5 VS Code Extensions That 10x Your Productivity

VS Code Productivity Extensions 5 min read · May 14, 2025

5 VS Code Extensions That 10x Your Productivity

If you spend most of your day inside VS Code, the right extensions can completely transform how fast and comfortably you work. Here are five that I personally use every single day.

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01

Prettier — Code Formatter

// format on save, zero arguments

Stop arguing about code style. Prettier automatically formats your code on save — whether it's JavaScript, TypeScript, HTML, CSS, or JSON. Once you use it, you'll never go back.

Why it matters: No more manually fixing indentation or semicolons. Your team's code will look consistent without any effort.

ext install esbenp.prettier-vscode

02

GitLens — Git Supercharged

// git blame, supercharged

Ever looked at a piece of code and wondered "who wrote this and why?" GitLens shows you inline blame annotations, commit history, and file changes — right inside your editor.

Best feature: Hover over any line to see the exact commit message and author. Game changer for team projects.

ext install eamodio.gitlens

03

Error Lens

// errors, no hovering required

Instead of hovering over a red squiggly line to see the error, Error Lens displays the error message inline — right on the same line where the problem is. Saves you hundreds of hover-clicks per day.

Why I love it: You can fix bugs faster without breaking your focus or moving your mouse.

ext install usernamehw.errorlens

04

Thunder Client — API Testing

// postman, but inside your editor

Think Postman, but built directly into VS Code. Thunder Client lets you test REST APIs without ever leaving your editor. Lightweight, fast, and does everything you need.

Perfect for: Backend developers and anyone building or consuming APIs daily.

ext install rangav.vscode-thunder-client

05

Auto Rename Tag

// rename once, not twice

When you rename an opening HTML/JSX tag, this extension automatically renames the closing tag too. Sounds small, but when you're refactoring components, this saves you from so many annoying mismatches.

Works with: HTML, XML, JSX, TSX — basically any tag-based language.

ext install formulahendry.auto-rename-tag

Final thoughts

These five extensions cover formatting, debugging, git, API testing, and HTML editing — the core parts of most developers' workflows. Install them once, and you'll wonder how you ever coded without them.

// Have a favorite extension I missed? Drop it in the comments below ↓