Navigating in Vim's Command Mode

Rohit picture Rohit · Aug 3, 2011 · Viewed 11k times · Source

I am a long time emacs user learning Vim. Emacs lets me navigate in the mini-buffer (where I issue commands like C-x C-s) using the same navigation keyboard shortcuts as in any other buffer. For example, I can navigate forward one character using C-f, even while in the mini-buffer. I could also use the arrow keys, but they are too far away.

Is there any keyboard shortcut to navigate in Vim's command mode (:), without using the arrow keys -- equivalent to emacs C-f, C-b? Thanks.

Answer

Boldewyn picture Boldewyn · Aug 3, 2011

Adding to Greg Hewgill's answer, you can use q: to open the command-line window, where you have any Vim editing power at your hand.