Installing a Code Editor

A code editor is a specialized text editor designed for programming. While you could technically write code in Notepad or TextEdit, a proper code editor makes the experience dramatically better.

Code editors understand programming languages. They highlight different parts of your code in colors — keywords in one shade, strings in another, comments in a third. This syntax highlighting makes code easier to read and helps you spot mistakes instantly.

Why VS Code?

Visual Studio Code (VS Code) has become the most popular code editor in the world. It's free, works on every operating system, and strikes the perfect balance between power and simplicity.

VS Code includes a built-in terminal, file explorer, and extension system that lets you add support for any programming language. It also integrates well with AI coding assistants, which you'll use throughout this curriculum.

Installing VS Code

brew install --cask visual-studio-code

sudo snap install code --classic

A Quick Tour

When you first open VS Code, you'll see three main areas:

• File Explorer (left sidebar): Shows your project's files and folders
• Editor Pane (center): Where you write and edit code
• Terminal Panel (bottom, toggle with Ctrl+ or Cmd+): Run commands without leaving the editor

Other Editors Exist

VS Code isn't your only option. Sublime Text is fast and minimal. Zed is a newer, performance-focused editor. Vim and Neovim are powerful terminal-based editors with steep learning curves but devoted followings.

For this curriculum, we recommend VS Code. It's what most developers use, and it's what AI assistants are most familiar with.

See More

• What Is a Terminal?
• What Is an IDE?
• Opening Your Terminal