What is Visual Studio?
Visual Studio is a full-featured integrated development environment (IDE) and code editor from Microsoft for building, debugging and deploying software across web, cloud, desktop, mobile, gaming and AI workloads. It supports .NET, C#, C++ and other languages, and includes IntelliSense for context-aware code suggestions.
GitHub Copilot is built in and can assist with complex tasks through an agent mode that helps refine a project. Developers can also use the integrated debugger, testing tools, and Git and CI/CD support with GitHub Actions to move code from the first keystroke to deployment. The page presents it as a tool for individual developers and teams alike.
Key features
- IntelliSense context-aware code suggestions
- GitHub Copilot with agent mode
- Integrated debugger
- Integrated testing
- Git and CI/CD with GitHub Actions integration
- First-class .NET 10, C# 14 and Aspire support
Who is it for
- professional software developers
- development teams
- game developers
- .NET and C++ developers
Pros and cons
- Full-stack support across web, cloud, desktop and AI workloads
- Deep integration with GitHub Copilot and GitHub Actions
- Free Community edition is listed, but paid editions (Professional, Enterprise) are needed for some features
Visual Studio pricing
The vendor does not publish prices in a readable form (often pricing is shown only after signing in).
Is Visual Studio free?
Yes, there is a free plan. Free Community edition available for download on the page.
Visual Studio alternatives
| Tool | Price from | Free plan | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
 Google Antigravity | 30 USD/mo | yes | Coding |
 Cursor | 20 USD/mo | yes | Coding |
 OpenAI Codex | 71 PLN/mo | no | Coding |
 Kiro | 20 USD/mo | yes | Coding |
 Kilo Code | 15 USD/mo | yes | Coding |
 v0 by Vercel | 30 USD/mo | yes | Coding |
All alternatives to Visual Studio →
FAQ
What is Visual Studio used for?
Microsoft's IDE and code editor for software developers, with built-in Copilot AI assistance, debugging, testing and Git/CI/CD tooling.
Is Visual Studio free?
Yes, there is a free plan. Free Community edition available for download on the page.
How much does Visual Studio cost?
The vendor does not publish prices publicly or requires sign-in.
What are the best Visual Studio alternatives?
Closest alternatives: Google Antigravity, Cursor, OpenAI Codex, Kiro, Kilo Code.
Data checked October 12, 2026 on the vendor website (visualstudio.microsoft.com).