I had 47 VS Code extensions. Now I have 12.
Claude Code (and Cursor) made most of them obsolete. Here's what I uninstalled and why.
Extensions That AI Replaced
1. GitHub Copilot → Claude Code
Copilot autocompletes lines. Claude Code writes entire features, refactors codebases, and debugs issues across multiple files.
It's like comparing a spell-checker to a ghostwriter.
2. REST Client → Claude Code
Before: Write .http files, format requests manually, parse responses.
Now: "Claude, test the /users endpoint with auth token X and tell me if the response matches the schema."
3. Auto Import → Claude Code
Claude automatically adds the right imports when it writes code. It knows which packages you're using.
4. Error Lens → Claude Code
"Claude, what's wrong with this file?" It doesn't just show the error — it explains why and fixes it.
5. TODO Highlight → Not needed
I used to scatter TODOs everywhere. Now I tell Claude: "Find all TODOs in the project and fix the easy ones."
6. Code Spell Checker → Not needed
Claude doesn't make typos. When I write code through Claude, spelling errors don't happen.
Extensions I KEPT
Some things AI can't replace (yet):
| Extension | Why I Keep It |
|---|---|
| GitLens | Visual git blame, file history |
| Prettier | Auto-format on save |
| ESLint | Catch issues in real-time |
| Docker | Container management UI |
| Remote SSH | Edit files on servers |
| Material Theme | I like how it looks |
| Bracket Pair Colors | Readability |
The Uncomfortable Truth
Most VS Code extensions were created to solve problems that AI handles better:
- Snippets → AI generates better, context-aware code
- Linters → AI writes correct code from the start
- Documentation generators → AI writes docs that actually explain things
- Refactoring tools → AI refactors with understanding of business logic
My Current Setup
- VS Code — for editing, file management, terminal
- Claude Code — for complex features, debugging, refactoring
- 12 extensions — for things AI genuinely can't do
Total RAM usage dropped from 2.4GB to 800MB. VS Code starts in 2 seconds instead of 8.
What I'd Recommend
- List your VS Code extensions (
code --list-extensions) - For each one, ask: "Does Claude Code do this better?"
- If yes, disable it for a week
- If you don't miss it, uninstall it
You'll be surprised how many you don't need.
More productivity tools: Awesome Developer Tools 2026 | Terminal Tools article
How many VS Code extensions do you have installed right now? And how many do you actually use? I bet the ratio is interesting. 👇
Dev productivity at dev.to/0012303
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