Input Mode Shortcuts
vi provides two ways to decrease the amount of typing you have to do: abbreviations and maps.
Word Abbreviation
:ab
abbr phrase
Define abbr as an abbreviation for phrase.
:ab
List all defined abbreviations.
:unab
abbr
Remove definition of abbr.
Command and Input Mode Maps
:map
Âx sequence
Define character(s) x as a sequence of editing commands.
:unmap
Âx
Disable the sequence defined for x.
:map
List the characters that are currently mapped.
:map!
Âx sequence
Define character(s) x as a sequence of editing commands or text that will be recognized in insert mode.
:unmap!
Âx
Disable the sequence defined for the insert mode map x.
:map!
List the characters that are currently mapped for interpretation in insert mode.
For both command and insert mode maps, the map name x can take several forms:
- One character
When you type the character, vi executes the associated sequence of commands.
- Multiple characters
All the characters must be typed within one second. The value of
notimeout
changes the behavior.#
n
Function key notation: a
#
followed by a digit n represents the sequence of characters sent by the keyboardâs function key number n.
To enter characters such as Escape (^[
) or
carriage return (^M
), first type
CTRL-V (^V
).
Executable Buffers
Named buffers provide yet another way to create âmacrosââcomplex command sequences you can repeat with a few keystrokes. Hereâs how itâs done:
Type a vi command sequence or an ex command preceded by a colon; return to command mode.
Delete the text ...
Get vi and Vim Editors Pocket Reference, 2nd Edition now with the O’Reilly learning platform.
O’Reilly members experience books, live events, courses curated by job role, and more from O’Reilly and nearly 200 top publishers.