diff --git a/src/autocmd.c b/src/autocmd.c
index c376f20..cc9d99d 100644
--- a/src/autocmd.c
+++ b/src/autocmd.c
@@ -2833,7 +2833,7 @@
 	    }
 	}
 
-	group_name = dict_get_string(event_dict, (char_u *)"group", TRUE);
+	group_name = dict_get_string(event_dict, "group", TRUE);
 	if (group_name == NULL || *group_name == NUL)
 	    // if the autocmd group name is not specified, then use the current
 	    // autocmd group
@@ -2868,7 +2868,7 @@
 	{
 	    varnumber_T	bnum;
 
-	    bnum = dict_get_number_def(event_dict, (char_u *)"bufnr", -1);
+	    bnum = dict_get_number_def(event_dict, "bufnr", -1);
 	    if (bnum == -1)
 		continue;
 
@@ -2908,13 +2908,13 @@
 		pat = (char_u *)"";
 	}
 
-	once = dict_get_bool(event_dict, (char_u *)"once", FALSE);
-	nested = dict_get_bool(event_dict, (char_u *)"nested", FALSE);
+	once = dict_get_bool(event_dict, "once", FALSE);
+	nested = dict_get_bool(event_dict, "nested", FALSE);
 	// if 'replace' is true, then remove all the commands associated with
 	// this autocmd event/group and add the new command.
-	replace = dict_get_bool(event_dict, (char_u *)"replace", FALSE);
+	replace = dict_get_bool(event_dict, "replace", FALSE);
 
-	cmd = dict_get_string(event_dict, (char_u *)"cmd", TRUE);
+	cmd = dict_get_string(event_dict, "cmd", TRUE);
 	if (cmd == NULL)
 	{
 	    if (delete)
@@ -3076,8 +3076,7 @@
 	// return only the autocmds in the specified group
 	if (dict_has_key(argvars[0].vval.v_dict, "group"))
 	{
-	    name = dict_get_string(argvars[0].vval.v_dict,
-						      (char_u *)"group", TRUE);
+	    name = dict_get_string(argvars[0].vval.v_dict, "group", TRUE);
 	    if (name == NULL)
 		return;
 
@@ -3101,8 +3100,7 @@
 	{
 	    int		i;
 
-	    name = dict_get_string(argvars[0].vval.v_dict,
-						      (char_u *)"event", TRUE);
+	    name = dict_get_string(argvars[0].vval.v_dict, "event", TRUE);
 	    if (name == NULL)
 		return;
 
@@ -3127,8 +3125,7 @@
 	// return only the autocmds for the specified pattern
 	if (dict_has_key(argvars[0].vval.v_dict, "pattern"))
 	{
-	    pat = dict_get_string(argvars[0].vval.v_dict,
-						    (char_u *)"pattern", TRUE);
+	    pat = dict_get_string(argvars[0].vval.v_dict, "pattern", TRUE);
 	    if (pat == NULL)
 		return;
 	}
diff --git a/src/change.c b/src/change.c
index 2bb6388..66f34c0 100644
--- a/src/change.c
+++ b/src/change.c
@@ -172,9 +172,9 @@
 	FOR_ALL_LIST_ITEMS(buf->b_recorded_changes, li)
 	{
 	    prev_lnum = (linenr_T)dict_get_number(
-				      li->li_tv.vval.v_dict, (char_u *)"lnum");
+						li->li_tv.vval.v_dict, "lnum");
 	    prev_lnume = (linenr_T)dict_get_number(
-				       li->li_tv.vval.v_dict, (char_u *)"end");
+						 li->li_tv.vval.v_dict, "end");
 	    if (prev_lnum >= lnum || prev_lnum > lnume || prev_lnume >= lnum)
 	    {
 		// the current change is going to make the line number in
@@ -384,13 +384,13 @@
     {
 	varnumber_T lnum;
 
-	lnum = dict_get_number(li->li_tv.vval.v_dict, (char_u *)"lnum");
+	lnum = dict_get_number(li->li_tv.vval.v_dict, "lnum");
 	if (start > lnum)
 	    start = lnum;
-	lnum = dict_get_number(li->li_tv.vval.v_dict, (char_u *)"end");
+	lnum = dict_get_number(li->li_tv.vval.v_dict, "end");
 	if (end < lnum)
 	    end = lnum;
-	added += dict_get_number(li->li_tv.vval.v_dict, (char_u *)"added");
+	added += dict_get_number(li->li_tv.vval.v_dict, "added");
     }
     argv[1].v_type = VAR_NUMBER;
     argv[1].vval.v_number = start;
diff --git a/src/dict.c b/src/dict.c
index d281957..29608bd 100644
--- a/src/dict.c
+++ b/src/dict.c
@@ -662,11 +662,11 @@
  * Returns FAIL if the entry doesn't exist or out of memory.
  */
     int
-dict_get_tv(dict_T *d, char_u *key, typval_T *rettv)
+dict_get_tv(dict_T *d, char *key, typval_T *rettv)
 {
     dictitem_T	*di;
 
-    di = dict_find(d, key, -1);
+    di = dict_find(d, (char_u *)key, -1);
     if (di == NULL)
 	return FAIL;
     copy_tv(&di->di_tv, rettv);
@@ -680,12 +680,12 @@
  * Returns NULL if the entry doesn't exist or out of memory.
  */
     char_u *
-dict_get_string(dict_T *d, char_u *key, int save)
+dict_get_string(dict_T *d, char *key, int save)
 {
     dictitem_T	*di;
     char_u	*s;
 
-    di = dict_find(d, key, -1);
+    di = dict_find(d, (char_u *)key, -1);
     if (di == NULL)
 	return NULL;
     s = tv_get_string(&di->di_tv);
@@ -699,7 +699,7 @@
  * Returns 0 if the entry doesn't exist.
  */
     varnumber_T
-dict_get_number(dict_T *d, char_u *key)
+dict_get_number(dict_T *d, char *key)
 {
     return dict_get_number_def(d, key, 0);
 }
@@ -709,11 +709,11 @@
  * Returns "def" if the entry doesn't exist.
  */
     varnumber_T
-dict_get_number_def(dict_T *d, char_u *key, int def)
+dict_get_number_def(dict_T *d, char *key, int def)
 {
     dictitem_T	*di;
 
-    di = dict_find(d, key, -1);
+    di = dict_find(d, (char_u *)key, -1);
     if (di == NULL)
 	return def;
     return tv_get_number(&di->di_tv);
@@ -745,11 +745,11 @@
  * Returns "def" if the entry doesn't exist.
  */
     varnumber_T
-dict_get_bool(dict_T *d, char_u *key, int def)
+dict_get_bool(dict_T *d, char *key, int def)
 {
     dictitem_T	*di;
 
