VIM

Last updated May 18, 2026

Vim Text Editor

Vim is the standard command-line text editor for High-Performance Computing (HPC). Since clusters are accessed via terminal-based SSH, Vim allows you to edit scripts and code directly on the remote server without needing a graphical interface.

Getting Started

To open an existing file or initialize a new blank file, use the following command:

vim filename.txt

Note: If the file does not exist, Vim will create it once you save and exit.

The Three Pillars: Vim Modes

Vim is "modal," meaning keys perform different actions depending on your current mode.

Normal Mode: The default state for navigation, copying/pasting, and deleting text.
Insert Mode: The mode used for typing and editing text.
Command Mode: Used for file operations like saving, quitting, and settings.

Pro Tip: Press Esc at any time to return to Normal Mode. If you feel lost, hit Esc twice.

Essential Commands

Entering Insert Mode

Command	Action
`i`	Insert before the cursor
`a`	Append after the cursor
`o`	Open a new line below the current line

Saving and Quitting

Run these from Normal Mode by typing : first:

Command	Action
`:w`	Write (Save) the changes
`:q`	Quit (fails if there are unsaved changes)
`:wq`	Save and Quit

In Normal Mode, use these shortcuts to move quickly through files:

Command	Action
`gg` / `G`	Jump to the beginning / end of the file
`:n`	Go to line number n (e.g., `:42`)
`0` / `$`	Jump to the start / end of the current line

Search and Replace

Run these search patterns from Normal Mode:

/pattern     # Search forward for 'pattern'
n / N       # Find next / previous occurrence
:%s/old/new/g # Replace all 'old' with 'new' in file

Undo and Text Manipulation

Command	Action
`u` / `Ctrl+r`	Undo / Redo last action
`dd` / `yy`	Delete (Cut) / Yank (Copy) current line
`p`	Paste text after the cursor

SCU High-Performance Computing Technical Documentation — 2026.

HPC Documentation

VIM