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Users of Vim and similars, what exactly makes it useful compared to other text editors? How much time do you suppose you save when working with it? (programming.dev)

submitted 4 months ago by ICastFist@programming.dev to c/ask_experienced_devs@programming.dev

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I'd like actual examples instead of "I work faster", something like "I can move straight to the middle of the file with 7mv" or "I can keep 4 different text snippets in memory and paste each with a number+pt, like 2pt", things that you actually use somewhat frequently instead of what you can do, but probably only did once.

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[–] mke@programming.dev 3 points 4 months ago* (last edited 4 months ago)

I spend most of my time thinking, not writing code. I really don't care all that much about time saving, but I do concede that not taking my fingers off the home row feels really great. Other editors, even this very text input I'm writing my comment in right now, feel clunky in comparison.

The most important part to me, however, is how customizable it is. I'm not just using (neo)vim, I'm making and using my own personal development environment. Almost every aspect, be it visual, keybinding, system integration or behavior, is changed as I go to suit my needs above all else. I think the only way to go even further with this would be switching to Emacs :^) lisp machines are no joke.

It's not necessarily mechanically faster—though it absolutely can be: sometimes I get my editor state to where I wanted so naturally and so quickly that I actually pause for a moment after to ponder, wait, how the hell did I do that?—but darn do I like spending time in it, and it just keeps getting better. In a way, that actually makes me more productive: I'm a happier dev.

In the end, it's all about you. If you are at your best in vscode or sublime or whatever, keep at it. My only suggestion is: if you're willing to put in the time and effort, consider trying to make whatever you use truly yours.