In the vi editor, what does pressing the % key do during text navigation and code editing?

Introduction / Context:
Efficient navigation in vi (and Vim) includes quickly jumping between paired delimiters. This is invaluable when editing source code that contains nested parentheses (), brackets [], and braces {}. The percent key provides a direct way to verify structural balance and traverse matching pairs.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• You are in Normal mode in vi/Vim.
• The cursor is on or near a delimiter character.
• Source text contains properly paired delimiters.

Concept / Approach:
Pressing '%' moves the cursor to the matching partner of the delimiter under the cursor. This works for (), [], and {} and respects nesting. If the cursor is not on a delimiter, vi searches forward on the line for one before attempting a match. This simple motion helps you inspect block boundaries, function scopes, and array indices rapidly.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
In a function with nested blocks, press % at different levels and confirm that vi selects the correct matching partner each time, reflecting proper nesting logic.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Upper-left corner or first column: use 'H' or '0' respectively, not '%'.
• Backward to start of word: use 'b' (or 'B' for WORDs).
• None of the above: Incorrect because '%' matches delimiters.

Common Pitfalls:
Pressing % when the cursor is not on a delimiter (it may not jump as expected) or relying on % when delimiters are unbalanced, which can confuse navigation.

Final Answer:
to move the cursor to a matching delimiter (parenthesis, bracket, or brace)