Visual Studio Code
Visual Studio Code is a free, open-source code editor that combines a streamlined user interface with powerful developer tools like debugging, task running, and version control for modern web development.
GitKraken
GitKraken provides a suite of visual Git tools including a desktop client, CLI, and browser integration to help you manage repositories, visualize commit history, and collaborate on code.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Visual Studio Code | GitKraken |
|---|---|---|
| Website | code.visualstudio.com | gitkraken.com |
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| Starting Price | Free | Free |
| FREE Trial | ✘ No free trial | ✓ 7 days free trial |
| Free Plan | ✓ Has free plan | ✓ Has free plan |
| Product Demo | ✘ No product demo | ✓ Request demo here |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 2015 | 2014 |
| Headquarters | Redmond, USA | Scottsdale, USA |
Overview
Visual Studio Code
Visual Studio Code (VS Code) is a versatile, lightweight code editor that helps you write, debug, and iterate on your code across any programming language. Instead of a bulky IDE, you get a fast interface that you can customize with thousands of extensions to match your specific development workflow, whether you are building web apps, cloud services, or mobile software.
You can manage your entire development lifecycle within a single tool by using the integrated terminal, built-in Git controls, and advanced debugging features. It runs natively on macOS, Windows, and Linux, ensuring you have a consistent experience regardless of your operating system. Because it is open-source and free, you can join a massive community of developers who constantly contribute new themes, snippets, and language support tools.
GitKraken
GitKraken provides a powerful suite of tools designed to make Git more visual and accessible for your development workflow. You can manage your repositories through an intuitive desktop GUI, a simplified terminal interface, or directly within your browser and IDE. The platform helps you visualize complex branch structures and commit histories, making it easier to understand how your code evolves over time without memorizing dozens of command-line arguments.
You can resolve merge conflicts quickly using the built-in tool and track your team's progress with integrated workspaces. Whether you are a solo developer or part of a large enterprise, the software streamlines your version control process by connecting directly to platforms like GitHub, GitLab, and Bitbucket. It eliminates the guesswork from Git, allowing you to focus on writing code rather than managing your version history.
Overview
Visual Studio Code Features
- IntelliSense Code Completion Write code faster with smart completions based on variable types, function definitions, and imported modules as you type.
- Built-in Debugging Debug your applications directly from the editor by attaching to running apps and using breakpoints, call stacks, and an interactive console.
- Integrated Git Commands Review diffs, stage files, and make commits without leaving the editor through the dedicated Source Control view.
- Extensible Customization Install extensions to add new languages, themes, and debuggers, or connect to additional services without slowing down your performance.
- Integrated Terminal Run command-line tools and scripts directly within the editor interface to streamline your development and build processes.
- Remote Development Use your local editor to develop on remote containers, virtual machines, or the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) seamlessly.
GitKraken Features
- Visual Commit Graph. Visualize your entire branch history and see exactly who made changes and when they happened with a color-coded graph.
- Built-in Merge Tool. Resolve messy merge conflicts quickly using a dedicated tool that lets you pick the right code blocks side-by-side.
- GitKraken CLI. Combine the power of the command line with visual previews to see how your commands affect the repository in real-time.
- Cloud Workspaces. Group your repositories and share them with your team to simplify onboarding and keep everyone synced on the same projects.
- Interactive Rebase. Clean up your commit history by dragging and dropping commits to squash, reword, or drop them before you push.
- Multi-Profile Support. Switch between your personal and professional Git profiles instantly to keep your work and side projects completely separate.
Pricing Comparison
Visual Studio Code Pricing
- Unlimited users
- Full extension marketplace access
- Built-in Git integration
- Advanced debugging tools
- Integrated terminal
- Cross-platform support
GitKraken Pricing
- Desktop GUI & CLI
- Public repositories only
- Visual commit graph
- Basic merge tool
- Integrations with GitHub/GitLab
- Everything in Free, plus:
- Private repositories
- Interactive Rebase
- Cloud Workspaces
- Priority email support
- Multi-profile management
Pros & Cons
Visual Studio Code
Pros
- Completely free for personal and commercial projects
- Massive library of community-built extensions
- Fast performance even with many files open
- Excellent built-in support for JavaScript and TypeScript
- Frequent monthly updates with new features
Cons
- High memory usage when many extensions are active
- Initial setup can feel overwhelming for beginners
- Lacks some deep refactoring tools found in full IDEs
GitKraken
Pros
- Intuitive visual interface simplifies complex Git operations
- Excellent merge conflict resolution tool saves time
- Seamless integration with major Git hosting providers
- Cross-platform support for Windows, Mac, and Linux
Cons
- Performance can lag on very large repositories
- Free version is limited to public projects
- Higher memory usage compared to command line