How Do I Undo An Accidental Wq In Vim And Recover The File?

2025-09-07 08:38:28 309

3 Answers

Claire
Claire
2025-09-08 23:41:02
Okay, this has happened to me more times than I'd like to admit — I once hit ':wq' mid-typing and felt my stomach drop. Deep breath: there are a few recovery routes depending on how Vim was configured and what other tools you have in place. First, don’t keep editing the file or writing more to disk; every new write lowers the chance of recovery.

Start by checking for swap and backup files in the same directory. Vim creates swap files like '.filename.swp' and backup copies like 'filename~' (if you have backup or writebackup enabled). Run something like 'ls -la' to look for hidden files, or 'ls -la | grep \.swp' to spot swap files. If you find a swap, you can recover with 'vim -r filename' or 'vim -r .filename.swp' — Vim will read the swap and present recovered content. If Vim asks, press 'r' to recover, then immediately write to a new file name if you want to be safe.

If there's no swap, check whether you use persistent undo. If 'undofile' was on, Vim may have an undo file allowing commands like ':earlier 10m' or ':earlier 1h' inside a reopened Vim session to roll back to a previous state. If the file is under version control, the easiest fix is 'git checkout -- filename' or 'git log -p' to grab an older commit. Otherwise, look to system snapshots, cloud backups (Dropbox, Time Machine), or OS-level shadow copies. As a last resort, filesystem undelete tools (testdisk, extundelete) can sometimes help, but stop using the disk and proceed carefully. For future peace of mind, enable 'set backup', 'set undofile', and centralize swap/backup dirs in your .vimrc — it saved me more than once.
Audrey
Audrey
2025-09-10 15:27:02
When I fat-fingered ':wq' and saved a file that I didn't mean to, the fastest fixes I reached for were swap recovery, persistent undo, and version control, in that order. First, look for swap files in the editing directory — hidden files named like '.myfile.swp' — and run 'vim -r filename' or 'vim -r .myfile.swp' to recover from that swap. If Vim gives you a recovery prompt, hit 'r' and then write the result to a new file immediately.

If no swap exists, check for backup files (often 'filename~' or a configured backupdir entry). If you had 'undofile' enabled, open the file in Vim and use commands like ':earlier 10m' or ':undolist' to navigate older states. Version control (git) or system snapshots are often the simplest rescues — 'git checkout' or restoring from a snapshot will get you back quickly. Only if all else fails should you attempt filesystem undeletion tools like testdisk or extundelete, and even then minimize disk activity first.

For future safety, I now keep persistent undo, backups, and a centralized swap directory configured in my .vimrc; that small setup has saved me from a few heart attacks already.
Dominic
Dominic
2025-09-10 20:22:17
Oh man, when ':wq' goes wrong and you overwrite something important, my brain goes into triage mode. First move: pause and assess what you have on disk. If Vim left a swap somewhere, recovery is straightforward. From a shell, try 'vim -r filename' — if you omit the filename, plain 'vim -r' will often list recoverable swap files. You can also search for '.swp' files with 'find . -name "*.swp"' or check your configured swap directory (the 'directory' option in Vim can redirect where swap lives).

If a swap file is present, Vim will prompt you to recover; choose the recover option and then save the recovered buffer to a new filename immediately. If swap is gone (because ':wq' removed it on a clean exit), check for backups like 'filename~' or files in your backup directory. Persistent undo is a lifesaver — if 'undofile' was enabled you can reopen the file and run ':earlier 30m' or ':earlier 1h' to revert to a previous state. Don’t forget simpler sources: your project’s git history, system snapshots (btrfs, ZFS, Time Machine), or cloud sync versions.

If none of that exists and the data is critical, stop writing to the disk and consider low-level recovery tools — but those can be time-consuming and sometimes destructive if mishandled. For prevention, add lines like 'set undofile', 'set undodir=~/.vim/undo//', 'set backup', and 'set backupdir=~/.vim/backup//' to your .vimrc so the next accidental ':wq' won’t feel like the end of the world.
View All Answers
Scan code to download App

