VI Editor
** VI Editor
`` VI Editor
` Why vi Editor?
- It is available in almost all Linux Distributions.
- It works the same across different platforms and Distributions.
- It is user friendly.
` Vim - Vi improved
` Command Mode
- Vi editor opens in this mode.
- Move the cursor and cut, copy, paste the text.
- Saves the changes to the file.
- Commands are case sensitive.
` Insert mode
- This mode is for inserting text in the file.
- Press 'i' on the keyboard for insert mode.
- In Insert mode, any key would be taken as an input.
- Press Esc key to save changes and return to command mode.
` Starting Vi Editor
- vi
- ~ : denote unused lines
- i : Insert at cursor (goes into insert mode)
- a : Write after cursor (goes into insert mode)
- A : Write at the end of line (goes into insert mode)
- ESC : Terminate insert mode
- u : Undo last change
- U : Undo all changes to the entire line
- o : Open a new line (goes into insert mode)
- dd : Delete line
- 3dd : Delete 3 lines.
- D : Delete contents of line after the cursor
- C : Delete contents of line after the cursor and insert new text.
- dw : Delete word
- 4dw : Delete 4 words
- cw : Change word
- x : Delete character at cursor
- r : Replace character
- R : Overwrite characters from cursor onward
- s : Substitute one character under cursor continue to insert
- S : Substitute entire line and begin to insert at beginning of the line
- ~ : Change case of individual character
` Moving within a File
- Be in the command mode
- k : Move cursor up
- j : Move cursor down
- h : Move cursor left
- l : Move cursor right
` Saving or Closing the File
- Use only in Command Mode!
- Shift+zz : Save the file and quit
- :w : Save the file but keep it open
- :q : Quit without saving
- :wq : Save the file and quit
`` Summary
- The vi editor is the most popular and commonly used Linux text editor.
- It is usually available in all Linux Distributions.
- It works in two modes, Command and Insert.
- Command mode takes the user commands and the Insert mode is for editing text.
- You should know the commands in order to work on your file easily.
- Learning to use this editor can benefit you in creating scripts and editing files.