Home / Definitions / Visual Studio Code

Visual Studio Code

Chika C Uchendu
Last Updated November 2, 2021 4:32 am

Visual Studio (VS) Code is an open-source code editor primarily used to correct and repair cloud and web applications coding errors. VS Code is developed by Microsoft and supports the macOS, Linux, and Windows operating systems. VS Code’s tools can be used to enhance the functionality of any written code. Based on the Electron framework, VS Code employs the same editor component used in Azure DevOps. By incorporating multiple FTP extensions, Users can sync code between the server and the editor without having to download extra software.

What are Visual Studio Code’s key features?

VS Code offers an array of features for efficient, conformant coding.

  • Source control: One of the core inbuilt features of VS Code is source control. A dedicated tab in the menu bar grants users access to the version control setting. In addition, users can view changes made on a running project. However, leveraging this source control option necessitates linking the VS code to requisite version control systems, e.g., Perforce, Apache, Git, and more. Users can create repositories, push and pull requests directly from the VS code program.
  • Vast programming language: The VS code supports numerous programming languages, including Python, C++, Go, JavaScript and Node.js. Aside from basic features like code folding, syntax highlighting and matching brackets. Other features may differ depending on the programming language. VS Code also offers IntelliSense for TypeScript, CSS, HTML, etc., and debugging for Node.js. Users can leverage the freely available extension for additional language support, themes, and debuggers. In addition, using the language server protocol, users can add code linter and perform static code analysis.
  • IntelliSense Code completion: Virtual Studio Code’s IntelliSense code completion can give programmers hints on the best possible function parameter, syntax, or variable. In addition, it can sense coding errors and offer suggestions to correct them.
  • Other features include Snippets, code refactoring, and embedded Git. Users can customize the user experience by installing extensions extensions, using  keyboard shortcuts, changing themes, and more.

Who uses Visual Studio Code, and what do they use it for?

Due to its array of usability features, including syntax highlighting and code refactoringVirtual Studio Code is used by programmers and website developers of all experience levels to edit code and correct coding errors.

How Visual Studio Code works

Once downloaded and installed, VS Code launches, identifies the programming language used, and what specific features to implement. The developer can then explore or search options to find and correct coding errors. Major editing is done via the extension option, while source control allows utilization of the Git repository. Users can customize and fine-tune their code using the VS Code’s Interactive Editor Playground before deploying their project.  

Benefits of Visual Studio Code

Programmers can swiftly navigate between multiple tools to make the necessary corrections to their code. Aside from its easy-to-use customization options, VS Code also offers keyboard shortcuts for common key combos and repetitive operations.

Besides supporting website development, programmers can use the VS Code on desktop applications. Front-end developers use Visual Studio Code’s integrated development environment to make their code more effective and error-free.