2.2 Navigating MPLAB X IDE and VS Code

For users new to the VS Code environment, there are some key differences in navigating the tools. MPLAB X features a dedicated toolbar (see the figure below) for commonly used functions such as setting up projects, building code, and launching other plugins. In contrast, VS Code uses a command palette (see the second figure) to execute these functions. Additionally, VS Code places common tool functions in various locations within the extension windows, which become visible when hovered over. Regarding the navigation, editors, and output windows, VS code arranges these elements in a similar orientation to MPLAB X.