When you’re building websites in 2025, VS Code, a free, open-source code editor developed by Microsoft that supports dozens of programming languages and integrates with extensions for real-time debugging, Git, and live previews. Also known as Visual Studio Code, it’s the tool most web developers reach for first—whether they’re writing JavaScript, tweaking PHP, or styling CSS. It’s not the fanciest, but it’s the most practical. You don’t need a $500 IDE to build a website. VS Code gives you everything you need without slowing you down.
Why do so many developers stick with it? Because it works with JavaScript, the language that powers nearly every interactive website today out of the box. IntelliSense auto-completes your code, syntax highlighting catches errors before you run it, and extensions like Live Server let you preview changes instantly. If you’re working with PHP, the backend language behind over 77% of websites, including WordPress, VS Code has extensions for debugging, syntax support, and even WordPress-specific snippets. It doesn’t force you to learn a new system. It adapts to your workflow.
It’s not perfect. Some people swear by Sublime Text for speed, or JetBrains IDEs for deep project analysis. But those tools often cost money or demand more setup. VS Code is free, lightweight, and runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux. It’s the editor you can install on a $300 laptop and still build professional sites. If you’re learning to code, starting a freelance gig, or managing a WordPress site, VS Code is the quiet workhorse behind your progress.
Below, you’ll find real guides on how to use it—what extensions actually help, how it compares to alternatives, and why so many developers skip the hype and stick with this one tool. No fluff. Just what works.
VS Code is enough for most web developers in 2025. It supports modern frameworks, integrates with cloud tools, and adapts to your workflow. Learn when it shines-and when you might need something heavier.
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