Ubuntu Default VI Is Suck!!!

By mkyong | July 5, 2008 | Updated : August 30, 2012 | Viewed : 3,984 | +5 pv/w

Problem

As i said last post, Ubuntu default VI is suck, i totally do not know how to use it, all my up, down, left and right keys are became funny characters, can’t edit or code a line at all. If not mistake, Ubuntu is using so called “vim-tinny” as default VI editor.

I’m totally surrender to this vim-tinny, what a genius product? However i’m just a normal people, so i just need back my normal vi editor.

Solution

Issue following command to get a simple gnome normal vi back to your Ubuntu.


apt-get install vim-gnome

After installed, it will overwrite the default vi, and finally, your favorite simple vi editor is back.

ubuntu unix

About the Author

mkyong

Founder of Mkyong.com, love Java and open source stuff. Follow him on Twitter. If you like my tutorials, consider make a donation to these charities.

Comments

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Guest

Björn

Here’s another helpful page that popped up on my search: https://askubuntu.com/questions/111019/how-to-make-vi-default In a nutshell: the ultra-correct way to do this seems to be: 0. sudo su 1. apt-cache search editor |grep vi (or some similar search pattern, like |grep ” vi “) 2. Decide which vi-compatible tool you want to use. (vim, elvis, nvi, vigor, …) Maybe take a look at https://askubuntu.com/questions/281886/what-are-the-differences-between-the-different-vim-packages-available-in-ubuntu 3. apt-get install INSERT-YOUR-CHOICE-HERE 4. update-alternatives –config vi X. CTRL-D Obviously “vim-tiny” (not “-tinny”!) is just included for maximum legacy compatibility. I guess nobody at Ubuntu believes that there are still people who like to work with some… Read more »

Guest

Amar

funny stuff I searched google “ubuntu vi sucks”

just my random frustration and boom I am here!

Guest

Mark

Me too exactly! Ha Ha

Guest

Björn

Same here! (Almost.)
Gonna try Mr. Mouseclone’s suggestion now…
Thanks guys!

Guest

“Ubuntu default vi sucks”, not “is suck”. Anyhow, I agree with this statement :D

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Guest

Mouseclone

Had this trouble as well.

[code]sudo apt-get install -y vim[/code]

That should just install vim and work with out the gui install.

Author

mkyong

Thanks for your tip :)

Guest

Matt

YAY. The frustration is finally over

Guest

Ben

Thanks. This worked.