Microsoft Visual Studio Alternatives

Microsoft Visual Studio is described as 'integrated development environment (IDE) from Microsoft. It is used to develop computer programs for Microsoft Windows, as well as web sites, web applications and web services' and is a leading IDE in the development category. There are more than 100 alternatives to Microsoft Visual Studio for a variety of platforms, including Windows, Linux, Mac, BSD and iPad. The best alternative is Eclipse, which is both free and Open Source. Other great apps like Microsoft Visual Studio are VSCodium, MonoDevelop, Apache NetBeans and Code::Blocks.

Microsoft Visual Studio alternatives are mainly IDEs but may also be Code Editors or Text Editors. Filter by these if you want a narrower list of alternatives or looking for a specific functionality of Microsoft Visual Studio.

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Microsoft Visual Studio

903

Free Personal • Proprietary
IDE

Mac
Windows
Online
.NET Framework

Microsoft Visual Studio is an integrated development environment (IDE) from Microsoft. It is used to develop computer...

Learn more about Microsoft Visual Studio

Eclipse
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
IDE
Mac
Windows
Linux
BSD
156 alternatives to Eclipse
Eclipse is an extensible development platform with runtimes and application frameworks for building, deploying and managing software across the entire software lifecycle. Many people know Eclipse as a Java IDE, but it is much more than that- Eclipse actually consists of over 60...
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Eclipse Features
1. Extensible by Plugins/ExtensionsEclipse can be extended with add-ons, plugins and extensions.
2. AutocompletionEclipse can predict and complete the rest of a word or phrase you're typing.
3. Support for ThemesYou can use themes and templates to change the look and feel of Eclipse.
Java IDE
Refactoring
C++
Debugging
Rich Client Platform
Ruby
Java based
Collaborative Workspaces
SCM Integration
Eclipse vs Microsoft Visual Studio
Almost everyone thinks Eclipse is a great alternative to Microsoft Visual Studio.
maurosoft391
hard to use and poorly designed
Negative comment• ago

0

Guest
One is for Java and the other is for C#
Negative comment• ago

-37

Guest
Eclipse supports multiple languages, looks good too
Positive comment• ago

10
VSCodium
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Code Editor
Text Editor
IDE
Mac
Windows
Linux
Electron / Atom Shell
Code - OSS (vscode)
177 alternatives to VSCodium
This repository contains a build file to generate FLOSS release binaries of Microsoft's Visual Studio Code - Open Source ("Code - OSS") project, the open source core of the proprietary Visual Studio Code.
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VSCodium Features
1. No TrackingVSCodium will not track you or use your personal data.
2. Privacy focusedVSCodium is considered a privacy friendly alternative.
3. Extensible by Plugins/ExtensionsVSCodium can be extended with add-ons, plugins and extensions.
4. Works OfflineVSCodium can be used without the need to connect to the internet.
5. AutocompletionVSCodium can predict and complete the rest of a word or phrase you're typing.
6. No registration requiredYou can use most of the features in VSCodium without registration.
7. LightweightVSCodium consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
8. Support for ThemesYou can use themes and templates to change the look and feel of VSCodium.
9. Syntax HighlightingVSCodium supports syntax highlighting for various programming and markup languages.
Prevent telemetry
Customizable
Minimap
Git integration
MIT License
Clean design
Code Completion
Support for MarkDown
Support for Javascript
Git Support
VSCodium vs Microsoft Visual Studio
pros, cons and recent comments
Guest
its the same but without the useless features that cause more harm than good
Positive comment• ago

2
MonoDevelop
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
Mac
Windows
Linux
.NET Framework
Xamarin Studio
30 alternatives to MonoDevelop
MonoDevelop enables developers to write desktop and web applications on Linux, Windows and Mac OS X. It also makes it easy to port .NET applications created with Visual Studio to Linux and Mac OS X maintaining a single code base for all platforms.
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MonoDevelop Features
1. Syntax HighlightingMonoDevelop supports syntax highlighting for various programming and markup languages.
Code Completion
Unity Integration
NET Framework
Nuget
Visual Programming
Discontinued
As of October 2021, the GitHub repository README has been updated to say "This project has not been built nor maintained since January 2020 and has been archived".

