Linux Development Platform: Configuring, Using, and Maintaining a Complete Programming Environment, The

2.1. What to Look for in an Editor

While editors like pico or even ed may be useful for editing system files or writing quick notes, programming editors have certain functions that permit the programmer to focus on the act of creating code and helps to manage the process and keep an eye on syntax.

2.1.1. Extensibility

One useful feature of programming editors is the ability to extend the out-of-the-box functionality with custom programming.

Emacs utilizes a full-featured Lisp language called Elisp to provide users with the ability to add just about any functionality they might require to the editor. The original Lisp language was written in the late 1950s as part of MIT's research into artificial intelligence. Elisp is derived from the original ...