external commands

Try this:

!!date <- datestamps your document
!!ls <- run ls and put the file list in your document
!!ps aux | grep vim <- Yep this works

Note: These commands are NOT run from “:”

If you are at the “:” prompt use, “.! command”

If you leave out the period, VIM  will execute the command and show you the output without placing it into you document.

This is handy for things like: “:!rm filename”

:r!ls will insert listing of your current directory after the cursor, :0r!ls will
insert at the beginning of the file, $r!ls will insert at the end of the file…