Writing VS Code extensions in JavaScript

Visual Studio Code (VS Code) is designed for extensibility, allowing users to customize and enhance its features through the Extension API, with many core features being implemented as extensions. While primarily set up for web development with support for languages like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, TypeScript, and Markdown, the community is encouraged to contribute additional functionalities via extensions, which can be shared through the VS Code Marketplace. Extensions can be created using JavaScript or TypeScript, given that the VS Code codebase is written in TypeScript, though the documentation is TypeScript-oriented. The process of building an extension involves setting up a JavaScript environment, creating a project structure with tools like Yeoman, and writing code for functionalities such as commands or UI components. The article provides guidance for JavaScript developers on building extensions, including detailed explanations on setting up projects, writing first extensions, understanding the API architecture, and publishing extensions. Despite the challenges posed by the learning curve of the VS Code API and the TypeScript-oriented documentation, the article emphasizes that anyone with JavaScript knowledge can successfully create extensions, enhancing their daily workflows and contributing to the community.