How to avoid getting lost between vi and Emacs

Two major editors for Linux: Vi and Emacs. There are few opportunities to use either of them, and if you are unfamiliar with them, you can easily get lost. Therefore, we have put together an article with the aim of covering even the bare minimum of operations.

vi - If you have trouble, press ESC key to normal mode

Note

The vi system has the concept of modes, and operations differ depending on the mode. First, it is important to check the current mode.

operation	key
Mode switching	i (insert) / ESC (command)
keep	:w Enter
end	:q / Force :q!
Save + Exit	:wq or ZZ
Move (character)	h j k l
Move (global)	gg beginning / G ending
search	/string → next n
cancel	u (go back) / Ctrl-r (redo)

Hint

• ESC for now — If in doubt, use ESC to return to normal mode

• hjkl = cursor key — Beginners can use the D-pad. Those who want to master it should learn hjkl

Emacs - If in doubt, press C-g to cancel

Note

C-x or C-c means hold down the Ctrl key and press x or c.

operation	key
keep	C-x C-s
end	C-x C-c
cancel	C-/ or C-_
cancel	C-g (hit repeatedly during panic)
Move (character)	C-f right / C-b left / C-n bottom / C-p top
Move (beginning/end of line)	C-a Start of line / C-e End of line
search	C-s (incremental)
Help	C-h t (official tutorial)

Hint

• C-g interrupts anyway — “emergency exit” in case of incorrect operation

• 30 minute tutorial — C-h t starts the tutorial

Reference information

• Qiita: Vim commands for beginners to remember

• Qiita: I went to Emacs training school

• Emacs-JP Tips: Introduction to Emacs in the 2020s

• Arcadia Academia: Vi Command Cheat Sheet

Article information

Post date:

2025-05-07

author:

Mr. Takagi

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