---
title: "VS Code Setup for Beginners"
description: "VS Code is a free, popular code editor. Learn what it is, how to install it, and the few settings and extensions worth turning on first."
type: "fundamental"
locale: "en"
category: "tools"
canonical: "https://agenticschool.dev/fundamentals/vs-code-setup"
dateModified: "2026-06-12"
---

# VS Code Setup for Beginners

- Category: tools
- Updated: 2026-06-12
- Keywords: VS Code, code editor, extensions, setup, beginner
- Canonical URL: https://agenticschool.dev/fundamentals/vs-code-setup
- Locale: en

> VS Code is a free, popular code editor. Learn what it is, how to install it, and the few settings and extensions worth turning on first.

VS Code (Visual Studio Code) is a free, widely used code editor where you write, read and organise the files of your project. It is essentially a powerful text editor built for code, with a file explorer, a built-in terminal and an extension marketplace. You do not strictly need it to build with an AI agent, but it gives you a comfortable place to see what the agent is doing and to make small edits yourself.

## Installing VS Code

Download VS Code from its official site, code.visualstudio.com, and run the installer for your operating system. It is free and made by Microsoft. Once installed, you open a project by choosing "Open Folder" and pointing it at your project folder.

## The built-in terminal

One of the most useful features for beginners is the integrated terminal, so you do not have to switch windows. Open it from the menu (Terminal, then New Terminal) and you get a terminal already pointed at your project folder. This is where you run commands like "npm run dev".

## A few extensions worth adding

Extensions add features to VS Code. You do not need many to start, and you can always add more later.

- Prettier: formats your code neatly and consistently on save.
- ESLint: highlights likely mistakes as you go.
- A language pack if you prefer the menus in your own language.

## Common beginner confusions

VS Code can look overwhelming because of all the panels, but you only need three at first: the file tree on the left to see your project, the editor in the middle to read and change files, and the terminal at the bottom to run commands. Everything else you can ignore until you want it. A common worry is whether opening the wrong file or panel breaks anything; it does not, VS Code only edits files when you actually type and save. Two small comfort settings help a lot early on: turn on word wrap so long lines stay visible, and enable format on save so Prettier tidies your code automatically every time you hit save.

## FAQ

### Is VS Code free?

Yes, VS Code is completely free and open source, made by Microsoft. There are no paid tiers required to use it for real projects.

### Do I need VS Code to build with an AI agent?

Not strictly. Agents like Claude Code run in a terminal. But VS Code gives you a clear view of your files and an easy place to make small edits, so most people use both.

### What is the difference between VS Code and a terminal?

VS Code is an editor for viewing and writing files; the terminal is for running commands. VS Code includes a terminal inside it, so you can do both in one window.