Table of Contents
Linux - Vi
Introduction
To edit files on the command line, you can use an editor such as vi. To open the file, run
vi /path/to/file
The contents of the file must appear.
The file is created if it does not exist yet.
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The most important commands
The most important commands in vi are these ones:
| Command | Description | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| i | enter in the Insert mode. It enable you to type in your text. | Normal Mode |
| ESC | leave the Insert mode press | Insert Mode |
| x | delete the character that is currently under the cursor | Normal Mode |
| :x | save the file | Normal Mode |
| :w | write the file | Normal Mode |
| :q | leave the file | Normal Mode |
| :q! | leave the file without saving the changes | Normal Mode |
Please note that you can use your keyboard's arrow keys to navigate the cursor through the text.
How to edit a file with Vi?
Then when you want to edit a file, the logical sequence is:
- to tape i to enter in Insert Mode
- to made the modifications
- to press the ESC button to leave the insert mode and to enter in a normal mode
- and save the file by entering the command :x
