# Setup VSCode

While working with native code, i.e. C, C++ and RustLang, VS Code is the best IDE, but how to setup intelisense.

We can generate Compbd file from AOSP and include it in our project to proper intellisense.

### Steps:

> Pre: Generate desired AOSP image beforehand.

Now generate `Compdb` file using [these commands](https://android.googlesource.com/platform/build/soong/+/HEAD/docs/compdb.md).

## Compdb (compile\_commands.json) Generator

Soong can generate compdb files. This is intended for use with editing tools such as YouCompleteMe and other libclang based completers.

compdb file generation is enabled via environment variable:

```
$ export SOONG_GEN_COMPDB=1
$ export SOONG_GEN_COMPDB_DEBUG=1
```

One can make soong generate a symlink to the compdb file using an environment variable:

```
$ export SOONG_LINK_COMPDB_TO=$ANDROID_HOST_OUT
```

You can then trigger an empty build:

```
$ make nothing
```

Note that if you build using mm or other limited makes with these environment variables set the compdb will only include files in included modules.

***

#### Or simply run

```sh
SOONG_GEN_COMPDB=1 m nothing
```

Then open the `C/C++ Configuration (ui)`, go to advanced and set the `compile_commands.json` path to

```sh
out/soong/development/ide/compdb/compile_commands.json
```

#### Rescan intellisense

Reset the intellisense database, restart VSCode, and enjoy near-instant intellisense for any C/C++ source file in all of AOSP.

<figure><img src="https://1641734816-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FQiCPtRnKq8ziMpBxMxoM%2Fuploads%2FdLCYHhiKzTQSPSJqHZ4K%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=ad83101e-e463-4772-95a4-e0db597901f0" alt=""><figcaption><p>VS Code screenshot</p></figcaption></figure>