Change:
constructor() { super({ id: 'workbench.action.closePanel', <del> title: localize2('closePanel', 'Close Panel'), </del> <ins> title: localize2('closePanel', 'Hide Panel'), </ins> category: Categories.View, icon: closeIcon, menu: [{

Discussion:
Overview: I would like to propose the addition of a terminal minimize dropdown button in Visual Studio Code, replacing the current 'x' sign for a more user-friendly experience. Description: Currently, the terminal in Visual Studio Code is minimized using the 'x' sign, which can be a bit abrupt, especially when dealing with multiple terminals. I suggest implementing a minimize dropdown button that provides a more intuitive and organized way to hide terminals without completely closing them. Request: I kindly request the VS Code team to consider integrating this feature, providing users with a smoother and more efficient terminal management experience. Thank you for your time and consideration.
The button doesn't discard terminals. I'll leave the decision on the vs a down chevron or something with
The problem is, there's already a minimize/restore button when the panel is maximized: <img width="309" alt="Screenshot 2024-01-30 at 09 05 33" src=""
Absolutely, I agree. However, many developers, myself included, often keep the terminal at the bottom without maximizing it. A dedicated minimize dropdown button in this context would be convenient for temporarily hiding the terminal without obstructing the source code. I would appreciate it if you would consider other possible scenarios, as developers may have different preferences in their workflows. Additionally, adding a smooth transition effect animation would further enhance the user experience. Thanks!
<img width="146" alt="image" src=""The panel can already be toggled with this button at the top right of the IDE. Does that help? I'm not sure what we would use as a hide icon... but maybe it could help if we change the tooltip from "Close" to "Hide"?
I recommend incorporating an icon, such as <strong</strong-<strong</strong, similar to the minimize window in Microsoft Windows. This would provide a familiar and intuitive visual cue for users looking to hide the terminal. Additionally, changing the tooltip from "Close" to "Hide" would be a more assertive and descriptive label
To be extra clear, the icon is a minimize button as it minimizes the panel itself. So you're just asking for a different icon? A Windows-style minimize button wouldn't really work imo because a shifted down would look strange in the panel as it's not centered as there's no button border/background: !

And if it were centered it's not clear what it would mean. ! The icon is similar to non-destructive dismissing of things in other places in the workbench, so there is some precedent for an icon: ! ! !
You're absolutely right. It doesn't look very clean either and unless we find a better option we'll stick with X. But remains to improve: -Smooth animation when minimizing (closing panel); -Tooltip's name to change.
Agree with that a "_" would not be the right icon. It could also give the false impression that the panel would minimise to the bottom of the IDE, but that's not where you go to get it back. Let's change the verb to "Hide". Found this open issue for adding transitions: .