Kakoune
What Kakoune is
Kakoune is a free modal code editor for Linux and macOS, inspired by Vi and Vim and available under the Unlicense. Its central editing method uses multiple selections, so users can apply changes to several text ranges together. Commands provide immediate, incremental results as selections change. Built-in operations include regular-expression selection, alignment, rotating selected content, case changes, indentation, and sending selections through external filters. Contextual help and completion appear as users work, and syntax highlighting can handle multiple languages in one buffer or vary between windows showing the same buffer. Macros and hooks let users customize the editor. Its client-server design supports multiple clients in one session, and it can use tools such as tmux, zellij, kitty, wezterm, and X11 or Wayland window managers for splits and panes. Kakoune is designed to work with POSIX systems and shell programs, including filters, formatters, and linters. Installation guidance covers source builds and packages such as Homebrew, MacPorts, apt, and dnf.
Who it suits
Kakoune suits programmers who want a free modal editor on Linux or macOS and are comfortable learning a selection-centered editing approach. Its author notes that the learning curve is steep, despite being easier to learn than Vim.
What it does well
- Multiple selections are central to editing.
- Includes contextual help and as-you-type completion.
- Macros and hooks support customization.
- Works with external shell tools.
What to know first
- The learning curve remains steep.
- Listed platforms are Linux and macOS.
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Kakoune | Code editor · source available under the Unlicense | Free |
As kakoune.org lists them, read 11 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Verdict
Kakoune offers extensive selection-based editing and customization at no listed cost. Its steep learning curve is an important consideration for new users.
Facts from Kakoune's own pages
- Completion and help
- Kakoune provides automatic contextual help and as-you-type completion. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Customization
- Users can extend or customize Kakoune with macros and hooks. · kakoune.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Editing feedback
- Most commands provide immediate and incremental results while users edit selections. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Extension support
- Yes · kakoune.org, 22 Sept 2026
- Free plan
- Yes · kakoune.org, 22 Sept 2026
- Installation
- The project documents installation from source and packages for several operating systems and package managers, including Homebrew, MacPorts, apt, and dnf. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- Its client-server design supports multiple clients in one editing session and can use tmux, zellij, kitty, wezterm, or X11/Wayland window managers for splits and panes. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Intended users and learning curve
- The author presents Kakoune as an efficient editor for programmers and notes that its learning curve remains steep, despite being easier to learn than Vim. · kakoune.org, 11 Oct 2026
- License
- The project repository identifies the Unlicense as its license. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Macro recording
- Yes · kakoune.org, 22 Sept 2026
- Maker
- The philosophy page is authored by Maxime Coste, who says he has worked on Kakoune. · kakoune.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Multi-cursor editing
- Yes · kakoune.org, 22 Sept 2026
- Platforms
- The project says Kakoune can be built on Linux, macOS, and Cygwin; it says no native Windows version is planned. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Product
- Kakoune is a modal code editor inspired by Vi and Vim. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Selection model
- Multiple selections are the central way to interact with and edit text. · kakoune.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Shell tools
- Kakoune is designed to work with POSIX systems and external shell programs, including filters, formatters, and linters. · kakoune.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Support
- The project directs users to its community on Matrix and IRC for questions and remarks. · kakoune.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Supported platforms
- Linux,macOS · kakoune.org, 22 Sept 2026
- Syntax highlighting
- Syntax highlighting supports multiple languages in the same buffer and different highlighting for the same buffer in different windows. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Text manipulation
- Built-in operations include regex-based selection, alignment, selection-content rotation, case changes, indentation, and piping selections through external filters. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
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