# Neovim Basics

**Neovim** is a modal text editor: different modes for different tasks. Start in normal mode (commands), press `i` to enter insert mode (type text), press `Esc` to return to normal mode.

```bash
$ nvim file.txt                 # open file
$ nvim +10 file.txt             # open file, jump to line 10
$ nvim +/pattern file.txt       # open file, search for pattern
$ nvim -c "command" file.txt    # open file, run ex command
```

Three main modes:

**Normal mode** — for commands. Press keys to move, delete, change, etc. This is where you spend most time. Examples:
- `h`, `j`, `k`, `l` — move cursor left/down/up/right
- `w`, `b` — move to next/previous word
- `dd` — delete line
- `yy` — copy line
- `:q` — quit (ex command)

**Insert mode** — for typing text. Press `i` to enter, `Esc` to exit. Keys are literal characters, not commands.

**Visual mode** — for selecting text. Press `v` for character selection, `V` for line selection, `Ctrl+V` for block selection. Then use normal commands on selection.

Ex commands start with `:` (colon in normal mode). Examples: `:w` (write/save), `:q` (quit), `:set number` (show line numbers), `:help topic` (help).

Most editing in Neovim is: position cursor → select text → apply command. This is more efficient than reaching for the mouse.