| name | vscode |
| description | Visual Studio Code editor with extensions and debugging. Use for code editing. |
Visual Studio Code
VS Code is the industry standard editor. In 2025, it has evolved into an AI-First editor with a native AI Companion and generic Agent Mode.
When to Use
- Everyday Coding: TypeScript, Python, Go, Rust. It wins almost everywhere.
- Remote Dev:
Remote - SSH and Dev Containers are best-in-class.
- AI-Assisted: GitHub Copilot integration is deepest here.
Quick Start
{
"editor.formatOnSave": true,
"editor.defaultFormatter": "esbenp.prettier-vscode",
"files.autoSave": "onFocusChange"
}
Core Concepts
Extensions
The ecosystem is the key. 50k+ extensions.
Python (Microsoft)
ESLint (Microsoft)
GitLens
Dev Containers
Define your dev environment in .devcontainer/devcontainer.json. VS Code spins up a Docker container and connects to it. 100% reproducible dev environments.
Profiles (2025)
Switch between "Work", "Personal", and "Demo" profiles with different settings/extensions enabled.
Best Practices (2025)
Do:
- Use Sync: Turn on Settings Sync (
GitHub account) to keep keybindings across machines.
- Use
code .: Launch from terminal.
- Use Inline Chat:
Cmd+I to ask Copilot to refactor code in-place.
Don't:
- Don't minimalize too much: Hiding the sidebar/activity bar makes you slower. Learn the toggle shortcuts (
Cmd+B) instead.
References