Visual Studio Code
Visual Studio Code, commonly known as VS Code, is a highly versatile and widely-used text editor developed by Microsoft. It operates as a standalone application and is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it accessible to a broad range of developers. Among its notable features is support for large language models such as GPT-5, Claude 4.5, and Gemini 3.0. With a context window of 200k tokens and the ability for local inference, it provides robust capabilities for code assistance. Additionally, it offers full terminal access and agentic editing across multiple files, enhancing productivity for developers. VS Code is available in both free and paid tiers, with pricing ranging from $0 to $20 per month, and supports seamless migration, making it an attractive option for both individual developers and teams.
Pros
- ✓ Supports a wide range of operating systems.
- ✓ Compatible with advanced language models.
- ✓ Offers both free and paid versions.
- ✓ Seamless migration process.
Cons
- ✕ No custom model support.
- ✕ Privacy mode is standard, not enhanced.
Zed
Zed is an emerging text editor designed to meet the needs of modern developers, supporting macOS, Linux, and Windows. Developed by Zed, this tool is equipped with support for various language models, including Claude 3.7 Sonnet, Gemini 2.5, and Ollama (local). It offers capabilities such as local inference and a context window of 200k tokens, making it a powerful tool for programming and scripting tasks. Zed provides full terminal access and supports agentic editing across multiple files, aiding in efficient code management. While the free tier offers substantial functionality, users can opt for a Pro version for additional features. Migration to Zed requires setup, which may involve a learning curve for new users.
Pros
- ✓ Supports various language models, including open-source options.
- ✓ Available on multiple operating systems.
- ✓ Offers both free and Pro versions.
Cons
- ✕ Migration requires setup.
- ✕ No custom model support.
Comparison Table
| Feature | VS Code | Zed |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture Type | standalone | standalone |
| Supported Os | Windows, macOS, Linux | macOS, Linux, Windows |
| Developer | Microsoft | Zed |
| Supported Llms | GPT-5, Claude 4.5, Gemini 3.0 | Claude 3.7 Sonnet, Gemini 2.5, Ollama (local), Zeta (open-source) |
| Context Window | 200k 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 | $0 – $20/mo | Free/Pro |
| Config File | .vscode/ai.json | .zedrc |
| Migration | Seamless | Requires setup |
Conclusion
Both VS Code and Zed offer robust features for developers, each with its own strengths. VS Code stands out for its seamless migration and wide OS support, while Zed offers flexibility with open-source model options. The choice between the two will depend on specific needs such as ease of migration and the preferred operating system.