Visual Studio Code on Linux and macOS: Install and Set Up

Quick answer: Visual Studio Code (VS Code) is Microsoft’s cross-platform code editor for Linux, macOS, and Windows. Download it from the official VS Code site, choose the installer for your operating system, launch it, and open a project folder. VS Code is not the same product as the full Visual Studio IDE.

What to know first

• Use the official Microsoft download and setup pages below; Linux package steps vary by distribution.
• VS Code is an editor with extensions and debugging features. Some languages and workflows need separate SDKs, compilers, runtimes, or extensions.
• Only install extensions you trust. Review the publisher and permissions, and use Workspace Trust for unfamiliar folders.
• The previous article contained 2015 screenshots and inaccurate “Visual Studio for Linux/Mac” wording. Those screenshots no longer represent the current interface and have been removed.

Install VS Code on macOS

1. Open the official VS Code setup for macOS page and download the build that matches your Mac (Apple silicon or Intel).
2. Open the downloaded ZIP, then drag Visual Studio Code.app into Applications.
3. Launch VS Code from Applications. If macOS asks to confirm an app downloaded from the internet, verify that the download came from Microsoft’s official site before proceeding.
4. To open folders from Terminal with the code command, use the Command Palette and run Shell Command: Install ‘code’ command in PATH. Then reopen Terminal.

Install VS Code on Linux

Choose the installation route documented for your distribution on Microsoft’s VS Code on Linux page. The official page covers supported package-manager repositories and direct packages such as .deb and .rpm, where applicable.

1. Confirm your Linux distribution and CPU architecture.
2. Follow the current instructions for that distribution on Microsoft’s page. Do not run a package command copied from an old article without checking the current official instructions.
3. Launch Visual Studio Code from your applications menu, or use code in a terminal if the package configured the command.
4. Open a project folder and install only the language extensions and dependencies your project needs.

First-run setup

1. Choose File > Open Folder and select a project directory. Opening a folder lets VS Code show the project tree, search files, and integrate source control.
2. For a new project, create or clone the files first; VS Code itself does not install every language runtime or compiler.
3. Check the status bar for the selected language mode. Install an extension only when you need its specific language support.
4. Use the integrated terminal for commands you understand. Confirm a project’s scripts before running them, especially in repositories from an unfamiliar source.
5. Review Git changes before committing or pushing. VS Code can show diffs, but it does not decide whether a change is safe or correct.

VS Code or Visual Studio?

Choose VS Code for a lightweight editor that you extend for different languages and workflows. Choose the full Visual Studio IDE when your work specifically depends on its integrated project system and tooling, such as some .NET or Windows development workflows. They are separate products with different feature sets; the older article incorrectly described VS Code as a Linux/Mac version of Visual Studio.

Trust and safety

VS Code extensions can execute code and access project files. Before installing one, verify its publisher, read its description and update history, and avoid extensions that request access unrelated to their purpose. When opening an unfamiliar repository, review it before trusting the workspace or running tasks. Microsoft explains this feature in its Workspace Trust documentation.

Related Techmixer guides

See Software Guides, Best Tools, AI Tools, and Fix Guides for more practical software workflows.

Frequently asked questions

Is Visual Studio Code free?

Microsoft offers VS Code as a free download. Check the official licensing and product information for current terms and any separately licensed services or extensions.

Does VS Code include Python, Java, or C++?

VS Code provides editing features and extensions, but you generally need to install the language runtime, SDK, or compiler separately.

Can I use VS Code on both Linux and macOS?

Yes. Microsoft provides builds and setup instructions for both platforms, with package choices depending on Linux distribution and Mac processor.

Is VS Code the same as Visual Studio?

No. They are separate Microsoft products. VS Code is a cross-platform editor; Visual Studio is a full IDE with different platform and workload support.

Our take

VS Code is a practical cross-platform editor, but the best setup depends on your language toolchain and project. This guide uses Microsoft’s official installation and security documentation; Techmixer did not test every Linux distribution or extension combination.

Last reviewed: 29 September 2026.