What Is The Vim Command To Replace A Word Globally?

2025-07-15 18:43:00 242

3 Answers

Rebecca
Rebecca
2025-07-16 23:28:42
one of the most powerful commands I rely on is global replacement. To replace a word everywhere in your file, you use the command `:%s/oldword/newword/g`. The `%` means the entire file, `s` stands for substitute, and `g` replaces all instances in each line, not just the first one. If you want to confirm each replacement, add a `c` at the end like `:%s/oldword/newword/gc`. This makes Vim ask for confirmation before changing each occurrence. It's a lifesaver when refactoring code or fixing typos across large documents.
Declan
Declan
2025-07-17 18:58:35
Vim’s substitution command is a game-changer for editing, especially when you need to replace a word across the entire document. The basic syntax is `:%s/oldword/newword/g`, where `%` targets the whole file and `g` ensures all instances are replaced.

For advanced usage, you can use regular expressions in the search pattern. For example, `:%s/\/newword/g` ensures only whole words are matched, avoiding partial matches like 'oldwordly'. You can also use `:%s/oldword/newword/gc` to confirm each replacement interactively, which is great for critical edits.

Remember, Vim’s undo command `u` is your friend if you make a mistake. Practice these commands in a test file to get comfortable before using them in important documents.
Gavin
Gavin
2025-07-20 17:33:59
When working with Vim, mastering substitution commands can drastically improve your workflow. The command `:%s/oldword/newword/g` is essential for global replacements. The `%` ensures the substitution applies to the whole file, while `g` replaces every match in a line, not just the first one.

For more control, you can specify a range instead of `%`. For example, `:10,20s/oldword/newword/g` changes words only between lines 10 and 20. If you need case-insensitive matching, append `i` like `:%s/oldword/newword/gi`. This is particularly useful when dealing with inconsistent capitalization.

To preview changes without altering the file, combine `:substitute` with `:print` or use `:noh` to clear highlights afterward. These tweaks make Vim’s substitution feature incredibly versatile for editing tasks.
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