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Vim:Buffer

lastmod 2023-04-24created 2016-01-096 edits

Buffer list

Use :ls or :ls! to print the buffer list.

Indicators (chars in the same column are mutually exclusive):

Flags

Brief

u

an unlisted buffer (only displayed when ! is used)

%

the buffer in the current window

#

the alternate buffer for ":e #" and CTRL-^

a

an active buffer: it is loaded and visible

h

a hidden buffer: It is loaded, but currently not displayed in a window hidden-buffer

-

a buffer with 'modifiable' off

=

a readonly buffer

+

a modified buffer

x

a buffer with read errors

Active buffer list 

function TrimLeft(text)
    return substitute(a:text, '^[ \t]*', '', '')
endfunction

function GetBuffersOutput()
    redir => output
    silent execute 'buffers'
    redir END
    return output
endfunction

function GetListedBuffer()
    let result = []
    for cursor in split(GetBuffersOutput(), '\n')
        let result += [matchstr(TrimLeft(cursor), '^[0-9]*')]
    endfor
    " return a string list.
    return result
endfunction

Then call :call GetListedBuffer().

Example

  • :ls: prints the buffer list.
  • :ls!: prints the buffer list. (also prints unlisted buffers)
  • :bufdo [COMMANDS]: bufdo runs command for all buffers.
  • :bufdo bd: Close all buffer.
  • :bd: closes the current buffer. (it remains as an unlisted buffer)
  • :bw: completely removes the current buffer.
  • :bd2: closes buffer 2.
  • :1,100bd: closes buffers 1 through 100.
  • :echo bufnr('%'): prints the number of the current buffer.
  • :bnext: go to the next buffer.
  • :bprevious: go to the previous buffer.

See also

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author Zer0 sitemap