# Vim documentation: windows

main help file

    *windows.txt*   For Vim version 6.0aq.  Last change: 2001 Aug 01

    		  VIM REFERENCE MANUAL    by Bram Moolenaar

    Editing with multiple windows and buffers.		*windows* *buffers*

    The commands which have been added to use multiple windows and buffers are
    explained here.  Additionally, there are explanations for commands that work
    differently when used in combination with more than one window.

    The basics are explained in chapter 7 and 8 of the user manual |usr_07.txt|
    |usr_08.txt|.

    1.  Introduction				|windows-intro|
    2.  Starting Vim				|windows-starting|
    3.  Opening and closing a window		|opening-window|
    4.  Moving cursor to other windows		|window-move-cursor|
    5.  Moving windows around			|window-moving|
    6.  Window resizing				|window-resize|
    7.  argument and buffer list commands		|buffer-list|
    8.  Do a command in all buffers or windows	|list-repeat|
    9.  Tag or file name under the cursor		|window-tag|
    10. The preview window				|preview-window|
    11. Using hidden buffers			|buffer-hidden|
    12. Special kinds of buffers			|special-buffers|

    {Vi does not have any of these commands}
    {not able to use multiple windows when the |+windows| feature was disabled at
    compile time}
    {not able to use vertically split windows when the |+vertsplit| feature was
    disabled at compile time}

    ==============================================================================

    1. Introduction						*windows-intro*

    A window is a viewport onto a buffer.  You can use multiple windows on one
    buffer, or several windows on different buffers.

    A buffer is a file loaded into memory for editing.  The original file remains
    unchanged until you write the buffer to the file.

    A buffer can be in one of three states:

    							*active-buffer*
    active:   The buffer is displayed in a window.  If there is a file for this
    	  buffer, it has been read into the buffer.  The buffer may have been
    	  modified since then and thus be different from the file.

    							*hidden-buffer*
    hidden:   The buffer is not displayed.  If there is a file for this buffer, it
    	  has been read into the buffer.  Otherwise it's the same as an active
    	  buffer, you just can't see it.

    							*inactive-buffer*
    inactive: The buffer is not displayed and does not contain anything.  Options
    	  for the buffer are remembered if the file was once loaded.  It can
    	  contains marks from the |viminfo| file.  But the buffer doesn't
    	  contain text.

    In a table:

    state		displayed	loaded		":buffers"
    		in window			shows
    active		  yes		 yes		  'a'
    hidden		  no		 yes		  'h'
    inactive	  no		 no		  '' ''

    Note: All CTRL-W commands can also be executed with |:wincmd|, for those
    places where a Normal mode command can't be used or is inconvenient.

    ==============================================================================

    2. Starting Vim						*windows-starting*

    By default, Vim starts with one window, just like Vi.

    The "-o" and "-O" arguments to Vim can be used to open a window for each file
    in the argument list.  The "-o" argument will split the windows horizontally;
    the "-O" argument will split the windows vertically.  If both "-o" and "-O"
    are given, the last one encountered will be used to determine the split
    orientation.  For example, this will open three windows, split horizontally:
    	Vim -o file1 file2 file3

    "-oN", where N is a decimal number, opens N windows split horizontally.  If
    there are more file names than windows, only N windows are opened and some
    files do not get a window.  If there are more windows than file names, the
    last few windows will be editing empty buffers.  Similarly, "-ON" opens N
    windows split vertically, with the same restrictions.

    If there are many file names, the windows will become very small.  You might
    want to set the 'winheight' and/or 'winwidth' options to create a workable
    situation.

    Buf/Win Enter/Leave |autocommand|s are not executed when opening the new
    windows and reading the files, that's only done when they are really entered.

    							*status-line*
    A status line will be used to separate windows.  The 'laststatus' option tells
    when the last window also has a status line:
    	'laststatus' = 0	never a status line
    	'laststatus' = 1	status line if there is more than one window
    	'laststatus' = 2	always a status line

    You can change the contents of the status line with the 'statusline' option.

    Normally, inversion is used to display the status line.  This can be changed
    with the 's' character in the 'highlight' option.  For example, "sb" sets it to
    bold characters.  If no highlighting is used for the status line ("sn"), the
    '^' character is used for the current window, and '=' for other windows.  If
    the mouse is supported and enabled with the 'mouse' option, a status line can
    be dragged to resize windows.

    Note: If you expect your status line to be in reverse video and it isn't,
    check if the 'highlight' option contains "si".  In version 3.0, this meant to
    invert the status line.  Now it should be "sr", reverse the status line, as
    "si" now stands for italic!  If italic is not available on your terminal, the
    status line is inverted anyway; you will only see this problem on terminals
    that have termcap codes for italics.

    ==============================================================================

    3. Opening and closing a window				*opening-window* *E36*

    CTRL-W s						*CTRL-W_s*

    CTRL-W S						*CTRL-W_S*

    CTRL-W CTRL-S						*CTRL-W_CTRL-S*

    :[N]sp[lit] [++opt] [+cmd]				*:sp* *:split*
    		Split current window in two.  The result is two viewports on
    		the same file.  Make new window N high (default is to use half
    		the height of the current window).  Reduces the current window
    		height to create room (and others, if the 'equalalways' option
    		is set and 'eadirection' isn't "hor").
    		Note: CTRL-S does not work on all terminals and might block
    		further input, use CTRL-Q to get going again.
    		Also see |++opt| and |+cmd|.

    CTRL-W CTRL-V						*CTRL-W_CTRL-V*

    CTRL-W v						*CTRL-W_v*

    :[N]vs[plit] [++opt] [+cmd] [file]			*:vs* *:vsplit*
    		Like |:split|, but split vertically.  If 'equalalways' is set
    		and 'eadirection' isn't "ver" the windows will be spread out
    		horizontally, unless a width was specified.

