How do I open and close NERDTree (toggle NERDTree view) using a single keystroke?

Question

Sometimes in my workflow, I might want to open or search for a file on the go.

I'd like to map a single key (say F6) to open and close NERDTree (i.e., I want to toggle the NERDTree view). Also, I'd like NERDTree to display hidden files and folders in its toggled view, and I'd also like it to close automatically when I open a file for editing, if that is possible.

Answer 1

In your vimrc add

nmap <F6> :NERDTreeToggle<CR>

where <F6> is the key you want to map.

Answer 2

To open NerdTree :

:NERDTreeFocus

To switch beetween nerdtree and file opened windows :

ctrl + ww (double w)

or

ctrl + w + (h/j/k/l)

To close NerdTree (in nerdtree window) :

:q

Answer 3

This would do exactly what you've asked for:

nnoremap <silent> <expr> <F6> g:NERDTree.IsOpen() ? "\:NERDTreeClose<CR>" : bufexists(expand('%')) ? "\:NERDTreeFind<CR>" : "\:NERDTree<CR>"

Answer 4

If you're stuck with a Mac with the absent function keys (touchbar), you can toggle NERDTree by mapping the Ctrl key like so within your .vimrc file:

map <C-n> :NERDTreeToggle<CR>

Save the changes, open Vim, and then toggle NERDTree with Ctrl+n.

Answer 5

If you want to close NERDTree window make sure you are inside the NERDTree menu. You can switch windows by using ctrl+w then type :q to close NERDTree window so that you will be left with the window for editing your code.

Answer 6

The following function tracks open netrw buffers and calls Lexplore accordingly. Add it to your .vimrc and pick your mapping key.

let g:NetrwIsOpen=0

function! ToggleNetrw()
    if g:NetrwIsOpen
        let i = bufnr("$")
        while (i >= 1)
            if (getbufvar(i, "&filetype") == "netrw")
                silent exe "bwipeout " . i 
            endif
            let i-=1
        endwhile
        let g:NetrwIsOpen=0
    else
        let g:NetrwIsOpen=1
        silent Lexplore
    endif
endfunction

noremap <silent> <F2> :call ToggleNetrw()<CR>