Completely free Users can code in any language Cross-platform tool Great UI
Cons
Complicated workflows or projects can cause a few headaches
Visual Studio Code
Price: $
Visual Studio Code, commonly known as VS Code, reigns supreme as the go-to code editor for many developers. With this application, what you get is a simple yet effective code writer and editor, with almost no restrictions on the programming language at all. You can code in Flutter, React, PHP, and any language you choose.
Free yet premium
Visual Studio Code is a free cross-platform customizable code editor, yet it feels premium and polished. Here’s what we mean by that.
With VS Code, you do not get a half-baked recipe. You get a full-cooked meal that ensures you have all the ingredients you need to cook and then some. It has a modern yet uncomplicated user interface that will help you navigate between your projects, files, and linkage.
From the moment you start using the application, you will find it equipped with useful features, handy extensions, purposeful workflows, and a one-stop for developers coding in modern technologies.
Powerful development and debugging
Visual Studio Code comes bundled with impressive features that will help you write your code such as the built-in IntelliSense. It is an accurate tool that will help you build a better understanding of the code you are writing, and debugging as well.
For developers, one of the most important features of any code editor or IDE is debugging. If you want to get to the root of your problem quickly, then this application will help you by providing you with powerful debugging while you write code. You can call stacks, launch apps, and perform debugging, all while not having to switch from the editing tab. It doesn't matter what language you are coding in, as VS Code supports all the modern and old technologies.
Familiarity is key
Visual Studio Code is not merely a code editor. It has a powerful set of features and comes bundled with IntelliSense to help you write your code and improve it. Once you get familiar with the tool, you can do amazing things with it such as auto-completing your code, using AI within the tool through extensions or CoPilot, and using extensive review tools to conduct code reviews.
Extensions
One of the most impressive options within the editor is the option to install and use extensions. Want to code with the latest technologies? That is easy. Simply visit the Extensions section from the left side menu, and you can easily install a compatible extension for the technology you wish for.
The cherry on top of a fantastically developed application is the option to add and use extensions. Within them, there are options to make your code look pretty, customize your UI, add further functionality within the tool, add support for technologies or frameworks, and so much more that is hard to cover here.
Shortcuts
VS Code supports shortcuts and they are quite impressive. Once you get used to using the editor, you will find yourself accessing features, switching tabs, and debugging code simply by using shortcuts that will be there in your muscle memory.
Final words
If you are looking for a code editor to help you write, improve, and debug your applications, install Visual Studio Code. There are not many alternatives out there. With the best-looking user interface and a great user experience, Visual Studio Code truly stands out.
Reviewed by Hamza Sadiq (editor rating 5 out of 5 stars) Sooftware editor's pick