How to install Visual Studio Code on Ubuntu 20.04

Introduction

Visual Studio Code (VS Code) has emerged as one of the most popular source-code editors among developers due to its lightweight nature, extensive features, and robust community support. Whether you’re a seasoned programmer or just starting, VS Code provides a powerful environment tailored for various programming languages and tasks. This article aims to guide you through the process of installing Visual Studio Code on Ubuntu 20.04, ensuring you have a smooth experience from installation to customization.

Why Choose Visual Studio Code?

Before diving into the installation, let’s briefly discuss why Visual Studio Code stands out as a choice for developers.

Lightweight and Fast

One of the most attractive features of VS Code is its lightweight architecture. It launches quickly and runs smoothly without consuming excessive system resources, making it ideal for both old and new machines.

Extensive Extension Ecosystem

The marketplace for extensions is vast, allowing users to customize and enhance their coding experience significantly. From language support to debugging tools and themes, there’s an extension for almost everything.

Integrated Terminal

VS Code comes with an integrated terminal, allowing you to run shell commands without leaving the editor. This feature streamlines the workflow and boosts productivity.

Robust Git Integration

For those who use Git for version control, the built-in source control features in VS Code facilitate easy tracking of changes, staging, and committing directly from the editor.

Pre-requisites for Installation

Before we begin, ensure that your system meets the following conditions:

1. You should have administrative (sudo) access to your Ubuntu machine.
2. Your system should be connected to the internet.

Installing Visual Studio Code on Ubuntu 20.04

There are several methods to install Visual Studio Code on Ubuntu 20.04. In this guide, we will focus on three primary methods: using the Snap package manager, the Debian package, and the repository method. Each has its unique advantages, so you can choose the one that best fits your preferences.

Method 1: Installing via Snap

Snap is a package management system that makes installing applications easy. Installing VS Code through Snap is straightforward.

Step 1: Update Your System

Before installing any software, it’s a good practice to update your package lists and upgrade your system:

bash
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

Step 2: Install Snap (if not already installed)

To check if Snap is installed, run:

bash
snap version

If Snap is not installed, you can do so using the following command:

bash
sudo apt install snapd

Step 3: Install Visual Studio Code

Once Snap is ready, proceed with the installation of VS Code:

bash
sudo snap install –classic code

The --classic flag grants the application full access to your system resources.

Method 2: Installing via Debian Package

Another common method to install VS Code on Ubuntu is through the .deb package. This method is useful if you prefer managing dependencies manually.

Step 1: Download the .deb Package

You can download the latest .deb package from the official Visual Studio Code website. Use the following command to download directly:

bash
wget -q https://packages.microsoft.com/keys/microsoft.asc -O- | sudo apt-key add –

Step 2: Add the VS Code Repository

Now, you’ll want to add the Visual Studio Code repository to your system:

bash
sudo add-apt-repository “deb [arch=amd64] https://packages.microsoft.com/repos/vscode stable main”

Step 3: Update Package List

Always update your package list after adding a new repository:

bash
sudo apt update

Step 4: Install Visual Studio Code

Finally, install VS Code with this command:

bash
sudo apt install code

Method 3: Installing via the APT Repository

This method involves installing VS Code from the official Microsoft repository, which allows for automatic updates.

Step 1: Update and Install Required Dependencies

As always, start by updating your system:

bash
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

You may also need to install apt-transport-https to ensure your system can access the repository over HTTPS:

bash
sudo apt install apt-transport-https

Step 2: Add Microsoft’s GPG Key

Next, download and add the GPG key for Microsoft:

bash
wget -q https://packages.microsoft.com/keys/microsoft.asc -O- | sudo apt-key add –

Step 3: Add the Visual Studio Code APT Repository

Add the Visual Studio Code APT repository with the command:

bash
sudo add-apt-repository “deb [arch=amd64] https://packages.microsoft.com/repos/vscode stable main”

Step 4: Install Visual Studio Code

After adding the repository, run a final update and installation command:

bash
sudo apt update
sudo apt install code

Launching Visual Studio Code

After installation, you can launch Visual Studio Code in several ways:

1. Using the Terminal: Open your terminal and type code.
2. From the application launcher: Search for “Visual Studio Code” in your application launcher and click on it.

Customizing Visual Studio Code

Themes and Appearance

VS Code enables users to customize their environment. You can change themes, fonts, and icon sets to suit your preferences:

1. Apply a New Theme: Navigate to File > Preferences > Color Theme and select from a variety of installed themes.
2. Install New Themes: Use the Extensions view (Ctrl + Shift + X) to search for themes and install them directly.

Extensions

To enhance your coding experience, you can install extensions tailored to specific programming languages, frameworks, or tools.

1. Open Extensions View: Hit Ctrl + Shift + X.
2. Browse and Install: Search for the desired extension, click Install, and it’s ready to use.

Settings and Preferences

You can configure various settings to improve productivity:

1. Open Settings: Access it via File > Preferences > Settings or Ctrl + ,.
2. Edit User or Workspace Settings: Toggle specific settings as per your need.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I install Visual Studio Code without Snap?

Yes, you can install Visual Studio Code using the Debian package or the APT repository methods. Both provide a reliable installation without the need for Snap.

2. How do I update Visual Studio Code?

If you installed VS Code through Snap, updates occur automatically. For those using the Debian package or APT method, you can update using:

bash
sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade code

3. What programming languages does Visual Studio Code support?

VS Code supports multiple programming languages, including but not limited to Python, JavaScript, TypeScript, Java, C++, PHP, and Go. You can extend support through various extensions available in the marketplace.

4. Is Visual Studio Code free?

Yes, Visual Studio Code is free and open-source software distributed under the MIT License. You can download and use it without any cost.

5. Can I uninstall Visual Studio Code?

Yes, you can uninstall Visual Studio Code via the terminal using:

bash
sudo apt remove code

For Snap installations, use:

bash
sudo snap remove code

Conclusion

Visual Studio Code is a powerful and versatile text editor that meets the needs of developers of all levels. With its easy installation on Ubuntu 20.04, extensive customization options, and rich extension ecosystem, you can create an environment that enhances your coding experience. Whether you’re working on small scripts or large-scale applications, VS Code provides the tools required to boost your productivity and streamline your workflow. Happy coding!