Pretty TypeScript Errors vs VSCodeVim
Which should you use? A side-by-side look at what each one does, who it suits, what it costs, how hard it is to set up, and where each falls short.
Open source · MIT
A VS Code extension that rewrites TypeScript error messages so complex types are easier to read.
Open source · MIT
Vim keybindings and modes inside Visual Studio Code, as a VS Code extension.
The short answer
Choose Pretty TypeScript Errors if you need…
- Developers working in VS Code on TypeScript projects with complex or generic types
- People who are new to TypeScript and want error messages explained more clearly
- Projects using Astro, Svelte, or Vue files where TypeScript is enabled
- Developers who want links to type declarations directly from an error
Choose VSCodeVim if you need…
- Developers who already know Vim and want its keybindings in VS Code
- People who want to customize keys with settings.json remappings
- Users who want to load parts of an existing .vimrc into VS Code
Side-by-side
| Pretty TypeScript Errors | VSCodeVim | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | App | App |
| Price | Free and open source | Free and open source |
| Licence | MIT | MIT |
| GitHub stars | 14.1k | 15.2k |
| Setup difficulty | Beginner | Beginner |
| How you get it | Install with a package manager | Download the app |
| Main language | TypeScript | TypeScript |
| Last code update | 5 days ago | 6 days ago |
What each one is
Pretty TypeScript Errors
Pretty TS Errors is a VS Code extension that changes how TypeScript errors look in the editor. TypeScript's raw error messages for complicated types can be long strings of parentheses and truncated text, and this extension reformats them with syntax highlighting and links to type declarations and explanations. It is aimed at people who write TypeScript in VS Code and find those errors hard to parse.
VSCodeVim
VSCodeVim is an extension that makes Visual Studio Code behave like the Vim text editor, so you can edit text with Vim's keyboard commands and modes. People use it when they already know Vim and want those habits inside VS Code. The README describes it as a Vim emulator rather than real Vim, and it supports settings, key remapping, and a .vimrc file.
Best for
Pretty TypeScript Errors
- Developers working in VS Code on TypeScript projects with complex or generic types
- People who are new to TypeScript and want error messages explained more clearly
- Projects using Astro, Svelte, or Vue files where TypeScript is enabled
- Developers who want links to type declarations directly from an error
VSCodeVim
- Developers who already know Vim and want its keybindings in VS Code
- People who want to customize keys with settings.json remappings
- Users who want to load parts of an existing .vimrc into VS Code
Strengths
Pretty TypeScript Errors
- Makes long, complex type errors easier to scan with theme-aware syntax highlighting
- Adds direct links to type declarations and external explanations from the error itself
- Covers many file types, including .ts, .tsx, .js JSDoc, Astro, Svelte, Vue, and Glimmer
VSCodeVim
- Brings familiar Vim keybindings into VS Code
- Configurable through VS Code settings and key remapping options
- Open source under the MIT license with an active issue tracker
Not ideal for
Pretty TypeScript Errors
- Developers who do not use VS Code, since the README describes it as a VS Code extension (a JetBrains support discussion exists but is not a shipped feature)
- People who need to copy error text directly from the formatted view, because the README says the formatted errors cannot be copied and suggests hovering to copy from the original pane
- Users who want a standalone command-line error report, since the README describes only editor integration
VSCodeVim
- Users who have never used Vim and want a simple editor, since the modal keys have a learning curve
- People expecting full Vim feature parity, because the README calls it an emulator and lists some plugin emulations rather than the full set
Trade-offs
Pretty TypeScript Errors
- The README says the original error must be hidden with a workaround in a separate doc to make formatted types copyable, which is an extra setup step
- Formatted errors cannot be copied directly, because of VS Code display limits described in the README
- Relies on VS Code's rendering limits, so some presentation choices are workarounds
VSCodeVim
- Emulation is not identical to real Vim, so some behavior may differ
- On Mac, key-repeat needs a terminal command and a logout to work properly
- On Windows it takes over control keys unless you adjust the useCtrlKeys and handleKeys settings
Getting started
Pretty TypeScript Errors
Install from the command line
code --install-extension yoavbls.pretty-ts-errorsFrequently asked questions
What is the difference between Pretty TypeScript Errors and VSCodeVim?
Pretty TypeScript Errors: A VS Code extension that rewrites TypeScript error messages so complex types are easier to read. VSCodeVim: Vim keybindings and modes inside Visual Studio Code, as a VS Code extension. Pretty TypeScript Errors suits developers working in vs code on typescript projects with complex or generic types, while VSCodeVim suits developers who already know vim and want its keybindings in vs code.
Are Pretty TypeScript Errors and VSCodeVim free?
Pretty TypeScript Errors: Free and open source. VSCodeVim: Free and open source.
Is Pretty TypeScript Errors or VSCodeVim more popular?
VSCodeVim has more GitHub stars (15.2k) than Pretty TypeScript Errors (14.1k). Popularity isn't the same as fit — check which one matches your use case above.
What are other alternatives to Pretty TypeScript Errors and VSCodeVim?
Other options people compare them with include Git History, EmDash, IdeaVim.
Keep comparing
Built from our catalogue entries for both products: open-source details come from each project's README (AI-assisted, refreshed weekly) and GitHub data; AI-tool details are editorial. Spotted something wrong? Let us know from either product's page.