This command delete all the empty lines (include the lines with space) from a file. g = global command \S = non-whitespace character; !\S the opposite d = delete a range
If you need to delete lines that may contain space characters (such as tabs or spaces) as well as empty ones, try:
:v/\S/d
Just an alternative.
Here's the other way of doing it in vim: setting a recursive macro. 'gg' brings you to the top of the buffer, 'qqq' clears the 'q' macro, 'qq' starts recording a macro called 'q', '/^$' moves the cursor to the next empty line, 'dd' deletes the line that the cursor is on, '@q' calls the 'q' macro (currently empty because of 'qqq'), and 'q' stops recording the macro. '@q' calls the macro. It will run until it cannot find another blank line, at which point it will throw up an error and cease. While this is longer than the regex, you can use it without having to move your thoughts from 'vim-mode' to 'regex-mode'.
Any thoughts on this command? Does it work on your machine? Can you do the same thing with only 14 characters?
You must be signed in to comment.
commandlinefu.com is the place to record those command-line gems that you return to again and again. That way others can gain from your CLI wisdom and you from theirs too. All commands can be commented on, discussed and voted up or down.
Every new command is wrapped in a tweet and posted to Twitter. Following the stream is a great way of staying abreast of the latest commands. For the more discerning, there are Twitter accounts for commands that get a minimum of 3 and 10 votes - that way only the great commands get tweeted.
» http://twitter.com/commandlinefu
» http://twitter.com/commandlinefu3
» http://twitter.com/commandlinefu10
Use your favourite RSS aggregator to stay in touch with the latest commands. There are feeds mirroring the 3 Twitter streams as well as for virtually every other subset (users, tags, functions,…):
Subscribe to the feed for: