Getting Started with Anypoint Code Builder in VS Code (Beginner Guide)

If you’re new to MuleSoft—or making the switch from Anypoint Studio—you might be wondering: how do I even begin with Anypoint Code Builder (ACB)? This post will walk you through the entire setup process of ACB locally in Visual Studio Code, from installation to building and testing your very first “Hello World” Mule application.

Whether you’re a developer curious about the future of MuleSoft or a seasoned Studio user adjusting to ACB, this is your go-to beginner’s guide.

🛠️ Step 1: Install the Required Tools

Before using ACB, make sure you have the following installed:

• Git: Download Git here
• Visual Studio Code: Download VS Code

🔌 Step 2: Install the Anypoint Extension Pack

✅ Important: Only install the Anypoint Extension Pack after Git and VS Code are installed and up to date. If needed, uninstall and reinstall to get the latest version of VS Code.

• Open VS Code.
• Go to the Extensions tab.
• Search for Anypoint Extension Pack.
• Install the full pack (not individual extensions).
• Restart VS Code completely after installation.

🔁 If you’ve already installed extensions one by one, uninstall them, restart VS Code, and then install the full pack.

🧠 Step 3: Get Comfortable with VS Code

Open the Command Palette:

• Mac: Shift + Command + P
• Windows: Shift + Ctrl + P

You’ll use this for everything—from changing themes to running Mule apps. Try searching for:

• Preferences: Color Theme

Customize your theme or install fun ones like Halloween or MuleSoft Community Theme.

🐴 Step 4: Understand the ACB Layout

Unlike Anypoint Studio, ACB runs inside VS Code. Here’s how it differs:

• Start a Project from the MuleSoft tab (not from the “File > New Project” menu).
• You can’t import JAR files or projects directly.
• Always open the root folder (with your src, pom.xml, etc.) to work on projects.

Quick Actions in ACB:

• Design an API
• Implement an API
• Develop an Integration (what we’ll use)

🧩 Step 5: Install Additional VS Code Extensions (Optional)

VS Code has a powerful extension ecosystem. For example:

• Docker
• Kubernetes
• Postman
• MySQL Viewer
• GitHub Actions

These aren’t required for ACB, but they supercharge your workflow.

⚙️ Step 6: Configure ACB Settings

In the MuleSoft tab:

• Click the gear ⚙️ icon to adjust autocompletion, default runtimes, and VM arguments.
• You don’t need to install Java manually—ACB does it for you.
• In future versions, ACB may also install Git automatically.

🔐 Step 7: Log In to Anypoint Platform

Click your profile icon or use the “Sign in with Anypoint Platform” option in the ACB panel. (You can skip this for now if you’re just testing locally.)

👋 Step 8: Build a “Hello World” Mule App

Let’s create our first integration:

• Go to the MuleSoft tab → “Develop an Integration.”
• Name it: helloworld
• Choose a folder and select the latest runtime and Java version.
• Once the project is created:
  • Use the UI builder to add an HTTP Listener.
  • Set the path to /hello.
  • Add a Transform Message component and output “Hello World”.
  • Add a Logger to print the payload.

You now have a fully working Mule app that returns “Hello World” at http://localhost:8081/hello.

🐞 Step 9: Run and Debug Your App

• Use the Run and Debug panel in VS Code.
• Click “Start Debugging.”
• Test with a tool like Postcode (or Postman).
• Hit localhost:8081/hello to get your response.

Debugging Tips:

• Add breakpoints directly in the XML or use the UI.
• Watch variables like payload or check flow attributes.
• Use the Command Palette to format XML files with Format Document.

🧪 Final Thoughts

You’ve now:

✅ Installed ACB

✅ Created a Hello World Mule App

✅ Tested and Debugged it—all inside VS Code!

This is just the beginning. In the next tutorial, we’ll build a real REST API using API specifications and flow logic.

💡 Pro Tip

If you ever get stuck, I offer Anypoint Code Builder Office Hours to help you troubleshoot and get unblocked.

👉 Book a session here.