In the rapidly changing world of software development, having the right tools can significantly impact your workflow and efficiency. Visual Studio Code (VS Code) has become a favorite among developers globally, thanks to its flexibility and extensive features.
This article highlights 10 essential VS Code extensions I'm using personally that I think every developer should explore this year.
Whether you’re an experienced developer or just beginning your journey, these tools can help you code more efficiently, effectively, and with greater ease.
***
1. Jinno: live preview React components inside VS code
This is a new and exciting one. In my opinion the wet dream for every frontend developer, Jinno creates a live preview for React components, side by side your code in zero configuration or extra installations and it doesn't matter which framework you are using.
Extension link:
https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=jinno.codelens-sample
2. WakaTime
WakaTime is a super cool website / extension that keeps track of the time you spend programming. It provides insights about the languages you spend the most time on, your coding trends, set goals, and more!
Extension link:
3. Markdown Preview Enhanced
A Markdown VS Code extension enhances Visual Studio Code by providing features like syntax highlighting, previewing, linting, and editing support for Markdown files, improving the writing and formatting experience.
Extension link: https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=shd101wyy.markdown-preview-enhanced
4. Code Runner
Run C, C++, Java, JS, PHP, Python, Perl, Ruby, Go, Lua, Groovy, PowerShell, CMD, BASH, F#, C#, VBScript, TypeScript, CoffeeScript, Scala, Swift, Julia, Crystal, OCaml, R, AppleScript, Elixir, VB.NET, Clojure, Haxe, Obj-C, Rust, Racket, Scheme, AutoHotkey, AutoIt, Kotlin, Dart, Pascal, Haskell, Nim,
Extension link: https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=formulahendry.code-runner
5. REST Client
REST Client for Visual Studio Code
Extension link: https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=humao.rest-client
6. Git History
Explore the Git log, review file history, and compare branches or specific commits.
Extension link: https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=donjayamanne.githistory
7. Code Spell Checker
Spelling checker for source code
Extension link: https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=streetsidesoftware.code-spell-checker
8. Git Lens
Supercharge Git within VS Code — Visualize code authorship at a glance via Git blame annotations and CodeLens, seamlessly navigate and explore Git repositories, gain valuable insights via rich visualizations and powerful comparison commands, and so much more
Extension link: https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=eamodio.gitlens
9. Bookmarks
Mark lines and jump to them
Extension link: https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=alefragnani.Bookmarks
10. Multiple Cursor Case Preserve
Preserves case when editing with multiple cursors
Extension link: https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=Cardinal90.multi-cursor-case-preserve