How to Use vi Editor in Linux: Basic Commands and Tips

To use the vi editor in Linux, open a terminal and type vi filename to edit or create a file. Use i to enter insert mode for typing, Esc to exit insert mode, and :wq to save and quit.

Syntax

The basic syntax to open or create a file with vi is:

• vi filename: Opens the file named filename or creates it if it doesn't exist.
• Modes: vi has two main modes: command mode (default) and insert mode.
• Press i to enter insert mode to type text.
• Press Esc to return to command mode.
• Use commands starting with : in command mode to save, quit, or perform other actions.

bash

vi filename

Example

This example shows how to create a file, add text, save it, and exit vi:

bash

vi example.txt

# Inside vi:
# 1. Press i to enter insert mode
# 2. Type: Hello, vi editor!
# 3. Press Esc to go back to command mode
# 4. Type :wq and press Enter to save and quit

Output

The file 'example.txt' is created with the text 'Hello, vi editor!' saved inside.

Common Pitfalls

Beginners often get stuck because:

• They try to type text immediately without entering insert mode (i).
• They don't know how to exit insert mode (Esc key).
• They try to quit with Ctrl+C or Ctrl+D instead of using :wq or :q!.

Wrong way: Typing text in command mode does nothing.

Right way: Press i first, then type.

bash

Wrong (typing text directly):
vi file.txt
# Try typing text immediately (won't work)

Right:
vi file.txt
# Press i
# Type your text
# Press Esc
# Type :wq and Enter

Quick Reference

Command	Description
i	Enter insert mode to type text
Esc	Exit insert mode to command mode
:w	Save (write) the file
:q	Quit if no changes made
:q!	Quit without saving changes
:wq	Save and quit
dd	Delete current line
u	Undo last change

Key Takeaways

Press i to enter insert mode before typing text in vi.

Use Esc to return to command mode to run commands.

Save and exit with :wq in command mode.

Use :q! to quit without saving if needed.

Practice basic commands to become comfortable with vi.