How do I type numbers in vi?

Question

Sometimes when I have to do basic editing of a file or write a basic script when I'm working in Terminal, I use vi. The problem is that when I type numbers, it goes to that line. Is there a way to turn this off or get around this? Surprisingly, when I searched Google and Super User, I couldn't find anything on this.

Solution

You need to get into insert mode by typing "i".

Comments

[Diogo]

Did you tried to press "Insert" before entering numbers?

[user5249203]

You might benefit from working through a vi tutorial (example)

[CoffeeRain]

I am... (fifteen characters)

[Scott C Wilson]

Are you perhaps using the numeric keypad without the Num Lock button pressed?

[CoffeeRain]

My keyboard has just the line of numbers on the top.

[Scott C Wilson]

Use the command ":se showmode" (no quotes) and make sure you are in Insert mode (it will show -- INSERT --) at the bottom of the screen.