C.1. Solaris 2.6 vi Options

Table 3.1 contains brief descriptions of the important set command options. In the first column, options are listed in alphabetical order; if the option can be abbreviated, that abbreviation is shown in parentheses. The second column shows the default setting that vi uses unless you issue an explicit set command (either manually or in the .exrc file). The last column describes what the option does, when enabled.

Table C.1. Solaris 2.6 vi Set Options
OptionDefaultDescription
autoindent (ai)noaiIn insert mode, indents each line to the same level as the line above or below. Use with the shiftwidth option.
autoprint (ap)apDisplays changes after each editor command. (For global replacement, displays last replacement.)
autowrite (aw)noawAutomatically writes (saves) the file if changed before opening another file with :n or before giving UNIX command with :!.
beautify (bf)nobfIgnores all control characters during input (except tab, newline, or formfeed).
directory (dir)/tmpNames directory in which ex/vi stores buffer files. (Directory must be writable.)
edcompatiblenoedcompatibleRemember the flags used with the most recent substitute command (global, confirming), and use them for the next substitute command. Despite the name, no actual version of ed actually behaved this way.
errorbells (eb)errorbellsSounds bell when an error occurs.
exrc (ex)noexrcAllows the execution of .exrc files that reside outside the user's home directory.
hardtabs (ht)8Defines boundaries for ...

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