When using the extension, you will come across both two different types of workspaces (VS Code workspaces and west workspaces) and two different types of applications (workspace and freestanding applications).
The following table describes main differences between the workspace types.
| VS Code workspace | West workspace | |
|---|---|---|
| Environment | VS Code | nRF Connect SDK through west |
| Can be a multi-root workspace? | Yes (see steps) | No |
| Version control | Cannot control other workspaces. | Can use west to version-control the files in one or more VS Code workspaces if they share the same root. |
| Usage of west manifest | Does not require a west manifest. | Requires a west manifest for configuration. The file is created when you set up a west workspace. |
| Supported application type | Freestanding application, Repository application | Workspace application, Repository application |
| Settings location | .vscode/settings.json |
.west directory |