Linux · Vim

In Vim, what is a buffer, and why is a Vim window not the same thing as a window in the graphical desktop?

Answer locked. Get the free KnowCard app to reveal it — plus spaced-repetition review so it actually sticks.

This is one card from the KnowCard library — thousands more across SAP, Linux, Python and more. In the app you get the answer, AI explanations, and cards that come back right before you would forget them. Free to start on iOS, Android or the web.

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?

Start learning today

Free to start — download the app or use it in your browser.