Top 35+ VS Code Extensions Developers Can’t Live Without [2025 Edition]

In 2025, developers are expected to code smarter, faster, and more efficiently than ever before—and Visual Studio Code (VS Code) remains the go-to code editor for millions. But what truly unlocks its superpowers are the extensions that transform a basic editor into a productivity powerhouse. Whether you're a web developer, backend engineer, or full-stack ninja, the right VS Code extensions can drastically speed up development, reduce bugs, and supercharge your workflow.
In this post, we’ve handpicked 35+ of the best VS Code extensions that developers simply can’t live without in 2025.

🧠 What is VS Code and Why It’s the Most Used Code Editor?

Visual Studio Code (VS Code) is a free, open-source, and highly extensible code editor built by Microsoft, trusted by millions of developers worldwide. From JavaScript and TypeScript to Python, C++, PHP, and more, VS Code is built to support virtually any tech stack.

It’s more than just a text editor—VS Code is a complete development environment, featuring:

• ⚡ Blazing-fast performance, even with large codebases

• 💡 IntelliSense for smart code suggestions and autocompletion

• 🐞 Powerful built-in debugger

• 🔌 Massive extension marketplace

• 🧩 Integrated terminal, version control, and seamless Git support

• ☁️ Cross-platform availability (Windows, macOS, Linux)

🔥 Why Developers Love VS Code in 2025

While excellent resources like FreeCodeCamp and BrowserStack have covered popular VS Code extensions, this guide is the most up-to-date, developer-focused list tailored specifically for 2025. We’ve analyzed what's trending, most used, and most impactful in today’s fast-paced developer workflows.

Whether you're a frontend wizard, backend specialist, or full-stack pro, this guide includes the 35+ must-have VS Code extensions that are actually being used by developers in real-world projects right now.

👉 Ready to level up your coding environment with the tools that actually matter in 2025? Let’s dive in.

Why Use Extensions?

In 2025, writing code without extensions is like building a skyscraper with hand tools. Extensions transform VS Code from a simple text editor into a powerful, all-in-one development environment tailored to your exact needs.

🚀 Here’s why developers rely on extensions:

• ⚡ Speed & Productivity: Auto-formatting, code snippets, and shortcuts help you write code faster and cleaner.

• 👥 Team Collaboration: Tools like Live Share let you pair program and debug with teammates in real-time.

• 🛠️ Advanced Debugging: Integrated debuggers for languages like JavaScript, Python, and C++ make tracking bugs seamless.

• 🔍 Smart Coding Assistance: With IntelliSense, you get real-time suggestions, type checking, and documentation—right as you code.

• 🤖 AI-Powered Tools: The future of coding is already here. GitHub Copilot, along with other AI-driven extensions, writes entire functions, suggests logic, and even fixes bugs—all based on your intent.

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🌐 AI Is Redefining Development

Thanks to tools like GitHub Copilot, CodeWhisperer, and AI autocomplete extensions, developers are shifting from typing every line to thinking in flows and logic. These tools not only boost productivity but also help beginners learn by example.

💡 Whether you're building your first app or managing an enterprise project, extensions help you code smarter, faster, and cleaner. In 2025, they’re no longer optional—they're essential.

Read Also - Build a Modern TODO App with Next.js, TypeScript, Tailwind CSS & Mongoose (Full CRUD Functionality!) 🚀

1. Prettier – Code Formatter

Key Features:

• Supports many languages like JavaScript, TypeScript, JSON, CSS, HTML, Markdown.

• Auto-formats code on save or manual trigger.

• Integrates with ESLint to handle code style and linting simultaneously.

• Configurable rules for line length, quotes, tabs, trailing commas, etc.

Why Prettier is a Must-Have:
Prettier removes the guesswork about code formatting, making code look uniform no matter who writes it. It saves tons of time spent in code reviews about style. If you work in teams or open-source, using Prettier is essential to keep the code clean, readable, and consistent.

