How do I replace text using a custom Vimscript function in a substitution?
:%s/pattern/\=MyFunc(submatch(0))/g
The \= prefix in Vim's substitute replacement invokes the expression register, which can call any Vimscript function.
Tag: advanced
How do I make a macro that finds and operates on specific patterns?
qq /pattern<CR> {commands} q
By incorporating a search command inside a macro, you can make it jump to the next occurrence of a pattern before performing its edits.
How do I use a counter variable inside a Vim macro?
:let i=1 then use <C-r>=i<CR> in macro
By combining a Vimscript variable with the expression register inside a macro, you can create a counter that increments on each replay.
How do I search for a pattern only when it's preceded or followed by another pattern?
/\(pattern\)\@<=target or /target\(pattern\)\@=
Vim supports zero-width assertions (lookahead and lookbehind) in its regex engine.
How do I chain multiple commands on lines matching a pattern with :g?
:g/pattern/cmd1 | cmd2
The :g (global) command can execute multiple Ex commands per matching line by chaining them with .
command-line #command-line #global #ex-commands #batch-editing #advanced
How do I target outer nested brackets using counted text objects?
d2i(
Vim text objects accept a count prefix that lets you target outer layers of nested delimiters.
How do I create custom text objects for my own operator-pending motions?
onoremap ih :<C-u>execute "normal! ?^==\+$\r:noh\rkvg_"<CR>
Vim lets you define custom text objects using operator-pending mode mappings (onoremap) and visual mode mappings (vnoremap).
How do I force a motion to act blockwise, linewise, or characterwise?
d<C-v>2j
Vim lets you override the natural type of any motion by pressing v, V, or between the operator and the motion.
editing #editing #motions #visual-mode #advanced #normal-mode
How do I use expressions in Vim's substitute replacement?
:%s/pattern/\=expression/g
Vim's substitute command supports expression replacements using \= in the replacement string.
How do I revert a file to its state from a specific time ago?
:earlier {time} / :later {time}
Vim's :earlier and :later commands let you navigate the undo history by wall-clock time rather than by individual undo steps.
editing #editing #undo-redo #ex-commands #advanced #productivity
How do I navigate undo branches to recover changes that were overwritten by a new edit?
g- / g+
Vim doesn't have a simple linear undo stack — it maintains a full undo tree with branches.
editing #editing #undo-redo #normal-mode #advanced #productivity
How do I search for a pattern that spans multiple lines?
/foo\_.*bar
Vim's default .
How do I land the cursor a few lines above or below a search match?
/pattern/+3
Vim's search command accepts an offset after the pattern that shifts where the cursor lands relative to the match.
How do I search for text only within a visual selection?
/\%Vpattern
The \%V atom restricts a search pattern to only match inside the most recent visual selection.
How do I create a macro that runs itself repeatedly until it fails?
qaqqa...@aq
A recursive macro calls itself at the end of its recording, creating a loop that repeats until a motion or command fails (like reaching the end of the file or f
How do I capture the output of a Vim command into a register or buffer?
:redir @a | {cmd} | redir END
The :redir command redirects the output of Ex commands to a register, file, or variable instead of displaying it on the screen.
command-line #command-line #ex-commands #registers #productivity #advanced
How do I keep my undo history after closing and reopening a file?
:set undofile
By default, Vim's undo history is lost when you close a file.