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Writer's pictureThe Tech Platform

Visual Studio Code (VS Code) Extension which will boost your Productivity

Updated: Mar 6, 2023



Visual Studio Extension is a software component that extends the functionality of Microsoft Visual Studio. Extensions can add new features, enhance existing functionality, or provide tools and utilities that help developers work more efficiently.


Visual Studio Extensions is used for various tasks, such as debugging, code analysis, version control, project management, and more. They can be created by Microsoft, third-party developers, or the users themselves.


The need for Visual Studio Extensions arises from the fact that every developer or team has different requirements when it comes to the tools and features they need in their development environment.


Here are the top VS Code extensions:


1. ESLint

ESLint is a popular JavaScript linter that helps to identify and fix common coding mistakes and errors in your code. The ESLint VS Code extension is an integration of the ESLint tool into Visual Studio Code, allowing developers to use it within the code editor.


Some pros of using the ESLint VS Code extension are:

  1. Error highlighting and fixing - ESLint helps identify syntax errors, coding mistakes, and potential bugs, and the extension highlights them in the editor. It also offers suggestions on how to fix them, making it easier to maintain code quality.

  2. Customizable rules - The extension allows users to customize their own rules and set their preferences for code formatting and style, which makes it easy to maintain consistency across projects.

  3. Integration with build tools - ESLint can be integrated with build tools like Gulp and Grunt, and the extension provides a way to run these tools within the editor.

  4. Supports multiple languages - ESLint is not limited to just JavaScript, but also supports TypeScript, React, Vue, and other languages. The extension also offers support for popular frameworks like Angular and React.

  5. Open source and actively maintained - ESLint is an open-source project with an active community of developers contributing to its maintenance and enhancement. This ensures that the extension is up-to-date and continues to evolve to meet the changing needs of developers.


2. Debugger for Chrome

The Debugger for Chrome VS Code extension is an integration of the Chrome debugger tool into Visual Studio Code, allowing developers to debug their JavaScript code directly within the code editor.

Some pros of using the Debugger for Chrome VS Code extension are:

  1. Integrated debugging - The extension allows users to debug their JavaScript code directly within the editor, which makes it more convenient and faster than switching between the editor and the browser's developer tools.

  2. Breakpoint debugging - The extension provides support for setting breakpoints in the code, which helps developers to stop the code execution at specific points and analyze the state of the application.

  3. Step-by-step debugging - The extension provides support for step-by-step debugging, which allows developers to execute the code line-by-line and analyze the variables and objects in each step.

  4. Remote debugging - The extension supports remote debugging, which allows developers to debug code running on a remote server or device.

  5. Multiple debugging targets - The extension supports debugging of multiple targets at the same time, which is useful for applications that consist of multiple components.

  6. Easy configuration - The extension is easy to configure and can be set up with just a few clicks. It also comes with pre-defined configurations for popular frameworks like React and Angular.


3. REST Client

The REST Client VS Code extension is a lightweight tool that allows developers to make HTTP requests and test RESTful APIs directly within the Visual Studio Code editor.

Some pros of using the REST Client VS Code extension are:

  1. Easy testing of APIs - The extension allows developers to easily test RESTful APIs by sending HTTP requests directly within the code editor. This is faster and more efficient than using a separate tool or application for testing.

  2. Lightweight and user-friendly - The extension is lightweight and easy to use, with a simple syntax that allows developers to quickly write and test HTTP requests.

  3. Customizable - The extension is highly customizable, allowing developers to configure headers, query parameters, and other request details to fit the specific requirements of their APIs.

  4. Supports multiple languages - The extension supports multiple programming languages, including JavaScript, TypeScript, Python, and PHP, making it versatile and useful for a variety of projects.

  5. History and environment management - The extension provides a history of previous requests and allows developers to manage multiple environments, making it easier to work with multiple APIs and projects.

  6. Easy documentation - The extension can generate documentation for APIs by converting requests and responses to markdown files, making it easier for developers to document and share their APIs.


4. Markdown All in One

The Markdown All is a versatile tool that provides a suite of features for working with Markdown files within the Visual Studio Code editor.


