I frequently create mappings or functions whenever I find myself repeating the same keystrokes. By now I've accumulated a decent list of custom mappings. Here are a few of my favorites:
Number 8: Clone Paragraph with cp
noremap cp yap<S-}>p
This will copy the paragraph your cursor is on then paste a copy of it just below. This is great when you're about to create a block of code that will be similar, but not different enough to abstract (e.g. it blocks in rspec).
Number 7: Align Current Paragraph with Leader + a
noremap <leader>a =ip
Quickly align your current paragraph with this command. Sometimes this can help you see where you're missing an end or a bracket.
Number 6: Toggle Paste Mode
set pastetoggle=<leader>z
Avoid typing :set paste and :set nopaste by setting a paste toggle command.
Number 5: Apply Macros with Q
nnoremap Q @q
vnoremap Q :norm @q<cr>
This mapping makes macros even easier to remember: hit qq to record, q to stop recording, and Q to apply.
This mapping also allows you to play macros across a visual selection with Q.
Number 4: Shift + Direction to Change Tabs
noremap <S-l> gt
noremap <S-h> gT
Who has time to type gt and gT? Not me. Using shift and a direction to change tabs is a great alternative.
Number 3: Control + Direction to Change Panes
noremap <C-l> <C-w>l
noremap <C-h> <C-w>h
noremap <C-j> <C-w>j
noremap <C-k> <C-w>k
Same thing goes for changing panes, but these use control . Skip that pesky w and get straight to the good stuff.
Number 2: Quit Files with Leader + q
noremap <leader>q :q<cr>
Quickly close a file with <leader>q.
Number 1: Save File with Leader + s
nnoremap <leader>s :w<cr>
inoremap <leader>s <C-c>:w<cr>
If you're like me and you like to constantly save files, this one is nice. Just hit <leader>s. The second line makes this work in insert mode too, saving you even more effort.
That's it. Got your own favorite mappings? Share them in the comments!
