Sync Framework is an API (Application Programming Interface) or a set of reusable libraries of code for doing synchronization related task (not necessarily database, could be files, etc.).
so to answer you question, yes you need to write codes utilizing the framework itself to build synchronization into your applications.
while there's Visual Studio designer support (Local Database Cache item), Sync Framework is not dependent on Visual Studio. you can write managed and unmanaged sync apps using the framework.
if you want zero or minimal coding, you may want to check out SQL Replication instead or stick with your present SSIS solution.
hth