Visual Studio Code

by Microsoft · Developer tools

FreeWindowsMacLinux

Free, extensible code editor with Git, debugging and a huge extension marketplace.

Official download from code.visualstudio.com (opens in a new tab)

Opens code.visualstudio.com, Microsoft's own site. No mirror, no bundle.

Overview

What is Visual Studio Code?

VS Code is a lightweight editor that becomes a full IDE through extensions. It has IntelliSense code completion, an integrated terminal, Git support and remote development over SSH, containers and WSL.

Key features

  • Extensions for almost every language
  • Integrated terminal and debugger
  • Built-in Git and GitHub integration
  • Remote development over SSH, containers and WSL

Best for

  • Web and JavaScript development
  • Students learning to code
  • Editing config files and scripts

Included in starter kits

Install

How to install Visual Studio Code

  1. 1Open the official Visual Studio Code download page on code.visualstudio.com.
  2. 2Pick the build for your system (Windows, Mac, Linux; check x64, ARM or Apple silicon where offered).
  3. 3Run the installer and read each screen; decline anything you did not ask for.
  4. 4Keep it updated from the app's own updater or your package manager.

Install from the command line

  • Windows · winget

    winget install --id Microsoft.VisualStudioCode -e --source winget

  • Mac · Homebrew

    brew install --cask visual-studio-code

  • Linux · Flatpak (Flathub)

    flatpak install flathub com.visualstudio.code

Package IDs checked against the public winget, Homebrew and Flathub repositories on 1 Nov 2026. Build a script for several apps.

Safety

Download Visual Studio Code safely

  • Check the domain

    The real download lives on code.visualstudio.com. Look-alike domains and search ads are the most common trap.

  • Skip mirrors

    Download portals can wrap installers in adware or old versions. You never need them for this app.

  • Verify if you can

    If the publisher lists a checksum, compare it with our in-browser checker before running the file.

  • Watch the installer

    Untick extras, browser changes or trials you did not ask for.

Open the checksum checker

Alternatives

Visual Studio Code alternatives

Other developer tools apps, closest platform match first.

All development

FAQ

Visual Studio Code questions

Where can I download Visual Studio Code safely?

Download Visual Studio Code only from Microsoft's official site at code.visualstudio.com. Avoid mirror and "download portal" sites, which can bundle extra software with the installer.

Is Visual Studio Code free?

Yes. Visual Studio Code is free to download and use, though it is not open source.

Does Visual Studio Code work on Windows, Mac and Linux?

Visual Studio Code is available for Windows, Mac, Linux. Check Microsoft's download page for exact system requirements and whether your processor (x64, ARM or Apple silicon) is supported.

Can I install Visual Studio Code from the command line?

Yes, with winget on Windows (winget install --id Microsoft.VisualStudioCode -e); Homebrew on Mac (brew install --cask visual-studio-code); Flatpak on Linux (flatpak install flathub com.visualstudio.code). Package managers fetch the publisher's files and make updates easy.

What are good alternatives to Visual Studio Code?

See the alternatives section on this page and the full developer tools list on AltFTool, which shows each app's licence and platforms side by side.