Using productivity tools and AI wisely can give developers a competitive advantage.Junior to mid-level developers can benefit from utilizing basic but powerful productivity features.Must-have VSCode extensions include Error Lens, Auto Close Tags, Bracket Pair Colorizer, and more.Visual enhancements like Color Highlight and Code Spell Checker enhance code readability.Smart suggestions and snippets improve coding efficiency with tools like jsDoc and Paste JSON as Code.VSCode shortcuts such as Ctrl + D, Alt + Click, and Ctrl + Shift + F streamline coding tasks.Recommended VSCode settings like Minimap for Scrollbar and Format on Save can boost productivity.Essential shortcuts like Ctrl + B for toggling the sidebar and Ctrl + F for finding in the current file are highlighted.VSCode transforms into a coding command center when configured optimally, enhancing developers' workflow.By incorporating extensions, shortcuts, and settings, developers can significantly improve their productivity over time.