    CTRL-W n						*CTRL-W_n*

    CTRL-W CTRL_N						*CTRL-W_CTRL-N*

    :[N]new [++opt] [+cmd]					*:new*
    		Create a new window and start editing an empty file in it.
    		Make new window N high (default is to use half the existing
    		height).  Reduces the current window height to create room (and
    		others, if the 'equalalways' option is set and 'eadirection'
    		isn't "hor").
    		Also see |++opt| and |+cmd|.
    		If 'fileformats' is not empty, the first format given will be
    		used for the new buffer.  If 'fileformats' is empty, the
    		'fileformat' of the current buffer is used.  This can be
    		overridden with the |++opt| argument.
    		Autocommands are executed in this order:
    		1. WinLeave for the current window
    		2. WinEnter for the new window
    		3. BufLeave for the current buffer
    		4. BufEnter for the new buffer
    		This behaves like a ":split" first, and then a ":e" command.

    :[N]vne[w] [++opt] [+cmd] [file]			*:vne* *:vnew*
    		Like |:new|, but split vertically.  If 'equalalways' is set
    		and 'eadirection' isn't "ver" the windows will be spread out
    		horizontally, unless a width was specified.

    :[N]new [++opt] [+cmd] {file}

    :[N]sp[lit] [++opt] [+cmd] {file}			*:split_f*
    		Create a new window and start editing file {file} in it.
    		If [+cmd] is given, execute the command when the file has been
    		loaded |+cmd|.
    		Also see |++opt|.
    		Make new window N high (default is to use half the existing
    		height).  Reduces the current window height to create room
    		(and others, if the 'equalalways' option is set).

    :[N]sv[iew] [++opt] [+cmd] {file}		*:sv* *:sview* *splitview*
    		Same as ":split", but set 'readonly' option for this buffer.

    :[N]sf[ind] [++opt] [+cmd] {file}		*:sf* *:sfind* *splitfind*
    		Same as ":split", but search for {file} in 'path'.  Doesn't
    		split if {file} is not found.

    CTRL-W CTRL-^					*CTRL-W_CTRL-^* *CTRL-W_^*
    CTRL-W ^	Does ":split #", split window in two and edit alternate file.
    		When a count is given, it becomes ":split #N", split window
    		and edit buffer N.

    Note that the 'splitbelow' and 'splitright' options influence where a new
    window will appear.

    						*:vert* *:vertical*
    :vert[ical] {cmd}
    		Execute {cmd}.  If it contains a command that splits a window,
    		it will be split vertically.

    :lefta[bove] {cmd}				*:lefta* *leftabove*

    :abo[veleft] {cmd}				*:abo* *:aboveleft*
    		Execute {cmd}.  If it contains a command that splits a window,
    		it will be opened left (vertical split) or above (horizontal
    		split) the current window.  Overrules 'splitbelow' and
    		'splitright'.

    :rightb[elow] {cmd}				*:rightb* *:rightbelow*

    :bel[owright] {cmd}				*:bel* *:belowright*
    		Execute {cmd}.  If it contains a command that splits a window,
    		it will be opened right (vertical split) or below (horizontal
    		split) the current window.  Overrules 'splitbelow' and
    		'splitright'.

    						*:topleft* *E442*
    :to[pleft] {cmd}
    		Execute {cmd}.  If it contains a command that splits a window,
    		it will appear at the top and occupy the full width of the Vim
    		window.  When the split is vertical the window appears at the
    		far left and occupies the full height of the Vim window.

    						*:botright*
    :bo[tright] {cmd}
    		Execute {cmd}.  If it contains a command that splits a window,
    		it will appear at the bottom and occupy the full width of the
    		Vim window.  When the split is vertical the window appears at
    		the far right and occupies the full height of the Vim window.

    These command modifers can be combined to make a vertically split window
    occupy the full height.  Example:
    	:vertical topleft edit tags
    Opens a vertically split, full-height window on the "tags" file at the far
    left of the Vim window.

    Closing a window

    CTRL-W q						*CTRL-W_q*

    CTRL-W CTRL-Q						*CTRL-W_CTRL-Q*
    :q[uit]		Quit current window.  When quitting the last window (not
    		counting a help window), exit Vim.
    		When 'hidden' is set, and there is only one window for the
    		current buffer, it becomes hidden.
    		When 'hidden' is not set, and there is only one window for the
    		current buffer, and the buffer was changed, the command fails.
    		(Note: CTRL-Q does not work on all terminals)

    :q[uit]!	Quit current window.  If this was the last window for a buffer,
    		any changes to that buffer are lost.  When quitting the last
    		window (not counting help windows), exit Vim.  The contents of
    		the buffer are lost, even when 'hidden' is set.

    CTRL-W c					*CTRL-W_c* *:clo* *:close*
    :clo[se][!]	Close current window.  When the 'hidden' option is set, or
    		when the buffer was changed and the [!] is used, the buffer
    		becomes hidden (unless there is another window editing it).

    		This command fails when:			*E444*
    		- There is only one window on the screen.
    		- When 'hidden' is not set, [!] is not used, the buffer has
    		  changes, and there is no other window on this buffer.
    		Changes to the buffer are not written and won't get lost, so
    		this is a "safe" command.

    CTRL-W CTRL-C						*CTRL-W_CTRL-C*
    		You might have expected that CTRL-W CTRL-C closes the current
    		window, but that does not work, because the CTRL-C cancels the
    		command.

    							*:hide*
    :hid[e]		Quit current window, unless it is the last window on the
    		screen.  The buffer becomes hidden (unless there is another
    		window editing it or 'bufhidden' is "unload" or "delete").
    		The value of 'hidden' is irrelevant for this command.
    		Changes to the buffer are not written and won't get lost, so
    		this is a "safe" command.

