dashboard-mode

dashboard-mode: the *dashboard* launch buffer — the splash page lattice opens with, every row a followable link into help, commands, or the tutor.

On this page

The launch buffer. When lattice starts with no file to open, this is what you land on: a splash page whose rows are all live links rather than decoration.

Reopen it any time with :dashboard.

What's on it

SectionContents
AboutVersion and build identity
LinksProject and documentation pointers
TutorStart the interactive lessons
Help and bindingsEntry points into the help system
DescribeThe :describe-* introspection commands
CommandsFrequently-used commands, each opening its own help
Help topics:help getting-started, modes, ex-commands, options

Following a row

<CR> on any row follows its link — the same follow machinery help buffers use, so the behaviour is identical to what you already know from :help. Rows point at three different things and the distinction is visible in what happens:

  • Describe rows open the command's documentation.
  • Command rows run the command.
  • Help-topic rows open that topic.

<Esc> dismisses.

Behaviour worth knowing

  • Read-only, no file. :w won't try to save it, and typing won't edit it.
  • No line numbers, no sign column, no current-line highlight. It's a splash page, not an editing surface, so the mode contributes an option set that strips the editing chrome.
  • Soft-wrap is on, so the layout survives a narrow window.

See also