Technology · head to head
ESLint vs Vim
Vim
Technology
Highly configurable text editor built to enable efficient text editing
- From
- Free
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Each has a real cost: ESLint slow performance on large codebases compared to newer tools like Oxlint and Biome; Vim configuration system uses keyboard mappings with no graphical interface for settings
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which ESLint and Vim actually diverge.
Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated).
What each one covers
Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.
Only in ESLint
Nothing recorded that Vim does not also cover.
Only in Vim
- Modal editing
- Extensive customization
- Plugin support
- Macro recording
- Split windows
- Syntax highlighting
- Search and replace
- Command history
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
ESLint
- Statically analysing JavaScript and JSX to find problems before runtimenot Vim
- Automatically fixing issues with syntax-aware rewritesnot Vim
- Enforcing a consistent code style across a teamnot Vim
- Running as a CI step to block non-conforming codenot Vim
- Writing custom rules for project-specific conventionsnot Vim
Vim
- Code editingnot ESLint
- Configuration filesnot ESLint
- System administrationnot ESLint
- Remote editingnot ESLint
- Terminal-based developmentnot ESLint
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
ESLint
- Slow performance on large codebases compared to newer tools like Oxlint and Biome
- Complexity in configuration from scratch, particularly for TypeScript support
- Limited built-in TypeScript support, requiring separate parsers and coordination with new TypeScript features
Vim
- Configuration system uses keyboard mappings with no graphical interface for settings
- Requires browsing documentation to modify even basic settings
- Lacks sensible defaults for many common configurations
- Plugin ecosystem stability varies widely depending on custom configuration complexity
Pricing, plan by plan
ESLint
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the ESLint review.
Vim
Free- FreeFree
- Powerful text editing
- Extensive customization
- Plugin ecosystem
Which should you pick?
Choose ESLint if
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Browser-based JavaScript, Node.js, Any JavaScript environment.
Choose Vim if
- You need modal editing.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Linux, Unix, macOS, Windows.
- You also want extensive customization.
Questions people ask
- Is ESLint or Vim better?
- Neither clearly leads. ESLint starts at Free and Vim at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, ESLint or Vim?
- ESLint starts at Free and Vim at Free.
- Does ESLint or Vim run on more platforms?
- ESLint runs on Browser-based JavaScript, Node.js, Any JavaScript environment. Vim runs on Linux, Unix, macOS, Windows.
- Can I use ESLint for free?
- Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
- What is ESLint best used for?
- ESLint is most often used for statically analysing javascript and jsx to find problems before runtime, automatically fixing issues with syntax-aware rewrites, enforcing a consistent code style across a team, running as a ci step to block non-conforming code. Of those, statically analysing javascript and jsx to find problems before runtime and automatically fixing issues with syntax-aware rewrites are not what Vim is typically brought in for.
- What can ESLint do that Vim cannot?
- Vim covers Modal editing, Extensive customization, Plugin support, Macro recording.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
ESLint: Does ESLint automatically fix code issues?
Many problems ESLint finds can be automatically fixed via the --fix flag. ESLint fixes are syntax-aware so you won't experience errors introduced by traditional find-and-replace algorithms.
SourceVim: Is Vim free and open source?
Yes, Vim is free and open source, distributed under a charityware license. The creator requested donations to ICCF Holland, a non-profit supporting AIDS victims in Uganda. All donations are forwarded to ICCF.
SourceESLint: How much does ESLint cost?
ESLint is completely free and open-source software maintained by the OpenJS Foundation. The project accepts voluntary donations from sponsors.
SourceVim: What platforms does Vim support?
Vim runs on Unix-like systems (Linux, macOS, BSD), Windows (7, 8, 10, 11), VMS, and is available through package managers or standalone installation on all major operating systems.
SourceESLint: Can I write custom ESLint rules?
Yes. You can develop custom rules that work alongside built-in functionality through ESLint's plugin system, allowing complete customization for your project needs.
SourceVim: Who maintains Vim now?
Vim was created by Bram Moolenaar, who passed away on August 3, 2023. Christian Brabandt is the current lead maintainer, and the project continues with volunteer contributors.
SourceRelated pages
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- Vim vs Ansible
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- Vim vs StackBlitz
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- Vim vs Asana
- Vim vs ClickUp
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- Vim vs Figma
- Vim vs Notion
- Vim vs Monday.com
- Vim vs Greenhouse
- Vim vs PostHog
- Vim vs Amplitude
- Vim vs Datadog
- Vim vs Okta
- Vim vs PyCharm
- Vim vs Sketch
- Vim vs Sublime Text
- Vim vs Auth0
- Vim vs Dashlane
- Vim vs Docker
- Vim vs LaunchDarkly