Vim tips: Double Z and NERDTree

Originally published on: https://dev.to/ibmdeveloper/byte-sized-tech-tips-round-up-week-7-the-vim-edition-2acd

Tip 1: Exiting Vim

We’ve all seen a joke about being unable to quit Vim, i.e.:

I've been using Vim for about 2 years now, mostly because I can't figure out how to exit it.

— I Am Devloper (@iamdevloper) February 17, 2014

The good news is that there’s an easy way! (No, really!)

1. Slam the ESC key a bunch of times.
2. Press Shift + Z twice (Double Z)
3. You’ve exited Vim!

Tip 2: NERDTree

If you really want to impress folks with your Vim skills install the NERDTree plug-in.

Photo credit to the folks at NERDTree

NERDTree will add a file system explorer for the Vim editor, allowing you to switch between editing multiple files without ever having to leave Vim.