    :hid[e] {cmd}	Execute {cmd} with 'hidden' is set.  The previous value of
    		'hidden' is restored after {cmd} has been executed.
    		Example:
    		    :hide edit Makefile
     		This will edit "Makefile", and hide the current buffer if it
    		has any changes.

    CTRL-W o						*CTRL-W_o* *E445*

    CTRL-W CTRL-O					*CTRL-W_CTRL-O* *:on* *:only*
    :on[ly][!]	Make the current window the only one on the screen.  All other
    		windows are closed.
    		When the 'hidden' option is set, all buffers in closed windows
    		become hidden.
    		When 'hidden' is not set, and the 'autowrite' option is set,
    		modified buffers are written.  Otherwise, windows that have
    		buffers that are modified are not removed, unless the [!] is
    		given, then they become hidden.  But modified buffers are
    		never abandoned, so changes cannot get lost.

    ==============================================================================

    4. Moving cursor to other windows			*window-move-cursor*

    CTRL-W <Down>					*CTRL-W_<Down>*

    CTRL-W CTRL-J					*CTRL-W_CTRL-J* *CTRL-W_j*
    CTRL-W j	Move cursor to Nth window below current one.  Uses the cursor
    		position to select between alternatives.

    CTRL-W <Up>					*CTRL-W_<Up>*

    CTRL-W CTRL-K					*CTRL-W_CTRL-K* *CTRL-W_k*
    CTRL-W k	Move cursor to Nth window above current one.  Uses the cursor
    		position to select between alternatives.

    CTRL-W <Left>					*CTRL-W_<Left>*

    CTRL-W CTRL-H					*CTRL-W_CTRL-H*

    CTRL-W <BS>					*CTRL-W_<BS>* *CTRL-W_h*
    CTRL-W h	Move cursor to Nth window left of current one.  Uses the
    		cursor position to select between alternatives.

    CTRL-W <Right>					*CTRL-W_<Right>*

    CTRL-W CTRL-L					*CTRL-W_CTRL-L* *CTRL-W_l*
    CTRL-W l	Move cursor to Nth window right of current one.  Uses the
    		cursor position to select between alternatives.

    CTRL-W w					*CTRL-W_w* *CTRL-W_CTRL-W*
    CTRL-W CTRL-W	Without count: move cursor to window below/right of the
    		current one.  If there is no window below or right, go to
    		top-left window.  With count: go to Nth window (windows are
    		numbered from top-left to bottom-right).

    						*CTRL-W_W*
    CTRL-W W	Without count: move cursor to window above/left of current
    		one.  If there is no window above or left, go to bottom-right
    		window.  With count: go to Nth window (windows are numbered
    		from top-left to bottom-right).

    CTRL-W t					*CTRL-W_t* *CTRL-W_CTRL-T*
    CTRL-W CTRL-T	Move cursor to top-left window.

    CTRL-W b					*CTRL-W_b* *CTRL-W_CTRL-B*
    CTRL-W CTRL-B	Move cursor to bottom-right window.

    CTRL-W p					*CTRL-W_p* *CTRL-W_CTRL-P*
    CTRL-W CTRL-P	Go to previous (last accessed) window.

    						*CTRL-W_P* *E441*
    CTRL-W P	Go to preview window.  When there is no preview window this is
    		an error.
    		{not available when compiled without the |+quickfix| feature}

    If Visual mode is active and the new window is not for the same buffer, the
    Visual mode is ended.  If the window is on the same buffer, the cursor
    position is set to keep the same Visual area selected.

    						*:winc* *:wincmd*
    These commands can also be executed with ":wincmd":

    :[count]winc[md] {arg}
    		Like executing CTRL-W [count] {arg}.  Example:
    			:wincmd j
     		Moves to the window below the current one.
    		This command is useful when a Normal mode cannot be used (for
    		the |CursorHold| autocommand event).  Or when a Normal mode
    		command is inconvenient.

    ==============================================================================

    5. Moving windows around				*window-moving*

    CTRL-W r				*CTRL-W_r* *CTRL-W_CTRL-R* *E443*
    CTRL-W CTRL-R	Rotate windows downwards/rightwards.  The first window becomes
    		the second one, the second one becomes the third one, etc.
    		The last window becomes the first window.  The cursor remains
    		in the same window.
    		This only works within the row or column of windows that the
    		current window is in.

    						*CTRL-W_R*
    CTRL-W R	Rotate windows upwards/leftwards.  The second window becomes
    		the first one, the third one becomes the second one, etc.  The
    		first window becomes the last window.  The cursor remains in
    		the same window.
    		This only works within the row or column of windows that the
    		current window is in.

    CTRL-W x					*CTRL-W_x* *CTRL-W_CTRL-X*
    CTRL-W CTRL-X	Without count: Exchange current window with next one.  If there
    		is no next window, exchange with previous window.
    		With count: Exchange current window with Nth window (first
    		window is 1).  The cursor is put in the other window.
    		When vertical and horizontal window splits are mixed, the
    		exchange is only done in the row or column of windows that the
    		current window is in.

    The following commands can be used to change the window layout.  For example,
    when there are two vertically split windows, CTRL-W K will change that in
    horizontally split windows.  CTRL-W H does it the other way around.

    						*CTRL-W_K*
    CTRL-W K	Move the current window to be at the very top, using the full
    		width of the screen.  This works like closing the current
    		window and then creating another one with ":topleft split",
    		except that the current window contents is used for the new
    		window.

    						*CTRL-W_J*
    CTRL-W J	Move the current window to be at the very bottom, using the
    		full width of the screen.  This works like closing the current
    		window and then creating another one with ":botright split",
    		except that the current window contents is used for the new
    		window.

