- Basically, Vim is just another text editor that we can use to write and edit the text, just like Sublime Text, which we commonly use for Windows or Mac, or even Notepad that we use for Windows. Vim allows efficient text editing, and it is sometimes even considered as an entire IDE for programmers.
- Vim is a highly configurable text editor, freely available for many different platforms. For general information, advocacy, and the latest news on Vim in general, visit the Vim Home Page. The site is specifically devoted to Vim on the Mac, and is mainly devoted to binary distributions for Mac OS X.
README.txt for version 7.3 of Vim: Vi IMproved. WHAT IS VIM Vim is an almost compatible version of the UNIX editor Vi. Many new features have been added: multi-level undo, syntax highlighting, command line history, on-line help, spell checking, filename completion, block operations, etc.
- Vim Tutorial
- Vim Useful Resources
- Selected Reading
VIM proved (henceforth referred to as Vim) editor is one of the popular text editors. It is clone of Vi editor and written by Bram Moolenaar. It is cross platform editor and available on most popular platforms like Windows, Linux, Mac and other UNIX variants. It is command-centric editor, so beginners might find it difficult to work with it. But once you master it, you can solve many complex text-related tasks with few Vim commands. After completing this tutorial, readers should be able to use Vim fluently.
This tutorial is targeted for both beginners and intermediate users. After completing this tutorial, beginners will be able to use Vim effectively whereas intermediate users will take their knowledge to the next level.
This tutorial assumes that reader has basic knowledge of computer system. Additionally, reader should be able to install, uninstall and configure software packages on given system.
Following conventions are followed in entire tutorial −
Vim (source code),short for Vi IMproved, is a configurable text editor often used asa Python development environment. Vim proponents commonly cite the numerousplugins, Vimscript and logical command language as major Vim strengths.
Why is Vim a good Python development environment?
Vim's philosophy is that developers are more productive when they avoidtaking their hands off the keyboard. Code should flow naturally from thedeveloper's thoughts through the keyboard and onto the screen. Using a mouseor other peripheral is a detriment to the rate at which a developer'sthoughts become code. This 'efficiency by keyboard'keeps Vim as one of the most popular text editorsdespite having been around for decades. Few programming tools have that kindof staying power.
Vim has a logical, structured command language. When a beginner is learningthe editor she may feel like it is impossible to understand all the keycommands. However, the commands stack together in a logical way so that overtime the editor becomes predictable.
Configuring Vim with a Vimrc file
Vim Text Editor For Mac
The Vimrc file is used to configure the Vim editor. A Vimrc file can rangefrom nothing in it to very complicated with hundreds or thousands of linesof configuration commands.
Here's a short, commented example .vimrc file I use for Python developmentto get a feel for some of the configuration statements:
Here is how these configuration options look with a dark background onMac OS X while editing the markdown for this webpage (how meta!).
Take a look at another example using these configuration options, this timewith a light background and editing Python code from myChoose Your Own Adventures Presentationsproject.
The Vimrc file lives under the home directory of the user account runningVim. For example, when my user account is 'matt', on Mac OS X my Vimrcfile is found at /Users/matt/.vimrc. On Ubuntu Linux my .vimrc filecan be found within the /home/matt/ directory.
If a Vimrc file does not already exist, just create it within the user'shome directory and it will be picked up by Vim the next time you open theeditor.
The following are a few resources for learning what to put in, and how tostructure a .vimrc file. I recommend adding configuration options oneat a time to test them individually instead of going whole hog with a Vimrcyou are unfamiliar with.
A Good Vimrc is a fantastic,detailed overview and opinionated guide to configuring Vim. Highlyrecommended for new and experienced Vim users.
5 lines for a blank .vimrcshows settings for case insensitive search, highlighting as you search,disabling swap, and a couple more 'must have' enhancements to thedefault configuration.
Vim and Python showsand explains many Python-specific .vimrc options.
Vim as a Python IDEshows a slew of plugins and configuration options for coding with Pythonin Vim.
Thisrepository's folder with Vimrc fileshas example configurations that are well commented and easy to learn from.
For people who are having trouble getting started with Vim, check out thisblog post on thetwo simple steps that helped this author learn Vim.
Vim tutorials
Vim has a reputation for a difficult learning curve, but it's much easierto get started with these tutorials.
