Getting Started with Visual Studio Code: A Comprehensive Guide

Getting up and running with Visual Studio Code is quick and easy. As a free, cross-platform code editor, VS Code can be installed in a matter of minutes, allowing you to start coding right away.

Cross-platform Availability

Visual Studio Code is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems, making it a versatile choice for developers across different platforms. Regardless of your system, you can install VS Code and take advantage of its powerful features.

Update Cadence

VS Code releases a new version every month, bringing new features and important bug fixes. Most platforms support automatic updates, so you’ll be prompted to install the latest release when it becomes available. If you prefer to update manually, you can check for updates by going to Help > Check for Updates on Linux and Windows, or Code > Check for Updates on macOS.

Note: You can also disable automatic updates if you prefer to update VS Code on your own schedule.

Insiders Nightly Build

For those who want to try the latest features and verify bug fixes early, VS Code offers an Insiders build. The Insiders build is the same one used by the VS Code development team, and it’s installed side-by-side with the stable monthly release. You can freely switch between the Stable and Insiders versions as needed.

Portable Mode

Visual Studio Code supports a Portable mode, which allows you to keep all your data and settings in a self-contained folder. This makes it easy to move VS Code between different environments, such as a USB drive, without losing your customizations.

Customizing Your Installation

While VS Code is primarily an editor, it can be customized to fit your specific development needs. The Additional Components topic covers installing additional tools like Git, Node.js, and TypeScript, allowing you to tune your VS Code installation to the technologies you work with.

Extending with Extensions

One of the most powerful features of Visual Studio Code is its extensibility. The VS Code Marketplace offers thousands of extensions that add support for additional languages, tools, debuggers, and more. These extensions integrate seamlessly with VS Code’s UI, commands, and task running systems, making it easy to work with a wide range of technologies.

Next Steps

Once you’ve installed VS Code and the PowerShell extension, be sure to check out the following topics to learn more:

  • Additional Components - Customize your VS Code installation with tools like Git, Node.js, and TypeScript.
  • User Interface - Explore the VS Code user interface and get oriented.
  • Basic Editing - Learn about the powerful editing features in VS Code.
  • Code Navigation - Discover how to quickly move through your source code.
  • Debugging - Debug your code directly within the VS Code editor.

By taking the time to set up Visual Studio Code and explore its features, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a more efficient and productive developer. Happy coding!

[Source: https://code.visualstudio.com/Docs/setup/setup-overview]