Linux: how to edit certain system files in a secured way: vipw, vigr, visudo

• https://manpages.debian.org/unstable/passwd/vipw.8.en.html
• https://manpages.debian.org/unstable/passwd/vigr.8.en.html
• https://manpages.debian.org/unstable/sudo/visudo.8.en.html

vipw and vigr are actually the same utility.

You still have to also apply sudo on your command in order to gain the necessary privileges:

$ sudo vipw

Under certain circumstances you have to tell the utility, which (visual) editor to use:

$ sudo VISUAL=vim vipw

CAVEAT: the following article tells you something incorrect regarding “-s” / “–shadow” (read it up on the manual page referred to above and also on the article’s own comments section!):

• https://www.cyberciti.biz/tips/what-is-the-best-way-to-edit-etcpasswd-shadow-and-group-files.html