8 Visual Studio Code Books That Accelerate Your Skills

When software development expert Mark J. Price tackles C# and .NET Core, he brings decades of experience and a deep understanding of Microsoft technologies to the table. This book walks you through C# 8.0’s latest features like nullable reference types and pattern matching, while also guiding you through building cross-platform apps using .NET Core 3.0 and Visual Studio Code. You’ll gain insights into web development with ASP.NET Core, mobile app creation via Xamarin.Forms, and data handling with Entity Framework Core, all supported by practical examples and real code. If you’re comfortable with programming basics and want to master modern application development across Windows, macOS, and Linux, this book offers a solid, well-structured path forward.

Mark J. Price's decades-long immersion in Microsoft technologies shines through this extensive resource tailored for mastering C# 9 and .NET 5 within Visual Studio Code. You’ll explore essential concepts like object-oriented programming, the latest language features such as records and top-level statements, and practical use of ASP.NET Core and Blazor for web development. The book’s structure guides you from fundamentals to building cross-platform applications, including mobile apps with Xamarin.Forms, making it ideal if you want to modernize your C# skills or confidently navigate the evolving .NET ecosystem. Chapters on Entity Framework Core and async programming deepen your grasp of data access and performance, positioning you to create robust, intelligent apps.

This tailored book explores the powerful features and workflows of Visual Studio Code in a way that matches your individual background and goals. It reveals essential editor techniques, from intuitive keyboard shortcuts to advanced source control integration, enabling you to streamline your coding environment effectively. By focusing on your specific interests, it provides a clear path through the complexities of VS Code, helping you harness its full potential. Crafted to suit your current skill level, this personalized guide examines extensions, debugging tools, and customization options with enthusiasm and clarity. It makes mastering Visual Studio Code approachable and engaging, turning expert knowledge into your own practical mastery.

April Speight's extensive experience in Python development and conversational AI shines through in this guide aimed at making Visual Studio Code a powerful ally for Python programmers. You’ll learn how to install and customize Visual Studio Code across major platforms, master editing tools like syntax highlighting and code completion, and leverage integrations for Git, debugging, and Jupyter Notebooks. The book’s practical approach culminates in real-world projects that incorporate frameworks like Django and Flask, plus Docker and Azure support, offering you tangible skills to streamline your workflow. If you’re a Python developer looking to tailor your editor for efficiency and depth, this book speaks directly to your needs without unnecessary complexity.

Ockert J. du Preez leverages his extensive background as a Microsoft Most Valuable Professional for .NET to guide you through the complexities of building multi-platform applications using Visual Studio Code. The book offers a hands-on exploration of key technologies like EF Core, ASP.NET Core, Xamarin.Forms, and Blazor, showing you how to create dynamic web and native apps with practical examples such as building web UIs with Blazor and cross-platform mobile apps with Xamarin.Forms. It’s tailored for developers seeking to deepen their skills with VS Code’s debugging, extension creation, and cloud application capabilities, making it an excellent resource whether you’re new to programming or looking to expand into multi-platform development.

Ovais Mehboob Ahmed Khan, a senior customer engineer at Microsoft with close to two decades of experience, offers a focused guide into Visual Studio Code that reflects his deep expertise in application development and cloud technologies. You learn not only how to set up and customize VS Code but also how to utilize it for building multi-platform, cloud-native applications using languages like Python, Java, and Node.js, and frameworks such as .NET Core. The book covers practical skills like debugging with breakpoints and log points, extension management, source control integration with Git and Azure DevOps, and even remote development workflows, making it a solid resource if you want to master VS Code for modern software projects. If you're comfortable with basic programming and ready to expand into multi-platform and microservices-based app development, this book fits your needs well.

This tailored book explores a personalized 90-day roadmap designed to elevate your Visual Studio Code skills and productivity. It covers essential features, extensions, and workflows, focusing on your specific programming background and goals. By examining core and advanced capabilities, it helps you build a clear, actionable pathway for rapid growth. The tailored content matches your interests, ensuring an efficient learning journey through VS Code’s rich environment. You’ll find step-by-step guidance and targeted explanations that make mastering your editor’s tools accessible and engaging. This personalized approach reveals how to harness VS Code’s power effectively, turning complex expert insights into a clear, achievable path that suits you.

Bruce Johnson's extensive experience as a Microsoft Certified Trainer and recognized MVP clearly informs this guide, making it a solid resource for mastering Visual Studio Code. You learn how to navigate its workspace efficiently, utilize advanced editing features like code refactoring and key binding, and integrate external tools such as Grunt and NPM. The book covers platform-specific setup for Windows, Mac, and Linux, while also guiding you through debugging .NET Core projects. Whether you’re transitioning from another editor or enhancing your current workflow, Johnson breaks down the software’s capabilities without overwhelming you.

After nearly two decades in software development, Swapnil Saurav crafted this guide to leverage Visual Studio Code's capabilities specifically for Python programming. You gain hands-on insights into configuring VS Code, using powerful extensions, and building diverse Python applications—from desktop GUIs with Tkinter to Flask web apps and even Azure container deployments. The chapters on advanced algorithm design and multi-threading push beyond basics, offering depth for those ready to elevate their coding prowess. If you want to move smoothly from Python fundamentals to creating complex, real-world projects with VS Code, this book fits your journey well.

After analyzing the needs of beginners in programming, Stars InDust developed a book that combines creativity with technical learning to make Python and Visual Studio Code approachable. You learn how to navigate Visual Studio Code effectively while building foundational Python skills, with chapters that guide you through setup, coding basics, and practical exercises designed to accelerate your learning curve. This book suits you if you're stepping into programming for the first time or looking to integrate coding skills with creative projects. It avoids jargon and presents concepts in a way that clicks, especially if you appreciate a creative teaching style.