Vim: insert the same characters across multiple lines

Question

Sometimes I want to edit a certain visual block of text across multiple lines.

For example, I would take a text that looks like this:

name
comment
ph         


        

Answer 1

1. Select the lines you want to modify using CtrlV.
   

2. Press:

   • I: Insert before what's selected.
   • A: Append after what's selected.
   • c: Replace what's selected.

3. Type the new text.
   

4. Press Esc to apply the changes to all selected lines.