Microsoft Makes Visual Studio Code Now Available As A Snap

Microsoft’s Visual Studio Code launches as a snap package

Microsoft and Ubuntu Linux’s parent company, Canonical recently made Visual Studio Code (VS Code) available in the form of a Snap package to Linux users. It runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

For those unaware, Visual Studio Code is a free, lightweight code editor with options for creating regular apps, as well as cloud and web apps. It can be used with a variety of programming languages. It also comes with built-in support for debugging, task running, and version control for a variety of languages and frameworks.

“We now fully support distributing Visual Studio Code as a snap package,” Microsoft said in an announcement post. “Snaps work across many different Linux distributions, provide reliable execution environments for a much stabler VS Code, and support background updates. Yes, that’s right, you now get in-product automatic updates for Linux just as the Windows and macOS users do.”

In another post, Ubuntu explained Snap by saying that: “Snaps are containerized software packages designed to work across cloud, desktop and IoT devices. They work natively on most popular Linux distributions and feature automatic updates and rollback functionality, enhanced security and greater flexibility for developers working within Linux environments.”

Snap can run universally across over 40 Linux distribution variants, including Arch Linux, Debian, Fedora, Linux Mint, Manjaro, openSUSE, Solus, and Ubuntu. This allows Visual Studio Code’s team to focus on delivering a great product and in managing consistent builds across multiple Linux distros.

“The automatic update functionality of snaps is a major benefit. It is clear there is a thriving community around snaps and that it is moving forward at great pace. The backing of Canonical ensures our confidence in its ongoing development and long-term future,” said João Moreno, Software Development Engineer, Microsoft Visual Studio Code said.

“Visual Studio Code is hugely popular, and it’s fantastic that we’re able to help it extend its reach into the Linux ecosystem,” commented Evan Dandrea, engineering manager at Canonical. “Developers are the lifeblood of snaps and it is great to see this recognition from Microsoft as they join a host of others who can now provide their users with the latest updates seamlessly, and with assurance of rollbacks and containment.”

The snap for Visual Studio Code can be downloaded at https://snapcraft.io/code. If you are a Windows Insider, you can download the Insiders build, a daily build with the latest features, at https://snapcraft.io/code-insiders

Source: Microsoft, Ubuntu

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