Conquering the Crypt: How to Display Line Numbers in vi (and Not Look Like a Total Noob)
Ah, vi. The editor that separates the keyboard cowboys from the... well, everyone else. It's powerful, sure, but its interface can be as welcoming as a dragon's maw. Especially for those of us who crave a little hand-holding, like, say, knowing what line number we're on.
Fear not, fellow adventurer! For today, we delve into the forgotten scrolls of vi wisdom and unearth the secret to displaying line numbers.
Facing the Fearsome Colon (But It's Not That Scary, We Promise)
First things first, you need to enter command mode. This is where the magic happens, but unlike pulling a rabbit from a hat, it doesn't involve fancy flourishes. Just press the Esc key. Yes, the same key you mash in a panic when your computer decides to play freeze tag.
Now, you'll see a colon (:) staring back at you. Don't be intimidated by its judgmental gaze. This is your gateway to vi's hidden depths.
The Big Reveal: The set number Command
Here's where the real power move comes in. Type :set number (and yes, you do type the colon) and press Enter.
Poof! Like a shimmering mirage in the desert, line numbers materialize on the left side of your screen. You can finally see the battlefield, comrade!
But Wait, There's More! (Because vi Doesn't Like Making Things Easy)
While this method works wonders, vi, being the enigma it is, offers another, slightly more cryptic approach.
For the Adventurous Soul (or Those Who Like to Show Off):
- Press
:(we've become good friends with this key by now, right?) - Type
:g/^\zs*$/(don't worry, we won't unpack the gibberish here. Just trust us, it works.) - Press Enter
This achieves the same result, but with the added benefit of making you look like a vi black belt. Just be prepared for blank stares from your non-vi-using colleagues.
Now You're a Line-Number-Wielding vi Master (Well, Almost)
There you have it! With this newfound power, you can navigate the vi landscape with newfound confidence. Remember, displaying line numbers is just the tip of the iceberg. But hey, gotta start somewhere, right?
Bonus Tip: If you ever get lost in the vi wilderness and forget how to get back to civilization (i.e., exit vi), fear not! Simply press : (yes, our colon friend again) and type q! (the ! forces the exit, even if you haven't saved). Just be warned, this might cause some unsaved work to be lost. But hey, at least you won't be trapped forever!
So go forth, conquer those lines, and remember: with a little humor and these tips, even vi can be, well, not exactly fun, but at least manageable.
