How To Avoid screen Blinking When Running Command On Insert Mode?

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Introduction

When working with Vim, it's common to encounter issues with "screen blinking" when running commands in insert mode. This phenomenon occurs when the screen flickers or blinks rapidly, making it difficult to focus on the task at hand. In this article, we'll explore the causes of screen blinking and provide tips on how to avoid it when running commands in insert mode, especially when using plugins like Airline.

Understanding Screen Blinking

Screen blinking in Vim occurs when the screen is updated rapidly, often due to the execution of a command or the display of a message. This can be caused by various factors, including:

  • Plugin interactions: When plugins like Airline are enabled, they can sometimes interfere with the normal functioning of Vim, leading to screen blinking.
  • Mapping conflicts: Custom mappings, such as those created using inoremap, can sometimes conflict with existing mappings, causing screen blinking.
  • Command execution: Running commands in insert mode can sometimes cause the screen to blink, especially if the command requires a lot of processing or updates the screen rapidly.

The Problem with Airline Plugins

Airline is a popular plugin for Vim that provides a status line and other features to enhance the user experience. However, when used in conjunction with custom mappings, Airline can sometimes cause screen blinking. This is because Airline updates the status line rapidly, which can conflict with custom mappings that are designed to work in insert mode.

Avoiding Screen Blinking with Airline Plugins

To avoid screen blinking when using Airline plugins, you can try the following:

  • Use :set t_vb=: This command disables the visual bell, which can cause screen blinking. To use this command, simply type :set t_vb= in your Vim configuration file.
  • Use :set t_ut=: This command disables the terminal underline, which can also cause screen blinking. To use this command, simply type :set t_ut= in your Vim configuration file.
  • Use :set lazyredraw: This command enables lazy redrawing, which can help reduce screen blinking. To use this command, simply type :set lazyredraw in your Vim configuration file.
  • Use :set updatetime=1000: This command sets the update time to 1000 milliseconds, which can help reduce screen blinking. To use this command, simply type :set updatetime=1000 in your Vim configuration file.

Creating Custom Mappings that Play Nice with Airline Plugins

To create custom mappings that play nice with Airline plugins, you can use the following techniques:

  • Use inoremap instead of imap: inoremap creates a mapping that only works in insert mode, whereas imap creates a mapping that works in both insert and normal modes. Using inoremap can help avoid conflicts with Airline plugins.
  • Use noremap instead of map: noremap creates a mapping that only works in normal mode, whereas map creates a mapping that works in both normal and insert modes. Using noremap can help avoid conflicts with Airline plugins.
  • Use silent: The silent command can be used to prevent the execution of a command from causing screen blinking. For example, you can use inoremap <C-Right> <C-o>W to create a mapping that runs the W command in silent mode.

Example Custom Mapping

Here's an example of a custom mapping that plays nice with Airline plugins:

inoremap <C-Right> <C-o>W

This mapping creates a new keybinding that runs the W command in silent mode. The silent command is implied by the use of inoremap, which creates a mapping that only works in insert mode.

Conclusion

Screen blinking in Vim can be caused by various factors, including plugin interactions, mapping conflicts, and command execution. To avoid screen blinking when running commands in insert mode, especially when using plugins like Airline, you can try the techniques outlined in this article. By using :set t_vb=, :set t_ut=, :set lazyredraw, and :set updatetime=1000, you can help reduce screen blinking. Additionally, by using inoremap and noremap instead of imap and map, and by using silent to prevent command execution from causing screen blinking, you can create custom mappings that play nice with Airline plugins.

Additional Tips and Tricks

Here are some additional tips and tricks to help you avoid screen blinking in Vim:

  • Use :set timeoutlen=1000: This command sets the timeout length to 1000 milliseconds, which can help reduce screen blinking.
  • Use :set ttimeoutlen=1000: This command sets the timeout length for terminal input to 1000 milliseconds, which can help reduce screen blinking.
  • Use :set updatetime=500: This command sets the update time to 500 milliseconds, which can help reduce screen blinking.
  • Use :set lazyredraw: This command enables lazy redrawing, which can help reduce screen blinking.
  • Use :set t_vb=: This command disables the visual bell, which can cause screen blinking.

By following these tips and tricks, you can help reduce screen blinking in Vim and create a more enjoyable user experience.

Q: What causes screen blinking in Vim?

A: Screen blinking in Vim can be caused by various factors, including plugin interactions, mapping conflicts, and command execution. When plugins like Airline are enabled, they can sometimes interfere with the normal functioning of Vim, leading to screen blinking.

Q: How can I prevent screen blinking when using Airline plugins?

A: To prevent screen blinking when using Airline plugins, you can try the following:

  • Use :set t_vb=: This command disables the visual bell, which can cause screen blinking.
  • Use :set t_ut=: This command disables the terminal underline, which can also cause screen blinking.
  • Use :set lazyredraw: This command enables lazy redrawing, which can help reduce screen blinking.
  • Use :set updatetime=1000: This command sets the update time to 1000 milliseconds, which can help reduce screen blinking.

Q: What is the difference between inoremap and imap?

A: inoremap creates a mapping that only works in insert mode, whereas imap creates a mapping that works in both insert and normal modes. Using inoremap can help avoid conflicts with Airline plugins.

Q: What is the difference between noremap and map?

A: noremap creates a mapping that only works in normal mode, whereas map creates a mapping that works in both normal and insert modes. Using noremap can help avoid conflicts with Airline plugins.

Q: What is the purpose of the silent command?

A: The silent command can be used to prevent the execution of a command from causing screen blinking. For example, you can use inoremap <C-Right> <C-o>W to create a mapping that runs the W command in silent mode.

Q: How can I create a custom mapping that plays nice with Airline plugins?

A: To create a custom mapping that plays nice with Airline plugins, you can use the following techniques:

  • Use inoremap instead of imap: This can help avoid conflicts with Airline plugins.
  • Use noremap instead of map: This can help avoid conflicts with Airline plugins.
  • Use silent: This can help prevent command execution from causing screen blinking.

Q: What is the purpose of the :set timeoutlen=1000 command?

A: This command sets the timeout length to 1000 milliseconds, which can help reduce screen blinking.

Q: What is the purpose of the :set ttimeoutlen=1000 command?

A: This command sets the timeout length for terminal input to 1000 milliseconds, which can help reduce screen blinking.

Q: What is the purpose of the :set updatetime=500 command?

A: This command sets the update time to 500 milliseconds, which can help reduce screen blinking.

Q: What is the purpose of the :set lazyredraw command?

A: This command enables lazy redrawing, which can help reduce screen blinking.

Q: What is the purpose of the :set t_vb= command?

A: This command disables the visual bell, which can cause screen blinking.

Q: How can I troubleshoot screen blinking issues in Vim?

A: To troubleshoot screen blinking issues in Vim, you can try the following:

  • Check your plugin settings: Make sure that your plugins are configured correctly and are not causing conflicts with Vim's normal functioning.
  • Check your mappings: Make sure that your custom mappings are not causing conflicts with Vim's normal functioning.
  • Check your command execution: Make sure that your command execution is not causing screen blinking.

By following these tips and troubleshooting techniques, you can help reduce screen blinking in Vim and create a more enjoyable user experience.