Visual Studio has been the go-to Integrated Development Environment (IDE) for C# development since the inception of this programming language. However, in recent years, many different tools and options have emerged for writing code in C#. One such tool that has gained popularity among developers is Visual Studio Code (VS Code), a modern code editor that has been redefined and optimized for building and debugging modern web and cloud applications.
After several years of primarily using the IDE option for C# development, I made the switch to VS Code. While I was initially hesitant to switch to an editor option, I quickly realized some of the benefits that VS Code offered.
VS Code Everywhere
One of the significant benefits of using VS Code is its cross-platform capabilities. VS Code is built with Electron, a framework that allows it to run the same on different platforms, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. By adopting VS Code, you will be able to transfer your work environment to any platform supported by VS Code. This will increase your flexibility as a developer and help you transition smoothly from one platform to another. Moreover, if you work in a team, your teammates can use different operating systems without any compatibility issues.
Learning
Using VS Code for C# development can also significantly boost your knowledge about the .NET CLI. Although you do not need CLI training to succeed as a .NET developer, this represents a significant professional advantage for many scenarios. With .NET CLI knowledge, you can set up build pipelines and work with Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) platforms regardless of the provider. This will also give you a much better understanding of how your project is being built, tested, and published.
VS Code’s Extensions
VS Code has a vast library of extensions that can enhance your productivity and streamline your workflow. These extensions cover a wide range of areas, including debugging, testing, and deployment. The customizability of VS Code enables you to tailor your development environment to your specific needs and preferences, whether that means adding or removing features, changing keybindings, or installing extensions. These features can help you work more efficiently and comfortably, leading to better productivity and code quality.
VS Code has emerged as a popular choice among C# developers, by using VS Code, you can improve your productivity, streamline your workflow, and stay up-to-date with the latest tools and techniques in C# development.