How To Quit Vim In Linux

by

Vim, short for Vi Improved, is a powerful text editor that is extensively used on Unix and Unix-like systems, including Linux. It has a reputation for having a steep learning curve, especially for new users, but once you get the hang of it, Vim is incredibly efficient and flexible. However, one of the most common questions even among experienced users is, “how do I quit Vim?” This is because Vim operates in different modes, each with its own set of commands, making it a little tricky to navigate, especially for beginners.

In this blog post, we’ll go over the different ways to quit Vim in a Linux environment.

Exiting Vim Normally

To exit Vim under normal conditions, follow these steps:

  • Press ESC to ensure you are in normal mode.
  • Type : (colon). This will move the cursor to the bottom of the screen.
  • Now type q following by Enter. This should exit Vim.

So the command is simply: 

    :q

Forcing Vim to Quit

At times, Vim won’t allow you to quit normally, especially if there are unsaved changes. In such cases, you’ll need to force Vim to quit. To do this, follow these steps:

  • Press ESC to ensure you’re in normal mode.
  • Type : (colon). This will move the cursor to the bottom of the screen.
  • Now type q! and press Enter. This will force Vim to quit without saving changes.

So the command is: 

    :q!

Quitting and Saving Changes in Vim

If you’ve made changes to your file and want to save those changes before quitting, do the following:

  • Press ESC to ensure you’re in normal mode.
  • Type : (colon). This will move the cursor to the bottom of the screen.
  • Now type wq and press Enter. This will save any changes and then quit Vim.

The command for this is: 

    :wq

In conclusion, remember that Vim operates in different modes, and knowing which mode you’re in is crucial to using the editor effectively. Don’t be discouraged if it seems a little tricky at first – with practice, it gets easier.

Happy Vimming!