What GLuaLS provides
GLuaLS has two parts:- a language server that works in LSP-compatible editors
- a VS Code extension with extra GMod tools, settings UI, and debugger
Code intelligence
These features work in any LSP-compatible editor, not just VS Code.
Code intelligence
Autocomplete, hover docs, go-to-definition, renaming, code lens, semantic highlighting
Diagnostics
Error checking, type mismatch warnings, unused variables, GMod-specific diagnostics
Formatting
Built-in formatter with presets, style overrides, and external tool support
Inlay hints
Parameter names, variable types, block-end labels, inline debug values
GMod-specific features
Realm awareness
Client/server/shared detection, cross-realm warnings, Realm View panel
Network validation
Validates
net.Start/net.Receive payloads, catches type and order mismatchesHook intelligence
Autocomplete for
hook.Add, hook.Run, parameter inference, custom hook trackingVGUI support
Panel type inference, code lens, custom panel registration
Classes
Scripted classes
Automatic ENT/SWEP/EFFECT detection, NetworkVar synthesis, Class Explorer, scaffolding, custom class scopes
Debugger
Debugger overview
Full SRCDS debugger with breakpoints, stepping, and variable inspection
Entity explorer
Browse server entities and edit properties while paused
Lua execution
Run Lua on the server directly from VS Code
Error tracking
Capture runtime Lua errors from SRCDS with clickable stack traces
AI integration
AI integration
MCP server lets GitHub Copilot run Lua, read errors, and query your server
VSCode extension commands
Access all extension commands through the Command Palette (Ctrl+Shift+P):
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
| Open GLuaLS Settings | Open the interactive .gluarc.json settings panel |
| Restart Lua Server | Restart the language server without reloading the window |
| Configure Debugger | Run the debugger setup wizard |
| Run GLua File | Execute the current file on the connected SRCDS server |
| Run Selected GLua | Execute the current selection on the connected server |
| Run Command | Send a console command to the server |
| Update GLuaLS Annotations | Manually trigger an annotations update |
Status bar
The status bar at the bottom of VS Code shows the current language server state:- GLuaLS: Ready — the server is running and analysis is up to date
- GLuaLS: Indexing — the server is scanning your workspace files
- GLuaLS: Error — the server encountered a problem (click for details)
Configuration
Most settings live in.gluarc.json at your workspace root. You can use the settings panel (GLua: Open Settings) or edit JSON directly.
Extension-level settings (annotation downloads, UI preferences) are under gluals.* in VS Code settings. See Configuration overview for details.