How do I append text to the end of multiple lines that have different lengths?

Explanation

Visual block mode normally selects a fixed-width column, which makes appending tricky when lines have different lengths. The key insight is using $ after entering visual block mode — this extends the selection to the end of each line regardless of length. Then A enters insert mode after the last character on every selected line, and whatever you type appears at the end of all of them.

How it works

• <C-v> — enters visual block mode
• jj (or any vertical motion) — selects multiple lines
• $ — extends the selection to the end of each line, even if they differ in length
• A — appends after the selection on every line
• Type your text (e.g., ;), then press <Esc> — the text appears at the end of all selected lines

Example

Before:              After:
let x = 1            let x = 1;
let name = "foo"     let name = "foo";
let y = 42           let y = 42;

The ; is appended to the end of each line, regardless of how long they are.

Tips

• Without $, visual block mode selects a fixed column — A would then insert at that column position, not the end
• Use I instead of A to insert at the beginning of the block selection
• This technique works for appending any text: commas, closing brackets, comments, etc.
• Combine with gg and G to select all lines: <C-v>gg$A or <C-v>G$A