What is the purpose of the vi editor in Linux?

The vi editor in Linux is primarily used for text editing, making it one of the most essential tools for users who work with plain text files, configuration files, or source code. vi provides a robust environment for creating and modifying text, offering features like inserting text, deleting lines, searching within the document, and navigating through the file efficiently.

The vi editor operates in different modes, such as command mode and insert mode, allowing users to perform various tasks without needing separate applications. This versatility is crucial in a command-line interface, where graphical alternatives are not available.

Other options like file compression, file conversion, or system monitoring do not relate to the core functionality of vi. While there are tools specifically designed for those tasks in Linux, vi remains focused on editing text, making it an invaluable resource for developers and system administrators alike.