diff --git a/src/eval.c b/src/eval.c
index 7795f41..9295993 100644
--- a/src/eval.c
+++ b/src/eval.c
@@ -29,14 +29,6 @@
 
 #define NAMESPACE_CHAR	(char_u *)"abglstvw"
 
-static dictitem_T	globvars_var;		/* variable used for g: */
-
-/*
- * Old Vim variables such as "v:version" are also available without the "v:".
- * Also in functions.  We need a special hashtable for them.
- */
-static hashtab_T	compat_hashtab;
-
 /*
  * When recursively copying lists and dicts we need to remember which ones we
  * have done to avoid endless recursiveness.  This unique ID is used for that.
@@ -44,20 +36,6 @@
  */
 static int current_copyID = 0;
 
-/*
- * Array to hold the hashtab with variables local to each sourced script.
- * Each item holds a variable (nameless) that points to the dict_T.
- */
-typedef struct
-{
-    dictitem_T	sv_var;
-    dict_T	sv_dict;
-} scriptvar_T;
-
-static garray_T	    ga_scripts = {0, 0, sizeof(scriptvar_T *), 4, NULL};
-#define SCRIPT_SV(id) (((scriptvar_T **)ga_scripts.ga_data)[(id) - 1])
-#define SCRIPT_VARS(id) (SCRIPT_SV(id)->sv_dict.dv_hashtab)
-
 static int echo_attr = 0;   /* attributes used for ":echo" */
 
 /* The names of packages that once were loaded are remembered. */
@@ -76,140 +54,6 @@
     blob_T	*fi_blob;	/* blob being used */
 } forinfo_T;
 
