If I'm running a complex macro on a large file that I expect to take a few minutes, is it OK to do other stuff on the system (e.g. opening another application, typing in a different text editor, etc?) or could my mouse movements and keyboard inputs cause the macro to go nuts?
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2Why do you believe this to be the case ... ?– Martin TournoijAug 21, 2015 at 15:38
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Using another system where a "macro" intimidated key strokes and mouse movements. Based on your comment, it sounds like my question might be absurd.– ScribblemacherAug 21, 2015 at 16:07
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1 Answer
Indeed it is pretty safe to manipulate other programs while a macro is executed.
A macro simulates keystrokes within Vim which has no interaction with external GUI applications.
As macros don't depend on the movement of the mouse, no conflicts can appear (Or at least I've never experienced them or heard of someone who has).
EDIT As Sato observed in the comments, one element is shared between Vim and other applications: the clipboard. That means that if your Vim macro uses the system clipboard and you copy something new while it is executed, you might have unexpected results.
The best solution to this problem is to put the content of your system clipboard into a Vim register before recording the macro and to use this register in the macro.
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All true, but beware that cut & [wp]aste operations with the mouse outside Vim can interfere with the contents of Vim's clipboard if done at the wrong moment. Aug 22, 2015 at 9:20
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@SatoKatsura: You're totally right, I'll add this observation to my answer.– statoxAug 22, 2015 at 10:12