Set up my VS Code Extensions

Visual Studio Code has an extensive library of Extensions that let you add improved functionality for languages, debuggers, and tools to support your development workflow.
Using extensions in VS Code will make it easier and faster to code with whatever language or tools you are using.

C# Language Extensions

For C# code, we recommended that you install the C#, C# Dev Kit and IntelliCode for C# Dev Kit extensions.

How do I install the C# extensions?

1. Open Visual Studio Code and click on the Extensions tab in the left panel (shown in the purple box in the image below).
2. Type “C#” in the Search bar at the top (shown in the blue box).
3. Click “Install” for each of the extensions listed (shown in the green box).

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C++ Language Extensions

For C++ code, we recommended that you install the C/C++ extension.

You can also install the C/C++ Extension Pack extension which includes multiple extensions bundled together. If you have issues with syntax highlighting, the Better C++ Syntax extension is one of the best for this.

How do I install the C++ extensions?

1. Open Visual Studio Code and click on the Extensions tab in the left panel (shown in the purple box in the image below).
2. Type “C++” in the Search bar at the top (shown in the blue box).
3. Click “Install” for the “C/C++” extensions (shown in the green box).
4. (Optional) Click “Install” for any other extensions you want to install (shown in the orange box).

Image not subject to The Programmer's Field Guide CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 License

Using WSL on Windows

If you are using the Windows (WSL) setup guide, you will also need to install the WSL extension.

How do I install the WSL extension?

1. Open Visual Studio Code and click on the Extensions tab in the left panel (shown in the purple box in the image below).
2. Type “WSL” in the Search bar at the top (shown in the blue box).
3. Click “Install” for the “WSL” extension (shown in the yellow box).

Image not subject to The Programmer's Field Guide CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 License