VS Code

How to Open VSCode from Terminal Commands

December 3, 2024

Visual Studio Code is a powerful tool that enhances coding productivity, and knowing how to open VSCode from the terminal can streamline your workflow significantly.

Whether you’re working on a Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), macOS Terminal, or Command Prompt, leveraging terminal commands allows for quick and efficient access to your development environment.

By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to use various terminal commands to launch VSCode effortlessly, setting the stage for faster coding sessions and efficient project management.

This article covers different terminal environments, practical steps for each, and key Visual Studio Code features that complement terminal operations.

Ready to transform your productivity? Let’s dive into the exact steps for opening VSCode from the terminal using common commands tailored for various operating systems.

How to Open VSCode from Terminal: Quick Workflow

For macOS

Install the code Command:
- Open VSCode.
- Press Command + Shift + P to open the Command Palette.
- Type shell command and select Shell Command: Install ‘code’ command in PATH. This enables you to use the code command in your terminal.
Open Terminal:
- Open the terminal by searching for it using Spotlight (Command + Space and type “Terminal”).
Launch VSCode:
- Navigate to the directory you want to work in using the cd command.
- Type code . and press Enter. This opens VSCode in the current directory.

For Windows

Add VSCode to PATH:
- During installation, ensure that the option to add VSCode to your PATH is checked. If you missed it, you can manually add it through System Properties > Environment Variables by adding the path to the VSCode installation (usually C:\Users\<YourUsername>\AppData\Local\Programs\Microsoft VS Code\bin) to the Path variable.
Open Command Prompt:
- Open Command Prompt by searching for “cmd” in the Start menu.
Launch VSCode:
- Navigate to your desired folder using the cd command.
- Type code . and hit Enter to open VSCode in that folder.

For Linux

Install VSCode:
- If you haven’t installed VSCode, do so using your package manager (e.g., sudo apt install code for Ubuntu).
Open Terminal:
- Open your terminal application.
Launch VSCode:
- Navigate to your project directory using cd.
- Type code . and press Enter.

Additional Tips

To open a specific file, use code filename.ext.
To create a new file, type code newfile.txt, and it will open a new file for editing.

Setting Up Visual Studio Code for Terminal Use

maxresdefault How to Open VSCode from Terminal Commands

Downloading and Installing Visual Studio Code

Where and How to Download VS Code

First thing’s first, grabbing Visual Studio Code can’t get any easier. Head over to the official Visual Studio Code website. There you’ll find download links directly on the front page. Grab the version suited for your operating system: Windows, macOS, or Linux.

Initial Setup Instructions for Windows, macOS, and Linux

Windows
- Download the installer from the official site.
- Run the .exe file.
- Follow the installation wizard. It’s pretty straightforward—just click through the prompts.
- Ensure the option “Add to PATH” is checked. This is key for terminal use.
macOS
- Download the .zip archive from the official website.
- Open the .zip file—this will extract the application.
- Drag Visual Studio Code to your Applications folder. Done.
Linux
- For Debian-based distros, download the .deb package.
- Open your terminal and run:
```
sudo dpkg -i <file>.deb
```
- For Red Hat-based distros, download the .rpm package.
- Open your terminal and run:
```
sudo rpm -i <file>.rpm
```

Ensuring VS Code is in System Path

Explanation of System PATH and Why It’s Necessary

The system PATH is a critical environment variable that tells your system where to look for executable files. If VS Code isn’t in your PATH, you won’t be able to open it from the terminal using the code command. This is fundamental for full terminal utility.

Step-by-Step Guide to Configuring PATH for VS Code in Different OS

Windows
- During installation, ensure the “Add to PATH” option is checked. If you missed this:
  - Go to Control Panel.
  - Navigate to System and Security > System > Advanced system settings.
  - Click on Environment Variables.
  - Find the Path variable in the System variables section, and edit it.
  - Add the path to Code.exe. Example: C:\Users\<YourUsername>\AppData\Local\Programs\Microsoft VS Code.

macOS

Open Terminal.

