Elixir and Erlang share the same VM but differ in syntax, tooling, and ecosystem. Elixir offers modern features like macros and a more approachable syntax, while Erlang is more traditional.

Elixir and Erlang are two programming languages that run on the BEAM virtual machine, but they cater to different developer preferences and paradigms. Both languages excel in building concurrent, fault-tolerant applications, but there are notable differences between them. Elixir was designed to be a modern alternative to Erlang, featuring a more approachable syntax that draws inspiration from Ruby, making it easier for new developers to learn and adopt. This modern syntax, along with features like macros, allows for powerful metaprogramming capabilities that can lead to more expressive and maintainable code. Additionally, Elixir comes with the Mix build tool, which streamlines project management, dependency management, and testing, offering a more integrated development experience compared to Erlang's tooling. In contrast, Erlang has a more traditional and verbose syntax, which can be less friendly for newcomers. While Erlang boasts a rich ecosystem for building telecom and distributed systems, Elixir's ecosystem has grown rapidly, especially with the popularity of the Phoenix framework for web development. Overall, the choice between Elixir and Erlang often comes down to developer preference for syntax and tooling, with Elixir offering a more modern approach while maintaining the strengths of the Erlang ecosystem.