The Linux Development Platform Configuring, Using, and ... - Classes

CH02.fm Page 37 Monday, October 7, 2002 8:09 PM
VIM 37
2.4 VIM
VIM stands for Vi IMproved and was developed by Bram Moolenaar. It is based on the functionality
of the original, non-open source vi editor. While most open source software is also freeware,
VIM is distributed as Charityware. In exchange for using the program, the authors request
that users consider donating to the Kibaale Children’s Center (KCC), a charity providing food,
health care and education for the children in the area. For further information regarding this
donation program and the KCC, within VIM, type :help ifcc or visit http://www.vim.org/
ifcc.
2.4.1 Using VIM
VIM is available in both text-based and graphical modes. The graphical version, shown in Figure
2-11, has the same functionality as the text-based version, but also provides easy access to
many functions through pull-down menus and a button bar. To start the text-based version, use
the command vim. The graphical version is started by typing gvim. For example, to start VIM
and edit the file main.c, type the following:
$ vim main.c
Or, for the graphical version, type:
$ gvim main.c
Figure 2-11 gvim.