Working with multiple files in buffers using nano.mp4

 

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Alright, nano may look simple, but it actually handles multiple files (buffers) pretty cleanly once you know the moves. Let’s break it down in a practical, no-nonsense way 👇

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What is a buffer in nano?

In nano, each open file lives in its own buffer (think: a temporary workspace in memory).

You can:

• Open many files at once

• Switch between them

• Copy/paste text across files

• Save or close them independently

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Opening multiple files

You’ve got two main ways:

1. Open multiple files at once

nano file1.txt file2.txt file3.txt

Nano opens file1 first, but all files are loaded as buffers.

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2. Open another file while nano is already running

Press:

Ctrl + R

Then:

Ctrl + X

Now type the filename and hit Enter.

➡️ Boom, new file = new buffer.

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Switching between buffers (most important part)

Use:

Alt + >

Go to next buffer

Alt + <

Go to previous buffer

💡 On some systems, Alt = Esc, so:

• Press Esc, release, then press > or <

Nano shows the current filename at the top, so you always know which buffer you’re in.

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Seeing all open buffers

Nano doesn’t show a buffer list UI, but you can cycle through them using:

Alt + <   /   Alt + >

That’s the only way—simple but effective.

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Copy & paste between files (buffers)

This is where nano buffers really shine:

Step 1: Mark text

Ctrl + ^

(or Ctrl + Shift + 6)

Move the cursor to select text.

Step 2: Copy (cut)

Alt + 6   → Copy
Ctrl + K  → Cut

Step 3: Switch buffer

Alt + >   or   Alt + <

Step 4: Paste

Ctrl + U

Now you’re moving text between files like a pro 😎

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Saving specific buffers

Save current file:

Ctrl + O

If the file is new, nano asks for a filename.

Each buffer is saved independently.

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Closing buffers safely

When exiting:

Ctrl + X

Nano will:

• Ask to save if the buffer has changes

• Move to the next buffer automatically

You exit nano only after all buffers are handled.

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Bonus: Open file at a specific line

Super useful for logs or code:

nano +120 app.log

Opens app.log directly at line 120.

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Quick cheat sheet

Ctrl + R + Ctrl + X → Open new file in buffer
Alt + > / Alt + <  → Switch buffers
Ctrl + ^           → Start selection
Alt + 6            → Copy
Ctrl + K           → Cut
Ctrl + U           → Paste
Ctrl + O           → Save buffer
Ctrl + X           → Exit

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