The release of Visual Studio Code (VS Code) version 1.100 in April 2025 marks a significant milestone in Microsoft's widely adopted code editor. This update seamlessly integrates advanced AI capabilities with a suite of user-requested enhancements, solidifying VS Code's position as a leading platform for developers across various languages and frameworks.

Introduction

Visual Studio Code has consistently evolved to meet the dynamic needs of the developer community. The 1.100 release introduces features that not only enhance coding efficiency but also personalize the development experience through AI integration.

AI-Powered Enhancements

GPT-4.1 Integration

A cornerstone of this release is the integration of OpenAI's GPT-4.1 model into the AI chat feature. This advanced model offers more accurate and context-aware code suggestions, improving the overall coding experience. (infoworld.com)

Customizable AI Chat

Developers can now tailor the AI chat experience using Markdown-based instruction files (INLINECODE0 ) and prompt files (INLINECODE1 ). These files allow for the definition of coding practices, preferred technologies, and project requirements, enabling a more personalized and efficient workflow. (neowin.net)

Workflow Improvements

Next Edit Suggestions (NES)

The NES feature has been enhanced to provide faster and more contextually relevant code recommendations. This improvement reduces latency and aligns suggestions more closely with recent edits, streamlining the coding process. (infoworld.com)

Multi-Window Support

VS Code 1.100 introduces two new floating window modes:

  • Compact Mode: Hides certain UI elements to maximize code visibility.
  • Always-on-Top Mode: Keeps selected windows above all others, enhancing multitasking capabilities. (neowin.net)

Technical Details

Performance Optimization

The update includes support for OpenAI’s apply patch editing format and Anthropic’s replace string tool, resulting in significantly faster edits, especially in large files. (infoworld.com)

Extension Security

Extension signature verification is now mandatory across all platforms, including Linux, ensuring that all extensions are properly validated before installation. This measure enhances security by preventing the installation of potentially malicious extensions. (infoworld.com)

Implications and Impact

The integration of advanced AI features and workflow enhancements in VS Code 1.100 signifies a substantial advancement in developer tools. By offering customizable AI interactions and improved performance, Microsoft addresses the evolving needs of the developer community, fostering a more productive and secure coding environment.

Conclusion

Visual Studio Code 1.100 represents a significant leap forward in code editor functionality. The combination of AI-powered enhancements and user-centric workflow improvements makes it a compelling choice for developers seeking efficiency and customization in their development tools.