[asciimov]

Modal editing.

Command mode lets you manipulate text using a full keyboard as shortcuts. Depending on setup this can reduce the amount of chording you do.

Visual mode lets you select text. By character, line, or region/block. I find this easier than emacs selection.

Insert mode what you use to enter text.

[TacticalCoder]

Well he didn't say he was using Emacs with the default keybindings.

Emacs' evil-mode is used by many Emacs users who prefer modal editing...