How to align a column using the vi editor? -

i have column in numbers below

-0.01343 0.002 -1.1234

i want align column in vi editor below

-0.01343  0.002 -1.1234

so, want insert space before each line not starting minus:

the appropriate command is :%s/^\([^-]\)/ \1/

this breaks down as:

: - start command

%s - regex on lines

/^\([^-]\) - matching start of line, followed character other -, call group 1

/ \1 - replace space followed whatever in group 1

/ - end regex, perform no more once on each line

other options:

if select intended lines in visual block, typing : start command '<,'>. move onto regex starting s (no %) , apply selected lines.

if end /c ask confirmation on each replacement. if end /g work multiple times per line if applicable. /gc valid.

if you'd wanted decimal points aligned, rather first digits, that's more complex , cannot done simple command in vi or vim.

Living