How to Install Neovim on Linux Mint: Step-by-Step Guide for Developers

Learning how to install Neovim on Linux Mint is an essential step for developers who want a fast, extensible, and modern text editor that integrates seamlessly with the Linux ecosystem. Neovim offers superior performance and plugin support over traditional Vim, making it a top choice among coders and system administrators.

Whether you're a beginner setting up your first editor or a pro customizing your environment, this comprehensive guide will walk you through various installation methods and configuration tips to optimize your Neovim experience on Linux Mint.

Understanding Neovim: What It Is and Why It Matters

What is Neovim?

Neovim is a modern refactor of the classic Vim text editor. Designed for better extensibility and a stronger plugin ecosystem, Neovim aims to simplify configuration while providing robust performance for developers of all levels.

Key Features of Neovim

• Asynchronous plugin support for better responsiveness
• Built-in terminal emulator to run commands inside Neovim
• Lua configuration support for advanced setups
• Improved UI architecture with remote support

Why Choose Neovim on Linux Mint?

Compatibility and Efficiency

Linux Mint provides a stable, Ubuntu-based environment that's ideal for running development tools. Pairing it with Neovim offers a lightweight and lightning-fast editor optimized for coding, scripting, and system administration.

Benefits of Installing Neovim on Linux Mint

• Full compatibility with Ubuntu-based packages
• Easy access to multiple installation methods
• Minimal system resource usage
• Smooth plugin management and language integration

Pre-Installation Requirements

Before jumping into how to install Neovim on Linux Mint, make sure your system meets the prerequisites.

Checklist

• A terminal emulator like GNOME Terminal or Tilix
• sudo/root access for installing packages
• Updated Linux Mint (preferably version 20 or newer)
• Basic command-line knowledge

How to Install Neovim on Linux Mint Using Different Methods

Let's explore several ways to install Neovim, each with its pros and cons depending on your use case.

Installing Neovim Using APT (Advanced Package Tool)

Simple and Stable Installation

This is the quickest method using Linux Mint’s default repository.

sudo apt update
sudo apt install neovim

Pros:

• Fast and simple
• Stable and tested version
• Great for beginners

Cons:

• Might not be the latest version

Installing Neovim Using a PPA (Personal Package Archive)

Access the Latest Stable Builds

To get more up-to-date features, use the official Neovim PPA.

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:neovim-ppa/stable
sudo apt update
sudo apt install neovim

Pros:

• Access to newer features
• Maintained by Neovim developers

Cons:

• May introduce occasional instability

How to Install Neovim on Linux Mint from Source

For Advanced Users Who Need Cutting-Edge Builds

sudo apt install ninja-build gettext libtool libtool-bin autoconf automake cmake g++ pkg-config unzip curl doxygen
git clone https://github.com/neovim/neovim.git
cd neovim
make CMAKE_BUILD_TYPE=Release
sudo make install

Pros:

• Latest development features
• Total control over the build

Cons:

• Time-consuming
• Manual updates required

Installing Neovim via AppImage

Portable Installation Without Root Access

wget https://github.com/neovim/neovim/releases/latest/download/nvim.appimage
chmod u+x nvim.appimage
./nvim.appimage

Use Cases:

• Perfect for testing or running on restricted systems
• Easy to remove, no system impact

How to Install Neovim on Linux Mint Using Flatpak

flatpak install flathub io.neovim.nvim
flatpak run io.neovim.nvim

Advantages:

• Sandboxed and secure
• Compatible with Linux Mint’s Flatpak support

Installing Neovim via Snap Package

sudo snap install nvim --classic

Snap provides automatic updates and works independently of system libraries.

Choosing the Best Installation Method

Here’s how each method compares:

How to Verify Your Neovim Installation

nvim --version

Look for version details and build information. This confirms that Neovim is installed and accessible via the terminal.

Set Neovim as Your Default Editor on Linux Mint

sudo update-alternatives --install /usr/bin/editor editor /usr/bin/nvim 60
sudo update-alternatives --config editor

Select nvim from the list to make it your default terminal editor.

