Intro to Vim Tip #1

Vim is a great tool, but using is can be a pita in the beginning- hence, we go through the basics. There are several command modes, but we’ll only discuss a few at first: Command Mode and Insert Mode.

Command mode is used to perform actions like saving, searching, etc. Insert mode is used to insert and delete text. You’ll be switching between them a lot.

Open a file from the cli:

  $ vim foo.php

change to insert mode from Command mode:

  press 'i'

change to command mode from insert mode:

  press [esc]

save from insert mode:

  press [esc]:w[enter]

save and quit from insert mode:

  press [esc]:wq[enter]

quit and do NOT save from insert mode:

  press [esc]:q![enter]

An there you have it.