-    di = dict_find(d, key, -1);
+    di = dict_find(d, (char_u *)key, -1);
     if (di == NULL)
 	return def;
     return tv_get_bool(&di->di_tv);
diff --git a/src/evalbuffer.c b/src/evalbuffer.c
index 0808c7e..fe41f08 100644
--- a/src/evalbuffer.c
+++ b/src/evalbuffer.c
@@ -695,9 +695,9 @@
 	if (sel_d != NULL)
 	{
 	    filtered = TRUE;
-	    sel_buflisted = dict_get_bool(sel_d, (char_u *)"buflisted", FALSE);
-	    sel_bufloaded = dict_get_bool(sel_d, (char_u *)"bufloaded", FALSE);
-	    sel_bufmodified = dict_get_bool(sel_d, (char_u *)"bufmodified",
+	    sel_buflisted = dict_get_bool(sel_d, "buflisted", FALSE);
+	    sel_bufloaded = dict_get_bool(sel_d, "bufloaded", FALSE);
+	    sel_bufmodified = dict_get_bool(sel_d, "bufmodified",
 									FALSE);
 	}
     }
diff --git a/src/evalfunc.c b/src/evalfunc.c
index 580f5d1..8d6255d 100644
--- a/src/evalfunc.c
+++ b/src/evalfunc.c
@@ -4217,8 +4217,7 @@
 	return;
 
     if (argvars[1].v_type == VAR_DICT
-	    && dict_get_bool(argvars[1].vval.v_dict, (char_u *)"errmsg",
-								VVAL_FALSE))
+		&& dict_get_bool(argvars[1].vval.v_dict, "errmsg", VVAL_FALSE))
 	emsgoff = FALSE;
 
     rettv->v_type = VAR_STRING;
@@ -9172,7 +9171,7 @@
 
     if ((d = argvars[0].vval.v_dict) != NULL)
     {
-	csearch = dict_get_string(d, (char_u *)"char", FALSE);
+	csearch = dict_get_string(d, "char", FALSE);
 	if (csearch != NULL)
 	{
 	    if (enc_utf8)
@@ -9368,7 +9367,7 @@
 	if (di != NULL)
 	    regcontents = &di->di_tv;
 
-	stropt = dict_get_string(d, (char_u *)"regtype", FALSE);
+	stropt = dict_get_string(d, "regtype", FALSE);
 	if (stropt != NULL)
 	{
 	    int ret = get_yank_type(&stropt, &yank_type, &block_len);
@@ -9382,14 +9381,14 @@
 
 	if (regname == '"')
 	{
-	    stropt = dict_get_string(d, (char_u *)"points_to", FALSE);
+	    stropt = dict_get_string(d, "points_to", FALSE);
 	    if (stropt != NULL)
 	    {
 		pointreg = *stropt;
 		regname = pointreg;
 	    }
 	}
-	else if (dict_get_bool(d, (char_u *)"isunnamed", -1) > 0)
+	else if (dict_get_bool(d, "isunnamed", -1) > 0)
 	    pointreg = regname;
     }
     else
diff --git a/src/evalwindow.c b/src/evalwindow.c
index 00d63cd..d507ab3 100644
--- a/src/evalwindow.c
+++ b/src/evalwindow.c
@@ -1016,11 +1016,11 @@
 	}
 
 	d = argvars[2].vval.v_dict;
-	if (dict_get_bool(d, (char_u *)"vertical", FALSE))
+	if (dict_get_bool(d, "vertical", FALSE))
 	    flags |= WSP_VERT;
 	if ((di = dict_find(d, (char_u *)"rightbelow", -1)) != NULL)
 	    flags |= tv_get_bool(&di->di_tv) ? WSP_BELOW : WSP_ABOVE;
-	size = (int)dict_get_number(d, (char_u *)"size");
+	size = (int)dict_get_number(d, "size");
     }
 
     win_move_into_split(wp, targetwin, size, flags);
@@ -1236,27 +1236,27 @@
     else
     {
 	if (dict_has_key(dict, "lnum"))
-	    curwin->w_cursor.lnum = (linenr_T)dict_get_number(dict, (char_u *)"lnum");
+	    curwin->w_cursor.lnum = (linenr_T)dict_get_number(dict, "lnum");
 	if (dict_has_key(dict, "col"))
-	    curwin->w_cursor.col = (colnr_T)dict_get_number(dict, (char_u *)"col");
+	    curwin->w_cursor.col = (colnr_T)dict_get_number(dict, "col");
 	if (dict_has_key(dict, "coladd"))
-	    curwin->w_cursor.coladd = (colnr_T)dict_get_number(dict, (char_u *)"coladd");
+	    curwin->w_cursor.coladd = (colnr_T)dict_get_number(dict, "coladd");
 	if (dict_has_key(dict, "curswant"))
 	{
-	    curwin->w_curswant = (colnr_T)dict_get_number(dict, (char_u *)"curswant");
+	    curwin->w_curswant = (colnr_T)dict_get_number(dict, "curswant");
 	    curwin->w_set_curswant = FALSE;
 	}
 
 	if (dict_has_key(dict, "topline"))
-	    set_topline(curwin, (linenr_T)dict_get_number(dict, (char_u *)"topline"));
+	    set_topline(curwin, (linenr_T)dict_get_number(dict, "topline"));
 #ifdef FEAT_DIFF
 	if (dict_has_key(dict, "topfill"))
-	    curwin->w_topfill = (int)dict_get_number(dict, (char_u *)"topfill");
+	    curwin->w_topfill = (int)dict_get_number(dict, "topfill");
 #endif
 	if (dict_has_key(dict, "leftcol"))
-	    curwin->w_leftcol = (colnr_T)dict_get_number(dict, (char_u *)"leftcol");
+	    curwin->w_leftcol = (colnr_T)dict_get_number(dict, "leftcol");
 	if (dict_has_key(dict, "skipcol"))
-	    curwin->w_skipcol = (colnr_T)dict_get_number(dict, (char_u *)"skipcol");
+	    curwin->w_skipcol = (colnr_T)dict_get_number(dict, "skipcol");
 
 	check_cursor();
 	win_new_height(curwin, curwin->w_height);
diff --git a/src/fileio.c b/src/fileio.c
index 2c6c338..4287e8f 100644
--- a/src/fileio.c
+++ b/src/fileio.c
@@ -4746,8 +4746,8 @@
 {
     char_u  *name1, *name2;
 
