In Vim, what is the simplest way to join all lines in a file into a single line?

Question

I want to join all lines in a file into a single line. What is the simplest way of doing this? I\'ve had poor luck trying to use substitution (\\r\\n or

Answer 1

Another way:

ggVGJ

"ggVG" visually selects all lines, and "J" joins them.

Answer 2

You can do it with 3 keystrokes starting from normal mode:

:%j

• : enters command mode
• % refers to all lines in the file
• j executes the join command

Now it seems that this adds a space between the lines. I am not sure if you want this.

Answer 3

Ah, I found the answer.

:1,$join

Works like a charm.

EDIT: As pointed out in the comment:

:%join   -or-    :%j

...removes the range.

Answer 4

Cryptic way:

qqqqqJ@qq@q

(the first three q's clear the q register, the qqJ@qq records a macro to the q register that performs a Join, then calls q, and the last @q runs it.

Answer 5

You can do it in three fewer keystrokes:

:1,$j

isn't ed grand?

Answer 6

I’m surprised no one even mentioned the other way:

:%s/\n/ /

I am equally surprised that no one pointed out that the range 1,$ has a shorthand that’s written %.

(This doesn’t do the same thing as joining the lines, but depending on circumstances that may in fact be more appropriate.)