How to open with Live Server in VS Code

Live Server, an extension to Visual Studio (VS) Code, allows developers to preview their work in real time. The extension eliminates the tedium of manually refreshing the browser every time you make a change, which can add up on larger projects. It is particularly useful for web developers working with HTML, CSS and JavaScript.

This tutorial will explain how to configure, customize and use the tool with different file types and fix some common problems that a developer may encounter when using it.

Open a project with Live Server in VS Code

Without Live Server, every time you change your code or add content, you must manually refresh the browser for the updates to appear. To put this into perspective, if you make 100 changes a day, you may need to refresh your browser more than 100 times to see each change. Here’s how you can open a project using Live Server in Visual Studio Code:

1. Install the Live Server extension from the Marketplace. You can find it in the VS Code activity bar.
   
2. Open your project by clicking “File” and “Open File” or using keyboard shortcuts, whichever you prefer.
   
3. Right-click an HTML file in the project and choose “Open with Live Server” from the context menu.
   

A new browser window will display the live site. Any changes you make to the project files will automatically update in the browser.

Customizing Live Server Settings in VS Code

To get the most out of the Live Server extension, try different customization options available in your settings. You can modify the port number, HTTPS, and proxy settings, among other features. Let’s go step by step in implementing these customization options.

Change the default port number

You may want to use a different port number than the default 5500. This is easy to achieve:

1. Locate the line “liveServer.settings.port” (the default port value is 5500).
   
2. Set it to 0 to get a random port number or choose the number you want to use.
   

Enable HTTPS connections

Enable HTTPS connections for added security, like this:

1. Look for the HTTPS protocol line “liveServer.settings.https”.
   
2. Change the “enable” value to “true”.
   
3. Enter the paths to the certificate, key, and passphrase files as necessary.
   

Configure proxy settings

Configuring proxy settings may be necessary for specific scenarios. Here’s how to configure the proxy:

1. Enable the proxy with “liveServer.settings.proxy”.
   
2. Change “enable” to “true” if it is not already.
   
3. Set “baseUri” to the desired proxy location.
   
4. Provide “proxyUri” for the actual URL.
   

Integrating Edge DevTools with Live Server in VS Code

Integrating Edge DevTools and Live Server into Visual Studio Code can improve web development by making it substantially more efficient. This combination of tools simultaneously shows changes in real time and allows direct access to developer tools.

1. Install the Live Server extension for Visual Studio Code from the VS Code Marketplace.
   
2. Install the Edge DevTools extension for VS Code from the same source by searching for “Microsoft Edge Tools for VS Code”.
   
3. Use the built-in browser developer tools to sync changes to the source automatically.
   

With both extensions installed, you can see a live preview of your changes in a browser window integrated within VS Code.

Using Live Server with different file types

The Live Server extension is versatile enough for many file types. It works with HTML files by default and supports CSS and JavaScript files. When you change a stylesheet or script with these file types, the extension will instantly update the browser to reflect the changes. Developers, especially front-end web designers, can benefit from Live Server’s instant update feature. If you modify CSS, you will see the effects of the changes in real time; There is no need to wait to check if the color, font or design is correct. And for HTML and JavaScript coders, it’s easy to spot bugs and errors between different files.

The Live Server is still useful for those who primarily work with PHP files. However, to use its functionality with PHP, you must set up a local server that supports PHP.

Live Server supports static site generators such as Jekyll and Hugo. They allow you to quickly view and modify the output of your static site. Live Server integration with a static site generator allows for efficient development without manually creating and deploying the site every time you make changes.

Troubleshooting Common Live Server Problems

While the Live Server extension is generally reliable, some problems may still arise. For example, Live Server may not start, live reload may stop working, or problems may arise with CORS.

Live server does not start

This can happen if the extension is installed incorrectly. If so, you can:

• Verify that the extension is installed correctly and enabled. If you forgot to enable it or accidentally disabled it, enable it to resolve the issue.
• If you suspect an installation problem, try reinstalling the extension.
• Check your settings and make sure your workspace folder is accessible, configured, and not open elsewhere.

Live reload not working

If live reload isn’t behaving as it should, here’s something you can try:

• Double-check your file types and file type compatibility.
• Confirm that the extension correctly tracks changes and does not ignore files that should receive modifications. Check settings like “liveServer.settings.ignoreFiles”.

Resource sharing issues between origins

CORS issues can arise when dealing with resources from different sources. To resolve these problems:

• Allow cross-origin requests on your server.
• Use a local development server.

Live Server cannot open browser tabs

If Live Server cannot open browser tabs in your default browser, try adjusting the settings:

• Check your default web browser.
• Adjust server browser settings in VS Code. When you enable live sharing, you’ll need to start a collaboration session through the command palette.

Advanced Live Server Features

Live Server offers several lesser-known but quite convenient additional features. One “hidden” feature worth mentioning is support for preprocessors, such as Sass, Less, or TypeScript, to automatically compile your code and update the preview. Live Server can also integrate with third-party tools and libraries, such as frameworks and build systems.

Explore the Live Server configuration and documentation to identify relevant integrations that can help your stack.

Live Server Performance Optimization

There are some tweaks to try to make Live Server work better.

Avoid excessive recharging

One way to keep the server running at its best is to configure settings to prevent excessive reloads. For example, you can adjust the “liveServer.settings.ignoreFiles” option to define which files or folders should not trigger a live reload. Limiting the amount of data eligible for a recharge reduces the frequency of updates and conserves system resources.

Increase update delay

Adjust the browser refresh delay to get more performance out of your server. To achieve this, adjust the server settings “liveServer.settings.wait”. The rapid reloads that sometimes occur when saving multiple consecutive files can drain your system resources. Increasing the delay via “liveServer.settings.wait” helps keep this potential issue at bay.

Close unused instances

Finally, consider shutting down unused Live Server instances for an easier performance hack when working on multiple projects. Keeping multiple instances open at once can consume significant system resources, depending on your hardware.

Live Server Tips

To get the most out of Live Server, try some handy tips:

Keep development and production environments separate

One tip that other developers can share is to keep your development environment separate from your production environment. This separation helps you avoid accidentally deploying unfinished or untested code, thus keeping your code cleaner and saving precious time.

Use separate workspaces for multiple projects

If you’re working on multiple projects simultaneously, use separate workspaces in VS Code to keep your projects organized. This approach will allow you to easily switch between projects and manage their respective Live Server instances.

Better collaboration with Live Share and Live Server

The Live Share and Live Server extensions also improve your collaboration with other developers. This setting allows you to share your workspace and preview it live with others. It’s an optimal approach for teams working together on projects and solving problems in real time.

Additional FAQs

What is Live Server in Visual Studio Code?

Live Server is a popular VS Code extension that previews HTML, CSS, and JavaScript files in real time.

How do I stop Live Server?

To stop a server, open the command palette and type “Live Server: Stop Live Server.”

Why isn’t Live Server running?

Some possible reasons for this issue involve incorrect installation of the extension, incorrect project configuration, or a firewall or proxy blocking the server.

Can I use Live Server with Microsoft Edge DevTools in VS Code?

You can use Live Server together with Microsoft Edge. To do this, install the Live Server and Edge DevTools extensions for Visual Studio Code.

Join the conversation live (server)

The Live Server extension in Visual Studio Code is a must-have tool for modern developers, helping them streamline workflow and launch top-notch projects. Eliminates unnecessary browser updates and enables real-time collaboration by sharing workspaces and previews.

What do you think about this extension? What tips and tricks have you found particularly useful? Let us know in the comments – it could be of great help to other programmers.