vim - copy and paste multiple lines in script

[jimbob01]

Hi guys,

Is there a quick way in vim to copy and paste multiple (e.g. 10 lines) in a script ? One of the guys at work said earlier it can be done by using the line numbers (:set nu) but I can't remember how! Any of you guys have any idea? Been wracking by brains but i'm at a loss!

Cheers

[Gödel]

type '10y' with cursor on first line to copy (yank 10 lines, to delete them use 10dd)

then move to (just above) paste position and hit p

[jimbob01]

Cheers, that helps a lot!

One question though, when I do '10y' it yanks 11 lines, any ideas why ?

[Gödel]

Originally Posted by jimbob01

Cheers, that helps a lot!

One question though, when I do '10y' it yanks 11 lines, any ideas why ?

You're right, that seems to be a bug.

[jamielinux]

Originally Posted by jimbob01

Cheers, that helps a lot!

One question though, when I do '10y' it yanks 11 lines, any ideas why ?

The correct command would be '10yy'.

Originally Posted by Gödel

You're right, that seems to be a bug.

Nope. '10y<enter>' has the same effect as '10yj' (or in other words y10j). This signifies a motion of 10 lines downwards, which puts the cursor on the 11th line. Hence why 11 lines are yanked.

[Gödel]

Originally Posted by jnguyen

The correct command would be '10yy'.

Nope. '10y<enter>' has the same effect as '10yj' (or in other words y10j). This signifies a motion of 10 lines downwards, which puts the cursor on the 11th line. Hence why 11 lines are yanked.

also the correct command would be '10Y' (shift+y = capital Y)

I just forgot uppercase Y, but you're right it's not a bug.

[weitjong]

I had used this counting the "number of lines" approach for quite a long time until I learn better approaches. I am sure you will agree that even with ":set nu" it is still unpractical to every time calculate the difference between end and start of lines that you want to yank or delete.

One of the easiest approach is to use the visual mode. Move the cursor to the start, then press "v" to switch on the visual mode, move the cursor to the end, then press "y" for yank command. Move the cursor position to where you want to paste, and as usual using "p" or "P" to paste the lines after or before the cursor position, respectively.

Another approach is to use "mark". Move the cursor to the start, then press "ma" to mark 'a' at current cursor position. Move the cursor to the end lines that you want to copy, then press "y'a" to yank all the lines between cursor to the mark 'a' into unnamed buffer. Then paste the yanked lines as per normal. I prefer this approach as I could define different marks (from 'a' to 'z') for different positions that I may want to jump back quickly. It can also be used in tandem with named buffer, etc.

[jimbob01]

Thanks guys, helps a lot.

@weitjong - Yeah, your option does seem better, especially when I'll be counting a lot of lines to copy. Thanks again