-    name1 = dict_get_string(*(dict_T**)p1, (char_u*)"name", FALSE);
-    name2 = dict_get_string(*(dict_T**)p2, (char_u*)"name", FALSE);
+    name1 = dict_get_string(*(dict_T**)p1, "name", FALSE);
+    name2 = dict_get_string(*(dict_T**)p2, "name", FALSE);
     if (readdirex_sort == READDIR_SORT_BYTE)
 	return STRCMP(name1, name2);
     else if (readdirex_sort == READDIR_SORT_IC)
diff --git a/src/filepath.c b/src/filepath.c
index f1ae18e..0867a51 100644
--- a/src/filepath.c
+++ b/src/filepath.c
@@ -1619,7 +1619,7 @@
     }
 
     if (dict_has_key(tv->vval.v_dict, "sort"))
-	compare = dict_get_string(tv->vval.v_dict, (char_u *)"sort", FALSE);
+	compare = dict_get_string(tv->vval.v_dict, "sort", FALSE);
     else
     {
 	semsg(_(e_dictionary_key_str_required), "sort");
diff --git a/src/gui_w32.c b/src/gui_w32.c
index 43fef8b..472cebf 100644
--- a/src/gui_w32.c
+++ b/src/gui_w32.c
@@ -8549,7 +8549,7 @@
     char_u	*event;
     INPUT	inputs[1];
 
-    event = dict_get_string(args, (char_u *)"event", TRUE);
+    event = dict_get_string(args, "event", TRUE);
     if (event == NULL)
 	return FALSE;
 
@@ -8559,7 +8559,7 @@
     {
 	WORD	    vkCode;
 
-	vkCode = dict_get_number_def(args, (char_u *)"keycode", 0);
+	vkCode = dict_get_number_def(args, "keycode", 0);
 	if (vkCode <= 0 || vkCode >= 0xFF)
 	{
 	    semsg(_(e_invalid_argument_nr), (long)vkCode);
diff --git a/src/highlight.c b/src/highlight.c
index 575451e..2542c7b 100644
--- a/src/highlight.c
+++ b/src/highlight.c
@@ -4317,8 +4317,7 @@
     p = attr_str;
     for (i = 0; i < (int)ARRAY_LENGTH(hl_name_table); i++)
     {
-	if (dict_get_bool(attrdict, (char_u *)hl_name_table[i],
-		    VVAL_FALSE) == VVAL_TRUE)
+	if (dict_get_bool(attrdict, hl_name_table[i], VVAL_FALSE) == VVAL_TRUE)
 	{
 	    if (p != attr_str && (size_t)(p - attr_str + 2) < len)
 		STRCPY(p, (char_u *)",");
@@ -4398,10 +4397,10 @@
     if (name == NULL || *name == NUL || error)
 	return FALSE;
 
-    if (dict_get_bool(dict, (char_u *)"force", VVAL_FALSE) == VVAL_TRUE)
+    if (dict_get_bool(dict, "force", VVAL_FALSE) == VVAL_TRUE)
 	forceit = TRUE;
 
-    if (dict_get_bool(dict, (char_u *)"default", VVAL_FALSE) == VVAL_TRUE)
+    if (dict_get_bool(dict, "default", VVAL_FALSE) == VVAL_TRUE)
 	dodefault = TRUE;
 
     if (dict_has_key(dict, "cleared"))
@@ -4409,7 +4408,7 @@
 	varnumber_T	cleared;
 
 	// clear a highlight group
-	cleared = dict_get_bool(dict, (char_u *)"cleared", FALSE);
+	cleared = dict_get_bool(dict, "cleared", FALSE);
 	if (cleared == TRUE)
 	{
 	    vim_snprintf((char *)hlsetBuf, HLSETBUFSZ, "clear %s", name);
diff --git a/src/insexpand.c b/src/insexpand.c
index c505158..7339ce9 100644
--- a/src/insexpand.c
+++ b/src/insexpand.c
@@ -2767,25 +2767,21 @@
     user_data.v_type = VAR_UNKNOWN;
     if (tv->v_type == VAR_DICT && tv->vval.v_dict != NULL)
     {
-	word = dict_get_string(tv->vval.v_dict, (char_u *)"word", FALSE);
-	cptext[CPT_ABBR] = dict_get_string(tv->vval.v_dict,
-						     (char_u *)"abbr", FALSE);
-	cptext[CPT_MENU] = dict_get_string(tv->vval.v_dict,
-						     (char_u *)"menu", FALSE);
-	cptext[CPT_KIND] = dict_get_string(tv->vval.v_dict,
-						     (char_u *)"kind", FALSE);
-	cptext[CPT_INFO] = dict_get_string(tv->vval.v_dict,
-						     (char_u *)"info", FALSE);
-	dict_get_tv(tv->vval.v_dict, (char_u *)"user_data", &user_data);
-	if (dict_get_string(tv->vval.v_dict, (char_u *)"icase", FALSE) != NULL
-			&& dict_get_number(tv->vval.v_dict, (char_u *)"icase"))
+	word = dict_get_string(tv->vval.v_dict, "word", FALSE);
+	cptext[CPT_ABBR] = dict_get_string(tv->vval.v_dict, "abbr", FALSE);
+	cptext[CPT_MENU] = dict_get_string(tv->vval.v_dict, "menu", FALSE);
+	cptext[CPT_KIND] = dict_get_string(tv->vval.v_dict, "kind", FALSE);
+	cptext[CPT_INFO] = dict_get_string(tv->vval.v_dict, "info", FALSE);
+	dict_get_tv(tv->vval.v_dict, "user_data", &user_data);
+	if (dict_get_string(tv->vval.v_dict, "icase", FALSE) != NULL
+				  && dict_get_number(tv->vval.v_dict, "icase"))
 	    flags |= CP_ICASE;
-	if (dict_get_string(tv->vval.v_dict, (char_u *)"dup", FALSE) != NULL)
-	    dup = dict_get_number(tv->vval.v_dict, (char_u *)"dup");
-	if (dict_get_string(tv->vval.v_dict, (char_u *)"empty", FALSE) != NULL)
-	    empty = dict_get_number(tv->vval.v_dict, (char_u *)"empty");
-	if (dict_get_string(tv->vval.v_dict, (char_u *)"equal", FALSE) != NULL
-			&& dict_get_number(tv->vval.v_dict, (char_u *)"equal"))
+	if (dict_get_string(tv->vval.v_dict, "dup", FALSE) != NULL)
+	    dup = dict_get_number(tv->vval.v_dict, "dup");
+	if (dict_get_string(tv->vval.v_dict, "empty", FALSE) != NULL)
+	    empty = dict_get_number(tv->vval.v_dict, "empty");
+	if (dict_get_string(tv->vval.v_dict, "equal", FALSE) != NULL
+				  && dict_get_number(tv->vval.v_dict, "equal"))
 	    flags |= CP_EQUAL;
     }
     else
diff --git a/src/map.c b/src/map.c
index ff4c496..96ccff0 100644
--- a/src/map.c
+++ b/src/map.c
@@ -2621,8 +2621,8 @@
     if (dict_only)
     {
 	d = argvars[0].vval.v_dict;
-	which = dict_get_string(d, (char_u *)"mode", FALSE);
-	is_abbr = dict_get_bool(d, (char_u *)"abbr", -1);
+	which = dict_get_string(d, "mode", FALSE);
+	is_abbr = dict_get_bool(d, "abbr", -1);
 	if (which == NULL || is_abbr < 0)
 	{
 	    emsg(_(e_entries_missing_in_mapset_dict_argument));
@@ -2652,10 +2652,10 @@
 