    						*CTRL-W_H*
    CTRL-W H	Move the current window to be at the far left, using the
    		full height of the screen.  This works like closing the
    		current window and then creating another one with
    		":vert topleft split", except that the current window contents
    		is used for the new window.
    		{not available when compiled without the +vertsplit feature}

    						*CTRL-W_L*
    CTRL-W L	Move the current window to be at the far right, using the full
    		height of the screen.  This works like closing the
    		current window and then creating another one with
    		":vert botright split", except that the current window
    		contents is used for the new window.
    		{not available when compiled without the +vertsplit feature}

    ==============================================================================

    6. Window resizing					*window-resize*

    						*CTRL-W_=*
    CTRL-W =	Make all windows (almost) equally high and wide, but use
    		'winheight' and 'winwidth' for the current window.

    :res[ize] -N					*:res* *:resize* *CTRL-W_-*
    CTRL-W -	Decrease current window height by N (default 1).
    		If used after 'vertical': decrease width by N.

    :res[ize] +N					*CTRL-W_+*
    CTRL-W +	Increase current window height by N (default 1).
    		If used after 'vertical': increase width by N.

    :res[ize] [N]

    CTRL-W CTRL-_					*CTRL-W_CTRL-_* *CTRL-W__*
    CTRL-W _	Set current window height to N (default: highest possible).

    z{nr}<CR>	Set current window height to {nr}.

    						*CTRL-W_<*
    CTRL-W <	Decrease current window width by N (default 1).

    						*CTRL-W_>*
    CTRL-W >	Increase current window width by N (default 1).

    :vertical res[ize] [N]			*:vertical-resize* *CTRL-W_bar*
    CTRL-W |	Set current window width to N (default: widest possible).

    You can also resize a window by dragging a status line up or down with the
    mouse.  Or by dragging a vertical separator line left or right.  This only
    works if the version of Vim that is being used supports the mouse and the
    'mouse' option has been set to enable it.

    The option 'winheight' ('wh') is used to set the minimal window height of the
    current window.  This option is used each time another window becomes the
    current window.  If the option is '0', it is disabled.  Set 'winheight' to a
    very large value, e.g., '9999', to make the current window always fill all
    available space.  Set it to a reasonable value, e.g., '10', to make editing in
    the current window comfortable.

    The equivalent 'winwidth' ('wiw') option is used to set the minimal width of
    the current window.

    When the option 'equalalways' ('ea') is set, all the windows are automatically
    made the same size after splitting or closing a window.  If you don't set this
    option, splitting a window will reduce the size of the current window and
    leave the other windows the same.  When closing a window, the extra lines are
    given to the window above it.

    The 'eadirection' option limits the direction in which the 'equalalways'
    option is applied.  The default "both" resizes in both directions.  When the
    value is "ver" only the heights of windows are equalized.  Use this when you
    have manually resized a vertically split window and want to keep this width.
    Likewise, "hor" causes only the widths of windows to be equalized.

    The option 'cmdheight' ('ch') is used to set the height of the command-line.
    If you are annoyed by the |hit-enter| prompt for long messages, set this
    option to 2 or 3.

    If there is only one window, resizing that window will also change the command
    line height.  If there are several windows, resizing the current window will
    also change the height of the window below it (and sometimes the window above
    it).

    The minimal height and width of a window is set with 'winminheight' and
    'winminwidth'.  These are hard values, a window will never become smaller.

    ==============================================================================

    7. argument and buffer list commands			*buffer-list*

          args list		       buffer list	   meaning
    1. :[N]argument [N]	11. :[N]buffer [N]	to arg/buf N
    2. :[N]next [file ..]	12. :[N]bnext [N]	to Nth next arg/buf
    3. :[N]Next [N]		13. :[N]bNext [N]	to Nth previous arg/buf
    4. :[N]previous	[N]	14. :[N]bprevious [N]	to Nth previous arg/buf
    5. :rewind / :first	15. :brewind / :bfirst	to first arg/buf
    6. :last		16. :blast		to last arg/buf
    7. :all			17. :ball		edit all args/buffers
    			18. :unhide		edit all loaded buffers
    			19. :[N]bmod [N]	to Nth modified buf

      split & args list	  split & buffer list	   meaning
    21. :[N]sargument [N]   31. :[N]sbuffer [N]	split + to arg/buf N
    22. :[N]snext [file ..] 32. :[N]sbnext [N]      split + to Nth next arg/buf
    23. :[N]sNext [N]       33. :[N]sbNext [N]      split + to Nth previous arg/buf
    24. :[N]sprevious [N]   34. :[N]sbprevious [N]  split + to Nth previous arg/buf
    25. :srewind / :sfirst	35. :sbrewind / :sbfirst split + to first arg/buf
    26. :slast		36. :sblast		split + to last arg/buf
    27. :sall		37: :sball		edit all args/buffers
    			38. :sunhide		edit all loaded buffers
    			39. :[N]sbmod [N]	split + to Nth modified buf

    40. :args		list of arguments
    41. :buffers		list of buffers

    The meaning of [N] depends on the command:
     [N] is number of buffers to go forward/backward on ?2, ?3, and ?4
     [N] is an argument number, defaulting to current argument, for 1 and 21
     [N] is a buffer number, defaulting to current buffer, for 11 and 31
     [N] is a count for 19 and 39

    Note: ":next" is an exception, because it must accept a list of file names
    for compatibility with Vi.

    The argument list and multiple windows

    The current position in the argument list can be different for each window.
    Remember that when doing ":e file", the position in the argument list stays
    the same, but you are not editing the file at that position.  To indicate
    this, the file message (and the title, if you have one) shows
    "(file (N) of M)", where "(N)" is the current position in the file list, and
    "M" the number of files in the file list.

    All the entries in the argument list are added to the buffer list.  Thus, you
    can also get to them with the buffer list commands, like ":bnext".

