JavaScript is evolving fast, and so is the ecosystem of tools around it.
As a developer, you want to make your workflow as efficient and smooth as possible. That’s where Visual Studio Code (VS Code) comes in.
I’ve handpicked 5 VS Code extensions that will significantly enhance your JavaScript development experience. Let’s dig into how each extension goes beyond the basics to supercharge your coding.
1. Quokka.js: Real-time Code Feedback
If you ever wanted to see immediate feedback on your code without constantly switching between your editor and browser this one’s it. Quokka.js turns VS Code into an interactive playground, displaying real-time results directly in the editor.
- You’ll get real-time logging inside VS Code, no more console.log clutter.
- Displays runtime values directly in your code, helping you debug faster.
- Perfect for TDD (Test-Driven Development) as it shows test output without rerunning everything.
My tip would be to use Quokka for small code experiments, especially when testing out new JavaScript features. It saves so much time that would otherwise be spent going back and forth between environments.
2. ESLint: Clean Code, Always
This one may sound obvious, but if you're not using ESLint, you’re missing out on more than just linting. Configurable rules can catch bugs early and enforce consistent coding standards across your team.
- It catches common bugs (like accidental globals) that you’d typically only discover after deploying.
- Customizable rules for a strict or relaxed coding environment.
- Integrates well with Prettier, so you don’t have to choose between formatting and linting.
- Pair ESLint with Airbnb’s JavaScript style guide to instantly enforce one of the most widely respected coding standards.
3. Path Intellisense: No More Typo in Imports
Are you tired of typing out long file paths? Path Intellisense autocompletes file paths as you type, minimizing import errors and typos in your JavaScript modules.
In my opinion, it’s a lifesaver:
- Autocompletes paths in real-time as you import files or images.
- Reduces the risk of breaking imports by catching typos.
- Works with aliases and custom paths defined in jsconfig.json or tsconfig.json.
Pro Tip: Combine this with workspace-relative paths for large projects. It makes navigating between folders lightning-fast!
4. Bracket Pair Colorizer 2: Keep Your Code Organized
JavaScript can get pretty messy with all those nested callbacks, promises, and arrow functions. Bracket Pair Colorizer 2 color-codes matching brackets, making it easier to keep track of your code blocks.
It’s worth installing because:
- Visual differentiation between nested brackets.
- You can customize the colors to suit your theme.
- Reduces cognitive load when working with complex code structures like deeply nested objects or functions.
Pro Tip: Configure your settings to colorize more than just parentheses—this tool can handle square brackets, curly braces, and more!
5. Turbo Console Log: Quick Debugging with One Shortcut
Manually typing console.log everywhere just to debug a simple issue is old-school. Turbo Console Log inserts them automatically with a keystroke—and removes them just as easily.
Why it’s a time-saver:
- Automatically generates console.log statements for variables, function parameters, or expressions.
- One-click cleanup of all your debug logs before pushing your code.
- Perfect for quickly inspecting object properties or function outputs without cluttering your code.
Pro Tip: Use this in conjunction with Quokka.js for the ultimate in real-time debugging and feedback.
Which of these extensions do you use? Got any other favorites for JavaScript devs? Drop a comment below!
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