How to save and exit "nano .bash_profile" in Terminal?
No, :w is a /usr/bin/vi command. Use the combination control+x to exit. You will be prompted to save the file if you have made unsaved changes.



Nano is intended to be a bit friendlier / simpler to new users than vi/vim or emacs which both cater to more power users that have spent time learning how to use them effectively.

To get started in nano - look for commands along the bottom of the window when nano is open. (^ stands for the control key)

^X      (F2)            Close the current file buffer / Exit from nano
^O      (F3)            Write the current file to disk