If you’re new to Git or just getting started with command-line tools, you’ve likely encountered the situation where you run git commit, and suddenly you’re staring at a full-screen editor you didn’t mean to open. You’re ready to commit your changes—but now you’re stuck. How do you get out of this screen?
You’re not alone. Many developers face this small but frustrating hurdle when using Git. The good news is that it’s simple to navigate once you understand what’s happening. Here’s a clear, professional guide to help you exit the commit message editor and get back to your workflow.
What’s Happening?
When you run:
git commit
without the -m flag (which allows you to write the commit message inline), Git opens the default text editor for you to enter your commit message. For many systems, this default editor is Vim, although it can be changed.
If You’re in Vim (most common case)
Vim can be a bit confusing if you’re unfamiliar with it. Here’s how to exit once you’ve typed your commit message:
✅ Steps to Exit Vim After Writing a Commit Message:
- Write your commit message in the file. You can just start typing — the first line is typically the commit summary, and the lines below can be used for a detailed description.
- Press
Escto ensure you’re in command mode. - Type
:wqand hitEnter.:wstands for “write” (save)qstands for “quit”
Your commit will be saved and you’ll return to the command line.
❌ If You Want to Abort the Commit:
If you opened the commit editor by mistake and want to cancel:
- Press
Esc - Type
:q!and hitEnter
This quits Vim without saving your commit message, effectively canceling the commit process.
Alternative: Using Inline Commit Messages
If you’d prefer to avoid the editor altogether, you can use the -m flag when committing:
git commit -m "Your commit message here"
This approach is especially useful for quick or minor changes.
Changing the Default Editor (Optional)
If Vim isn’t your cup of tea, you can change Git’s default editor to something more familiar, like Nano or VS Code:
Change to Nano (simpler editor):
git config --global core.editor "nano"
Change to Visual Studio Code:
git config --global core.editor "code --wait"
This will open the commit message in your preferred editor whenever Git prompts for one.
Final Thoughts
Getting stuck in a Git commit editor is a rite of passage for many developers. Once you learn how to navigate and exit the editor—whether it’s Vim, Nano, or VS Code—you’ll feel more confident and efficient in your Git workflow.
The key is understanding what editor you’re in and how it behaves. With this knowledge, you’ll never have to fear an accidental git commit again.
Need more Git tips? Stay tuned for future posts where we break down common Git pitfalls and how to master them with ease.
