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Bram Moolenaarfff2bee2010-05-15 13:56:02 +02001*eval.txt* For Vim version 7.3a. Last change: 2010 May 14
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002
3
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004 VIM REFERENCE MANUAL by Bram Moolenaar
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005
6
7Expression evaluation *expression* *expr* *E15* *eval*
8
9Using expressions is introduced in chapter 41 of the user manual |usr_41.txt|.
10
11Note: Expression evaluation can be disabled at compile time. If this has been
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +000012done, the features in this document are not available. See |+eval| and
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000013|no-eval-feature|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000014
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000151. Variables |variables|
16 1.1 Variable types
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +000017 1.2 Function references |Funcref|
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +000018 1.3 Lists |Lists|
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000019 1.4 Dictionaries |Dictionaries|
20 1.5 More about variables |more-variables|
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000212. Expression syntax |expression-syntax|
223. Internal variable |internal-variables|
234. Builtin Functions |functions|
245. Defining functions |user-functions|
256. Curly braces names |curly-braces-names|
267. Commands |expression-commands|
278. Exception handling |exception-handling|
289. Examples |eval-examples|
2910. No +eval feature |no-eval-feature|
3011. The sandbox |eval-sandbox|
Bram Moolenaarb71eaae2006-01-20 23:10:18 +00003112. Textlock |textlock|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000032
33{Vi does not have any of these commands}
34
35==============================================================================
361. Variables *variables*
37
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000381.1 Variable types ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +000039 *E712*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +000040There are six types of variables:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000041
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +000042Number A 32 bit signed number. |expr-number| *Number*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000043 Examples: -123 0x10 0177
44
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +000045Float A floating point number. |floating-point-format| *Float*
46 {only when compiled with the |+float| feature}
47 Examples: 123.456 1.15e-6 -1.1e3
48
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000049String A NUL terminated string of 8-bit unsigned characters (bytes).
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +000050 |expr-string| Examples: "ab\txx\"--" 'x-z''a,c'
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000051
52Funcref A reference to a function |Funcref|.
53 Example: function("strlen")
54
55List An ordered sequence of items |List|.
56 Example: [1, 2, ['a', 'b']]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000057
Bram Moolenaar39a58ca2005-06-27 22:42:44 +000058Dictionary An associative, unordered array: Each entry has a key and a
59 value. |Dictionary|
60 Example: {'blue': "#0000ff", 'red': "#ff0000"}
61
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +000062The Number and String types are converted automatically, depending on how they
63are used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000064
65Conversion from a Number to a String is by making the ASCII representation of
66the Number. Examples: >
67 Number 123 --> String "123"
68 Number 0 --> String "0"
69 Number -1 --> String "-1"
Bram Moolenaar00a927d2010-05-14 23:24:24 +020070 *octal*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000071Conversion from a String to a Number is done by converting the first digits
72to a number. Hexadecimal "0xf9" and Octal "017" numbers are recognized. If
73the String doesn't start with digits, the result is zero. Examples: >
74 String "456" --> Number 456
75 String "6bar" --> Number 6
76 String "foo" --> Number 0
77 String "0xf1" --> Number 241
78 String "0100" --> Number 64
79 String "-8" --> Number -8
80 String "+8" --> Number 0
81
82To force conversion from String to Number, add zero to it: >
83 :echo "0100" + 0
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +000084< 64 ~
85
86To avoid a leading zero to cause octal conversion, or for using a different
87base, use |str2nr()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000088
89For boolean operators Numbers are used. Zero is FALSE, non-zero is TRUE.
90
91Note that in the command >
92 :if "foo"
93"foo" is converted to 0, which means FALSE. To test for a non-empty string,
94use strlen(): >
95 :if strlen("foo")
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +000096< *E745* *E728* *E703* *E729* *E730* *E731*
97List, Dictionary and Funcref types are not automatically converted.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +000098
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +000099 *E805* *E806* *E808*
100When mixing Number and Float the Number is converted to Float. Otherwise
101there is no automatic conversion of Float. You can use str2float() for String
102to Float, printf() for Float to String and float2nr() for Float to Number.
103
104 *E706* *sticky-type-checking*
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000105You will get an error if you try to change the type of a variable. You need
106to |:unlet| it first to avoid this error. String and Number are considered
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000107equivalent though, as well are Float and Number. Consider this sequence of
108commands: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000109 :let l = "string"
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000110 :let l = 44 " changes type from String to Number
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000111 :let l = [1, 2, 3] " error! l is still a Number
112 :let l = 4.4 " changes type from Number to Float
113 :let l = "string" " error!
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000114
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000115
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00001161.2 Function references ~
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +0000117 *Funcref* *E695* *E718*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000118A Funcref variable is obtained with the |function()| function. It can be used
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000119in an expression in the place of a function name, before the parenthesis
120around the arguments, to invoke the function it refers to. Example: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000121
122 :let Fn = function("MyFunc")
123 :echo Fn()
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000124< *E704* *E705* *E707*
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +0000125A Funcref variable must start with a capital, "s:", "w:", "t:" or "b:". You
126cannot have both a Funcref variable and a function with the same name.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000127
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000128A special case is defining a function and directly assigning its Funcref to a
129Dictionary entry. Example: >
130 :function dict.init() dict
131 : let self.val = 0
132 :endfunction
133
134The key of the Dictionary can start with a lower case letter. The actual
135function name is not used here. Also see |numbered-function|.
