Microsoft to Create Emacs Clone?
Microsoft developer Douglas Purdy reports of plans to create a clone of the Emacs editor for .Net.
In his blog Purdy has published an entry saying that he and his team are looking for developers to program an application that will bring the functionality of Emacs to the .Net software platform. It is hard to say right now whether Microsoft will be using the Emacs code, or developing its own application from scratch. More specifically, Purdy is looking for a programmer with experience in the development of IDEs and text editors. The job is advertised as a full time vacancy.
Emacs is a text editor that was developed by Richard Stallman back in 1976, and which is available today in different versions for a large number of systems, including Windows. A proprietary Emacs-style editor was sold to UniPress in 1981 by Java creator James Gosling. This editor was dubbed "Gosling Emacs". The free alternative, GNU Emacs, was initiated by Stallman in 1984.
Microsoft's .Net software platform includes a runtime environment, a collection of class libraries, and matching utilities. At present, Open Source developers are working on a free version code named "Mono". The project is mainly promoted by Novell. There is also a .Net variant called "Rotor", which is available for Windows, FreeBSD and OS X, however, its licensing terms are unacceptable to many developers.
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.

News
-
System76 Releases COSMIC Alpha 7
With scores of bug fixes and a really cool workspaces feature, COSMIC is looking to soon migrate from alpha to beta.
-
OpenMandriva Lx 6.0 Available for Installation
The latest release of OpenMandriva has arrived with a new kernel, an updated Plasma desktop, and a server edition.
-
TrueNAS 25.04 Arrives with Thousands of Changes
One of the most popular Linux-based NAS solutions has rolled out the latest edition, based on Ubuntu 25.04.
-
Fedora 42 Available with Two New Spins
The latest release from the Fedora Project includes the usual updates, a new kernel, an official KDE Plasma spin, and a new System76 spin.
-
So Long, ArcoLinux
The ArcoLinux distribution is the latest Linux distribution to shut down.
-
What Open Source Pros Look for in a Job Role
Learn what professionals in technical and non-technical roles say is most important when seeking a new position.
-
Asahi Linux Runs into Issues with M4 Support
Due to Apple Silicon changes, the Asahi Linux project is at odds with adding support for the M4 chips.
-
Plasma 6.3.4 Now Available
Although not a major release, Plasma 6.3.4 does fix some bugs and offer a subtle change for the Plasma sidebar.
-
Linux Kernel 6.15 First Release Candidate Now Available
Linux Torvalds has announced that the release candidate for the final release of the Linux 6.15 series is now available.
-
Akamai Will Host kernel.org
The organization dedicated to cloud-based solutions has agreed to host kernel.org to deliver long-term stability for the development team.