Learn Vim Progressivelyis a wonderful tutorial that follows the path I took when learning Vim:learn just enough to survive with it as your day-to-day editor then beginadding more advanced commands on top.
A vim Tutorial and Primer is anincredibly deep study in how to go from beginner to knowledgeable in Vim.
Why Atom Can't Replace Vimdiscusses one of Vim's core principles: command composability. Vim hasa language where simple commands are combined to execute more advancedoperations. For example, in command mode,
$moves to the end of a line.When$is preceded bydthen everything to the end of the line isdeleted. Over time the simple commands become intuitive and thecombinations become more powerful than having distinct commands such asa drop-down menu with a specific option to delete all text until the endof the line.Vim as a Languageexplains the language syntax and how you can build up over time to masterthe editor.
How to install and use Vim on a cloud serveralong with How to use Vim for advanced editing of code on a VPSare two detailed Digital Ocean guides for getting up and running with Vim,regardless of whether you're using it locally or on a cloud server.
PacVim: a commandline game to learn Vim commandstakes the PacMan theme and teaches you how to use Vim by forcing youto move around and use Vim commands while gaming.
Ten years of Vimprovides an insightful retrospective on one experienced developer'sjourney with using Vim as a primary text editor and developmentenvironment. I found the part about going overboard with plugins beforeswitching back to a simpler configuration fascinating because it isthe same path I've found myself taking as I approach my own ten yearmark with Vim.
At least one Vim trick you might not know aboutis a collection of non-obvious keyboard shortcuts, many of which areinfrequently used but still useful.
Vim Adventures is a cute, fun browser-basedgame that helps you learn Vim commands by playing through the adventure.
In Vim: revisited theauthor explains his on-again off-again relationship with using Vim. He thenshows how he configures and uses the editor so it sticks as his primarycode editing tool.
Things About Vim I Wish I Knew Earlierexplores the lessons one developer learned while exclusively using Vimfor several years. The author includes using relative instead of absoluteline numbering, setting numerous configuration options and fuzzy findingto quickly open files in other directories rather than expanding thewhole path.
Seven habits of effective text editingexplains moving around efficiently, fixing errors quickly and forming goodhabits.
Vim installation guides
These installation guides will help you get Vim up and running on Mac OS X,Linux and Windows.
Upgrading Vim on OS Xexplains why to upgrade from Vim 7.2 to 7.3+ and how to do it usingHomebrew.
The easiest way to install Vim on Windows 7+ is to download and run thegvim74.exe file.
On Linux make sure to install thevim package with
sudo apt-get install vim.If you're using PyCharm as your IDE you won't need to install Vim as aseparate text editor - instead use theIdeaVim PyCharm plugin to getVim keybindings, visual/insert mode, configuration with ~/.ideavimrc andother Vim emulation features.
Using Vim as a Python IDE
Once you get comfortable with Vim as an editor, there are severalconfiguration options and plugins you can use to enhance your Pythonproductivity. These are the resources and tutorials to read when you'reready to take that step.
VIM and Python - a Match Made in Heaven details how to set up a powerful VIM environment geared towards wrangling Python day in and day out.
The python-mode project is a Vimplugin with syntax highlighting, breakpoints, PEP8 linting, code completionand many other features you'd expect from an integrated developmentenvironment.
Vim as Your IDE discusses how toset up Vim for greater productivity once you learn the initial Vim languagefor using the editor.
Setting up Vim for Pythonhas a well written answer on Stack Overflow for getting started with Vim.
If you're writing your documentation in Markdown using Vim, be sure toread thisinsightful post on a Vim setup for Markdown.
Vim Plugin resources
5 Essential VIM Plugins That Greatly Increase my Productivitycovers the author's experience with the Vundle, NERDTree, ctrlp, Syntasticand EasyMotion Vim plugins.
Getting more from Vim with pluginsprovides a list of plugins with a description for each one on itsusefulness. The comments at the bottom are also interesting as people havesuggested alternatives to some of the plugins mentioned in the post.
Powerline is a popular statuslineplugin for Vim that works with both Python 2 and 3.
VimAwesome is a directory of Vim plugins sourcedfrom Vim.org, GitHub and user submissions.
Command-T is a Vim plugin forfast fuzzy searching files.
YouCompleteMe(source code) is acode-completion engine and plugin that works for Python.
