How to edit a file using the vi utility on Linux

Question

How to edit a file using the vi utility on Linux?

Answer

1. Connect to a Plesk server via SSH.

2. Install the improved vi text editor:

   • for CentOS/RHEL-based distributions

     # yum install vim -y

   • for Debian/Ubuntu-based distributions

     # apt-get install vim -y

3. Start editing a required file by typing:

   Note: If there is no such file, ‘vi’ will create a new one.

   # vi /some_directory/file_name

4. In the text editor, press computer’s i key to edit the file. 
   Doing so will place a document in the “Insert” mode, wherein it is possible to enter text as needed.
   You should see — INSERT — popup notification at the bottom of the window after pressing the i key.

   This is a new file▐
   ~
   ~
   ~
   ~
   — INSERT —

5. After editing the required string or pasting the text, press the Esc button.
   This key will place Vim in the “Command” mode. To save the file, type :w and to exit – :q

   This is a new file
   ~
   ~
   ~
   ~
   :w

   This is a new file
   ~
   ~
   ~
   ~
   :q

   Also, it is possible to save and exit by typing :wq

6. To discard the changes, type :q!

   This is a new file
   ~
   ~
   ~
   ~
   :q!