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.