VIM Setup using Miniforge for Windows 11

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VIM Installation

 (A) Here are the steps for my Vim installation using Miniforge

I've installed Vim through Miniforge using mamba. I have kept Vim in its own "box" so that it does not mess up my other projects or base installation.

1. Create "Tools" Environment

mamba create -n my_tools -c conda-forge vim 

mamba activate my_tools

2. Install Vim 

mamba install vim

 Note: Since Miniforge defaults to the conda-forge channel, you typically do not need to specify the channel explicitly with -c conda-forge, but doing so ensures you get the community version. 

3. Verify the Installation. After the installation is completed, you can check if Vim is installed correctly by running: 

vim --version

You should see output that includes information about the installed Vim version and its features. 

4. Create Vim Configuration (_vimrc)

Configure Vim settings, e.g., to make the editor behaving nicely for Python (indenting correctly). In Windows, the configuration file is usually named _vimrc. 

(1) In CMD, type: vim %USERPROFILE%\_vimrc (Create/Open the config file in Vim: vim _vimrc )

(2) Press i (to enter Insert mode)

(3) Paste these lines:

Vim Script

set nocompatible

syntax on

filetype plugin indent on

set number

set expandtab

set shiftwidth=4

set tabstop=4

set ai

set mouse=a

set incsearch

set backspace=indent,eol,start

(4) Press Esc, then type :wq and hit Enter.

Vim Script Comments


(B) Make Vim "Global" (The Path Trick)

This allows you to use Vim while other environment is active.

(1) In CMD, type: conda activate my_tools

(2) Type: where vim

(3) Copy the folder path shown (e.g., C:\Users\YourName\miniforge3\envs\my_tools\Library\bin)

(4) Press the Windows Key, type "env", and select "Edit environment variables for your account"

(5) Click Path > Edit > New

(6) Paste your folder path there and click OK on all windows.