Zed

Zed is a high-performance editor from the creators of Atom. Built in Rust with a GPU-accelerated UI. 2025 brings Zeta (Open Model AI) and ACP (Agent Client Protocol).

When to Use

• Performance: It is significantly faster than VS Code. Opens 5GB logs instantly.
• Collaboration: "Multiplayer" is built-in. Share a link, code together like Google Docs.
• Rust/Web Dev: First-class support for these languages.

Core Concepts

Channel

A persistent chat room + coding session. Teams hang out in a Channel.

GPUI

Rendered on the GPU. 120fps typing experience.

Assistant Panel

Built-in chat with context. Can use OpenAI, Anthropic, or Ollama (local models).

Best Practices (2025)

Do:

• Use Vim Mode: Zed's Vim emulation is excellent and getting better.
• Edit Remote: Use ssh remote editing which is buttery smooth compared to VS Code.
• Bind AI: Map Command-Enter to send to assistant.

Don't:

• Don't expect every Extension: The extension ecosystem is growing but strictly smaller than VS Code's.

References

• Zed Documentation