Is vim really good for writing though?

I've been wanting to ditch Obsidian and VsCode in favor of an in-terminal editor for ages and I keep hearing about how great Vim is great for writing.

And I gotta say, after having used it on and off for about two months - I don't get it. I just don't.

I feel like I'm living some crazy alternate reality or something. Almost everything people say Vim does better than GUI editors, I find to be cumbersome and counterintuitive.

Also really not trying to dismissive or anything here. These are my genuine impressions. I WANT to love Vim so please tell me if I just need to push on and wait for it to click.

# I actually feel that Vim is slow for most writing relating actions

Okay, super quick example. Let's say I misspelled a word on the line above. To fix it in Vim, I'd have to:

`<esp>` to exit editing mode (or jk in my case, but whatever)
gk \- jump up one visual line
`b` \- to jump to the beginning of the word
daw \- to delete it
retype word
gj to go back down
`i` to re-enter insert mode

That’s six separate actions and nine physical keystrokes, all while remembering which mode you’re in. Meanwhile, in any GUI editor it's gonna be four strokes at most: up, ctrl-shift-left to mark the word, type, down again.

And the difference matters because when you’re writing prose, losing your flow to perform a ritual of motions and jumping between modes really breaks your concentration. At least to me.

# what do you mean ergonomic? What do you mean homerow?

Sitting on my TLK keyboard, I literally have my left hand resting on the modifier keys (ctrl, shift) and my other on the arrow keys. I find that I can usually hit ctrl-shift which are the two most common modifiers without moving my fingers.

Reaching all the arrow keys is a bit more difficult, but writing prose, most of the time you're just going to back-navigate with the left arrow key (your right hand is already gonna be resting on it on most keyboards) and then hit home to get yourself back. Plus, must keyboards these days have programmable layers making it even easier.

The biggest problem I have Vim is that I often have to reach for shift with my pinky and use the number row to perform very basic forms of navigation ($, 0, (, ). etc).

# a lot of the reasons for using vim has nothing to do with vim

When people tell me how great Vim is for writing, they rarely talk about Vim’s modal editing. Instead, they praise:

distraction-free full-screen writing
Markdown support
the plugin ecosystem
how easy it is to pipe things to the terminal
fuzzy searching
Lua config
no mouse required

And yes — all of that is great. But none of that is uniquely Vim.

You can get all of this in Helix, Zed, Sublime, VS Code, even Obsidian with the right plugins.

So why are these arguments for Vim when you can get it in most editors? I don't get it.

# Also, are any of you Vim writers actually using vim to write. Be honest?

I'm not talking about coding. I'm talking about taking notes. Writing prose. Writing docs.

Because I follow a lot of streamers and youtubers who talk about how great Vim is for productivity, and I see most of them switching to Obsidian or even freaking LibreOffice to write their youtube noscripts on stream.

Won't call out any names. just saying. If it's so clearly superior - why not use it?

# Finally...

Don't get me wrong. I love the idea of Vim. Distraction-free terminal writing. I really wish I could love it. But I almost feel that people aren't being honest with themselves when they talk about how much better it is than GUI editors.

Look, if you just like Vim and think it's fun. That's great. In fact, it is fun. I just don't see how it's necessarily better.

Also, I actually really like Vim for coding. So that's why I specifically talked about writing in this post.

https://redd.it/1p0s86r
@r_vim

How to learn vim bindings

I know the basic vim bindings but I want to be better at the motions.

I know about the manual but is there a book you recommend to learn the motions

Edit : finished vimtutor

https://redd.it/1p1dagl
@r_vim

:set paste brings me joy every single time

Less than a month ago I found myself, yet again, google searching for the vim config setting that I used on one computer or another to prevent the auto commenting of all my pasted lines. On this search I found :set paste. Literally every single time I’ve needed it, several times in the last month, I’ve felt a jolt of joy; no more commented lines, no more crazy formatting.

