vim-dispatch is Tim Pope’s asynchronous build and test dispatcher for Vim that lets you run long-running tasks without blocking the editor. It abstracts over different execution backends (terminal, tmux, GNU screen, Neovim terminal, external consoles) and routes job output to quickfix or background panes. The plugin introduces a consistent set of commands—like :Make, :Dispatch, and :Start—that integrate with Vim’s compiler ecosystem and project roots. You can kick off a job, keep editing while it runs, and jump to errors when it completes, tightening feedback loops for test-driven and build-heavy workflows. It also remembers recent commands and adapts to the current directory or project, so common tasks are only a keystroke away. The design favors minimal ceremony while surfacing the power of non-blocking builds inside a modal editor.
Features
- Non-blocking builds and tests with output to quickfix or background panes
- Unified commands (:Make, :Dispatch, :Start) that honor compiler settings
- Multiple backends including terminal, tmux, and others
- Error navigation and quick return to the exact failure location
- Project-aware command recall and root detection
- Plays nicely with test runners and language toolchains you already use
Project Samples
Categories
Build ToolsFollow vim-dispatch
Shopify offers plans for anyone that wants to sell products online and build an ecommerce store, small to mid-sized businesses as well as enterprise