Basic Configuration for Neovim

Creating the Configuration File

mkdir -p ~/.config/nvim
nano ~/.config/nvim/init.vim

Sample init.vim Settings

set number
syntax on
set mouse=a
set clipboard=unnamedplus

Install Plugin Manager for Neovim (vim-plug)

curl -fLo ~/.local/share/nvim/site/autoload/plug.vim --create-dirs \
https://raw.githubusercontent.com/junegunn/vim-plug/master/plug.vim

Add this to your init.vim:

call plug#begin('~/.vim/plugged')
Plug 'tpope/vim-sensible'
call plug#end()

Run :PlugInstall in Neovim to activate the plugin.

Top Plugins to Enhance Neovim

• NERDTree – File system explorer
• vim-airline – Status line beautifier
• coc.nvim – Language server integration
• vim-fugitive – Git wrapper
• Auto-pairs – Smart bracket pairing

How to Customize Plugins in Neovim

Add new Plug statements to init.vim, then launch Neovim and run:

:PlugInstall

You can also update all plugins with:

:PlugUpdate

Advanced Neovim Setup for Developers

Enhance Appearance and Functionality

• Use Lua for faster, cleaner configuration
• Install themes like gruvbox, onedark
• Bind keys using nnoremap, inoremap, etc.

Improve Visuals: Fonts, Themes, and GUIs

• Install fonts: Fira Code, JetBrains Mono
• Use Neovide or Goneovim for GUI
• Customize color schemes with:

colorscheme gruvbox

Troubleshooting Neovim on Linux Mint

Common Issues and Fixes

• Plugins not loading? → Check init.vim paths
• Clipboard not working? → Install xclip or xsel
• Missing dependencies? → Rerun apt install for missing libs

How to Update Neovim on Linux Mint

APT or PPA Update

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade neovim

From Source

git pull origin master
make CMAKE_BUILD_TYPE=Release
sudo make install

Uninstalling Neovim from Linux Mint

Remove with APT

sudo apt remove neovim

Cleanup Config Files

rm -rf ~/.config/nvim
rm -rf ~/.local/share/nvim

Vim vs Neovim: Which Should You Use?

Neovim provides a better modern coding experience without losing Vim’s power.

How Neovim Enhances Your Developer Workflow

Real-World Use Cases

• Writing Python and web applications
• Managing server configs
• Using LSPs and debugging tools
• Editing large files with speed

Git Integration with Neovim

Install vim-fugitive and use:

• :Gstatus – Git status
• :Gcommit – Git commit
• :Gpush – Git push

Language Server Protocol (LSP) in Neovim

Use coc.nvim or nvim-lspconfig for autocompletion and diagnostics in various languages. Install Node.js if using coc.nvim.

Using Neovim for Python Development

Recommended Plugins

• jedi-vim
• coc-python
• black formatter

Configure Python paths and virtual environments for full support.

How to Use Neovim for Web Development

Install these tools:

• emmet-vim for HTML/CSS shortcuts
• eslint and prettier for JS formatting
• vim-jsx or coc-tsserver for React

Essential Keyboard Shortcuts in Neovim

• :w – Save
• :q – Quit
• :wq – Save and quit
• :e <filename> – Open file
• :PlugInstall – Install plugins

Conclusion: Why You Should Install Neovim on Linux Mint

Now that you know how to install Neovim on Linux Mint, you’re equipped with a powerful text editor capable of adapting to any workflow. With its plugin support, speed, and customization potential, Neovim transforms Linux Mint into a full-fledged development environment.

FAQs

Is Neovim better than Vim on Linux Mint?
Yes. Neovim offers modern enhancements and better plugin support.

Can I run both Neovim and Vim together?
Yes, they operate independently.

Does Neovim support GUI?
Yes, with frontends like Neovide or Goneovim.

How do I make Neovim look better?
Use fonts, themes, and GUI wrappers.

Is Neovim suitable for coding?
Absolutely. With LSPs and plugins, it’s a powerful coding tool.

Can I uninstall Neovim easily?
Yes, using apt remove or deleting binaries if installed manually.