Getting Started with Microsoft Visual Studio Code Ubuntu Container

In today's fast-paced development world, setting up a new environment can be a daunting task. With the increasing popularity of containers, it's no surprise that many developers are looking for ways to simplify this process. In this article, we'll explore how to start a new development environment within a container using Microsoft Visual Studio Code (VSCode) and Ubuntu.

The VSCode Docker extension is an essential tool for any developer working with Docker. With this extension, you can seamlessly integrate your code editing experience with the power of containers. One of the key benefits of using VSCode with Docker is the ability to create a new development environment within a container in just a few simple steps.

To get started, simply open VSCode and navigate to the Extensions panel. Search for the Docker extension and click Install to add it to your list of extensions. Once installed, you'll be prompted to restart VSCode.

After restarting VSCode, navigate to the Command Palette by pressing Ctrl + Shift + P (Windows/Linux) or Cmd + Shift + P (macOS). Type 'Docker: New Container' and select the option from the dropdown menu. This will launch a new container based on the official Ubuntu image.

Once the container is running, you can access it using VSCode's Remote Explorer feature. This allows you to edit files within the container as if they were local files on your machine.

Developing inside a Docker container offers several benefits. For one, it provides a consistent and repeatable environment for your code. This means that you'll no longer have to worry about dependencies or library versions conflicting with each other. Additionally, containers can help streamline the process of deploying your app by providing a single, self-contained unit that includes everything needed to run your application.

However, setting up a container for development purposes can sometimes be a complex and time-consuming task. Fortunately, VSCode offers a simpler way to automate this process using its built-in Docker extension.

In another article, we've discussed the complete set of steps required to manually build and run a Docker image for your project. While this approach provides maximum flexibility, it can also lead to a lot of headaches when trying to manage dependencies and ensure that all team members are working with the same environment.

By using VSCode's Docker extension, you can simplify this process and reduce the risk of errors or conflicts. This means that you'll spend less time setting up your development environment and more time focusing on writing code.

In conclusion, developing inside a Docker container offers many benefits for developers. By using VSCode's Docker extension, you can streamline your development workflow and ensure that your code is consistent and repeatable. Whether you're working on a complex machine learning project or just need to quickly spin up a new environment, VSCode's Docker extension has got you covered.

Microsoft visual studio code ubuntu container