Hi
I am just learning to work with both variants of the product: VS plugin and the standalone. I started with the standalone, but found the VS plugin version just a bit more friendly/comfortable even when working on the basics of get my first prototype tests working. Things like the ability to detach the property list and have it free float & expanded, and working with simple code steps. I need to understand both as like many companies, we hope to eventually use it in DEV and QA.
As I get deeper, I better understand which features that are not in both as seen http://www.telerik.com/automated-testing-tools/products/compare-editions.aspx.... Not to mention other smaller differentiations/qualification mentioned from time to time in the forum posts.
I am also seeing that moving/hopping between the two is not something one undertakes without some planning process/procedure as mentioned on this post:
http://www.telerik.com/automated-testing-tools/community/forums/test-studio-express/general-discussions/working-between-standalone-and-vs-plugin.aspx
So, What is the best strategy? ... How does one maximize the benefits of each and minimize any angst?
I like to see as part of the answer:
Don’t get me wrong – I am pleased with the product, I just want it to keep getting better, especially for new users that have little time and need to ramp up and start to become productive quickly.
PS
1 To start, it is important to add link in relevant places in the user guide to features checklist above. Would stop newbies like me hunting for features in VS. that only exits in standalone (keeping me fro being part of the problem as much :-)
2 Check out nice blog Migrating Your Test Project Between VS/Standalone by Stoil Stoychev