Introduction
Choosing a code editor is an adventure in itself, especially for beginners in programming. My journey began in the 2000s, at a time when Internet access was not as ubiquitous as it is today. In this article, I will share how I discovered Emacs and why, despite a clumsy start, it became my favorite editor.
First Steps into the Coding World
Like many developers of my generation, I started coding with PHP. Without regular Internet access and lacking installation rights on my computer, my early days were marked by unorthodox choices, such as using Microsoft Word to write code. Imagine trying to debug a PHP script without even knowing if it actually works!
Discovering Alternatives
The first real alternative I explored was Notepad++, a lightweight yet powerful editor offering advanced features like syntax highlighting. However, after discovering "Le Site du Zéro," a tutorial site for beginners, I began experimenting with other programming languages. This naturally led me to seek a more versatile editor.
Emacs to the Rescue
It was then that Emacs came into play. Initially, I chose it for its reputation for versatility and extensibility. Emacs is not just a text editor; it's a complete environment where every task can be customized. Whether it's for coding, note-taking, or email management, Emacs can do it all with its numerous modes.
Emacs, a Pragmatic Choice
My choice of Emacs was not driven by any ideology but by pure pragmatism. Emacs's support on Windows was excellent, which was crucial for me at the time. Moreover, its steep learning curve is greatly compensated by the productivity one can achieve once mastered.
Conclusion
Today, even though I primarily work with modern technologies and Visual Studio Code is ubiquitous, Emacs remains an essential tool in my toolkit. It taught me the value of customization and efficiency in software development.
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