How to install Visual Studio Code on Ubuntu 20.04

Introduction

Visual Studio Code (VS Code) has garnered immense popularity among developers for its versatility and functionality. It’s an open-source code editor developed by Microsoft and is widely used for various programming languages and tasks ranging from web development to data analysis. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to install Visual Studio Code on Ubuntu 20.04, ensuring that you can leverage its powerful features effectively.

System Requirements

Before diving into the installation process, let’s first review the basic system requirements for running Visual Studio Code on Ubuntu 20.04:

• Operating System: Ubuntu 20.04 or newer.
• Architecture: x64 architecture (Intel or AMD).
• Memory: A minimum of 1 GB RAM (2 GB or more is recommended).
• Disk Space: At least 200 MB of available space for the installation.
• Internet Connection: Required for downloading the packages.

It is also essential to have a basic understanding of how to use the terminal, as many installation methods will require command-line inputs.

Installation Methods

There are several methods to install Visual Studio Code on Ubuntu 20.04, and this guide will cover the three most common approaches: using the Snap store, downloading the .deb package, and utilizing the repository.

Method 1: Installing via Snap

Snap packages are an excellent way to install applications on Ubuntu and other Linux distributions. They are easy to install and update, making them a popular choice among users.

Steps to Install via Snap

1. Open the Terminal
   You can open the Terminal by searching for “Terminal” in the application menu or by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T.

2. Update the Package Index
   It’s always a good idea to update your package index to ensure that you’re getting the latest versions available. Run the following command:

   sudo apt update

3. Install Snap (if not already installed)
   Snap is usually pre-installed on Ubuntu 20.04. However, if it’s not installed, you can install it by running:

   sudo apt install snapd

4. Install Visual Studio Code
   Once Snap is installed, run the command below to install Visual Studio Code:

   sudo snap install –classic code

5. Launch Visual Studio Code
   You can open Visual Studio Code by searching for “Code” in the application menu or by executing code in the terminal.

Method 2: Installing via .deb Package

Another straightforward method for installing VS Code is by downloading the .deb package directly from the official website.

Steps to Install via .deb Package

1. Download the .deb Package
   Navigate to the Visual Studio Code download page and select the .deb option to download the package.

2. Open Terminal
   Again, open the Terminal by searching for it in the application menu.

3. Navigate to the Download Directory
   Use the cd command to change the directory to where the .deb file is located. Typically, this is your Downloads folder:

   cd ~/Downloads

4. Install the .deb Package
   Execute the following command to install the package:

   sudo apt install ./code*.deb

5. Launch Visual Studio Code
   After installation, you can launch the application just as before—by searching for “Code” in the application menu or via terminal by typing code.

Method 3: Adding Microsoft’s Repository

This method involves adding Microsoft’s package repository to your system, allowing you to receive updates along with your regular system updates.

Steps to Install via Repository

1. Open Terminal
   Use Ctrl + Alt + T to open the Terminal.

2. Update Your Package Index
   As before, ensure that your package list is updated:

   sudo apt update

3. Install Dependencies
   You need to install some dependencies for the repository:

   sudo apt install software-properties-common apt-transport-https

4. Import the Microsoft GPG Key
   This key will allow you to authenticate the packages:

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

5. Add the VS Code Repository
   Execute the following command:

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

6. Update the Package Index Again
   Run:

   sudo apt update

7. Install Visual Studio Code
   Finally, install Visual Studio Code:

   sudo apt install code

8. Launch Visual Studio Code
   To start using VS Code, simply search for it in your application menu or run code in the terminal.

Configuring Visual Studio Code

After installing Visual Studio Code, you might want to customize it according to your development needs.

user interface Customization

VS Code offers a variety of themes and layouts that can enhance your programming experience.

• Changing the Theme: Go to the “View” menu, select “Command Palette”, and type “Color Theme”. You can choose from a variety of options, including light and dark themes.
• Customize Editor Settings: Open the settings via “File” -> “Preferences” -> “Settings” or press Ctrl + ,. Here you can modify font sizes, line spacing, and more.

Installing Extensions

VS Code’s functionality can be extended through plugins known as extensions. You can find a plethora of extensions for languages, debuggers, tools, and themes:

1. Access Extensions View: Click on the Extensions icon in the Activity Bar on the side or use the shortcut Ctrl + Shift + X.
2. Search for Extensions: Enter a keyword in the search bar to find specific extensions (e.g., “Python”, “JavaScript”).
3. Install Extensions: Click the “Install” button on any extension you want.

keyboard shortcuts

Learning keyboard shortcuts can significantly enhance productivity. Common shortcuts include:

• Open Command Palette: Ctrl + Shift + P
• Toggle Terminal: `Ctrl +
• Rename Symbol: F2
• Go to Definition: F12

Frequently Used Features

VS Code offers several features that developers often find indispensable:

• Integrated Terminal: You can run shell commands directly within the editor, making it easier to manage projects.
• Source Control Integration: VS Code can connect with Git for version control, allowing you to manage repositories efficiently.
• Debugging Tools: Take advantage of built-in debugging capabilities for multiple languages right within the editor.

Conclusion

Visual Studio Code is a powerful yet user-friendly code editor that can significantly enhance your development workflow. Whether you choose to install it via Snap, a .deb package, or Microsoft’s repository, the process is straightforward. Its rich feature set and extensive customization options make it suitable for a wide range of programming tasks.

With a little exploration and setup, you can transform Visual Studio Code into a tailored development environment that meets your specific needs.

FAQ

1. Can I use Visual Studio Code for remote development?
Yes, Visual Studio Code has an extension called “Remote – SSH” that allows you to develop on remote machines seamlessly as if you were working locally.

2. Is Visual Studio Code free?
Absolutely! Visual Studio Code is open-source software and is completely free to use.

3. Are there any system requirements for running extensions in VS Code?
Most extensions have minimal requirements, but it’s always good to check the extension documentation for specific needs or dependencies.

4. How can I change the default terminal in VS Code?
Go to File -> Preferences -> Settings, and in the settings search bar, type “terminal”. You can change your default terminal to Bash, Zsh, or any other shell you prefer.

5. How do I uninstall Visual Studio Code if I no longer need it?
You can uninstall it by running sudo apt remove code if installed via the repository, or sudo snap remove code if you used Snap.

6. Can I use VS Code to build web applications?
Yes, Visual Studio Code supports numerous web development technologies through extensions, allowing you to build HTML, CSS, and JavaScript applications effortlessly.