 
     // Get the values in the same order as above in get_maparg().
-    lhs = dict_get_string(d, (char_u *)"lhs", FALSE);
-    lhsraw = dict_get_string(d, (char_u *)"lhsraw", FALSE);
-    lhsrawalt = dict_get_string(d, (char_u *)"lhsrawalt", FALSE);
-    rhs = dict_get_string(d, (char_u *)"rhs", FALSE);
+    lhs = dict_get_string(d, "lhs", FALSE);
+    lhsraw = dict_get_string(d, "lhsraw", FALSE);
+    lhsrawalt = dict_get_string(d, "lhsrawalt", FALSE);
+    rhs = dict_get_string(d, "rhs", FALSE);
     if (lhs == NULL || lhsraw == NULL || rhs == NULL)
     {
 	emsg(_(e_entries_missing_in_mapset_dict_argument));
@@ -2665,16 +2665,16 @@
     rhs = replace_termcodes(rhs, &arg_buf,
 					REPTERM_DO_LT | REPTERM_SPECIAL, NULL);
 
-    noremap = dict_get_number(d, (char_u *)"noremap") ? REMAP_NONE: 0;
-    if (dict_get_number(d, (char_u *)"script") != 0)
+    noremap = dict_get_number(d, "noremap") ? REMAP_NONE: 0;
+    if (dict_get_number(d, "script") != 0)
 	noremap = REMAP_SCRIPT;
-    expr = dict_get_number(d, (char_u *)"expr") != 0;
-    silent = dict_get_number(d, (char_u *)"silent") != 0;
-    sid = dict_get_number(d, (char_u *)"sid");
-    scriptversion = dict_get_number(d, (char_u *)"scriptversion");
-    lnum = dict_get_number(d, (char_u *)"lnum");
-    buffer = dict_get_number(d, (char_u *)"buffer");
-    nowait = dict_get_number(d, (char_u *)"nowait") != 0;
+    expr = dict_get_number(d, "expr") != 0;
+    silent = dict_get_number(d, "silent") != 0;
+    sid = dict_get_number(d, "sid");
+    scriptversion = dict_get_number(d, "scriptversion");
+    lnum = dict_get_number(d, "lnum");
+    buffer = dict_get_number(d, "buffer");
+    nowait = dict_get_number(d, "nowait") != 0;
     // mode from the dict is not used
 
     if (buffer)
diff --git a/src/match.c b/src/match.c
index c923187..e58ad01 100644
--- a/src/match.c
+++ b/src/match.c
@@ -961,8 +961,7 @@
     }
 
     if (dict_has_key(tv->vval.v_dict, "conceal"))
-	*conceal_char = dict_get_string(tv->vval.v_dict,
-						   (char_u *)"conceal", FALSE);
+	*conceal_char = dict_get_string(tv->vval.v_dict, "conceal", FALSE);
 
     if ((di = dict_find(tv->vval.v_dict, (char_u *)"window", -1)) != NULL)
     {
@@ -1161,16 +1160,16 @@
 		}
 	    }
 
-	    group = dict_get_string(d, (char_u *)"group", TRUE);
-	    priority = (int)dict_get_number(d, (char_u *)"priority");
-	    id = (int)dict_get_number(d, (char_u *)"id");
+	    group = dict_get_string(d, "group", TRUE);
+	    priority = (int)dict_get_number(d, "priority");
+	    id = (int)dict_get_number(d, "id");
 	    conceal = dict_has_key(d, "conceal")
-			      ? dict_get_string(d, (char_u *)"conceal", TRUE)
+			      ? dict_get_string(d, "conceal", TRUE)
 			      : NULL;
 	    if (i == 0)
 	    {
 		match_add(win, group,
-		    dict_get_string(d, (char_u *)"pattern", FALSE),
+		    dict_get_string(d, "pattern", FALSE),
 		    priority, id, NULL, conceal);
 	    }
 	    else
diff --git a/src/popupwin.c b/src/popupwin.c
index dd87705..7883340 100644
--- a/src/popupwin.c
+++ b/src/popupwin.c
@@ -433,7 +433,7 @@
     static poppos_T
 get_pos_entry(dict_T *d, int give_error)
 {
-    char_u  *str = dict_get_string(d, (char_u *)"pos", FALSE);
+    char_u  *str = dict_get_string(d, "pos", FALSE);
     int	    nr;
 
     if (str == NULL)
@@ -458,13 +458,13 @@
     char_u	*str;
     dictitem_T	*di;
 
-    if ((nr = dict_get_number_def(d, (char_u *)"minwidth", -1)) >= 0)
+    if ((nr = dict_get_number_def(d, "minwidth", -1)) >= 0)
 	wp->w_minwidth = nr;
-    if ((nr = dict_get_number_def(d, (char_u *)"minheight", -1)) >= 0)
+    if ((nr = dict_get_number_def(d, "minheight", -1)) >= 0)
 	wp->w_minheight = nr;
-    if ((nr = dict_get_number_def(d, (char_u *)"maxwidth", -1)) >= 0)
+    if ((nr = dict_get_number_def(d, "maxwidth", -1)) >= 0)
 	wp->w_maxwidth = nr;
-    if ((nr = dict_get_number_def(d, (char_u *)"maxheight", -1)) >= 0)
+    if ((nr = dict_get_number_def(d, "maxheight", -1)) >= 0)
 	wp->w_maxheight = nr;
 
     nr = popup_options_one(d, (char_u *)"line");
@@ -475,7 +475,7 @@
 	wp->w_wantcol = nr;
 
 
-    nr = dict_get_bool(d, (char_u *)"fixed", -1);
+    nr = dict_get_bool(d, "fixed", -1);
     if (nr != -1)
 	wp->w_popup_fixed = nr != 0;
 
