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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 hit Enter.
  • Exit Nano: Press Ctrl + X.
  • Cut and Paste:
    • To cut: Ctrl + K cuts the current line.
    • To paste: Ctrl + U pastes the cut text.
  • Search within the file: Press Ctrl + W, type the search term, and hit Enter.

Tips for Nano

  • The commands at the bottom of the Nano screen start with the ^ symbol, which stands for the Ctrl 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
  • 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>, then Enter.

Exiting Vim

If you're stuck in Vim and want to exit:

  • Force quit without saving: :q!
  • Save and quit: :wq or ZZ.

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.