CL-01: How can I edit a file in the command line?

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CL-01: How can I edit a file in the command line?

 

You have been told to edit a file in command line to fix something, but you don't know which editor to use, or you don't know how to use it at all.

 

Answer:

 

For this task you should use the vi/vim editor which is installed by default in Linux.

 

There are a few things you should know before using it: The vi (and his improved clone vim) is opened by default in "command mode"; in that mode you can't insert text, that mode is for browsing and editing (as in deleting whole lines) the file. So to insert/edit text you have to be in "insert mode".

 

How to do it:

• Now browse using the arrow keys through the document till you find the line you want to edit. Remember that you are in "command mode".
   
  
• Go into "insert mode" either by pressing the "i" key, or pressing the "INSERT" key.
   
  
• Edit what you have to.
   
  
• Save the file and exit: To do this, you have to go back to "command mode" by pressing the "ESC" key. Once you are in "command mode" type :wq which means "w"rite and "q"uit.
   
  
• In case you want to exit w/o writting the changes you've made, then type in "command mode" :q!
  

For further information about how to use vi/vim you can use the program "/usr/bin/vimtutor" or visit the vim faq: www.vim.org/faq/

 

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