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Exploring Zed, an open source code editor written in Rust

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Table of Contents

  1. Introduction to Zed
  2. Features of Zed Code Editor
  3. Collaboration Capabilities
  4. Zed vs. VS Code: A Comparison

1. Introduction to Zed

Zed is an open-source code editor written in Rust that offers high performance and a range of features for developers. It provides a seamless user experience and leverages a GPU-based User Interface framework for speed and efficiency.


2. Features of Zed Code Editor

GPUI Framework

Zed's speed is attributed to its GPU-based User Interface (GPUI) framework, which revolutionizes 2D user interface development for applications.

Vim Mode

Zed offers a Vim mode for users familiar with this popular code editor, although it may not be entirely Vim-compatible, introducing its own functionalities as needed.


3. Collaboration Capabilities

Zed's collaborative features allow developers to:

  • Add contacts
  • Share projects with collaborators
  • Track collaborator activities
  • Communicate via chats and channels
  • Share screens for enhanced collaboration

4. Zed vs. VS Code: A Comparison

Themes

  • Zed provides nine groups of themes, while VS Code offers a vast variety in its extension marketplace.

User Experience

  • VS Code allows dragging editor tabs to new windows, while Zed lacks this feature.
  • Zed zooms into the entire UI when zooming in, unlike VS Code.

Performance

  • Zed offers superior performance compared to VS Code, as per data from the Zed team.

Collaboration

  • Zed's collaboration features are built into the editor, while VS Code relies on extensions like Live Share.
  • Zed provides built-in audio calls, chat servers, and screen-sharing, surpassing VS Code in collaboration capabilities.

Overall, Zed's collaboration tools are more extensive and integrated within the editor, providing a seamless collaborative experience for developers.