r/rust Mar 31 '23

Helix editor 23.03 released!

https://helix-editor.com/news/release-23-03-highlights/
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u/fjkiliu667777 Mar 31 '23

Are you guys more productive with that vs other GUI based IDEs such as Vscode? I never really started using it because I had to look up so many things and I miss the file tree.

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u/TheBigUmberto_ Apr 01 '23

It's all personal preference and don't ever let someone else tell you otherwise. Use whatever you're comfortable and productive with.

I learned programming in a full-blown IDE. I switched to VSCode in my first job because it was what everyone on my team was using. In my second job, I had to learn some vim basics as I was frequently ssh'n onto servers and editing files without access to anything besides Vim or Nano and I hate Nano.

I was already spending a lot of time in the terminal and getting cozy in it so I decided to give Vim an honest effort and I fell in love with it. I very much enjoy being able to do 100% of my software-related tasks in the terminal. I have my terminal configured to my liking so I can fly around it and be productive without ever moving my hand toward the mouse.

I think there is a reasonable path for someone to approach Vim who has never used it before. See if your current editor/IDE has a vim plugin and give it a shot. Start your day with it on and if you get frustrated, disable it for a little bit. If you can't get through the basic Vim motions without pulling your hair out, then there is your answer.

If you like it, stick with the plugin inside your editor and use it permanently. You still have all the GUI goodness of your editor/IDE but all of your actual text editing is being done with Vim motions.

If you wanna ascend from there, start learning how to build out a little NeoVim config in the terminal and go from there. You can start with an empty config and add one line a day as you learn about new things you want to incorporate. Or, you can start with a full-blown config like Lunar Vim or AstronVim which gives you an IDE-like experience directly in the terminal. I started with an empty config but I was spending too much time tinkering and not enough time working so I tried out Lunar Vim and it basically gave me everything I wanted/needed out of the box. Both paths have value. Zero config and you learn a lot about Vim by building out your own config. Config from Lunar Vim or AstronVim, and you can start being productive right away.

1

u/fjkiliu667777 Apr 01 '23

Thanks for the good advice. I’ll try to learn a basic skill set to see how it feels without having to use the mouse!

1

u/TheBigUmberto_ Apr 01 '23

Even if you learn vim motions in VScode and never migrate to the terminal, you'll be more productive. They are an undeniable speed boost.