As a beginner, you’re starting with Replit, and it seems to have a lot of features. You’ve noticed that many developers prefer using VS Code and wonder why that is. You also want to know about Python-specific IDEs, using the command line for running code, and some tips for getting started with VS Code.
I’ve been in development for over a decade now, and honestly, VS Code checks all the right boxes for me.
When people ask “What IDE do you use and why?”, I always bring up VS Code because it strikes the perfect balance between being lightweight and powerful. It’s not bloated like some full IDEs but becomes incredibly capable with the right extensions. Whether you’re working in Python, JavaScript, or even tools like Selenium, there’s probably an extension for it.
I also like how it launches quickly, doesn’t hog memory, and yet still gives me version control, terminal access, and full customization across any OS—Windows, Mac, or Linux. I’ve tried others, but I keep coming back to VS Code.
Been primarily a Python dev for the past few years, so I’ll piggyback off what Tom said above.
What IDE do you use and why? For Python development specifically, VS Code has become my go-to too. While PyCharm is solid, I find that VS Code hits the sweet spot—it’s fast, easy to set up, and handles everything I need through the Python extension. You get IntelliSense, debugging, even Jupyter integration without needing a full IDE install.
If you’re just starting out, this flexibility matters. You can grow into more advanced tools over time, but VS Code scales well with your learning curve. Honestly, unless you’re deep into enterprise-scale Python systems, VS Code will more than do the job.
I’ve been mixing CLI and IDE workflows for about 6 years now, especially while working in DevOps-heavy environments.
So continuing the thread on “What IDE do you use and why?”, I’ll add this: as much as I love VS Code (and use it daily), combining it with the command line is a game-changer. VS Code’s integrated terminal means you don’t have to leave the IDE to run scripts, push code, or manage environments. But learning how to run things via CLI is a skill that pays off long-term.
You’ll be faster, more efficient, and much more confident when switching contexts—especially when you start automating tasks or working in CI/CD pipelines. And let’s not forget VS Code’s ecosystem: extensions like GitLens, Python, and Docker make your workflow seamless.
Over time, VS Code + terminal becomes more than just a setup—it’s your home base for development.