How to Install Visual Studio Code on AlmaLinux 9

Introduction

Before we begin talking about how to install Visual Studio Code on AlmaLinux 9, let's briefly understand – What is Visual Studio Code?

Visual Studio Code, commonly known as VS Code, is a free source-code editor created by Microsoft for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It supports many programming languages and offers a customizable interface.

Users benefit from features like debugging, syntax highlighting, code completion, and Git integration. With its extensions' marketplace, developers can enhance functionality further. Lightweight and powerful, Visual Studio Code is favored by programmers for its efficiency and user-friendly.

In this tutorial, you will install Visual Studio Code on AlmaLinux 9. We will also address a few FAQs on how to install Visual Studio Code on AlmaLinux 9.

Advantages of Visual Studio Code

1. Versatile: Supports multiple programming languages.
2. Customizable: Tailor interface and features to suit individual needs.
3. Efficient Debugging: Seamless debugging capabilities.
4. Extensions: Access a wide range of extensions for enhanced functionality.
5. User-Friendly: Beginner-friendly interface with powerful features for developers.

Install Visual Studio Code on AlmaLinux via RPM

Step 1: Update AlmaLinux Before Visual Studio Code Installation

It is necessary to update your AlmaLinux system in order to guarantee a seamless installation process and optimal system performance. To update your system, open a terminal and type the following command:

sudo dnf upgrade --refresh

By using this command, the installed packages are updated to the most recent versions and the package database is refreshed.

Step 2: Import Visual Studio Code RPM on AlmaLinux

The default AlmaLinux repositories do not contain Visual Studio Code. Nonetheless, you can follow these instructions to add the official Visual Studio Code repository to your system:

Import VSCode GPG Key on AlmaLinux:

To ensure the legitimacy of the packages you are going to install, import the GPG key first:

sudo rpm --import https://packages.microsoft.com/keys/microsoft.asc

Import VSCode RPM Repository on AlmaLinux:

Next, use the following command to add the Visual Studio Code repository to your system:

printf "[vscode]\nname=Visual Studio Code\nbaseurl=https://packages.microsoft.com/yumrepos/vscode/\nenabled=1\ngpgcheck=1\nrepo_gpgcheck=1\ngpgkey=https://packages.microsoft.com/keys/microsoft.asc\nmetadata_expire=1h" | sudo tee /etc/yum.repos.d/vscode.repo

With the help of this command, a new repository file that is set up to access Visual Studio Code packages is created. The repository details ought to appear in your terminal, verifying that the addition was successful.

Now that the repository is set up, installing Visual Studio Code on AlmaLinux is possible.

Step 3: Install Visual Studio Code on AlmaLinux

The stable build and the insider build are the two builds that Visual Studio Code provides. The majority of users are advised to use the stable build because it has been tried and tested.

Option 1: Install VSCode Stable Build (Recommended)

Run the following commands to install Visual Studio Code's stable build:

sudo dnf install code

Option 2: Install VSCode Insiders Build (Upstream)

Use the insider build to get access to the most recent features and updates. Use this to install it:

sudo dnf install code-insiders

You should see the GPG key being imported during Visual Studio Code's first installation, which verifies the package's integrity and authenticity.

Output

Importing GPG key 0xBE1229CF:
 Userid     : "Microsoft (Release signing) <gpgsecurity@microsoft.com>"
 Fingerprint: BC52 8686 B50D 79E3 39D3 721C EB3E 94AD BE12 29CF
 From       : https://packages.microsoft.com/keys/microsoft.asc

Install Visual Studio Code on AlmaLinux via Flatpak and Flathub

Step 1: Enable Flathub for Visual Studio Code on AlmaLinux

Check that the Flathub repository is included in the Flatpak configuration of your system before proceeding. One of the many apps hosted on Flathub is Visual Studio Code. Use the following command to integrate the Flathub repository with Flatpak if you haven't already added it:

flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo

This command sets the stage for software installations from this repository by confirming that Flathub is included in your Flatpak configuration.

Step 2: Install Visual Studio Code on AlmaLinux via Flatpak Command

Install Visual Studio Code now that Flathub is configured. Execute the subsequent command to commence the installation process:

flatpak install flathub com.visualstudio.code

This command installs Visual Studio Code on your AlmaLinux system by searching the Flathub repository for it.