136
137A Funcref can also be used with the |:call| command: >
138 :call Fn()
139 :call dict.init()
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000140
141The name of the referenced function can be obtained with |string()|. >
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000142 :let func = string(Fn)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000143
144You can use |call()| to invoke a Funcref and use a list variable for the
145arguments: >
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000146 :let r = call(Fn, mylist)
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000147
148
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00001491.3 Lists ~
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +0000150 *List* *Lists* *E686*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000151A List is an ordered sequence of items. An item can be of any type. Items
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000152can be accessed by their index number. Items can be added and removed at any
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000153position in the sequence.
154
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000155
156List creation ~
157 *E696* *E697*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000158A List is created with a comma separated list of items in square brackets.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000159Examples: >
160 :let mylist = [1, two, 3, "four"]
161 :let emptylist = []
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000162
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000163An item can be any expression. Using a List for an item creates a
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +0000164List of Lists: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000165 :let nestlist = [[11, 12], [21, 22], [31, 32]]
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000166
167An extra comma after the last item is ignored.
168
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000169
170List index ~
171 *list-index* *E684*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000172An item in the List can be accessed by putting the index in square brackets
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000173after the List. Indexes are zero-based, thus the first item has index zero. >
174 :let item = mylist[0] " get the first item: 1
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000175 :let item = mylist[2] " get the third item: 3
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000176
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000177When the resulting item is a list this can be repeated: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000178 :let item = nestlist[0][1] " get the first list, second item: 12
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000179<
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000180A negative index is counted from the end. Index -1 refers to the last item in
181the List, -2 to the last but one item, etc. >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000182 :let last = mylist[-1] " get the last item: "four"
183
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000184To avoid an error for an invalid index use the |get()| function. When an item
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000185is not available it returns zero or the default value you specify: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000186 :echo get(mylist, idx)
187 :echo get(mylist, idx, "NONE")
188
189
190List concatenation ~
191
192Two lists can be concatenated with the "+" operator: >
193 :let longlist = mylist + [5, 6]
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000194 :let mylist += [7, 8]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000195
196To prepend or append an item turn the item into a list by putting [] around
197it. To change a list in-place see |list-modification| below.
198
199
200Sublist ~
201
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000202A part of the List can be obtained by specifying the first and last index,
203separated by a colon in square brackets: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000204 :let shortlist = mylist[2:-1] " get List [3, "four"]
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000205
206Omitting the first index is similar to zero. Omitting the last index is
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +0000207similar to -1. >
Bram Moolenaar540d6e32005-01-09 21:20:18 +0000208 :let endlist = mylist[2:] " from item 2 to the end: [3, "four"]
209 :let shortlist = mylist[2:2] " List with one item: [3]
210 :let otherlist = mylist[:] " make a copy of the List
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000211
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +0000212If the first index is beyond the last item of the List or the second item is
213before the first item, the result is an empty list. There is no error
214message.
215
216If the second index is equal to or greater than the length of the list the
217length minus one is used: >
Bram Moolenaar9e54a0e2006-04-14 20:42:25 +0000218 :let mylist = [0, 1, 2, 3]
219 :echo mylist[2:8] " result: [2, 3]
220
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +0000221NOTE: mylist[s:e] means using the variable "s:e" as index. Watch out for
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000222using a single letter variable before the ":". Insert a space when needed:
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +0000223mylist[s : e].
224
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000225
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000226List identity ~
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000227 *list-identity*
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000228When variable "aa" is a list and you assign it to another variable "bb", both
229variables refer to the same list. Thus changing the list "aa" will also
230change "bb": >
231 :let aa = [1, 2, 3]
232 :let bb = aa
233 :call add(aa, 4)
234 :echo bb
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000235< [1, 2, 3, 4]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000236
237Making a copy of a list is done with the |copy()| function. Using [:] also
238works, as explained above. This creates a shallow copy of the list: Changing
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000239a list item in the list will also change the item in the copied list: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000240 :let aa = [[1, 'a'], 2, 3]
241 :let bb = copy(aa)
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000242 :call add(aa, 4)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000243 :let aa[0][1] = 'aaa'
244 :echo aa
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000245< [[1, aaa], 2, 3, 4] >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000246 :echo bb
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000247< [[1, aaa], 2, 3]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000248
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000249To make a completely independent list use |deepcopy()|. This also makes a
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000250copy of the values in the list, recursively. Up to a hundred levels deep.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000251
252The operator "is" can be used to check if two variables refer to the same
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000253List. "isnot" does the opposite. In contrast "==" compares if two lists have
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000254the same value. >
255 :let alist = [1, 2, 3]
256 :let blist = [1, 2, 3]
257 :echo alist is blist
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000258< 0 >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000259 :echo alist == blist
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000260< 1
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000261
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000262Note about comparing lists: Two lists are considered equal if they have the
263same length and all items compare equal, as with using "==". There is one
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000264exception: When comparing a number with a string they are considered
265different. There is no automatic type conversion, as with using "==" on
266variables. Example: >
267 echo 4 == "4"
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000268< 1 >
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000269 echo [4] == ["4"]
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000270< 0
271
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000272Thus comparing Lists is more strict than comparing numbers and strings. You
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000273can compare simple values this way too by putting them in a list: >
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000274
275 :let a = 5
276 :let b = "5"
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000277 :echo a == b
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000278< 1 >
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000279 :echo [a] == [b]
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000280< 0
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000281
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000282
283List unpack ~
284
285To unpack the items in a list to individual variables, put the variables in
286square brackets, like list items: >
287 :let [var1, var2] = mylist
288
289When the number of variables does not match the number of items in the list
290this produces an error. To handle any extra items from the list append ";"
291and a variable name: >
292 :let [var1, var2; rest] = mylist
293
294This works like: >
295 :let var1 = mylist[0]
296 :let var2 = mylist[1]
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000297 :let rest = mylist[2:]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000298
299Except that there is no error if there are only two items. "rest" will be an
300empty list then.
