Is Onivim 2 stable enough for daily use?

Onivim 2 is in alpha, so it has bugs and instability; it's fine for testing but not recommended for mission-critical work. Check updates for improvements.

How does Onivim 2 compare to VSCode with a Vim plugin?

Onivim 2 offers native performance and deeper Vim integration via libvim, while VSCode plugins are emulated. However, VSCode is more stable with a mature ecosystem.

Can I use my .vimrc file in Onivim 2?

Not fully, as Onivim 2 doesn't aim for 100% VimL compatibility. Some configurations may work, but it's better to adapt settings using its built-in options.

What VSCode extensions work with Onivim 2?

Most VSCode extensions should work via the Extension Host, but due to alpha status, some may have issues. Refer to documentation for compatibility lists.

How to install Onivim 2 on Linux?

Download from the official website or build from source using the contributing guide. It's cross-platform with packages available for major distributions.

Onivim 2 vs Neovim: which is better for modal editing?

Onivim 2 combines Vim editing with a GUI and VSCode extensions, ideal for graphical workflows. Neovim is terminal-based with a robust plugin system, better for purists.

Oni2

MITReason

A native, lightweight modal code editor combining Vim's modal editing, VSCode's language integration, and Sublime's speed.

Visit Website GitHub

7.9k stars278 forks0 contributors

What is Oni2?

Onivim 2 is a cross-platform, modal code editor that combines the speed of Sublime Text, the extensive language tooling of VSCode via its extension host, and the modal editing experience of Vim. It is built with native performance in mind using the Revery framework and aims to provide a modern, out-of-the-box user experience. The project seeks to unify fast native editing, powerful modal commands, and rich plugin ecosystems in a single editor.

Target Audience

Developers who want Vim's modal editing efficiency but also desire the modern UX, language support, and extension ecosystem of editors like VSCode, without sacrificing native performance. It is suitable for both existing Vim users and those new to modal editing who work across Windows, macOS, or Linux.

Value Proposition

Developers choose Onivim 2 for its unique blend of full VSCode extension compatibility—including language servers and debuggers—with authentic Vim modal editing powered by libvim, all delivered in a fast, native cross-platform package. Unlike configuring Vim plugins or using Vim emulation in other editors, it offers integrated, high-performance tooling with a modern interface out of the box.

Overview

Native, lightweight modal code editor

Use Cases

Best For

Related Projects

Community-curated · Updated weekly · 100% open source

Found a gem we're missing?

Open-Awesome is built by the community, for the community. Submit a project, suggest an awesome list, or help improve the catalog on GitHub.

Submit a project Star on GitHub

Developers transitioning from VSCode to modal editing who want to keep their favorite extensions and language support.
Vim users seeking a more modern, graphically rich editor with native performance and minimal setup.
Teams needing a cross-platform editor that supports VSCode's ecosystem while offering Vim keybindings for productivity.
Performance-conscious coders who want Sublime Text-like speed combined with deep language intelligence via VSCode extensions.
Open-source contributors looking for a Reason/OCaml-based editor project to build upon or customize.
Developers working in multi-language environments who rely on VSCode's debuggers and language servers but prefer modal editing workflows.

Not Ideal For

Teams requiring a stable, production-ready editor without alpha-stage bugs or instability.
Vim power users who depend on complex VimL scripts or plugins for their workflow.
Projects that need immediate, flawless compatibility with all VSCode extensions, as integration is still evolving.
Developers who prefer lightweight, terminal-based editors over graphical ones with native front-ends.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Authentic Modal Editing

Powered by libvim for true Vim-like buffers and modal commands, offering a familiar experience for Vim enthusiasts without emulation.

VSCode Extension Integration

Leverages the VSCode Extension Host to support thousands of plugins, including language servers and debuggers, bridging two powerful ecosystems.

Native Performance

Built with the Revery framework for minimal input latency and fast front-end performance, aiming for Sublime Text-like speed in a modern editor.

Cross-Platform & Batteries Included

Works out of the box on Windows, macOS, and Linux with a modern UX, reducing setup time and making it accessible for non-Vim users.

Cons

Alpha Stage Instability

Currently in alpha, so it may have bugs, instability, and is not recommended for critical work, as warned in the README.

Limited VimL Compatibility

Explicitly states non-goal of 100% VimL compatibility, which can break existing Vim configurations and limit use of certain Vim plugins.

Evolving Extension Support

While it aims for full VSCode extension support, integration is incomplete and may not work perfectly with all extensions yet, leading to potential gaps.

Open Source Alternative To

Oni2 is an open-source alternative to the following products:

Vim

Vim is a highly configurable text editor built to enable efficient text editing, an improved version of the vi editor with additional features and extensibility.

Sublime Text

Sublime Text is a sophisticated text editor for code, markup, and prose, known for its speed, extensive plugin ecosystem, and powerful features.

VSCode

VSCode is an alternative name for Visual Studio Code, a free, open-source code editor developed by Microsoft with extensive extension support and built-in tools.

Frequently Asked Questions

Home

OCaml

coq

The Rocq Prover is an interactive theorem prover, or proof assistant. It provides a formal language to write mathematical definitions, executable algorithms and theorems together with an environment for semi-interactive development of machine-checked proofs.

MirageOS is a library operating system that constructs unikernels

Stars2,879

Forks263

Last commit3 days ago

Liquidsoap

Liquidsoap is a statically typed scripting general-purpose language with dedicated operators and backend for all thing media, streaming, file generation, automation, HTTP backend and more.