Related Books

Accidental Bride
Accidental Bride
The strangest thing Lily Johnson encountered on social media was an ad asking for people to apply to be Roman Dalmain's wife. Kim Wilson was an underpaid model who knew the man behind the application review and had bribed him into ensuring she would be selected as Roman's wife. What happens when Mark accidentally sends an email to Lily? Two women showing up on the same day to be Roman's wife, will he fall in love with the boring looking, middle school math teacher or the model with a perfect face?
9.4
32 Chapters
I DO
I DO
It's a coalition of parallel worlds trying to survive a new and uncertain phase called marriage. It's the hurting, The loving, It's the sex, The secrets, It's the moment they said I DO. *** Marrying a billionaire and going from rags to riches wasn't at all what Dawn had foretold for herself but when the former becomes the latter, she finds herself sharing vows with a retired fuckboy who has quite the reputation in slutry. However, as time progresses, the newlyweds both realize that; it isn't what happens on the outset that matters, it's the rest of the other days when you have to live in a whole new world called marriage—where sometimes the steamy sex and miscellaneous extravaganzas aren't enough to keep the secrets at bay.
Not enough ratings
18 Chapters
How I Became Immortal
How I Became Immortal
Yuna's life was an unfortunate one. Her lover(Minho) and her cousin(Haemi) betrayed her and that resulted in her execution. The last words she uttered was that she was going to seek revenge if she ever got another chance! God as the witness, felt bad for poor Yuna and so he gives her the ability to remember everything in all of her lifetimes. She was planning on seeking revenge but unfortunately her plans didn't come to fruition. She was reincarnated into the modern era. During her 2nd lifetime, she becomes a successful engineer and moves on from her past lifetime. Unluckily for her, during her 3rd lifetime she gets reincarnated back to the past. Her plans change once again. She doesn't love Minho nor does she care about being empress. She decides on a new life without all of the chaos and scheming in the palace. Join Yuna on her journey to seeking a peaceful and successful life in the ancient period. Hi. Thanks for taking the time to read my novels:)
10
97 Chapters
How I Became Legend?
How I Became Legend?
She was once a woman—a lesbian to be exact—in her past life, fantasizing about having a date with beautiful girls and dreaming to act like a real man does someday. But she was afraid to show her true colors because she was living in a judgemental society. Not until, she was trapped in a burning hospital building, trying to save an old woman before herself but only to find out that old woman was only an apparition of a deceased person. She died there, sacrificing her life for nothing. Many things happened in her mind before she runs out of breath. The next thing happened, she emerged from a bamboo tree and woke up into another realm. And to her surprise, she was reincarnated as a teenage guy possessing magical skills. She is Princess Maria Isabelle De Lata who later known as Reign Thunderstorm in the magical world of Artesia. And this is her… wait a minute… and this is the story of how she or… he became a legend.
10
4 Chapters
I Do, I Don't
I Do, I Don't
After dating for seven years, I proposed a hundred and one times to my boyfriend, Jason Brown. However, he always told me that he was not ready, rejecting my proposals. This continued to my 28th birthday. In his suit pocket, I found a ring box. Thinking he was about to propose to me, I was overjoyed. However, to my horror, I saw him going down on one knee to propose to his assistant, Marcella Hopkins. Right before my eyes, he placed the ring I had yearned for so long on her finger. When one of his buddies asked what he planned to do with me, Jason wrapped his arm around his new love and chuckled. "Dude, I don't think I can bring myself to marry a woman who wants to get married that badly. She's so needy. However, if I do get a second wife, I might consider her. After all, she is hopelessly in love with me." He was sure I would wait for him, and he even placed a bet with his friends that I would crash his wedding. However, on his wedding day, I never showed up. Moments before his wedding ceremony was about to start, he suddenly noticed me, fully dressed up in a wedding gown in a separate banquet hall. Seeing me about to marry someone else, he almost went crazy.
10 Chapters
YES I DO?
YES I DO?
A billionaire heir is forced by his grandfather into agreeing to marry the daughter of his employee, Celine. Celine also doesn't have any options than agreeing to the marriage. The duo set off on a wrong foot and they find it hard to get along...... there's a lots of hurdles to cross before they finally reach their happily ever after...
9.9
43 Chapters

Related Questions

How Do I Use Sudo With Wq In Vim To Save Protected Files?

3 Answers2025-09-07 04:29:38
Totally hit this snag before — you open a file in vim, make your edits, and then bam: permission denied when you try to save. The neat little trick I use most often is this one-liner from inside vim: :w !sudo tee % >/dev/null What that does is write the buffer to the sudoed 'tee' command, which will overwrite the original file as root. The % expands to the current filename, so the full flow is: vim hands the file contents to sudo tee, tee writes it with elevated rights, and the >/dev/null part hides the tee output so your buffer stays as-is. After that you can do :q to quit. I like this because it’s fast and doesn’t require reopening the file as root. If you want a slightly cleaner approach, consider using sudoedit (sudo -e) to open files with your preferred editor as a temporary safe copy — it edits a temp file and then installs it as root, which is safer from a security perspective. For convenience I sometimes create a vim command or mapping, like cnoremap W!! w !sudo tee % >/dev/null, so typing :W!! saves without fuss. Also, if you frequently need root saves, the plugin 'sudo.vim' (provides commands like :SudoWrite) is worth installing. Each method has trade-offs: the tee trick is quick, sudoedit is safer, and opening vim with sudo from the start (sudo vim file) works but bypasses some safety models.

Which Materials Make The Most Durable Vim Wrench Models?

