learn_vim.txt

# I am learning VIM - here is what I've learned.
# A great reference is here: http://www.cs.runet.edu/~mhtay/CPSC120/VIM_Editor_Commands.htm
# (but I didn't just copy from there -- I tried each one first, and saved the ones my brain might remember here)

# basics
i                          # insert (edit) mode
o                          # "open" new line and insert (edit) mode there
ESC                        # command mode
:help                      # get help in a split window (:q to close)
:help topic                # get help on a topic

# open, close files
:e filename                # edit filename
:w filename                # write to filename
:w                         # save changes to current file
:wq                        # write and close file
:q                         # close file

# cursor navigation
gg                         # move to beginning of file
G                          # move to end of file
^ or 0                     # move to beginning of line
$                          # move to end of line
10{arrowkey}               # move the cursor 10 characters/lines in the direction of the arrow key
w                          # forward one word
b                          # back one word
:10                        # moves to line 10 in file
v                          # select text (line mode)
CTRL+v                     # select text (block mode)

# cut, copy, paste
dd                         # cut line (delete and cut are same thing)
2dd                        # cut 2 lines
d                          # cut (must select first with v or ctrl+v)
yy                         # copy line or selection (called yank)
2yy                        # copy 2 lines
P                          # paste
"2P                        # paste previous clipboard (there are 9)
p                          # paste below cursor - use Yppp to quickly duplicate the current line 3 times 

# delete
dw                         # delete to end of word
d$                         # delete to end of line
d^                         # delete to beginning of line

# find, replace
/term                      # search
/                          # repeat least search
:s/old/new/g               # replace in current line
:%s/old/new/g              # replace in entire file

# indent, unindent (first use v or ctrl+v to select)
>                          # indent selected lines 
<                          # unindent selected lines
2>                         # indent 2 times
2<                         # unindent 2 times

# tabs
vim -p filename1 filename2 # open files in tabs                      
gt                         # go to next tab
:tabfirst                  # move to first tab
:tablast                   # move to last tab
:tabnew filename           # open new tab
:wq                        # write and close tab
:q                         # close tab
:qa                        # close all tabs

# split window
:sp                        # splits window and duplicates same file in both sections
:vsp                       # splits window vertically and duplicates same file in both sections
:sp filename               # splits window and opens filename in top section
:vsp filename              # splits window vertically and opens filename in top section
CTRL+w x2                  # switch between split sections