How do I capture command output into a register?

Explanation

The :redir command redirects Vim's command output to a register, file, or variable. This lets you capture and manipulate output programmatically.

How it works

• :redir @a starts redirecting output to register a
• Run any Ex command that produces output
• :redir END stops redirecting
• "ap pastes the captured output

Example

Capture the output of :marks into register a:

:redir @a
:marks
:redir END
"ap

Tips

• :redir >> file.txt appends to a file
• :redir => variable captures to a Vimscript variable
• Clear the register first: :let @a = ''
• :redir @A appends to register a (uppercase appends)
• Useful for scripting and debugging