As a developer, you’ve probably used at least one of the two legendary tools: Visual Studio Code (VS Code) and regular Visual Studio. Both are the creation of tech giant Microsoft, but each has unique advantages and disadvantages that make them suitable for certain projects and developers. So how do you decide which one to use for your next endeavor? Use this article to dig deeper and get a clearer picture.
VS Code vs Visual Studio: Quick Comparison
Here is a summary of the main features that distinguish VS Code and Visual Studio:
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Visual Studio Code is a fast, free, and customizable code editor that supports numerous languages. It is ideal for quick adjustments and debugging. Allows users to make changes and see results in real time. Although it is primarily a code editor, you can still use it as an IDE with some quality of life adjustments.
VS Code’s installation size is noticeably smaller than Visual Studio. It supports plugins for a large number of coding languages, including some of the more obscure ones (such as proprietary languages specific to a small set of programs or games). Being lightweight, it is also relatively faster than VS. So it’s a convenient little tool to have on your PC if you’re a web developer or coding hobbyist who wants something unobtrusive but versatile.
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Visual Studio, however, is not just a code editor; It is a large-scale integrated development environment (IDE) with notable debugging and testing capabilities, as well as collaboration features included in different editions. It’s a more typical development environment, with easy one-click compilation.
Visual Studio or the Integrated Development Environment leverages a host of Microsoft software development tools to create and manage native code: Windows Application Programming Interface, Windows Presentation Foundation, Windows Forms, Microsoft Silverlight, and Windows Store.
The Community edition is free, while the Professional and Enterprise versions come with additional features, although they require payment.
It is a more powerful tool, particularly suitable for coding in C-based languages (such as C++ and C#) and the .NET framework. While you can work on cloud, mobile, and web-based systems with VS, it is ideal for server and desktop development. It is a larger installation file and is better suited for more serious developers or hobbyists who want to work in the ideal environment for some of their favorite programming languages.
Supported Features
VS Code is perfect for those future projects that require a fast and lightweight editor, especially on a more restricted or non-Windows based system. It has an open source license and is compatible with multiple operating systems, such as Windows, macOS, and Linux. Additionally, thousands of ever-growing extensions expand its capabilities to cover a variety of languages and tools.
Visual Studio, on the other hand, provides much more comprehensive support and gives developers an integrated environment with powerful debugging, diagnostics, and testing tools. Thanks to its wide range of platforms, from Windows to Azure, it can meet many needs of high-demand developers.
Usage scenarios
For freelance programmers, students, and open source contributors, VS Code is ideal. This tool is also convenient for programmers who use multiple devices and want to continue working on their projects anywhere.
Small teams can make the most of the Visual Studio Community edition as it offers a free solution for their projects. But if you’re looking for something professional, Visual Studio Professional and Enterprise editions provide a comprehensive answer to even your highest standards of quality and scale.
Unique features
VS Code has features like Live Share, which allows you to collaborate in real time with others, or its Integrated Terminal, which gives you direct access to command line tools within the editor.
Visual Studio provides a variety of information and support that makes coding easier, such as CodeLens to get useful information directly into your code and IntelliCode to provide AI-assisted recommendations and completions.
Community and support
VS Code comes equipped with a large network of dedicated followers who provide a wealth of guides and tutorials. VS Code is constantly moving forward, with new content and improvements appearing periodically. And, because it’s open source, community members can weigh in and shape the product roadmap.
Microsoft Visual Studio goes further, as Microsoft offers professional support in addition to its community forums and extensive documentation. Although not as open, Microsoft considers user input and periodically updates Visual Studio with new features and customization options.
Performance and system requirements
VS Code is known for its impressive speed and reliability as a lightweight editor, even on relatively dated hardware. The low demands on your system make it accessible to a broader spectrum of people and those developing on or for lower-powered devices.
On the other hand, Visual Studio, by consuming more resources, provides additional capabilities, but may need a higher performance machine to run efficiently. In particular, the Enterprise edition requires an even more robust configuration. But in exchange, you get better performance and a powerful compiler suitable for fully developing complex and resource-intensive programs and games.
Customization and Extensions
With VS Code, you can use a wide range of themes and extensions that you can find on the market, making it incredibly malleable depending on your preferences. The interface is easy to use, so you can get to work efficiently.
Visual Studio is also highly customizable and has many extension options (including dark mode), although not as extensive as VS Code.
Ultimately, it’s up to you and your needs, as both platforms offer a wide variety of tools for developers of any level.
Language help
VS Code provides exceptional support for those developing in the most common languages and plugins, primarily JavaScript, TypeScript, HTML, and CSS. This makes it particularly useful for web developers and those who create cross-platform programs and applications.
On the other hand, Visual Studio is known for creating .NET applications: VB.Net, C#, F#, and the closely related C++. But Python and more are supported by useful extensions that provide additional language support that greatly benefits developers working on large-scale cross-platform programs.
Integration with other tools
VS Code offers a comprehensive development environment that combines code editing with built-in support for version control systems like GitHub, popular CI/CD tools, and cloud integration.
With Visual Studio’s tight integration with Microsoft Azure, users can deploy to the cloud with a single click. Visual Studio also provides database development tools that allow developers to quickly create and manage their databases.
Accessibility
Visual Studio Code is uniquely particular about making the user experience accessible to everyone with its support for screen readers and other tools. What’s more, its open source nature allows developers from all over the world to contribute to development.
Visual Studio also adheres to accessible design principles that make it easy to use for developers with sensory or motor disabilities or from different linguistic backgrounds. However, the scope of these features may not be as broad since VS is closed source.
Battle of the giants
If you’re confused between VS Code and Visual Studio when starting a new project, know that it’s not about which is better but which is right for you. VS Code is the way to go if you’re looking for something lightweight and free to do quick coding tasks. Visual Studio may be the best choice for complex projects that need advanced tools and collaboration features. But since both have their advantages and disadvantages, understanding them will help you make an informed decision.
Have you used VS Code or Visual Studio? What features do you consider essential for your projects? Share your experiences and views in the comments below. Your comments could be a guide for someone else in the development community.