4 Answers2025-09-04 14:49:03
If I had to pick a short list right off the bat, I'd put chrome-vanadium and S2 tool steel at the top for most durable vim wrench models. Chrome-vanadium (Cr-V) is what you'll see on a lot of high-quality ratchets and hex sets—it balances hardness and toughness well, resists wear, and takes a nice finish. S2 is a shock-resisting tool steel that's common for bits and hex keys designed to take a lot of torque without snapping. For heavy, impact-style use, chrome-molybdenum (Cr-Mo) or 4140/6150 alloys are common because they absorb shocks better and can be heat-treated for high strength. Finish and heat treatment matter as much as base alloy. Hardened and tempered tools in the HRC 52–62 range tend to last; too hard and they become brittle, too soft and they round off. Coatings like black oxide, phosphate, or nickel chrome help with corrosion; TiN or other nitriding can up wear resistance. In short: pick S2 or Cr-V for everyday durability, Cr-Mo for impact-duty, and pay attention to heat treatment and finish for real longevity. I tend to favor sets with solid forging and clear HRC specs—that’s saved me from snapping a hex at an awkward moment.

How Should I Maintain A Vim Wrench To Prevent Rust?

4 Answers2025-09-04 07:21:21
Honestly, I treat my tools a little like prized comics on a shelf — I handle them, clean them, and protect them so they last. When it comes to a vim wrench, the simplest habit is the most powerful: wipe it down after every use. I keep a small stash of lint-free rags and a bottle of light machine oil next to my bench. After I finish a job I wipe off grit and sweat, spray a little solvent if there’s grime, dry it, then apply a thin coat of oil with a rag so there’s no wet residue to attract rust. For bits of surface rust that sneak in, I’ll use fine steel wool or a brass brush to take it off, then neutralize any remaining rust with a vinegar soak followed by a baking soda rinse if I’ve used acid. For long-term protection I like wax — a microcrystalline wax like Renaissance or even paste car wax gives a water-repellent layer that’s pleasantly invisible. If the wrench has moving parts, I disassemble and grease joints lightly and check for play. Storage matters almost as much as treatment: a dry toolbox with silica gel packets, not left in a damp car or basement, keeps rust away. Little routines add up — a five-minute wipe and oil once a month will make that wrench feel like new for years.

How Do You Install Plugins In M Vim On MacOS?

4 Answers2025-09-03 18:14:39
If you're running MacVim (the mvim command) on macOS, the simplest, most reliable route for me has been vim-plug. It just feels clean: drop a tiny bootstrap file into ~/.vim/autoload, add a few lines to ~/.vimrc, then let the plugin manager handle the rest. For vim-plug I run: curl -fLo ~/.vim/autoload/plug.vim --create-dirs https://raw.githubusercontent.com/junegunn/vim-plug/master/plug.vim. After that I edit ~/.vimrc and add: call plug#begin('~/.vim/plugged') Plug 'tpope/vim-sensible' Plug 'junegunn/fzf', { 'do': { -> fzf#install() } } call plug#end() Then I launch MacVim with mvim and run :PlugInstall (or from the shell mvim +PlugInstall +qall) and watch the plugins clone and install. A few handy things: if a plugin needs build steps, check its README; some require ctags, ripgrep, or Python support. Also remember MacVim reads your ~/.vimrc (and you can put GUI tweaks in ~/.gvimrc). If you prefer built-in package management, the pack/start method works too: mkdir -p ~/.vim/pack/vendor/start && git clone ~/.vim/pack/vendor/start/, then restart mvim.

How Does M Vim Compare To Neovim For Plugins?

4 Answers2025-09-03 18:19:40
Okay, here’s the short version first, but then I’ll expand — I love geeking out about editor choices. For plugins, Neovim is the one that pushed the ecosystem forward: it brought a clean RPC-based plugin model, first-class async job handling, and a modern Lua API that plugin authors love. That means a lot of recent plugins are written in Lua or expect Neovim-only features like virtual text, floating windows, and extmarks. The result is snappier, more feature-rich plugins that can do things without blocking the UI. If you use 'm vim' (think classic Vim or MacVim builds), you still get a massive, mature plugin ecosystem. Many plugin authors keep compatibility with Vim, and core functionality works fine — but some newer plugins either require extra patches, rely on Vim being compiled with specific features (job control, Python/Ruby/Node support), or are Neovim-only because they use the Lua or RPC APIs. Practically, that means your favorite long-lived plugins like statuslines, file explorers, and linters usually work on either, but cutting-edge integrations (native LSP clients, modern completion engines written in Lua) will feel more at home in Neovim. My take: if you want modern plugins, async performance, and future-facing features, Neovim wins. If you prefer a familiar Vim experience, GUI comforts on macOS, or rely on plugins that haven’t migrated, 'm vim' still serves well. I ended up switching because I wanted Lua-based configs and non-blocking LSP, but I still keep a light Vim profile around for quick GUI sessions.

