Visual Studio Code Tutorial

Master the essential features of Visual Studio Code with step-by-step guidance for efficient coding.

🚨 Start Learning

1. Installation

Download and install Visual Studio Code from the official website:

Linux: sudo apt install code
macOS: brew install --cask visual-studio-code
Windows: Download Windows Installer

Verify installation with:

code --version

2. Initial Setup

  1. 1 Open Extensions View (Ctrl+Shift+X) and install essential extensions:
    • LIVE Server - for instant local server preview
    • ESLint - JavaScript/CSS code validation
    • Prettier - code formatting
  2. 2 Configure Settings (Ctrl+,) to enable: 
    {
  "editor.formatOnSave": true,
  "files.autoSave": "afterDelay",
  "workbench.colorTheme": "Default Dark+"
}

Core Features

Integrated Debugger

Set breakpoints and inspect variables with the built-in debugger. Use F5 to start debugging sessions across multiple languages.

launch.json debug configuration:
{
  "type": "node",
  "request": "launch",
  "name": "Node.js Debug",
  "runtimeExecutable": "node",
  "runtimeArgs": ["${workspaceFolder}/app.js"]
}

Code Snippets

Quickly insert recurring code patterns using Ctrl+Alt+I to manage custom snippets or press Ctrl+Space while typing.

{
  "Print to console": {
    "prefix": "log", 
    "body": ["console.log('$1');", "$2"], 
    "description": "Log output to console"
  }
}

Git Source Control

Commit, stash, and diff changes directly in the Source Control panel (Ctrl+Shift+G). Stage changes with Ctrl+K Ctrl+K while selecting lines.

Git Integration

Multiple Cursors

Edit multiple lines simultaneously using Alt+Click to place extra cursors or Ctrl+Alt+Up/Down to add cursors above/below.

Before
apple
banana
cherry
After (Alt+Click)
fruit1
fruit2
fruit3

Pro Tips

Find All References

Right-click any symbol and select "Find All References" to see all usages across your project.

Zen Mode

Press Ctrl+K Z to enter full-screen coding mode with hidden panels and menus.

Folder Search

Use Ctrl+Shift+F to search across all files in your workspace instantly.

Command Palette

Invoke Ctrl+Shift+P for quick access to any command and preferences.

Next Steps

Continue exploring these advanced topics:

Remote Development AI Assisted Code Integrated Terminal
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