
π§βπ» What's New in Visual Studio Code (2025 Edition) & How to Use It

VS Code continues to dominate as the most popular lightweight editor for developers β and the 2025 release introduces powerful updates that can seriously boost your productivity, workflow, and development experience.
In this blog, weβll explore the top new features in VS Code (2025) and how you can make the most of them with a clear and enhanced user interface.
β‘ 1. Built-in AI Coding Companion
No extension needed β VS Code 2025 now comes with a native AI assistant powered by Copilot and VS IntelliCode.
π Key Features:
- π§ Inline code suggestions while typing
- π£οΈ Natural language to code commands (e.g. "create a login form")
- π οΈ Code explanations and refactoring tips
β How to use it:
1. Open Command Palette β "Enable AI Coding Assistant"
2. Use inline comments like `// generate a form` to get code suggestions
π€ 2. Profiles for Personalization
VS Code now supports multiple developer profiles to suit different workflows:
π§° Create personalized environments for:
- π¨ Frontend design (e.g., React, Tailwind)
- π§ͺ Backend APIs (e.g., Node.js, Python)
- βοΈ Technical writing and blogging
π§ Get started:
1. Open Command Palette β "Profiles: Create New..."
2. Name it (e.g., "React Dev", "Docs Mode")
3. Switch profiles anytime via the status bar
ποΈ 3. Smart Project Workspaces
Workspaces now support:
- πΎ Saving & restoring files, terminals, extensions
- π Auto-activation for Node, Python, Docker environments
- π€ Team-shared workspace configurations
π§ Use it like this:
File > Save Workspace As...
Include .vscode/settings.json for reusable project settings
π 4. Enhanced Web Dev Features
VS Code now recognizes your stack instantly:
- π§© Built-in support for Next.js, Astro, and Remix
- π¨ Tailwind CSS v4 IntelliSense & autocomplete
- β‘ Snippet support for React libraries
π‘ Tips:
- Open your Next.js project and enjoy automatic config detection
- Use Tailwind class hints with improved UX
π§ͺ 5. Revamped Testing UI
A new Test Explorer view makes debugging faster:
- βοΈ Supports Jest, Vitest, Mocha, and Playwright
- π Visual test coverage indicators in the margin
- π Inline rerun buttons + quick failure logs
π Access via: View > Testing
π 6. Secure Development Workflow
VS Code 2025 makes security a priority:
- π Improved Workspace Trust
- π Real-time secrets scanning via GitHub Advanced Security
- π‘οΈ Warnings for exposed API keys and tokens
π§· Enable via: Settings > Security
π 7. Sleek UI Themes & Layout Improvements
Enjoy a minimalist, modern interface:
- π¨ Themes: "Fluent Dark", "Material Solarized"
- π§ Grid layout support (split vertical/horizontal views)
- π Tab previews on hover for faster navigation
π§ Customize via:
Preferences > Color Theme
Preferences > Layout
π¦ 8. AI-Powered Extension Recommendations
The extension store is smarter than ever:
- π€ AI-curated tools based on your coding habits
- π₯ Team-wide extension packs
- π One-click sync across all machines
β¨ Let VS Code suggest what fits your tech stack best.
π Bonus Tips to Maximize Your VS Code Setup
β
Enable Settings Sync
to sync across devices
β
Use Port Forwarding
in Remote Development
β
Explore GitHub Codespaces
+ VS Code Web
β
Leverage Live Share
for remote collaboration
π§ Final Thoughts
VS Code 2025 is not just an editor β itβs a powerful, intelligent dev environment.
π§© Whether youβre building frontend interfaces or backend APIsβ¦ π Whether you care about security or performanceβ¦ π¬ Whether youβre coding solo or with a global teamβ¦
This update makes every aspect of your workflow smoother, faster, and smarter.
π Whatβs your favorite new feature in VS Code 2025? Let us know in the comments, and start exploring today!

Muhammad Hamid Raza
Content Author
Originally published on Dev.to β’ Content syndicated with permission