vim Modes - insert, normal, visual, ex The basics about modes
Example
vim is a modal editor. This means that at any time inside a vim session, the user is going to be in one of the modes of operation. Each one of offers a different set commands, operations, key bindings...
Normal mode (or Command mode)
- The mode
vimstarts in. - From other modes, usually accessible by
Esc. - Has most of the navigation and text manipulation commands.
See :help normal-mode.
Insert mode
- Commonly accessed by:
a,i,A,I,c,s. - For inserting text.
See :help insert-mode.
Visual mode
- Commonly accessed by:
v(characterwise),V(linewise),<C-v>(blockwise). - Basically, for text selection; most normal commands are available, plus extra ones to act on the selected text.
See :help visual-mode.
Select mode
- Accessible from insert mode with
<C-g>. - Similar to visual mode but with a lot less available commands.
- Contrary to insert mode, it is possible to type right away.
- Rarely used.
See :help select-mode.
Replace mode
- Accessible from normal mode with
R. - Allows to overwrite existing text.
See :help replace-mode.
Command-line mode
See :help command-line-mode.
Ex mode
See :help Ex-mode.
