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Open source
24 alternativesHelix
Modal text editing and multiple selections are available in Helix, a programming editor.
About Helix
Helix is a modal text editor for programming that runs in the terminal. The homepage describes it as built in Rust, with no Electron, VimScript, or JavaScript dependency. It can be used over ssh, in tmux, or in a plain terminal. The homepage does not describe a browser version, although the directory lists the platform as web.
Its core features include multiple selections, which the project describes as inspired by Kakoune, and Tree-sitter integration for syntax highlighting, indentation, and code navigation. Language server support provides completion, go to definition, documentation, and diagnostics, which the homepage says require no additional configuration. The project has no plugin system at present, and a graphical frontend is planned but not yet available.
Key features
- Multiple selections and cursors, with commands that act on selections
- Tree-sitter syntax trees for highlighting, indentation, and code navigation
- Selection of functions, classes, comments, and other syntax tree nodes
- Language server support for completion, go to definition, and diagnostics
- Fuzzy finder for files and symbols, with project-wide search
- Automatic closing of bracket pairs and surround integration
Best for: Developers who work in a terminal, including over ssh or tmux, and want modal editing with built-in code navigation and language server support.
Good for
- Many IDE-style features are built in rather than added through external tooling
- Runs in a plain terminal, over ssh, and in tmux
- Modern defaults and less config file setup, according to the homepage
Watch out for
- No plugin system is currently available
- A graphical frontend is planned but not yet available
- Makes some breaking changes from Vim, so Vim habits may not carry over directly
Helix at a glance
- Website
- helix-editor.com
- Category
- Development › Code Editors & IDEs
- Type
- Online tool
- Pricing
- Not confirmed. Check the site
- Platforms
- Web
- Open source
- Not stated
- Language
- English
- Last checked
- Oct 6, 2026 · Online when checked
- Listed
- Oct 5, 2026
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Helix FAQ
Does Helix support plugins?
There is currently no plugin system available. The project intends to add one eventually, but has not given a timeline.
Is there a graphical version of Helix?
A GUI frontend is planned. The project says it would like to prototype a WebGPU-based alternative frontend, and the homepage links to a GitHub discussion about it.
How does Helix differ from Vim?
The project started from scratch and made some breaking changes based on experience with Vim. The homepage says the result is a much smaller codebase, modern defaults, and less config file work, and that it is easier to start with if you have never used a modal editor.
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