Live Server and Browser

Start and Stop Live Server

Learn to launch a project from its correct root and preview through a local address in this beginner-friendly Visual Studio Code lesson.

Learning outcomes

  • Explain how to launch a project from its correct root.
  • Complete the guided activity safely.
  • Check that you can preview through a local address.

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. Open index.html through Live Server and stop it afterwards.
  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 preview through a local address, 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

Open index.html through Live Server and stop it afterwards. The expected result is to preview through a local address.

Completion checklist