What Are Extensions in VS Code? How to Install and Use Them

What Are Extensions in VS Code? How to Install and Use Them

Quick Answer

VS Code extensions are add-ons that extend the functionality of Visual Studio Code. They can add programming-language support, debuggers, formatters, linters, themes, snippets and other tools that make coding easier and more productive.

You can find extensions through the Extensions view in VS Code, search for the tool you need, review its publisher and details, and install it directly. VS Code also allows you to disable, update and uninstall extensions when necessary. Visual Studio Code

If you are learning web development, Python, JavaScript or another programming language, learning how to use extensions properly can make your development workflow much easier.

Introduction

If you have started learning how to code with Visual Studio Code, you have probably noticed something called Extensions.

Maybe you have also seen developers install things like formatters, language support tools, live preview tools and other add-ons and wondered:

What exactly are these extensions?

And more importantly:

• What are extensions in VS Code?
• Why are extensions important?
• How do you install them?
• How do you use them?
• Which extensions should you install?
• Are VS Code extensions safe?
• What should you do when an extension stops working?

These are common questions, especially when you are still getting comfortable with VS Code.

In this guide, we will break down VS Code extensions in simple terms and show you how to find, install, use and manage them.

What Are Extensions in VS Code?

A VS Code extension is an add-on that gives Visual Studio Code additional functionality.

Think about VS Code as your main workspace for writing code.

Extensions allow you to customise that workspace according to what you are building and the programming language you are using.

For example, an extension can help you:

• write Python code
• format your code
• identify coding errors
• work with JavaScript
• write HTML and CSS
• debug applications
• use Git more effectively
• add snippets
• work with databases
• change the appearance of your editor
• improve your development workflow

Microsoft describes extensions as tools that add languages, debuggers and other capabilities to VS Code. Visual Studio Code

So, instead of installing a completely different code editor every time you need a new feature, you can often extend VS Code with the appropriate extension.

Why Are Extensions Important in VS Code?

Extensions are useful because they allow you to make VS Code fit the type of work you are doing.

For example, someone learning Python may need different tools from someone building websites with HTML, CSS and JavaScript.

A web developer might want tools for:

• HTML
• CSS
• JavaScript
• formatting
• debugging
• Git
• browser development

A Python developer might need:

• Python language support
• code completion
• debugging
• testing
• formatting
• linting

This means there is no single list of extensions that every developer must install.

The better question is:

What am I trying to build, and which extension can genuinely help me do that better?

That is a more useful way to choose extensions.

How to Open Extensions in VS Code

You can open the Extensions view directly inside VS Code.

Method 1: Use the Extensions icon

Open VS Code and look at the Activity Bar.

Select the Extensions icon.

Method 2: Use the keyboard shortcut

On Windows and Linux:

Ctrl + Shift + X

On macOS:

Shift + Command + X

This opens the Extensions view, where you can search for and manage extensions. Visual Studio Code

How to Install Extensions in VS Code

Installing an extension is straightforward.

Step 1: Open VS Code

Launch Visual Studio Code on your computer.

Step 2: Open Extensions

Click the Extensions icon or use:

Ctrl + Shift + X

Step 3: Search for the extension

Type the name of the extension, programming language or tool you need into the search box.

For example, you could search for:

Python

or

Prettier

Step 4: Check the extension details

Before installing an extension, look at information such as:

• extension name
• publisher
• description
• install count
• ratings
• README
• dependencies
• recent updates

VS Code provides these details on the extension’s page. Visual Studio Code

Step 5: Click Install

Select Install.

Once installation is complete, the button changes to a Manage button.

That’s it.

You have installed your first VS Code extension.

How to Use Extensions in VS Code

Installing an extension does not always mean you need to do anything else.

Some extensions work automatically after installation.

Others add new commands, settings, buttons or features to VS Code.

For example, an extension might:

• automatically format your code
• highlight errors
• add code suggestions
• introduce a new command
• provide debugging tools
• add language support
• add new settings

The extension’s details page normally explains what it does and how to configure it.

You can also check its README and settings if you need additional configuration. Visual Studio Code

What Are the Best VS Code Extensions?

There is no universal list of the “best” extensions.

The right extensions depend on what you are learning or building.

However, some common categories can help you understand what to look for.

1. Language Extensions

These provide support for specific programming languages.

For example, if you are learning Python, you may install Python-related extensions.

If you are working with JavaScript, you may need extensions that improve your JavaScript development workflow.

2. Code Formatting Extensions

Formatting extensions help keep your code organised and consistently structured.

One example is Prettier, which is widely used for code formatting.

Instead of manually fixing spacing and formatting throughout your project, a formatter can do much of this work for you.

