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/ setup guide·4 min read·beginner

Install Vim and Neovim in 60 seconds.

One command per OS gets you both editors. Vim Sensei runs real Vim — but you'll want Neovim too the moment you start configuring an IDE setup. Get them both now.

/ 01

Why install both

Vim is the original. Neovim is a fork that prioritises async I/O, Lua scripting, and modern plugin ergonomics. Most cutting-edge plugin authors target Neovim; most servers, Docker images, and SSH sessions ship Vim. You will use both.

Vim Sensei runs real Vim in your browser — what you learn here transfers directly to either editor on your local machine.

/ 02

Choose your OS

Pick your platform. The instructions in section 03 will switch to match.

/ 03

Run the install

● Showing instructions for macOS
  1. 01

    Install Homebrew if you don't have it

    Homebrew is the de facto package manager for macOS. Skip this step if brew --version already works.

    // snippet
    /bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"
  2. 02

    Install Vim and Neovim

    One command, both editors:

    // snippet
    brew install vim neovim

    This pulls a recent build of each — fresher than the macOS-shipped Vim, which is usually a few major versions behind.

/ 04

Verify it works

Open a fresh terminal and confirm both binaries respond. Press Esc, then :q Enter to exit.

~/testready
$ vim --version | head -1            // VIM - Vi IMproved 9.x
$ nvim --version | head -1           // NVIM v0.10.x or later

// type 'vim' to enter Vim. Press Esc, then :q Enter to exit.
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/ 05 — Now Practice

New keybinding → new muscle memory.

Reading only gets you so far. Your fingers need reps.

play_arrowPractice in Vim Senseiarrow_backBack to Resources