Review: spacemacs

Spacemacs is a distribution of Emacs that completely overhauls the editor. Originally the default mode was based on vim key bindings, but the app lets you choose between emacs or vim default mode on install now-a-days [I still use vim key bindings]. It introduces the concept of a “leader” key which is supposed to reduce repetition induced strain since it only requires one hand. For example to launch Magit (emacs git client) you type <space> <g> <s> in sequence rather than some weird key combination consisting of control and alt keys. The characters after the space key are grouped by mnemonic [g is for git, s is for status]. I have found myself to be about 100 times more productive in spacemacs than any other editor. The learning curve is pretty shallow as well. I would definitely recommend any programmer give it a try.