BBEdit vs TextMate: What are the differences?

Introduction

BBEdit and TextMate are both popular text editors used by developers and programmers to write and edit code. While they share some similarities, there are key differences that set them apart. In this article, we will explore these differences in detail.

1. Price: One of the main differences between BBEdit and TextMate is the price. BBEdit is a commercial software and requires a license that needs to be purchased. On the other hand, TextMate offers a free trial version but also provides the option to purchase a license for additional features and support.

2. Interface: The interface of BBEdit and TextMate also differs. BBEdit has a more traditional, classic interface with a toolbar, menu bar, and separate sidebar for file browsing. TextMate has a cleaner and minimalistic interface, with a sidebar and text editor taking up the majority of the screen space. It offers a more focused writing experience.

3. Customizability: BBEdit is known for its extensive customization options. It provides a wide range of customization features, allowing users to tweak the editor to their liking. TextMate, on the other hand, has a more limited set of customization options compared to BBEdit. While users can customize certain aspects of the editor, the options are not as extensive as in BBEdit.

4. Language Support: Both BBEdit and TextMate support a wide range of programming languages. However, BBEdit has a larger number of built-in language color schemes and syntax highlighting options compared to TextMate. BBEdit also provides more comprehensive language-specific settings and features, making it a better choice for developers working with multiple programming languages.

5. Workflow Tools: BBEdit offers a wide range of built-in workflow tools and automation options to enhance productivity. It includes features like text manipulation, search and replace, multi-file search, and powerful grep pattern matching. TextMate also provides similar features but with a more streamlined approach. It focuses on simplicity and ease of use, offering a lightweight set of workflow tools compared to BBEdit.

6. Community and Support: Both BBEdit and TextMate have a strong community of users, with active forums and discussion groups. However, BBEdit has been around for a longer time and has a larger user base, resulting in a more extensive support ecosystem. BBEdit also offers dedicated technical support and regular software updates, ensuring a reliable and well-supported experience for its users.

In summary, BBEdit and TextMate differ in terms of pricing, interface, customizability, language support, workflow tools, and community support. While BBEdit offers a more feature-rich and customizable experience, TextMate focuses on simplicity and a minimalistic interface. The choice between the two depends on the specific needs and preferences of the user.