Visual Studio Code (VS Code) is one of the most popular code editors for developers, offering powerful features like IntelliSense, debugging, Git integration, and extensions. If you’re using a Mac and want to install VS Code, this step-by-step guide will help you set it up quickly.

✅ Why Use VS Code on Mac?

Lightweight & Fast – Optimized for performance.
Extensible – Thousands of extensions (Python, JavaScript, C++, etc.).
Built-in Git Support – Easily manage version control.
Cross-Platform – Works on macOS, Windows, and Linux.

📥 How to Install VS Code on macOS (3 Methods)

Method 1: Download from Official Website (Recommended)

Steps:

Go to the VS Code Download Page.
Click on the “Mac” (Apple Silicon or Intel) download option.
Once downloaded, open the .zip file and drag Visual Studio Code to the Applications folder.
Launch VS Code from Spotlight Search (⌘ + Space) or Applications.
(Optional) Add to PATH for terminal access:

Open VS Code.
Press ⌘ + Shift + P → Type “Shell Command” → Select “Install ‘code’ command in PATH”.

✅ Pros: Official, always up-to-date.

Method 2: Install via Homebrew (For Developers)

If you use Homebrew, run:

brew install --cask visual-studio-code

After installation, verify by running:

code --version

✅ Pros: Easy updates via brew upgrade.

Method 3: Using Terminal (Manual CLI Install)

Download the .zip file from the VS Code site.
Unzip and move to Applications:

   unzip ~/Downloads/VSCode-darwin-universal.zip
   mv "Visual Studio Code.app" /Applications/

Launch from Terminal:

   open -a "Visual Studio Code"

⚙️ First-Time Setup & Recommended Extensions

After installing VS Code, optimize it with:

Essential Extensions:

Python (Microsoft) – For Python development.
ESLint – JavaScript/TypeScript linting.
Prettier – Code formatter.
Live Server – Instant HTML preview.
Docker – Container management.

Settings Tweaks:

Enable Auto Save (File > Auto Save).
Change Theme (⌘ + K ⌘ + T).
Adjust Font Size (⌘ + , → Editor: Font Size).

🚀 Tips & Tricks for VS Code on Mac

Quick Open Files: ⌘ + P (then type filename).
Split Editor: ⌘ + \ (multi-column coding).
Integrated Terminal: Ctrl + ` (backtick).
Zen Mode: ⌘ + K Z (distraction-free coding).

❌ Troubleshooting Common Issues

VS Code Not Opening?
Check macOS permissions in System Settings > Privacy & Security.
Reinstall if needed.
Terminal Command Not Found?
Reinstall Shell Command (Method 1, Step 5).

🎉 Conclusion

Now you’ve successfully installed VS Code on your Mac! Whether you’re coding in Python, JavaScript, Java, or C++, VS Code is a powerful tool for developers.

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How to Install Visual Studio Code on Mac (2025 Guide)