# Helix

> A terminal-based text editor written in Rust, inspired by Kakoune and Neovim with built-in language server support

Stars: 46.8k · Language: Rust · License: MPL-2.0 · Categories: Editor

- Repository: https://github.com/helix-editor/helix
- Website: https://helix-editor.com
- Page: https://www.trmn.sh/tools/helix

## Overview

Helix is a terminal-based text editor written in Rust that combines Vim-like modal editing with Kakoune's selection-first editing model. The editor features multiple selections, allowing users to make simultaneous edits across different parts of a file, and provides built-in language server protocol (LSP) support for code intelligence features like completion, diagnostics, and go-to-definition.

The editor includes smart syntax highlighting and code editing capabilities through tree-sitter integration, which provides more accurate parsing than traditional regex-based approaches. Helix supports indentation definitions for various programming languages, though the coverage varies by language and can be checked in the runtime/queries directory.

Designed primarily for developers and power users familiar with modal editors, Helix targets those who want the efficiency of Vim-style editing combined with modern language tooling without requiring extensive configuration. The project maintains comprehensive documentation for keymaps and installation across different platforms, with packages available through various system package managers.

![Helix editor screenshot](https://media.trmn.sh/cached/081144fd2a785a912c02a8fdbaae1c8c32838633d93f733f7f2c7a58cef98191.png)

## Alternatives

- [Edit](https://www.trmn.sh/tools/edit.md): Terminal text editor written in Rust, modeled on the MS-DOS Editor with VS Code-style input controls. Runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux. (Rust, 14.7k stars)
- [Fresh](https://www.trmn.sh/tools/fresh.md): Terminal text editor with VS Code-style keybindings, mouse support, LSP, multi-cursor editing, and a command palette that requires no configuration. (Rust, 9.4k stars)
- [Vim](https://www.trmn.sh/tools/vim.md): Vi-compatible modal text editor with multi-level undo, syntax highlighting, spell checking, a scripting language (Vim9 script), and an optional GUI. (Vim Script, 41.2k stars)
- [micro](https://www.trmn.sh/tools/micro.md): Terminal-based text editor with modern features, multiple cursors, and syntax highlighting for 130+ languages (Go, 29.8k stars)
- [Kakoune](https://www.trmn.sh/tools/kakoune.md): Modal code editor inspired by Vim that uses multiple selections as its core editing model, with a client-server architecture and external tool integration. (C++, 11.1k stars)

## Guides

- [Neovim Alternatives](https://www.trmn.sh/alternatives/neovim): Neovim alternatives compared: Helix, micro, Flow Control and amp. Modal and non-modal terminal editors with built-in LSP and tree-sitter.
- [Best Terminal Text Editors](https://www.trmn.sh/best/terminal-text-editors): Compare Neovim, Helix, Amp and Flow Control: terminal text editors with modal or Vim-style keybindings, LSP, and tree-sitter support.
- [Neovim vs Helix](https://www.trmn.sh/compare/neovim-vs-helix): Neovim vs Helix: Lua-scriptable Vim fork in C against a Rust modal editor with built-in LSP and selection-first editing.

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Canonical: https://www.trmn.sh/tools/helix