This tutorial is not written to make you a guru at Vim (vi Improved) this is written for those that have shell access and need to login in and make changes to files.
By : postalcow
This tutorial is not written to make you a guru at Vim (vi Improved) this is written for those that have shell access and need to login in and make changes to files.
A little bit about VI first. VI is not what you would consider a user friendly editor. But once you become comfortable with VI you will be sending me emails saying "Cow.. You Really Know Your Pies" VI is the best thing since Fillet Mignon. At the end of this down and dirty tutorial I will give you some sites to get more information on VI.
In this tutorial you'll be working in two modes Editing and Command.
Editing, Self explanatory. This is the mode that will give you the ability to edit the file.
Command, This mode is where commands are given to VI to do such things as writing, saving and quitting. If you get the urge to learn more about VI you can turn on text coloring, auto indentation, folding features and 100's of others.
Starting VI and opening a file.
To start editing a file you need to enter one of the edit modes. These commands are case sensitive, 'i' is not the same as 'I'. Also, always remember <esc> takes you out of an editing mode.
Lets dig in to basic VI
1) To enter VI, type: vi somefile.xxx <Enter> 2) To go into the insert mode type: i 3) Enter some text. Postal I love using VI 4) Press the <esc> key to leave insert mode 5) Save the file type <esc> :wq (that means write and quit) |
Moving around in VI.You can use your cursor keys <left> <down> <up> <right> or h j k l for left,down,up,right.
In command mode you can use the following commands wherever your cursor is.
x deletes a character.
dd deletes the whole line the cursor is on.
r replaces a character |
Displaying Line numbers <esc> :set nu Turns on line numbering
<esc> :set nonu Turns off line numbering |
Quitting VI :wq Write, then quit :q Quit (will only work if file has not been changed) :q! Quit without saving changes to file |
That's the Basics. Here are a few advanced commands.
Going from command mode to text mode i Insert text before current character a Append text after current character I Begin text insertion at the beginning of a line A Append text at end of a line o Open a new line below current line O Open a new line above current line |
Command mode commands . Repeat last command n. Repeat last command n number of times J Join next line to current line u Undo last single change U Restore current line |
Useful SitesThe official siteAn introduction to display editing with VIA good reference manual
| DISCLAIMER: The content provided in this article is not warranted or guaranteed by Developer Shed, Inc. The content provided is intended for entertainment and/or educational purposes in order to introduce to the reader key ideas, concepts, and/or product reviews. As such it is incumbent upon the reader to employ real-world tactics for security and implementation of best practices. We are not liable for any negative consequences that may result from implementing any information covered in our articles or tutorials. If this is a hardware review, it is not recommended to open and/or modify your hardware. |
More Programming Basics Articles
More By Codewalkers
developerWorks - FREE Tools! |
Asset Reuse is a key strategy for companies looking to create innovative solutions to solve complex software development problems. Searching for, identifying, updating, using and deploying software assets can be a difficult challenge. Listen to this webcast, to learn about strategies and tools that you can leverage for a successful project, including Rational Asset Manager, Rational Software Architect and WebSphere Service Registry and Repository. FREE! Go There Now!
|
|
|
|
Join this Rational Talks to You teleconference, to hear how Enterprise Generation Language (EGL) eliminates the need for tedious and error-prone low level coding, so developers can focus on business requirements. EGL extends the Rational software development platform with a simplified programming language that enables developers who have little or no experience with Java, Web technologies or Service Oriented Architecture, to create enterprise-class applications and services quickly and easily. It also allows developers who may have little or no mainframe programming experience to quickly create traditional mainframe components. FREE! Go There Now!
|
|
|
|
Achieving true agility is a never-ending effort. We will showcase how you can become agile incrementally, a few practices at the time.Which practices should any agile team strive to adopt? What additional practices should you consider based on your needs to scale? Adopting practices are however made much easier with the right tool support. What about if your tools adapt to your practices? We will take a look at how the Jazz technology can be leveraged to make your process change the behavior of your tools. FREE! Go There Now!
|
|
|
|
Discover how IBM Rational AppScan Standard Edition can help you detext vulnerabilities in your web applications in the Web Application Security eKit. IBM Rational AppScan is a leading suite of automated web application security solutions that scan and test for common Web application vulnerabilities. The new Web Application Security eKit provides you with valuable resources, including white papers, demos, and additional information on the benefits of testing your Web applications. FREE! Go There Now!
|
|
|
|
Learn to enable users to both rate existing animations and to combine existing animations into new snippets. This is the third in a series of three tutorials that chronicle the building of a site that enables collaborative discussion and animation building using Domino and OpenLaszlo. FREE! Go There Now!
|
|
|
|
This whitepaper provides areas to consider when evaluating any software configuration management solution. It addresses how the IBM solutions (Rational ClearCase and Rational ClearQuest) meet the needs and requirements of both project leaders and developers to provide successful Software Change and Configuration Management. FREE! Go There Now!
|
|
|
|
Visit IBM developerWorks to download the latest trial version of IBM Data Studio V1.1 at no cost. IBM Data Studio is a comprehensive data management solution that helps you effectively design, develop, deploy and manage your data, databases, and database applications throughout the data management life cycle utilizing a consistent and integrated user interface. Unlike other client-side data management solutions that focus on only one aspect of the application lifecycle or database administration, Data Studio complements the Rational Software Delivery platform, providing unparalleled flexibility for a heterogeneous data server environment across platforms. FREE! Go There Now!
|
|
|
|
As organizations integrate software into every aspect of business, they are constantly pressured to deliver faster, better, and cheaper results. Unfortunately, a “dis-integrated” software delivery approach reduces returns while increasing costs. This IBM Rational White Paper shows how Integrated Requirements Management aligns organizations around maximizing value and keeping pace with change. FREE! Go There Now!
|
|
|
|
WebSphere Process Server delivers a unique integration framework that simplifies existing IT resources. Often, as IT assets grow to support business demand, so too does their complexity and manageability. In this webcast, we’ll discuss how WebSphere Process Server helps deliver an SOA infrastructure that provides a common model to orchestrate, mediate, connect, map, and execute the underlying IT functions. Discover how WebSphere Process Server simplifies integration of business processes by leveraging existing IT assets as reusable services without the complexities of traditional integration methodologies. FREE! Go There Now!
|
|
|
|
CakePHP is a stable production-ready, rapid-development aid for building Web sites in PHP. This "Cook up Web sites fast with CakePHP" series shows you how to build an online product catalog using CakePHP. FREE! Go There Now!
|
|
|
|
All FREE IBM® developerWorks Tools! |