Basic Vim
Introduction to Modes
Understand why the same key can navigate or insert text.
Normal mode interprets keys as editing commands; Insert mode treats them as text. Returning to Normal mode after each small edit keeps motions and operators one key away.
Use i, a, and Esc in the editor beside this lesson. Practice is where you learn it, with the answer a click away; the Test is graded, unaided, and the only thing that marks this lesson complete.
Keys in this lesson
- i
- Insert before the cursor
- a
- Insert after the cursor
- Esc
- Return to Normal mode
Practice to learn it. Test to prove it.
Practice keeps the answer a click away — endlessly in Free, or as a 15-goal run against par and your own best time in Timed. The Test gives you 8 goals with no hints and a keystroke budget on each; passing it is what marks this lesson complete.