If you're a solo developer or part of a small team and you value a robust ecosystem with a vast array of extensions, Visual Studio Code is your best bet. It’s free, runs on all major platforms, and includes built-in tools for debugging and version control. However, be aware that its Electron architecture can lead to higher memory usage, making it less suitable for those who want a lean editor.
On the other hand, if performance and real-time collaboration are your top priorities, Zed is the way to go, particularly for macOS and Linux users. Its lightweight and fast design, combined with integrated collaborative features, makes it ideal for performance-sensitive developers. Just keep in mind that if you need Windows support or rely on specific extensions available in VS Code, then Zed might not meet your needs.