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A Cloud Guru

In this short course, we take a look at Vim, the improved editor. Learn how to use the keyboard to work with your text documents, complete searches, replace text, and format them. We also show how to branch out from Vim to run commands, capture output into the current buffer, manage your buffers, move between them, and more!

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VIM Text Editing Keyboard Shortcuts Text Manipulation Command Line

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Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Develops core skills in using Vim for text management and manipulation
Taught by industry-recognized instructors from A Cloud Guru
Provides a comprehensive introduction to Vim's features and functionalities
Lacks coverage of advanced Vim plugins and integrations
Assumes some prior knowledge of text editors and command-line operations

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Reviews summary

Essential vim skills for efficient text editing

According to learners, this course provides a strong and practical foundation for mastering Vim, particularly for those looking to enhance their text editing efficiency. Many found it incredibly useful for transforming their workflow, with specific praise for its ability to demystify complex concepts and make Vim less intimidating. The course excels in covering core commands, navigation, and practical operations like buffer management and running external commands. While largely seen as excellent for beginners and those new to Vim, some experienced users noted it might be too basic, suggesting a desire for more advanced content. Overall, it is highly recommended for anyone serious about improving their productivity with Vim.
Well-structured content delivered by a clear instructor.
"The instructor breaks down complex concepts into digestible parts, making it easy to absorb."
"I found it very well-structured and easy to follow. The topics were logically organized."
"The instructor's delivery is calm and clear, and their patience shines through, which really helped me."
Provides an excellent entry point for new Vim users.
"This course breaks it down into manageable chunks and makes it less intimidating. I finally feel productive in Vim."
"It's a solid introduction to Vim. I found it covered the core commands and navigation well, and the pace was good for me as a beginner."
"It's concise yet comprehensive enough for anyone starting their Vim journey, giving me a strong foundation to build upon."
Equips learners with practical skills for an efficient workflow.
"This course transformed my coding workflow. The focus on keyboard-driven efficiency is precisely what I needed."
"My productivity has definitely improved... The content on buffer management and interacting with the shell from Vim was incredibly useful for me."
"I found it practical, hands-on, and straight to the point. It definitely helped me gain efficiency."
Best suited for absolute newcomers; less for experienced users.
"For an experienced developer already familiar with some basic Vim, it didn't offer as many 'aha!' moments as I hoped. I found it redundant."
"I found this course somewhat basic... for someone with even minimal exposure, it's not very helpful, as the content depth was lacking for me."
"I felt the course stayed on the surface. Some keybindings were mentioned but not fully explored in real-world scenarios, which I would have liked."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Vim - The Improved Editor with these activities:
Review Intermediate Vim
Refresh and improve the intermediate skills you have in Vim.
Browse courses on VIM
Show steps
  • Read an article describing the benefits of Vim
  • Review the VimCheatSheet
  • Use the following commands at least three times each: yank, put, search, delete, and paste
Install and Setup Vim
Setup and install Vim on your computer correctly.
Browse courses on VIM
Show steps
  • Go to vim.org
  • Download and install Vim
  • Open Terminal and type: vim --version
Complete Vim Tutorial
Work through the Vim Tutorial to practice the basics of Vim.
Browse courses on VIM
Show steps
  • Type in terminal: vimtutor
  • Work through lesson one
  • Work through lesson two
  • Work through lesson three
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Edit text files using Vim
Practice the basics of using Vim to edit text files.
Browse courses on VIM
Show steps
  • Open a text file in Vim
  • Use the h, j, k, and l keys to navigate text
  • Use the i key to insert text
  • Use the escape key to enter command mode
  • Use the :wq command to save and quit
Vim Snippet Sheet
Create a cheat sheet of frequently used Vim commands.
Browse courses on VIM
Show steps
  • Identify the Vim commands you use most frequently
  • Create a document with these commands
  • Print the document and keep it near your computer
Vim Golf
Practice writing efficient Vim commands.
Browse courses on VIM
Show steps
  • Go to vimgolf.com
  • Choose a challenge
  • Solve the challenge using the fewest number of keystrokes possible
Contribute to Vim
Contribute to the development of Vim.
Browse courses on VIM
Show steps
  • Identify an area of Vim that you would like to improve
  • Create a patch that implements your improvement
  • Submit your patch to the Vim development team

