Manuel Matuzović
What's a good alternative to VS Code?
Mar 16 at 6:09pmWeb
Show threadMatt WilcoxMar 16
@matuzo Zed
Show threadThomas RigbyMar 16
@mattwilcox @matuzo Plus 1 for Zed
Show threadSamirMar 16
@mattwilcox @matuzo https://gram.liten.app
GRAM

Gram is an open source code editor with built-in support for many popular languages. Gram is an opinionated fork of the Zed code editor.

Show threadtivasykMar 16

@mattwilcox @matuzo or #gram

https://gram.liten.app/

Akkoma

Show threadNullSpriteMar 16
@matuzo I had a good impression with Zed once I had turned all the AI bullshit off; now I'm using VS Codium for work.
Show threadTony MottazMar 16

@matuzo what’s driving you away from it? Might help tailor recommendations.

I’m really liking VSCodium because it’s pretty much VSCode but it doesn’t have Microslop’s BS in there

Show threadsdussautMar 16
@matuzo a year ago I made the shift *back* from VSCode to SublimeText and it has been great!
Show threadIanMar 16
@matuzo don’t laugh but I’m currently using Vim, on the terminal, but for writing in screenplay format (.fountain) (not for a film or anything, but for comics).
Show threadWill Browar 👨🏻‍💻Mar 16
@matuzo I think it depends on what you’re looking for. I like WebStorm, PhpStorm, and other JetBrains products for everyday coding, but for one-off, lightweight editing, I use VS Code or SublimeText.
Show threadMarco ZeheMar 16
@matuzo If you're on the Mac, I use Nova by Panics Inc. The one factor that might turn you away is that it is a subscription model. I also just installed VS Codium and am configuring it. And I see that others have recommended that one, too.
Show threadThomas Steiner Mar 16
@matuzo OpenClaw 🤡
Show threadNoah LiebmanMar 16
@matuzo Nova.app
Show threadJared White (ResistanceNet ✊)Mar 16

@matuzo for remote access/hosted, code-server (which is basically VS Code)

for a native app, Zed

Show threadGuirec LefortMar 16
@matuzo Zed, no doubt that this will be a common recommendation https://zed.dev
Zed — Love your editor again

Zed is a high-performance, multiplayer code editor from the creators of Atom and Tree-sitter.

Zed
Show threadPaweł GrzybekMar 16

@matuzo if the flood of new AI features added to it is the reason you’re looking for an alternative, welcome to my world. I took a big step and switched to NeoVim and love everything about it! You’re in full control and you can do with your editor what you want. Learning curve is steep but knowing vim movements is like having an extra powers.

But Vim is not an alternative to VSCode! I also used Zed for a while and It is what I would recommend.

Show threadTreyMar 16
@matuzo #HelixEditor
Show threadEyevanovichMar 17
@trey @matuzo I second this but check out Zed if you are a GUI kinda person. https://zed.dev/
Zed — Love your editor again

Zed is a high-performance, multiplayer code editor from the creators of Atom and Tree-sitter.

Zed
Show threadSte GrainerMar 16
@matuzo if you’re on Mac, Nova (by Panic) is fantastic.
Show threadAdrian AghinițeiMar 17
@matuzo @alternativeto https://alternativeto.net/software/visual-studio-code/
Best VS Code Alternatives: Top Code Editors & IDEs in 2026

Visual Studio Code is a cross-platform, extension-driven code editor with IntelliSense-style completion plus integrated Git and debugging workflows. Users praise its...

AlternativeTo
Show threadR. TönjesMar 17
@matuzo Besides VSCode I’m using BBEdit for years on my Macs.
Show threadJon PearseMar 17
@matuzo I’ve been using Zed for a little while + have mostly been loving it (AI features can be disabled, but the search UI is kinda sucky); but Pulsar will probably remain my favourite, especially now they’ve sorted some of the performance issues