Visual Studio Code vs PyCharm

by Gralio Mar 07, 2025

VS Code is a versatile, free editor for diverse coding needs, while PyCharm excels as a dedicated Python IDE with specialized features. VS Code is better for budget-conscious users and diverse coding tasks, while PyCharm is ideal for dedicated Python/web development needing advanced tools and integrations.

At Gralio.ai we help to simplify your decision-making process by offering detailed, side-by-side software comparisons like this one, to help you confidently choose the tool that aligns with your business goals.

This comparison was created by analysing 4997 reviews and 60 websites, saving 1 day, 4 hours, 15 minutes of reading.

Visual Studio Code

Website LinkedIn Twitter

PyCharm

Website LinkedIn Twitter

About

Visual Studio Code (VS Code) is a free code editor by Microsoft for building modern web and cloud applications. Available on Linux, Mac OSX, and Windows, it supports nearly every major programming language. VS Code features syntax highlighting, code refactoring, a built-in terminal, and version control integration. A vast library of extensions allows users to customize the editor for specific workflows and programming languages.

PyCharm is a software development tool made by JetBrains for professional programmers using the Python language. It helps developers write, organize, test, and fix their code more efficiently. This is achieved through features like code completion suggestions, error highlighting, and integration with other tools. PyCharm is available in a free "Community" version, and a paid "Professional" version with more advanced capabilities.

Summary

Main difference

Visual Studio Code is a versatile, free code editor supporting various languages and extensions, ideal for diverse development needs. PyCharm is a dedicated Python IDE with advanced features for professional Python development, database integration, and web frameworks, better suited for specialized Python projects.

Relative strengths of Visual Studio Code (compared to PyCharm)

* Free and open-source, offering a cost-effective solution for individual developers and businesses.
* Extensive language support through extensions, catering to diverse development needs beyond Python.
* Vast library of extensions allows for highly customizable workflows and integrations.

Relative weaknesses of Visual Studio Code (compared to PyCharm)

* Can become resource-intensive with multiple extensions, potentially impacting performance.
* Lacks specialized features for Python development, such as Django and Flask integration, compared to PyCharm.
* Debugging capabilities for Python may not be as robust as PyCharm's dedicated tools.

Who should use Visual Studio Code VS. PyCharm

Visual Studio Code (VS Code) is a versatile, free code editor loved for its customization and wide language support. Users praise its user-friendly interface, Git integration, and debugging tools. However, some experience performance issues with larger projects or multiple extensions. VS Code is ideal for developers of all skill levels seeking a powerful and adaptable coding environment.

PyCharm is a powerful IDE for professional Python developers, data scientists, and web developers. Users praise its user-friendly interface, intelligent code completion, and robust debugging tools. However, some find it resource-intensive and slow to start. Best for teams of all sizes, especially in software, IT, and telecom, but applicable across diverse sectors.

Ideal for businesses of all sizes (1-1000+ employees).
Best fit for software, IT, and telecommunications companies.

Ideal for small to large businesses, excellent for teams.
Best fit for software, IT, and telecom, applicable to various sectors like healthcare, finance, and more.

Visual Studio Code and PyCharm features

Supported

Partially supported

Not supported

Type in the name of the feature or in your own words tell us what you need

AI code completion

Supported

Visual Studio Code supports AI code completion via extensions like GitHub Copilot.

Supported

PyCharm supports AI-powered code completion to streamline coding and reduce errors.
IntelliSense-style code completion

Supported

VS Code supports IntelliSense for SQL with the mssql extension.

Supported

PyCharm supports IntelliSense-like SQL code completion, including keywords, database objects, and variable suggestions.
AI-Powered Code Editing

Supported

VS Code supports AI-powered code editing via GitHub Copilot, including generating, completing, and debugging assistance.

Supported

PyCharm supports AI-powered code editing for generating, completing, and debugging.
Code snippets

Supported

VS Code supports code snippets natively and via extensions.

Supported

PyCharm supports code snippets via its Live Templates feature and extensions like Codiga.
Autocompletion

Supported

VS Code supports autocompletion via its IntelliSense feature.

Supported

PyCharm supports autocompletion to suggest code as you type.
Code navigation

Supported

VS Code offers robust code navigation with features like Outline View, symbol search, and Go To Definition.

Supported

PyCharm offers robust code navigation features like "Navigate to Anything", recent files tracking, and gutter icons.

Qualities

Value and Pricing Transparency

+1

Strongly positive sentiment

No data
Customer Service

+0.69

Rather positive sentiment

No data
Ease of Use

+0.88

Strongly positive sentiment

+1

Strongly positive sentiment
Reliability and Performance

+0

Neutral sentiment

-0.27

Neutral sentiment
Ease of Implementation

+0.63

Rather positive sentiment

+1

Strongly positive sentiment
Scalability

-0.17

Neutral sentiment

No data

Visual Studio Code and PyCharm Pricing

Visual Studio Code is free to use. The source code is available under the MIT license agreement at https://github.com/microsoft/vscode/blob/main/LICENSE.txt.

User sentiment

Strongly positive

See full Pricing page

No data

User sentiment

Strongly negative

-1

We couldn't find a pricing page for PyCharm.

Visual Studio Code and PyCharm review insights

4996 reviews analysed from and

Users love

Extensive library of extensions provides wide-ranging customization and functionality enhancements.
User-friendly interface with customizable themes, keyboard shortcuts, and layout.
Excellent Git integration simplifies version control and collaboration.
Built-in debugging tools and IntelliSense enhance code development and troubleshooting.
Supports a wide range of programming languages and frameworks.

