Hey, there, coding buds! Have you ever actually found yourself stuck between choosing the right text editor? I bet the answer is a resounding “yes” for 99% of you! I remember by the time when I was torn between choosing the right text editor.
It was awful if I recall correctly. And I don’t want any of you to go through the same thing that I went through.
Let me tell you one thing, the text editor you choose can make a huge difference in your coding experience. It’s literally like having the best tool for the job, and trust me; I want to make sure you’ve got the perfect one for the task at hand.
So there are two popular choices that come to mind when we talk about text editors, Microsoft’s feature-rich VScode, with its gigantic community, constantly adding new plugins and extensions daily. And the other hand, the light streamlined Notepad++, although simple, don’t let its simplicity fool you, it still packs a powerful punch!
In this blog, we’ll be looking at
- VSCode’s features, pros, and cons
- Notepad++ features, pros, and cons
- Notepad++ vs. Vscode the best pick for you
So let’s dive into the blog!
VS Code Review
You know what? I’ll have to admit, at this point, that I’m really a huge fan of VSCode, also known as Visual Studio Code. When I switched from my old text editor to VSCode, it was literally like a breath of fresh air.
I remember my first experience with VSCode. Since I was just starting out back then, I was constantly overwhelmed by all the different text editors out there; from Sublime to Atom, I tried everything. But everything was missing that comfy feeling, a feeling that “YES, THIS IS THE ONE.” And then, a friend of mine introduced me to VSCode, and it was love at first sight. The intuitive user interface, the wide range of plugins and extensions, and the built-in Git integration made coding super easy.
If you’re starting out on your software engineering career and want the best utility for helping you create masterpieces in code, VSCode should be at the top of your list. Here are some features of Vscode that make Vscode actually one of the best text editors.
Why VSCode is Awesome
Intuitive User Interface
Let me tell you, the moment I opened VSCode for the first time; I was impressed with its sleek and modern interface. It was easy to navigate and find what I was looking for, and the shortcuts were intuitive, making coding a breeze.

Customizable with a Wide Range of Plugins and Extensions
One of the best things about VSCode is its library of plugins and extensions. You can use them to extend the functionality of the editor, making it truly unique to your needs. So whether you want to give it a green matrix hacker vibe or you are someone who loves simple coding interfaces, you will have all the control.

Built-in Git Integration
As a coder, I can’t imagine my life without version control, and VSCode has made it even easier with its built-in Git integration. With just a few clicks, you can manage your code repository and collaborate with others seamlessly.
Multi-Root Workspace Support
With VSCode, you can have multiple workspaces and root workspaces, making it easy to switch between your projects and keep them organized. Say goodbye to the hassle of juggling multiple projects!
The only thing I don’t like about VSCode
Steep Learning Curve
VSCode has many features, and it may take some time to get used to them. But once you master it, you’ll never want to return to your old text editor.
Resource-Intensive
Now, I won’t sugarcoat it, VSCode can be a bit of a resource hog, especially if you’ve got tons of plugins and extensions installed. . But, you know what they say, the best things in life are worth the wait (or in this case, the extra CPU usage). The enhanced coding experience you get from VSCode is definitely worth it.
Notepad++ Review
I remember when I first started coding, Notepad++ was my go-to text editor, and I was content with it until I discovered VSCode.
In fact, one of the only reasons I switched is because Notepad++ is not available on Mac – and I love my Mac. But even though I may now be a VSCode fanboy, I still have a lot of love for Notepad++ and its simplicity.
So, here’s my take on Notepad++, the sleek and simple text editor that’s been a staple for coders for years. Check out their official getting started page, if you want to follow along.
Why use Notepad++
Minimalistic and User-Friendly Interface
Notepad++ is fresh air for new coders and seasoned veterans alike. Its user interface is clean, simple, and uncluttered, allowing you to focus on your code without distractions. No more worrying about figuring out how to use all those complicated tools; Notepad++ has your back!
Customizable Syntax Highlighting
Let’s face it; code can be overwhelming if you don’t know what you’re doing. Notepad++ helps by providing customizable syntax highlighting, making it easier for you to distinguish between different elements of your code. And the best part? It supports many programming languages and file types, so no matter what you’re working on, Notepad++ has you covered!
Multi-Document View
Trying to work on multiple projects simultaneously can be a hassle, but not with Notepad++! This fantastic tool allows you to view multiple documents at once, making it easier for you to compare code snippets, switch between projects and get your work done in no time. Talk about making coding a breeze!
Why use Notepad++
Lightweight and Straightforward
Notepad++ is the ideal text editor for the minimalist who places a premium on speed and ease of use. Thanks to its uncluttered user interface, writing code is a breeze.
Free and Open-Source
Nobody can argue with the appeal of something that’s both free and open source. Notepad++ is a wonderful option for individuals who are constantly on the lookout for cost-effective solutions due to the fact that it is both free and open-source.
Compatibility
Notepad++ is compatible with several languages, so you can stop worrying about incompatibilities when writing code.
Customizable
Notepad++ is basic, yet it still gives you the flexibility to tweak it to your liking. Syntax highlighting, the user interface, and even other features may be added through plugins.
The only downsides to Notepad++ I can see
Limited Features
Yes, Notepad++ is simple to use, but there’s a downside to it; the downside is that it sort of lacks some of the advanced features that some other text editors provide you with. If you’re looking for a more feature-rich text editor, I’m afraid Notepad++ may not be the best option for you.
No Built-in Git Integration
Another thing to remember is that Notepad++ doesn’t have built-in Git integration, which can be a bummer for coders who like to use version control. You can still use Git with Notepad++, but you’ll have to set it up yourself.
Not as Intuitive as VSCode
Lastly, let’s compare Notepad++ to the king of intuitive interfaces, VSCode. Notepad++ is still user-friendly, but it might take some time to get used to if you’re coming from a more modern text editor like VSCode.
VSCode vs Notepad++ which one is the right for you?
Alright, let’s get real here, shall we? So I’ve been coding for a while now, and I’ve had my fair share of experience with VSCode and Notepad++.
So First off, if you’re a beginner or just starting in the coding world, Notepad++ is an excellent choice, Simply because it has got a simple interface and limited features, and it’s super easy to get up and running with. I remember when I first started coding, It was all about keeping things simple, and Notepad++ was perfect for that.
But as I got more experienced and started working on more complex projects, I soon realized that I needed a more advanced text editor, and that’s where VSCode came in. The intuitive user interface, customizable plugins, and built-in Git integration made coding much easier for me.
Now don’t get me wrong – sometimes there are better tools for specific use cases. For instance, if you’re coding in PHP, you should check out PHPstorm. In that same vein, if you are a Python developer, have a look at Pycharm. Each of these IDEs is fully featured and designed for their respective languages.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Which is lighter VSCode or Notepad++?
Well, when it comes to weight, Notepad++ definitely takes the cake.
Is Nodepad++ still relevant?
The truth is not as much as it once was, But Notepad++ still has a solid following, especially among beginners and those who are just starting to learn how to code.
Is VSCode based on Nodepad++?
The short answer is no. VSCode is not based on Notepad++. VSCode was developed by Microsoft and is designed to be a feature-rich text editor.