vim - Advanced Text Editor in Linux

From the Linux Essential Commands cheat sheet · File Viewing & Editing · verified Jul 2026

vim - Advanced Text Editor

Powerful modal text editor with steep learning curve

bash
# Edit file
vim file.txt

# Basic commands:
# i - Enter insert mode
# Esc - Exit insert mode
# :w - Save
# :q - Quit
# :wq - Save and quit
# :q! - Quit without saving
# dd - Delete line
# yy - Copy line
# p - Paste
✅ Extremely powerful once learned
💡 Press i to start editing, Esc to exit insert mode
🔍 Type :q! to exit without saving changes
⚡ vimtutor command provides interactive tutorial
editortextadvanced

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