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Vim
Vim · founded 1991
What it is
Vim is a configurable text editor for creating and changing text, with uses that include programming, composing email, and editing configuration files. It supports hundreds of programming languages and file formats, and provides search and replace, column editing, macro recording, and a persistent, multi-level undo tree. An extensive plugin system and scripting language support extensions, and Vim integrates with many tools. It runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows. Vim is distributed freely under a GPL-compatible license as charityware; users who find it useful are asked to consider donating to help children in Uganda through Kuwasha. Windows downloads include installers and zip packages for x64, x86, and ARM, along with links to Winget packages. For macOS, the download page links to MacVim for a graphical version and Homebrew for a terminal version. Vim recommends source for Unix and links a daily-built AppImage for many Linux systems. Its maker says Vim takes learning and is not a WYSIWYG word processor for typeset documents.
For and against
For
- Supports hundreds of languages and file formats
- Includes macro recording and column editing
- Provides a persistent, multi-level undo tree
- Runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows
- Distributed freely under a GPL-compatible license
Against
- The maker says Vim takes learning
- Not a WYSIWYG word processor for typeset documents
The verdict
Vim offers extensive editing and extension options across three desktop operating systems, at no charge. Its learning curve and lack of WYSIWYG typeset-document editing are important considerations before choosing it.
Who it suits
Vim suits people editing code, email, or configuration files who want a configurable text editor and are willing to learn its use. It is not intended for WYSIWYG typeset-document editing.
Plans and prices
Vim
Distributed freely · Donations requested to support Kuwasha charity
Read 7 Oct 2026 · vim.org
On the record
- Column editing
- Yesgithub.com · read 22 Sep 2026
- Editing features
- The maker lists powerful search and replace among Vim's features.vim.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Extensions
- Vim has an extensive plugin system and a scripting language that allows plugin-like extensions.vim.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Extension support
- Yesgithub.com · read 22 Sep 2026
- Integrations
- The maker says Vim integrates with many tools.vim.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Languages and formats
- Vim supports hundreds of programming languages and file formats.vim.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Learning curve
- The maker says Vim is a tool users must learn and that it is not a word processor designed for WYSIWYG typeset-document editing.vim.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- License and donations
- Vim is charityware, is distributed freely under a GPL-compatible license, and asks users who find it useful to consider donating to help children in Uganda through Kuwasha.vim.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Linux and Unix downloads
- The download page recommends obtaining Vim from source on Unix and links to a daily-built AppImage for many Linux systems.vim.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- macOS downloads
- The download page links to MacVim for a GUI version and Homebrew for a terminal version.vim.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Macro recording
- Yesgithub.com · read 22 Sep 2026
- Product
- Vim is a highly configurable text editor built to make creating and changing text efficient.vim.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Security
- The security page says an issue that could have caused account takeover was reviewed, patched, and validated as fixed in November 2025.vim.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Support
- The Vim community page lists mailing lists for user help, development discussion, Mac-specific discussion, and announcements.vim.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Supported platforms
- Windows,macOS,Linuxgithub.com · read 22 Sep 2026
- Undo
- Vim includes a persistent, multi-level undo tree.vim.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Use cases
- The maker describes Vim as useful for programming, composing email, and editing configuration files.vim.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Windows downloads
- The download page lists Windows installers and zip packages for x64, x86, and ARM, and links to Winget packages.vim.org · read 7 Oct 2026
