Solving the VS Code Remote Connection Conundrum: “Cannot read properties of undefined (reading ‘after’)”

Are you tired of staring at the frustrating error message “Cannot read properties of undefined (reading ‘after’)” in your VS Code remote connection? You’re not alone! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the world of remote connections in VS Code, identify the common culprits behind this error, and provide step-by-step solutions to get you back to coding bliss.

What’s Behind the Error Message?

Before we dive into the fixes, let’s understand what this error message is trying to tell us. The “Cannot read properties of undefined (reading ‘after’)” error typically occurs when VS Code is unable to establish a stable connection with the remote server. This can be due to a variety of reasons, including:

• Incorrect Remote Server Configuration
• Invalid SSH Keys or Credentials

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• Firewall or Network Connectivity Issues
• Incompatible Plugin Versions
• Corrupted VS Code Extensions

Solution 1: Verify Remote Server Configuration

Let’s start with the most basic aspect – remote server configuration. Ensure that your remote server is correctly set up and running. Follow these steps:

1. Check your remote server’s status using the command ssh -v username@remote-server-ip. This will help you identify any connection issues.
2. Verify that your remote server’s SSH service is enabled and running. You can do this by checking the server’s system logs or using the command systemctl status ssh.
3. Make sure your remote server’s IP address and port are correctly configured in your VS Code settings. You can do this by opening the Command Palette in VS Code and typing “Remote-SSH: Add New SSH Host”. Enter the correct IP address and port, and save the changes.

Solution 2: Validate SSH Keys and Credentials

Invalid SSH keys or credentials can cause the “Cannot read properties of undefined (reading ‘after’)” error. Let’s troubleshoot these potential issues:

• Check that your SSH keys are correctly generated and configured. You can do this by opening the Command Palette in VS Code and typing “Remote-SSH: Generate SSH Key”. Follow the prompts to create a new key pair.
• Verify that your SSH credentials are correct and up-to-date. You can do this by checking your remote server’s authorized_keys file or by using the command ssh-keyscan -t rsa remote-server-ip.
• Make sure that your SSH agent is running and configured correctly. You can do this by checking your system’s SSH configuration files or by using the command eval $(ssh-agent).

Solution 3: Investigate Firewall and Network Connectivity Issues

Firewall restrictions or network connectivity problems can also cause the “Cannot read properties of undefined (reading ‘after’)” error. Let’s explore these potential culprits:

• Check your firewall settings to ensure that the SSH port (usually 22) is not blocked. You can do this by using the command sudo ufw allow ssh or by configuring your firewall settings manually.
• Verify that your network connection is stable and working correctly. You can do this by pinging your remote server using the command ping remote-server-ip.
• Check for any DNS resolution issues by using the command dig +short remote-server-ip.

Solution 4: Update Incompatible Plugins and Extensions

Incompatible plugin versions can cause the “Cannot read properties of undefined (reading ‘after’)” error. Let’s update our plugins and extensions:

  // Update all VS Code extensions
  code --extensions-update

  // Update the Remote-SSH extension specifically
  code --extensions-update ms-vscode-remote.remote-ssh

Solution 5: Reinstall VS Code Extensions

Corrupted VS Code extensions can also cause the “Cannot read properties of undefined (reading ‘after’)” error. Let’s reinstall the Remote-SSH extension:

  // Remove the Remote-SSH extension
  code --extensions-uninstall ms-vscode-remote.remote-ssh

  // Reinstall the Remote-SSH extension
  code --extensions-install ms-vscode-remote.remote-ssh

Conclusion

The “Cannot read properties of undefined (reading ‘after’)” error in VS Code remote connection can be frustrating, but it’s often a sign of a simple misconfiguration or incorrect setup. By following the step-by-step solutions outlined in this guide, you should be able to identify and fix the underlying issue. Remember to verify your remote server configuration, validate SSH keys and credentials, investigate firewall and network connectivity issues, update incompatible plugins and extensions, and reinstall corrupted VS Code extensions.

Solution	Description
Verify Remote Server Configuration	Check remote server status, SSH service, and VS Code settings.
Validate SSH Keys and Credentials	Generate new SSH key, verify credentials, and check SSH agent.
Investigate Firewall and Network Connectivity Issues	Check firewall settings, network connection, and DNS resolution.
Update Incompatible Plugins and Extensions	Update all VS Code extensions and Remote-SSH extension specifically.
Reinstall VS Code Extensions	Remove and reinstall the Remote-SSH extension.

By following these solutions, you’ll be well on your way to resolving the “Cannot read properties of undefined (reading ‘after’)” error and enjoying a seamless remote connection experience in VS Code.

Frequently Asked Questions

Got stuck with the “Cannot read properties of undefined (reading ‘after’)” error in VS Code remote connection? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Here are the top 5 questions and answers to help you troubleshoot and resolve this issue.