Introduction
Vi and Vim are popular text editors in the Unix and Linux world. They are known for their power and flexibility but can be daunting to new users. This article serves as an introduction to these text editors and links to more in-depth guides for specific functionalities.
TL;DR
Learn the basics of Vi and Vim, including how to open files, basic navigation, and simple editing. For more detailed guides on saving, cutting/copying/pasting, and advanced commands, refer to the linked articles below.
Understanding Vi and Vim
Vi (Visual) is a text editor that comes pre-installed on most Unix systems. Vim (Vi Improved) is an extended version with more features.
Opening and Closing Files
To open a file in Vi or Vim:
vi filename
To exit:
- Press : followed by q to quit.
- Press : followed by wq to write and quit.
Basic Navigation
- h: Move left.
- j: Move down.
- k: Move up.
- l: Move right.
Basic Editing
- i: Insert mode.
- Esc: Return to command mode.
- dd: Delete a line.
Related Articles
- How to Save a File in Vi / Vim & Exit: A Comprehensive Guide with PureVoltage
- How to Cut, Copy, and Paste in Vim / Vi: A Comprehensive Guide with PureVoltage
- The Top Ten Useful Vi / Vim Commands: A Comprehensive Guide with PureVoltage
Conclusion
Vi and Vim are powerful tools that are widely used by system administrators and developers alike. Understanding the basics of these editors can enhance your productivity and allow for more advanced text manipulation. Explore more through the related articles to become proficient in Vi and Vim.