vimrc is the config file that controls how vim behaves, interacts and displays output. In most distros you'll get a preconfigured vimrc file that represents the distro's point of view on how simple or complicated the setup should be - it is usually a compromise that vim look and behave traditionally rather than expose advanced and powerful features.
Once you've learnt the basics of vim, you'll realize how powerful vim really is and you will start to expect it to behave in a way that makes you more productive. This is where my custom vimrc file comes in - replace or augment your file with this one to take advantage of vim features that are normally hidden behind non-default settings.
You can use it in two ways:
- Replace your: vimrc.local with the one on this page and all is good. You'll be using the: vimrc.local.ken file I supplied, probably saved as: /etc/vim/vimrc.local (debian-based distros), or something similar, based upon your own distro's requirements.
- Alternatively you may wish to keep your regular config untouched (especially in multi user environments where other users are not expecting such a powerful vim), and enable it only for yourself. This is the scenario I will describe next and explain how to set it up.
The file that is really required is: vimrc.local.ken - this is the custom vimrc file. Place it alongside your normal vimrc file, normally somewhere in: /etc/ (fedora/redhat style distros) or: /etc/vim/ (debian style distros).
Next we need: vim-kenmode - which is sourced before you use vim. Finally, we need extra lines in: /etc/vim (or: vimrc or any other vim config file your system uses) that tells vim how to handle the custom file. Basically vim loads its config files and at the end of the load process it reaches the commands that instruct it to load the custom: vimrc.local.ken file.
In a directory of your choice (normally your home dir), place this file: vim-kenmode . Then make it executable: chmod +x vim-kenmode .
Edit the: vimrc or: vimrc.local file
(you'll find it under /etc/ or /etc/vim/ ) and add the following lines at the end.
Make sure to change the path in the source line to where you placed the file.
if exists("$MYCUSTOMVIM")
if filereadable("/etc/vimrc.local.".$MYCUSTOMVIM)
source /etc/vimrc.local.$MYCUSTOMVIM
endif
endif
Then simply source your vim file with the following command: . vim-kenmode and enjoy productive editing. For permanent use for your own profile - edit your: ~/.bashrc file and source the file every time you open a terminal.
Color codes for the various vim cterm command args can be found here . Helpful if you wish to modify the colors found in my configs. Respect and thanks to its creator for making it available.
