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Emacs vs TextMate

Emacs started first, in 1976, 29 years before TextMate.

Emacs 50y 200d since 1976 · Standing started first TextMate 21y 351d since 2004 · Hollow

Why Emacs lasted

  • It is a Lisp machine that happens to edit text, so every generation reimplements their life inside it.
  • The Church of Emacs is a real distribution channel. Jokes keep it staffed.

Why TextMate lasted

  • Bundles and the 'editor for Mac OS X' myth. Sublime and VS Code are the children.
  • 2.0 eventually shipped. That is a zombie success.

Questions

Which is older, Emacs or TextMate?

Emacs started first, in 1976, 29 years before TextMate.

How long has Emacs been running?

Emacs has been up 50 years 200 days, since 1976-03-01.

How long has TextMate been running?

TextMate has been up 21 years 351 days, since 2004-10-01.

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Dates are founding dates from the written entries. Play which is older, or see the oldest editors still running.