Software Alternatives & Startups

VS Code VS iDisplay

Compare VS Code VS iDisplay 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
iDisplay

iDisplay is an app that turns a mobile device into a secondary desktop monitor. The app currently supports iOS, Android, Windows and MacOS, and it lets users connect a desktop computer to a mobile device over WiFi. Read more about iDisplay.

iDisplay 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 iDisplay. While we know about 1216 links to VS Code, we've tracked only 1 mention of iDisplay.

social mentions
1,216 vs 1
Text Editors popularity
100% vs 0%
alternatives listed
240+ vs 111

Base details

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

VS Code
iDisplay
Website code.visualstudio.com getidisplay.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
iDisplay 5 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.
  • Extended Display
    iDisplay allows users to extend their primary screen to secondary devices, such as tablets or smartphones, providing more real estate for multitasking.
  • Compatibility
    The application is compatible with both macOS and Windows operating systems, making it versatile for different users.
  • Portability
    By turning a tablet or smartphone into an extra monitor, users can have a portable multi-screen setup, useful for presentations and on-the-go tasks.
  • Touch Input Support
    iDisplay allows the secondary device to utilize touch input, enabling interactive tasks that can be more intuitive on touch-enabled devices.
  • Ease of Use
    The application offers a simple setup process and user-friendly interface, making it accessible even for those who are not tech-savvy.

Possible disadvantages

  • Performance
    Some users have reported performance issues such as lag and latency, especially when using the software over Wi-Fi connections.
  • Stability
    The application may sometimes crash or disconnect, leading to interruptions in workflow and requiring frequent reconnections.
  • Battery Drain
    Using a smartphone or tablet as an extended display can drain its battery quickly, necessitating frequent recharging.
  • Cost
    While iDisplay offers a range of useful features, it is not a free app. Users have to purchase it, which can be a con for those looking for a no-cost solution.
  • Limited Platform Compatibility
    The application predominantly supports iOS and Android devices for the extended display, potentially excluding users on other platforms.

Analysis

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

VS Code
iDisplay

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

  • Overall, iDisplay is well-regarded for its straightforward installation process and reliable performance. However, some users report issues with lag or connection stability, which may vary depending on the hardware and network configuration. It is a practical solution for those in need of additional screen space without investing in more hardware.

Why this product is good

  • iDisplay is a software solution that allows users to extend their computer screen to multiple devices, usually tablets or smartphones. It provides flexibility and enhances productivity by turning these devices into additional monitors. The software is particularly useful for people who need multiple screens for multitasking but have space or hardware constraints.

Recommended for

    iDisplay is recommended for remote workers, graphic designers, developers, and anyone who benefits from increased screen real estate. It's especially useful for those who travel frequently or work in environments where setting up multiple traditional monitors is impractical.

Videos

Walkthroughs and reviews on video.

VS Code 2 videos + Add
iDisplay 2 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

iDisplay App Review - Sweetwater's iOS Update, Vol. 102

More videos

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
iDisplay
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 iDisplay. 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
iDisplay no reviews yet

View more

View more

Social recommendations and mentions

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

VS Code 1216 mentions
iDisplay 1 mention
  • 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 / 12 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

  • Can I use my ipad as a third screen over a USB cable?
    I have done some research and found iDisplay. However that only works for windows, macOS and android and I dont think it would work over wine. Source: about 3 years ago

Alternatives to VS Code and iDisplay

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