---
title: "Benefits"
url: https://docs.catalyst.zoho.com/en/catalyst-extensions/vs-code-extension/benefits/
description: "Catalyst Tools is a Catalyst extension that can be installed in your Visual Studio Code IDE. The extension will allow you to execute CLI commands and operations without using the Catalyst CLI terminal."
last_updated: 2026-08-28T06:26:16Z
service: All Services
type: general
---

# Benefits

* This extension allows you to use your VS Code IDE as a single development environment. You do not have to constantly switch between your IDE and the [Catalyst CLI](https://docs.catalyst.zoho.com/en/cli/v1/cli-command-reference/).

* It provides you with a user-friendly UI you can use to perform operations in your local environment with just a few clicks. You do not have to type out commands and execute them as with the CLI.

* You can easily [log in](https://docs.catalyst.zoho.com/en/catalyst-extensions/vs-code-extension/implementation/#log-in-to-catalyst) or [log out](https://docs.catalyst.zoho.com/en/catalyst-extensions/vs-code-extension/catalyst-tools-explorer/#log-out-from-your-catalyst-account) and generate, revoke, and delete [authentication tokens](https://docs.catalyst.zoho.com/en/catalyst-extensions/vs-code-extension/catalyst-tools-explorer/#manage-authentication-tokens) all from the IDE. You can therefore maintain login sessions in your IDE independent of the CLI.

* You can code and [client](https://docs.catalyst.zoho.com/en/catalyst-extensions/vs-code-extension/implementation/#client) and [functions](https://docs.catalyst.zoho.com/en/catalyst-extensions/vs-code-extension/implementation/#functions) components within VS Code, and also securely deploy them to the console from the same space.

* You can also run the terminal present in your VS Code IDE and use Catalyst CLI there, if you require it.

* You can test non-HTTP functions easily in the IDE by providing test-inputs as .JSON inputs using the `catalyst-inputs.json` file.