codex-lv2-may-2025

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Lesson: Create a Text File Using a Terminal Editor

Step 1: Navigate to the Working Directory

First, change into the thesis folder where you want to create your file:
```
cd thesis
```
This will be the folder where your new file is saved by default.

Step 2: Launch Nano to Create a File

Use the nano command to open a new file called draft.txt:
```
nano draft.txt
```

Type a few lines of text. Example:

It's not publish or perish any more,
it's share and thrive.

Save your file:
- Press Ctrl + O and then Enter to confirm the file name.
- Press Ctrl + X to exit the editor.
Check that your file was created:
```
ls
```
You should see draft.txt listed.

Step 3: Choose the Right Editor for You

nano is a simple, beginner-friendly text editor.
Other popular editors:
- vim, emacs (powerful, but require more learning)
- gedit, VS Code (graphical editors on Unix systems)
- notepad, Notepad++ (text editors on Windows)
If you launch an editor from the terminal, it typically uses the current working directory for saving files.
If you open an editor from a start menu or app launcher, it may default to saving in Desktop or Documents. Double-check your save location.

Reflection Questions

How does editing from the terminal compare to using a graphical text editor?
Why might it be useful to know a terminal-based editor, even if you usually prefer a GUI?

This lesson helps you get comfortable editing plain text files from the command line — a key skill for scripting, logging, and version control workflows.