What is Visual mode in VIM and how do you use it?

Visual mode highlights text first, then you act on it: v selects characters, V whole lines, Ctrl+v a rectangular block.

Visual mode is the "select, then do" workflow familiar from GUI editors — useful when a precise motion isn't obvious. You expand the selection by moving, then hit an operator (y, d, >). The standout is block mode (Ctrl+v): select a column down many lines, press I, type # , then Esc, and the text appears on every selected line at once — the classic trick for commenting out a block.

Workflow:

1. Enter Visual mode (v, V, or Ctrl+v)
2. Move cursor to expand selection
3. Perform action on selection:
   • y = yank (copy)
   • d = delete
   • > = indent
   • < = unindent

Block selection example (commenting multiple lines):

1. Ctrl+v to enter block mode
2. Select column
3. I to insert
4. Type #
5. Esc - applies to all lines!

Tip: Visual mode makes it easy to see exactly what you're affecting before taking action.