How to install Zim Framework on Ubuntu?

Use the automatic installation with curl or wget from the README, or install via Homebrew for Linux. Add the provided lines to your .zshrc and restart your terminal.

Zim vs Oh My Zsh: which is better?

Zim is better for speed and modularity, with faster startup times and a lightweight design, while Oh My Zsh offers a larger, pre-packaged plugin ecosystem. Choose based on performance vs. convenience.

How to add a custom theme to Zim?

Define the theme in your .zimrc file using zmodule with the theme's GitHub URL or custom path. For example, 'zmodule spaceship-prompt/spaceship-prompt' for the Spaceship theme.

Does Zim work on macOS?

Yes, Zim supports macOS through Homebrew installation or manual setup. The README includes specific instructions for Apple Silicon and Intel Macs, with paths adjusted for each.

How to update all modules in Zim?

Run 'zimfw update' to update all modules to their latest revisions. Use 'zimfw upgrade' to update the zimfw plugin manager itself, and check the README for upgrade notes.

What are the performance benefits of Zim?

Zim is optimized for fast shell startup, with static script initialization and minimal overhead. Benchmarks in the README show it loads significantly faster than alternatives like Oh My Zsh.

zim

MITShellv1.20.0

A Zsh configuration framework with a built-in plugin manager, modular extensions, and blazing-fast startup speed.

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4.6k stars183 forks0 contributors

What is zim?

Zim Framework is a Zsh configuration framework that combines a plugin manager with modular extensions and themes to enhance terminal productivity. It solves the problem of slow shell startup times by offering an optimized, lightweight alternative to heavier Zsh frameworks. Users can easily manage plugins, customize prompts, and add functionality while maintaining performance.

Target Audience

Developers and power users who use Zsh as their shell and want a fast, modular, and maintainable configuration system. It's ideal for those who value startup speed and prefer a structured approach over manual Zsh customization.

Value Proposition

Zim Framework stands out for its emphasis on speed and modular design, offering a built-in plugin manager and curated modules without the overhead of larger frameworks. Its performance optimizations and flexible configuration make it a compelling choice for users seeking a balance between functionality and efficiency.

Overview

Zim Framework: The Zsh configuration framework with blazing speed and modular extensions.

Use Cases

Best For

Speeding up Zsh startup times compared to Oh My Zsh or Prezto

Related Projects

Community-curated · Updated weekly · 100% open source

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Managing Zsh plugins and themes with a built-in tool

Building a modular, maintainable Zsh configuration

Adding common shell enhancements like completions and syntax highlighting

Customizing terminal prompts with prebuilt or third-party themes

Optimizing terminal workflows for developers using Zsh

Not Ideal For

Users of other shells like Bash or Fish who don't plan to switch to Zsh
Developers wanting a fully pre-configured, zero-tweaking terminal setup out of the box
Teams heavily invested in Oh My Zsh with extensive custom plugins that aren't easily portable
Projects requiring a vast, curated plugin ecosystem without manual sourcing or configuration

Pros & Cons

Pros

Exceptional Startup Speed

Optimized for fast shell startup, with benchmarks in the README showing it outperforms alternatives like Oh My Zsh and Prezto, reducing terminal launch delays.

Integrated Plugin Manager

Includes zimfw for easy installation, updating, and management of Zsh modules and themes, with commands like 'zimfw install' and 'zimfw update'.

Modular and Flexible Design

Supports custom module sources, conditional initialization via '--if' flags, and per-module settings with zmodule calls, allowing tailored configurations.

Prebuilt Themes and Modules

Comes with a variety of themes and prepackaged modules for common tasks like completion and syntax highlighting, enhancing productivity without extra setup.

Cons

Configuration Complexity

Manual installation requires editing .zshrc files and understanding zmodule syntax, which can be intimidating for users new to Zsh configuration frameworks.

Smaller Plugin Ecosystem

Compared to Oh My Zsh, Zim has a more limited selection of built-in modules and themes, often requiring custom sourcing from external repositories.

Dependency on External Tools

Relies on curl, wget, or git for installation and updates, and the degit tool for faster installs, which might not be available in all environments.

Open Source Alternative To

zim is an open-source alternative to the following products:

A community-driven framework for managing your zsh configuration with plugins, themes, and helpers.

Frequently Asked Questions

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