How to power the ESP8266

The forum is really great and give a lot of information on building a sensor and how to operate.
Tomorrow I can start putting all pieces together…

As far as I have read the ESP8266 is powered through the USB cable.
Is it possible to use the VU and GND to provide the 5v power?
This to avoid long USB cables and/or the hassle of 12V stepdown power converters and space consuming connectors…

yes, it’s possible to use these pins.
The USB cable is the easier way for most users. That’s why we have chosen this way.