Hello, in this opportunity we will talk about Visual Studio Code. As introduction, we need to know that programming is based on instructions; these can be low or high level. In that sense, the code used for writing the instructions is very simple, and It can be generated and edited by basics text editors, like Notepad. As a matter of fact, we can use it to write snippets of code or some type of modification, but at the moment of developing more complex projects, it is really necessary to use better tools.
Under those circumstances, this is a great option to program. Now we will see some of its characteristics: is a source code editor developed by Microsoft for Windows, Linux, and macOS. In addition, It is a free software project that is distributed under the MIT license, although the executables are distributed under a non-free license. In the same way, it can use several languages (java, HTML, PHP, Python and much more) and its view is highly customizing. Besides, it runs the Intellisense code that allows autocompleting text as long we write it.
Installing Visual Studio Code
In the first place, we need to download it from the website. Here we can see the different versions of downloads (It is multiplatform). But Windows installer is what we looking for.
Once the file is downloaded, we need to execute it. A box with a license will appear, accept and press next.
In the next window, we can select the folder where the program will be installed, either the default or any other.
Additional tasks will be select in the next dialog box. Chose some and press next.
The installation will continue normally.
Wain until installation finish to launch the program
Configuring Visual Studio Code
Launch the editor and on the main page, we will see several options. But, for now, we will take care of relative to customizing: Tools and language, Settings and keybindings and color theme
1.- In the first place, we need to select tools and language, and for demonstrative purpose, install Python
2.- Then, select Settings and keybindings in order to install keybinding, like Atom Keymap for example.
3.- Select theme for chose the color of the editor and code.
Starting PowerShell, CMD and BASH terminal in Visual Studio Code
1) To run a terminal in it, we just open the program, select terminal, then new terminal to open a new terminal with PowerShell. Just check the images below.
2) PowerShell is default terminal, but we can select CMD by clicking in powershell and Select Default Shell
The procedure to start BASH terminal is a little more complex, but we can achieve it. In the first place, we needed to set up Windows for install BASH. With this intention, let to enable features in Windows 10, in order to enable Windows Subsystem to Linux, if you don´t know how to do that, please read our tutorial. Now reboot system
Then, go to Windows Store to download Ubuntu. Wait for download be finished and launch it. A black window will appear where we have configured the UNIX user name and password, now we are able to run and use BASH.
Next, run the program to make BASH, the default shell. In the same way, repeat step 2, and select BASH as Default Shell. Reboot program, and there you go!
Well, this is it. At this point, we can take advantage of his great features and begin programming. Visual Studio Code is a great option for developers, besides, is free and open source but backup for a giant like Microsoft.
