Open an existing file from Vim

Question

I would like to open a file that already exists while already in Vim.

What is the command to do this?

You should find yourself a nice cheat sheet such as this one https://www.reddit.com/r/vim/comments/32r85c/this_is_my_favorite_vim_cheat_sheet_does_anyone/ — Gerhard Burger, Jun 21 '16 at 06:55

Mitch · Accepted Answer · 2016-10-20T15:07:38.317

82

vim [your file]

If this isn't working for you, make sure you have it installed with:

sudo apt-get install vim

If you're already IN vim do

:edit [your file]

Additionally, to move back to the previous file after you finish editing the new file you can use

:e#

This will return you to the previous file

edited Oct 20 '16 at 15:07

answered Oct 16 '14 at 19:31

Mitch

1

It says "Invalid search pattern or delimiter". And I have installed vim with this command. – Adam Oct 16 '14 at 19:37
When does it say that? When you try to open it from the command line? Or when you're already in vim? – Mitch Oct 16 '14 at 19:39
When I am in vim. – Adam Oct 16 '14 at 19:39
What is the exact command you're typing? – Mitch Oct 16 '14 at 19:41
vim [full path] – Adam Oct 16 '14 at 19:44
3

If you're in vim you have to do :edit [full path] – Mitch Oct 16 '14 at 19:45
// , @Musher, wouldst consider making the part of this answer that addresses the while already IN Vim part more prominent? – Nathan Basanese Mar 23 '16 at 18:16
Additionally, use vim buffers to switch between files :ls :b[n], etc. – Tony Barganski Oct 11 '18 at 12:14
And :e#2 to jump to the second file, etc. – Donn Lee Feb 04 '19 at 18:46

muru · Answer 2 · 2016-06-17T19:15:42.997

29

You can also use tabs and split views:

:tabe /path/to/file

Effect: enter image description here

:vs /path/to/file

(or :sp for a horizontal split)
Effect: enter image description here

Use :tabn, :tabp to navigate between tabs, and CtrlW with the arrow keys to navigate between splits.

edited Jun 17 '16 at 19:15

answered Oct 16 '14 at 20:46

muru

2 Answers2