How to Create a VIM File in Linux CMD
Last Updated :
24 Dec, 2024
In Linux, there are many ways to open and create files, but Vim stands out as a powerful and versatile text editor. It comes pre-installed on most Linux systems and allows you to create, edit, and manage files directly from the terminal.
In this article, we will explain you, how to create a new file in Vim, opening it, and saving the changes.
How to Create and Edit a File Using Vim in Linux
To confirm if Vim is installed on your system, run the following command:
vim --version
If not, install it using your package manager.
Step 1: Create or Open a File Using Vim
To create a new file or open an existing file in Vim, use the following command:
vim filename
- Replace
filename
with the name of the file you want to create or edit. - If the file does not exist, Vim will create a new one.
Example:
vim newfile1.txt
creating a vim file in linuxStep 2: Understand Vim Modes
Vim has two basic modes you need to know:
1. Command Mode: Default mode when you open Vim. This is used to execute commands like save or quit.
2. Insert Mode: Used for typing and editing text.
- To enter Insert Mode, press
i
. - To return to Command Mode, press the
Esc
key.
insert into vim file in linuxStep 3: Start Writing or Editing
Once you are in Insert Mode (you will see -- INSERT --
at the bottom of the screen):
- Start typing the content you want to add.wht
- Use the arrow keys to navigate through the text.
Step 4: Save the File
When you finish editing, follow these steps:
- Press the
Esc
key to exit Insert Mode. - Type the following command to save the file:
:w
Step 5: Exit Vim and Verify the content
After exiting Vim, check the file content again using:
cat newfile1.txt
You should now see the content displayed in the terminal.
Also Check:
Conclusion
Creating and managing files using the Vim editor in Linux is a straightforward process once you understand the basic commands. By following the steps in this guide, you can efficiently create, edit, save, and exit files directly from the terminal. Remember the key modes in Vim—Insert mode for editing and Command mode for saving or quitting—along with commands like :w
, :wq
, and :q!
.
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