The command for this would be: nmap w :w Recursive and non-recursive mapping Lets say, we want to create a key map which is available in normal mode, it should save ( write) the file when we press SPACE followed by w.

Now we know enough about commands, shortcut and execution to create a key mapping. Non-printable characters (like CTRL) can be used aswell but have a special notation: You can use printable characters (like a and 5) for defining the shortcut and execution. The exection is the sequence of keys that will be executed once you press the shortcut. The shortcut is the sequence of keys you enter, to execute the key map. xmap creates a key map which then is available in visual mode.

imap creates a key map which then is available in insert mode.

nmap creates a key map which then is available in normal mode.

map creates a key map which then is available in most modes.

Vim has the possibility to create key maps which are available in most modes but it is also possible to restrict them to certain modes. The general syntax for creating a key map is: Commands With Key mapping you can create a shortcut for repeating a sequence of keys or commands. I will simpify things here, because this topic is huge and complex but if you want to read more, this article is quite extensive. Here is the eighth (next) part of this series: A brief introduction to Vim (Part 8) Advanced configurationsīasic configuring possibilities were mentioned in A brief introduction to Vim (Part 3) already but Vim is highly configurable so lets dive into more advanced configurations in Vim. Here is the sixth (previous) part of this series: A brief introduction to Vim (Part 6)

Vim page down shortcut key