Consider the following code
The function A_Very_Long_Function_Name() can be quite
exasperating to type over and over again. While still in
insert-mode, one can auto-complete a word by either searching
forwards or backwards. In function, Another_Function() one can
type A_Very... and hit CTRL-P. The first
matching word will be displayed first. In this case it would
be A_Very_Long_Variable_Name. To complete it correctly, one can
hit CTRL-P again and the search continues
upwards to the next matching word, which is
A_Very_Long_Function_Name. As soon as the correct word is matched
you can continue typing. VIM remains in insert-mode during
the entire process.
Similar to CTRL-P is the keystroke
CTRL-N. This searches forwards instead of
backwards. Both the keystrokes continue to search until they
hit the top or bottom.
Both CTRL-P and CTRL-N are
part of a mode known as CTRL-X mode. CTRL-X mode is a
sub-mode of the insert mode. So you can enter this mode when
you are in the insert-mode. To leave CTRL-X mode you can
hit any keystroke other than CTRL-X, CTRL-P and CTRL-N. Once
you leave CTRL-X mode you return to insert-mode.
CTRL-X mode allows you do auto-completion in a variety of
ways. One can even autocomplete filenames. This is
particularly useful when you have to include header
files. Using CTRL-X mode you can include a file foo.h using
the following mechanism.
#include "f CTRL-X CTRL-F"
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That's CTRL-X CTRL-F. I know... I know... Its sounds like
emacs ;-). There are other things you can do in the CTRL-X
mode. One of them is dictionary completion. Dictionary
completion allows one to specify a file containing a list of
words which are used for completion. By default the
dictionary option is not set. This option is set by the
command :set dictionary=file. Typically
one can put in C keywords, typedefs, #defines in the
dictionary file. C++ and Java programmers may be interested
in adding class names as well.
The format of a dictionary file is simple. Just put a word
you want in line by itself. So a C dictionary file would look
something like this.
To use the dictionary completion, one needs to hit
CTRL-X CTRL-K. The completion is similar to
the CTRL-P and CTRL-N
keystrokes. So... to type "typedef" all one needs to do is
t CTRL-X CTRL-K and poof... the name completed.
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