📬 Originally published on ZenOfCode
I'm reposting here to share with more devs — feedback welcome!
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.
🚀 1. GitLens
Shows git blame, history, authorship inline.
🧠 Why it matters: Stop asking “Who wrote this?” — GitLens shows it in your editor.
📁 2. Path Intellisense
Auto-suggests file paths as you type.
🧠 Why it matters: No more guessing folder structures or mistyping filenames.
🪛 3. REST Client
Send HTTP requests without leaving your editor.
🧠 Why it matters: Great for quick API testing — faster than Postman for small stuff.
💡 4. TODO Highlight
Highlights your // TODO: and // FIXME: comments.
🧠 Why it matters: Keeps dev debt visible before it becomes tech debt.
🔄 5. Prettier
Auto-formats your code on save.
🧠 Why it matters: Consistency, peace of mind, and zero arguments in PRs.
⚙️ 6. Error Lens
Shows linting + runtime errors directly in-line.
🧠 Why it matters: Fix bugs faster with less clicking.
🔒 7. dotenv
Syntax highlighting for .env files.
🧠 Why it matters: So small but so helpful. Especially for backend projects.
🧱 8. Bracket Pair Colorizer 2
Color-codes matching brackets.
🧠 Why it matters: Essential for nested functions, JSX, or regex hell.
🧭 9. CodeSnap
Take beautiful code screenshots.
🧠 Why it matters: Perfect for blogs, tweets, or docs.
🤖 10. GitHub Copilot
You know the deal.
🧠 Why it matters: Not just autocomplete — it gives full suggestions that can unblock you.
🧠 TL;DR
Install a few of these today. Don’t go plugin crazy — but the right tools compound your speed every day.
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