Screen Too Small

This course material requires a larger screen to properly display the terminal and editor interfaces.

Please use a tablet, laptop, or desktop computer for the best learning experience.

You can continue browsing, but the experience will be significantly limited.

10/24

Visual Block Magic

Estimated time: 10 minutes

Task Instructions

Use visual block mode to efficiently refactor multiple variable names at once

Use visual block mode to select text across multiple lines in a column. Position your cursor at the start of the text you want to select, press Ctrl+v to enter visual block mode, then use j/k to move down/up and h/l to extend the selection. Press c to change the selected block.

Learning objectives

  • Master visual block mode (Ctrl+v)
  • Understand multi-line column selections
  • Practice extending selections in block mode
  • Learn to change multiple lines simultaneously

Required Keystrokes

This lesson requires you to use specific keystrokes to complete it. Your submission will be evaluated based on whether you used the required keystrokes mentioned below, rather than matching a specific output.

<C-v>
Use visual block mode
c
Change the selected block

What This Means

  • Your solution must include the required keystroke patterns
  • The order of keystrokes may matter depending on the exercise
  • You'll still need to achieve the expected output
  • This helps you practice specific Vim techniques

Helpful commands:

Command Description
Ctrl+v Start visual block mode
j/k Move down/up in block mode
h/l Extend selection left/right
I Insert at beginning of block
A Append at end of block
c Change selected block

Hints

  • Position cursor at start of 'mr_whiskers_database', press Ctrl+v
  • Move down 4 lines with 4j, extend right to select the text
  • Press c to change the selected block

Premium Course

This is a premium course available exclusively to paid members.

Upgrade your membership to access this course and all premium content on the platform.

Upgrade to Premium

Access all premium courses

Unlimited lesson submissions

Track your progress

Ready for Vim?

Before starting this lesson, be prepared.

Read the directions on the left, and when you're ready, let's go!