How do I switch to a buffer by typing only part of its filename?

Explanation

The :b command accepts a partial filename and switches to the first buffer whose name contains that string. This makes navigating between open buffers fast — you rarely need to type a full path or remember a buffer number.

How it works

• :b takes either a buffer number or a name (or partial name)
• Vim matches the partial string against all open buffer names (full paths included)
• Tab-completion lists all matching buffers if multiple match the partial string
• If the match is ambiguous, Vim will show an error and list candidates — narrow it down by adding more characters

Example

You have these buffers open:

  1  /home/user/project/main.go
  2  /home/user/project/handlers/user.go
  3  /home/user/project/handlers/auth.go

Typing :b auth switches immediately to auth.go. Typing :b user would be ambiguous (matches both user.go and the /user/ path in buffer 1), so Vim prompts with matches. Typing :b handlers/u narrows it to user.go.

Tips

• Press <Tab> after :b to cycle through matching buffers — the completion is immediate
• Combine with :sb {partial} to open the matched buffer in a horizontal split
• Use :vb {partial} (or :vertical sb {partial}) to open it in a vertical split
• :b# (or <C-^>) switches to the alternate buffer — the most recently visited one