Autocomplete KornShell Command Line with vi Editor
KornShell (ksh) is a powerful command line shell that is popular among Unix and Linux users. It offers various features and capabilities that make working with the command line more efficient and convenient. One such feature is the ability to autocomplete commands using the vi editor.
Autocompletion is a feature that automatically completes a command or a file name as you type it, saving you time and effort. In combination with the vi editor, it becomes even more powerful as it allows you to not only autocomplete commands but also edit them in real time.
To enable autocompletion with vi editor in KornShell, you need to first make sure that the vi editor is set as your default editor for command line editing. This can be done by using the set command:
set -o vi
Once this is done, you can start using the vi editor to autocomplete commands. Here's how:
1. Type the beginning of the command you want to autocomplete.
For example, if you want to run the command "ls -al", type "ls -a".
2. Press the Esc key to enter command line mode in vi editor.
3. Press the Tab key to autocomplete the command.
Vi editor will automatically complete the command to "ls -al".
4. If there are multiple options available, you can press the Tab key again to cycle through the options.
5. If you want to edit the command before running it, you can use the arrow keys to move the cursor and make changes.
6. Once you have completed editing the command, press Enter to run it.
Autocompletion with vi editor in KornShell is not limited to just commands. You can also use it to autocomplete file names and directory names. Here's how:
1. Type the beginning of the file or directory name.
2. Press the Esc key to enter command line mode in vi editor.
3. Press the Tab key to autocomplete the name.
4. If there are multiple options available, you can press the Tab key again to cycle through the options.
5. If you want to edit the name before using it, you can use the arrow keys to move the cursor and make changes.
6. Once you have completed editing the name, press Enter to use it.
In addition to autocompletion, the vi editor also offers other powerful features such as command history, multi-line editing, and advanced search and replace capabilities. This makes it a preferred choice for many users who work extensively with the command line.
Furthermore, using the vi editor for autocompletion in KornShell also offers a consistent experience across different systems. This is because vi editor is available on most Unix and Linux systems and its key bindings and commands are similar across platforms.
In conclusion, autocompletion with vi editor in KornShell is a powerful feature that can greatly enhance your productivity when working on the command line. By setting the vi editor as your default editor, you can take advantage of its capabilities to quickly and efficiently complete commands and edit them in real time. So next time you're working with KornShell, give it a try and see the difference it makes.
