7 BEST VS Code Extensions for Faster Development — 2026 Edition 🚀

Source: Dev.to

Roo Code

Roo Code takes #1 this year. I had an awesome experience with it. Key features include:

• Roo Code Cloud with PR reviews, remote task creation, and more
• Bring your own API key from any of multiple supported providers, including OpenRouter
• Built‑in advanced context management
• Codebase indexing

Roo Code runs right in your IDE where you do your coding, so if you’re a developer who likes to use AI a lot, this is a great pick.

ext install RooVeterinaryInc.roo-cline

Peacock

Super useful if you have lots of VS Code windows in a workspace open at once. Peacock lets you color‑code each window, making it easy to identify them quickly. It’s a small UI tweak that can save a lot of mental overhead.

ext install johnpapa.vscode-peacock

Console Ninja

Console Ninja lets you view logs from an application you’re running right inside your IDE. For example, with a Vite app that contains console.log statements, you can see those logs directly next to the code. This is especially handy when debugging with AI tools, as you can easily pass console context to your assistants.

ext install WallabyJs.console-ninja

WakaTime

WakaTime is a website and extension that tracks the time you spend programming. It provides insights about the languages you use most, coding trends, goal setting, and more.

ext install WakaTime.vscode-wakatime

Code Spell Checker

A must‑have for anyone picky about spelling. The extension highlights spelling errors and offers correct suggestions in the Quick Fix menu.

ext install streetsidesoftware.code-spell-checker

Thunder Client

Thunder Client is like Postman but runs natively inside VS Code. It lets you send test API requests, manage collections, sync with Git, and even integrates with AI via its MCP server.

ext install rangav.vscode-thunder-client

Better Comments

Better Comments makes it easy to categorize your comments with visual tags. Default tags include:

• ! – Alert
• ? – Query
• TODO – TODO
• * – Important
• // – Strike‑through

You can customize tags in the extension settings. Example JSON configuration:

{
  "tag": "!",
  "color": "#FF2D00",
  "strikethrough": false,
  "underline": false,
  "backgroundColor": "transparent",
  "bold": false,
  "italic": false
}

After changing settings, reload the window (Ctrl+Shift+P → Developer: Reload Window).

ext install aaron-bond.better-comments

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That’s it! Hopefully you found this article interesting and useful. Let me know what you think in the comments. Every part of this article is hand‑written, no AI used! If you spot any mistakes, feel free to point them out.