Software Alternatives & Startups

VS Code VS Gboard

Compare VS Code VS Gboard and see what are their differences

VS Code

Build and debug modern web and cloud applications, by Microsoft

VS Code Landing page
Rating
5.0 · 1 review
Pricing
Open source
Gboard

Google-powered keyboard with search, GIFs, emojis and more!

Gboard Landing page
Rating
0 reviews
Note: These products don't have any matching categories. If you think this is a mistake, please edit the details of one of the products and suggest appropriate categories.

Which is more popular?

Based on our record, VS Code seems to be a lot more popular than Gboard. While we know about 1216 links to VS Code, we've tracked only 2 mentions of Gboard.

social mentions
1,216 vs 2
Text Editors popularity
100% vs 0%
alternatives listed
240+ vs 82

Base details

Website, pricing, platforms and company facts side by side.

VS Code
Gboard
Website code.visualstudio.com support.google.com
Pricing
Open source
Company Startup from the United States
Listed in

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

VS Code 8 features
Gboard 7 features
  • Cross-platform
    VS Code works on Windows, macOS, and Linux, providing a consistent development experience across different operating systems.
  • Extensibility
    A vast library of extensions allows users to add functionalities like debuggers, linters, and themes, making it highly customizable.
  • Integrated Git
    Built-in Git integration makes it easy to manage version control tasks directly within the editor.
  • Performance
    Lightweight compared to full-fledged IDEs, ensuring good performance even on systems with limited resources.
  • IntelliSense
    Advanced code completion and refactoring tools help improve coding efficiency and reduce errors.
  • Community Support
    A strong and active community provides extensive support, tutorials, and third-party extensions.
  • Debugging
    Robust debugging tools for various languages and frameworks are available out of the box.
  • Free and Open-Source
    VS Code is completely free to use and open-source, which is beneficial for both individual developers and organizations.

Possible disadvantages

  • Limited IDE Features
    While extensible, it may lack some advanced features found in dedicated IDEs out of the box.
  • Extension Management
    Managing and configuring a large number of extensions can become cumbersome and sometimes lead to performance issues.
  • Learning Curve
    Although user-friendly, it has a steeper learning curve for beginners due to its numerous features and customization options.
  • Memory Usage
    Despite being lightweight, it can consume a significant amount of memory when multiple extensions are installed.
  • Update Frequency
    Frequent updates may sometimes introduce bugs or require users to adapt to new changes quickly.
  • Internet Dependency
    Some features and extensions may require an internet connection to function optimally.
  • Telemetry
    By default, VS Code collects usage data, which might be a concern for users sensitive about data privacy. However, this can be disabled.
  • Multi-language support
    Gboard supports typing in multiple languages, allowing users to switch between languages seamlessly.
  • Google Search integration
    The keyboard includes a built-in Google Search feature, enabling users to perform searches directly from the keyboard.
  • Glide Typing
    Gboard offers Glide Typing, allowing users to type words by sliding their fingers from letter to letter instead of tapping each key.
  • Voice Typing
    Users can input text via voice commands, making it easier to type hands-free or when speaking is more convenient.
  • Emoji and GIF search
    The keyboard includes a comprehensive search tool for emojis and GIFs, making it easy to find and insert them into messages.
  • Google Translate integration
    Gboard features built-in Google Translate functionality, allowing users to translate text in real-time.
  • Customizable themes
    Users can customize the keyboard's appearance with various themes and colors to suit their personal taste.

Possible disadvantages

  • Privacy concerns
    As a product of Google, some users may be concerned about data privacy and the extent to which their keystrokes and information are being collected.
  • Resource consumption
    Gboard can consume more system resources (CPU, RAM) compared to other keyboard apps, potentially slowing down the device.
  • Occasional lag
    Some users may experience lag or delays when using Gboard, particularly on older or less powerful devices.
  • Complexity
    With its numerous features and options, Gboard can be overwhelming or difficult to navigate for some users.
  • Intrusive suggestions
    The predictive text and autocorrect features can sometimes be overly aggressive or intrusive, leading to incorrect suggestions and auto-corrections.
  • Frequent updates
    While updates can bring new features and improvements, frequent updates may also result in bugs, changes to user interface, or require re-learning certain functionalities.

Analysis

An editorial look at what each product does well and who it suits.

