vi editor query

Question

I use vi quite often to edit files.
Usually I need the file to appear on screen with line numbers.
For this I do set nu in edit mode. What a drag! Can I automate this? Is there any way where vi will directly open the file with line numbers visible immediately?
If so, are there any other tips that will make my experience with vi more efficient?

FYI, I don't have Vim.

Answer 1

http://meiert.com/en/blog/20080525/tip-vi-config/

Enjoy. (Short version: make a text file called .exrc in your home directory and put vi commands there.)

Answer 2

For folks that do have VIM - the related file is .vimrc - put commands in that.