VS Code is a versatile, free, and highly customizable local IDE suitable for a wide range of development tasks, especially when offline access is needed. AWS Cloud9 is a cloud-based IDE that excels in AWS-centric development and collaborative environments, offering seamless integration with AWS services at the cost of requiring a stable internet connection and incurring AWS resource charges.
| Attribute | VS Code (with latest extensions) | AWS Cloud9 IDE |
|---|---|---|
| IDE Type | Local, but also accessible in web browsers. Downloadable version is built on the Electron framework. Browser-based version available at vscode.dev. | Cloud-based IDE |
| Supported Programming Languages | Supports almost every major programming language. Built-in support for JavaScript, TypeScript, CSS, and HTML. Support for other languages like C++, C#, Java, Python, PHP, and Go can be added through extensions. | Supports over 40 programming languages including JavaScript, Python, PHP, Ruby, Go, and C++. |
| Extensibility and Plugin Ecosystem | Offers a vast ecosystem with over 60,000 extensions in the VS Code Marketplace. These extensions enable users to expand functionality, add language support, integrate tools, and customize the workspace. | Offers extensibility through plugins and customization options. Limited set of customization options and does not support as many extensions as VS Code. |
| Debugging Capabilities | Built-in debugging support for JavaScript, TypeScript, and Node.js. Supports debugging various types of applications, including Python, C++, and Dockerized apps. Debugging extensions are available in the VS Code Marketplace to add debugging support for other languages and runtimes. Features include breakpoints (conditional, triggered, inline, function, data), stepping through code, inspecting variables, and using the debug console. Remote debugging is supported via extensions. | Includes an integrated debugger with features like setting breakpoints, stepping through code, and inspecting variables for PHP, Python, JavaScript/Node.js, and C/C++ apps. Supports local debugging of AWS Lambda functions and remote debugging. |
| Code Completion and IntelliSense | IntelliSense provides code completion, parameter info, quick info, and member lists. It offers different types of completions, including language server suggestions, snippets, and word-based textual completions. IntelliSense is provided for JavaScript, TypeScript, JSON, HTML, CSS, SCSS, and Less out of the box. GitHub Copilot provides AI-powered code completion. | Offers code hinting and code completion. |
| Version Control Integration (Git) | Integrated source control management (SCM) and includes Git support out-of-the-box. It allows users to initialize repositories, track changes, stage changes, commit, create branches, and work with remote repositories. | Offers default support for Git with a visual interface for initializing repositories, cloning, adding files, committing, and pushing changes. |
| Collaboration Features (Real-time editing) | The Live Share extension enables real-time code editing, debugging, and sharing with team members. It allows multiple developers to work on the same codebase simultaneously. Features include shared terminals, real-time code sharing, and integrated chat. | Enables multiple developers to work together on the same codebase in real-time. Supports shared editing, shared terminal sessions and collaborative debugging. Allows team members to see each other typing in real time and chat within the IDE. |
| Deployment Options (AWS Integration) | Can be used to develop and deploy applications to AWS. Extensions are available for integrating with AWS services such as Lambda and EC2. | Integrates with AWS services like AWS CodeCommit, AWS CodeBuild, AWS CodePipeline, AWS Lambda, Amazon EC2, S3 and DynamoDB. Facilitates building, running, and debugging serverless applications. |
| Customization Options (Themes, Keybindings) | Highly customizable, allowing users to change the look of the editor with color and icon themes, and to assign custom keyboard shortcuts. Settings can be configured to modify the editor's behavior and user interface. | Offers customization options for themes and keybindings. Allows you to switch color themes and bind shortcut keys. You can also use Vim, Emacs, or Sublime keybindings. |
| Performance and Resource Usage | Designed to be lightweight and fast. However, performance issues may arise when working with exceptionally large projects. | As a cloud-based IDE, AWS Cloud9 eliminates the need for local development environments. Organizations are able to write, debug, and run codes with the help of a web browser. |
| Offline Access | Works offline by storing files in a local cache. However, some features and up-to-date curricular resources may require an internet connection. | Dependent on a stable internet connection. |
| Pricing Model | Free and open-source code editor. | No additional charge for AWS Cloud9. You pay for the AWS resources (e.g., EC2 instance, EBS volume) used to run and store your code. New AWS customers eligible for the AWS Free Tier can use AWS Cloud9 for free. |