The software Vim originated in 1988 when Bram Moolenaar acquired an Amiga computer and sought a text editor comparable to the vi program. He adapted existing source code to create an improved iteration, eventually releasing the first version in 1992, which transformed from a simple emulation into a standard tool for programmers across multiple operating platforms.
Education and Early Career
Born in Lisse, Netherlands, in 1961, Moolenaar pursued studies in electrical engineering at the Delft University of Technology, graduating in 1985. His professional trajectory began at the company Océ, where he remained employed from 1985 until 1999. During this period, he became an active member of the Dutch Unix user group, NLUUG.
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Following the release of his text editor, Moolenaar continued to evolve the software, renaming it Vi IMproved in 1992 with the release of version 1.22. Beyond this primary project, he developed A-A-P, a software build tool written in Python, and the programming language Zimbu, designed for program readability. From July 2006 to September 2021, he worked in the Google Zurich office, contributing to the development of Google Calendar while maintaining Vim.
Humanitarian Work and Charityware
Moolenaar integrated philanthropy into his software distribution by designating Vim as charityware, encouraging users to donate to ICCF Holland. This organization, which he founded, supported children in Kibaale, Uganda, affected by AIDS. In 1994, he served as a volunteer water and sanitation engineer at the Kibaale Children's Centre, continuing his involvement through several visits over the next two decades.
Final Years and Legacy
After reporting health complications in October 2022, Moolenaar passed away at the age of 62 on 3 August 2023 in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. His funeral took place in Lisse on 16 August 2023. Posthumously, he received the 2024 SFS Award at SFSCON 24. Responsibility for Vim was subsequently transferred to Christian Brabandt, while ICCF Holland transitioned its operations to the Canadian charity Kuwasha.
Fast facts
- Born: 1961, Lisse, Netherlands
- Died: 3 August 2023, Santa Cruz de Tenerife
- Education: Delft University of Technology
- Primary Employer: Google (2006-2021)
- Notable Software: Vim, A-A-P, Zimbu
- Awards: SFS Award (2024)
- Citizenship: Kingdom of the Netherlands
Questions readers ask
What is Vim's connection to charity?
Moolenaar designated Vim as charityware, which encouraged users to donate to ICCF Holland, a non-governmental organization he founded to support AIDS victims in Uganda.
Who maintains Vim after Moolenaar?
Following Moolenaar's death in 2023, the development and maintenance of Vim were continued by co-contributor Christian Brabandt.
Achievements
- Notable work: A-A-P
- Affiliated with Google and Océ
- Educated at Delft University of Technology
- Worked as programmer and electrical engineer
