Lapce: A Lightweight Code Editor
Lapce is a standalone code editor developed by the Lapce Project. It is designed to provide a lightweight and efficient coding experience across various platforms, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. Lapce is particularly noted for its simplicity and ease of use, making it a favorite among developers who prefer minimalistic design. It offers a standard privacy policy and holds an SOC2 Type II certification for enterprise users. While it does not support local inference or agentic editing, it remains a reliable tool for those seeking a free code editing solution. Its setup process requires some initial configuration, making it slightly less seamless than some other options. However, for users looking for a straightforward editor without the need for extensive AI integrations, Lapce proves to be a robust choice.
Pros
- ✓ Free to use
- ✓ Supports Windows, macOS, and Linux
- ✓ SOC2 Type II certified for enterprise
- ✓ Lightweight and efficient
Cons
- ✕ No local inference support
- ✕ Lacks agentic editing
- ✕ Requires setup for configuration
VS Code: A Powerful and Versatile Editor
Visual Studio Code, developed by Microsoft, is a highly versatile and powerful standalone code editor. It supports a wide array of platforms, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. Known for its extensive feature set, VS Code integrates cutting-edge AI technologies such as GPT-5, Claude 4.5, and Gemini 3.0, offering a context window of up to 200k tokens. With capabilities like local inference, agentic editing across multiple files, and full terminal access, it is ideal for developers who require advanced features. VS Code is available with a free tier and offers a subscription model up to $20 per month, providing flexibility for different user needs. Its seamless migration process and strong enterprise certifications make it a top choice for professional developers seeking a comprehensive coding environment.
Pros
- ✓ Supports advanced AI technologies
- ✓ Full terminal access
- ✓ Agentic editing across multiple files
- ✓ Seamless migration process
Cons
- ✕ Potential cost for advanced features
- ✕ May be overwhelming for beginners
Comparison Table
| Feature | Lapce | VS Code |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture Type | standalone | standalone |
| Supported Os | Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Developer | Lapce Project | Microsoft |
| Supported Llms | – | GPT-5, Claude 4.5, Gemini 3.0 |
| Context Window | 32k tokens | 200k tokens |
| Agentic Editing | No | Yes, multi-file |
| Terminal Access | No | Full |
| Privacy Mode | Standard Privacy Policy | Standard Privacy Policy |
| Certifications | SOC2 Type II (Enterprise) | SOC2 Type II (Enterprise) |
| About Price | Free | $0 – $20/mo |
| Config File | Имя файла для промптинга (напр. .cursorrules). | .vscode/ai.json |
| Migration | Requires setup | Seamless |
Conclusion
Both Lapce and VS Code offer unique advantages catering to different user needs. Lapce is perfect for those seeking simplicity and a free, lightweight option, while VS Code excels with its advanced features and AI integrations, providing a comprehensive solution for professional developers.