Why Switch from VS Code to VS Codium? A Deep Dive into Open‑Source Editors

Introduction

For several years the author has used VS Code, after earlier trying Brackets and Atom. Although VS Code has improved since its release, the author decided to switch to VS Codium and explains the reasons.

Is VS Code Open Source?

VS Code, released by Microsoft, follows an open‑core model: the core editor is an MIT‑licensed open‑source project, but Microsoft adds proprietary modifications and telemetry, publishing a separate proprietary version with its own license.

This is similar to Chrome, which is built on the open‑source Chromium core but includes Google‑specific services in the final product.

What Is Proprietary About VS Code?

Microsoft restricts extensions: non‑Microsoft builds cannot use extensions from the official VS Code marketplace, and some Microsoft‑published extensions only run in the official VS Code binary.

While the open‑core approach is not inherently wrong, Microsoft still needs to compensate contributors and the extension marketplace.

Why Switch to VS Codium?

To obtain a fully MIT‑licensed, telemetry‑free version of VS Code, one would have to download the source code and build it oneself, which is difficult for most users. VS Codium provides pre‑built binaries without Microsoft’s constraints and tracking.

The author wants to avoid telemetry and the increasingly commercial extension market, prompting the move to VS Codium.

Experience with VS Codium

Initially the author was concerned about the availability of extensions, but the Open VSX registry offers most open‑source extensions used in VS Code.

All previously used extensions work in VS Codium, with the only missing piece being the “Monokai Pro” theme, which was replaced by the free “Blackboard Pro” theme.

Installation

The easiest way to install VS Codium is via the package manager for your operating system.

Windows users –

macOS users –

Linux Ubuntu users –

Performance

The author did not notice a significant performance change on high‑spec machines, but expects a slight improvement because telemetry is disabled.

Users of VS Code are encouraged to try VS Codium to see if it suits them.

Original link: https://ruky.me/2022/06/11/im-switching-form-vs-code-to-vs-codium/