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SPECIFICTION
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VSCodium

vscodium.com

Free plan WindowsmacOSLinux
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Spec score 8.8 #5 of 45 in Code editors

What it is

VSCodium is a community-built distribution of Microsoft's VS Code editor for Windows, macOS, and Linux desktop computers. Its binaries are licensed under MIT, and telemetry is disabled. The project aims to make the latest MIT-licensed VS Code version easier to obtain; users can also build from Microsoft's vscode repository. Project scripts clone the repository, create binaries, and upload them to GitHub releases. The editor supports extensions, a built-in debugger, remote development, and language servers. Installation routes vary by system: macOS has a Homebrew cask, while Windows supports Windows Package Manager, Chocolatey, and Scoop. Documented Linux packages or repositories cover Debian, Ubuntu, Fedora, RHEL, Arch, Gentoo, and others. VSCodium is also available through Snap as Codium, Flathub as a Flatpak, and Nixpkgs, and it is pre-installed in Parrot OS. Windows code signing is provided free by SignPath.io with a SignPath Foundation certificate; a macOS certificate was provided by @daiyam. The project directs package-manager issues to the related repository.

Spec sheet

Supported platforms
Windows,macOS,LinuxRead 20 Sep 2026 · vscodium.com
Free plan
YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · vscodium.com
Arch Support
Available through the Arch User Repository.Read 28 Sep 2026 · vscodium.com
Build Automation
Special scripts clone the repository, build binaries, and upload them to GitHub releases.Read 28 Sep 2026 · vscodium.com
Built-in debugger
YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · vscodium.com
Editor type
desktopRead 20 Sep 2026 · vscodium.com
Extension support
YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · vscodium.com
Flatpak Support
Available as a Flatpak app through Flathub.Read 28 Sep 2026 · vscodium.com
Installation Support Boundary
Package-manager issues should be reported to the related repository.Read 28 Sep 2026 · vscodium.com
Language server support
YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · vscodium.com
Latest Version Goal
The project aims to make the latest MIT-licensed VS Code version easier to obtain.Read 28 Sep 2026 · vscodium.com
Linux Distribution Support
Packages or repositories are documented for Debian, Ubuntu, Fedora, RHEL, Arch, Gentoo, and others.Read 28 Sep 2026 · vscodium.com
macOS Certificate
A macOS certificate was provided by @daiyam.Read 28 Sep 2026 · vscodium.com
macOS Installation
Homebrew installation is supported with the vscodium cask.Read 28 Sep 2026 · vscodium.com
Nix Support
Available in Nixpkgs.Read 28 Sep 2026 · vscodium.com
Open Source License
Binaries are licensed under the MIT license.Read 28 Sep 2026 · vscodium.com
Parrot OS Support
Pre-installed in Parrot OS and available from its official repository.Read 28 Sep 2026 · vscodium.com
Product Type
A community-driven binary distribution of Microsoft's VS Code editor.Read 28 Sep 2026 · vscodium.com
Remote development
YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · vscodium.com
Snap Store Support
Available in the Snap Store as Codium.Read 28 Sep 2026 · vscodium.com
Source Build Alternative
Users can build from Microsoft's vscode repository themselves.Read 28 Sep 2026 · vscodium.com
Supported Platforms
Available for Windows, Mac OS, and Linux.Read 28 Sep 2026 · vscodium.com
Telemetry Status
Telemetry is disabled.Read 28 Sep 2026 · vscodium.com
Windows Code Signing
Free Windows code signing is provided by SignPath.io, with a SignPath Foundation certificate.Read 28 Sep 2026 · vscodium.com
Windows Installation
Windows Package Manager, Chocolatey, and Scoop installation are supported.Read 28 Sep 2026 · vscodium.com

Plans and prices

VSCodium Free Free No paid pricing or billing details are stated. Read 28 Sep 2026 · vscodium.com

Every VSCodium plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Telemetry is disabled.
  • MIT-licensed binaries are provided.
  • Supports extensions and a built-in debugger.
  • Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Limits

  • Package-manager issues belong with the related repository.
  • No paid pricing or billing details are stated.

Who it suits

VSCodium suits desktop developers who want a VS Code distribution with telemetry disabled and support for extensions, debugging, remote development, and language servers. It is available across Windows, macOS, and Linux, with multiple installation routes.

Verdict

VSCodium offers a free desktop editor distribution with broad platform support and several documented installation paths. Users who encounter package-manager problems need to seek help from the relevant repository.

Where Specifiction places it

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