Blog

May 12, 2026

Everything You Need to Know About the VS Code Extension for JRebel

Java Application Development

Debating IDEs with Java developers is like debating which is better: Pepsi or Coke. Everyone has a strongly held preference and struggle to see the light of the other side.

Many Java developers are increasingly using VS Code to complement other popular Java IDEs such as IntelliJ or Eclipse, or AI-native IDEs such as Cursor and Kiro.

As AI-native IDEs based on VS Code (i.e., VS Code forks like Cursor, Windsurf, Kiro, and Antigravity) continue to to skyrocket in popularity, so too will the number of developers turning to the VS Code Marketplace and Open VSX Registry for extensions to expand the capabilities of their IDEs of choice.

Read on for a closer look at how to download, install, and use the JRebel extension for VS Code and the Open VSX Registry to eliminate redeploys in your IDE of choice.

What is VS Code?

Visual Studio Code is a popular open-source code editor from Microsoft. Released in 2015, it provides a seamless development experience across many programming languages, including Java, Python, and C++. The software includes an internal debugger that lets you inspect variables, view call stacks, and step through source code with ease.

Do Java Developers Use VS Code?

Yes, Java developers use VS Code. In fact, the 2025 Java Developer Productivity Report found that developers are increasingly using multiple Java IDEs to meet the varied needs of their development practices.

Chart: IDE Usage for Java Developers

Among respondents using IntelliJ IDEA as their primary IDE, 68% also reported using VS Code as a secondary IDE. 33% of total respondents said they use VS Code, either on its own or in conjunction with another IDE.

📚 Further Reading: What is Visual Studio Code?

Is VS Code Good for Java Development?

In short, yes, VS Code is good for Java development. VS Code is faster than IntelliJ, but the IDE can lack some of the enterprise features of Java-specific alternatives such as IntelliJ and Eclipse. Many Java developers use VS Code in conjunction with other IDEs.

What Features are Included in VS Code?

VS Code is a highly customizable, lightweight code editor that supports nearly every coding language, including Java.

VS Code also includes an internal debugger. This feature enables Java developers to step through source code, inspect variables, view call stacks, and execute commands in the IDE.

While VS Code doesn’t ship ready to write Java code, the process is easy. Simply install the Coding Pack for Java. The editor integrates smoothly with Node.js and supports macOS, Linux, and Windows systems.

How Do VS Code Extensions Enhance Java Development?

Extensions transform VS Code from a basic text editor into a powerful development environment. The Visual Studio Marketplace offers thousands of tools that address specific programming challenges.

For example, extensions can format code, provide visual Git histories, add linting support, or eliminate redeploys. These additions let developers customize their workspace to maximize efficiency and secure their development pipeline.

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Getting Started With the VS Code Extension for JRebel

Integrating JRebel into your standard VS Code environment takes only a few steps. Open the Extensions panel, search for "JRebel & XRebel", and click install. After restarting your editor, the JRebel icon will appear in your left toolbar. You can then activate your license and map your workspace using the generated XML configuration file.

For more information, check out the Quick Start guide.

How to navigate the VS Code Marketplace

All VS Code extensions are available in the Visual Studio Marketplace, including JRebel. With the growth of Java developers using VS Code, the JRebel team added its core functionality into the IDE this year.

Downloading the JRebel Extension

To get started, navigate to the JRebel extension, click install, and accept the terms. After the restart, JRebel will appear in the left toolbar.

Activating Your JRebel License

Setting up JRebel licensing within the VS Code IDE ensures that each developer is able to seamlessly integrate JRebel into their application. To do so, copy/paste your activation code or point to your jrebel.lic file. You’ll receive an email with this file when you purchase JRebel.

🎥 Prefer to learn visually? Watch this video course on installing JRebel on VSCode.

Project Configuration Within VS Code

Next, you must map your workspace to the deployed application.

Open JRebel view (View -> Open View -> Search “JRebel”) and click “Go to projects.”
Select the check box for each project that you’d like to add JRebel to. This action will generate rebel.xml and keep it up to date.
Redeploy your application or restart the freestanding application.

Startup Configuration for JRebel

You can choose to add the JRebel agent to your server or to a standalone application. Your server can be run in one of three ways:

Via the VS Code IDE
Locally from command line
On a remote server

Here’s what a successful JRebel banner looks like in the console right after server startup:

Benefits of the JRebel VS Code Extension

VS Code is designed to offer superior functionality “out of the box,” but a limitless library of extensions affords Java developers the opportunity to tailor the IDE to meet their specific development needs. JRebel even supports remote server changes, allowing you to make changes to your cloud instances on the fly.

What Is the Open VSX Registry

The Open VSX Registry is an open source, vendor-neutral marketplace supported by The Eclipse Foundation. It serves as an alternative to the Visual Studio Marketplace for VS Code-compatible code editors.

The Open VSX Registry hosts the top 100 most popular open-source extensions, ensuring you have access to crucial tools regardless of which IDE fork you choose.

What Is a VS Code Fork

A VS Code fork is a customized version of the original open-source editor. Developers create forks to add unique features or prioritize specific workflows. These specialized environments often connect to different extension registries to serve distinct community needs.

Increasingly, VS Code forks have AI-native capabilities, enabling agentic development, code completion, automated bug detection, and more. JRebel works many popular AI-native IDEs that are VS Code forks, including Cursor, Windsurf, Kiro, and Antigravity.

What's the Difference Between the Visual Studio Marketplace and Open VSX Registry

The Visual Studio Marketplace is the official Microsoft storefront for VS Code extensions. The Open VSX Registry is an open-source repository for VS Code fork extensions that’s supported by The Eclipse Foundation.

VS Code is not fully open source, and therefore VS Code forks cannot legally use the Visual Studio Marketplace to distribute extensions. Open VSX supports the same extension format used by VS Code, and extensions published for VS Code can be packaged and distributed through Open VSX without requiring structural changes. This ensures good compatibility across IDEs based upon VS Code.

That said, it’s up to developers to publish extensions separately on the Visual Studio Marketplace and Open VSX Registry. This means some extensions are only available in one marketplace or the other. Fortunately, JRebel is now available in both the Visual Studio Marketplace and Open VSX Registry.

Getting Started With the JRebel Open VSX Extension

It’s now easier than ever to use JRebel in your AI-native IDE (e.g., Cursor, Windsurf, Kiro, Antigravity) or other VS Code fork.

You can search for the extension directly in your IDE if it connects to the Open VSX Registry. Alternatively, you can perform a manual installation. Download the latest plugin file from the JRebel website. Open your Command Palette, select "Install from VSIX", and choose the downloaded file. Restart your IDE to complete the setup. Read more or watch the video below.

Final Thoughts

Optimizing your Java development environment is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge. VS Code and its community-driven forks provide a highly adaptable foundation for enterprise Java development.

Myriad extensions, including AI capabilities, can help Java developers work more efficiently in VS Code, Cursor, Windsurf, Kiro, Antigravity, etc. But AI alone isn’t enough to gain a competitive edge. Compound your time savings by pairing your IDE of choice with JRebel.

By adding the JRebel extension, you eliminate the frustrating wait times associated with traditional redeploys to iterate faster and deliver increased business value.

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