Developers Ditch AI Tools, Embrace VS Code Once Again
Developers are shifting from AI coding tools back to Visual Studio Code due to reliability and familiarity.
Key Points
- • Developers are abandoning AI coding tools like Cursor in favor of VS Code.
- • VS Code is gaining popularity thanks to new features and reliability improvements.
- • The trend indicates a growing preference for traditional tools over AI solutions.
- • Dissatisfaction with AI tools is prompting a reevaluation of their role in software development.
A noticeable trend is emerging as developers pivot from AI-driven coding assistants like Cursor back to established integrated development environments (IDEs), particularly Microsoft’s Visual Studio Code (VS Code). This shift is underscored by concerns over reliability and performance offered by traditional tools.
As of August 2025, many developers are expressing dissatisfaction with AI coding tools, citing issues such as inaccuracies and inefficiencies in their coding processes. This has led them to seek the proven capabilities of VS Code, which has recently introduced several innovative features to enhance user experience and functionality. These improvements in VS Code reflect a broader sentiment where developers are increasingly valuing established tools that provide the stability and familiarity needed for their projects.
The migration back to VS Code indicates a critical evaluation of AI tools, suggesting that while artificial intelligence continues to evolve within the coding ecosystem, it is yet to meet the comprehensive needs of software developers. In a field where precision is paramount, many are concluding that traditional IDEs remain indispensable in their workflow.
Despite the advancements in AI, the core focus for many developers is on reliability and efficiency—qualities that VS Code seems to deliver consistently, making it the preferred choice over newer AI counterparts like Cursor.