How do I encrypt a file directly in Vim?
:X
The :X command sets an encryption key for the current file.
command-line #command-line #security #file-management #ex-commands
Search: i" a"
2125 results for "i" a""
How do I open another buffer in a split without changing the alternate-file register?
:keepalt sbuffer {bufnr}
The alternate-file register (#) is easy to disturb when jumping around buffers, and many advanced motions depend on it (, # expansions, quick two-file toggles).
How do I prompt the user for input in the middle of a mapping or Vimscript function?
input({prompt})
The built-in input() function pauses execution, displays a prompt at the bottom of the screen, and returns whatever the user types before pressing Enter.
How do I sort lines based on a specific field or column rather than the beginning of each line?
:sort /regex/
The :sort /pattern/ command sorts lines by the text that appears after the first match of a pattern, not from the start of each line.
How do I access and manipulate the last search pattern as a register?
"/
Vim stores the last search pattern in the special / register.
How do I write a Vim search pattern that matches text spanning multiple lines?
/pattern1\_.{-}pattern2
Vim's regex engine normally treats .
How do I convert a visually selected block of text to uppercase or lowercase?
U
In visual mode, pressing U converts all selected characters to uppercase and u converts them to lowercase.
How do I append text to the end of multiple lines at once using visual block mode?
<C-v>jj$A text<Esc>
Visual block mode combined with $A lets you append text to the end of multiple lines simultaneously, even when those lines have different lengths.
visual-mode #editing #visual-mode #block-mode #productivity #insert-mode
How do I create incrementing number sequences in Vim?
g<C-a>
The g command increments numbers across a visual selection so that each subsequent line gets a progressively higher value.
How do I sort lines within a visual selection in reverse alphabetical order?
:'<,'>sort!
The sort! command sorts the selected lines in reverse (descending) order.
How do I join a specific number of lines at once without pressing J multiple times?
{count}J
The J command joins the current line with the line below, adding a space between them.
How do I edit an existing macro without re-recording it from scratch?
:let @a = '...'
When a recorded macro contains a typo or needs a small tweak, you can modify it directly via the :let command rather than re-recording the entire sequence.
How do I insert the result of a Vim expression or calculation directly into text?
"=
The expression register ("=) lets you evaluate any Vim expression and insert its result as text.
How do I jump to the start or end of a C-style block comment from anywhere inside or near it?
[* and ]*
The [ and ] motions (also written as [/ and ]/) let you jump directly to the opening / or closing / of a C-style block comment.
How do I open a file under the cursor in a new split and jump to its line number in Vim?
<C-w>F
F opens the filename under the cursor in a new horizontal split window and jumps to the line number that follows the filename.
buffers-windows #navigation #buffers-windows #windows #editing
How do I write a Vim search pattern that matches text at or between mark positions?
\%'m
Vim's \%'m regex atom matches the exact position of mark m in a search pattern.
How do I append text to a register instead of replacing it?
"Ayy
The "Ayy command appends the current line to register a instead of overwriting it.
How do I open a file in a new tab in Vim?
:tabnew filename
The :tabnew filename command opens a file in a new tab page in Vim.
buffers-windows #buffers-windows #tabs #ex-commands #navigation
How do I open a persistent file explorer sidebar using Vim's built-in netrw?
:Lexplore
:Lexplore opens Vim's built-in netrw file explorer as a persistent sidebar anchored to the left of the screen.
buffers-windows #netrw #file-explorer #buffers #windows #navigation
How do I group regex atoms in Vim without creating a backreference?
\%(pattern\)
In Vim's regex engine, \( and \) create a capturing group whose contents are stored in \1, \2, etc.