22 Must-Have VSCode Plugins to Boost Your Productivity in 2023

Visual Studio Code (VSCode) is a popular code editor among developers due to its customizable and extensible nature. It comes equipped with a plethora of features and plugins that can help streamline your coding workflow and make you more productive. In this article, we will discuss 22 VSCode plugins that will help you stay awesome in 2023. These plugins cover a range of functionality, from code formatting to debugging, and are sure to make your coding experience smoother and more enjoyable. Additionally, we will provide tips on how to optimize your workflow in VSCode and its plugins to enhance your productivity even further.

As we enter 2023, it's time to upgrade your coding game with the best Visual Studio Code (VSCode) plugins.

With so many plugins available, it can be challenging to find the best ones for your workflow. That's why we've compiled a list of 22 VSCode plugins that will keep you awesome and efficient in 2023.

1. Bracket Pair Colorizer 2

The Bracket Pair Colorizer 2 plugin enhances code readability by colorizing bracket pairs with different colors. This plugin makes it easier to identify nested brackets and helps avoid syntax errors.

Bracket Pair Colorizer 2: https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=CoenraadS.bracket-pair-colorizer-2

1. Code Spell Checker

Code Spell Checker checks your code for spelling mistakes, making your code more professional and easier to understand. This plugin supports multiple languages, so you can ensure that your code is spelled correctly, no matter what language you're using.

Code Spell Checker: https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=streetsidesoftware.code-spell-checker

1. GitLens

GitLens is a powerful plugin that enhances your Git experience within VSCode. With GitLens, you can easily see who made changes to a file, when those changes were made, and why. This plugin also provides a rich set of visualizations and annotations for your code.

GitLens: https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=eamodio.gitlens

1. ESLint

ESLint is a popular linter that helps you catch errors and enforce coding standards. This plugin integrates ESLint into VSCode, providing real-time feedback on your code.

ESLint: https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=dbaeumer.vscode-eslint

1. Prettier

Prettier is a code formatter that automatically formats your code to a consistent style. This plugin supports a wide variety of programming languages and integrates seamlessly with VSCode.

Prettier: https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=esbenp.prettier-vscode

1. Live Share

Live Share allows you to collaborate with others in real-time, even if they don't have VSCode installed. This plugin enables you to share your code with others and allows them to make edits, comment, and debug alongside you.

Live Share: https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=MS-vsliveshare.vsliveshare

1. Material Theme

Material Theme is a popular VSCode theme that brings the Material Design aesthetic to your code editor. This plugin provides a clean, modern interface that's easy on the eyes.

Material Theme: https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=Equinusocio.vsc-material-theme

1. Remote Development

Remote Development allows you to develop your code on a remote machine, such as a server. This plugin allows you to seamlessly edit and debug your code on a remote machine, without having to transfer files or change your workflow.

Remote Development: https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=ms-vscode-remote.vscode-remote-extensionpack

1. REST Client

REST Client is a popular VSCode plugin that allows you to make HTTP requests from within the editor. This plugin makes it easy to test APIs and web services, and provides a convenient way to debug and troubleshoot network issues.

REST Client: https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=humao.rest-client

1. Rainbow CSV

Rainbow CSV is a plugin that enhances the readability of CSV files. This plugin color-codes columns and provides a customizable highlight for search results. It also provides additional features for sorting, filtering, and formatting CSV files.

Rainbow CSV: https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=mechatroner.rainbow-csv

1. IntelliSense for CSS

IntelliSense for CSS is a plugin that provides autocompletion and syntax highlighting for CSS files. This plugin makes it easier to write and edit CSS, and provides helpful suggestions and information for CSS properties.

IntelliSense for CSS: https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=Zignd.html-css-class-completion

1. Debugger for Chrome

Debugger for Chrome is a plugin that allows you to debug JavaScript code running in the Chrome browser. This plugin enables you to set breakpoints, step through code, and inspect variables and objects in real-time.

Debugger for Chrome: https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=msjsdiag.debugger-for-chrome

1. Code Runner

Code Runner is a plugin that allows you to run code snippets or scripts within VSCode. This plugin supports a wide range of programming languages and provides a convenient way to test small code snippets or scripts.

Code Runner: https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=formulahendry.code-runner

1. Better Comments

Better Comments is a plugin that enhances the readability of comments in your code. This plugin provides color-coded comments and enables you to create different types of comments, such as TODO or NOTE, to help you keep track of your code.

