5 Best Vi/Vim-Inspired Code Editors for Linux

Linux has a diverse range of text editors available for developers to choose from. One of most popular options for Linux users is Vi and its improved version Vim. Vi and Vim have been around for decades and continue to be widely used by developers because of their powerful and customizable features. However, not everyone is comfortable using command-line interface, and some users prefer a graphical user interface. Fortunately, there are several Vi/Vim-inspired code editors available for Linux with graphical interfaces that offer similar features and flexibility. In this article, we will discuss 5 best Vi/Vim-inspired code editors for Linux.

Neovim

Neovim is an improved version of Vim that is compatible with all Vim plugins and settings. It is designed to be faster, more stable, and more extensible than Vim. Neovim has a built-in terminal emulator, allowing developers to execute shell commands without leaving editor. It also supports plugins and has a vibrant plugin ecosystem that makes it easy for developers to customize and extend its features.

One of notable features of Neovim is its support for Lua scripting language, which is more modern and easier to learn than VimL, Vim's native scripting language. This makes it easier for developers to write plugins and customize Neovim to suit their needs.

SpaceVim

SpaceVim is a community-driven Vim distribution that aims to provide a user-friendly experience for Vim users. It has a graphical user interface and is highly customizable, making it an ideal choice for developers who prefer a modern and visually appealing interface.

SpaceVim comes with a curated set of plugins that provide functionality such as code completion, syntax highlighting, and version control integration out of box. It also has a built-in package manager that makes it easy to install and manage plugins. SpaceVim is designed to be easy to set up and use, making it a great choice for beginners and advanced users alike.

Kakoune

Kakoune is a code editor inspired by Vim that is designed to be more efficient and ergonomic. Unlike Vim, Kakoune uses selections to perform editing operations, which allows developers to manipulate text more easily and quickly.

Kakoune has a built-in macro recorder that allows developers to record and replay complex editing operations. It also supports multiple cursors, making it easy to edit multiple lines simultaneously. Kakoune has a minimalist graphical interface that is highly customizable, making it a great choice for developers who prefer a lightweight editor with a modern interface.

Micro

Micro is a modern, lightweight code editor that is inspired by Vim. It has a graphical interface and is designed to be easy to use and highly customizable. Micro supports plugins and has a vibrant plugin ecosystem that makes it easy for developers to add new features and functionality.

One of notable features of Micro is its support for mouse input, which is not available in Vim by default. This makes it easier for developers to navigate and edit code, especially on touch-enabled devices.

VimR

VimR is a modern, open-source Vim distribution that is designed to provide a better user experience for macOS users. It has a graphical interface and is highly customizable, making it easy for developers to configure and extend its features.

VimR supports plugins and has a vibrant plugin ecosystem that makes it easy for developers to add new functionality. It also has a built-in file browser and search functionality, making it easy to navigate and search for files within editor.

Sublime Text

Sublime Text is a popular code editor that is not directly inspired by Vi or Vim, but it provides similar functionality and is highly customizable. It has a graphical interface and is designed to be fast and responsive. Sublime Text supports plugins and has a vibrant plugin ecosystem that makes it easy for developers to add new features and functionality.

One of notable features of Sublime Text is its multiple selection support, which allows developers to edit multiple lines of code simultaneously. It also has a powerful search and replace functionality that makes it easy to find and replace text within files.

Emacs

Emacs is a powerful and highly customizable code editor that has been around for decades. It is not directly inspired by Vi or Vim, but it provides similar functionality and is highly extensible. Emacs has a graphical interface and supports plugins that provide additional functionality.

One of notable features of Emacs is its support for multiple programming languages and modes. It also has a powerful macro system that allows developers to record and replay complex editing operations.

Atom

Atom is a modern and highly customizable code editor that has a graphical interface. It is not directly inspired by Vi or Vim, but it provides similar functionality and supports plugins. Atom is designed to be easy to use and has a vibrant plugin ecosystem that makes it easy for developers to add new features and functionality.

One of notable features of Atom is its integration with Git and GitHub, which makes it easy to manage version control and collaborate with other developers. It also has a powerful search and replace functionality that makes it easy to find and replace text within files.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are several Vi/Vim-inspired code editors available for Linux that offer similar features and flexibility. These editors provide a graphical interface and are highly customizable, making them an ideal choice for developers who prefer a modern and visually appealing interface. Neovim, SpaceVim, Kakoune, Micro, and VimR are some of best Vi/Vim-inspired code editors available for Linux that offer unique features and advantages. Developers can choose editor that best fits their needs and preferences.

While Vim and Vi have been around for decades and continue to be widely used, these modern editors provide a fresh and innovative approach to text editing. They offer new and improved features that make coding more efficient, easier, and more enjoyable.

In summary, Vi/Vim-inspired code editors are an excellent choice for Linux users who want a powerful and customizable text editor with a graphical interface. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced developer, these editors provide flexibility and functionality you need to create high-quality code.