In reply to@meta_cheshire:matrix.org
On the topic of the selection model of helix, I saw a video a few days ago about Kakoune ~ Helix and how Helix's commands are longer than Kakoune's because of the existence of a selection mode

In reply to @speed:matrix.org
"longer" is relative here. vww is longer than wW in text form, but wW is w shift w -> three keys. I'd prefer to type three keys in sequence than one key plus two key chorded combo

In reply to @tewuzij:tzchat.org
Why?

In reply to @dead10ck:dead10ck.dev
The project is favoring key maps that are consistent and easy to memorize over saving a key stroke or two. We're not trying to win vim golf

In reply to @meta_cheshire:matrix.org
Under this, coming from emacs and the "meow" package which uses "-" to Invert the flow of selections, wouldn't that be more consistent and easier to remember ? Instead of the different Shifted keys, is just one key, to go back to normal, "-" again or cancel, and you don't need keys in the secondary keymap of F W E B F T

I mean I think a lot of this comes down to personal interpretation, but I can guess that Alt-; was chosen for that because ; is bound to collapsing the selection to a single cursor, so keeping the cursor manipulations on the same key is more consistent than having them on two keys that are farther apart.

Also, having to use a mod vs having to reach further across the keyboard is an issue that has more to do with personal comfort than consistency.

But certainly the default key bindings are not going to be everyone's preference. This is why there are configurable key bindings. I move cursor flipping to a different key myself. And of course, you're always welcome to propose changing a default if you think it would benefit the majority of users to do so, rather than just yourself.

But more generally, another value of the project is that we are not trying to be everything for everyone. No matter what defaults we choose, there will be people who have different preferences. So we tend to try to pick sensible defaults that we think most people would benefit from, while also allowing customization.

In reply to @driedl:matrix.org
@mods: can we have a support channel?