Better Comments: https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=aaron-bond.better-comments

1. Peacock

Peacock is a plugin that allows you to customize the color of your VSCode workspace. This plugin enables you to give each workspace a unique color, making it easier to differentiate between different projects.

1. Indent Rainbow

Indent Rainbow is a plugin that colorizes indentation in your code, making it easier to see code structure and identify errors. This plugin supports multiple languages and allows you to customize the colors used for indentation.

Indent Rainbow: https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=oderwat.indent-rainbow

1. Code Time

Code Time is a plugin that helps you track your coding activity and productivity. This plugin provides metrics on your coding habits, such as the time you spend coding, the languages you use most, and the files you spend the most time in.

Code Time: https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=softwaredotcom.swdc-vscode

1. Turbo Console Log

Turbo Console Log is a plugin that enhances the console.log() function in JavaScript. This plugin allows you to add a shortcut to quickly insert console.log() statements, and provides additional features such as log level filtering and custom formatting.

Turbo Console Log: https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=ChakrounAnas.turbo-console-log

1. Polacode

Polacode is a plugin that creates beautiful screenshots of your code. This plugin enables you to highlight specific lines of code, adjust the font size, and add a background image to create stunning images of your code.

Polacode: https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=pnp.polacode

1. Path Intellisense

Path Intellisense is a plugin that provides autocompletion for file paths in your code. This plugin makes it easier to navigate your project's file structure, and helps avoid errors caused by typos or incorrect paths.

Path Intellisense: https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=christian-kohler.path-intellisense

1. Todo Tree

Todo Tree is a plugin that displays all your TODOs, FIXMEs, and other comments in a tree view. This plugin helps you keep track of your code comments and reminds you of any outstanding tasks or issues.

Todo Tree: https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=Gruntfuggly.todo-tree

1. Auto Rename Tag

Auto Rename Tag is a plugin that automatically renames HTML/XML tags when you change one of them. This plugin saves you time and reduces errors caused by forgetting to rename tags.

Auto Rename Tag: https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=formulahendry.auto-rename-tag

Tips to Optimize Your Workflow in VSCode and its Plugins

Visual Studio Code is a powerful code editor with numerous features and plugins to enhance your workflow. Here are some tips to optimize your workflow in VSCode and its plugins:

1. Use keyboard shortcuts: VSCode has numerous keyboard shortcuts that can save you time and make your workflow more efficient. Take some time to learn and use these shortcuts regularly.
2. Use code snippets: Code snippets are pre-written code blocks that you can easily insert into your code. VSCode has built-in snippets for many programming languages, and you can also create your own custom snippets.
3. Customize your editor: VSCode allows you to customize your editor to your preferences. You can change the theme, font, and other settings to make your editor more comfortable to work with.
4. Use Git integration: VSCode has built-in Git integration, allowing you to manage your code version control without leaving the editor. Take advantage of this feature to save time and streamline your workflow.
5. Use task automation: VSCode has a built-in task runner that allows you to automate repetitive tasks, such as running tests or building your code. This feature can save you time and reduce errors.
6. Use plugins to extend functionality: VSCode has a vast ecosystem of plugins that can extend its functionality. Take advantage of plugins that can help you with code formatting, linting, debugging, and other tasks.
7. Use debugging tools: VSCode has built-in debugging tools that allow you to step through your code and identify errors. Take advantage of these tools to debug your code more efficiently.
8. Use language-specific plugins: VSCode has plugins specific to various programming languages, such as Python, JavaScript, and Ruby. These plugins provide additional features and enhancements tailored to the language you're working with.
9. Use live collaboration: VSCode has a built-in live collaboration feature that allows you to collaborate with others in real-time. Take advantage of this feature to work with others more efficiently.

By using these tips and optimizing your workflow in VSCode and its plugins, you can make your coding experience smoother, more productive, and more enjoyable.

Conclusion

Visual Studio Code is an excellent code editor that offers many features and plugins to enhance your workflow. By using the right plugins and optimizing your workflow, you can save time, improve productivity, and streamline your coding experience. In this article, we've discussed 22 VSCode plugins that can help you stay awesome in 2023. Additionally, we've shared some tips on how to optimize your workflow in VSCode and its plugins. By implementing these tips and incorporating the right plugins into your workflow, you can become a more efficient and productive coder.

With these 22 VSCode plugins, you'll be equipped with the tools you need to make your coding experience smoother, more productive, and more enjoyable. Happy coding in 2023!