Auto-detect preferred workspace IDE based on repo contents or metadata

[loujaybee]

Currently, the way Gitpod works with IDE preferences doesn't allow for flexibly opening workspaces outside of the global setting. However, there are scenarios where this behaviour leads to confusion, or is not inline with users expectations. See:

• Gitpod "open in" should be set-able per project, not just per-user #6874
• Workspaces created via browser opened from Gateway go to VS Code, not the splash page.  #8409

One potential solution is to allow users to specify explicitly their IDE / editor on workspace start. However, this then also requires the user to explicitly specify their IDE, which can be cumbersome.

• Open workspace in ad-hoc (per-workspace) editor or IDE #8573

One additional solution is to auto-detect the right IDE based on metadata from the repo, such as existence of dot and configuration files, or possibly other factors such as language, or even past user behaviour #6707 (comment). This is a tricky behaviour to get right, however could lead to a nice experience if the logic is mostly correct. One additional challenge is that for VS Code in the browser there is currently no way to "interrupt" the UX when a user opens the editor.

[stale]

This issue has been automatically marked as stale because it has not had recent activity. It will be closed if no further activity occurs. Thank you for your contributions.