Install Vim on Ubuntu

Vim packages

• vim-tiny is a minimal version, often pre-installed.
• vim is the standard version.
• vim-gtk3 is the GUI version (gVim).
• vim-nox adds scripting support for Python, Perl and Ruby.
• neovim is a modern rewrite of Vim.

Method 1: apt (recommended)

Step 1: Update the package list

sudo apt update

Step 2: Install Vim

Minimal:

sudo apt install vim-tiny

Standard:

sudo apt install vim

GUI version:

sudo apt install vim-gtk3

Step 3: Check it

vim --version

Method 2: Snap

Install snapd if it is missing:

sudo apt install snapd

sudo snap install --edge vim-editor

The command is vim-editor:

vim-editor --version

Method 3: Ubuntu Software

Open Ubuntu Software, search for vim and click Install.

Method 4: Build from source

Step 1: Install the build tools

sudo apt update && sudo apt install build-essential libncurses-dev git

Step 2: Get the source

git clone https://github.com/vim/vim.git
cd vim

Step 3: Configure and build

./configure --with-features=huge
make

Step 4: Install

sudo make install

Check it:

/usr/local/bin/vim --version

Open Vim

vim

Press i to type, Esc to stop, and type :wq to save and quit, or :q! to quit without saving.

Remove Vim

apt:

sudo apt autoremove vim

Snap:

sudo snap remove vim-editor

Source build, from the vim folder:

sudo make uninstall

FAQ

Which package is best for programming? vim-nox, because it supports Python, Perl and Ruby.

How do I exit Vim? Press Esc, then type :q! and press Enter to leave without saving.

Quick recap

• sudo apt install vim is the easiest way.
• Use vim-nox for scripting features.