Ultimate Guide to Visual Studio Code: Features, Extensions, and Tips

Pratiksha Mahindrakar February 18, 2025

Visual Studio Code (VS Code) is one of the most powerful and widely used code editors. Developed by Microsoft, it is lightweight yet packed with features that make coding seamless for beginners and experienced developers alike. Whether you're working with Python, JavaScript, Java, or any other language, Visual Studio Code offers a smooth development experience with built-in debugging, Git integration, and an extensive extensions marketplace.

Why Choose Visual Studio Code?

  1. Free and Open Source – Accessible for Windows, macOS, and Linux.

  2. Lightweight and Fast – Optimized for performance and quick startup.

  3. Built-in Git Support – Seamlessly integrates with version control.

  4. Rich Extensions Marketplace – Enhances functionality with plugins.

  5. Intelligent Code Completion – Features AI-powered suggestions.

  6. Customizable UI – Personalize themes, layouts, and shortcuts.

Installing Visual Studio Code

  1. Visit the official Visual Studio Code website.

  2. Download the version suitable for your operating system.

  3. Install the software by following the setup instructions.

  4. Launch VS Code and start coding!



Key Features of Visual Studio Code

1. User-Friendly Interface

  1. Simple and intuitive layout.

  2. Customizable themes and fonts.

  3. Multiple tab support for working with multiple files.

2. Extensions and Plugins

  1. Access thousands of extensions via the VS Code Marketplace.

  2. Popular extensions include Prettier, ESLint, and Python.

  3. Install and manage extensions easily from the sidebar.


3. Integrated Terminal

  1. No need to switch between command line and editor.

  2. Supports Bash, PowerShell, and other shells.

  3. Useful for running scripts and version control commands.

4. Git Integration

  1. Built-in Git controls for managing repositories.

  2. Commit, push, and pull changes without leaving the manager.

  3. View diffs and resolve merge conflicts seamlessly.

5. Debugging and Testing

  1. Powerful debugger for various programming languages.

  2. Supports breakpoints, watches, and variable inspection.

  3. Integrated with Jest, Mocha, and other testing frameworks.

Best Visual Studio Code Extensions

1. Prettier – Code Formatter

  1. Automatically formats code for consistency.

  2. Supports multiple languages.

  3. Reduces the need for manual indentation.

2. ESLint

  1. Lints JavaScript and TypeScript code.

  2. Helps catch syntax and style issues early.

3. Python Extension

  1. Adds support for Python development.

  2. Includes IntelliSense, debugging, and linting.


4. Live Server

  1. Enables real-time updates in web development.

  2. Automatically refreshes the browser upon file changes.

5. Material Icon Theme

  1. Adds visually appealing icons for files and folders.

  2. Enhances code organization.

Customizing Visual Studio Code

  1. Themes: Install themes like One Dark Pro or Dracula for a unique look.

  2. Shortcuts: Customize keyboard shortcuts for increased efficiency.

  3. Workspace Settings: Configure settings.json for personalized preferences.



Final Thoughts

Visual Studio Code is a must-have for every developer. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional, its rich features, extensive extension library, and powerful debugging tools make it the perfect code editor. Start coding with Visual Studio Code today and enhance your development workflow!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Visual Studio Code free to use?
Yes, Visual Studio Code is completely free and open-source.

2. Can I use Visual Studio Code for Python?
Absolutely! The Python extension makes it one of the best editors for Python development.

3. How would I introduce augmentations in Visual Studio Code?
Go to the Extensions Marketplace, search for your desired extension, and click Install.



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