First of all, I am just kidding. I am not better than you. I was inspired by the youtube video ‘Why I'm a Better Developer than you’ by Ben Awad. I started trying out the vim-extension in vscode after watching the video because I wanted to become better than everyone else. I got used to the ‘vim motions’ really quickly. I was using linux at the time and my machine wasn't very powerful to say the least. So I had trouble running heavy IDEs. So I just did everything in vscode. Don't get me wrong vscode is great for web development and is certaily usable for any other type of development with the right plugins. But then I found a better way. I found NEOVIM. So without any further ado, here are 6 reasons why you should also consider using NEOVIM.
1. Unparalleled Efficiency
Neovim's modal editing paradigm is at the heart of its efficiency. This means that users navigate and manipulate text using a series of modes, each with a distinct purpose. Normal mode, the default mode, is dedicated to text navigation and manipulation, while Insert mode allows for text input. This separation of tasks eliminates the need to constantly switch between different tools or modes, streamlining the editing process.
2. Shaping the Editor to Your Workflow
Neovim's true strength lies in its immense customizability. Unlike most editors that enforce a predefined layout and behavior, Neovim grants users complete control over every aspect of their editing environment. From keybindings and color schemes to plugins and extensions, Neovim can be molded to fit the individual's workflow, preferences, and coding style.
3. Conserving System Resources
Neovim is a lightweight and resource-efficient editor, making it ideal for low-powered machines or situations where resources are constrained. In contrast, many graphical editors consume significant system resources, leading to performance issues on older or resource-limited devices. Plus, if you happen to do any kind of server work, vim in general will save you A LOT of time.
4. You learn how IDEs work
Neovim's modal editing approach and extensive configuration options present a learning curve that may initially deter some users. However, the rewards are well worth the effort. You start to learn how other IDEs work, how language servers work, how bash commands work, how the system works. When you use other IDEs you don't know understand what is happening under the hood. You just expect everything to work. I feel like having a deeper understanding of how the tools you use everyday work makes you a better developer.
5. Endless Possibilities with Plugins and Extensions
Neovim's plugin ecosystem is vast and ever-expanding, offering a vast array of plugins and extensions that cater to diverse programming languages, tools, and workflows. These plugins seamlessly integrate with Neovim's core functionality, extending its capabilities and adapting it to specific development needs.
6. The Community
Neovim boasts a vibrant and supportive community, fostering a collaborative atmosphere where users share knowledge, contribute to the codebase, and develop innovative plugins. This active community ensures that Neovim remains at the forefront of text editing, constantly evolving to meet the ever-changing demands of developers.
Neovim is not a casual editor for beginners; it is a powerful tool crafted for proficient programmers who seek efficiency, customizability, and extensibility. Its modal editing paradigm, extensive customization options, thriving community, lightweight nature, and vast plugin ecosystem make it an exceptional choice for developers who value control over their editing environment and seek to optimize their workflow. While the initial learning curve may seem daunting, the rewards of mastering Neovim are undeniable, transforming text editing into an art form that elevates productivity and enhances the coding experience.