VS Code Power User: 5 Extensions That Will Save You 100 Hours

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VS Code Power User: 5 Extensions That Will Save You 100 Hours

Visual Studio Code (VS Code) is the most popular code editor in the world for a reason. It's lightweight, fast, and infinitely customizable. But are you using it to its full potential? Or are you just using it like a glorified Notepad?

Most developers install a theme, a syntax highlighter, and stop there. But the real power of VS Code lies in its ecosystem. Today, we look at 5 extensions (and workflow tips) that separate the juniors from the seniors.

1. GitLens (Supercharge Your Git)

If you are still using the command line to check "who wrote this code?", you are doing it wrong.

What GitLens Does

GitLens adds "current line blame" directly to your editor. You click a line of code, and it faintly shows you:

  • Who wrote it
  • When they wrote it
  • The commit message

It's not about blaming; it's about context. Understanding why a line of code exists is often more important than what it does.

2. Prettier (Stop Arguing About Formatting)

Formatting code manually is a waste of brain cycles. "Should I put a space here?" "Should this be single or double quotes?"
Stop thinking about it. Install Prettier, set it to "Format on Save", and never worry about indentation again.

Setup

  1. Install Prettier extension.
  2. Enable "Format on Save".
  3. Add a .prettierrc file to your project root so every developer on your team uses the exact same rules.
{
  "semi": true,
  "singleQuote": false,
  "tabWidth": 2,
  "trailingComma": "es5"
}

3. Remote - SSH (Code Anywhere)

This is a game-changer for backend developers.

What It Does

The Remote - SSH extension allows you to open a folder on a remote Linux server and edit it as if it were on your local machine.

No more Vim via SSH (unless you love Vim). You get full IntelliSense, debugging, and terminal support, all running on your powerful cloud instance, displayed on your laptop.

4. Live Server (For Web Devs)

If you are building simple HTML/CSS sites and hitting "Refresh" in Chrome every time you save, you need this.

What It Does

Live Server spins up a local web server and automatically reloads your browser whenever you save a file. It sounds simple, but those saved seconds add up to hours over a year.

5. Multiple Cursors (The Native Superpower)

This isn't an extension, but it's a feature you must master.

Basic Operations:

  • Alt + Click: Add cursor at click position.
  • Ctrl + D: Select next occurrence of the current selection. (Great for renaming variables instantly).
  • Ctrl + Shift + L: Select ALL occurrences of the current selection.

Real-World Example

Rename Variable: Select a variable name -> Ctrl+D repeatedly to select next few instances -> Type new name -> Done instantly.

6. Essential Keyboard Shortcuts

  • Ctrl + P: Quick open file (never browse folders again).
  • Ctrl + Shift + P: Command Palette (access any command).
  • Ctrl + \: Split editor.
  • Alt + Up/Down: Move current line up/down.

7. More Essential Extensions

  • Error Lens: Shows errors inline (text turns red) so you don't have to check the Problems panel.
  • ESLint: Enforce code quality standards and catch bugs early.
  • Auto Rename Tag: Rename an opening HTML tag, and the closing tag automatically updates.
  • Bracket Pair Colorizer: Matches opening and closing brackets with colors (now built-in to VS Code, ensure it's enabled).

Conclusion

Your tools define your speed. VS Code is a Ferrari, but you have to learn how to drive it. Install these extensions, memorize the shortcuts, and focus on what really matters: solving problems.

The 5 Essentials:

  1. GitLens
  2. Prettier
  3. Remote - SSH
  4. Live Server
  5. Multiple Cursors (Skill)

Start Today: Install GitLens and Prettier right now. Your productivity will thank you.

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