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JOE (Joe's Own Editor) vs Vim: catalog facts
JOE (Joe's Own Editor)Vim
Free

Free software distributed under the GNU General Public License.

Free

Free under the Vim licence, which is GPL-compatible charityware and asks for a donation to…

Windows, Linux, Command line Windows, macOS, Linux, Command line
  • Familiar WordStar key layout with Emacs-like features
  • Tiny binary with only libc as a dependency
  • Already installed on nearly every server you will ever log into
  • Decades of plugins, and configuration knowledge that does not expire
  • The Windows build lags behind at version 4.6
  • Keyboard scheme differs from vi and modern GUI editors
  • The learning curve is the standard example of a steep learning curve
  • Language server and completion support needs plugins that Neovim handles better
Downloadable app Downloadable app
Open source Open source
License: GPL-2.0 License: Vim
No account needed No account needed
Works offline Works offline

Checked October 2, 2026

Checked September 21, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.