Emacs vs Vim
Developers should learn Emacs when they need a highly customizable, keyboard-centric editing environment that can be tailored to specific workflows, such as software development, technical writing, or system administration 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.
Emacs
Developers should learn Emacs when they need a highly customizable, keyboard-centric editing environment that can be tailored to specific workflows, such as software development, technical writing, or system administration
Emacs
Nice PickDevelopers should learn Emacs when they need a highly customizable, keyboard-centric editing environment that can be tailored to specific workflows, such as software development, technical writing, or system administration
Pros
- +It is particularly valuable for tasks requiring extensive text manipulation, automation, or integration with tools like Git, shells, and debuggers, making it ideal for power users who prefer efficiency over simplicity
- +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 valuable for tasks requiring extensive text manipulation, automation, or integration with tools like git, shells, and debuggers, making it ideal for power users who prefer efficiency over simplicity 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.
Developers should learn Emacs when they need a highly customizable, keyboard-centric editing environment that can be tailored to specific workflows, such as software development, technical writing, or system administration
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