Guide · Open source
How to use coc.nvim: install, run and get VS Code-like completion
Updated · written with AI from the project's own documentation and checked against our catalogue data
coc.nvim is an IntelliSense engine for Vim and Neovim. It adds VS Code-style completion, diagnostics, navigation and refactoring to your editor by running a Node.js service in the background that hosts extensions and language servers. This guide explains what you need, how to get the project, and what it is good for, so you can decide whether to set it up.
coc.nvimneoclide/coc.nvim · ★ 25.1k · MIT Install options & downloads Quick start
- 1Confirm prerequisites. Make sure Vim or Neovim and Node.js are installed on your machine.
- 2Clone the repository. Run git clone https://github.com/neoclide/coc.nvim in a terminal to download the project.
- 3Read the install guide. Open the install page at cocnvim.com for installation steps and example Vim and Neovim configurations.
- 4Configure your editor. Add the setup described in the install guide to your Vim or Neovim configuration.
- 5Try it in the playground. Use the browser playground at cocnvim.com/playground to see the features before committing to a local setup.
What coc.nvim needs before you start
coc.nvim runs only inside Vim or Neovim. The source lists two prerequisites: Vim or Neovim, and Node.js. Because coc.nvim starts a Node.js service to host its extensions and language servers, Node.js must be available on your machine.
- Vim or Neovim
- Node.js
Get coc.nvim from GitHub
The project's README gives a clone command for the repository. Run it in a terminal to download the source from GitHub. For full installation instructions and example Vim and Neovim configurations, the README points to the project's install page at cocnvim.com.
git clone https://github.com/neoclide/coc.nvimUnderstand how coc.nvim works
coc.nvim is an extension host. A Node.js service runs in the background, loads extensions in the style of VS Code, and runs language servers for your code. Your editor talks to that service to get completion, diagnostics, navigation and refactoring.
Because it extends an existing editor rather than replacing it, your Vim or Neovim configuration stays in charge. The features come from the extensions and language servers you load.
- Completion: suggestions while you type
- Diagnostics: problems reported in your code
- Navigation: moving around symbols and definitions
- Refactoring: changing code across a project
Try coc.nvim before installing
The README links to a browser playground where you can test coc.nvim without installing anything locally.
Check whether coc.nvim fits your setup
coc.nvim suits Vim or Neovim users who want VS Code-like language features, people who want to reuse VS Code-style extensions in a terminal editor, and developers who work across several languages and want one completion engine.
It is a poor fit if you do not use Vim or Neovim, if you want a lightweight setup with no Node.js dependency, or if you want a fully self-contained editor.
What people use it for
- Getting VS Code-style autocompletion in Vim or Neovim
- Running language servers for several languages from one completion engine
- Reusing VS Code-style extensions inside a terminal editor
Frequently asked questions
Is coc.nvim free?
coc.nvim is released under the MIT licence, according to the project's README and repository metadata. Check the LICENSE.md file in the repository for the full terms.
What does coc.nvim require?
It requires Vim or Neovim and Node.js. Node.js is needed because coc.nvim runs a Node.js service that hosts its extensions and language servers.
How do I install coc.nvim?
The README gives a git clone command for the repository and points to cocnvim.com/install for full installation instructions and example configurations for Vim and Neovim.
Can I use coc.nvim without Vim or Neovim?
No. coc.nvim only runs inside Vim or Neovim, so it does not work as a standalone editor.
What are the alternatives to coc.nvim?
The project lists nvim-lspconfig, ale, vim-lsp and nvim-cmp as comparable projects. Each covers part of the same ground, so compare them against the features you need.
Does coc.nvim work offline or without Node.js?
The source does not say it works without Node.js. Because it runs a Node.js service, Node.js is a required prerequisite.
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Our verdict
coc.nvim is a good choice if you already use Vim or Neovim and want VS Code-like completion, diagnostics and extensions across several languages. If you want a lightweight setup with no Node.js dependency, or you do not use Vim or Neovim, pick one of the comparable projects instead.
Install options & downloads