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The NERDTree [![Vint ](https://github.com/preservim/nerdtree/workflows/Vint/badge.svg )](https://github.com/preservim/nerdtree/actions?workflow=Vint)
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=============
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Introduction
------------
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The NERDTree is a file system explorer for the Vim editor. Using this plugin,
users can visually browse complex directory hierarchies, quickly open files for
reading or editing, and perform basic file system operations.
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This plugin can also be extended with custom mappings using a special API. The
details of this API and of other NERDTree features are described in the
included documentation.
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![NERDTree Screenshot ](https://github.com/preservim/nerdtree/raw/master/screenshot.png )
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Installation
------------
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Below are just some of the methods for installing NERDTree. Do not follow all of these instructions; just pick your favorite one. Other plugin managers exist, and NERDTree should install just fine with any of them.
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#### Vim 8+ packages
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If you are using VIM version 8 or higher you can use its built-in package management; see `:help packages` for more information. Just run these commands in your terminal:
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```bash
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git clone https://github.com/preservim/nerdtree.git ~/.vim/pack/vendor/start/nerdtree
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vim -u NONE -c "helptags ~/.vim/pack/vendor/start/nerdtree/doc" -c q
```
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Otherwise, these are some of the several 3rd-party plugin managers you can choose from. Be sure you read the instructions for your chosen plugin, as there typically are additional steps you nee d to take.
#### [pathogen.vim](https://github.com/tpope/vim-pathogen)
In the terminal,
```bash
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git clone https://github.com/preservim/nerdtree.git ~/.vim/bundle/nerdtree
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```
In your vimrc,
```vim
call pathogen#infect()
syntax on
filetype plugin indent on
```
Then reload vim, run `:helptags ~/.vim/bundle/nerdtree/doc/` or `:Helptags` .
#### [Vundle.vim](https://github.com/VundleVim/Vundle.vim)
```vim
call vundle#begin()
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Plugin 'preservim/nerdtree'
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call vundle#end()
```
#### [vim-plug](https://github.com/junegunn/vim-plug)
```vim
call plug#begin()
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Plug 'preservim/nerdtree'
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call plug#end()
```
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#### [dein.vim](https://github.com/Shougo/dein.vim)
```vim
call dein#begin()
call dein#add('preservim/nerdtree')
call dein#end()
```
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#### [apt-vim](https://github.com/egalpin/apt-vim)
```bash
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apt-vim install -y https://github.com/preservim/nerdtree.git
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```
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F.A.Q. (here, and in the [Wiki ](https://github.com/preservim/nerdtree/wiki ))
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------
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#### Is there any support for `git` flags?
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Yes, install [nerdtree-git-plugin ](https://github.com/Xuyuanp/nerdtree-git-plugin ).
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---
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#### Can I have the nerdtree on every tab automatically?
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Nope. If this is something you want then chances are you aren't using tabs and
buffers as they were intended to be used. Read this
http://stackoverflow.com/questions/102384/using-vims-tabs-like-buffers
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If you are interested in this behaviour then consider [vim-nerdtree-tabs ](https://github.com/jistr/vim-nerdtree-tabs )
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---
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#### How can I open a NERDTree automatically when vim starts up?
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Stick this in your vimrc: `autocmd vimenter * NERDTree`
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---
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#### How can I open a NERDTree automatically when vim starts up if no files were specified?
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Stick this in your vimrc:
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```vim
autocmd StdinReadPre * let s:std_in=1
autocmd VimEnter * if argc() == 0 & & !exists("s:std_in") | NERDTree | endif
```
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Note: Now start vim with plain `vim` , not `vim .`
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---
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#### What if I'm also opening a saved session, for example `vim -S session_file.vim`? I don't want NERDTree to open in that scenario.
```vim
autocmd StdinReadPre * let s:std_in=1
autocmd VimEnter * if argc() == 0 & & !exists("s:std_in") & & v:this_session == "" | NERDTree | endif
```
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---
#### How can I open NERDTree automatically when vim starts up on opening a directory?
```vim
autocmd StdinReadPre * let s:std_in=1
autocmd VimEnter * if argc() == 1 & & isdirectory(argv()[0]) & & !exists("s:std_in") | exe 'NERDTree' argv()[0] | wincmd p | ene | exe 'cd '.argv()[0] | endif
```
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This window is tab-specific, meaning it's used by all windows in the tab. This trick also prevents NERDTree from hiding when first selecting a file.
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Note: Executing `vim ~/some-directory` will open NERDTree and a new edit window. `exe 'cd '.argv()[0]` sets the `pwd` of the new edit window to `~/some-directory`
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---
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#### How can I map a specific key or shortcut to open NERDTree?
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Stick this in your vimrc to open NERDTree with `Ctrl+n` (you can set whatever key you want):
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```vim
map < C-n > :NERDTreeToggle< CR >
```
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---
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#### How can I close vim if the only window left open is a NERDTree?
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Stick this in your vimrc:
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```vim
autocmd bufenter * if (winnr("$") == 1 & & exists("b:NERDTree") & & b:NERDTree.isTabTree()) | q | endif
```
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---
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#### Can I have different highlighting for different file extensions?
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See here: https://github.com/preservim/nerdtree/issues/433#issuecomment-92590696
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---
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#### How can I change default arrows?
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Use these variables in your vimrc. Note that below are default arrow symbols
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```vim
let g:NERDTreeDirArrowExpandable = '▸'
let g:NERDTreeDirArrowCollapsible = '▾'
```
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You can remove the arrows altogether by setting these variables to empty strings, as shown below. This will remove not only the arrows, but a single space following them, shifting the whole tree two character positions to the left.
```vim
let g:NERDTreeDirArrowExpandable = ''
let g:NERDTreeDirArrowCollapsible = ''
```