Ch 12 : Text Editing in Linux Command line

In this chapter, we’ll introduce Text Editing in Linux with an overview of the beginner friendly nano and micro. We will also take a look at vim text editor(s), powerful and ubiquitous tools in the Linux world. By the end of this chapter, you’ll be able to use nano or vim for basic text editing tasks.

Note: I will use vi/vim inter-changeably, likewise include neovim whenever I use the term vim. Some Purists might frown, apologies in advance. I prefer simplicity over pedantics.

Text Editing in Linux

Text editing in Linux is crucial for managing configuration files, scripts, and logs. This chapter focuses on nano, a beginner-friendly editor, followed by vim, micro, and Helix, introducing essential commands for each to help you edit files efficiently via the command line.

Note: Most Linux distributions, including Debian 12, include nano and vim by default. For micro install using:

$ sudo apt install micro

Why Learn Text Editing in Linux?

Text editors like nano allow beginners to edit files easily, while vim, micro, and Helix offer advanced features for efficiency, enabling you to manage Linux systems without graphical interfaces.

Getting Started with nano

nano is a simple, intuitive text editor, ideal for beginners due to its on-screen command hints and straightforward interface.

Opening and Closing Files in nano

Open a file:

$ nano filename.txt

If the file doesn’t exist, nano creates it upon saving.

Key commands (displayed at the bottom of the screen, ^ means Ctrl):

• Save: Ctrl + O, then Enter.
• Exit: Ctrl + X. If changes are unsaved, nano prompts to save.

Editing and Navigating in nano

Type directly to edit. Use these shortcuts:

• Ctrl + G: Show help.
• Arrow keys: Navigate cursor.
• Ctrl + K: Cut line.
• Ctrl + U: Paste line.
• Ctrl + W: Search for text.
• Ctrl + \: Replace text (prompts for old/new text).

Practical Example

Create a file:

$ nano notes.txt

Type some text, press Ctrl + O, Enter to save, then Ctrl + X to exit.

Using vi/vim for Text Editing in Linux

vim (an enhanced vi) is a powerful editor available on most Linux systems, known for its efficiency despite a steeper learning curve.

Basic vi/vim Commands

Open:

$ vim filename.txt

Modes:

• Command Mode: Default for navigation/commands.
• Insert Mode: For editing (enter with i).

Key commands:

• i: Insert before cursor.
• Esc: Return to Command Mode.
• :w: Save.
• :q: Quit.
• :wq: Save and quit.
• h, j, k, l: Move left, down, up, right.
• dd: Delete line.

Note: For detailed vim commands, see Annexure B.

Exploring micro Editor

micro is a modern, user-friendly editor with familiar keybindings (e.g., Ctrl + S), ideal for those transitioning from GUI editors.

Installing and Using micro

Install:

$ sudo apt install micro

Open:

$ micro filename.txt

Key commands:

• Ctrl + S: Save.
• Ctrl + Q: Quit.
• Ctrl + E: Command bar (e.g., type find text to search).
• Ctrl + K: Cut line.
• Ctrl + V: Paste.

Exploring neovim Editor

neovim is a modernized fork of vim, offering enhanced features like asynchronous plugins and Lua scripting while maintaining vim’s core functionality. Install with

$ sudo apt install neovim

and use like vim:

$ nvim filename.txt

. Its plugin ecosystem, managed via tools like vim-plug, supports advanced features such as syntax checking and fuzzy finding.

Introducing emacs Editor

emacs is a highly customizable, extensible editor with a vast ecosystem of packages for tasks beyond text editing, like email and coding. Install with

$ sudo apt install emacs

, open with

$ emacs filename.txt

, and use keybindings like Ctrl + X Ctrl + S to save and Ctrl + X Ctrl + C to quit. Its learning curve is steep but rewarding for advanced users.

Introducing Helix Editor

Helix, written in Rust, offers modern features like Tree-sitter syntax highlighting and LSP support, with a selection-based editing model.

Installing and Using Helix

Install (may require custom repository, see Annexure A):

$ sudo apt install helix

Or build from source:

$ git clone https://github.com/helix-editor/helix
$ cd helix
$ cargo install --path helix-term

Open:

$ hx filename

Key commands:

• i: Enter Insert Mode.
• Esc: Return to Normal Mode.
• h, j, k, l: Move cursor.
• dd: Delete line.
• :w: Save.
• :q: Quit.

 

Practice Time!

Test your skills:

1. Open nano:

   $ nano practice.txt

   , add text, save, and exit.

2. Open vim:

   $ vim practice.txt

   , insert text, and quit without saving.

3. Try micro:

   $ micro practice.txt

   , edit and save.

4. Use Helix:

   $ hx practice.txt

   , edit and save.

Try This: Open nano, write a sentence, and save it. Share your experience on X with #LinuxCommandLine!

Summary

Text editing in Linux with nano, vim, and micro equips you to handle files efficiently. nano is beginner-friendly, vim is powerful, micro is intuitive, and Helix is modern. Practice these tools to enhance your Linux workflow.

Glossary of Commands, Tools, and Shortcuts

Reference: For detailed documentation, visit Linux Manpages. For package installation, search on Debian APT.

Command/Tool/Shortcut	Description
nano	Beginner-friendly text editor with on-screen hints.
Ctrl + O	Saves file in nano.
Ctrl + X	Exits nano.
Ctrl + K	Cuts line in nano or micro.
Ctrl + U	Pastes line in nano.
Ctrl + W	Searches text in nano.
micro	Modern text editor with familiar keybindings.
Ctrl + S	Saves file in micro.
Ctrl + Q	Quits micro.
Ctrl + E	Opens command bar in micro.

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