How to Download and Install Visual Studio Code on a Mac

Jul 21, 2024

How to Download and Install Visual Studio Code on a Mac

Steps to Download and Install

  1. Open Browser and Search
    • Open your favorite browser.
    • Search for "Visual Studio Code".
    • Click on the first link (code.visualstudio.com).
  2. Download for Mac
    • Click on the "Download Mac Universal" button.
    • Download the ZIP file.
  3. Extract and Open
    • Extract the ZIP file.
    • Open the extracted Visual Studio Code icon.
  4. Move to Applications Folder
    • Open Finder and navigate to the Applications folder.
    • Drag and drop the Visual Studio Code application into the Applications folder.
  5. Open from Launchpad
    • Open Launchpad.
    • Locate and open Visual Studio Code.

Using Visual Studio Code

  • To open a directory:
    • Click on File > Open and select a folder.
  • To open via Terminal:
    • Open Terminal (Cmd + Space and search for Terminal).
    • Type code and press Enter (Initially, this might not work).

Setting Up Terminal Command

  1. Open Visual Studio Code
    • Press Cmd + Shift + P and type shell command.
  2. Install Shell Command in Path
    • Click on Uninstall 'code' command in PATH and confirm.
    • Click on Install 'code' command in PATH and confirm.
    • Enter your Mac password when prompted.
  3. Verify Installation
    • Quit and reopen Terminal.
    • Type code and press Enter to verify it opens Visual Studio Code.

Opening Projects from Terminal

  1. Navigate to Directory
    • Use cd command to go to the desired directory.
  2. Open Project
    • Type code . and press Enter to open the directory in Visual Studio Code.

Extension Recommendations

  • Visual Studio Code will suggest extensions based on file types.
  • Common extensions:
    • Java Language Pack
    • Python Extension Pack
    • C++ Extension Pack

Searching and Replacing in Files

  • Use the search bar to find keywords within your project files.
  • Use search and replace to update text across multiple files.
  • Include/exclude specific directories from the search.

Version Control and Debugging

  • Git integration to track changes.
  • Debug section for troubleshooting code.

Extensions Marketplace

  • Access various language support extensions via the Extensions tab.
  • Example: Search for Java-related extensions and install as required.

Summary

  • Visual Studio Code is versatile for different programming languages.
  • Easy installation and setup on Mac.

Hope you enjoyed the walkthrough!