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Linux/Unix: `vi`/`vim` Editor Basics – Modes & Navigation Explained

Introduction – Why Learn `vi`/`vim`?

The vi and vim editors are powerful, terminal-based text editors that are pre-installed on nearly every Unix-like system. Whether editing config files, scripts, or code, knowing vim is an essential skill for system admins and developers.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

How to switch between modes in vi/vim
How to navigate files using keyboard shortcuts
Practical commands for cursor movement, file editing, and quitting

What is `vi` and `vim`?

vi: Original UNIX text editor.
vim: “Vi IMproved” – adds features like syntax highlighting, multi-level undo, plugins, and more.

Launch vim with:

vim filename

Modes in `vi`/`vim`

vim works in different modes, each with a specific purpose:

Mode	Purpose	How to Access
Normal Mode	Default mode – used for navigation	Press `Esc`
Insert Mode	Used to insert or edit text	Press `i`, `a`, `o`
Visual Mode	Used to select and manipulate text	Press `v` or `V`
Command Mode	Used for saving, exiting, searching	Type `:` in Normal

Entering Modes – Quick Keys

Key	Action
`i`	Insert before cursor
`I`	Insert at beginning of line
`a`	Append after cursor
`A`	Append at end of line
`o`	Open new line below
`O`	Open new line above
`Esc`	Return to Normal mode

Navigation Shortcuts

In Normal Mode, use these keys to navigate:

Key	Action
`h`	Move left
`l`	Move right
`j`	Move down
`k`	Move up
`0`	Move to beginning of line
`^`	Move to first non-blank char
`$`	Move to end of line
`gg`	Move to start of file
`G`	Move to end of file
`:n`	Go to line `n`
`Ctrl+d`	Scroll down half page
`Ctrl+u`	Scroll up half page

Basic Workflow Example

vim test.txt

Press i → Enter Insert Mode
Type: Hello, Linux World!
Press Esc → Back to Normal Mode
Type :wq → Save and Quit

Saving and Quitting

Command	Description
`:w`	Save (write)
`:q`	Quit
`:wq`	Save and quit
`:q!`	Quit without saving
`:x`	Save (if modified) + quit

Search and Replace (Command Mode)

Command	Description
`/word`	Search forward for “word”
`?word`	Search backward
`n` / `N`	Repeat search (next/prev)
`:%s/old/new/g`	Replace all “old” with “new”
`:%s/old/new/gc`	Replace with confirmation

Bonus: Visual Mode Tips

Press v to select by character
Press V to select by line
Use d, y, or p after selection:
- d → delete
- y → yank (copy)
- p → paste

Summary – Recap & Next Steps

Mastering vi/vim starts with understanding its modes and movement commands. With just a few keystrokes, you can navigate, edit, search, and save files—without ever leaving your terminal.

Key Takeaways:

Esc always returns to Normal Mode.
Use i, a, o to enter Insert Mode.
Use :wq, :q!, and /search in Command Mode.
Efficient text navigation makes editing lightning-fast.

FAQs

What’s the difference between vi and vim?
vim is an improved version of vi, offering syntax highlighting, undo levels, plugins, and more.

How do I copy and paste in vim?
Use yy to yank a line, p to paste below the cursor.

How can I delete a line?
Press dd in Normal Mode.

Can I open multiple files in vim?
Yes:

vim file1 file2

Use :n and :prev to switch files.

How do I enable line numbers?
In Command Mode:

:set number

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Linux/Unix: vi/vim Editor Basics – Modes & Navigation Explained

Introduction – Why Learn vi/vim?

What is vi and vim?

Modes in vi/vim