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Lem vs Kakoune: catalog facts
Lem	Kakoune
Free Free and open source.	Free Free and open source.
macOS, Linux, Command line	Command line
Extensible in Common Lisp while running Emacs-like and Vim-like modes	Multiple selections as the core editing model Selection-first commands show what will change before acting
Extending it requires learning Common Lisp GUI is in transition from SDL2 to a webview version	Modal editing has a learning curve Keybindings differ from Vim, so muscle memory does not transfer directly
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Open source	Open source
License not stated	License not stated
No account needed	No account needed
Works offline	Works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 23, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 23, 2026

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