VS Code Alternatives

Visual Studio Code is a cross-platform, extension-driven code editor with IntelliSense-style completion plus integrated Git and debugging workflows. Users praise its versatility and ease of use for many programming workflows, though some complain it can feel resource-intensive and may get slower over time, especially after updates.

VSCodium tops the rankings as a fully open-source build of Code - OSS that removes telemetry while keeping most VS Code functionality and extensibility. Privacy-focused developers who want a VS Code-like experience often choose VSCodium specifically to avoid telemetry, though some Microsoft extensions may be unavailable. Sublime Text ranks second and is repeatedly praised for outstanding speed and being less resource-intensive than VS Code, making it popular with developers on slower machines or large projects.

The alternatives landscape spans lightweight text editors like Vim and Notepad++ to newer AI-first editors like Zed Editor, with over 100 alternatives covering code editors, full IDEs, and terminal-based editors.

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Visual Studio Code is a code editor, but the alternatives span different approaches to development workflows. Open source options like VSCodium, Vim, and GNU Emacs appeal to users who want transparent licensing and community-driven tooling. For privacy-focused development, VSCodium and Helix emphasize no-tracking and telemetry prevention features.

Linux users have native options in VSCodium, Kate, and Lapce. Web-based development suits users who want browser-based environments - Replit and Firebase Studio run online for coding without local setup. For developers who live in the terminal, Micro, Neovim, and Helix target command-line workflows useful for SSH-heavy or low-overhead environments.

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Alternatives list

  1. Vampirio Code is a versatile open source editor and IDE with syntax highlighting and multi-language compilation, integrated with various compilers and tools.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Windows
     
  2. Prelude is an enhanced Emacs 24 configuration that should make your experience with Emacs both more pleasant and more powerful.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
     
  3. CodeBrew icon
     3 likes

    Unleash the power of Java coding on your iPhone or iPad with CodeBrew - the ultimate Java Integrated Development Environment designed for developers on the go. Dive into the world of seamless coding, whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting your programming journey.

    59 CodeBrew alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium (Pay once)
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • iPhone
    • iPad
     
  4. Haystack IDE icon
     1 like

    The canvas-based IDE that makes navigation and refactoring 10x faster.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Linux
     
  5. Line0 icon
     3 likes

    Line0 is the first AI pair programmer designed and built specifically for backend developers. You can build a production-ready backend API services in minutes with just a few prompts.

    Cost / License

    • Freemium (Subscription)
    • Proprietary

    Platforms

    • Online
     
  6. 4coder icon
     1 like

    4coder is a minimalist, cross platform, programmable, code editing environment, catering to the needs of low level programmers. It allows you to use one work flow across Windows, Linux, and Mac (with the exception of your debugger... for now.).

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source (MIT)

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
     
  7. EditPad Lite icon
     43 likes

    EditPad Lite is a compact general-purpose text editor. Use EditPad Lite to easily edit any kind of plain text file. EditPad Lite has all the essential features to make text editing a breeze:

    123 EditPad Lite alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free Personal
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Windows
     
  8. EditPlus icon
     30 likes

    EditPlus is a text editor, HTML editor and programmers editor for Windows. While it can serve as a good Notepad replacement, it also offers many powerful features for Web page authors and programmers.

    64 EditPlus alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Windows
     
  9. metapad icon
     43 likes

    Metapad is a small, fast (and completely free) text editor for Windows 9x/NT/XP/Vista with similar features to Microsoft Notepad but with many extra (and rather useful) features. It was designed to completely replace Notepad since it includes all of Notepads features and much...

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Alerts

    • Discontinued

    Platforms

    • Windows
     
  10. RJ TextEd icon
     29 likes

    RJ TextEd is a full featured text and source editor with Unicode support, syntax highlighting and code folding. The functionality extends beyond text files and includes support for HTML editing with integrated preview, spell checking, auto completion, HTML validation, templates...

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Windows
     
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