Open and edit files using VI

Ok, gonna get a little rough here, but I am sure you can do it. Let's add some color to your Terminal experience. To do this, we need to add some code to your .bash_profile. The trick here is that it's difficult to open hidden files using most editors that rely on a typical finder. UNIX comes with a text editor called VI built in that you can access from the Terminal.

To get started, make sure that you are in your home directory:

$ cd ~

Now, open the file in VI:

$ vi .bash_profile

In your Terminal, you will have open this file in VI mode, so things are a little different. In order to add content, you need to hit the i key. This open the -- INSERT -- mode and add the following:

export CLICOLOR=1
export LSCLOLOLORS=GxFxCxDxBxegedabagaced

To save these edits, hit the esc key. To exit VI mode, type :wq. I know, all a little weird, but that's how it works. Welcome to VI.

Ok, for the fun part. If you do a ls -p here, there will be no change. To get updated to the .bash_profile to take effect, you have to do what is called 'sourcing'. To do this, run:

$ source ~/.bash_profile

Now, enter ls -p and your directories will be a different color from your files.