you've probably spun up AWS EC2 instances when trying to deploy an app or worked in a Linux-based terminal system. If so, you've likely noticed text editors quite unlike VS Code or what people typically use.
Let me tell you about terminal-based code editors. Command-line text editors are essential tools for working on virtual servers (like AWS EC2) because these environments typically lack graphical interfaces, requiring administrators to edit configuration files, scripts, and code directly through SSH connections.
When you SSH into cloud servers (AWS, DigitalOcean, etc.), you only have terminal access without GUI support. In these scenarios, you need lightweight, reliable text editors that can:
-Edit configuration files quickly during system emergencies
-Work efficiently on low-resource or remote systems
-Handle file modifications without requiring file transfers
-Operate reliably in unstable network conditions
The three most famous and widely used text editors are:
Vim: It's the most famous, you've probably heard people bragging about how fast they are with Vim. It's mostly pre-installed on virtually all Linux distributions. It's extremely efficient once mastered, with keyboard shortcuts for rapid text manipulation, but it has a steep learning curve. People configure it extensively according to their preferences, with Neovim nowadays being their daily code editor choice.
Nano: It's the easiest text editor. Though it doesn't have many features like search functionality like Vim, it's good for users who need immediate productivity without memorizing commands. For system admins or people who don't spend much time with code, Nano works well, but it's only suitable for small files (under 100MB).
Emacs: It's the most extensible editor, arguably superior to others because it offers almost unlimited customization and can behave like an IDE. It has a whole community dedicated to plugins.
People debate which is better, but it mostly depends on individual choices.
For professional server work, knowing at least one of these editors is mandatory because GUI editors are unavailable over SSH connections. Vim is particularly valuable because it's guaranteed to be present on every Linux server. The ability to efficiently edit files remotely without file transfers saves considerable time and reduces errors in production environments.
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