Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

VS Code VS Join Secret

Compare VS Code VS Join Secret and see what are their differences

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VS Code logo VS Code

Build and debug modern web and cloud applications, by Microsoft

Join Secret logo Join Secret

Unlock $1M+ in software savings with Secret โ€” the ultimate startup perks platform. Access 700+ exclusive discounts on top tools like AWS, Notion, and HubSpot. Join 100K+ startups and grow faster with the best software, resources, and partner offers.
  • VS Code Landing page
    Landing page //
    2024-10-09
  • Join Secret Save thousands of dollars on the essential SaaS tools your business needs to GROW
    Save thousands of dollars on the essential SaaS tools your business needs to GROW //
    2025-08-29
  • Join Secret Explore our marketplace full of deals to help you get started and save on the best tools, from AI and Project Management to HR and Finance!
    Explore our marketplace full of deals to help you get started and save on the best tools, from AI and Project Management to HR and Finance! //
    2025-08-29
  • Join Secret Access hundreds of deals for FREE and even more with our Premium Subscription
    Access hundreds of deals for FREE and even more with our Premium Subscription //
    2025-08-29
  • Join Secret Secret's whitelabel program and API gives hundreds of VCs, accelerators, incubators, agencies, fintech, and marketplaces the resources they need for their community
    Secret's whitelabel program and API gives hundreds of VCs, accelerators, incubators, agencies, fintech, and marketplaces the resources they need for their community //
    2025-08-29
  • Join Secret Not satisfied with the software you're using or looking for a new alternative? Look no further! Secret's alternative feature gives you the information you need to make the best decision + great offers for a smooth transition.
    Not satisfied with the software you're using or looking for a new alternative? Look no further! Secret's alternative feature gives you the information you need to make the best decision + great offers for a smooth transition. //
    2025-08-29
  • Join Secret Read the success stories of our users and become part of a worlwide, growing community
    Read the success stories of our users and become part of a worlwide, growing community //
    2025-08-29

Secret gives you instant access to hundreds of deals and thousands of savings through promo codes and free credits on must-have software and services for startups and small businesses. From cloud to e-mail marketing, Secret gathers all the best tools to kickstart and grow your startup.

We negotiate all our SaaS discount codes and coupons directly with the vendors and add amazing new deals each week. Over 500 Premium offers and 200+ Free promotions are already available for you to discover like:

  • AWS
  • Stripe
  • Notion
  • Airtable
  • HubSpot
  • Brevo
  • Google Workspace
  • Shopify
  • DigitalOcean
  • Make
  • ClickUp
  • Apollo.io
  • Intercom
  • Mixpanel
  • Auth0
  • Xero
  • QuickBooks
  • Fiverr
  • Wix
  • Squarespace
  • Coda
  • Softr
  • Mailchimp
  • Asana
  • FreshBooks

and more plus great alternatives to each tool to help you make the right decision!

With possible savings of over $1,000,000 with Secret, 100,000+ startups have already begun saving on the software they use on a daily basis. Gain access also to an ecosystem that provides you with exclusive additional resources like agencies, online training, and experts to help them reach your full potential.

Are you running a VC, accelerator, incubator, agency, fintech or marketplace? Check out Secret's Whitelabel & API solution to give your community access to perks from your very own website, not only offering a lot of value to your users but also hassle-free on your side.

VS Code

Pricing URL
-
$ Details
Release Date
-
Startup details
Country
United States

Join Secret

$ Details
freemium $149.0 / Annually (Unlimited access to all deals)
Release Date
2019 April
Startup details
Country
France
City
Paris
Founder(s)
Edouard Rosenblum, Jean-Loup Karst
Employees
1 - 9

VS Code features and specs

  • 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 of VS Code

  • 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.

Join Secret features and specs

  • Cost Savings
    Join Secret offers startups access to significant discounts on software and services, helping them reduce operational costs and stretching limited budgets.
  • Wide Range of Products
    The platform provides a diverse selection of deals on various types of software and tools, offering startups access to resources that can support different aspects of their business operations.
  • Ease of Use
    The platform is user-friendly, making it simple for startups to browse, access, and redeem deals without complicated procedures.
  • Exclusive Deals
    Join Secret often features exclusive deals that are not typically available elsewhere, providing additional value to its users.
  • Great for Early-Stage Startups
    It targets early-stage startups that need to leverage numerous software tools at a reduced cost, helping them grow efficiently during initial phases.

