Question

I work on multiple MAC OS X systems, which do not save changes after log out. As you know VIM is on every new mac, just type in vim in the terminal. I always bring my vimrc file with me, and the problem is that every single time I start vim i have to load it with :so command.

I want to use the fact that vim is available on every unix, but I also want to take advantage of the nifty integration with the terminal for doing quick tests, I just switch back to the terminal, but for that I need to close vim. When I reopen it, I again have to load the vimrc. And I am a newb, I don’t even have plugins yet…

I want to keep the integration with the terminal and only develop a super quick way of introducing my changes to vim. Think of the conditions as if though you are sitting on newly installed operating system.

Thanks !

Answer 1

How is it possible that your changes are not saved after you log out? What would be the point of such a machine? An internet kiosk in an airport? Do you log as a user without a “home” directory?

If you have a “home” directory, just create a blank ~/.vimrc and put your settings there.

If you don’t have a “home” directory but you are able to write somewhere else, create a blank vimrc file where you can, write your settings there and learn this command by heart:

$ vim -u /path/to/your/vimrc

If you don’t have a “home” directory and you are really sure that you can’t save anything on these machines, put your settings in a file somewhere online, preferably a place under your control, and learn this command by heart:

$ vim -u http://domain.name/yourvimrc

If you are lucky, the command you use will be remembered by your shell for you and it will be easy to issue it again without much typing.

For running your tests, you can either:

• Hit <C-z> to suspend Vim. You are back at the prompt from where you started Vim and you can do your thing. Type $ fg to go back to Vim.

• Type :sh to launch a new shell from the current directory. To go back to Vim, type $ exit.