How to edit multiple files at once?

Question

Is there a way to open multiple buffers that are open at the same time? The idea is to be able to refactor code and variable names in multiple files at once. I know that dired-do-find-regexp-and-replace exists but I was hopeing for a way where I could more clearly see what was happening.

Perhaps something related to multi-occur. Or allowing me to have multiple files open in one buffer and then using multiple-cursors.

Answer 1

You can give multifiles a try. From its README:

Bind a key to mf/mirror-region-in-multifile, let's say C-!. Now mark a part of the buffer and press it. A new multifile buffer pops up. Mark some other part of another file, and press C-! again. This is added to the multifile.

You can now edit the multifile buffer, and watch the original files change. Or you can edit the original files and watch the multifile buffer change.

Saving the multifile buffer will save all the original files.

Answer 2

The noccur package makes it easier to edit multiple (not-necessarily opened) files with multi-occur. After installing, this is an example of how to do a multi-occur edit:

1. M-x noccur-project, and provide a search regexp and directory to be searched.
2. In the multi-occur buffer that appears, type e to switch to edit mode.
3. Make any changes to the multi-occur buffer that you want (e.g. using iedit-mode), and when finished, press C-c to save all changes.