Chime vs Micro

Chime is an open source editor designed specifically for macOS, with native extensions and a minimalist interface. It supports the Language Server Protocol, and extensions can provide deeper project integration. Refactoring tools are listed. The current stable download is version 2.2.5, released 29 Nov 2023, and requires macOS 12.0 or later. Chime’s maker says source code is never captured or transmitted off the machine. The app does make outgoing requests for software updates, licensing, and crash reporting, and users can opt out. Crash reports can also be disabled; they are described as intended to improve the products and not intended to contain personally identifiable information. Chime Systems Inc. is identified as the Canadian corporation behind the product, with Matt and Tania credited as makers. Chime has a free plan listed at free and supports macOS only.

Micro is a free terminal-based text editor for Windows, macOS and Linux, intended for people who prefer terminal work or regularly edit files over SSH. It is distributed as a single static binary without dependencies. The editor provides syntax highlighting for over 130 languages and includes splits, tabs, a diff gutter, simple autocompletion, persistent undo, linting notifications, macros, soft wrapping, line numbers and Unicode support. It also offers multiple cursors, mouse selection and an interactive shell inside the editor. Options and keybindings can be changed with JSON, with further configuration through Lua. Its Lua plugin system includes a manager for installing, removing and updating plugins. Micro supports language servers and remote development, and themes can use 16, 256 or truecolor; seven colorschemes are included by default. On Linux desktops, external clipboard access requires xclip or xsel for X11, or wl-clipboard for Wayland. Vim emulation and Vi keybindings are not provided.