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Unit 1 Bonus - VIM Fundamentals for Linux Sysadmins

Note

This is an optional bonus section. You do not need to read it, but if you're interested in digging deeper, this is for you.

Module 1: Getting Started (Days 1-2)

Day 1: First Contact with VIM

Segment 1: The Basics

  1. Complete first section of vimtutor
  2. Learn essential commands:
    • vim filename - Open/create file
    • i - Enter insert mode (before the cursor)
    • a - Enter insert mode (after the cursor)
    • Esc - Return to normal mode
    • :w - Save changes
    • :q - Quit
    • :wq or ZZ - Save and quit
    • :q! - Quit without saving

Segment 2: Building Muscle Memory

  1. Create five different files
  2. Practice mode switching 50 times
  3. Write and save content in each file
  4. Practice recovering from common mistakes:
    • Accidentally pressed keys in normal mode
    • Forgot to enter insert mode
    • Trying to quit without saving

Segment 3: First Real Task

  1. Create a simple bash script template
  2. Add standard sections:
    • Shebang line
    • Comments
    • Basic variables
    • Simple functions
  3. Save and reopen multiple times

Day 2: Comfort Zone

Segment 1: More Basic Operations

  1. Complete second section of vimtutor
  2. Practice quick save and exit combinations
  3. Learn to read VIM messages and errors
  4. Understand modes in depth:
    • Normal mode
    • Insert mode
    • Visual mode (introduction)

Segment 2: Error Recovery

  1. Create deliberate errors and fix them:
    • Write without insert mode
    • Exit without saving needed changes
    • Get stuck in different modes
  2. Practice until you can recover without thinking

Segment 3: Real Config Practice

  1. Copy /etc/hosts file
  2. Make various modifications:
    • Add new host entries
    • Modify existing entries
    • Add comments
    • Save different versions

Module 2: Navigation (Days 3-4)

Day 3: Basic Movement

Segment 1: Core Movement Commands

  • Master the basics:
    • h - Left
    • j - Down
    • k - Up
    • l - Right
    • w - Next word
    • b - Previous word
    • 0 - Line start
    • $ - Line end
    • ^ - First non-blank character of the line
    • g_ - Last non-blank character of the line

Segment 2: Movement Drills

  1. Create a "movement course" file
  2. Practice moving between marked points
  3. Time your navigation speed
  4. Compete against your previous times

Segment 3: Applied Navigation

  1. Navigate through /etc/ssh/sshd_config:
    • Find specific settings
    • Move between sections
    • Locate comments
    • Jump to line numbers

Day 4: Advanced Movement

Segment 1: Extended Movement

  • Learn efficient jumps:
    • gg - File start
    • G - File end
    • { - Previous paragraph
    • } - Next paragraph
    • Ctrl+f - Page down
    • Ctrl+b - Page up

Segment 2: Speed Training

  1. Work with a large configuration file
  2. Practice jumping between sections
  3. Find specific lines quickly
  4. Navigate through code blocks

Segment 3: Real-world Navigation

  1. Work with system logs
  2. Jump between error messages
  3. Navigate through long configuration files
  4. Practice quick file browsing

Module 3: Essential Editing (Days 5-7)

Day 5: Basic Editing

Segment 1: Edit Commands

  • Master core editing:
    • x - Delete character
    • dd - Delete line
    • yy - Copy line
    • p - Paste after
    • P - Paste before
    • u - Undo
    • Ctrl + r - Redo
    • s - Substitute a character
    • r - Replace a character
    • c - Change character

Segment 2: Editing Drills

  1. Create practice documents
  2. Delete and replace text
  3. Copy and paste sections
  4. Practice undo/redo chains

Segment 3: System File Editing

  1. Work with /etc/fstab copy:
    • Add mount points
    • Remove entries
    • Comment lines
    • Fix formatting

Day 6: Intermediate Editing

Segment 1: Combined Commands

  • Learn efficient combinations:
    • dw - Delete word
    • d$ - Delete to line end
    • d0 - Delete to line start
    • cc - Change whole line
    • cw - Change word
    • D - Delete to line end
    • C - Change to line end

Segment 2: Practical Application

  1. Edit service configuration files
  2. Modify system settings
  3. Update network configurations
  4. Clean up log files

Segment 3: Speed Challenges

  1. Timed editing tasks
  2. Configuration file cleanup
  3. Quick text transformation
  4. Error correction sprints

Day 7: Editing Mastery

Segment 1: Advanced Operations

  • Master text objects:
    • ciw - Change inner word
    • ci" - Change inside quotes
    • di( - Delete inside parentheses
    • yi{ - Yank inside braces
    • ca" - Change a quotes block
    • da{ - Delete a { } block
    • ya( - Yank a ( ) block

Segment 2: Integration Practice

  1. Combine all learned commands
  2. Work with multiple files
  3. Practice common scenarios
  4. Time your operations

Daily Success Metrics

By end of each day, you should be able to:

  • Day 1: Open, edit, save, and exit files confidently
  • Day 2: Understand and recover from common errors
  • Day 3: Navigate small files without arrow keys
  • Day 4: Move through large files efficiently
  • Day 5: Perform basic edits without hesitation
  • Day 6: Combine movement and editing commands
  • Day 7: Edit configuration files with confidence

Practice Tips

  1. Use vimtutor during breaks
  2. Disable arrow keys completely
  3. Keep a command log of new discoveries
  4. Time your editing operations
  5. Practice with real system files (copies)

Remember: Focus on accuracy first, then build speed.

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