Netrw in Vim: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners

Basic Usage of Netrw

Opening Netrw#

How to Open Netrw in Vim#

To open Netrw within Vim, you can use several commands depending on how you want to view your directories and files:

• Explore: Type :Explore to open Netrw in the current window. This replaces your current buffer with a file explorer view.
• Horizontal Split: Type :Sexplore to open Netrw in a horizontal split window. This allows you to view files and directories in the lower half of the screen while keeping your current file visible.
• Vertical Split: Type :Vexplore to open Netrw in a vertical split window. This splits the screen side by side, with Netrw on one side.

Navigating Directories#

Navigating Through Directories in Netrw#

Netrw lets you navigate directories using straightforward Vim commands:

• Enter a Directory: Position the cursor over the directory name and press Enter to navigate into the directory.
• Go Up a Directory: To move up one level, position the cursor on the line that represents the parent directory (usually denoted by ../) and press Enter.

Opening Files#

Opening Files from Netrw#

When you find the file you want to edit:

• Open in the Current Window: Press Enter on the selected file to open it in the current window.
• Open in a New Tab: Press t on the selected file to open it in a new tab, allowing you to keep multiple files open simultaneously.
• Open in a Split Window: Use s to open a file in a horizontal split window or v for a vertical split window, directly from Netrw.

Closing Netrw#

Closing Netrw and Returning to Vim#

To exit Netrw and return to your regular Vim environment:

• Closing a Single Netrw Window: If Netrw is opened in a split window, you can simply close it like any other Vim window by typing :q.
• Returning to a Previous Buffer: If you opened Netrw in the current window, press Ctrl-^ (Control and caret) to switch back to your last buffer, or use :b# to go back to the previous buffer.