VSCodium is a remarkable software choice for developers who prioritize open-source solutions. It is a free, community-driven distribution of Microsoft’s Visual Studio Code (VS Code). Unlike VS Code, VSCodium lacks telemetry and tracking, ensuring a privacy-focused development environment.
This application enhances coding efficiency with its diverse array of features, such as:
- Open-Source Nature: Fully open-source, allowing for community contributions and transparency.
- Lightweight and Customizable: Highly efficient and customizable to fit individual development needs.
- Extensive Plugin Support: Access a wide range of plugins for enhanced functionality.
- Cross-Platform Compatibility: Works seamlessly across various operating systems.
- Integrated Git Control: Simplified version control with built-in Git support.
- Intuitive User Interface: User-friendly interface that boosts productivity.
With these key features and highlights covered, let’s delve into the main article to explore the installation process of VSCodium in detail using three different methods.
Method 1: Install VSCodium via APT PPA
Update Ubuntu System Packages Before VSCodium Installation
First, we want to ensure our Ubuntu system has the latest package listings and versions. This is a vital preliminary step to avoid conflicts during VSCodium’s installation. Utilize the command below to update your package list:
sudo apt updateAfter updating the package list, we can upgrade any outdated packages. This step will ensure that all installed software is up-to-date, improving overall system stability. The following command will perform the upgrade:
sudo apt upgradeInstall Initial Packages For VSCodium
For VSCodium to function correctly, specific dependencies must be on your system. These packages are essential components for the proper installation and functioning of VSCodium. The command below will ensure these dependencies are installed:
sudo apt install dirmngr software-properties-common apt-transport-https curl -yIf these packages are already on your system, this command will ensure they are updated to their latest versions.
Add VSCodium Repository
The next step involves importing the GPG key and the VSCodium repository into our Ubuntu system. This action is required to allow your system to recognize and trust the source of VSCodium.
Firstly, we import the GPG key. The GPG key is a security feature that ensures the authenticity of the downloaded packages. This command fetches the key and installs it:
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/nullHaving secured our connection with the GPG key, we imported the VSCodium repository. The repository is the source from which we’ll download VSCodium. Execute the following command to add the repository to your system:
echo deb [signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/vscodium.gpg] https://download.vscodium.com/debs vscodium main | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/vscodium.listRefresh APT Packages Index After VSCodium PPA Import
After adding the new VSCodium repository, we need to run another APT update. This update will ensure that your system recognizes the newly added VSCodium repository and includes it in the package listings. The below command will update the APT packages index:
sudo apt updateInstall VSCodium on Ubuntu via APT Command
Now that our system is primed and ready, we can install VSCodium. You can install either the standard stable release, which mirrors the VSCode’s stable build, or the pre-release version (Insiders), a counterpart of VSCode’s Insiders build. The two versions can be installed side-by-side as they are independent.
To install the stable release of VSCodium, use the following command:
sudo apt install codium -yAlternatively, if you’re interested in the latest features and don’t mind occasional hiccups, you can opt for the pre-release version by running:
sudo apt install codium-insiders -yMethod 2: Install VSCodium via Snap
The second method to install VSCodium will utilize the natively installed Snap package manager on your Ubuntu system. For new users of Linux, mainly Ubuntu, leveraging Snap is a hassle-free method to integrate and manage software on Ubuntu.
Verify Snap Before VSCodium Installation
If you find that Snap isn’t on your Ubuntu setup, it’s a cinch to add with the following command:
sudo apt install snapd -yIncorporate the Core Snap
Before proceeding with VSCodium, installing the ‘core’ snap is prudent. This foundational Snap ensures the harmonious interaction of all Snap applications on your system. You can achieve this with the command:
sudo snap install coreInstall VSCodium on Ubuntu via Snap Command
Now, with the groundwork laid, you’re poised to install VSCodium. Kickstart the installation process with this command:
sudo snap install vscodiumMethod 3: Install VSCodium via Flatpak and Flathub
The third installation method for VSCodium with Ubuntu will utilize the Flatpak Package Manager. Let’s delve into the straightforward steps to install VSCodium using Flatpak and Flathub.
