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VS Code
The standard free editor for looking at and changing code.
1. Learn it
- A file tree on the left, your file in the middle, a terminal at the bottom. That's most of it.
- The terminal is where you run commands — it is not scary, it is just typing.
- Extensions add languages and tools; you need far fewer than people install.
Cost: Free.
2. Practice it
Simulated — nothing real happensFind the file that draws the page
Given a project with src/routes/index.tsx and src/components/, say which file you would open to change the headline on the home page.
3. Connect it
Real — your own account- 1Install VS Code and open any folder.
MessyDev never signs you up, spends your money, or touches your accounts. You do that part.
4. Use it
Reading code, running commands, fixing small things by hand.
Honest alternatives
There is no single correct stack. Any of these would be a reasonable choice instead.
- Cursor
- Zed
- The editor built into your build tool
More in Build
LovableDescribe the app you want, and publish it live from the same place you built it.v0Turns a description into interface pieces you can drop into a project.CursorA code editor with an AI that can read and change your whole project.Linear & TrelloA list of what you're building, in order, so 'everything' stops being the next task.