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Helix: A Neovim inspired editor, written in Rust (github.com)

449 points by behnamoh · 1430 days ago · 306 comments on HN

Article summary

Helix is a text editor written in Rust, inspired by Neovim and Kakoune, with features like modal editing, multiple selections, and built-in language server support. The editor has a modern architecture and is designed to be extensible. It has a terminal-based interface, but there are plans to explore a custom renderer for a GUI version. The project is open-source and has a growing community of contributors and users.

Main themes

  • text editors
  • Rust programming language
  • Neovim and Kakoune inspiration
  • Language Server Protocol (LSP)
  • Tree-Sitter
  • editor customization and flexibility
  • user experience and ease of use

What commenters say

  • Helix has the potential to replace Vim, Neovim, and Kakoune for most users due to its modern design and built-in features.
  • The editor's lack of compatibility with Vim's keymap and configuration is a significant barrier to adoption for some users.
  • The ease of use and zero-configuration requirements of Helix make it an attractive option for new developers, but may not be as important for experienced users who already have their preferred editors set up.
  • Some users prefer the flexibility and customizability of Neovim over Helix's more streamlined approach.
  • The use of Language Server Protocol (LSP) and Tree-Sitter in Helix provides a better experience for source code editing and may also be beneficial for general text editing.
  • The implementation of LSP and Tree-Sitter in Neovim is still maturing and may eventually become more polished and user-friendly.
  • The choice of editor ultimately depends on individual preferences and needs, with some users prioritizing stability and ubiquity over new features and ease of use.