1.Starting vi and dabbling with it
vi i # get into input mode :a # add text after the cursor
In input mode, type anything you want.
2a.Saving in vi:
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Get out of input mode and into command mode
:w vi_file_name # save the vi file
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2b.If you have saved the file once, just use
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:w
| Enter |
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3.Exiting vi:
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:q # quit vi
If you haven't saved your latest changes, vi will not quit and will tell you to use ! to override.
:q! # quit without saving
- We can use : wq to save and quit vi.
- If you want to save a file over an existing file, use :w! existingfilename in command mode. The ! forces vi to overwrite the original.
4.Adding and deleting text
vi i
type some you want to add.
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Choose a command, based on what you want to do:
:a # Adds text after the cursor :A # Adds test after the current line :i # Inserts text before the cursor :I # Inserts text at the beginning of the current line :o # Inserts a blank line after the current line :O # Inserts a blank line after before the current line :x # Deletes one character under the cursor :X # Deletes one character behind the cursor :dd # Deletes the current line :5dd # Deletes five lines from the current line :r # Replaces the character under the cursor :R # Replaces the existing text :y # Copies the current line :p # Pastes the copied line :u # Undoes the last change :U # Undoes all changes on the current line
5. Importing files into vi:
vi vi_file ESC :r import_file
6. Searching and replacing in vi:
6a.find a string of text in vi:
vi vi_file
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| Enter |
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get the first result, and press N to find the next one.
6b. search and replace in vi:
vi vi_filename
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