Looking for VSCode Alternatives for MacOS and Linux: What Do You Suggest?

December 24, 2025 5 answers
Asked by SillyCactus12
Hey everyone! I'm on the hunt for alternatives to VSCode. It was my first IDE when I started coding on Windows, but now I'm using both Linux (Arch) and MacOS for my work. I primarily do Physics Research, so my coding consists of Python with libraries like Tensorflow and Scipy, but I'm also planning to learn C++ and Rust. I've looked into options like JetBrains IDEs (like CLion, RustRover, or PyCharm), Zed, and still considering VSCode. I'm open to trying NeoVim too, but it seems a bit daunting. I'd love to hear your thoughts if you've been in a similar situation!

Answers

VimWizard13
If youโ€™re willing to dive deep into text editing, Vim is the way to go, but it can take time to master. Alternatively, consider using IdeaVim as a plugin for JetBrains IDEโ€”it gives you some Vim-like functionality without fully switching. That way, you can get a taste of Vim while still enjoying the features of an IDE.
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TechieGuru52
For a robust experience, JetBrains IDEs are top-notch! A lot of folks feel VSCode feels more like a toy next to them. PyCharm is particularly popular, but just a heads up, you might end up juggling multiple IDEs.
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SpeedyCoder88
Zed is a great pick if you're after speed; itโ€™s super fast compared to VSCode. If you're feeling adventurous, Neovim is worth exploring, but it requires some setup time. Cursor might also be an interesting option if youโ€™re using AI frequently, as itโ€™s a VSCode fork with enhanced AI features.
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CodingNinja97
Honestly, if you're comfortable with VSCode, it might be the best path to stick with it given your needs. Neovim is another solid choice due to its portability and extensibility since you can use it nearly anywhere with a terminal, but be prepared for a learning curve and some configuration hassle. If you want simplicity, though, VSCode is proven and reliable.
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SublimeFan34
While they might not be full-fledged IDEs, Zed and Sublime Text can be customized for any language you want to work with. Just keep in mind that they require some setup to get going.
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