To enter an ex command from vi, type:
:[ address ] command [ options ]
An initial : indicates an ex command . As you type the command , it is echoed on the status line. Enter the command by pressing Return. address is the line number or range of lines that are the object of command . options and addresses are described in the following sections. ex commands are described in "Syntax of ex commands."
Indicates a variant command form, overriding the normal behavior.
The number of times the command is to be repeated. Unlike vi commands, the count comes after the command , not before it. Numbers preceding an ex command are considered to be part of the address . For example, 3d deletes line 3, while d3 deletes three lines beginning with the current line.
The name of a file that is affected by the command. % stands for current file; # stands for previous file.
If no address is given, the current line is the object of the command . If the address specifies a range of lines, the format is:
x,y
where x and y are the first and last addressed lines ( x must precede y in the buffer). x and y may be line numbers or symbols. Using ; instead of , sets the current line to x before interpreting y .
Symbol | Meaning |
---|---|
1,$ | All lines in the file |
% | All lines; same as 1,$ |
x , y | Lines x tHRough y |
x ; y | Lines x through y , with current line reset to x |
| Top of file |
. | Current line |
n | Absolute line number n |
$ | Last line |
x - n | n lines before x |
x + n | n lines after x |
-[ n ] | One or n lines previous |
+[ n ] | One or n lines ahead |
' x | Line marked with x |
" | Previous mark |
/ pattern / | Forward to line matching pattern |
? pattern ? | Backward to line matching pattern |