Emacs vs Spacemacs: What are the differences?

Key differences between Emacs and Spacemacs

Emacs and Spacemacs are both popular text editors used by developers, but they have some key differences that set them apart. Here are six specific differences:

1. Configuration: Emacs requires manual configuration using a Lisp dialect, while Spacemacs provides a pre-configured set of features and packages that are easily customizable using layers.

2. User Interface: Emacs has a basic user interface with a steep learning curve, whereas Spacemacs offers a more modern and streamlined user interface out of the box, making it more beginner-friendly.

3. Keybindings: Emacs has its own set of complex keybindings that can be challenging to memorize, while Spacemacs simplifies this by providing Evil Mode, which enables the use of Vim keybindings, making it easier for Vim users to transition.

4. Package Management: Emacs has its own package manager, but Spacemacs enhances this by using the package manager system called "package.el." Spacemacs also provides an additional layer of abstraction for managing and installing packages.

5. Community Support: Emacs has a well-established and active community that has been around for many years, offering extensive documentation and support. Spacemacs, being a relatively newer project, has a smaller but growing community that provides support specific to Spacemacs.

6. Ease of Setup: Emacs requires a manual setup process, which can be overwhelming for beginners, while Spacemacs provides an out-of-the-box experience, making it easier to get started without spending a lot of time on initial configuration.

In summary, the key differences between Emacs and Spacemacs lie in the configuration process, user interface, keybindings, package management, community support, and ease of setup.