MonoDevelop vs Microsoft Visual Studio
Most users think MonoDevelop is a great alternative to Microsoft Visual Studio.
Guest
I've used MonoDevelop extensively for C# work in Linux. It can work with Visual Studio projects, and much of the shortcut key mappings match Visual Studio. Support for WinForms is available, but there is no viable GUI layout tool/functionality available. A pity that there's no XAML/WPF support under Linux....
Top positive comment• ago

6

Guest
It is specifically for C# like Visual Studio is mostly used for
Top positive comment• ago

6

Guest
Has to be built from source before it'll run on Windows.
Top negative comment• ago

8

gnusensei
MonoDevelop's GUI designer is admirable, I've tried it and impressed immediately with how easy and straightforward it to design a window by drag and drop. Try to compare it with Netbeans', Eclipse's or CodeBlocks' GUI designer you will know what I mean.
Positive comment• ago

0

Guest
It provides not only the most similar interface but also the most similar tools
Positive comment• ago

-2

Guest
Monodevelop, even though only for .NET languages (as far as i know) is probably the closest to Visual studio I have tried. Also, GTK# is awesome!
Positive comment• ago

2

Guest
.NET functionality, good code recommendations
Positive comment• ago

0
Apache NetBeans
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
IDE
Mac
Windows
Linux
BSD
103 alternatives to Apache NetBeans
A free, open-source Integrated Development Environment for software developers. You get all the tools you need to create professional desktop, enterprise, web, and mobile applications with the Java language, C/C++, and even dynamic languages such as PHP, JavaScript, Groovy, and...
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Apache NetBeans Features
1. Code FormattingApache NetBeans supports code formatting for multiple languages and code styles.
2. Git SupportApache NetBeans supports Git, a free and open source distributed version control system.
3. Syntax HighlightingApache NetBeans supports syntax highlighting for various programming and markup languages.
Java IDE
Refactoring
Built-in terminal emulation
Embedded debugger
Code Completion
Simple installation
Multiple languages
Automatic Indentation
Support for SVN
Source code history
Apache NetBeans vs Microsoft Visual Studio
Most users think Apache NetBeans is a great alternative to Microsoft Visual Studio.
gnusensei
Netbeans includes built-in GUI designer with drag and drop ability to create desktop applications and they can run on Windows as well as GNU/Linux and macOS.
Positive comment• ago

0

brandomettout
Free and Open Source Software. Changing leadership from Oracle to Apache Foundation.
Positive comment• ago

1

Guest
It's for MS-Windows, MacOSX and Linux too! You can make projects independent of the OS.
Positive comment• ago

-1

bigbear
NetBeans is an IDE, but it doesn't work for .NET languages so it's hard to call it a viable alternative.
Negative comment• ago

5
Code::Blocks
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
IDE
Windows
Linux
BSD
61 alternatives to Code::Blocks
Code::Blocks is a free C++ IDE built to meet the most demanding needs of its users. It is designed to be very extensible and fully configurable.
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Code::Blocks Features
1. Extensible by Plugins/ExtensionsCode::Blocks can be extended with add-ons, plugins and extensions.
2. PortableCode::Blocks can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
3. No registration requiredYou can use most of the features in Code::Blocks without registration.
4. Support for scriptingCode::Blocks supports scripts and macros to automate or customize tasks.
C++
C support
Leadfeeder integration
Code::Blocks vs Microsoft Visual Studio
Most users think Code::Blocks is a great alternative to Microsoft Visual Studio.
maurosoft391
windows forms are missing and it's poorly designed
Negative comment• ago

