CodeSandbox: A Cloud-Based Development Environment
CodeSandbox is a versatile cloud-based development tool designed for developers looking to create, share, and collaborate on web applications effortlessly. It supports major operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, offering a seamless experience across different platforms. Developed by CodeSandbox, this tool provides full terminal access and predictive edits, enhancing coding efficiency. With agentic editing across multiple files, developers can make complex changes with ease. CodeSandbox ensures user privacy with a Standard Privacy Policy and holds SOC2 Type II certification, ensuring robust security measures. It offers a free tier with additional features available in paid plans ranging from free to $20 per month.
Pros
- ✓ Cloud-based architecture allows easy access from anywhere.
- ✓ Supports Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- ✓ Provides full terminal access and predictive edits.
- ✓ Free tier available.
- ✓ SOC2 Type II certified ensuring security.
Cons
- ✕ Limited context window of 64k tokens.
- ✕ No local inference capability.
- ✕ Does not support specific large language models.
VS Code: A Standalone Development Powerhouse
Visual Studio Code, developed by Microsoft, stands as a robust standalone development tool, revered by developers worldwide for its versatility and power. Available on Windows, macOS, and Linux, it supports a wide range of large language models, including GPT-5, Claude 4.5, and Gemini 3.0, making it a preferred choice for advanced coding tasks. With local inference capabilities, VS Code allows developers to work efficiently offline. It provides full terminal access and predictive edits, along with agentic editing across multiple files. Adhering to a Standard Privacy Policy and SOC2 Type II certification, it ensures user data security. Its pricing model is flexible, with a free tier and additional paid features up to $20 per month.
Pros
- ✓ Supports a wide range of large language models.
- ✓ Local inference capability for offline work.
- ✓ Compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- ✓ Full terminal access and predictive edits.
- ✓ SOC2 Type II certified for enhanced security.
Cons
- ✕ Standalone architecture might limit cloud-based collaborations.
- ✕ Potentially more complex setup compared to cloud-based solutions.
Comparison Table
| Feature | CodeSandbox | VS Code |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture Type | cloud | standalone |
| Supported Os | Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Developer | CodeSandbox | Microsoft |
| Supported Llms | – | GPT-5, Claude 4.5, Gemini 3.0 |
| Context Window | 64k tokens | 200k tokens |
| Agentic Editing | Yes, multi-file | Yes, multi-file |
| Terminal Access | Full | Full |
| Privacy Mode | Standard Privacy Policy | Standard Privacy Policy |
| Certifications | SOC2 Type II (Enterprise) | SOC2 Type II (Enterprise) |
| About Price | Free – $20/mo | $0 – $20/mo |
| Config File | sandbox.config.json | .vscode/ai.json |
| Migration | Seamless | Seamless |
Conclusion
<p>Both CodeSandbox and VS Code offer distinct advantages tailored to different development needs. CodeSandbox excels in cloud-based accessibility and ease of use, while VS Code provides robust local capabilities and extensive model support. Choosing between them depends on individual project requirements and work environments.</p>