Visual Studio Code (VS Code) has become the go-to code editor for developers worldwide. Its clean interface, speed, and customizability make it a favorite. But what truly sets VS Code apart is its extensions marketplace, which allows developers to supercharge their workflow. With thousands of extensions available, the challenge isn’t whether they exist—it’s choosing the ones worth installing.

To make things easier, here are the top five VS Code extensions every developer should try.

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1. Prettier – Code Formatter

If there’s one extension that should be on every developer’s setup, it’s Prettier. This opinionated code formatter ensures consistent styling across your entire project. Instead of spending hours debating spaces versus tabs or worrying about line breaks, Prettier handles it all automatically.

• Why it’s essential: Clean, uniform code improves readability, makes collaboration smoother, and reduces time wasted on style fixes during code reviews.
• Best for: JavaScript, TypeScript, HTML, CSS, and other web-based projects.
• Pro Tip: Set Prettier to auto-format your code on save for maximum efficiency.

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2. ESLint

While Prettier handles style, ESLint focuses on code quality. It analyzes your code to catch bugs, enforce best practices, and maintain consistent coding standards. ESLint can detect unused variables, incorrect syntax, or even risky patterns before they become problems.

• Why it’s essential: Catching errors early saves time, prevents bugs in production, and ensures that your code follows project-specific guidelines.
• Best for: JavaScript and TypeScript projects.
• Pro Tip: Pair ESLint with Prettier for a complete setup—Prettier formats your code, and ESLint enforces rules.

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3. GitLens – Git Supercharged

For developers working in teams, GitLens is a must-have. This extension brings Git functionality directly into VS Code, giving you insights into code history and contributors. You can see who last modified a line of code, explore commit histories, and visualize branches—all without leaving your editor.

• Why it’s essential: GitLens improves collaboration and helps you understand the “why” behind code changes. It makes tracking bugs, reviewing contributions, and managing repositories far easier.
• Best for: Any developer using Git for version control.
• Pro Tip: Use GitLens’ “blame annotations” to quickly identify authors and context for specific lines of code.

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4. Live Server

Tired of refreshing your browser every time you update a file? Live Server eliminates that hassle by launching a local development server with live reload. This means every change you make in your code updates instantly in the browser.

• Why it’s essential: Instant feedback accelerates development, especially when working on front-end projects.
• Best for: Web developers building HTML, CSS, and JavaScript applications.
• Pro Tip: Combine Live Server with browser developer tools for an efficient debugging workflow.

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5. Debugger for Chrome

Debugging is an unavoidable part of programming, but it doesn’t have to be painful. The Debugger for Chrome extension allows you to run and debug JavaScript code directly in the Chrome browser (or any Chromium-based browser) from within VS Code.

• Why it’s essential: Instead of switching between editor and browser tools, you can set breakpoints, inspect variables, and step through code without leaving VS Code.
• Best for: Front-end and full-stack JavaScript developers.
• Pro Tip: Pair this extension with Live Server for seamless testing and debugging.

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Honorable Mentions

While the five extensions above are essentials, a few others deserve recognition:

• Path Intellisense – Auto-completes filenames when you import files, saving time and avoiding typos.
• Material Icon Theme – Adds visually appealing icons to files and folders, making navigation easier.
• REST Client – Test APIs directly from VS Code without needing external tools like Postman.

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Why Extensions Matter

Extensions are not just conveniences—they’re productivity boosters. The right tools can reduce context switching, speed up debugging, and enforce better coding practices. By curating a lean set of powerful extensions, you ensure your development environment is both efficient and enjoyable.

It’s important to avoid overloading VS Code with unnecessary extensions, as too many can slow down the editor. Instead, focus on a handful that directly enhance your daily workflow.

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Conclusion

VS Code is powerful on its own, but with the right extensions, it becomes a true development powerhouse. Whether you’re formatting code, collaborating through Git, or debugging front-end applications, these extensions streamline your work and help you write better software faster.

To recap, the top five must-have VS Code extensions are:

1. Prettier – Code Formatter
2. ESLint
3. GitLens
4. Live Server
5. Debugger for Chrome

By installing and mastering these tools, you’ll elevate your productivity, improve your code quality, and make your development experience more enjoyable.

So, if you haven’t already, head over to the VS Code Marketplace and give these extensions a try—you might wonder how you ever coded without them.

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