How do I save only real file buffers when running bufdo across many open buffers?

Explanation

bufdo is powerful for multi-buffer automation, but a naive write pass can error on special buffers (help, terminal, quickfix, prompts). Guarding with &buftype lets you target real file buffers only, then update writes just those that changed. This pattern keeps large sessions clean without noisy failures or unnecessary writes.

How it works

• :bufdo iterates through every listed buffer.
• if &buftype ==# '' keeps execution on normal file-backed buffers only.
• update writes the buffer only when modified.
• endif closes the conditional per buffer iteration.

This is safer than blanket :wall in mixed workflows where docs, quickfix lists, terminals, and scratch buffers coexist.

Example

Session contains:

1. app/main.go        (modified)
2. :help window       (special buffer)
3. terminal job       (special buffer)
4. app/config.yaml    (unmodified)

Run:

:bufdo if &buftype ==# '' | update | endif

Result:

- app/main.go is written
- app/config.yaml is skipped (already clean)
- help/terminal buffers are ignored

Tips

• Pair with :silent if you want minimal command-line noise.
• For substitutions plus save in one sweep, chain commands: :bufdo %s/foo/bar/ge | if &buftype ==# '' | update | endif.
• If you only want loaded buffers, combine with :ls review before running.