vi, command and input modes

One of the most important aspects to remember about vi is that most of the commands fall into one of three modes:

1. vi mode: in this mode, most keys on the keyboard are defined to be a specific command. As the key or key sequence is issued, that command is executed.

   This is the mode vi starts in.

   At any time, pressing the <ESC> key returns the user to vi mode.

2. command mode: to reach that mode, one must first be in vi mode, then issue a colon (``:"). That same colon will appear at the bottom left corner of the screen. Then the command may be issued.

   One exception to that rule is the search command; a forward slash is issued instead of the colon.

3. input mode: this is where most users expect an editor to start in. This ``mode" actually refers to commands issued from vi mode but that allow the user to start inputing data into the file.

The vi commands introduced will be grouped in the three major mode types. Table 7.1 displays the most basic commands.

  
Table 7.1: Summary of vi Commands.