Why Many Programmers Favor vi or Emacs Over IDEs

Programmers frequently debate whether to use vi or Emacs or an IDE. These discussions often highlight the unique advantages that sudo vi or Emacs have over feature-rich Integrated Development Environments (IDEs).

Reason 1: Lightweight Nature

One of the primary reasons programmers prefer vi or Emacs over IDEs is their lightweight nature. IDEs, such as Visual Studio or IntelliJ, are incredibly powerful, but they can be sluggish, especially on older hardware or when working remotely. vi/vim starts up instantly, even on large files, making it perfect for quick edits without the overhead of an IDE. Emacs, while a bit heavier than vi, is still faster than full-blown IDEs for many workflows. This feature makes them ideal for remote servers or constrained environments where IDEs might be overkill.

Reason 2: Versatility and Customizability

Both vi and Emacs are renowned for their extreme customizability. Programmers can tailor these tools to fit their exact workflow in ways that most IDEs cannot match. With vi/vim, you can script it using vimscript or even embed other languages like Python to automate repetitive tasks. Emacs is even more versatile, acting almost like a mini-operating system where you can write custom functionality in Emacs Lisp. People have built email clients, games, and even web browsers inside Emacs!

Reason 3: Efficiency through Keyboard Shortcuts

Programmers who have watched a vi or Emacs pro in action will attest to the efficiency these tools offer. Both editors rely heavily on keyboard shortcuts, making them incredibly fast once you learn them. Furthermore, vi and Emacs are available virtually everywhere, from Unix-based systems like Linux and macOS (where vi is pre-installed) to Windows and other platforms where Emacs is easily installable.

Reason 4: Minimalism and Flexibility

Many programmers appreciate the minimalism of vi and Emacs. IDEs, while feature-rich, can feel bloated with functionality that you might never use, such as integrated GUI tools, project wizards, etc. With vi or Emacs, you start with a clean slate and add only the features you need, making them highly flexible for a wide range of tasks.

Reason 5: Versatility Beyond Coding

vi is particularly good for quick edits, scripting, and general-purpose text editing. Its simplicity and speed make it ideal for small tasks. Emacs, on the other hand, is more of a Swiss Army knife, with features extending beyond coding. You can use it for email, note-taking, and even as a terminal multiplexer using Org-mode.

Reason 6: Geek Cred and Learning Curve

Mastery of vi or Emacs can be a matter of pride. Learning these tools feels like unlocking a superpower because they are not the easiest to master. The investment in learning them pays off in increased speed and efficiency, and the skill is transferable across your entire career. The sense of accomplishment in becoming proficient in these editors can provide a significant sense of geek cred among your peers.

Conclusion: IDEs Still Rule in Certain Cases

While vi and Emacs are excellent for certain use cases, it's important to recognize that IDEs still excel in areas where they are designed to handle specific tasks, such as project management, debugging, and dependency management. IDEs offer richer features like autocomplete, refactoring tools, and extensive debugging tools. Plugins like YouCompleteMe or LSP (Language Server Protocol) help vi and Emacs to compete in these areas, but for certain use cases, IDEs remain the go-to choice.

Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference. Some programmers prefer the speed and efficiency of vi or Emacs, while others prefer the advanced features and integrated tools of IDEs. Use the tool that makes you most productive!