Use the Command Palette to install the code command in PATH:

Launch VS Code.
Open Command Palette (Cmd+Shift+P).
Type ‘Shell Command: Install’ and select it.

Verify by running code --version.

Linux
- Ensure the code command is in PATH.
  - Typically, if installed via .deb or .rpm package, it will be.
  - If not, manually add it:
```
sudo ln -s /path/to/VSCode/code /usr/local/bin/code
```
- Check by running:
```
code --version
```
  Accessing the Command Palette for Configuration

Opening the Command Palette

Shortcut Keys for Command Palette Access

Ready to dive into VS Code configurations? Start by opening the Command Palette. It’s a quick-access tool for executing commands.

Windows and Linux: Hit Ctrl+Shift+P.
macOS: Use Cmd+Shift+P.

The Command Palette is your best friend here.

Introduction to Command Palette Functions in VS Code

Within the Command Palette, you can access a treasure trove of functions. Need to install an extension? Require a specific command? You can find it all. Think of it as your developer toolbox.

You can do things like:

Install and manage extensions
Modify keybindings
Execute tasks directly without digging through menus

It’s a simple way to enhance your coding productivity without jumping through hoops.

Installing ‘code’ Command in PATH

Using the Command Palette to Enable the ‘code’ Command

The next step is to get the code command up and running from the terminal. Here’s how:

Open the Command Palette.
Type Shell Command: Install 'code' command in PATH and hit Enter.

This action links the code command to your system PATH for seamless terminal access.

Verifying that the Command Works Across Different OS Environments

Verify that everything’s set:

Windows: Open Command Prompt or PowerShell and type:
```
code --version
```
macOS: Open Terminal and run:
```
code --version
```
Linux: In your terminal, type:
```
code --version
```
Opening Visual Studio Code from the Terminal

Basic Commands to Launch VS Code

Opening VS Code in the Current Directory

Use this command to open Visual Studio Code directly in the current directory you’re working in:

code .

Simple as that. The dot . tells VS Code to use the current directory. Quick access.

Opening Specific Files or Folders

To open a specific file or a particular folder, just reference its path:

code [path/to/file-or-folder]

Replace [path/to/file-or-folder] with the actual path. This makes navigating your projects super-efficient.

Opening a New VS Code Project

Need a fresh instance? Use:

code -n

Great for when you need a clean slate without closing your existing session.

Additional Commands for Customizing VS Code Launch

Accessing VS Code Command-Line Options

Discover more possibilities using:

code --help

This command lists all available options you can use when launching VS Code. Learn something new every time.

Setting Up Default File Types and Configurations

Sometimes, you want to set default file types or configurations right from the start. For example:

code --file-write [path/to-file]

Ready to adjust set-up to your workflow.

Working Within the Integrated Terminal in VS Code

Starting and Configuring the Integrated Terminal

Opening the Integrated Terminal in VS Code

Firing up the Integrated Terminal in Visual Studio Code is a breeze. Just hit:

Windows/Linux: `Ctrl+“ (that’s the control key plus the backtick)
macOS: `Cmd+“

This instantly opens the terminal at the bottom of your editor, making it seamlessly integrated with your development environment.

Selecting and Customizing the Default Shell

Different developers, different preferences. You might prefer Bash, PowerShell, or even Zsh.

Switching between shells is as easy as counting to three:

Open the Command Palette (Ctrl+Shift+P or Cmd+Shift+P).
Type Terminal: Select Default Shell.
Choose your desired shell from the dropdown.

Customizing it? Head over to your settings (Ctrl+, or Cmd+,) and tweak the terminal preferences to adjust fonts, colors, and more.

Running Basic Commands in the Terminal

Navigating the Workspace Using Commands Like `ls` and `cd`

Once your terminal is up, navigating your workspace is second nature. Familiar commands like ls (to list directories) and cd (to change directories) make your navigation efficient.

