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Sana Muhammad Sadiq
Sana Muhammad Sadiq

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Mastering vi Editor in Linux: A Simple Guide for Real-World Use

#cloudwhistler #opensource #devops #redhat

Introduction

I’m continuing my 30-day Linux challenge as part of my preparation for the RHCSA exam and today’s article covers something I’ve come to appreciate more with every passing day that is the vi editor.

At first, it can feel unfamiliar (even frustrating) but once you understand how it works, vi becomes one of the most powerful tools in your Linux toolkit. It is available on every system, lightning fast and surprisingly efficient especially when working on servers with no graphical interface.

In this article, I’ve broken it down step by step from how to open a file, switch between modes, save your changes and navigate like a pro. Whether you’re just starting out or need a quick refresher, this guide is for you. Let’s make vi simple, useful and maybe even fun.

Index

  1. What is vi
  2. How to Open a File in vi
  3. Modes in vi
  4. Common vi Commands
  5. Real World Scenarios
  6. Pro Tips for Beginners
  7. Industry Insight
  8. Quick Summary

🧠 What is vi?

vi is a text editor built into nearly every Unix-like system. It allows you to:

  • Edit configuration files
  • Write shell scripts
  • View and tweak log files
  • Manage content right from the terminal, no GUI needed

Once you get comfortable with it, you’ll save time, improve efficiency, and never feel lost when you're dropped into a Linux server.

⚙️ How to Open a File in vi 

vi filename.txt
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  • If the file exists, it opens.
  • If it doesn’t, vi creates a new file with that name.

🧭 Modes in vi

Understanding the modes is key.

Mode What It Does
Normal Mode Default mode. You can navigate, delete, copy, etc.
Insert Mode You can type/edit text. (Enter with i)
Command Mode For saving, quitting, searching. (Start with :)

✍️ Common vi Commands

Action Command
Enter insert mode i
Exit insert mode Esc
Save file :w
Quit vi :q
Save and quit :wq or ZZ
Quit without saving :q!
Delete line dd
Copy line yy
Paste line p
Move cursor Arrow keys or h, j, k, l

💻 Real World Scenarios

🔧 Editing a config file

sudo vi /etc/ssh/sshd_config
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Make changes, then :wq to save and exit.

📦 Quick script edit

vi backup.sh
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Add/modify commands without needing an external editor.

📝 On-the-fly file creation during SSH session

vi /tmp/note.txt
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Useful for jotting down temporary notes or logs.

💡 Pro Tips for Beginners

  • Don’t panic! Press Esc if you feel stuck.
  • Use :set number to show line numbers.
  • Use /search_term to find text in the file.
  • Practice with sample files before jumping into system configs.

🏢 Industry Insight

Why does vi matter in real-world environments?

  • It is lightweight and runs on every Linux server even minimal installs.
  • In production systems, there is no GUI vi is your main tool.
  • Many automated tools use vi-style keybindings (like Git, Crontab).

Mastering vi is like learning how to drive stick shift, you may not use it every day but when you need it, you're glad you know it.

✅ Quick Summary

Today’s takeaway? Don’t fear vi. Get comfortable with it and you will unlock a whole new level of control in Linux. It is not just a text editor, it is a superpower.

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I'd love to hear your thoughts, insights or experiences with Linux. Feel free to share and join the conversation [Connect with me on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/techwithsana ]💜

#30dayslinuxchallenge #redhat #networking #cloudcomputing #cloudenginner #cloudarchitect #cloud #RHCSA #RHCE #RHEL #WomeninTech #Technology

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