Mastering Vim Essentials: A Quick Start for Linux Devs

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On 2026-01-18 14:00:13 1 min, 47 sec read

Introduction

Vim is a legendary text editor for Fedora Linux. It began in 1988 as a clone of Vi.

Bram Moolenaar created it for the Amiga computer system. The name originally meant Vi IMitation during early development.

It changed to Vi IMproved after many new features. Moolenaar released the first public version in late 1991.

Why Vim is Popular for Developers

Vim is popular because it is fast and lightweight. It runs on almost every server in the world.

Developers love it for its powerful modal editing style. This allows you to edit text without using mice.

You should learn Vim to boost your daily productivity. It works perfectly over slow remote SSH server connections.

Learning these five essential commands will start your journey. Practice them daily to build strong muscle memory quickly.

Five Essential Vim Commands

Insert Mode

First press the i key for insert mode. This allows you to type text normally now.

Normal Mode

Second press the Esc key to exit mode. This returns you to the standard command mode.

Save Changes

Third type :w to save your current file. Writing changes ensures your progress is kept safe.

Quit Editor

Fourth type :q to quit the Vim editor. You can combine these by typing :wq instead.

Undo Actions

Fifth use the u key to undo mistakes. Fixing errors is very fast with this command.

Screenshot

Vim Displaying Insert Mode

Vim Displaying Standard Mode

Vim Displaying Save Mode

Vim Displaying Save Mode Results

Vim Displaying Quit Mode

Vim Displaying Undo Results

Live Screencast

Screencast Of Improved And Optimized Rubik’s Cube Code

Take Your Skills Further

Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Edward-Ojambo/author/B0D94QM76N

Courses: https://ojamboshop.com/product-category/course

Tutorials: https://ojambo.com/contact

Consultations: https://ojamboservices.com/contact

🚀 Recommended Resources

Disclosure: Some of the links above are referral links. I may earn a commission if you make a purchase at no extra cost to you.

About Edward

Edward is a software engineer, web developer, and author dedicated to helping people achieve their personal and professional goals through actionable advice and real-world tools.

As the author of impactful books including Learning JavaScript, Learning Python, Learning PHP, Mastering Blender Python API, and fiction The Algorithmic Serpent, Edward writes with a focus on personal growth, entrepreneurship, and practical success strategies. His work is designed to guide, motivate, and empower.

In addition to writing, Edward offers professional “full-stack development,” “database design,” “1-on-1 tutoring,” “consulting sessions,”, tailored to help you take the next step. Whether you are launching a business, developing a brand, or leveling up your mindset, Edward will be there to support you.

Edward also offers online courses designed to deepen your learning and accelerate your progress. Explore the programming on languages like JavaScript, Python and PHP to find the perfect fit for your journey.

📚 Explore His Books – Visit the Book Shop to grab your copies today.
💼 Need Support? – Learn more about Services and the ways to benefit from his expertise.
🎓 Ready to Learn? – Check out his Online Courses to turn your ideas into results.

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