Question

Say that I have this simple text in (g)Vim:

a  b  c
a  b  c
a  b  c
a  b  c
a  b  c

after changing to visual block selection mode how can I can select the whole 3rd column? Ctrl+V G selects whole text. I am looking for a keyboard shortcut for selecting a whole column selection, if any exist.

Thanks.

Answer 1

G goes to the last line, but moves the cursor to the first non-blank position if the startofline or compatible (which enables startofline) options are set. If you want to keep the same column, set nosol before going into visual block mode, and then hit G.

From the manual entry for startofline:

When “on” the commands listed below move the cursor to the first non-blank of the line. When off the cursor is kept in the same column (if possible). This applies to the commands: CTRL-D, CTRL-U, CTRL-B, CTRL-F, “G”, “H”, “M”, “L”, gg, and to the commands “d”, “<<” and “>>” with a linewise operator, with “%” with a count and to buffer changing commands (CTRL-^, :bnext, :bNext, etc.).