Vim macros notes

Macros are ideal for repeating changes over a set of similar lines. (Practical Vim)

Useful commands gathered when learning about Vim macros.

key	function	example
q	Both as the "record" button and "stop" button	q
q{register}	Start macro recording on {register}	qa
q{reg}{com}q	Record command on register	qaAvar<Esc>q
:reg {register}	Inspect macro register	:reg a
@{register}	Apply sequence stored at register	@a
{N}@{register}	Execute macro N times	10@a

Tips:

• Normalize cursor position -> Use word-wise (w, e ...) movements instead of character-wise.
• A macro stops as soon an error happens. Case when using {N}@{reg}. This is know as serial execution.
• Parallel execution to avoid that a single error stops all the macros:
  • Select using visual selection: VG
  • Apply command -> :'<', >normal @a