    :[N]al[l][!] [N]				*:al* *:all* *:sal* *:sall*
    :[N]sal[l][!] [N]
    		Rearrange the screen to open one window for each argument.
    		All other windows are closed.  When a count is given, this is
    		the maximum number of windows to open.
    		When the 'hidden' option is set, all buffers in closed windows
    		become hidden.
    		When 'hidden' is not set, and the 'autowrite' option is set,
    		modified buffers are written.  Otherwise, windows that have
    		buffers that are modified are not removed, unless the [!] is
    		given, then they become hidden.  But modified buffers are
    		never abandoned, so changes cannot get lost.
    		Buf/Win Enter/Leave autocommands are not executed for the new
    		windows here, that's only done when they are really entered.

    :[N]sa[rgument][!] [++opt] [+cmd] [N]			*:sa* *:sargument*
    		Short for ":split | argument [N]": split window and go to Nth
    		argument.  But when there is no such argument, the window is
    		not split.  Also see |++opt| and |+cmd|.

    :[N]sn[ext][!] [++opt] [+cmd] [file ..]			*:sn* *:snext*
    		Short for ":split | [N]next": split window and go to Nth next
    		argument.  But when there is no next file, the window is not
    		split.  Also see |++opt| and |+cmd|.

    :[N]spr[evious][!] [++opt] [+cmd] [N]			*:spr* *:sprevious*

    :[N]sN[ext][!] [++opt] [+cmd] [N]			*:sN* *:sNext*
    		Short for ":split | [N]Next": split window and go to Nth
    		previous argument.  But when there is no previous file, the
    		window is not split.  Also see |++opt| and |+cmd|.

    						*:sr* *:srewind*
    :sr[ewind][!] [++opt] [+cmd]
    		Short for ":split | rewind": split window and go to first
    		argument.  But when there is no argument list, the window is
    		not split.  Also see |++opt| and |+cmd|.

    						*:sfir* *:sfirst*
    :sfir[st [++opt] [+cmd]
    		Same as ":srewind".

    						*:sla* *:slast*
    :sla[st][!] [++opt] [+cmd]
    		Short for ":split | last": split window and go to last
    		argument.  But when there is no argument list, the window is
    		not split.  Also see |++opt| and |+cmd|.

    						*:dr* *:drop*
    :dr[op] {file} ..
    		Redefine the argument list to "{file} ..", similar to ":next".
    		The first file is edited in the current window if possible.
    		If the current buffer can't be |abandon|ed, the window is
    		split first.
    		The purpose of this command is that it can be used from a
    		program that wants Vim to edit another file, e.g., a debugger.
    		{only available when compiled with the +gui feature}

    ==============================================================================

    8. Do a command in all buffers or windows			*list-repeat*

    							*:windo*
    :windo[!] {cmd}		Execute {cmd} in each window.
    			It works like doing this:
    				CTRL-W t
    				:{cmd}
    				CTRL-W w
    				:{cmd}
    				etc.
     			When an error is detected on one window, further
    			windows will not be visited.
    			The last window (or where an error occurred) becomes
    			the current window.
    			{cmd} can contain '|' to concatenate several commands.
    			{cmd} must not open or close windows or reorder them.
    			Note: While this command is executing, the Syntax
    			autocommand event is disabled by adding it to
    			'eventignore'.
    			{not in Vi} {not available when compiled without the
    			|+listcmds| feature}
    			Also see |:argdo| and |:bufdo|.

    							*:bufdo*
    :bufdo[!] {cmd}		Execute {cmd} in each buffer in the buffer list.
    			It works like doing this:
    				:bfirst
    				:{cmd}
    				:bnext
    				:{cmd}
    				etc.
     			When the current file can't be |abandon|ed and the [!]
    			is not present, the command fails.
    			When an error is detected on one buffer, further
    			buffers will not be visited.
    			Unlisted buffers are skipped.
    			The last buffer (or where an error occurred) becomes
    			the current buffer.
    			{cmd} can contain '|' to concatenate several commands.
    			{cmd} must not delete buffers or add buffers to the
    			buffer list.
    			Note: While this command is executing, the Syntax
    			autocommand event is disabled by adding it to
    			'eventignore'.  This considerably speeds up editing
    			each buffer.
    			{not in Vi} {not available when compiled without the
    			|+listcmds| feature}
    			Also see |:argdo| and |:windo|.

    Examples:

    	:windo set nolist nofoldcolumn | normal zn

    This resets the 'list' option and disables folding in all windows.

    	:bufdo set fileencoding= | update

    This resets the 'fileencoding' in each buffer and writes it if this changed
    the buffer.  The result is that all buffers will use the 'encoding' encoding
    (if conversion works properly).

    ==============================================================================

    9. Tag or file name under the cursor			*window-tag*

    							*:sta* *:stag*
    :sta[g][!] [tagname]
    		Does ":tag[!] [tagname]" and splits the window for the found
    		tag.  See also |:tag|.

    CTRL-W ]					*CTRL-W_]* *CTRL-W_CTRL-]*
    CTRL-W CTRL-]	Split current window in two.  Use identifier under cursor as a
    		tag and jump to it in the new upper window.  Make new window N
    		high.

    							*CTRL-W_g]*
    CTRL-W g ]	Split current window in two.  Use identifier under cursor as a
    		tag and perform ":tselect" on it in the new upper window.
    		Make new window N high.

    							*CTRL-W_g_CTRL-]*
    CTRL-W g CTRL-]	Split current window in two.  Use identifier under cursor as a
    		tag and perform ":tjump" on it in the new upper window.  Make
    		new window N high.

