short question that I couldn't answer myself using the vim help.. How can I get a vertical split that spans over all previously opened buffers? (like a 'side pane' sort of thing) ?
IIUC, you're looking for
:topleft vsplit file.txt
The "topleft" (and its analog "botright") modifier/command clears
all windows, pegging the new window against the associated side.
You can read more at
:help topleft
:he botright
HTH,
-tim
