It really helps that VSCode isn't intrinsically tied to any other Microsoft products. It doesn't demand you use any specific platforms/languages/compilers, it doesn't demand you use GitHub, it runs on all major operating systems in basically the same way, it doesn't demand or even politely ask that you sign into a Microsoft account.
If it weren't for the name, you'd never know it was even a Microsoft product.
It really helps that VSCode isn't intrinsically tied to any other Microsoft products. It doesn't demand you use any specific platforms/languages/compilers, it doesn't demand you use GitHub, it runs on all major operating systems in basically the same way, it doesn't demand or even politely ask that you sign into a Microsoft account.
If it weren't for the name, you'd never know it was even a Microsoft product.
Ah, it makes total sense to me now. Thanks.