This is the 1st post in the 5 part series:
In this five-part series, I’ll compare popular Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) for software development:
- Visual Studio Code,
- NeoVim,
- VSCode with Vim extension,
- JetBrains WebStorm,
- Zed.
Each offers unique advantages for different development workflows, but let’s start with what I consider the most versatile option.
Why VS Code Should Be Your Default IDE
Visual Studio Code (VS Code) stands out as an ideal choice for developers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned professionals. Its widespread adoption isn’t accidental – it offers several compelling advantages that make it the recommended default option.
Early Adoption of New Technologies
VS Code frequently leads the pack in supporting new programming languages, frameworks, and features. When a new language version or framework emerges, VS Code is typically the first IDE to provide robust support, keeping you on the cutting edge of development.
When working with a framework like Svelte, installing the official Svelte extension provides full support for:
- Syntax highlighting
- IntelliSense code completion
- Component previews
- Debugging tools
The same applies to virtually any language or framework you might use. While mainstream technologies like React have good support across multiple IDEs, VS Code often provides superior support for newer or more niche technologies.
Comprehensive Language and Framework Support
The versatility of VS Code is unmatched. It seamlessly handles:
- Data science with Python notebooks
- Data analysis with CSV files (using extension)
- Modern front-end frameworks (React, Svelte, Vue, Angular)
- Back-end development (Node.js, Rust, Go, etc.)
- Cloud configuration and deployment tools
This breadth of support means you can use a single IDE for virtually any development task, simplifying your workflow and reducing context switching.
Robust Extension Ecosystem
VS Code’s extension marketplace is one of its strongest features. The most popular extensions have:
- Millions of users, ensuring thorough testing and reliability
- Regular updates to maintain compatibility
- Extensive documentation and community support
This contrasts with some competing IDEs, where extensions may be fewer, less polished, or not as well maintained.
VS Code’s Remote Development
Another area where VS Code truly shines is its remote development capabilities. The ability to work on remote projects via SSH feels remarkably native — browsing folders, editing files, and using the terminal all work as if the project were local. This seamless remote experience exemplifies the powerful ecosystem of VS Code extensions.
Highly Customizable
VS Code’s flexibility is remarkable. You can customize various aspect of the IDE including:
- Keyboard shortcuts to match your preference
- Interface layout and color themes
- Editor behavior (tabs, spaces, line endings)
- Task automation and build processes
Only NeoVim is more customizable than VSCode among the IDEs we are comparing.
Git Integration
While VS Code includes solid built-in Git functionality, the GitLens extension transforms it into an exceptional Git client. With GitLens, you can:
- Compare branches visually
- Examine detailed file histories
- Browse commits and tags efficiently
- Manage multiple remotes
- View blame information inline
This integration is invaluable for complex projects requiring sophisticated source control management.
I will rate WebStorm higher in this category than VSCode because it has a more polished UI. Both VSCode and WebStorm are miles a head of NeoVim and Zed when it comes to source version control.
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