Visual Studio Code (VS Code) is one of the most popular code editors in the world. It’s lightweight, extensible, and packed with features — but most developers only scratch the surface.
Here are 12 tips and tricks to help you code faster, smarter, and with less frustration in VS Code:
1. Multi-Cursor Editing ✍️
Press Alt (Windows/Linux) or Option (Mac) + Click to place multiple cursors. Perfect for editing variables in multiple places at once.
2. Quick File Navigation 📂
Press Ctrl + P (Windows/Linux) or Cmd + P (Mac) to instantly open files by name.
3. Command Palette 🚀
Hit Ctrl + Shift + P or Cmd + Shift + P to access everything in VS Code. Extensions, settings, and commands — all in one place.
4. Built-in Git Integration 🐙
- View changes inline.
- Stage/commit directly from the editor.
- Use the Source Control sidebar for an easy workflow.
5. IntelliSense & Snippets 🧠
VS Code suggests variables, functions, and libraries as you type.
You can also type rafce (if using React snippets extension) and generate a full component instantly.
6. Integrated Terminal 🖥️
Open a terminal inside VS Code with:
Ctrl + `
No more switching between editor and terminal windows.
7. Extensions Marketplace 🛒
Some must-have extensions:
- Prettier → Code formatting.
- ESLint → JavaScript/TypeScript linting.
- GitLens → Supercharge Git insights.
- Docker → Manage containers.
- Live Server → Hot reload for web projects.
8. Zen Mode 🧘
Hide distractions with Zen Mode:
Ctrl + K Z
9. Peek & Go to Definition 🔍
Right-click a function → "Peek Definition" to view inline.
Or press F12 to jump to the definition directly.
10. Emmet for Faster HTML/CSS ⚡
Type ul>li*5 and hit Tab → VS Code expands it into 5 list items. Huge time saver for frontend devs.
11. Settings Sync ☁️
Sync extensions, settings, and themes across devices with your GitHub or Microsoft account.
12. Custom Keybindings 🎹
Change shortcuts in File > Preferences > Keyboard Shortcuts. Tailor VS Code to your workflow.
🏆 Wrapping Up
VS Code is more than just a text editor — it’s a full development powerhouse. By using these tips, you’ll speed up your workflow and write code with fewer headaches.
💬 Which VS Code trick do you use the most? Do you have a hidden gem to share? Drop it in the comments 👇
Top comments (0)