My VSCode Setup
Visual Studio Code is a popular code editor used by developers worldwide due to its flexibility, user-friendly interface, and wide range of extensions. As a developer, it is essential to have a setup that is tailored to your needs and preferences. In this post, I will share my Visual Studio Code setup and how it has helped me streamline my workflow.
At the end of this article, you may find the links for the full configuration.
Introduction
I've been coding for a while now, and one of the most important things for me as a software developer is to feel comfortable with my IDE. A proper IDE setup can help you work better and faster, thereby increasing your overall productivity.
I like Visual Studio Code. And yes, I was captivated for a while by the brilliant lights of JetBrains (who isn't?), but I find their IDEs to be quite heavy and filled with features that I don't really use.
I always end up coming back to VSC. It feels lightweight yet powerful at the same time, and its extension capabilities allow for deep customisation and feature extension, so it’s quite easy to end up with a configuration you’re comfortable with.
That been said, here’s mine:
Layout
I love minimal user interfaces. They provide more focus and fewer distractions.
The logical consequence was to eliminate most of the UI elements that I don't use, which led me to only keep the navigation menu and the editor view space (the remaining elements simply add noise for me).
If there is anything else I need to do that requires additional items to be displayed, such as using the terminal or checking source control, I have a specific shortcut to open/close those elements (as shown below). This way, I can customise the UI on demand as I need it while coding.
The secondary sidebar is positioned on the left, and the terminal is placed at the bottom. This arrangement allows for better utilisation of space, enabling me to have everything open without excessively collapsing the view.
I have published the full configuration in case you want to take a look. You can find it here
Extensions
As I mentioned earlier, Visual Studio Code offers a wide range of extensions that allow you to customise your setup according to your needs. This is one of the strongest aspects of VSC from my perspective and one of the reasons why I have chosen it as my default IDE for work.
Here is the list of my go-to extensions:
I have published the list of my go-to extensions in case you want to take a look. You can find it here
Remember, these are just a few examples, and the choice of extensions depends on your specific needs and preferences. It's always a good idea to explore the Visual Studio Code Marketplace to discover new extensions that can further enhance your coding experience.
When it comes to commenting on some of the extensions I frequently use (aside from the commonly known ones like Prettier, ESLint, etc.), here are a few noteworthy ones:
Jumpy
Jumpy is an extension that offers super fast cursor movement for efficient navigation using the keyboard. While it's not VIM, it allows you to achieve high speeds once you become familiar with it. This extension enhances the speed and ease of moving around your code, making it a valuable tool for keyboard-based navigation.
Commit Message Editor
Simple, yet powerful. It provides a simple form for editing commit messages.
Directory Files
I find it easy to navigate through projects using the keyboard shortcut CMD + P. However, when I'm moving within the same directory, this shortcut may not work optimally. That's where this particular extension comes in handy.
Theme
The theme is indeed one of the first elements that captures our attention when launching Visual Studio Code. Personally, I use the One Dark Pro theme, which is a dark theme featuring vibrant colours. This theme allows me to easily distinguish different parts of my code. Not only is it visually appealing, but it is also comfortable for extended periods of work, as it is easy on the eyes.
Choosing a theme that suits your preferences and enhances your coding experience can contribute to a more enjoyable and productive workflow.
I have published my full theme config in case you want to take a look. You can find it here
Navigation
I'm a keyboard-driven persona when it comes to using VSCode. I find executing actions through commands or shortcuts to be faster and more comfortable for me.
Having specific shortcuts for tasks you perform on a daily basis is a great approach. It allows you to streamline your workflow and save time by quickly accessing frequently used actions. Customising shortcuts to align with your preferences and common tasks can significantly boost your productivity while working in VSCode.
Here is the full list of custom shortcuts I have for VSC
Conclusion
In conclusion, my Visual Studio Code setup has helped me streamline my workflow and improve my productivity. The theme, extensions, and settings that I use have all been carefully selected to suit my needs as a developer. I encourage you to experiment with different setups to find the one that works best for you. Remember, the key to success is finding the right tools and using them to their full potential.