Enhancing Vim with Tab Support: A Step Towards Sublime Text or Atom

For many long-time Vim users, the tab interface is a highly desired feature. This article explores various methods to add tab support in Vim, allowing users to experience a more familiar and comfortable environment similar to Sublime Text or Atom without altering the core behavior of Vim.

Introduction to Tabs in Vim

Tabs in Vim are not as directly accessible as in modern IDEs like Sublime Text or Atom. However, Vim's inherent flexibility and extensibility make it possible to introduce tab functionality with a few configuration tweaks.

Adding Tabs in Vim

Method 1: Using :tabe and Related Commands

One straightforward way to add tabs in Vim is by using the :tabe command:

:tabe filename

Alternatively, you can open multiple files in different tabs using the -p (tab page) option:

vim -p file1 file2 file3

Once the files are open, you can navigate between tabs using the following commands:

gt: Go to the next tab gT: Go to the previous tab 0g ... 9g: Jump to the 1st through 9th tab

If your mouse is enabled (:set mousea), you can also simply click on the tab to go to the corresponding file.

Method 2: Using a Plugin for Vim

While Vim's built-in commands provide a basic tab-like experience, some might find them lacking in features and ease of use. For a full-fledged tab interface similar to Sublime Text or Atom, you can consider using a Vim plugin. One popular choice is Vim-Sensible.

To install Vim-Sensible, follow these steps:

First, ensure you have a package manager like Vundle or Pathogen installed. Create a .vim directory in your home folder if it doesn't exist. Add the following line to your .vimrc file to include Vim-Sensible:

Plugin 'fymc5635/vim-sensible'

Run :PluginInstall in Vim to install the plugin.

Note: For advanced features and more customization, refer to the Vim-Sensible documentation.

Conclusion: Moving Towards a Modern Vim Experience

Adding tab support to Vim is a small yet significant step towards making your Vim experience more aligned with modern IDEs. Whether you choose to use the built-in commands or a plugin, you can enhance productivity and efficiency in your workflow.

Further Reading

To learn more about Vim, explore these resources:

The Vim Help: Leadership for a detailed guide on tabs. The Vim-Sensible documentation for plugin-specific configuration and features.

Happy coding with Vim!