Some pros of using the Markdown All in One VS Code extension are:

  1. Comprehensive syntax highlighting - The extension provides comprehensive syntax highlighting for Markdown files, which makes it easier to read and understand the contents of the file.

  2. Preview mode - The extension includes a preview mode that allows developers to see how the Markdown file will look when rendered, which is useful for ensuring that formatting is correct.

  3. Table formatting - The extension provides a range of formatting options for tables, including alignment and resizing of columns.

  4. Auto-completion - The extension provides auto-completion for Markdown syntax, which helps developers to write Markdown files faster and with fewer errors.

  5. Customizable - The extension is highly customizable, allowing developers to configure their preferred settings for rendering, formatting, and syntax highlighting.

  6. Easy to use - The extension is easy to use, with a simple syntax that is easy to learn and use even for developers who are new to Markdown.


5. Remote - SSH

The Remote - SSH VS Code extension is a powerful tool that enables developers to work on remote servers or virtual machines directly from within the Visual Studio Code editor, allowing them to easily manage and edit code remotely.


Some pros of using the Remote - SSH VS Code extension are:

  1. Seamless integration - The extension provides seamless integration with Visual Studio Code, allowing developers to work with remote files and folders as if they were on their local machine.

  2. Efficient development - The extension allows developers to develop code directly on a remote server or virtual machine, which can improve performance and reduce latency issues.

  3. Secure connections - The extension uses Secure Shell (SSH) to create secure connections to remote servers, ensuring that data is transmitted securely.

  4. Multiple remote connections - The extension allows developers to create and manage multiple remote connections, making it easy to switch between different servers or virtual machines.

  5. Customizable settings - The extension is highly customizable, allowing developers to configure settings like key bindings, terminal settings, and file associations to fit their preferences and workflows.

  6. Easy installation and setup - The extension is easy to install and set up, with a straightforward configuration process that can be completed in just a few steps.


6. Docker

Docker is a platform for developing, deploying, and running applications in containers. Docker containers allow applications to be packaged and run in a consistent, isolated environment across different operating systems and hardware. The Docker VS Code extension provides a way to manage Docker containers and images within the VS Code development environment.


Here are some of the benefits of using the Docker VS Code extension:

  1. Streamlined Development Workflow: The Docker VS Code extension allows developers to easily manage their Docker containers and images without leaving the VS Code environment, which can help streamline their development workflow.

  2. Easy Configuration: The extension provides an easy-to-use interface for configuring Docker containers and images, allowing developers to quickly create, modify, and manage their Docker environments.

  3. Debugging Support: The Docker VS Code extension provides built-in debugging support, which can help developers quickly identify and fix issues in their Docker containers.

  4. Improved Collaboration: With the Docker VS Code extension, developers can easily share their Docker configurations with their team members, which can improve collaboration and reduce the likelihood of errors.

  5. Increased Portability: By using Docker containers, developers can ensure that their applications are portable across different environments and platforms, which can help reduce the risk of compatibility issues.


7. Path Intellisense

Path Intellisense provides intelligent auto-completion for file paths in the code editor. The extension helps developers quickly navigate to and select file paths, reducing the risk of errors and improving their productivity. Here are some of the benefits of using the Path Intellisense VS Code extension:

  1. Improved Productivity: The Path Intellisense extension helps developers save time by providing auto-completion for file paths. This can help reduce the likelihood of typos and other errors, which can ultimately improve productivity.

  2. Easy Navigation: The extension provides a quick and easy way to navigate to different files and folders in the project, which can be especially helpful when working with large codebases.

  3. Enhanced Code Quality: By reducing the risk of errors in file paths, the Path Intellisense extension can help improve the overall quality of the codebase.

  4. Customizable Settings: The extension allows developers to customize the behavior and appearance of the auto-completion feature, making it easier to work with the tool in a way that suits their individual needs.

  5. Supports Multiple Languages: The Path Intellisense extension supports multiple programming languages, including JavaScript, TypeScript, PHP, and more, making it a versatile tool for developers across different projects.


8. Material Icon Theme

Material Icon Theme allows users to customize the icons that appear in the VS Code file explorer. The extension provides a set of icons that follow the Material Design guidelines, which are a set of design principles developed by Google for creating visually appealing and intuitive user interfaces.


