Visual Studio CodeLinux
vs
AtomWindows
Visual Studio Code as a Linux alternative to Atom
Updated
Our verdict
Visual Studio Code is a strong replacement for Atom, especially for developers who want a modern, maintained editor with built-in Git and debugging. It covers syntax highlighting, themes, and extensions effectively. However, it is proprietary, not open-source, which may be a dealbreaker for some. Performance is generally good, though it uses more memory than Atom in some cases. If you need a fully open-source alternative, consider VSCodium or other editors. For most users, VS Code offers a smoother, more integrated experience.
- License
- LicenseRef-proprietary=https://code.visu…
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 1.139.1 (September 25, 2026)
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Extensible plugin system via marketplace
- Built-in Git integration
- Customizable UI and themes
- Syntax highlighting for many languages
- Cross-platform support
What is different
- Proprietary license, not open-source
- Heavier resource usage compared to Atom
- Different extension ecosystem, some Atom packages may not port directly
- Integrated terminal and debugging features are more robust
- No direct equivalent to Atom's core package manager interface
Opening your Atom files
VS Code can open most text files and projects that Atom could, including source code in various languages. Settings and keybindings do not transfer directly, but you can export Atom settings and manually configure VS Code. Project files like .git directories remain compatible. Specific Atom package configurations will need to be recreated in VS Code using similar extensions.
Switching from Atom to Visual Studio Code, step by step
- Install Visual Studio Code from Flathub or Microsoft's website
- Export Atom settings and keybindings for reference
- Install equivalent VS Code extensions for your workflow
- Configure Git settings and verify repository access
- Test opening existing projects to ensure compatibility
- Adjust themes and UI preferences to match your setup
Key features of Visual Studio Code
- Cross‑platform, same UI on Linux, macOS, Windows
- Built‑in Git support and source control
- Extensible via a large marketplace
- Integrated terminal and debugging
- Smart code completion (IntelliSense)
- Language‑specific linters and formatters
How to install Visual Studio Code on Linux
flatpak install flathub com.visualstudio.codeFrequently asked questions
Is VS Code open-source like Atom?
No, VS Code is proprietary. If you need an open-source alternative, consider VSCodium, which is a community build of VS Code without Microsoft's telemetry.
Will my Atom packages work in VS Code?
No, Atom packages are not compatible with VS Code. You will need to find and install equivalent extensions from the VS Code marketplace.
Is VS Code available on Linux?
Yes, VS Code is available on Linux via Flathub, Snap, or direct download from Microsoft's website. The Flatpak version may require additional configuration for features like the integrated terminal.
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