2.2 Text Editing with Vim

Why Vim? It is installed on almost every Unix-like system by default. In a rescue shell, you might not have nano or code, but you will have vi or vim.

The Modes

Vim is “modal”. Keys do different things depending on the mode.

1. Normal Mode: The default. Keys are commands (navigation, copy/paste). Press Esc to return here.
2. Insert Mode: For typing text. Press i to enter.
3. Command (Ex) Mode: For saving/quitting. Press : to enter.

Cheat Sheet

1. Opening and Quitting

• vim file.txt: Open file.
• :w: Write (Save).
• :q: Quit.
• :wq: Save and Quit.
• :q!: Quit without saving (discard changes).

2. Basic Editing

• i: Switch to Insert Mode (start typing).
• Esc: Go back to Normal Mode.

3. Navigation (Normal Mode)

• h j k l: Left, Down, Up, Right (arrow keys also work).
• gg: Go to start of file.
• G: Go to end of file.
• /pattern: Search for “pattern”. (n for next match).

4. Direct Actions (Normal Mode)

• dd: Delete (cut) current line.
• yy: Yank (copy) current line.
• p: Paste below.
• u: Undo.
• Ctrl + r: Redo.

Tip

If you find Vim too difficult initially, nano is a simpler, modeless alternative. But mastering Vim basics is a superpower.