Open an existing file from Vim

Question

I would like to open a file that already exists while already in Vim.

What is the command to do this?

You should find yourself a nice cheat sheet such as this one reddit.com/r/vim/comments/32r85c/… — Gerhard Burger, Jun 21, 2016 at 6:55

Mitch · Accepted Answer · 2016-10-20 15:07:38Z

82

vim [your file]

If this isn't working for you, make sure you have it installed with:

sudo apt-get install vim

If you're already IN vim do

:edit [your file]

Additionally, to move back to the previous file after you finish editing the new file you can use

:e#

This will return you to the previous file

answered Oct 16, 2014 at 19:31

Mitch

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1

It says "Invalid search pattern or delimiter". And I have installed vim with this command.
– Adam
Oct 16, 2014 at 19:37
When does it say that? When you try to open it from the command line? Or when you're already in vim?
– Mitch
Oct 16, 2014 at 19:39
When I am in vim.
– Adam
Oct 16, 2014 at 19:39
What is the exact command you're typing?
– Mitch
Oct 16, 2014 at 19:41
3

If you're in vim you have to do :edit [full path]
– Mitch
Oct 16, 2014 at 19:45

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muru · Accepted Answer · 2016-06-17 19:15:42Z

30

You can also use tabs and split views:

:tabe /path/to/file

Effect: enter image description here

:vs /path/to/file

(or :sp for a horizontal split)
Effect: enter image description here

Use :tabn, :tabp to navigate between tabs, and CtrlW with the arrow keys to navigate between splits.

answered Oct 16, 2014 at 20:46

muru

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