Installing a Code Editor (e.g., VS Code)

5 min read
javascript

Section 1.2: Setting Up the Environment

Tutorial 1.2.1: Installing a Code Editor (e.g., VS Code)


Installing a Code Editor

To write and test JavaScript effectively, you need a code editor. While there are many options available, Visual Studio Code (VS Code) is one of the most popular choices due to its versatility and rich feature set.


Step-by-Step Guide to Installing VS Code

  1. Download VS Code:
  • Visit the [official VS Code website](https://code.visualstudio.com/).
  • Choose the version for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
  1. Install VS Code:
  • Follow the installation wizard for your operating system:
  • Windows: Double-click the .exe file and follow the on-screen instructions.
  • macOS: Drag the downloaded app into the Applications folder.
  • Linux: Use the package manager or install from the terminal.
  1. Launch VS Code:
  • Open the application after installation to ensure it's working correctly.

Enhancing VS Code for JavaScript Development

  1. Install Extensions:
  • Open the Extensions view (Ctrl+Shift+X or Cmd+Shift+X on macOS).
  • Recommended extensions for JavaScript:
  • ESLint: Linting and error-checking.
  • Prettier: Code formatting.
  • JavaScript (ES6) Code Snippets: Useful code snippets.
  • Live Server: Preview your code in the browser.
  1. Set Up Themes:
  • Customize the editor's look by choosing a theme:
  • Navigate to File > Preferences > Color Theme.
  • Popular themes: Dark+, Dracula, Monokai.
  1. Enable Auto-Save:
  • Go to File > Preferences > Settings and search for "Auto Save."
  • Set it to afterDelay for smoother development.

Testing JavaScript in VS Code

  1. Create a New File:
  • Open VS Code and create a file with the .js extension (e.g., test.js).
  1. Write and Save Code:
  • Example:

     console.log("Hello, World!");
  1. Run JavaScript Code:
  • Install Node.js (we’ll cover this in the next tutorial) to run JavaScript directly in the terminal.
  • Open the integrated terminal (Ctrl+~ or Cmd+~) and type:

     node test.js

Alternative Editors

  • Sublime Text: Lightweight and fast.
  • Atom: Customizable and open-source.
  • WebStorm: Paid but feature-rich, ideal for large projects.

Discussion (0)

Please sign in to join the discussion.

No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!