How do I see the search match count in the statusline?

Explanation

The shortmess option controls which messages are shortened. Removing the S flag shows the current match count (e.g., [3/15]) when searching.

How it works

• :set shortmess-=S enables the search count display
• When you search with / or n, the count appears
• Shows [current/total] format

Example

After searching /error:

/error [3/15]

This shows you are on the 3rd of 15 total matches.

Tips

• Available in Vim 8.1.1270+ and Neovim
• The count updates as you press n and N
• :set shortmess+=S hides the count again
• :%s/pattern//gn is an alternative for counting matches
• Some statusline plugins show this information as well