dsh-temp-session

dsh’s default workflow requires a workspace to be selected before any input or sending is possible. But often you just want to jot down a thought, test a prompt in a clean environment, or sketch an idea without tying it to a project. The native input box simply locks in that situation, showing “Select a workspace to start” and refusing all input—an experience that feels disconnected.

dsh-temp-session makes workspace selection optional. With no workspace chosen, the Hero entry reads “Select workspace (optional)” and behaves identically to the original menu. Once a workspace is active, hovering reveals a × button that clears the selection in one click. A session without a workspace becomes a “temp session”: it is auto-assigned its own isolated directory under ~/.dsh/tmp-sessions/, and its sandbox write boundary, sidebar grouping (Ungrouped), and working directory all resolve against that path, fully independent of the main install directory and other sessions.

On every launch the plugin applies a single idempotent line-level patch to the dsh-client-ui-conversation kernel module, removing the closure guard that disables the input box when no workspace is set. This gives temp sessions a proper cwd label, a functional input field, and the ability to send messages. The original file is backed up on first patch; if a kernel upgrade changes the target code, the plugin logs a clear “conversation bundle drifted” notice so you know to update.

This plugin is ideal for two audiences: everyday dsh users who frequently need a quick scratch space for prompts or notes without the friction of workspace setup, and dsh developers or contributors who want a lightweight sandbox to verify behavior during development without spinning up a new workspace every time.