- vi is vim - on most systems vi is symlinked to vim - vim = vi improved
- modal editor - there are 3 modes of operation:
- command mode
- edit mode - type ESC to go back to command mode
- last line mode - type : to enter from command mode
Basic commands
Opening and closing a file
$ vi newfile # to create a new file
:q # to enter last line mode and then quit
:q! # to enter last line mode and quit without making any changes (e.g. if you have edited a file)
Editing and saving a file
$ vi newfile
i # to enter insert mode
[enter text]
ESC # to return to command mode
: # to enter last line mode
w # to save
x or wq # to save and exit
Ways to enter insert mode
$ vi newfile
i # insert at cursor position
I # insert at start of current line
a # append to cursor position
o # insert line below
O # insert line above
Miscellaneous commands in command mode
x # delete the character under the cursor
dw # delete the word under the cursor
u # undo
Line navigation
7G # go to line 7
7gg # go to line 7
w # forwards one word
b # backwards one word