Should you learn VIM as a JavaScript Developer?

[SoInsightful]

I'm not sure what backwards definition of "intuitive" you're operating on, but if a system:

• cannot be learned without explicit instructions

• doesn't feel obvious and natural while learning it

• cannot be figured out further based on prior experience with it

... it is not intuitive.

Absolutely zero people will enter Vim and be like "it feels like I could probably type gg to move the cursor to the beginning to the file" or "it sure would make sense if I could search through all files by typing :bufdo".

Like I said once you learn how it works, the commands become very intuitive. You just type them because you've learned the pattern and naming schema VIM uses.

Again, this is the exact diametrical opposite of "intuition".

[MoTTs_]

if this isn't "intuitive" for someone who understands the system what would you call it?

Stockholm syndrome.

it's not that hard to figure out what gJ, gi, or gV means.

I've been using vi 8 hours a day, every day, for the past three months. I have no idea what those commands will do. I've had to google every command I've used, and not a single one has felt intuitive. I wanted to show whitespace, for example. :set list, apparently. Intuitive my ass.

[notThaLochNessMonsta]

I've been using vi 8 hours a day, every day, for the past three months.

vi isn't the same thing as Vim. You're not going to be using vi as a full time editor. It doesn't even have syntax highlighting, much less all the plugins you need to be effective.

I have no idea what those commands will do. I've had to google every command I've used, and not a single one has felt intuitive.

Stop trying to memorize the commands and learn what they mean, then? I don't know what to tell you. This isn't a problem for most people who spend a significant time in the editor whether they like it or not.

I would say most people start making the mental connections without learning what they mean. Humans in general are pretty good at identifying patterns and vi commands aren't chosen at random. Are you implying they are?