Autocomplete filenames
Vim can autocomplete filenames and paths from insert mode. Just press <ctrl-x> <ctrl-f>. You’ll have to autocomplete each segment of the file path one at a time, but you can make quick work of this by repeating this key mapping several times in succession without leaving insert mode. After each segment, press <ctrl-n> and <ctrl-p> to move and down the list of matches.
<ctrl-x> <ctrl-f>– Autocomplete filename and file path segments<ctrl-n>– Move down through the autocomplete match list<ctrl-p>– Move back up through the autocomplete match list
It’s easiest to demonstrate so I’ve put together a demo on our YouTube channel. Watch:
When might this be useful? The most obvious use that comes to mind is require statements. If you’re writing code that references other libraries under your current working directory, this is a quick way to include them without typing out the full path. Another place I use them regularly is when linking between markdown files in a directory of notes. What do you use filename completion for? Let us know! Send us an email or comment on the post.
