CoVim+CoEmacs: A heterogeneous co-editing system as a potential solution to editor war

Abstract

Most past research efforts in co-editing have focused on homogeneous co-editing, where users use the same editor to collaborate, but little has been done on supporting heterogeneous co-editing, where users may use different editors to collaborate. In this work, we explore the rationales behind the design of CoVim+CoEmacs heterogeneous co-editing system, which allows rivaling Vim and Emacs users to edit shared documents in the same real-time session. We argue that heterogeneous co-editing can provide a platform for rivaling editors to co-exist and allow advocates of different editors to appreciate each other. In this paper, we report our findings on the main benefits of heterogeneous co-editing and its potential role in resolving the “holy war” between Vim and Emacs.