bash
vim file.txt
nvim file.txtNotes
The standard entry point for everyday editing from the terminal.
Vim / Neovim CLI Startup, Diff, and Recovery
Launch editors with flags, compare files, recover swap data, and use terminal-friendly startup patterns.
Export
Copy the compact sheet, download it, or print it.
Download
`D` dense toggle · `C` copy all
Startup commands
Launch Vim or Neovim with practical flags for real workflows.
bash
vim +42 app.ts
nvim +42 app.tsNotes
Useful from grep results, stack traces, or bug reports.
bash
vim -R file.txt
nvim -R file.txtNotes
Handy for logs, generated files, and audits.
Start without user config
Launch a clean environment for config debugging.
bashANYvimtroubleshootingconfig
bash
vim -u NONE -U NONE
nvim --cleanNotes
Excellent for isolating plugin or configuration problems.
Diff mode
Compare files directly in the editor and navigate hunks.
bash
vimdiff old.txt new.txt
nvim -d old.txt new.txtNotes
Ideal for merge reviews, code comparisons, and refactors.
vim
]c [cNotes
These motions make diff review much faster.
Pull or push changes across diff panes
Take changes from one side or send them to the other.
vimANYvimdiffmerge
vim
:diffget :diffputNotes
Helpful during manual merges and conflict resolution.
Recovery and swap workflows
Recover work after crashes and inspect swap-based recovery options.
bash
vim -r file.txt
nvim -r file.txtNotes
Useful after crashes or interrupted sessions.
bash
vim -r
nvim -rNotes
Useful when you remember the editor but not the original file path.
Write recovered contents elsewhere
Save a recovered buffer to a safe path first.
vimANYvimrecoverysafety
vim
:write recovered-file.txtNotes
A smart first step before cleaning up stale swap files.
More in Vim / Neovim
Neovim LSP, Treesitter, and Plugins
Language-aware development workflows in Neovim with built-in LSP, Treesitter, and plugin managers.
Neovim Lua Config, Keymaps, and Autocmds
Modern Neovim configuration patterns using Lua, keymaps, options, and autocommands.
Vim / Neovim Command-line, Help, and Sessions
Use the command line efficiently, navigate help, and save working context with sessions.
Vim / Neovim Visual Mode, Block Editing, Registers, and Marks
Select text precisely, edit columns, control registers, and jump back to saved positions.
Vim / Neovim Buffers, Windows, and Tabs
Manage multiple files and layouts with buffers, splits, and tab pages.
Vim / Neovim Search, Substitute, and Macros
Search efficiently, run substitutions, and automate repetitive edits with macros.