Visual Studio Code (VS Code) extensions add features to the code editor, helping developers write, format, debug, and manage code more efficiently. The right extensions depend on the programming language, project requirements, and development workflow.
Useful Visual Studio Code Extensions
1. Live Server
Live Server launches a local development server for static web projects and reloads the browser when supported files change. It is useful for testing HTML, CSS, and JavaScript changes during development.
- Open an HTML project in VS Code.
- Install the Live Server extension.
- Right-click an HTML file and select "Open with Live Server", or use the "Go Live" control when available.
2. JavaScript (ES6) Code Snippets
JavaScript(ES6) Code Snippets provides shortcuts for inserting commonly used JavaScript code patterns. It can reduce repetitive typing when writing functions, imports, classes, and other language constructs.
- Install the extension from the VS Code Extensions view.
- Type a supported snippet prefix in a JavaScript file.
- Select the required suggestion to insert the code template.
3. ESLint
ESLint identifies potential problems and enforces configurable coding rules in JavaScript and supported TypeScript projects. Its VS Code extension displays diagnostics while you work and can apply supported automatic fixes.
- Install the ESLint extension.
- Configure ESLint in your project and install the required dependencies.
- Review reported problems and apply fixes where appropriate.
4. Prettier
Prettier is a code formatter that applies consistent formatting to supported languages and file types. Its VS Code extension can format files manually or automatically when they are saved.
- Install Prettier - Code formatter.
- Configure it as the default formatter for the relevant language.
- Enable editor.formatOnSave if you want formatting when saving files.
5. Live Preview
Live Preview provides a browser preview inside VS Code for supported web projects. It is useful when developers want to inspect page changes without continually switching to a separate browser window.
- Install the Live Preview extension.
- Open the relevant HTML file or project.
- Start the preview using the extension's available command.
6. GitLens
GitLens extends VS Code's Git integration with additional information about code history and repository changes. It helps developers understand who changed a line, when the change occurred, and how a file has evolved.
- Install GitLens.
- Open a Git repository in VS Code.
- Use its inline blame annotations and history views to inspect changes.
7. GitHub Pull Requests and Issues
GitHub Pull Requests and Issues integrates GitHub collaboration workflows into VS Code. Developers can review pull requests, inspect changes, manage relevant issues, and work with repository discussions from the editor.
- Install the extension and sign in to GitHub when prompted.
- Open a supported GitHub repository.
- Use the available views to inspect pull requests and issues.
8. Auto Rename Tag
Auto Rename Tag automatically updates a matching HTML or XML closing tag when its corresponding opening tag is renamed, and vice versa, where supported.
- Install the extension.
- Open an HTML or XML file.
- Rename a tag and check that its matching tag is updated.
9. Error Lens
Error Lens makes diagnostics from supported language tools more visible by displaying error, warning, and informational messages directly in the editor.
- Install the extension.
- Open a project with configured language diagnostics or linters.
- Review the inline messages and correct the underlying issues.
10. Polacode
Polacode creates images of code snippets with editor-style presentation. It can be useful when preparing programming tutorials, technical articles, presentations, or learning materials.
- Install Polacode from the VS Code Extensions view.
- Open its command or interface as provided by the extension.
- Prepare the snippet and save the resulting image.
Built-in VS Code Features That Reduce the Need for Extensions
Not every useful editor feature requires an additional extension.
- JavaScript debugging: VS Code includes JavaScript debugging support, so the old Debugger for Chrome extension is not generally required for modern JavaScript debugging workflows.
- Bracket pair colorization: VS Code can color matching brackets through its built-in editor settings.
- Git support: VS Code includes built-in source control features for common Git operations, while GitLens and GitHub extensions add more specialized workflows.
