As a software developer, you’re probably familiar with two of the most popular code editors: Emacs and Visual Studio Code (VSCode). Both have dedicated fan bases and are highly regarded in the programming community.
In this article, we’ll compare these two code editors in detail and discuss their pros and cons.
I aim to comprehensively compare Emacs and VSCode, covering various topics such as interface, customization, performance, plugins, and more. I’ll write this article in the first person and use language similar to how humans communicate when providing detailed instructions.
Without further ado, let’s dive into the comparison.
Interface
Emacs
Emacs is a classic text editor that has been around for decades. Its interface is rather minimalistic and consists of a single window that can be divided into multiple “frames” or “buffers.” These frames or buffers can view and edit different files or perform different tasks.
Emacs uses a system of “key bindings” to execute commands. You can perform actions by pressing certain key combinations rather than clicking buttons or menus with a mouse. While this can be intimidating for new users, it becomes second nature after a while and allows you to navigate and perform tasks quickly and efficiently.
VSCode
VSCode, on the other hand, has a more modern and polished interface. It consists of the main window with a menu bar and a sidebar on the left. The sidebar provides access to various features such as the file explorer, search, debugging, and more. The main window is divided into “panes” that can be used to view and edit different files or perform different tasks.
VSCode also has a “key bindings” system and provides buttons and menus for performing actions. This makes it easier for new users but may not be as efficient as using key bindings exclusively.
Customization
Emacs
Emacs is highly customizable. You can change almost every aspect of the editor, from the layout and color scheme to the key bindings and functionality. This is done using a configuration file called “init.el”, written in the Lisp programming language.
While this level of customization can be overwhelming for new users, it allows experienced users to tailor Emacs to their specific workflow and preferences. There are also a wide variety of customization options available online, allowing you to find and use configurations created by others.
VSCode
VSCode is also highly customizable, but it’s easier for new users to get started. You can change the appearance and functionality of the editor using the “Settings” menu or by creating a “settings.json” file.
VSCode also has a marketplace called the “Extension Marketplace,” which allows you to browse and install extensions created by others. These extensions can add or modify new features, providing a wide range of customization options.
Performance
Emacs
Emacs is generally known for being a lightweight and fast code editor. It doesn’t require a lot of resources and can run smoothly on even modest hardware.
However, it’s worth noting that the level of customization available in Emacs can lead to some performance issues if you have a lot of plugins and customizations installed.
VSCode
VSCode is generally known for being a more resource-intensive code editor. It requires more memory and processing power than Emacs, especially when running multiple extensions or working with large files. However, it’s worth noting that VSCode has significantly improved in this area in recent years and can still perform well on modern hardware.
Plugins and Features
Emacs
Emacs has a wide variety of plugins and features thanks to its extensive customization options. Some popular plugins include:
- Magit: A plugin for interacting with Git repositories.
- Org-mode: A plugin for organizing notes, tasks, and more using a simple markup language.
- Helm: A plugin for quickly finding and navigating files, buffers, and more.
These are just a few examples, but countless other plugins are available for Emacs, covering a wide range of functionality.
VSCode
VSCode also has various plugins and features, thanks to its extension marketplace. Some popular extensions include:
- GitLens: An extension for visualizing and interacting with Git repositories.
- Todo Tree: An extension for organizing and prioritizing tasks using to-do comments.
- Live Share: An extension for collaborating with others in real time.
Again, these are just a few examples, but the extension marketplace has a vast selection of extensions covering a wide range of functionality.
Ecosystem
Emacs
Emacs has a large and active community with a wealth of resources and support available online. There are forums, mailing lists, and online communities where you can ask questions, get help, and share your configurations and plugins.
VSCode
VSCode also has a large and active community, with a wealth of resources and support available online. In addition to forums and online communities, VSCode has an official documentation site that provides detailed information on features and usage.
Supported Languages and Platforms
Emacs
Emacs supports many programming languages and has versions available for multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, and more. It has built-in support for syntax highlighting and formatting for many languages, and additional support can be added through plugins.
VSCode
VSCode supports various programming languages and has versions available for multiple platforms. It has built-in support for syntax highlighting and formatting for many languages, and additional support can be added through extensions.
Pricing
Emacs
Emacs is free and open-source software, which means you can use it without any cost and contribute to its development if you wish.
VSCode
VSCode is also free and open-source software, except for certain features only available in the paid “Visual Studio” version. These features primarily aim at enterprise users and include advanced debugging and testing tools, integration with Azure services, and more.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both Emacs and VSCode are highly regarded code editors with strengths and weaknesses. Emacs is known for its high customization and efficiency, but it can be intimidating for new users. VSCode has a more modern and user-friendly interface but tends to be more resource-intensive.
In the end, it all boils down to personal preference and your current workflow when deciding between Emacs or VSCode. If you prefer a more customizable and efficient code editor, Emacs may be the better choice for you. If you prefer a more modern and user-friendly interface, VSCode may be a better fit.
I hope this comparison has been helpful and has given you a better understanding of the differences between these two code editors.