-
-/*
- * Array to hold the value of v: variables.
- * The value is in a dictitem, so that it can also be used in the v: scope.
- * The reason to use this table anyway is for very quick access to the
- * variables with the VV_ defines.
- */
-
-/* values for vv_flags: */
-#define VV_COMPAT	1	/* compatible, also used without "v:" */
-#define VV_RO		2	/* read-only */
-#define VV_RO_SBX	4	/* read-only in the sandbox */
-
-#define VV_NAME(s, t)	s, {{t, 0, {0}}, 0, {0}}
-
-static struct vimvar
-{
-    char	*vv_name;	/* name of variable, without v: */
-    dictitem16_T vv_di;		/* value and name for key (max 16 chars!) */
-    char	vv_flags;	/* VV_COMPAT, VV_RO, VV_RO_SBX */
-} vimvars[VV_LEN] =
-{
-    /*
-     * The order here must match the VV_ defines in vim.h!
-     * Initializing a union does not work, leave tv.vval empty to get zero's.
-     */
-    {VV_NAME("count",		 VAR_NUMBER), VV_COMPAT+VV_RO},
-    {VV_NAME("count1",		 VAR_NUMBER), VV_RO},
-    {VV_NAME("prevcount",	 VAR_NUMBER), VV_RO},
-    {VV_NAME("errmsg",		 VAR_STRING), VV_COMPAT},
-    {VV_NAME("warningmsg",	 VAR_STRING), 0},
-    {VV_NAME("statusmsg",	 VAR_STRING), 0},
-    {VV_NAME("shell_error",	 VAR_NUMBER), VV_COMPAT+VV_RO},
-    {VV_NAME("this_session",	 VAR_STRING), VV_COMPAT},
-    {VV_NAME("version",		 VAR_NUMBER), VV_COMPAT+VV_RO},
-    {VV_NAME("lnum",		 VAR_NUMBER), VV_RO_SBX},
-    {VV_NAME("termresponse",	 VAR_STRING), VV_RO},
-    {VV_NAME("fname",		 VAR_STRING), VV_RO},
-    {VV_NAME("lang",		 VAR_STRING), VV_RO},
-    {VV_NAME("lc_time",		 VAR_STRING), VV_RO},
-    {VV_NAME("ctype",		 VAR_STRING), VV_RO},
-    {VV_NAME("charconvert_from", VAR_STRING), VV_RO},
-    {VV_NAME("charconvert_to",	 VAR_STRING), VV_RO},
-    {VV_NAME("fname_in",	 VAR_STRING), VV_RO},
-    {VV_NAME("fname_out",	 VAR_STRING), VV_RO},
-    {VV_NAME("fname_new",	 VAR_STRING), VV_RO},
-    {VV_NAME("fname_diff",	 VAR_STRING), VV_RO},
-    {VV_NAME("cmdarg",		 VAR_STRING), VV_RO},
-    {VV_NAME("foldstart",	 VAR_NUMBER), VV_RO_SBX},
-    {VV_NAME("foldend",		 VAR_NUMBER), VV_RO_SBX},
-    {VV_NAME("folddashes",	 VAR_STRING), VV_RO_SBX},
-    {VV_NAME("foldlevel",	 VAR_NUMBER), VV_RO_SBX},
-    {VV_NAME("progname",	 VAR_STRING), VV_RO},
-    {VV_NAME("servername",	 VAR_STRING), VV_RO},
-    {VV_NAME("dying",		 VAR_NUMBER), VV_RO},
-    {VV_NAME("exception",	 VAR_STRING), VV_RO},
-    {VV_NAME("throwpoint",	 VAR_STRING), VV_RO},
-    {VV_NAME("register",	 VAR_STRING), VV_RO},
-    {VV_NAME("cmdbang",		 VAR_NUMBER), VV_RO},
-    {VV_NAME("insertmode",	 VAR_STRING), VV_RO},
-    {VV_NAME("val",		 VAR_UNKNOWN), VV_RO},
-    {VV_NAME("key",		 VAR_UNKNOWN), VV_RO},
-    {VV_NAME("profiling",	 VAR_NUMBER), VV_RO},
-    {VV_NAME("fcs_reason",	 VAR_STRING), VV_RO},
-    {VV_NAME("fcs_choice",	 VAR_STRING), 0},
-    {VV_NAME("beval_bufnr",	 VAR_NUMBER), VV_RO},
-    {VV_NAME("beval_winnr",	 VAR_NUMBER), VV_RO},
-    {VV_NAME("beval_winid",	 VAR_NUMBER), VV_RO},
-    {VV_NAME("beval_lnum",	 VAR_NUMBER), VV_RO},
-    {VV_NAME("beval_col",	 VAR_NUMBER), VV_RO},
-    {VV_NAME("beval_text",	 VAR_STRING), VV_RO},
-    {VV_NAME("scrollstart",	 VAR_STRING), 0},
-    {VV_NAME("swapname",	 VAR_STRING), VV_RO},
-    {VV_NAME("swapchoice",	 VAR_STRING), 0},
-    {VV_NAME("swapcommand",	 VAR_STRING), VV_RO},
-    {VV_NAME("char",		 VAR_STRING), 0},
-    {VV_NAME("mouse_win",	 VAR_NUMBER), 0},
-    {VV_NAME("mouse_winid",	 VAR_NUMBER), 0},
-    {VV_NAME("mouse_lnum",	 VAR_NUMBER), 0},
-    {VV_NAME("mouse_col",	 VAR_NUMBER), 0},
-    {VV_NAME("operator",	 VAR_STRING), VV_RO},
-    {VV_NAME("searchforward",	 VAR_NUMBER), 0},
-    {VV_NAME("hlsearch",	 VAR_NUMBER), 0},
-    {VV_NAME("oldfiles",	 VAR_LIST), 0},
-    {VV_NAME("windowid",	 VAR_NUMBER), VV_RO},
-    {VV_NAME("progpath",	 VAR_STRING), VV_RO},
-    {VV_NAME("completed_item",	 VAR_DICT), VV_RO},
-    {VV_NAME("option_new",	 VAR_STRING), VV_RO},
-    {VV_NAME("option_old",	 VAR_STRING), VV_RO},
-    {VV_NAME("option_oldlocal",	 VAR_STRING), VV_RO},
-    {VV_NAME("option_oldglobal", VAR_STRING), VV_RO},
-    {VV_NAME("option_command",	 VAR_STRING), VV_RO},
-    {VV_NAME("option_type",	 VAR_STRING), VV_RO},
-    {VV_NAME("errors",		 VAR_LIST), 0},
-    {VV_NAME("false",		 VAR_SPECIAL), VV_RO},
-    {VV_NAME("true",		 VAR_SPECIAL), VV_RO},
-    {VV_NAME("null",		 VAR_SPECIAL), VV_RO},
-    {VV_NAME("none",		 VAR_SPECIAL), VV_RO},
-    {VV_NAME("vim_did_enter",	 VAR_NUMBER), VV_RO},
-    {VV_NAME("testing",		 VAR_NUMBER), 0},
-    {VV_NAME("t_number",	 VAR_NUMBER), VV_RO},
-    {VV_NAME("t_string",	 VAR_NUMBER), VV_RO},
-    {VV_NAME("t_func",		 VAR_NUMBER), VV_RO},
-    {VV_NAME("t_list",		 VAR_NUMBER), VV_RO},
-    {VV_NAME("t_dict",		 VAR_NUMBER), VV_RO},
-    {VV_NAME("t_float",		 VAR_NUMBER), VV_RO},
-    {VV_NAME("t_bool",		 VAR_NUMBER), VV_RO},
-    {VV_NAME("t_none",		 VAR_NUMBER), VV_RO},
-    {VV_NAME("t_job",		 VAR_NUMBER), VV_RO},
-    {VV_NAME("t_channel",	 VAR_NUMBER), VV_RO},
-    {VV_NAME("t_blob",		 VAR_NUMBER), VV_RO},
-    {VV_NAME("termrfgresp",	 VAR_STRING), VV_RO},
-    {VV_NAME("termrbgresp",	 VAR_STRING), VV_RO},
-    {VV_NAME("termu7resp",	 VAR_STRING), VV_RO},
-    {VV_NAME("termstyleresp",	 VAR_STRING), VV_RO},
-    {VV_NAME("termblinkresp",	 VAR_STRING), VV_RO},
-    {VV_NAME("event",		 VAR_DICT), VV_RO},
-    {VV_NAME("versionlong",	 VAR_NUMBER), VV_RO},
-    {VV_NAME("echospace",	 VAR_NUMBER), VV_RO},
-};
-
-/* shorthand */
-#define vv_type		vv_di.di_tv.v_type
-#define vv_nr		vv_di.di_tv.vval.v_number
-#define vv_float	vv_di.di_tv.vval.v_float
-#define vv_str		vv_di.di_tv.vval.v_string
-#define vv_list		vv_di.di_tv.vval.v_list
-#define vv_dict		vv_di.di_tv.vval.v_dict
-#define vv_blob		vv_di.di_tv.vval.v_blob
-#define vv_tv		vv_di.di_tv
-
-static dictitem_T	vimvars_var;		/* variable used for v: */
-#define vimvarht  vimvardict.dv_hashtab
-
 static int tv_op(typval_T *tv1, typval_T *tv2, char_u  *op);
 static int eval2(char_u **arg, typval_T *rettv, int evaluate);
 static int eval3(char_u **arg, typval_T *rettv, int evaluate);
@@ -224,13 +68,8 @@
 static int free_unref_items(int copyID);
 static int get_env_tv(char_u **arg, typval_T *rettv, int evaluate);
 static char_u *make_expanded_name(char_u *in_start, char_u *expr_start, char_u *expr_end, char_u *in_end);
-static void check_vars(char_u *name, int len);
-static typval_T *alloc_string_tv(char_u *string);
 static int tv_check_lock(typval_T *tv, char_u *name, int use_gettext);
 
-/* for VIM_VERSION_ defines */
-#include "version.h"
-
 /*
  * Return "n1" divided by "n2", taking care of dividing by zero.
  */
@@ -264,7 +103,6 @@
     return (n2 == 0) ? 0 : (n1 % n2);
 }
 
-
 #if defined(EBCDIC) || defined(PROTO)
 /*
  * Compare struct fst by function name.
@@ -292,75 +130,15 @@
 }
 #endif
 
