How to use Nano command Line Text Editor in Ubuntu Linux

|

|

Nano is a user-friendly command line text editor that is a standard feature of all Linux systems, including open-source operating system Ubuntu. It operates much like Notepad or Notepad++, allowing users to view and edit files using specific syntax and optional commands. These commands can be rearranged but must adhere to a certain format. This…

The nano command is an easy-to-use command line text editor for Linux systems.

There are many command-line text editors available to Linux users. However, nano has become the default because it is easy to learn and manage.

For several reasons, learning to use the Nano command line text editor in Ubuntu Linux is important. Firstly, Nano is included in almost all Linux operating systems and is an essential tool for managing Linux systems.

It is a powerful text editor that lets you create, edit, and view text files quickly and efficiently on the command line. Secondly, using Nano is valuable for any Linux user, especially those who prefer to work on the command line.

By mastering Nano, you can perform various tasks, such as configuring system files, editing scripts, and modifying configuration files. Lastly, Nano is easy to learn and use, making it an ideal choice for beginners new to Linux or the command line.

With its intuitive interface and straightforward commands, you can quickly become proficient in using Nano to edit files on your Linux system.

About nano command:

The nano command is an easy-to-use command line text editor for Linux systems. It is included on all Linux operating systems, including Ubuntu, and comes with all the basic functionality of a regular text editor.

In the same way, you use your mouse and keyboard to view or edit files with Notepad or Notepad++ on your desktop, Nano does it on the command line.

Syntax:

The syntax is the rule and format of how the nano command can be used. These syntax options can be reordered, but a straight format must be followed.,.

Below is an example syntax of how to use the nano command.

nano [OPTIONS] [[+LINE[,COLUMN]] FILE].

Options:

The command line options are switches or flags that determine how the commands are executed or controlled. They modify the behavior of the commands. They are separated by spaces and followed after the commands.

Below are some options for the nano command:

   FILES.Replace FILES.. with the files you wish to edit.
-g, –show cursorUse the -a or –all to Enable smart home key
-B –backupUse the –B or –backup to Save backups of existing files
-g, –showcursorUse the -g or –showcursor to Show cursor in file browser
-R, –restrictedUse the -R or –restricted to enable Restricted mode
-L, –nonewlinesUse the -L or –nonewlines Don’t add newlines to the ends of files
–helpDisplay a help message and exit.

Examples:

Below are some examples of how to run and use the Nano on Ubuntu Linux.

If you want to view an existing file or create a new file that’s not already there, you run the commands below:

If filename.txt isn’t an existing file at that location, a new file will be opened. When you save your changes, a file will be created.

nano filename.txt

This will open a new editor window when you can begin editing the file.

At the bottom of the editor windows are basic shortcuts you can save:e, replace, and spell check using nanomotor.

If you open an existing file and want to search for a particular text and go to it, you use the command shortcut below:

ctrl + w

They type in the search term you’re searching for, and press Enter. The cursor will move to the first match text in the file. To move the next match, you type the command shortcut below:

alt + w

If you’re not logged in as root or don’t have write access to the file you wish to edit, run sudo with the nano command on the file requiring root access.

sudo nano filename.txt

To save the changes you’ve made to a file, type the shortcut below:

Ctrl + o

If the file you changed doesn’t exist, it will be created once you save it.

If you want to exit nano, type the shortcut below:

Ctrl + x

If the changes you made to a file are now saved before exiting, you’ll be asked whether you want to save the changes.

When you run nano with the –help option, you’ll see the help text below:

Usage: nano [OPTIONS] [[+LINE[,COLUMN]] FILE].

To place the cursor on a specific line of a file, put the line number with
a '+' before the filename.  The column number can be added after a comma.
When a filename is '-', nano reads data from standard input.

Option		GNU long option		Meaning
 -A		--smarthome		Enable smart home key
 -B		--backup		Save backups of existing files
 -C
 -D		--boldtext		Use bold instead of

That’s it!

Congratulations! You’ve learned to use the nano command text editor to view and create files.

Like this:



Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.