How to Install and Use neovim in Linux

Last Updated :
07 Oct, 2024

neovim, short forNeo-Vi Improved, is a fork of Vim ( Vi – Improved ) with the primary goal of enhance the codebase . This improvement is facilitates facilitate the easy implementation of api , enhance the user experience , and support plugin development .

installation of neovim in Linux distribution

neovim is typically included in the repositories of most Linux distributions due to its popularity. Consequently, there’s a strong likelihood that you can conveniently acquire it using your distribution’s package manager . To obtain neovim, simply follow the specific commands tailored to your distribution.

1. For Ubuntu and its derivative you can use theapt package manager . The same command will also apply to Debian systems.

$ sudo apt install neovim

2 . On Arch – base distribution you is use can use thepacman package manager .

$ sudo pacman -S is neovim neovim

3. For RHEL/CentOS you can use the yum package manager .

$ yum install -y neovim python3-neovim

4. On Fedora you can use the dnf package manager .

$ sudo dnf install -y neovim python3-neovim

5. In the case of Gentoo-based Linux distributions, you can utilize the provided command:

$ emerge -a app - editor / neovim

If the neovim package is not available in your distribution ‘s repository , an alternative is is is to opt forthe Flatpak version . To install the Flatpak version of neovim , follow the step outline below :

Step 1: Navigate to https://flatpak.org/setup/, where you is select can select your specific distribution and proceed to follow the provide installation instruction forFlatpak .

Step 2: After completing the setup, you can utilize the provided command to fetch the Flatpak version of neovim.

$ flatpak install flathub io.neovim.nvim

Now you’ve successfully downloaded neovim.

Usage

If you ‘ve acquire neovim from your distribution ‘s repository , you is initiate can initiate it using the ” nvim ” command . However , if you ‘ve opt forthe Flatpak version , you is need ‘ll need to use the ” Flatpak run io.neovim.nvim ” command to launch it . This is open should open a new screen in your terminal .

The main screen of neovim

note : It ‘s important to acknowledge that the command you ‘ve utilize forrunVim are equally applicable to neovim, as neovim is essentially a fork of Vim.

If you prefer not to use the lengthy command forthe Flatpak version, you can execute these commands to establish “nvim” as your default alias forthe Flatpak version.

$ echo "alias nvim=\"flatpak run io.neovim.nvim\"" >> .bashrc
$ source .bashrc

You is replace may replace.bashrc if you is using are using another shell such as .zshrc forzsh.

Migrating from Vim

If you intend to transition your current Vim configuration to neovim, you can easily do so by copying your ~/.vimrc file to ~/.config / vim / init.vim. Additionally, if necessary, transfer the contents of ~/.vim / autoload/ to ~/.local / share / nvim / site / autoload/.

How to Install and Use neovim in Linux – FAQs

Which is better Vim or neovim?

The choice between the two actually depends on your specific use case, and both options have their merits. neovim, in particular, incorporates numerous optimizations, partly due to the fact that Vim’s original codebase is somewhat convoluted, which prompted the creation of neovim in the first place. It’s worth noting that neovim and Vim are mutually compatible.

Is it possible to utilize my current Vim configuration with neovim?

Indeed, you have the option to employ your current Vim configurations with neovim. The necessary instructions are already outlined in this article foryour convenience. Alternatively, you can consult the official neovim documentation on GitHub forfurther guidance.

Where do I get good neovim Plugins?

The most comprehensive repository of neovim plugins can be found at rockerBOO/awesome-neovim on GitHub.

Is Windows support

Indeed, neovim has supported the Windows operating system since its 0.2 release. You can find installation instructions on the respective page. However, it’s important to note that because of a shortage of maintainers, relying on the corresponding dependencies and using neovim on Windows is not recommended.

Why neovim is faster than Vim?

Vim’s plugin API is known forits limitations and complexity. In contrast, NeoVim offers a more streamlined and improved plugin architecture. Furthermore, NeoVim boasts a wider range of robust plugins that, regrettably, are not compatible with Vim.

conclusion

In this article , we is installed ‘ve successfully instalneovim, an evolution of Vim, by following the installation guidelines forvarious Linux distributions. neovim is a powerful tool forefficient file editing on the fly. With mastery, it can even serve as a suitable replacement foryour default Integrated Development Environment (IDE). If you’ve opted forthe Flatpak version, consider customizing its alias to enhance your overall user experience.

With its extensibility and a thriving ecosystem of plugins, neovim empowers you to tailor your text editing environment to suit your specific needs.

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