How do I use capture groups in a Vim search and replace?

Explanation

Capture groups in Vim substitute let you match parts of a pattern and reuse them in the replacement. Groups are created with \( and \) and referenced with \1, \2, etc.

How it works

• \(pattern\) creates a capture group
• \1 in the replacement refers to the first group
• Up to 9 groups (\1 through \9) are supported

Example

Swap first and last names:

:%s/\(\w\+\) \(\w\+\)/\2 \1/g

Before: John Smith → After: Smith John

Wrap words in quotes:

:%s/\(\w\+\)/"\1"/g

Tips

• In very magic mode (\v), use () without backslashes: :%s/\v(\w+) (\w+)/\2 \1/g
• \0 or & refers to the entire match
• Non-capturing groups: \%(pattern\) — groups without creating a capture
• Capture groups work in all Vim regex contexts