Chapter 06 · CLI
Interactive mode: shortcuts, multiline, Vim and shell mode
Interactive mode offers a rich editing layer: keyboard shortcuts, multiline input, Vim mode, shell mode and a task queue. Mastering them makes daily work much faster.
Video
Steps
- Learn the core shortcuts: input history navigation, cancelling an action, and editing the message before sending.
- Multiline input lets you paste code or long instructions without breaking the structure; learn the newline shortcut.
- If you are used to Vim, enable the editing mode and get familiar motions inside the input field.
- Shell mode runs a shell command without leaving the session, and the queue lets you send instructions while the tool works, cancelling with /btw when needed.
Common pitfall: Keyboard shortcuts depend on your terminal configuration; if a shortcut fails, check the terminal-config page before assuming the tool is broken.
Hands-on exercise: Configure your terminal per the official guide, practice multiline input with code, and try shell mode with a safe command like ls.
Filmed demo · Video is added in the media phase
Recap
Comprehension check
What does shell mode do in interactive mode?
Recap
- Shortcuts and multiline speed up long input
- Vim mode by choice
- Shell mode and the queue cut context switches