If you are a software developer, Emacs and Spacemacs are likely two of the code editors that have piqued your interest. Both programs contain powerful features designed to enhance coding efficiency and make programming more efficient for coders at all levels.
In this article, I will cover the differences between Emacs and Spacemacs, the pros and cons of each, and provide detailed instructions for getting started with both.
What is Emacs?
Emacs is a text editor first developed in the 1970s by Richard Stallman. It is a powerful and highly customizable editor popular among programmers and tech-savvy users. Emacs is known for its extensibility, as users can write their Lisp code to add or customize new features.
If interested, I also have a guide comparing Emacs with VSCode.
What is Spacemacs?
Spacemacs is a community-driven variant of emacs that aims to provide a more user-friendly experience. It is built on top of emacs and includes a set of default configurations and packages that make it easier for those unfamiliar with emacs.
Spacemacs also includes a helpful graphical interface allowing users to access its features easily.
What is the Difference Between Emacs and Spacemacs?
One of the main differences between Emacs and Spacemacs is their approach to user-friendliness. Emacs is a powerful tool, but it can be difficult for new users to get the hang of it due to its steep learning curve.
Spacemacs, on the other hand, is designed to be more accessible to those new to emacs. It includes a graphical interface and a set of default configurations that make it easier to use.
Another difference between the editors is how they handle packages and plugins. Emacs allows users to install packages using the package manager, which can be accessed through the command line.
Spacemacs, on the other hand, includes a range of packages and plugins by default, and users can easily install and manage additional packages through the graphical interface.
Pros and Cons of Emacs
One of the main advantages of Emacs is its extensibility. Emacs allows users to write their Lisp code to add or customize new features. This means that users can tailor emacs to their specific needs and workflow.
Another advantage of Emacs is its wide range of features. It includes a built-in debugger, a package manager, and support for various programming languages. Emacs is also highly customizable, with a wide range of options available for changing the appearance and behavior of the editor.
However, Emacs do have some drawbacks. As mentioned earlier, it has a steep learning curve, which can be intimidating for new users. It also lacks more user-friendly features in other text editors, such as a graphical interface or easy access to commonly used tools.
Pros and Cons of Spacemacs
One of the main advantages of Spacemacs is its user-friendliness. It includes a graphical interface and a set of default configurations that make it easier to use, especially for those new to emacs. Spacemacs also includes a wide range of packages and plugins by default, making it easy for users to access various tools and features.
Another advantage of Spacemacs is their highly customizable nature. While it includes a set of default configurations, users can still customize Spacemacs to their liking through the graphical interface or by writing their Lisp code.
However, there are a few drawbacks to Spacemacs. One is that it can be slower to start up than emacs due to the additional packages and plugins it includes. Additionally, some users may prefer the more minimal approach of Emacs, as Spacemacs can feel cluttered with the additional features it includes.
Finally, Spacemacs may not be as extensible as emacs, as it is built on top of the core emacs editor and may not offer as much flexibility for customizing and adding new features.
Getting Started With Emacs
If you’re interested in giving Emacs a try, here’s how to get started:
- Download and install Emacs from the official website.
- Once Emacs is installed, please open it and familiarize yourself with the interface. The main window is divided into two main sections: the buffer, where you can edit and save your files, and the mode line, which displays information about the current buffer.
- To open a new file, go to the File menu and select “Open File.” You can also create a new file by going to the File menu and selecting “Visit New File.“
- To save a file, go to the File menu and select “Save.” You can also use the keyboard shortcut “Ctrl+x Ctrl+s” to save a file.
- To exit Emacs, go to the File menu and select “Exit Emacs.” You can also use the keyboard shortcut “Ctrl+x Ctrl+c” to exit the editor.
Getting Started With Spacemacs
If you’re interested in giving Spacemacs a try, here’s how to get started:
- Download and install Spacemacs from the official website.
- Once Spacemacs is installed, please open it and familiarize yourself with the interface. The main window is divided into three main sections: the buffer, where you can edit and save your files; the mode line, which displays information about the current buffer; and the sidebar, which provides access to Spacemacs’ features and tools.
- To open a new file, press “<spacebar> f f“.
- To save a file, use the keyboard shortcut “Ctrl+x Ctrl+s” to save a file.
- To exit Spacemacs, use the keyboard shortcut “Ctrl+x Ctrl+c” to exit the editor.
Related: Emacs vs Vim: What’s the Difference?
Conclusion
Emacs and Spacemacs are powerful text editors that offer a wide range of features and customization options. Emacs is a highly extensible and customizable editor popular among programmers and tech-savvy users. Still, it has a steep learning curve and lacks some more user-friendly features in other editors.
Spacemacs, on the other hand, is a community-driven variant of Emacs that is designed to be more user-friendly and includes a graphical interface and a set of default configurations. However, it may not be as extensible as emacs and can feel cluttered with the additional features it includes.
Ultimately, the choice between Emacs and Spacemacs will depend on your personal preferences and needs.
