Neovim is a free, open-source text editor that began as a fork of Vim, aiming to modernize its codebase and make it more extensible without abandoning Vim's modal editing model. It adds a built-in Language Server Protocol client, Lua as a first-class configuration and scripting language, and an asynchronous plugin architecture, while remaining largely compatible with existing Vim keybindings and habits.
How Neovim Differs from Vim
Vim's configuration language, Vimscript, and its plugin execution model predate modern editor features like built-in autocomplete servers. Neovim addresses this with a built-in Language Server Protocol client, first-class Lua configuration and scripting, and an asynchronous job API that lets plugins run without freezing the editor.
Neovim Features
- Modal editing — compatible with standard Vim keybindings and muscle memory.
- Built-in LSP client — connects to language servers for autocomplete, diagnostics and go-to-definition.
- Lua configuration — configure and script the editor in Lua instead of only Vimscript.
- Asynchronous job control — plugins can run background tasks without blocking the editor.
- Built-in terminal emulator — open a terminal inside the editor itself.
- Treesitter integration — more accurate, incremental syntax highlighting.
- Remote plugin architecture — write plugins in other languages via RPC.
- GUI front-ends — a large ecosystem of graphical front-ends built on Neovim's core.
How to Install Neovim
- Open the official download page using the button on this site.
- Download the release for your operating system, or install via a package manager.
- Extract or run the installer and add Neovim to your PATH if needed.
- Create an init.lua config file to customize settings and keybindings.
- Install a plugin manager if you want to add plugins.
Is Neovim really free?
Open Source. Neovim is free and open source, with no paid tier.
How to download Neovim safely
Use the request button on this page and we will email you the current link for neovim.io — the publisher's own website — so you receive the authentic build. We do not host, mirror, patch or repackage this software in any way.
Avoid third-party "download manager" sites offering Neovim. They commonly wrap the genuine installer in their own bundler, which is how adware and browser hijackers get onto a machine that the user believed was clean.
Alternatives to Neovim
Other free developer tools software worth comparing before you decide:
Vim
The classic free, open-source modal text editor Neovim was forked from.
Emacs
A free, open-source, highly extensible text editor and computing environment.
Visual Studio Code
A free, extensible source code editor with a large extension marketplace.
Frequently asked questions
Is Neovim different from Vim?
Yes, Neovim is a fork of Vim that modernized the codebase and added features like built-in LSP support and Lua scripting, while keeping Vim-style modal editing.
Does Neovim support plugins written in other languages?
Yes, its remote plugin architecture lets plugins be written in various languages that communicate with the editor over RPC.
Can beginners use Neovim, or is it only for Vim users?
Beginners can use it, but Neovim shares Vim's modal-editing learning curve, so some time investment is expected either way.
Does Neovim have built-in autocomplete or LSP support?
Yes, Neovim includes a built-in Language Server Protocol client that plugins and configs can build autocomplete and diagnostics on top of.
Is Neovim available on Windows?
Yes, Neovim has official builds for Windows, macOS and Linux.
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