# VS Code

VS Code is a text editor with some extra features, such as integrated source control and a file browser. Moreover, extensions are available to add functionality to VS Code.

## Installation

VS Code can be downloaded from [here](https://code.visualstudio.com). The installation is fairly simple and won't be covered here.

## Extensions

When working with Jupyter Book (or Notebooks in general), these extensions are highly recommended:

- [Python](https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=ms-python.python) - for obvious reasons. Also includes Jupyter Notebook rendering.
- [MyST-Markdown](https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=ExecutableBookProject.myst-highlight) - adds support for MyST markdown, including previews.
- [YAML](https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=redhat.vscode-yaml) - enables validation of `.yml` files (the format of the Jupyter Book configuration files).

## Using the Terminal in VS Code (Windows only)

By default, Powershell is the default terminal used in VS Code. However, Git Bash is recommended because it provides Unix-like commands, making it much easier to find help on sites like Stack Exchange. It also works better with open source projects like Jupyter. Git Bash installs automatically with git; to set as default:
* Type `Ctrk+Shift+P` to open the command palette (it's also the top item in the "View" menu list)
* Start type "terminal default" and you will soon see and be able to select the setting "Terminal: Select Default Profile" (hit `Enter`)
* select Git Bash and hit "Enter" again to set as default

When creating a new terminal via the menu bar you should now automatically start with a Git Bash terminal. Note that if a Powershell terminal still opens by default, you can always create a new terminal and manually select Git Bash.