How To Create A Vim File In Linux Cmd

Walter Cronk

2 min read

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29-04-2025

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Creating files using Vim in the Linux command line is a fundamental skill for any Linux user. This guide provides a straightforward approach, covering various scenarios and helpful tips.

The Basic Method: Using :w

The simplest way to create a new file with Vim is to use the vim command followed by the filename. If the file doesn't exist, Vim will create it. After making your edits, you save the file using the :w command (write).

Here's the step-by-step process:

1. Open Vim: Type vim my_new_file.txt and press Enter. Replace my_new_file.txt with your desired filename. This will open Vim, ready for you to start typing.

2. Edit the file: Now you can type your text into the file.

3. Save the file: Press the Esc key to enter command mode. Then, type :w and press Enter. This saves the changes to the file.

Creating Files with Specific Extensions

The filename extension dictates the file type. Vim will handle various extensions without issue. For example:

• vim my_program.c (C source code)
• vim my_script.sh (Bash script)
• vim my_document.md (Markdown document)
• vim my_report.txt (Plain text)

Saving and Exiting: :wq

For a more efficient workflow, use :wq (write and quit) to save the file and exit Vim simultaneously. This combines the :w (write) and :q (quit) commands.

Important Note: If you haven't saved your changes, using :q will result in an error message. You must save your work before exiting using :wq or use :q! to force quit (discarding changes).

Handling Existing Files

If you use vim with a filename that already exists, Vim will open that file in edit mode. Any changes you make will overwrite the original content unless you explicitly save them to a different file (using :w new_filename.txt).

Advanced Tip: Using touch First

For a completely blank file, you can create an empty file using the touch command before opening it in Vim. This is especially useful for scripting or automation.

1. Create the file: touch my_empty_file.txt
2. Open in Vim: vim my_empty_file.txt

This approach ensures a truly empty file, while the vim filename.txt approach might preserve existing content.

By mastering these techniques, you'll be proficient in creating and managing files within the Linux environment using Vim. Remember to practice and experiment – the more you use Vim, the more comfortable you'll become.