Customizing Code Format in Visual Studio Code for C++ Development

As a developer, having a comfortable code formatting experience is crucial to increase productivity. In this article, we will explore how to customize the code format in Visual Studio Code (VS Code) specifically for C++ development.

One of the features that I appreciate about VS Code is its flexibility when it comes to code formatting. By default, VS Code uses two-space indentation, which can sometimes be a bit limiting. Fortunately, it's easy to change this setting to four spaces, which is my personal preference.

To achieve this, you need to edit the `preferences.txt` file located in your Arduino installation directory (not necessarily related to Visual Studio Code, but more on that later). Simply open the file and update the indentation width from 2 to 4. This change will take effect immediately, allowing you to enjoy a cleaner code structure.

Now, I know some developers might be thinking, 'Why not use the Arduino IDE editor?' While it's a great tool for beginners, I personally prefer working on Linux, which is why I didn't fall in love with Microsoft-related tools. Besides, there are many aspects of any Integrated Development Environment (IDE) that can hinder productivity, and I'm no exception.

In my experience, even the Visual Studio editor has its limitations. There are plenty of things beyond block indentation widths and bracket-matching that can reduce productivity when using IDE editors. However, VS Code's flexibility in code formatting makes it an excellent choice for C++ development.

By customizing the code format to suit your preferences, you can create a more comfortable and efficient coding environment. Whether you're working on a small project or a large-scale application, having control over your code formatting can make all the difference. With VS Code, you can easily achieve this level of customization, making it an ideal choice for C++ developers who value flexibility and productivity.

Visual studio code format c++