Linux · 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?

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More in Vim

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?

You have several lines selected in Vim and the indentation is wrong. Which commands shift the block in or out, and which one just fixes the indentation automatically?

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