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Welcome to the Helix tutorial!

Press the j key until you reach the introduction.

=================================================================

= INTRODUCTION =

=================================================================

Welcome to the Helix editor! Helix is different from editors

you might be used to in that it is modal, meaning that it has

different modes for editing text. The primary modes you will

use are Normal mode and Insert mode. While in Normal mode, the

keys you type won't actually type text. Instead, they will

perform various actions with the text. This allows for more

efficient editing. This tutor will teach you how you can make

use of Helix's modal editing features. To begin, ensure your

CapsLock key is not pressed and hold the j key until you reach

the first lesson.

=================================================================

= 1.1 BASIC CURSOR MOVEMENT =

=================================================================

↑

k * h is on the left

← h l → * l is on the right

j * j looks like a down arrow

↓

The cursor can be moved using the h, j, k, l keys, as shown

above. The cursor / arrow keys will also work, but it is faster

to use the hjkl keys as they are closer to the other keys you

will be using. Try moving around to get a feel for hjkl.

Once you're ready, hold j to continue to the next lesson.

=================================================================

= 1.2 EXITING HELIX =

=================================================================

1. Type : to enter Command mode. Your cursor will

move to the bottom of the screen.

2. Type q or quit and press Enter to exit Helix.

Note: The quit command will fail if there are unsaved changes.

To force quit and DISCARD these changes, type q! or quit!.

You will learn how to save files later.

To exit Command mode without entering a command, press Escape.

Now, move on to the next lesson.

=================================================================

= 1.3 DELETION =

=================================================================

Type the d key to delete the character under the cursor.

1. Move the cursor to the line marked '-->' below.

2. Move the cursor to each extra character, and type d to

delete it.

--> Thhiss senttencee haass exxtra charracterss.

This sentence has extra characters.

Once the sentence is correct, move on to the next lesson.

=================================================================

= 1.4 INSERT MODE =

=================================================================

Type the i key to enter Insert mode.

1. Move the cursor to the line marked '-->' below.

2. Move to a place in the line which is missing text and type

i to enter Insert mode. Keys you type will now type text.

3. Enter the missing text.

4. Press Escape to exit Insert mode and return to Normal mode.

5. Repeat until the line matches the line below it.

--> Th stce misg so.

This sentence is missing some text.

Note: The status bar will display your current mode.

Notice that when you type i, 'NOR' changes to 'INS'.

=================================================================

= 1.5 SAVING A FILE =

=================================================================

Type :w / :write to save a file.

1. Exit Helix using :q! as explained before, or open a new

terminal.

2. Open a file in Helix by running: hx FILENAME

3. Make some edits to the file.

4. Type : to enter Command mode.

5. Type w or write, and press Enter to save the file.

You can also type wq or write-quit to save and exit.

Note: You can optionally enter a file path after the w / write

command in order to save to that path.

Note: If there are any unsaved changes to a file, a plus [+]

will appear next to the file name in the status bar.

=================================================================

= CHAPTER 1 RECAP =

=================================================================

* Use the h,j,k,l keys to move the cursor.

* Type : to enter Command mode.

* The q / quit and q! / quit! commands will exit Helix. The

former fails when there are unsaved changes. The latter

discards them.

* The w / write command will save the file.

* The wq / write-quit command will do both.

* Type d to delete the character at the cursor.

* Type i to enter Insert mode and type text. Press Escape to

return to Normal mode.

=================================================================

= 2.1 MORE INSERT COMMANDS =

=================================================================

As you saw, you can type i to enter Insert mode at the current

position of the cursor. There are a few other ways you can

enter Insert mode at different locations.

Common examples of insertion commands include:

i - Insert before the selection.

a - Insert after the selection. (a means 'append')

I - Insert at the start of the line.

A - Insert at the end of the line.

1. Move to anywhere in the line marked '-->' below.

2. Type A (Shift-a), your cursor will move to the end of

the line and you will be able to type.

3. Type the text necessary to match the line below.

--> This sentence is miss

This sentence is missing some text.

=================================================================

= 2.2 OPENING LINES =

=================================================================

Type o to add a newline and insert below the cursor.

Type O to add a newline and insert above the cursor.

1. Move the cursor to the line marked '-->' below.

2. Type o to open a line below and type your answer.

--> What is the best editor?

=================================================================

= CHAPTER 2 RECAP =

=================================================================

* Type a to append to the selection.

* Type I to enter Insert mode at the first non-whitespace

character at the start of a line.

