Manage TODOs Easily with the 'Todo Tree' VS Code Extension

Leave a TODO before you forget

Following a habit from when I was writing Java, I often leave TODO comments in my code.
I used to think that I could just search for "TODO" globally later on.
Eclipse was convenient because it would list all TODOs, and clicking one would jump you directly to the relevant line.

"Since I'm using VS Code, isn't there an extension for this?"

I searched for it and found an extension called "Todo Tree," which I would like to introduce.

"Todo Tree," a VS Code extension that lists your TODOs

https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=Gruntfuggly.todo-tree

Search for "Todo Tree" in the extension search bar and install it.
You will need to restart VS Code after installation.

A "Todo Tree" icon will be added to the sidebar; click it to see your TODOs.
Files containing TODOs and the specific locations are displayed in a list.
Clicking on a TODO line takes you directly to that spot in the file.
The background color of the TODO line makes it easier to spot.

Other useful tags

There are tags you can use besides TODO.
The Todo Tree icon also changes depending on the tag.

BUG
HACK
FIXME
XXX
[ ] Item (incomplete)
[x] Item (complete)

Listing items is convenient because you can manage them with checkboxes.

- [ ] Item (incomplete)
- [x] Item (complete)
  - [ ] Sub-item (incomplete)
  - [x] Sub-item (complete)

You can add tags to be tracked by Todo Tree under [Todo-tree > General: Tags].

Summary

Writing TODOs might clutter your code, but if you can't fix an issue the moment you notice it, you need to leave a reminder and commit yourself to fixing it later.
You shouldn't trust your "I'll do it later" self.
If you turn it into a "must fix later" task, your future self might take a break and fix it for you.