Learning the vi and Vim Editors, 7th Edition

gvim in Microsoft Windows

gvim is increasingly popular among Windows users. Veteran vi and Vim users will find the Windows version excellent, and it is probably the most current version across all operating systems.

Note

The self-installing executable should automatically and seamlessly integrate Vim into the Windows environment. If it doesn’t, consult the gui-w32.txt help file in the Vim runtime directory for regedit instructions. Because this involves editing the Windows Registry, do not try it if it’s a procedure with which you are the slightest bit uncomfortable. You may be able to find someone with more expertise to help you. It is a common but nontrivial exercise.

Long-time Windows users are familiar with the clipboard, a storage area where text and other information is kept to facilitate copy, cut, and paste operations. Vim supports interaction with the Windows clipboard. Simply highlight text in visual mode and click the Copy or Cut menu item to store Vim text in the Windows clipboard. You can then paste that text into other Windows applications.