how to see special characters in a file using vi - UNIX for Dummies Questions & Answers

jingi1234 · #1 (**permalink**) 10-19-2005

Hi,
I have a file which has special characters. I can't see them when I "vi" the file. But I am sure there are some special un seen characters. How can I see them?

Please help.

Thx

vino · #2 (**permalink**) 10-19-2005

emacs helps for sure.

I think vim might also show it.

jingi1234 · #3 (**permalink**) 10-19-2005

How can I use vim?

I tried vim filename and it doesn't work.

and same with emacs.?

Please help

vino · #4 (**permalink**) 10-19-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by jingi1234

I tried vim filename and it doesn't work.

What doesnt work ? Displaying the special symbols or vim itself ?

And for emacs, emacs filename should work.

jingi1234 · #5 (**permalink**) 10-19-2005

When I say:

vim FILENAME
ksh: vim: not found

emacs FILENAME
ksh: emacs: not found

Perderabo · #6 (**permalink**) 10-19-2005

In vi, use
:set list
and you can do
:set nolist
to get back to normal.

jingi1234 · #7 (**permalink**) 10-19-2005

I see lot of Control I characters which were not visible with out :set list

Thanks Unix Gurus

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