Learning outcomes
- Explain how to understand local HTTP preview and automatic reload.
- Complete the guided activity safely.
- Check that you can choose the suitable preview method.
Live Server and Browser
What Live Server Does
Learn to understand local HTTP preview and automatic reload and choose the suitable preview method in this beginner-friendly Visual Studio Code lesson.
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.
Step-by-step instructions
- Open the intended practice workspace in Visual Studio Code and confirm its folder name and Workspace Trust state.
- Compare file preview with a local server.
- Save the relevant files and review the Problems panel, terminal, Source Control view or browser preview as appropriate.
- Check filenames, relative paths, console messages, keyboard use, mobile layout and privacy before continuing.
- Confirm that you can choose the suitable preview method, 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
Compare file preview with a local server. The expected result is to choose the suitable preview method.