Copilot in VS Code vs IntelliJ | Generated by AI
Here’s a more readable comparison (no bulky tables, promise) of GitHub Copilot plugin in Visual Studio Code versus in IntelliJ IDEA:
Installation & Integration
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VS Code: Copilot is treated like a first-class extension—easy to install, often auto-installed, and ready to go after GitHub login. (GitHub Docs)
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IntelliJ IDEA (and other JetBrains IDEs): Copilot works via a plugin from the JetBrains Marketplace. You install, restart the IDE, then authenticate through GitHub. (GitHub Docs)
Performance & Responsiveness
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VS Code: Since Copilot runs natively as an extension, it generally feels snappier. (Augment Code)
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IntelliJ IDEA: As a plugin layered on top of a heavier IDE, Copilot may introduce more latency—especially noticeable in large projects or complex requests (e.g., whole-function generation may take 2–5 seconds). (Augment Code)
Workflow & Compatibility
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VS Code: Copilot supports inline suggestions, full code generation, and Copilot Chat—all tightly integrated. (GitHub Docs)
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IntelliJ IDEA: Copilot offers similar features—inline suggestions and a chat panel—though some users note limitations:
“[It] can’t delete/rewrite code or jump to different locations.” (Medium, Hacker News)
Ecosystem Fit & Feature Depth
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VS Code: Lightweight and versatile—great for quick setup, mixed-language projects, and those who need flexibility across multiple editors.
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IntelliJ IDEA / JetBrains IDEs: While Copilot brings AI to the table, JetBrains users might prefer JetBrains AI Assistant (their native AI tool). It offers deeper IDE integration—advanced refactorings, commit-message generation, tight synergy with JetBrains workflows, and better control over code usage/privacy. (Engine Labs Blog)
Pricing & Licensing
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GitHub Copilot: Subscription-based—individual plans start around $10/month. Some free options for students. (Techpoint Africa)
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JetBrains AI (for comparison): Comes bundled with JetBrains tools via All Products Pack, or available separately in Free, Pro, and Ultimate tiers (~$10–$20/month), depending on the plan. (AutoGPT)
Summary — Which Is Better for You?
VS Code (Copilot plugin)
- Pros: Ultra-light, fast to set up, cross-editor flexibility, excellent for exploratory coding and multi-language workflows.
- Cons: Slightly less optimized for heavy-duty refactoring or project-wide awareness.
IntelliJ IDEA (Copilot plugin)
- Pros: Allows Copilot use within your familiar JetBrains environment.
- Cons: Slower, sometimes limited in editing capabilities, plugin-based architecture may feel less seamless.
Extra thought: If you’re immersed in JetBrains IDEs and use languages like Java or Kotlin extensively, JetBrains AI may serve you better, with tighter integration and more advanced features—assuming you’re okay with its different pricing model.
Let me know your workflow or project type, and I can help tailor the best AI coding assistant fit for you!