Helix Editor is a cutting-edge text editor that’s designed for efficiency and speed. It’s built with multiple cursors as a core editing primitive, inspired by Kakoune, and integrates tree-sitter for robust syntax trees, enabling better syntax highlighting and code navigation.
Helix supports language-specific features through Language Server Protocol (LSP), making it a powerful tool for developers. It’s written in Rust and operates in the terminal, offering a lightweight alternative to Electron-based editors.
Details of Helix Editor
| Basic Details | Details |
|---|---|
| Launched | 2023 |
| Launched by | Helix Editor |
| Supported Payments | Free |
| Active Users | 1million |
| User Rating | 4.0 |
| Helix Editor | Details |
|---|---|
| GitHub | ✓ |
| Matrix | ✓ |
| OpenCollective | ✓ |
| code manipulation | ✓ |
| Modern text editor | ✓ |
Helix Editor Features
- Multiple Selections: Utilizes multiple cursors as a core editing primitive, inspired by Kakoune.
- Tree-sitter Integration: Provides robust syntax trees for better highlighting, indentation, and code navigation.
- Language Server Support: Offers language-specific features like auto-completion and diagnostics without additional configuration.
- Built in Rust: Ensures performance and reliability, and can be used over ssh, tmux, or a plain terminal.
- Modern Built-in Features: Includes a fuzzy finder, project-wide search, and beautiful themes.
- Auto Closing Bracket Pairs: Automatically closes brackets to streamline coding.
- Surround Integration: Facilitates easy manipulation of surrounding characters or tags.
- Customizable Workflow: Offers various customization options, including color schemes and vertical rules.
How to Use Helix Editor?
- Installation: First, ensure Helix is installed on your system. You can find installation instructions on the official Helix documentation website.
- Opening Files: Launch Helix from the terminal by typing
hxfollowed by the file or directory name. - Modal Editing: Helix uses modal editing (similar to Vim), where you switch between different modes for inserting text, navigating files, and more.
- Navigating: Use keyboard shortcuts to navigate within your files. For example,
h,j,k,lfor left, down, up, and right. - Editing: To edit text, enter insert mode by pressing
i. To return to normal mode, pressEsc. - Multiple Cursors: Helix supports multiple cursors. Press
Ctrl+Nto create a new cursor andCtrl+Pto remove one.
FAQs About Helix Editor
What is Helix Editor?
Helix Editor is a post-modern modal text editor, built in Rust, designed for efficient and intuitive code editing.
How does Helix Editor differ from Vim or Kakoune?
Helix Editor offers a smaller codebase with modern defaults and integrates features like Tree-sitter and language server support, making it easier to use, especially for those new to modal editors.
Can Helix Editor be used in a terminal?
Yes, Helix Editor is primarily a terminal-based editor and can be used over ssh, tmux, or any plain terminal.
