Visual Studio Code (VSCode) is a powerful and lightweight source code editor developed by Microsoft, designed to support a wide range of programming languages and frameworks. It offers features such as debugging, embedded Git control, syntax highlighting, intelligent code completion, and customizable themes, making it a favorite among developers. VSCode is available in two main versions: the stable build, which is recommended for most users, and the Insiders build, which provides early access to the latest features and updates.
On Debian 12 or 11, you can install VSCode using Microsoft’s official APT repository. This method provides easy access to both the latest stable version and the Insiders build, ensuring that your development environment is always up-to-date with the newest features. This guide will walk you through the process of setting up the Microsoft APT repository and installing VSCode on your Debian system.
Pre-installation Steps for VSCode
Update Debian Before Visual Studio Code Installation
Before diving into the installation process, ensuring your Debian system is updated with the latest packages is essential. This will help prevent any potential conflicts during the installation of Visual Studio Code.
To update your system, open a terminal and run the following command:
sudo apt updateAfter updating the package list, proceed to upgrade any outdated packages with the following command:
sudo apt upgradeInstall Required Packages for VSCode
Next, you’ll need to install a few required packages to ensure a smooth installation of Visual Studio Code. These packages are standard across most Linux distributions and help manage repositories and securely download files.
Run the following command to install the necessary packages:
sudo apt install dirmngr ca-certificates software-properties-common apt-transport-https curl -yFollowing these pre-install steps, you’ve prepared your Debian system to install Visual Studio Code. In the following steps, you’ll learn how to add the official Microsoft repository and install the latest version of Visual Studio Code.
Import Visual Studio Code APT Repository
In this step, you’ll learn to import the official Microsoft repository for Visual Studio Code to ensure you get the latest version from a trusted source.
Import Microsoft GPG Key
First, you need to import the Microsoft GPG key, which allows your system to verify the authenticity of the Visual Studio Code installation package. To do this, run the following command in your terminal:
curl -fSsL https://packages.microsoft.com/keys/microsoft.asc | gpg --dearmor | sudo tee /usr/share/keyrings/vscode.gpg >/dev/nullThis command downloads the GPG key from Microsoft’s server and adds it to your system’s keyring.
Add Microsoft VSCode APT Repository
Now that you’ve imported the GPG key, the next step is to add the Visual Studio Code repository to your system. This lets you install and update Visual Studio Code directly from Microsoft’s official repository.
Run the following command in your terminal to add the repository:
echo deb [arch=amd64 signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/vscode.gpg] https://packages.microsoft.com/repos/vscode stable main | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/vscode.listThis command adds the repository to your system’s list of package sources, making it accessible when searching for packages to install or update.
With the repository imported, you’re now ready to install Visual Studio Code on your Debian system.
Finalize Installation of VSCode
Before you begin the installation process, it’s important to understand the difference between Visual Studio Code and Visual Studio Code Insiders. Each version offers distinct advantages, catering to various user needs.
Visual Studio Code is the stable release of the editor, designed to provide a dependable coding experience. This version undergoes extensive testing, making it ideal for developers who prioritize stability and reliability.
On the other hand, Visual Studio Code Insiders is a beta or preview version that provides early access to upcoming features. This version is continuously updated with new innovations, although it may not be as thoroughly tested as the stable release, which means there is a higher potential for encountering bugs. It is often preferred by developers who enjoy experimenting with new features or want to stay ahead of the curve.
Both versions can be installed on the same system, allowing developers to switch between the stable and beta environments as needed.
Update APT Cache Index After VSCode APT Repo Import
Before proceeding with the installation of Visual Studio Code, it’s a best practice to ensure your system’s package list is current, especially after adding a new repository:
sudo apt updateSelect 1 or Both Versions of VSCode to Install:
Option 1: Install Visual Studio Code – stable build
For those who prioritize a stable and reliable coding environment, the following command will install the standard version of Visual Studio Code:
sudo apt install codeOption 2: Install Visual Studio Code – insiders build
If you want to explore the latest features, the Insiders version is for you, and don’t mind the occasional bug. To install, use the command:
sudo apt install code-insidersNote: It’s worth reiterating that Visual Studio Code’s standard and insider versions are designed to operate concurrently on your Debian system. This dual-installation feature ensures developers can effortlessly transition between a stable environment and a beta testing ground, depending on their project requirements.
Launch Visual Studio Code
CLI Commands to Launch VSCode
For those who enjoy using the terminal, you can launch Visual Studio Code quickly by entering the following command:
The stable version:
codeThose that want to install the insider (beta) version:
code-insidersGraphical User Interface (GUI) Application Launch Method
If you prefer using the desktop environment to launch applications, you can find Visual Studio Code in your system’s application menu:
- Click on Activities in the top-left corner of your screen.
- Select Show Applications (usually represented by a grid icon).
- Locate Visual Studio Code or Visual Studio Code Insiders in the list of applications, or use the search bar to find it.
Additional Commands for VSCode
Remove Visual Studio Code
If you remove Visual Studio Code from your Debian system, follow the steps below to uninstall the software, remove the repository, and delete the GPG key.
To uninstall Visual Studio Code or Visual Studio Code Insiders, run the corresponding command in your terminal:
sudo apt remove codesudo apt remove code-insidersAfter uninstalling the software, remove the Microsoft Visual Studio Code repository from your system with the following command:
sudo rm /etc/apt/sources.list.d/vscode.listRemoving the GPG key associated with the Visual Studio Code repository is a good practice for enhanced security and proper system maintenance. To do this, run the following command:
sudo rm /usr/share/keyrings/vscode.gpgFollowing these steps, you’ll have successfully removed Visual Studio Code, its repository, and the GPG key from your Debian system.
Conclusion
By installing VSCode on your Debian system via Microsoft’s official APT repository, you ensure that you have access to the latest stable or Insiders build, depending on your preference. This method provides a reliable and straightforward way to keep your code editor up-to-date with the newest features and improvements. Regular updates through the APT repository will help maintain an optimal development environment, allowing you to take full advantage of VSCode’s powerful capabilities on Debian.