

In the earlier sections, we learned the commands used to work on a file. Command mode is used to take the user commands, while the Insert mode is used to edit text. You can get it in almost any Linux distribution. The VI text editor is the most used and popular Linux text editor. Here’s a summary of all the above facts discussed above. Through this article, we learned about the VI text editor. :w – Saves a file and keeps the file open Below are the commands to use for saving and closing a file in the editor. To exit the text editor and save the changes to a file, you need to be in the command mode. H – Moves cursor left Commands for Saving and Closing a File Below are the commands used to navigate within a file. Also, arrow keys can be used to navigate.
#Text editor linux full#
S – Substitutes a full line and start inserting at the beginning of a lineĬw – Changes the word Commands for Moving within a Fileįor moving within a file, you should be in the command mode. S – Substitutes one character under the cursor and continue to insert R – Overwrites characters from the cursor onwards O – Opens a new line (gets into the insert mode)ĭ – Deletes the content of a line after the cursor I – Inserts at cursor (gets into the insert mode)Ī – Writes after the cursor (gets into the insert mode)Ī – Writes at the ending of a line (gets into the insert mode) Below are some of the essential commands to use in VI. Also, make sure you type the right command to avoid undesired changes. Hence, make sure you use the commands in the correct letter case. You need to be in the command mode to run editing commands in the VI editor.
#Text editor linux free#
Alternatively, you’re free to create a completely new file. To launch the editor, open your Linux terminal and then type: vi or Īnd if you mention an existing file, VI would open it to edit. Launch VI Text Editorįirst, you need to launch the VI editor to begin working on it. If you don’t know your current mode, press the Esc key twice. Use the Esc key to switch from insert mode to command mode in the editor. So, you need to be in the insert mode to enter text. Here, the text is inserted into the file. On the other hand, in the Insert mode, file editing is done. So, you should be in the command mode while passing a command. The VI editor, usually, starts in the command mode. In the command mode, users’ commands are taken to take action on a file. VI text editor works in two modes, 1) Command mode and 2) Insert mode.
#Text editor linux how to#
To work on the VI text editor, you have to know how to use the VI editor in Linux. Currently, VI Improved or VIM is the most used advanced counterpart of VI.

The reasons for its popularity are 1) availability for almost all Linux distros, 2) VI works the same throughout multiple platforms, and 3) its user-friendly features. So, what’s VI editor? VI is a text editor that’s screen-oriented and the most popular in the Linux world. If you’re searching for info related to the VI editor, this article is for you.
