[wriq]

If a programmer tells you to use vim or emacs, tell them no. These editors are for when you are a better programmer. All you need right now is an editor that lets you put text into a file.

From Zed's LPTHW. While Vim/MacVIM is my editor of choice, if someone is just getting started and using RoR - TextMate or any easy to start with non-modal editor seems like the right choice. Trying to learn vim while learning a new language/framework at the same time could get frustrating. TextMate is still very popular, easy to start with, and last I checked (admittedly a very long time ago) the editor used in Railscasts.

[matthodan]

Agree 100% that Textmate is easier for people who are just getting started programming-- heck, I started with it.

[kposehn]

Few truer words have been said. Start with TextMate then work your way to Vim later.

[CamonZix]

I'm still using txtmt after 3 years