Possible disadvantages of Join Secret

  • Membership Cost
    Access to Join Secret's full range of deals often requires a paid membership, which might be a deterrent for very early-stage startups with minimal budgets.
  • Limited to Online Services
    The platform primarily focuses on software and online services, which may not suffice for startups seeking discounts in other operational areas such as hardware or physical goods.
  • Overlapping Offers
    Some deals available on Join Secret might also be found through other means or directly from the providers, which could lead to questions about the platform's exclusivity.
  • Variable Value
    The actual value of the deals can vary significantly depending on a startup's specific needs, meaning not all startups will find equal benefit in the available offers.
  • Saturation Risk
    As more startups tap into the platform's deals, there may be concerns about market saturation, where the competitive edge provided by these deals diminishes over time.

Analysis of VS Code

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.

Analysis of Join Secret

Overall verdict

  • Join Secret is a worthwhile platform for startups seeking to leverage discounts and make their resources go further. It provides substantial value by aggregating relevant deals and allowing cost savings on popular business tools and services.

Why this product is good

  • Join Secret is a platform that offers startups access to exclusive deals and discounts on software and tools needed to grow their business. Companies can benefit from significant savings on essential services like cloud hosting, marketing tools, and more. The platform is beneficial for new businesses looking to reduce operational costs while accessing high-quality resources.

Recommended for

    Join Secret is recommended for early-stage startups, entrepreneurs, and small businesses that need to be budget-conscious while seeking access to industry-standard software and services. It's particularly useful for those looking to explore new tools without a significant financial commitment upfront.

VS Code videos

My New Favorite Text Editor - Visual Studio Code

More videos:

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

Join Secret videos

No Join Secret videos yet. You could help us improve this page by suggesting one.

Add video

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to VS Code and Join Secret)
Text Editors
100 100%
0% 0
Software Deals
0 0%
100% 100
IDE
100 100%
0% 0
App Deals
0 0%
100% 100

Questions & Answers

As answered by people managing VS Code and Join Secret.

What makes your product unique?

Join Secret's answer:

Join Secret is all about helping startups and small businesses save money on the tools they actually use every day. Instead of endless coupon sites, we negotiate directly with SaaS companies so our members get real, exclusive discounts they canโ€™t usually find elsewhere. On top of that, weโ€™ve built a community and support system around it, so itโ€™s not just โ€œhereโ€™s a codeโ€; itโ€™s a way to make your software stack way more affordable without wasting hours hunting deals.

Why should a person choose your product over its competitors?

Join Secret's answer:

Most โ€œdealโ€ platforms just throw up offers anyone can Google. Secret goes further. Weโ€™ve locked in partnerships with companies like AWS, Notion, Stripe, and JetBrains โ€” the kind of tools youโ€™d be paying full price for anyway. The savings usually pay back the membership fee in a single day. Plus, our team is hands-on and actually helps if you run into eligibility issues, which is rare in this space.

How would you describe the primary audience of your product?

Join Secret's answer:

Our core audience is founders, early-stage startups, and small businesses trying to grow on a budget. But itโ€™s not just them! We also work with VCs, incubators, and accelerators who want to give their startups extra perks, and even agencies that want access to better deals for the software they rely on every day.

What's the story behind your product?

Join Secret's answer:

Secret started with a simple frustration: startups spend a ton on software, and most discounts are either hidden behind accelerators or impossible to find. So the idea was to create one place where any founder could get access to those same perks without needing to be part of Y Combinator or have a huge network. Over time, itโ€™s grown into a platform that helps tens of thousands of entrepreneurs save millions collectively, while also serving communities like VCs and accelerators.

Which are the primary technologies used for building your product?

Join Secret's answer:

Secret runs on a custom-built web platform that manages all the deals, eligibility checks, and redemption flows. Thereโ€™s also the behind-the-scenes stuff that makes partnerships work, like our vendor dashboard, affiliate tracking, and the private community setup. Basically, itโ€™s a mix of marketplace tech, automation, and support tools all stitched together to make claiming deals super simple.

Who are some of the biggest customers of your product?

Join Secret's answer:

Our community is pretty broad; over 30,000 entrepreneurs and startups worldwide. That includes founders at early-stage SaaS companies, agency owners, and teams inside accelerators and incubators. Youโ€™ll also see testimonials from founders at places like The Saasy People and InsuredNomads who talk about saving thousands through the platform.

