*usr_02.txt*	Nvim

		     VIM USER MANUAL - by Bram Moolenaar

			    The first steps in Vim


This chapter provides just enough information to edit a file with Vim.  Not
well or fast, but you can edit.  Take some time to practice with these
commands, they form the base for what follows.

|02.1|	Running Vim for the First Time
|02.2|	Inserting text
|02.3|	Moving around
|02.4|	Deleting characters
|02.5|	Undo and Redo
|02.6|	Other editing commands
|02.7|	Getting out
|02.8|	Finding help

     Next chapter: |usr_03.txt|  Moving around
 Previous chapter: |usr_01.txt|  About the manuals
Table of contents: |usr_toc.txt|

==============================================================================
*02.1*	Running Vim for the First Time

To start Vim, enter this command: >

	gvim file.txt

On Unix you can type this at any command prompt.  If you are running Microsoft
Windows, open a Command Prompt and enter the command.  In either case, Vim
starts editing a file called file.txt.  Because this is a new file, you get a
blank window. This is what your screen will look like:
>
	+---------------------------------------+
	|#					|
	|~					|
	|~					|
	|~					|
	|~					|
	|"file.txt" [New]			|
	+---------------------------------------+
		('#' is the cursor position.)
<
The tilde (~) lines indicate lines not in the file.  In other words, when Vim
runs out of file to display, it displays tilde lines.  At the bottom of the
screen, a message line indicates the file is named file.txt and shows that you
are creating a new file.  The message information is temporary and other
information overwrites it.


THE VIM COMMAND

The gvim command causes the editor to create a new window for editing.  If you
use this command: >

	vim file.txt

the editing occurs inside your command window.  In other words, if you are
running inside an xterm, the editor uses your xterm window.  If you are using
the command prompt under Microsoft Windows, the editing occurs inside this
window.  The text in the window will look the same for both versions, but with
gvim you have extra features, like a menu bar.  More about that later.

==============================================================================
*02.2*	Inserting text

The Vim editor is a modal editor.  That means that the editor behaves
differently, depending on which mode you are in.  The two basic modes are
called Normal mode and Insert mode.  In Normal mode the characters you type
are commands.  In Insert mode the characters are inserted as text.
   Since you have just started Vim it will be in Normal mode.  To start Insert
mode you type the "i" command (i for Insert).  Then you can enter
the text.  It will be inserted into the file.  Do not worry if you make
mistakes; you can correct them later.  To enter the following programmer's
limerick, this is what you type: >

	iA very intelligent turtle
	Found programming Unix a hurdle

After typing "turtle" you press the <Enter> key to start a new line.  Finally
you press the <Esc> key to stop Insert mode and go back to Normal mode.  You
now have two lines of text in your Vim window:
>
	+---------------------------------------+
	|A very intelligent turtle		|
	|Found programming Unix a hurdle	|
	|~					|
	|~					|
	|					|
	+---------------------------------------+
<

WHAT IS THE MODE?

To be able to see what mode you are in, type this command: >

	:set showmode

You will notice that when typing the colon Vim moves the cursor to the last
line of the window.  That's where you type colon commands (commands that start
with a colon).  Finish this command by pressing the <Enter> key (all commands
that start with a colon are finished this way).
   Now, if you type the "i" command Vim will display --INSERT-- at the bottom
of the window.  This indicates you are in Insert mode.
>
	+---------------------------------------+
	|A very intelligent turtle		|
	|Found programming Unix a hurdle	|
	|~					|
	|~					|
	|-- INSERT --				|
	+---------------------------------------+
<
If you