VIM: how to color my vim grep result patterns?

Question

When using VIM is there a way that :grep or :vimgrep will color the patterns returned to the buffer?

Thanks!

Answer 1

You can use the Unix grep:

:!grep --color pattern %

There may be other solutions using internal grep/vimgrep but this one works for me.

Answer 2

Maybe ack fits your bill?

Answer 3

If you search for the pattern after you've :vimgrep'd it, Vim will highlight it. Just edit the :vimgrep pattern files into :g/pattern/.

For a richer solution, try this script.

Answer 4

Two ways:

• For normal search / you can use :set hls.
• Or you can use :match Search /pattern/. This will hightlight everything that matches pattern.