Microsoft Visual Studio Code vs. Notepad++

Overview
ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price
Microsoft Visual Studio Code
Score 9.1 out of 10
N/A
Microsoft offers Visual Studio Code, a text editor that supports code editing, debugging, IntelliSense syntax highlighting, and other features.
$0
Notepad++
Score 9.1 out of 10
N/A
Notepad++ is a popular free and open source text editor available under the GPL license, featuring syntax highlighting and folding, auto-complete, multi-document management, and ac customizable GUI.N/A
Pricing
Microsoft Visual Studio CodeNotepad++
Editions & Modules
No answers on this topic
No answers on this topic
Offerings
Pricing Offerings
Microsoft Visual Studio CodeNotepad++
Free Trial
NoNo
Free/Freemium Version
YesNo
Premium Consulting/Integration Services
NoNo
Entry-level Setup FeeNo setup feeNo setup fee
Additional Details
More Pricing Information
Community Pulse
Microsoft Visual Studio CodeNotepad++
Considered Both Products
Microsoft Visual Studio Code
Chose Microsoft Visual Studio Code
Visual Studio code UI is very handy.
Extension feasibility is good
Chose Microsoft Visual Studio Code
1. More features compared to Notepad++ 2. fast performance compare to Android Studio 3.More and usefull extensions then other two 4. Easy to use and everyone can start using it instantly 5. Version Control system is top notch 6.If you start using it , you will forget other ides …
Chose Microsoft Visual Studio Code
It has some much more functionality than Notepad++, all the addons make editing scripts a breeze
Chose Microsoft Visual Studio Code
It has [the] right balance of solutions for [a] wide range of problems. Atom or Notepad++ are lighter but [have fewer] features, [Microsoft] Visual Studio [Code] is full of features but [a] tad heavier.
Chose Microsoft Visual Studio Code
In all honesty, I've not even looked back at any of these alternatives since switching to Microsoft Visual Studio Code a few years ago, there simply isn't the need. For all I know they're all absolutely fantastic, but at the time of switching (and consistently since) Microsoft …
Chose Microsoft Visual Studio Code
[Microsoft Visual Studio Code] builds on the simplicity and speed of Notepad++ yet remains very customizable and offers features that are comparable and often go beyond other paid offerings such as Dreamweaver CC. It also requires no upfront/subscription so there's no risk in …
Chose Microsoft Visual Studio Code
We moved from Sublime Text. Microsoft Visual Studio Code has similar features, such as a mini view of the document along the right side.

Microsoft Visual Studio Code is also freeware. Sublime Text is $80 per seat, so when you add team members the costs increase.
Chose Microsoft Visual Studio Code
The main plus for me was the speed, sleek UI, and the memorable shortcuts for VS Code. Also the smart auto-complete as well as version management (Git), Chrome debugging, and the possibility of plugging in multiple language-specific linters for a better code.
The auto-complete …
Chose Microsoft Visual Studio Code
Overall, compared to all other open source text editors like Sublime Text, Vim, etc, I've noticed that the Visual Studio Code has been updated regularly which makes it work more efficiently and resolves any bugs on a continuous basis. I feel like VS Code has the speed like Subli…
Chose Microsoft Visual Studio Code
Microsoft provides regular update patches to the Visual Studio Code IDE making sure to prevent vulnerabilities. As compared to other editors as mentioned, it is not open source but free to use, which means only certified update patches can be applied to the IDE, whereas in open …
Chose Microsoft Visual Studio Code
Purely on the fact that support and having the app frequently updated alone makes this worthwhile over the others. Some of them also do share the ease of installation, but Microsoft Visual Studio Code has all the common pro points and more, making it a natural selection.
Chose Microsoft Visual Studio Code
Microsoft Visual Studio Code is easy to install, always updated, free, and ultra-customizable with extensions. All other alternatives either don't have these features or are not as great as VS Code in terms of implementing them. I have been using Microsoft VS Code for a year …
Chose Microsoft Visual Studio Code
Visual Studio Code was easy for us to install and to begin developing applications with from day one. Being freely available also makes it easier to adopt the application without having to go through a lot of bureaucratic hurdles initially. It isn't really fair to compare VS …
Chose Microsoft Visual Studio Code
In my opinion, VS Code is the best option for coding. It works on Windows, GNU/Linux, and macOS. Moreover, there's a great team/community behind the scene to maintain this program.
Chose Microsoft Visual Studio Code
VS Code feels sometimes heavier compared to other text editors like Notepad++. You can choose windows PowerShell, CMD, bash or node, and the terminal will just be as powerful within the VS Code as it is on it is own. it's free and open source. It's also being updated on a …
Chose Microsoft Visual Studio Code
It is more advanced, it has more features and is a lot better than its competitors in terms of everything.
