Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

TeXmacs VS Vim-LaTeX

Compare TeXmacs VS Vim-LaTeX and see what are their differences

TeXmacs logo TeXmacs

GNU TeXmacs is a free wysiwyw (what you see is what you want) editing platform with special...

Vim-LaTeX logo Vim-LaTeX

Vim-LaTeX (aka LaTeX-suite) is a mature project which aims at bringing
  • TeXmacs Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-10-12
  • Vim-LaTeX Landing page
    Landing page //
    2019-09-21

TeXmacs features and specs

  • WYSIWYG Interface
    TeXmacs offers a What You See Is What You Get (WYSIWYG) interface, allowing users to see the final output while editing, which can be more intuitive for creating complex documents compared to plain text markup.
  • Scientific Editing
    It is designed for technical and scientific documentation, providing robust support for mathematical formulae, embedded graphics, and other scientific content.
  • Integrated Environment
    TeXmacs integrates computing sessions with several computer algebra systems, such as Maxima, Octave, and R, providing a powerful interface for technical computing.
  • Extensibility
    It supports custom scripts in Scheme, enabling users to extend its functionality and customize it to fit specific needs.
  • Cross-Platform
    TeXmacs is available on multiple platforms, including Linux, macOS, and Windows, making it accessible to a wide range of users.

Possible disadvantages of TeXmacs

  • Learning Curve
    As a specialized tool, TeXmacs can have a steep learning curve for new users who are not familiar with its interface or features.
  • Limited Community
    Compared to other platforms like LaTeX, TeXmacs has a smaller user community, which might limit the availability of online resources and community support.
  • Integration Issues
    While TeXmacs integrates with other software, compatibility issues might arise with certain platforms and external tools, affecting workflow efficiency.
  • Less Popular
    TeXmacs is less widely adopted than similar tools like LaTeX, which may impact collaboration if peers are not familiar with it.
  • Presentation Capabilities
    While capable of creating technical documents, its features for presentations are not as advanced as specialized tools like Beamer in LaTeX.

Vim-LaTeX features and specs

  • Extensive Customization
    Vim-LaTeX offers extensive customization options, allowing users to tailor their Vim environment to their specific LaTeX editing needs. This can include defining custom shortcuts, formatting options, and more.
  • Lightweight
    As an extension of Vim, Vim-LaTeX is relatively lightweight and efficient. It provides essential LaTeX editing features without the bloat of more feature-rich, standalone editors.
  • Integration with Vim
    Seamless integration with the Vim editor means that users who are already familiar with Vim’s commands can easily adapt and use Vim-LaTeX without learning a new interface.
  • Powerful Editing Capabilities
    By leveraging Vim's powerful text editing capabilities, Vim-LaTeX allows for efficient text manipulation, which is particularly useful for managing large LaTeX documents.
  • Free and Open-Source
    Vim-LaTeX is open-source and free to use, making it accessible to anyone without any licensing fees or restrictions.

Possible disadvantages of Vim-LaTeX

  • Steep Learning Curve
    New users, especially those unfamiliar with Vim, may face a steep learning curve due to Vim-LaTeX's reliance on Vim’s complex command set and customization.
  • Limited Graphical Interface
    Vim-LaTeX lacks a graphical user interface, which can make it less intuitive and more challenging for users who prefer GUI-based interactions for editing and compiling documents.
  • Dependency on Vim
    Since Vim-LaTeX is an extension of Vim, it requires a good understanding of Vim itself, which can be a barrier for users who aren't already Vim-savvy.
  • Requires Manual Setup
    Setting up Vim-LaTeX can be a manual process that requires editing configuration files, which might not be straightforward for all users, especially those unfamiliar with Vim and its ecosystem.
  • Competitive Alternatives
    There are other LaTeX editors and IDEs available that provide more out-of-the-box features, easier setup, and user interfaces, such as TeXstudio, Overleaf, and LyX, which might be more appealing to users who prioritize ease of use.

TeXmacs videos

Typing your first article with GNU TeXmacs

More videos:

  • Demo - Zotero TeXmacs integration screencast demo 2017 02 17
  • Demo - A quick tour of TeXmacs

Vim-LaTeX videos

No Vim-LaTeX videos yet. You could help us improve this page by suggesting one.

Add video

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to TeXmacs and Vim-LaTeX)
Writing
58 58%
42% 42
Writing Tools
57 57%
43% 43
Text Editors
60 60%
40% 40
Tool
53 53%
47% 47

User comments

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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, TeXmacs should be more popular than Vim-LaTeX. It has been mentiond 8 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

TeXmacs mentions (8)

  • Does exist a computer software where I can make my calculations by typing?
    If it's just for typing/editing mathematical formulas I can recommend TeXmacs which is free and very easy to use. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Alternative to LaTeX for writing exercise solutions?
    You can try TeXmacs. It's basically in between Word and LaTeX. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Suggest an editor like MS Word
    For equations I can recommend TeXmacs, it's very user-friendly as these "scientific editors" go. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Free program to type Wolfram Language -like syntax and get SVG or LaTeX output
    As for math typesetting, I use Texmacs, very user-friendly. Source: about 3 years ago
  • Scientific WorkPlace, Scientific Word, & Scientific Notebook
    The future is here: https://texmacs.org/tmweb/home/welcome.en.html Perhaps also why this company is looking for a buyer: http://www.bakoma-tex.com/menu/about.php. - Source: Hacker News / over 3 years ago
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Vim-LaTeX mentions (2)

  • Awkwardness when typing in '\n' or '\t' or (...) [...] etc. -- (Have others noticed this too?) -- (is there a better way?)
    First one is using vim-LaTeX like placeholders. I place the following in the vimrc:. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Practical advice for improving one's research method
    Use LaTeX and accompany it with a proper editing program. I personally use Vim LaTeX. Source: over 3 years ago

What are some alternatives?

When comparing TeXmacs and Vim-LaTeX, you can also consider the following products

Overleaf - The online platform for scientific writing. Overleaf is free: start writing now with one click. No sign-up required. Great on your iPad.

TeXworks - The TeXworks project is an effort to build a simple TeX front-end program (working environment)...

TeXstudio - TeXstudio is an integrated environment for writing LaTeX documents.

Fidus Writer - Fidus Writer is an online collaborative LaTeX editor especially made for academics who need to use...

WinShell - WinShell is a free integrated development environment (IDE) for easy working with LaTeX or TeX.

VTEX - Cloud-based eCommerce platform

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