VS Code Snippets: Write Code Faster

What are Snippets?

Snippets are reusable code templates you trigger with a short prefix — type a few letters, hit Tab, and expand into full boilerplate.

Built-in Snippets

// In a JS file, type and press Tab:
log    → console.log()
for    → for loop
func   → function

Creating Custom Snippets

Command Palette → "Configure User Snippets" → pick a language:

{
  "Console Log": {
    "prefix": "clg",
    "body": ["console.log($1);"],
    "description": "Quick console.log"
  }
}

Placeholders & Tab Stops

"body": [
  "function $1($2) {",
  "  $3",
  "}"
]
// $1, $2, $3 = tab through them; $0 = final position

Snippet Extensions

Install snippet packs like "ES7+ React/Redux snippets" for ready-made templates (rfc → React component).

FAQs

Are snippets per-language?

Yes — or global for all files. More in our VS Code guides.

How do I trigger a snippet?

Type the prefix and press Tab (or Enter from the suggestion list).