Re: vim problems

2016-01-23 10:32 GMT+03:00 Bob Holtzman <holtzm@cox.net>:

After using vi and vim for many years it suddenly started acting up.

Running debian 8.2 on a thinkpad T420 w/ vim 7.4.488-7.

On a fresh install of debian 8.2, I copied the vimrc from debian 7.9
and plugged it in. That may have been my mistake, however I've done
this before with no problem.

In the insert mode:
down arrow moves the line down, replacing with a cap B.
up arrow gives the same result except it is replaced with a cap A.
left arrow, same result except it's replaced with a cap D.
right arrow, same as above w/ cap C.

​This should have nothing to do with your vimrc except that if you used to set `&term` option there. You need to understand that when you press any key terminal sends specific sequences, and it is regular convension that sequences look like <Esc>…; most of time `<Esc>[.\{-}\a`. I have no idea why arrows may *move* the line *down* and *replace*, but it is not uncommon when arrow keys produce sequences like `<Esc>OA`. If &term is set to incorrect string Vim recognizes this as if you typed `<Esc>`, then `O`, then `A` which should *create* new line *above* and *write* A there.​

Alternative to &term problem there may be that something (not necessary Vim, I have shell set up for this job) has entered or leaved keyboard transmit mode. This may (depends on the terminal) switch between arrow keys producing sequences like `<Esc>[A` and `<Esc>OA`. Problem is that terminfo and termcap databases one of which Vim is using contain only *one* escape sequence for each arrow key, thus making Vim not able to recognize arrow keys when terminal is in wrong mode. There is some t_ option for this which contains escape sequence(s) sent each time Vim takes control over the terminal.

In any case first thing you need to do is to check that a) vimrc is not setting &term option and b) $TERM environment variable has correct contents before Vim is started.

 

Once I hit the escape key to get out of the insert mode it seems to
function normally.

Also, it doesn't show the "insert" indication at the bottom left of the
screen. I'm left to guess.

My .muttrc file calls vim as it's editor and it acts normally.

It looks like I don't know as much about linux and/or vim as I thought.

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