September 4, 2024
A first session with Vim
On many systems, you won't need to install it. You will be able to type "vi" or "vim" at
the command line to start it up. On my linux system, either will work, but by default
"vi" runs it in a dumbed down historical compatibility mode. There is also "gvim" on some
systems, which I never use, but which offers vim in its own graphical window.
I always launch some kind of terminal window, then run vim in that window.
Getting out of vim
This is an important first thing to know with any program. The short answer here is to
use :q. This exits without trying to save anything. My normal way to exit is
to use ZZ which saves changes and exits. If you want to save and abandon changes
you must use :q! where the "bang" means that you really mean it.
Run the tutor
On a linux system type "vimtutor" on the command line and away you go.
You will get a nice lesson that will get you started with vim and should
take you less than an hour. If your system does not have this, start
vim and then type:help tutor. This should give instructions on
how to start the tutor in difficult and abnormal cases.
The hjkl keys
You may have habits formed of using the "arrow" keys on your keyboard.
These do work with vim, but there is a better way. Try using the
hjkl keys instead. There are two reasons why this is better.
One is that they lie right below the fingers of your right hand when
it is in the normal position for touch typing. The other is that you
may someday find yourself on some keyboard without arrow keys!
Once you learn them, muscle memory takes over and you think "move up" and
you do move up without even knowing what your fingers do.
Touch typing
If you do not touch type, learn how. Set aside a week and just do it.
You will of course slow down drastically at first and be annoyed, but
once you practice and form muscle memory, you will be much much faster.
This is one version of a big life lesson -- one that I seem to keep learning
over and over. Don't be in a hurry, pay your dues, and you will get there
faster.
Have any comments? Questions?
Drop me a line!
Tom's vim pages / [email protected]