How to save and exit "nano .bash_profile" in Terminal?

I need to add some line to nano .bash_profile in Terminal. Then:

1) I enter with this command line: nano .bash_profile

2) Add the line I need

3) now I don't know how to Save and Exit

I thought it is :w + enter. If this is correct I need some direction to use it.

No, :w is a /usr/bin/vi command. Use the combination control+x to exit. You will be prompted to save the file if you have made unsaved changes.

Nano is intended to be a bit friendlier / simpler to new users than vi/vim or emacs which both cater to more power users that have spent time learning how to use them effectively.

To get started in nano - look for commands along the bottom of the window when nano is open. (^ stands for the control key)

^X      (F2)            Close the current file buffer / Exit from nano
^O      (F3)            Write the current file to disk

Per Apple's Support Article:

6. To save the file, press Control-O.
7. At the filename prompt, press Enter.
8. To exit, press Control-X.

If you want to save the changes you've made, press Control+ O. To exit nano, type Control+ X. If you ask nano to exit from a modified file, it will ask you if you want to save it. Just press N in case you don't, or Y in case you do. It will then ask you for a filename. Just type it in and press Enter.

If you accidentally confirmed that you want to save the file but you actually don't, you can always cancel by pressing Control+ Cwhen you're prompted for a filename.

I just have the same question. after a lot of trail and error i learned that Nano is asking you to write the name of the "new conf file". Since you do not want a new file just hit enter indicating to nano that you want to keep the same name.

Basically you change the conf file, pres Ctrl + x and finally hit Enter (to indicate the same name). Good luck

1. Enter nano .bash_profile (It will open the .bash_profile file in the nano editor)
2. After making changes to the file use ControlX (to "exit")
3. Then it asks for the changes to be made permanently and gives two options: Yes (or) No
4. Press Y and press Enter to save the file