VSCodium is a free and open-source version of the popular Visual Studio Code editor, stripped of telemetry and tracking. It offers the same powerful features and extensions as Visual Studio Code, making it an excellent choice for developers who prefer a more privacy-focused code editor. VSCodium supports a wide range of programming languages and debugging tools and integrates seamlessly with various version control systems, providing a robust environment for coding and development.
To install VSCodium on Linux Mint 22, 21, or 20 using the command-line terminal, you can utilize the official VSCodium APT repository, which offers stable and insiders-build versions. Alternatively, you can install VSCodium via Flatpak using the Flathub repository for those who prefer using Flatpaks.
Method 1: Install VSCodium Using APT
Update Linux Mint Before VSCodium Installation
It is recommended to ensure that your system is up-to-date with all existing packages before proceeding with the tutorial.:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgradeInstall Initial Packages for VSCodium
The following dependencies will need to be installed. While these packages may already be on your system, running the command will ensure installation:
sudo apt install curl dirmngr ca-certificates software-properties-common apt-transport-https -yImport VSCodium GPG Key and APT Repository
The initial step is importing the GPG and the repository, which is simple and will ensure that you always have the most recent version on your system.
Use the following command to import the GPG key:
curl -fsSL https://gitlab.com/paulcarroty/vscodium-deb-rpm-repo/raw/master/pub.gpg | sudo gpg --dearmor | sudo tee /usr/share/keyrings/vscodium.gpg > /dev/nullNote: If the command fails, you most likely do not have the ‘curl’ package installed. Re-run the required package installation command.
Now, the following command will import the VSCodium repository:
echo deb [signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/vscodium.gpg] https://download.vscodium.com/debs vscodium main | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/vscodium.listInstall VSCodium via APT Commands
After that, you can run an APT update to incorporate the new repository.
sudo apt updateYou can now proceed with installing VSCodium by executing the following command.
sudo apt install codiumAlternatively, you can install the VSCodium insiders build, which is the beta version:
sudo apt install codium-insidersNote: The VSCodium insider and stable build share separate installations, so you can install both if desired. Just be sure to check more frequently for updates if you use the insider’s build, as releases will be more frequent.
Method 2: Install VSCodium Using Flatpak and Flathub
Confirm Flatpak Installation
To ensure a smooth installation of VSCodium, first, check if Flatpak is installed on your Linux Mint. Flatpak typically comes pre-installed on Linux Mint systems, but verifying its presence is crucial, particularly after system modifications.
Run the following command to check if Flatpak is installed:
flatpak --versionIncorporate the Flathub Repository
VSCodium, a free and open-source code editor, is accessible via Flathub, a primary hub for Flatpak apps. Integrating Flathub into your system broadens your software options significantly.
Run the following command to enable Flathub:
sudo flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo
This command ensures the addition of the Flathub repository to your system. Flathub is crucial for accessing many up-to-date applications, including VSCodium.
Install VSCodium via Flatpak Command
With Flatpak and Flathub ready, you can proceed to install VSCodium. Execute the command below:
flatpak install flathub io.vscodium.codium -yLaunching VSCodium
CLI Commands to Launch VSCodium
After the installation, you have multiple options for opening the software. One way to open it quickly is by using the command-line terminal: the following command.
codium
or
codium-insidersInstallations of VSCodium completed with the Flatpak Package manager will need to use the following command:
flatpak run com.vscodium.codiumGUI Method to Launch VSCodium
For desktop users who prefer not to use the command-line terminal, the best way to use VSCodium is to open the application’s GUI by following the path.
Taskbar > Programming > VSCodium
Additional VSCodium Commands
Update VSCodium on Linux Mint
APT VSCodium Installations Update Commands
To check for updates using the command line, the following command can be used to perform a comprehensive check for updates across all APT packages:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgradeFlatpak VSCodium Installations Update Command
Installations with Flatpak can run a global update check that prompts you to upgrade VSCodium and other installed applications via Flatpak.
In your terminal, run the following command:
flatpak updateRemove (Uninstall) VSCodium
APT VSCodium Installations Remove Commands
If you decide to remove VSCodium from your system, the following command can be used to uninstall it:
sudo apt remove codium
or
sudo apt remove codium-insidersAfterward, the repository can be removed by using the following command:
sudo rm /etc/apt/sources.list.d/vscodium.listFor good housekeeping and security, it is recommended that the GPG key be removed by following the command below.
sudo rm /usr/share/keyrings/vscodium.gpgFlatpak VSCodium Installations Remove Commands
The removal command process is much more straightforward with Flatpak; just run the command below to remove VSCodium from Linux Mint:
flatpak uninstall com.vscodium.codiumConclusion
With VSCodium successfully installed on your Linux Mint system, you can enjoy a powerful, privacy-respecting code editor. Choose between the stable or insiders-build versions based on your preference for stability or the latest features. Regularly check for updates to ensure you have the latest improvements. Enjoy a versatile and efficient coding experience with VSCodium.