3 ms·
I use Vim for a few reasons: 1. It is fast to open. I can open a terminal and type `vim` and then `a` in about 1-2 seconds. This is useful because I'm often
by ryan-duve 5y ago
I use Vim for a few reasons:
1. It is fast to open. I can open a terminal and type `vim` and then `a` in about 1-2 seconds. This is useful because I'm often on a call when someone says something that suddenly seems profound, and I realize I should be taking notes that call. Using a terminal and Vim, I can open a buffer and start typing almost by the time the speaker finishes their sentence.
2. Key bindings. "Change in word", "delete in sentence", indenting whole blocks. "A". I just can't get this productive in any other editor, even those that offer "Vim keybindings" but don't bring everything.
3. I want local notes for `grep`-ing. Somebody asks if anyone knows about the `foobar_prod` table? `grep -Hrn foobar_prod .` in the `notes/` folder answers the question in a heartbeat. Using regex with grep's `E` flag is a feature I haven't found in common note engine search functions.
4. I use Vim for code. This means when I learn a new Vim trick while coding, I get the benefit of extra chances to use/cement it while note taking or any other text editing need.
5. Vim is ubiquitous. It's on or available for every system I use, every Docker container and every remote server. 99% of my note taking is on my Mac (work computer), but when I need to do it in Linux everything is familiar.
There are downsides I'd be happy to discuss if people are interested. I'm leaving them out now because OP asked about why I use what I use, not a balanced review of preferences and alternatives.
- gauthamkolluru 5y agothat sounds really exciting. I've been having #LearningVIM in my #Todo list since forever now. I tried using VSCode like sorts of vim (though its no replacement for vim) but don't you have the requirement for having the notes on the cloud? to be able to update it any time from any device? Thanks in advance.
- ryan-duve 5y agoWhen I worked at a company with the MS Suite, I used Box's auto sync on my `notes/` folder for this. Now I use Google Drive's sync, but I'm sure there's other solution for Dropbox or whatever your company uses. I knew a guy in grad school use just used `rsync` to automatically back up his folder in the same way, but I never learned set something like that up.
- gauthamkolluru 5y agoHaven't you ever had to create / take a new notes or edit an existing one on the go (on mobile devices)? if yes, how do/did you do that? If No, how come it is a 'No'? (added this as a comment to the original question itself.)
- Cyph0n 5y agoGreat points. I typically use vimwiki on top to get cross referencing and diary organization. But pure Vim + Markdown + grep is more than sufficient.