Atom vs Visual Studio Team Services: What are the differences?

Introduction
Atom and Visual Studio Team Services (VSTS) are both popular tools used in software development, but they have key differences that set them apart. In this article, we will explore these differences in detail.

1. Integration: Atom is primarily an open-source text editor that can be extended using plugins and packages. It provides a flexible and customizable environment for coding. On the other hand, VSTS is a cloud-based software development platform that offers a comprehensive set of tools and services for managing and delivering software projects. VSTS integrates with other Microsoft products and offers features like version control, project tracking, and continuous integration/delivery.

2. Collaboration and Teamwork: While Atom provides some basic collaboration features like real-time collaboration and sharing, it is mainly designed for individual developers. VSTS, on the other hand, is explicitly designed for team collaboration. It offers features like team planning, work item tracking, code reviews, and feedback management, facilitating seamless teamwork and communication among team members.

3. Access and Availability: Atom is available for free and can be installed on multiple operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. It can be used offline and doesn't require an internet connection. VSTS, being a cloud-based service, requires an internet connection to access its features. It offers a free tier for small teams and paid plans for larger organizations.

4. Scalability: Atom is suitable for small to medium-sized projects, as it provides a lightweight and modular environment for coding. However, it might not be the best choice for large, complex projects that require extensive project management and collaboration capabilities. VSTS, with its extensive set of features, is designed to handle large-scale software projects and can scale according to the needs of an organization.

5. Support and Ecosystem: Atom has a vibrant community of developers who contribute to its ecosystem by creating and maintaining plugins and packages. There are numerous themes, syntax highlighting options, and other customization options available. VSTS, being a Microsoft product, has strong support and documentation from Microsoft. It also integrates well with other Microsoft products like Azure, Visual Studio, and Office 365, providing a cohesive ecosystem for software development.

6. Security and Compliance: While Atom offers basic security features, it might not meet the security and compliance requirements of some organizations, especially those operating in regulated industries. VSTS, being a cloud-based service offered by Microsoft, adheres to strict security and compliance standards, making it a more secure option for software development in such industries.

In summary, Atom is a versatile and customizable text editor suited for individual developers, while VSTS is a comprehensive cloud-based software development platform designed for team collaboration and project management. VSTS offers additional features like collaboration tools, extensive integration, scalability, and higher security, making it a preferred choice for large-scale software projects and organizations with strict security requirements.