NOTE:

• nocompatible: Stops odd issues.
  • Example: Using arrow keys in INSERT mode will send key sequences that are misinterpreted by vi.
• number: Turn on line numbers.
• cursorline: Highlight the current line.
• expandtab: Convert tabs to spaces.
• hlsearch: Highlight all search matches.
• visualbell: Stop Vim from beeping at you when you make a mistake.
• tabstop: Set tab size in spaces (this is for manual indenting).
• shiftwidth: The number of spaces inserted for a tab (used for auto indenting).
• syntax on: Enable basic syntax highlighting.

To try out this basic configuration use the -u flag. For example:

• Start Vim with no configuration, and then manually apply the configuration as shown above:

  vim -u NONE

• Or put the config into a separate file and start Vim with that configuration instead of your normal one

  vim -u ~/.vimrc-basic