Complete Tutorial on File Editors: nano, vi, and vim

Text editors are essential tools in the Linux command-line environment for editing configuration files, writing scripts, and managing documents. Among the most widely used editors are:

• nano: A simple and beginner-friendly text editor.
• vi: A classic text editor available on almost all UNIX-based systems.
• vim: An improved version of vi with additional features.

This tutorial covers how to use each editor with practical examples.

1. nano Editor

Introduction

nano is a straightforward and easy-to-use text editor. It is commonly pre-installed on Linux systems.

Opening a File

To open a file in nano, use:

nano filename

If the file does not exist, nano creates a new one.

Basic Navigation and Editing

• Arrow keys: Move the cursor.
• Typing text: Works as expected, like in a simple text editor.

Common nano Commands

Example: Creating and Editing a File

1. Open a file named example.txt: nano example.txt
2. Type some text.
3. Save the file (CTRL + O, then Enter).
4. Exit (CTRL + X).

2. vi Editor

Introduction

vi (Visual Editor) is a powerful text editor available on almost all UNIX and Linux systems. It operates in different modes:

• Command Mode: For executing commands.
• Insert Mode: For editing text.
• Last Line Mode: For saving, exiting, and performing other actions.

Opening a File

vi filename

If the file does not exist, vi creates a new one.

Modes in vi

Basic Navigation

Editing Text

Saving and Exiting

Example: Creating and Editing a File

1. Open example.txt: vi example.txt
2. Press i to enter Insert Mode and type some text.
3. Press ESC to return to Command Mode.
4. Save and exit with :wq.

3. vim Editor

Introduction

vim (Vi IMproved) is an enhanced version of vi with additional features like syntax highlighting, undo/redo, and plugins.

Installing vim

If vim is not installed, install it using:

sudo apt install vim  # Debian/Ubuntu
sudo yum install vim  # CentOS/RHEL
sudo dnf install vim  # Fedora

Opening a File

vim filename

Modes in vim

Similar to vi, vim has:

• Command Mode (default)
• Insert Mode (press i)
• Last Line Mode (press :)

Advanced Navigation

Advanced Editing

Search and Replace

Saving and Exiting

Example: Creating and Editing a File

1. Open example.txt: vim example.txt
2. Press i to enter Insert Mode and type text.
3. Press ESC, then :wq to save and exit.

Summary: Comparing nano, vi, and vim

Conclusion

• Use nano for quick and simple edits.
• Use vi if you need a reliable editor available everywhere.
• Use vim for advanced text editing with powerful features.