based auth is triggered
- VS Code has precedents for this (status bar messages, progress notifications)
- Need to balance informing users vs. being annoying
Open questions
- Should this only appear when browser auth is involved, or always?
- Status bar vs. notification vs. sidebar loading state?
- Should there be a way to defer/cancel the initial fetch?
When Publisher opens, it immediately begins loading credentials and making API calls (fetching available integrations, env vars for existing deployments, etc.) without the user explicitly initiating a deployment. With browser-based auth, this is particularly jarring because it can trigger a browser auth flow the user didn't expect.
Problem
Proposed solution
Show a status message or notification indicating that Publisher is performing setup/fetching server details. Some considerations:
Open questions