How do I quickly jump between a small set of frequently used files?

Explanation

Harpoon by ThePrimeagen provides instant access to a curated list of files you're actively working on. Instead of fuzzy-finding every time, you mark up to 4-6 files and jump to them with a single keystroke.

Setup (Harpoon 2)

local harpoon = require('harpoon')
harpoon:setup()

-- Add current file to harpoon list
vim.keymap.set('n', '<leader>a', function() harpoon:list():add() end)

-- Open harpoon menu
vim.keymap.set('n', '<C-e>', function() harpoon.ui:toggle_quick_menu(harpoon:list()) end)

-- Jump to files 1-4
vim.keymap.set('n', '<leader>1', function() harpoon:list():select(1) end)
vim.keymap.set('n', '<leader>2', function() harpoon:list():select(2) end)
vim.keymap.set('n', '<leader>3', function() harpoon:list():select(3) end)
vim.keymap.set('n', '<leader>4', function() harpoon:list():select(4) end)

Workflow

1. Open a file you'll need frequently
2. <leader>a — add it to harpoon (slot 1)
3. Open another important file
4. <leader>a — add it (slot 2)
5. Now from anywhere: <leader>1 jumps to file 1, <leader>2 to file 2

The harpoon menu

<C-e> opens a floating window listing your harpooned files:

1. src/handlers/auth.go
2. src/models/user.go
3. internal/database/queries.go
4. tests/auth_test.go

You can reorder, remove, or add entries directly in this buffer.

Why harpoon over buffers/tabs

• Buffers: Too many files — :ls becomes cluttered
• Tabs: Heavyweight — each tab is a layout
• Harpoon: Exactly the 3-5 files you're actively editing, instant access

Tips

• Most developers work with 3-5 files at any time — harpoon is designed for this pattern
• Lists are per-project (per git root)
• Works with Telescope: :Telescope harpoon marks
• With 7k+ stars, harpoon is one of the most popular Neovim navigation plugins
• The mental model: "I have 4 files. 1 is the handler, 2 is the model, 3 is the test, 4 is the config"