VS Code Extensions You're Not Using (But Should Be)

Everyone has Prettier and ESLint. But there are extensions hiding in the marketplace that will genuinely change how you code. Here are the ones that deserve a spot in your setup.

Error Lens — Errors Where They Happen

Instead of hovering over squiggly lines to see what's wrong, Error Lens shows errors, warnings, and hints inline — right at the end of the offending line. You'll spot bugs 3x faster because you don't have to move your eyes.

Better Comments — Comments That Work For You

Prefix comments with special characters and they highlight in different colors:

• 
  ! — Red for critical notes


• 
  ? — Blue for questions


• 
  TODO — Orange for todos


• 
  * — Green for highlights

Your brain processes color faster than text. Use it.

GitLens — Git Superpowers

Blame annotations on every line, file history at a click, and side-by-side diff comparisons without leaving your editor. GitLens adds 20+ features to VS Code's built-in Git — the free version alone is a massive upgrade.

Thunder Client — API Testing Without Postman

Lightweight REST client built directly into VS Code's sidebar. No separate app, no account required. Create collections, environment variables, and test APIs without leaving your editor. Faster than Postman for everyday use.

Project Manager — Switch Contexts Instantly

If you juggle 5+ projects, you need this. Save projects with Cmd+Shift+P and switch between them in one click. Each project remembers its own window state, open files, and terminal sessions.

Bookmarks — Never Lose Your Place Again

Mark specific lines and jump between them with keyboard shortcuts. When you're jumping between 3 different sections of a 2000-line file, bookmarks are a lifesaver. Works across files too.

Turbo Console Log — Logging at Key Press

Select a variable, press Ctrl+Alt+L, and a console.log with the variable name and value is inserted on the next line. Tiny feature, massive time saver when debugging.

Bottom Line

Install all 7. Give each one a day of use. By the end of the week, you'll wonder how you ever coded without them.