How do I transfer diff hunks between files in Vim's diff mode?
dp and do
When comparing two files side by side in Vim's diff mode (:diffsplit or vim -d file1 file2), you often want to accept or push individual changes between the fil
Category: navigation
How do I return to normal mode from absolutely any mode in Vim?
<C-\><C-n>
While works to leave insert or visual mode, it does not work in every situation — particularly in terminal mode (:terminal), where is consumed by the running
How do I get a detailed word, character, and byte count in Vim?
g<C-g>
While shows basic file info (filename, line count, position), g provides a much more detailed statistical breakdown of your file or visual selection.
How do I jump between method or function definitions in code?
]m / [m / ]M / [M
When navigating large source files, ]m and [m let you jump directly to the start of the next or previous method.
How do I look up documentation for the keyword under the cursor?
K
Pressing K in normal mode runs a lookup program on the word under the cursor.
navigation #navigation #help #documentation #normal-mode #keywordprg
How do I scroll the screen to position the cursor line at the center, top, or bottom?
zz / zt / zb
Vim's z scroll commands reposition the screen relative to the cursor without moving the cursor itself.
navigation #navigation #scrolling #viewport #cursor-position
How do I navigate by sentences, paragraphs, and sections in Vim?
( ) { } [[ ]]
Vim provides structural navigation motions that move by sentences, paragraphs, and sections.
How do I navigate back through the tag stack after jumping to definitions?
:pop or <C-t>
When you jump to a tag definition with , Vim pushes your location onto a tag stack.
What is the difference between word and WORD motions in Vim?
w vs W, b vs B, e vs E
Vim distinguishes between "words" (sequences of keyword characters) and "WORDS" (sequences of non-blank characters).
How do I navigate through wrapped lines visually instead of by actual lines?
gj and gk
When wrap is enabled, long lines wrap across multiple screen lines.
How do I use count prefixes to amplify motions and operators in Vim?
{count}{motion}
Almost every Vim motion and operator accepts a numeric count prefix that repeats or amplifies the action.
What is the difference between 0 and ^ for moving to the beginning of a line?
^ vs 0
Vim has two distinct motions for moving to the start of a line: 0 goes to column 1 (the absolute start), while ^ goes to the first non-blank character.
navigation #navigation #motions #line-navigation #indentation
What is the difference between backtick and apostrophe when jumping to marks?
`a vs 'a
Vim has two ways to jump to marks: backtick (` `) jumps to the exact line AND column, while apostrophe (') jumps to the line only, positioning the cursor at the
How do I jump between method or function definitions in Vim?
[m and ]m
The [m and ]m motions jump to the start of method/function definitions in languages with brace-delimited blocks.
How do I repeat or reverse inline character search with f, t, ; and , in Vim?
f{char} ; ,
The f, F, t, and T motions search for a character on the current line.
How do I make gf find files even when the import path omits the file extension?
:set suffixesadd+=.js,.ts,.py
In many programming languages, import statements reference modules without file extensions (e.
How do I jump back to locations where I previously made edits?
g; and g,
Vim tracks every position where you made a change in the changelist.
How do I move forward or backward by sentence in Vim?
) and (
The ) and ( motions move by sentence boundaries.
How do I jump forward through the jump list after going back with Ctrl-O?
<C-i>
Every time you make a "jump" — using G, /, %, :tag, , or similar commands — Vim records your position in the jump list.
How do I move the cursor to the last non-blank character on the current line?
g_
g moves the cursor to the last non-blank character of the current line — skipping trailing spaces and tabs.