Example:

ls
cd /path/to/your/workspace

Moves you effortlessly through your project files.

Working with File and Directory Commands (Creating, Deleting, Renaming)

File management commands turn you into a directory wizard. Creating, deleting, and renaming files and directories become straightforward tasks.

Create a file:
```
touch newfile.txt
```
Create a directory:
```
mkdir newdirectory
```
Delete a file:
```
rm file.txt
```
Rename a file:
```
mv oldname.txt newname.txt
```

Immediate, straightforward, effective.

Utilizing Shortcut Keys for Terminal Efficiency

Shortcut Keys for Opening and Managing Terminals

Time savers? Absolutely necessary. Here’s how:

Open a new terminal:
```
Ctrl+Shift+`
```

Switch between terminals:

Ctrl+Tab (for next)
Ctrl+Shift+Tab (for previous)

This quick navigation helps maintain productivity without breaking focus.

Navigating the Command History in the Terminal

Re-runs, edits, or quick fixes—all made easier by navigating through your command history.

Scroll through history:
```
Up Arrow / Down Arrow
```

No need to retype commands. Just scroll through, find what you need, and hit enter.

Interacting with Terminal Command Output in VS Code

Recognizing and Using Links in Command Output

Opening Files Directly from Command Output Links

Run a command, boom! There’s a file path. VS Code picks it up like magic. Hyperlinked right there in the terminal.

Click it.

The file opens in your editor. No hopping around, no extra navigation. Pure efficiency.

Handling URLs and External Links within the Terminal

Found a URL in your terminal output? Click to open it in your default browser. Handles external links like a pro.

An example:

echo "Check this out: http://example.com"

Output shows the link. Click, explore, done.

Managing Terminal Output with File Integration

Redirecting Command Output to Text Files

Sometimes you want those verbose outputs saved.

Use this:

ls -la > directory_listing.txt

Redirects the output to directory_listing.txt. Keeps your terminal clean but logs everything you need.

Searching and Navigating within Output Files

Got a log file? Need to find specific entries?

Integrated search to the rescue.

Open the file: Ctrl+P (or Cmd+P), type the file name.
Use Ctrl+F (or Cmd+F) to activate the search.

Navigate with arrow keys, jump to exactly what you need. Prune through logs or output without any hassle.

Using Multiple Terminals in Visual Studio Code

Creating and Managing Multiple Terminal Instances

Setting Up Multiple Terminals for Different Workflows

Need different terminal instances for different tasks? VS Code’s got you covered. Whether you’re working on Git, builds, or server tasks, setting up multiple terminals is straightforward.

Open a terminal (Ctrl+`` orCmd+“).
Click the split terminal icon in the terminal pane. Voila! Another terminal opens up.
Assign each terminal to a specific task. One for Git commands, one for npm scripts, another for debugging.

Switching workflows becomes a breeze. No clutter. Just the exact terminal window you need, when you need it.

Switching Between Terminals Efficiently

Navigating between these terminals should be as efficient as your workflow. Use shortcuts for blazing speed.

Switch forward between terminal instances: Ctrl+PgDown / Cmd+Option+Right.
Switch backward: Ctrl+PgUp / Cmd+Option+Left.

Keep your hands on the keyboard, your mind in the code.

Running Commands in Different Shells

Setting Up Specific Terminals for Unique Shell Environments

Sometimes, one shell environment isn’t enough. You need Bash for some scripts, PowerShell for others, maybe Zsh for personal flavor.

How to set a specific terminal shell:

Open Command Palette (Ctrl+Shift+P / Cmd+Shift+P).
Type Terminal: Select Default Shell.
Choose between Bash, PowerShell, Zsh, or any other installed shell.

Customize each terminal to fit its purpose—a unique environment for every task.

