What Is Vim?

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

Vim as an Editing “Language”

  • Many view Vim as a composable editing language: verbs + motions/text-objects (“delete next word”, “change inside parentheses”).
  • This model lets experienced users operate almost unconsciously; edits feel like “thinking the change” and having hands execute it.
  • Some compare Vim commands to a bytecode for text manipulation or even an “OS that also edits files.”

Modal Editing vs Selection-First Models

  • Helix and Kakoune use “select first, then act,” which some find more intuitive and more visible than Vim’s verb–object style.
  • Others note Vim already supports selection-first via visual mode, though it’s less central.
  • Trade-offs mentioned: Helix’s model weakens Vim’s powerful “repeat last change” (.) behavior; selection of large regions can cause viewport jumps.

Vim Modes in Other Editors (“Uncanny Valley”)

  • Widespread frustration with Vim emulation in VS Code, JetBrains, browsers, Eclipse, etc.: missing motions, bugs, conflicting undo stacks, and broken expectations (e.g., Ctrl-W closing tabs).
  • Some avoid advanced Vim features in these modes because they behave unpredictably.
  • A few highlight better approaches: embedding real Neovim, or using Emacs with Evil-mode, which several claim is the best Vim emulation and even “a better Vim than Vim.”

Portability, Performance, and Ecosystem

  • Vim/vi praised as ubiquitous, fast-starting, terminal-friendly, and suitable for remote/embedded systems and containers.
  • Easy to share full configurations (especially for Neovim + LSPs); harder to replicate complex IDE setups.
  • Some prefer other tools (nano, Zed, IDEs) for simpler or GUI-heavy workflows, especially when latency or navigation UX differs.

Ergonomics and Keybindings

  • Strong opinions on remapping Caps Lock (to Esc, Ctrl, or dual-role Esc/Ctrl) as essential for comfort in Vim.
  • Others rely on Ctrl-[ for Escape or keep mouse usage enabled; there’s debate over what’s “sane” vs “historical accident.”

Learning Curve, Value, and Skepticism

  • Several report Vim radically improved their daily efficiency and reduced mouse use/RSI.
  • Others tried Vim and bounced off; for small edits or junior roles, perceived gains don’t justify the learning effort.
  • Consensus: powerful and durable skill if it “clicks,” but not mandatory for a successful career.