How do I create a mapping that runs an Ex command without switching modes or affecting the current state?

Q: How do I create a mapping that runs an Ex command without switching modes or affecting the current state?

`nnoremap command ` The ` ` special key (Vim 8.2+ and Neovim) lets you run an Ex command inside a mapping without entering command-line mode or changing the editor's current state. Unlike the usual `:command ` approach, ` ` executes the command transparently — no mode switch, no flickering command line, and no disruption to visual selections, insert mode, or operator-pending mode. ## How it works A conventional mapping like: ```vim nnoremap :update ``` ...temporarily switches to command-line mode, runs the command, and returns. In insert or visual mode this can disrupt state (visual selections, insert text) or require additional workarounds. Using ` ` instead: ```vim nnoremap update inoremap update xnoremap update ``` The command runs in all three mappings without leaving the current mode. The visual selection is preserved, insert mode is not exited. ## Example Toggling the quickfix window from any mode: ```vim nnoremap q copen inoremap q copen ``` The insert-mode variant won't exit insert mode, unlike `:copen ` which would. ## Tips - ` ` was introduced in Vim 8.2 / Neovim 0.2. Guard it with `if has('patch-8.2.1978')` for older Vim compatibility - The command string must end with ` ` to execute - ` ` cannot take a range the way `:range command` can — use `feedkeys()` or a Vimscript function for that

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`nnoremap command` The `` special key (Vim 8.2+ and Neovim) lets you run an Ex command inside a mapping without entering command-line mode or changing the editor's current state. Unlike the usual `:command` approach, `` executes the command transparently — no mode switch, no flickering command line, and no disruption to visual selections, insert mode, or operator-pending mode. ## How it works A conventional mapping like: ```vim nnoremap :update ``` ...temporarily switches to command-line mode, runs the command, and returns. In insert or visual mode this can disrupt state (visual selections, insert text) or require additional workarounds. Using `` instead: ```vim nnoremap update inoremap update xnoremap update ``` The command runs in all three mappings without leaving the current mode. The visual selection is preserved, insert mode is not exited. ## Example Toggling the quickfix window from any mode: ```vim nnoremap q copen inoremap q copen ``` The insert-mode variant won't exit insert mode, unlike `:copen` which would. ## Tips - `` was introduced in Vim 8.2 / Neovim 0.2. Guard it with `if has('patch-8.2.1978')` for older Vim compatibility - The command string must end with `` to execute - `` cannot take a range the way `:range command` can — use `feedkeys()` or a Vimscript function for that

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