How to Fix macOS "zsh: command not found: code"

Hey there, Mac users! If you've ever encountered the frustrating "zsh: command not found: code" error while trying to use Visual Studio Code on your Mac, rest assured that you're not alone. Many developers have faced this issue, but fear not – we're here to guide you through the process of resolving this error and optimizing your coding experience on macOS. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the steps to fix this issue and ensure that you can seamlessly integrate Visual Studio Code into your development workflow.

Section 1: Downloading and Installing Visual Studio Code

To begin with, the first step in addressing the "zsh: command not found: code" error is to ensure that Visual Studio Code is correctly installed on your Mac. You can accomplish this by visiting the official Visual Studio Code website and downloading the application for macOS. Once the download is complete, you'll need to locate the downloaded file, which is typically a .zip or .dmg file. Double-click on the file to extract its contents, and you should see the Visual Studio Code application. From here, simply drag the Visual Studio Code icon to your Applications folder to complete the installation process.

Section 2: Adding the 'code' Command to PATH Variables

Now that Visual Studio Code is installed on your Mac, the next crucial step is to add the 'code' command to your system's PATH variables. This will enable you to execute the 'code' command from anywhere in your Terminal. To achieve this, open Visual Studio Code on your Mac and press Cmd + Shift + P to open the command palette. In the command palette, type "Shell Command" and select the option that says "Install 'code' command in PATH." Upon selecting this option, you'll be prompted to confirm the installation. After entering your admin password, you should receive a confirmation message stating "Shell command 'code' successfully installed in PATH."

Section 3: Using the 'code' Command in Terminal

With the 'code' command successfully added to your system's PATH variables, you can now seamlessly use it within Terminal. This feature allows you to open Visual Studio Code from the command line, making it incredibly convenient for navigating and editing your codebase. If you want to open a specific folder in Visual Studio Code using Terminal, simply launch Terminal and navigate to the desired folder using the 'cd' command. Once you're in the folder you want to open, type "code" and press Return or Enter. This will launch Visual Studio Code with the contents of the folder readily accessible for editing.

In conclusion, Visual Studio Code is an exceptional code editor that offers a plethora of features to cater to your software development needs. By following the aforementioned steps to resolve the "zsh: command not found: code" error and integrating the 'code' command into your workflow, you can elevate your coding experience on macOS. The seamless integration between Terminal navigation and Visual Studio Code empowers you to work with greater efficiency and productivity. With these solutions at your disposal, you'll be well-equipped to tackle your coding projects on your Mac with confidence and ease. Happy coding!