在打开文件之间切换时Vim出现问题

Question

I have multiple file open in Vim. When i want to switch from one file to another Vim does not allow me to switch unless I save the file or quit. Is there a way such that I do not have to save everytime when I want to switch? Is this a problem with Vim or am I making a mistake? If that's the way Vim works can anyone tell me the logical reason?

Answer 1

Just add

set hidden

to your ~/.vimrc . It makes it possible to have multiple unsaved files open at all times.

While you are at it, you should add this line as well:

set switchbuf=useopen,usetab

It forces Vim to jump to an already open buffer where it is (right there, in another split-window, in another tab) instead of "hiding" the current buffer to replace it with the target buffer. This is useful for quickfix-related jumps but also for :sb .

These two lines are the key to use Vim's buffers efficiently.

Answer 2

Use :n! . This will move to the next file, ignoring the changes and not saving them.

Answer 3

You can also use tabs in vim; use :tabnew file.txt to open a new tab with file.txt loaded. Then you can use gt and gT to navigate forward and backwards through your open tabs. I find this easier than dealing with buffers, but I'm a fairly new vim user.