Unix Text Editors

• Unix Editor Reference Sheet (24.38 KB)
• Emacs Manual
• VI Fast Reference Guide
• VI Fact Sheet

vi

vi is a command-oriented text editor. There are two modes in vi, COMMAND mode and INSERT mode:

COMMAND mode allows you move around inside your file quickly. When you first start vi, you are in command mode; otherwise, press ‹Esc› to get back to command mode.

INSERT mode allows you to create and modify text in your file. Press i, a, or o (see below) to get to insert mode. Press ‹Esc› to get back to command mode.

Here are a few basic vi commands you can use while in command mode:

	h  - move to left
 	l  - move to right
 	k  - move up
 	j  - move down
 	x  - erase a character
 	dd - delete a line.
 	i  - enter insert mode (insert before cursor)
 	a  - enter insert mode (append after cursor)
 	o  - enter insert mode (open line below)
 	J  - join next line to current
 	

EXIT the vi editor by typing : (colon) while in command mode, the colon will appear at the bottom of your screen; to save and quit, type in wq and press ‹Enter›; to quit without saving type q! and press ‹Enter›.

17 systemname.domain.pdx.edu> vi filename

pico

pico is a simple text editor. When you run pico its commands are displayed at the bottom of the screen.

12 systemname.domain.pdx.edu> pico filename