Visual Studio Code (VSCode) is a powerful editor, and with the right extensions, you can make your coding experience even better. Here’s how to get started with some essential extensions and settings for macOS users:
Recommended Extensions
To boost your productivity in VSCode, consider installing these useful extensions:
Python: A must-have for Python development.
Pylance: Provides fast, feature-rich Python language support.
Code Runner: Allows you to quickly run code snippets in various languages.
Theme (Optional): Personalize the look and feel of your editor.
Jupyter (Optional): For working seamlessly with Jupyter notebooks inside VSCode.
Dev Containers (Optional): Ideal if you are working with Docker or containerized environments.
Material Icon Theme: Adds customisable icons for folders and files, making your workspace visually organized.
Understanding Workspaces in VSCode
A workspace in VSCode is simply the project or folder you’re working on. Each workspace can have its own configuration, allowing for flexibility when switching between different projects.
Fine-Tuning VSCode Settings on macOS
You can further customize your coding environment by tweaking various extension-related settings. Here’s a guide to some useful options:
Accessing Settings
Press Command + Shift + P to open the command palette. From there, type and search for Preferences: Open Workspace Settings and make your adjustments.
1. Font Size (Optional)
If you want to increase or decrease the font size for better readability, modifying this setting will create a .vscode/settings.json file in your project folder, storing the change.
2. Minimap
Prefer a more minimal interface? You can disable the minimap (the small preview of your code on the side).
- Example: Deselect the option “Minimap Enabled“ in your settings.
3. Auto-Save
Auto-save is handy to keep your files updated automatically. You can configure auto-save to occur when the editor window loses focus.
- Setting:
Auto Save - Value:
OnFocusChange
4. Code Runner Settings
If you use the Code Runner extension, these tweaks can improve your workflow:
- Clear Previous Output: Enable this to clear old outputs before running new code.
- Save All Files Before Run: Ensure all files are saved before running your code.
- Show Execution Message: You can disable this option if you don’t want to see execution messages every time you run your code.
5. Workbench Customization
The workbench is where your output and panels are displayed. By default, the output panel is located at the bottom of the editor. You can move it or keep it as it is.
- Panel Location: Set to your preferred location (the default is at the bottom).
How to Change the Terminal Color in VSCode
Want to customize the terminal color in VSCode? Here’s a quick guide:
- Access Settings in VSCode.
- Find the Workbench section.
- Choose a color that suits your preference.
- Modify the
workbench.colorCustomizationssettings to apply the change.
Instructions for Running Code in Visual Studio Code with above Specified Settings
To execute code in Visual Studio Code with the specified settings enabled, please follow these instructions:
To run a command in a Jupyter Notebook (.ipynb) within the VSCode editor, use Control + Enter.
To run a command within a code file, use Shift + Enter.
To execute a command in the VSCode terminal, use the following syntax: python <filename>.py
With these extensions and settings tweaks, you can make the most of VSCode on macOS and create a coding environment that fits your workflow perfectly. Happy coding!
