In the vi editor, which motion command moves the cursor backward to the beginning of the previous word segment?

Introduction / Context:
Efficient navigation in vi/Vim relies on motion commands for word-wise movement. Knowing how to jump to the start or end of words without leaving normal mode dramatically speeds up editing tasks, especially for code and configuration files.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• You are in normal mode in vi/Vim.
• Words are defined according to the current setting (default word boundaries, not big-word motions).
• You want to move backward to the beginning of a word.

Concept / Approach:

In vi, w moves forward to the start of the next word, e moves forward to the end of the current/next word, and b moves backward to the beginning of the previous word. Uppercase motions (e.g., W, E, B) treat whitespace-delimited WORDs. For the requested backward-to-beginning motion, b is correct.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Test with a sample line and compare behaviors of w, e, and b. Observe that only b navigates backward to the word start.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• w: forward to next word start.
• e: forward to word end.
• a: enters insert mode after the cursor; not a motion.
• None: incorrect because b is correct.

Common Pitfalls:

• Confusing lowercase and uppercase motions (words vs WORDs).
• Expecting a to navigate; it modifies text state.

Final Answer:

b.