* Type A to enter Insert mode at the end of a line.

* Use o and O to open lines below and above the cursor respectively.

=================================================================

= 3.1 MOTIONS AND SELECTIONS =

=================================================================

Type w to select forward until the next word.

The d key doesn't actually delete the character at the cursor,

it deletes all selected text. Your cursor is like a

single-character selection.

1. Move the cursor to the line marked '-->' below.

2. Move to the beginning of a word that needs to be deleted.

3. Type w to select until the beginning of the next word.

4. Type d to delete the selection.

5. Repeat for all extra words in the line.

--> This sentence pencil has vacuum extra words in the it.

This sentence has extra words in it.

=================================================================

= 3.2 MORE MOTIONS =

=================================================================

As you saw, typing w moves the cursor forward until the start

of the next word, selecting the text traversed. This is useful

for moving around text and for selecting text to operate on.

Some common motions include:

w - Move forward to before the beginning of the next word.

e - Move forward to the end of the current word.

b - Move backward to the beginning of the current word.

To select the word under cursor, combine e and b.

1. Move the cursor to the line marked '-->' below.

2. Move to a 'd' letter.

3. Type e to select a half of the word.

4. Type b to select the rest.

--> The Middle Kingdom.

=================================================================

= 3.3 WORDS AND words =

=================================================================

The w,e,b motions also have counterparts - W,E,B - which

traverse WORDS instead of words. WORDS are only separated by

whitespace, whereas words can be separated by other characters

in addition to whitespace.

1. Move the cursor to the beginning of the line marked with '-->'.

2. Type w repeatedly to select individual words until you

reach the end of the line.

3. Note that 'one-of-a-kind' required 7 keystrokes to be

traversed. '"modal"' required 3 keystrokes.

4. Move the cursor back to beginning of the line marked '-->'.

5. Type W repeatedly to select individual WORDS.

6. Note that 'one-of-a-kind' and '"modal"' have been selected

both with one keystroke each.

--> Helix is a one-of-a-kind "modal" text editor

=================================================================

= 3.4 THE CHANGE COMMAND =

=================================================================

Type c to change the current selection.

The change command deletes the current selection and enters

Insert mode, so it is a very common shorthand for di.

1. Move the cursor to the line marked '-->' below.

2. Move to the start of an incorrect word and type w to

select it.

3. Type c to delete the word and enter Insert mode.

4. Type the correct word.

5. Repeat until the line matches the line below it.

--> This paper has heavy words behind it.

This sentence has incorrect words in it.

=================================================================

= 3.5 COUNTS WITH MOTIONS =

=================================================================

Type a number before a motion to repeat it that many times.

1. Move the cursor to the line marked '-->' below.

2. Type 2w to move 2 words forward.

3. Type 3e to move to the end of the third word forward.

4. Type 2b to move 2 words backwards

5. Try the above with different numbers.

--> This is just a line with words you can move around in.

=================================================================

= 3.6 SELECT / EXTEND MODE =

=================================================================

Type v to enter Select mode.

Type v again or Escape to return to Normal mode

In Select mode every movement will extend the selection, as

opposed to replacing it.

1. Move the cursor to the line marked '-->' below.

2. Move to the F of FOO and type v2w to select the two words.

3. Type d to remove the two words. Notice d returns you to

Normal mode.

4. Move to the B of BAZ and repeat the sequence to delete them.

--> Remove the FOO BAR distracting words BAZ BIZ from this line.

=================================================================

= 3.7 SELECTING LINES =

=================================================================

Type x to select a whole line. Type x again to select the next.

1. Move the cursor to the second line marked '-->' below.

2. Type x to select the line, and d to delete it.

3. Move to the fourth line.

4. Type x twice or type 2x to select 2 lines, and d to delete.

--> 1) Roses are red,

--> 2) Mud is fun,

--> 3) Violets are blue,

--> 4) I have a car,

--> 5) Clocks tell time,

--> 6) Sugar is sweet,

--> 7) And so are you.

Note : X works similarly to x although it doesn't extend to

subsequent lines. X on an empty line does nothing.

=================================================================

= 3.8 COLLAPSING SELECTIONS =

=================================================================

Type ; to collapse selections to single cursors.

Sometimes, you want to deselect without having to move the

cursor(s). This can be done using the ; key.

1. Move the cursor to the line marked '-->' below.

2. Use the motions you have learned to move around the line,

and try using ; to deselect the text after it is selected

by the motions.

