Tool · DevFree

VS Code

Claude Code works in the terminal, but when it generates 200 lines at once, you want a proper editor to review, navigate, and edit. VS Code does the job: free, fast, excellent Git support, official Anthropic extensions for inline chat. Complements Claude Code, doesn't compete.

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Installation

Prérequis.No prerequisites. Available on macOS, Windows, Linux.

One line, one terminal

$ brew install --cask visual-studio-code

Install the `code` command in PATH: Cmd+Shift+P → 'Shell Command: Install code command in PATH'. Then `code .` opens the current folder.

Configs and workflows worth knowing

Open a Claude-generated file to review it

Claude Code writes files directly in the terminal, but to review 300 lines of TypeScript, a proper editor beats everything. `code path/to/file.ts` opens the file with syntax highlighting, Git diff preview, symbol navigation. Perfect side-by-side with Claude.

Example

# Claude vient de générer un Skill
code ~/.claude/skills/writing:coach/SKILL.md

# Ou pour ouvrir tout un repo
cd ~/Projects/my-app && code .

Install the Claude extension for inline chat

Anthropic publishes an official VS Code extension. Select code, Cmd+L, ask a question about it. Less powerful than Claude Code (which can run commands), but always available without leaving the editor.

Markdown preview to write SKILL.md files

VS Code opens a .md file with a split: edit on the left, live preview on the right (Cmd+K V). Useful when creating a new Skill and you want to see the render while writing, without launching Obsidian.

Alternatives

CursorZedNova