Dockable panels: allow console to be docked to the bottom of the AI panel

[WillFrasier]

Body

What are you proposing?

The ability to dock panels (like the console) to specific locations within the Zed UI, similar to VS Code and Cursor. Specifically, allow the console panel to be docked to the bottom of the AI panel, creating a persistent layout where both panels are visible and accessible.

Why does this matter?

Currently, Zed's panel layout is fixed. The console panel is always in the debugger panel, and the AI panel is separate. This forces users into inefficient workflows:

• Current workaround: Drag the console out to the bottom of the window, but Zed forgets this layout on restart and the panel disappears.
• Desired behavior: Save custom panel layouts (console docked to AI panel bottom) persistently across sessions.

This is especially important for developers who want to:

• Keep console output visible while using the AI panel
• Maintain a consistent layout across different projects
• Avoid the frustration of losing custom panel arrangements

Are there any examples or context?

• VS Code: Panels can be docked to the bottom (console), left (explorer), right (search), or center (editor). Layouts are saved and restored.
• Cursor: Similar panel docking capabilities with persistent layouts.
• Existing Zed issues:
  • Debugger: Console is lost from debugger panel when moved into bottom of screen. #31374 "Debugger: Console is lost from debugger panel when moved into bottom of screen" - This shows the current limitation where moving the console to the bottom causes it to disappear on restart.
  • Debugger panel layout breaks after "Rerun Session" when changing dock position #64617 "Debugger panel layout breaks after 'Rerun Session' when changing dock position" - Demonstrates that Zed has some dock panel functionality but it's buggy.

Visual example:
[ Editor ]
[ AI Panel ]
[ Console ] ← Should be dockable to AI panel bottom

Possible approach

1. Add a dock setting for panels in .zed/settings.json:

   {
     "panels": {
       "console": {
         "dock": "ai_panel_bottom"  // Options: "default", "ai_panel_bottom", "left", "right"
       }
     }
   }```
   
   

2. UI controls:

• Panel title bar drag handles that show valid drop zones
• Right-click panel context menu with “Dock to…” options

3. Visual feedback when hovering over valid dock targets

• Persistent layout storage:
• Save panel positions and dock states to workspace settings
• Automatically restore on restart
• Allow users to reset to default layout

4. Specific implementation for console + AI panel:

• Console can dock to bottom of AI panel (preferred)
• AI panel can dock to bottom of console (alternative)
• Both can be undocked to float independently