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2. ESLint

Key Features:

• Real-time error and warning detection in JavaScript and TypeScript.

• Auto-fix many problems instantly with a single command.

• Highly customizable via .eslintrc config files.

• Supports popular style guides like Airbnb and Google.

• Works perfectly with Prettier to avoid conflicts.

Why ESLint is Essential:
Linting ensures you write error-free code and follow best practices. ESLint highlights code smells, unused variables, potential bugs, and style inconsistencies. It’s crucial for developers to catch issues early and improve code quality, especially in large projects or teams.

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3. Stylelint

Key Features:

• Lints CSS and other style files (SCSS, Less).

• Detects and fixes common styling mistakes.

• Integrates well with Prettier.

• Supports custom configuration and extends popular style guides.

Why Stylelint Matters:
While ESLint handles JS/TS, Stylelint focuses on CSS, SCSS, and other styling files. Keeping your CSS clean and consistent is as important as your JS, especially in large frontend projects.

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4. GitLens

Key Features:

• Inline Git blame annotations show who last changed a line.

• Visualize file and repository history.

• Compare branches and commits with UI tools.

• Customizable blame info in the status bar.

Why GitLens is a Game-Changer:
GitLens provides deep Git insights right in your editor, helping you understand the evolution of your code and team collaboration patterns. This speeds up debugging, code reviews, and learning from commit history.

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5. Git Graph

Key Features:

• Visualize repository commit graph.

• View branches, merges, and commits visually.

• Easy checkout, merge, rebase actions from the UI.

• Supports GitHub Pull Requests integration.

Why Git Graph Helps:
For visual thinkers, Git Graph makes complex branching and merging easier to understand and manage. It’s useful when working on feature branches or resolving conflicts.

6. Python

Key Features:

• Rich support for Python language including IntelliSense, linting, debugging, code navigation.

• Jupyter Notebook integration inside VS Code.

• Environment management and testing support.

• Auto code formatting with Black or autopep8.

Why it’s Important:
This official Microsoft extension is the cornerstone for Python devs inside VS Code. It turns the editor into a powerful Python IDE, with everything from debugging to code analysis. For beginners and pros alike, it boosts productivity and reduces context-switching.

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7. Pylance

Key Features:

• Fast, feature-rich language server for Python powered by Microsoft’s Pyright.

• Superior IntelliSense, type checking, auto-imports, and semantic highlighting.

• Supports Python 3.7+ and type hinting.

Why Use Pylance:
Pylance supercharges the Python extension with lightning-fast and accurate autocomplete, error checking, and navigation. For serious Python development, this makes coding more efficient and less error-prone.

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8. JavaScript (ES6) code snippets

Key Features:

• Adds hundreds of JavaScript and ES6+ snippets for quick coding.

• Supports React, Redux, Angular snippets.

• Speeds up writing boilerplate and common patterns.

Why Snippets Matter:
Using code snippets reduces repetitive typing and errors. This extension helps JavaScript/TypeScript developers write code faster with fewer mistakes, increasing daily productivity.

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9. TSLint

Key Features:

• Linting for TypeScript projects using TSLint rules.

• Inline warnings and errors with auto-fix support.

Note: TSLint is deprecated in favor of ESLint, but still useful in legacy projects.

Why Use TSLint:
If you maintain older TypeScript projects, TSLint helps enforce style and correctness. For new projects, ESLint is preferred.

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10. TypeScript Hero

Key Features:

• Auto imports and code navigation for TypeScript.

• Organizes imports with one command.

• Supports refactoring and code completion.

Why It Helps:
Managing imports and navigation in complex TS projects can get messy. TypeScript Hero automates these tasks, helping devs keep code clean and maintainable.

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11. React Native Tools

Key Features:

• Debugging and IntelliSense for React Native apps.

• Commands for running and debugging on emulators or devices.

• Integrated React Native packager support.

