Essential Nano & Vim Commands for Total Beginners (Linux & Server Editing)

When working on Linux or connecting to a remote server, you often need to open and edit files directly in the terminal. This includes tasks like updating configuration files, fixing environment variables, editing server settings, or quickly changing code.

Linux provides two main terminal-based text editors: nano (easy) and vim (powerful). This cheat sheet explains both in a beginner‑friendly way.

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1. Nano — The Easiest Text Editor for Beginners

Nano is simple, readable, and perfect for anyone new.

Open or create a file

nano filename.txt

Nano Basics

Action	Keys	Explanation
Save file	CTRL + O	Writes your changes
Exit nano	CTRL + X	Asks to save if needed
Cut line	CTRL + K	Removes whole line
Paste line	CTRL + U	Pastes last cut
Search	CTRL + W	Find words
Go to line	CTRL + _	Navigate fast
Undo	ALT + U	Undo changes
Redo	ALT + E	Redo undone changes

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2. Vim — More Powerful & Common on Servers

Vim is harder at first because it uses modes, but it's extremely fast once learned.

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Vim Modes Explained

Mode	Purpose
Normal	Move around & issue commands
Insert	Type text normally
Visual	Select text

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Open Vim

vim filename.txt

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Switching Modes

Action	Key
Enter insert mode	i
Insert at end of line	A
New line below	o
Back to normal mode	ESC

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Saving & Exiting

Action	Command
Save	:w
Quit	:q
Save & quit	:wq or ZZ
Quit without saving	:q!

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Navigation

Action	Key
Move left/down/up/right	h j k l
Start of line	0
End of line	$
Top of file	gg
Bottom of file	G

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Editing in Vim

Action	Command
Delete character	x
Delete line	dd
Copy line	yy
Paste	p
Undo	u
Redo	CTRL + r

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Searching in Vim

Action	Command
Search	/word
Next match	n
Previous match	N

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Which Should a Beginner Use?

Use nano for:

• Simple tasks
• Editing configs
• Avoiding complex shortcuts

Use vim for:

• Remote servers where nano isn’t installed
• Advanced editing
• Speed and power

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Enjoy editing confidently on Linux and servers!