# System-wide `vimrc` Configuration with Vim-Plug This guide outlines the steps to set up a system-wide configuration for `vim` and install plugins using the plugin manager [Vim-Plug](https://github.com/junegunn/vim-plug). For more details on using `vim-plug`, other plugin managers, or individual plugins, consult their respective documentation or browse [VimAwesome](https://vimawesome.com/). If you want to skip the instructions and use my config as-is, just go to [this section](#shortcut). --- ### 1. Setting Up the Configuration Directories First, ensure that the necessary directories for system-wide vim configuration exist. Create the main vim configuration directory if it doesn't exist: ```bash mkdir -p /etc/vim cd /etc/vim ``` Next, create the required subdirectories with appropriate permissions. Create directories for autoload, colors, plugins, session data, etc: ```bash mkdir -p -m 755 autoload colors plugged session sessions ``` --- ### 2. Installing Vim-Plug and Color Schemes #### 2.1. Download Vim-Plug Vim-Plug is the plugin manager that will be used to install and manage plugins. Download it to the `autoload` directory: ```bash curl -fLo /etc/vim/autoload/plug.vim https://raw.githubusercontent.com/junegunn/vim-plug/master/plug.vim ``` Set the appropriate permissions for the downloaded file: ```bash chmod o+r /etc/vim/autoload/* ``` #### 2.2. Install a Color Scheme (Optional) You can pick a color scheme of your choice. Place it in the `colors/` directory. For this example, we'll use the **Molokai** color scheme. ```bash curl -fLo /etc/vim/colors/molokai.vim https://raw.githubusercontent.com/tomasr/molokai/refs/heads/master/colors/molokai.vim ``` Ensure that the color scheme file has the correct permissions: ```bash chmod o+r /etc/vim/colors/* ``` --- ### 3. Configuring the `vimrc` The system-wide `vimrc` file location might vary depending on your Linux distribution. On Ubuntu, it is typically found at `/etc/vim/vimrc`. If the file doesn't exist, create it with the required permissions. ```bash touch /etc/vim/vimrc chmod 755 /etc/vim/vimrc vim /etc/vim/vimrc ``` #### 3.1. Set Runtime Paths To ensure `vim` recognizes the autoload, plugin, and color scheme directories, add the following lines to your `vimrc`: ```vim set runtimepath+=/etc/vim/autoload set runtimepath+=/etc/vim/plugged set runtimepath+=/etc/vim/colors ``` #### 3.2. Enable Vim-Plug and Install Plugins To initialize `vim-plug` and install plugins, add the following configuration to your `vimrc`. This specifies the plugin directory and lists the plugins you'd like to use. ```vim " Initialize Vim-Plug call plug#begin('/etc/vim/plugged') " List plugins here Plug 'rust-lang/rust.vim' " Example plugin for Rust syntax highlighting " Add more plugins as needed... " End plugin section call plug#end() ``` #### 3.3. Enable Filetype Plugins and Indentation To enable filetype-specific plugins and proper indentation, add this line to your `vimrc`: ```vim filetype plugin indent on " Enable filetype-based plugins and indentation ``` You can also add any other custom configurations such as tab size, line numbering, or key mappings. For a comprehensive example, refer to [my vimrc](https://git.candifloss.cc/candifloss/vim_config/src/branch/main/vimrc). --- ### 4. Installing the Plugins Once you've updated your `vimrc`, it’s time to install the plugins. #### 4.1. Source the `vimrc` After saving the changes to the `vimrc`, source it to apply the changes: ```vim :source % ``` #### 4.2. Install Plugins Run the following command to install the plugins specified in your `vimrc`: ```vim :PlugInstall " This command is specific to vim-plug ``` This will download and install all the listed plugins. --- ### 5. Done! Once the installation is complete, your system-wide `vim` should be fully configured with the desired plugins and color schemes. You're now ready to enjoy a fully customized `vim` experience! --- ### Shortcut To install my config as-is, just run this as root: ```bash mkdir -p /etc/vim/ cd /etc/vim/ git clone https://git.candifloss.cc/candifloss/vim_config.git . mkdir -p plugged session sessions chmod 755 /etc/vim/* chmod o+r /etc/vim/autoload/* chmod o+r /etc/vim/colors/* ``` That should work. ### Troubleshooting - **Permissions**: Ensure that the directories and files in `/etc/vim` have the correct read and execute permissions for all users who need access. If plugins face file permission issues, try this: ```bash chmod o+r -R /etc/vim/plugged/* chmod o+x /etc/vim/plugged/* ``` - **Plugin Conflicts**: If you encounter issues with specific plugins, check their documentation for configuration options or known issues. ### References - Stack-Overflow: [File permissions for vimrc](https://stackoverflow.com/a/45018554) - Vim docs: [Location of system-wide vimrc](https://vimdoc.sourceforge.net/htmldoc/starting.html#system-vimrc) - [Vim-Plug](https://github.com/junegunn/vim-plug): Installation, syntax for specifying plugins, etc. - [Vim-Awesome](https://vimawesome.com): Collection of plugins and installation guides. - vimhelp.org: [Vim9-script syntax reference](https://vimhelp.org/vim9.txt.html) for vimrc config and vim scripting.