Visual Studio Code New Update is Awsome

Shahab Hasan
3 min readApr 8, 2024

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In the dynamic world of software development, efficiency and convenience in the coding environment can significantly impact productivity. The latest update to Visual Studio Code (VSC), a beloved Integrated Development Environment (IDE) among developers, brings a suite of enhancements designed to streamline the coding process, making it more intuitive and less disruptive.

Extension Updates Made Effortless

One of the most eagerly awaited features has finally been introduced: the ability to update extensions without the need to restart the entire IDE. This improvement addresses a longstanding inconvenience, allowing developers to continue their work uninterrupted while individual extensions are refreshed in the background. This change not only saves time but also reduces the friction in maintaining an optimal development environment.

Navigating with Ease: Enhanced Mini Map and Labels

The mini map feature of VSC, which provides a bird’s eye view of your code, now offers enhanced navigability through the introduction of custom markers. By simply adding a “Mark” comment next to important sections of your code, these markers become visible on the mini map, facilitating quick navigation between significant points.

Additionally, VSC has introduced customizable labels for open tabs. This feature is particularly useful in projects with multiple files of the same name, such as “index.html”, situated in different directories. By customizing tab labels to include directory information, developers can easily distinguish between files at a glance, significantly improving workflow efficiency.

Unparalleled Flexibility with Detachable Tabs

The ability to detach tabs and move them to other monitors was a much-anticipated feature that caters to developers who utilize multiple screens. This functionality has been expanded to include not just code files but also markdown files and other rendered content, enhancing the flexibility and usability of the workspace. It’s important to note, however, that moving these tabs will prompt a one-time refresh, a minor inconvenience for the added versatility.

Locked Scrolling for Comparative Analysis

For developers who often find themselves comparing code side-by-side, the new locked scrolling feature will prove invaluable. This addition allows for synchronized scrolling of two files, making line-by-line comparison more manageable and less prone to errors.

Streamlining with Native Code Coverage Support

The inclusion of native code coverage support in VSC is a significant boon for testing and debugging. By providing insights into which parts of the code have been executed during tests, developers can identify untested paths, improving code quality and reliability.

The March Update: A Leap Forward

The March update for Visual Studio Code represents a significant leap forward in enhancing the developer experience. By addressing common pain points and introducing new features that promote efficiency and flexibility, VSC continues to solidify its position as the preferred IDE for developers worldwide. Whether it’s through making extension updates seamless, enhancing navigability within the IDE, or providing tools for more effective code comparison and testing, this update demonstrates a committed effort to evolve in response to the needs of the development community.

As the landscape of software development continues to evolve, the tools that developers rely on must also advance. The latest update to Visual Studio Code exemplifies this evolution, offering features that not only improve the coding experience but also enhance productivity and efficiency. It’s clear that with each update, VSC aims to redefine what developers can expect from their IDE, ensuring that they have the tools and capabilities to meet the challenges of modern software development head-on.

Photo by Arnold Francisca on Unsplash

The continuous improvement of Visual Studio Code is a testament to the dedication of its development team to meet and exceed the expectations of the coding community. By introducing features that streamline the development process and enhance usability, VSC is paving the way for a more efficient and enjoyable coding experience. As developers, embracing these innovations not only elevates our work but also empowers us to tackle more complex projects with greater ease.

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Shahab Hasan

A motivated and enthusiastic young individual with passion for advancing in the artificial intelligence industry. Studying Applied AI at Hong Kong University.