How do I access the last Ex command I ran?

Explanation

The : register contains the last Ex command that was executed. You can paste it or use it in macros.

How it works

• ": stores the most recent : command
• ":p pastes the last command into the buffer
• @: executes the last command again
• The register is read-only

Example

After running :sort, the : register contains sort. Pressing @: repeats the sort command.

Tips

• @: is one of the most useful register commands
• @@ repeats the last @ command (including @:)
• <C-r>: pastes the last command in insert mode
• In command-line mode, the up arrow also recalls previous commands
• : register updates with every Ex command you run