Learning Vim motions was one of the best decisions I made in my coding journey. Initially, the idea of using purely to keyboard to navigate code seemed daunting, but once I understood how Vim motions work, I realized that it wasnʼt just another tool—it was a mindset. If you're curious about Vim motions and why they matter, let me walk you through my journey.

Why I Learned Vim Motions

The Magic of Efficiency

When I first started using Vim, I was blown away by how efficiently I could navigate through my code. No more mouse, no more endless arrow key presses—just smooth, rapid movements. Vim motions let me jump from word to word, line to line, or even paragraphs with minimal effort. The real magic is in how simple commands like w (move forward by word) or $ (move to the end of the line) dramatically reduced the time I spent navigating code.

I noticed that my thought process synced better with Vim's motions. Instead of getting distracted by moving the cursor or selecting text with a mouse, I could focus purely on the logic of my code. That seamless flow was the magic I had been looking for.

FOMO: Fear of Missing Out

To be honest, a big part of why I started learning Vim motions was FOMO. I kept seeing other developers fly through their text, barely touching their mouse. It was like they knew some secret coding technique that made them superhuman! And I wanted in. After reading a few articles and seeing how passionate the Vim community is, I decided to give it a try. I didnʼt want to miss out on what seemed like the ultimate coding experience.

Staying in the Flow

One of the unexpected benefits of using Vim motions was how it changed the way I think through my code. Before, Iʼd often get sidetracked by constantly shifting my hand between the mouse and keyboard, losing my train of thought. But with Vim motions, everything is at my fingertips. I stay focused on the next step in the code rather than being interrupted by navigation. This helps me stay in the flow and think more clearly about the logic of what Iʼm writing. Itʼs almost as if Vim removed the barriers between me and the code, letting me focus purely on the task at hand without unnecessary distractions.

How I Got Started with Vim Motions

Using the Vim Tutor

The first step I took was diving into vimtutor. This built-in tutorial is a lifesaver. It guides you through all the essential motions like h, j, k, and l for moving left, down, up, and right, respectively. I spent about 30 minutes going through the lessons, practicing each command as I learned it. What I loved about the tutor was that it was hands-on—you get to see the results of each command immediately, which really helped reinforce the concepts.

If youʼre just getting started, I canʼt recommend vimtutor enough. Itʼs simple, effective, and most importantly, it's already installed on your system if you have Vim or NeoVim! Small side not here, there are some small bugs in the tutor, so it does not always register your actions.

Vim Extension in Visual Studio Code

At first, I wasnʼt ready to commit to using Vim full-time, especially since I loved working in Visual Studio Code (VS Code). Luckily, I found a perfect middle ground: the Vim extension for VS Code. This extension allowed me to use all the essential Vim motions without leaving my favorite editor.

This hybrid approach was the key to easing myself into Vim motions. I didnʼt have to abandon my entire workflow, but I still got to practice and incorporate Vim motions into my daily coding. I started small, using basic motions, and gradually added more advanced techniques as I became comfortable.

Whatʼs Next?

After getting the hang of basic motions, I started exploring more advanced features. Text objects were a game-changer for me (ciw to change inside a word, for example). It felt like leveling up in a game, where each new feature unlocked more speed and efficiency. I also started using macros, which allowed me to record repetitive tasks and execute them with a single command. That saved me tons of time!

Now that Vim motions are second nature, I find myself using them even when Iʼm not in a coding environment. Even when working in non-Vim environments, my fingers still instinctively reach for those motions! And when I am using vim motions, it feels like home—like Iʼm navigating code with the least resistance possible.

One of these days, I might tackle my next biggest fear: NeoVim's configuration file.

Learning Vim motions has transformed the way I code. It didnʼt happen overnight, but with consistent practice, I can now navigate and edit my code faster and more efficiently than ever. If youʼre on the fence about learning Vim, donʼt let the FOMO hold you back—dive in, practice daily, and soon enough, youʼll feel the magic of Vim motions too.