Sublime Text vs TextMate: What are the differences?

Introduction

Sublime Text and TextMate are both popular text editors used by developers and programmers for writing code. While they share some similarities, there are key differences that set them apart. In this article, we will discuss these differences in detail.

1. Interface and Customization: Sublime Text provides a highly customizable interface with various themes and layout options. It allows users to tweak every aspect of the editor, from fonts and colors to keybindings and menu styles. On the other hand, TextMate offers a more streamlined and minimalist interface with fewer customization options. While it still provides themes and color schemes, the level of customization is not as extensive as Sublime Text.

2. Plugin and Package Ecosystem: Sublime Text has a vast plugin ecosystem with a wide range of community-developed packages and extensions. These plugins enhance various functionalities of the editor, such as code linting, version control integration, and auto-completion. TextMate also has a plugin system, but it has a smaller community and fewer available packages compared to Sublime Text. This makes Sublime Text a preferred choice for developers who rely heavily on third-party plugins for their workflow.

3. Cross-Platform Support: Sublime Text supports multiple operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. This cross-platform compatibility allows developers to seamlessly switch between different environments without losing their preferred editor settings or workflow. On the other hand, TextMate is primarily designed for macOS and doesn't have official support for Windows or Linux. This limitation may be a deciding factor for developers who work on multiple platforms.

4. Performance and Speed: Sublime Text is known for its exceptional performance and speed, even when dealing with large files or projects. It utilizes a unique indexing system and optimized rendering pipeline, resulting in fast and responsive editing experience. TextMate, although efficient, may not match the same level of performance as Sublime Text, especially when handling large files or complex projects. This makes Sublime Text a preferred choice for power users or those dealing with resource-intensive tasks.

5. Project Management: Sublime Text offers robust project management features, allowing users to organize and navigate through large codebases effortlessly. It provides a dedicated sidebar for quick access to project files and folders, along with powerful search and filtering options. While TextMate also offers project support, it may not have the same level of advanced features and convenience as Sublime Text.

6. Price and Licensing: Sublime Text follows a freemium model, where users can evaluate the editor for free but need to purchase a license for continued usage. The paid license grants access to additional features and removes the occasional pop-up reminders. TextMate, on the other hand, has a one-time purchase price, which entitles users to receive any update released within a year of purchase. After a year, users can continue using the current version without additional charges but won't receive updates without purchasing a new license.

In summary, Sublime Text offers a highly customizable interface with a robust plugin ecosystem, while TextMate provides a simpler interface with a smaller plugin community. Sublime Text has cross-platform support and superior performance, specifically when dealing with large files. It also excels in project management features. However, it follows a freemium model, requiring a paid license for continued usage. TextMate, while limited to macOS, offers a one-time purchase license with a year of updates included.