The user-friendly interface is highly praised.
Excellent code completion suggestions and error highlighting contribute to a smooth coding experience.
Powerful debugging features streamline the process of identifying and fixing bugs.
Seamless Git integration makes version control management efficient.
Extensive plugin support enhances functionality and customizability.

Users dislike

Performance issues, especially with larger projects or multiple extensions can cause slowdowns or crashes.
Occasional bugs and glitches with extensions can disrupt workflow.
Frequent updates can be disruptive, sometimes requiring restarts and extension adjustments.
Initial setup and configuration can be time-consuming for new users, especially regarding language support and extensions.

Slow startup time is a major drawback, especially for larger projects.
Autosave feature cannot be disabled, hindering the Flask development experience.
Resource-intensive and can slow down older machines.
Limited customization options, especially for themes.

Visual Studio Code and PyCharm Ratings

G2

4.7/5

(2322)
Capterra

4.8/5

(1597)
TrustPilot

3.7/5

(1)

G2

4.6/5

(747)
Capterra

4.7/5

(348)
Glassdoor

4.3/5

(251)

Company health

Employee growth

3% increase in the last year

10% increase in the last year

Web traffic

11% decrease in the last quarter

3% decrease in the last quarter

Financing

No data

How important is dedicated Python support versus broader language compatibility?

The importance of dedicated Python support versus broader language compatibility depends entirely on the user's needs. If Python is the primary language used, PyCharm's specialized features will likely offer significant productivity advantages. However, if a user frequently switches between different languages or anticipates needing to work with other languages in the future, VS Code's broader compatibility and extensive extension library might be a better long-term choice. VS Code offers flexibility, while PyCharm offers specialized power for Python development.

Which product's performance is better suited for your hardware resources?

PyCharm's performance is potentially less suited to resource-constrained hardware. While both products can experience slowdowns, user reviews highlight PyCharm's slow startup and resource intensiveness, particularly impacting older machines. VS Code also has performance issues with large projects or multiple extensions, but its baseline as a lightweight editor may make it initially more responsive on limited hardware.

What are the advantages of Visual Studio Code?

Visual Studio Code (VS Code) offers several advantages. It's free and cross-platform, supporting a wider range of operating systems compared to some alternatives. VS Code boasts a vast library of extensions, providing extensive customization and enhanced functionality for diverse workflows and programming languages. The user-friendly interface, combined with excellent Git integration, simplifies version control and collaboration. Built-in debugging tools and IntelliSense further enhance the development experience.

What are the disadvantages of Visual Studio Code?

Visual Studio Code can suffer from performance issues, particularly with larger projects or when numerous extensions are enabled, leading to slowdowns or crashes. Occasional bugs and glitches within extensions can disrupt workflow, and the frequent updates, while beneficial, can sometimes be disruptive, requiring restarts and adjustments to extensions. Finally, the initial setup and configuration can be time-consuming for new users, especially when configuring language support and extensions.

Alternatives to Visual Studio Code and PyCharm

Sublime Text

Sublime Text is a software program used for writing and editing code. It offers a streamlined interface, powerful features for navigating and manipulating code, and strong performance. Sublime Text is designed specifically for developers and is known for its speed, customizability, and extensive plugin ecosystem.

Eclipse Che

Eclipse Che is a cloud-based platform that lets you code and test software without needing to install anything on your computer. It offers a variety of pre-configured workspaces, so you can quickly start working with popular programming languages and tools. Eclipse Che is particularly well-suited for teams, as it allows multiple developers to collaborate on projects in real-time. It's designed to make software development faster and easier by removing the hassle of setting up complex development environments.

PyTorch

PyTorch is a free, open-source software tool developed by Meta that can build sophisticated computer programs known as neural networks. These neural networks are designed to mimic the human brain's learning process and are used in applications like image recognition, language translation, and self-driving cars. PyTorch is known for its flexibility, making it easy for developers to experiment and build custom solutions. Its robust design allows for efficient and scalable training of these complex models. PyTorch is widely used by both researchers and industry professionals.

Datalore

Datalore is a cloud-based platform designed for data science teams to collaborate on projects. It offers tools for writing code, connecting to databases, analyzing data, and creating visualizations. Teams can work together in real-time, making it easier to share insights and build data-driven solutions. While offering advanced features, Datalore also provides a user-friendly interface, making it accessible for team members with varying technical skills. Datalore can be hosted online or within your own IT environment.

IntelliJ IDEA

IntelliJ IDEA is a software development tool made by JetBrains, specifically for Java and Kotlin programming languages. It's designed to make programmers more efficient with features that help with coding, project organization, and error detection. What sets it apart is its focus on anticipating what a programmer needs next, offering suggestions and automating tasks to speed up the development process.

Notepad++

Notepad++ is a free text editor designed for Windows. Think of it as a powerful upgrade to your basic Notepad. It's especially helpful for programmers, as it color-codes code in different programming languages, making it easier to read and write. Notepad++ also offers handy features like auto-completion and the ability to handle large files, making it a popular choice for developers.

Page co-authored by

Michal Kaczor

CEO at Gralio

Michal has worked at startups for many years and writes about topics relating to software selection and IT management. As a former consultant for Bain, a business advisory company, he also knows how to understand needs of any business and find solutions to its problems.

Tymon Terlikiewicz

CTO at Gralio

Tymon is a seasoned CTO who loves finding the perfect tools for any task. He recently headed up the tech department at Batmaid, a well-known Swiss company, where he managed about 60 software purchases, including CX, HR, Payroll, Marketing automation and various developer tools.

How are we doing?

Is this information helpful to you? Is there anything we are missing?

Did this help you select your product?

Other issues? Vote & Let us know