Top VS Code Extensions Every Developer Should Use in 2025

Visual Studio Code (VS Code) has become the go-to code editor for developers of all levels. What makes it truly powerful? Extensions. These lightweight plugins can transform your productivity, code quality, and overall workflow.

In this blog, we’ll explore the top VS Code extensions you should use in 2025, categorized by purpose, with features, installation links, and why they matter—everything a developer expects when choosing the right tools.

Why Use VS Code Extensions?

Before diving in, let’s understand why extensions matter:

• 🧠 Boost Productivity: Automate repetitive tasks

• 💻 Enhance Code Quality: Linting, formatting, debugging

• 🌍 Improve Collaboration: Live sharing, Git integration

• ✨ Customization: Themes, icons, snippets

Now, let's explore the must-have extensions.

VS Code extension for Front End Developers

1. Prettier – Code Formatter

Purpose: Auto-format your code for consistency

• Why it’s useful: Saves time spent manually formatting code

• Supports: JavaScript, TypeScript, HTML, CSS, JSON, and more

• Key Features:

  • Auto-format on save

  • Configurable rules

  • Works with ESLint

Install: Prettier Extension on Marketplace

2. ESLint

Purpose: Identify and fix JavaScript/TypeScript issues

• Why it’s useful: Enforces consistent coding standards

• Key Features:

  • Real-time linting

  • Integration with Prettier

  • Supports popular JS frameworks

Install: ESLint Extension on Marketplace

3. GitLens – Git Supercharged

Purpose: Supercharge Git capabilities in VS Code

• Why it’s useful: Visualizes code authorship and history

• Key Features:

  • Git blame annotations

  • View file and line history

  • Repository insights panel

Install: GitLens Extension on Marketplace

4. Live Server

Purpose: Launch a local development server with live reload

• Why it’s useful: Perfect for front-end development

• Key Features:

  • Auto-reload on file changes

  • Supports custom ports

  • Easy HTML/CSS/JS testing

Install: Live Server Extension on Marketplace

5. Material Icon Theme

Purpose: Customize your file explorer with modern icons

• Why it’s useful: Visual clarity helps you navigate projects faster

• Key Features:

  • Beautiful file/folder icons

  • Language-specific file icons

Install: Material Icon Theme on Marketplace

6. Code Spell Checker

Purpose: Catches spelling mistakes in code and markdown

• Why it’s useful: Ensures professionalism in comments, documentation

• Key Features:

  • Language-aware spell checking

  • Custom dictionaries

  • Lightweight and fast

Install: Code Spell Checker on Marketplace

7. Path Intellisense

Purpose: Auto-suggest file paths as you type

• Why it’s useful: Avoid broken paths and typing errors

• Key Features:

  • Works with relative/absolute paths

  • Fast and accurate path suggestions

Install: Path Intellisense Extension

8. Bracket Pair Colorizer 2

Purpose: Colorizes matching brackets for better readability

• Why it’s useful: Easily trace nested code blocks

• Key Features:

  • Customizable colors

  • Works with all programming languages

Install: Bracket Pair Colorizer 2

9. REST Client

Purpose: Test APIs directly from VS Code

• Why it’s useful: Great alternative to Postman for simple requests

• Key Features:

  • Send HTTP requests

  • View responses inline

  • Supports variables and environments

Install: REST Client Extension

10. Live Share

Purpose: Real-time collaboration and code sharing

• Why it’s useful: Pair programming and mentoring made easy

• Key Features:

  • Share terminal, server, and code

  • Chat & voice support

  • Works across Windows, Mac, Linux

Install: Live Share Extension

Bonus: AI-Powered Coding Extensions

GitHub Copilot

• Auto-completes code using AI (based on OpenAI Codex)

• Ideal for boosting productivity with fewer keystrokes

• Requires a GitHub Copilot subscription

Install: GitHub Copilot for VS Code

✅ Tips for Managing Extensions

• 💡 Use the Command Palette (Ctrl+Shift+P) to disable/enable extensions on the fly

• 🧹 Periodically uninstall unused extensions to keep VS Code lightweight

• 🛠️ Use the "Profiles" feature to switch between extensions for different projects

📘 Final Thoughts

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced developer, these VS Code extensions will:

• Save you time ✅

• Improve your workflow ✅

• Help you write cleaner, error-free code ✅

Want to become more productive? Start by installing just 3–4 extensions from this list based on your tech stack.

Follow Traceroute Global Services for more updates

Visit: www.tracerouteglobal.org

Mail:info@tracerouteglobal.org