Toggling line numbers in vimrc doesn't work

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07-10-2024

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Vim: Why Line Numbers Won't Toggle? A Troubleshooting Guide

The Problem: You've added a line to your vimrc file to toggle line numbers (like set number!), but they stubbornly refuse to appear or disappear when you use the command. This can be frustrating, especially if you're used to working with line numbers in your editor.

Scenario: Let's say you're using the following line in your vimrc:

set number!

You restart Vim, but the line numbers are still absent. What's going on?

Understanding the Issue:

There are several reasons why line numbers might not toggle correctly:

• Incorrect Syntax: The command to enable/disable line numbers is set number!, not set number. The exclamation mark (!) acts as a toggle, switching the line number display on and off.
• Conflicts: Other settings in your vimrc could be interfering with line number behavior.
• Hidden Files: Vim might be loading additional configuration files from other directories, overriding your vimrc settings.
• Plugins: Plugins you've installed might be manipulating line numbers without you knowing.

Troubleshooting Steps:

1. Double-Check the Syntax: Ensure your vimrc has the correct command: set number!
2. Check for Conflicts: Look for other commands in your vimrc that could be affecting line numbers. For instance, set nu also controls line numbers and might be conflicting with your set number! command.
3. Identify Hidden Files: Use the :scriptnames command within Vim to list all loaded configuration files. This helps identify any settings overriding your vimrc.
4. Temporarily Disable Plugins: To rule out plugin interference, try restarting Vim with the -u NONE flag. This disables all plugins and allows you to test the line number setting in isolation.
5. Inspect Current Settings: Use :set number? to view the current setting for line numbers. If it shows "number" as "off", line numbers are disabled, even if you've set the toggle command in your vimrc.

Additional Tips:

• Experiment with Command Placement: Try placing the set number! command at different locations in your vimrc to see if it makes a difference.
• Restart Vim: Make sure to restart Vim completely after changing your vimrc file.
• Use a Debugger: If you're comfortable with Vimscript, use the :debug command to step through your vimrc line by line and identify the issue.

Debugging Example:

Here's a simple example of using the :debug command to troubleshoot line number issues:

1. Place a breakpoint at the line containing set number! in your vimrc.
2. Run Vim with the -D flag.
3. Use :next to step through the vimrc code.
4. Once you reach the line with set number!, inspect the number variable using :echo number.

This process helps identify if the command is being executed as expected or if something is overriding it.

Remember: The key to troubleshooting line number issues is isolating the problem. By systematically checking syntax, conflicts, and other possible culprits, you can pinpoint the root cause and fix it, ensuring line numbers toggle as intended.