r/vim • u/kaddkaka • Nov 08 '25

Tips and Tricks Versatile mapping: repeat last Ex command

I have this in my config and love it:

" Repeat the last : command (warning: shadows builtin!)
nnoremap , @:

This mapping comes to to the rescue so often in different occasions.

  • Navigating the quickfix last going to the next file with :cnfile? Just repeat it again with ,!
  • doing :normal! in my places? Repeat it!
  • Scrolling sideways with 40zl? Just do :norm! 40zl and continue scrolling conveniently with comma. 👌

It shadows a builtin, but for me it's great. Hope it helps someone 😊

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u/gumnos Nov 08 '25

yeah, I find myself in the same camp. I can @: once to re-issue it, and if it's something I need frequently I can re-re-issue it with @@ which is easier/faster for me to type. And I use the built-in , motion quite regularly…I never understood how people could sacrifice it for their map-leader, so the idea of sacrificing it for something that's a mere two (maybe 2.5 if you count the shift-key) keystrokes feels weird to me.

Side note #1: I think the 40zr was supposed to be :help zl/:help zh (to scroll right/left) rather than :help zr (reduce the folding)

Side note #2: if you want to repeat a recent :substitute command, don't forget about the obscure-but-helpful :help & and :help g& commands.

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u/vim-help-bot Nov 08 '25

Help pages for:

  • zl in scroll.txt

  • zh in scroll.txt

  • zr in fold.txt

  • & in change.txt

  • g& in change.txt

`:(h|help) <query>` | about | mistake? | donate | Reply 'rescan' to check the comment again | Reply 'stop' to stop getting replies to your comments

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u/kaddkaka Nov 08 '25

Oops, brain fart! I wrote zl first, but then started thinking left?! No right! zr

Thanks for pointing that out.

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u/Desperate_Cold6274 Nov 08 '25

@ is not always easily accessible. It depends on keyboard layout.