A Comparison Between WebStorm and VS Code
Published: 2023-06-08 14:50:41

An Integrated Development Environment (IDE) is a software application that provides comprehensive tools for computer programmers to write, test, and debug their code. The purpose of an IDE is to make the process of software development easier and more efficient by bringing together all the necessary tools under one roof. IDEs provide features such as code completion, syntax highlighting, debugging tools, version control system integration, and more.

Developers can use IDEs to work with various programming languages such as Java, Python, C++, and JavaScript, among others. The choice of IDE often depends on personal preferences, the project requirements, and the features offered by the IDE.

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/y3op6ju276wz6q0ibuve.png)

## A Comparison between WebStorm and VS Code
WebStorm and Visual Studio Code (VS Code) are both popular integrated development environments (IDEs) used for web development. WebStorm is a product of JetBrains, a company known for producing high-quality development tools, while VS Code is an open-source project developed by Microsoft. Both IDEs provide features such as intelligent code completion, debugging, and version control integration.

However, there are differences between the two IDEs in terms of their usability, performance, and supported languages. In this article, we will compare the two IDEs and help you decide which one to choose for your web development needs.

## Performance Comparison between WebStorm and VS Code
When it comes to performance, both WebStorm and VS Code are impressive, but there are some differences worth noting. In terms of startup time, VS Code is faster than WebStorm, taking just a few seconds to open. On the other hand, WebStorm takes a bit longer to load all the necessary components, which is understandable given its heavier feature set.

### Startup Time of Webstorm and VS Code

When it comes to startup time, VS Code is the clear winner. It launches almost instantly, allowing the user to start working immediately. On the other hand, WebStorm can take a few moments to start up, especially if the project is large. However, WebStorm's startup time is still relatively quick compared to other IDEs. In terms of performance, both IDEs are relatively fast once they are up and running, but VS Code's quick startup time gives it an edge for developers who want to get to work quickly.

### Memory Usage of Webstorm and VS Code
When it comes to memory usage, WebStorm tends to use more memory than VS Code. This is because WebStorm is a more powerful IDE that offers a wider range of features, including advanced code analysis and debugging tools. However, this doesn't necessarily mean that WebStorm is a resource hog. In fact, the difference in memory usage is not significant enough to impact the performance of most modern computers. VS Code, on the other hand, is a lightweight editor that doesn't use as much memory as WebStorm. This makes it a great choice for developers who are working on smaller projects or who don't need as many advanced features.

### Resource Consumption of Webstorm and VS Code
Resource consumption is an important aspect to consider when choosing an IDE. WebStorm is known for its high resource consumption due to its many features and advanced capabilities. This can lead to slower performance on less powerful machines, but WebStorm's performance is optimized for larger projects. On the other hand, VS Code is known for its lightweight and efficient design, making it a good choice for smaller projects or for those who prefer a faster IDE. Overall, it comes down to personal preference and the needs of the project when deciding which IDE to use based on resource consumption.

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/ed3e3zyc5nonlhzs1llx.png)


## Usability Comparison between WebStorm and VS Code
When it comes to usability, both WebStorm and VS Code have their own strengths and weaknesses. The User Interface (UI) of both IDEs is user-friendly and intuitive. However, VS Code has a slight edge over WebStorm in terms of customizability.

VS Code allows users to customize every aspect of the UI, including the color scheme, fonts, and keyboard shortcuts. WebStorm also has some customizability options, but not to the extent of VS Code. In terms of ease of use, WebStorm is the winner, as it offers more out-of-the-box features and requires less customization than VS Code.

### User Interface of Webstorm and VS Code
Both WebStorm and VS Code have a user-friendly interface. WebStorm has a more traditional IDE look and feel, with a toolbar and sidebar menu. It also includes a built-in terminal and a Windows-style search bar. On the other hand, VS Code has a more minimalistic design, with a sidebar menu and a hidden toolbar that appears when needed.

VS Code’s user interface is highly customizable, allowing users to modify the layout, keyboard shortcuts, and themes according to their preferences. Overall, both IDEs offer a clean and intuitive user interface that enhances the coding experience.

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/4l4tmiv9953gg4x51frw.png)


### Ease of Use of Webstorm and VS Code
Both WebStorm and VS Code have a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate and understand. However, WebStorm is more focused on being an all-in-one solution, which can make it overwhelming for some users who only need a few specific features.

On the other hand, VS Code offers a more minimalist approach, allowing users to add extensions for additional functionality as needed. Additionally, VS Code has a cleaner and simpler interface, making it more accessible for beginners. Overall, both IDEs are easy to use, but VS Code might be a better choice for those who prioritize simplicity and flexibility.

## Pricing between WebStorm and VS Code
Both WebStorm and VS Code have different pricing models. VS Code is a free and open-source IDE, which means that it does not require any payment to use the basic features. It is available for download on all major operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux.