User comments

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

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare VS Code and Join Secret

VS Code Reviews

  1. dksinden
    ยท Working at SpeechKit ยท

Boost Your Productivity with These Top Text Editors and IDEs
Visual Studio Code, commonly known as VS Code, is a powerful and extensible code editor developed by Microsoft. With its rich ecosystem of extensions and features like IntelliSense, debugging, and Git integration, VS Code enhances your coding productivity.
Source: convesio.com
13 Best Text Editors to Speed up Your Workflow
Finally, the Visual Studio Code website has numerous tabs for you to learn about the software. The documentation page walks you through steps like the setup and working with different languages. Youโ€™re also able to check out some tips and tricks and learn all of the Visual Studio Code keyboard shortcuts. Along with a blog, updates page, extensions library and API...
Source: kinsta.com
Jupyter Notebook & 10 Alternatives: Data Notebook Review [2023]
Previously, VS Code was more suited to developers or engineers due to its lack of data analysis capabilities, but since 2020, the VS Code team has collaborated with the Jupyter team to create an integrated notebook within VS Code. The end result is a fantastic IDE workbook for data analysis.
Source: lakefs.io
The Best IDEs for Java Development: A Comparative Analysis
Overview: Although not a traditional IDE, VS Code has gained popularity as a lightweight code editor.
Source: dev.to
20 Best Diff Tools to Compare File Contents on Linux
Visual studio code is a code editor made by Microsoft. It supports several development operations like debugging, task running, and version control. It works on Linux, macOS and Windows operating systems.
Source: linuxopsys.com

Join Secret Reviews

  1. stef
    ยท writer at best air fryer for family ยท

    Itโ€™s my pleasure to find this amazing website that provides mostly unseen information about best air fryer for family Emeril Lagasse French Door Air Fryer 360 Instant Pot Air Fryer Lidevery single topic which is what I really like about it.

    ๐Ÿ Competitors: air fryers

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, VS Code seems to be a lot more popular than Join Secret. While we know about 1215 links to VS Code, we've tracked only 2 mentions of Join Secret. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

VS Code mentions (1215)

  • 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 / 22 days 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 party for getting things from place to place. Instead of the software creator shuttling code between windows, the AI agent edits the project files directly and runs the GitHub and... - Source: dev.to / about 1 month ago
  • Agentic Engineering: What Does AI Coding Really Cost?
    For IDE-heavy teams, BYOK (bring your own key) can be interesting, no matter whether you live in WebStorm or VS Code. On the JetBrains side, the JetBrains AI plans and Junie BYOK docs allow it, and most VS Code AI extensions offer the same idea: keep the IDE, connect provider keys, pay the provider. - Source: dev.to / about 2 months ago
  • Best Markdown Editors for Developers
    Option 1: Raw editing in IDE. You open the .md file in VS Code or whatever you use. Syntax highlighting shows you the structure. Maybe you toggle a preview pane. This works for quick edits but becomes painful for anything involving tables, diagrams, or complex formatting. - Source: dev.to / about 2 months ago
  • Document Generation for Developers: Security, Compliance, and Build-vs-Buy Decisions for the Template-Plus-Data Pipeline
    You'll need Python 3.8+ and pip for the quickstart, with venv recommended for isolation. Install the requests library for HTTP calls. VS Code with the Python extension works well as an editor, though PyCharm or Sublime Text work equally well. You'll also need a free Foxit developer account. - Source: dev.to / 2 months ago
View more

Join Secret mentions (2)

  • Agency jobs/Workflow Software
    Joinsecret.com has a great deal for Airtable-- over $1k in free credits (not affiliated, but I use them both). Cheers!! Source: almost 5 years ago
  • Business Plan - Proposal and also Angel Investor Seed Round Capital
    Have you looked at joinsecret.com ? We have deals on both Stripe Atlas & Clerky. Cheers! Source: about 5 years ago

What are some alternatives?

When comparing VS Code and Join Secret, you can also consider the following products

Sublime Text - Sublime Text is a sophisticated text editor for code, html and prose - any kind of text file. You'll love the slick user interface and extraordinary features. Fully customizable with macros, and syntax highlighting for most major languages.

AppSumo - AppSumo promotes great products to help you in your career and life.

Vim - Highly configurable text editor built to enable efficient text editing

Keybase Chat - End-to-end encrypted chat built into Keybase

Node.js - Node.js is a platform built on Chrome's JavaScript runtime for easily building fast, scalable network applications

FounderPass - The founder perk membership giving you $3,500,000+ of discounts on software, tools and subscriptions! From Free AWS credits, 12 months free of Webflow, Intercom, Make, GitHub, 75% off Brevo, $6k of Notion credit and much more.