Top Plugins to Supercharge Your VS Code Experience

Top 10 Plugins to Supercharge Your VS Code Experience

Posted by:

|

On:

|

Visual Studio Code (VS Code) has become one of the most popular code editors among developers due to its speed, flexibility, and extensive ecosystem of extensions. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or just starting out, the right plugins can make a world of difference in your workflow. Here’s a curated list of must-have VS Code extensions to elevate your coding experience.

1. Prettier – Code Formatter

Prettier ensures that your code is consistently formatted, making it easier to read and maintain. It supports multiple languages, including JavaScript, TypeScript, HTML, CSS, and more.

Key Features:

Automatic formatting on save
Customisable formatting rules
Seamless integration with ESLint

Installation Command:

ext install esbenp.prettier-vscode

2. ESLint

For JavaScript and TypeScript developers, ESLint is an indispensable tool. It helps catch errors early and enforces coding standards.

Key Features:

Highlights syntax errors
Suggests code fixes
Works in tandem with Prettier

Installation Command:

ext install dbaeumer.vscode-eslint

3. GitLens – Git supercharged

GitLens takes Git integration in VS Code to the next level. It provides detailed insights into your codebase’s version control history.

Key Features:

Blame annotations
File history and repository insights
Seamless integration with Git commands

Installation Command:

ext install eamodio.gitlens

4. Live Server

Live Server is a must-have for web developers, providing a live preview of your code changes in real-time.

Key Features:

Auto-refresh browser on file save
Support for dynamic content
Configurable port settings

Installation Command:

ext install ritwickdey.liveserver

5. Debugger for Chrome

This extension allows you to debug JavaScript code directly in the Chrome browser from VS Code.

Key Features:

Breakpoints and step-through debugging
DOM inspection
Works with TypeScript and modern frameworks like React and Angular

Installation Command:

ext install msjsdiag.debugger-for-chrome

6. Material Icon Theme

Enhance your VS Code interface with visually appealing icons that make it easier to identify file types at a glance.

Key Features:

Thousands of file and folder icons
Customizable settings
Regular updates

Installation Command:

ext install pkief.material-icon-theme

7. IntelliCode

Microsoft’s IntelliCode extension uses AI to recommend code snippets and improve code completion accuracy.

Key Features:

AI-powered suggestions
Supports multiple languages
Learns from your coding patterns

Installation Command:

ext install VisualStudioExptTeam.vscodeintellicode

8. Path Intellisense

Path Intellisense provides intelligent autocomplete for file paths, making imports and references a breeze.

Key Features:

Autocomplete for relative and absolute paths
Works with JavaScript, TypeScript, and other file types

Installation Command:

ext install christian-kohler.path-intellisense

9. REST Client

For API developers, REST Client simplifies the process of sending HTTP requests and testing endpoints directly from VS Code.

Key Features:

Send GET, POST, PUT, DELETE requests
View response headers and body
Save and organise requests

Installation Command:

ext install humao.rest-client

10. Bracket Pair Colorizer 2

This extension assigns colors to matching brackets, making it easier to read nested code blocks.

Key Features:

Customisable colours
Works with multiple languages
Supports nested brackets

Installation Command:

ext install coenraads.bracket-pair-colorizer-2

Final Thoughts

VS Code’s flexibility lies in its ability to adapt to your workflow through extensions. The plugins listed above cover a wide range of functionalities, from debugging and formatting to version control and aesthetic improvements. Install a few (or all!) and watch your productivity soar.

Are there other VS Code extensions you can’t live without? Share your favorites in the comments below!

Latest Posts