[Bug 275400] vi arrow keys to beginning or end of line causes mode to change into command mode

From: <bugzilla-noreply_at_freebsd.org>
Date: Tue, 28 Nov 2023 03:36:07 UTC
https://bugs.freebsd.org/bugzilla/show_bug.cgi?id=275400

            Bug ID: 275400
           Summary: vi arrow keys to beginning or end of line causes mode
                    to change into command mode
           Product: Base System
           Version: Unspecified
          Hardware: Any
                OS: Any
            Status: New
          Severity: Affects Only Me
          Priority: ---
         Component: bin
          Assignee: bugs@FreeBSD.org
          Reporter: pyrus@bsdmail.com

This has been a feature of vi, since I've used FreeBSD 6.0 and still is now. It
might have been like this or may still be on Linux. I didn't see it as a bug
then, but as a not helpful feature, but it can be improved. Using FreeBSD 14.0
now.

When in append or insert mode, using the arrow key to bring the cursor to the
beginning or end of a line causes it to change into command mode. It has been
inconvenient for editing files where a "#" has to be inserted or removed at the
start of many lines, such as KERNCONF.

I didn't notice this part before, when I go to the beginning of a line, it also
reads, "Already in the first column; vi command failed: mapped keys discarded".
There's a similar message when going to the beginning of a line, with "Already
at end-of-line". This shows as it goes from insert mode to command mode. It's
like this also for using the arrow key to go to the beginning or end of the
file.

We don't as often go to the beginning or end of a file, as going to the start
or end of each line is more common. It would be important to change the
characteristics of going to the beginning or end of a line.

Thank you

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