Some arguments in favour of "editors": 1. There are cases where an IDE has not yet been developed or will never be. 2. With an editor you can make changes "faster" and more surgically. 3. It needs far less resources (so easier to use many open at the same time) 4. Because it is the only way to do solve some issues like those described [here][1]. 5. (personal) Sometimes when I have to type everything, I am working more using my concious and am more engaged on what I am typing. Many times I found for example a spelling error in a method (formaqString), which would have gone unnoticed using an IDE. 6. It makes it easier to work only with using the keyboard (speed/flow) 7. Mentality of using macros or other time savers. I use an IDE every day to work, it is difficult to write Java/C# otherwise. (2) compared with (3): Basically only option to edit files remotely (over ssh / remote desktop) and do minimal changes to a distant server's configuration or files. [1]: http://stackoverflow.com/questions/1218390/what-is-your-most-productive-shortcut-with-vim/1220118#1220118