It stands the best among all the similar software of this type.
Chose Microsoft Visual Studio Code
Visual Studio Code has become my preferred text editor. It has a lot of useful features common to IDEs, and it is still quick enough to jot down quick notes or just throw open a blank file for some text manipulation with regex.
Notepad++
Chose Notepad++
In comparison to vs code, Notepad is less complexed solution with maybe less testing or implementation options but also with better script edition control thanks to the code formatting options. It depends on the task we have but for less complexed scripting that doesn't require …
Chose Notepad++
Since my engineering days, I have used this software. Notepad++ has to be one of the most powerful text editors available. It is lightweight and easy to use. It can identify the programming language based upon the extension of the file. It can also open various attachments, …
Chose Notepad++
Both visual studio code and Notepad++ are powerful code editors/text editors. So it is hard to pick a favorite as they both have upsides and downsides. In this case Notepad++ I love the plugins that come with it and the ability to get more from other open sources. In general …
Chose Notepad++
UltraEdit was offered as a licensed product by my organization, however, because there was a cost to it, I had to obtain manager's approval for the yearly license required to keep it working. This was a hassle for something as simple as an editor. It was a convenient need to …
Chose Notepad++
I prefer Notepad++ to both UltraEdit and VSCode. The fact that it is freely available gives it a leg up on UltraEdit, and the feature set is at least comparable and in some ways better. VSCode is more useful if you are using your text editor to code and want to tie into …
Chose Notepad++
Atom is a nice little notepad and editor, but it's a bit overkill for a simple note-taking app and doesn't quite compare to Visual Studio Code for more robust tasks like software development. It does have more polish than Notepad++, but the experience is somehow more clumsy. Sub…
Chose Notepad++
I mainly use Notepad++ on windows. EditPlus was very good at regular expressions. I felt it was better than Notepad++. On Mac, sublime is a good tool for the same purpose.
Chose Notepad++
Visual studio code has more testing capabilities but Notepad++ is easier to use for day to day text and scripting operations.
Chose Notepad++
I have never looked for other applications to replace or compare to Notepad++. That is how delighted I am to use it no matter where I am at in the working world. It is always one of the first programs that I install on my computer when I start at a new company.
Chose Notepad++
Its performance is very good. Its cost is comparatively less. It supports multiple languages. It takes less time to load and it's very fast.
Chose Notepad++
When I'm looking for a simple application to edit files quickly and easily, I find Notepad++ optimal. I Recommended Notepad++ if you're looking for an editing tool which works quickly and easily for both personal or professional use.
Chose Notepad++
Does the same but in my opinion better. It might [be my] preference but the other options are either too technical or not technical enough. Notepad++ seems to tow this perfect balance, at least in my eyes, of being friendly enough for beginners and deep enough for experts. With …
Chose Notepad++
We actually don't use Notepad++ over any other software, but in tandem with it. It complements other more advanced, modern text editors and definitely provides a lightweight way to edit code files, especially ones that are interpreted like Python, without having to open a full …
Chose Notepad++
Notepad++ has been my go-to for quick text or code editing jobs, or even sometimes for storing brief notes for later reference. Its biggest selling points are its host of great features for automating tasks like indentation, sorting and conversion to other formats, and its …
Chose Notepad++
In comparison to applications like Sublime Text or Visual Studio Code, Notepad++ is very limited. But this one has a different use. It's not used to work on projects—more like just editing and converting single files. It's the advanced version of the default Windows notepad. …
Chose Notepad++
Notepad++ is the no-frills, simpler options that is an old reliable text editor. The alternatives have slicker interfaces and more features, but can be overkill for certain uses. The quality of plugins that Notepad++ has is a bit higher and there is less noise. Notepad++ is …
Top Pros
Top Cons
Best Alternatives
Microsoft Visual Studio CodeNotepad++
Small Businesses
BBEdit
BBEdit
Score 8.2 out of 10
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Score 8.2 out of 10
Medium-sized Companies
Vim
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Score 9.7 out of 10
Vim
Vim
Score 9.7 out of 10
Enterprises
Vim
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Score 9.7 out of 10
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Score 9.7 out of 10
All AlternativesView all alternativesView all alternatives
User Ratings
Microsoft Visual Studio CodeNotepad++
Likelihood to Recommend
8.7
(89 ratings)
8.9
(60 ratings)
Likelihood to Renew
9.4
(2 ratings)
10.0
(1 ratings)
Usability
10.0
(5 ratings)
8.0
(1 ratings)
Support Rating
9.7
(24 ratings)
8.1
(16 ratings)
User Testimonials
Microsoft Visual Studio CodeNotepad++
Likelihood to Recommend
Microsoft
Microsoft Visual Studio Code is highly recommended for the development of systems and / or complex applications entrusted to work teams under a specific methodology, and its use is also recommended for the maintenance of previously developed applications.
