Linux text editors
On AI-LAB, you may need to edit files frequently, whether it's modifying scripts, configuration files, or logs. Two popular command-line text editors are nano and vim. This guide provides an introduction to both editors, covering essential commands and workflows.
Nano: A Simple Text Editor
Nano is a beginner-friendly text editor. It is easy to use, making it a good choice for new users.
Opening a File with Nano
To open or create a file, use:
nano <filename>
For example, to open myfile.txt
:
nano myfile.txt
Basic Commands in Nano
Once inside Nano, use the following commands:
- Move the cursor: Use the arrow keys.
- Save the file: Press
Ctrl + O
(Write Out), then hitEnter
. - Exit Nano: Press
Ctrl + X
. - Cut and Paste:
- To cut:
Ctrl + K
cuts the current line. - To paste:
Ctrl + U
pastes the cut text.
- To cut:
- Search within the file: Press
Ctrl + W
, type the search term, and hitEnter
.
Tips for Nano
- The commands at the bottom of the Nano screen start with the
^
symbol, which stands for theCtrl
key. - For more advanced editing, Nano has flags like syntax highlighting and can open files as read-only using the
-v
flag:nano -v myfile.txt
Vim: A Powerful Text Editor
Vim is a more advanced editor with modes and extensive features. Though it has a steeper learning curve, it's incredibly powerful for experienced users.
Opening a File with Vim
To open or create a file in Vim, use:
vim <filename>
For example, to open script.sh
:
vim script.sh
Understanding Vim Modes
Vim has different modes, each designed for specific tasks:
- Normal Mode: Used for navigating and executing commands.
- Insert Mode: For typing and editing text.
- Visual Mode: For selecting and manipulating blocks of text.
- You start in Normal Mode by default. Press
i
to enter Insert Mode for text editing.
Basic Commands in Vim
Action | Command |
---|---|
Enter Insert Mode | i |
Save the file | :w |
Exit Vim | :q |
Save and Exit | :wq or ZZ |
Undo last change | u |
Delete a line | dd |
Copy a line | yy |
Paste a line | p |
Search | / followed by search term and Enter |
Navigating in Vim
- Move the cursor: Use arrow keys or
h
(left),j
(down),k
(up),l
(right). - Jump to start/end of file:
gg
(start),G
(end). - Go to a specific line:
:<line number>
, thenEnter
.
Exiting Vim
If you're stuck in Vim and want to exit:
- Force quit without saving:
:q!
- Save and quit:
:wq
orZZ
.
Tips for Vim
- Vim has a built-in help system, accessed by typing
:help
. - You can enable syntax highlighting with the command
:syntax
on.
Summary
Editor | Easy-to-use | Advanced Features | Quick to Learn |
---|---|---|---|
Nano | Yes | No | Yes |
Vim | No | Yes | No |
Both editors are available on AI-LAB, so you can choose the one that fits your workflow and experience level. Nano is great for quick edits, while Vim offers advanced capabilities for power users.