@@ -486,7 +486,7 @@
 	    wp->w_popup_pos = ppt;
     }
 
-    str = dict_get_string(d, (char_u *)"textprop", FALSE);
+    str = dict_get_string(d, "textprop", FALSE);
     if (str != NULL)
     {
 	wp->w_popup_prop_type = 0;
@@ -513,7 +513,7 @@
 
     di = dict_find(d, (char_u *)"textpropid", -1);
     if (di != NULL)
-	wp->w_popup_prop_id = dict_get_number(d, (char_u *)"textpropid");
+	wp->w_popup_prop_id = dict_get_number(d, "textpropid");
 }
 
 /*
@@ -696,27 +696,27 @@
     di = dict_find(dict, (char_u *)"firstline", -1);
     if (di != NULL)
     {
-	wp->w_firstline = dict_get_number(dict, (char_u *)"firstline");
+	wp->w_firstline = dict_get_number(dict, "firstline");
 	if (wp->w_firstline < 0)
 	    wp->w_firstline = -1;
     }
 
-    nr = dict_get_bool(dict, (char_u *)"scrollbar", -1);
+    nr = dict_get_bool(dict, "scrollbar", -1);
     if (nr != -1)
 	wp->w_want_scrollbar = nr;
 
-    str = dict_get_string(dict, (char_u *)"title", FALSE);
+    str = dict_get_string(dict, "title", FALSE);
     if (str != NULL)
     {
 	vim_free(wp->w_popup_title);
 	wp->w_popup_title = vim_strsave(str);
     }
 
-    nr = dict_get_bool(dict, (char_u *)"wrap", -1);
+    nr = dict_get_bool(dict, "wrap", -1);
     if (nr != -1)
 	wp->w_p_wrap = nr != 0;
 
-    nr = dict_get_bool(dict, (char_u *)"drag", -1);
+    nr = dict_get_bool(dict, "drag", -1);
     if (nr != -1)
     {
 	if (nr)
@@ -724,7 +724,7 @@
 	else
 	    wp->w_popup_flags &= ~POPF_DRAG;
     }
-    nr = dict_get_bool(dict, (char_u *)"dragall", -1);
+    nr = dict_get_bool(dict, "dragall", -1);
     if (nr != -1)
     {
 	if (nr)
@@ -733,7 +733,7 @@
 	    wp->w_popup_flags &= ~POPF_DRAGALL;
     }
 
-    nr = dict_get_bool(dict, (char_u *)"posinvert", -1);
+    nr = dict_get_bool(dict, "posinvert", -1);
     if (nr != -1)
     {
 	if (nr)
@@ -742,7 +742,7 @@
 	    wp->w_popup_flags &= ~POPF_POSINVERT;
     }
 
-    nr = dict_get_bool(dict, (char_u *)"resize", -1);
+    nr = dict_get_bool(dict, "resize", -1);
     if (nr != -1)
     {
 	if (nr)
@@ -775,7 +775,7 @@
 	    semsg(_(e_invalid_value_for_argument_str_str), "close", tv_get_string(&di->di_tv));
     }
 
-    str = dict_get_string(dict, (char_u *)"highlight", FALSE);
+    str = dict_get_string(dict, "highlight", FALSE);
     if (str != NULL)
     {
 	set_string_option_direct_in_win(wp, (char_u *)"wincolor", -1,
@@ -861,7 +861,7 @@
     di = dict_find(dict, (char_u *)"zindex", -1);
     if (di != NULL)
     {
-	wp->w_zindex = dict_get_number(dict, (char_u *)"zindex");
+	wp->w_zindex = dict_get_number(dict, "zindex");
 	if (wp->w_zindex < 1)
 	    wp->w_zindex = POPUPWIN_DEFAULT_ZINDEX;
 	if (wp->w_zindex > 32000)
@@ -903,7 +903,7 @@
 
 #if defined(FEAT_TIMERS)
     // Add timer to close the popup after some time.
-    nr = dict_get_number(dict, (char_u *)"time");
+    nr = dict_get_number(dict, "time");
     if (nr > 0)
 	popup_add_timeout(wp, nr);
 #endif
@@ -922,7 +922,7 @@
 	handle_moved_argument(wp, di, TRUE);
     }
 
-    nr = dict_get_bool(dict, (char_u *)"cursorline", -1);
+    nr = dict_get_bool(dict, "cursorline", -1);
     if (nr != -1)
     {
 	if (nr != 0)
@@ -942,7 +942,7 @@
 	    set_callback(&wp->w_filter_cb, &callback);
 	}
     }
-    nr = dict_get_bool(dict, (char_u *)"mapping", -1);
+    nr = dict_get_bool(dict, "mapping", -1);
     if (nr != -1)
     {
 	if (nr)
@@ -951,7 +951,7 @@
 	    wp->w_popup_flags &= ~POPF_MAPPING;
     }
 
-    str = dict_get_string(dict, (char_u *)"filtermode", FALSE);
+    str = dict_get_string(dict, "filtermode", FALSE);
     if (str != NULL)
     {
 	if (STRCMP(str, "a") == 0)
@@ -990,7 +990,7 @@
 
     apply_general_options(wp, dict);
 
-    nr = dict_get_bool(dict, (char_u *)"hidden", FALSE);
+    nr = dict_get_bool(dict, "hidden", FALSE);
     if (nr > 0)
 	wp->w_popup_flags |= POPF_HIDDEN | POPF_HIDDEN_FORCE;
 
@@ -1051,8 +1051,7 @@
 	    return;
 	}
 	dict = li->li_tv.vval.v_dict;
-	p = dict == NULL ? NULL
-			      : dict_get_string(dict, (char_u *)"text", FALSE);
+	p = dict == NULL ? NULL : dict_get_string(dict, "text", FALSE);
 	ml_append_buf(buf, lnum++,
 			       p == NULL ? (char_u *)"" : p, (colnr_T)0, TRUE);
     }
@@ -1086,7 +1085,7 @@
 		    dict = pli->li_tv.vval.v_dict;
 		    if (dict != NULL)
 		    {
-			int col = dict_get_number(dict, (char_u *)"col");
+			int col = dict_get_number(dict, "col");
 
