As someone that worked in this area, IMO, the difference between DAWs and modern audio editors (especially a complete one like Audacity) is massively overstated.<p>DAWs make fine audio editors for 99% of cases. The non-destructive workflow might even be simpler to most people.<p>For recording a DAW is IMO a better option, since it's battle tested in critical environments where super-low latency and rock solid stability is non negotiable.<p>On the other hand, modern audio editors like Audacity already have lots of complex features: complete multitrack recording, plugins, automation, so it's not as if the complexity difference is that big. Honestly, someone used to edit Audio on a DAW would also have a hard time picking up Audacity too, since it's complex on its own as well.<p>If it were SoundForge vs ProTools 15 or 20 years ago I'd definitely agree that one is not an alternative to the other, but Audacity vs any DAW today? Yeah you can replace it without much difficulty.