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Emacs vs Vim

Developers should learn Emacs when they need a highly customizable and programmable editor for tasks such as software development, system administration, or writing documentation, especially in environments where efficiency and automation are priorities meets developers should learn vim for its speed and efficiency in editing code without relying on a mouse, making it ideal for remote server work, terminal-based workflows, and repetitive editing tasks. Here's our take.

🧊Nice Pick

Emacs

Developers should learn Emacs when they need a highly customizable and programmable editor for tasks such as software development, system administration, or writing documentation, especially in environments where efficiency and automation are priorities

Emacs

Nice Pick

Developers should learn Emacs when they need a highly customizable and programmable editor for tasks such as software development, system administration, or writing documentation, especially in environments where efficiency and automation are priorities

Pros

  • +It is particularly useful for working with multiple programming languages, managing large codebases, or integrating with tools like version control systems and debuggers, as its extensibility allows for seamless workflow integration and productivity enhancements
  • +Related to: emacs-lisp, vim

Cons

  • -Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

Vim

Developers should learn Vim for its speed and efficiency in editing code without relying on a mouse, making it ideal for remote server work, terminal-based workflows, and repetitive editing tasks

Pros

  • +It is especially valuable in environments where GUI editors are unavailable or for users who prioritize keyboard shortcuts and customization to boost productivity
  • +Related to: vimscript, neovim

Cons

  • -Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

The Verdict

Use Emacs if: You want it is particularly useful for working with multiple programming languages, managing large codebases, or integrating with tools like version control systems and debuggers, as its extensibility allows for seamless workflow integration and productivity enhancements and can live with specific tradeoffs depend on your use case.

Use Vim if: You prioritize it is especially valuable in environments where gui editors are unavailable or for users who prioritize keyboard shortcuts and customization to boost productivity over what Emacs offers.

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The Bottom Line
Emacs wins

Developers should learn Emacs when they need a highly customizable and programmable editor for tasks such as software development, system administration, or writing documentation, especially in environments where efficiency and automation are priorities

Disagree with our pick? nice@nicepick.dev