 			prop_add_common( lnum, col, dict, buf, NULL);
 		    }
@@ -1975,7 +1974,7 @@
     if (d != NULL)
     {
 	if (dict_has_key(d, "tabpage"))
-	    tabnr = (int)dict_get_number(d, (char_u *)"tabpage");
+	    tabnr = (int)dict_get_number(d, "tabpage");
 	else if (type == TYPE_NOTIFICATION)
 	    tabnr = -1;  // notifications are global by default
 	else
diff --git a/src/proto/dict.pro b/src/proto/dict.pro
index 30a3055..a4442cc 100644
--- a/src/proto/dict.pro
+++ b/src/proto/dict.pro
@@ -28,12 +28,12 @@
 long dict_len(dict_T *d);
 dictitem_T *dict_find(dict_T *d, char_u *key, int len);
 int dict_has_key(dict_T *d, char *key);
-int dict_get_tv(dict_T *d, char_u *key, typval_T *rettv);
-char_u *dict_get_string(dict_T *d, char_u *key, int save);
-varnumber_T dict_get_number(dict_T *d, char_u *key);
-varnumber_T dict_get_number_def(dict_T *d, char_u *key, int def);
+int dict_get_tv(dict_T *d, char *key, typval_T *rettv);
+char_u *dict_get_string(dict_T *d, char *key, int save);
+varnumber_T dict_get_number(dict_T *d, char *key);
+varnumber_T dict_get_number_def(dict_T *d, char *key, int def);
 varnumber_T dict_get_number_check(dict_T *d, char_u *key);
-varnumber_T dict_get_bool(dict_T *d, char_u *key, int def);
+varnumber_T dict_get_bool(dict_T *d, char *key, int def);
 char_u *dict2string(typval_T *tv, int copyID, int restore_copyID);
 char_u *get_literal_key(char_u **arg);
 int eval_dict(char_u **arg, typval_T *rettv, evalarg_T *evalarg, int literal);
diff --git a/src/quickfix.c b/src/quickfix.c
index c37caa5..49484e0 100644
--- a/src/quickfix.c
+++ b/src/quickfix.c
@@ -7209,18 +7209,18 @@
     if (first_entry)
 	did_bufnr_emsg = FALSE;
 
-    filename = dict_get_string(d, (char_u *)"filename", TRUE);
-    module = dict_get_string(d, (char_u *)"module", TRUE);
-    bufnum = (int)dict_get_number(d, (char_u *)"bufnr");
-    lnum = (int)dict_get_number(d, (char_u *)"lnum");
-    end_lnum = (int)dict_get_number(d, (char_u *)"end_lnum");
-    col = (int)dict_get_number(d, (char_u *)"col");
-    end_col = (int)dict_get_number(d, (char_u *)"end_col");
-    vcol = (int)dict_get_number(d, (char_u *)"vcol");
-    nr = (int)dict_get_number(d, (char_u *)"nr");
-    type = dict_get_string(d, (char_u *)"type", TRUE);
-    pattern = dict_get_string(d, (char_u *)"pattern", TRUE);
-    text = dict_get_string(d, (char_u *)"text", TRUE);
+    filename = dict_get_string(d, "filename", TRUE);
+    module = dict_get_string(d, "module", TRUE);
+    bufnum = (int)dict_get_number(d, "bufnr");
+    lnum = (int)dict_get_number(d, "lnum");
+    end_lnum = (int)dict_get_number(d, "end_lnum");
+    col = (int)dict_get_number(d, "col");
+    end_col = (int)dict_get_number(d, "end_col");
+    vcol = (int)dict_get_number(d, "vcol");
+    nr = (int)dict_get_number(d, "nr");
+    type = dict_get_string(d, "type", TRUE);
+    pattern = dict_get_string(d, "pattern", TRUE);
+    text = dict_get_string(d, "text", TRUE);
     if (text == NULL)
 	text = vim_strsave((char_u *)"");
 
@@ -7243,7 +7243,7 @@
 
     // If the 'valid' field is present it overrules the detected value.
     if (dict_has_key(d, "valid"))
-	valid = (int)dict_get_bool(d, (char_u *)"valid", FALSE);
+	valid = (int)dict_get_bool(d, "valid", FALSE);
 
     status =  qf_add_entry(qfl,
 			NULL,		// dir
@@ -7419,7 +7419,7 @@
 	return FAIL;
 
     vim_free(qfl->qf_title);
-    qfl->qf_title = dict_get_string(what, (char_u *)"title", TRUE);
+    qfl->qf_title = dict_get_string(what, "title", TRUE);
     if (qf_idx == qi->qf_curlist)
 	qf_update_win_titlevar(qi);
 
diff --git a/src/search.c b/src/search.c
index 3fd423f..2c045fe 100644
--- a/src/search.c
+++ b/src/search.c
@@ -4115,7 +4115,7 @@
 	    if (error)
 		return;
 	}
-	recompute = dict_get_bool(dict, (char_u *)"recompute", recompute);
+	recompute = dict_get_bool(dict, "recompute", recompute);
 	di = dict_find(dict, (char_u *)"pattern", -1);
 	if (di != NULL)
 	{
@@ -4645,7 +4645,8 @@
 	    // For a dict, either use the specified key to lookup the string or
 	    // use the specified callback function to get the string.
 	    if (key != NULL)
-		itemstr = dict_get_string(li->li_tv.vval.v_dict, key, FALSE);
+		itemstr = dict_get_string(li->li_tv.vval.v_dict,
+							   (char *)key, FALSE);
 	    else
 	    {
 		typval_T	argv[2];
diff --git a/src/sign.c b/src/sign.c
index ee36d33..d870d6e 100644
--- a/src/sign.c
+++ b/src/sign.c
@@ -2267,7 +2267,7 @@
     {
 	if (dict == NULL)
 	    return -1;
-	name = dict_get_string(dict, (char_u *)"name", TRUE);
+	name = dict_get_string(dict, "name", TRUE);
     }
     else
 	name = vim_strsave(name_arg);
@@ -2275,12 +2275,12 @@
 	goto cleanup;
     if (dict != NULL)
     {
-	icon = dict_get_string(dict, (char_u *)"icon", TRUE);
-	linehl = dict_get_string(dict, (char_u *)"linehl", TRUE);
-	text = dict_get_string(dict, (char_u *)"text", TRUE);
-	texthl = dict_get_string(dict, (char_u *)"texthl", TRUE);
-	culhl = dict_get_string(dict, (char_u *)"culhl", TRUE);
-	numhl = dict_get_string(dict, (char_u *)"numhl", TRUE);
+	icon = dict_get_string(dict, "icon", TRUE);
+	linehl = dict_get_string(dict, "linehl", TRUE);
+	text = dict_get_string(dict, "text", TRUE);
+	texthl = dict_get_string(dict, "texthl", TRUE);
+	culhl = dict_get_string(dict, "culhl", TRUE);
+	numhl = dict_get_string(dict, "numhl", TRUE);
     }
 
