Why Are People Switching to VSCode from Sublime Text?

Choosing between VSCode and Sublime Text often hinges on preference, but there are several factors that are influencing the move towards VSCode. This shift is driven by both the evolving capabilities of VSCode and the strategic decisions by major players in the software development ecosystem.

The Acquisition of GitHub and the Elimination of Atom

One of the primary reasons for the shift to VSCode is Microsoft's acquisition of GitHub, which directly impacted the text editor landscape. In 2022, Microsoft announced the end of support for Atom, a popular text editor. This decision may have been fueled by Microsoft's desire to unify its text editor portfolio under VSCode, avoiding potential competition within its own ecosystem.

Another significant advantage of VSCode is its ability to be customized to look like Atom, making the transition smoother for users who have developed a preference for Atom's interface. Additionally, VSCode is straightforward to use, whereas Sublime Text has a more complex package manager, which can be a barrier for novice users.

VSCode's Versatility and Tool Support

VSCode is highly versatile and supports a wide range of programming languages and tools, which is a crucial factor for developers involved in projects with diverse requirements. CPython, Java, and other languages heavily rely on VSCode because it offers robust features such as finding all instances of method changes across a library, which helps maintain consistency and quality in codebase management.

Furthermore, VSCode has seen significant advancements in its support for various engines and platforms, including Linux. Many Linux distributions use VSCode for their entire OS base development, highlighting its importance in the software development ecosystem. Microsoft's commitment to open-source is also a driving factor for developers, as they can now enjoy seamless cross-platform compatibility for their packages.

Personal Experiences and Preferences

While personal preferences play a significant role in choosing an IDE, it's important to consider diverse opinions and experiences. Some developers, like those who program in Emacs, find that their environment meets their needs for personal projects. However, others have found VSCode to be a versatile and efficient tool.

In my own usage experience, I gave VSCode a reasonable try for a few months and found it to be a good fit for various projects, including web development and simple programming tasks. The Erlang plugin worked well, and the web development environment was seamless. This experience, coupled with cross-platform support and open-source advancements, makes VSCode a compelling choice for many developers.

Conclusion

While the choice between VSCode and Sublime Text ultimately depends on personal preference and project requirements, the strategic decisions and capabilities of VSCode are influencing a significant portion of the developer community. Its versatility, robust tool support, and strategic positioning make it a strong contender in the text editor race.