In life, when we face problems, we have friends who lift our mood. Just like that, in Linux, we have editors the true BFFs of Linux! Whether it's fixing a configuration file or writing a script, editors are always there to help. Linux offers two types of editors: Graphical Editors (GUI-based) and Text-based Editors (CLI-based). Among the CLI editors, two of the most popular ones are Vim and Nano. Let’s explore them and see how they make our Linux journey smoother! 🚀

Types of Editors in Linux

1. Graphical Editors (GUI-Based)

These editors come with an easy-to-use interface and mouse support, making them ideal for beginners and GUI lovers. Examples include:

Gedit – A lightweight editor for GNOME.
Kate – A feature-rich editor for KDE.
VS Code – A powerful and extensible code editor with a built-in terminal.

2. Text-Based Editors (CLI-Based)

These editors work directly in the terminal, making them highly efficient for fast editing and scripting. Common CLI editors include:

Vi/Vim – A highly configurable and powerful editor.
Nano – A simple and beginner-friendly editor.
Emacs – A customizable editor with built-in scripting support.

Vim: The Powerhouse of Text Editing

Vim (Vi Improved) is a highly configurable and efficient editor designed for power users. It includes features such as split-screen editing, syntax highlighting, and extensive keyboard shortcuts. If you are new to Vim, run vimtutor in the terminal to start learning.

Vim Modes

Insert Mode – Allows users to perform normal text editing.
Command Mode – Allows users to enter commands to manipulate text.
Extended Command Mode – Used for saving, exiting, and searching within a file.

Working in Vim

i – Insert text at the current cursor position.
a – Append text after the cursor.
A – Append text at the end of the line.
o – Insert a new line below the current line.
O – Insert a new line above the current line.

Vim Command Mode Shortcuts

yy – Copy the current line.
p – Paste copied text.
dd – Delete the current line.
2yy – Copy two lines.
yw – Copy a word.
yl – Copy a single character.
Ctrl + r – Redo last action.
u – Undo last action.
r – Replace a character.
x – Delete a character under the cursor.
X – Delete a character before the cursor.

Extended Mode Commands in Vim

:w – Save changes.
Ctrl + s – Save the file (alternative way).
:q – Quit Vim.
:wq – Save and quit.
:x – Save and quit (if changes were made).
:wq! – Save and quit forcefully.
:q! – Quit without saving.

Nano: The Beginner’s Friend

Nano is a simple and easy-to-use text editor that is often pre-installed in Linux distributions. It’s perfect for quick edits and does not require learning complex commands.

Working in Nano

Ctrl + O – Save file.
Ctrl + X – Exit Nano.
Ctrl + K – Cut a line.
Ctrl + U – Paste a line.
Ctrl + W – Search within a file.
Ctrl + G – Show help documentation.

This article discusses the role of text editors in Linux, highlighting their importance for both graphical (GUI-based) and text-based (CLI-based) use. It introduces two popular CLI editors, Vim and Nano, detailing their features and functionalities. Vim is emphasized as a powerful editor for advanced users, offering extensive keyboard shortcuts and modes for efficient text editing, while Nano is presented as a beginner-friendly option suitable for quick and simple edits.

"Linux Day-5: Editors -The True BFFs of Linux"