How do I run a normal mode command on every line in a range?
:{range}normal {commands}
The :normal command executes normal mode keystrokes from the command line.
command-line #command-line #ex-commands #editing #normal-mode
Category: command-line
How do you write a range of lines to a separate file?
:10,20w newfile.txt
Use :10,20w newfile.
How do you pipe buffer contents to a shell command?
:%!sort
Use :%!command to filter the entire buffer through a shell command.
How do you find where a key mapping was defined?
:verbose map <key>
Use :verbose map to see the mapping definition and the file/line where it was set.
How do you search through command history?
<C-r>/ or q/
Press q/ to open search history in a window.
How do you check the current value of a Vim option?
:set tabstop?
Append ? to any option name to query its value.
How do you redirect command output to a register or file?
:redir @a | silent messages | redir END
Use :redir to capture command output.
How do you run a shell command from within Vim?
:!ls
Use :! followed by any shell command.
How do you print all lines matching a pattern?
:g/pattern/p
Use :g/pattern/p to print all matching lines.
How do you run a command on a specific range of lines?
:10,20d
Specify a line range before a command.
How do you insert shell command output into the current buffer?
:r !date
Use :r !command to read the output of a shell command into the buffer below the cursor.
How do you move a range of lines to another location?
:10,15m 25
Use :m (move) with a range and destination.
How do you execute a normal mode command on a range of lines?
:%normal A;
Use :%normal followed by normal mode keystrokes.
How do you list all marks in Vim?
:marks
Use :marks to display all current marks with their line numbers, column positions, and file/text.
How do you copy a range of lines to another location?
:10,15t 25
Use :t (copy) with a range and destination.
How do you edit a command in the command-line window?
<C-f> on command line
While typing a command, press to open the command-line editing window.
How do you use the argument list to edit multiple files?
:args *.py
Use :args *.
How do you run a command across all files in the argument list?
:argdo %s/old/new/ge | update
Use :argdo to execute a command in every file in the argument list.
How do I insert shell command output without leaving the command line?
<C-r>=system('cmd')
In command-line mode, =system('command') evaluates the shell command and inserts its output into the command line.
What are the useful flags for the substitute command?
:s/pattern/replace/flags
The substitute command supports several flags that modify its behavior.