-
 /*
  * Initialize the global and v: variables.
  */
     void
 eval_init(void)
 {
-    int		    i;
-    struct vimvar   *p;
-
-    init_var_dict(&globvardict, &globvars_var, VAR_DEF_SCOPE);
-    init_var_dict(&vimvardict, &vimvars_var, VAR_SCOPE);
-    vimvardict.dv_lock = VAR_FIXED;
-    hash_init(&compat_hashtab);
+    evalvars_init();
     func_init();
 
-    for (i = 0; i < VV_LEN; ++i)
-    {
-	p = &vimvars[i];
-	if (STRLEN(p->vv_name) > DICTITEM16_KEY_LEN)
-	{
-	    iemsg("INTERNAL: name too long, increase size of dictitem16_T");
-	    getout(1);
-	}
-	STRCPY(p->vv_di.di_key, p->vv_name);
-	if (p->vv_flags & VV_RO)
-	    p->vv_di.di_flags = DI_FLAGS_RO | DI_FLAGS_FIX;
-	else if (p->vv_flags & VV_RO_SBX)
-	    p->vv_di.di_flags = DI_FLAGS_RO_SBX | DI_FLAGS_FIX;
-	else
-	    p->vv_di.di_flags = DI_FLAGS_FIX;
-
-	/* add to v: scope dict, unless the value is not always available */
-	if (p->vv_type != VAR_UNKNOWN)
-	    hash_add(&vimvarht, p->vv_di.di_key);
-	if (p->vv_flags & VV_COMPAT)
-	    /* add to compat scope dict */
-	    hash_add(&compat_hashtab, p->vv_di.di_key);
-    }
-    vimvars[VV_VERSION].vv_nr = VIM_VERSION_100;
-    vimvars[VV_VERSIONLONG].vv_nr = VIM_VERSION_100 * 10000 + highest_patch();
-
-    set_vim_var_nr(VV_SEARCHFORWARD, 1L);
-    set_vim_var_nr(VV_HLSEARCH, 1L);
-    set_vim_var_dict(VV_COMPLETED_ITEM, dict_alloc_lock(VAR_FIXED));
-    set_vim_var_list(VV_ERRORS, list_alloc());
-    set_vim_var_dict(VV_EVENT, dict_alloc_lock(VAR_FIXED));
-
-    set_vim_var_nr(VV_FALSE, VVAL_FALSE);
-    set_vim_var_nr(VV_TRUE, VVAL_TRUE);
-    set_vim_var_nr(VV_NONE, VVAL_NONE);
-    set_vim_var_nr(VV_NULL, VVAL_NULL);
-
-    set_vim_var_nr(VV_TYPE_NUMBER,  VAR_TYPE_NUMBER);
-    set_vim_var_nr(VV_TYPE_STRING,  VAR_TYPE_STRING);
-    set_vim_var_nr(VV_TYPE_FUNC,    VAR_TYPE_FUNC);
-    set_vim_var_nr(VV_TYPE_LIST,    VAR_TYPE_LIST);
-    set_vim_var_nr(VV_TYPE_DICT,    VAR_TYPE_DICT);
-    set_vim_var_nr(VV_TYPE_FLOAT,   VAR_TYPE_FLOAT);
-    set_vim_var_nr(VV_TYPE_BOOL,    VAR_TYPE_BOOL);
-    set_vim_var_nr(VV_TYPE_NONE,    VAR_TYPE_NONE);
-    set_vim_var_nr(VV_TYPE_JOB,     VAR_TYPE_JOB);
-    set_vim_var_nr(VV_TYPE_CHANNEL, VAR_TYPE_CHANNEL);
-    set_vim_var_nr(VV_TYPE_BLOB,    VAR_TYPE_BLOB);
-
-    set_vim_var_nr(VV_ECHOSPACE,    sc_col - 1);
-
-    set_reg_var(0);  /* default for v:register is not 0 but '"' */
-
 #ifdef EBCDIC
     /*
      * Sort the function table, to enable binary search.
@@ -373,42 +151,14 @@
     void
 eval_clear(void)
 {
-    int		    i;
-    struct vimvar   *p;
-
-    for (i = 0; i < VV_LEN; ++i)
-    {
-	p = &vimvars[i];
-	if (p->vv_di.di_tv.v_type == VAR_STRING)
-	    VIM_CLEAR(p->vv_str);
-	else if (p->vv_di.di_tv.v_type == VAR_LIST)
-	{
-	    list_unref(p->vv_list);
-	    p->vv_list = NULL;
-	}
-    }
-    hash_clear(&vimvarht);
-    hash_init(&vimvarht);  /* garbage_collect() will access it */
-    hash_clear(&compat_hashtab);
+    evalvars_clear();
 
     free_scriptnames();
     free_locales();
 
-    /* global variables */
-    vars_clear(&globvarht);
-
     /* autoloaded script names */
     ga_clear_strings(&ga_loaded);
 
-    /* Script-local variables. First clear all the variables and in a second
-     * loop free the scriptvar_T, because a variable in one script might hold
-     * a reference to the whole scope of another script. */
-    for (i = 1; i <= ga_scripts.ga_len; ++i)
-	vars_clear(&SCRIPT_VARS(i));
-    for (i = 1; i <= ga_scripts.ga_len; ++i)
-	vim_free(SCRIPT_SV(i));
-    ga_clear(&ga_scripts);
-
     // unreferenced lists and dicts
     (void)garbage_collect(FALSE);
 
@@ -417,29 +167,6 @@
 }
 #endif
 
-
-/*
- * Set an internal variable to a string value. Creates the variable if it does
- * not already exist.
- */
-    void
-set_internal_string_var(char_u *name, char_u *value)
-{
-    char_u	*val;
-    typval_T	*tvp;
-
-    val = vim_strsave(value);
-    if (val != NULL)
-    {
-	tvp = alloc_string_tv(val);
-	if (tvp != NULL)
-	{
-	    set_var(name, tvp, FALSE);
-	    free_tv(tvp);
-	}
-    }
-}
-
 static lval_T	*redir_lval = NULL;
 #define EVALCMD_BUSY (redir_lval == (lval_T *)&redir_lval)
 static garray_T redir_ga;	/* only valid when redir_lval is not NULL */
@@ -944,71 +671,6 @@
     return retval;
 }
 
