How to Remove Lines from Line m to Line n in a Text File Using the vi or vim Editor ?

Introduction

This guide explains how to delete a range of lines — from line m to line n — or all lines in a file using the vi or vim text editor.

Delete Lines from Line m to Line n (where n > m)

To delete lines from line m to line n, use the following command in Normal mode (press Esc first):

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:m,nd

Where:

• m is the starting line number.
• n is the ending line number.
• d stands for "delete".

Example:

To delete lines from line 10 to line 20:

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:10,20d

This deletes all lines between and including line 10 and line 20.

Delete from the Current Line to Line n

To delete lines from the current line (where your cursor is) to line n, use:

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:.,nd

Where:

• . refers to the current line.
• n is the ending line number.

Example:

If your cursor is on line 5 and you want to delete from line 5 to line 15:

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:.,15d

Delete All Lines in the File

To delete all lines from the file (i.e., from the first line to the last line):

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:1,$d

Where:

• 1 is the first line.
• $ refers to the last line.
• d deletes the range.

References