--> This is an error-free line with words to move around in.

Note: This works the same in Select mode.

Note: Another related command is Alt-; which flips selections.

=================================================================

= CHAPTER 3 RECAP =

=================================================================

* Type w to select forward until the next word.

* Type e to select to the end of the current word.

* Type b to select backward to the start of the current word.

* Use uppercase counterparts, W,E,B, to traverse WORDS.

* Type d to delete the entire selection.

* Type c to delete the selection and enter Insert mode.

* Type a number before a motion to repeat it that many times.

* Type v to enter Select mode, where all motions extend the

selection.

* Type x to select the entire current line. Type x again to

select the next line.

* Type semicolon ( ; ) to collapse selection.

=================================================================

= 4.1 UNDOING =

=================================================================

Type u to undo. Type U to redo.

1. Move the cursor to the line marked '-->' below.

2. Move to the first error, and type d to delete it.

3. Type u to undo your deletion.

4. Fix all the errors on the line.

5. Type u several times to undo your fixes.

6. Type U (Shift-u) several times to redo your fixes.

--> Fiix the errors on thhis line and reeplace them witth undo.

=================================================================

= 4.2 COPYING AND PASTING TEXT =

=================================================================

Type y to yank (copy) the selection.

Type p to paste the yanked selection after the cursor.

Type P to paste the yanked text before the cursor.

1. Move the cursor to the line marked '-->' below.

Make sure your cursor is on the "b" of banana.

2. Type w to select "banana" and y to yank it.

3. Move to the space between "2" and "3" and type p to paste.

4. Repeat between "3" and "4".

--> 1 banana 2 3 4

1 banana 2 banana 3 banana 4

Note: Whenever you delete or change text, Helix will copy the

altered text. Use Alt-d / Alt-c instead to avoid this.

Note: Helix doesn't share the system clipboard by default. Type

Space + y / p to yank / paste on the system's clipboard.

=================================================================

= 4.3 SEARCHING IN FILE =

=================================================================

Type / to search forward in file, Enter to confirm search.

Type n to go to the next search match.

Type N to go to the previous search match.

1. Type / and type in a common word, like 'banana'.

2. Press Enter to confirm the search.

3. Use n and N to cycle through the matches.

Searching uses regular expressions, allowing you to target more

complex expressions, which you'll learn about in the lesson on

the select command.

Note: To search backwards, type ? (Shift-/).

Note: Unlike Vim, ? doesn't change the search direction.

N always goes backwards and n always goes forwards.

=================================================================

= CHAPTER 4 RECAP =

=================================================================

* Type u to undo. Type U to redo.

* Type y to yank (copy) text and p to paste.

* Use Space + y and Space + p to yank / paste on the system

clipboard.

* Type / to search forward in file, and ? to search backwards.

* Use n and N to cycle through search matches.

=================================================================

= 5.1 MULTIPLE CURSORS =

=================================================================

Type C to duplicate the cursor to the next suitable line.

1. Move the cursor to the first line marked '-->' below. Place

the cursor somewhere past the '-->'.

2. Type C to duplicate the cursor to the next suitable line.

Notice how it skips the line in the middle. Keys you type

will now affect both cursors.

3. Use Insert mode to correct the lines. The two cursors will

fix both lines simultaneously.

4. Type , to remove the first cursor.

--> Fix th two nes at same ime.

-->

--> Fix th two nes at same ime.

Fix these two lines at the same time.

Note: Press Alt-C to do the same above the cursor.

=================================================================

= 5.2 THE SELECT COMMAND =

=================================================================

Type s to select matches in the selection.

1. Move the cursor to the line marked '-->' below.

2. Type x to select the line.

3. Type s. A prompt will appear.

4. Type 'apples' and press Enter. Both occurrences of

'apples' in the line will be selected.

5. You can now type c and change 'apples' to something else,

like 'oranges'.

6. Press Escape to exit Insert mode.

7. Type , to remove the second cursor.

--> I like to eat apples since my favorite fruit is apples.

I like to eat oranges since my favorite fruit is oranges.

=================================================================

= 5.3 SELECTING VIA REGEX =

=================================================================

Like searching, the select command selects regular expressions,

not just exact matches.

1. Move the cursor to the line marked '-->' below.

2. Select the line with x and then type s.

3. Type ' +' to select any amount of consecutive spaces >1,

then press Enter.

4. Type c and change the matches to single spaces.

--> This sentence has some extra spaces.

This sentence has some extra spaces.

Note: If you want to perform find-and-replace, the select

command is the way to do it. Select the text you want

to replace in — type % to select the whole file — and

then perform the steps explained above.

=================================================================

= 5.4 ALIGN SELECTIONS =

=================================================================

Type & to align the contents of the selections.

1. Move the cursor to the first line marked '-->' below. Place

the cursor on the whitespace just after the arrow.

2. Type C four times or 4C.

3. Type W to select the numbers and brackets.

4. Type & to align the words.

--> 97) lorem

--> 98) ipsum

--> 99) dolor

--> 100) sit

--> 101) amet

Note: & only cares about the alignment of the "head" of the

selections - the end that moves. The other end is called

the "anchor".

=================================================================

= 5.5 SPLIT SELECTION INTO LINES =

=================================================================

Press Alt-s to split the selection(s) on newlines.

1. Move the cursor to the first row of the table below.

2. Select the entire table with 6x.

3. Press Alt-s to split into selections at each line.

4. Align the table with &.

| FRUIT | AMOUNT |

|---------|--------|

| Apples | 8 |

| Bananas | 6 |

| Oranges | 3 |

| Donuts | 4 |

=================================================================

= CHAPTER 5 RECAP =

=================================================================

* Type C to duplicate the cursor to the next suitable line

and Alt-C for previous suitable line.

* Type s to select all instances of a regex pattern inside

the current selection.

* Type & to align selections.

* Press Alt-s to split the selection into lines.

=================================================================

= 6.1 SELECTING TO A CHARACTER =

=================================================================

Type f<ch> to select up to and including (find) a character.

Type t<ch> to do the same, but not including (till) a character.

Type uppercase F / T to do the same backwards.

1. Move the cursor to the line marked '-->' below. Place the

cursor on the first dash.

2. Type f[ to select to the square bracket.

3. Type d to delete your selection.

4. Go to the end of the line and repeat with F].

5. Move to the second line marked '-->', just after the arrow.

6. Use t and T to delete the dashes around the sentence.

--> -----[Free this sentence of its brackets!]-----

--> ------Free this sentence of its dashes!------

Note: Unlike Vim, Helix doesn't limit these commands to the

current line. It searches for the character in the file.

=================================================================

= 6.2 THE REPLACE COMMAND =

=================================================================

Type r<ch> to replace all selected characters with <ch>.

1. Move to the second line of the table, place the cursor on the

first =.

2. Type t| (Shift-\) to select the = separator.

3. Type r- to replace the separator with dashes.

| Month | Days |

|=======|------|

| Jan | 31 |

| Feb | 28 |

| Mar | 31 |

| ... | ... |

=================================================================

= 6.3 REPETITION =

=================================================================

Type . to repeat the last insert command.

Press Alt-. to repeat the last f / t selection.

1. Move the cursor to the line marked '-->' below.

2. Make a change, insertion or appendage and repeat it with . .

3. Try using Alt-. with f and t, to select multiple sentences

for instance.

--> This is some text for you to repeat things. You can repeat

insertions like changing words, or repeat selections like

f / t.

=================================================================

= CHAPTER 6 RECAP =

=================================================================

* Type f / F to extend selection up to & including a character.

* Type t / T to extend selection until a character.

* Type r to replace selected characters.

* Type . to repeat the last insertion.

* Press Alt-. to repeat the last f / t selection.

=================================================================

= 7.1 REPLACE WITH YANKED TEXT =

=================================================================

Type R to replace the selection with previously yanked text.

1. Move the cursor to the line marked '-->' below.

2. Type w to select "watermelons" and then y to yank it.

3. Select "oranges" with w.

4. Type R to replace "oranges" with "watermelons"

--> I like watermelons because oranges are refreshing.

I like watermelons because watermelons are refreshing.

=================================================================

= 7.2 JOINING LINES =

=================================================================

Type J to join together lines in selection.

1. Move the cursor to the line marked '-->' below.

2. Type x four times or 4x to select all four lines.

3. Type J to join the lines together.

--> This sentence

is spilling over

onto other

lines.

This sentence is spilling over onto other lines.

=================================================================

= 7.3 INDENTING LINES =

=================================================================

Type > to indent a line and < to unindent it.

1. Move the cursor to the line marked '-->' below.

2. Move down to the second line and type > to indent it.

3. Move to the third line and type < to unindent it.

--> These lines

are indented

very poorly.

