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How to edit a file on command line

John Reyes
  • Updated

Question

How do you edit a file on the command line?

 

Answer

The procedure below will show you how to edit a file on the command line using the vi/vim and nano commands.

Note: "/path/to/file" must be replaced with the full path to the file to be edited. 

Vi/Vim

  1. Open the file in the editor:

    # vi /path/to/file

  2. Press the i key to enter insert mode.

  3. Make your desired changes.

    Note: The arrow keys can move around in the file.

  4. Press the escape Esc key to exit insert mode. 
  5. Type :w and press the Enter key to save your changes.

  6. Type :q and press the Enter key to close the file.

    Note: You can abort any unintentional changes by using :q! instead of :w. This will close Vi without saving the file.

Nano

  1. Open the file in the editor:

    # nano /path/to/file

  2. Make your desired changes.

    Note: The arrow keys can move around in the file.

  3. Press the Ctrl + X keys to close the file.
  4. Press the y key to save your changes.
  5. Press Enter to exit.

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