{
  "id": 9886477,
  "title": "Vim Basics",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/26/vim-basics",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-09-26T02:21:08.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Dev.to",
    "slug": "dev-to",
    "url": "https://dev.to/csm18/vim-basics-4l30"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Vim Basics: Getting Started\n\nVim is an advanced, keyboard-driven text editor that enhances the classic Unix \"vi\" command-line tool. It is a versatile editor used for editing both code and plain-text files efficiently. To use Vim, you'll need a Linux Mint or Ubuntu operating system with Vim 8.2 or higher installed, along with an Alacritty terminal for optimal performance.\n\nOpening a File in Vim\n\nOnce you have Vim installed, you can open a file by typing \"vim\" followed by the filename. For example, if you have a folder named \"hello\" containing a file called \"hello.txt,\" you can open it by typing \"vim hello.txt\" in your terminal.\n\nUnderstanding Modes in Vim\n\nWhen you open a file in Vim, you are automatically placed in Normal mode. There are three primary modes in Vim: Normal, Insert, and Command. Normal mode is the default mode, where you can view the file but cannot make changes. To enter Insert mode, press the \"i\" key, which allows you to type directly into the editor. To return to Normal mode, simply press the \"Esc\" key. Command mode is entered by pressing the \":\" key while in Normal mode, where you can execute commands such as saving and quitting the file.\n\nNavigating Modes and Saving Changes\n\nRemember, when in Insert mode, press \"Esc\" to go back to Normal mode. To save your changes, also ensure you are in Normal mode. Type \":w\" (without quotes) and press \"Enter.\" To save and quit at the same time, type \":wq\" (without quotes) and press \"Enter.\" If you wish to quit without saving any changes, type \":q!\" (without quotes) and press \"Enter.\"",
  "summary": "Just the basics you need to get started. Also for those who are trapped in classic vim situation, where you don't know how to quit! Vim is a powerful, keyboard-driven command-line text editor (an improved version of the classic Unix “vi”) used for efficiently editing code and plain-text files. Things you need Linux Mint or Ubuntu Vim 8.2 or above Alacritty terminal (Why? Just for feel!) Install…",
  "key_points": [
    "Vim is a keyboard-driven text editor for efficient code and plain-text editing.",
    "Open a file in Vim by typing \"vim\" followed by the filename in the terminal.",
    "Save changes in Vim by typing \":w\" in Normal mode and pressing Enter."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Mastering Vim's modes and basic commands enables efficient editing of code and plain-text files, giving users a powerful tool for text manipulation on Linux Mint or Ubuntu operating systems.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}