About Vi

Vi is a text editor built written in C, for Unit/Linux since 1976. It is default for Unix systems.

Over the years since its creation, vi became the de facto standard Unix editor and a nearly undisputed hacker favorite[citation needed] outside of MIT until the rise of Emacs after about 1984.

– Wikipedia1

Why Vi

I have to use Vi when I setup my VPS for web hosting. Vi confuses me a while since I have no prior experience. Over time, I came to realize that using Vi is a must for a developer, so let’s don’t hesitate to jump at it!

We’ll get started by learning some of the basics.

Getting started

First of all, Vi have 2 modes: Command Mode and Insert Mode.

Remember how to switch mode:

  1. press ‘i’ for Insert Mode
  2. press “Esc” for Command Mode

3 basic file commands

  1. :w - save
  2. :q - quit
  3. :q! - quit without saving

Move the cursor

When in command mode, the key h, j, k and l can move the cursor, just like your arrow key.

  1. h - Cursor left
  2. j - Cursor down
  3. k - Cursor up
  4. l - Cursor right

Delete

In command mode:

  1. x - delete 1 char
  2. dd - delete 1 line

Difference between ‘backspace’ and ‘x’:

  1. backspace - works in insert mode. Can only delete chars inserted in current session.
  2. x - works in command mode. Can delete anything.

Repeat operation

In command mode, input a number then the command, the command with be repeat corresponding number of times. Eg “20dd” deletes 20 lines.

Last word

This definitely is not a thorough tutorial, but it’s enough for basic needs of a system admin. I learn these from the 2 tutorials from unix-manuals

Hope it helps you.