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

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! 🚀