Getting Started with VSCode on GhostBSD

Visual Studio Code (VSCode) is a modern, feature-rich code editor that works well on GhostBSD. It supports many programming languages, has a powerful extension system, and is beginner-friendly.

Why Use VSCode?

• Fast and lightweight
• Excellent support for Python, Rust, JavaScript, and more
• Built-in terminal and Git integration
• Highly customizable with themes and extensions

Disabling Telemetry

VSCode collects usage data and crash reports by default. If you're working with sensitive files, it's best to disable telemetry completely.

Recommended Method: User Settings (JSON)

Open the command palette (Ctrl+Shift+P) and run Open User Settings (JSON). Then add the following:

{
  "telemetry.editStats.enabled": false,
  "telemetry.feedback.enabled": false,
  "telemetry.telemetryLevel": "off"
}

What These Settings Do

• editStats.enabled: Prevents tracking of your editing behavior
• feedback.enabled: Disables feedback prompts and related data collection
• telemetryLevel: "off": Turns off all telemetry, including crash reports

Enabling Word Wrap

By default, VSCode does not wrap long lines of text, which can make editing config files or logs frustrating. To enable word wrap:

Quick Toggle

• Open the command palette (Ctrl+Shift+P)
• Type: Toggle Word Wrap
• Press Enter

Permanent Setting

To make word wrap always enabled, add this to your User Settings (JSON):

"editor.wordWrap": "on"

Ready to Start Programming?

VSCode makes it easy to begin coding. You can:

• Create a new file and save it as hello.py or main.rs
• Install language extensions (Python, Rust, etc.)
• Use the built-in terminal to run your code

Programming is a skill that opens doors to creativity, automation, and problem-solving. Start small, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to ask your favorite AI—like Copilot—for help along the way.

⚠️ A Note on Sensitive Files

VSCode is a masterpiece of engineering—fast, extensible, and developer-friendly. But when the interface starts speaking in riddles and the settings feel like a legal disclaimer, it breaks trust.

Even if telemetry is disabled, I recommend not using VSCode to edit highly sensitive files such as server credentials, private keys, or admin logins. For those tasks, use Geany—a lightweight, privacy-respecting editor available in the GhostBSD Software Manager. It’s a great second editor to have on hand for secure work.