Module 02 · Tooling

Set up VS Code for FiveM

Writing Lua in Notepad is how beginners burn hours on typos. The right editor catches the mistake as you type instead of in the server console after a restart. This lesson sets up VS Code the way working FiveM developers run it in 2026: the Lua language server plus the Cfx native definitions, so RegisterCommand autocompletes and a missing end lights up red.

You'll build: A FiveM-ready editor: VS Code with the Lua language server and the Cfx Lua native definitions, so you get autocomplete and red squiggles before you ever restart the server.
Time: ~15 minutes.
You need: A Windows PC and a resources folder to open. No coding yet, just tooling.
You'll learn: Install VS Code -> add the Lua extension -> add Cfx native definitions -> open your server as a workspace -> prove autocomplete works

BEFORE YOU START

Build it

Install VS Code

VS Code opens and you can open a folder as a workspace.

Download and run the Windows User Installer, accept the defaults, and tick the Open with Code context-menu options on the Additional Tasks screen.

Set up VS Code for FiveM

Build it

Install VS Code

Install the Lua language server

Add the Cfx native definitions

Open your server as a workspace and add .luarc.json

Prove autocomplete works

Keep reading the full lesson