-/*
- * List Vim variables.
- */
-    void
-list_vim_vars(int *first)
-{
-    list_hashtable_vars(&vimvarht, "v:", FALSE, first);
-}
-
-/*
- * List script-local variables, if there is a script.
- */
-    void
-list_script_vars(int *first)
-{
-    if (current_sctx.sc_sid > 0 && current_sctx.sc_sid <= ga_scripts.ga_len)
-	list_hashtable_vars(&SCRIPT_VARS(current_sctx.sc_sid),
-							   "s:", FALSE, first);
-}
-
-    int
-is_vimvarht(hashtab_T *ht)
-{
-    return ht == &vimvarht;
-}
-
-    int
-is_compatht(hashtab_T *ht)
-{
-    return ht == &compat_hashtab;
-}
-
-/*
- * Prepare v: variable "idx" to be used.
- * Save the current typeval in "save_tv".
- * When not used yet add the variable to the v: hashtable.
- */
-    void
-prepare_vimvar(int idx, typval_T *save_tv)
-{
-    *save_tv = vimvars[idx].vv_tv;
-    if (vimvars[idx].vv_type == VAR_UNKNOWN)
-	hash_add(&vimvarht, vimvars[idx].vv_di.di_key);
-}
-
-/*
- * Restore v: variable "idx" to typeval "save_tv".
- * When no longer defined, remove the variable from the v: hashtable.
- */
-    void
-restore_vimvar(int idx, typval_T *save_tv)
-{
-    hashitem_T	*hi;
-
-    vimvars[idx].vv_tv = *save_tv;
-    if (vimvars[idx].vv_type == VAR_UNKNOWN)
-    {
-	hi = hash_find(&vimvarht, vimvars[idx].vv_di.di_key);
-	if (HASHITEM_EMPTY(hi))
-	    internal_error("restore_vimvar()");
-	else
-	    hash_remove(&vimvarht, hi);
-    }
-}
-
 #if defined(FEAT_SPELL) || defined(PROTO)
 /*
  * Evaluate an expression to a list with suggestions.
@@ -1025,8 +687,7 @@
 
     /* Set "v:val" to the bad word. */
     prepare_vimvar(VV_VAL, &save_val);
-    vimvars[VV_VAL].vv_type = VAR_STRING;
-    vimvars[VV_VAL].vv_str = badword;
+    set_vim_var_string(VV_VAL, badword, -1);
     if (p_verbose == 0)
 	++emsg_off;
 
@@ -1040,6 +701,7 @@
 
     if (p_verbose == 0)
 	--emsg_off;
+    clear_tv(get_vim_var_tv(VV_VAL));
     restore_vimvar(VV_VAL, &save_val);
 
     return list;
@@ -1085,7 +747,6 @@
     return tv;
 }
 
-
 /*
  * Call some Vim script function and return the result in "*rettv".
  * Uses argv[0] to argv[argc - 1] for the function arguments.  argv[argc]
@@ -1186,7 +847,6 @@
     return rettv.vval.v_list;
 }
 
-
 #ifdef FEAT_FOLDING
 /*
  * Evaluate 'foldexpr'.  Returns the foldlevel, and any character preceding
@@ -2287,125 +1947,6 @@
 #endif
 
 /*
- * Local string buffer for the next two functions to store a variable name
- * with its prefix. Allocated in cat_prefix_varname(), freed later in
- * get_user_var_name().
- */
-
-static char_u	*varnamebuf = NULL;
-static int	varnamebuflen = 0;
-
-/*
- * Function to concatenate a prefix and a variable name.
- */
-    static char_u *
-cat_prefix_varname(int prefix, char_u *name)
-{
-    int		len;
-
-    len = (int)STRLEN(name) + 3;
-    if (len > varnamebuflen)
-    {
-	vim_free(varnamebuf);
-	len += 10;			/* some additional space */
-	varnamebuf = alloc(len);
-	if (varnamebuf == NULL)
-	{
-	    varnamebuflen = 0;
-	    return NULL;
-	}
-	varnamebuflen = len;
-    }
-    *varnamebuf = prefix;
-    varnamebuf[1] = ':';
-    STRCPY(varnamebuf + 2, name);
-    return varnamebuf;
-}
-
-/*
- * Function given to ExpandGeneric() to obtain the list of user defined
- * (global/buffer/window/built-in) variable names.
- */
-    char_u *
-get_user_var_name(expand_T *xp, int idx)
-{
-    static long_u	gdone;
-    static long_u	bdone;
-    static long_u	wdone;
-    static long_u	tdone;
-    static int		vidx;
-    static hashitem_T	*hi;
-    hashtab_T		*ht;
-
-    if (idx == 0)
-    {
-	gdone = bdone = wdone = vidx = 0;
-	tdone = 0;
-    }
-
-    /* Global variables */
-    if (gdone < globvarht.ht_used)
-    {
-	if (gdone++ == 0)
-	    hi = globvarht.ht_array;
-	else
-	    ++hi;
-	while (HASHITEM_EMPTY(hi))
-	    ++hi;
-	if (STRNCMP("g:", xp->xp_pattern, 2) == 0)
-	    return cat_prefix_varname('g', hi->hi_key);
-	return hi->hi_key;
-    }
-
-    /* b: variables */
-    ht = &curbuf->b_vars->dv_hashtab;
-    if (bdone < ht->ht_used)
-    {
-	if (bdone++ == 0)
-	    hi = ht->ht_array;
-	else
-	    ++hi;
-	while (HASHITEM_EMPTY(hi))
-	    ++hi;
-	return cat_prefix_varname('b', hi->hi_key);
-    }
-
-    /* w: variables */
-    ht = &curwin->w_vars->dv_hashtab;
-    if (wdone < ht->ht_used)
-    {
-	if (wdone++ == 0)
-	    hi = ht->ht_array;
-	else
-	    ++hi;
-	while (HASHITEM_EMPTY(hi))
-	    ++hi;
-	return cat_prefix_varname('w', hi->hi_key);
-    }
-
-    /* t: variables */
-    ht = &curtab->tp_vars->dv_hashtab;
-    if (tdone < ht->ht_used)
-    {
-	if (tdone++ == 0)
-	    hi = ht->ht_array;
-	else
-	    ++hi;
-	while (HASHITEM_EMPTY(hi))
-	    ++hi;
-	return cat_prefix_varname('t', hi->hi_key);
-    }
-
-    /* v: variables */
-    if (vidx < VV_LEN)
-	return cat_prefix_varname('v', (char_u *)vimvars[vidx++].vv_name);
-
-    VIM_CLEAR(varnamebuf);
-    varnamebuflen = 0;
-    return NULL;
-}
-
-/*
  * Return TRUE if "pat" matches "text".
  * Does not use 'cpo' and always uses 'magic'.
  */
@@ -4619,7 +4160,6 @@
     int		abort = FALSE;
     buf_T	*buf;
     win_T	*wp;
-    int		i;
     int		did_free = FALSE;
     tabpage_T	*tp;
 
