Do you get bored using different code editors to write and run JavaScript code? You can use Visual Studio Code. It’s a free code editor with multiple features, including the Node.js runtime and Live Server extension, making it an ideal tool for developing, executing, and debugging JavaScript codes.
The Node.js acts as the engine for running JavaScript, while the Live Server extension allows you to right-click any HTML file you’re working with, and it will also run a server for you. Read on to learn how to run JavaScript in Visual Studio Code.
How to Run JavaScript in Visual Studio Code
Running JavaScript in Visual Studio code is now easy! Here are the key procedures to follow:
Download and install Visual Studio Code
If you need to, open https://code.visualstudio.com/download, download, and run the Visual Studio Code. Proceed to install it by double-clicking the installer.
Several extensions for Visual Studio Code benefit JavaScript programming; install the required extensions. Some of the most popular JavaScript extensions are:
- ES6 code snippets
- Node.js Extension Pack
- Live Server
- Debugger for Chrome
To install an extension, check the marketplace (https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/) and tap the Install button. Customize Visual Studio Code's workspace parameters to allow you to personalize your programming environment. To view the workspace options, go to File > Preferences > Settings.
Download and install Node.js
Installing Node.js enables you to execute JavaScript code without using any browser. It is essential for dealing with JavaScript in Visual Studio Code and can be acquired from the (https://nodejs.org/en) official website. Download the recommended version and run the installer.
Create a new file
You may begin creating new JavaScript files once you've configured Visual Studio Code for JavaScript development. To make a new JavaScript file, follow these steps:
Step 1: Launch Visual Studio Code
Step 2: Make a new file by selecting File > New File
Step 3: Save the file with a .js extension, like “output.js.” “books.js.”
Note: The file prefix can be any name of your choice.
Write some Java codes
You are now ready to start writing JavaScript code. Enter the following code in the “output.js” file:
console.log(“Hello World!”);
This basic code outputs “Hello World!” to the terminal.
Open the terminal
To run your JavaScript code, utilize the built-in terminal in Visual Studio Code. Go to View > Terminal or press Ctrl + ‘ to access the terminal.
Run the code
After writing it, Visual Studio Code allows you to run JavaScript code. A few techniques for executing JavaScript code in Visual Studio Code are as follows:
1. Using the built-in Node.js interpreter
Visual Studio Code includes a Node.js runtime that you may use to execute JavaScript code. To run your JavaScript code using the built-in Node.js runtime, follow these steps:
Step 1: Open the JavaScript file in Visual Studio Code
Step 2: Choose “Node.js” as the environment and select the Run button icon
Step 3: Visual Studio Code will execute your JavaScript code and output the results in the terminal.
2. Making use of the Live Server extension
The Live Server extension is a popular addition to Visual Studio Code. It lets you execute JavaScript code on a live server and right-click on an HTML file while coding. To run your JavaScript code using the Live Server extension, follow these steps:
Step 1: In Visual Studio Code, display the JavaScript file.
Step 2: Right-click to select a file and choose “Open with Live Server.”
Step 3: Visual Studio Code executes the file via a live server and displays the results on a web browser.
JavaScript Debugging with Visual Studio Code
Debugging is one of the key skills that any JavaScript developer should have. Luckily, Visual Studio Code has powerful debugging tools that even a novice can use to fix any abnormalities in your project. Here is how to go about it:
1. Establish breakpoints
Breakpoints enable you to pause your JavaScript code and check the variables and values. To establish a breakpoint in Visual Studio Code, follow these steps:
Step 1: Launch Visual Studio Code and display the JavaScript file.
Step 2: Choose the breakpoint by clicking on the line number.
Step 3: A red circle will show on the line number to indicate that the breakpoint has been set.
2. Begin debugging
To begin debugging your JavaScript code with Visual Studio Code, follow these steps:
Step 1: Select the Debug button in the top menu bar or press Ctrl + Shift + D to begin debugging.
Step 2: Click the green arrow to begin debugging.
Step 3: Visual Studio Code will execute your JavaScript code and halt at the breakpoint.
How to use Visual Studio Code to interact with other JavaScript developers on a project
Visual Studio Code has several collaboration tools and extensions, such as Live Sharing and Git integration. These technologies enable you to exchange code and interact in real-time with other developers, making it simpler to work on large projects and coordinate your efforts.
How to Format JavaScript Code in Visual Studio Code
Visual Studio Code supports formatting your code using several coding styles and standards. To format your JavaScript code, use the “Format Document” command in the editor or download and install a formatting extension such as “Beautify.” These tools will automatically format your code according to the specified coding style, assisting you in maintaining consistency and readability in your code.
How to Incorporate Git Into a Visual Studio Code JavaScript Project
Visual Studio Code integrates seamlessly with Git, allowing you to manage your source code and interact with other developers. To utilize Git in your JavaScript project, first, create a Git repository in your project directory using the terminal or the Git extension. You may then utilize the built-in Git tools to manage your code changes and engage with other team members using Visual Studio Code's commit, push, and pull commands.
Conclusion
Visual Studio Code is a versatile and efficient code editor for JavaScript programming. As a developer, you can seamlessly develop, execute, and debug JavaScript code with its user-friendly interface, extensions, and built-in features such as Node.js runtime and Live Server. Downloading and installing Visual Studio Code, creating a file, writing code, and opening a terminal are among the steps to get started!
