> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://igb.mit.edu/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://igb.mit.edu/mini-courses/research-computing-on-engaging-with-vscode/vscode.md).

# VSCode

## What is VSCode?

VSCode is a code editor that has many features to make it easy to use for development. Such features include built-in support for syntax highlighting, code suggestions, a code debugger, a file explorer, and a built-in terminal. VSCode's features can also be extended by installing extensions. One such extension is the **Remote-SSH extension**, which we will use to add SSH support to VSCode.

## Why VSCode?

VSCode has gained extensive popularity over the last decade and can be thought of as a standard tool for developers. Because of being somewhat of a standard, being easy to use, and having the capability to be extended, we encourage users to use VSCode for development on the Engaging cluster.

## Installation

1. Install VSCode to your local computer.
   1. VSCode can be downloaded from <https://code.visualstudio.com/download>
2. Install the **Remote-SSH** VSCode extension
   1. Download from <https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=ms-vscode-remote.remote-ssh>