How to survive the transition from tabbed-based to buffer-based coding (Vim).

Question

I recently changed from notepad++ to Vim. In notepad++ I used to be aware of my open files by seeing them as tabs, so when I wanted to close or change them I just pressed Shit-Tab or Ctrl-W. In Vim there are also tabs, but when I use them I feel like I'm just going back to my notepad++ way of managing my files. Is there a good way of list, manage, switch and delete buffers other than splitting them?

Answer 1

You can use these commands:

• ls - list all open buffers
• bp, bn - switch to the previous or next buffer
• b number - switch to the buffer with that number
• b text - switch to the buffer whose name includes the string text

Answer 2

There are so many ways to deal with buffers in vim.

CTRL-^ to switch between buffers.

:q is the same as Ctrl-W

For further details see http://vim.wikia.com/wiki/Easier_buffer_switching

Answer 3

Yep. I recommend a buffer explorer plugin as well as learning buffer commands. I use this plugin.

http://www.vim.org/scripts/script.php?script_id=42

The buffer paradigm is quite elegant once you are used to it. Less visual clutter. but you are free with vim to find your own thing

Answer 4

I've tried several setups for Vim. My previous was one where I tried to use tabs instead of buffers. It was not very satisfying.

Now I've returned to buffers and for navigating files and buffers I use only the NERDTree and fuzzyfinder (I guess ex Textmate users may prefer fuzzyfinder_textmate) plugins, both are great.

For locating files I use either NERDTree bound to n or fuzzyfinder's File mode. For navigating open buffers I use fuzzfinder's buffer mode solely, bound to b.

Recently I also discovered that I could switch to the previously open buffer with Ctrl-6 (I think maybe that is Ctrl-^ on most keyboard).