Being a full stack developer means working on both the frontend and backend of applications. From writing user interfaces to building APIs and databases, there’s a lot to manage. Luckily, in 2025, there are many great tools and browser extensions that can help make your work faster, easier, and more organized.
Whether you’re just starting your journey or already building real-world apps, using the right developer tools (DevTools) can save you time and reduce stress. Many of these tools are now being taught in full stack developer classes, because they’re so useful for modern software development.
In this blog, we’ll explore the best DevTools and extensions that full stack developers are using in 2025 to stay productive.
1. Visual Studio Code (VS Code)
Why it’s great: VS Code continues to be the most popular code editor for developers in 2025. It’s free, fast, and packed with features. It works for all types of code — HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, and more.
Key Features:
- Built-in terminal
- Git support
- Extensions for every language
- Intelligent code suggestions
- Debugging tools
Many developers start using VS Code while taking a full stack developer course, and it often becomes their main tool for writing and editing code.
Top Extensions for VS Code:
- Prettier – Auto-formats your code
- ESLint – Helps catch JavaScript errors
- Live Server – Auto-reloads your web app during development
- REST Client – Test your APIs without leaving your editor
- GitLens – See who changed what in your code
2. Chrome DevTools
Why it’s great: Chrome’s built-in DevTools are perfect for debugging frontend code. You can inspect elements, change styles in real time, view console logs, and track performance.
Top Features:
- Inspect HTML and CSS
- View network requests (great for checking APIs)
- Debug JavaScript line by line
- Test mobile views
- Monitor page speed and memory usage
Whether you’re fixing a bug or checking how fast your app loads, Chrome DevTools is a must-have for any frontend or full stack developer.
3. Postman
Why it’s great: Postman is the best tool for testing and building APIs. If you’re working on the backend or calling external services, Postman makes it easy to test requests and view responses.
Key Features:
- Send GET, POST, PUT, DELETE requests
- Set headers, tokens, and cookies
- Save and organize API calls
- Test authentication
- Share API collections with teammates
If you’re taking developer classes, you’ll likely use Postman to test the APIs you build during the course.
4. Docker Desktop
Why it’s great: Docker helps you run apps in containers. This means you can package your code and run it anywhere — no more “it works on my machine” problems.
Key Features:
- Create development environments that match production
- Run databases like PostgreSQL or MongoDB locally
- Deploy apps with containers
- Share projects easily with teammates
As apps grow, managing them with Docker becomes more important. That’s why many advanced developer course programs include Docker training.
5. GitHub and GitHub Copilot
Why it’s great: GitHub is the top platform for code collaboration. In 2025, GitHub Copilot has become even smarter — it helps you write code faster using AI.
GitHub Features:
- Host and share code
- Create branches and pull requests
- Track issues and bugs
- Work with teams
Copilot Features:
- Auto-suggest code as you type
- Generate functions from comments
- Help write tests
- Explain code snippets
Copilot is now integrated into VS Code, making it super easy to use while coding. Many students in developer classes say Copilot helps them learn faster and feel more confident.
6. React Developer Tools
Why it’s great: If you’re building with React (which many full stack apps do), this extension helps you inspect your components and state directly in the browser.
Top Features:
- See component tree
- View and edit props and state
- Track re-renders
- Debug performance issues
React DevTools is especially helpful when your app grows big and you want to find out why something is not working or rendering as expected.
7. Redux DevTools
Why it’s great: If your React app uses Redux for state management, this extension shows you every action, state change, and time-travel debugging.
Top Features:
- Track actions
- View current and past states
- Undo or redo actions
- Debug state-related bugs easily
Even if you move to simpler state tools like Zustand, Redux DevTools is still great for learning how state flows in an app. Many full stack developer course instructors use it during demos.
8. MongoDB Compass
Why it’s great: MongoDB Compass is a visual tool that lets you explore your database without writing commands.
Key Features:
- View collections and documents
- Run queries easily
- Monitor performance
- Edit data directly
If you’re using MongoDB as part of your stack (for example, in a MERN project), Compass makes your life easier — especially when you want to see what’s in your database quickly.
9. Firebase Tools
Why it’s great: Firebase is Google’s platform for building apps fast. It provides authentication, database, hosting, and more. Its tools are easy to use and perfect for beginners.
Key Features:
- Realtime Database and Firestore
- User authentication
- File storage
- Hosting your app with one command
Firebase has great integration with frontend frameworks, making it a favorite for students in developer classes who are building small projects quickly.
10. Tabnine
Why it’s great: Tabnine is an AI-powered code assistant, like GitHub Copilot. It works in many editors and helps you write code faster and with fewer errors.
Top Features:
- AI-based code completion
- Supports multiple languages
- Works offline
- Learns from your code style
Tabnine is a good option for developers who want a fast, private code assistant that doesn’t depend on the cloud.
11. RESTer and Thunder Client
Why it’s great: These are lightweight API testing tools that work right inside your browser (RESTer) or VS Code (Thunder Client).
Key Features:
- Easy to use
- No need to install big apps like Postman
- Great for quick testing
If you want something fast and simple for working with REST APIs, these tools are a great choice.
12. Wappalyzer
Why it’s great: Wappalyzer is a browser extension that tells you what technologies a website is using — like which CMS, backend, or analytics tools.
Top Features:
- See frameworks (React, Angular)
- Check server (Node.js, PHP)
- View analytics tools (Google Analytics, Mixpanel)
It’s great for learning and inspiration. If you ever wonder how your favorite app is built, Wappalyzer can give you clues.
13. Lighthouse
Why it’s great: Lighthouse is a Chrome tool that audits your website for performance, accessibility, and SEO. It gives you scores and advice to improve.
Top Features:
- Page speed insights
- Accessibility checks
- Mobile-friendliness
- SEO suggestions
This tool is very useful before launching any app to make sure it loads fast and works for all users.
Conclusion
In 2025, full stack developers have more powerful and helpful tools than ever. From writing code to testing APIs, managing databases, and checking performance, the right DevTools and extensions can boost your productivity and confidence.
If you’re taking a full stack developer course in hyderabad, you’ll likely be introduced to many of these tools. But don’t wait — try them out as you build your own projects. Each tool helps you solve real problems faster and more effectively.
And if you’re enrolled in a developer course, use this list as a guide. These tools aren’t just for learning — they’re the same ones used by professional developers every day.
With the right tools in your toolbox, you can build better apps, work smarter, and enjoy the process even more. Happy coding!
Contact Us:
Name: ExcelR – Full Stack Developer Course in Hyderabad
Address: Unispace Building, 4th-floor Plot No.47 48,49, 2, Street Number 1, Patrika Nagar, Madhapur, Hyderabad, Telangana 500081
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