logoalt Hacker News

canistelyesterday at 4:06 AM5 repliesview on HN

Do have a look at the second question in the FAQ :).

I do find Helix very impressive. I remember the Python LSP working without any configuration whatsoever.

However, I have vim muscle memory built over 25 years of use. I already struggle switching between Emacs and vim (or its equivalents) - for example, after a period of vim usage, I would press ESC repeatedly in Emacs, three of which are enough close a window. While Helix borrows modal editing from vim, it introduces subtle (and meaningful - I have to admit) variations, which unfortunately wreaks havoc with my muscle memory. Maybe the worst part about muscle memory is that unlearning is almost impossible. My dilemma, not Helix's fault...


Replies

dilawaryesterday at 5:47 AM

I have been using an ergonomics keyboard for a while and find it impossible to go back to normal keyboard.

For the last two weeks, I was forced to work at a normal keyboard. After initial pain for one day, I got back to typing at normal speed. Without losing my comfort with the ergonomic one. I can now just context switch. It wasn't easy though.

Perhaps you will also become comfortable with both vim and helix after the initial struggle?

kleibayesterday at 11:03 AM

> I would press ESC repeatedly in Emacs, three of which are enough close a window.

You can configure every combination of keystrokes in Emacs - just bind M-ESC ESC to something harmless (such as, e.g., not function at all).

One possibility would be the following line in your ~/.emacs file:

    (global-set-key (kbd "M-ESC ESC") 'keyboard-quit)
show 1 reply
lorenzohessyesterday at 5:55 AM

Have you tried Emacs' Extensible Vi Layer ("Evil" mode)? My muscle memory switched almost seamlessly from Vim to Emacs with Evil mode

weinzierlyesterday at 8:15 AM

"However, I have vim muscle memory built over 25 years of use."

Me too and it took a view attempts but I'm on Helix now and don't regret it. Once you are over the most prominent discrepancies like dd and G it's an uphill battle.

show 1 reply
korantuyesterday at 10:10 AM

I think Zed editor has helix phylosophy of supporting LSP out of the box while having exact vi bindings if it is important.

[1] https://zed.dev/

show 1 reply