What is the unnamed register and how does it work?
""p
The unnamed register "" is the default target for yank, delete, and change operations.
Tag: registers
How do you set the search register programmatically?
:let @/ = 'pattern'
Use :let @/ = 'pattern' to set the search register directly.
What is the selection register in Vim and how do you use it?
"*p
The register represents the primary selection (middle-click paste in X11).
How do you set a register programmatically in Vim?
:call setreg('a', 'text')
Use setreg() to set register contents from Vimscript.
How do you paste over a visual selection without losing the register?
"_dP or use "0p
When pasting over a selection, the replaced text overwrites the unnamed register.
How do you paste a register using the :put command?
:put a
The :put a command pastes register a on a new line below the cursor.
What are the read-only registers in Vim?
%. # :
Vim has read-only registers: % (current filename), # (alternate filename), .
How do you record a macro into a specific named register?
qa...q
Press q followed by a lowercase letter (a-z) to start recording into that register.
How do you paste from a register while in visual mode?
"ap
In visual mode, "ap replaces the selected text with the contents of register a.
How do you paste a register's contents multiple times?
5"ap
Prefix the paste command with a count.
How do you paste from a named register before the cursor?
"aP
Use "aP (uppercase P) to paste the contents of register a before the cursor position, as opposed to "ap which pastes after.
How do you force a linewise register to paste characterwise?
:call setreg('a', @a, 'v') then "ap
Use setreg() to change register a to characterwise mode (v), then paste.
How do you paste a register value into the search prompt?
/<C-r>a
While in the search prompt (/), press a to insert the contents of register a.
How do you access the last executed command in Vim?
:@:
The : register stores the last command-line command.
How do you access the last inserted text in Vim?
<C-r>.
In insert mode, .
What is the difference between register 0 and register 1 in Vim?
"0p vs "1p
Register 0 always contains the last yanked text.
How do you paste from a register with automatic indentation?
"a]p
Use ]p after specifying a register to paste with adjusted indentation.
How do you insert the current filename from a register?
<C-r>%
In insert mode, % inserts the current filename.
How do you retrieve a register's contents in Vimscript?
:echo getreg('a')
Use getreg('a') to get the contents of register a as a string.
How do you paste from a specific register while in insert mode?
<C-r>a
In insert mode, press followed by the register name.