EasyMotion plugin doesn't load automatically on Vim startup in WSL Ubuntu

2 min read 27-08-2024

EasyMotion plugin doesn't load automatically on Vim startup in WSL Ubuntu

You're encountering a common issue with the EasyMotion plugin in Vim on WSL Ubuntu where it doesn't load automatically on startup, requiring you to manually run :PlugUpdate each time. This usually stems from Vim's plugin management system not correctly recognizing and loading the plugin.

Understanding the Issue

Let's break down the possible reasons:

Plugin Installation Location: Ensure your EasyMotion plugin is installed in the correct directory managed by your plugin manager.
Vim-Plug Configuration: Double-check that the EasyMotion plugin line in your .vimrc file is accurate and within the call plug#begin() and call plug#end() blocks.
Plugin Conflicts: Some plugins might interfere with EasyMotion's loading process. Examine other plugin configurations in your .vimrc for potential conflicts.
WSL Environment Variables: The WSL environment might not be properly configured for Vim to locate the installed plugin.

Troubleshooting Steps

Here's a comprehensive troubleshooting guide:

1. Verify EasyMotion Installation

Confirm EasyMotion's Presence: Check if the vim-easymotion directory exists within your Vim plugged directory. This directory is usually located at ~/.vim/plugged.
Plugin List: Execute the command :PlugStatus in Vim to verify EasyMotion is listed in the installed plugins.

2. Review Vim-Plug Configuration

Verify Plugin Line: Make sure the EasyMotion plugin is correctly included within the call plug#begin() and call plug#end() blocks in your .vimrc.
Plugin Ordering: Ensure EasyMotion isn't loaded after other plugins that might interfere with its initialization.

" Initialize Vim-Plug
call plug#begin('~/.vim/plugged')

" Plugins
" ... other plugins ...
Plug 'easymotion/vim-easymotion'

" Initialize Vim-Plug
call plug#end()

3. Check for Plugin Conflicts

Comment Out Other Plugins: Temporarily comment out other plugins in your .vimrc to isolate any potential conflicts. If EasyMotion loads properly, the conflict lies in one of the plugins you commented out.

4. Investigate WSL Environment Variables

Ensure Vim's Path: Verify that Vim's executable path is set correctly within your WSL environment variables. This allows Vim to locate and load the EasyMotion plugin.
Update WSL: Ensure your WSL installation is up-to-date.

5. Force EasyMotion Loading

Manual Loading: Temporarily add the following lines to your .vimrc to manually load EasyMotion at Vim startup:

let g:loaded_easymotion = 1
let g:EasyMotion_do_mapping = 1

Test for Errors: If this works, it confirms that the plugin itself is not the issue.

Additional Tips

Restart Vim: After making any changes to your .vimrc, restart Vim to apply the modifications.
Console Output: Check the Vim console for error messages related to plugin loading.
Plugin Documentation: Refer to the EasyMotion plugin documentation for any specific configuration requirements or known issues.

Seeking Further Assistance

If these steps haven't resolved the issue, you can:

Share Your .vimrc File: Provide your .vimrc file for further analysis.
Consult Online Forums: Search for similar issues on forums like Reddit or Stack Overflow.
Open an Issue on EasyMotion's Repository: If you suspect a bug, create an issue on the EasyMotion GitHub repository.

By following these steps and reviewing your configuration, you should be able to resolve the EasyMotion loading issue and enjoy the benefits of this powerful Vim plugin within your WSL Ubuntu environment.