How do I yank text inside delimiters into a specific named register?
"ayi(
Combining named registers with text object motions lets you precisely yank structured content — like function arguments, quoted strings, or bracketed expressi
Tag: registers
How do I use the expression register in a mapping to insert dynamic values?
:nnoremap <leader>d "=strftime('%Y-%m-%d')<CR>p
The expression register (=) evaluates Vimscript expressions and uses the result as register content.
How do I access the current and alternate filename registers in Vim?
:echo @%
Vim provides special read-only registers that hold the current and alternate filenames.
How do I call one macro from inside another macro?
@a (within macro @b)
Vim macros can call other macros, enabling modular macro composition.
How do I transform register contents using Vimscript functions?
:put =map(getreg('a', 1, 1), 'toupper(v:val)')
By using getreg() with the list flag and applying map(), you can transform register contents with any Vimscript function before pasting.
How do I paste register contents literally without triggering mappings in insert mode?
<C-r><C-r>a
In insert mode, a pastes register a but processes the text as if typed, which can trigger abbreviations and mappings.
How do I clear or reset a specific register in Vim?
:let @a = ''
Registers persist their contents throughout your Vim session and even across sessions if viminfo or shada is enabled.
How do I convert a register's type between characterwise and linewise?
:call setreg('a', @a, 'l')
Registers in Vim have a type — characterwise, linewise, or blockwise — that affects how their contents are pasted.
How do I debug a macro by stepping through it command by command?
:let g:debug_macro=1 | normal @a
When a macro doesn't work as expected, debugging it step by step is essential.
How do I run a substitute command without overwriting my current search pattern?
:keeppattern %s/old/new/g
When you run a :s or :%s substitute command, Vim updates the search register (@/) with the substitution pattern.
command-line #ex-commands #search #editing #registers #substitute
How do I evaluate expressions and insert results inline in Vim?
<C-r>=system("date")<CR>
The expression register (=) is one of Vim's most powerful yet underused features.
How do I make a macro repeat itself until it reaches the end of the file?
qqq qq{commands}@qq @q
A recursive macro calls itself at the end of its recording, causing it to repeat automatically until a motion fails (like j at the last line).
How do I copy the current file's full path to the system clipboard?
:let @+ = expand('%:p')
Sometimes you need to share or use the full path of the file you're editing — for a terminal command, a config file, or a chat message.
How do I paste a register's content in Insert mode without Vim adjusting the indentation?
<C-r><C-o>{register}
The standard {reg} pastes register contents in Insert mode, but Vim may auto-indent multi-line text to match the current indentation level — sometimes manglin
How do I call one macro from inside another macro in Vim?
When recording a macro, you can execute another macro inside it by pressing @b (or any register) during the recording.
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 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 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 paste my last Ex command into the command line or a buffer?
<C-r>:
Vim stores your last executed Ex command in the read-only : register.