Troubleshooting Flathub Activation on AlmaLinux

Flathub may occasionally fail to launch as expected, even after you have added it to your system. If this happens, run the following command to fix the problem and make Flathub functional:

flatpak remote-modify --enable flathub

Launch Visual Studio Code (VSCode) on AlmaLinux

CLI Methods to Launch VSCode on AlmaLinux

Now that Visual Studio Code is operational, there are multiple ways to launch it. A quick launch is provided by Visual Studio Code for command-line enthusiasts. Enter to launch the stable build:

code

To access the most recent features of the insider build, use:

code-insiders

Use this command to launch Visual Studio Code if you installed it using Flatpak:

flatpak run com.visualstudio.code

GUI Method to Launch VSCode on AlmaLinux

Desktop users can also open Visual Studio Code without delving into the command line. Follow these steps for a graphical launch:

Activities > Show Appications > Visual Studio Code

Tips for Getting Started with Visual Studio Code on AlmaLinux

Being designed to satisfy the needs of developers working on a variety of projects, Visual Studio Code (VSCode) stands out as a flexible and strong code editor. Take into consideration these suggestions as you get started with VSCode on AlmaLinux in order to streamline your coding process and improve your productivity.

General VSCode Tips for First-Time Users with AlmaLinux

• Familiarize Yourself with the Interface: Explore the VSCode interface for a while. Find the locations of the Explorer, Source Control, and Extensions views; these are essential for your daily work.
• Learn Keyboard Shortcuts: Using keyboard shortcuts can greatly accelerate your workflow. To access the Command Palette, which is a central location for commands, press Ctrl + Shift + P. The Help menu contains a list of shortcuts.
• Utilize the Integrated Terminal: Visual Studio Code (VS Code) has a built-in terminal that you can access using the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + (backtick key).

VSCode Customizations to Enhance Your Experience with AlmaLinux

• Install Extensions: Add-ons can improve the functionality of VSCode. Press Ctrl + Shift + X to open the Extensions view, then look for extensions that fit your workflow or programming language.
• Personalize Your Theme: Customize your workspace by altering the color scheme. Navigate to File > Preferences > Color Theme and pick a theme that you find appealing.
• Configure Your Settings: Configure VSCode to suit your needs by changing the settings. You can use the Ctrl + ,shortcut or File > Preferences > Settings to access the settings.

{
  "editor.fontSize": 16,
  "editor.lineHeight": 25,
  "files.autoSave": "onFocusChange"
}

Other VSCode Handy Tips with AlmaLinux

• Use the Breadcrumbs Feature: The breadcrumbs located at the top of the editor facilitate easy navigation through your code by displaying the location of the currently open file within the directory structure.
• Leverage the Power of Extensions: With features like linting and intelligent code completion, extensions like Python for Python development or ESLint for JavaScript can greatly improve your coding experience.
• Explore the Marketplace: There are a ton of themes and extensions available on the VSCode Marketplace. Look around and see what tools can help you be more productive.

By applying these pointers to your regular Visual Studio Code on AlmaLinux usage, you create the conditions for a coding experience that is more effective, customized, and pleasurable.

Managing Visual Studio Code on AlmaLinux

Updating Visual Studio Code

Sustaining the most recent version of Visual Studio Code guarantees maximum efficiency and safety. To update all DNF packages, including Visual Studio Code, run the following command:

sudo dnf update --refresh

The following command updates and verifies all installed Flatpak apps for installations using Flatpak:

flatpak update

Uninstalling Visual Studio Code

Using the command that corresponds to your installation method, remove Visual Studio Code from your AlmaLinux system. Regarding DNF installations:

sudo dnf remove code

In the case of the insider build:

sudo dnf remove code-insiders

In order to guarantee that Visual Studio Code and its repository are never again installed from this source, run the following commands:

sudo rm /etc/yum.repos.d/vscode.repo

Flatpak Removal Method for Visual Studio Code

The following command will remove Visual Studio Code from users who installed it using Flatpak:

flatpak uninstall com.visualstudio.code

FAQs to Install Visual Studio Code on AlmaLinux 9

Conclusion

We hope this tutorial helped you understand how to install Visual Studio Code on AlmaLinux 9.

If you have any queries, please leave a comment below, and we’ll be happy to respond to them for sure.