Software Alternatives & Startups

VS Code VS Microsoft Store

Compare VS Code VS Microsoft Store and see what are their differences

VS Code

Build and debug modern web and cloud applications, by Microsoft

Rating
5.0 · 1 review
Pricing
Open source
Microsoft Store

A world of apps in the Microsoft Store.

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 more popular. It has been mentioned 1222 times since March 2021.

social mentions
1,222 vs 0
Text Editors popularity
100% vs 0%
alternatives listed
240+ vs 88

Base details

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

VS Code
Microsoft Store
Website code.visualstudio.com microsoft.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
Microsoft Store 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.
  • Wide Selection
    The Microsoft Store offers a broad range of apps, games, and software tailored for Windows devices, providing users with diverse options for both productivity and entertainment.
  • Ease of Use
    For Windows users, the Microsoft Store provides a seamless and integrated experience, allowing for easy browsing, installing, and updating of apps directly from a native platform.
  • Security
    Apps in the Microsoft Store are vetted by Microsoft, reducing the risk of malware and ensuring a level of trust and safety for users downloading applications.
  • Frequent Updates
    Apps available on the Microsoft Store often receive regular updates, improving features, performance, and security, with automatic update options available.
  • Family Sharing and Licensing
    The store supports family sharing, allowing users to share app purchases with family members, and ensures that purchased apps remain tied to the user's Microsoft account for easy reinstallation.

Possible disadvantages

  • Limited App Availability
    Compared to competitors like the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, the Microsoft Store may have fewer app options or exclusive apps, particularly for mobile users.
  • Performance Issues
    Users may experience occasional slowdowns, crashes, or issues when using the store, impacting the browsing or purchasing experience.
  • App Quality Variability
    The quality and functionality of apps in the Microsoft Store can vary significantly, with some apps not offering the same level of performance or features found in their desktop counterparts.
  • Regional Restrictions
    Some apps may not be available in all regions or may have features restricted based on geographic location, limiting access for some users.
  • Dependency on Windows 10/11
    The Microsoft Store is optimized for use on Windows 10 and Windows 11, which might limit its utility or availability for users operating older versions of Windows.

Analysis

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

VS Code
Microsoft Store

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.

No analysis of Microsoft Store yet.

Videos

Walkthroughs and reviews on video.

VS Code 2 videos + Add
Microsoft Store 3 videos + Add

My New Favorite Text Editor - Visual Studio Code

More videos

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

Is the Microsoft Store still terrible?

More videos

  • - Best Windows 10 Apps on the Microsoft Store!
  • - Inside The MICROSOFT Store London

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
Microsoft Store
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 Microsoft Store. 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
Microsoft Store no reviews yet

View more

  • The best Steam alternatives for PC gamers
    www.techradar.com · Feb 2019

    It’s no secret that Microsoft has always harboured ambitions of becoming the leading digital distribution platform on Windows. The problem is that during the years when Microsoft was embroiled in the Xbox and Xbox...

Social recommendations and mentions

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

VS Code 1222 mentions
Microsoft Store 0 mentions

View more

Tracking Microsoft Store since Mar 2021.

Alternatives to VS Code and Microsoft Store

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