Replace & Exchange Operator

Provides a replace and an exchange operator for vim. The operation replaces the text object or motion with the content of the specified register.

ReplaceOperator use-case: You need to replace some text with the content of a register (most likely the default), while keeping the register content as is.

ExchangeOperator use-case: You need to exchange some content with the content of the register.

ReplaceOperator example sequence: (cursor at |, <Plug>ReplaceOperator mapped to R)

This is a |sentence (with some brackets in it) over.

ye yank end f( find ( Ri( replace inside (

This is a sentence (|sentence) over.

The replaced text is sent to the blank register by default. This is configurable. (see below or doc)

ExchangeOperator example sequence: (cursor at |, <Plug>ExchangeOperator mapped to X)

let value = getPosition(|value, other)

ye yank end W move W Xe eXchange end

let value = getPosition(value, value|)

yiw yank inside word Bb move back to value Xe eXchange end

let value = getPosition(other|, value)

Usage

No default mappings are provided

nmap R <Plug>ReplaceOperator
vmap R <Plug>ReplaceOperator
" Alternative: s for 'substitute'
nmap s <Plug>ReplaceOperator
vmap s <Plug>ReplaceOperator

nmap X <Plug>ExchangeOperator

Configuration

let g:replace_register = '_' " Default: sends Replaced content to black hole register

The deleted text is placed in register g:replace_register. Set it to '|' to exchange the value of the register and the selected text. (In which case, ReplaceOperator will act exactly as ExchangeOperator)

License

Same as JSON license