Essential VS Code Extensions
VS Code is built on extensions. Here are some required and highly recommended extensions for modern web and backend development to drastically speed up your daily coding.
1. Astro
If you are building with Astro, this extension is essential.
- Name: Astro
- ID:
astro-build.astro-vscode - Features: Syntax highlighting, IntelliSense, and formatting for
.astrofiles.
2. Prettier - Code formatter
Never format code manually again. Prettier enforces a consistent style across your entire codebase.
- Name: Prettier - Code formatter
- ID:
esbenp.prettier-vscode - Setup: Make sure to set
"editor.defaultFormatter": "esbenp.prettier-vscode"and"editor.formatOnSave": truein your.vscode/settings.json.
Quick setup:
Using Prettier on save eliminates formatting arguments in pull requests! Let the tools handle style automatically.
3. Tailwind CSS IntelliSense
If you use Tailwind CSS, this extension provides intelligent autocompletion, syntax highlighting, and linting.
- Name: Tailwind CSS IntelliSense
- ID:
bradlc.vscode-tailwindcss
4. GitLens — Git supercharged
GitLens enhances VS Code’s built-in Git capabilities with invaluable insights.
- Name: GitLens
- ID:
eamodio.gitlens - Features: See who wrote the current line of code (inline blame), explore Git logs cleanly, and navigate project history without leaving the editor.
5. Error Lens
Error Lens supercharges language diagnostic features by making diagnostics stand out more prominently.
- Name: Error Lens
- ID:
usernamehw.errorlens - Features: Highlights the entire line wherever a diagnostic is generated by the language server, making syntax/TypeScript errors impossible to miss.