A five-part learning path, read in order — each part assumes you've finished the one before it. The VI vs VIM comparison stands on its own and can be read any time.

Learning Path

1

VI Basics

Starting your VI journey — one of the most ubiquitous text editors in the UNIX/Linux world, created by Bill Joy in 1976.

Read Part 1 →
2

Essential Commands

The 80/20 rule — the small set of commands that make up most of what you'll actually use day to day.

Read Part 2 →
3

Intermediate VI

Buffers, marks, and macros — the features that separate casual users from power users.

Read Part 3 →
4

Advanced VI

Ex commands and customization — the deep power of ex commands and extensive configuration options.

Read Part 4 →
5

Power User

Mastery and efficiency — the secrets that separate power users from experts.

Read Part 5 →

Comparison

VI vs VIM Comparison

Differences, features, and when to use each — how the two most important editors in the Unix/Linux world relate to each other.

Read the comparison →

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