zed

# Zed Zed is a high-performance, multiplayer code editor written in Rust with a GPU-accelerated UI, native Tree-sitter parsing, and fast Language Server Protocol (LSP) intelligence. ## When to Use - **High-Performance Rust-Engineered Code Editing**: Sub-millisecond typing latency, instant file opening, and smooth 120 FPS rendering. - **Real-Time Multiplayer Pair Programming**: Collaborating directly in the editor buffer with audio chat and shared cursor sessions. - **Integrated Language Model (LLM) Assistants**: Generating code, refactoring functions, and querying codebase context natively. - **Modern Tree-sitter & LSP Polyglot Development**: Seamless out-of-the-box support for Rust, TypeScript, Python, and Go. ## Quick Start ### 1. Minimal ~/.config/zed/settings.json ```json { "theme": "One Dark", "buffer_font_family": "JetBrains Mono", "buffer_font_size": 14, "tab_size": 2, "hard_tabs": false, "format_on_save": "on", "formatter": "auto", "lsp": { "rust-analyzer": { "initialization_options": { "checkOnSave": { "command": "clippy" } } } } } ``` ### 2. Core Shortcuts - `Cmd + P`: File finder - `Cmd + Shift + P`: Command palette - `Cmd + Shift + F`: Project search - `Cmd + ?`: Toggle AI Assistant panel ## Core Concepts ### Production Zed Configuration (`~/.config/zed/settings.json`) Configuring typography, formatters, LSP language servers, and AI integration: ```json { "theme": "One Dark", "ui_font_size": 15, "buffer_font_size": 14, "buffer_font_family": "JetBrains Mono", "autosave": "on_focus_change", "format_on_save": "on", "tab_size": 2, "telemetry": { "diagnostics": false, "metrics": false }, "languages": { "TypeScript": { "language_servers": ["vtsls", "!typescript-language-server"], "formatter": { "external": { "command": "prettier", "arguments": ["--stdin-filepath", "{buffer_path}"] } } }, "Rust": { "language_servers": ["rust-analyzer"] }, "Python": { "language_servers": ["pyright", "ruff"] } }, "assistant": { "default_model": { "provider": "anthropic", "model": "claude-3-5-sonnet" } } } ``` ### Custom Modal & Vim Keybindings (`~/.config/zed/keymap.json`) Customizing keymaps for high-speed navigation: ```json [ { "context": "Editor && vim_mode == normal", "bindings": { "space f f": "file_finder::Toggle", "space f g": "pane::DeploySearch", "space b d": "pane::CloseActiveItem", "space c a": "editor::ToggleCodeActions", "g d": "editor::GoToDefinition", "g r": "editor::FindAllReferences" } } ] ``` ### Instant Multiplayer Collaboration - Click the **Collaborate** icon in the top right window header. - Share your room link or invite team members via GitHub username. - Teammates share editor views, follow cursors, and edit code concurrently without screen-sharing lag. ## Common Patterns ### Multi-Buffer Project Search & Replace **Problem**: Searching across entire codebase and editing results simultaneously in a single unified buffer. **Solution**: ```json [ { "context": "ProjectSearchView", "bindings": { "alt-enter": "project_search::OpenInMultiBuffer" } } ] ``` ### Configuring Custom Language Servers in Zed **Problem**: Configure specific language server arguments and formatters in Zed. **Solution**: Define server settings in `settings.json`. ```json { "languages": { "Python": { "language_servers": ["pyright", "ruff"], "format_on_save": "on", "formatter": { "external": { "command": "ruff", "arguments": ["format", "--stdin-filename", "{buffer_path}"] } } } } } ``` ## Best Practices **Do**: - Configure `format_on_save: "on"` with external tools (Prettier, Ruff, Rustfmt) for automated code cleanliness. - Use `vtsls` for TypeScript development in Zed for superior performance and memory efficiency. - Enable Vim mode (`"vim_mode": true`) if accustomed to modal editing workflows. - Leverage the native Assistant Panel (`Cmd + ?`) with codebase context for rapid refactoring. **Don't**: - Overload project folders with unexcluded build caches (`target`, `dist`, `.next`). - Hardcode private API keys in `settings.json`; use system keychain or environment variables. - Leave collaborative rooms open and public when editing sensitive production configuration files. ## Troubleshooting | Error | Cause | Solution | | -------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Language server fails to initialize | Server binary (e.g. `gopls`, `pyright`) not found in system `$PATH` | Install server binary globally or ensure it is accessible in user shell environment. | | Keybinding clash with system shortcuts | Mac system keyboard shortcuts intercepting Zed keystrokes | Check `settings.json` keymap overrides under `~/.config/zed/keymap.json`. | | Zed AI Assistant fails to respond | Missing API key (OpenAI/Anthropic) or quota exceeded | Open Zed settings and configure `"features": { "edit_prediction_provider": "copilot" }` or provide API key. | ## References - [Zed Documentation](https://zed.dev/docs)