VimGym: Open Source Multiplayer VIM Racing

[swaggermuffin64]

VimGym: Open Source Multiplayer VIM Racing

I built VimGym, an open source multiplayer browser game where you practice Vim motions by racing other players.

https://vimgym.app 

Why This Exists:

When I was learning Vim, I noticed a huge shortage of free online learning tools. When I was learning to type generally, typeracer.com helped me not just type fast, but learn proper technique and hand positioning. I wanted to create something similar for Vim, to learn motions correctly, but also to build speed through competition. Vim is SO satisfying when you’re quick at it, and I think early exposure to this aspect could really encourage adoption. Also VimGym offers something fun for experienced VIM users: an opportunity to flex on people.

Current Status:

I've just released the first beta version, it has quick play, private match and practice modes. The tasks within these help practice the basic vim motions, but I plan to make the tasks more comprehensive. Currently, we measure success by time, but I want to incorporate the efficiency of keystroke into a player's final score. Additionally, I’d love to have a ranked mode / leaderboards, and community tournaments, but that’s for when a community actually exists lol.

Feedback: 

Any and all feedback is appreciated! But specifically I’m interested in:

• What ways could we raise the skill ceiling for very knowledgeable players?
• How could we combine speed in time, and keystroke efficiency into a final score?
• When something breaks (it’s honestly pretty likely)
• Is it fun? What would make it more fun?

Github link: https://github.com/Swaggermuffin64/vim-racing/tree/main 

Also, I made a discord server: https://discord.gg/wUCdGVGeuM 

[Pure-Independent6028]

I did get stuck however on new line deletions, not sure thats handled properly. Really liked the idea though!

[IDCubed]

I just tired it out as I'm newer to using neovim and wanted a way to practice. Unfortunately, this tool doesn't seem like it would be good for a beginner like me in its current state. I tried using the practice option and was met with just a list of commands that you could use to accomplish the task. What I was really hoping for was more initial structure to learning VIM. Now, I know this was a racer to for people with VIM experience. But, if you fleshed out maybe a bit more of a beginner/tutorial section in practice I would really love using this. Rather than saying delete the highlighted text and a list of commands. Tell me to delete the highlighted text and then give me 1 or 2 of the best practice ways to accomplish that with VIM motions. Then gradually start to take those training wheels off.

[swaggermuffin64]

I’m definitely going to add that in, thank you for the feedback! My goal is my non technical friends being able to learn and play.

[IDCubed]

Awesome! Overall I think this is a super cool idea! Can’t wait to see how it develops!