Is Vim Snobbery a Real Thing? Debunking the Misconceptions and Embracing Modern Tools

For those of us who have been using the Vim editor since the early days, it is easy to fall into the trap of Vim snobbery. This article will explore this phenomenon and provide a balanced perspective on why it's essential to use whatever editor makes you the most productive.

The Early Days of Vim

My journey with Vim dates back to the era when it was still known as vi. Having contributed to features such as showmatch for C, I have a deep appreciation for the editor's functional core. While I do prefer gvim for its graphical user interface, and while there have been past debates on Usenet, my view remains that Vim is a tool for efficiency, not a status symbol.

Current Editor Challenges

At my current workplace, we use a highly stripped-down version of vi. It lacks many features, such as recalling the last used search history. In reality, what Vim provides beyond gvim is largely a matter of prettiness and complexity. It’s important to prioritize productivity and usability over enthusiast pride.

Using an editor should not define your productivity or your perception of coolness. There’s no need to stick with outdated tools simply to prove a point. Editors shouldn't define cool; use whatever the Fck you want that makes you the most productive.

Setting the Record Straight: Vim Snobbery

Some people believe that one must use a tiling window manager and Vim with separate terminal windows, and never use GUI applications. This is a common misconception. While you can achieve similar functionality with modern tools, the belief that only Vim and Tiling Window Managers are "cool" is flawed.

Using tmux in a console window is a much faster and resource-efficient solution. Alternatively, modern software with overlapping windows and better user interfaces can provide the same functionality without the need for extensive configuration. The true measure of coolness is in the quality of your work, not in esoteric configurations.

Modern Alternatives to Vim

The article mentions that knowing how to use Vim is essential, but it is not necessary to use it in today's programming environment. There are numerous modern Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) and code editors that offer the same functionality as Vim but with better user interfaces and support for various platforms. These tools often come with standard keyboard shortcuts and other platform paradigms, making them more accessible and user-friendly.

For example, editors like Visual Studio Code, PyCharm, or even the Tilde editor, which offers a modern terminal-based interface with features like mouse support and cut and paste, are highly effective and user-friendly alternatives to Vim. These tools offer a better balance between functionality and user experience, making them ideal for everyday use.

The Importance of Productivity

The article concludes by stating that it’s better to know how to use Vim, but it’s not necessary to use it to be productive. Embracing modern tools doesn't turn you into a productivity monster; it turns you into a practical and efficient developer. While I’ve used Vim, I’ve also used other editors like Emacs, Ked, Ted, TeCo, Eevee, Eclipse, and Visual Studio, each with their own strengths and use cases.

As someone who has been using Unix systems since before the Linux kernel, I find that using the Tilde editor in a terminal window is a more modern and user-friendly alternative. It offers the same functionality as Vim but with a better user interface, making it easier to work efficiently.

In conclusion, while Vim has its merits, it's crucial to prioritize productivity and modern usability over outdated misconceptions. Whether you prefer Vim, an IDE, or any other tool, the goal should be to get shit done efficiently and effectively.

Final Thoughts

Being proficient with tools like Vim is valuable, but it's not the only way to be productive or "cool." Modern tools continue to evolve, and choosing the right one can significantly enhance your workflow. Don't let Vim snobbery cloud your judgment. Use what works best for you, and focus on your productivity and output.