    CTRL-W f					*CTRL-W_f* *CTRL-W_CTRL-F*
    CTRL-W CTRL-F	Split current window in two.  Edit file name under cursor.
    		Like ":split ]f", but window isn't split if the file does not
    		exist.
    		Uses the 'path' variable as a list of directory names where to
    		look for the file.  Also the path for current file is
    		used to search for the file name.
    		If the name is a hypertext link that looks like
    		"type://machine/path", only "/path" is used.
    		If a count is given, the count'th matching file is edited.
    		{not available when the |+file_in_path| feature was disabled
    		at compile time}

    Also see |CTRL-W_CTRL-I|: open window for an included file that includes
    the keyword under the cursor.

    ==============================================================================

    10. The preview window				*preview-window*

    The preview window is a special window to show (preview) another file.  It is
    normally a small window used to show an include file or definition of a
    function.
    {not available when compiled without the |+quickfix| feature}

    There can be only one preview window.  It is created with one of the commands
    below.  The 'previewheight' option can be set to specify the height of the
    preview window when it's opened.  The 'previewwindow' option is set in the
    preview window to be able to recognize it.

    						*:pta* *:ptag*
    :pta[g][!] [tagname]
    		Does ":tag[!] [tagname]" and shows the found tag in a
    		"Preview" window without changing the current buffer or cursor
    		position. If a "Preview" window already exists, it is re-used
    		(like a help window is).  If a new one is opened,
    		'previewheight' is used for the height of the window.   See
    		also |:tag|.
    		See below for an example. |CursorHold-example|

    CTRL-W z					*CTRL-W_z*

    CTRL-W CTRL-Z					*CTRL-W_CTRL-Z* *:pc* *:pclose*
    :pc[lose][!]	Close any "Preview" window currently open.  When the 'hidden'
    		option is set, or when the buffer was changed and the [!] is
    		used, the buffer becomes hidden (unless there is another
    		window editing it).  The command fails if any "Preview" buffer
    		cannot be closed.  See also |:close|.

    							*:pp* *:ppop*
    :[count]pp[op][!]
    		Does ":[count]pop[!]" in the preview window.  See |:pop| and
    		|:ptag|.  {not in Vi}

    CTRL-W }						*CTRL-W_}*
    		Use identifier under cursor as a tag and perform a :ptag on
    		it. Make the new Preview window (if required) N high.  If N is
    		not given, 'previewheight' is used.

    CTRL-W g }						*CTRL-W_g}*
    		Use identifier under cursor as a tag and perform a :ptjump on
    		it. Make the new Preview window (if required) N high.  If N is
    		not given, 'previewheight' is used.

    							*:ped* *:pedit*
    :ped[it][!] [++opt] [+cmd] {file}
    		Edit {file} in the preview window.  The preview window is
    		opened like with |:ptag|.  The current window and cursor
    		position isn't changed.  Useful example:
    			:pedit +/fputc /usr/include/stdio.h

    							*:ps* *:psearch*
    :[range]ps[earch][!] [count] [/]pattern[/]
    		Works like |:ijump| but shows the found match in the preview
    		window.  The preview window is opened like with |:ptag|.  The
    		current window and cursor position isn't changed.  Useful
    		example:
    			:psearch popen
     		Like with the |:ptag| command, you can use this to
    		automatically show information about the word under the
    		cursor.  This is less clever than using |:ptag|, but you don't
    		need a tags file and it will also find matches in system
    		include files.  Example:
      :au! CursorHold *.[ch] nested exe "silent! psearch " . expand("<cword>")
     		Warning: This can be slow.

    Example						*CursorHold-example*

      :au! CursorHold *.[ch] nested exe "silent! ptag " . expand("<cword>")

    This will cause a ":ptag" to be executed for the keyword under the cursor,
    when the cursor hasn't moved for the time set with 'updatetime'.  The "nested"
    makes other autocommands be executed, so that syntax highlighting works in the
    preview window.  The "silent!" avoids an error message when the tag could not
    be found.  Also see |CursorHold|.  To disable this again:

      :au! CursorHold

    A nice addition is to highlight the found tag, avoid the ":ptag" when there
    is no word under the cursor, and a few other things:

      :au! CursorHold *.[ch] nested call PreviewWord()
      :func PreviewWord()
      :  if &previewwindow			" don't do this in the preview window
      :    return
      :  endif
      :  let w = expand("<cword>")		" get the word under cursor
      :  if w != ""				" if there is one ":ptag" to it
      :
      :    " Delete any existing highlight before showing another tag
      :    silent! wincmd P			" jump to preview window
      :    if &previewwindow			" if we really get there...
      :      match none			" delete existing highlight
      :      wincmd p			" back to old window
      :    endif
      :
      :    " Try displaying a matching tag for the word under the cursor
      :    let v:errmsg = ""
      :    exe "silent! ptag " . w
      :    if v:errmsg =~ "tag not found"
      :      return
      :    endif
      :
      :    silent! wincmd P			" jump to preview window
      :    if &previewwindow		" if we really get there...
      :	 if has("folding")
      :	   silent! .foldopen		" don't want a closed fold
      :	 endif
      :	 call search("$", "b")		" to end of previous line
      :	 let w = substitute(w, '\\', '\\\\', "")
      :	 call search('\<\V' . w . '\>')	" position cursor on match
      :	 " Add a match highlight to the word at this position
      :      hi previewWord term=bold ctermbg=green guibg=green
      :	 exe 'match previewWord "\%' . line(".") . 'l\%' . col(".") . 'c\k*"'
      :      wincmd p			" back to old window
      :    endif
      :  endif
      :endfun

    ==============================================================================

    11. Using hidden buffers				*buffer-hidden*

    A hidden buffer is not displayed in a window, but is still loaded into memory.
    This makes it possible to jump from file to file, without the need to read or
    write the file every time you get another buffer in a window.
    {not available when compiled without the |+listcmds| feature}

    							*:buffer-!*
    If the option 'hidden' ('hid') is set, abandoned buffers are kept for all
    commands that start editing another file: ":edit", ":next", ":tag", etc.  The
    commands that move through the buffer list sometimes make the current buffer
    hidden although the 'hidden' option is not set.  This happens when a buffer is
    modified, but is forced (with '!') to be removed from a window, and
    'autowrite' is off or the buffer can't be written.

