Vi Text Editor

Vim Editor

Vi is an old but popular text editor for Linux and other Unix systems. It works differently than most modern text editors. Instead of just typing directly, Vi has different “modes” for different tasks. One mode is for moving the cursor around and making edits. Another mode is for inserting new text. There are also modes for running commands. While Vi can be tricky to learn at first with all its modes and keyboard shortcuts, many experienced programmers love using Vi because it allows them to edit files very quickly and efficiently without using a mouse or menus once they get the hang of it. Vi is extremely lightweight and available on virtually every Unix system, making it a reliable choice.

Basic Vi Commands

How to Copy, Cut and Paste in Vi Editor

First go to normal mode by hitting Esc key
To cut/delete text, go to normal mode, move cursor and type “dd” to delete a line or “d” plus movement keys to delete text
To copy text, go to normal mode, move cursor to start of text to copy, type “y” plus movement keys (e.g. “yw” to copy a word)
To paste, go to normal mode, move cursor to paste location, and type “p” to paste after cursor or “P” to paste before cursor

How to Delete Multiple Lines in Vi Editor

Go to normal mode by hitting Esc key
To delete a range of lines, type “x,yd” where x is the line number to start and y is the line number to end
E.g. “5,8d” will delete lines 5 through 8

How to Enter in Editing Mode in Vi Editor

First make sure you are in normal mode by hitting Esc key
From normal mode, hit “i” to enter insert mode to start editing at the cursor
Or hit “a” to enter insert mode after the cursor
Or hit “o” to start a new line below in insert mode

How to Save a File in Vi Editor & Quit

First go to normal mode by hitting Esc key
To save, hit Esc to ensure normal mode, then type “:w” and hit Enter
To quit, type “:q” and hit Enter
To quit without saving, type “:q!” (adds ! to force without saving)

Navigation in Vi Editor

Go to normal mode first by hitting Esc key
Use h,j,k,l keys to move cursor left, down, up, right
Or use arrow keys
Word movement with w (next word) or b (prev word)
Go to start/end of lines with 0 or $

Mastering Search and Replace in Vi Editor

Ensure you are in normal mode by hitting Esc first
To search, hit “/” then type the pattern to find, hit Enter
To substitute/replace, type “:s/pattern/replacement”
Use “:s/pattern/replacement/g” to replace all

Undo and Redo in Vi Editor

Go to normal mode by hitting Esc key
To undo, hit “u” in normal mode
To redo after undo, hit Ctrl+R

Quit Vi Editor Without Saving Changes in Linux

If file is open, hit Esc to go to normal mode first
Type “:q!” (colon, q, !, then Enter) to quit without saving

Linux Text Editors

For Linux users, text editors are essential tools that play a crucial role in various tasks, from coding and writing to system administration and configuration management. Linux offers a wide range of text editors, catering to different preferences and use cases. In this article, we will delve into the world of Linux text editors, exploring their features, strengths, and popular choices among the community.

Mostly Used Text Editors in Linux

Vi Text Editor
Vim Editor
Nano Editor
Kate Editor
Sublime Editor
Atom Editor
Emacs Editor

Vi Text Editor

Linux Text Editors

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