You might think that your code editor is just a tool you're using to write code, but I think it's a personality type, a lifestyle choice...
If you disagree, you might be using Notepad. And in that case, I think you need help 😄
Let's see which one you're using.
1. VS Code
I think this is the king of the modern dev jungle.
If you use VS Code, you're the kind of person who walks into a coffee shop, orders something complicated, and still finds time to install ten new extensions before the drink is ready.
VS Code users love control. You want customization, but in a click-to-install kind of way. Your workspace has 17 tabs open, GitHub Copilot is writing half your code, and you're still Googling how to center a div.
You don't have one theme. You have a rotating mood board of themes you switch depending on the project, the weather, and your emotional state.
2. IntelliJ
If you're rolling with IntelliJ or anything from JetBrains, congratulations 🥳 You are a serious developer.
You write Java, Kotlin, C#, Python, or something else that somehow requires 14 plugins and a dedicated settings file.
You believe in static typing, design patterns, and paying for software.
You don't just commit code, you architect it. And every time someone suggests using a lightweight editor, you just laugh.
3. Cursor
If you use Cursor, you've decided that writing code yourself is becoming optional.
You type a sentence, watch AI change 17 files, and then spend 10 minutes trying to figure out what it did.
You probably have strong opinions about models, context windows, agents, and which AI is currently "cooking".
You don't just debug anymore. You ask the AI why your code is broken, watch it confidently make things worse, and then ask it to fix the fix.
4. Vim
If you use Vim, I respect you. I also fear you. You operate purely from muscle memory, like a martial artist who's trained in complete darkness.
You don't use a mouse because it's too slow. Your entire coding experience is basically an extreme sport. You once spent 3 hours configuring your .vimrc file.
Sure, nobody taught you Vim. You were summoned by it. And let's be honest, part of you loves that other people can't figure it out.
And you still have to explain to someone how to exit Vim at least once a year.
5. Zed
If you use Zed, you probably looked at every other editor and thought, "This is way too much".
You want your editor fast. Really fast. You don't need 47 extensions, 12 panels, or a sidebar telling you things you didn't ask for.
You open Zed, start typing, and wonder why everyone else is apparently okay with their editor taking 30 seconds to wake up.
You're probably the kind of developer who says, "I just want to write code".
6. Emacs
If you use Emacs, you don't code; you create art.
You've probably written your own Emacs extensions in Lisp. You don't just open files. You open entire ecosystems.
Need a calendar? 👉🏻 Emacs.
Need email? 👉🏻 Emacs.
Need to order lunch? There's probably a package for that too.
You're the kind of person who hears, just use a GUI, and responds with 300 lines of ELISP.
7. Eclipse
If you're still using Eclipse in 2026, stop it. You didn't start with Eclipse. Eclipse started with you. You probably had to use it in school or because the lead developer at your company refuses to upgrade anything that still technically works.
You have patience. You have strength. You waited 5 minutes for it to open, and you stayed anyway. You are a hero.
8. Notepad
Notepad users, I don't know who hurt you, but we're here for you.
If you're writing full applications in Notepad, you either work for the government or you're punished.
Syntax highlighting? Never heard of her.
Autocomplete? That's what your memory is for.
I don't have anything else to say about it.
Final Thoughts
Your IDE doesn't define you as a developer. It just says a lot about how you like to work.
Some of us want a lightweight editor with a few extensions.
Some want a full IDE that analyzes everything.
Some want nothing but a terminal.
And that's fine.
It's not about which editor is “best”. It's about how much time you spend customizing it instead of actually writing code 😅
💬 So, what are you using? Tell me your editor, and I'll try to guess your developer personality.
And if you're still out here using Dreamweaver or Notepad, just give us a sign; we're here to help 😂
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Top comments (2)
Currently I use Cursor, but I was using IntelliJ before, and exactly as you said, I believe in static typing and design patterns, and I used to feel developers who use IntelliJ deserve more respect 😆
Great, you upgraded to Cursor 😅 And yeah, I also feel any IntelliJ user is a senior even if he's writing his first "Hello Wolrd" 😂