Buffers, Windows and Tabs

Buffers, Windows, and Tabs

Neovim has a three-level hierarchy that confuses newcomers:

A buffer is a loaded file in memory. Multiple buffers can be open simultaneously.

Command	Action
`:e {file}`	Edit (open) a file in a new buffer
`:ls` or `:ls`	List all buffers
`:b {n}`	Switch to buffer number `n`
`:bn`	Switch to next buffer
`:bp`	Switch to previous buffer
`:bd`	Delete (close) current buffer

A window is a viewport onto a buffer. Windows split the screen.

Command	Action
`:split` or `Ctrl-w s`	Split horizontally
`:vsplit` or `Ctrl-w v`	Split vertically
`Ctrl-w h/j/k/l`	Navigate to window (left/down/up/right)
`Ctrl-w H/J/K/L`	Move window to edge
`Ctrl-w =`	Equalize window sizes
`Ctrl-w _`	Maximize current window height
`Ctrl-w \|`	Maximize current window width
`Ctrl-w o`	Close all other windows (only)
`Ctrl-w c`	Close current window
`Ctrl-w q`	Quit current window

A tab is a collection of window layouts. Think of it as a workspace.

Tip: Most users prefer buffers over tabs. Tabs are best used for completely separate contexts (e.g., one tab for code, one for tests).