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> What did you use your smarts to create a modal editor while choosing the worst key ever to switch modes!? I believe when vi was originally created, the Esc k
by malauxyeux 4y ago
> What did you use your smarts to create a modal editor while choosing the worst key ever to switch modes!?
I believe when vi was originally created, the Esc key was often placed to the left of Q, where the Tab key is now located on QWERTY layouts.
- samatman 4y agoYou could also just press the Alt key on some systems, which sends the control code Esc.
- yjftsjthsd-h 4y agoCorrect; vi was born on this layout: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:KB_Terminal_ADM3A.svg https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:KB_Terminal_ADM3A.svg (see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vi https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vi). Notice the arrow keys, and Ctrl and escape. In this case, the history of the program basically explains everything in my opinion.