Home/ Questions/Q 13922
Next
In Process

askthedev.com Latest Questions

Asked: 2024-09-27T00:25:31+05:30 In:

How can I set the default text editor on an Ubuntu Server 22.04 LTS installation that has been minimally installed?

I recently set up a minimal installation of Ubuntu Server 22.04 LTS, and I’ve been running into a bit of a snag with text editors. So, here’s the thing: whenever I need to edit a configuration file, I find myself fumbling around with different editors and trying to remember which one I actually prefer. Honestly, it’s becoming a bit of a hassle!

I know there are various editors like Nano, Vim, and even Emacs out there, but I’ve always leaned towards Nano – it feels more straightforward for casual edits. The problem is that every time I try to use a command that requires a text editor, like `crontab -e`, it defaults to Vim! No offense to Vim users, but it overwhelms me every time I open it. I end up staring at what feels like a space shuttle cockpit, trying to figure out how to exit without saving changes. It’s just not my thing.

I’ve been googling how to change the default text editor on this minimal install, but the instructions seem mixed up – some say to use `update-alternatives`, while others suggest modifying profile settings, and I feel like I’m going in circles. What I really want is a foolproof method to set Nano as my go-to without having to dive deep into the terminal every time.

If anyone has gone through this before and found a straightforward way to set the default text editor on their Ubuntu Server, I would really appreciate your insights. Maybe you have a step-by-step method that worked for you, or even just some simple commands I can run. If there’s anything unique about the minimal install that I should know, that would help too. I’m just looking for a clean and simple solution so that I can can get back to focusing on my server tasks instead of wrestling with editors! Thanks in advance for any tips or tricks you’ve got!

Share

    Leave an answer

    You must login to add an answer.

    Need An Account,

    2 Answers






    1. Change Default Text Editor to Nano on Ubuntu Server

      How to Set Nano as the Default Text Editor on Ubuntu Server

      If you’re struggling with Vim and want to make Nano your default text editor, you’re not alone! It’s pretty easy to switch it up. Here’s a simple guide to help you set it up without any hassle.

      Step-by-Step Guide

      1. Open your terminal. You can do this from your server interface or SSH into it.
      2. Type the following command to change the default text editor:

        sudo update-alternatives --config editor
      3. After running the command, you’ll see a list of installed text editors. Look for Nano in the list. It will look something like this:

          0            /usr/bin/nano        <--- /usr/bin/nano
      4. Type the number corresponding to Nano and hit Enter.
      5. That’s it! You can test if it worked by running:

        crontab -e

        and it should now open in Nano.

      Additional Tips

      If you ever need to switch back to another editor, just repeat the above steps. Remember, any time you see a prompt asking for a text editor, it should now default to Nano.

      Feel free to reach out if you have questions or need further help! You'll be a Nano pro in no time!



    2. To change the default text editor to Nano in Ubuntu Server 22.04 LTS, you can use the update-alternatives command, which is the most straightforward method. Open your terminal and enter the following command to configure the default editor:

      sudo update-alternatives --config editor

      This will present you with a list of installed text editors. You’ll see something like this:

        Selection    Path                Priority   Status
------------------------------------------------------------
* 0            /usr/bin/vim.basic    60      auto mode
  1            /bin/nano              40      manual mode
  2            /usr/bin/vim.basic      60      manual mode

      Type the number corresponding to Nano (e.g., 1) and press Enter. This will set Nano as your default text editor. After this change, running commands like crontab -e should open the `crontab` file in Nano, allowing you to edit it without the unwelcome surprise of Vim’s interface. This method should work effectively on a minimal installation, and you won’t need to dive deep into configuration files or profiles. If you want to verify your changes, just re-run the update-alternatives --config editor command to see if Nano is set as the default.


    Related Questions