10 VS Code Extensions That Actually Save You Time (Not Just Look Cool)

VS Code is 🔥 by default — but the right extensions can take you from dev mode to flow state. Here are 10 extensions I use regularly that actually make me faster, not just flashy.

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🚀 1. GitLens

Shows git blame, history, authorship inline.

🧠 Why it matters: Stop asking “Who wrote this?” — GitLens shows it in your editor.

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📁 2. Path Intellisense

Auto-suggests file paths as you type.

🧠 Why it matters: No more guessing folder structures or mistyping filenames.

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🪛 3. REST Client

Send HTTP requests without leaving your editor.

🧠 Why it matters: Great for quick API testing — faster than Postman for small stuff.

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💡 4. TODO Highlight

Highlights your // TODO: and // FIXME: comments.

🧠 Why it matters: Keeps dev debt visible before it becomes tech debt.

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🔄 5. Prettier

Auto-formats your code on save.

🧠 Why it matters: Consistency, peace of mind, and zero arguments in PRs.

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⚙️ 6. Error Lens

Shows linting + runtime errors directly in-line.

🧠 Why it matters: Fix bugs faster with less clicking.

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🔒 7. dotenv

Syntax highlighting for .env files.

🧠 Why it matters: So small but so helpful. Especially for backend projects.

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🧱 8. Bracket Pair Colorizer 2

Color-codes matching brackets.

🧠 Why it matters: Essential for nested functions, JSX, or regex hell.

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🧭 9. CodeSnap

Take beautiful code screenshots.

🧠 Why it matters: Perfect for blogs, tweets, or docs.

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🤖 10. GitHub Copilot

You know the deal.

🧠 Why it matters: Not just autocomplete — it gives full suggestions that can unblock you.

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🧠 TL;DR

Install a few of these today. Don’t go plugin crazy — but the right tools compound your speed every day.