Aquamacs

From Encoresoup - The Ultimate Guide to Free/Open Source Software

Aquamacs is an Emacs text editor (based on GNU Emacs from the GNU project, tracking the version 22 branch). Unlike the original GNU Emacs, its user interface (UI) is designed to conform with the UI standards on Macintosh computers.

Among the changes are that Aquamacs, by default, show tabs to organize different file buffers in windows, and that it can display every buffer in its own window (frame). A range of keybindings (keyboard shortcuts) that are standard on Mac OS X, such as Command-W to close a window, or Command-S to save the file, are available. A standard printing dialog and functions to efficiently use the Option key on Mac keyboards as Emacs Meta key have been added. The styles of windows can be automatically changed to suit the major mode used in the buffer shown. Visually, Aquamacs has been adapted in its icons and fonts to look similar to other Mac applications.

Aquamacs is a distribution that includes a number of extensions to GNU Emacs to provide an integrated development environment and support, among many formalisms, LaTeX editing. These packages are installed without the requirement of further configuration by the end user.

Aquamacs has gained a substantial following among Mac owners and is popular amongst Emacs users and others alike. It has, however, also drawn occasional criticism from long-standing Emacs users and developers for its departure from some Emacs usage paradigms.

[edit] See also

• List of text editors
• Comparison of text editors

[edit] External links

• Aquamacs website