i already own pico-8 with the intent of learning to code and develop video games. would voxatron be a better choice over pico-8 for this purpose?

I think you should get Voxatron even though Pico-8 seems better.

If you want to learn how programming works (think like "visual coding"), then use Voxatron. If you want to experiment with code and create working games with that code, then choose Pico-8.

I highly recommend Voxatron because of the following:

• No need to code (although you can add custom scripts (those might not be implemented yet))
• Easy for beginners to use
• Is in 3D and has a cool voxel destruction system

I would say Yes.
Just a note thought, I am pretty sure you if you buy Pico-8 you get a 15$ discount on Voxatron (I might be very wrong, but just in case make sure to look into it so you don't accidentally spend too much.)

according to andrew, voxatron is like scratch, but according to jauq, voxatron doesn't have code. which one???

Sorry for the confusion, Voxatron doesn't have coding in it.

You should probably stick with Pico-8, unless you want to support the developer of course!

It's simple, you just have to go check out the cartridges people have made with Pico-8: It's DAMN impressive! When you check out the cartridges people have made with Voxatron: It's ALL the same, in comparison to Pico-8, there's no room for creativity, and I concur, there's no coding to be learned in Voxatron.

I definitely agree with Doriphor that Pico-8 allows much more creativity, after all you have to hand code it yourself.
However I disagree that all the of the Voxatron cartridges are the same. I think I proved that so much more can be done in Voxatron when I made a Five Nights at Freddy's clone.