Vim vs. Vi — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 17, 2024
Vim offers extended functionality with scripting, multiple windows, and undo/redo, while Vi is more basic and widely available in Unix-like systems.
Difference Between Vim and Vi
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Vim, short for Vi Improved, is an extended version of the Vi editor, providing features like syntax highlighting, mouse support, and a comprehensive undo/redo system. On the other hand, Vi, the original text editor in many Unix systems, sticks to the basics, offering a stable and predictable editing environment in almost any system.
While Vim allows users to open multiple files in tabs and windows, facilitating complex editing tasks and file comparisons directly within the editor, Vi limits users to editing one buffer at a time, which can be less efficient for multitasking.
Vim supports extensive customizations and plugins that can transform the editor into a full-fledged development environment. Whereas Vi has a much smaller footprint, requiring less system resources, which makes it ideal for systems with limited resources.
Vim includes a scripting language called Vimscript, enabling users to write complex scripts to automate tasks and enhance the editor's functionality. In contrast, Vi's capabilities are generally limited to its predefined commands, offering less flexibility for automation.
Vim's compatibility mode allows it to act like Vi, making it accessible to those familiar with Vi, while still offering advanced features when needed. Vi, by nature, remains unchanged, prioritizing consistency and simplicity over additional features.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Initial Release
1991
1976
Developer
Bram Moolenaar
Bill Joy
Key Features
Multi-level undo, tabs, plugins
Lightweight, stable
Customization
Extensive with scripts
Minimal
System Usage
Higher resource requirement
Low resource requirement
Compare with Definitions
Vim
A highly configurable text editor built to enable efficient text editing.
Vim is popular among developers for its speed and extensibility.
Vi
Known for its simplicity and effectiveness in editing tasks.
I use Vi for quick edits in configuration files.
Vim
Includes syntax highlighting, supporting multiple programming languages.
Vim automatically highlights syntax errors while I code.
Vi
Operates in different modes, including command and insert.
To insert text in Vi, I switch from command mode to insert mode.
Vim
Allows customization through scripts and plugins.
I added a calendar plugin to Vim for better task management.
Vi
Does not support tabs or multiple windows.
In Vi, I work with one file at a time.
Vim
Supports extensive undo/redo through a multi-level undo tree.
Vim's undo tree allows me to revert changes made hours ago.
Vi
Minimalistic, making it extremely fast and resource-efficient.
Vi runs smoothly on systems with limited hardware.
Vim
Features multi-window and tab support for simultaneous editing.
Using Vim, I can edit multiple files side-by-side.
Vi
A standard text editor originally created for the Unix operating system.
Vi is included by default on most Unix-based systems.
Vim
Energy; enthusiasm
In his youth he was full of vim and vigour
Vi
Vi (pronounced as distinct letters, ) is a screen-oriented text editor originally created for the Unix operating system. The portable subset of the behavior of vi and programs based on it, and the ex editor language supported within these programs, is described by (and thus standardized by) the Single Unix Specification and POSIX.The original code for vi was written by Bill Joy in 1976, as the visual mode for a line editor called ex that Joy had written with Chuck Haley.
Vim
Liveliness or energy; enthusiasm.
Vi
(grammar) verb intransitive or intransitive verb (often in dictionaries)
Vim
Ready vitality and vigour.
Vi
The cardinal number that is the sum of five and one
Vim
Power; force; energy; spirit; activity; vigor.
Vi
More than 130 southeastern Virgin Islands; a dependent territory of the United States
Vim
A healthy capacity for vigorous activity;
Jogging works off my excess energy
He seemed full of vim and vigor
Vi
Denoting a quantity consisting of six items or units
Vim
An imaginative lively style (especially style of writing);
His writing conveys great energy
Common Curiosities
Can Vim use Vi commands?
Yes, Vim can operate in a Vi compatibility mode, allowing it to use standard Vi commands.
Is Vim suitable for programming?
Yes, with features like syntax highlighting and plugin support, Vim is highly suited for programming.
What is Vim?
Vim is an extended version of the Vi editor with added features like scripting and tabs for improved functionality.
How do I open multiple files in Vim?
In Vim, you can open multiple files in tabs or windows, using commands like :tabnew or :vsplit.
How does Vi differ from Vim in terms of system usage?
Vi requires fewer system resources compared to Vim, making it suitable for older or resource-constrained systems.
What is Vimscript?
Vimscript is a powerful scripting language used within Vim to automate tasks and enhance the editor's functionality.
Why would someone choose Vi over Vim?
Users might choose Vi for its simplicity and lower resource consumption, especially on minimalistic or older systems.
How do I customize Vim?
Customization in Vim can be done through Vimscript, which allows for extensive modifications and enhancements.
Does Vi support plugins like Vim?
No, Vi does not support plugins; it is designed to be a simple, stable editor.
Can Vi handle large files better than Vim?
Both editors can handle large files, but Vi's simpler interface might perform faster with very large files.
Does Vim have a graphical version?
Yes, Vim offers a graphical version known as GVim, providing a GUI along with the power of Vim.
Is Vim available on all operating systems?
Vim is available on multiple operating systems, including Unix, Windows, and macOS.
What are the mode operations in Vi?
Vi operates mainly in two modes: command mode and insert mode.
How do I save changes in Vim or Vi?
In both Vim and Vi, changes can be saved with the command :w to write changes to disk.
Is it easy to switch from Vi to Vim?
Switching from Vi to Vim is generally straightforward due to Vim's compatibility mode, which helps ease the transition for Vi users.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Kindness vs. Goodness
Next Comparison
Kraken vs. CthulhuAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
