how to remove a buffer from gvim without closing the window

Question

I usually type :bd to remove the buffer, however, it results in undesirable side-effect of the window being closed which I do NOT want.

Answer 1

I usually use :bn (next buffer) followed by :bd# (delete alternate buffer). You could create a mapping or command for this, of course.

Answer 2

I'm not sure if icecrime's bufclose plugin link is based on the same thing, but the Vim Tips Wiki shows a couple of different approaches via a script. Check them out.

Answer 3

nmap <leader>d :bprevious<CR>:bdelete #<CR>

Works as it should until one buffer is open in several windows. Good enough unless you want to use the bigger scripts out there.

Answer 4

Try kwbdi(Keep Window on Buffer Delete) plugin. Worked well for me.