Reload extensions without losing application state

[rgov]

While developing my extension, I have am constantly running yarn local-install and then refreshing Studio to pick up the new changes. This (sometimes!) disconnects me from my data source, and makes me select a layout again.

I wonder if it would be possible to reload extensions without this interruption. For example, it could unload all extension-provided panels, then re-initialize the extension provider, then recreate the panels. If it doesn't work (there's a runaway timer or something), a full reload is always possible.

(This might eventually get you closer to live reloading extensions while doing development, which would be really cool.)

Alternatively perhaps at least the data source and layout could be persisted through a reload, since those require the most clicks to set up again.