How do I switch between command and insert mode in Vim?

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?

Solution 1:

Pressing ESC quits from insert mode to normal mode, where you can press : to type in a command. Press i again to back to insert mode, and you are good to go.

I'm not a Vim guru, so someone else can be more experienced and give you other options.

Solution 2:

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.

Solution 3:

This has been mentioned in other questions, but ctrl + [ is an equivalent to ESC on all keyboards.

Solution 4:

Coming from emacs I've found that I like ctrl + keys to do stuff, and in vim I've found that both [ctrl + C] and [alt + backspace] will enter Normal mode from insert mode. You might try and see if any of those works out for you.

Solution 5:

Using jj

In my case, the .vimrc (or in gVim it is in _vimrc) setting below.

inoremap jj <Esc>   """ jj key is <Esc> setting