These lines

are indented

much better.

=================================================================

= 7.4 INCREMENTING AND DECREMENTING =

=================================================================

Press Ctrl-a to increment the number under selection.

Press Ctrl-x to decrement the number under selection.

1. Move the cursor to the third line marked '-->' below.

2. Press Ctrl-a to increment the second point marked 2.

3. Repeat for the point marked 3.

4. Move to the last point and press Ctrl-x to decrement the 6.

--> 1) First point.

--> 2) Added point.

--> 2) Next point.

--> 3) Another point.

--> 6) Last point.

=================================================================

= CHAPTER 7 RECAP =

=================================================================

* Type R to replace the selection with yanked text.

* Type J to join lines in selection.

* Type > and < to indent / unindent lines.

* Press Ctrl-a to increment the selected number.

* Press Ctrl-x to decrement the selected number.

=================================================================

= 8.1 REGISTERS =

=================================================================

Registers are containers identified by a character for storing

things like yanked text. Registers are also used to store the

most recent search term as well as macros, which you'll learn

about in the next section.

Type "<ch> to select register <ch>.

1. Move the cursor to the line marked '-->' below.

2. Type w to select "watermelons" and yank with y.

3. Type w to select "bananas".

4. Change to register b with "b and yank with y.

5. Select "mangoes" and type R to replace it with "watermelons".

6. Select "pineapples" then type "b R to replace with "bananas".

--> I like watermelons and bananas because my favorite fruits

are mangoes and pineapples.

=================================================================

= 8.2 MACROS =

=================================================================

Macros are a way to record a set of actions you want to repeat.

You can also record macros to a specific register (default @).

Type Q to start recording a macro - you should see a popup at

the bottom of your screen. Type Q again to stop recording.

Type q to repeat the macro from register @ (the default).

1. Move the cursor to the first line marked '-->' below.

Ensure your cursor is on the '>' of the arrow.

2. Type Q to start recording.

3. Edit the line to look like the bottom one.

4. Exit insert and type Q again to stop recording.

5. Move to the line below and put your cursor on '>' again.

6. Type q to repeat the macro.

--> ... sentence doesn't have its first and last ... .

--> ... sentence doesn't have its first and last ... .

This sentence doesn't have its first and last word.

=================================================================

= CHAPTER 8 RECAP =

=================================================================

* Type " to select a different register.

* Type Q to start and stop recording a macro to a register,

the default being @.

* Type q to replay a macro from @ or the selected register.

=================================================================

= 9.1 SEARCHING FOR SELECTIONS =

=================================================================

The most recent search with / is stored in register /.

n and N both refer to register /, this means we can set that

register without having to type in a search.

Type * to copy the selection into register /, setting the search

term to the selection. This copies the primary selection, which

you will learn about in the section on cycling selections.

1. Move the cursor to the line marked '-->' below.

2. Select "horse" with e and type *.

3. Use n and N to jump between the instances of "horse".

--> A horse is a horse, of course, of course,

--> And no one can talk to a horse of course.

Note: * is like a shorthand for "/y as all it really does is

copy the selection into the / register.

=================================================================

= 9.2 ADDING SELECTION ON NEXT SEARCH MATCH =

=================================================================

A property of Select mode (v) when using n and N is that instead

of moving the selection to the next match, it adds a new

selection on each match.

1. Move the cursor to the line marked '-->' below.

2. Select the first "bat" and type * to set it to search.

3. Type v to enter Select mode.

4. Type n to select the other "bat".

5. Use c or r to change the "bat"s to "cat".

--> Everybody wants to be a bat,

--> because a cat's the only bat

--> who knows where it's at.

=================================================================

= 9.3 USING THE JUMPLIST =

=================================================================

Helix can keep track of "jumps" which are big movements, like

searching or jumping to the definition of a function in code. It

stores these in what's called the jumplist.

Press Ctrl-s to manually save your current position to

the jumplist.

Press Ctrl-i ("in") and Ctrl-o ("out") to move forward and

backwards in the jumplist respectively.

1. Press Ctrl-s somewhere.

2. Move far away in the file.

3. Press Ctrl-o (just once!) to come back to where you saved.

=================================================================

= CHAPTER 9 RECAP =

=================================================================

* Type * to set the search register to the primary selection.

* Type n / N in Select mode to add selections on each search

match.

* Press Ctrl-s to save position to the jumplist.