How do I combine the dot command with macros for powerful repeat workflows?

Explanation

The dot command (.) repeats the last change, and when combined with a motion in a macro, it creates a find-and-apply pattern. Record a macro that moves to the next target (;, n, }) and applies the last change (.), then repeat the macro to transform multiple locations.

How it works

• Make your first change manually (e.g., ciw new_name<Esc>)
• Record a macro that: moves to the next target + applies .
• Replay the macro to apply the same change at each subsequent location
• @@ repeats the last played macro

Example

" Change first 'old' to 'new'
/old<CR>cwnew<Esc>

" Record: go to next match and repeat change
qqn.q

" Apply to remaining matches
@q@q@q  (or 10@q for all)

Before:
old value, old data, old name

After:
new value, new data, new name

Tips

• n.n.n. without a macro is the manual equivalent
• @@ repeats the last macro — saves keystrokes after @q
• The dot command remembers insert-mode text, so ciw changes are fully captured
• cgn is a modern alternative: search first, then cgn changes the next match and . repeats