How to Open VS Code From the Terminal (All Platforms)

Opening Visual Studio Code directly from a terminal or command line isn't just a convenience trick — it's a workflow shift. Once you get used to launching VS Code from exactly the directory you're already working in, going back to double-clicking icons feels slow. Here's everything you need to know to make it work across different systems.

Why Launch VS Code From the Terminal?

When you open VS Code from a file manager or desktop shortcut, it opens to wherever it last left off. When you open it from the terminal, it opens in your current working directory — instantly loading the right folder as your workspace.

This matters most when you're:

• Navigating a project in the terminal and want to start editing without hunting through folder trees
• Running git commands and need to jump into the code immediately
• Working with multiple projects and switching contexts quickly
• Using scripts or aliases to automate part of your dev workflow

The Core Command

On any platform where VS Code is properly installed and configured, the command is simply: