`set -o vi` allows us to use `vi` bindings instead of the default `emacs` bindings. The way to think about it is that the prompt starts out in `vi insert mode`

`set -o vi` allows us to use `vi` bindings instead of the default `emacs` bindings. The way to think about it is that the prompt starts out in `vi insert mode` so whatever we type in will just be inserted at the prompt. However, we can hit the`Escape` key and move into `vi normal mode` where the keys are interpreted as normal `vi` commands. So, for example, once we hit `esc` we can navigate around the line using `h` and `l` and navigate history (previous lines) using `k` and `j`. Commands I find very useful are: `jk` : for history navigation `bw`: for moving in the current line. These are word movement commands that are faster to navigate with. `cw` : similarly, changing a particular word in the current line is also great. This works particularly well with history - retrieve a previous command and change a word or option `dw` : for deleting the current word `/` : is a fantastic command for searching history. `/cd` will bring up our last change directory command and just hitting `n` will cycle through all our change directory commands that are in history. `AI` : to insert at the beginning/end of line ...and so on. If you have `vi` muscle memory it's a fantastic option for working on the shell. (edit: Formatting)