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JOE VS Xcode

Compare JOE VS Xcode and see what are their differences

JOE logo JOE

JOE is a full featured terminal-based screen editor which is distributed under the GNU General...

Xcode logo Xcode

Xcode is Apple’s powerful integrated development environment for creating great apps for Mac, iPhone, and iPad. Xcode 4 includes the Xcode IDE, instruments, iOS Simulator, and the latest Mac OS X and iOS SDKs.
  • JOE Landing page
    Landing page //
    2019-10-01
  • Xcode Landing page
    Landing page //
    2024-07-04

JOE features and specs

  • Lightweight
    JOE is a lightweight text editor that doesn't consume much system resources, making it ideal for use on older hardware or systems with limited resources.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    The interface of JOE is relatively simple and familiar to users of classic text editors, which makes it easy to navigate without a steep learning curve.
  • Highly Configurable
    JOE offers extensive configuration options, allowing users to customize the editor according to their preferences and needs.
  • Keyboard Shortcuts
    The editor supports numerous keyboard shortcuts that help streamline tasks and enhance productivity for experienced users.
  • Support for Multiple File Types
    JOE can handle a variety of file types, making it versatile for different types of projects and use cases.

Possible disadvantages of JOE

  • Limited Advanced Features
    Compared to more modern editors, JOE lacks some of the advanced features and integrations that power users might expect, such as built-in code linting or version control system integration.
  • Steeper Learning Curve for Non-Traditional Users
    Users who are not familiar with command-line interfaces or text editors that rely heavily on keyboard shortcuts might find JOE difficult to learn and use effectively.
  • Less Community Support
    JOE does not have as large a user community as some other text editors, which means less community-driven plugins and extensions, as well as fewer resources for troubleshooting.
  • No Graphical User Interface
    As a terminal-based text editor, JOE does not offer a graphical user interface, which may not appeal to those who prefer more visually-oriented text editors.

Xcode features and specs

  • Integrated Development Environment
    Xcode offers a fully integrated development environment for macOS, iOS, watchOS, and tvOS. This integration includes code editing, project management, compilers, and debugging tools all in one application.
  • Interface Builder
    Interface Builder is a graphical tool included with Xcode that allows developers to design user interfaces visually. This can speed up the development process and allow for easier customization of user interfaces.
  • Swift and Objective-C Support
    Xcode provides robust support for both the Swift and Objective-C programming languages, which are essential for Apple's ecosystem.
  • Simulator
    Xcode includes simulators for all Apple devices, allowing for rapid testing and debugging of applications without the need for physical hardware.
  • In-depth Debugging Tools
    Xcode provides a comprehensive suite of debugging tools like breakpoints, stack trace analysis, and memory management tools, helping developers identify and resolve issues efficiently.
  • Performance and Profiling Tools
    Xcode includes Instruments, a powerful performance analysis and profiling toolset. This helps developers optimize the performance and memory usage of their applications.
  • Documentation and Resources
    Xcode has built-in access to extensive Apple Developer Documentation and resources, making it easier to find information and solutions related to Apple's APIs and frameworks.

Possible disadvantages of Xcode

  • macOS Exclusive
    Xcode is only available for macOS, meaning that developers must use an Apple computer to build applications for Apple's platforms.
  • Resource Intensive
    Xcode can be demanding on system resources, particularly RAM and CPU, which can affect performance on older or less powerful machines.
  • Steep Learning Curve
    For new developers, Xcode can be overwhelming due to its complexity and the vast array of features and options available.
  • Update Frequency
    Frequent updates to Xcode can sometimes introduce new bugs or require developers to update their project settings and code to maintain compatibility.
  • Limited Cross-Platform Capabilities
    Xcode is designed specifically for Apple's ecosystems and provides limited support for cross-platform development, restricting its use for developers targeting multiple platforms.
  • Build Times
    Build times for larger projects can become lengthy, potentially slowing down the development cycle and time to market.

Analysis of Xcode

Overall verdict

  • Xcode is excellent for developing applications for the Apple ecosystem, including iOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS. Its comprehensive set of tools caters well to both novice and experienced developers looking to develop high-quality applications with optimal performance on Apple devices.

Why this product is good

  • Xcode is a robust integrated development environment (IDE) designed specifically for macOS, providing developers with a suite of tools for building applications for Apple's platforms. It includes a source editor, a UI design interface, debugging tools, and performance testers, which are tightly integrated to offer a seamless development experience. The frequent updates and integration with Apple's latest technologies make it an attractive choice for Apple platform developers.

Recommended for

  • Developers creating applications for iOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS
  • Teams looking for strong integration with Apple's technologies and devices
  • Developers who prefer working within a unified development environment optimized for Apple platforms
  • Novice programmers interested in learning Swift and app development for Apple products

JOE videos

Joe - Movie Review

More videos:

  • Review - Joe Movie Review (Schmoes Know)
  • Review - Barstool Pizza Review - Joe & Pat's Pizzeria

Xcode videos

Getting Started: An Overview of Xcode

More videos:

  • Review - Xcode 15 - What's New

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to JOE and Xcode)
Text Editors
7 7%
93% 93
IDE
6 6%
94% 94
Software Development
12 12%
88% 88
Developer Tools
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare JOE and Xcode

