Vim is hard, I just want to click around

#1

Post by jkreeftmeijer » Mon, Sep 05, 2011, 1:09 PM UTC

Vim is hard, I just want to click around
jeffkreeftmeijer.com

Re: Vim is hard, I just want to click around

#2

Post by lordlarm » Mon, Sep 05, 2011, 1:29 PM UTC

I too wanted to click around the first month (+/-) after switching to vim, I think we all did.

However, it seems like the author learned the basics of vim, but stopped before he learned about powerful navigation keys, visual mode etc.

I think the moral is: if you feel you don't get the hang of vim/nerdtree etc., don't give up - keep going, there is a reason why so many people use it.

Re: Vim is hard, I just want to click around

#3

Post by jkreeftmeijer » Mon, Sep 05, 2011, 1:34 PM UTC

lordlarm wrote: post #2

I too wanted to click around the first month (+/-) after switching to vim, I think we all did. However, it seems like the author learned the basics of vim, but stopped before he learned about powerful navigation keys, visual mode etc. I think the moral is: if you feel you don't get the hang of vim/nerdtree etc., don't give up - keep going, there is a reason why so many people use it.

That's exactly why I tried again. The drawer is just a way not to go completely mad when I'm stuck trying to open files "the fast way" and I think these tools make it easier for people to get the hang of it. :)

Re: Vim is hard, I just want to click around

#4

Post by [deleted] » Mon, Sep 05, 2011, 1:36 PM UTC

lordlarm wrote: post #2

I too wanted to click around the first month (+/-) after switching to vim, I think we all did. However, it seems like the author learned the basics of vim, but stopped before he learned about powerful navigation keys, visual mode etc. I think the moral is: if you feel you don't get the hang of vim/nerdtree etc., don't give up - keep going, there is a reason why so many people use it.

[deleted]

Re: Vim is hard, I just want to click around

#5

Post by adgar » Mon, Sep 05, 2011, 1:43 PM UTC

jkreeftmeijer wrote: post #3

lordlarm wrote: post #2

I too wanted to click around the first month (+/-) after switching to vim, I think we all did. However, it seems like the author learned the basics of vim, but stopped before he learned about powerful navigation keys, visual mode etc. I think the moral is: if you feel you don't get the hang of vim/nerdtree etc., don't give up - keep going, there is a reason why so many people use it.

That's exactly why I tried again. The drawer is just a way not to go completely mad when I'm stuck trying to open files "the fast way" and I think these tools make it easier for people to get the hang of it. :)

You can click on NERDTree with a mouse-enabled vim, for the record.

Re: Vim is hard, I just want to click around

#6

Post by end550 » Mon, Sep 05, 2011, 1:45 PM UTC

I'd say most unfavourable opinions are tied to a lack of knowledge but having powerful features ultimately doesn't negate that it's uncomfortable for some.

Re: Vim is hard, I just want to click around

#7

Post by sp332 » Mon, Sep 05, 2011, 1:45 PM UTC

lordlarm wrote: post #2

I too wanted to click around the first month (+/-) after switching to vim, I think we all did. However, it seems like the author learned the basics of vim, but stopped before he learned about powerful navigation keys, visual mode etc. I think the moral is: if you feel you don't get the hang of vim/nerdtree etc., don't give up - keep going, there is a reason why so many people use it.

Here is a great post explaining some of the more intermediate stuff: http://stackoverflow.com/questions/1218390/what-is-your-most...

Re: Vim is hard, I just want to click around

#8

Post by jkreeftmeijer » Mon, Sep 05, 2011, 1:46 PM UTC

adgar wrote: post #5

jkreeftmeijer wrote: post #3

Earlier quoted context omitted.

That's exactly why I tried again. The drawer is just a way not to go completely mad when I'm stuck trying to open files "the fast way" and I think these tools make it easier for people to get the hang of it. :)

You can click on NERDTree with a mouse-enabled vim, for the record.

I know, I've used it for a while, but somehow it just didn't feel right, if you know what I mean. :)

Re: Vim is hard, I just want to click around

#9

Post by cturner » Mon, Sep 05, 2011, 1:47 PM UTC

The author mentions trying to get around this with the nerdtree plugin. I stay away from heavy plugins like this because I think they compete with the minimalism that is so nice to the feel of vi. But I can see why you'd be attracted to it given the difficulty of dealing with multiple files.

I do this to get nice access to multiple files:

    set hidden         " allows files to be opened in background
    nmap  :bp " edit prev file with ctrl+j
    nmap  :bn " edit next file with ctrl+l

(goes in $HOME/.vimrc)

Re: Vim is hard, I just want to click around

#10

Post by wahnfrieden » Mon, Sep 05, 2011, 1:50 PM UTC

cturner wrote: post #9

The author mentions trying to get around this with the nerdtree plugin. I stay away from heavy plugins like this because I think they compete with the minimalism that is so nice to the feel of vi. But I can see why you'd be attracted to it given the difficulty of dealing with multiple files. I do this to get nice access to multiple files: set hidden " allows files to be opened in background nmap :bp " edit prev file…

FuzzyFinder is the easiest file and buffer navigation plugin I've found. You should try it. Fuzzy matching is better than having to keep track of what files you have open and in what order.