Go back to previous position when coming out of quickfix

Question

When I navigate out of the quickfix list, the split I get put back in is not the same as the one I left.

For example:

1. vim -u NONE
2. :copen open quickfix list
3. ^w w leave quickfix list
4. :vsplit open a split
5. ^w l go to right split
6. ^w j go to quickfix list
7. ^w k leave quickfix

I expect this to bring me back to the right split, since that's where I was when I entered the quickfix list, but instead it brings me to the left split. Is there any way to change that? Am I doing something wrong?

Answer 1

That depends on your cursor position in the previous window (prior to switching windows with ^wk or similar).

From :h ^wk (emphasis mine):

Move cursor to Nth window above current one. Uses the cursor position to select between alternatives.

So, if the cursor is on the right of the quickfix window, ^wk will bring you to the right split. Otherwise, the left split is chosen.

(A quick way to move to the far right of the window is $, or g$ if the line wraps around, though I think you know that already)

Answer 2

The window command p (as in <C-w>p or :wincmd p) takes you back to the previous window.