How do I exit from the text window in Git?

Solution 1:

Since you are learning Git, know that this has little to do with git but with the text editor configured for use. In vim, you can press i to start entering text and save by pressing esc and :wq and enter, this will commit with the message you typed. In your current state, to just come out without committing, you can do :q instead of the :wq as mentioned above.

Alternatively, you can just do git commit -m '<message>' instead of having git open the editor to type the message.

Note that you can also change the editor and use something you are comfortable with ( like notepad) - How can I set up an editor to work with Git on Windows?

Solution 2:

There is a default text editor that will be used when Git needs you to type in a message. By default, Git uses your system’s default editor, which is generally Vi or Vim. In your case, it is Vim that Git has chosen. See How do I make Git use the editor of my choice for commits? for details of how to choose another editor. Meanwhile...

You'll want to enter a message before you leave Vim:

O

...will start a new line for you to type in.

To exit (g)Vim type:

EscZZ or Esc:wqReturn.

It's worth getting to know Vim, as you can use it for editing text on almost any platform. I recommend the Vim Tutor, I used it many years ago and have never looked back (barely a day goes by when I don't use Vim).

Solution 3:

That's the vi editor. Try ESC :q!.