    You can make a hidden buffer not hidden by starting to edit it with any
    command.  Or by deleting it with the ":bdelete" command.

    The 'hidden' is global, it is used for all buffers.  The 'bufhidden' option
    can be used to make an exception for a specific buffer.  It can take these
    values:
    	<empty>		Use the value of 'hidden'.
    	hide		Hide this buffer, also when 'hidden' is not set.
    	unload		Don't hide but unload this buffer, also when 'hidden'
    			is set.
    	delete		Delete the buffer.

    							*hidden-quit*
    When you try to quit Vim while there is a hidden, modified buffer, you will
    get an error message and Vim will make that buffer the current buffer.  You
    can then decide to write this buffer (":wq") or quit without writing (":q!").
    Be careful: there may be more hidden, modified buffers!

    A buffer can also be unlisted.  This means it exists, but it is not in the
    list of buffers. |unlisted-buffer|

    :files[!]					*:files*

    :buffers[!]					*:buffers* *:ls*
    :ls[!]		Show all buffers.  Example:

    			1 #h  "/test/text"		line 1
    			2u    "asdf"			line 0
    			3 %l+ "version.c"		line 1

    		When the [!] is included the list will show unlisted buffers
    		(the term "unlisted" is a bit confusing then...).

    		Each buffer has a unique number.  That number will not change,
    		so you can always go to a specific buffer with ":buffer N" or
    		"N CTRL-^", where N is the buffer number.

    		Indicators (chars in the same column are mutually exclusive):
    		u	an unlisted buffer (only displayed when [!] is used)
    			   |unlisted-buffer|
    		 %	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

    						*:bad* *:badd*
    :bad[d]	[+lnum] {fname}
    		Add file name {fname} to the buffer list, without loading it.
    		If "lnum" is specified, the cursor will be positioned at that
    		line when the buffer is first entered. Note that other
    		commands after the + will be ignored.

    :[N]bd[elete][!]				*:bd* *:bdel* *:bdelete*
    :bd[elete][!] [N]
    		Unload buffer [N] (default: current buffer) and delete it from
    		the buffer list.  If the buffer was changed, this fails,
    		unless when [!] is specified, in which case changes are lost.
    		The file remains unaffected.  Any windows for this buffer are
    		closed.  If buffer [N] is the current buffer, another buffer
    		will be displayed instead.  This is the most recent entry in
    		the jump list that points into a loaded buffer.
    		Actually, the buffer isn't completely deleted, it is removed
    		from the buffer list |unlisted-buffer|.  Option values and
    		local variables are cleared.

    :bdelete[!] {bufname}						*E93* *E94*
    		Like ":bdelete[!] [N]", but buffer given by name.  Note that a
    		buffer whose name is a number cannot be referenced by that
    		name; use the buffer number instead.  Insert a backslash
    		before a space in a buffer name.

    :bdelete[!] N1 N2 ...
    		Do ":bdelete[!]" for buffer N1, N2, etc.  The arguments can be
    		buffer numbers or buffer names (but not buffer names that are
    		a number).  Insert a backslash before a space in a buffer
    		name.

    :N,Mbdelete[!]	Do ":bdelete[!]" for all buffers in the range N to M
    		(inclusive).

    :[N]bw[ipeout][!]				*:bw* *:bwipe* *:bwipeout*
    :bw[ipeout][!] {bufname}
    :N,Mbw[ipeout][!]
    :bw[ipeout][!] N1 N2 ...
    		Like ":bdelete", but really delete the buffer.  All marks in
    		this buffer become invalid, option settings are lost, etc.
    		Don't use this unless you know what you are doing.

    :[N]bun[load][!]					*:bun* *:bunload*
    :bun[load][!] [N]
    		Unload buffer [N] (default: current buffer).  The memory
    		allocated for this buffer will be freed.  The buffer remains
    		in the buffer list.
    		If the buffer was changed, this fails, unless when [!] is
    		specified, in which case the changes are lost.
    		Any windows for this buffer are closed.  If buffer [N] is the
    		current buffer, another buffer will be displayed instead.
    		This is the most recent entry in the jump list that points
    		into a loaded buffer.

    :bunload[!] {bufname}
    		Like ":bunload[!] [N]", but buffer given by name.  Note that a
    		buffer whose name is a number cannot be referenced by that
    		name; use the buffer number instead.  Insert a backslash
    		before a space in a buffer name.

    :N,Mbunload[!]	Do ":bunload[!]" for all buffers in the range N to M
    		(inclusive).

    :bunload[!] N1 N2 ...
    		Do ":bunload[!]" for buffer N1, N2, etc.  The arguments can be
    		buffer numbers or buffer names (but not buffer names that are
    		a number).  Insert a backslash before a space in a buffer
    		name.

    :[N]b[uffer][!] [N]			*:b* *:bu* *:buf* *:buffer* *E86*
    		Edit buffer [N] from the buffer list.  If [N] is not given,
    		the current buffer remains being edited.  See |:buffer-!| for
    		[!].  This will also edit a buffer that is not in the buffer
    		list, without setting the 'buflisted' flag.

    :[N]b[uffer][!] {filename}
    		Edit buffer for {filename} from the buffer list.  See
    		|:buffer-!| for [!].  This will also edit a buffer that is not
    		in the buffer list, without setting the 'buflisted' flag.