Here are some of the pros of using the Material Icon Theme extension:

  1. Improved visual clarity: The icons in the Material Icon Theme are designed to be simple and easy to recognize, which can help improve the overall clarity of the file explorer. This can be especially useful if you work with large or complex projects, where it can be difficult to quickly find the files you need.

  2. Customization options: Material Icon Theme offers a range of customization options, including the ability to choose different icon styles and color schemes. This means that you can tailor the extension to suit your personal preferences or the specific needs of your project.

  3. Consistent design: By using the Material Design guidelines, Material Icon Theme ensures that all of the icons in the file explorer have a consistent look and feel. This can help create a more cohesive and professional-looking interface, which can be especially important if you work in a team environment.

  4. Free and open-source: Material Icon Theme is a free and open-source extension, which means that it's available to anyone to use or modify. This also means that there is a large community of developers who contribute to the extension, which can help ensure that it's up-to-date and well-maintained.


9. Auto Close Tag

Auto Close Tag automatically generates closing HTML tags when you type the opening tag. This means that you don't have to manually type out the closing tag, which can save you a lot of time and make your coding workflow more efficient.


Here are some pros of using the Auto Close Tag extension in VS Code:

  1. Time-saving: By automatically generating the closing tag, the extension saves you time and reduces the amount of manual typing you have to do.

  2. Reduces errors: When typing out HTML tags manually, it's easy to make mistakes and forget to close a tag. Auto Close Tag helps prevent these errors by automatically adding the closing tag for you.

  3. Improved readability: The extension can help improve the readability of your code by ensuring that all opening and closing tags are properly paired.

  4. Easy to use: The extension is simple to use and requires no additional configuration. Once installed, it works automatically in your HTML files.


10. Bookmarks

Bookmarks extension allows you to create bookmarks in your code, which you can use to quickly navigate between different sections of your codebase.


Here are some pros of using the Bookmarks extension in VS Code:

  1. Improved navigation: With bookmarks, you can quickly jump between different sections of your codebase, which can greatly improve your navigation and productivity.

  2. Customizable: Bookmarks are highly customizable, allowing you to change the look and feel of your bookmarks, as well as customize the keyboard shortcuts for creating and navigating bookmarks.

  3. Supports multiple workspaces: Bookmarks work across multiple workspaces, so you can easily navigate between different projects and files.

  4. Easy to use: The extension is easy to use and requires no additional configuration. Once installed, you can start creating and using bookmarks immediately.

  5. Compatible with other extensions: Bookmarks is compatible with other VS Code extensions, so you can use it alongside other extensions to further improve your coding workflow.


11. Code Spell Checker

Code Spell Checker checks your code for spelling errors. The extension uses a dictionary of commonly used programming terms to identify spelling mistakes and suggests corrections.


12. Code Time

Code Time provides insights into your coding productivity. The extension tracks the amount of time you spend coding, as well as your coding activity, such as which files you edit and how long you spend on each file. It also provides insights into your coding habits, such as when you are most productive and which days of the week you are most productive.


13. Indent Rainbow

This is a Visual Studio Code (VS Code) extension that colorizes the indentation levels of your code, making it easier to see the structure of your code at a glance. It can help you identify where blocks of code start and end, which can be especially useful in large code files.


14. Git History

This extension provides a graphical view of your Git repository's history. It can help you visualize how your codebase has evolved over time, and allows you to see details about individual commits, such as the author, commit message, and changes made.


15. Peacock

This extension allows you to customize the colors of your VS Code workspace. You can use it to set unique colors for different workspaces or projects, which can help you quickly identify which workspace you are in.


16. HTML CSS Support

This extension provides autocomplete and syntax highlighting for HTML and CSS files. It can help you write code faster and more accurately, by providing suggestions and highlighting errors in your code.


17. Turbo Console Log

This extension allows you to quickly insert console log statements in your code. It can help you debug your code more quickly by allowing you to insert logging statements without having to type them out manually.


18. Live Server

This VS Code extension provides a local development server for your HTML, CSS, and JavaScript files. It can help you quickly see changes you make to your code in real-time, without having to manually refresh your browser. It also provides features such as live reloading and automatic browser launching.



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