The discussion centers on the advantages of switching to Vim for code and LaTeX editing, particularly for users transitioning from TextPad or other text editors. Users highlight Vim's powerful features, including distinct insert and command modes, which can enhance productivity once mastered. The conversation also mentions the availability of plugins such as vimcalc for calculations and nerdtree for file navigation, emphasizing that Vim on Linux supports Python plugins, unlike its Windows counterpart. Mastery of normal mode is identified as crucial for leveraging Vim's full potential.
PREREQUISITES
Familiarity with Vim's modes: insert, command, and visual.
Basic understanding of LaTeX for document preparation.
Knowledge of plugin management in Vim.
Experience with text editors like TextPad or similar tools.
NEXT STEPS
Explore Vim's normal mode functionalities to improve editing efficiency.
Research and install the vimcalc plugin for enhanced calculation capabilities.
Learn to use the nerdtree plugin for better file management in Vim.
Investigate Python plugin support in Vim on Linux for advanced scripting tasks.
USEFUL FOR
Developers, technical writers, and anyone interested in optimizing their coding and LaTeX editing experience using Vim.
#1
Ackbach
Gold Member
MHB
4,148
94
I run Windows machines at the moment, but I have always had a soft spot in my heart for Linux and the open source philosophy. So I decided to start learning hard-core Vim. It's fun to see how powerful Vim is. I think I'm going to switch from TextPad to Vim for $\LaTeX$ editing now.
I am using Linux now and used vi a long time ago. However, having distinct insert and command modes seems a little crazy to me. It was fun for a while, but I felt relief when I could finally use a normal text editor where typing text always inserts it.
Some anecdotes and jokes about vi.
I read about a guy who opened a text in a vi-like editor and wanted to type "edit." He did not switch from the command mode to insert mode, so "e" selected the whole text ("everything"), "d" deleted it, "i" switched to insert mode. Thus, the whole document was replaced by the letter "t."
However, "Using a free version of vi is not a sin but a penance" (Richard Stallman).
vi has two modes – "beep repeatedly" and "break everything."
Tim O'Reilly said, in 1999, that O'Reilly Media's tutorial on vi sells twice as many copies as that on Emacs (which could mean either that vi is more popular or harder to learn).
Even earlier, I used a ed-style non-visual line-oriented text editor.
Let's look at a typical novice's session with the mighty ed:
Code:
golem$ ed
?
help
?
?
?
quit
?
exit
?
bye
?
hello?
?
eat flaming death
?
^C
?
^C
?
^D
?
---
Note the consistent user interface and error reportage. Ed is generous enough to flag errors, yet prudent enough not to overwhelm the novice with verbosity.
#3
skoker
10
0
Vim is the best! i use vim for my main editor to write c code. it is a great editor and for programming and latex. there are lots of plugins for c and latex.
if you use vim on windows from the installer it does not have python support. but on Linux it does. and you can use python plugins. this one works quite nice for quick calculations.
http://www.gregsexton.org/portfolio/vimcalc/
also the nerdtree plugin works nice if you are just starting out.
the trick to vim is to learn how to use normal mode very good. then only use insert mode and visual mode when you need to to. most people never figure this out and spend all there time in insert mode which is much slower and does not use the good features of vim.