Perhaps you are using some simple basic editor and wonder if it is worth the time and effort to learn something like Vim. They say that developers spend more time using their editor to interact with their computer than any other piece of software. If you are going to spend thousands of hours using a text editor, why not choose the best one possible?
A couple of warnings to the Vim newcomer should be placed up front.
Vim does have a steep learning curve. It is fundamentally different, and you won't just be able to jump right in and use it. The big difference is what is called its "modal" nature. You switch between what are called normal and insert modes and the default is normal mode. Most people expect insert mode when they start out and are surprised when they can't just start typing text. Stick with us on this.
Vim is sophisticated, and very fast when you learn how to use it. Vim is also open source and cross platform. I can jump on most systems and find at least the basic "vi" mode and get things done immediately without battling with some weird editor I have never heard about. Vim works just fine in a terminal, so using it over an ssh connection is completely reasonable. Most IDE have some kind of vim compatibility mode or plugin so that you can learn vim and then be comfortable in those environments and let your muscle memory work for you.
This might make you think it is basic and limited, but this is hardly the case. I have used "vi" for over 40 years and am still learning about modes and capabilities of the editor that are new and useful.
The best thing to do is to try it out, give it some time, and see what you think.
Tom's vim pages / [email protected]