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What are the best VS Code extensions besides Copilot?
These five extensions cover distinct jobs rather than competing to do the same thing. Prettier and ESLint are especially useful together: one formats code consistently, while the other reports rule violations. The Python extension supports a language-specific workflow; GitLens adds repository context; Thunder Client lets you send and organize API requests without switching to a separate desktop client.
| Extension | Best for | Coverage and setup | Automation, sharing, and data | Free or paid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prettier | Consistent code formatting | Formats JavaScript, TypeScript, JSX, JSON, CSS, HTML, Vue, Angular, GraphQL, Markdown, YAML, and other supported formats. A project-local Prettier version and configuration help keep editor and command-line results aligned. Prettier Marketplace README | Can format on save; shared project configuration helps teams use the same rules. | Not stated in the cited Marketplace README. |
| ESLint | JavaScript and TypeScript diagnostics | Integrates ESLint and uses the workspace installation when available. Requires ESLint and project configuration for the rules you want to enforce. ESLint Marketplace README | Reports issues in the editor and supports explicit fix-on-save actions; can use modern flat config such as eslint.config.js. |
Not stated in the cited Marketplace README. |
| GitLens | Git history, branches, and review | Adds file and repository history, a Commit Graph, comparisons, branches, worktrees, pull requests, and rebase and merge actions. GitLens Marketplace listing | Supports history and review workflows within VS Code. | Community is free; Pro adds paid features. The GitKraken/GitLens Marketplace listing reported more than 51 million installations on its page accessed September 30, 2026. |
| Python | Python projects | Provides IntelliSense, debugging, formatting, linting, navigation, refactoring, testing, environment management, and Jupyter notebook support. Requires a supported Python installation and a selected project environment. Microsoft Python extension | Can install Pylance, Python Debugger, and Python Environments as optional companion extensions. | Not stated in the cited Marketplace listing. |
| Thunder Client | REST API requests and collections | A lightweight REST API client focused on simplicity and local storage. Includes collections, environment variables, scriptless testing, Git synchronization, and a CLI for CI/CD reports. Thunder Client Marketplace README | Stores data locally and supports Git synchronization; CLI reports can be used in CI/CD. | Not stated in the cited Marketplace README. |
Which VS Code extension formats code automatically?
Use Prettier for consistent formatting
Prettier is the pick when the goal is to make supported files follow consistent formatting rules. Its project describes it as “an opinionated code formatter”: it parses code and prints it again using its formatting rules. It supports a wide range of common web and text formats, including JavaScript, TypeScript, JSX, JSON, CSS, HTML, Vue, Angular, GraphQL, Markdown, and YAML. See the Prettier extension README for its supported formats and setup.
For a shared project, use a project-local Prettier version and a configuration file. That gives the editor, command line, and other IDE runs the same project rules instead of relying on an individual developer’s global setup. You can enable format-on-save in VS Code after configuring the extension and choosing the formatter for the relevant file types.
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How do I lint JavaScript in VS Code?
Use ESLint for rule-based diagnostics
Install the official VS Code ESLint extension and add ESLint to the project if it is not already present. The extension uses the workspace installation when available, so your editor can apply the project’s own version and rules. Configure the project’s ESLint rules, then open JavaScript or TypeScript files to see diagnostics. The extension documents modern flat configuration, including eslint.config.js, as well as validation settings and explicit fix-on-save actions. Consult the ESLint extension README for the settings supported by the current release.
Prettier and ESLint solve different problems: formatting makes code layout consistent, while linting flags patterns that violate configured rules. If both are in use, configure them deliberately so automatic formatting and lint rules work together rather than assuming either extension replaces the other.
How can I see Git blame and history in VS Code?
Use GitLens for repository context
GitLens is useful when you need to investigate who changed a line or file, when the change happened, and how it fits into repository history. It adds visual file and repository history, a Commit Graph, comparisons, branch and worktree views, pull request support, and rebase and merge actions. Its Marketplace listing describes a free Community edition and additional paid Pro features. GitKraken maintains the open-source extension.
The same listing reported more than 51 million installations when accessed on September 30, 2026; that is a listing figure, not a measure of quality or a guarantee about a particular workflow.
What is the best Python extension for VS Code?
Use Microsoft’s Python extension as the entry point
Microsoft’s Python extension is a strong starting point for Python projects because it brings together IntelliSense, debugging, formatting, linting, code navigation, refactoring, testing, environment management, and Jupyter notebook support. It can also install Pylance, Python Debugger, and Python Environments as optional companion extensions. See the Python extension listing for details.
The extension does not itself replace Python or the project’s environment: install a supported Python interpreter on your system, then select the interpreter or environment you intend to use for the project. A correctly selected environment is important for running, testing, and debugging code against the project’s dependencies.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How do I test REST APIs inside VS Code?
Use Thunder Client for requests and collections
Thunder Client is a lightweight REST API client inside VS Code, aimed at users who want to send and organize requests without moving to another desktop client. Its listed features include request collections, environment variables, scriptless testing, Git synchronization, local storage, and a CLI that can produce CI/CD reports. See the Thunder Client Marketplace README for its feature details.
It is a fit for lightweight API work and request organization. If you need functionality beyond the listed features, check the extension’s current Marketplace documentation before choosing it.
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VS Code extensions can add language support, debuggers, and other tools. Install from the Extensions view or the command line, and identify an extension by its publisher.extension name. Microsoft recommends reviewing the publisher, README, feature contributions, changelog, dependencies, and security information before installing. Third-party extensions have the same permissions as VS Code, so consider publisher trust and requested capabilities. The Marketplace signs published extensions, and VS Code verifies signatures during installation. Read Microsoft’s extension Marketplace guidance before adding extensions to a sensitive workspace.
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