Why React Native Devs Love It:
This extension simplifies debugging and running React Native apps directly from VS Code, improving workflow speed and debugging accuracy.

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12. Next.js Snippets

Key Features:

• Snippets for React, Redux, and Next.js framework.

• Includes Next.js specific snippets like getStaticProps, getServerSideProps.

Why Next.js Devs Should Use It:
Writing boilerplate Next.js code repeatedly can slow you down. This extension speeds up development with ready-to-use, framework-specific snippets.

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13. NestJS Snippets

Key Features:

• Collection of NestJS code snippets for services, controllers, modules, etc.

• Speeds up backend API development.

Why NestJS Devs Need It:
NestJS relies heavily on decorators and structured code patterns. Snippets help developers quickly scaffold new files and reduce errors.

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14. Debugger for Chrome

Key Features:

• Debug JavaScript code in Google Chrome directly from VS Code.

• Set breakpoints, step through code, inspect variables.

• Supports source maps for easier debugging of transpiled code.

Why It’s Essential:
Debugging frontend apps directly in VS Code without switching to Chrome DevTools saves time and keeps focus on code.

Read Also - Must-Try: Top 10 Cutting-Edge UI Libraries to Boost Your Web Design in 2025

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15. CodeLLDB

Key Features:

• Debugger for C, C++, and Rust using LLDB.

• Rich features including variable views, call stacks, and watch expressions.

Why Use CodeLLDB:
For systems programming or Rust projects, this powerful debugger integrates seamlessly into VS Code.

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16. Docker

Key Features:

• Syntax highlighting and IntelliSense for Dockerfiles and docker-compose files.

• Build, run, and manage containers directly from VS Code.

• Supports Azure Container Registry integration.

Why Docker Extension Rocks:
With containerized apps becoming standard, this extension simplifies Docker management without leaving VS Code.

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17. Kubernetes

Key Features:

• Explore and manage Kubernetes clusters from VS Code.

• View pods, services, deployments, logs, and more.

• YAML file support with IntelliSense and validation.

Why Kubernetes Devs Use It:
Manage your clusters and deploy without switching tools, making cloud native development smoother.

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18. Live Server

Key Features:

• Launch a development local server with live reload for static & dynamic pages.

• Supports HTTPS, custom browser, and port configuration.

Why Live Server is a Developer Favorite:
Instant feedback when coding HTML/CSS/JS is a huge productivity boost.

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19. Path Intellisense

Key Features:

• Autocompletes filenames and paths as you type in import or require statements.

Why Use Path Intellisense:
Avoid typos and speed up navigation and imports with path suggestions.

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20. Import Cost

Key Features:

• Shows the size of imported JavaScript packages inline in your code.

• Helps track bundle size impact while coding.

Why It’s Vital:
Keep an eye on how much your imports add to bundle size to optimize performance.

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21. Bookmarks

Key Features:

• Mark and navigate between important lines of code.

• Supports named bookmarks and quick navigation.

Why Developers Love It:
Eases code navigation in large files or complex projects.

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22. Project Manager

Key Features:

• Save and switch between projects easily.

• Quick access to frequently used projects.

Why It Helps:
Switching contexts between multiple projects becomes faster.

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23. CSS Peek

Key Features:

• Peek to CSS/SCSS/Less definitions directly from HTML class/id references.

Why It’s Useful:
Quickly jump from markup to styles without searching files manually.

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24. PostCSS Language Support

Key Features:

• Syntax highlighting and IntelliSense for PostCSS files.

Why Use It:
If you use PostCSS plugins and syntax, this extension provides smooth editing.

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25. REST Client

Key Features:

• Make HTTP requests and view responses inside VS Code.

• Supports variables, environments, and multiple requests.

Why It’s a Must for API Devs:
No need for external tools like Postman; test APIs quickly from your editor.

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26. SQLTools

Key Features:

• Connect to multiple databases and run queries inside VS Code.

