Visual Studio Code is not an IDE. It is a code editor. Microsoft Visual Studio, on the other hand, is the IDE or integrated development environment.

What is the Difference Between Visual Studio and Visual Studio Code?

Visual Studio Code is a standalone application but it may also be built into an integrated development environment (IDE) like Microsoft Visual Studio.

In other words, Microsoft Visual Studio is software that is more extensive and has more features than Visual Studio Code.

You can use Visual Studio Code as just a code editor without getting a full IDE in Microsoft Visual Studio.

Visual Studio Code has alot of great features for a code editor, which is why it’s the most popular code editor right now.

What is a Code Editor?

A code editor is a text editor program that is made specifically for editing source code of computer programs. They are an essential programming tool that programmers use to write and edit source code.

Visual Studio Code is an example of a code editor. There are other different kinds of code editors such as Sublime Text, Atom, and Notepad++.

What is an IDE?

An integrated development environment (IDE) is a software application that provides various tools and services to computer programmers for software development.

An IDE usually has at least a source code editor, build automation tools and a debugger. IDEs also has a compiler and interpreter.

Microsoft Visual Code is an exampe of an IDE. Some other IDEs include NetBeans and Eclipse.

About Visual Studio Code 

Visual Studio Code is a code editor developed by Microsoft for Windows, Linux and macOS. It includes support for debugging, embedded Git control and GitHub, syntax highlighting, intelligent code completion, snippets, and code refactoring.

You can customize Visual Studio Code by changing the theme, creating keyboard shortcuts, preferences, and installing extensions that add additional functionality and improve your workflow.

The source code is free and open-source, released under the permissive MIT License.

Is Visual Studio Code For Free?

Visual Studio Code is free and easy to download. You can download it HERE.

About Microsoft Visual Studio  

Microsoft Visual Studio is an integrated development environment (IDE) from Microsoft. It is used to develop computer programs, as well as websites, web apps, web services and mobile apps.

 It is  an IDE that can be used by students, open-source and individual developers.

Visual Studio uses Microsoft software development platforms such as Windows API, Windows Forms, Windows Presentation Foundation, Windows Store and Microsoft Silverlight. It can produce both native code and managed code.

What Does Visual Studio Do?

The Microsoft Visual Studio IDE provides three main services:

1. SVsSolution: provides the ability to enumerate projects and solutions.

2. SVsUIShell: provides windowing and UI functionality (including tabs, toolbars, and tool windows).

3. SVsShell: Deals with registration of VSPackages. All editors, designers, project types and other tools are implemented as VSPackages.

Microsoft Visual Studio is also responsible for coordinating and enabling communication between services.