How do I access previous deletions from the numbered registers?
"1p through "9p
Registers 1-9 contain the last 9 deletions or changes that are at least one line long.
Search: i" a"
1024 results for "i" a""
How do I dynamically build and run Ex commands from strings in Vim?
:execute 'normal! ' . count . 'j'
The :execute command evaluates a string as an Ex command, enabling dynamic command construction.
How do I select an HTML tag and its contents in Vim?
vat
The vat command visually selects the nearest enclosing HTML or XML tag and all of its contents, including the opening and closing tags themselves.
visual-mode #visual-mode #text-objects #editing #normal-mode
How do I move the cursor to the other end of a visual selection to adjust it?
v_o
When you start a visual selection, the cursor is at one end and the anchor is at the other.
How do I persistently highlight specific patterns with custom colors in Vim?
:call matchadd('Search', 'pattern')
The matchadd() function lets you add persistent highlights to patterns without affecting the search register.
How do I match only part of a search pattern in Vim using \zs and \ze?
/\vfoo\zsbar\ze/
Vim's \zs (start of match) and \ze (end of match) atoms let you control which portion of a pattern is treated as the actual match.
How do I delete an entire line in Vim?
dd
The dd command deletes the entire current line, regardless of where the cursor is positioned on that line.
How do I select, change, or delete function arguments as text objects?
cia (with targets.vim) or daa
While Vim doesn't have a built-in argument text object, the targets.
How do I jump to a specific character on the current line?
f{char}
The f{char} command moves the cursor forward to the next occurrence of {char} on the current line.
How do I insert special characters like ©, ±, or → without leaving Vim?
<C-k>{char1}{char2}
Vim has a built-in digraph system that lets you insert hundreds of special characters by typing two-character mnemonics.
editing #editing #insert-mode #special-characters #unicode #productivity
How do I switch between character, line, and block visual selection without reselecting?
v / V / <C-v> (while in visual mode)
When you are already in visual mode and realize you need a different selection type, you do not have to exit and re-enter.
How do I create custom highlight groups and override colorscheme colors?
:highlight MyGroup guifg=#ff0000 guibg=NONE gui=bold
The :highlight command lets you define custom colors for syntax elements, UI components, and your own highlight groups.
How do I automatically equalize window sizes when the terminal is resized?
:autocmd WinResized * wincmd =
When you resize your terminal window, Vim's split layout can become unbalanced.
How do I resize a split window in Vim?
<C-w>+ and <C-w>-
The + and - commands increase or decrease the height of the current split window by one line.
How do I navigate compiler errors, grep results, or search matches using the quickfix list?
:copen / :cnext / :cprev
The quickfix list is Vim's built-in mechanism for navigating a list of file locations — compiler errors, grep results, search matches, or any structured outpu
navigation #navigation #quickfix #ex-commands #productivity #workflow
How do I delete from the cursor to the end of the line?
D
The D command deletes everything from the cursor position to the end of the current line.
How do I view or manipulate the search pattern register in Vim?
:echo @/
The / register holds the most recent search pattern.
How do I auto-format code on save using conform.nvim?
:lua require('conform').format()
conform.
How do I paste text from the system clipboard into Vim?
"+p
The "+p command pastes the contents of the system clipboard into Vim.
How do I browse and restore previously deleted text using Vim's numbered registers?
"1p then u. to cycle through delete history
Vim silently maintains a rolling history of your last 9 deletions in numbered registers "1 through "9.