JOE Reviews

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Xcode Reviews

Explore 9 Top Eclipse Alternatives for 2024
While Xcode is primarily free, a subscription to the Apple Developer Program is required for iOS app development at $99 per year.
Source: aircada.com
What's The Best C++ IDE? Our Top C++ IDEs & Editors In 2024
Occupying the sixth spot on my list is Xcode, Apple's flagship IDE. And yes, it's probably most well-known for macOS, iOS, watchOS, and tvOS development, but Xcode is also an excellent choice for C++ developers working on the macOS platform.
Source: hackr.io
Android Studio Alternative
Apple’s integrated development environment (IDE) for macOS is Xcode, which can be used to create software for macOS, iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, and tvOS. In addition, it provides Command Line Tools (CLT), which enable UNIX-style development via the Terminal app in macOS. Xcode also has built-in support for source code management via the Git version control system and protocol,...
Source: www.educba.com
Top 10 Visual Studio Alternatives
The XCode cloud is a constant integration and a type of delivery service. It is a type of cloud that is ideally designed for apple users. It is only made for MAC OS X; hence, you need to try other ways if you have a Windows PC. The main goal of Xcode is to develop the software system for various IOS systems.
Best Eclipse Alternatives to Use
Xcode includes a code editor supporting syntax highlighting, intelligent code completion, and code snippets, as well as an interface builder, which is designed for developing graphical user interfaces. Xcode supports the entire lifecycle of an application, including code editing, compilation, debugging, testing, and deployment.
Source: eclipsewin.com

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Xcode should be more popular than JOE. It has been mentiond 145 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

JOE mentions (17)

  • Microsoft 365 Copilot launch was a total disaster
    Allow me to introduce you to WordStar, in the "modern" context of Joe's Own Editor. https://gizmodo.com/sci-fi-writer-releases-free-archive-of-legendary-word-processor-used-by-george-rr-martin-2000484618 https://joe-editor.sourceforge.io/ https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe%27s_Own_Editor. - Source: Hacker News / 4 months ago
  • WordStar – A Writer's Word Processor (1990)
    The Joe editor has "jstar" where if you invoke the editor as this command it loads the Wordstar keymapping and looks/operates with the WordStar keybindings and screen interface. https://joe-editor.sourceforge.io/. - Source: Hacker News / 12 months ago
  • Ask HN: Interesting TUIs (text user interfaces), maybe forgotten ones?
    > Unlike emacs or vim or even nano, it didn't have a bunch of invisible shortcut keys, just a Windows-like drop-down menu system (but rendered in DOS). You might like "joe", which was inspired by WordStar: . - Source: Hacker News / about 1 year ago
  • WordStar: Arrogant, Difficult, Powerful (2022)
    I actually have a bound set for WordStar 4. If you want to use something similar on modern systems, try "Joe's Own Editor." https://joe-editor.sourceforge.io/. - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year ago
  • Micro – A Modern Alternative to Nano
    JOE is pretty nice https://joe-editor.sourceforge.io/ — a hybrid of WordStar and Emacs, and if you run it with `jstar` you get a pretty authentic WordStar experience which also reminds of the earliest Borland Turbo IDEs. - Source: Hacker News / almost 2 years ago
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Xcode mentions (145)

  • An Animated Introduction to Programming in C++ [Full Course]
    There are practice problems in each section so that you can practice while learning from the content. These are in the 'Hands-On Practice' section in each section. Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) are tools that allow you to write your own programs. There are some great, free C++ IDEs out there like Visual Studio, Xcode, and CLion. The simplest way to get started is to use a web-based IDE. Replit works... - Source: dev.to / 3 months ago
  • Which App Debugging Tools are the Best?
    2. Xcode Debugger Xcode remains the standard iOS app debugging tool. Its debugger is exceptional at identifying memory leaks, helping to discover thread races, and even focusing on the cause of crashes. - Source: dev.to / 7 months ago
  • Must-Use Mobile Accessibility Testing Tools in 2025
    XCode inspector offers VoiceOver Simulation to read out app elements for identifying if descriptions mentioned for the UI are meaningful and informative. It helps to make your app accessible to users with disabilities. Apart from that the Accessibility Inspector offers a complete audit of the app’s UI elements. Also as you make changes to your app the tool offers immediate feedback on accessibility issues. - Source: dev.to / 7 months ago
  • From React to React Native – A Beginner-Friendly Guide🚀
    Set Up Android Studio and Xcode: To develop for Android, you need Android Studio installed. For iOS development, Xcode is required (macOS only). - Source: dev.to / 9 months ago
  • How To Build a TikTok Clone With SwiftUI
    To follow along with this tutorial, you will need an Xcode installation. It is recommended to download Xcode 15 or a later version. Also, to provide access to the user's camera feed in this app, we will use the Stream Video SDK. The Video SDK allows developers to build FaceTime-style video calling](https://getstream.io/blog/facetime-clone/), Twitch-like content... - Source: dev.to / 12 months ago
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What are some alternatives?

When comparing JOE and Xcode, you can also consider the following products

Micro - Modern terminal-based text editor

Microsoft Visual Studio - Microsoft Visual Studio is an integrated development environment (IDE) from Microsoft.

GNU nano - GNU nano is a small and friendly text editor.

IntelliJ IDEA - Capable and Ergonomic IDE for JVM

Ox editor - An independent Rust text editor that runs in your terminal.

Android Studio - Android development environment based on IntelliJ IDEA