Micro vs Visual Studio Code: What are the differences?

Key Differences between Micro and Visual Studio Code

1. Installation and Setup:

Micro is a lightweight text editor that can be easily installed on various operating systems and requires minimal setup. On the other hand, Visual Studio Code is a more feature-rich code editor that requires a slightly longer installation process and additional configuration to optimize its functionality.

2. User Interface:

Micro has a simple and minimalistic user interface with a command line-like appearance, which may appeal to users who prefer a clean and straightforward interface. Visual Studio Code, on the other hand, offers a more comprehensive and customizable interface with various panels, sidebars, and menus, providing a more robust editing environment.

3. Extensions and Plugins:

While Micro supports plugins, its library of available extensions is relatively limited compared to Visual Studio Code. Visual Studio Code has a vast marketplace with a wide range of extensions and plugins, offering users an extensive selection of additional features and functionalities to enhance their coding experience.

4. Debugging Capabilities:

Visual Studio Code has built-in debugging tools and supports multiple programming languages, allowing users to debug their code directly within the editor. Micro, being a lightweight editor, does not have native debugging capabilities, and users would need to rely on external debugging tools provided by their programming language or framework.

5. Operating System Compatibility:

Micro is designed to be highly compatible with different operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. Visual Studio Code, while also compatible with these operating systems, offers additional support for more niche environments, such as ARM-based systems and Raspberry Pi.

6. Performance and Resource Usage:

Due to its lightweight nature, Micro is designed to consume minimal system resources, making it a suitable choice for low-spec machines or when efficient resource usage is a priority. Visual Studio Code, being a more feature-rich editor, may require more system resources, especially when working with larger projects or using multiple extensions simultaneously.

In Summary, Micro is a lightweight and minimalistic text editor with simple installation and user interface, whereas Visual Studio Code is a more comprehensive editor with a broader range of features and customization options, extensive extension support, built-in debugging capabilities, and broader compatibility with operating systems.