Top 20 VS Code Extensions - A Countdown

We’re counting down the top 20 most downloaded (as of this writing) Visual Studio Code extensions. These are the tools that millions of developers use daily to improve productivity, streamline their workflows, and make coding more efficient. Visit the VS Code extension market place here but for now, let’s dive into the list!

20. Debugger for Java – 35.1M downloads 🚀

Starting off, Debugger for Java provides seamless debugging features for Java developers, making it easier to inspect variables and step through code with ease. Whether you're working on personal projects or enterprise applications, this extension ensures reliable debugging support.

19. GitLens – 35.6M downloads 🔧

GitLens transforms the way you manage your Git repository within VS Code. With features like blame annotations and detailed commit history, this extension makes tracking code changes intuitive and visual, which is ideal for teams collaborating on large projects.

18. C/C++ Themes – 35.7M downloads 🎨

Up next, C/C++ Themes allows developers to add a personal touch to their VS Code environment. These themes are built specifically for C and C++ projects, giving your workspace a more customized, aesthetic look while maintaining clarity.

17. Docker – 37.9M downloads 🐳

For developers working with containers, Docker is an essential tool. It integrates seamlessly into VS Code, allowing you to manage, build, and debug Docker containers all from the editor, simplifying container-based development.

16. CMake Tools – 38M downloads ⚙️

CMake Tools makes managing and building C++ projects effortless. It automates the configuration and building of CMake-based projects, reducing errors and improving workflow efficiency, particularly for cross-platform development.

15. ESLint – 38.1M downloads 🧹

A favorite among JavaScript developers, ESLint catches syntax errors and enforces coding standards as you type. It’s a key tool for keeping your codebase clean, readable, and free of common bugs, especially when working in large teams.

14. CMake – 38.1M downloads 🔨

Similar to CMake Tools, CMake helps you generate build files for your cross-platform C++ projects. It’s essential for developers needing to handle complex build systems across multiple operating systems.

13. Language Support for Java – 38.8M downloads ☕

This extension provides comprehensive Java support, including IntelliSense, refactoring, and debugging. If you’re developing in Java, Language Support for Java gives you everything you need to code efficiently within VS Code.

12. Jupyter Slide Show – 44.9M downloads 🎥

Turn your Jupyter Notebooks into interactive slide shows with this extension. It’s perfect for educators and professionals who need to present both data and code, making it easy to transition between explanation and demonstration.

11. Jupyter Cell Tags – 44.9M downloads 🏷️

For those managing large Jupyter Notebooks, Jupyter Cell Tags helps you keep your work organized by tagging specific cells. This is especially useful for complex data science projects, making navigation easier.

Halfway through! The top 10 most popular extensions are coming up next. These tools are essential for developers across different disciplines

10. IntelliCode – 47.3M downloads 🤖

Next up, IntelliCode uses AI to suggest code completions based on millions of open-source projects. It speeds up your workflow by predicting what code you’ll need next, helping you write better, cleaner code faster.

9. Python Debugger – 48.3M downloads 🔍

Python developers can’t live without Python Debugger. With the ability to set breakpoints, step through code, and inspect variables, it provides all the tools necessary for efficient debugging.

8. Prettier - Code Formatter – 49.6M downloads ✨

Keeping code clean and consistent is crucial for any project, and Prettier does just that. It formats your code automatically according to predefined rules, making it a staple for any team working on large projects.

7. Live Server – 54.5M downloads 🌐

For web developers, Live Server is a game-changer. It launches a local server with live reload, letting you see changes to your HTML, CSS, or JavaScript in real-time. And if you’re already using this, check out our recent video on Remote Tunnels, which takes your remote access to the next level!

6. Jupyter Notebook Renderers – 63.4M downloads 📈

For data scientists, Jupyter Notebook Renderers enhances how visual outputs like plots and images are rendered within your notebook. Whether you’re building complex data visualizations or analyzing results, this extension ensures everything looks professional.

We’re down to the top 5! These are the most downloaded extensions in the VS Code Marketplace, relied upon by millions of developers every day.

5. Jupyter Keymap – 64.6M downloads 🧠

Bringing familiar Jupyter shortcuts to VS Code, Jupyter Keymap makes working with notebooks smoother and faster. If you're frequently toggling between notebooks and the editor, this extension helps you stay efficient.

4. C/C++ – 71.6M downloads 💻

One of the most essential tools for C and C++ developers, C/C++ offers full support for code navigation, IntelliSense, and debugging. It’s a must-have for anyone working on embedded systems, game development, or system programming.

3. Jupyter – 83.1M downloads 📊

Jupyter brings all the power of Jupyter Notebooks into VS Code. It’s ideal for data scientists and researchers who want to code, analyze, and visualize data without ever leaving the editor.

2. Pylance – 111M downloads ⚡

For Python developers, Pylance offers fast IntelliSense and type checking. Paired with the Python extension, it makes Python development faster and more accurate, ensuring your code is clean and error-free.

1. Python – 139M downloads 🐍

And finally, the most popular extension is Python! With 139 million downloads, it’s the cornerstone of Python development in VS Code, providing everything from linting and IntelliSense to debugging and formatting. It’s a must-have for anyone working with Python.

Honorable mention goes to the Remote Tunnels extension. While it didn’t make the list of the most downloaded extensions, Remote Tunnels deserves special recognition. This extension is so valuable that it has now been fully integrated into VS Code, meaning you no longer need to install it separately! To learn more about how it works and how it can improve your remote development setup, check out this video.

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