how to write into file after doing sudo vi /dir to file

Question

i have ubuntu 10.10 installed on a box. and i ssh to it from another computer.

when i do sudo vi /var/www/page.php

i enter a text editor. when when i try to type i hear that ding noise as in i cant type. what do i press to allow me to start typing? when i type :q that works and it quits it. but what allows me to start typing? thanks

Answer 1

Vi is what is known as a modal editor - that means it has a number of modes in which it operates.

When you first start vi it is in command mode. Some common command mode key sequences:

• :q - Quit
• :q! - Force quit
• :w - Write file
• :wq! - Forced write file and exit
• :w /path/to/my/new/file - Write to a new file
• :r /path/to/file - read file and insert into buffer

To switch into one of the editing modes:

• i - Enter insert mode infront of the current character
• r - Replace single character
• R - Enter replace mode
• a - Enter insert mode after the current character
• A - Enter insert mode at the end of the current line
• o - Open a new line below cursor and enter insert mode
• O - Open a new line above cursor and enter insert mode

To return to command mode just press Esc

There are a huge number of other keypresses in command mode - this list is pretty useful.

Answer 2

type a to append or i to insert
Refer this document for more commands