Vim Plugin Managers
If you use many Vim plugins together it is really handy to have a pluginmanagers to sort out all of the dependencies. The following plugin managersare the most commonly-used ones in the Vim ecosystem.
Vundle comes highly recommendedas a plugin manager for Vim.
Pathogen is a widely usedplugin manager.
Vim-plug bills itself as aminimalistic Vim plugin manager.
Niche tutorials
After you have been using Vim for awhile there will be features you bumpinto without realizing they were ever there. The following tutorials showhow to use some specific niche features. You may already know about theseif you have been using Vim for awhile but everyone's learning path isdifferent so it's useful to do a quick scan to make sure you are not missinganything.
Vim's absolute, relative and hybrid line numbersshows how to change the line numbering scheme. There was a period oftime I used relative line numbers although I eventually switched backto absolute numbers. The usefulness of these schemes is often dependenton what language you are working in.
A simpler Vim statuslineexplains how to customize your bottom screen statusline without usingplugins such as vim-powerlineor vim-airline.
The vim-clutch is a really coolproject and walkthrough that shows how you can create a foot pedal toswitch between Normal and Insert modes instead of using the typical ESCkey (or a remapped key).
How I'm able to take notes in mathematics lectures using LaTeX and Vimexplains how the author is able to keep up with mathematicslectures by using Vim and LaTeX which produces gorgeous notesthat can be used to study.
Vim Mac Os
Macvim Download
The Vimrc file lives under the home directory of the user account runningVim. For example, when my user account is 'matt', on Mac OS X my Vimrcfile is found at /Users/matt/.vimrc. On Ubuntu Linux my .vimrc filecan be found within the /home/matt/ directory.
If a Vimrc file does not already exist, just create it within the user'shome directory and it will be picked up by Vim the next time you open theeditor.
The following are a few resources for learning what to put in, and how tostructure a .vimrc file. I recommend adding configuration options oneat a time to test them individually instead of going whole hog with a Vimrcyou are unfamiliar with.
A Good Vimrc is a fantastic,detailed overview and opinionated guide to configuring Vim. Highlyrecommended for new and experienced Vim users.
5 lines for a blank .vimrcshows settings for case insensitive search, highlighting as you search,disabling swap, and a couple more 'must have' enhancements to thedefault configuration.
Vim and Python showsand explains many Python-specific .vimrc options.
Vim as a Python IDEshows a slew of plugins and configuration options for coding with Pythonin Vim.
Thisrepository's folder with Vimrc fileshas example configurations that are well commented and easy to learn from.
For people who are having trouble getting started with Vim, check out thisblog post on thetwo simple steps that helped this author learn Vim.
Vim tutorials
Vim has a reputation for a difficult learning curve, but it's much easierto get started with these tutorials.
Learn Vim Progressivelyis a wonderful tutorial that follows the path I took when learning Vim:learn just enough to survive with it as your day-to-day editor then beginadding more advanced commands on top.
A vim Tutorial and Primer is anincredibly deep study in how to go from beginner to knowledgeable in Vim.
Why Atom Can't Replace Vimdiscusses one of Vim's core principles: command composability. Vim hasa language where simple commands are combined to execute more advancedoperations. For example, in command mode,
$moves to the end of a line.When$is preceded bydthen everything to the end of the line isdeleted. Over time the simple commands become intuitive and thecombinations become more powerful than having distinct commands such asa drop-down menu with a specific option to delete all text until the endof the line.Vim as a Languageexplains the language syntax and how you can build up over time to masterthe editor.
How to install and use Vim on a cloud serveralong with How to use Vim for advanced editing of code on a VPSare two detailed Digital Ocean guides for getting up and running with Vim,regardless of whether you're using it locally or on a cloud server.
PacVim: a commandline game to learn Vim commandstakes the PacMan theme and teaches you how to use Vim by forcing youto move around and use Vim commands while gaming.
Ten years of Vimprovides an insightful retrospective on one experienced developer'sjourney with using Vim as a primary text editor and developmentenvironment. I found the part about going overboard with plugins beforeswitching back to a simpler configuration fascinating because it isthe same path I've found myself taking as I approach my own ten yearmark with Vim.
At least one Vim trick you might not know aboutis a collection of non-obvious keyboard shortcuts, many of which areinfrequently used but still useful.
Vim Adventures is a cute, fun browser-basedgame that helps you learn Vim commands by playing through the adventure.
