38
Getting used to Helix
(lemmy.world)
you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
view the rest of the comments
this post was submitted on 16 Apr 2025
38 points (95.2% liked)
Linux
56904 readers
528 users here now
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).
Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.
Rules
- Posts must be relevant to operating systems running the Linux kernel. GNU/Linux or otherwise.
- No misinformation
- No NSFW content
- No hate speech, bigotry, etc
Related Communities
Community icon by Alpár-Etele Méder, licensed under CC BY 3.0
founded 6 years ago
MODERATORS
I'd recommend not trying to learn all the shortcuts as it's most likely wasted effort. Most people probably dont know the entirety of available moves. Learn the basics to use the editor like, h j k l e w t f g s and start using it. Then whenever you need a ton of keystrokes to get something done, step back and see if there are moves which simplify that. Multiple selections / cursors are also an integral part of using helix so make sure to use em when applicable.
As a sidenote helix isnt very modular imo. The appeal is that compared to e.g. neovim, it is very much a Monolith with most things you need built in which simplifies usage / configuration greatly.
I'll admit that this learning by doing way is prone to adopting half assed solutions but its the only way i know to get comfortable with something quickly
Uhhg, I've been waiting for module support for helix for forever, now. It's a planned feature, but it's been that way for ages now
I agree that extensibility would be nice, but it cant / shouldnt replace the actually working software with all working features. Ive never been able to get into modal editors before helix because vim / neovim (probably kakoune also) are unusable in their base form by modern standards. Any actual config / distribution needs tons of work to integrate basic usability features and fall apart in a blink (and are usually not very performant - lazy loading exists for a reason). Therefore i think its the right move to focus on implementing a fully featured editor first and then explore extensibility. That said i will also be very happy when it becomes a thing, no matter if it will be via webassembly, lisp, ect...
Oh I agree, I am happy with Helix and use it as my main editor already. I like that they'd rather take their time to figure out how to make plugins work well.
Thanks for your reply! :)