Anaconda uses Jupyter notebooks so why option to install VS Code?

Question

I installed Anaconda as it's a recommended way to start with Jupyter notebooks.

I was surprised at the end of the Anaconda windows install to be invited to install Microsoft VS Code as a code editor. Reading about VS Code it seems a well respected editor but does that not take away the idea of using using Jupyter notebooks? Or am I missing something?

Answer 1

Anaconda also installs IDLE and Spyder, which are IDEs (Integrated Development Environments). Anaconda simply gives you a choice. Each of those choices has its advantages and disadvantages. Using one does not prohibit you from also using another.

Answer 2

Jupyter might recommend using Anaconda, but this doesn't imply that Anaconda would recommend using Jupyter.

You are right that if you are going to focus on Jupyter notebooks you won't need to use VS Code.

But most people that use Anaconda are not using Jupyter notebooks - they write python scripts not notebooks - and for that vscode is a respected choice.