How to Use VS Code: The Ultimate Beginner's Guide (2026)
In this video, I’m going to show you how to use Visual Studio Code from scratch, even if you’ve never opened it before.
We’ll start by installing VS Code, then I’ll walk you through the interface so all the buttons, panels, folders, and files actually make sense. After that, we’ll create our first web development project using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, and you’ll see how to open project folders, manage files in the Explorer, and use the built-in terminal without leaving VS Code.
Then we’ll make the workflow even better with two super useful extensions: Live Server, so you can preview your website in the browser instantly, and Prettier, so your code gets formatted automatically every time you save.
I’ll also show you some of the shortcuts I use all the time, like opening the command palette, searching across files, and using multi-cursor editing to make changes faster. And toward the end, we’ll take a quick look at source control and debugging, so you can understand how developers track changes and fix problems in real projects.
So if you’re just starting your coding journey and VS Code feels a little confusing right now, this tutorial will make it simple, practical, and easy to follow.
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Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction to VS Code
00:34 - How to Download and Install
01:38 - Understanding the Interface
02:48 - Command Palette and Settings
03:24 - Using the Terminal
03:45 - Creating Your First Project
05:53 - Installing Live Server Extension
09:10 - Code Formatting with Prettier
11:11 - Working with the Terminal
13:32 - Essential VS Code Shortcuts
16:36 - Source Control and Debugging
18:51 - Customizing Themes and Settings
20:59 - Next Steps for Beginners