How do I visually select an entire code block to the matching closing brace?

Explanation

Pressing V]} in normal mode enters visual line mode and immediately extends the selection to the next unmatched closing brace }. This is a fast way to select an entire function body or block from the current line without manually counting lines or using text objects that require the cursor to be in a specific position.

How it works

• V — enters visual line mode, selecting the current line
• ]} — Vim motion that jumps to the next unmatched } (a brace that has no matching { at the same nesting level)
• Together, they extend the visual selection from the current line down to the line containing the closing brace

This works for any depth of nesting — Vim tracks bracket balance and finds the correct enclosing }.

Example

Given this code with the cursor on the func line:

func processItems(items []string) {
    for _, item := range items {       <- cursor here
        fmt.Println(item)
    }
}

With cursor on for _, item..., pressing V]} selects:

    for _, item := range items {
        fmt.Println(item)
    }

To select the full function including its outer braces, first jump to the function opening with [{, then use V]} to grab everything through the closing }.

Tips

• V[{ selects from the current line up to the previous unmatched {
• Combine with operators: V]}d deletes the block, V]}y yanks it, V]}= re-indents it
• The complementary [( and ]) motions work the same way for parentheses