I first started using the vi editor more than ten years ago while in college. However, I only mastered the very tip of the iceberg (moving around, searching, saving, etc) and never used it as my primary editor. As I started my software development career, my interests in vi all but vanished as I generally used the text editor that was part of an integrated development environment (IDE).
Now, however, I'm experiencing a resurgence of my own interest in mastering vi for two reasons. First, I found myself having the need to traverse through server-side configuration or log files more. Vi, coupled with proven command line tools such as grep and sed, etc, is almost universally available on any server and very powerful for this need. Second, I have increasingly found that my wrist and arm feel a slight discomfort when reaching for the mouse, one of the many early warning signs of repetitive strain injuries (RSI). Using a text editor fully enabled for keyboard navigation allows me to keep my hands on the keyboard at all times, vastly improving my posture.
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_My inner geekiness was calling when I saw the recent surge in popularity of mechanical keyboards. What's so unique about them that warrants a 5x to 10x price premium over a regular, rubber-dome (99% of keyboards out there) one? I had to find out, so I purchased one myself. I couldn't stop typing on the thing! For some reason, typing on a mechanical keyboard is immensely satisfying, hearing that clicky sound and feeling the tactile feedback through my fingers. On the other hand, it could also be due to post-purchase rationalization. :) Either way, it's a treat to my fingers as they spend more than eight hours a day typing away. They warrant the best keyboard the world has to offer. OK, maybe not the best, but darn close. |