How do I run a recorded macro on every file in my argument list at once?
:argdo normal @a
The :argdo command applies any Ex command to every file in the argument list.
Search: :e!
488 results for ":e!"
How do I run a search-and-replace across all files in my argument list and only save changed buffers?
:argdo %s/\<old\>/new/ge | update
When you need to apply the same substitution across a curated set of files, :argdo is safer than a broad project-wide command.
command-line #command-line #ex-commands #search #buffers #formatting
How do I run a replacement only over the current window's location-list matches?
:ldo s/foo/bar/ge | update\<CR>
:ldo is one of the most effective ways to perform targeted, multi-file edits without touching unrelated text.
How do I run a command on every individual quickfix entry in Vim?
:cdo s/old/new/ | update
:cdo {cmd} executes a command at every entry in the quickfix list, visiting each location in turn.
How do I highlight a custom pattern in the current window without affecting the search register?
:call matchadd('ErrorMsg', 'TODO')
matchadd() lets you highlight arbitrary patterns using any highlight group — without touching the search register or search highlighting.
How do I save screen space by merging the sign column into the line number column in Neovim?
:set signcolumn=number
Setting signcolumn=number tells Neovim to display signs (diagnostics, git hunks, breakpoints) inside the line number column instead of adding a dedicated extra
How do I define a multi-line string in Vimscript without concatenation or escape sequences?
let {var} =<< {marker}
Vim 8.
How do I customize Vim's statusline to show useful file information?
:set statusline=%f\ %y\ [%l/%L]
Vim's statusline option lets you build a custom status bar from format items.
How do I make gf find files even when the import path omits the file extension?
:set suffixesadd+=.js,.ts,.py
In many programming languages, import statements reference modules without file extensions (e.
How do I create text shortcuts that auto-expand while typing in Vim?
iabbrev
:iabbrev defines insert-mode abbreviations that expand automatically when you type a non-keyword character (space, punctuation, ) after the abbreviation.
How do I use an external formatter with the gq operator in Vim?
:set formatprg={program}
Vim's gq operator normally reflows text to fit textwidth, but by setting formatprg you can delegate formatting to any external tool — a language formatter, a
How do I change the working directory for only the current window without affecting other windows or tabs?
:lcd
:cd changes the global working directory, affecting every window and tab in the session.
How do I open the previous file I was editing in a split window?
:split #
In Vim, # is a special filename that always refers to the alternate file — the most recently active buffer before the current one.
How do I change existing surrounding quotes to parentheses with vim-surround?
cs"(
The cs operator in vim-surround (change surrounding) swaps one pair of delimiters for another without touching the content inside.
How do I open the file whose name is under the cursor in a new tab?
<C-w>gf
gf reads the filename under the cursor and opens it in a new tab page, keeping your current buffer untouched.
How do I highlight a custom pattern persistently in a window without changing the search register?
matchadd()
The matchadd() function adds a persistent highlight for a pattern in the current window without touching your search register or interfering with n/N navigation
How do I control windows using Ex commands in scripts and mappings instead of Ctrl-W shortcuts?
:wincmd {cmd}
:wincmd {key} is the Ex command equivalent of every {key} window shortcut.
buffers-windows #buffers-windows #windows #ex-commands #normal-mode
How do I list all buffers including unlisted ones like help pages and terminal buffers?
:ls!
:ls (or :buffers) shows Vim's buffer list, but it hides unlisted buffers — help files, directory listings (netrw), terminal buffers, and scratch buffers marke
How do I paste or reuse my last search pattern from the search register?
"/p
Vim stores the last search pattern in the search register "/.
How do I run a substitute command on every file in the quickfix list at once?
:cfdo %s/old/new/ge | update
When you grep across your project and want to perform a search-and-replace on every file that matched, :cfdo is the most efficient approach.
command-line #quickfix #substitute #search #ex-commands #editing