Very basic Vim question

[shiidii]

I have been using Vim long enough to know this, but how do you exit 'Insert/replace' mode?
I just go to an empty line and press Alt+Delete, but this is a stupid way and might damage your code accidently if you dont do it on an empty line.

[Ben]

For what alt + del, or what is exactly your question? I can't get the point here.

I hit "alt + del" in view mode on a non empty line, nothing happens in insert mode it just does the same "del" does.

[shiidii]

Scenario:
I edit file.cf
I press the Insert key to enter insert mode
I make my changes
In order to save and quit I must type :wq but I need to exit insert mode otherwise I type :wq into the file.
Alt Delete is what I am currently using to exit insert mode. But for me it also deletes text.

So, what key do you use to exit insert mode?

[Ben]

ah, sorry I misunterstood your sentence, I thought you already know it... just hit escape to leave it. then type :wq or :x
in case of ignore chagnes type :q!

[shiidii]

Ahh, esc! Thanks

[falko]

http://www.howtoforge.com/faq/12_15_en.html