Is there any way to highlight multiple searches in (g)Vim?

Question

I want to search for multiple strings in Vim/gVim and have them highlighted in different colours. Is there a way of doing this with out-the-box Vim or with a plug-in?

Answer 1

MultipleSearch2 is another script which is integrated with vim's search: http://www.vim.org/scripts/script.php?script_id=1183

Answer 2

Yes, out-of-the-box you can use matchadd().

To add a highlight, eg. for trailing whitespace:

:highlight ExtraWhitespace ctermbg=grey guibg=grey
:call matchadd('ExtraWhitespace', '\s\+$', 11)

To view all matches:

:echo getmatches()

To remove matches use matchdelete(). Eg.:

:call matchdelete(7)

Answer 3

:%s /red\|green\|blue/

I am not sure about how to keep different colors for different keyword though. Thanks.

Answer 4

Try "Highlight multiple words", which uses matchadd().