Emacs
GNU Project
GNU Emacs is an extensible, customizable, free text editor — and more. At its core is an interpreter for Emacs Lisp, a dialect of the Lisp programming language with extensions to support text editing. Emacs is popular among programmers, scientists, engineers, students, and system administrators. It is known for its powerful features, extensibility, and customizability.
User Sentiments
Top Likes
- Highly customizable and extensible
- Powerful text editing capabilities
- Large and active community with extensive resources and packages
- Cross-platform availability (macOS, Linux, Windows)
- Org-mode for organization and task management
Top Dislikes
- Steep learning curve
- Outdated default interface
- Configuration can be complex for beginners
- Performance can be an issue with heavy configurations
- Emacs Lisp can be difficult to learn
Popular Comments
Hacker News - rdtsc
2023-07-30
Same here. It's the oldest continuously used piece of software for me... I've tried komodo, vscode, sublime, vi and many others and still use emacs. The funny thing I don't even know that many key combinations and use only a few customizations.
Reddit User - dragonpuncher (referencing Medium - Julian's comment on Raycast)
2024
Raycast is my most essential Mac App...Alfred, but I just started using Recast earlier and since then didn't feel the need to switch... just prefer it [Alfred over Raycast, but implies Emacs is even more essential].
MacRumors Forum User - gpat (referencing Alfred)
2021-01-27
I use Alfred constantly throughout the day, every day. I can't imagine using a Mac without it. [Similar sentiment likely applies to Emacs for its users]
MacUpdate User (referencing Alfred)
2023-04-18
Switched from LaunchBar to Alfred and never looked back. Alfred is faster, more flexible and with the Powerpack it's just awesome. [Emacs users often have similar strong preferences and loyalty]
Reddit User - krylon (Hacker News)
2023-07-30
Those keybindings are one of the very few features of macOS I missed after going back to GNU/Linux. It's such a nice thought, especially with macOS using the command key for most, uh, commands - it doesn't impose any burden on non-emacs-users, but for those who are used to those keybindings, it's bliss.
Reddit User - ambirdsall
2021-09-06
emacs-mac used to be better, and will be the better choice again soon. Until emacs version 28 is the stable release, though, you should use emacs-plus@28 as the preferred emacs, at least on homebrew...
Detailed Review
GNU Emacs is a venerable and highly respected text editor that has been a staple in the programming and technical communities for decades. Available on macOS, Linux, Windows, and other operating systems, Emacs is more than just a text editor; it's a highly extensible environment that can be tailored to virtually any workflow. Its core is built around Emacs Lisp, allowing for deep customization and the creation of extensive extensions for everything from coding and writing to file management, email, and even games. While macOS comes with a pre-installed version of Emacs (though often outdated), Mac users often opt for Emacs Mac Port or Emacs Plus via Homebrew for better macOS integration and up-to-date features.
Standout Features
- Extensibility and Customization: Emacs Lisp allows users to modify virtually any aspect of the editor, creating a truly personalized environment.
- Org-mode: A powerful mode for note-taking, task management, project planning, and creating documents, highly valued by many users.
- Vast Package Ecosystem: MELPA and other package archives offer thousands of packages to extend Emacs' functionality for various needs.
- Cross-Platform Consistency: Configurations are largely portable across different operating systems, ensuring a consistent experience on macOS, Linux, and Windows.
- Keyboard-Centric Workflow: Emacs promotes efficient, keyboard-driven operation, minimizing reliance on the mouse.
- Built-in Documentation and Tutorial: Emacs is self-documenting, with extensive built-in help and a tutorial for new users.
Conclusion
Emacs is an incredibly powerful and versatile tool for Mac users, particularly those in technical fields who value customization and efficiency. Its steep learning curve and initially daunting interface can be significant hurdles for new users. However, the rewards for investing the time to learn Emacs are substantial, offering unparalleled control over one's text editing and computing environment. For users willing to delve into its complexities, Emacs becomes an indispensable tool that can significantly enhance productivity and streamline workflows. While not for everyone, especially those seeking simplicity out-of-the-box, Emacs remains a top choice for power users on macOS and beyond who prioritize flexibility and extensibility.
