Chapter 02: Installing Vim on Windows (using WSL/Ubuntu)

published:

tags: [ #vim, #editor, #cli, #installation, #tutorial, #education, #kids, #children, #young, #learners, #ttk, #windows, #wsl, #ubuntu ]

Hello, Windows Adventurer!

If you're using a computer with Windows, this chapter is for you! We're going to install Vim inside your Ubuntu Linux system that you set up using WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux). This is the best way to use Vim on Windows!

Prerequisite: Install Ubuntu with WSL first

Before you can install Vim with these instructions, you need to have Ubuntu Linux set up on your Windows computer using WSL. If you haven't done that yet, please go to this course first:

Once you have Ubuntu running with WSL, come back here!

Step 1: Open Your Ubuntu Terminal

First, open your Ubuntu terminal. You can do this by searching for "Ubuntu" in your Windows Start menu and clicking the app. It's the black window where you type Linux commands!

Step 2: Update Your Ubuntu System (Important First Step!)

Before installing anything new, it's always a good idea to update all the software on your Ubuntu system. This ensures everything is fresh and ready!

In your Ubuntu terminal, type this, then press Enter:

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade -y

Type your Linux password if it asks, and press Enter. This command tells Ubuntu to get the newest lists of apps and then install new versions of apps.

Step 3: Install Vim

Now that your Ubuntu system is updated, installing Vim is super easy!

In your Ubuntu terminal, type this command and press Enter:

sudo apt install vim

When it asks (Y/n), type Y and press Enter to say "Yes, install it!"

Step 4: Verify Your Installation

Let's make sure Vim is ready to go!

In your Ubuntu terminal, type this command and press Enter:

vim --version

You should see lots of information about Vim, including its version number. As long as you see some text and a version, Vim is installed correctly!

Congratulations! Vim is now installed on your Windows computer, inside your Ubuntu Linux system. You're ready to learn its secrets!