Vim stands for Vi Improved. It is an open-source text editor that includes almost all commands from the Unix program "Vi". His author, Bram Moolenaar, relesed it 2 November 1991. Why Vim stands out is fact that all commands and navigation are done by using only the keyboard so you don't need to take your eyes away from the screen.
Vim has 12 editing modes, 6 are basic and the other 6 are variants of basic modes.
- The most important modes are:
- Normal mode: this is also a default mode and is used for editor commands.
- Insert mode: this is where you type text and is inserted into the buffer.
- Visual mode: functions like a normal mode with the difference that is highlighting text.
- Command-line/Cmdline mode: opens single line input at the bottom of the Vim window. Any operation is completed by pressing `Enter`.
- movement
h j k l(left, down, up, right) - close window
:q - write/save and close
:wq - close without saving
:q! - insert
i - delete
x - and many more...
The best way to start learning Vim is to type 'vimtutor' in the command line and press Enter. This will take you on 30 minutes journey through Vim and teach basic commands.
$ vimtutor
Vim is highly customizable, which is making it an attractive tool for users that need a large amount of control and flexibility.
Community driven open-source project and forked version of Vim build to make it easier to maintain. Let's say, Neovim is the next generation editor allowing you a better GUI ecosystem, support for embedding, redesign of plug-in architecture and more.
Also known as Vimonline, is the first place to start your deeper exploration of Vim. Here you will find more information about this editor as well as cool logos, buttons and other 'weird' stuff. Most notable is Mr Moolneaar's charity work to support children in Uganda. Even though the editor is free, it encourages users to donate or buy books, which will also be donated to charity.
Located at vimhelp.org, Vim help files are a comprehensive database that has all your questions answered. This website goes even deeper into the core of Vim options and customizations that will help you gain knowledge about the editor. This HTML version of Vim help files are kept automatically up-to-date from the Vim source repository.
Is a collaborative workspace for Vim users where they can add their tips to a common database. For anyone starting or currently using an editor, this is a must-visit site to get your hands dirty, with Vim, on your keyboard! visit Vim Tips Wiki @ vim.fandom.com
:save and quit, but come back!