CodeSandbox vs StackBlitz: What are the differences?

CodeSandbox and StackBlitz are online code editors that allow developers to write, edit, and run code directly in their web browser. Let's explore the key differences between them.

1. Collaboration and Sharing: CodeSandbox provides a seamless collaboration experience by allowing users to invite collaborators to work on the same project in real-time. This feature enables developers to work together and make changes simultaneously. On the other hand, StackBlitz does not offer this level of collaboration. Users can only share their projects with others by generating a URL.

2. Pre-built Templates: CodeSandbox offers a wide range of pre-built templates for various programming languages and frameworks, making it easier for developers to get started. These templates include all necessary configurations and dependencies, eliminating the need for manual setup. StackBlitz also provides templates, but the selection is more limited compared to CodeSandbox.

3. Versions of the Same Project: CodeSandbox allows developers to create different versions of the same project by using GitHub integration. This feature is beneficial when working on multiple iterations or branches of a project. On the other hand, StackBlitz does not have native GitHub integration, making it more challenging to manage different versions of a project.

4. IDE-like Features: StackBlitz offers a more comprehensive set of IDE-like features compared to CodeSandbox. It includes advanced code navigation, debugging capabilities, and integrated terminal access. These features provide a more powerful development environment for complex projects. While CodeSandbox does offer basic code navigation and debugging, it does not have the same level of sophistication as StackBlitz.

5. Library and Dependency Management: CodeSandbox provides robust library and dependency management features. It allows developers to search for and install packages directly from the editor, making it easy to add external libraries to their projects. StackBlitz also offers library and dependency management capabilities, but the process is not as streamlined as CodeSandbox.

6. Pricing and Licensing: CodeSandbox has both free and paid plans, with the paid plans offering additional features such as private projects and more computing power. StackBlitz, on the other hand, is primarily a subscription-based service and does not offer a free plan for personal use.

In summary, CodeSandbox offers a versatile and collaborative environment for building and sharing web applications directly in the browser, with support for various frontend frameworks like React, Vue.js, and Angular. StackBlitz, on the other hand, provides a similar online IDE experience but focuses more on Angular development, offering features like live preview, automatic dependency management, and seamless integration with GitHub repositories.