It is not recommended as a learning environment for developers with little experience as the learning curve would be too high
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Open Source
well suited for 1) Coding and Development - Writing and editing code, Quick prototyping and testing of code snippets, Debugging and inspecting code using syntax highlighting and line numbering, 2) web development - Creating and editing HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and other web-related files .Managing and organizing web projects with multiple files and directories. Not suited for - 1) processing huge files 2) graphic designing 3) complex gui designs 3) Data Analysis and Manipulation - Editing and cleaning up text-based data files before importing them into analytical tools. Applying regular expressions to extract, transform, and manipulate data. 4) System Administration and IT - change system configuration file
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Pros
Microsoft
  • Very accessible -- it's compatible with all platforms and environments, free to install, and fast to open
  • Strong native support for many languages, and very strong extensibility to provide advanced language features
  • Git integration is top-notch, often displaying a better history, diff, and merge interface that is otherwise available in version control systems
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Open Source
  • Notepad++ allows us to keep open files in tabs. Like in a web browser, these tabs let us access these files quickly and easily. Furthermore, even if we forget to save the files when closing the program or shutting down the PC, Notepad++ retains them in the open tabs when we reopen it.
  • Notepad++ supports many different file types. We usually save our files created in Notepad as normal text files, but sometimes as JSON, PHP, and HTML files.
  • Notepad++ is lightweight and requires little resources. Using it is snappy and responsive.
  • The developer of Notepad++ frequently updates the software with bug fixes, performance improvements and new features.
Read full review
Cons
Microsoft
  • Lack of button bar like ones found in Visual Studio.
  • Lack of integrated help that could link to YouTube, Channel 9, or other Microsoft videos on how to learn about features.
  • Integration with Team Foundation Server.
  • Would like to see it having some sort of integration into a Web API testing harness.
Read full review
Open Source
  • UI looks a bit dated.
  • Sometimes the number of options are overwhelming and require a quick search to figure out where to locate a particular function.
  • Some way to do a diff between files would be great. Still need to resort to another paid app for that - unless it is a buried function I don't know about or there's a plugin for it.
Read full review
Likelihood to Renew
Microsoft
Solid tool that provides everything you need to develop most types of applications. The only reason not a 10 is that if you are doing large distributed teams on Enterprise level, Professional does provide more tools to support that and would be worth the cost.
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Open Source
I use it every day for 13 years already and it never disappointed me
Read full review
Usability
Microsoft
This is a tool for programmers and it works like many others. If you are in the development world already then you will be sailing in no time with Microsoft Visual Studio Code. It is also great for new developers and it is very easy to use and you can get all the tools you need in one place as you begin to learn.
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Open Source
Many of the features are not out of the box. We have install them separately
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Support Rating
Microsoft
Active development means filing a bug on the GitHub repo typically gets you a response within 4 days. There are plugins for almost everything you need, whether it be linting, Vim emulation, even language servers (which I use to code in Scala). There is well-maintained official documentation. The only thing missing is forums. The closest thing is GitHub issues, which typically has the answers but is hard to sift through -- there are currently 78k issues.
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Open Source
I haven't needed to utilize any support related to Notepad++. I guess this is a good thing because I found it to be quite intuitive. There are almost infinite features you can tweak and plugins you can download but I haven't had to do that because Notepad++ is really good right out of the box.
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Alternatives Considered
Microsoft
[Microsoft] Visual Studio Code beats the competition due to its extensibility. Their robust extensions architecture combined with the plethora of mostly free extensions written by the community can't be beaten. The fact that this tool itself is provided by a world-recognized company, Microsoft, free of charge is phenomenal. The goodwill garnered by them is immeasurable. Other tools I've used were missing features or were just too rigid, too complicated, or too unsophisticated for my liking. The fact that VS Code is easy to mold to my will with the right extensions seals the deal.
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Open Source
Notepad for Windows, Microsoft Word...LibreOffice Writer....I have used all of these for code writing and editing. Once again I like the universal feel of Notepad++. Basic Notepad, is just that, basic...and kind of clunky for what it is. This is a cool that I have installed on all my computers and also keep it on a thumb drive if I need it elsewhere.
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Return on Investment
Microsoft
  • Positive impact on minimizing time wasted by employees with software installation and setup
  • Positive impact on reducing spend on software licensing
  • Positive impact on minimizing time used to manage different applications for different purposes - this performs all of the functions we need in basic coding
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Open Source
  • Productivity has increased for developers.
  • It's free so instead of buying a piece of software, you can use this to replace many of them that may only specialize in one thing.
  • It gives our developers confidence knowing they have such a reliable, free tool at their disposal.
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