Microsoft Visual Studio 26
I've been using Visual Studio 2010 for a long time. Even on my Windows 11 machine, I have to grant administrative rights before starting the application.
I've also been using JCX's Visual PHP for VS 2010 for a very long time, and I still do.
However, modern applications need a new engine. The free version of Microsoft Visual Studio 2026 comes a lot closer.
Combined with GitHub Copilot, you can start creating Windows applications with AI assistance. It's not meant to replace you as a programmer—don't confuse it with "vibe coding"—but rather as a coworker that helps you while you code.
The best part is that, as a freelance programmer, you can use Visual Studio 2026 Community for commercial projects. As long as you're not making a zillion dollars, that is.
If you're making a lot of money or have more than five employees, though, you have to buy the pro version for about $600.
With the current administration, that's a lot of money that could otherwise be spent on luxuries like groceries.
I still believe humans have a place in programming. Use AI as an assistant, not a replacement that does all the work. I think that's the future we're heading toward.
I bought Visual Studio 2010 Professional back in the day. At the time, I had many clients, including Heather Nova, who contacted me for help with her website.
I don't build websites anymore unless they're Horizon QCMS related. However, I'm picking up Windows application development again to recapture the fun I used to have before AI took over.
I especially enjoy the improved IntelliSense options. Intellisense has been around since Visual Studio 2008, if not earlier, but it has improved with the integration of GitHub's Copilot.
For me, it's a blessing because I make many mistakes (misspelled codes) due to the tremor in my right hand, and Copilot more frequently corrects these mistakes.
(Screenshot of Visual Studio 2026 in design mode for a new application I'm creating.)
(Screenshot of VS2026 in code view for the same application.)