12 VS Code Extensions to INCREASE Productivity 2024

Introduction

Whether you guys have just started out on your programming journey or you've been coding for a little while now, you may have come to realize that a healthy coding environment is essential for optimizing your productivity and quality of work. That is why today we're going to be looking at the best VS Code extensions that I use in my day-to-day work as a full-time computer science student. You're only going to need three things for this: a computer or a laptop that can turn on, an internet connection, and an IDE, specifically VS Code.

Step 1: Install VS Code

Download VS Code and install it. Once installed, you'll encounter a welcome page that you can close promptly.

Step 2: Install Essential Extensions

1. Code Runner

• Installation: Go to the extensions section and type in Code Runner.
• Functionality: Allows you to run code snippets quickly without opening a terminal. Perfect for Java, Python, and other languages.

2. Tabnine

• Installation: Search for Tabnine in the extensions, press install, and sign in using an authentication token.
• Functionality: AI-powered code completion that anticipates your coding needs in real-time.

3. Live Server

• Installation: Look for Live Server in the extensions tab and install it.
• Functionality: Perfect for web developers. It provides a real-time preview of your HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

4. Excel Viewer

• Installation: Search for Excel Viewer and install it.
• Functionality: Allows you to view Excel spreadsheets directly within VS Code.

5. Code Tour

• Installation: Find Code Tour by Jonathan Carter and install it.
• Functionality: Enables you to create interactive code tours to guide others through your project.

6. To-Do Highlights

• Installation: Search for To-Do Highlights and install it.
• Functionality: Highlights TODOs and FIXMEs in your code, making them easier to spot.

7. Material Icon Theme

• Installation: Search for Material Icon Theme and install it.
• Functionality: Adds highly aesthetic icons to your files and folders, making them easily recognizable.

8. Draw IO Integration

• Installation: Look for Draw.io Integration and install it.
• Functionality: Lets you create UML diagrams directly within VS Code.

9. Polar Code

• Installation: Search for Polar Code (2022 version) and install it.
• Functionality: Enables you to create high-quality code snippets and share them.

10. Code Spell Checker

• Installation: Search for Code Spell Checker and install it.
• Functionality: Checks and corrects spelling within your code files.

11. Prettier - Code Formatter

• Installation: Search for Prettier in the extensions and install it. Enable "Format on Save" in the settings.
• Functionality: Automatically formats your code when you save it.

12. Vibrancy

• Installation: Search for Vibrancy Continued and install it. Switch to the Vibrancy theme afterward.
• Functionality: Adds a beautiful transparent glass-morphism effect to your VS Code interface.

Final Words

These VS Code extensions are sure to improve your coding environment and productivity. While there are many more extensions out there, these are the ones I rely on the most.

Keyword

• VS Code Extensions
• Productivity
• Code Runner
• Tabnine
• Live Server
• Excel Viewer
• Code Tour
• To-Do Highlights
• Material Icon Theme
• Draw.io Integration
• Polar Code
• Code Spell Checker
• Prettier
• Vibrancy

FAQ

1. Why should I use VS Code extensions?

   • They optimize productivity by streamlining workflows and providing additional functionalities.

2. How do I install a VS Code extension?

   • Open VS Code, go to the Extensions tab, search for the extension you want, and click "Install."

3. Is Code Runner necessary for all programming languages?

   • No, but it simplifies the process of running code snippets, especially for compiled languages like Java.

4. Do I need an internet connection to use these extensions?

   • You'll need an internet connection to download and install the extensions. Some features also require an internet connection.

5. Will using these extensions slow down my VS Code?

   • Generally, no. However, it's a good idea to only install extensions you find useful to keep your IDE running smoothly.

6. How does Tabnine enhance coding?

   • Tabnine uses AI to provide real-time code completions, enhancing speed and accuracy.

7. Why is Prettier useful for my coding?

   • Prettier automatically formats your code, making it more readable and maintainable.

8. What should I do if an extension like Vibrancy shows an error?

   • Some extensions might show harmless errors. Follow the developer’s instructions to disable warnings if advised.

9. Can I customize the to-do highlight colors?

   • Yes, you can customize the highlight colors via VS Code settings.

10. How do I export diagrams from the Draw.io extension?

• Use the export option within the extension to save your diagrams as SVG, PNG, or Draw.io files.

By integrating these extensions, you can make your coding experience smoother and more enjoyable. Happy coding!