commit 1ef85a68b304949df270a6a241860b67e9dae2f5
parent cf449ef6bdb09801b919bb4ef00f974a7897a843
Author: pyratebeard <root@pyratebeard.net>
Date: Wed, 17 May 2023 22:10:17 +0100
repeat_after_me
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1 file changed, 49 insertions(+), 0 deletions(-)
diff --git a/entry/repeat_after_me.md b/entry/repeat_after_me.md
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+After learning about [registers](20230511-reg_5_standing_by.html){target="_blank" rel="noreferrer"} in Vim, [macros](https://vim.fandom.com/wiki/Macros){target="_blank" rel="noreferrer"} were a logical next step.
+
+Macros use registers as well but instead of just saving chunks of text they record repeatable steps meaning the same actions can be performed again and again.
+
+To start recording a macro, in Normal mode hit `q` and a register, i.e `qa`
+
+The status line will now show that a recording is taking place
+```
+recording @a
+```
+
+Any actions you take now will be recorded to register `a`. To stop a recording hit `q` again. To replay the macro use `@` followed by the register, `@a`. If you want to play the last played macro hit `@@`.
+
+Sometimes you may want to edit a macro. If it is a lot of steps you won't want to record the whole thing again so it is possible to edit it in Vim's command line.
+
+1. declare the register you are setting with `:let @a='`
+2. type Ctrl-r Ctrl-r `a` to paste in the contents of register `a`
+3. edit as required
+4. append an apostrophe, `'`, to close the statement and hit Return
+
+If you need to add a control character within the macro, such as Return, type Ctrl-v followed by the required key. For example _Ctrl-v Return_ produces `^M`.
+
+To see the Vim help for this method incant
+```
+:help i_ctrl-v
+```
+
+As macros are saved in registers viewing them is the same as viewing registers
+```
+:registers
+```
+
+It is also possible to declare macros in ~/.vimrc so that they are available to each session. This is done using the same `let` declaration shown above.
+
+In ~/.vimrc
+```
+let @t='<macro>'
+```
+
+For every Vim session opened the `t` register will always be set to this and can be played using `@t`.
+
+If you want to save a recorded macro to ~/.vimrc, in Insert mode use _Ctrl-r t_ to paste in the contents, save having to type it all out again.
+
+Getting the hang of macros can be fun as well as frustrating. Spending longer creating a perfect macro than the time taken to complete the task is probably quite common, but when you get it the satisfaction is "*chefs kiss*".
+
+To see the Vim help page on macros incant
+```
+:help recording
+```