     if (sign_define_by_name(name, icon, linehl, text, texthl, culhl, numhl) == OK)
@@ -2765,7 +2765,7 @@
     if (group_tv != NULL)
 	group = tv_get_string(group_tv);
     else
-	group = dict_get_string(dict, (char_u *)"group", FALSE);
+	group = dict_get_string(dict, "group", FALSE);
     if (group != NULL)
     {
 	if (group[0] == '\0')			// global sign group
@@ -2788,7 +2788,7 @@
 	}
 	if (dict_has_key(dict, "id"))
 	{
-	    sign_id = dict_get_number(dict, (char_u *)"id");
+	    sign_id = dict_get_number(dict, "id");
 	    if (sign_id <= 0)
 	    {
 		emsg(_(e_invalid_argument));
diff --git a/src/tag.c b/src/tag.c
index 1fe2eef..f89d057 100644
--- a/src/tag.c
+++ b/src/tag.c
@@ -4589,17 +4589,16 @@
 	    continue;
 	if (list2fpos(&di->di_tv, &mark, &fnum, NULL, FALSE) != OK)
 	    continue;
-	if ((tagname =
-		dict_get_string(itemdict, (char_u *)"tagname", TRUE)) == NULL)
+	if ((tagname = dict_get_string(itemdict, "tagname", TRUE)) == NULL)
 	    continue;
 
 	if (mark.col > 0)
 	    mark.col--;
 	tagstack_push_item(wp, tagname,
-		(int)dict_get_number(itemdict, (char_u *)"bufnr"),
-		(int)dict_get_number(itemdict, (char_u *)"matchnr") - 1,
+		(int)dict_get_number(itemdict, "bufnr"),
+		(int)dict_get_number(itemdict, "matchnr") - 1,
 		mark, fnum,
-		dict_get_string(itemdict, (char_u *)"user_data", TRUE));
+		dict_get_string(itemdict, "user_data", TRUE));
     }
 }
 
diff --git a/src/terminal.c b/src/terminal.c
index f1536e2..1bc1777 100644
--- a/src/terminal.c
+++ b/src/terminal.c
@@ -4338,9 +4338,9 @@
 	dict_T *dict = opt_item->li_tv.vval.v_dict;
 	char_u *p;
 
-	p = dict_get_string(dict, (char_u *)"ff", FALSE);
+	p = dict_get_string(dict, "ff", FALSE);
 	if (p == NULL)
-	    p = dict_get_string(dict, (char_u *)"fileformat", FALSE);
+	    p = dict_get_string(dict, "fileformat", FALSE);
 	if (p != NULL)
 	{
 	    if (check_ff_value(p) == FAIL)
@@ -4348,9 +4348,9 @@
 	    else
 		ea.force_ff = *p;
 	}
-	p = dict_get_string(dict, (char_u *)"enc", FALSE);
+	p = dict_get_string(dict, "enc", FALSE);
 	if (p == NULL)
-	    p = dict_get_string(dict, (char_u *)"encoding", FALSE);
+	    p = dict_get_string(dict, "encoding", FALSE);
 	if (p != NULL)
 	{
 	    ea.cmd = alloc(STRLEN(p) + 12);
@@ -4362,7 +4362,7 @@
 	    }
 	}
 
-	p = dict_get_string(dict, (char_u *)"bad", FALSE);
+	p = dict_get_string(dict, "bad", FALSE);
 	if (p != NULL)
 	    get_bad_opt(p, &ea);
 
@@ -4995,8 +4995,8 @@
 	d = argvars[2].vval.v_dict;
 	if (d != NULL)
 	{
-	    max_height = dict_get_number(d, (char_u *)"rows");
-	    max_width = dict_get_number(d, (char_u *)"columns");
+	    max_height = dict_get_number(d, "rows");
+	    max_width = dict_get_number(d, "columns");
 	}
     }
 
diff --git a/src/testing.c b/src/testing.c
index b1f6322..f2355f5 100644
--- a/src/testing.c
+++ b/src/testing.c
@@ -1295,10 +1295,10 @@
 	    || !dict_has_key(args, "modifiers"))
 	return FALSE;
 
-    (void)dict_get_tv(args, (char_u *)"files", &t);
-    row = (int)dict_get_number(args, (char_u *)"row");
-    col = (int)dict_get_number(args, (char_u *)"col");
-    mods = (int)dict_get_number(args, (char_u *)"modifiers");
+    (void)dict_get_tv(args, "files", &t);
+    row = (int)dict_get_number(args, "row");
+    col = (int)dict_get_number(args, "col");
+    mods = (int)dict_get_number(args, "modifiers");
 
     if (t.v_type != VAR_LIST || list_len(t.vval.v_list) == 0)
 	return FALSE;
@@ -1351,10 +1351,10 @@
 	    || !dict_has_key(args, "forward"))
 	return FALSE;
 
-    find_text = dict_get_string(args, (char_u *)"find_text", TRUE);
-    repl_text = dict_get_string(args, (char_u *)"repl_text", TRUE);
-    flags = (int)dict_get_number(args, (char_u *)"flags");
-    forward = (int)dict_get_number(args, (char_u *)"forward");
+    find_text = dict_get_string(args, "find_text", TRUE);
+    repl_text = dict_get_string(args, "repl_text", TRUE);
+    flags = (int)dict_get_number(args, "flags");
+    forward = (int)dict_get_number(args, "forward");
 
     retval = gui_do_findrepl(flags, find_text, repl_text, forward);
     vim_free(find_text);
@@ -1379,19 +1379,19 @@
 	return FALSE;
 
     // Note: "move" is optional, requires fewer arguments
-    move = (int)dict_get_bool(args, (char_u *)"move", FALSE);
+    move = (int)dict_get_bool(args, "move", FALSE);
 
     if (!move && (!dict_has_key(args, "button")
 	    || !dict_has_key(args, "multiclick")
 	    || !dict_has_key(args, "modifiers")))
 	return FALSE;
 
-    row = (int)dict_get_number(args, (char_u *)"row");
-    col = (int)dict_get_number(args, (char_u *)"col");
+    row = (int)dict_get_number(args, "row");
+    col = (int)dict_get_number(args, "col");
 
     if (move)
     {
-	if (dict_get_bool(args, (char_u *)"cell", FALSE))
+	if (dict_get_bool(args, "cell", FALSE))
 	{
 	    // click in the middle of the character cell
 	    row = row * gui.char_height + gui.char_height / 2;
@@ -1401,9 +1401,9 @@
     }
     else
     {
-	button = (int)dict_get_number(args, (char_u *)"button");
-	repeated_click = (int)dict_get_number(args, (char_u *)"multiclick");
-	mods = (int)dict_get_number(args, (char_u *)"modifiers");
+	button = (int)dict_get_number(args, "button");
+	repeated_click = (int)dict_get_number(args, "multiclick");
+	mods = (int)dict_get_number(args, "modifiers");
 
 	// Reset the scroll values to known values.
 	// XXX: Remove this when/if the scroll step is made configurable.
@@ -1430,9 +1430,9 @@
 	    || !dict_has_key(args, "dragging"))
 	return FALSE;
 
