Notes for vim / neovim users

jvim is not a vim clone. It’s a Notepad-shaped editor with vim’s tree navigation.

What’s the same

In the file tree (Ctrl+E to focus):

Keys	Action	Notes
j / k	Down / Up
g / G	Top / Bottom
n	New file
r	Rename
d	Delete (with confirm)
/	Type-to-filter (or just start typing)
Enter	Open file
q	Return to editor

In the editor body — Notepad semantics, no modes:

• No i to enter insert mode — you’re already there.
• No :wq — Ctrl+S and Ctrl+Q.
• No dd / yy / p — Ctrl+X / Ctrl+C / Ctrl+V with Shift+Arrow selection.

What’s missing

• Modal editing (insert / normal / visual / command)
• vim regex search (:%s/...)
• ex commands (:set, :bd, etc.)
• vim plugins (jvim has no plugin system — yet)
• Custom keymaps via init.vim
• Macros (q recording)

Where jvim differs

• Folder-based notes. File tree, backlinks, and tag browser are built around a markdown folder.
• Full-text search. Shift+F4 searches the open folder without extra setup.
• Optional AI overlay. Ask/Insert/Rewrite are available after you configure a provider.
• Single binary. No editor plugin manager or runtime install is required.

Recommended first steps

1. Getting started
2. File tree — the only place vim keys still apply
3. Keymap full reference