Anyone else have any simple and joyful vim jewels of wisdom that have paid dividends once discovered?

https://redd.it/1p29qz8
@r_vim

Recognise pattern as keyword / more specific conditions for iskeyword

I want vim to recognise the pattern @[[:digit]\.]\+ as a keyword so that gding or CTRL-]ing over, e.g., @2.1.1 will highlight/recognise the whole thing instead of just 2 or 1. I'm aware of set iskeyword and I know i can set iskeyword+=@-@,. to recognise the above pattern but this is too wide-reaching. Any word next to a period [word.] will be recognised as a keyword instead of just the [word]. which i don't want. I'm not sure if i've articulated this as well as i could so i can elaborate if needed. Is what i want possible with vimnoscript?

https://redd.it/1p2s6mb
@r_vim

Recent contributions to the awesome-vim9 list

The awesome-vim9 list is growing. Thank you to everyone who's contributed. Here's what's new.

# New Plugins Added

`DanBradbury/github-actions.vim` \- Interact with GitHub Actions in vim
nda-cunh/SupraPacman \- vim9.1 plugin for playing to pacman in vim
`Coacher/vim9-cutlass` \- Vim9 plugin that adds a 'cut' operation separate from 'delete'
Coacher/vim9-buckler \- Vim9 plugin that maintains a consistent yank history through registers
`DanielViberg/lsp` \- A lightweight, pure vim9noscript lsp client
ShayHill/article_install_vim_in_windows \- This guide will start from a stock Windows 11 install and take you all the way to a Python development environment with completion, snippets, LSPs, debugging, AI, etc.
`nda-cunh/indent_rainbow_vim` \- vim9 plugin for indent\_rainbow from supravim
sevehub/vim9lua This - Vim9Script plugin allows users to execute the contents of the current buffer as a Lua noscript using Windows PowerShell. It provides a way to test and run Lua code directly from Vim, enhancing the development workflow for Lua programmers.
`sevehub/vim9psgrep` \- vim9psgrep is a Vim9noscript plugin that integrates the power of ripgrep with Vim, utilizing PowerShell noscripts and Visual Basic popups
nda-cunh/SupraTree \- a Vim9noscript plugin File-Manager
`nda-cunh/SupraIcons` \- Vim9Script plugin, rewrite of vim-devicons but better (beta)
ubaldot/vim-calendar \- Calendar in Vim9
`ShayHill/vim9-limelight` \- Shade unfocused windows. Give a bright statusline color for active windows when splits are open.
ubaldot/vim-op-surround \- Vim9 surround!
`nonoscript/taberian.vim` \- Clickable tabs per VIM window
nonoscript/elevator.vim \- Scrollbar for VIM
`girishji/fFtT.vim` \- More accurate f, F, t, T navigation in Vim.
lacygoill/vim9asm \- No denoscription provided.
`Bakudankun/qline.vim` \- The quick, fully-customizable status line plugin written in cutting-edge Vim9 noscript.
ubalot/vim-markdown-extras \- Taking notes and editing markdown files: make it easy!
`shayhill/vim9-scratchterm` \- Define a command, ScratchTerm, that creates a new terminal buffer and marks it as a scratch buffer. This allows us to kill all scratch terminals in the current view with a single function.

# Star Milestones Crossed

girishji/vimsuggest reached 50 stars.
`ubaldot/vim-calendar` got its first star.
nda-cunh/SupraSnake got its first star.
`ShayHill/vim9-scratchterm` reached 10 stars.
yegappan/lsp reached 600 stars.
`DanielViberg/lsp` got its first star.
nda-cunh/indent_rainbow_vim got its first star.
`nda-cunh/SupraPacman` got its first star.
ShayHill/vim9-scratchterm reached 10 stars.

https://redd.it/1p2zow9
@r_vim

How can I integrate these 2 commands: alias + -N -u <this alt_vimrc>

**Hi**, I use vim 8 with its .vimrc but for test Vim 9 I need to use another .vimrc with anothers plugins for vim 9, so I have vim 9 from an appimages in my Desktop dir (in cmd below is named Escritorio/).
I use an alias to open Vim 9 : `alias Vim="/home/jazei/Escritorio/vim.appimage"
`
**I need to add to that alias this: ` -N -u <.another.vimrc_for vim_9>`**
*How can I integrate those 2 things?*
*Thank you and Regards*

https://redd.it/1p3rliy
@r_vim

I have installed font noto emoji but I can't see them in vim

(edited) Hi, I have installed noto emoji font but I can't see them in Vim (and FeatherPad too)..
added before: it is related to some emojis use 1 cell (or column) and yes they are shown cat yes, but another emojis use 2 cells like dog or smile and they are not shown... Why?
cat yes dog not (a rectangle is shown instead)
Screenshot of Charmap
Thank you and Regards!

https://redd.it/1p3xx3a
@r_vim

Is pasting from clipboard broken on Wayland or smth?