Guidelines for Task-Based Terminal Sessions

Having tasks tied to individual terminals enhances productivity. Here’s how to frame task-based sessions:

Git Workflow: Use one terminal strictly for Git commands, handling version control within a dedicated space.
Build Tasks: Allocate another terminal for build commands:
```
npm run build
```
Testing: Separate terminal purely for running tests:
```
npm test
```

This structured approach keeps your development environment organized and efficient.

Customizing the Terminal Experience

Customizing Terminal Appearance

Adjusting Font Size, Color Scheme, and Layout

Want your terminal to look just right? Customizing appearance is easy.

Font Size: Go to settings (Ctrl+, or Cmd+,), search for terminal.integrated.fontSize. Set the value to whatever suits your eyes.
Color Scheme: Terminal colors getting boring? Edit your settings, find workbench.colorCustomizations, and tweak away.
Layout: Arrange it to your liking. Want the terminal on the side, not at the bottom? Just drag and drop.

A clean, sharp terminal. Feels more personal, more yours.

Creating Custom Terminal Profiles for Different Tasks

Profiles for everything. Different needs, different looks.

Bash with a minimalist look? Done.
PowerShell with funky colors? Easy.

Create profiles in settings.json:

"terminal.integrated.profiles.linux": {
    "bash": {
        "path": "/bin/bash",
        "args": ["-l"],
        "colorScheme": "Solarized Dark"
    },
    "powershell": {
        "path": "C:\\Windows\\System32\\WindowsPowerShell\\v1.0\\powershell.exe",
        "args": [],
        "colorScheme": "Monokai"
    }
}

Switch profiles as needed. Keeps things tidy, relevant, functional.

Setting Up Task-Specific Terminal Shortcuts

Custom Keyboard Shortcuts for Terminal Functions

Shortcuts are lifesavers. Makes work snappier.

Customize these handy keys by diving into keybindings.json:

{
    "key": "ctrl+alt+t",
    "command": "workbench.action.terminal.new"
},
{
    "key": "ctrl+alt+k",
    "command": "workbench.action.terminal.kill"
}

You add shortcuts that suit your flow. Open new terminal, kill terminal instances… efficient.

Setting Up Automated Tasks and Command Aliases for Frequently Used Actions

Repetitive tasks? Automate them. Setup aliases.

Head into tasks.json:

{
    "version": "2.0.0",
    "tasks": [
        {
            "label": "Build Project",
            "type": "shell",
            "command": "npm run build",
            "group": "build",
            "problemMatcher": ["$tsc"]
        }
    ]
}

Add aliases in your shell profile:

alias gs='git status'
alias gp='git pull'

Tasks automated. Commands shortened. Time saved.

Practical Applications and Tips for Using VS Code with Terminal

Development Scenarios Enhanced by Terminal Use

Projects. You want them up fast. Minimal friction. Open the integrated terminal in Visual Studio Code:

git clone https://github.com/your-repo.git
cd your-repo
npm install
code .

And just like that, everything’s up. No extra steps. Seamless.

Faster Debugging and Testing within the Terminal

Hit a bug? Jump into debugging without switching windows. Just:

npm test
npm run debug

Errors pop up right there in the terminal. Messages neatly integrated within your workspace. Debug, test, fix—quick and contained.

Pro Tips for Streamlining Terminal Use in VS Code

Using the Terminal for Version Control with Git

Git and the terminal. Match made in heaven. For version control, open the terminal and:

Clone a repo:

git clone https://github.com/your-repo.git

Check status:
```
git status
```
Commit changes:
```
git commit -m "Commit message"
```

Changes tracked, version controlled, all from within the terminal.

Task Automation Using Integrated Terminal Commands

Repetitive tasks? Automate away. Use tasks in VS Code. Add in tasks.json:

{
    "version": "2.0.0",
    "tasks": [
        {
            "label": "build",
            "type": "shell",
            "command": "npm run build",
            "problemMatcher": []
        },
        {
            "label": "test",
            "type": "shell",
            "command": "npm test",
            "problemMatcher": []
        }
    ]
}

Run tasks by pressing F1 and typing the task name.

