The nano command in Linux explained
The nano command is a beginner-friendly text editor for the terminal. It is one of the most useful commands for anyone using a live USB drive or a fresh Linux install.
Syntax
nano file
Examples
nano notes.txt: edit a file; Ctrl+O saves and Ctrl+X exits
Tip
The shortcuts are listed along the bottom of the screen.
Keep learning
New to the terminal? Start with Linux terminal basics. You can try every command safely from a live session: see how to try Linux without installing it. Run man nano in a terminal for the full manual.
Frequently asked questions
How do I see every option for nano?
Run man nano for the full manual, or try nano --help for a short summary.
Do I need sudo to run nano?
Not for your own files. You only need sudo when the command changes something owned by the system or another user.
Is it safe to practise nano on a live USB drive?
Mostly yes, because a live session starts fresh each time. Be careful with commands that write to your internal disk, such as rm on a mounted drive or dd.