Live Server and Browser

Automatic Reload

Learn to save changes and confirm the browser refreshes and shorten the edit-check cycle in this beginner-friendly Visual Studio Code lesson.

Learning outcomes

  • Explain how to save changes and confirm the browser refreshes.
  • Complete the guided activity safely.
  • Check that you can shorten the edit-check cycle.

Before you begin

Use a non-sensitive practice folder, inspect unfamiliar code before trusting it, and never place passwords, tokens or private information in project files.

Open official guidance ↗

Step-by-step instructions

  1. Open the intended practice workspace in Visual Studio Code and confirm its folder name and Workspace Trust state.
  2. Edit a practice heading and observe the update.
  3. Save the relevant files and review the Problems panel, terminal, Source Control view or browser preview as appropriate.
  4. Check filenames, relative paths, console messages, keyboard use, mobile layout and privacy before continuing.
  5. Confirm that you can shorten the edit-check cycle, then create a clear commit, backup or saved checkpoint.
Ian's practical tip: Work in one named project folder, preview after small changes, read the actual error message and keep a recoverable version before broad edits.

Practical activity

Edit a practice heading and observe the update. The expected result is to shorten the edit-check cycle.

Completion checklist