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Atom vs CotEditor: What are the differences?
Introduction
Here, we will be discussing the key differences between Atom and CotEditor. Both Atom and CotEditor are text editors used for coding and programming, but they have some distinct features that set them apart.
Customizability: Atom offers extensive customization options through its package manager and an abundance of themes and plugins. Users can personalize their editor to suit their coding needs and preferences. On the other hand, CotEditor has a more limited range of customization options, with a smaller collection of available themes and plugins.
Performance: Atom is known for its versatility and vast array of features, which can sometimes affect its performance. It may feel slower while handling large files or projects. In comparison, CotEditor is designed to be lightweight and efficient, providing faster performance even with substantial code files.
Platform Compatibility: One significant difference between Atom and CotEditor is their platform compatibility. Atom is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems, making it accessible to a wide range of users. In contrast, CotEditor is exclusively designed for macOS, making it a preferred choice for those working solely on Apple devices.
Development Community: Atom has a strong and active development community, constantly contributing to the improvement and expansion of the editor. This substantial community support ensures regular updates, bug fixes, and the availability of new features. CotEditor, although it has its user base, doesn't have the same vibrant development community as Atom.
Integration with Git: Atom, being developed by GitHub, offers seamless integration with the Git version control system. It comes with built-in Git support, which simplifies the process of committing, pushing, and pulling code changes. CotEditor, on the other hand, does not have native Git integration, requiring users to use external tools for Git-related operations.
Price: Atom is an open-source text editor that can be used completely free of charge. It is licensed under the MIT License. On the other hand, CotEditor is also free to use but is not open-source. However, CotEditor does accept donations to support its development.
In summary, Atom provides extensive customization options, has a wider platform compatibility, and a more vibrant development community. CotEditor, on the other hand, is lightweight and offers faster performance, making it suitable for macOS users.
Since communication with Github is not necessary, the Atom is less convenient in working with text and code. Sublim's support and understanding of projects is best for us. Notepad for us is a completely outdated solution with an unacceptable interface. We use a good theme for Sublim ayu-dark
I use Visual Studio Code every day, it was very refreshing coming from Atom to get a lightweight, all i need setup right out of the box.
After working with Atom for around 2 years I switch to VSCode.
Here is why:
- Color display of variables in code. This may now sound much, but it improve the display of scss variables and its a core feature.
- Out of the box features.
- Automation! VSCode suggests usefull things to you.
- Integraded console. I love the console in VSCode. It is faster than my 'default' cmd on Windows. For Atom you would have to install a package, that doesn't work so well on Windows.
- Output logging per Plugin.
- Setup time. In VSCode I can set up my workspace in under 5 minutes. For Atom I need
- Plugins work perfect out of the box. This is a mayor one for me. For example: In order to set up Editorconfig you have to adjust mutliple values and plugins to get it work. Plugin creators of Editorconfig for Atom are not to blame: They include a linter, that verifies whether the settings are correct or not.
- Git implementation. VSCode ships with Git and even if the git packet of vscode doesn't look like much, theres a lot to it. For example you can watch changes inline.
- Minimap and vertical scrollbar. This feature is much better implementet in VSCode and you don't need an extra plugin.
- Auto completion. Sass mixins example:
@includeand you press CTRL+SPACE and VSCode shows you every Sass mixin. - Copy paths from open file tab. In VSCode you can copy the path of an file directly when you have it open. In atom you need to select 'show in tree view' and than copy the path or relative path.
- Tree view. The tree view VSCode automaticly brings you to the current open file by default. This helps when working with components.
- File search. The file search supports the asterisk so you can search for eg
molecule-*.ts. - Tasks support. Tasks are integrated in VSCode so eg. for Typescript you can
CTRL + SHIFT + Band selecttsc: watch - tsconfig.ts. - Short waiting time. For example when deleting files or beautifying 20.000 lines of json (Atom hangs up).
- More releases. Faster feature implementation. Active community.