this post was submitted on 12 Nov 2023
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Why use hjkl instead of jkl;? (programming.dev)
submitted 1 year ago by Debuholden@programming.dev to c/neovim@programming.dev
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Hello, I was trying to configure i3 to match the functionality of vim (i3 uses jkl; because h is mapped to horizontal split), but when I was doing it I was wondering what the reason is behind every vim or vim-like editor using hjkl. It's rather inefficient to have to move your index finger to the h key every time you want to move left. I know that the creator of vi had his hjkl keys mapped to arrow keys, but why hasn't this changed. Is it a historical thing, or is there an actual logical reason.

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[–] nemith@programming.dev 17 points 1 year ago

This is the terminal that was used by the creator of vi, Bill Joy.

It should be obvious on why those keys were used. They weren’t “mapped” they literally were the arrow keys. It’s hard to change defaults. Anyone who knows vi keybinding and install work on vim or any other system.

It would be easy for you to change your own keybindings. Why is there a need to change everyone’s default and break existing muscle memory.

https://vintagecomputer.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/LSI-ADM3A-full-keyboard.jpg