Microsoft Says VS Code Will Work with Ubuntu 18.04
If you're a user of Microsoft's VS Code and you're still using Ubuntu 18.04, you can breathe a sigh of release that the IDE will continue working… for a while.
In a recent shock to the Linux community, Microsoft announced that VS Code would soon stop working with Ubuntu Desktop, version 18.04. The reason for this was the version of glibc 18.04 that was used – any version older than 2.27 – was forcing MS to drop support.
As you might have expected, the Linux community rose up to complain which forced Microsoft's hand. To the surprise of many, Microsoft relented and decided (after discussing it with the VS Code team) to continue supporting Linux distributions that use the older glibc versions until 2025.
That's right, there's still a shelf life. But the 12-month reprieve should give those users plenty of time to migrate to a desktop that supports a newer version of glibc.
Prior to this change of heart, a member of the Microsoft GitHub account, wlovo, said, "Closely related to #201129, there will be a significant number of machines who will be unable to utilize the latest version of Visual Studio Code (VS Code) once v1.86 is made publicly available."
They continued, "It will make all Amazon Linux 2 (AL2) EC2 machines unable to use VS Code, while also affecting enterprise users who may use customized or parallel versions of the glibc library for their own development needs."
Wlovo continued to say, "While I acknowledge the need to update components to suit the development needs of the VS Code team, it seems a bit heavy-handed to completely block any alternative paths for those who have a customized or advanced need."
In the end, if your Linux distribution depends on a version of glibc older than 2.27, make sure to upgrade before 2025, otherwise VS Code will fail to work.
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Canonical Releases Ubuntu 24.04
After a brief pause because of the XZ vulnerability, Ubuntu 24.04 is now available for install.
-
Linux Servers Targeted by Akira Ransomware
A group of bad actors who have already extorted $42 million have their sights set on the Linux platform.
-
TUXEDO Computers Unveils Linux Laptop Featuring AMD Ryzen CPU
This latest release is the first laptop to include the new CPU from Ryzen and Linux preinstalled.
-
XZ Gets the All-Clear
The back door xz vulnerability has been officially reverted for Fedora 40 and versions 38 and 39 were never affected.
-
Canonical Collaborates with Qualcomm on New Venture
This new joint effort is geared toward bringing Ubuntu and Ubuntu Core to Qualcomm-powered devices.
-
Kodi 21.0 Open-Source Entertainment Hub Released
After a year of development, the award-winning Kodi cross-platform, media center software is now available with many new additions and improvements.
-
Linux Usage Increases in Two Key Areas
If market share is your thing, you'll be happy to know that Linux is on the rise in two areas that, if they keep climbing, could have serious meaning for Linux's future.
-
Vulnerability Discovered in xz Libraries
An urgent alert for Fedora 40 has been posted and users should pay attention.
-
Canonical Bumps LTS Support to 12 years
If you're worried that your Ubuntu LTS release won't be supported long enough to last, Canonical has a surprise for you in the form of 12 years of security coverage.
-
Fedora 40 Beta Released Soon
With the official release of Fedora 40 coming in April, it's almost time to download the beta and see what's new.