Default Editor on Ubuntu
30/10/2025
For some reason Ubuntu comes with the Nano editor as default. Fine for some, just not for me.
I want VI(M)! So we run, as root:
update-alternatives --config editor
This will show you a list of possible editors on your system:
-> # update-alternatives --config editor
There are 4 choices for the alternative editor (providing /usr/bin/editor).
Selection Path Priority Status
------------------------------------------------------------
0 /bin/nano 40 auto mode
1 /bin/ed -100 manual mode
2 /bin/nano 40 manual mode
* 3 /usr/bin/vim.basic 30 manual mode
4 /usr/bin/vim.tiny 15 manual mode
Press >enter< to keep the current choice[*], or type selection number:
Choose your favourite!