Examples: Using zsh-smart-insert

April 20, 2025 · View on GitHub

This document demonstrates how to use the zsh-smart-insert plugin in practical scenarios for boosting file interaction productivity in the terminal.

📂 Scenario 1: Open a File with a Command Prefix

Scenario 1 - Steps

  1. Press Alt+f to launch the file picker using fd.
  2. Browse and select a file (e.g., main.go).
  3. Choose a prefix command when prompted (e.g., vim).

Scenario 1 - Result

vim ./internal/main.go

The full command is inserted into your terminal buffer, ready for execution.

🔍 Scenario 2: Search for a File by Name

Scenario 2 - Steps

  1. Press Alt+g to search filenames using ripgrep.
  2. Type a partial name (e.g., readme).
  3. Select the desired file.
  4. Choose a command like bat or less.

Scenario 2 - Result

bat ./README.md

🧠 Scenario 3: Search for a File by Content

Scenario 3 - Steps

  1. Press Alt+s to search inside file contents.
  2. Type a keyword (e.g., choose_prefix).
  3. Select a matching file from the preview.
  4. Choose a prefix like code or vim.

Scenario 3 - Result

code ./functions/choose_prefix.zsh

➕ Scenario 4: Insert File Path Without a Prefix

Scenario 4 - Steps

  1. Launch any widget (Alt+f, Alt+g, or Alt+s).
  2. Select the desired file.
  3. When prompted, choose the empty prefix option.

Scenario 4 - Result

./project-docs/shortcuts.md

This is useful when scripting or composing custom shell commands.

Tips

  • Use Ctrl+/ to toggle the file preview inside FZF.
  • Use ESC or Ctrl+C to cancel the widget interface without inserting anything.
  • Prefix options include: cat, vim, less, bat, code, or no prefix.

Last updated: 2025-04-19