In the vi editor on Unix/Linux, which command syntax performs a forward search for the pattern ‘‘pat’’ from the current cursor position?

Introduction / Context:
Searching efficiently inside the vi (or Vim) editor is a core skill for developers and administrators. Vi supports forward and backward incremental searches using concise keystrokes, enabling rapid navigation through large configuration files, logs, and source code.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• You are editing in command mode within vi.
• You wish to find the next occurrence of a text pattern 'pat'.
• Standard vi search conventions apply (case sensitivity may depend on options).

Concept / Approach:
In vi, forward search uses a slash followed by the pattern. Backward search uses a question mark. The colon prefix introduces ex-commands (for example, :w, :q, :%s/old/new/g) and is not used for plain search initiation. After a search, n and N repeat the search in the same or opposite direction respectively.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Open a file containing multiple 'pat' occurrences; invoke /pat and confirm the cursor jumps forward to each occurrence with n. Reverse direction using N to validate the behavior.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• :pat: The colon starts ex-commands; this is not the search syntax.
• ?pat: This triggers a backward search, not forward.
• All of the above: Mutually contradictory; only /pat is forward search.

Common Pitfalls:
Remaining in insert mode (press Esc first), forgetting that searches are case-sensitive unless 'ignorecase' or 'smartcase' is set, or leaving metacharacters unescaped when they are interpreted as regex tokens.

Final Answer:
/pat