c is the change operator. cw changes a word; cc changes a line; C changes to end of line. S and s are short forms that change a whole line and a single character respectively.
c is what d-then-i would be if you didn't have to think. It deletes the same range d would, and drops you straight into Insert mode at that spot. Then Esc closes the change as one undoable, dot-repeatable unit.
Change a word
Key
Note
c
w
= c$ (change to end of line)
Key
Note
C
Change current line (linewise)
Key
Note
c
c
= cc (change whole line)
Key
Note
S
Substitute character (= cl)
Key
Note
s
cw — change a wordC — change to end of linecc / S — change a lines — substitute a char
Reference
Key
Action
Equivalent
c{motion}
Change range
d{motion} + i
cc
Change line
—
C
Change to end of line
c$
S
Change line
cc
s
Substitute one char
cl
cw
Change word (note: like ce)
—
ciw
Change inner word
—
ca'
Change around quotes
—
Worked example — cw is c then w
Change = delete + Insert in one step.
Step 1 ·
Step 2 · cw · cw — 'quick' gone, Insert mode on.
Note the trailing space stays — cw stops just before the next word. (One of cw's well-known quirks.)
Step 3 · slow · Type 'slow'.
Step 4 · Esc · Esc — change is committed and dot-repeatable.
