How do I run a command without showing its output?

Explanation

The :silent prefix suppresses all output from a command, including messages and prompts. This is useful for scripting and automation.

How it works

• :silent !command runs a shell command without prompting
• :silent %s/old/new/ge substitutes without showing results
• :silent! command also suppresses error messages

Example

:silent !open .           " Open file manager without prompt
:silent %s/TODO/DONE/ge   " Replace without message
:silent! bdelete 5        " Delete buffer 5, ignore error if not found

Tips

• :silent! suppresses both output and errors
• Useful in autocommands and scripts
• :redraw may be needed after :silent ! to refresh the screen
• Combine with :execute for dynamic silent commands