Is it possible to prevent a mapping from being repeated with a prefix number (vim range)?

Question

Sometimes it is possible to accidentally hit some numeric keys. I have a lot of binds and for most of them there is nothing to be gained by allowing them to repeat with a prefix. Let's suppose that there are some commands that can be semi-disastrous (ones that make tmux calls) if they get repeated. Is there a way to prevent this behavior for a mapping?

Answer 1

If you're using the command line, like so:

nnoremap <LEADER>t :!echo "Yay"<CR>

(just an example)

You can add <C-u> after the : to erase all undesired characters:

nnoremap <LEADER>t :<C-u>!echo "Yay"<CR>

" Also works with `<CMD>` in neovim:

nnoremap <LEADER>t <CMD>!echo "Yay"<CR>

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What happens is that by default, when you hit numbers followed by :, a range will automatically be added to your command by default.

A range basically allows you to run a command on multiple lines at once, For example:

:1,5s/this/that/g

Executes the substitute command on the lines 1 to 5. Line 5 is included. The range is always placed before the command.

(above example from the vim doc)

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To learn more about ranges:

• :help 10.3
• :help cmdline-ranges