Text Editors

Commands for creating and editing files on the cluster.

Command	Description
nano <file>	Simple, user-friendly text editor
vim <file>	Advanced text editor (steep learning curve)

nano

A beginner-friendly editor with on-screen shortcuts.

nano myfile.txt

Basic nano Commands

Key	Action
Ctrl + O	Save (Write Out)
Ctrl + X	Exit
Ctrl + K	Cut line
Ctrl + U	Paste

vim

A powerful modal editor for advanced users.

vim myfile.txt

vim Quick Reference

Vim is a “Modal” editor, which means what keys do changes depending on what mode you’re in.

Key	Action
i	Enter insert mode
Esc	Exit insert mode
:	Enter Command mode
: -> w -> q	Save and quit
: -> q -> !	Quit without saving

Also, many commands can or must be prefaced with a quantifier

Key	Action
d-> d	Delete, then current line
d-> 5	Delete, then 5 lines
c-> w	Cut (delete then insert), then 1 word
u	Undo
G	Go to end of file
g -> g	Go to beginning of file

vim Modes

1. Normal mode (default) - Navigate and issue commands

2. Insert mode - Type text (press i to enter)

3. Command mode - Type : commands (press : to enter)

Tips

• New to Linux? Start with nano - it’s easier to learn

• vim is powerful but has a steep learning curve

• Consider taking a vim tutorial if you plan to edit files regularly

• Both editors work with remote files via SSH