Linux · Vim

Vim doesn't keep a backup of your original file on save by default. How do you turn that on, and what is the backup file named?

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More in Vim

A newcomer opens a file in Vim and starts typing text, but the keystrokes trigger cursor jumps and deletions instead of appearing on the page. What is going on, and how do they actually start typing?

In Vim standard mode, what is the difference between pressing i and pressing a to start inserting text?

You need to delete 5 lines in Vim from standard mode with the fewest keystrokes. What do you type, and what general rule does this rely on?

You made edits in Vim you want to throw away, and separately, edits you want to keep and exit. Which command-mode commands cover write, quit, force-quit, and save-and-exit?

Vim power users avoid the arrow keys for cursor movement in standard mode. Which single-letter and jump keys replace them?

Vim offers three visual selection modes. When would you reach for Ctrl+V instead of v or V, and how do you copy or delete once selected?

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