How do I access the text from my last insert session?

Explanation

The . register contains the text that was last inserted. You can paste it to repeat the last insertion without using the . command.

How it works

• ". is the last-inserted-text register
• ".p pastes the last inserted text
• The register is read-only
• Updates every time you exit insert mode

Example

You type Hello, World! in insert mode and press <Esc>. Now ".p pastes Hello, World! at any cursor position.

Tips

• <C-r>. inserts the last insert text while in insert mode
• The . command also replays the last insert but includes the motion
• "./ is the last search pattern register
• ": is the last command-line command register
• "% contains the current filename