Getting started You can invoke vi on the commandline without having to do any configuration. Opens file in vi. In input mode most things you type is added to the file, that includes control sequences or backspaces. In command mode there are fast keys for all important editing functions like moving inside the text, or cut and pasting. Toggling between these two modes is done with ESC .
Arrow keys move the cursor.
Delete a character. Exit vi without making any changes to the file. ZZ Save and exit.