Skip to main content

nano: The Editor for When vim is Too Much

nano is simple. No modes. No complexity. Just type and edit.

Here's the thing: If vim feels overwhelming, use nano. It's fine. It works.

Why nano?​

Because it's simple.

That's it. No modes. No commands to memorize. Just type. Edit. Save.

My take: Use nano for quick edits. Use vim when you need power. Both are fine.

Opening nano​

nano file.txt                      # Open file
nano                                # New file
nano +10 file.txt                  # Open at line 10

That's it. Simple.

The Interface​

Bottom of screen shows commands:

^G Get Help  ^O Write Out  ^W Where Is  ^K Cut Text  ^J Justify  ^C Cur Pos
^X Exit      ^R Read File  ^\ Replace   ^U Uncut Text^T To Spell  ^_ Go To Line

The ^ means Ctrl. ^X = Ctrl+X.

My take: Commands are shown. No memorization needed. That's nano's strength.

Essential Commands​

Save and Exit​

Ctrl+X                             # Exit (prompts to save)
Ctrl+O                             # Write Out (save)

My take: Ctrl+X to exit. It asks if you want to save. Simple.

Ctrl+F                             # Forward (right)
Ctrl+B                             # Backward (left)
Ctrl+P                             # Previous line (up)
Ctrl+N                             # Next line (down)
Ctrl+A                             # Beginning of line
Ctrl+E                             # End of line
Ctrl+V                             # Next page
Ctrl+Y                             # Previous page

Or just use arrow keys. They work too.

My take: Arrow keys are easier. Use them. Ctrl keys work, but arrows are simpler.

Editing​

Just type. No special mode. Backspace works. Delete works. Normal editing.

My take: This is why nano is simple. No modes. Just edit.

Cut, Copy, Paste​

Ctrl+K                             # Cut line
Ctrl+U                             # Paste

My take: Cut and paste. Simple. Works.

Ctrl+W                             # Where Is (search)
Ctrl+W again                       # Next match

My take: Search works. Simple. Fine for basic needs.

When to Use nano​

Use nano when:

  • Quick edits
  • Simple changes
  • You're learning
  • vim feels too complex

Use vim when:

  • You need power
  • You're comfortable with it
  • You're editing on servers

My take: Both are fine. Use what works for you. nano for simplicity. vim for power.

Common Workflow​

  1. Open file: nano file.txt
  2. Edit: Just type
  3. Save: Ctrl+O, then Enter
  4. Exit: Ctrl+X

That's it. Simple.

Common Mistakes (I've Made These)​

  1. Forgetting to save: Ctrl+O saves. Don't forget.

  2. Exiting without saving: Ctrl+X asks. Say yes if you want to save.

  3. Trying to use vim commands: nano is different. Don't mix them up.

  4. Not seeing the commands: Look at bottom of screen. Commands are there.

  5. Thinking it's too simple: Simple is fine. It works. Use it.

What's Next?​

Now that you know nano, you can edit files easily. Or learn vim for more power.

Personal note: I used nano for years. Then I learned vim. Now I use vim. But nano is fine. It works. Don't let anyone tell you it's not good enough. Use what works for you.