# Debian text editors

Debian provides several text editors with different learning curves and capabilities.

## nano

Beginner-friendly, simple modal editor. Starts in edit mode:

```bash
nano file.txt
```

Common commands (Ctrl prefix):
- `Ctrl+X`: exit
- `Ctrl+O`: save
- `Ctrl+W`: search
- `Ctrl+U`: undo
- `Ctrl+V`: next page

Quick, non-destructive, forgiving. Good for quick edits and scripts.

## vi/vim

Powerful but steep learning curve. Three modes:
- **Normal** (default): navigation and commands
- **Insert** (press `i`): edit text
- **Command** (`:`): file/search commands

Basic workflow:

```bash
vim file.txt
i              # enter insert mode
[edit text]
Esc            # back to normal
:wq            # save and quit
:q!            # quit without saving
```

Useful normal mode commands:
- `dd`: delete line
- `yy`: copy line
- `p`: paste
- `/pattern`: search
- `:%s/old/new/g`: replace all

Vim has syntax highlighting, text objects, macros, and extensive customization.

## emacs

Extensible, powerful, but also steep. Heavy Ctrl usage. Start:

```bash
emacs file.txt
```

Commands:
- `Ctrl+X Ctrl+C`: exit
- `Ctrl+X Ctrl+S`: save
- `Ctrl+S`: search
- `Ctrl+_`: undo

Less common on systems without X11; vim is usually available everywhere.

## ed

Minimal line editor, rarely needed:

```bash
ed file.txt
```

Useful only when nothing else available (embedded systems, minimal recovery).

## Choosing an editor

Set default editor:

```bash
export EDITOR=vim
export EDITOR=nano
```

Used by `crontab -e`, `visudo`, and many tools. Pick one and learn it:
- Quick edits → `nano`
- Programming → `vim`
- Extensive config → `emacs`

For shell scripts: vim with syntax highlighting makes debugging easier. For one-liners: nano is faster.