Ace vs Monaco Editor: What are the differences?

Ace and Monaco Editor are both popular code editors that can be used in web development. They have some similarities but also key differences that set them apart.

1. Language Support: Ace Editor has support for a wide range of languages including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and many more. On the other hand, Monaco Editor, which is the code editor used in Visual Studio Code, provides support for a larger number of languages, including popular ones like Python, C++, and Java. This makes Monaco Editor a more versatile option when it comes to language support.

2. Customizability: Ace Editor provides a high level of customizability, allowing users to modify and extend the editor's behavior and appearance. It offers various themes, syntax highlighting options, and the ability to create custom keyboard shortcuts. In contrast, Monaco Editor provides less customization options compared to Ace Editor. While it is still possible to modify some aspects of the editor's behavior, the level of control offered by Monaco Editor is not as extensive as Ace Editor.

3. Performance: In terms of performance, Monaco Editor has an advantage over Ace Editor. Monaco Editor is highly optimized and can handle large files and complex codebases more efficiently. It loads quickly and provides a smooth editing experience even with a large amount of code. Ace Editor, although still performant, may struggle with larger files and can have slower load times compared to Monaco Editor.

4. Integrations: Ace Editor has been around for longer and has been integrated into many popular web-based applications, such as GitHub and Cloud9 IDE. This widespread integration makes it easier to find resources, plugins, and tutorials for Ace Editor. Monaco Editor, being the code editor used in Visual Studio Code, benefits from the extensive ecosystem of plugins and extensions available for Visual Studio Code. This integration with Visual Studio Code allows for a more seamless transition between the two editors.

5. Size: When it comes to the file size, Ace Editor has a smaller footprint compared to Monaco Editor. This makes Ace Editor a suitable choice for applications or websites that require a lightweight code editor. Monaco Editor, on the other hand, has a larger file size due to its additional features and language support.

6. Accessibility: While both Ace Editor and Monaco Editor provide accessibility features, Monaco Editor has made more progress in terms of accessibility compliance. Monaco Editor is developed with accessibility in mind and provides better support for screen readers and keyboard navigation. Ace Editor, although it has accessibility features, may require additional customization to meet specific accessibility requirements.

In summary, Ace Editor and Monaco Editor have differences in language support, customizability, performance, integrations, size, and accessibility. Monaco Editor offers a wider range of language support and better performance, while Ace Editor provides more customization options and has been integrated into various popular web-based applications. Monaco Editor has a larger file size compared to Ace Editor, but it also offers better accessibility features.