vim-like text input fields possible?

[normen]

I was wondering if it was possible to add a simple vim-like text edit mode with insert and normal mode for system-wide text fields. So that you could basically use vim movements in any text field. I am already using an edit in vim automator action to edit long text but for simple text input fields (e.g. iMessage) having the basic movement and edit keys would be very nice.

Something akin to the vimode.py script for the weechat IRC client would suffice imo, it simulates most basic editing commands you'd use in a single line which really isn't as complicated as it sounds (or a whole VIM emulation would be).

So the question goes to you having the experience with the MacOS accessibility options - do you think this would be possible/feasible? If you have some pointers but no time to look at an implementation - I have some limited experience with MacOS / Swift development so I could take a stab.

[dbalatero]

I have this working at the moment, but there is more work to be done on it, particularly around rich text fields!

https://github.com/dbalatero/VimMode.spoon

@dexterleng I don't know if you ever want to chat in general, but I have a long term goal of making a well working, system-wide Vim mode. I am currently experimenting with Neovim's RPC to actually proxy to a real Vim instance in the background.

[grossjohann]

Actually, vi-like navigation would be useful for other UI elements, as well, not just for text fields. For example, I would love to be able to navigate the menu bar with hjkl. Or the files and folders in Finder.

[dexterleng]

@dbalatero This is really cool!

I am currently experimenting with Neovim's RPC to actually proxy to a real Vim instance in the background.

This sounds really interesting. I'd like to know more and potentially get involved.

[dexterleng]

I think this is out of the scope of what Vimac should support.