Yes, VS Code can automatically save files. To enable auto-save, go to File > Auto Save (Windows/Linux) or Code > Auto Save (macOS), and check the box. You can also set it to save on focus change by adding "files.autoSave": "onFocusChange" to settings.json. For more control, use extensions like "Auto Saver for VS Code" or "Save and Notify", which offer customization options. Additionally, combine auto-save with other settings like "editor.formatOnSave": true for formatting on save. While auto-save minimizes data loss, it doesn’t fully protect against crashes, so backups or version control are still recommended.

Yes, VS Code can automatically save files — and it's actually one of the first things many users want to set up after installing the editor. The good news is that it’s built-in and not hard to configure, but there are a few options depending on what exactly you're looking for.

Enable Auto Save

The most straightforward way to get files to save automatically in VS Code is by turning on the "Auto Save" feature. When enabled, any changes you make to a file will be saved automatically after a short delay (or when you focus out of the editor, depending on your settings).

To enable it:

• Open VS Code
• Go to File > Auto Save (on Windows/Linux) or Code > Auto Save (on macOS)
• Check the box to turn it on

By default, it uses the mode called afterDelay, which means it saves periodically. If you prefer saving to happen only when you leave the editor window (like clicking outside the editor or switching windows), you can change the setting like this:

"files.autoSave": "onFocusChange"

Add that line to your settings.json file in VS Code.

Use Extensions for More Control

If the built-in auto-save doesn't give you enough flexibility, there are extensions that offer more advanced behavior. One popular option is "Auto Saver for VS Code" or "Save and Notify", which let you customize when and how files are saved. Some even allow notifications when a file is saved, or let you exclude certain file types from auto-saving.

Here’s how to use an extension:

• Go to the Extensions view (Ctrl Shift X or click the Extensions icon on the sidebar)
• Search for “auto save”
• Pick one with good ratings and install it
• Check the extension’s documentation for any extra configuration

Keep in mind that while extensions can add features, they may also introduce overhead or conflicts, especially if you have several running at once.

Combine Auto Save with Other Settings

Auto save works best when paired with other related settings. For example, if you’re using Prettier or another formatter, you might want to ensure it runs on save. To do that, enable:

"editor.formatOnSave": true

Also, if you're working with Git or source control, auto-saving helps reduce the number of unsaved changes showing up in your diff tools.

One thing to watch: auto save doesn’t prevent you from losing work if VS Code crashes — though it does minimize the risk. If you're working on critical files, always make sure you have backups or version control in place.

That’s basically all. Whether you stick with the built-in auto save or go for an extension depends on how much control you need. Either way, it’s not complicated — just a couple of settings away.

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