Notepad++ vs Visual Studio Code

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Pricing, plan by plan

Which should you pick?

Questions people ask

Is Notepad++ or Visual Studio Code better?

Neither clearly leads. Notepad++ starts at Free and Visual Studio Code at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.

Which is cheaper, Notepad++ or Visual Studio Code?

Notepad++ starts at Free and Visual Studio Code at Free.

Does Notepad++ or Visual Studio Code run on more platforms?

Notepad++ runs on windows. Visual Studio Code runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, Web (via GitHub Codespaces).

Can I use Notepad++ for free?

Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.

What is Notepad++ best used for?

Notepad++ is most often used for quick editing of code and config files on windows, batch find-and-replace across multiple files with regex, lightweight alternative to a full ide for scripting, viewing and editing logs or large text files. Of those, quick editing of code and config files on windows and batch find-and-replace across multiple files with regex are not what Visual Studio Code is typically brought in for.

What can Notepad++ do that Visual Studio Code cannot?

Notepad++ covers Syntax Highlighting, Tabbed Editing, Plugin System, Regular Expression Search. Visual Studio Code covers IntelliSense, Debugging, Built-in Git, Extensions.