How to close buffer without closing the window?

Posted by progo on Super User See other posts from Super User or by progo
Published on 2011-05-27T06:34:52Z Indexed on 2012/08/30 21:41 UTC
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vim

I usually open a few windows and keep some buffers open. Since my MO in buffer exploring is to use quick shortcuts to :bn and :bp, I want to close unneeded buffers from distracting my buffer surfing.

But the pain is, issuing :bd and :bw results in closing the window as well, in case I have multiple ones open. How do I close (delete) a buffer and leave the windows intact?

Solution inspired by @peth's answer

:command! BW :bn|:bd#

It is simple. Doesn't work well with only one buffer open (I get different behaviour depending on the way I open the files) but it isn't a big issue. :)

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