Microsoft Visual Studio - 2026 Pricing, Features, Reviews & Alternatives

Reviewers appreciate Microsoft Visual Studio's code development capabilities, highlighting features like intelligent code completion, project templates, and code macros. They report that the integrated compiler detects errors and warnings, which helps streamline the development process. Users also value the support for multiple programming languages, including C++, C#, Java, and Python. They find the automation capabilities, such as auto-completion and code refactoring, save time and reduce coding errors. Additionally, integrations with GitHub and other tools enhance the development experience. Of the 99 Microsoft Visual Studio users who gave detailed accounts of their use of Code Development, 99% rated this feature as important or highly important.

Reviewers indicate that Microsoft Visual Studio's Integrated Development Environment (IDE) is comprehensive and user-friendly. They appreciate the support for multiple programming languages and the seamless integration with tools like Git, TFS, and Azure. Users report that the IDE's project management capabilities and customizable layouts improve workflow efficiency. They also value the integration with Unity and Unreal for game development, and the extensive extension marketplace that enhances functionality. Of the 137 Microsoft Visual Studio users who gave detailed accounts of their use of Integrated Development Environment, 99% rated this feature as important or highly important.

Users report that Microsoft Visual Studio offers powerful debugging capabilities, including setting breakpoints, inspecting variables, and stepping through code. They appreciate the intuitive interface and advanced data inspection tools. Reviewers highlight capabilities like memory dumps, Hot Reload, and the Immediate Window for real-time code analysis. They find the debugging tools for C++ and C# particularly effective, and value the ability to debug both locally and on remote machines. Of the 181 Microsoft Visual Studio users who gave detailed accounts of their use of Debugging, 98% rated this feature as important or highly important.

Reviewers highlight Microsoft Visual Studio's code editing capabilities, noting features like syntax highlighting, code completion, and refactoring. They appreciate the customizable text editor, which supports multiple programming languages and offers a responsive, efficient experience. Users find the auto-complete and IntelliSense capabilities particularly helpful for improving productivity. They also value the integration with Git for version control and the ability to use various plugins to enhance the coding experience. Of the 112 Microsoft Visual Studio users who gave detailed accounts of their use of Code Editing, 97% rated this feature as important or highly important.

Users report that Microsoft Visual Studio's Graphical User Interface (GUI) is intuitive and highly customizable. They appreciate the ability to personalize layouts, themes, and shortcuts to suit their preferences. Reviewers find the interface user-friendly, with capabilities like drag-and-drop controls and color-coded elements that enhance productivity. They also value the multiple themes available, which help reduce eye strain and improve the overall coding experience. Of the 173 Microsoft Visual Studio users who gave detailed accounts of their use of Graphical User Interface, 91% rated this feature as important or highly important.

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“First of all, it has enhanced my productivity like anything. Its customizable layout, real time intellisense code suggestions and error indicators are very helpful. Its dark and light theme is also very helpful for reducing eyestrain.”

Sharduli P.

SDE Intern

“The GUI is layed out simply and the customisability is amazing. I can save layouts for single monitor/laptop use or multiple monitors and switch between for maximum flexibility. All the tools are at easy reach, along with the search feature for when you forget it. Customise colour schemes, fonts, shortcuts.... everything.”

Paul L.

Senior Software Developer

Reviewers indicate that Microsoft Visual Studio excels in deployment management, with seamless integration with Azure and other CI/CD services. They appreciate the ability to deploy applications directly from the IDE, which simplifies the process. Users report that the integration with Git and support for Docker management enhance deployment workflows. They also value the flexibility to deploy to various environments, including local servers and cloud platforms, with ease. Of the 110 Microsoft Visual Studio users who gave detailed accounts of their use of Deployment Management, 85% rated this feature as important or highly important.