In Vim: revisited theauthor explains his on-again off-again relationship with using Vim. He thenshows how he configures and uses the editor so it sticks as his primarycode editing tool.
Things About Vim I Wish I Knew Earlierexplores the lessons one developer learned while exclusively using Vimfor several years. The author includes using relative instead of absoluteline numbering, setting numerous configuration options and fuzzy findingto quickly open files in other directories rather than expanding thewhole path.
Seven habits of effective text editingexplains moving around efficiently, fixing errors quickly and forming goodhabits.
Vim installation guides
These installation guides will help you get Vim up and running on Mac OS X,Linux and Windows.
Upgrading Vim on OS Xexplains why to upgrade from Vim 7.2 to 7.3+ and how to do it usingHomebrew.
The easiest way to install Vim on Windows 7+ is to download and run thegvim74.exe file.
On Linux make sure to install thevim package with
sudo apt-get install vim.If you're using PyCharm as your IDE you won't need to install Vim as aseparate text editor - instead use theIdeaVim PyCharm plugin to getVim keybindings, visual/insert mode, configuration with ~/.ideavimrc andother Vim emulation features.
Using Vim as a Python IDE
Once you get comfortable with Vim as an editor, there are severalconfiguration options and plugins you can use to enhance your Pythonproductivity. These are the resources and tutorials to read when you'reready to take that step.
VIM and Python - a Match Made in Heaven details how to set up a powerful VIM environment geared towards wrangling Python day in and day out.
The python-mode project is a Vimplugin with syntax highlighting, breakpoints, PEP8 linting, code completionand many other features you'd expect from an integrated developmentenvironment.
Vim as Your IDE discusses how toset up Vim for greater productivity once you learn the initial Vim languagefor using the editor.
Setting up Vim for Pythonhas a well written answer on Stack Overflow for getting started with Vim.
If you're writing your documentation in Markdown using Vim, be sure toread thisinsightful post on a Vim setup for Markdown.
Vim Plugin resources
5 Essential VIM Plugins That Greatly Increase my Productivitycovers the author's experience with the Vundle, NERDTree, ctrlp, Syntasticand EasyMotion Vim plugins.
Getting more from Vim with pluginsprovides a list of plugins with a description for each one on itsusefulness. The comments at the bottom are also interesting as people havesuggested alternatives to some of the plugins mentioned in the post.
Powerline is a popular statuslineplugin for Vim that works with both Python 2 and 3.
VimAwesome is a directory of Vim plugins sourcedfrom Vim.org, GitHub and user submissions.
Command-T is a Vim plugin forfast fuzzy searching files.
YouCompleteMe(source code) is acode-completion engine and plugin that works for Python.
Vim Plugin Managers
If you use many Vim plugins together it is really handy to have a pluginmanagers to sort out all of the dependencies. The following plugin managersare the most commonly-used ones in the Vim ecosystem.
Vundle comes highly recommendedas a plugin manager for Vim.
Pathogen is a widely usedplugin manager.
Vim-plug bills itself as aminimalistic Vim plugin manager.
Niche tutorials
After you have been using Vim for awhile there will be features you bumpinto without realizing they were ever there. The following tutorials showhow to use some specific niche features. You may already know about theseif you have been using Vim for awhile but everyone's learning path isdifferent so it's useful to do a quick scan to make sure you are not missinganything.
Vim's absolute, relative and hybrid line numbersshows how to change the line numbering scheme. There was a period oftime I used relative line numbers although I eventually switched backto absolute numbers. The usefulness of these schemes is often dependenton what language you are working in.
A simpler Vim statuslineexplains how to customize your bottom screen statusline without usingplugins such as vim-powerlineor vim-airline.
The vim-clutch is a really coolproject and walkthrough that shows how you can create a foot pedal toswitch between Normal and Insert modes instead of using the typical ESCkey (or a remapped key).
How I'm able to take notes in mathematics lectures using LaTeX and Vimexplains how the author is able to keep up with mathematicslectures by using Vim and LaTeX which produces gorgeous notesthat can be used to study.
Vim Mac Os
Macvim Download
Vim Commands Mac
Now that you know about Vim, what do you want to develop in it?
Mac Vim Gui
I want to learn how to code a Python web application using a framework.
Vi For Mac
I've built a Python web app, now how do I deploy it?
