12 VS Code Extensions I Install on Every New Setup (2026) I've tried hundreds. These are the ones that actually make me faster. The Essentials 1. Error Lens Shows error/warning messages inline, right next to the code. No more hovering over red squiggles. Why it matters: I estimate this saves me 30+ minutes per day. No more moving my mouse to see what's wrong. 2. GitHub Copilot AI-powered code completion. Not perfect, but consistently saves keystrokes. Pro tip: Use Tab to accept, then edit. Don't blindly accept full suggestions — they often need tweaking. 3. GitLens Git blame, history, and diff — without leaving the editor. My most-used feature: Ctrl+Shift+P → "GitLens: Open Changed Files" after pulling. Instantly see what changed. 4. TODO Highlight Highlights TODO, FIXME, HACK, and BUG comments in your code. Why: Makes it impossible to forget about the shortcuts you left for yourself. Productivity 5. Multi Command Run multiple VS Code commands with one keybinding.…