How do I add a file to Vim's buffer list without opening or displaying it?

Explanation

:badd adds a file to the buffer list silently — it loads the file's metadata but does not open a window or read the file contents until you actually switch to it. This is useful for pre-loading a set of files you intend to edit, setting them up for :bnext/:bprev navigation, or ensuring they appear in completion lists without disrupting your current window layout.

How it works

• :badd {file} — adds {file} to the buffer list without switching to it
• :badd +{lnum} {file} — adds the file and sets the initial cursor position to line {lnum} when it is first opened
• The buffer gets a number and appears in :ls output with the u (unlisted? no — it IS listed) flag
• Switch to it later with :buffer {n}, :bnext, or :b {partial-name}
• :badd accepts glob patterns on some systems: :badd src/*.py

Example

Add all Python files in the project before starting a session:

:badd src/main.py
:badd src/utils.py
:badd tests/test_main.py
:ls

Now :bnext cycles through them. Or in a script:

:args src/**/*.py
" which also adds them to the buffer list via :badd internally

Tips

• :badd is safe to use multiple times on the same file — if the buffer already exists, it is a no-op
• Unlike :edit, :badd does not read the file immediately, so it is fast even for many files
• Combine with :bufdo after adding files: :badd *.log then :bufdo /{pattern} to search across all
• Use :bdelete {n} to remove a buffer from the list; :bwipeout removes it and its undo history entirely