Is GNU Emacs Still Used by Software Developers?

GNU Emacs remains a prominent choice among software developers even today, as of my last update in August 2023. It is valued for its extensive features, extensibility, and support for various programming languages, making it a popular editor among those who prioritize customization and productivity.

Popularity of GNU Emacs

Emacs continues to be widely used, particularly among developers who appreciate its unique features and workflow. Its robust extensibility allows users to extend its functionality, making it highly adaptable to their specific needs. This customizability is one of the key factors that keep professionals returning to Emacs despite the rise of other popular IDEs and text editors like Visual Studio Code, JetBrains products, and Sublime Text.

Personal Experiences with GNU Emacs

Many software developers use GNU Emacs daily for a variety of tasks. One developer, for instance, uses Emacs for programming, documentation, and even time tracking. The flexibility of Emacs means that users can perform a wide range of operations, such as calculations, within the editor itself. Although Emacs does not have a built-in calculator, developers regularly use it for tasks that require a high degree of customization, such as pasting and formatting text.

For those who need to copy and paste text from a browser into an email, Emacs offers a solution through its custom buffer management and ability to eliminate unwanted formatting. This feature is particularly useful for those working with Microsoft Outlook, where formatting inconsistencies can be a significant source of frustration.

Emacs in the Development Community

The development community is still actively engaged with Emacs, with many users turning to sub-reddits dedicated to Emacs for support and updates. The editor's active user base ensures that it remains a viable option for developers seeking a powerful and flexible coding environment.

Emacs is not just a tool for general coding; it is also used for more specialized tasks. For example, many developers appreciate Emacs's advanced syntax highlighting and auto-indent features for languages such as Rust. The editor also integrates seamlessly with tools like rustfmt, enhancing the overall coding experience.

Customization and Advanced Features

One of the most compelling reasons for using GNU Emacs is its extensibility. Users can extend Emacs's functionality through Lisp scripts, making it a powerful tool for those who need to write and run code directly within the editor. Many developers have written custom scripts to compile and test their code using Emacs's built-in features.

For example, a developer might configure Emacs to compile or test their code using a combination of menu and keyboard shortcuts, such as the Print Screen key. This integration allows for a highly efficient workflow, where code edits can be quickly tested and improved.

Conclusion

GNU Emacs continues to be a significant player in the software development landscape, offering a rich set of features that make it a preferred choice for many developers. Its extensibility, customizability, and robust feature set ensure that it remains a popular editor among those who value flexibility and productivity.

Whether you are a seasoned developer or just starting out, giving GNU Emacs a try might just surprise you with its versatility and power. Explore the vast community and resources available for Emacs, and you might find that it fits your development needs perfectly.

Keywords: GNU Emacs, software development, extensibility, code editing, customizability