Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

vscode.dev VS Classic Shell

Compare vscode.dev VS Classic Shell and see what are their differences

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.

vscode.dev logo vscode.dev

Now when you go to https://vscode.dev, you'll be presented with a lightweight version of VS Code running fully in the browser.

Classic Shell logo Classic Shell

Classic Shell was developed for Windows 8 since that was the first version of the popular operating system to forgo the iconic Start menu.
  • vscode.dev Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-05-03
  • Classic Shell Landing page
    Landing page //
    2018-09-30

vscode.dev features and specs

  • Accessibility
    You can access VSCode.dev from any device with a web browser, making it highly convenient for on-the-go editing.
  • No Installation Required
    Users can start coding immediately without any need to install software, simplifying the setup process.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility
    VSCode.dev works across different operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux), offering flexibility.
  • Regular Updates
    The web version receives updates in sync with the desktop version, ensuring you have access to the latest features and improvements.
  • Extension Support
    Many extensions available in the desktop version are also accessible in VSCode.dev, enhancing functionality.

Possible disadvantages of vscode.dev

  • Limited Offline Support
    Unlike the desktop app, VSCode.dev requires an internet connection, which could be a drawback in areas with poor connectivity.
  • Performance Constraints
    Running in a browser may result in decreased performance compared to the desktop version, especially for resource-intensive tasks.
  • Lower Customizability
    The web version may have some limitations in customization options compared to the full-featured desktop app.
  • Security Concerns
    Storing code and editing in a browser might raise security and privacy concerns for some users, particularly when dealing with sensitive information.
  • Dependency on Browser
    The experience can vary depending on the browser used, and it might not be fully optimized for all browsers.

Classic Shell features and specs

  • Customizable Start Menu
    Classic Shell allows users to customize the Start Menu to a significant extent, including changing the style and appearance to resemble earlier versions of Windows (XP, Vista, and 7).
  • Performance Enhancements
    The software is lightweight and generally does not consume significant system resources, making it a performance-efficient alternative to the default Start Menu.
  • Enhanced Usability
    It brings back certain features and functionalities that are familiar and preferred by users, enhancing overall user experience, particularly for those transitioning from older Windows versions.
  • Frequent Updates
    Classic Shell is regularly updated to ensure compatibility with new Windows updates, providing a reliable solution over time.
  • Free of Cost
    Classic Shell is available for free, making it an accessible option for anyone looking to improve their Start Menu without financial investment.

Possible disadvantages of Classic Shell

  • Limited Official Support
    As Classic Shell is developed primarily by volunteers, official support may be limited compared to commercial software.
  • Complexity
    The extensive customization options might be overwhelming for less tech-savvy users, leading to a steeper learning curve.
  • Potential Compatibility Issues
    Although updated frequently, there can be temporary compatibility issues with the latest Windows updates, requiring users to wait for the next release.
  • Lack of Modern Features
    Classic Shell aims to replicate older versions of Windows Start Menus, which might lack some of the modern features available in the default Windows Start Menu.
  • Discontinued Development
    Official development of Classic Shell was discontinued in December 2017. While community forks like Open-Shell continue the project, the lack of official development could be seen as a disadvantage.

Analysis of Classic Shell

Overall verdict

  • Overall, Classic Shell is considered a good tool for those who want to enhance their Windows experience with more customization and a nod to classic Windows aesthetics. It's reliable, widely used, and addresses some of the usability concerns people have with newer Windows versions.

Why this product is good

  • Classic Shell is popular among users who prefer the familiar interface and user experience of older versions of Windows, particularly Windows 7 or even XP. It offers customization options for the Start Menu, Explorer, and other UI elements, allowing a more personalized and comfortable experience for those who are not fond of newer Windows UI changes.

Recommended for

    Classic Shell is recommended for users who miss the classic Windows Start menu and layout, those who find the new Windows designs less intuitive, and individuals who want more control over their interface customization. It's particularly suitable for people transitioning from older Windows versions to newer ones who wish to maintain a certain level of familiarity.

vscode.dev videos

VSCode.Dev (VS Code in the Browser) - A Few Reasons You Might Care

More videos:

  • Review - VSCode In The BROWSER!? | vscode.dev | VS Code Online
  • Review - vscode.dev - VS Code In The Browser!!

Classic Shell videos

Classic Shell with Windows 10!

More videos:

  • Review - Classic Shell Review | Make Windows 8 Like Windows 7 with Classic Shell
  • Review - Classic Shell 4.0.2 Review

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to vscode.dev and Classic Shell)
Text Editors
100 100%
0% 0
Note Taking
0 0%
100% 100
Open Source
100 100%
0% 0
LMS
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, vscode.dev seems to be a lot more popular than Classic Shell. While we know about 278 links to vscode.dev, we've tracked only 18 mentions of Classic Shell. 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.

vscode.dev mentions (278)

  • Ambastha Diagrams: A Beta Tool for Easy Diagramming in VS Code
    Lightweight: Designed for speed, it works everywhereโ€”including vscode.devโ€”without the bloat. - Source: dev.to / about 2 months ago
  • A History of IDEs at Google
    It's VSCode, so it's 90% similar to https://vscode.dev. - Source: Hacker News / 2 months ago
  • A History of IDEs at Google
    It is basically VS Code Web. Try https://vscode.dev/ to see how you feel. If you don't like it you won't like cider. - Source: Hacker News / 2 months ago
  • Don't get scammed on an interview.
    GitHub Codespaces provides 60 hours of free compute time every month, which is more than enough for scoped home assignments or interviews. Itโ€™s a full VSCode in the browser at github.dev or vscode.dev. - Source: dev.to / 8 months ago
  • WebAssembly from the Ground Up
    In VSCode extensions this is trivial, this is how you create the 'executable': https://github.com/floooh/vscode-kcide/blob/main/src/wasi.ts ...and this is how you run it: https://github.com/floooh/vscode-kcide/blob/2dfc621aade4a2be06b6a0e703bebb244f5e414c/src/assembler.ts#L33-L40 The asmx.wasm file is a vanilla POSIX cmdline tool (https://github.com/floooh/easmx) which loads and saves files, and the tool has been... - Source: Hacker News / 8 months ago
View more

Classic Shell mentions (18)

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What are some alternatives?

When comparing vscode.dev and Classic Shell, you can also consider the following products

replit - Code, create, andlearn together. Use our free, collaborative, in-browser IDE to code in 50+ languages โ€” without spending a second on setup.

Fences - Keep your desktop organized with Fences. This is a simple software program that allows you to sort the tabs on your desktop and create files that are easily recognizable to you.

GitHub Codespaces - GItHub Codespaces is a hosted remote coding environment by GitHub based on Visual Studio Codespaces integrated directly for GitHub.

Start Menu X - Start Menu X with Start Button. Power users know how inconvenient and time-consuming it is to launch programs from the system menu.

VS Code - Build and debug modern web and cloud applications, by Microsoft

Start Menu Reviver - Free Download! Recover and update your computer with Driver Reviver and Registry Reviver. Easily update software, unlock new functionality and remove hardware device errors and clean, repair and optimize your registry in a few simple mouse clicks!