Hacker News Reader

What are some examples what the macro function can be used for? In many cases the macros I need are so specific such that I define them on the fly in VIM (i.e. q [a-z] and then q to stop, finally @ [a-z] for playback). Perhaps I simply don't write enough for macros to take advantage of more permanent macros.

View on HN

I'm not a programmer, I'm a manager that spends far too many hours a day glued to Microsoft Outlook (kill me, please). I found the macros useful simply to repeat often typed phrases or keystrokes. So for example, I bound F3 to the expression "Best regards, zafiro17" followed by Alt-S which is bound by default to "Send" in Outlook. So I'd write the body of an email, then hit F3 and the keyboard would add my closing and hit send.

Here's a vim tip that has me using macros way more frequently! Map <space><space> to @q. That way we to record a macro, space space to play it. Much easier to remember, especially because I usually only use one macro at a time like you said. Plus you get the satisfaction of mashing space and watching your screen light up with changes.

Reply on news.ycombinator.com