Emacs vs tmux: What are the differences?

Key Differences between Emacs and tmux

Emacs and tmux are both powerful tools used in the software development workflow, but they serve different purposes and have distinct features. Here are the key differences between Emacs and tmux:

1. Terminal vs. Text Editor: Emacs is a text editor with various additional features, allowing users to write and edit code, manage files, and customize their workflow. On the other hand, tmux is a terminal multiplexer that enables users to manage multiple terminal sessions, detach and reattach to sessions, and share sessions with other users. While Emacs can be used within a terminal, it is primarily designed as a standalone text editor.

2. Graphical User Interface (GUI) vs. Command Line Interface (CLI): Emacs provides a graphical user interface, offering a visual environment with menus, buttons, and windows, making it easier for users to navigate and interact with the text editor. Tmux, however, is a command line tool and operates entirely within the terminal. It does not have a graphical user interface and is typically used by advanced users comfortable with command line interfaces.

3. Customizability and Extensibility: Emacs is known for its vast customizability and extensibility through the use of Emacs Lisp. Users can modify and extend nearly every aspect of Emacs to suit their preferences and needs, making it highly adaptable to different coding workflows. Tmux, while customizable to a certain extent, does not provide the same level of flexibility as Emacs.

4. Buffer Management: Emacs allows users to work with multiple buffers, which are the open files or documents, in the same editing session. Users can easily switch between buffers, split the screen to view multiple files side by side, and even run different modes within each buffer. Tmux, on the other hand, primarily focuses on managing terminal sessions and does not have built-in support for working with multiple buffers like Emacs.

5. Collaborative Work: Tmux excels in enabling collaboration by allowing users to share a terminal session with multiple participants. This is particularly useful for pair programming or troubleshooting together. Emacs, while it does provide some collaborative editing features, doesn't offer the same level of real-time collaborative work as tmux.

6. Learning Curve: Emacs has a steep learning curve due to its extensive features and customizable nature. It requires significant time and effort to become proficient in navigating the vast ecosystem of Emacs and leveraging its full potential. Tmux, on the other hand, has a relatively easier learning curve, making it more accessible for users who primarily need terminal multiplexing capabilities without the need for extensive customization.

In summary, Emacs is a customizable text editor with a graphical user interface, providing extensive features for coding and file management. Tmux, on the other hand, is a command line tool that facilitates terminal multiplexing, session management, and collaborative work. While both tools have their strengths, Emacs is more tailored to text editing and customization, while tmux excels in terminal session management and collaboration.