vim

Open a file in vim

$ vim [file]

$ vim +[line_number] [file]

$ vim -R [file]

$ vim -p [file1] [file2]

$ vim -o [file1] [file2]

$ vim -c "[command]" [file]

$ vim -d [file1] [file2]

vim [options] [file...]

vim (Vi IMproved) is a highly configurable text editor built for efficient text editing. It extends the classic vi editor with features like syntax highlighting, visual mode, multiple buffers, and extensive plugin support.
Vim operates primarily through keyboard commands in different modes, enabling powerful text manipulation without leaving the home row. While the learning curve is steep, proficiency enables very fast editing.
Configuration lives in ~/.vimrc (or ~/.vim/vimrc). Plugins can be managed with package managers like vim-plug, Vundle, or native packages (Vim 8+).

+ line

Start at specified line number

Execute command after loading file

Execute command after loading file

Read-only mode

Recovery mode (recover from swap file)

Open files in tabs

Open files in horizontal splits

Open files in vertical splits

Diff mode

Binary mode

Edit encrypted file

Use specified vimrc file

Not compatible mode (use Vim defaults)

Movement: h/j/k/l (left/down/up/right), w/b (word), 0/$ (line start/end), gg/G (file start/end)
Editing: i (insert), a (append), o (new line below), x (delete char), dd (delete line), yy (copy line), p (paste)
Save/Quit: :w (save), :q (quit), :wq (save & quit), :q! (quit without saving), ZZ (save & quit)
Search: /pattern (search forward), ?pattern (search backward), n/N (next/previous match)
Undo/Redo: u (undo), Ctrl+r (redo)

Normal: Default mode for navigation and commands
Insert: Text input (i, a, o, etc.)
Visual: Selection (v for char, V for line, Ctrl+v for block)
Command: Ex commands (:)
Replace: Overwrite text (R)
Press Esc to return to Normal mode from any other mode.

Vim's modal editing is different from most editors. New users often struggle with modes; remember Esc returns to Normal mode.
Configuration can become complex. Start simple and add features as needed. Use :help extensively—Vim has excellent built-in documentation.
If stuck with a frozen terminal after Ctrl+S (XOFF), press Ctrl+Q to resume.

Vim was created by Bram Moolenaar and first released in 1991 as an improved clone of vi. Vi itself was created by Bill Joy in 1976. Vim added features while maintaining vi compatibility, becoming one of the most popular text editors among developers.

vi(1), nvim(1), nano(1), emacs(1), vimtutor(1)