Vim vs Emacs: Similarities and Differences (Full Comparison)

vim vs emacs: similarities and differences (full comparison)

Vim and Emacs are two of the top options when searching for terminal-based text file editing. Which is better? There are many arguments on this topic, and it’s a long debate, so we won't get into it here. However, there are some significant differences between Emacs and Vim that we will highlight today.

In this article, we will explore what is Emacs and what is Vim. In addition, we will get into a detailed comparison between the two most popular text editors: Emacs and Vim.

What is Emacs?

Emacs is a feature-rich text editor. It is a highly adaptable, extensible, customizable, and self-documenting real-time display source code editor. These features allow users to modify and expand it based on their preferences.

Emacs editors use a collection of modifier keys and over 1,000 editing commands to create macros and text editing. But, it doesn't depend on the same modal structure as Vim. You can run Emacs on several operating systems regardless of architecture or machine type. Emacs is available for installation on GNU/Linux, GNU, NetBSD, OpenBSD, MacOS, FreeBSD, Windows, and Solaris.

The core capability is an interpreter for Emacs Lisp, an enhanced version of the Lisp programming language. This language is integrated within Emacs, and through extensions, it transforms the editor into a versatile platform that offers a wide range of features beyond just text editing.

The Emacs editor provides different libraries and extensions to perform advanced features, such as users can display WebP images in Emacs using the ‘libwebp’ library. Similarly, access SQLite databases via the ‘sqlite3’ library.

Emacs Features

The features of Emacs include:

A complete built-in documentation and tutorial series for new users.
Full Unicode support for all human or natural language scripts.
Enhanced support for drag-and-drop functionality.
The option to edit large files with extended lines efficiently and provides touchpad support.
Offers several content-aware editing modes and syntax coloring for various file types.
Highly customizable, using a graphical interface or Emacs Lisp code.
A wide range of features, including a debugger interface, project planner, IRC client, mail and news reader, calendar, and more.

What is Vim?

Vim stands for ‘Vi Improved’. It was introduced in 1991 as an enhanced release of Vi. The Vi is an earlier screen-oriented text editor created for the Unix operating system. The design of Vim aims to provide the advanced level of versatility and speed as Vi.

Vim comes packaged as "vi" in UNIX systems and Apple OS X. Given Vim's widespread availability, investing time in learning its fundamentals for text file editing is worthwhile.

Vim enthusiasts navigate through text using the keyboard, shifting between distinct modes: normal mode for moving around, command mode for executing various commands such as find, redo, replace text, etc., insert mode for typing, and visual mode for highlighting or selecting text.

Although Vim's modal approach may seem complex at first, it evolves into a potent skill once mastered. Vim stands out as an extensively customizable text editor tool designed to streamline the process of generating and modifying various types of text. Vim editor maintains exceptional stability and undergoes ongoing enhancements to elevate its performance.

Vim Features

The main features of Vim include:

A robust, multi-tiered undo system that persists over sessions.
A comprehensive plugin framework.
Compatibility with an extensive array of programming languages and file formats.
Powerful search and replace capabilities.
Seamless integration with numerous external tools.

Emacs vs Vim: Similarities Between Vim and Emacs

Vim and Emacs are both popular and powerful text editors that have been used for decades. Here, we have listed some similarities between the two.

Command-line and GUI Support

While they have graphical interfaces, both editors originated as command-line-based applications. This text-based approach aligns well with the Unix philosophy and contributes to their efficiency.

Community and Built-in Documentation

Both Vim and Emacs have active communities and extensive documentation. This means that if you're stuck or want to explore advanced features, you can find plenty of resources, tutorials, and forums online.

Cross-Platform Support

Both editors are cross-platform and work on various operating systems, including Unix, Linux, and Windows.

Multiple Languages Support

Both editors, Vim and Emacs, support different languages. For example, these editors are available in English, Polish, Russian, French, Chinese, Italian, and many others.

Emacs vs Vim: Differences Between Emacs and Vim

Despite the above similarities, Emacs and Vim have some differences in terms of user experience, design, learning ease, productivity, extensibility, and customization. Let’s go over the key differences between Emacs vs Vim.

User Interface (Modes vs. Modifier Keys)

Vim uses distinct editing modes. The most common modes are the command mode and insert mode. The primary goal of Vim is to reduce the extensive number of keystrokes that a user has to press. This design concept is inherited from vi, the predecessor that Vim builds upon, and was developed for usage on slower terminals.

Emacs uses different modifier keys or commands to enable shortcuts. For this purpose, users often need to press several keys simultaneously to perform a single function. Emacs users often criticize this design aspect.

Learning Curve (Ease of Learning)

Vim has a steep learning curve as compared to Emacs. Vim is difficult to learn, especially for beginners, due to various editing modes and unique commands. However, users who invest some time and effort in learning Vim often find it highly advantageous for them in terms of speed and productivity.

Emacs also has a learning curve, but it's easy to learn for beginners due to its consistent keybindings and natural interface. In addition, it also provides comprehensive documentation for beginners.

Customization and Extensibility

Emacs supports extensive customization of the editor environment. Emacs users can choose different macros to automate work. This reduces the effort and time required for integration and process workflow.

Vim offers less customization as compared to Emacs editor. However, you can extend Vim’s environment through its configuration file. You need to define keybindings, install plugins, and change settings to create a customized editing environment.

Usage of RAM

Vim is a lightweight text editor. So, in terms of RAM usage, users often choose Vim over Emacs because Vim uses less memory and resources than Emacs.

But, using gnuclient, a single persistent Emacs process can run simultaneously on several clients, speeding up startup time and reducing the RAM usage. In this way, Emacs users can close the gap between Emacs and Vim.

Editing Speed and Overall Productivity

In terms of productivity and editing speed, users also choose Vim over Emacs. Vim has a modal interface, which allows users to manipulate text efficiently with fewer keystrokes. This feature improves the user's productivity because of Vim's emphasis on keyboard-centric workflows and contributes to its reputation as a fast and streamlined text editor.

On the other hand, Emacs users need to type several shortcuts to perform a function.

Which One is Better: Emacs or Vim?

Many developers prefer Vim due to its fast speed, minimum resource usage, and programming environment. You can use Vim on BlueVPS, which will enhance performance because of its lower RAM usage capability. On the other hand, Emacs is a favorite editor due to its extended customization feature.

When we compare Vim vs Emacs, both have some pros and cons. So, the choice between Emacs or Vim often comes down to personal preference and the specific workflows of individual users.