0

gnusensei
Faster, smaller, and able to make graphical desktop applications by adding GUI designer plugin wxSmith for C++ language and wxWidgets framework. Also, CodeBlocks is cross platform.
Positive comment• ago

0

DayOS
It is faster than VS and the plugins make it a little better, but it doesn't look as good visually.
Positive comment• ago

-1

Guest
Code::Blocks has 0.1% of the functionality of VS. It looks ugly as well.
Negative comment• ago

-1
Qt Creator
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Paid • Open Source
IDE
Mac
Windows
Linux
BSD
135 alternatives to Qt Creator
Qt Creator is a cross-platform C++, JavaScript and QML integrated development environment which is part of the SDK for the Qt Framework.
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Qt Creator Features
1. AutocompletionQt Creator can predict and complete the rest of a word or phrase you're typing.
2. Code FormattingQt Creator supports code formatting for multiple languages and code styles.
3. Syntax HighlightingQt Creator supports syntax highlighting for various programming and markup languages.
C++
QT Based
Build system
Visual studio intergration
Debugging
Refactoring
Qt Creator vs Microsoft Visual Studio
Almost everyone thinks Qt Creator is a great alternative to Microsoft Visual Studio.
Guest
Found everything in Qt Creator for Linux that is in VS for Windows.
Top positive comment• ago

3

Guest
At first, intelligent search ib QtCreator is much better than the Microsoft's IntelliSens. Hot keys combinations are more simple and more intuitive. It looks for me more simple and intuitively clear at all.
Top positive comment• ago

3

Guest
It has A lot of really use full tools and you can install many extensions and even support for other programming languages then python,c++ etc
Positive comment• ago

1

ichimitch
Does not support C# as they believe "it is not widely used enough" pfft
Negative comment• ago

-5

Guest
For C++ development, QT Creator is a lot less bloated. It is fast and has all the necessary features. There is just too much unnecessary crap in VisualStudio making it slow as hell when running on a slightly older machine and also takes up gigs of disk space.
Positive comment• ago

3
SharpDevelop
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
IDE
Windows
.NET Framework
28 alternatives to SharpDevelop
#develop (short for SharpDevelop) is a free IDE for C#, VB.NET and Boo projects on Microsoft's .NET platform. It is open-source, and you can download both sourcecode and executables.
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SharpDevelop Features
C-sharp
NET Framework
GUI Designer
Nuget
C# Scripting
Discontinued
Unfortunately SharpDevelop has been discontinued. It is still a viable alternative for VS for versions until 2016, but it doesn't support C# 7.0 as VS 2017 does. See details: http://www.icsharpcode.net/OpenSource/SD/WhatsNew.aspx

SharpDevelop vs Microsoft Visual Studio
Almost everyone thinks SharpDevelop is a great alternative to Microsoft Visual Studio.
Guest
It's very similar to it and size is very low! { Visual Studio - up to 3 GB / sharp Develop - Only Up to 15 MB in size }
Top positive comment• ago

6

lordunknown
It's small, lightweight, specialized on .NET development (but C++ is available too), supports designing both WinForms and WPF and has NuGet support. Perfect IDE for lightweight C# developing (if you don't need to handle a team of 10000 employees working on 5 big projects)
Top positive comment• ago

4

Guest
Only to a certain extent. Lacking many features and is no longer updated.
Positive comment• ago

