I Didn't Want to Open Excel Just to Generate Sequential Numbers in VS Code

While working in VS Code, I occasionally need sequential numbers.

Something like this:

user_001

user_002

user_003

Or test data for SQL:

INSERT INTO users(id, name, created_at)

VALUES(1, 'testA', '2026-05-28 10:00:00');



INSERT INTO users(id, name, created_at)

VALUES(2, 'testB', '2026-05-28 10:00:01');



INSERT INTO users(id, name, created_at)

VALUES(3, 'testC', '2026-05-28 10:00:02');

Of course, I could open Excel and use formulas.

But somehow that always felt wrong.

I was already in VS Code.

I wanted to stay in VS Code.

VS Code Is Surprisingly Weak at Sequential Numbers

There are workarounds.

You can use multiple cursors.

You can use find-and-replace tricks.

You can generate data elsewhere and paste it back.

None of them are particularly difficult.

They're just slightly inconvenient.

And if you work with SQL, CSV files, or test data regularly, those small inconveniences show up again and again.

So I Built a VS Code Extension

https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=almiraj.insert-numbers-ex

The extension inserts sequential numbers at multiple cursor positions.

For example:

001

002

003

004

It supports zero-padding and space-padding.

It also supports dates and times.

2026-12-31 23:59:58

2026-12-31 23:59:59

2027-01-01 00:00:00

2027-01-01 00:00:01

The alphabet, too.

a

b

c

d

Nothing revolutionary.

Just something I found myself wanting often enough.

My Goal Was Simplicity

There are already several extensions that solve similar problems.

Instead of adding more features, I focused on a few things:

• Lightweight


• Easy to understand


• Easy to use immediately


• Minimal configuration


• Clear documentation

For small utility tools, I think simplicity matters more than feature count.

Reliability Matters

Text-editing extensions should behave predictably.

The extension includes automated tests covering common scenarios such as:

• Multiple cursors


• Zero-padding


• Custom starting values


• Repeated execution


• Different input patterns

The functionality itself is intentionally small, which also helps keep behavior straightforward and predictable.

Special Sequence Numbers

You might even assign serial numbers like this.

1

2

3

1

2

3

A

A

A

B

B

B

C

C

C

Who Might Find This Useful?

If you regularly work with:

• SQL scripts


• CSV files


• Test data generation


• Bulk text editing

and prefer staying inside VS Code instead of switching tools, this might save you a few minutes every week.

Final Thoughts

This is not a flashy extension.

It's one of those small tools that removes a tiny bit of friction from everyday development.

Those are often my favorite kinds of tools.