Download and Install VS Code

Download and Install VS Code

Course Module

Set up Visual Studio Code, a powerful and versatile code editor for all your development needs.

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Recommended Prerequisites

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Overview

Visual Studio Code is a lightweight but powerful source code editor that runs on your desktop. It comes with built-in support for JavaScript, TypeScript and Node.js and has a rich ecosystem of extensions for other languages and tools.

Installation

  • Download Visual Studio Code from https://code.visualstudio.com/download
  • Open the .dmg (Mac) or .exe (Windows) file to run the installer
  • Open VS Code after installation is complete

Setting Up GitHub Sync

VS Code can sync your settings across devices using your GitHub account:

  • Click on the profile icon in the bottom left corner
  • Enable settings sync
  • Click "Sign in with GitHub"
  • Follow the authentication prompts

Recommended Extensions

Enhance your VS Code experience with these essential extensions:

  • Prettier - Formats code for readability
  • ESLint - Finds and fixes JavaScript/TypeScript issues
  • Python - Adds Python support (debugging, IntelliSense, etc.)
  • Live Server - Launches a local server for web development
  • GitHub Copilot - AI-powered code suggestions
  • Docker - Helps manage Docker containers in VS Code
  • Remote - SSH - Enables remote development over SSH
  • C/C++ - Adds C and C++ support
  • Java Extension Pack - Essential tools for Java development
  • Debugger for Chrome - Debugs JavaScript apps in Chrome

Installing Extensions

  • Open VS Code
  • Click on the Extensions icon in the Activity Bar (or press Ctrl+Shift+X / Cmd+Shift+X)
  • Search for the extension name
  • Click "Install" button

Additional Configuration

Consider these additional configurations to optimize your VS Code experience:

  • Set up your preferred theme (File > Preferences > Color Theme)
  • Configure keyboard shortcuts (File > Preferences > Keyboard Shortcuts)
  • Adjust editor settings like tab size, word wrap, etc. (File > Preferences > Settings)
  • Set up a project-specific workspace configuration (.vscode/settings.json)

Additional Resources

  • VS Code Documentation: https://code.visualstudio.com/docs
  • VS Code Tips and Tricks: https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/getstarted/tips-and-tricks
  • VS Code Keyboard Shortcuts: https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/getstarted/keybindings
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