I'm currently on KDE Plasma Wayland. Previously, when I used X11, setting

set clipboard=unnamedplus

was only needed to yank and paste to and from the clipboard. But rn, yanking works, but pasting uses the Vim register rather than the clipboard. I'm on Vim 9.1.

https://redd.it/1p40k6u
@r_vim

Vim desktop calendar for 2026 available

It prints on one sheet of paper and, after folding and applying a bit of glue, stands on your desk.

It is available in English. You can find the PDF files on hotoo's website https://hotoo.github.io/project/vim-desktop-calendar

https://preview.redd.it/lz2j1rkq7t2g1.png?width=4032&format=png&auto=webp&s=1457e0ee90f64c2fef877250106df78e8395ba6b



https://redd.it/1p3t5xz
@r_vim

if anyone use vim9-stargate: where is the Human-abc? I don't understand nothing about it

Hi, I installed vim9-stargate read its help file, added this line in vimrc noremap <leader>f <Cmd>call stargate#OKvim(1)<CR>
but I don't know how to continue...
where can I read a human-tuto about this plugin
not https://github.com/monkoose/vim9-stargate/blob/main/INTRODUCTION.md
a Human help
Thank you and Regards

https://redd.it/1p47ya4
@r_vim

pyright: Import "Numpy" cannot be resolved.

I am using yegappan-lsp. I installed pyright, and I have the following configuration:

  var pyright_config = {
    settings: {
      python: {
        analysis: {
          autoSearchPaths: true,
          diagnosticMode: "openFilesOnly",
          useLibraryCodeForTypes: true
        },
        pythonPath: exepath('python')
      },
    },
  }

...

    {
      name: "pyright",
      filetype: ["python"],
      path: "pyright-langserver",
      workspaceConfig: pyright_config,
      rootSearch: [
        "pyproject.toml",
        "setup.py",
        "setup.cfg",
        "requirements.txt",
        "Pipfile",
        "pyrightconfig.json",
        ".git"
      ],
      args: ['--stdio']
    },

and I got the problem as per noscript.

I installed pyright through conda.

https://redd.it/1p4tb34
@r_vim

What will be the variable in these lines. I got this error: undefined variable

Hi, I am trying to change the stargate plugin...
In its poor help it says (spits) this:
StargateDesaturate StargateDesaturate

Text highlight for a visible text in the current window when hints are
shown. Makes it easier to read hint labels.
Default is guifg=#49423f
so I put in vimrc this:
let g:StargateDesaturate = { guifg=#ffffff } ffffff is any color, it is a test

but vim says undefined variable

The same for this other line:
g:stargatechars g:stargatechars

Characters used to display hints.
Default is 'fjdklshgaewiomc'

I put
let g:stargate_chars = { abcdefghi } again undefined variable...
the same for {1234567890] again undefined variable too

Thank you and Regards!

https://redd.it/1p4vd4k
@r_vim

How can I change highlights in stargate plugin for terminal-vim?