3. Linting Extensions

Linters help identify potential problems or inconsistencies in your code.

For example, JavaScript developers may use ESLint to identify issues and enforce coding rules.

The important thing is to understand what a linter is actually helping you solve rather than installing one simply because another developer uses it.

4. Debugging Extensions

Some extensions add or improve debugging support for specific programming languages and development environments.

This can help you investigate why your application is not behaving as expected.

5. Git and GitHub Extensions

Extensions can also improve your workflow when working with Git and GitHub.

This can be particularly useful when you are working on projects, tracking changes or collaborating with other developers.

However, remember that Git and GitHub themselves are not VS Code extensions.

VS Code already includes built-in source control functionality, while additional extensions can provide extra features.

6. Live Development Extensions

If you are learning HTML, CSS and JavaScript, you may come across extensions that make it easier to preview your website while developing it.

These can be useful when you want to quickly see how changes to your code affect the webpage.

What Extensions Should I Install for VS Code?

If you are just starting, don’t install dozens of extensions immediately.

Start with the tools you actually need.

For example:

If you are learning HTML and CSS

You might look for extensions that help with:

• formatting
• live preview
• HTML/CSS development
• code snippets

If you are learning JavaScript

You might need:

• JavaScript development tools
• formatting
• linting
• debugging

If you are learning Python

Look for:

• Python language support
• code completion
• debugging
• formatting
• linting

If you are working with Git

You can explore extensions that improve your Git workflow.

The important principle is:

Install extensions because they solve a problem you have, not because you want your VS Code to look like someone else’s.

Are VS Code Extensions Safe?

This is an important question.

Not every extension should be installed without checking it first.

VS Code provides several mechanisms to help protect users from malicious extensions, including publisher trust and other marketplace security measures. Visual Studio Code

When installing an extension, pay attention to:

1. The publisher

Check who created or published the extension.

2. The extension description

Read what the extension actually does.

3. Reviews and ratings

These can provide useful signals, although they should not be your only source of judgement.

4. Install numbers

A large number of installations can provide context, but popularity alone does not automatically mean an extension is right for your project.

5. README and documentation

Read the extension’s documentation to understand what it does and whether it requires additional configuration.

6. Permissions and trust prompts

VS Code can ask you to confirm that you trust an extension publisher when installing extensions from third-party publishers. Extensions have the same permissions as VS Code itself, so this is something you should take seriously. Visual Studio Code

How to Download Extensions in VS Code

In most cases, you do not need to download an extension manually.

The easiest method is to:

1. Open VS Code.
2. Open the Extensions view.
3. Search for the extension.
4. Review its information.
5. Click Install.

VS Code downloads and installs the extension from the Visual Studio Marketplace. Visual Studio Code

There is also an option to install an extension manually from a .vsix file when necessary.

How to Uninstall an Extension in VS Code

Sometimes you install an extension and later realise that you no longer need it.

You can remove it.

Step 1

Open the Extensions view.

Step 2

Find the extension you want to remove.

Step 3

Select the Manage gear icon.

Step 4

Select Uninstall.

VS Code will remove the extension and may ask you to restart the extension host. Visual Studio Code

How to Disable an Extension Without Uninstalling It

You don’t always need to uninstall an extension.

Maybe you only want to stop it temporarily.

VS Code allows you to disable an extension.

You can disable it:

• globally
• for a particular workspace

This can be useful when an extension is causing a problem or when you only need it for certain projects. Visual Studio Code

What If Extensions Are Not Loading in VS Code?

If your extension is not working, don’t immediately assume that VS Code is broken.

Try these steps:

1. Check whether the extension is enabled

Open the Extensions view and check its status.

2. Restart the extension host

VS Code provides a Restart Extensions command.

3. Check the extension documentation

Look at the README and configuration requirements.

4. Check whether the extension needs another tool

Some extensions require additional software such as compilers, debuggers or command-line tools. Visual Studio Code

5. Temporarily disable other extensions

Sometimes another extension can interfere with your workflow.

VS Code also provides an Extension Bisect utility that can help identify problematic extensions. Visual Studio Code

How to Update Extensions in VS Code

VS Code can automatically update extensions.

If you prefer to manage updates manually, you can turn off automatic updates and update extensions yourself.

You can also use the Extensions view to identify extensions that have available updates. Visual Studio Code

Keeping extensions updated can give you access to bug fixes and newer features, but you should still pay attention to whether an update changes how your workflow behaves.

How to See All Installed Extensions

If you want to check what is currently installed on your computer:

1. Open the Extensions view.
2. Open the additional actions menu.
3. Select the installed extensions view.

VS Code also provides an @installed filter for finding installed extensions. Visual Studio Code

This is useful if your VS Code has become crowded with extensions and you want to review what you actually use.

