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1. Buffer

  • Purpose:
    A buffer is a memory space that holds the content of a file. When you open a file (e.g., :e filename), its content is loaded into a buffer.

    • Linked to files: A buffer corresponds to a file (or unsaved temporary content).
    • Independent of UI: Buffers exist even if not displayed in a window.
    • Efficient management: Allows editing multiple files in the background without displaying them.
  • Common Commands:

    • :ls or :buffers: List all buffers.
    • :b N: Jump to buffer number N (e.g., :b 3).
    • :bdelete or :bd: Delete the current buffer.
    • :bn / :bp: Switch to the next/previous buffer.
  • Key Points:

    • Closing a window does not close its buffer.
    • Buffers are cleared when Vim exits (unless saved via a session).

2. Window

  • Purpose:
    A window is a visual area that displays a buffer's content.

    • Split screens: Create new windows with :split (horizontal) or :vsplit (vertical).
    • Flexible layout: Each window can show a different buffer or different parts of the same buffer.
  • Common Commands:

    • Ctrl-w hjkl: Move focus between windows.
    • Ctrl-w c: Close the current window.
    • Ctrl-w o: Keep only the current window (close others).
  • Key Points:

    • A buffer can be displayed in multiple windows (e.g., comparing code sections).
    • Closing a window does not close its buffer (unless no other windows reference it and hidden is disabled).

3. Tab

  • Purpose:
    A tab is a container for windows, organizing workspaces.

    • Task isolation: Each tab can host a unique window layout (e.g., one tab for coding, another for logs).
    • Independent layouts: Window arrangements in different tabs do not interfere.
  • Common Commands:

    • :tabnew: Create a new tab.
    • gt / gT: Switch to the next/previous tab.
    • :tabclose: Close the current tab.
  • Key Points:

    • Tabs do not directly manage buffers; they organize windows.
    • Multiple tabs can display the same buffer (e.g., editing a file across tabs).

4. Session

  • Purpose:
    A session is a snapshot of your Vim workspace, saving tabs, window layouts, buffers, cursor positions, and settings.

    • Persistent environments: Ideal for restoring project contexts (e.g., development setups).
    • Quick recovery: Reload a session to resume work instantly.
  • Common Commands:

    • :mksession ~/mysession.vim: Save a session to a file.
    • vim -S ~/mysession.vim: Launch Vim with a saved session.
    • :source ~/mysession.vim: Load a session in an open Vim instance.
  • Key Points:

    • Sessions do not save file contents (managed by buffers).
    • Requires manual saving/loading (can be automated with plugins).

Relationship Summary

ConceptLayerRoleAnalogy
BufferDataStores file contentWebpage in a browser
WindowViewDisplays buffer contentBrowser window/tab
TabContainerOrganizes window groupsBrowser tab
SessionPersistenceSaves entire workspace stateBrowser session restore

Example Workflow

  1. Multi-file Editing:

    • Open file1, file2, file3 → creates 3 buffers.
    • Use :split to show file1 and file2 in separate windows.
    • Create a new tab (:tabnew) with :vsplit to display file2 and file3.
    • Save the session (:mksession) for future use.
  2. Cross-Window Collaboration:

    • View different sections of the same buffer in multiple windows within a tab.

FAQs

  • Q: Does closing a window delete its buffer?
    A: No, unless the buffer is unused by other windows and hidden is disabled.

  • Q: How to auto-save sessions?
    A: Use plugins like vim-obsession or configure autocmd.

  • Q: What's the difference between tabs and windows?
    A: Tabs organize window groups (workspaces), while windows display buffer content.

Master these concepts to supercharge your Vim workflow! 🚀