Vi Command Patterns

Vi has a logical grammar once you see it. Let me break down the patterns:

The Core Grammar: Operator + Motion

Most vi commands follow this structure:

[count] + operator + motion

Operators (what to do):

• d = delete
• c = change (delete + enter insert mode)
• y = yank (copy)

Motions (where/how far):

• w = word forward
• b = word backward
• $ = end of line
• 0 = beginning of line
• G = end of file
• gg = beginning of file

Combine them:

Double Letter = Whole Line

When you double an operator, it acts on the entire current line:

• dd = delete line
• yy = yank line
• cc = change line

Uppercase = Stronger/Bigger Version

Uppercase letters are often shortcuts for “to end of line” or a more powerful variant:

Counts Multiply Everything

Put a number before any command to repeat it:

• 5j = move down 5 lines
• 3dd = delete 3 lines
• 4yy = yank 4 lines
• 2dw = delete 2 words

Mnemonics — The Letters Mean Something

• d = delete
• c = change
• y = yank (copy)
• p = put (paste)
• w = word
• b = back
• r = replace
• u = undo
• o = open line
• a = append
• i = insert
• x = think of it as crossing out a character
• J = Join lines
• G = Go to line

Search Pattern

• /pattern = search forward (slash points right/down)
• ?pattern = search backward (question = going back to ask again)
• n = next match (same direction)
• N = next match (opposite direction)

Scrolling — Directional Letters

• Ctrl+d = down half page
• Ctrl+u = up half page
• Ctrl+f = forward full page
• Ctrl+b = back full page