SciTE vs Visual Studio Code

SciTE is a free Scintilla-based text editor for Linux, macOS, and Windows, with tools for building and running programs. It provides automatic syntax styling and can keep multiple files in memory while displaying one file at a time. The documentation lists styling for C/C++, Python, Java, JavaScript, Rust, SQL, HTML, YAML, and other languages. SciTE can compile or run source files and place command output in its output pane. Editing includes multi-cursor, column editing, macro recording, and large-file handling, with extension support. Properties files control much of its behavior and can add external applications to the Tools menu. Windows downloads support Windows 7 and later in 32-bit, 64-bit, and ARM versions. The Linux binary is for 64-bit Intel-compatible processors and requires GTK 2.24 or later. A commercial macOS version is available through the Mac App Store. The listed SciTE plan is free.

Visual Studio Code is an open-source code editor with AI-assisted development features for macOS, Linux, Windows, and the web. It offers inline AI suggestions and intelligent completions, and its agent workflows can plan tasks, change code, run commands, and iterate. Users can switch between agent work and direct coding in the same editor. Agent workflows work with Copilot and third-party providers, and users can supply their own model key. The editor includes JavaScript, TypeScript, CSS, and HTML support; extensions add support for other languages. Its Marketplace lists more than 80,000 extensions. Built-in tools include Git source control, an integrated terminal, code running and debugging, build tasks, and local history. It connects to GitHub Codespaces and remote development environments, while Settings Sync and profiles help carry and organize customizations. The browser version has a limited execution environment. VS Code is free for private or commercial use at free. A GitHub account is required to start building with AI agents.