We all know that VS Code is the go-to editor for a lot of developers. It's lightweight, customizable, and most importantly, it doesn't get in the way of our code. But what really makes it a powerhouse is the extension marketplace.
There’s an extension for almost everything—whether you’re debugging, refactoring, or just looking to clean up your workspace. So let’s get into it.
1. Prettier
Ever spent more time aligning your code than actually writing it? That’s where Prettier comes in. It auto-formats your code to make sure it’s neat and consistent without you lifting a finger. Just set it up once, and it’ll handle everything from indentation to line breaks.
Why it's worth your time: It enforces consistency across the team, reduces the petty “formatting arguments” during code reviews, and keeps your code clean.
2. GitLens
Sure, VS Code has built-in Git support, but GitLens takes it up a notch. With GitLens, you can view line-by-line commit history, and authorship, and even compare changes without leaving your editor. It’s like having the power of git blame at your fingertips, but way friendlier.
Why it's worth your time: It helps you understand the context behind every line of code—perfect for tracking down bugs or simply figuring out why that weird line is there.
3. Bracket Pair Colorizer 2
Ever get lost in a sea of parentheses, brackets, and curly braces? Bracket Pair Colorizer 2 colorizes matching brackets so you can instantly spot which ones belong together. It's one of those extensions you never knew you needed until you tried it.
Why it's worth your time: It saves you from playing the “matching bracket game” when you’ve got nested code blocks.
4. Path Intellisense
Typing out long file paths manually? That’s rookie stuff. Path Intellisense auto-suggests file paths as you type, making sure you don’t spend more time finding the right file than actually using it.
Why it's worth your time: It speeds up your imports and ensures you avoid those annoying “file not found” errors.
5. Tabnine
Tabnine is your AI-powered buddy. It uses machine learning to provide smart code completions, adapting to your coding style. It’s like having a co-pilot who understands what you’re trying to do before you finish typing.
Why it's worth your time: With faster and smarter suggestions, you spend less time typing boilerplate code and more time focusing on logic.
6. Live Server
Want to see real-time changes without the hassle of constant refreshing? Live Server spins up a local development server and reloads your project automatically when you make changes. No more flipping back and forth between the editor and browser.
Why it's worth your time: Perfect for front-end development, allowing you to see your changes as they happen.
7. Code Spell Checker
Nothing kills credibility like a misspelled variable or comment. Code Spell Checker highlights spelling errors in your code, comments, strings, and markdown files.
Why it's worth your time: Save yourself from embarrassing typos, especially in those long-winded comments you leave for the team.
8. ESLint
If you’re working in JavaScript, ESLint is a must. It enforces coding standards and catches common errors on the fly. It’s like having a linter and a reviewer in one.
Why it's worth your time: It prevents you from pushing buggy or subpar code, which means fewer headaches later.
9. Peacock
Okay, this one’s more aesthetic than functional, but hear me out. Peacock allows you to change the color of your VS Code workspace. If you’re working with multiple projects at once, assigning different colors to each window can save you from that “Wait, which repo am I in?” moment.
Why it's worth your time: It keeps your workspace organized and reduces context-switching errors.
10. REST Client
For those times when you need to test an API without leaving your editor, REST Client has your back. You can send HTTP requests and view responses directly in VS Code. No more juggling Postman or CURL commands.
Why it's worth your time: It simplifies API testing and saves you from leaving your code to switch between apps.
Let me know if you want me to make Part 2 of this.