Vim swap file

File Format
Name	Vim swap file
Ontology	Electronic File Formats Temporary files Vim swap file
Extension(s)	.swp

Vim swap file is a temporary file created by the open source Vim text editor, when editing a file. The file's name typically begins with ".", and ends with ".swp". The file is normally deleted when editing is complete, but may be left behind in the event of a crash or other abnormal termination.

Its main purpose is to periodically record unsaved changes made to the file. It also serves as a lock file. The file format is undocumented, and not necessarily portable.

Identification

Files begin with ASCII "b0VIM ".

Sample files

• dexvert samples — other/vimSwap

Links

• Vim website
• Vim documentation related to swap files
• ls.swp - A script to partially decode swap files. Includes some notes on the format.