Visual Studio Code
The open source AI code editor
Visual Studio Code is a free, open source code editor available on Linux, macOS, and Windows, with a web version and Insiders builds also offered. It combines a traditional editing environment with AI agent capabilities: agents can plan work, edit code, run commands, and iterate on tasks while the user reviews changes and redirects progress.
Agents can run locally or in the cloud, using Copilot or third-party providers such as Claude and OpenAI, with the option to bring your own API key. Sessions from local and cloud agents are tracked in a single view with filtering. Configuration includes custom instructions, agent skills, custom agents, hooks, plugins, and MCP servers for connecting external tools. The editor also provides inline suggestions, intelligent completions, and an integrated terminal, Agents window, and editor surfaces for switching between delegated and hands-on work.
VS Code is aimed at developers who want AI-assisted coding alongside manual editing. It is free to use with no trial or credit card required; a GitHub account is mentioned for getting started with agents.
12 alternatives to Visual Studio Code
Ranked by how well each tool replaces Visual Studio Code: shared features, audience, price and popularity.
- 71 out of 100 match$45/mo
- 69 out of 100 matchFree
Cursor is your coding agent for building ambitious software.
Covers 12 of 15 key features.
Free plan68 out of 100 match$20/mo- 68 out of 100 matchContact sales
Build with Visual Studio Code, anywhere, anytime, entirely in your browser.
Covers 0 of 15 key features.
Free plan66 out of 100 matchFreeOpen source AI coding agent in IDE, CLI, and cloud.
Covers 0 of 15 key features.
Free planOpen source66 out of 100 match$15/mo- 65 out of 100 match$16/mo
A free, open source, cross-platform IDE for C, C++, Rust, PHP and Node.js
Covers 1 of 15 key features.
Free planOpen source64 out of 100 matchFreeManage fleets of local and cloud agents from one surface. Plan, delegate, review, and ship
Covers 5 of 15 key features.
Free plan64 out of 100 match$20/mo- 64 out of 100 match$25/mo
AI-native open-source cloud and desktop IDE
Covers 1 of 15 key features.
Free planOpen source63 out of 100 matchFreeState-of-the-art binary code analysis tools for reverse engineering and cybersecurity.
Covers 2 of 15 key features.
Free plan63 out of 100 match$30.42/mo