    :[N]sb[uffer] [N]					*:sb* *:sbuffer*
    		Split window and edit buffer [N] from the buffer list.  If [N]
    		is not given, the current buffer is edited.  Respects the
    		"useopen" setting of 'switchbuf' when splitting.  This will
    		also edit a buffer that is not in the buffer list, without
    		setting the 'buflisted' flag.

    :[N]sb[uffer] {filename}
    		Split window and edit buffer for {filename} from the buffer
    		list.  This will also edit a buffer that is not in the buffer
    		list, without setting the 'buflisted' flag.

    							*:bn* *:bnext* *E87*
    :[N]bn[ext][!] [N]
    		Go to [N]th next buffer in buffer list.  [N] defaults to one.
    		Wraps around the end of the buffer list.
    		See |:buffer-!| for [!].
    		If you are in a help buffer, this takes you to the next help
    		buffer (if there is one).  Similarly, if you are in a normal
    		(non-help) buffer, this takes you to the next normal buffer.
    		This is so that if you have invoked help, it doesn't get in
    		the way when you're browsing code/text buffers. The next three
    		commands also work like this.

    							*:sbn* *:sbnext*
    :[N]sbn[ext] [N]
    		Split window and go to [N]th next buffer in buffer list.
    		Wraps around the end of the buffer list.  Uses 'switchbuf'

    :[N]bN[ext][!] [N]			*:bN* *:bNext* *:bp* *:bprevious* *E88*
    :[N]bp[revious][!] [N]
    		Go to [N]th previous buffer in buffer list.  [N] defaults to
    		one.  Wraps around the start of the buffer list.
    		See |:buffer-!| for [!] and 'switchbuf'.

    :[N]sbN[ext] [N]			*:sbN* *:sbNext* *:sbp* *:sbprevious*
    :[N]sbp[revious] [N]
    		Split window and go to [N]th previous buffer in buffer list.
    		Wraps around the start of the buffer list.
    		Uses 'switchbuf'.

    							*:br* *:brewind*
    :br[ewind][!]	Go to first buffer in buffer list.  If the buffer list is
    		empty, go to the first unlisted buffer.
    		See |:buffer-!| for [!].

    							*:bf* *:bfirst*
    :bf[irst	Same as ":brewind".

    							*:sbr* *:sbrewind*
    :sbr[ewind]	Split window and go to first buffer in buffer list.  If the
    		buffer list is empty, go to the first unlisted buffer.
    		Respects the 'switchbuf' option.

    							*:sbf* *:sbfirst*
    :sbf[irst]	Same as ":sbrewind".

    							*:bl* *:blast*
    :bl[ast][!]	Go to last buffer in buffer list.  If the buffer list is
    		empty, go to the last unlisted buffer.
    		See |:buffer-!| for [!].

    							*:sbl* *:sblast*
    :sbl[ast]	Split window and go to last buffer in buffer list.  If the
    		buffer list is empty, go to the last unlisted buffer.
    		Respects 'switchbuf' option.

    :[N]bm[odified][!] [N]				*:bm* *:bmodified* *E84*
    		Go to [N]th next modified buffer.  Note: this command also
    		finds unlisted buffers.  If there is no modified buffer the
    		command fails.

    :[N]sbm[odified] [N]					*:sbm* *:sbmodified*
    		Split window and go to [N]th next modified buffer.
    		Respects 'switchbuf' option.
    		Note: this command also finds buffers not in the buffer list.

    :[N]unh[ide] [N]			*:unh* *:unhide* *:sun* *:sunhide*
    :[N]sun[hide] [N]
    		Rearrange the screen to open one window for each loaded buffer
    		in the buffer list.  When a count is given, this is the
    		maximum number of windows to open.

    :[N]ba[ll] [N]					*:ba* *:ball* *:sba* *:sball*
    :[N]sba[ll] [N]	Rearrange the screen to open one window for each buffer in
    		the buffer list.  When a count is given, this is the maximum
    		number of windows to open.  Buf/Win Enter/Leave autocommands
    		are not executed for the new windows here, that's only done
    		when they are really entered.

    Note: All the commands above that start editing another buffer, keep the
    'readonly' flag as it was.  This differs from the ":edit" command, which sets
    the 'readonly' flag each time the file is read.

    ==============================================================================

    12. Special kinds of buffers			*special-buffers*

    Instead of containing the text of a file, buffers can also be used for other
    purposes.  A few options can be set to change the behavior of a buffer:
    	'bufhidden'	what happens when the buffer is no longer displayed
    			in a window.
    	'buftype'	what kind of a buffer this is
    	'swapfile'	whether the buffer will have a swap file
    	'buflisted'	buffer shows up in the buffer list

    A few useful kinds of a buffer:

    quickfix	Used to contain the error list.  See |:cwindow|.  This command
    		sets the 'buftype' option to "quickfix".  You are not supposed
    		to change this!  'swapfile' is off.

    help		Contains a help file.  Will only be created with the |:help|
    		command.  The flag that indicates a help buffer is internal
    		and can't be changed.  The 'buflisted' option will be reset
    		for a help buffer.

    directory	Displays directory contents.  Used by the |file-explorer|
    		plugin.  The buffer is created with these settings:
    			:set buftype=nowrite
    			:set bufhidden=delete
    			:set noswapfile
     		The buffer name is the name of the directory and is adjusted
    		when using the |:cd| command.

    scratch		Contains text that can be discarded at any time.  It is kept
    		when closing the window, it must be deleted explicitly.
    		Settings:
    			:set buftype=nofile
    			:set bufhidden=hide
    			:set noswapfile
     		The buffer name can be used to identify the buffer.

    						*unlisted-buffer*
    unlisted	The buffer is not in the buffer list.  It is not used for
    		normal editing, but to show a help file, remember a file name
    		or marks.  The ":bdelete" command will also set this option,
    		thus it doesn't completely delete the buffer.  Settings:
    			:set nobuflisted

    top - main help file