How to Install and Use Nano Text Editor on CentOS and AlmaLinux? (Step 3)

Nano is a user-friendly command-line text editor for Unix-like systems, such as CentOS and AlmaLinux. It offers a simple interface with essential features and intuitive keyboard shortcuts.

Key Features of Nano

• Simple Interface: Clean and minimalistic, with a text editing area, status bar, and keyboard shortcuts displayed at the bottom.
• Keyboard Shortcuts: Perform actions like saving, searching, copying, cutting, and pasting with easy-to-remember shortcuts.
• Syntax Highlighting: Supports various programming and markup languages, enhancing readability.
• Search and Replace: Quickly search for text within a file and replace it.

Step 1: Install Nano

First, check if Nano is already installed:

which nano

• If installed, you’ll see the path to Nano, like /usr/bin/nano.
• If not, you’ll see an error message.

To install Nano, run:

yum install nano

Step 2: Using Nano

To open a file with Nano, use:

nano filename

For example, to edit test.txt:

nano test.txt

Basic Commands

• Save changes: Press Ctrl + O, then Enter.
• Exit Nano: Press Ctrl + X.
• Exit without saving: Press Ctrl + X, then N when prompted.

Explore more commands by pressing Ctrl + G inside Nano for the help menu.

That’s it! You’ve successfully installed and started using Nano on your CentOS or AlmaLinux system. Happy editing!