5 reasons why a Python developer switched from Sublime text to Visual studio code editor

Sublime text (First release on 2008) is robust, can handle large files better and has a vast plugins store. Though VS code launched in 2015, it is gaining popularity. As per StackOverflow developer 2018 survey, it is the most popular IDE, while ST on 4th.

1. In-built debugger

Visual Studio Code being a lightweight IDE has an excellent Debugger facility. You can add breakpoints on the fly while debugging and do all the functionalities supported in Python's standard debugger, pdb module.

2. Navigating to Function definition

You can navigate to a function/class/method definition by either pressing F12 or Ctrl/Alt + Click on that. On left Window the run method is used, After pressing F12 it's definition is displayed on right window below.

3. Better merging of conflicts between Git branches

4. Keymap integration from other editors like Sublime text, Atom.

Keyboard shortcuts from Atom, Vim, Sublime text can easily be imported through plugins.

5. Excellent debugging mode

Recently VS Code has added support for Python debugging. More about this can be found here.

6. Annoying pop-up of Sublime text is gone.

VS Code is Open source. No more this annoying pop up after hitting Ctrl + S.

In addition to these points, VS Code is also backed by Microsoft and Anaconda distribution. While Sublime text development slowing down, VS code is quite a newbie and releasing new versions every month.

Note: VS Code is not a substitution for PyCharm IDE or Jupyter notebook yet.

Even the best theme of ST, Material has depreciated while praising VSC. Oh! I loved that theme.