hjkl - Browser game to master Vim commands through practice
Show HN: I built a little browser game to practice Vim commands
hjkl is a browser-based game that helps you learn Vim by doing. Instead of memorizing commands, you practice them in short, focused drills covering everything from fixing typos and changing words to using counts, text objects, and marks. Each skill is repeated six times to build muscle memory, making it perfect for beginners and intermediate users looking to level up their editing speed. The game covers essential Vim motions and operations like ciw, dd, yy, and %, and even advanced features like jumps and marks. Just open the URL and start typing—no installation required. It's a fun, effective way to turn Vim commands into second nature.
Learn Vim by doing—not just reading. Practice each command six times and watch your editing speed soar.
- test_user369
I learned the basics a couple of years ago and although Claude does most of my work now, I'll try it to learn some new tricks. Thanks for posting!
- glibg10b
For all of the ciw examples, ce is easier since the cursor is at the first letter of the word.
Where dw works, this game teaches vlllld instead, which is a bad habit to teach.
Ctrl+A increments the first number after the cursor, which is easier than, say, f6r7 in cases where they do the same thing. Similarly, Ctrl+X decrements.
t:t: is weird when fY is much easier.
The Vim simulator has a minor difference compared to real Vim:
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Start on line one and do CTRL-V then j then CTRL-A. Real Vim would increment both. The simulator only increments the one under the cursor.
- atakmim
I tried and finally I will learn and understand Vim better playing a game :) Thanks!
- autuni
I have considered getting into Vim a couple of times because it always seemed like the thing to do, but never did.
It does not make sense to me that I should use an editor I need to study and practice for. It can't possibly that much more efficient, especially given that usually speed is not the limiting factor for what I do.
Maybe one day I will be tempted to find out why it's supposedly worth it again.
- zzril
I was somewhat irritated that the exercises allow you to stay in insert mode at the end. I think it might do better at teaching the concept of an "edit" as a single, repeatable action by requiring you to go back to normal mode.