How to Uninstall All Extensions in VS Code

You do not have to remove extensions one by one if you want to quickly disable everything.

VS Code provides a:

Disable All Installed Extensions

command.

This can be useful when troubleshooting a problem because you can temporarily disable all extensions and then enable them again individually to identify what is causing the issue. Visual Studio Code

I would not recommend uninstalling everything simply because VS Code feels slow. First identify whether an extension is actually causing the problem.

Why You Should Not Install Too Many VS Code Extensions

When you discover the Extensions Marketplace, it can be tempting to install everything.

You see an extension that changes your theme.

Another that adds icons.

Another that promises better coding.

Another that someone recommends on YouTube.

Before you know it, you have dozens installed.

But more extensions do not automatically mean better development.

A better approach is:

Need → Find → Check → Install → Use → Review

If an extension doesn’t solve a real problem for you, you probably don’t need it.

This also makes troubleshooting easier.

How VS Code Extensions Can Help You Learn Web Development

If you are learning web development, VS Code can become your main coding environment.

You may use it to create:

• HTML pages
• CSS stylesheets
• JavaScript applications
• websites
• web applications
• project files

Extensions can then improve parts of that workflow.

For example, instead of simply writing code and stopping there, you can use appropriate tools to:

Write → Format → Check → Debug → Test → Improve

That is much closer to how development works in real projects.

And this is one reason learning how to use your development tools is part of learning web development itself.

VS Code Extensions and Your Projects

One thing I would encourage beginners to do is to avoid learning extensions only through tutorials.

Actually use them while building something.

For example, if you are learning HTML and CSS, create a simple website.

Then ask:

• What part of my workflow is slow?
• What keeps going wrong?
• Is there an extension that solves this problem?
• Do I understand what the extension is doing?
• Does it actually improve my workflow?

This approach helps you learn why you are using a tool instead of simply copying someone else’s setup.

How to Choose the Right VS Code Extension

Before installing an extension, ask yourself these five questions:

1. What problem does this extension solve?

If you cannot answer this, you probably don’t need it yet.

2. Who published it?

Check the publisher.

3. What does the documentation say?

Read the description and README.

4. Does it work with my project?

An extension designed for one programming language may not be useful for another.

5. Do I actually need it?

Avoid installing extensions simply because they are popular.

Why VS Code Extensions Matter for Students at Mita School

For someone learning technology, the goal should not be to memorise a list of tools.

The goal is to understand how to use tools to build things.

At Mita School, students learning technology need more than theoretical knowledge. They need to practise using the tools that support their work, build projects and become comfortable with the development environment they are working in.

For a student learning web development, for example, understanding VS Code, Git, GitHub and the tools around them can become part of the practical workflow.

The important thing is not how many extensions you have installed.

It is whether you can use your tools effectively to create and improve real projects.

Common Questions About VS Code Extensions

What are the extensions in VS Code?

VS Code extensions are add-ons that expand the capabilities of Visual Studio Code. They can provide language support, debugging tools, formatters, linters, snippets, themes and other development features. Visual Studio Code

How do I add extensions to VS Code?

Open the Extensions view using Ctrl + Shift + X, search for the extension you need, review its details and select Install. Visual Studio Code

Where do I find extensions in VS Code?

You can find them in the Extensions view inside VS Code or through the Visual Studio Marketplace. Visual Studio Code

Are VS Code extensions safe?

Extensions can be useful and safe, but you should still check the publisher, documentation and other available information before installing them. VS Code provides security measures around extension publishers and packages. Visual Studio Code

Can I uninstall VS Code extensions?

Yes. Open the Extensions view, select the Manage gear icon next to the extension and choose Uninstall. Visual Studio Code

Can I disable an extension instead of uninstalling it?

Yes. VS Code allows you to disable extensions globally or for a particular workspace. Visual Studio Code

Why are extensions important in VS Code?

They allow developers to customise VS Code and add functionality that supports their particular programming language, project or workflow.

What is the best extension for coding?

There is no single best extension for everyone. The best choice depends on the programming language, project and problem you are trying to solve.

Final Thoughts

Learning VS Code is not just about knowing where to type your code.

It is also about understanding the tools around your code.

VS Code extensions can make development easier, but you do not need dozens of them to become a good developer.

Start with the basics.

Learn what an extension does, install only the tools you need, understand how to manage them and gradually build a development environment that supports the type of projects you are working on.

Most importantly, build something with the tools you are learning.

That is where the real learning happens.

If you are interested in learning web development and other digital skills in a practical environment, you can explore the courses available at Mita School.

Need help choosing a tech skill to learn?

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