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How To Select Entire File In Vim For Replacement?

2025-08-18 16:50:30 188

3 Answers

Julia

2025-08-19 15:00:36

In Vim, replacing text across the entire file is a common task, and I often use a combination of commands to make it efficient. The quickest way is to use the global substitute command ":%s/pattern/replacement/g". The '%' means 'all lines', and 'g' replaces all instances in each line. If I want to see each change before it's made, I add 'c' at the end, turning it into ":%s/pattern/replacement/gc". This is especially handy for avoiding mistakes.

Sometimes, I prefer selecting the text first. I press 'ggVG' to highlight the whole file—'gg' goes to the top, 'V' enters visual line mode, and 'G' jumps to the end. With the selection active, I type ':' and the command line shows "'<,'>". I then enter "s/pattern/replacement/g" to replace within the selected lines.

For case-insensitive replacement, I use '\\c' in the pattern, like ":%s/pattern\\c/replacement/g". If the replacement involves special characters, I escape them with '\\'. For example, replacing a slash requires '\\/'. I also use '\\v' for very magic mode, which simplifies regex patterns by reducing the need for backslashes.

Yvette

2025-08-19 17:26:42

When working in Vim, selecting the entire file for replacement can be done in several ways, depending on the context and what feels most natural. My go-to method involves using command-line mode directly. I type ":%s/old/new/g" to replace every occurrence of 'old' with 'new' in the file. The '%' symbol tells Vim to operate on all lines. If I need confirmation for each replacement, I add a 'c' flag like ":%s/old/new/gc". This is great for large files where I want to review changes.

Another approach is using visual mode. I press 'gg' to jump to the file's start, then 'VG' to select all lines visually. With the selection made, I press ':' and the command line shows "'<,'>", which means the following command will apply to the selected range. I then type "s/old/new/g" to replace text within that range.

For more precision, I sometimes use marks. I set a mark at the beginning with 'ma', go to the end with 'G', and then use ":'a,.s/old/new/g" to replace from mark 'a' to the current line. This is useful when I need to exclude certain sections.

Lastly, if I want to replace only whole words, I add '\\<' and '\\>' to the pattern like ":%s/\\/new/g". This ensures 'old' isn't part of a larger word. Each method has its strengths, and I choose based on the task at hand.

Quinn

2025-08-23 09:52:18

I use Vim daily for coding and text editing, so selecting an entire file for replacement is something I do often. The easiest way is to start by pressing 'gg' to move the cursor to the first line of the file. Then, I press 'V' to enter visual line mode. After that, I press 'G' to jump to the last line, which highlights everything in between. Now, the entire file is selected. To replace text, I press ':' and see the command line display "'<,'>" indicating the selected range. I then type "s/old_text/new_text/g" and hit Enter. This replaces all instances of 'old_text' with 'new_text' across the entire file. If I need case-insensitive replacement, I add '\c' to the pattern like "s/old_text\c/new_text/g".

For more complex replacements, I might use "%s" instead, which operates on the whole file without needing to select lines first. This method is faster when I know I want to replace something everywhere.

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I've been using Vim for years to edit everything from code to novels, and I love how versatile it is. When it comes to selecting all text in a novel, the simplest method is the command `ggVG`. Here's why: `gg` moves the cursor to the first line, `V` enters visual line mode, and `G` jumps to the last line, selecting everything in between. Another handy alternative is `:%y`, which yanks all lines into the buffer without needing visual mode. For larger files, I sometimes use `:1,$d` to cut all text or `:1,$y` to copy it. These commands are lightning-fast and avoid the hassle of manual selection.

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Vim is a beast of an editor, and mastering it feels like unlocking a secret power. To select all content, you don’t use the mouse like in other editors—no, you command it with keyboard magic. The quickest way is to hit `gg` to jump to the first line, then `VG` to enter visual mode and select everything down to the last line. But here’s the pro move: just type `:%y+` if you want to yank (copy) everything directly into the system clipboard. It’s like a ninja move—fast, precise, and leaves no trace. Some folks swear by `ggyG`, which does the same thing but feels more tactile. It’s all about preference. If you’re using a terminal without clipboard support, you might need to install `vim-gtk` or use `"*y` instead. The beauty of Vim is how many ways there are to skin this cat. It’s not just about copying text; it’s about feeling the rhythm of the keys under your fingers.

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