FAQ on How To Open VSCode From Terminal

How do I open VSCode from Terminal on Windows?

To open VSCode from the Command Prompt on Windows, navigate to the directory of your project. Type code . and hit Enter. Ensure that the PATH Environment Variable is set correctly by running the VSCode command code from any location.

Can you open VSCode from the terminal on macOS?

On a macOS Terminal, type code . after navigating to your project directory. If code is not recognized, set up the shell command by running Cmd + Shift + P in VSCode, then typing `Shell Command: Install’. This establishes the terminal integration.

How can I set up the code command in Ubuntu?

For Ubuntu Terminal, open VSCode and press Ctrl+Shift+P. Enter Shell Command: Install 'code' command in PATH and execute it. Now, navigate to your project folder and use code . in the terminal to launch Visual Studio Code directly.

What if the code command is not found?

If code is not found, verify that it’s installed properly. Use VSCode on the command line by running the Shell Command: Install 'code' command in PATH from within the editor. If issues persist, check your PATH Environment Variable settings.

How do I open a specific file in VSCode from the terminal?

To open a specific file in Visual Studio Code from the terminal, navigate to the directory containing the file. Use the command code filename.ext. Replace filename.ext with the actual file name and extension to launch it directly in VSCode.

Is there a way to start VSCode as an administrator from the terminal?

To start VSCode as an administrator from a Command Prompt, right-click on the Command Prompt icon and choose “Run as administrator.” Navigate to your project directory and enter code . Remember, this method applies primarily to Windows systems.

How do I open VSCode from a Git Bash terminal?

For Git Bash, navigate to your project directory and type code . to open VSCode. Ensure that VSCode has been added to your system’s PATH. Open Git Bash, move to your folder, and execute the command to launch VSCode.

Can VSCode be launched from the terminal in custom shells like Zsh?

Absolutely. In Zsh, ensure that the code command is installed. By running the previously mentioned shell command setup within VSCode, you’ll have the same capability to type code . in Zsh terminals to open your code editor.

What are the terminal commands to open VSCode in a new window?

To open VSCode in a new window, you can use the -n flag. Navigate to your desired directory and enter code -n . This opens your project in a fresh Visual Studio Code window, keeping your existing windows intact.

How do I troubleshoot VSCode not opening from the terminal?

If VSCode is not opening from the terminal, confirm that the code command is correctly installed. Re-run the Shell Command: Install 'code' command in PATH or check your PATH Environment Variable. Ensure there are no typos in your command input.

Conclusion

Understanding how to open VSCode from terminal can substantially streamline your workflow and elevate your coding efficiency. Whether you’re using Windows, macOS, or Ubuntu Terminal, the core command code . serves as a universal gateway into Visual Studio Code. Setting up this command across various operating systems involves simple steps like ensuring the PATH Environment Variable is correctly configured and using VSCode’s built-in setup commands.

Executing commands like code filename.ext lets you open specific files directly, while the -n flag provides the flexibility of launching new windows, optimizing your development process. Troubleshooting common issues like unrecognized commands often requires re-installation of the code command or double-checking terminal configurations.

The benefit of mastering these terminal commands can’t be overstated. Achieving seamless integration of VSCode into your routine provides a powerful advantage, allowing for quicker project access and efficient multi-environment setups. By leveraging these commands, your productivity and workflow will undeniably improve, making your development process more fluid and enjoyable.

If you liked this article about how to open VSCode from terminal, you should check out this article about how to close a folder in VSCode.

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Author
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Bogdan Sandu

Bogdan is a seasoned web designer and tech strategist, with a keen eye on emerging industry trends.

With over a decade in the tech field, Bogdan blends technical expertise with insights on business innovation in technology.

A regular contributor to TMS Outsource's blog, where you'll find sharp analyses on software development, tech business strategies, and global tech dynamics.