@@ -4646,8 +4186,7 @@
     abort = abort || set_ref_in_previous_funccal(copyID);
 
     /* script-local variables */
-    for (i = 1; i <= ga_scripts.ga_len; ++i)
-	abort = abort || set_ref_in_ht(&SCRIPT_VARS(i), copyID, NULL);
+    abort = abort || garbage_collect_scriptvars(copyID);
 
     /* buffer-local variables */
     FOR_ALL_BUFFERS(buf)
@@ -4688,7 +4227,7 @@
     abort = abort || set_ref_in_func_args(copyID);
 
     /* v: vars */
-    abort = abort || set_ref_in_ht(&vimvarht, copyID, NULL);
+    abort = abort || garbage_collect_vimvars(copyID);
 
     // callbacks in buffers
     abort = abort || set_ref_in_buffers(copyID);
@@ -5475,8 +5014,6 @@
     return OK;
 }
 
-
-
 /*
  * Translate a String variable into a position.
  * Returns NULL when there is an error.
@@ -5957,316 +5494,6 @@
 }
 
 /*
- * Set number v: variable to "val".
- */
-    void
-set_vim_var_nr(int idx, varnumber_T val)
-{
-    vimvars[idx].vv_nr = val;
-}
-
-/*
- * Get typval_T v: variable value.
- */
-    typval_T *
-get_vim_var_tv(int idx)
-{
-    return &vimvars[idx].vv_tv;
-}
-
-/*
- * Get number v: variable value.
- */
-    varnumber_T
-get_vim_var_nr(int idx)
-{
-    return vimvars[idx].vv_nr;
-}
-
-/*
- * Get string v: variable value.  Uses a static buffer, can only be used once.
- * If the String variable has never been set, return an empty string.
- * Never returns NULL;
- */
-    char_u *
-get_vim_var_str(int idx)
-{
-    return tv_get_string(&vimvars[idx].vv_tv);
-}
-
-/*
- * Get List v: variable value.  Caller must take care of reference count when
- * needed.
- */
-    list_T *
-get_vim_var_list(int idx)
-{
-    return vimvars[idx].vv_list;
-}
-
-/*
- * Get Dict v: variable value.  Caller must take care of reference count when
- * needed.
- */
-    dict_T *
-get_vim_var_dict(int idx)
-{
-    return vimvars[idx].vv_dict;
-}
-
-/*
- * Set v:char to character "c".
- */
-    void
-set_vim_var_char(int c)
-{
-    char_u	buf[MB_MAXBYTES + 1];
-
-    if (has_mbyte)
-	buf[(*mb_char2bytes)(c, buf)] = NUL;
-    else
-    {
-	buf[0] = c;
-	buf[1] = NUL;
-    }
-    set_vim_var_string(VV_CHAR, buf, -1);
-}
-
-/*
- * Set v:count to "count" and v:count1 to "count1".
- * When "set_prevcount" is TRUE first set v:prevcount from v:count.
- */
-    void
-set_vcount(
-    long	count,
-    long	count1,
-    int		set_prevcount)
-{
-    if (set_prevcount)
-	vimvars[VV_PREVCOUNT].vv_nr = vimvars[VV_COUNT].vv_nr;
-    vimvars[VV_COUNT].vv_nr = count;
-    vimvars[VV_COUNT1].vv_nr = count1;
-}
-
-/*
- * Save variables that might be changed as a side effect.  Used when executing
- * a timer callback.
- */
-    void
-save_vimvars(vimvars_save_T *vvsave)
-{
-    vvsave->vv_prevcount = vimvars[VV_PREVCOUNT].vv_nr;
-    vvsave->vv_count = vimvars[VV_COUNT].vv_nr;
-    vvsave->vv_count1 = vimvars[VV_COUNT1].vv_nr;
-}
-
-/*
- * Restore variables saved by save_vimvars().
- */
-    void
-restore_vimvars(vimvars_save_T *vvsave)
-{
-    vimvars[VV_PREVCOUNT].vv_nr = vvsave->vv_prevcount;
-    vimvars[VV_COUNT].vv_nr = vvsave->vv_count;
-    vimvars[VV_COUNT1].vv_nr = vvsave->vv_count1;
-}
-
-/*
- * Set string v: variable to a copy of "val".
- */
-    void
-set_vim_var_string(
-    int		idx,
-    char_u	*val,
-    int		len)	    /* length of "val" to use or -1 (whole string) */
-{
-    clear_tv(&vimvars[idx].vv_di.di_tv);
-    vimvars[idx].vv_type = VAR_STRING;
-    if (val == NULL)
-	vimvars[idx].vv_str = NULL;
-    else if (len == -1)
-	vimvars[idx].vv_str = vim_strsave(val);
-    else
-	vimvars[idx].vv_str = vim_strnsave(val, len);
-}
-
-/*
- * Set List v: variable to "val".
- */
-    void
-set_vim_var_list(int idx, list_T *val)
-{
-    clear_tv(&vimvars[idx].vv_di.di_tv);
-    vimvars[idx].vv_type = VAR_LIST;
-    vimvars[idx].vv_list = val;
-    if (val != NULL)
-	++val->lv_refcount;
-}
-
-/*
- * Set Dictionary v: variable to "val".
- */
-    void
-set_vim_var_dict(int idx, dict_T *val)
-{
-    clear_tv(&vimvars[idx].vv_di.di_tv);
-    vimvars[idx].vv_type = VAR_DICT;
-    vimvars[idx].vv_dict = val;
-    if (val != NULL)
-    {
-	++val->dv_refcount;
