Search code examples
vim

How to eliminate # of columns in a pipe delimited file, in vim

I have a pipe-delimited file I am working with in Vim, how can I eliminate columns using this? For example - deleting everything before the third pipe on every line of the file

Solution

  • Method 1

    1. If your pipe delimited lines start at line #1, move the cursor to line #1, and press Shift-o (letter 'o') to add a blank line above your first line.

    2. Make sure the cursor is in the new first line. Press

      q a

      to start to record your key stroke series into register 'a'. (q - start to record; a - record to register 'a')

    3. Press

      j d 3 f | q

      (j - down; d - delete; 3 - the 3rd pipe; f - find; | - pipe sign; q - finish recording)

    4. Press

      u

      to undo the deletion.

    5. Check how many lines are there all together, say, 1000.

    6. Move the cursor back to the first line, then press

      1000 @ a

      (1000 - run the recorded key stroke series 1000 times; @ - run the recorded key stroke series; a - in register 'a')

      You have achieved what you want.

    Method 2

    :%normal 0d3f|

    Please read the help for normal
    :h normal