When comparing Visual Studio with the Python Tools extension vs IDLE, the Slant community recommends IDLE for most people. In the question“What are the best Python IDEs or editors?” IDLE is ranked 35th while Visual Studio with the Python Tools extension is ranked 38th. The most important reason people chose IDLE is:
For short scripts, a heavyweight IDE just gets in the way. It's also easier for beginners to understand.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Autocompletion based on variable types
Has smart autocompletion based on variable types
Pro Cloud storage through VS Online
Your Visual Studio Online account gives you a place to store your code, backlog, and other project data with no servers to deploy, configure, or manage.
Pro Web based interface to track project progress
In agile development teams one really needs features such as product backlogs where you can assign features to team mates and track their progress on them. VS provides a web based interface for you to track your team's complete progress on the project.
Pro Sometimes simple is best
For short scripts, a heavyweight IDE just gets in the way. It's also easier for beginners to understand.
Pro Written in pure Python/tkinter
You can dig in and change how it works.
Pro Included in standard Python distributions
You probably already have it.
Pro Debugger
It has one.
Cons

Con Windows only
Visual Studio is only available on Windows, though there is now a cross-platform derivation of Visual Studio named Visual Studio Code. It is has less features and is more of a code editor than an IDE.

Con Proprietary
Visual Studio is a proprietary software.
Con No Tabbing for Files or Shell instances
Idle's Interactive Python Shell and the Python Text Editor are separate window applications. Many would expect them to be unified together within a single window. To create a python program file, or module, the user first opens Idle (It's Interactive Shell), then the user goes to [File] and [New File] to open the Idle Text Editor. Plus, every time a new python file is opened, a new instance of Idle runs separately. So, there are no tabbed modules. That's clumsy approach that adds the complexity of juggling around many Idle instances.
