10 VS Code Extensions Worth Considering for C# and Web Development

Programming · By Kashmitha Madushan · 4 November 2026

Extensions make VS Code more comfortable, but installing everything in the marketplace is a quick way to end up with a cluttered editor. A smaller set is easier to understand, update and troubleshoot. Here are ten extensions or extension categories worth evaluating if you work with C#, React, HTML and APIs.

Start with your language support

1. C# Dev Kit: Microsoft's tooling for C# development. Check its prerequisites and licensing before using it at work.
2. C#: Microsoft's language extension provides language services that support many C# workflows.
3. ESLint: surfaces lint findings in JavaScript and React code when your project has ESLint configured.
4. Prettier: formats supported files consistently; decide whether it or another formatter owns each language.
5. EditorConfig: applies repository-level indentation and whitespace conventions.

Tools that improve daily navigation

6. GitLens: explores Git history and blame information without repeatedly switching to a terminal.
7. REST Client: lets you keep simple HTTP requests in text files, useful for quick API experiments.
8. SQLTools: offers database connections and query tooling; add only the driver you actually need.
9. Docker: provides container-related editing and exploration when your project uses containers.
10. GitHub Actions: assists with workflow files and helps make CI configuration easier to navigate.

My suggested minimal installation

For a beginner C# Web API project, start with C# support, EditorConfig, and one formatter. Add ESLint if you have a React frontend. Only install Docker and GitHub Actions extensions after your repository starts using those tools.

How to judge whether an extension is useful

Open Extensions with Ctrl+Shift+X, verify the publisher, review recent updates, and read the extension's permission and setup requirements. Try it in a single project before making it part of every workspace. If the editor suddenly slows down, temporarily disable recently installed extensions and compare.

A mistake to avoid

Don't enable multiple competing formatters for the same file type and then wonder why code changes after each save. Commit a shared .editorconfig and document your team's formatter choice.

Bottom line: a purposeful extension list beats a large collection of plugins you never use.

Further reading: Official reference documentation.

Kashmitha Madushan writes about development, DevOps, Unity and practical software workflows. Examples are educational drafts; check the steps in your own environment before relying on them.