How to Install Neovim on Linux Mint (Step-by-Step Guide)

If you’re a Linux Mint user and looking for a modern, fast, and highly customizable text editor, Neovim is one of the best choices. It’s built on top of Vim, but with better performance, more features, and a growing plugin ecosystem.

In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to install Neovim on Linux Mint, step by step. Don’t worry it’s beginner-friendly, and I’ll also share a few tips to get you started after installation.

What is Neovim?

Neovim (often written as nvim) is an improved version of Vim. Developers love it because:

• It’s lightweight and super fast.
• You can customize it with plugins and Lua scripts.
• It works directly inside your terminal.
• Perfect for coding, note-taking, or even writing.

If you’ve ever used Vim, you’ll feel right at home. And if you’re new, don’t worry—Neovim has a friendlier ecosystem for beginners.

Methods to Install Neovim on Linux Mint

There are multiple ways to install Neovim on Linux Mint. I’ll cover the three most common methods:

1. Install from Linux Mint’s default repository (easy method).
2. Install the latest version via PPA (for updated features).
3. Install via AppImage (portable method).

1. Install Neovim from Default Repository

This is the simplest way. However, the version may not always be the latest.

Steps:

1. Update your system first: sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
2. Install Neovim: sudo apt install neovim -y
3. Check version: nvim --version

That’s it. Neovim is now installed on your Linux Mint machine.

2. Install the Latest Neovim via PPA

If you want the latest Neovim version (recommended for developers), use the PPA method.

Steps:

1. Add the official Neovim PPA: sudo add-apt-repository ppa:neovim-ppa/stable
2. Update package lists: sudo apt update
3. Install Neovim: sudo apt install neovim -y
4. Verify installation: nvim --version

Now you’ll have the latest stable version installed.

3. Install Neovim via AppImage (Portable Method)

If you don’t want to install Neovim system-wide, you can run it as a portable app using AppImage.

Steps:

1. Download the latest AppImage from GitHub: wget https://github.com/neovim/neovim/releases/latest/download/nvim.appimage
2. Make it executable: chmod u+x nvim.appimage
3. Run Neovim: ./nvim.appimage

If you want to use it system-wide, move it to /usr/local/bin:

sudo mv nvim.appimage /usr/local/bin/nvim

Now you can just run nvim from anywhere in the terminal.

Setting Neovim as Default Editor

If you prefer Neovim as your default editor instead of Nano or Vim, run:

sudo update-alternatives --install /usr/bin/editor editor /usr/bin/nvim 100
sudo update-alternatives --config editor

Choose Neovim from the list, and you’re good to go.

First Steps After Installing Neovim

Once installed, here are a few quick tips:

• Launch Neovim by typing: nvim
• To exit Neovim: press Esc, then type :q and hit Enter.
• To save and exit: press Esc, then type :wq.
• You can start customizing Neovim by creating a config file at: ~/.config/nvim/init.vim

(If you prefer Lua, use init.lua instead.)

Conclusion

Installing Neovim on Linux Mint is pretty simple. You can go with the default repository for a quick setup, the PPA for the latest version, or the AppImage for a portable option.

Once installed, take some time to customize it—it’s one of the most powerful editors you can have on Linux Mint. Whether you’re a developer, writer, or Linux enthusiast, Neovim can supercharge your workflow.