Emacs 20.7

Programming Systems Lab – Shareware

Emacs: The Versatile Text Editor for Programmers

Minh Ong

01/26/2025

Emacs remains a powerful and highly customizable text editor, ideal for developers seeking efficiency and flexibility across various programming languages.

Emacs is an extensible and customizable text editor that has been developed by the Programming Systems Lab at MIT. It was initially created as a set of macros for a different text editor in the 1970s, but it has since evolved to become its own standalone application that can be used for a wide range of purposes.

Emacs has a powerful command-based interface that allows users to navigate and edit files with ease. Users can customize key bindings and create macros to automate repetitive tasks. It also has a powerful search-and-replace functionality that can operate across multiple files at once.

One of the most notable features of Emacs is its support for different programming languages. It has built-in support for languages such as C, Python, and Ruby, and there are additional packages available that add support for other languages. Emacs also has support for version control systems such as Git and SVN.

Emacs is a highly versatile and customizable text editor that is suitable for a wide range of tasks. Its extensive set of features and customizability make it a popular choice for many programmers and software developers.

Overview

Emacs is a Shareware software in the category Miscellaneous developed by Programming Systems Lab.

The latest version of Emacs is 20.7, released on 02/18/2008. It was initially added to our database on 10/29/2007.

Emacs runs on the following operating systems: Windows.

Emacs has not been rated by our users yet.

Pros

Highly customizable with extensive support for plugins and configuration options
Powerful text editing capabilities, including syntax highlighting, indentation, and search/replace functionality
Built-in support for various programming languages and version control systems
Excellent integration with external tools and scripting languages
Extensive documentation and community support

Cons

Steep learning curve for beginners due to its complexity and extensive feature set
Heavy resource consumption can lead to performance issues on older hardware
Interface may seem outdated compared to modern text editors and IDEs
Lack of graphical user interface elements may be off-putting for some users

FAQ

What is Emacs?

Emacs is a highly customizable, extensible, and self-documenting text editor. It was developed by the Programming Systems Lab at MIT.

What platforms is Emacs available on?

Emacs is available on various platforms, including Linux, macOS, and Windows.

Can I use Emacs for programming?

Yes, Emacs is widely used for programming. It supports various programming languages and provides features like syntax highlighting, code navigation, and integration with build systems.

How can I install Emacs?

Emacs can be installed from the official website or through package managers on different operating systems. Detailed installation instructions are available on the GNU Emacs website.

Is Emacs free software?

Yes, Emacs is free software distributed under the terms of the GNU General Public License (GPL). You can use it, modify it, and distribute it freely.

What are some key features of Emacs?

Emacs offers features like multiple buffers and windows, extensive customizability using Lisp, powerful text editing commands, support for running external programs from within Emacs, and an integrated development environment for various programming languages.

Can I extend Emacs with additional functionality?

Yes, Emacs provides a powerful extension language called Emacs Lisp (Elisp) that allows users to write their own functions and customize every aspect of the editor.

Are there any alternatives to Emacs?

Yes, there are alternative text editors like Vim, Sublime Text, and Atom. However, Emacs has a unique approach and a large community of passionate users.

How can I learn Emacs?

There are various resources available for learning Emacs, including official documentation, online tutorials, books, and a vibrant community that is always ready to help newcomers.

Does Emacs support version control?

Yes, Emacs supports integration with popular version control systems like Git, Mercurial, and Subversion. It provides dedicated modes for managing repositories and performing version control operations.

Minh Ong

I'm Minh, a software engineer and author with a passion for exploring and writing about the latest in software and technology. With my experience in software development and a specialization in software updates and content creation, I bring a deep understanding of the tech landscape to my reviews and articles. My focus is on providing you with comprehensive insights into general software topics and the latest industry news.

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