VIM37
2.4VIM
VIM stands for Vi IMproved and was developed by Bram Moolenaar. It is based on the function-
ality of the original, non-open source vi editor. While most open source software is also free-
ware, 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 Fig-
ure 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
Figure2-11 gvim.