How do I visually select a code block enclosed in curly braces including the braces themselves?
vaB
The aB text object (around Block) selects everything from the matching { to the closing } — including the braces themselves.
All Vim Tricks
How do I apply a recorded macro to a specific set of files using the argument list?
:argdo execute 'normal @q' | update
:argdo runs an Ex command on every file in Vim's argument list (the arglist).
How do I paste the last yanked text while in Insert mode without using the unnamed register?
<C-r>0
In Insert mode, {reg} pastes the contents of any register inline at the cursor.
How do I create a custom undo checkpoint while in Insert mode so I can undo in smaller steps?
<C-g>u
By default, Vim treats an entire Insert mode session (from entering Insert mode to pressing ) as a single undo unit.
How do I speed up macro execution and bulk operations by preventing screen redraws?
:set lazyredraw
When Vim runs a macro or an :argdo / :bufdo loop, it redraws the screen after every command by default.
How do I open a new empty buffer in a horizontal split without opening any file?
<C-w>n
n creates a new empty buffer and opens it in a horizontal split above the current window.
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 force a search to be case-sensitive regardless of the ignorecase setting?
/\Cpattern
Vim's ignorecase and smartcase settings change how all searches behave globally.
How do I load a set of files matching a glob pattern into Vim's argument list for bulk editing?
:args **/*.py
Vim's argument list (arglist) is a named list of files that you can operate on as a group.
How do I rename, move, or delete the current file from inside Vim using vim-eunuch?
:Rename {newname}
vim-eunuch (by Tim Pope) adds Unix shell operations as first-class Vim commands.
How do I visually select the text of a sentence without selecting surrounding whitespace?
vis
The is (inner sentence) text object selects the sentence the cursor is in — excluding any leading or trailing whitespace that separates sentences.
How do I duplicate the current line and place the copy directly below it?
:t.
The :t (short for :copy) command copies lines from one location to another.
How do I pipe the entire buffer through an external shell command and replace its contents with the output?
:%!{command}
The ! filter command in Vim sends a range of lines to an external program as standard input, then replaces those lines with the program's standard output.
How do I search across all of Vim's help documentation for a keyword or phrase?
:helpgrep {pattern}
:helpgrep searches the full text of every Vim help file for a pattern and loads all matches into the quickfix list.
How do I scroll the view left or right without moving the cursor in Vim?
zl and zh
When a line is longer than the window width and wrap is off, Vim can display only part of it.
How do I make Vim wrap long lines at word boundaries instead of mid-word?
:set linebreak
By default, when wrap is enabled, Vim wraps long lines at the window edge — which can split words in the middle.
How do I insert the result of a Vim expression onto a new line in the buffer?
:put ={expression}
The :put command inserts the contents of a register as a new line below the cursor.
How do I assign a macro to a register directly from the command line without recording it?
:let @q = '{keystrokes}'
You can assign a string directly to any register using :let @{reg} = '.
How do I compare two files side by side using Vim's built-in diff mode?
:vertical diffsplit {file}
Vim has a built-in diff mode that highlights added, removed, and changed lines between two (or more) buffers.
How do I browse files more naturally using vim-vinegar's enhanced netrw integration?
-
vim-vinegar is a lightweight plugin by Tim Pope that enhances Vim's built-in file browser (netrw) with a simpler, more intuitive workflow.