How do I close a buffer without closing the window?

Explanation

The :bp | bd # command switches to the previous buffer and then deletes the alternate buffer. This effectively closes a buffer while keeping the window open.

How it works

• :bp switches to the previous buffer
• | chains commands
• :bd # deletes the buffer you just left
• The window remains open showing the previous buffer

Example

You are editing test.go in a split and want to close it without closing the split:

:bp | bd #

The split now shows the previous buffer instead.

Tips

• :bd alone closes the buffer and the window if it is the only one
• :bw wipes the buffer completely (removes from buffer list)
• :set hidden allows switching buffers without saving
• Consider using :enew to create a new empty buffer in the window