What is the difference between vi and view in unix

To edit a file that starts with a dash, precede the filelist with "--". Commands are read from stderr, which should be a tty. The effect is that the file containing that function becomes the current file and the cursor is positioned on the start of the function. See ":help tag-commands". The file [errorfile] is read and the first error is displayed. Err" for the Amiga, "errors. Further errors can be jumped to with the ":cn" command.

See ":help quickfix". Vim behaves differently, depending on the name of the command the executable may still be the same file. Tag Description vim The "normal" way, everything is default. Go to Normal mode with the ":vi" command. Can also be done with the "-e" argument. You will be protected from writing the files.

Can also be done with the "-R" argument. Starts a new window. Can also be done with the "-g" argument. Can also be done with the "-y" argument. It will not be possible to start shell commands, or suspend Vim.

Can also be done with the "-Z" argument. Options without an argument can be combined after a single dash. If "num" is missing, the cursor will be positioned on the last line. See ":help search-pattern" for the available search patterns. You can use up to 10 of these commands, independently from "-c" commands. Otherwise an error message is given and Vim aborts. A few options will be set that makes it possible to edit a binary or executable file. This will make Vim behave mostly like Vi, even though a.

There should be two or three file name arguments. Vim will open all the files and show differences between them. Works like vimdiff 1. Only on the Amiga. When finished editing in vi, exit vi and you will be returned to the compose screen. When you print a file you may want the left margin moved to the right.

This leaves room for a three-hole punch. You can issue a single shell command while in the vi editor. For example, to list the files in your directory ls , follow these steps:. You can issue many shell commands by temporarily leaving the vi editor. From Command Mode :w Write changes to your file. It also changes the semantic of some Vi commands to better match the current expectations of its programmers.

A detailed list of changes between vim and Vi can be found using the command :help compatible in Vim. Vim is an advanced text editor that seeks to provide the power of the de-facto Unix editor 'Vi', with a more complete feature set. It's useful whether you're already using vi or using a different editor.

Sign up to join this community. The best answers are voted up and rise to the top. Stack Overflow for Teams — Collaborate and share knowledge with a private group. Create a free Team What is Teams? Learn more. Vi does not come with command line history.

This is quite a limiting factor. The Vim command-line editing and history allow you to search through your previous commands, repeat them, or edit them before executing them again.

Vi does not support command line completion while Vim allows you to use the Tab key to complete commands, options, and filenames as needed. When the wrap option is turned off :set nowrap , long lines of text can be scrolled horizontally. Vim support for Unicode encoding and uses internally an utf-8 encoding. Additionally Vim can also display text right to left RTL for languages that require it using :set rightleft. Beyond the generic features improvements, Vim also provides advanced features for power-users which can heavily increase your velocity, improve your development workflow, and your ability to customize Vim.

As we saw, Vim brings a lot of improvements over the standard Vi which makes Vim a powerful text editor. For a complete and detailed list of differences and improvements, read the official Differences between Vim and Vi document. Check my Vi and Vim Cheat Sheet. Email Sign Up.