[SOLVED] vim: to input a single character and continue in command mode: what key?

stf92 · 06-23-2011, 11:38 PM

Hi:

What's said.

I increase my knowledge in vim in two ways. Little hints about doing this or that and scattered studies using the vim help files. Please do not believe I always rely on the first one.

Tinkster · 06-24-2011, 12:31 AM

I honestly don't think that exists by default; you may be able to
code something like that up, and bind it to some obscure key-combo.

What's the actual objective?

Cheers,
Tink
~
~
:wq!

stf92 · 06-24-2011, 12:44 AM

Hi, and thanks.

I understand. In the language of some old editors, that would be called a macro.

I may be revising a text, and find I wrote 'wote' instead of 'wrote'. In cases like these, such a command would be nice. Now, to construct a key binding combo is beyond the elementary state of vim knowledge on my part.

Still, knowing it's not a default command, has been of grate help.

grail · 06-24-2011, 02:18 AM

I am not sure how it can be much easier than (using example):

Code:

i -> r -> ESC

Surely any macro launched by a key combination will need to include the letter you wish to add so letter plus a
key stroke before and after seems pretty minimal to me?

stf92 · 06-24-2011, 03:39 AM

So, 'r' is an arbitrary letter in your scheme? If so, it certainly looks like minimal, given that launching the macro needs two keys.

I wonder how does vim implement the 'r' command (replace one character). It has to be coded into the program, at first sight. But if the key bindings were definable by the user?

grail · 06-24-2011, 03:46 AM

Yes 'r' is arbitrary letter. You can create your own macros ... just type 'vim macros' into google and you should get plenty of responses.

stf92 · 06-24-2011, 03:57 AM

Thank you very much. I'll mark SOLVED.

Tinkster · 06-24-2011, 05:06 PM

I guess I was thrown off by "continue in command mode". I assumed
you were currently in command mode, e.g. composing a search & replace,
wanted to change a letter in text and carry on typing your command.

Sorry about that.

Cheers,
Tink

MTK358 · 06-24-2011, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tinkster

I assumed
you were currently in command mode, e.g. composing a search & replace,
wanted to change a letter in text and carry on typing your command.

"Command Mode" does not mean that you are entering a ":" command.

Tinkster · 06-24-2011, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MTK358

"Command Mode" does not mean that you are entering a ":" command.

The mode where you're not entering commands is called "Normal mode".
To be in "command mode", you do press :

Cheers,
Tink

stf92 · 06-24-2011, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tinkster

The mode where you're not entering commands is called "Normal mode".
To be in "command mode", you do press :

I'm sorry if I misled somebody. There is a "typo" in the thread title. It says: vim: to input a single character and continue in command mode: what key? It should say: vim: to input a single character and continue in normal mode: what key?

To avoid any cofussion: the mode I currently am in is that in which typing 'I' will set you in insert mode and typing ':' will set you in command mode. But I guess now it's too late for me. The impetus has been lost. Anyway, most of you seem to have interpreted post #1 in the way it was intended by me and, so, it would remain true that three keystrokes would be the minimal count. Thanks a lot.

Tinkster · 06-24-2011, 08:33 PM

No worries, and looking at MTK358's misinterpretation I understand
that others got what you meant, not what you said. ;}

Anyway, you may find the read of these interesting:
http://vim.wikia.com/wiki/Insert_a_single_character
http://vim.wikia.com/wiki/Insert_one_character_only

Cheers,
Tink

stf92 · 06-24-2011, 08:45 PM

Most kind of you, Tinkster.