-	dict_set_items_ro(val);
-    }
-}
-
-/*
- * Set v:register if needed.
- */
-    void
-set_reg_var(int c)
-{
-    char_u	regname;
-
-    if (c == 0 || c == ' ')
-	regname = '"';
-    else
-	regname = c;
-    /* Avoid free/alloc when the value is already right. */
-    if (vimvars[VV_REG].vv_str == NULL || vimvars[VV_REG].vv_str[0] != c)
-	set_vim_var_string(VV_REG, &regname, 1);
-}
-
-/*
- * Get or set v:exception.  If "oldval" == NULL, return the current value.
- * Otherwise, restore the value to "oldval" and return NULL.
- * Must always be called in pairs to save and restore v:exception!  Does not
- * take care of memory allocations.
- */
-    char_u *
-v_exception(char_u *oldval)
-{
-    if (oldval == NULL)
-	return vimvars[VV_EXCEPTION].vv_str;
-
-    vimvars[VV_EXCEPTION].vv_str = oldval;
-    return NULL;
-}
-
-/*
- * Get or set v:throwpoint.  If "oldval" == NULL, return the current value.
- * Otherwise, restore the value to "oldval" and return NULL.
- * Must always be called in pairs to save and restore v:throwpoint!  Does not
- * take care of memory allocations.
- */
-    char_u *
-v_throwpoint(char_u *oldval)
-{
-    if (oldval == NULL)
-	return vimvars[VV_THROWPOINT].vv_str;
-
-    vimvars[VV_THROWPOINT].vv_str = oldval;
-    return NULL;
-}
-
-/*
- * Set v:cmdarg.
- * If "eap" != NULL, use "eap" to generate the value and return the old value.
- * If "oldarg" != NULL, restore the value to "oldarg" and return NULL.
- * Must always be called in pairs!
- */
-    char_u *
-set_cmdarg(exarg_T *eap, char_u *oldarg)
-{
-    char_u	*oldval;
-    char_u	*newval;
-    unsigned	len;
-
-    oldval = vimvars[VV_CMDARG].vv_str;
-    if (eap == NULL)
-    {
-	vim_free(oldval);
-	vimvars[VV_CMDARG].vv_str = oldarg;
-	return NULL;
-    }
-
-    if (eap->force_bin == FORCE_BIN)
-	len = 6;
-    else if (eap->force_bin == FORCE_NOBIN)
-	len = 8;
-    else
-	len = 0;
-
-    if (eap->read_edit)
-	len += 7;
-
-    if (eap->force_ff != 0)
-	len += 10; /* " ++ff=unix" */
-    if (eap->force_enc != 0)
-	len += (unsigned)STRLEN(eap->cmd + eap->force_enc) + 7;
-    if (eap->bad_char != 0)
-	len += 7 + 4;  /* " ++bad=" + "keep" or "drop" */
-
-    newval = alloc(len + 1);
-    if (newval == NULL)
-	return NULL;
-
-    if (eap->force_bin == FORCE_BIN)
-	sprintf((char *)newval, " ++bin");
-    else if (eap->force_bin == FORCE_NOBIN)
-	sprintf((char *)newval, " ++nobin");
-    else
-	*newval = NUL;
-
-    if (eap->read_edit)
-	STRCAT(newval, " ++edit");
-
-    if (eap->force_ff != 0)
-	sprintf((char *)newval + STRLEN(newval), " ++ff=%s",
-						eap->force_ff == 'u' ? "unix"
-						: eap->force_ff == 'd' ? "dos"
-						: "mac");
-    if (eap->force_enc != 0)
-	sprintf((char *)newval + STRLEN(newval), " ++enc=%s",
-					       eap->cmd + eap->force_enc);
-    if (eap->bad_char == BAD_KEEP)
-	STRCPY(newval + STRLEN(newval), " ++bad=keep");
-    else if (eap->bad_char == BAD_DROP)
-	STRCPY(newval + STRLEN(newval), " ++bad=drop");
-    else if (eap->bad_char != 0)
-	sprintf((char *)newval + STRLEN(newval), " ++bad=%c", eap->bad_char);
-    vimvars[VV_CMDARG].vv_str = newval;
-    return oldval;
-}
-
-/*
- * Check if variable "name[len]" is a local variable or an argument.
- * If so, "*eval_lavars_used" is set to TRUE.
- */
-    static void
-check_vars(char_u *name, int len)
-{
-    int		cc;
-    char_u	*varname;
-    hashtab_T	*ht;
-
-    if (eval_lavars_used == NULL)
-	return;
-
-    /* truncate the name, so that we can use strcmp() */
-    cc = name[len];
-    name[len] = NUL;
-
-    ht = find_var_ht(name, &varname);
-    if (ht == get_funccal_local_ht() || ht == get_funccal_args_ht())
-    {
-	if (find_var(name, NULL, TRUE) != NULL)
-	    *eval_lavars_used = TRUE;
-    }
-
-    name[len] = cc;
-}
-
-/*
  * Handle:
  * - expr[expr], expr[expr:expr] subscript
  * - ".name" lookup
@@ -6380,7 +5607,7 @@
  * The string "s" must have been allocated, it is consumed.
  * Return NULL for out of memory, the variable otherwise.
  */
-    static typval_T *
+    typval_T *
 alloc_string_tv(char_u *s)
 {
     typval_T	*rettv;
@@ -6777,209 +6004,6 @@
 }
 
