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Visual Studio Code Setup Guide

Document Control​

  • Last Updated: February 4, 2025
  • Version: 2.0.0
  • Status: Active
  • Owner: Development Team
  • Next Review: May 4, 2025

Purpose​

This document outlines the standard configuration, usage guidelines, and best practices for Visual Studio Code (VS Code), our primary integrated development environment.

Installation​

1. Download and Install​

  1. Download VS Code from official website
  2. Install for your operating system
  3. Enable command line integration

2. Initial Setup​

  1. Sign in to Settings Sync
  2. Install required extensions
  3. Configure user settings
  4. Set up workspace settings

Required Extensions​

Core Extensions​

  • ESLint - JavaScript linting
  • Prettier - Code formatting
  • GitLens - Git integration
  • Docker - Container management
  • Remote Development - Remote workspace

Language Support​

  • TypeScript and JavaScript
  • Python
  • PHP Intelephense
  • Go
  • Java Extension Pack

Framework Support​

  • React/Redux DevTools
  • Vue Language Features
  • Angular Language Service
  • Laravel Extension Pack

Productivity​

  • Auto Close Tag
  • Auto Rename Tag
  • Path Intellisense
  • Code Spell Checker
  • Todo Tree

Standard Configuration​

User Settings​

{
  "editor.formatOnSave": true,
  "editor.defaultFormatter": "esbenp.prettier-vscode",
  "editor.codeActionsOnSave": {
    "source.fixAll.eslint": true
  },
  "files.trimTrailingWhitespace": true,
  "files.insertFinalNewline": true,
  "terminal.integrated.defaultProfile.osx": "zsh"
}

Workspace Settings​

{
  "editor.tabSize": 2,
  "typescript.preferences.importModuleSpecifier": "relative",
  "javascript.preferences.importModuleSpecifier": "relative"
}

Best Practices​

1. Workspace Organization​

  • Use workspace folders
  • Configure workspace settings
  • Maintain consistent structure
  • Use .gitignore

2. Code Navigation​

  • Use breadcrumbs
  • Utilize outline view
  • Master quick open (Cmd/Ctrl + P)
  • Learn keyboard shortcuts

3. Debugging​

  • Set up launch configurations
  • Use breakpoints effectively
  • Monitor variables
  • Use debug console

4. Git Integration​

  • Use source control panel
  • Stage changes selectively
  • Write meaningful commits
  • Review changes inline

5. Terminal Usage​

  • Use integrated terminal
  • Configure multiple shells
  • Set up task runners
  • Use split terminals

Security Guidelines​

1. Extension Security​

  • Install from trusted sources
  • Review permissions
  • Keep extensions updated
  • Remove unused extensions

2. Workspace Trust​

  • Enable workspace trust
  • Review untrusted files
  • Configure trust settings
  • Use restricted mode

3. Sensitive Data​

  • Use .gitignore
  • Configure excluded files
  • Secure credential storage
  • Use environment variables

Troubleshooting​

Common Issues​

  1. Extension conflicts
  2. Performance problems
  3. Git integration issues
  4. Language server problems

Resolution Steps​

  1. Check error logs
  2. Disable extensions
  3. Clear cache
  4. Reinstall if needed

Support and Resources​

Internal Support​

  • Development team lead
  • IT support team
  • Documentation repository

External Resources​

  • Git Workflow Guide
  • Development Environment Setup
  • Coding Standards
  • Security Guidelines