Which IDE is Better - VS Code or IntelliJ or Sublime?

With the current accelerated environment of growth, the selection of an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) is not just a matter of taste, but of the productivity. As a developer and technology student who attends TrainingHub.io, the top tech institute in Mississauga, the choice between VS Code, IntelliJ IDEA and Sublime Text can make a huge difference regarding your learning curve and software development productivity.

This details blog will aid you in comparing the most popular IDEs of 2025 so that you can make a proper decision depending on your objectives, programming languages, and workflow preferences.

What is an IDE and Why It Matters

An Integrated Development Environment (or IDE) is a software application that provides most of the necessary tools to program, unified in a single interface. This includes:

• Source code editor
• Debugger
• Compiler/interpreter
• Build automation tools
• Extensions and integrations

The proper IDE simplifies the process of coding, minimizes the number of errors, and enhances productivity, which is essential both to beginners and professionals.

Overview of Each IDE

Visual Studio Code (VS Code)

• Developer: Microsoft
• Platform: Cross-platform (Windows, MacOS, Linux)
• License: Free and open-source
• Languages Supported: JavaScript, Python, C++, Java, PHP, and more via extensions
• Popularity: #1 IDE globally (according to Stack Overflow 2024 Survey)

IntelliJ IDEA

• Developer: JetBrains
• Platform: Cross-platform
• License: Community (Free) & Ultimate (Paid)
• Best For: Java, Kotlin, Scala, Android development
• Notable Features: Smart code completion, deep code analysis, built-in tools

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Sublime Text

• Developer: Sublime HQ
• Platform: Cross-platform
• License: Paid (with free evaluation)
• Best For: Lightweight editing, speed, simple projects
• Strengths: Speed, performance, distraction-free UI

Performance and Speed

• Sublime Text is fast and the most responsive.
• VS Code offers rich features with balanced performance.
• IntelliJ is resource-intensive but performs well during complex project management.

UI & Customization

• VS Code can be extremely customized through themes, keybindings and extensions.
• IntelliJ has a professional well-developed UI with robust settings.
• Sublime Text uses JSON settings with the user having minimalistic, code-based needs.

Language & Framework Support

• VS Code: It is the best when it comes to multi-language support through extensions.
• IntelliJ: The best (or among the best) development environment when it comes for Java and JVM-based.
• Sublime: Has very limited native support and can be extended through the use of plugins.

Extensions and Plugins

• VS Code: Holds rich marketplace with thousands of extensions.
• IntelliJ: The inbuilt capabilities minimize the extension requirement, but has a well-developed plugin market.
• Sublime: It has to be managed manually (with Package Control).

Debugging and Testing Tools

• VS Code: Great debugging that allows the use of breakpoints, watches and call stack.
• IntelliJ: The industry standard unit testing tools and a debugger.
• Sublime: Basic support; external tools often needed.

Learning Curve

• VS Code: Simple to begin with; a good version for beginners.
• IntelliJ: This has a steeper learning curve but is more user friendly for the advanced users.
• Sublime: Simple UI but requires manual plugin setup.

Collaboration and Git Integration

• VS Code: Native Git and GitHub integration, Live Share support.
• IntelliJ: Advanced version control tools built-in.
• Sublime: Basic Git support through plugins.

Cost and Licensing

• VS Code: Completely free.
• IntelliJ: Free (Community) or $499/year (Ultimate).
• Sublime Text: $99 one-time payment after free trial.

When to Choose Which IDE?

Choose VS Code If:

• You deal with more than one language.
• You want a balance between power and speed.
• You are a student or novice at TrainingHub.io

Choose IntelliJ If:

• You specialize in Java, Kotlin, or Android development.
• You work on large, enterprise-grade projects.
• You are gearing up to advanced development jobs.

Choose Sublime Text If:

• You prioritize speed and simplicity.
• You work on lightweight scripts or quick edits.
• You prefer a minimalist environment.

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Final Verdict

And no such thing as one-size- fits-all IDE. The most appropriate option depends on your particular objectives, languages and the level of your experience. At TrainingHub.io, our instructors recommend:

• VS Code for beginners and full-stack developers.
• IntelliJ particularly the people going deeper into Java and enterprise development.
• Sublime Text as a speed-driven scripting tool and editor.

Conclusion

As a student who is just beginning to learn how to code at TrainingHub.io, or an experienced developer in Mississauga, the selection of IDE can immensely increase your learning speed and efficiency. The three IDEs - VS Code, IntelliJ IDEA, and Sublime Text, have their own benefits. Assess your requirements, test all of them and choose what will be the most appropriate.