Unpacking Zed's Decision: To Embed Neovim or Not?

Exploring Zed's approach to Vim mode and the decision not to embed Neovim. Discover why Zed chose to build a Vim mode internally instead of embedding Neovim and the intricate details of their Vim implementation.

Published 5 months ago by @thorstenball on zed.dev

Abstract

Zed reflects on the choice of not embedding Neovim and delves into the complexity of implementing a Vim mode internally. The article highlights the differences in foundations between Vim and Zed, showcasing the challenges in aligning the two. It elaborates on the evolution of Zed's Vim mode, its features, and the ongoing improvements. Additionally, it touches on the vast array of Vim operators and motions, shedding light on the nuances of Vim's functionality.

Results

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Discussion

How this relates to indie hacking and solopreneurship.

Relevance

This article is crucial for understanding the thought process behind building and refining an internal Vim mode within Zed rather than embedding Neovim. It provides insights into the challenges of aligning different editor foundations and showcases the ongoing efforts to enhance Zed's Vim mode compatibility.

Applicability

If you are working on integrating Vim functionalities into your own text editor or project, you should explore Zed's approach to building a Vim mode internally. Consider the trade-offs between embedding external tools like Neovim and developing in-house solutions to provide a seamless user experience.

Risks

One potential risk to consider is the complexity of aligning different editor foundations when implementing a Vim mode internally. Additionally, building and maintaining intricate features similar to Vim's functionality may require a significant investment of time and resources.

Conclusion

In the future, the article suggests that Zed's Vim mode will continue to evolve and improve, incorporating more advanced Vim features while maintaining its unique foundations. This trend indicates a commitment to providing a comprehensive Vim experience within the Zed editor, potentially setting a standard for in-house Vim integrations in text editors.

References

Further Informations and Sources related to this analysis. See also my Ethical Aggregation policy.

Zed Decoded: Why not just embed Neovim?
From the Zed Blog: In this episode of Zed Decoded, Thorsten talks Conrad about Zed's Vim mode and asks him: why not just embed Neovim?

Illustration of Zed Decoded: Why not just embed Neovim?

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