Exploring files and directories in vim with the NERD tree plugin
Exploring, opening, switching, renaming, moving files and directories are common tasks performed during coding. In IDEs it is usually achieved with some kind of filesystem explorer. In vim I preffer to use the NERD tree plugin.
NERD Tree features
NERD tree enables you to:
- Navigate and jump through the directory tree
- Open files in the current window, tab, split view (horizontal and vertical)
- Change the current working directory
- Add, move, copy and remove files and directories
- Filter the tree
- Create the bookmarks
Installation
Get the source from the plugin website and unzip it into your ~/.vim directory.
To make using NERD tree more convenient it's best to create a shortcut mapping. To use ctrl+n add the following line to your ~/.vimrc file:
nmap <silent> <c-n> :NERDTreeToggle<CR>
Usage
Run vim and type :NERDTreeToggle or ctrl+n. The later will work only if you've created a mapping. NERD tree should open and present you the directory structure.
I'd suggest you to start with pressing the ? to read a quick help and learn about the plugin features.
very interesting script. I'm a big fan of vim myself.
Heya, Great article, what colorscheme is that? its really nice on the eyes.
@codo I'm not sure now as those schemes look different depending on your terminal. I've been experimenting with themes for quite a time.
It might be that theme on the screens is "darktango". "desert" is another calm one.