Static code analysis tools like Checkstyle and SonarQube. If you've ever wanted to experiment with a new IDE, it's worth dedicating a bit of time to download and install Visual Studio Code for Java.

With 14 million users, Microsoft's open source cross-platform code editor Visual Studio Code is one of its key tools for keeping developers engaged with its future in the cloud.

The October update of Microsoft's Visual Studio Code for Java comes with updates in the code editing and debugging experience, thanks to the Java 19 preview of Virtual Threads in Project Loom.

Choosing between Visual Studio Code and Visual Studio may depend as much on your work style as on the language support and features you need. Here’s how to decide.

Visual Studio Code is getting more Java programming functionality in a new extension from Microsoft -- in collaboration with Red Hat -- that adds debugging capabilities.