VS Code extension README and CHANGELOG finish the detail page
Treat the README and changelog as sales and trust assets, because the details view shows them where the install decision happens.
Why this can grow a startup
The extension detail page is already the product page. Users open it to decide whether the install is worth the risk, and VS Code shows the README plus the changelog right there. That means the page should teach the workflow, show the setup honestly, and make recent shipping cadence visible. The publishing docs add one more useful constraint: image URLs in the README and changelog must resolve over HTTPS. That forces the assets to be durable enough for the Marketplace instead of breaking the page with local or mixed-content junk.
Company example
VS Code's publishing guide says the Marketplace page uses the root README.md and recommends adding CHANGELOG.md, while the extensions guide says the detail page shows the README and changelog. The publishing tool also requires README and CHANGELOG image URLs to resolve to HTTPS.
Source and metric
Source: Visual Studio Code Docs: Publishing Extensions
The extension details page shows the README and changelog, and Marketplace image URLs in those files must resolve to HTTPS.
When to use it
Use this when Marketplaces, Brand, Trust is relevant to developer tools, detail page, release proof and you can run a bounded test with a low budget.
When not to use it
Do not use it as a substitute for customer evidence, a clear owner, or a measurable stop condition. Local platform rules and market behavior still need checking.
Founder checklist
- Read Visual Studio Code Docs: Publishing Extensions and identify what is directly supported.
- Choose one channel context: Marketplaces, Brand, Trust.
- Define the test around The extension details page shows the README and changelog, and Marketplace image URLs in those files must resolve to HTTPS..
- Set an owner, evidence window, and stop condition before launch.
Explore the context
Apply this with an operator
Choose product surfaces that compound distribution without hiding weak activation or retention.