Memorizing chords is conceptually simpler than taking on a modal mindset. I sure got pissed at insert mode plenty of times while I was learning vim.
Thankfully this was during my college masochistically-acquiring-skills-that-make-me-feel-cool phase where I was also learning LaTeX, so I just focused on the future gainz. I’m so glad I did on both counts.
I sopped using EMACS because chording is horrible for RSI and carpal tunnel. Same reason I moved off kakoune (which the author of the article mentions frequently). Kakoune is heavily chorded.
Helix is nearly pure modal, except for basic shift and some simple alt chords: most mode sequences like m-, space-, etc bring up a context menu with next-key options for the mode; it’s fantastic for learning, and for remembering those things you use so rarely you never quite memorize them.
I suppose I don’t see what is conceptually challenging about chords; they’re just physically annoying and require memorization. Most people are used to control key chords at least, so emacs benefits from that. Whereas vim requires a deeper shift in thinking.
Memorizing chords is conceptually simpler than taking on a modal mindset. I sure got pissed at insert mode plenty of times while I was learning vim.
Thankfully this was during my college masochistically-acquiring-skills-that-make-me-feel-cool phase where I was also learning LaTeX, so I just focused on the future gainz. I’m so glad I did on both counts.
Weirdly I think Vim’s modal mindset is a much simpler grasp than the finger gymnastics presented by Emacs.
I sopped using EMACS because chording is horrible for RSI and carpal tunnel. Same reason I moved off kakoune (which the author of the article mentions frequently). Kakoune is heavily chorded.
Helix is nearly pure modal, except for basic shift and some simple alt chords: most mode sequences like m-, space-, etc bring up a context menu with next-key options for the mode; it’s fantastic for learning, and for remembering those things you use so rarely you never quite memorize them.
I suppose I don’t see what is conceptually challenging about chords; they’re just physically annoying and require memorization. Most people are used to control key chords at least, so emacs benefits from that. Whereas vim requires a deeper shift in thinking.