How to Exit VIM Quickly - A Step-by-Step Guide

Exiting VIM quickly and easily can be done in multiple ways, depending on whether you want to save changes or quit from VIM without saving. Exiting VIM (a text editor commonly used in Linux) can confuse new users. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you exit VIM safely, whether you've made changes or just want to quit.

This guide provides the exact steps to exit Vim in different scenarios, whether you're working in Normal Mode, Insert Mode, or facing unexpected behavior.

Understanding Vim Modes

Understanding VIM’s modes is crucial for exiting properly:

• Normal Mode: Default mode for navigating and running commands.
• Insert Mode: Used for editing text (activated by pressing i).
• Command Mode: Used to execute commands (accessed by pressing : from Normal mode).

How To Exit Vim Editor - Guide for Beginners

Whether you've made changes to a file or just opened it by mistake, knowing how to quit Vim properly is essential. In Vim, there are numerous ways to exit, depending on whether you want to save your changes, discard them, or simply leave the editor. Below are all the methods on how to quit from VIM:

Exit VIM Without Saving Changes

If you’ve made changes to the file and want to quit without saving:

Step 1: Press Esc to ensure you are in Normal Mode

Step 2: Type the following command:

:q!

Step 3: Press Enter

The q! command discards unsaved changes and exits VIM.

Save Changes and Exit VIM

If you’ve made edits and want to save them before quitting:

Step 1: Press Esc to enter Normal Mode

Step 2: Type the following command:

:wq

Step 3: Press Enter

w saves the file, and q exits VIM.

Shortcut Alternative:

• Press Shift + ZZ (uppercase Z twice) to save and quit in one step.

Exit VIM Without Making Any Changes (No Edits Made)

If no changes have been made, you can quit VIM directly:

Step 1: Press Esc to enter Normal Mode

Step 2: Type the following command:

:q

Step 3: Press Enter

This exits VIM if there are no unsaved changes.

Save as a New File and Exit VIM

If you want to save your changes under a new filename and then quit:

Step 1: Press Esc to enter Normal Mode

Step 2: Type the following command:

:w newfilename

Step 3: Press Enter to save the file with the new name

Step 4: Exit VIM using:

:q

Quit VIM Immediately (Force Quit)

If you want to exit VIM immediately, regardless of unsaved changes:

Step 1: Press Esc to enter Normal Mode

Step 2: Type the following command:

:qa!

Step 3: Press Enter

This force-quits all open files without saving.

Close All Files and Save Changes in VIM

If you have multiple files open in VIM and want to save all changes before quitting:

Step 1: Press Esc to enter Normal Mode

Step 2: Type the following command:

:wqa

Step 3: Press Enter

This saves all open files and exits VIM.

Abandon Changes and Exit All Files in VIM

If multiple files are open and you want to quit without saving:

Step 1: Press Esc to enter Normal Mode

Step 2: Type the following command:

:qa!

Step 3: Press Enter

This abandons changes in all files and exits VIM.

Useful Commands to Exit VIM in Linux

Looking for commands for how to exit from VIM? Below are the most used commands and keyboard shortcuts:

Tips and Tricks for Exiting VIM

1. Ensure You’re in the Right Mode: Always press Esc to ensure you are in Normal Mode before typing any commands.

2. Remember Shortcuts:

• Use ZZ for saving and quitting quickly.
• Use :q! when you need to abandon changes and quit immediately.

3. Check for Unsaved Changes: If VIM doesn’t let you quit, it’s likely due to unsaved changes. Use :q! to force quit, or :wq to save and quit.

4. Help Command: Type :help quit in VIM for a quick reference on exit commands.

Conclusion

VIM is a universal and powerful editor, but exiting it requires understanding its modes and commands. With the methods outlined above, you can handle any situation—whether you want to save changes, discard edits, or manage multiple files. Practice these commands, and exiting VIM will become second nature!