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Asked: 2024-09-25T16:24:52+05:30 In:

What is the method to substitute a specific word using the vi editor in Ubuntu?

I’ve been diving into using the vi editor on Ubuntu for some tasks, and I keep hitting a wall when it comes to substituting words. It feels like there’s always this basic feature that I forget about every time I need it. I know there’s a way to replace specific words, but the syntax keeps slipping my mind, and I end up fumbling through the manual or trying to remember from a past project.

So here’s the scenario: I’m editing this lengthy text file, and there’s a word that I need to replace multiple times throughout the document. It’s just a pain to manually scroll through and fix it one by one. I’ve heard that vi has this pretty nifty substitution feature, but every time I try to recall it, it just doesn’t stick. All I remember is something about a colon and maybe an ‘s’ for substitute, but beyond that, I’m lost.

It’s even more frustrating when I know it’s supposed to be straightforward. I would love to get it right so I can spend less time fixing typos and more time actually working on the content of my file. Plus, I keep hearing from friends how powerful vi is once you get the hang of it, and I feel like mastering this substitution method could be a step in the right direction.

So, if you’re well-versed in vi, could you break down the steps for substituting a specific word? Like, how would you format it to replace just one instance of the word versus all instances? Are there any tips for making sure I’m not messing anything up while doing it? Honestly, it would really help me get over this little hurdle and boost my confidence with using vi. I’m sure there are others out there who feel the same, so any insight you could share would be super appreciated!

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    2 Answers



    1. Using Substitution in vi Editor

      To substitute words in the vi editor, you can use the substitution command, which starts with a colon (:) followed by ‘s’ for substitute. If you want to replace a specific word, the basic syntax is :s/old_word/new_word/. This command will replace the first instance of ‘old_word’ with ‘new_word’ on the current line. If you need to replace all instances of the word in the line, simply add a ‘g’ at the end of the command like this: :s/old_word/new_word/g. For replacing a word throughout the entire text file, you can use % indicates the whole file. This is a powerful way to quickly fix typos or update content without the manual hassle.

      To avoid making mistakes while replacing words, it’s wise to first preview the changes. You can use the command :s/old_word/new_word/gc which stands for “global change with confirmation.” The editor will prompt you for every substitution, allowing you to skip or confirm each one. Practice this in a test file until you’re comfortable with it. Additionally, remember that vi has an ‘undo’ function, so if you find you’ve made a mistake, you can simply press ‘u’ to undo the last operation. With these commands at your fingertip, you’ll gain more confidence in using vi and can focus more on your content rather than getting bogged down with tedious corrections.




    2. Substituting Words in vi Editor

      Substituting Words in vi

      If you’re trying to replace words in the vi editor, you’re not alone! Here’s a simple breakdown to help you out:

      Basic Substitution Syntax

      The basic command to substitute text in vi is:

      :s/old_word/new_word/

      Here’s what this does:

      • :s stands for substitute.
      • /old_word/ is the word you want to replace.
      • /new_word/ is the word you want to use instead.

      Replacing Only the First Instance

      If you want to replace just the first occurrence of the word on the current line, the command above will do the trick. Just make sure your cursor is on the line with the word you want to replace!

      Replacing All Instances in a Line

      If you want to replace all instances of the word on the current line, you can add a g at the end:

      :s/old_word/new_word/g

      Replacing All Instances in the Entire Document

      Now, if you want to replace every instance of that word in the entire document (not just one line), you can do:

      :%s/old_word/new_word/g

      Here, % tells vi to look at the whole file.

      Extra Tips

      • Be careful with typos! Double-check the old_word before hitting Enter.
      • If you want to confirm each substitution, you can add a c at the end like this: :s/old_word/new_word/gc. This way, you can hit `y` to change or `n` to skip each instance.

      With practice, these commands will stick. Just remember that vi might seem tricky at first, but it gets easier once you get the hang of it. Happy editing!


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