How to Install Visual Studio Code

Installing Visual Studio Code (VS Code) is a breeze, and it’s such a versatile tool that I can’t imagine coding without it now.

If you’re new to it or maybe reinstalling, I’ll guide you through every step to get it up and running. I’ll throw in a few personal tips I wish I’d known when I first started using it, too.

Let’s dive in!

Step 1: Downloading VS Code

1. Head to the Official Website: First things first, open your browser and go to code.visualstudio.com. This is the official Microsoft site for VS Code, and you’ll always find the latest, safest version here.
2. Select Your OS: Whether you’re on Windows, macOS, or Linux, there’s a version for you! Just click on the download button that matches your system. For example, I’m on Windows, so I click “Download for Windows.”
3. Start the Download: Once you select your operating system, the download should start automatically. It’s a small file, so it usually only takes a few seconds.Personal Note: I remember the first time I downloaded VS Code, I was surprised by how lightweight it was compared to some other editors. Quick download, and it doesn’t eat up much space, which is a win-win!

Step 2: Installing VS Code

1. Open the Installer: Once it’s downloaded, open the file. On Windows, it’s typically an .exe file, while on macOS, it’s a .dmg file. Just double-click to get things started.
2. Follow the Prompts: The setup is pretty straightforward. Accept the agreement, choose your installation folder, and hit “Next.”
3. Customize Installation (Optional): Here’s where you can choose to create a desktop shortcut or integrate VS Code into your system path.My Tip: I usually check the option to “Add to PATH” because it makes opening VS Code from the command line super easy. Trust me, this small step saves time if you’re going to be opening projects directly from the terminal.
4. Finish Installation: Click “Install” to finish up, and then “Finish” once it’s done.Personal Experience: At this point, you’re only seconds away from having a powerful code editor! I still remember my excitement when I first opened it; it felt like a blank canvas ready for whatever I threw at it.

Step 3: Launching VS Code for the First Time

1. Open VS Code: You can open it from the Start menu on Windows or directly from your Applications on macOS. And if you added it to PATH, you can type code . in your terminal to open the editor right from there.
2. Explore the Welcome Screen: The first time you open VS Code, you’ll see a welcome screen with a few options and helpful links. You can skip through this, but I recommend giving it a quick glance. They have some helpful beginner tips if you’re new to coding or VS Code.Pro Tip: One of the first things I did was customize my color theme. You can go to File > Preferences > Color Theme and pick one that suits you. I’m all about that “Dark+” theme—saves my eyes during late-night coding sessions!

Step 4: Installing Extensions (Optional but Highly Recommended!)

1. Open the Extensions Tab: On the left sidebar, there’s a little icon that looks like four squares. Click on that to open the Extensions Marketplace. This is where VS Code truly shines—you can find add-ons for practically everything!
2. Search for Popular Extensions: Some essential extensions to start with:
   • Prettier for automatic code formatting.
   • Live Server for live-reloading when you’re working on HTML/CSS/JS projects.
   • GitLens if you use Git for version control.
3. Install Extensions: Just click on any extension you like, and hit “Install.” It’s that easy.Personal Pick: I’m a huge fan of the Bracket Pair Colorizer. It makes coding so much easier by color-coding matching brackets. I can’t tell you how many times this little helper has saved me from a syntax error headache.

Step 5: Personalize Your Settings (Optional)

1. Open Settings: Go to File > Preferences > Settings (or Code > Preferences > Settings on macOS) to adjust anything you want about the editor’s appearance, behavior, or even shortcuts.
2. Sync Settings (if you have a Microsoft or GitHub account): If you work across multiple devices, this is a lifesaver. You can log in with your Microsoft or GitHub account and sync your settings, extensions, and more across your devices.My Tip: Syncing settings is one of those “why didn’t I do this sooner?” things for me. I switch between my desktop and laptop, so this keeps my setup consistent without having to manually re-add extensions or themes every time.

Step 6: Start Coding!

With VS Code installed, you’re all set to start coding. You can open folders, create new files, and begin working on projects right away.

If you’re working on web development, VS Code even has built-in debugging and terminal support, so you don’t have to keep switching windows.

Wrapping It Up

That’s it! You’re now ready to dive into coding with Visual Studio Code. I know a new tool can feel intimidating at first, but VS Code is super intuitive once you start exploring.

Plus, you’re in good company—there’s a huge community of developers using VS Code, so you’ll find endless resources, plugins, and advice out there.

I still remember the feeling when I first set it up, especially after realizing I could streamline my entire workflow with just a few extensions.

Since then, it’s become my favorite coding companion. So go ahead, explore, and start building amazing things!

Happy coding!