vim creates extra file (*.*~) on exit with :wq

18thBronzeman · 12-19-2006, 11:05 AM

while working in vim when i created a file and exited with ':wq' an extra file was created with my_file_name~. i tested this and it does not occur if i exit with a series of commands like ':w', ':q'. does anyone know the reason for this? thanks in advance!

dive · 12-19-2006, 11:23 AM

The ~ files are backups. If like me you are fed up with them being left in all your dirs you can turn backups off or have them put in a special backup dir. Both configurable in ~/.vimrc:

Code:

set backup      " keep a backup file
set backupdir=$HOME/.vimbak

or

Code:

set nobackup        " do not keep a backup file, use versions instead

18thBronzeman · 12-19-2006, 11:25 AM

thanks dive!