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Introduction to Modes

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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. The challenge proves it once; Practice is a timed run against the clock.

Keys in this lesson

iaEsc

Practice against the clock.

The challenge proves completion once. Practice is a timed run of 15 goals — beat par, then beat your own best time. Every completed goal saves locally.

a!Esc

Append an exclamation mark, then return to Normal mode.