nano, vi, vim: Text editors for creating and editing files
August 9th, 2024 11:30 AM Mr. Q Categories: Command
Commands: nano, vi, vim
These are text editors used for creating and editing files in the command line. Each editor has its own features and usage:
Nano
Command: nano
A simple, user-friendly text editor. It provides on-screen help and straightforward keyboard shortcuts.
Sample Command and Output:
$ nano file.txtDescription:
nano file.txt: Opensfile.txtin the Nano editor. You can edit the file and use keyboard shortcuts to manage the file.
Common Commands:
Ctrl+O: Save the file.Ctrl+X: Exit Nano.Ctrl+K: Cut the current line.Ctrl+U: Paste the cut line.Ctrl+W: Search within the file.Ctrl+G: Display help.
Vi
Command: vi
A traditional text editor with a steeper learning curve. It operates in different modes, including command mode and insert mode.
Sample Command and Output:
$ vi file.txtDescription:
vi file.txt: Opensfile.txtin the Vi editor. Initially, you start in command mode. Pressito enter insert mode for editing. PressEscto return to command mode, and use:wqto save and quit, or:q!to quit without saving.
Common Commands:
i: Enter insert mode.Esc: Return to command mode.:w: Save the file.:q: Quit (use:q!to quit without saving).dd: Delete the current line.yy: Copy the current line.p: Paste the copied or deleted line./search_term: Search forsearch_term.
Here are additional commands for the vi text editor to help you navigate and edit files more effectively:
Navigation: (I mostly use the arrow keys)
h: Move the cursor left.j: Move the cursor down.k: Move the cursor up.l: Move the cursor right.0: Move to the beginning of the line.$: Move to the end of the line.G: Move to the end of the file.gg: Move to the beginning of the file.:n: Move to linen.
Editing:
x: Delete the character under the cursor.r: Replace the character under the cursor with another character.cw: Change the word from the cursor position.cc: Change the entire line.o: Open a new line below the current line and enter insert mode.O: Open a new line above the current line and enter insert mode.u: Undo the last action.Ctrl+r: Redo the undone action.
Copying and Pasting:
yy: Yank (copy) the current line.y: Yank (copy) a specified number of lines (e.g.,3yy).p: Paste the yanked or deleted text after the cursor.P: Paste the yanked or deleted text before the cursor.
Searching and Replacing:
/search_term: Search forward forsearch_term.?search_term: Search backward forsearch_term.n: Repeat the search in the same direction.N: Repeat the search in the opposite direction.:s/old/new: Replace the first occurrence ofoldwithnewon the current line.:s/old/new/g: Replace all occurrences ofoldwithnewon the current line.: %s/old/new/g: Replace all occurrences ofoldwithnewin the entire file.
File Management:
:w: Save the file.:q: Quit the editor (use:q!to quit without saving).:wq: Save and quit the file.:x: Save and quit the file (same as:wq).:e filename: Open a new filefilename.:w filename: Save the file under a new namefilename.
Miscellaneous:
:!command: Execute a shell command (!lsto list files).:r filename: Read the content offilenameand insert it after the current line.:set number: Display line numbers.:set nonumber: Hide line numbers.
Vim
Command: vim
An enhanced version of Vi with additional features and improvements. Vim stands for “Vi Improved.”
Sample Command and Output:
$ vim file.txtDescription:
vim file.txt: Opensfile.txtin the Vim editor. Like Vi, Vim starts in command mode. Pressito enter insert mode for editing. Use:wqto save and quit, or:q!to quit without saving. Vim offers advanced features like syntax highlighting and extensibility.
Common Commands:
i: Enter insert mode.Esc: Return to command mode.:w: Save the file.:q: Quit (use:q!to quit without saving).dd: Delete the current line.yy: Copy the current line.p: Paste the copied or deleted line./search_term: Search forsearch_term.:set number: Show line numbers.:syntax on: Enable syntax highlighting.
Feel free to ask if you need more details about any specific commands or features!