Note: format markdown with vim

writing/vim/md_columns.md

@@ -0,0 +1,52 @@
+---
+title: Format Markdown Columns in Vim
+tags: 
+- writing
+- vim
+- markdown
+---
+
+Got a wonky markdown table?
+
+
+```markdown
+
+| Real Time | Game Time |
+|:--|:-|
+| 1 week | 1 month |
+| 3 weeks | 3 months|
+| 6 months | 2 years|
+| 1 year | 4 years|
+
+```
+
+Vim can fix it without plugins.
+Just use this snippet (type `:` to begin inputting a command):
+
+```vim
+:vmap <C-t> :!tr -s ' -' \|column -ts '\|' -o '\|'<Enter>j:s/ /-/g<Enter>k
+```
+
+Highlight the whole thing with `vap` then press `Control + t`.
+Instantly, it is aligned:
+
+```markdown
+
+| Real Time | Game Time |
+|:----------|:----------|
+| 1 week    | 1 month   |
+| 3 weeks   | 3 months  |
+| 6 months  | 2 years   |
+| 1 year    | 4 years   |
+```
+
+**NB:** This method has problems with centre-aligned columns (using `:---:`).
+
+## Vim Run Commands
+
+Put this in your `~/.vimrc` to make the mapping permanent:
+
+```vim
+vmap <C-t> :!tr -s ' -' \|column -ts '\|' -o '\|'<Enter>j:s/ /-/g<Enter>k
+```
+