Emacs vs Visual Studio Code: What are the differences?

Key Differences between Emacs and Visual Studio Code

1. Platform Compatibility: Emacs is primarily designed for Unix-like systems, including Linux and Mac OS, although there are versions available for Windows as well. Visual Studio Code, on the other hand, is built to work on multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. This difference in platform compatibility allows Visual Studio Code to be used on a wider range of operating systems.

2. User Interface: Emacs has a command-line interface with a text-based user interface, allowing users to interact with the software through text commands. Visual Studio Code, on the other hand, provides a modern and visually appealing user interface with a graphical user interface. This graphical interface makes it easier to navigate and use the various features and functionalities of the editor.

3. Extensions and Plugins: Visual Studio Code has a vast and active ecosystem of extensions and plugins developed by the community, which can enhance its functionality and provide additional features. These extensions can be easily installed and managed through the Visual Studio Code marketplace. Emacs, on the other hand, has its own package manager called "ELPA" (Emacs Lisp Package Archive) that allows users to install and manage packages, but its ecosystem of extensions might not be as extensive as Visual Studio Code.

4. Default Features and Built-in Tools: Emacs comes with a wide range of pre-installed features and built-in tools, including a powerful text editor, a file manager, a version control system, and a debugger. These default features make Emacs a versatile and comprehensive development environment. While Visual Studio Code also provides a set of built-in tools and features, it offers a more modular approach where users can install specific extensions or plugins to tailor the editor according to their needs.

5. Customization Options: Emacs is renowned for its flexibility and extensibility. Users can easily customize almost every aspect of the editor's behavior, from keybindings to the appearance and functionality of various modes. Visual Studio Code also allows customization through user settings and extension configurations, but its level of customization might not be as deep and comprehensive as Emacs.

6. Integration with Other Tools and Services: Visual Studio Code has excellent integration with various tools and services commonly used in the modern software development workflow. It allows seamless integration with version control systems like Git, build tools like npm and Maven, and cloud platforms like Azure and AWS. While Emacs also supports integration with third-party tools and services, the level of integration and ease of use might vary compared to Visual Studio Code.

In summary, Emacs is a powerful and highly customizable editor primarily designed for Unix-like systems, with a command-line interface and extensive default features. Visual Studio Code, on the other hand, is a cross-platform editor with a graphical interface, a rich ecosystem of extensions and plugins, and strong integration with modern development tools and services.