Hi, I am trying to change the settings of stargate plugin...
it says this in its help:
StargateDesaturate StargateDesaturate

Text highlight for a visible text in the current window when hints are
shown. Makes it easier to read hint labels.
Default is guifg=#49423f

so I put in vimrc this: let g:StargateDesaturate = { guifg=#ffffff } ffffff is any color, it is a test

but vim says undefined variable

This post was deleted by adm, but user duppy-ta 3 hours ago could replyed this:
The docs say that StargateDesaturate is a highlight group, so I would think you'd use the :highlight command to set the color. Something like:

:highlight StargateDesaturate guifg=#ffffff ctermfg=white
but this upper help fails: do nothing
but the user hit the key (thank you!!!!!!!) in this other help:
For g:stargatechars, try using a string:

let g:stargatechars = 'abcdefghi'
If you can guide me how to change cterm and ctermfg for terminals-vim (=not for guiterm in my case) for this:
let g:StargateDesaturate = { guifg=#ffffff ctermfg=???????}
Thank you and Regards!

https://redd.it/1p52fy0
@r_vim

using f key for finding " character not working

I have been following the "Learn Vim" extension in VS Code. As an example, it gives f" to find the next " character. Finding ", ' `doesn't work for me.

What should be turned on/off for that to work?

Thanks,

Frank

https://redd.it/1p5a4ob
@r_vim

Vim text editor battery draining

Vi improved drains so much battery in the background

https://redd.it/1p77fdw
@r_vim

Run vim in retro-styled terminal multiplexer with a classic MS-DOS aesthetic
https://www.reddit.com/gallery/1p4ppts

https://redd.it/1p7etb9
@r_vim

fzf ripgrep is not the same as telescope live_grep

when i search for functions or objects in telescope it finds them

however when i search the same in fzf (:Rg) the results are sometimes not accurate at all.

how do you match the config in vim

https://redd.it/1p7mzcu
@r_vim

"std::print" not recognized in vim using Coc

https://preview.redd.it/g26y9g9hs24g1.png?width=1171&format=png&auto=webp&s=fbedb6cb48c439b1ce5224a8d38a69d568cdda7f


Hi, I recently started learning how to code using C++ and tried configuring my vim to support modern C++ features (-std=c++23) using coc.nvim plugin. I am not able to understand why "std::print" is not being recognized when using clangd. Can I get some help in understanding what I missed in my configuration? My :CocConfig are as follows ->

{ "clangd.path": "~/.config/coc/extensions/coc-clangd-data/install/21.1.0/clangd_21.1.0/bin/clangd",
"clangd.fallbackFlags": [ "-std=c++23", "-fexperimental-library" ] }

https://redd.it/1p98fni
@r_vim

Use unoptimized Colemak bindings or go back to QWERTY?

Grew up with bad typing habits and was staring at keyboard too much until a few years ago, when I decided to learn proper techniques, touch typing and etc - I went cold turkey with "ergo" setup: split columnar keyboard + Colemak.

Since then I have enjoyed every moment of typing using Colemak, and I would not think twice about my choices if the only thing I did was typing and using regular shortcuts...

...the problem arises not necessarily when I have to use someone else's setup, but when I don't have all my custom configs with bindings in apps, like Vim, which ranges from a simple HJKL navigation bindings to more drastic changes.

I have made my peace with being a bad typer if I had to use QWERTY, but I feel like I just shot myself in the foot by further complicating my setup with all of the custom bindings.

I don't want to be reliant on always needing to set up the environment on each system and not being able to "just use it barebones".

I wonder if I should simply cut back on bindings and configs, use unoptimized QWERTY-to-Colemak bindings and other defaults... or should I go further and just say goodbye to Colemak.

It has been awhile since I have started considering both options, but to this day I have changed nothing.

So, I'm very curious of community's experiences and solutions, especially if they are identical to mine.

Thanks

https://redd.it/1p9d8lc
@r_vim

How to become faster in Vim ?

Hello,
I’ve been using Vim daily since last year for programming, taking notes, etc., but I still can’t get comfortable with it.
I feel like I’m not “fast enough” when it comes to manipulating text with keybinds, and I’ve never used any macros.
I've already went through vimtutor a couple of times but never found an occasion to use the stuff I learned while I'm using it.
May I get some advises and tips ?

https://redd.it/1p9rrzn
@r_vim

How to get Vimium to work on all tabs

Mostly just wanting to cycle between all tabs, for example PDF's, Gmail and New Tabs don't work on Firefox because the browser doesn't seem to allow me to use extensions / noscripts on those ones, any advice to get around this so I can use Shift + (J or K) to cycle tabs.

https://redd.it/1p9xb9e
@r_vim