 /*
- * Find variable "name" in the list of variables.
- * Return a pointer to it if found, NULL if not found.
- * Careful: "a:0" variables don't have a name.
- * When "htp" is not NULL we are writing to the variable, set "htp" to the
- * hashtab_T used.
- */
-    dictitem_T *
-find_var(char_u *name, hashtab_T **htp, int no_autoload)
-{
-    char_u	*varname;
-    hashtab_T	*ht;
-    dictitem_T	*ret = NULL;
-
-    ht = find_var_ht(name, &varname);
-    if (htp != NULL)
-	*htp = ht;
-    if (ht == NULL)
-	return NULL;
-    ret = find_var_in_ht(ht, *name, varname, no_autoload || htp != NULL);
-    if (ret != NULL)
-	return ret;
-
-    /* Search in parent scope for lambda */
-    return find_var_in_scoped_ht(name, no_autoload || htp != NULL);
-}
-
-/*
- * Find variable "varname" in hashtab "ht" with name "htname".
- * Returns NULL if not found.
- */
-    dictitem_T *
-find_var_in_ht(
-    hashtab_T	*ht,
-    int		htname,
-    char_u	*varname,
-    int		no_autoload)
-{
-    hashitem_T	*hi;
-
-    if (*varname == NUL)
-    {
-	/* Must be something like "s:", otherwise "ht" would be NULL. */
-	switch (htname)
-	{
-	    case 's': return &SCRIPT_SV(current_sctx.sc_sid)->sv_var;
-	    case 'g': return &globvars_var;
-	    case 'v': return &vimvars_var;
-	    case 'b': return &curbuf->b_bufvar;
-	    case 'w': return &curwin->w_winvar;
-	    case 't': return &curtab->tp_winvar;
-	    case 'l': return get_funccal_local_var();
-	    case 'a': return get_funccal_args_var();
-	}
-	return NULL;
-    }
-
-    hi = hash_find(ht, varname);
-    if (HASHITEM_EMPTY(hi))
-    {
-	/* For global variables we may try auto-loading the script.  If it
-	 * worked find the variable again.  Don't auto-load a script if it was
-	 * loaded already, otherwise it would be loaded every time when
-	 * checking if a function name is a Funcref variable. */
-	if (ht == &globvarht && !no_autoload)
-	{
-	    /* Note: script_autoload() may make "hi" invalid. It must either
-	     * be obtained again or not used. */
-	    if (!script_autoload(varname, FALSE) || aborting())
-		return NULL;
-	    hi = hash_find(ht, varname);
-	}
-	if (HASHITEM_EMPTY(hi))
-	    return NULL;
-    }
-    return HI2DI(hi);
-}
-
-/*
- * Find the hashtab used for a variable name.
- * Return NULL if the name is not valid.
- * Set "varname" to the start of name without ':'.
- */
-    hashtab_T *
-find_var_ht(char_u *name, char_u **varname)
-{
-    hashitem_T	*hi;
-    hashtab_T	*ht;
-
-    if (name[0] == NUL)
-	return NULL;
-    if (name[1] != ':')
-    {
-	/* The name must not start with a colon or #. */
-	if (name[0] == ':' || name[0] == AUTOLOAD_CHAR)
-	    return NULL;
-	*varname = name;
-
-	// "version" is "v:version" in all scopes if scriptversion < 3.
-	// Same for a few other variables marked with VV_COMPAT.
-	if (current_sctx.sc_version < 3)
-	{
-	    hi = hash_find(&compat_hashtab, name);
-	    if (!HASHITEM_EMPTY(hi))
-		return &compat_hashtab;
-	}
-
-	ht = get_funccal_local_ht();
-	if (ht == NULL)
-	    return &globvarht;			/* global variable */
-	return ht;				/* local variable */
-    }
-    *varname = name + 2;
-    if (*name == 'g')				/* global variable */
-	return &globvarht;
-    // There must be no ':' or '#' in the rest of the name, unless g: is used
-    if (vim_strchr(name + 2, ':') != NULL
-			       || vim_strchr(name + 2, AUTOLOAD_CHAR) != NULL)
-	return NULL;
-    if (*name == 'b')				/* buffer variable */
-	return &curbuf->b_vars->dv_hashtab;
-    if (*name == 'w')				/* window variable */
-	return &curwin->w_vars->dv_hashtab;
-    if (*name == 't')				/* tab page variable */
-	return &curtab->tp_vars->dv_hashtab;
-    if (*name == 'v')				/* v: variable */
-	return &vimvarht;
-    if (*name == 'a')				/* a: function argument */
-	return get_funccal_args_ht();
-    if (*name == 'l')				/* l: local function variable */
-	return get_funccal_local_ht();
-    if (*name == 's'				/* script variable */
-	    && current_sctx.sc_sid > 0 && current_sctx.sc_sid <= ga_scripts.ga_len)
-	return &SCRIPT_VARS(current_sctx.sc_sid);
-    return NULL;
-}
-
-/*
- * Allocate a new hashtab for a sourced script.  It will be used while
- * sourcing this script and when executing functions defined in the script.
- */
-    void
-new_script_vars(scid_T id)
-{
-    int		i;
-    hashtab_T	*ht;
-    scriptvar_T *sv;
-
-    if (ga_grow(&ga_scripts, (int)(id - ga_scripts.ga_len)) == OK)
-    {
-	/* Re-allocating ga_data means that an ht_array pointing to
-	 * ht_smallarray becomes invalid.  We can recognize this: ht_mask is
-	 * at its init value.  Also reset "v_dict", it's always the same. */
-	for (i = 1; i <= ga_scripts.ga_len; ++i)
-	{
-	    ht = &SCRIPT_VARS(i);
-	    if (ht->ht_mask == HT_INIT_SIZE - 1)
-		ht->ht_array = ht->ht_smallarray;
-	    sv = SCRIPT_SV(i);
-	    sv->sv_var.di_tv.vval.v_dict = &sv->sv_dict;
-	}
-
-	while (ga_scripts.ga_len < id)
-	{
-	    sv = SCRIPT_SV(ga_scripts.ga_len + 1) =
-		ALLOC_CLEAR_ONE(scriptvar_T);
-	    init_var_dict(&sv->sv_dict, &sv->sv_var, VAR_SCOPE);
-	    ++ga_scripts.ga_len;
-	}
-    }
-}
-
-/*
- * Initialize dictionary "dict" as a scope and set variable "dict_var" to
- * point to it.
- */
-    void
-init_var_dict(dict_T *dict, dictitem_T *dict_var, int scope)
-{
-    hash_init(&dict->dv_hashtab);
-    dict->dv_lock = 0;
-    dict->dv_scope = scope;
-    dict->dv_refcount = DO_NOT_FREE_CNT;
-    dict->dv_copyID = 0;
-    dict_var->di_tv.vval.v_dict = dict;
-    dict_var->di_tv.v_type = VAR_DICT;
-    dict_var->di_tv.v_lock = VAR_FIXED;
-    dict_var->di_flags = DI_FLAGS_RO | DI_FLAGS_FIX;
-    dict_var->di_key[0] = NUL;
-}
-
-/*
- * Unreference a dictionary initialized by init_var_dict().
- */
-    void
-unref_var_dict(dict_T *dict)
-{
-    /* Now the dict needs to be freed if no one else is using it, go back to
-     * normal reference counting. */
-    dict->dv_refcount -= DO_NOT_FREE_CNT - 1;
-    dict_unref(dict);
-}
-
-/*
  * Return TRUE if typeval "tv" and its value are set to be locked (immutable).
  * Also give an error message, using "name" or _("name") when use_gettext is
  * TRUE.
@@ -7730,34 +6754,6 @@
 }
 
