How to view line numbers in vi

When editing large files in vi or vim line numbers become very important.

This is how you turn on/off line numbers in vi or vim.

Turn on line numbers

While vi is in edit mode and not inserting type the following

:set number

Turn off line numbers

While vi is in edit mode and not inserting type the following

:set nonumber

Screenshots

3 Responses to “How to view line numbers in vi”

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1. Irwan says:

   December 28, 2007 at 2:48 pm

   My favourite (short cut mode), :se nu

   Reply
2. Danny says:

   December 28, 2007 at 3:21 pm

   Thanks man

   Reply
3. aizatto says:

   December 28, 2007 at 9:47 pm

   If you want this to be permanent, you should enter it into your ~/.vimrc file. In fact go search online for .vimrc files, there are many good tips you can find in them.

   Reply