• Intellisense for SQL, history, bookmarks, and snippets.

Why It’s Useful:
Developers can query and manage databases without leaving VS Code.

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27. Markdown All in One

Key Features:

• Keyboard shortcuts, table of contents generation, auto preview for Markdown.

• Supports TOC, auto formatting, and preview sync.

Why Markdown Writers Love It:
Makes writing docs, READMEs, and blogs easier and more productive.

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28. Markdown Preview Enhanced

Key Features:

• Enhanced preview with support for diagrams, math, and interactive features.

Why It’s Better:
Great for technical docs requiring diagrams or complex Markdown features.

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29. Material Icon Theme

Key Features:

• Adds beautiful and intuitive file icons for better file recognition.

Why Use It:
Makes navigation more pleasant and faster.

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30. One Dark Pro

Key Features:

• Popular dark theme inspired by Atom’s One Dark.

Why Developers Choose It:
Eye-friendly and stylish UI for long coding sessions.

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31. Jest

Key Features:

• Jest test runner integration with test status in editor.

• Debugging support for Jest tests.

Why It’s Important:
Run and debug tests quickly without leaving VS Code.

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32. Test Explorer UI

Key Features:

• UI for running and managing tests in various frameworks.

Why Use It:
Unified test management inside VS Code.

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33. Tabnine

Key Features:

• AI-powered code completions supporting many languages.

• Works offline with privacy focus.

Why It’s Revolutionary:
Boosts productivity by suggesting accurate code completions using AI.

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34. GitHub Copilot

Key Features:

• AI pair programmer from GitHub and OpenAI.

• Autocomplete entire lines or functions based on comments.

Why It’s a Game-Changer:
Helps write code faster, learn new APIs, and overcome coding blocks.

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35. TODO Highlight

Key Features:

• Highlights TODOs, FIXMEs, and custom tags in code.

Why It’s Handy:
Keeps track of pending tasks inside code visually.

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36. Rainbow Brackets

Key Features:

• Colorizes matching brackets to improve code readability.

Why Use It:
Makes navigating complex nested code easier and faster.

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37. Project Snippets

Key Features:

• Manage project-specific code snippets.

Why It Helps:
Tailors snippets to different projects enhancing coding efficiency.

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38. GitLens

Key Features:

• Enhances Git capabilities with blame, history, and code authorship insights.

Why It’s Popular:
Deep Git integration to understand code history and changes.

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39. EditorConfig

Key Features:

• Maintains consistent coding styles using .editorconfig files.

Why Use It:
Ensures code style consistency across teams and editors.

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40. Vetur

Key Features:

• Vue.js support with syntax highlighting, snippets, IntelliSense, and formatting.

Why Vue Developers Need It:
Makes Vue.js development smooth and productive inside VS Code.

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41. Svelte for VS Code

Key Features:

• Rich Svelte framework support: syntax, linting, debugging.

Why Use It:
Enables productive Svelte app development with good tooling.

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42. Prettier - Code formatter

Key Features:

• Opinionated code formatter supporting many languages.

• Integrates with ESLint, formatting on save.

Why It’s a Must:
Keeps code clean, consistent, and reduces bike-shedding on styles.

Conclusion

Choosing the right VS Code extensions can transform your coding experience from ordinary to exceptional. The 43 extensions listed here cover every aspect of modern development — from language support and debugging to productivity boosters and AI-powered assistance. Whether you’re a frontend wizard working with React and Next.js, a backend developer mastering NestJS and Docker, or a polyglot programmer juggling Python, TypeScript, and Rust, there’s a tailored tool in this list to supercharge your workflow.

By integrating these extensions thoughtfully, you’ll write cleaner code, navigate projects more efficiently, debug faster, and ultimately ship higher-quality software with less effort. Remember, the best extensions are the ones that fit your personal style and project needs, so feel free to experiment and customize your VS Code environment.

Happy coding, and may your editor always be your most powerful ally!
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