What Are The Best Startup Optimizations For M Vim?

5 Answers2025-09-03 05:08:31
Oh wow, trimming 'mvim' startup is one of those tiny joys that makes the whole day smoother. I usually start by profiling so I know what's actually slow: run mvim --startuptime ~/vim-startup.log and open that log. It quickly shows which scripts or plugins dominate time. Once I know the culprits, I move heavy things into autoload or optional plugin folders so they only load when needed. Next, I use lazy-loading with a plugin manager like 'vim-plug' (Plug 'foo', { 'on': 'SomeCommand' } or 'for': ['python', 'javascript']). Put plugins you need immediately in 'start' and everything else in 'opt' or load by filetype. Also disable unnecessary providers (let g:loaded_python_provider = 0, let g:loaded_ruby_provider = 0) if you don't use them — that shave off seconds. Finally, keep UI tweaks minimal for GUI start: font fallback, complex statuslines and external helpers (like large LSPs) can wait until you open a project. After a few iterations of profile → defer → test, 'mvim' feels snappy and more pleasant to use.

Does M In Vim Support Digits Or Special Mark Names?

5 Answers2025-09-03 01:44:27
Oh, this one used to confuse me too — Vim's mark system is a little quirky if you come from editors with numbered bookmarks. The short practical rule I use now: the m command only accepts letters. So m followed by a lowercase letter (ma, mb...) sets a local mark in the current file; uppercase letters (mA, mB...) set marks that can point to other files too. Digits and the special single-character marks (like '.', '^', '"', '[', ']', '<', '>') are not something you can create with m. Those numeric marks ('0 through '9) and the special marks are managed by Vim itself — they record jumps, last change, insert position, visual selection bounds, etc. You can jump to them with ' or ` but you can't set them manually with m. If you want to inspect what's set, :marks is your friend; :delmarks removes marks. I often keep a tiny cheat sheet pasted on my wall: use lowercase for local spots, uppercase for file-spanning marks, and let Vim manage the numbered/special ones — they’re there for navigation history and edits, not manual bookmarking.

Which Characters Define The Most Famous Vim Hempstead Series?

1 Answers2025-09-06 09:36:57
Huh — that name caught me off guard, but in the best way. I’m not spotting a widely known franchise called 'Vim Hempstead', so I’m guessing there might be a small typo or a niche indie series you’ve come across. Either way, I love these little mysteries, so I’ll walk through how I’d pick the characters that really define a ‘most famous’ series and give concrete examples from familiar titles so you can see the pattern. If you actually meant a specific book or comic, drop the exact title and I’ll map the characters precisely. When fans say a series is defined by its characters, they usually mean a handful of roles that keep showing up: the stubborn, morally complex protagonist; the charismatic foil or rival; a mentor who shows the world’s rules; an antagonist who forces growth; and a small ensemble of friends who bring heart and humor. For instance, if we think of 'Mistborn', the defining pieces are Vin (the reluctant protagonist whose street-smarts and growth carry the arc), Kelsier (the larger-than-life mentor/rebel who shapes Vin’s worldview), Elend (the idealistic foil and eventual partner), the Lord Ruler (the pressing, mythic antagonist), and Sazed (the philosophic friend/keeper of wisdom). Swap in 'The Witcher' and you’ve got Geralt as the central, gruff moralist; Yennefer and Ciri as the catalytic figures who stretch his loyalties and purpose; and foes like the Wild Hunt or political conspirators who turn the scale. The pattern is consistent: one driving viewpoint character, one or two characters who challenge or complement them emotionally, a wise older figure or ideological counterpoint, and antagonists who test everything. If you want a checklist to identify the defining characters of a series you’re curious about, here’s something I actually use when I’m arguing with friends in forums: (1) Who the fans talk about most — that’s your protagonist; (2) Who changes the protagonist’s trajectory the most — that’s your catalyst or mentor; (3) Who embodies the series’ themes — often a secondary lead or antagonist; (4) Who provides emotional or comedic ballast — a friend or ensemble member; and (5) Who’s responsible for the central conflict — the antagonist or system. So, if your 'Vim Hempstead' reference points to a lesser-known indie series, run through that checklist and you’ll likely land on the five or six names that define it. If you were aiming at a specific series like 'Mistborn' or 'The Witcher' (or even something wildly different), tell me and I’ll list the core characters and why each one is essential — I get a kick out of these character dissections and swapping hot takes over coffee or late-night forum scrolls.
Explore and read good novels for free
Free access to a vast number of good novels on GoodNovel app. Download the books you like and read anywhere & anytime.
Read books for free on the app
SCAN CODE TO READ ON APP
DMCA.com Protection Status