kitio.aiVisual Studio Code vs PleaseDontCode
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Visual Studio Code is completely free, while PleaseDontCode is freemium.
At a glance
Best for
Pricing model
Starting price
Free plan
Made by
Based in
Rating
Key features
- AI agents that plan and code
- Model selection
- MCP support
- Extension marketplace
- Integrated terminal and debugger
- Web version
- Firmware generation
- Wiring schematics
- 100+ supported boards
- USB and WiFi flashing
- Over-the-air updates
- Remote monitoring
| Feature | Visual Studio Code | PleaseDontCode |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Free open-source editor with built-in AI agents for coding | AI that writes and flashes firmware for ESP32 and Arduino |
| Category | Coding | Coding |
| Pricing model | Free | Freemium |
| Starting price | Free | See pricing page |
| Free plan | Yes, fully free | Yes |
| Made by | Microsoft | PleaseDontCode |
| Based in | United States | – |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Pricing compared
Visual Studio Code is completely free, while PleaseDontCode is freemium.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
3 plans
Basic
$7.50/mo billed yearly
- Monthly credits
- Schematics and code generation
Pro
$24.17/mo billed yearly
- More monthly credits than Basic
Premium
$65.84/mo billed yearly
- Highest monthly credit allowance
Prices in USD, checked Oct 29, 2026 or later. Plans change often, so confirm on each tool's site before you buy.
Pros and cons
Visual Studio Code
- Free and open source
- Huge extension ecosystem
- Runs on all major desktop systems
- Heavier than lightweight editors
- AI features may need separate model access
- Extensions vary in quality
PleaseDontCode
- Covers schematic, code and flashing
- One device free without a card
- OTA updates for deployed devices
- Credits limit monthly generations
- Generated firmware still needs testing on hardware
- Monthly prices not shown separately from yearly
Which one should you choose?
Choose Visual Studio Code if you want:
- Free and open source
- Huge extension ecosystem
- Runs on all major desktop systems
Watch out: heavier than lightweight editors.
Choose PleaseDontCode if you want:
- Covers schematic, code and flashing
- One device free without a card
- OTA updates for deployed devices
Watch out: credits limit monthly generations.
Visual Studio Code vs PleaseDontCode FAQ
What is the difference between Visual Studio Code and PleaseDontCode?
Visual Studio Code: Free open-source editor with built-in AI agents for coding. PleaseDontCode: AI that writes and flashes firmware for ESP32 and Arduino. Both are coding tools.
Is Visual Studio Code or PleaseDontCode cheaper?
Visual Studio Code is completely free, while PleaseDontCode is freemium.
Do Visual Studio Code and PleaseDontCode have free plans?
Visual Studio Code: Yes, fully free. PleaseDontCode: Yes.
Who makes Visual Studio Code?
Visual Studio Code is made by Microsoft, based in United States.
Who makes PleaseDontCode?
PleaseDontCode is made by PleaseDontCode.
Which should I choose, Visual Studio Code or PleaseDontCode?
Choose Visual Studio Code if you value free and open source and huge extension ecosystem. Choose PleaseDontCode if you value covers schematic, code and flashing and one device free without a card.