In Memoriam: Bram Moolenaar, Creator of Vim, Passes Away at 67
Renowned programmer Bram Moolenaar, best known as the creator of the widely-used programming editor Vim, has unfortunately passed away after a short illness. Moolenaar’s family has confirmed his passing, revealing that he succumbed to a rapidly progressing medical condition on August 3, 2023.
Throughout his life, Moolenaar dedicated a significant portion of his time and passion to the development of Vim and took immense pride in the vibrant community that he helped foster. Vim, which originated from the Unix’s Vi editor, became one of the most popular code editors worldwide under Moolenaar’s visionary guidance.
The journey towards creating Vim began when Moolenaar encountered complexity within Vi and aspired to build a faster and more efficient alternative. Since Vi was not an open-source editor and couldn’t be used across different operating systems, Vim was developed to bridge this gap.
Today, Vim is utilized on various platforms and operating systems owing to its open-source nature, available under the GPL-compatible Vim license. Moolenaar expressed immense joy in witnessing Vim’s widespread adoption and the positive impact it has had on countless programmers’ lives.
Unlike its predecessor, Vim boasts a multitude of enhanced functionalities, such as syntax highlighting, code folding, and extensive plugin and scripting support. These features have played a pivotal role in its global popularity and unwavering user loyalty.
Moreover, Moolenaar’s commitment to making a positive difference extended beyond programming. The Vim license, affectionately known as charityware, encouraged users to make voluntary donations to support disadvantaged children in Uganda through the International Child Care Fund. In honor of Moolenaar’s legacy, further contributions to this cause are requested, reflecting his unwavering dedication to helping underprivileged youth.
The programming community remembers Bram Moolenaar not only for his groundbreaking contributions but also for his amiable nature and genuine kindness. His loss will be deeply felt by those who admired his work and knew him personally. As we mourn the passing of this programming luminary, let us continue to cherish Vim’s enduring legacy and perpetuate Moolenaar’s spirit of generosity by supporting those less fortunate.
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