Why We Switched from VS Code to Zed: A Game-Changer for Web Developers

By Jared Lyvers, ldnddev - February 01, 2026

At ldnddev, LLC, our team of Drupal and WordPress specialists is always on the hunt for tools that streamline custom web development workflows. After years of relying on VS Code—with its robust plugins, extensions, and solid Git integration—we made the leap to Zed. What started as an experiment quickly became our go-to editor. Here's why Zed outpaces VS Code for agency devs tackling complex sites, and why you might want to make the switch too.

Blazing Speed: The Foundation of Efficient Coding

VS Code launches in about 1-2 seconds, which seems quick until you experience Zed's sub-0.2-second startup. That's not hyperbole—it's an order-of-magnitude improvement that adds up fast in a developer's day.

Consider this: Opening 20 files for a Drupal module refactor or WordPress theme customization? In VS Code, that's potentially 40 seconds of wait time. Multiply by daily sessions, and over a year, you're losing nearly 24 hours to loading screens. Zed eliminates that friction, letting you dive straight into code. For ldnddev projects, where rapid iterations on client sites are key, this speed translates to more billable hours and fewer interruptions.

Seamless AI Integration: Smarter Coding Without the Hassle

VS Code's GitHub Copilot is powerful, but it requires extensions, subscriptions, and sometimes a separate interface. Zed's built-in AI assistant is native—no setup, no extra costs, no distractions.

We leverage it daily for:

• Context-Aware Code Completion: 70-90% accuracy on suggestions, perfect for auto-completing PHP hooks in Drupal or JavaScript functions in WordPress plugins.
• Inline Chat Panel: Pose questions like "Optimize this SQL query for a WooCommerce database" and get explanations without leaving your file.
• One-Click Refactoring: Command "Extract this logic into a reusable component" and watch it happen seamlessly.
• Instant Documentation: Hover over APIs for quick insights, ideal when integrating third-party libraries into custom themes.

Unlike VS Code, where suggestions can lag, Zed's AI anticipates as you type—boosting productivity without blocking your flow. In our web dev environment, this means faster prototyping and debugging, especially on tight deadlines.

Vim as a Core Feature: Power for Terminal Enthusiasts

VS Code offers Vim emulation via extensions, but it's often clunky, requiring tweaks to settings.json. Zed treats Vim as a first-class citizen from the start.

Highlights include:

• Native keybindings with no configuration needed.
• Robust visual selections, jumplists, and marks.
• Git integration that mirrors Vim's Fugitive plugin, complete with motions for staging, committing, and branching.

As a team that's used Vim for over five years, Zed feels like an evolution—combining terminal muscle with GUI polish. For Drupal devs managing migrations or WordPress experts handling multisite setups, this hybrid approach minimizes context switches and maximizes efficiency.

Superior Remote Development: Tailored for Agency Work

Zed redefines remote editing by leveraging direct SSH connections, bypassing the abstractions in VS Code's Remote - SSH extension.

Key advantages:

• Local-like file navigation on remote servers.
• Real-time synchronization without lag.
• No need for tunnels or additional UI layers.

For ldnddev's remote-first team, juggling client servers via SSH is routine. Zed's setup lets us edit live environments securely and swiftly—crucial for troubleshooting production issues in Drupal or optimizing WordPress performance without downtime.

Honest Tradeoffs: What Zed Still Lacks

No tool is flawless, and Zed has room to grow:

• Limited Plugin Ecosystem: VS Code's marketplace dwarfs Zed's offerings; if you rely on niche extensions for Drupal debugging or WordPress-specific linting, you might need workarounds.
• Maturity Gaps: Battle-tested features like advanced language servers and integrated testing are still evolving in Zed.
• Collaboration Tools: Real-time team editing on remote servers is in early stages, though improving rapidly.

That said, for solo or small-team development focused on speed, Zed's benefits far outweigh these drawbacks.

Who Should Make the Switch?

Zed shines for:

• Agency developers immersed in terminal-based workflows.
• Remote teams handling SSH-heavy tasks.
• Performance obsessives who hate waiting on editors.
• Vim loyalists seeking GUI perks without sacrificing keybindings.

If you're building custom Drupal sites or WordPress solutions at ldnddev's pace, Zed could transform your setup.

Our Hands-On Experience at ldnddev

We piloted Zed in 2025, tracking metrics over weeks:

• Week 1: VS Code averaged 2.1 seconds startup; Zed hit 0.3 seconds consistently.
• Week 2: Muscle memory kicked in, making Zed feel instantaneous for everyday tasks like theme edits.
• Week 3: Code output surged—up to 3x faster on projects, thanks to fewer waits and smoother AI assists.

The compounding effect? More time innovating on client deliverables, less time staring at loading bars.

The Final Verdict: Give Zed a Spin

If you're evaluating code editors in 2026, commit to Zed for a week. Its speed, AI, and Vim-native design make it a superior choice for web devs. At ldnddev, it's already accelerating our Drupal and WordPress projects—proving that the right tool can redefine productivity.

What editor are you using? Share your thoughts, and let us know if you'd like more tool reviews!

Until next time, Jared Lyvers