How to force vim to syntax-highlight a file as html?
Want to quickly apply HTML highlighting to your Vim session? Enter :set ft=html while in command mode (hit Esc). Voilà, your file now paints in beautiful HTML syntax colors.
This single-line command converts your working file into an ephemeral Monet painting, flourishing with the tones of an HTML document.
Ensuring the color palette persists: Auto-highlighting with .vimrc
To make the colors stick, we need Vim to recognize certain file extensions (say, *.ezt) as HTML automatically. This magic trick requires an edit to our trusty .vimrc:
This auto-command tells Vim to color every .ezt file like an HTML document. And always replace *.ezt with your characteristic file extension to make this trick work for you.
Comprehensive strategy for treating files as HTML
What if you could make Vim believe that a given file is HTML altogether? Like a changeling, Vim can be convinced to treat a file of arbitrary extension as HTML. Here's your spell: :set filetype=html.
To ensure this magic potion keeps working for both new and existing .ezt files, inscribe this into your .vimrc:
Syntax and filetype: Two sides of the Vim coin
In Vim, there's Sylvia Syntax and Freddy Filetype - both nice buddies, but with different roles :
- Miss Syntax paints your text in pretty colors.
- Mr. Filetype tweaks indentations and jazzes up plugins too.
Take them to your party:
:set syntax=htmlinvites Sylvia for a quick bash.:set filetype=htmlbrings Freddy along for a permanent soiree.
Waking up Vim's color memory
On sleepy Mondays, Vim might forget your colorful wishes. No worries! Just deliver a swift Ctrl+L to refresh your Vim window and remind it of your color preferences.
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