Kakoune vs Neovim: What are the differences?

Introduction:

Kakoune and Neovim are both powerful text editors with unique features and functionalities. While they share similarities, they also have significant differences that set them apart. In this Markdown code formatted document, we will highlight six key differences between Kakoune and Neovim.

1. Modal editing vs. Normal mode: One of the primary differences between Kakoune and Neovim lies in their approach to editing modes. Kakoune follows a modal editing philosophy, where users switch between insert, normal, and visual modes to perform different actions. Neovim, on the other hand, primarily focuses on the use of normal mode with some support for other modes. This fundamental difference in editing modes ultimately shapes the overall editing experience in each editor.

2. Multiple selections vs. Vim-style selections: Kakoune boasts a feature called "multiple selections," allowing users to make simultaneous edits in multiple places within a document. This can be convenient for tasks like refactoring or making similar changes. Neovim, inspired by Vim, employs a different approach with its Vim-style selections. Although they may not provide the same level of flexibility as Kakoune's multiple selections, they are still versatile and can be powerful for more targeted editing tasks.

3. Extensibility and scripting languages: Another important difference lies in the extensibility options and scripting languages supported by each editor. Kakoune offers an expressive scripting language called KakouneScript, which allows users to customize and extend the editor's functionality to a great extent. In contrast, Neovim provides support for a wide range of scripting languages, including Lua, VimL, Python, Ruby, and more. This flexibility in choosing scripting languages can be advantageous for users with specific preferences or requirements.

4. Tab-based vs. Buffer-based editing: Kakoune primarily operates on a tab-based editing model, where each tab can contain multiple buffers. This approach allows users to manage multiple files within a single editor window efficiently. Neovim, on the other hand, focuses on a buffer-based editing model, with each buffer representing a loaded file. While tabs can still be used in Neovim, the emphasis is more on manipulating buffers, which may appeal to users who prefer a file-centric editing workflow.

5. Community and ecosystem: Kakoune and Neovim also differ in terms of their respective communities and ecosystems. Neovim, being a fork of Vim, benefits from a large and established community with extensive plugin support. This means that Neovim users have access to a wide range of plugins, themes, and configurations readily available. Kakoune, being a relatively newer project, has a smaller but growing community. While it may not have the same level of plugin support as Neovim, it can still be customized and extended to suit individual needs.

6. Built-in terminal emulator: Neovim incorporates a built-in terminal emulator, allowing users to seamlessly interact with shells and command-line programs without leaving the editor. This can be particularly useful for tasks that require a combination of text editing and running commands. Kakoune, on the other hand, does not have a built-in terminal emulator. However, external terminal emulators like tmux can be used in conjunction with Kakoune to achieve similar functionality.

In summary, the key differences between Kakoune and Neovim lie in their approach to editing modes, multiple selections vs. Vim-style selections, extensibility options and scripting languages, tab-based vs. buffer-based editing, community and ecosystem, and the presence of a built-in terminal emulator in Neovim. These differences encompass fundamental aspects of the editors and are essential considerations for users when choosing which editor aligns best with their workflow and requirements.