Vim 9.0.2149

Overview

Vim is a text editor that bares some similarities to the Vi Unix text editor than a typical Windows one. The range of commands has been considerably extended though. This may or may not appeal to the user as a result.

The text editor is strictly for plain text and so it not suitable to be used as a Word processor. As such, the tool is more similar to something like Notepad++ and less like Wordpad or Microsoft Word.

A good range of hot keys are already configured out of the box. Once these are learned, the user barely even needs to touch the mouse and just hammer away at the keyboard to their heart's content. The lack of distraction by not needing to keep switching back and forth between mouse and keyboard can considerably speed up the data entry and productivity during the day with dedicated use of the Vim text editor.

For programmers, there is line numbering and syntax highlighting which can help with indicating when commands are understood once typed and when maybe there was a typing mistake along the way which didn't result in the command being highlighted.

Installation

The software requires 28.5 MB of available space to install it.

There was no adware, toolbars or malicious software included in the setup package.

Vim requires Windows OS.

Interface

The interface starts with some detailed menus across the top with top-level options for File, Edit, Tools, Syntax, Buffers, Window and Help.

There are some mid-sized toolbar buttons below the menu system which are pretty self-explanatory and continue right across to the far side of the application window.

There is a two pane main display which might be a little confusing for new users. The color scheme is also pretty dark and foreboding, however with syntax highlighting in various colors for different languages the page does start to come to life.

Pros

• Unix style plain text editor
• Includes Unix's Vi text editor commands and then adds more
• Syntax highlighting in different colors for each language
• Line numbering
• Hot keys for many common commands making it easy to not take the fingers off the keyboard

Cons

• Plain text only, so no Word processor here.
• Overly dark color scheme

Alternatives

Notepad++ is one of the best alternatives to VIM. It has extensive syntax highlighting for numerous coding languages and line numbering. EditPlus is another great choice.

Conclusion

Vim is a text editor that doesn't quite live up to the ease of use that Notepad++ boasts. It does have most of the same kind of plain text editor advanced features, but its color scheme leaves something to be desired.