# Visual Studio Code (VS Code)

The following FAQ's assume that you can open a VS Code session on OnDemand. For information on how to do this, check out the [](https://guides.tjhsst.edu/research/ondemand "mention")page.

## How can I open a terminal?

At the bottom of your screen, you should see a solid bar with icons, the keyboard layout, and a few other pieces of information (although the exact color scheme may vary)

<figure><img src="https://1387849666-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-LOujpwpsPzbFQLluKss%2Fuploads%2FCxCcKUwv6odsSTmDDgxX%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=73afd834-887d-46b3-9303-513a1a7f4a9a" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

To open a terminal, drag the top of this bar upwards

<figure><img src="https://1387849666-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-LOujpwpsPzbFQLluKss%2Fuploads%2FvpdUzvUytgW9cKahkKd8%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=f4e71ea4-18e5-4b9a-83a6-69c9d9d6720d" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## How can I configure hidden files?

Some files (like `.git`, or other "dotfiles") are not meant to be shown. To prevent these files from showing, go to "Files ⇾ Preferences ⇾ Settings" and search for the `files.exclude` option. Then, add the following patterns:

```
**/__pycache__/
**/.*
```

This will hide by default any files with a name starting with a period `.`, and also folders named `__pycache__` (which contains compiled python byte code). If you would like to add other patterns, note that this setting uses a glob syntax and not regex.