Yank file name / path of current buffer in Vim

Question

Assuming the current buffer is a file open for edit, so :e does not display E32: No file name.

I would like to yank one or all of:

• The file name exactly as show on the status line, e.g. ~\myfile.txt
• A full path to the file, e.g. c:\foo\bar\myfile.txt
• Just the file name, e.g. myfile.txt

Answer 1

Almost what you're asking for, and it might do: Ctrl+R % pulls the current filename into where you are (command prompt, edit buffer, ...). See this Vim Tip for more.

Answer 2

Try this:

:let @" = expand("%")

this will copy the file name to the unamed register, then you can use good old 'p' to paste it. and of course you can map this to a key for quicker use.

:nmap cp :let @" = expand("%")

you can also use this for full path

:let @" = expand("%:p")

use :help expand for more details

Answer 3

Combining information from a couple of other answers: If you want to yank the current full path to a file and put it into the command buffer in another window, first do :let @" = expand("%:p"), then move to another window and type Ctrl+R ".

Useful for copying a file while staying in the same directory and keeping the old one open. For example:

Start: Editing src/com/benatkin/paint/shapes/Circle.java

1. Type :let @" = expand("%:p") (The path gets yanked to the main clipboard buffer.)

2. Open a new window with :sp

3. Type :e Ctrl+R"

4. Use the arrow keys to go back to Circle and change it to Square, and press <CR>

End: Editing src/com/benatkin/paint/shapes/Square.java