Introduction: The command line, a.k.a. the terminal, is a powerful tool for interacting with your computer, especially when working with tools like OpenShift (oc). One aspect of your command-line experience that you might not think much about is the text editor you use for tasks like editing configuration files or composing longer messages. In this blog post, we’ll explore how to set your preferred text editor for oc edit commands by customizing the EDITOR environment variable. We’ll explain what the oc command is, demystify the concept of shell configuration files, discuss the importance of the EDITOR variable, and suggest some common CLI editors.
Also note, that the process is the same for the Kubernetes CLI utility – kubectl.
What is the oc Command?
The oc command is a crucial tool for working with OpenShift, a container orchestration platform. It allows you to interact with your OpenShift cluster from the command line. You can create and manage applications, configure resources, monitor your cluster, and more. It’s a versatile tool that simplifies many administrative tasks.
Shell Configuration Files – What Are They?
Shells are the interfaces between you and your computer’s operating system, and they have configuration files that define how the shell behaves. Depending on the shell you use (e.g., Bash, Zsh, Fish), these configuration files go by different names:
- Bash:
~/.bashrc - Zsh:
~/.zshrc - Fish:
~/.config/fish/config.fish
These files contain settings, aliases, and environment variables, and they are executed every time you start a new terminal session. Customizing them can greatly enhance your command-line experience.
The Importance of the EDITOR Environment Variable
The EDITOR environment variable is your key to customizing the text editor used by various command-line tools. When you run a command that requires text editing, like git commit or oc edit, the system checks the EDITOR variable to determine which editor to open. Setting this variable allows you to use your favourite text editor for these tasks.
Common CLI Editors
There are numerous command-line text editors to choose from. Here are a few of the most popular ones:
- Vim: Known for its steep learning curve but unmatched power and efficiency once you’ve mastered it.
- Nano: A simpler and more user-friendly text editor for basic editing tasks.
- Emacs: An extensible text editor that can be customized to suit a wide range of needs.
- Visual Studio Code (VSCode): The command-line version of the popular Visual Studio Code editor, known for its extensibility and features.
- Sublime Text: Offers a command-line interface and is well-regarded for its elegant and intuitive design.
Setting Your Preferred Editor
To set your preferred editor (let’s say, Vim) as the default for oc edit and other commands, you need to edit your shell configuration file (e.g., ~/.bashrc) and add the following line:
bash
export EDITOR=vimReplace vim with the path to your preferred editor if it’s not installed in a standard location.
Customizing your command-line editing experience might seem like a small thing, but it can greatly enhance your productivity and comfort when working in the terminal. Setting the EDITOR environment variable is a simple way to make your command-line tools work the way you want them to, and you can choose from a variety of editors to suit your preferences. Whether you’re a Vim enthusiast or a fan of simpler editors like Nano, your command line, your rules!