Starting vi and Dabbling with It
Before you go running off to use vi, understand that it has two modes (both of which look pretty much like Figure 4.11):
Input mode (sometimes called insert mode), in which the keys you press actually show up in the file that you’re editing. You use this mode to add or change text.
Command mode, in which every keystroke is interpreted as a command. You use this mode to do everything except enter text.
Figure 4.11. The vi editor inundates you with tons of onscreen help and advice, as shown here. Well, documentation is available, but the vi interface itself isn’t really helpful at all!
What’s ...
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