vnoremap

vnoremap is a Vim command that creates non-recursive mappings for visual mode. It defines key sequences that apply when text is selected, making it the non-recursive counterpart to the visual-mode mapping command. By using a non-recursive mapping, the right-hand side is interpreted literally and will not be expanded through other mappings.

Syntax and options: The basic form is :vnoremap {lhs} {rhs}. You can precede {lhs} with options such as <silent>, <expr>, <buffer>, or <nowait> (for example, :vnoremap <silent> <leader>y "+y). The left-hand side {lhs} is the keys you press in visual mode after making a selection, and the right-hand side {rhs} is the command or keystrokes that will be executed.

Behavior and purpose: vnoremap ensures that mappings defined for visual mode do not recursively reuse other mappings when executed. This helps prevent unexpected interactions between mappings and is commonly used to tailor actions on the selected text, such as yanking, replacing, or transforming the selection.

Examples:

- Yanking to the system clipboard in visual mode: :vnoremap <leader>y "+y. With a visual selection, pressing the mapped keys yanks the selection into the system clipboard.

- A silent, buffer-local mapping: :vnoremap <silent> <buffer> <leader>p "_dP. This demonstrates option usage and scope, though the exact RHS depends on the desired behavior.

Relation to other mappings: vnoremap is part of Vim’s set of mode-specific mappings and is complemented by related commands such as nmap, nnoremap, vmap, and xnoremap. It is particularly useful when you want stable, non-recursive behavior tied to visual selections.