A freshly installed VS Code is a blank canvas. The right extensions turn it into the most powerful editor on the planet. Here are the 10 you should install first.
1. GitHub Copilot / Supermaven
AI code completion that actually works. Copilot understands your project context and suggests entire functions, not just single lines. If you're looking for a free alternative, Supermaven is surprisingly good for tab completions. Install at least one — coding without AI assistance in 2026 feels like coding without autocomplete.
2. GitLens
Git superpowers inside VS Code. Hover over any line to see who changed it and when. Inline blame annotations, rich commit history, branch comparison, and an interactive rebase UI. It makes the built-in Git support feel like a demo. Free for individual use.
3. Prettier
The formatter that ended all formatting arguments. Set it as your default formatter, enable "Format on Save," and never think about indentation or line wrapping again. Supports JavaScript, TypeScript, HTML, CSS, JSON, Markdown, and a dozen more languages.
4. ESLint
Catches bugs before they happen. It's not just about style — ESLint flags unused variables, missing await, unreachable code, and security patterns. Pair with Prettier for the ultimate code quality setup.
5. Error Lens
Shows errors and warnings inline, right in your code — not in a separate panel. The error message appears next to the offending line, color-coded. It sounds small, but seeing errors immediately as you type changes everything. Once you try it, you can't go back.
6. Thunder Client
A lightweight API client built into VS Code's sidebar. Think Postman, but it lives in your editor, doesn't require an account, and is much faster for quick API testing. Supports collections, environments, and scriptless testing.
7. Dev Containers
Define your development environment in a Dockerfile or docker-compose.yml, and VS Code runs inside the container. Every team member gets the exact same tools and versions — no more "works on my machine." Essential for projects with complex dependencies.
8. Better Comments
Color-codes your comments: orange for TODOs, red for FIXMEs, green for notes, blue for info. It makes important comments visually scannable instead of blending into a sea of gray. Simple idea, outsized impact.
9. Path Intellisense
Autocompletes file paths as you type imports and requires. Saves you from the "wait, was it ../../components/Button or ../components/Button?" dance.
10. Project Manager
Fast switching between projects. Save your favorite repos, assign tags, and jump between them with Ctrl+Shift+P → "Project Manager: Open." If you bounce between multiple codebases, this is a lifesaver.
Bonus: Color Theme
Pick one good theme and stick with it. Catppuccin, Dracula, and One Dark Pro are community favorites with excellent language coverage. A theme you enjoy looking at for 8 hours a day is worth the 30 seconds to install.