[nakkiel]

I think you're using the editor's modality wrong.

ESC is not used to exit from Insert mode. ESC is used to switch from any mode back to Command mode. In fact Command mode is also called Normal mode. You should spend 95% of your time in Normal mode and use the other modes when you need them.

I suggest binding `kj` to ESC since it allows you to quickly make a change and continue browsing your code. Take the following session:

* Browse and spot something that needs to be changed

* Type `ci(messages, callbackkj`

* Keep browsing with `hjkl` as you're in Normal mode

While it may seem weird, I've yet to find an occurrence of `kj` in a program in years of using this binding and my hands haven't left the keyboard. The cognitive weight is zero as well (at least after building muscle memory).

Now, I believe it depends on the kind of programmers you are. My coworker is the kind who types in a lot of code and rewrites a lot of stuff. I'm the kind of rewires things and make subtle changes after spending a lot of time reading it. In other words it works well for me but probably wouldn't for him.

[StavrosK]

Interesting coincidence, I was pasting a production certificate into Vim the other day and it contained "kj", which escaped the editor and ate a few letters until it reached an "i" and continued pasting.

It took production down for 30 minutes until I noticed it. Remember, kids! ":set paste".

[irahul]

> Remember, kids! ":set paste".

Or get used to ctrl-[ which is easier to type than Esc, doesn't skip events(like ctrl-c), and doesn't interfere with anything.

[nakkiel]

I usually use `paste` but I sometimes catch myself formatting just-pasted chunks of code. I'll watch out for this.

[jnetterf]

"+p will paste the system clipboard.

[disputin]

Now, I believe it depends on the kind of programmers you are. My coworker is the kind who types in a lot of code and rewrites a lot of stuff. I'm the kind of rewires things and make subtle changes

Interesting, I was thinking something similar - suitability for maintenance vs from scratch.

[afarrell]

I use 'jj' rather than 'kj' and except for a pause after I type the first letter of 'join', it works well.

[swah]

If I may use you as a random Vim power user, how do you quickly switch between project files?

[dllthomas]

Haven't written many blackjack games?