How do I set up efficient keybindings for cycling through buffers?

Explanation

Mapping ]b and [b to :bnext and :bprev creates an intuitive bracket-style navigation for buffers, matching the convention used by unimpaired.vim. This turns buffer navigation into a fast, muscle-memory operation.

How it works

• ]b — go to next buffer (:bnext)
• [b — go to previous buffer (:bprev)
• ]B — go to last buffer (:blast)
• [B — go to first buffer (:bfirst)

Example

nnoremap ]b :bnext<CR>
nnoremap [b :bprev<CR>
nnoremap ]B :blast<CR>
nnoremap [B :bfirst<CR>

Buffers: main.py, utils.py, config.py
Current: utils.py
]b → config.py
]b → main.py (wraps around)
[b → config.py

Tips

• This convention extends to other navigations: ]q/[q for quickfix, ]l/[l for location list
• Install vim-unimpaired for a complete set of bracket mappings
• Use :set hidden to allow switching with unsaved changes
• Add ]t/[t for tab navigation: :tabnext/:tabprev