Visual Studio Code (VS Code) has become the go-to code editor for developers across the world. Its lightweight design, built-in Git support, and massive extension ecosystem make it a powerhouse. But with thousands of extensions available, which ones actually make a difference in your productivity?
Here are the top 10 VS Code extensions every developer should try in 2025.
1. Prettier – Code Formatter
Automatically formats your code consistently across multiple languages. Say goodbye to messy indentation and inconsistent quotes.
✨ Why use it? Saves time on formatting and improves code readability.
2. ESLint
A linter that helps you identify and fix problems in your JavaScript/TypeScript code.
✨ Why use it? Catches bugs and enforces code standards.
3. GitLens — Git Supercharged
Takes Git integration in VS Code to the next level. See who last modified a line, browse repo history, and more.
✨ Why use it? Better version control insights right inside your editor.
4. Live Server
Launches a local server with a live reload feature for static & dynamic pages.
✨ Why use it? Instant preview of your HTML/CSS/JS changes.
5. IntelliCode
An AI-assisted code completion tool from Microsoft that recommends smart code completions based on context.
✨ Why use it? Makes you faster with intelligent suggestions.
6. Path Intellisense
Auto-completes filenames and file paths in your project.
✨ Why use it? Speeds up imports and reduces typos.
7. Bracket Pair Colorizer 2
Colors matching brackets to help you visually track code blocks.
✨ Why use it? Makes complex nested code easier to read.
8. REST Client
Send HTTP requests and view responses directly inside VS Code — no Postman required.
✨ Why use it? Simplifies API testing during backend/frontend development.
9. Thunder Client
A lightweight alternative to Postman, directly in VS Code.
✨ Why use it? Test APIs faster without leaving your editor.
10. Tabnine
An AI-powered autocompletion tool that learns from your coding patterns.
✨ Why use it? Speeds up development and reduces repetitive typing.
Conclusion:
Installing the right VS Code extensions can transform your coding experience from good to great. These tools save time, boost efficiency, and let you focus more on building and less on debugging or formatting.
✅ Pro Tip: Don’t overload your VS Code with too many extensions — choose what fits your workflow best.