Visual Studio Code Auto Format Code: Streamlining Your JSON Experience

Visual Studio Code (VS Code) offers an impressive array of features designed to simplify the process of writing and modifying configuration files, including settings.json, tasks.json, and launch.json. In this article, we'll delve into the specifics of VS Code's auto-formatting capabilities for JSON files.

JSON with Comments Mode

One notable feature is the JSON with Comments (jsonc) mode, which goes beyond the standard JSON specification. This mode allows you to fold regions of source code using icons on the gutter between line numbers and line start. Additionally, you can format your JSON document using the ⌥F shortcut (Windows Shift+Alt+F, Linux Ctrl+Shift+I) or by selecting Format Document from the context menu.

IntelliSense and Quick Navigation

VS Code provides intelligent code completion, known as IntelliSense, for specific value sets such as package and project dependencies in package.json, project.json, and bower.json. This feature helps you navigate large JSON files quickly using the Go to Symbol command (⇧⌘O on Windows/Linux or Ctrl+Shift+O). You can also leverage quick navigation by hovering over properties and values for JSON data with or without a schema, which provides additional context.

Structural and Value Verification

The platform's support for JSON schema enables structural and value verification, providing red squiggles when errors are detected. This feature ensures that your JSON files adhere to the specified schema, ensuring accuracy and consistency.

Trigger Suggestions and Auto-Complete

To further streamline the editing experience, VS Code offers trigger suggestions with the ⌃Space shortcut (Windows/Linux Ctrl+Space). As you type, IntelliSense provides up-suggestions for properties and values, both for JSON data with or without a schema. This feature is particularly useful when working with large JSON files.

Extensive Use in Visual Studio Code

JSON is a ubiquitous data format used extensively in configuration files like package.json or project.json. VS Code's comprehensive set of features makes it an ideal choice for editing and managing these types of files.

In conclusion, Visual Studio Code offers a robust set of auto-formatting features designed specifically for JSON files. By leveraging these capabilities, you can simplify the process of writing and modifying configuration files, ensuring accuracy and consistency throughout your development workflow.

Visual studio code auto format code