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Asked: 2026-06-13T18:20:42+00:00

I just started using Vim as an IDE. I was using it as a

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I just started using Vim as an IDE. I was using it as a test editor for a while now, so I didn’t have to go to command mode very often. But, since I program in Java, I have to go to command mode to make the file, compile/run it… etc.

The problem is: I need a good way to switch between the two modes.

I looked online and it says that the <Esc> key is supposed to do that, but that doesn’t work for me (maybe it’s not for gVim? I don’t know why.)

I have to press CTRLO every time to go to command mode; the escape key works from that mode… it brings me back to insert mode. But is there a better, or easier, way of switching between command mode and insert mode?

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1 Answer

  1. Editorial Team

    Looks like your Vim is launched in easy mode. See :help easy.

    This happens when Vim is invoked with the -y argument or as evim, or maybe you have a :set insertmode somewhere in your .vimrc configuration. Find the source and disable it; temporarily this can be also done via Ctrl + O :set noim Enter.

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