Career center

Learners who complete Vim - The Improved Editor will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Software Tester
Software Testers test software applications to find and fix bugs. This course may be useful as it provides a foundation in using the keyboard to work with text documents, complete searches, replace text, and format documents, all of which are important skills for a Software Tester.
Technical Writer
Technical Writers create and maintain technical documentation, such as user manuals, white papers, and training materials. This course may be useful as it provides a foundation in using the keyboard to work with text documents, complete searches, replace text, and format documents, all of which are important skills for a Technical Writer.
Computer Programmer
Computer Programmers write and maintain code for software applications. This course may be useful as it provides a foundation in using the keyboard to work with text documents, complete searches, replace text, and format documents, all of which are important skills for a Computer Programmer.
Information Architect
Information Architects design and organize websites and applications to make them easy to use and find information. This course may be useful as it provides a foundation in using the keyboard to work with text documents, complete searches, replace text, and format documents, all of which are important skills for an Information Architect.
Database Administrator
Database Administrators design, implement, and maintain databases. This course may be useful as it provides a foundation in using the keyboard to work with text documents, complete searches, replace text, and format documents, all of which are important skills for a Database Administrator.
Systems Analyst
Systems Analysts design and implement computer systems. This course may be useful as it provides a foundation in using the keyboard to work with text documents, complete searches, replace text, and format documents, all of which are important skills for a Systems Analyst.
Network Administrator
Network Administrators design, implement, and maintain computer networks. This course may be useful as it provides a foundation in using the keyboard to work with text documents, complete searches, replace text, and format documents, all of which are important skills for a Network Administrator.
Cybersecurity Analyst
Cybersecurity Analysts protect computer systems and networks from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. This course may be useful as it provides a foundation in using the keyboard to work with text documents, complete searches, replace text, and format documents, all of which are important skills for a Cybersecurity Analyst.
Web Developer
Web Developers design, create, and maintain websites and web applications. This course may be useful as it provides a foundation in using the keyboard to work with text documents, complete searches, replace text, and format documents, all of which are important skills for a Web Developer.
User Experience Designer
User Experience Designers design and create user interfaces for websites and applications. This course may be useful as it provides a foundation in using the keyboard to work with text documents, complete searches, replace text, and format documents, all of which are important skills for a User Experience Designer.
Software Engineer
Software Engineers build and maintain software applications, often involving the design, development, testing, and deployment of software systems. This course may be useful as it provides a foundation in using the keyboard to work with text documents, complete searches, replace text, and format documents, all of which are important skills for a Software Engineer.
IT Manager
IT Managers plan, organize, and direct the activities of an organization's IT department. This course may be useful as it provides a foundation in using the keyboard to work with text documents, complete searches, replace text, and format documents, all of which are important skills for an IT Manager.
Computer Support Specialist
Computer Support Specialists provide technical support to users of computer systems. This course may be useful as it provides a foundation in using the keyboard to work with text documents, complete searches, replace text, and format documents, all of which are important skills for a Computer Support Specialist.
Data Scientist
Data Scientists collect, analyze, and interpret data to help organizations make informed decisions. This course may be useful as it provides a foundation in using the keyboard to work with text documents, complete searches, replace text, and format documents, all of which are important skills for a Data Scientist.
Data Analyst
Data Analysts collect, clean, and analyze data to help organizations make informed decisions. This course may be useful as it provides a foundation in using the keyboard to work with text documents, complete searches, replace text, and format documents, all of which are important skills for a Data Analyst.

Reading list

We've selected five books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Vim - The Improved Editor.
Covers how to use Vim for programming. It's a great resource for developers who want to use Vim to edit code.
Provides a comprehensive overview of Vim. It's a great resource for beginners and experienced users alike.
A practical guide designed for software developers who want to leverage Vim's capabilities in their daily workflow. Covers essential Vim techniques, plugins, and integrations with development tools to enhance coding efficiency.
An essential resource for power users who seek to optimize their Vim skills. Provides advanced techniques, tips, and insights on customizing and extending Vim to achieve maximum efficiency and streamline workflows.
The official user manual for Vim, providing a comprehensive overview of the editor's commands, options, and features. Serves as a valuable reference for both beginners and experienced users who need detailed information on specific topics.

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