I don't know, I think VS express is one of few batteries-included dev experiences. What's easy is subjective of course but to me, having to configure an editor to use a compiler (downloaded separately) is a huge turnoff. I agree the .net ecosystem leaves a lot to be desired in aux tools like build system/pkg management, but it's no worse than Java, JS or Python in that respect imho.
> I don't know, I think VS express is one of few batteries-included dev experiences. [...] , having to configure an editor to use a compiler (downloaded separately) is a huge turnoff.
Yep, there are a few others. Netbeans is clearly high on the list of those that tick all the boxes and is still free. It still doesn't come close to the most expensive versions of VS (with ReSharper), and IntelliJ, but those don't compete in the free tier.
Ms finally clued in that their big missing feature wasn't yet another fancy-shmancy framework full of god-classes, but a decent OSS community. They've been making great strides with NuGet, open development of ASP and EF, etc. A lot of ground to catch up on that front, but the cathedral is finally opening up the courtyard.
Unfortunately that's a big stop sign for me to pursue .NET knowledge/career.