0

Guest
free and lightweight for commercial use
Positive comment• ago

0

Guest
N0 messy azure , no complex licensing
Positive comment• ago

0

Guest
Very similar IDE for C# and VB.NET.
Positive comment• ago

0
IntelliJ IDEA
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Freemium • Open Source
IDE
Code Editor
Mac
Windows
Linux
53 alternatives to IntelliJ IDEA
IntelliJ IDEA is the leading integrated development environment that makes Java and Kotlin development a more productive and enjoyable experience. It helps you produce high-quality code more efficiently, provides everything you need out of the box, and takes care of routine...
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IntelliJ IDEA Features
1. AutocompletionIntelliJ IDEA can predict and complete the rest of a word or phrase you're typing.
2. Dark ModeIntelliJ IDEA supports dark mode for comfortable usage in low light conditions.
3. Full-Text SearchIntelliJ IDEA lets you search for specific words or phrases from inside a document or database.
4. Syntax HighlightingIntelliJ IDEA supports syntax highlighting for various programming and markup languages.
5. Spell CheckingIntelliJ IDEA can detect and correct all types of grammar and spelling mistakes.
6. Support for ThemesYou can use themes and templates to change the look and feel of IntelliJ IDEA.
7. Extensible by Plugins/ExtensionsIntelliJ IDEA can be extended with add-ons, plugins and extensions.
8. No registration requiredYou can use most of the features in IntelliJ IDEA without registration.
9. WYSIWYG SupportIntelliJ IDEA integrates a WYSIWYG editor to edit the look and content of a document, page, or file.
Code Completion
Java IDE
Auto Correction
Go to definition
Language/SDK agnostic
Java Support
Static analysis
Graphical User Interface
Real time collaboration
Ad-free
IntelliJ IDEA vs Microsoft Visual Studio
This alternative is disputed. IntelliJ IDEA is still a legitimate alternative to Microsoft Visual Studio, but it might have issues that some users think are important.
Guest
This is only designed for Java not .net.
Negative comment• ago

10
PyCharm
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Freemium • Open Source
IDE
Code Editor
Text Editor
Mac
Windows
Linux
BSD
74 alternatives to PyCharm
Python and Django IDE with refactorings, code completion, on-the-fly code analysis and other features, including version control integration, deployment, integration with issue trackers, and remote debugging.
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PyCharm Features
1. Code FormattingPyCharm supports code formatting for multiple languages and code styles.
2. No registration requiredYou can use most of the features in PyCharm without registration.
3. Git SupportPyCharm supports Git, a free and open source distributed version control system.
4. File VersioningPyCharm has a version system that lets you view and go back to older versions of the project/file/document.
5. Support for LaTeXPyCharm supports LaTeX for text and math equation formatting.
6. Syntax HighlightingPyCharm supports syntax highlighting for various programming and markup languages.
7. Support for scriptingPyCharm supports scripts and macros to automate or customize tasks.
8. Command line interfacePyCharm either have CLI support or is a CLI-only app.
9. Spell CheckingPyCharm can detect and correct all types of grammar and spelling mistakes.
Code Completion
Python IDE
Refactoring
Embedded debugger
Compare Source Code
WYSIWYG Support
Ad-free
Live Preview
Dark Mode
WYSIWYG HTML Editor
PyCharm vs Microsoft Visual Studio
Some users think PyCharm is a great alternative to Microsoft Visual Studio, some don't.
Guest
It supports proper Python.
Positive comment• ago

0
Lazarus
Is this a good alternative?
Yes
No
Free • Open Source
IDE
Mac
Windows
Linux
BSD
OpenSolaris
28 alternatives to Lazarus
Lazarus is a cross-platform IDE for the Free Pascal compiler. It tries to offer a Delphi-like programming experience through its own 'Lazarus Component Library' and supporting many platforms like Windows, OSX, Linux, BSD, Android, iOS and more.
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Lazarus Features
Rad
Compiles to native assembly code
Visual design
Object-oriented Language
Lazarus vs Microsoft Visual Studio
Most users think Lazarus is a great alternative to Microsoft Visual Studio.
gnusensei
Lazarus GUI designer is nice and easy to use. Drag and drop works without much hassles about layouting.
Positive comment• ago

0

Guest
Open Source done entirely in an independent language very like TurboPascal (Delphi).
Positive comment• ago

5

Guest
Because of license agreement, you can create unlimited codes by using Lazarus but VS has limits in license agreement
Positive comment• ago

2

Guest
I like Lazarus and Free Pascal
Positive comment• ago

1