Quick Start

This guide will help you get started with VEM in just a few minutes. We’ll create your first environment and show you the basic workflow.

Step 1: Create Your First Environment

Let’s create a development environment:

vem create development

This creates a new Vim environment called “development” with:

• A fresh .vimrc file
• An empty .vim directory
• Isolated plugin storage

Step 2: List Your Environments

See all available environments:

vem list

Output:

development

Step 3: Switch to Your Environment

Activate the development environment:

vem switch development

This will:

• Set up symbolic links to the development environment
• Make it the active Vim configuration

Step 4: Check Current Environment

Verify which environment is currently active:

vem current

Output:

development

Step 5: Customize Your Environment

Now you can customize this environment:

1. Edit the .vimrc file:

   vim ~/.vimrc
   

2. Install plugins in the .vim directory:

   mkdir -p ~/.vim/bundle
   # Install your favorite plugins
   

3. Any changes you make will only affect the “development” environment.

Step 6: Create Additional Environments

Let’s create a writing environment:

vem create writing

Configure it for writing:

vem switch writing
vim ~/.vimrc

Add writing-specific configurations:

" Writing-focused Vim configuration
set spell
set linebreak
set textwidth=80
colorscheme peachpuff

Step 7: Switch Between Environments

Now you can easily switch between environments:

# Switch to development
vem switch development

# Switch to writing  
vem switch writing

# Check current environment
vem current

Common Workflow

1. Create environments for different use cases
2. Switch to the appropriate environment for your task
3. Customize each environment independently
4. Switch back whenever you need a different setup

What’s Next?

• Learn about all available Commands
• Understand the Environment Structure
• Explore Configuration options
• Read about Architecture if you’re interested in how VEM works

You’re now ready to manage multiple Vim environments efficiently with VEM!