Exposure in the Workplace - VS Code Extensions
Tags: development, vscode
Published: 2023-10-03 13:13:43

Aw yeah, it's that time again...time to expose ourselves! 

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/hfmwxlyjusjjwkv9xpqt.gif)

But not really...

In this episode of Exposure in the Workplace, we're going to take a look at 5 awesome VS Code extensions I use almost daily, and that I find super helpful.

So let's head on into the conference room before Michael wakes up from his chicken pot pie nap!

## Postman

![the Postman extension open within VS Code](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/uk73x7hl39q5otzxjz0j.png)

If you've ever worked with APIs, you've likely to have at least heard of Postman. If not, you should absolutely check it out, because it makes life very convenient my allowing you to easily make requests to APIs without having to build a client do handle them. But even if you've used Postman for years, you may not know that there is a Postman VS Code extension that allows you to use the power of Postman, without having to leave your editor! 🤯

![Jim Halpert from The Office smiling in stunned disbelief](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/nqsdot4rpudhf6771g21.gif)

Yep, you read that correctly...no more changing your code inside VS Code and then having to switch to the app or browser to re-run the request. With this extension you can do it all within your editor!

The UI is very intuitive, and if you're already familiar with Postman, you'll be right at home because the UI is very similar to the app. 

Since installing this extension, I haven't had to open the Desktop app. I use it almost daily, and I must say that this extension is easily in my top 3 favs! 

Install it [here](https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=Postman.postman-for-vscode)!


## Draw.io integration

![Draw.io integration open inside VS Code](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/vhpy3z3o9n8ejoqk9ez9.png)

If you've ever had to put together a flow chart or similar diagram, you may have already used Draw.io, a free diagramming tool that's super handy. Well guess what...You can now use it directly in your editor! 

![Erin from The Office standing and celebrating](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/c8socv8cu4q8e7ywpyns.gif)

You can even save the `.drawio` file in your project to keep the documentation close to your code...or save it somewhere else...you're call!

Install it [here](https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=hediet.vscode-drawio)!


## Code Spell Checker

![a screenshot of code spell checker adding a blue squiggly line under a misspelled word with the auto-fix popover open](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/2ngwis5bxvocx9ad3hyx.png)

Have you ever misspelled a word in a variable or function name? Wish there was spellcheck for code? Look no further! This little extension is fantastic, and has saved me from looking like a dope more times than I can count...I bet Michael wishes he had used this to avoid missing that "Dwigt" in Threat Level Midnight.

It's non-intrusive and allows you to store new words at different levels (user, project) which is quite handy imo!

Install it [here](https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=streetsidesoftware.code-spell-checker)!


## Emojisense

![Dwight from The Office doing karate, and on every strike an emoji appears](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/t3xsybexh4rz2b9rxp2e.gif)

Who doesn't 💕 a good emoji⁉️ With this little extension, now you can ➕ them to your editor❗️

From ➕ing a little fun to some documentation 🗒️, to drawing attention to important comments and markdown content, I 🩷 this extension and use it everyday. 

Install it [here](https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=bierner.emojisense)!


## Better Comments

![Several comments styled in different colors from the Better Comments extension](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/fafhf1u93o1l2b9z9cqh.png)

I know there are some very strong opinions out there about writing comments in code...but if you find yourself on the side of including them, this extension is for you.

![Michael Scott pointing enthusiastically at the camera](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/j2r06q7w0mm5nhnwoo3q.gif)

With just the basic configuration, you can quickly and easily add styling to comments just by adding a simple tag in front of them. This styling can add importance and attention to important pieces of information you don't want to lose track of.

Install it [here](https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=aaron-bond.better-comments)!


## This Meeting is Over

Well hopefully you discovered something new here that will make your development life just a little bit better! Maybe with these tools at your disposal, next time it won't be so hard.

![Michael Scott from The Office saying, "That's what she said."](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/8dgjx95zkrtgqfzjf1cz.gif)

If you have your favorite VS Code extensions, I would love to hear about them!

Thanks for taking the time to expose yourself. Until next time, Happy Hacking!