[BUG] Startup delay in Claude for VS Code when run in Terminal Mode

Preflight Checklist

• [x] I have searched existing issues and this hasn't been reported yet
• [x] This is a single bug report (please file separate reports for different bugs)
• [x] I am using the latest version of Claude Code

What's Wrong?

A minor observation, but when running Claude in VS Code in Terminal Mode, I notice there's a few seconds delay before it starts. The terminal opens in the sidebar instantly, then the cursor is blinking for maybe 3-4 seconds, then the command claude appears and Claude Code starts. I wondered if this was some sort of intentional delay to wait for the terminal to be ready?

Could it be reduced or made configurable?

What Should Happen?

The extension should attempt to run claude immediately to avoid delay.

Error Messages/Logs

I don't see any error messages, there's just a delay before the extension runs the command `claude` after opening the terminal itself.


2026-02-19 10:22:09.860 [info] Logging event: run_claude_command undefined
2026-02-19 10:22:09.860 [info] Creating new Claude terminal
2026-02-19 10:22:10.251 [info] Terminal shell integration available
2026-02-19 10:22:15.726 [info] New WS connection from: /

Steps to Reproduce

1. Make sure Claude is in Terminal mode with "claudeCode.useTerminal": true
2. Click the Claude icon in the editor toolbar to open a new instance in the sidebar.
3. You should see the Terminal open immediately, then a delay before the command claude appears.

Claude Model

None

Is this a regression?

I don't know

Last Working Version

_No response_

Claude Code Version

2.1.47 (Claude Code)

Platform

Anthropic API

Operating System

macOS

Terminal/Shell

VS Code integrated terminal

Additional Information

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