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11.6. Saving and Exiting

Writing a file means saving the edits and updating the file's modification time.

Command Action
ZZ Quit vi, writing the file only if changes were made.
:x Same as ZZ.
:wq Write and quit file.
:w Write file.
:w file Save copy to file.
:n1,n2w file

Write lines n1 to n2 to new file.

:n1,n2w >> file

Append lines n1 to n2 to existing file.

:w! Write file (overriding protection).
:w! file Overwrite file with current buffer.
:w %.new

Write current buffer named file as file.new.

:q Quit file.
:q! Quit file (discarding edits).
Q Quit vi and invoke ex.
:vi Return to vi after Q command.
% Current filename.
# Alternate filename.


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