How do I re-insert the text I typed in the previous insert session?

Explanation

While in insert mode, pressing <C-a> re-inserts the exact text you typed during your previous insert session. It is the insert-mode equivalent of the . normal-mode repeat command, but specifically for text insertion.

How it works

• <C-a> — in insert mode, inserts the same text that was inserted last time you left insert mode
• This is different from <C-r>. which pastes the . (dot) register — <C-a> is a dedicated binding
• The previous insert text is also accessible as the " register (the unnamed register preserves the last insert)

A related command: <C-@> (Ctrl+@, which may appear as <C-Space> in some terminals) does the same thing as <C-a> but then immediately exits insert mode.

Example

You type on one line:

function handleError(err) {

You press <Esc>, move to the next blank line, press i to enter insert mode, then press <C-a>. The same text is inserted again:

function handleError(err) {
function handleError(err) {

Tips

• Useful when you need to repeat a complex insert that . cannot replicate (e.g., if you moved between inserts)
• Unlike ., <C-a> inserts only the text — it does not repeat any leading motion
• To check what text will be reinserted, use :reg . to inspect the dot register