how to use Netrw Directory Listing in VIM split window without exiting it when a file has been read

Question

When using VIM, it is possible to get a file listing in one split window by doing this:

:vsp
:e.

Then you have something that looks like this:

However if you open a file then how can you get back to the listing? Normally when you open a file in vim then you write :wq for writing change and then exit, however if you do this in this case, then the split window is closed.

Is it possible to exit the file and return to previous listing setup? If so , how could it be done?

Answer 1

There is a dedicated command for opening a netrw listing in a vertical split:

:Vex[plore]

There is a dedicated command for going back to the latest netrw listing:

:Rex[plore]

Netrw comes with a complete documentation; read it: :help netrw.

Answer 2

Invoking netrw can be achieved in three ways

• :Explore - opens netrw in the current window
• :Sexplore - opens netrw in a horizontal split
• :Vexplore - opens netrw in a vertical split

You can also snigger by typing :Sex to invoke a horizontal split.

For more Information check it here: https://shapeshed.com/vim-netrw/

Answer 3

You can also use :Lexplore to get a vertically split window containing a directory listing with netrw, and use :Rexplore to return from that or any netrw listing back to the file.