What is Neovim?
Neovim is an extensible Vim-based text editor with built-in Lua support and a Language Server Protocol client. Its core editing environment can be extended with plugins and separately installed language servers.
Who is Neovim for?
Developers who want a configurable keyboard-driven editor and are prepared to maintain its language tools and extensions.
Start with the editor, then add language intelligence
Neovim builds on the Vim editing model with an emphasis on extension and integration. The project overview describes built-in Lua and continued Vimscript support. This lets an editor configuration grow around a specific language and workflow rather than requiring one fixed IDE package.
A key distinction is the Language Server Protocol client. Neovim includes the client, but the language servers come from other projects. Go-to-definition, completion or renaming depend on the selected server’s capabilities and whether it attaches to the intended file and project.
Neovim features
The core capabilities to consider for your workflow.
- Vim-style modal editing
- Lua configuration and extensibility
- Built-in Language Server Protocol client
Neovim pricing
Free open-source text editor
The core editor has no subscription charge. Account separately for optional hosted AI tools, third-party extensions or other services in the selected configuration.
Calculate the cost of your quote →Free access & evaluation
Neovim is free and open source. Its licensing includes Apache 2.0 terms for Neovim contributions and separate terms for inherited Vim material.
Before you choose Neovim
Language servers are supplied separately rather than bundled by the LSP client.
Vimscript compatibility does not imply that every Vim-specific configuration works unchanged.
Installed plugins and external tools have their own requirements.
Keep the configuration understandable
A useful evaluation starts with opening the project, navigating to a definition and checking a diagnostic in the intended language. If language intelligence is missing, inspect the installed server and configuration before concluding the editor lacks an LSP client. The documentation gives :checkhealth vim.lsp as a way to inspect LSP status.
Lua is one configuration option, with its own documented API. Existing Vim users should also review the Vim differences before migrating settings. Compare Vim around the actual editing and extension requirements, and assess third-party plugins separately from Neovim’s core.
Explore related software
Neovim FAQs
Is Neovim free to use?
Yes. Neovim is free and open source. Its licence distinguishes Neovim contributions under Apache 2.0 from inherited Vim material with separate terms.
Does Neovim include language servers?
Neovim includes an LSP client, but language servers are provided by third parties and need separate installation and configuration.
Does Neovim require every configuration to be written in Lua?
No. Lua is built in, and Vimscript remains supported. Choose the configuration approach that fits the editor version and extensions.
How can I check whether Neovim LSP is active?
The current LSP documentation uses :checkhealth vim.lsp to inspect LSP status. Confirm the configured server supports the file type and recognises the project root.
Will every Vim configuration work unchanged in Neovim?
Do not assume complete configuration compatibility. Neovim retains Vim-style editing and Vimscript support, but its documented differences can affect settings and plugins.