Visual Studio Code (VSCode) has become one of the most popular code editors among developers, thanks to its powerful features and extensive extension support. If you’re an Ubuntu user looking to set up VSCode on your system, you’re in the right place. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through the process of installing Visual Studio Code on Ubuntu.
Step 1: Update Package Lists
Before installing any software, it’s always a good idea to ensure that your system’s package lists are up-to-date. Open a terminal and run the following commands:
sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade
Step 2: Download the Visual Studio Code .deb Package
Microsoft provides a Debian package (.deb) for easy installation on Ubuntu. Open your web browser and navigate to the official Visual Studio Code download page at https://code.visualstudio.com/download. Click on the ” .deb” button to download the Debian package.
Alternatively, you can use the following command to download the package directly from the terminal:
wget -O vscode.deb https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=760868
Step 3: Install Visual Studio Code
Once the download is complete, navigate to the directory where the .deb package is located. To install VSCode, use the following command:
sudo dpkg -i vscode.deb
If you encounter any dependency issues, you can resolve them by running:
sudo apt install -f
Step 4: Launch Visual Studio Code
With the installation complete, you can now launch Visual Studio Code from the terminal by typing:
code
Alternatively, you can find Visual Studio Code in the application menu of your Ubuntu desktop environment.
Step 5: Optional – Add VSCode to the Ubuntu Launcher
To make it easier to access Visual Studio Code, you can add it to the Ubuntu Launcher. Open VSCode, go to the “View” menu, and select “Extensions.” Search for “Desktop Entry” and install the extension. This will add an entry for Visual Studio Code in your application launcher.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve successfully installed Visual Studio Code on your Ubuntu system. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or just getting started, VSCode provides a powerful and customizable environment for your coding projects. Now, you’re ready to explore its features, install extensions, and tailor it to your workflow. Happy coding!