Vim tutorial- learn Vim the easy way

Vi or vim(vi enhanced) are text editors available in Linux distributions by default. Vim is very powerful and flexible. In fact, once you master it, vim is the only text editing tool you need to know.

Advantages of using Vim?

• Vim editor is available by default on all Linux distros. You can start working on it right-away.
• Some other Linux utilities, for example, editing cron jobs, work in the same pattern as vim.
• No internet, no mercy. Let's say you are used to working in other (non-default) editing tools but suddenly if you lose access to those tools, and there is no internet access to install them, then you know where you stand. This could happen if you are trouble shooting in someone else's environment.
• Most servers run headless, so in system administration, you don't necessarily have the luxury of a GUI. But vim has got your back; it would always be there.
• As vim is a CLI tool, it is faster than GUI tools.
• Vim keeps the file properties intact. Downloading the file, editing and uploading it increases the chance of white space addition. This could be the case with third party text editing tools as well.
• Vim is suitable for all- beginners and advanced users. Vim supports complex string searches, highlighting searches and much more. Some developers even use vim for code editing, sounds strange right? But you can see the potential here :)

How to start using Vim ?

It's easy. You need to know the 3 operating modes of Vim and how to switch between them. Keystrokes behave differently in each command mode.

Moving to Start or End of Line in Vim

Press ^ to move the cursor to the start of the current line. Press `$` to move the cursor to the end of the current line.

Vim modes

In Vim, there are three modes to work with:

1. Command mode.
2. Edit mode.
3. Visual mode.

Command Mode.

When starting vim editor, you land in the command mode by default. This mode allows you to access other modes.

? To switch to other modes, you need to be present in the command mode first

Edit Mode

This mode allows you to make changes to the file. To enter edit mode, press 'I' while in command mode.

Note the '-- INSERT' switch at the end of the screen.

Visual mode

This mode allows you to work on a single character, a block of text, or lines of text.

Let's break it down into simple steps. Remember, use the below combinations when in command mode.

• Shift + V → Select multiple lines.
• Ctrl + V → Block mode
• V → Character mode

The visual mode comes into handy when you need to copy and paste or edit lines in bulk.

Extended command mode.

The extended command mode allows you to perform advanced operations like searching, setting line numbers, and highlighting text. We'll cover extended mode in the next section.

How to stay on track?

If you forget your current mode, just press ESC twice and you would be back in Command Mode.

Some common operations using Vim

1. How to copy and paste in Vim?

Copy-paste is known as 'yank' and 'put' in Linux terms.

To copy-paste, follow these steps:

1. Select text in visual mode.
2. Press 'y' to copy/ yank.
3. Move your cursor to the required position and press 'p'.

2. How to search for text in Vim?

Any series of strings can be searched with vim using the / in command mode.

To search, use /string-to-match.

In the command mode, type :set hls. This will highlight the searches.

Let's search a few strings:

3. How to exit Vim?

That is a million dollar question! ?? But it is as easy as abc, trust me.

First, move to command mode(by pressing escape twice) and then use these flags:

Exit without saving → :q!

Exit and save → :wq!

Using hjkl for navigation

In early days of CLI, the keyboards didn't have arrow keys. Hence, navigation was done using the set of available keys, hjkl being one of them.

Although arrow keys would work totally fine, you can still experiment with hjkl keys to navigate. Some people find this this way of navigation comfortable.

Tip to remember: hang back, jump down, kick up, leap forward.

Time for action !!

Remember learning in tech is nothing without hands-on. To quickly access a Linux shell and practice what you have learned, hop on to Replit! It's free!

So, this is it ! You have mastered the basics. With this tutorial, you can easily view, edit and save your files using the Vim editor.

Wrapping up

Did you find this tutorial helpful? I would love to hear your thoughts and connect with you on any of these platforms.