Visual Studio Code is one of the most flexible editors out there, but the real magic happens when you make it work your way. After trying different setups and tools, I’ve built a simple VS Code workflow that keeps me productive, focused, and less distracted.
Here’s how I organize my VS Code environment for maximum efficiency as a backend developer.
- Keep the Sidebar Clean
I only keep the Explorer, Source Control, and Extensions views pinned. Everything else stays hidden until I need it. A cluttered sidebar slows me down, so if it doesn’t directly help me write or manage code, it’s out of sight.
For quick navigation, I use Ctrl + P to jump to files instantly. It’s faster than scrolling through folders.
- Workspaces Over Folders
Instead of opening individual folders, I use VS Code Workspaces.
Workspaces let me manage multiple related projects together and remember settings like themes, extensions, and formatting rules per project.
For example, my Django and API projects have different linters and interpreters, and workspaces make that possible without conflicts.
- Extensions That Actually Help
I keep my extensions minimal but powerful. Here are the essentials that make a real difference in my daily flow:
Prettier: Automatic formatting that keeps my code consistent.
GitLens: Makes version control easier to understand at a glance.
Pylance: Improves autocompletion and type checking for Python.
Error Lens: Highlights issues directly in the editor, so I catch them early.
Todo Tree: Keeps track of unfinished work through my TODO comments.
I regularly disable or uninstall extensions I no longer use, and performance improves noticeably.
- Terminal Inside VS Code
I stopped switching between my terminal and editor. The integrated terminal is always open at the bottom of my screen.
For backend development, this saves time when running Django servers, managing virtual environments, or testing scripts.
- Themes and Fonts Matter
A comfortable theme is not aesthetic — it’s functional.
I use a light theme during the day and a dark one at night. My current setup is One Dark Pro with Fira Code font (for clean ligatures). It reduces eye strain and makes code blocks easier to scan.
- Auto Save and Format on Save
This might sound small, but turning on Auto Save and Format on Save prevents countless errors and lost changes.
It also helps when switching between branches or testing code quickly; everything stays consistent.
- Keybindings for Speed
Custom shortcuts are the secret to fast navigation.
Ctrl + B → Toggle sidebar
Ctrl + ` → Toggle terminal
Ctrl + / → Comment or uncomment code
These small tweaks save seconds, but over time, they add up.
In Conclusion
Your VS Code setup should reflect how you think and code. The goal isn’t to install every extension available — it’s to build a workspace that reduces friction and keeps you in flow.
Once you personalize VS Code to your habits, you’ll spend less time managing tools and more time writing code that matters.
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