How do I reference just the filename without its extension in a Vim command?
%:r
The %:r expression expands to the current filename with its extension removed (the "root" of the filename).
Search: :e!
488 results for ":e!"
How do I run a substitution across the arglist and write only modified files?
:argdo %s/foo/bar/ge | update
Bulk replacements across many files are risky when every buffer gets written unconditionally.
How do I create a recursive macro that runs until it encounters an error?
qa...@aq
A recursive macro calls itself at the end of its recording, causing it to repeat until a motion or search fails.
How do I open all loaded buffers into split windows at once?
:sball
The :sball command (short for split all) opens every loaded buffer in its own horizontal split window in one shot.
How do I change the default {{{ and }}} fold markers to custom delimiter strings?
set foldmarker=start,end
When using foldmethod=marker, Vim uses {{{ and }}} as the default fold open and close markers.
How do I type special characters and symbols using Vim's built-in digraph system in insert mode?
<C-k>{digraph}
Vim's digraph system lets you insert special characters, accented letters, and symbols by typing a memorable two-character sequence.
How do I save a file and automatically create missing parent directories in Neovim?
:w ++p
Neovim's :w ++p flag automatically creates any missing intermediate directories when writing a file.
How do I quit Vim with a non-zero exit code?
:cq
The :cq command quits Vim and returns a non-zero exit code to the calling process.
How do I repeat the last f/t/F/T motion in the opposite direction?
,
After using f, t, F, or T for single-character motion on a line, Vim lets you repeat that character search without retyping the target.
How do I combine the dot command with macros for powerful repeat workflows?
qq;.q then @q or @@
The dot command (.
How do I run a substitution across all files in the argument list?
:argdo %s/old/new/g | update
The :argdo command runs an Ex command on every file in the argument list (the files you opened Vim with, or added via :argadd).
How do I save a file under a new name in Vim?
:saveas
The :saveas {filename} command writes the current buffer to a new file and makes that new file the current buffer's file.
How do I run a quickfix refactor once per file instead of once per match?
:cfdo %s/\<GetUser\>/FetchUser/ge | update
When quickfix has many matches per file, :cdo can execute your command repeatedly in the same buffer.
command-line #command-line #quickfix #refactoring #ex-commands #search
How do I jump to the beginning of a file in Vim?
gg
The gg command moves the cursor to the first line of the file.
How do I reverse the order of all lines in a file using Vim?
:g/^/m 0
This clever use of the :global command reverses every line in the current buffer.
command-line #editing #ex-commands #global #text-manipulation
How do I open a file in read-only mode so I cannot accidentally modify it?
:view {file}
:view opens a file with the readonly option set, preventing accidental writes.
How do I reverse the order of all lines in a file?
:g/^/m0
The :g/^/m0 command is a clever use of Vim's global command to reverse every line in the file.
What are Vim's built-in character class shortcuts for search patterns?
\d \w \s \a \l \u
How it works Vim provides shorthand character classes that save you from writing out full bracket expressions.
How do I populate the argument list with a glob pattern to work across multiple files?
:args {pattern}
The :args command sets Vim's argument list to all files matching a glob pattern.
How do I temporarily disable all autocommands when running an Ex command?
:noautocmd {command}
The :noautocmd prefix (abbreviated :noa) suppresses all autocommand events for the duration of the following command.
command-line #ex-commands #autocommands #performance #command-line #scripting