Vim

Vim (Vi IMproved) is a powerful, modal text editor commonly found on Unix-like systems. Unlike most text editors, Vim operates in different modes, each optimized for a specific type of interaction—editing, navigating, or executing commands.

The Three Primary Modes

Vim operates in three core modes:

1. Normal Mode (Command Mode)

This is the default mode when opening a file. In this mode, text is not directly inserted. Instead, keystrokes are interpreted as commands for navigating, copying, deleting, or manipulating text.

Some commands in this mode include:

Command	Description
`yy`	Copy (yank) the current line
`dd`	Delete (cut) the current line
`3dd`	Delete 3 lines starting from the current
`p`	Paste after the current line or cursor
`x`	Delete the character under the cursor
`u`	Undo the last change
`Ctrl + r`	Redo the last undone change
`/pattern`	Search downward for a pattern
`?pattern`	Search upward for a pattern
`n`	Next - Repeat the last search (same direction)
`N`	Previous - Repeat in the opposite direction

2. Insert Mode

In Insert mode, typed characters are inserted into the buffer as text.

All of the following commands can be used to switch from normal mode to insert mode:

Command	Description
`i`	Insert before the cursor
`I`	Insert at the beginning of line
`a`	Append after the cursor
`A`	Append at the end of the line
`o`	Open a new line below the current
`O`	Open a new line above the current

To return to Normal Mode, press Esc.

3. Last Line Mode (Command-Line Mode)

Accessed by typing : from Normal Mode, this mode allows file-level operations and configuration commands.

Some commands include

Command	Description
`:w`	Save (write) the file
`:q`	Quit
`:wq`	Save and quit
`:q!`	Quit without saving

To return to Normal Mode, press Esc.