This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by AGUNWA CALISTUS
Confused about VS Code vs Visual Studio? You’re not alone! 
I’ve noticed many developers (especially beginners) use these names interchangeably, but they’re actually very different tools. Here’s a quick breakdown
Visual Studio Code (VS Code) 
A lightweight, fast, cross-platform code editor
Best for:
Web development (JavaScript, TypeScript, React, HTML/CSS)
Python, Go, Rust, and many other languages
Quick editing and scripting
Frontend and backend development
Key Features:
Free and open source
Cross-platform (Windows, Mac, Linux)
Lightning-fast performance
Massive extension marketplace
Built-in Git integration & terminal
Highly customizable
Visual Studio (VS) 
A full-featured Integrated Development Environment (IDE)
Best for:
C# / .NET development
Enterprise applications
Windows desktop applications
Game development (Unity, Unreal)
Complex debugging scenarios
Azure cloud development
Key Features:
Professional debugging tools
Visual designers (UI, database)
Built-in profilers and diagnostics
Advanced refactoring
Team collaboration features
NuGet package management
Quick takeaway: VS Code = Fast, versatile editor for most developers Visual Studio = Powerful IDE for .NET/enterprise development
Which one do you prefer? Drop a comment! 
This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by AGUNWA CALISTUS