How do I clear all entries from the quickfix list in Vim?

Explanation

After a :grep, :make, or :vimgrep run, the quickfix list fills with results. Sometimes you want to start fresh without opening a new session or running a search that intentionally returns nothing. :cexpr [] achieves this instantly by evaluating an empty Vimscript list as the new quickfix list content, replacing all existing entries with zero entries.

How it works

• :cexpr {expr} — sets the quickfix list by evaluating {expr} and interpreting the result as error-format output; when given an empty list [], it produces an empty quickfix list
• This is more direct than running a search that matches nothing, and cleaner than closing and reopening the window

Example

" After a :grep that filled the quickfix list with many results:
:copen       " see the cluttered list
:cexpr []    " clear it
:copen       " now shows: (Empty quickfix list)

Tips

• Use :lexpr [] to clear the location list of the current window instead of the global quickfix list
• After clearing, :cclose to close the now-empty window
• Alternatively, :cclose | cexpr [] in one command sequence
• The quickfix history (navigable with :colder / :cnewer) is preserved — only the current list is cleared
• Useful in mappings or scripts that conditionally populate the quickfix list