-    which = dict_get_string(args, (char_u *)"which", FALSE);
-    value = (long)dict_get_number(args, (char_u *)"value");
-    dragging = (int)dict_get_number(args, (char_u *)"dragging");
+    which = dict_get_string(args, "which", FALSE);
+    value = (long)dict_get_number(args, "value");
+    dragging = (int)dict_get_number(args, "dragging");
 
     if (STRCMP(which, "left") == 0)
 	sb = &curwin->w_scrollbars[SBAR_LEFT];
@@ -1463,7 +1463,7 @@
     if (!dict_has_key(args, "tabnr"))
 	return FALSE;
 
-    tabnr = (int)dict_get_number(args, (char_u *)"tabnr");
+    tabnr = (int)dict_get_number(args, "tabnr");
 
     return send_tabline_event(tabnr);
 #  else
@@ -1482,8 +1482,8 @@
 	    || !dict_has_key(args, "item"))
 	return FALSE;
 
-    tabnr = (int)dict_get_number(args, (char_u *)"tabnr");
-    item = (int)dict_get_number(args, (char_u *)"item");
+    tabnr = (int)dict_get_number(args, "tabnr");
+    item = (int)dict_get_number(args, "item");
 
     send_tabline_menu_event(tabnr, item);
 #  endif
diff --git a/src/textprop.c b/src/textprop.c
index 2924192..5c07195 100644
--- a/src/textprop.c
+++ b/src/textprop.c
@@ -336,10 +336,10 @@
 	emsg(_(e_missing_property_type_name));
 	return;
     }
-    type_name = dict_get_string(dict, (char_u *)"type", FALSE);
+    type_name = dict_get_string(dict, "type", FALSE);
 
     if (dict_has_key(dict, "id"))
-	id = dict_get_number(dict, (char_u *)"id");
+	id = dict_get_number(dict, "id");
 
     if (get_bufnr_from_arg(&argvars[0], &buf) == FAIL)
 	return;
@@ -399,11 +399,11 @@
 	emsg(_(e_missing_property_type_name));
 	return;
     }
-    type_name = dict_get_string(dict, (char_u *)"type", FALSE);
+    type_name = dict_get_string(dict, "type", FALSE);
 
     if (dict_has_key(dict, "end_lnum"))
     {
-	end_lnum = dict_get_number(dict, (char_u *)"end_lnum");
+	end_lnum = dict_get_number(dict, "end_lnum");
 	if (end_lnum < start_lnum)
 	{
 	    semsg(_(e_invalid_value_for_argument_str), "end_lnum");
@@ -415,7 +415,7 @@
 
     if (dict_has_key(dict, "length"))
     {
-	long length = dict_get_number(dict, (char_u *)"length");
+	long length = dict_get_number(dict, "length");
 
 	if (length < 0 || end_lnum > start_lnum)
 	{
@@ -426,7 +426,7 @@
     }
     else if (dict_has_key(dict, "end_col"))
     {
-	end_col = dict_get_number(dict, (char_u *)"end_col");
+	end_col = dict_get_number(dict, "end_col");
 	if (end_col <= 0)
 	{
 	    semsg(_(e_invalid_value_for_argument_str), "end_col");
@@ -439,7 +439,7 @@
 	end_col = 1;
 
     if (dict_has_key(dict, "id"))
-	id = dict_get_number(dict, (char_u *)"id");
+	id = dict_get_number(dict, "id");
 
     if (dict_arg != NULL && get_bufnr_from_arg(dict_arg, &buf) == FAIL)
 	return;
@@ -784,23 +784,23 @@
 	return;
     }
 
-    skipstart = dict_get_bool(dict, (char_u *)"skipstart", 0);
+    skipstart = dict_get_bool(dict, "skipstart", 0);
 
     if (dict_has_key(dict, "id"))
     {
-	id = dict_get_number(dict, (char_u *)"id");
+	id = dict_get_number(dict, "id");
 	id_found = TRUE;
     }
     if (dict_has_key(dict, "type"))
     {
-	char_u	    *name = dict_get_string(dict, (char_u *)"type", FALSE);
+	char_u	    *name = dict_get_string(dict, "type", FALSE);
 	proptype_T  *type = lookup_prop_type(name, buf);
 
 	if (type == NULL)
 	    return;
 	type_id = type->pt_id;
     }
-    both = dict_get_bool(dict, (char_u *)"both", FALSE);
+    both = dict_get_bool(dict, "both", FALSE);
     if (!id_found && type_id == -1)
     {
 	emsg(_(e_need_at_least_one_of_id_or_type));
@@ -1213,20 +1213,20 @@
     if (buf->b_ml.ml_mfp == NULL)
 	return;
 
-    do_all = dict_get_bool(dict, (char_u *)"all", FALSE);
+    do_all = dict_get_bool(dict, "all", FALSE);
 
     if (dict_has_key(dict, "id"))
-	id = dict_get_number(dict, (char_u *)"id");
+	id = dict_get_number(dict, "id");
     if (dict_has_key(dict, "type"))
     {
-	char_u	    *name = dict_get_string(dict, (char_u *)"type", FALSE);
+	char_u	    *name = dict_get_string(dict, "type", FALSE);
 	proptype_T  *type = lookup_prop_type(name, buf);
 
 	if (type == NULL)
 	    return;
 	type_id = type->pt_id;
     }
-    both = dict_get_bool(dict, (char_u *)"both", FALSE);
+    both = dict_get_bool(dict, "both", FALSE);
 
     if (id == -1 && type_id == -1)
     {
@@ -1383,7 +1383,7 @@
 	    char_u	*highlight;
 	    int		hl_id = 0;
 
-	    highlight = dict_get_string(dict, (char_u *)"highlight", FALSE);
+	    highlight = dict_get_string(dict, "highlight", FALSE);
 	    if (highlight != NULL && *highlight != NUL)
 		hl_id = syn_name2id(highlight);
 	    if (hl_id <= 0)
diff --git a/src/time.c b/src/time.c
index 4adcce5..dc8594a 100644
--- a/src/time.c
+++ b/src/time.c
@@ -863,7 +863,7 @@
 	    return;
 	}
 	if (dict_has_key(dict, "repeat"))
-	    repeat = dict_get_number(dict, (char_u *)"repeat");
+	    repeat = dict_get_number(dict, "repeat");
     }
 
     callback = get_callback(&argvars[1]);
diff --git a/src/version.c b/src/version.c
index c0230c4..d7d0790 100644
--- a/src/version.c
+++ b/src/version.c
@@ -736,6 +736,8 @@
 static int included_patches[] =
 {   /* Add new patch number below this line */
 /**/
+    63,
+/**/
     62,
 /**/
     61,