Learn Lua in Neovim: Iterating Tables — pairs, ipairs, Gap Behavior & Word Counter | Episode 20

Two loops, two purposes. In this episode we cover ipairs for ordered array iteration, pairs for visiting every key in a table, how gaps break ipairs, and we build a word frequency counter to put pairs to practical use. Every keystroke is shown on screen with 3-second pauses so you can follow along at your own pace. What You'll Learn: - ipairs(t) — iterate array elements in order (1, 2, 3...) - pairs(t) — iterate all keys in any order - Gap behavior — ipairs stops at the first nil hole - When to use ipairs vs pairs - Building a word frequency counter with pairs Neovim Commands Used: - F( — find character backward (open paren) - b — move back one word - cw — change word (fix ipairs → pairs) - /for — search forward for "for" - n — jump to next search match Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 0:12 Preview 0:44 Open file 1:28 ipairs — Array iteration 2:18 Run ipairs demo 3:03 pairs — Dictionary iteration 4:27 Fix ipairs → pairs (F( b cw) 4:51 Run pairs demo 5:31 ipairs gap behavior 6:38 Run gap demo 7:16 Word frequency counter 9:55 Run final program 10:05 Review — /for search 10:50 Recap 11:22 Next: Nested Tables Practice code: https://github.com/GoCelesteAI/learn-lua-in-neovim This is Episode 20 of the Learn Lua in Neovim series. New episodes cover nested tables, references, libraries, and more — all coded inside Neovim. Taught by CelesteAI. Like & subscribe for more tutorials! #lua #neovim #programming #tutorial #beginners #learnlua #luaprogramming #neovimtutorial #luapairs #luaipairs #coding Tags lua, lua tutorial, learn lua, lua pairs, lua ipairs, lua iterating tables, lua table iteration, lua for loop, lua gap behavior, lua word counter, lua frequency counter, lua pairs vs ipairs, lua for beginners, neovim lua, neovim tutorial, learn lua in neovim, lua episode 20, programming tutorial, coding tutorial, beginner programming, lua 2026, neovim 2026, screenkey, code along, lua basics, lua data structures