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How to Change Programming Language in VS Code (GitHub Projects)

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7 minutes ago

Switching programming languages within a development project can feel overwhelming, especially when using a powerful editor like Visual Studio Code (VS Code). Whether you’re improving an existing GitHub project by migrating it to a new language, or just experimenting with different stacks, VS Code offers the flexibility and tools to make your transition nearly seamless.

TL;DR

If you’re using VS Code and want to change the programming language of a project cloned from GitHub, the process involves setting up the new environment, possibly modifying configuration files like launch.json and tasks.json, and installing the necessary language extensions. You may also need to adjust the folder structure and dependencies. Fortunately, VS Code’s integrated features and extensions make this transition efficient and user-friendly.

Why Change Programming Languages in a GitHub Project?

The reasons for switching languages can vary:

  • Performance improvements (e.g., moving from Python to Go)
  • Better support and libraries
  • Team preference or company standards
  • Personal learning goals

Regardless of the reason, managing the change properly ensures your repository remains functional, secure, and collaborative.

Step 1: Clone the GitHub Project in VS Code

If you haven’t already, start by cloning the GitHub repository into VS Code:

  1. Open VS Code.
  2. Go to View > Command Palette and type Git: Clone.
  3. Paste the GitHub repo URL and select a directory to place your project.
  4. The repo will open in a new VS Code window. You’re ready for the next step.

You’ll see the original language files (e.g., .py for Python, .js for JavaScript, etc.). Don’t delete anything just yet—backup first!

Step 2: Decide on the New Language and Set Up the Environment

Select the new programming language you want to switch to. Each language in VS Code typically requires an extension for syntax highlighting, snippets, IntelliSense, and debugging support.

  • For Python: Install the Python extension
  • For JavaScript/TypeScript: Comes pre-installed with VS Code
  • For Rust: Install rust-analyzer
  • For Go: Install the Go extension
  • For C#: Install C# by Microsoft

To install, go to the Extensions view (Ctrl+Shift+X), search for the desired language, and hit “Install”.

Step 3: Update the Workspace Configuration

After setting up the extension, you’ll need to configure the workspace properly so VS Code can handle the new language. Start by creating or editing the following files:

1. .vscode/settings.json

This file lets VS Code know how to format, lint, and handle files in your project. Example for switching from Python to TypeScript:

{
  "editor.defaultFormatter": "esbenp.prettier-vscode",
  "files.associations": {
    "*.ts": "typescript"
  }
}

2. .vscode/launch.json

This is essential for debugging. You’ll want to generate a launch file that fits the new language. In VS Code, press F5 and it will prompt you to select the environment. For example:

{
  "version": "0.2.0",
  "configurations": [
    {
      "type": "node",
      "request": "launch",
      "name": "Launch Program",
      "program": "${workspaceFolder}/app.ts"
    }
  ]
}

3. .vscode/tasks.json

Useful if you compile code before running it. Example for C++:

{
  "version": "2.0.0",
  "tasks": [
    {
      "label": "build cpp",
      "type": "shell",
      "command": "g++",
      "args": [
        "-g",
        "main.cpp",
        "-o",
        "main"
      ],
      "group": {
        "kind": "build",
        "isDefault": true
      }
    }
  ]
}

Step 4: Replace or Rewrite Code in the New Language

This is arguably the most time-consuming part. Here’s how to approach it systematically:

  • Identify core functionality: Study the current implementation.
  • Create matching modules/functions in the new language.
  • Write unit tests as you go to ensure accuracy.
  • Remove old files progressively after confirming the new code works.

If you’re migrating a small portion of the app to start with, use the opportunity to refactor code layout and folders during translation. For larger projects, consider doing the migration iteratively by feature or module.

Step 5: Test the New Setup

Once your new language code is in place and configurations have been adjusted, it’s time to test everything:

  • Run the project using Debug > Start Debugging or F5.
  • Use integrated terminals to check output and logs.
  • Look for errors tied to missing files, imports, or dependencies.

Be sure to reconfigure testing frameworks and package managers. For example:

  • Python → unittest or pytest
  • JavaScript → Jest or Mocha
  • Go → built-in go test
  • Rust → built-in cargo test

Step 6: Update GitHub and Document the Changes

Now that your project is successfully migrated and running in the new programming language, it’s time to update the GitHub repository:

  • Commit the new source code to a new branch like language-migration
  • Update README.md to reflect the new setup, language, and instructions
  • Push to GitHub and optionally open a Pull Request with a detailed explanation

Documentation should include:

  • New development dependencies
  • Setup instructions for building and running the code
  • Testing strategies

Helpful VS Code Extensions for Language Migration

  • Prettier – for consistent formatting across languages
  • Bracket Pair Colorizer 2 – improves code readability
  • TODO Highlight – makes TODOs stand out during transition
  • Error Lens – highlights compile and runtime errors inline

Bonus: Use Multi-root Workspaces for Hybrid Projects

If you’re temporarily maintaining both old and new codebases, use VS Code’s support for multi-root workspaces:

  1. Go to File > Add Folder to Workspace
  2. Add both the old and new code folders
  3. Use dedicated settings for each folder via .vscode/settings.json

This lets you organize the project more cleanly and compare original functions with new implementations side-by-side.

Conclusion

Switching programming languages for your VS Code project cloned from GitHub may seem daunting at first. However, the combination of smart extensions, file configurations, and integrated features makes the process surprisingly manageable. By taking a structured approach—backing up your project, adjusting tools, rewriting modules, and rigorously testing them—you can ensure a smooth transition to your new language of choice.

Remember: don’t rush the change; take it step-by-step and utilize