Enable Flathub Repository for VSCodium on Ubuntu
Our initial move is to import the Flathub repository into our system. By achieving this, we lay the foundation for seamlessly installing VSCodium and other Flatpak applications.
To facilitate this merger, enter the command below in your terminal:
sudo flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepoOnce executed, this command integrates the Flathub repository, extending your Flatpak setup to include many applications, with VSCodium being a prime highlight.
Install VSCodium via Flatpak Command
With the Flathub repository, we can pivot to VSCodium’s installation. This involves the flatpak install command. To kickstart VSCodium’s deployment, use the following:
flatpak install flathub com.vscodium.codium -yThis command fetches VSCodium directly from Flathub and ensures optimal installation on your system.
Initiating VSCodium
CLI Methods to Launch VSCodium
For those who prefer a swift interaction with the terminal, VSCodium can be conveniently started by running the codium command. This launches the stable release of VSCodium that was installed earlier:
codiumAlternatively, if you installed VSCodium via Snap or Flatpak, use the following command to match your installation method to launch VSCodium:
snap run codiumflatpak run com.vscodium.codiumIf you opted to install the pre-release version (also known as the Insiders version), you could launch it using the codium-insiders command:
codium-insidersVSCodium springs to life using these commands, ready to facilitate your coding needs.
GUI Method to Launch VSCodium on Ubuntu
If you are more comfortable using the GUI or want to familiarize yourself with the Ubuntu interface, you can launch VSCodium with a few clicks.
From your desktop, follow the below pathway:
- Click on Activities in the top-left corner of your desktop.
- Navigate to Show Applications – symbolized by a grid of dots, typically at the bottom of the dock.
- Here, among your installed applications, you will find VSCodium. Click on it to launch.
Additional VSCodium Commands
The following section will guide you through essential management tasks for your VSCodium installation on Ubuntu Linux. This includes instructions for updating your installed packages and removing VSCodium from your system.
Update VSCodium
To keep VSCodium up-to-date, you should regularly check for updates. Linux makes this process relatively straightforward.
Use one of the following commands that match your installation method initially with VSCodium:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgradesnap refreshflatpak updateThe commands above will blanket check for updates for VSCodium and any packages installed using the package manager of your choice.
Remove VSCodium
APT Remove Command Method for VSCodium
Uninstalling VSCodium from your system is relatively simple. Separate commands are provided to remove the stable build and the insider build.
sudo apt remove codiumsudo apt remove codium-insidersRemoving the VSCodium repository from your system is good practice to maintain a clean package list after uninstallation.
sudo rm /etc/apt/sources.list.d/vscodium.listYou should also remove the GPG key related to VSCodium for extra housekeeping and security.
sudo rm /usr/share/keyrings/vscodium.gpgSnap Remove Command Method for VSCodium
VSCodium installations with Snap, run the following command to remove the software:
sudo snap remove codiumFlatpak Remove Command Method for VSCodium
Lastly, Flatpak installations of VSCodium run the following command to remove the software:
flatpak uninstall com.vscodium.codiumFinal Thoughts
And there you have it! We’ve just walked through the steps to get VSCodium up and running on your Ubuntu system. Whether you chose the APT, Snapcraft, or Flatpak method, you’re now equipped with a powerful, privacy-conscious editor about open-source goodness. Remember, the beauty of VSCodium lies in its customizability, so don’t shy away from exploring its extensive plugin library to tailor it to your needs. Happy coding, and may your development journey with VSCodium be smooth and productive!
Useful Links
Here are some valuable links related to using VSCodium:
- VSCodium Official Website: Visit the official VSCodium website for information about the open-source version of Visual Studio Code, its features, and download options.
- VSCodium GitHub Repository: Access the VSCodium GitHub repository to view the source code, report issues, and contribute to the development.
- VSCodium Wiki: Explore the VSCodium wiki for detailed documentation, tutorials, and community-contributed content.