Vim 101: runtimepath

Vim looks for scripts and documentation in various directories, both in your home directory and system-wide. This is controlled by the 'runtimepath' option.

Depending on your system, the 'runtimepath' option will be set to several paths, separated by commas. Typing…

Vim 101: Insert Mode Shortcuts

When editing a file in Insert mode, it sometimes feels restrictive in terms of editing shortcuts. However, many shortcuts used elsewhere in Unix and other text editors are available. For example, CTRL-w (:help i_CTRL-W) will delete the word before the cursor, and CTRL-u…

Operator-Pending Mode

Reading through public dotfiles is one of the ways that I research articles for usevim, and also how I learn new Vim techniques. However, one thing that I find surprisingly lacking is operator-pending mappings (:help omap-info). To understand this cryptic term, you need to revisit…

Vim 101: The Vim Distribution

If you’re a Vim beginner, it’s likely that you’ve seen a screencast, blog post, or colleague that employs a wide range of impressive Vim plugins. This might be the reason you’ve been compelled to learn Vim, and why you’re reading yet another Vim 101 post.

Christmas Gifts for Vim Hackers

It’s testament to how popular programming and Vim have become that it’s not actually too difficult to come up with gift ideas for Vim hackers. This year has seen some cool projects take off thanks in part to crowdsourcing sites, but also due to a resurgence of interest in…