Downsides of Using Evil Mode in Emacs: Challenges and Considerations

Emacs, the powerful and versatile text editor, can be enhanced with the Evil Mode, which emulates Vim keybindings and modal editing, to boost productivity for users familiar with Vim. However, there are several downsides to consider before delving into using Evil Mode. This article delves into the potential challenges and their impact on the user experience.

Learning Curve

One of the primary downsides of using Evil Mode in Emacs is the learning curve. For users transitioning from a traditional Emacs environment to one that leverages advanced editing functionalities, there is an additional layer of complexity to master. Understanding both Emacs and Vim concepts can be overwhelming, especially for beginners. Learning to proficiently use Evil Mode requires time and practice, which can be frustrating for those who are accustomed to the more straightforward Emacs keybindings.

Compatibility Issues

The compatibility issues associated with Evil Mode can lead to unexpected behavior. Some Emacs packages may not work seamlessly with Evil mode, causing conflicts and disrupting workflow. This is particularly problematic for users who rely on specific packages for their daily tasks. To mitigate these issues, users often need to delve into the documentation and configuration of both Evil Mode and the problematic package, which can be a daunting task.

Customization Conflicts

Emacs is highly customizable, allowing users to tailor their environment to suit their needs. However, integrating Evil Mode into an already customized Emacs environment can complicate matters. Custom configurations often require manual adjustments, and resolving conflicts between Evil Mode's keybindings and existing configurations can be time-consuming. This is especially true for users who have spent considerable time optimizing their Emacs setup.

Emacs Features

Sometimes, the advanced features of Emacs, such as extensive keyboard shortcuts and commands, may not be fully utilized or may feel cumbersome when using Evil Mode. For some users, this can lead to a sense of inefficiency or frustration. While Evil Mode offers a more Vim-like experience, it may not align perfectly with Emacs's built-in features, resulting in a less seamless workflow.

Community Support

Despite the large and active community surrounding Evil Mode, finding support or documentation specific to Evil Mode can be challenging. Many Emacs users are accustomed to traditional keybindings, and their preference for these default settings can make it difficult to find the necessary resources. Additionally, the official documentation for Emacs and most popular packages only covers default keybindings, making it harder for users to adapt to Evil Mode's specific configurations.

Performance Considerations

In some cases, using Evil Mode can introduce a slight performance overhead. However, this is generally minimal, and for many users, the speed and efficiency gained from using Evil Mode far outweigh the minor performance hit. It's important to evaluate whether the advantages of Evil Mode justify the potential performance degradation for your specific use case.

Vim-Specific Behavior

Users transitioning from Vim to Emacs with Evil Mode may find that certain behaviors do not align with their expectations. For example, some Vim-specific commands or editing behaviors may not behave as expected, leading to frustration. This can be particularly challenging for power users who rely on specific Vim features and expect similar behavior in their new environment.

Mixed Environments

If you frequently switch between Vim and Emacs, the differing modal behaviors can be confusing and disrupt your workflow. Maintaining consistency across both editors is crucial for a smooth transition, but this can be difficult due to the different keybinding and behavior models. This inconsistency can cause a user to feel disoriented and unproductive.

Ultimately, the choice to use Evil Mode in Emacs should be based on personal preference and workflow needs. If you are comfortable with both Vim and Emacs, Evil Mode can be a powerful combination. However, be prepared for the potential downsides, including the learning curve, compatibility issues, customization conflicts, and the occasional frustration with non-Vim-specific behaviors. Choosing the right editor setup is a deeply personal decision that depends on your specific requirements and preferences.

Even if you use Evil Mode, you will likely find yourself using Emacs native keybindings from time to time. Depending on your use case, this may be more or less frequent. Some find switching between these modes to be annoying and cumbersome. The official documentation for Emacs and most popular packages only covers default keybindings, which is also true for most articles and forum answers. This situation can be mitigated by using packages like Evil Collection and exploring Spacemacs and Doom Emacs distributions. However, Emacs defaults are bound to surface, and you’ll need to be somewhat familiar with them to navigate the less common keybindings.

I personally find Evil Mode worth it since the default keybindings are hard on the fingers. However, maintaining my own init configuration became too much work, and I now use Doom Emacs. I actually find some Emacs keybindings appealing and use them on insert mode for writing and editing text.

Stay tuned for more comprehensive guides and best practices for setting up and using Emacs with Evil Mode effectively.