 /*
- * reset v:option_new, v:option_old, v:option_oldlocal, v:option_oldglobal,
- * v:option_type, and v:option_command.
- */
-    void
-reset_v_option_vars(void)
-{
-    set_vim_var_string(VV_OPTION_NEW,  NULL, -1);
-    set_vim_var_string(VV_OPTION_OLD,  NULL, -1);
-    set_vim_var_string(VV_OPTION_OLDLOCAL, NULL, -1);
-    set_vim_var_string(VV_OPTION_OLDGLOBAL, NULL, -1);
-    set_vim_var_string(VV_OPTION_TYPE, NULL, -1);
-    set_vim_var_string(VV_OPTION_COMMAND, NULL, -1);
-}
-
-/*
- * Add an assert error to v:errors.
- */
-    void
-assert_error(garray_T *gap)
-{
-    struct vimvar   *vp = &vimvars[VV_ERRORS];
-
-    if (vp->vv_type != VAR_LIST || vimvars[VV_ERRORS].vv_list == NULL)
-	/* Make sure v:errors is a list. */
-	set_vim_var_list(VV_ERRORS, list_alloc());
-    list_append_string(vimvars[VV_ERRORS].vv_list, gap->ga_data, gap->ga_len);
-}
-/*
  * Compare "typ1" and "typ2".  Put the result in "typ1".
  */
     int
@@ -8000,7 +6996,6 @@
 
 #endif /* FEAT_EVAL */
 
-
 #if defined(FEAT_MODIFY_FNAME) || defined(FEAT_EVAL) || defined(PROTO)
 
 #ifdef MSWIN
@@ -8754,9 +7749,9 @@
     typval_T	argv[3];
     int		retval = FAIL;
 
-    copy_tv(tv, &vimvars[VV_VAL].vv_tv);
-    argv[0] = vimvars[VV_KEY].vv_tv;
-    argv[1] = vimvars[VV_VAL].vv_tv;
+    copy_tv(tv, get_vim_var_tv(VV_VAL));
+    argv[0] = *get_vim_var_tv(VV_KEY);
+    argv[1] = *get_vim_var_tv(VV_VAL);
     if (eval_expr_typval(expr, argv, 2, &rettv) == FAIL)
 	goto theend;
     if (map)
@@ -8780,11 +7775,10 @@
     }
     retval = OK;
 theend:
-    clear_tv(&vimvars[VV_VAL].vv_tv);
+    clear_tv(get_vim_var_tv(VV_VAL));
     return retval;
 }
 
-
 /*
  * Implementation of map() and filter().
  */
@@ -8848,8 +7842,6 @@
 	prepare_vimvar(VV_KEY, &save_key);
 	if (argvars[0].v_type == VAR_DICT)
 	{
-	    vimvars[VV_KEY].vv_type = VAR_STRING;
-
 	    ht = &d->dv_hashtab;
 	    hash_lock(ht);
 	    todo = (int)ht->ht_used;
@@ -8866,9 +7858,9 @@
 				|| var_check_ro(di->di_flags,
 							   arg_errmsg, TRUE)))
 			break;
-		    vimvars[VV_KEY].vv_str = vim_strsave(di->di_key);
+		    set_vim_var_string(VV_KEY, di->di_key, -1);
 		    r = filter_map_one(&di->di_tv, expr, map, &rem);
-		    clear_tv(&vimvars[VV_KEY].vv_tv);
+		    clear_tv(get_vim_var_tv(VV_KEY));
 		    if (r == FAIL || did_emsg)
 			break;
 		    if (!map && rem)
@@ -8887,12 +7879,11 @@
 	    int		i;
 	    typval_T	tv;
 
-	    vimvars[VV_KEY].vv_type = VAR_NUMBER;
 	    for (i = 0; i < b->bv_ga.ga_len; i++)
 	    {
 		tv.v_type = VAR_NUMBER;
 		tv.vval.v_number = blob_get(b, i);
-		vimvars[VV_KEY].vv_nr = idx;
+		set_vim_var_nr(VV_KEY, idx);
 		if (filter_map_one(&tv, expr, map, &rem) == FAIL || did_emsg)
 		    break;
 		if (tv.v_type != VAR_NUMBER)
@@ -8916,14 +7907,12 @@
 	else
 	{
 	    // argvars[0].v_type == VAR_LIST
-	    vimvars[VV_KEY].vv_type = VAR_NUMBER;
-
 	    for (li = l->lv_first; li != NULL; li = nli)
 	    {
 		if (map && var_check_lock(li->li_tv.v_lock, arg_errmsg, TRUE))
 		    break;
 		nli = li->li_next;
-		vimvars[VV_KEY].vv_nr = idx;
+		set_vim_var_nr(VV_KEY, idx);
 		if (filter_map_one(&li->li_tv, expr, map, &rem) == FAIL
 								  || did_emsg)
 		    break;