What level of VS Code expertise do I need for typical web development projects?
For most web development projects, you need someone at intermediate level who can configure extensions, set up debugging, manage Git workflows, and customize the environment for your tech stack. Advanced expertise is valuable for complex setups, team standardization, or custom workflow requirements.
How can I tell if a developer actually knows VS Code well versus just using it as a basic text editor?
Ask them to describe their extension setup, how they debug applications, their keyboard shortcuts, and how they'd configure VS Code for a team. Real experts can explain specific productivity features, customization approaches, and have opinions about different extensions and configurations.
Can VS Code replace expensive IDEs like JetBrains products for enterprise development?
For many use cases, yes. VS Code with the right extensions can match most IDE features for web development, Python, and many other languages. However, some specialized development (like Java enterprise or certain mobile development) might still benefit from dedicated IDEs, though VS Code is rapidly closing these gaps.
How well does VS Code integrate with our existing development tools and workflows?
VS Code integrates excellently with most modern development tools through its extension ecosystem. It works seamlessly with Git providers, cloud platforms, containerization tools, and CI/CD systems. Most popular development tools have official or community extensions that provide deep integration.
How long does it take to set up VS Code properly for a new development project?
A skilled VS Code user can set up a basic project environment in 30-60 minutes, including extensions and basic configuration. More complex setups with custom debugging, team settings, and specialized workflows might take 1-2 days. Creating reusable templates and configurations can reduce future setup time significantly.
What ongoing maintenance does VS Code require after initial setup?
VS Code requires minimal maintenance - mainly keeping extensions updated and occasionally reviewing settings as your project evolves. For teams, you might need periodic updates to shared configurations and workspace settings. The tool auto-updates itself, and most extensions update automatically as well.