Introduction

When developing agents in DeepSeek Harness (DSH) Web, it is often necessary to view files generated or modified by the agent. CodeReader is a DSH Web plugin that integrates the workspace file tree and a multi-tab editing canvas into the chat interface, making it convenient to browse, verify, edit, and write back to the current workspace disk within the same window.

What is it

CodeReader is a DSH Web plugin maintained by PathChan under the MIT license. Its positioning is to provide a workspace file tree and a multi-tab editing canvas within the DSH Web chat interface.

The package.json name is codereader, and the repository is PathChan/CodeReader.

Core Features

Workspace File Tree

  • Provides an “Open File” entry point.
  • Directories can be expanded hierarchically.
  • Displays file icons.
  • Opens the file in the right-side canvas upon clicking.

Multi-Tab Editing Canvas

  • Supports opening source files and artifacts in multiple tabs.
  • The current file can be edited directly.
  • Provides syntax highlighting and line numbers.
  • Unsaved tabs are marked with a dot, and a confirmation prompt will appear before closing.

Saving and Opening

  • Save via Ctrl+S / Cmd+S or the toolbar.
  • After saving, the content is written back to the current workspace disk and verified after writing.
  • The current file can be opened by the system’s default application.

Collaboration with Agents

  • During agent generation, the canvas automatically switches to read-only mode to avoid overwriting the same file simultaneously with the model.
  • When clicking on an artifact path in the chat, you can choose “Open in Default System Software” or “Open in Workspace Canvas” based on settings.

Settings

Preferences are saved in the local browser and do not go through the server. Settings include:

  • Default opening method
  • Editor theme: Follow Harness, Dark, Light
  • File tree settings entry

Installation and Enablement

Before use, DSH must be installed, and the Web profile must be used.

Install the plugin:

npx @deepseek-ai/dsh plugin --profile web add github:PathChan/CodeReader

After installation, start DSH Web and use the file tree entry in the sidebar.

When installing from the source code in this repository, build first and then add the configuration:

npm install
npm run build
npx @deepseek-ai/dsh plugin --profile web add .

Typical Usage

  1. Install the plugin and start DSH Web.
  2. Click “Open File” in the workspace folder row in the sidebar.
  3. Open the target file in the file tree and edit it in the right-side canvas; saving it will write it to the disk.
  4. If you need to open it with a local program, use “Open in Default System Software” in the canvas toolbar.

Applicable Scenarios and Notes

CodeReader is suitable for users of DSH Web who wish to quickly view, verify, or modify workspace files within the chat interface. It provides file browsing and editing centered around the current workspace and does not extend path access beyond the workspace.

Notes:

  • Read/write scope is limited to the current workspace directory; paths outside the workspace will not be accessed.
  • The plugin runs with the permissions of the current DSH process; you should check the source code and license before installing.
  • During agent generation, the canvas automatically switches to read-only mode to prevent simultaneous overwriting of the same file by the model.
  • Preferences are saved in the local browser and do not go through the server.

Links

GitHub: https://github.com/PathChan/CodeReader

License: MIT