Table of Contents Tip 35: Run Command in the Shell Executing Programs in the Shell References: References: References: References: Using the Contents of a Buffer for Standard Input or Output References: References: Filtering the Contents of a Buffer Through an External Command References: References:

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• invoke external programs in the shell by prefixing them with a bang symbol

• Comparison

* `:!ls`: call the `ls` command in the shell * `:ls`: call Vim's built-in command, which shows the contents of the buffer list

• `%`: shorthand for the current file name

• filename modifiers

• `:shell`: start an iterative shell session

• Alternative of `:shell` and `:exit`: `` and `<fg></fg>`

• `:read !{cmd}`: put the output from the `{cmd}` into the current buffer

• `:write !{cmd}`: use the contents of the buffer as standard input for the specified `{cmd}`

• Comparison

* `:write !sh`: pass the contents of the buffer as standard input to the external `sh` command * `:write ! sh`: pass the contents of the buffer as standard input to the external `sh` command * `:write! sh`: write the contents of the buffer to a file called "sh" by calling the `:write!` command

• Effect of `:write !sh`: each line of the current buffer is executed in the shell

Example:

• shortcut for setting the range of a `:[range]!{filter}` command: `!{motion}`

e.g. invoke `!G` → vim opens a prompt with the `:.,$!` range set up for us

| Command | Effect | | `:shell` | Start a shell (return to vim by typing `exit`) | | `:!{cmd}` | Execute `{cmd}` with the shell | | `:read !{cmd}` | Execute `{cmd}` in the shell and insert its standard input below the cursor | | `:[range]write !{cmd}` | Execute `{cmd}` in the shell with `[range]` lines as standard input | | `[range]!{filter}` | Filter the specified `[range]` through external program `{filter}` |