How do I write vimrc configuration that works in both Vim and Neovim by detecting which one is running?
has('nvim')
The has() function tests whether a feature or capability is available, returning 1 (true) or 0 (false).
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Searching...How do I paste register contents at the beginning of a file without moving the cursor there first?
:0put
The :put Ex command inserts register contents as a new line below the specified line number.
How do I use a count prefix in a custom Vim mapping where no count defaults to 1?
v:count1
The v:count1 variable holds the count typed before a command, defaulting to 1 if no count was given.
How do I use a Vimscript function to control how the gq operator formats text?
:set formatexpr=MyFormat()
The formatexpr option lets you replace Vim's built-in line-breaking logic for the gq operator with your own Vimscript expression or function.
How do I make Vim display partial key sequences and selected character counts in real time?
:set showcmd
The showcmd option makes Vim display the currently-typed command in the bottom-right corner of the screen, giving you live feedback as you build up key sequence
How do I pipe the contents of my current buffer as input to a shell command in Vim?
:w !cmd
The :w !cmd command sends the buffer's contents as standard input to an external command without modifying the buffer.
How do I quickly append text to the end of a word under the cursor in Vim?
ea
The ea compound shortcut moves to the last character of the current word with e, then enters insert mode after the cursor with a.
How do I pull a diff change from another window into the current buffer in Vim?
do
The do command (diff obtain) is shorthand for :diffget.
How do I jump to the Nth line from the top or bottom of the visible screen using a count with H and L?
{count}H and {count}L
Most Vim users know H jumps to the first visible line, M to the middle, and L to the last.
How do I open the command-line window mid-command to edit it with full Vim capabilities?
<C-f> (in command-line mode)
When you're already on the Vim command line and realize you need complex edits — inserting text from multiple positions, reordering arguments, or referencing
How do I evaluate a Vimscript expression and insert the result into a command-line command?
<C-r>= (command-line mode)
Just like = lets you insert evaluated expressions in insert mode, you can use it inside an Ex command on the command line to embed any Vimscript expression resu
How do I always maximize the current split window when I switch focus without using plugins?
:set winwidth=999 winheight=999
Setting winwidth=999 and winheight=999 tells Vim to try to make the active window at least 999 columns wide and 999 rows tall whenever it gains focus.
How do I paste a register literally in insert mode without triggering auto-indent or special key handling?
<C-r><C-r>x
When you press x in insert mode to paste a register, Vim inserts the text "as if you typed it" — meaning autoindent, textwidth, and other insert behaviors can
How do I quickly evaluate and print a Lua expression in Neovim without calling print()?
:lua =expr
In Neovim, prefixing a Lua expression with = on the :lua command line evaluates it and pretty-prints the result using vim.
How do I define key mappings in Neovim using Lua instead of the old Vimscript API?
vim.keymap.set
vim.
How do I uppercase or lowercase the entire current line in one keystroke?
gUU
The gUU command uppercases every character on the current line instantly — no visual selection or motion required.
How do I join all lines in a file into one, or use a custom separator when joining?
:%s/\n/ /g
Using \n in the pattern of :substitute matches the newline character at the end of each line, letting you join lines with any separator you choose — something
How do I create a Vim mapping where the keys it produces are computed dynamically at runtime?
:nnoremap <expr> {key} {expression}
The argument to any map command (:nmap, :inoremap, etc.
config #config #macros #insert-mode #normal-mode #ex-commands
How do I group part of a Vim regex pattern without creating a numbered capture group?
\%(...\)
Vim's standard grouping syntax \(.
How do I delete all blank and whitespace-only lines from a file in Vim?
:g/^\s*$/d
The global command :g/^\s$/d removes every line that is empty or contains only whitespace — a common cleanup task when tidying up code, configuration files, o