Basic editing with vi (vim) text editor for Unix

(Click "Show more" for the table of contents of this video with shortcut links)

This is a quick vi tutorial aimed at making simple edits to files on a server. This goes into what I consider to be the most useful features for common tasks like editing configuration files and making minor changes.

Video Contents:

Explanation of "modes" 0:40
The "Panic Button" to get out of a file without saving 1:30
Inserting, Appending, Replacing and Deleting 2:10
Saving a File 5:40
Searching for text in a file 6:15
Copy/Paste 7:15
Opening Multiple Windows 8:50

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• unix
• vi
• vim
• text
• editor
• howto
• insert
• append
• delete
• replace
• search
• window
• open
• save
• server
• configuration
• file

[ralpi0001]

After 21 years of trying to understand vi, this video has done it in about 15 minutes plus 3 hours of practice.

Thank you.

[jake67890]

@ralpi0001 awesome!

[stchman]

vi SUCKS!!!

[jake67890]

@stchman if by "sucks" you really mean "rules" then I agree!

[stchman]

@jake67890

I have never understood the blind zealotry people have to a ~35 year old archaic text editor. I have used vi and have found it to suck.

[jake67890]

@stchman I don't have any particular love of old command-line editors. But if you remote into servers regularly then it pays to learn how to use one of them. vi is still installed by default on just about every *nix system so it's always there.

I have seen developers who work in old text editors for their daily work at an amazing speed. i'm not one of those people, but whatever works for them is cool with me.

[JHGKFHJK]

very nice made video. I also love your index in the description

If it's not a burden, make some more with hints and tips about editing ;)

Thank you once again

[HRGigerGuitars]

This is one very very very helpful guide! Thanks, mate!

[naveez]

That awesome brilliant way present

[jkmensah]

Thanks; very very helpful

[raisingsuraj]

dude...thanks allot. you are video is so professional.