VS Code
Gboard

Overall verdict

  • Yes, VS Code is generally considered a good choice for developers due to its flexibility, efficiency, and strong community support. It is lightweight, fast, and user-friendly, catering to both novice and experienced developers.

Why this product is good

  • VS Code, developed by Microsoft, is a widely popular and versatile code editor. It offers a robust extension ecosystem, which allows developers to customize their workflow and coding environment extensively. Additionally, VS Code supports numerous programming languages right out of the box and provides features like IntelliSense, debugging, Git integration, and a built-in terminal, making it a powerful tool for developers.

Recommended for

  • Web developers looking for a comprehensive yet lightweight coding environment.
  • Software developers who need an editor with extensive language support and customization options.
  • Beginner programmers who would benefit from a feature-rich editor that can grow with their skills.
  • Developers interested in an open-source tool with continuous updates and community-driven enhancements.

Overall verdict

  • Gboard is generally well-received by users for its robust features and ease of use. It is frequently updated by Google, which helps maintain its performance and security. Overall, Gboard is a reliable and versatile choice for anyone looking for a high-quality keyboard app.

Why this product is good

  • Gboard is considered a good virtual keyboard app because it offers a wide range of features including swipe typing, voice typing, multi-language support, and Google Search integrated directly into the keyboard. These features offer convenience and enhance productivity for users. Additionally, its predictive text and autocorrect capabilities are quite advanced, making typing easier and more efficient.

Recommended for

    Gboard is recommended for users who need a versatile and feature-rich keyboard app. It's ideal for those who frequently switch between different languages, use emojis often, or perform web searches directly from their keyboard. It's also suitable for users who value customization and want a keyboard that integrates seamlessly with other Google services.

Videos

Walkthroughs and reviews on video.

VS Code 2 videos + Add
Gboard 3 videos + Add

My New Favorite Text Editor - Visual Studio Code

More videos

  • Review - 7 reasons why I switched to Visual Studio Code from Sublime Text

Gboard VS Samsung Keyboard - Which Is Better?

More videos

  • Review - SwiftKey vs Gboard | Which is Best Keyboard App for You | Guiding Tech
  • Review - Google GBoard Review 😍 ! Is It Better Than Swiftkey ?

Category popularity

How often each product is chosen within a category, 0–100% relative to the other.

Score bands 0–20 21–40 41–50 51–60 61–100
VS Code
Gboard
100% 100%
0% 0%
0% 0%
100% 100%
100% 100%
IDE
0% 0%
0% 0%
100% 100%

User comments

Share your experience with using VS Code and Gboard. For example, how are they different and which one is better?

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Reviews and articles

External articles and on-site reviews we used to compare the two products.

VS Code 5.0 · 1 review
Gboard no reviews yet

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We have no reviews of Gboard yet. Be the first one to post

Social recommendations and mentions

Recommendations tracked on public social media and blogs since March 2021.

VS Code 1216 mentions
Gboard 2 mentions
  • Introducing MonoLisa for Visual Studio Code
    While Visual Studio Code supports OpenType features for its code editor well, configuring those features can be complex as it relies on understanding related CSS syntax. On top of this, additional configuration may be required. Because... - Source: dev.to / 14 days ago
  • History of JavaScript: Browser wars, ECMAScript, Node.js, TypeScript, and React
    Visual Studio Code, a code editor created by Microsoft, was first introduced on April 29, 2015, at the Build conference. - Source: dev.to / 2 months ago
  • How to Get Your First Tool Online
    The step up from there is an editor with a built-in agent like Cursor, Google Antigravity, Windsurf, or VS Code with a coding extension. These are code editors with an AI agent living inside them, and the difference is the responsible... - Source: dev.to / 3 months ago

View more

  • [Round 124516] Please give me step-by-step instructions on how to make this appear on a brand new iphone (of course without searching the pic online and sharing)
    Install the gboard app Make it the main keyboard, by following the steps here: https://support.google.com/gboard/answer/6380730?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DiOS#zippy=%2Cmake-gboard-your-main-keyboard Open a web browser Click the emoji... Source: over 3 years ago
  • The name of things , you probably didn’t know
    At least in Gboard, for me, it is available when long press for symbols is enabled in the settings and you hold the ? After switching to the numbers and symbols layout (?123). Source: over 5 years ago

Alternatives to VS Code and Gboard

When comparing VS Code and Gboard, you can also consider the following products.