On the other hand, WebStorm comes with a paid version, which requires a license key for activation. The pricing for WebStorm varies depending on the duration of the subscription, ranging from monthly to yearly. Additionally, WebStorm also offers a perpetual license, which means that users pay a one-time fee for the software and receive all future updates for free.

WebStorm is a paid IDE and offers a subscription-based pricing model with a 30-day free trial. The subscription fee starts at $6.90/month.

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/2pde66mbm8ufv3z0jzev.png)

## Feature Comparison of Webstorm vs VS Code
Both WebStorm and VS Code have their strengths and weaknesses, and ultimately the choice between the two comes down to personal preference and specific project requirements.

WebStorm is a more powerful and feature-rich IDE that is better suited for large-scale projects with complex code bases. Its built-in tools for debugging, testing, and integration with version control systems make it a top choice for enterprise-level development teams.

On the other hand, VS Code is a lightweight and versatile IDE that is perfect for smaller projects and general-purpose coding. Its extensive library of extensions and plugins, as well as its seamless integration with other Microsoft tools, make it an attractive option for individual developers and small teams.

Here's a comparison between the features of WebStorm and VS Code:

- Code completion: Both WebStorm and VS Code offer excellent code completion features. WebStorm has a more extensive code completion feature that goes beyond JavaScript and includes other languages, while VS Code has a more lightweight code completion feature that focuses on the essentials.
- Code debugging: Both WebStorm and VS Code offer excellent debugging capabilities for web development projects. WebStorm has an integrated debugger that includes advanced features like conditional breakpoints and hot-swapping of code during debugging. VS Code's debugger is more lightweight but still offers all the essential debugging features.
- Code navigation: WebStorm has a more advanced code navigation feature than VS Code. With WebStorm, developers can quickly navigate between files and classes using keyboard shortcuts or the mouse. VS Code also has a code navigation feature, but it's not as advanced as WebStorm's.
- Unit testing: Both WebStorm and VS Code have integrated support for unit testing. WebStorm has a built-in test runner and more advanced testing capabilities, while VS Code relies on extensions for the same.
- Code refactoring: WebStorm has a more advanced code refactoring feature than VS Code. With WebStorm, developers can quickly refactor code and rename variables, methods, classes, and more. VS Code also has a code refactoring feature, but it's not as advanced as WebStorm's.
- Git integration: Both WebStorm and VS Code have excellent Git integration features. WebStorm has a more advanced Git tool that includes a built-in diff tool and support for multiple Git repositories. VS Code's Git integration is also excellent, but it's not as advanced as WebStorm's.
- Plugin ecosystem: VS Code has a vast plugin ecosystem that provides developers with a wide range of extensions to choose from. WebStorm has a smaller plugin ecosystem, but it still offers all the essential plugins that developers need.

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/cv8ygl4vugum0bukqjrp.png)


## Lightly IDE: A Lightweight Cloud IDE designed for coding on an iPad
With the growing popularity of iPads, the need for a seamless coding experience on these devices has become increasingly important. Enter Lightly IDE, a lightweight cloud IDE specifically designed to empower developers to code effortlessly on their iPads.

Lightly IDE leverages the power of cloud computing, eliminating the need for resource-intensive local installations. By connecting to remote servers, Lightly IDE provides a high-performance coding environment accessible on your iPad. This cloud-based approach ensures smooth coding experiences without compromising on functionality.

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/sdztge6bs8hkxat9ybeg.png)

Lightly IDE takes full advantage of the iPad's touch-centric interface. It offers an intuitive user experience, allowing developers to navigate and interact with their code effortlessly. The touch gestures on iPads, such as pinch-to-zoom, swipe, and tap, are seamlessly integrated, enabling efficient coding and enhanced productivity.

Thanks to the cloud environment, Lightly is able to prioritize efficiency and responsiveness, ensuring a smooth coding experience even on devices with limited processing power. This minimalistic approach results in quick loading times, fast code execution, and overall snappy performance. Despite being a lightweight development environment, Lightly IDE is built-in with AI code completion, hosting and database services.

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/nsw97ln5pxjuohqx7qvp.png)

Lightly IDE supports a wide range of programming languages, catering to the diverse needs of developers. Whether you're working with popular languages like Python, JavaScript, or Java, or specialized languages for data science or web development, Lightly IDE has you covered.

It also provides seamless collaboration features, allowing developers to work together on projects in real-time. With shared editing capabilities, instant updates, and integrated chat functionalities, Lightly IDE facilitates efficient teamwork, making it an ideal choice for group projects and remote collaborations.

[A Comparison Between WebStorm and VS Code](https://www.lightly-dev.com/blog/webstorm-vs-vscode/)