Devs sound alarm after Microsoft subtracts C/C++ extension from VS Code forks
Microsoft has stirred the pot by pulling the C/C++ extension from Visual Studio Code (VS Code) forks like VS Codium and Cursor, leaving developers quite irked. This move effectively sidelines key functionalities such as Intellisense code completion and debugging, primarily affecting those using alternative IDEs.
Key Points
- The C/C++ extension is now only available for use with official Microsoft products, blocking alternatives like VS Codium and Cursor.
- This change occurred with version 1.24.5 released on April 3, 2025.
- Developers have reported broken workflows and increased challenges in using non-Microsoft editors.
- Microsoft’s licensing restrictions have been loosely enforced since 2020, with this being the first implementation of an environment check in the C/C++ extension.
- Cursor’s CEO mentioned the company is shifting towards open-source extensions as a long-term solution.
Why should I read this?
If you’re a developer who relies on VS Code forks or has an interest in Microsoft’s approach to extensions, you’ll want to get the full picture on this latest disruption. The article dives into potential ramifications for the coding community and highlights the ongoing conversation about competition in tech. It’s a quick read that saves you the hassle of searching for more details and gives insight into a developing situation that could affect your tools and workflows.