How do you exit vi

Vim is a Linux text editor based on the older Vi editor. Vim is an enhanced version of Vi; many commands work for both Vi and Vim.

Note: Some Linux distributions, such as Ubuntu Follow our guide to install the full version of Vim on Ubuntu. Note: If you need a test file for practicing, open a terminal window and enter vim test. Type x after the colon and hit Enter. This will save the changes and exit. Alternatively, a command that will also save a file and exit the text editor is:. Type : colon. This will open the prompt bar in the bottom left corner of the window.

Type w after the colon and hit Enter. This will save in Vim the changes made to the file, without exiting. Type q! To return to Command mode, press the Esc key once. To save a file, you must first be in Command mode. Press Esc to enter Command mode, and then type :wq to write and quit the file. The other, quicker option is to use the keyboard shortcut ZZ to write and quit. To the non-vi initiated, write means save, and quit means exit vi.

This command quits without saving any changes and exits vi. The best way to learn vi is to create a new file and try it out for yourself. This list of shortcuts is by no means exhaustive, but they will enable you to edit files and learn vi in a short amount of time. Note: Always make a copy of an existing file prior to editing with vi or any editor.

This is especially critical when editing system and configuration files. Ken has used Red Hat Linux since and has written ebooks, whitepapers, actual books, thousands of exam review questions, and hundreds of articles on open source and other topics. Much of the power of vi comes from its many keystroke combinations that each perform a common editing task.

Until then, if you find yourself in vi and looking at an important file, just :q! Your important file will thank you. Browse All iPhone Articles Browse All Mac Articles Do I need one? Browse All Android Articles Browse All Smart Home Articles Customize the Taskbar in Windows Browse All Microsoft Office Articles What Is svchost.

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