vim  macros

vim macro allows you to record a sequence of commands that you use to perform a given task. You then execute that macro many times to repeat the same job in an automated way.

Recording a macro and using it

1. Start record thw macro by: [ESC] q <a letter> (vim will inform you “recording @)"
2. Record your commands and keystrokes while doing the edits required to solve the problem on the first segment (word/line/paragraph…)
3. Save the command sequence to the register you chose by - [ESC] q
4. Apply the macro to do the same on the remaining segments - ```[ESC] @

Example

Wrapping paragraph of PL/SQL code with BEGIN END;  lines; Before:

DBMS_OUTPUT.PUT_LINE(SYSDATE); 

After:

BEGIN
DBMS_OUTPUT.PUT_LINE(SYSDATE);
END;

Start record the macro by: [ESC] q s (the letter for the macro will be s)

Place the cursor on the paragraph. Start recording by [ESC] q s (vim will inform you”recording @s”

Record your commands and keystrokes

Type the following sequence: {oBEGIN[ESC]}OEND;[ENTER][ESC]. let’s break it down…

Add BEGIN where the paragraph starts

1. So we want to move to aline before the current paragraph { will get us a line before the paragraph
2. We want to add anew line: o will add a new line and will get us to insert mode in that line.
3. Now let type at that line BEGIN

   Add END; where the paragraph ends

4. Let us move to the end of the paragraph:         * Type [ESC] for command mode         * Type } to move to the end of the paragraph
5. Add a new line above the current line using O this will change the mode to insert mode
6. Type END; and
7. Return to command mode by [ESC]

Save the command sequence to the register you chose.

on command mode type [ESC] q

Apply the macro

Place  your cursor on another paragraph On command mode type @s

Applying the macro multiple times  (for example 7 times) can be done by typing  7@s.