Nano Crash Course

Introduction to Nano – The Text Editor link

To open Nano, simply type nano followed by the name of the file you want to edit. If the file doesn’t exist, Nano will create a new one with that name.

nano filename.txt

Basic Navigation link

Use the arrow keys to move the cursor around the text. Page up and page down keys move up and down a page at a time.

• Use Ctrl + A moves to the beginning of the line.
• Use Ctrl + E moves to the end of the line.
• Use Ctrl + Y scrolls up one line.
• Use Ctrl + V scrolls down one line.

Editing Text link

Type directly into the editor to add or modify text. Use the backspace key to delete characters. To delete entire lines, use Ctrl + K to cut the line. Use Ctrl + U to paste the cut line.

Saving and Exiting link

To save your changes, press Ctrl + O (WriteOut). You’ll be prompted to confirm the filename. To exit Nano, press Ctrl + X (Exit). If you haven’t saved your changes, Nano will prompt you to save before exiting.

Searching link

Press Ctrl + W to search for text within the file. Type the word or phrase you want to search for and press Enter. Use Ctrl + W again to find the next occurrence.

Other Useful Commands link

Use Ctrl + G displays the help menu with all available commands. Use Ctrl + C shows the current cursor position. Use Ctrl + \_ (underscore) enables or disables soft wrapping of long lines.

Customization link

Nano can be customized by creating or modifying a configuration file called .nanorc in your home directory. You can adjust settings like syntax highlighting, key bindings, and more.