The 5 Best VSCode Extensions for Next.js Developers

If you're new to Next.js development and are serious about making your process smoother, faster, and straight-up better, this guide is for you. Visual Studio Code (VSCode) is already the best editor, but the real magic happens when you add the right extensions. Here are my top five VSCode extensions you should absolutely consider adding to your setup, plus a bonus one because I couldn't pick just five.

GitHub Copilot

Let's start with GitHub Copilot, the AI-powered code completion extension built by GitHub and OpenAI. Imagine having a super-intelligent assistant who's got your back 24/7 and ready to help finish your code snippets, write functions, and even bang out entire modules.

For example, Copilot can suggest multiple ways to handle edge cases or autocomplete your thought-out logic while working on a form validation feature. It literally feels like it's reading your mind, only a million times faster. It's like having a seasoned developer by your side, whispering best practices and efficient code structures.

Why use it:

  • It significantly speeds up your coding by suggesting code snippets in real time.
  • Reduces the need to constantly Google or check documentation.
  • It learns from your coding style to make highly relevant suggestions over time.

ES7+ React/Redux/React-Native Snippets

This extension is a serious time saver. It provides a massive set of snippets for React, Redux, and React Native, allowing you to write more code in less time.

For example, typing rafce instantly creates a blank Arrow Function Component with export. If you're tired of rewriting boilerplate code, these snippets will save you loads of time.

Why use it:

  • Predefined snippets help avoid boilerplate code and reduce typos.
  • Supports ES7 modules, React, React Native, and Redux.
  • Dramatically accelerates the development process, especially for common tasks.

Console Ninja

Debugging is an inevitable part of development, and Console Ninja makes it much more manageable. This extension captures console.log output and displays it in-line right on the page or in a separate, organized, and searchable console panel. Also, placing one console.log() in any function will show you the output of everything else. And combing through trace logs is a thing of the past with Console Ninja. Simply drop a console.trace() into your document and see trace logs in-line in real-time.

For example, if you're trying to debug an issue with your Next.js API routes, Console Ninja can help you filter and search through logs much more efficiently and thoroughly than the standard terminal output.

Why use it:

  • Organizes console logs, stack traces, and errors, making them easier to sift through.
  • Keeps logs within VSCode, minimizing context-switching.
  • Searchable logs help you trace issues faster and more accurately.
Console ninja inline log and hover preview

Tailwind CSS IntelliSense

Tailwind CSS is rapidly becoming the go-to styling framework for many Next.js developers. With Tailwind CSS IntelliSense, you get intelligent autocomplete, hover preview, and linting, making writing cleaner and more efficient styles easier.

For example, while adding classes to your JSX elements, the IntelliSense feature will suggest valid Tailwind CSS classes and underscore any invalid ones, ensuring you don't waste time debugging class name errors.

Why use it:

  • Autocomplete speeds up your styling process immensely.
  • Real-time linting helps you catch errors early.
  • The hover preview shows the CSS class.
Tailwind CSS hover preview demo

Next.js Snippets

As Next.js developers, we often find ourselves writing the same kinds of code over and over. Next.js Snippets provides ready-to-use code snippets for both the app and page directories so you can focus on what makes your application unique.

For example, typing nalayout will scaffold a new Next.js layout component for the app directory. And it's smart enough to know whether you're using typescript or javascript. These snippets help you stay consistent and move faster.

Why use it:

  • Accelerates common Next.js tasks with handy snippets.
  • Ensures consistent coding patterns across your project.
  • Eliminates the repetitive code boilerplate, leaving you more time for the fun stuff.

Bonus: Thunder Client

While not exclusively for Next.js, Thunder Client is incredibly useful for API testing. Think of it as a lightweight Postman built right into your coding environment. Testing your Next.js API endpoints has never been easier.

For example, you can define your API routes directly within Thunder Client and test them without leaving your editor. It's perfect for ensuring your back-end and front-end are communicating flawlessly.

Benefits:

  • Simplifies API testing with an integrated client.
  • Keeps you within VSCode, allowing for a smoother workflow.
  • User-friendly interface with a minimal learning curve.

Conclusion

Enhancing your VSCode setup with these extensions will no doubt make your development more efficient, enjoyable, and higher quality. And remember to give Thunder Client a try for all your API testing needs.

Give them a shot, and let me know how they improve your developer experience.

Got any other must-have extensions? Send me a note or hit me up on Twitter. Happy coding!