Editing files with the linux "vi" editor
For linux gurus only:
Some advanced users may choose to do some file editing using linux's
built-in editor, "vi". We have installed the
VI IMproved - enhanced (vim) and this is the default when you edit a
file with vi.
vim-enhanced has a number of nice additional features including syntax
color coding, undo/redo and additional editing tools. There are a number
of good resources on the net to learn to use vi, but start at http://www.vim.org/docs.php
If the color coding bothers you, it can be turned off with the vi
command
:syntax off
Turn it on using
:syntax enable
If the coloration is too light, it may be because you are on a dark or
light background. You can specify which you are using with one of the
following, which will change the color set to be more readable. The
default on our servers is "dark"
:set background=dark
:set background=light
Using vi takes a lot of practice, but it can be a handy tool because it
allows users to navigate through various commands and features like
setting up broadband
internet connection for computers and other related tasks. Something
that can be advantageous in today's internet-dominated society.
NOTE: If you do plan on using vi to edit files, PLEASE be sure to
properly exit the program to avoid "stopped" processes
accumulating on the server.
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