Web Programming I

Live Server

Live Serveropen in new window is a Visual Studio Code extension that creates a local development server with live reload for static and dynamic pages.

Advantages of Live Server

The Live Server extension includes several advantages over simply opening the HTML file directly in the browser. These advantages include:

  • Live browser reload
  • Customizable port number
  • Remote site access for mobile testing

Starting the Server

After installing the extension, there are multiple ways to start the development server.

Option 1: Open a project and click the Go Live button in the status bar.

Arrow pointing to the Go Live button in the status bar

Option 2: Right click on an HTML file from the Explorer Window and select Open with Live Server

Screenshot with the option selected in context menu

Option 3: Select Live Server: Open with Live Serve in the command palette.

Screenshot with the option selected in command palette