Welcome to the Treehouse Community

Want to collaborate on code errors? Have bugs you need feedback on? Looking for an extra set of eyes on your latest project? Get support with fellow developers, designers, and programmers of all backgrounds and skill levels here with the Treehouse Community! While you're at it, check out some resources Treehouse students have shared here.

Looking to learn something new?

Treehouse offers a seven day free trial for new students. Get access to thousands of hours of content and join thousands of Treehouse students and alumni in the community today.

Start your free trial

Development Tools

Rob B
Rob B
11,677 Points
Posted by Rob B
Rob B
11,677 Points

Why is Nano or Pico better than VI or ViM?

I've gone through a Linux course, and have fiddled around on Ubuntu (and RedHat and Fedora years ago), and used VI.

Why is it better, in your opinion, to use Nano or Pico instead?

2 Answers

Steven Parker
Steven Parker
231,110 Points
Steven Parker
Steven Parker
231,110 Points

That's a bit like asking "why is it better to drive a Honda than a Ferrari?"

If you can already use vi (or vim) it's not better to use nano (or pico). The main advantage to nano is that it is easier to learn. I might point someone in that direction if they don't yet know either editor just for that reason.

Vim (vi) has a steep learning curve, but there are some cute online resources to help folks get started, including this interactive Vim tutorial. Another one I haven't seen yet myself but sounds like fun is the VIM Adventures online game.

Vim (or even better: GVim) has an amazing wealth of features if you stick with it long enough. I've been using it in some form for decades and I still learn something new about it every once in a while. I recommend it highly to anyone with the patience to learn it.

Nelson J
Nelson J
7,411 Points

Hey Steven Parker , I want to learn vi, what resources do you recommend?

Steven Parker
Steven Parker
231,110 Points
Steven Parker
Steven Parker
231,110 Points

Start with the Harnessing the Power of Vim workshop available right here, and then try those links in my original answer.

Rob B
Rob B
11,677 Points
Rob B
Rob B
11,677 Points

Thanks for all of the info. I'm not an expert with vi, but at least had to learn it when I was going through my course.

I think I will give GVim a chance.

Steven Parker
Steven Parker
231,110 Points
Steven Parker
Steven Parker
231,110 Points

I suspect you'll come to love it as I do.