Linux · Programming
Visual Studio Code
A lightweight, extensible code editor that supports debugging, Git, and many languages.
- License
- LicenseRef-proprietary=https://code.visu…
- Latest version
- 1.139.1 (September 25, 2026)
- Developer
- Microsoft Corporation
- Installs
- 54,135 (Flathub, 30 days)
What is Visual Studio Code?
Visual Studio Code (VS Code) started as a lightweight editor from Microsoft in 2015 and quickly grew into a full‑featured IDE thanks to its rich extension ecosystem. The Flatpak build on Linux is a direct repackaging of the official Microsoft version, so it stays in sync with the Windows release schedule. VS Code is aimed at developers who need a fast, customizable editor that can handle everything from scripting to large‑scale application development.
The editor feels familiar to Windows users: the interface, keybindings, and extension marketplace are almost identical. However, the Linux Flatpak version requires a few extra steps to enable the integrated terminal and other platform‑specific features, which are documented in the bundled readme.
Compared with the original Windows VS Code, the Linux Flatpak offers the same feature set but runs inside a sandboxed environment. This can limit direct access to the file system unless you adjust the Flatpak permissions, but it also provides a consistent, reproducible installation across distributions.
Best for: Developers who want a unified, extensible editor that works the same on Linux as on Windows.
Key features of Visual Studio Code
- Cross‑platform, same UI on Linux, macOS, Windows
- Built‑in Git support and source control
- Extensible via a large marketplace
- Integrated terminal and debugging
- Smart code completion (IntelliSense)
- Language‑specific linters and formatters
Pros
- Fast startup and low memory footprint
- Rich extension ecosystem
- Consistent experience across OSes
- Strong community support
- Regular updates
Cons
- Flatpak sandbox limits file access without permission changes
- Integrated terminal may need extra setup
- Some extensions rely on Windows binaries and may not work
- Requires Internet for extension downloads
Windows programs Visual Studio Code replaces
How to install Visual Studio Code on Linux
flatpak install flathub com.visualstudio.codeTips for Windows users
Files are opened with the same .cs, .py, .js, etc. extensions, so no conversion is needed. Keyboard shortcuts largely match the Windows defaults (Ctrl+S, Ctrl+P, etc.), but on Linux you may need to map Ctrl+Shift+P for the command palette. The integrated terminal opens with Ctrl+` but you must grant terminal access via Flatpak permissions. Workflow is similar, but you may need to re‑install extensions from the marketplace after moving from a Windows install.
Recent releases
- 1.139.1 —
- 1.138.0 —
- 1.137.0 —
- 1.130.0 —
Visual Studio Code: frequently asked questions
Does VS Code on Linux support debugging for .NET Core?
Yes, the C# extension provides full debugging support for .NET Core on Linux, just like on Windows.
Can I use the same extensions I installed on Windows?
Most extensions are cross‑platform, but some rely on Windows binaries and will not work on Linux.
How do I enable the integrated terminal in the Flatpak?
Open the Flatpak permissions dialog and grant the app access to the terminal or run the Flatpak with the --filesystem=home flag.
Is there a difference between the Flatpak and the .deb package?
The Flatpak is a direct repackaging of the Microsoft build; the .deb is a community‑maintained build that may lag slightly but offers more native integration.
Updated