Visual Studio CodeLinux
vs
Visual StudioWindows
Visual Studio Code as a Linux alternative to Visual Studio
Updated
Our verdict
Visual Studio Code can replace Visual Studio for many developers who need a lightweight, cross‑platform editor with good .NET and C++ support via extensions. It works well for scripting, web, and small to medium projects, but it lacks the full IDE features of Visual Studio such as advanced project system, designer tools, and integrated build pipelines. Professional .NET teams that rely on Visual Studio’s native tooling, especially for large solutions, will find VS Code insufficient.
- License
- LicenseRef-proprietary=https://code.visu…
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 1.139.1 (September 25, 2026)
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Cross‑platform availability
- Integrated Git and source control
- Extensible via marketplace extensions
- Debugging support
- IntelliSense code completion
What is different
- No built‑in project system for large solutions
- No designer tools for WinForms/WPF/Blazor
- Limited native .NET build and deployment integration
- No advanced profiling and performance tools
- No visual designer for UI layouts
Opening your Visual Studio files
VS Code can open .cs, .cpp, .h, and other source files directly. It does not understand Visual Studio solution (.sln) or project (.csproj) files as a single unit; you need to open the folder containing the files or use the C# extension to load the solution. Exporting from VS to VS Code is not supported; you must manually copy source files and set up the workspace.
Switching from Visual Studio to Visual Studio Code, step by step
- 1. Install VS Code from the official Microsoft repository or Flatpak.
- 2. Install the C# extension (OmniSharp) for .NET support and the C++ extension for C/C++.
- 3. Open the folder that contains your source files; VS Code will prompt to add a workspace if needed.
- 4. Add a launch.json configuration for debugging or use the C# extension’s auto‑detect.
- 5. Install any additional extensions (e.g., GitLens, Prettier) to match your workflow.
- 6. Verify build and run by using the integrated terminal or the build tasks configured in tasks.json.
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
How to install Visual Studio Code on Linux
flatpak install flathub com.visualstudio.codeFrequently asked questions
Can I use VS Code to build a full .NET solution?
Yes, with the C# extension and the .NET CLI you can compile and run .NET projects, but VS Code does not provide the same project‑solution hierarchy view or designer tools that Visual Studio offers.
Does VS Code support C++ debugging on Linux?
The C/C++ extension provides IntelliSense and debugging via gdb or lldb, but you need to configure launch.json manually; it does not include the Visual Studio designer or advanced profiling tools.
Will my existing Visual Studio extensions work in VS Code?
No. VS Code uses its own extension ecosystem; you must find equivalent extensions in the VS Code marketplace.
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