Solaris vi Options

Table B-1 contains brief descriptions of the important set command options. In the first column, options are listed in alphabetical order; if the option can be abbreviated, that abbreviation is shown in parentheses. The second column shows the default setting that vi uses unless you issue an explicit set command (either manually or in the .exrc file). The last column describes what the option does, when enabled.

Table B-1. Solaris vi set options
OptionDefaultDescription
autoindent (ai)noai

In insert mode, indents each line to the same level as the line above or below. Use with the shiftwidth option.

autoprint (ap)ap

Display changes after each editor command. (For global replacement, display last replacement.)

autowrite (aw)noaw

Automatically write (save) the file if changed before opening another file with :n or before giving a Unix command with :!.

beautify (bf)nobf

Ignore all control characters during input (except tab, newline, or form feed).

directory (dir)/tmp

Names directory in which ex/vi stores buffer files. (Directory must be writable.)

edcompatible

noedcompatible

Remember the flags used with the most recent substitute command (global, confirming), and use them for the next substitute command. Despite the name, no version of ed actually does this.

errorbells (eb)errorbellsSound bell when an error occurs.
exrc (ex)noexrc

Allow the execution of .exrc files that reside outside the user’s home directory.

flash (fp)

nofp

Flash the screen instead of ringing the bell.

hardtabs ...

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