VS Code is fast, extensible, and free, which is why it displaced almost every paid editor. The extension marketplace covers essentially every language and workflow, and the remote development extensions let you edit code on a server or in a container as if it were local. The integrated terminal and debugger are good enough that most people never open anything else.
Who it is for
A developer who wants one free editor for Python, TypeScript, and remote server work.
Key features
- Extension marketplace for most languages
- Remote development into containers and SSH
- Integrated terminal and debugger
- Git diff and merge built in
- Settings sync across machines
- Free with no account required
Where it falls short
Extension quality varies enormously, and a heavy extension load noticeably slows startup.
Pricing
Free with no paid tier; the only cost is optional GitHub Copilot, which is billed separately per user.
Prices move; the tier structure is the part that stays true. Check current pricing on Visual Studio Code.
Still deciding?
Alternatives to Visual Studio Code
Frequently asked
Is Visual Studio Code free?
Yes. Free with no paid tier; the only cost is optional GitHub Copilot, which is billed separately per user.
What is Visual Studio Code best for?
A developer who wants one free editor for Python, TypeScript, and remote server work.
What are the best alternatives to Visual Studio Code?
The closest substitutes we list are Cursor. They sit in a similar price bracket but make a different trade-off, so read the weaknesses section of each review before switching.
Which platforms does Visual Studio Code run on?
Visual Studio Code is available on macOS, Windows, Linux and Web.