301
302
303List modification ~
304 *list-modification*
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000305To change a specific item of a list use |:let| this way: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000306 :let list[4] = "four"
307 :let listlist[0][3] = item
308
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000309To change part of a list you can specify the first and last item to be
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000310modified. The value must at least have the number of items in the range: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000311 :let list[3:5] = [3, 4, 5]
312
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000313Adding and removing items from a list is done with functions. Here are a few
314examples: >
315 :call insert(list, 'a') " prepend item 'a'
316 :call insert(list, 'a', 3) " insert item 'a' before list[3]
317 :call add(list, "new") " append String item
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000318 :call add(list, [1, 2]) " append a List as one new item
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000319 :call extend(list, [1, 2]) " extend the list with two more items
320 :let i = remove(list, 3) " remove item 3
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +0000321 :unlet list[3] " idem
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000322 :let l = remove(list, 3, -1) " remove items 3 to last item
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +0000323 :unlet list[3 : ] " idem
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000324 :call filter(list, 'v:val !~ "x"') " remove items with an 'x'
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000325
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000326Changing the order of items in a list: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000327 :call sort(list) " sort a list alphabetically
328 :call reverse(list) " reverse the order of items
329
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000330
331For loop ~
332
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000333The |:for| loop executes commands for each item in a list. A variable is set
334to each item in the list in sequence. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000335 :for item in mylist
336 : call Doit(item)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000337 :endfor
338
339This works like: >
340 :let index = 0
341 :while index < len(mylist)
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000342 : let item = mylist[index]
343 : :call Doit(item)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000344 : let index = index + 1
345 :endwhile
346
347Note that all items in the list should be of the same type, otherwise this
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000348results in error |E706|. To avoid this |:unlet| the variable at the end of
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000349the loop.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000350
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000351If all you want to do is modify each item in the list then the |map()|
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000352function will be a simpler method than a for loop.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000353
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000354Just like the |:let| command, |:for| also accepts a list of variables. This
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000355requires the argument to be a list of lists. >
356 :for [lnum, col] in [[1, 3], [2, 8], [3, 0]]
357 : call Doit(lnum, col)
358 :endfor
359
360This works like a |:let| command is done for each list item. Again, the types
361must remain the same to avoid an error.
362
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000363It is also possible to put remaining items in a List variable: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000364 :for [i, j; rest] in listlist
365 : call Doit(i, j)
366 : if !empty(rest)
367 : echo "remainder: " . string(rest)
368 : endif
369 :endfor
370
371
372List functions ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000373 *E714*
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000374Functions that are useful with a List: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000375 :let r = call(funcname, list) " call a function with an argument list
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000376 :if empty(list) " check if list is empty
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000377 :let l = len(list) " number of items in list
378 :let big = max(list) " maximum value in list
379 :let small = min(list) " minimum value in list
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000380 :let xs = count(list, 'x') " count nr of times 'x' appears in list
381 :let i = index(list, 'x') " index of first 'x' in list
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000382 :let lines = getline(1, 10) " get ten text lines from buffer
383 :call append('$', lines) " append text lines in buffer
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000384 :let list = split("a b c") " create list from items in a string
385 :let string = join(list, ', ') " create string from list items
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000386 :let s = string(list) " String representation of list
387 :call map(list, '">> " . v:val') " prepend ">> " to each item
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000388
Bram Moolenaar0cb032e2005-04-23 20:52:00 +0000389Don't forget that a combination of features can make things simple. For
390example, to add up all the numbers in a list: >
391 :exe 'let sum = ' . join(nrlist, '+')
392
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000393
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003941.4 Dictionaries ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000395 *Dictionaries* *Dictionary*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000396A Dictionary is an associative array: Each entry has a key and a value. The
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000397entry can be located with the key. The entries are stored without a specific
398ordering.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000399
400
401Dictionary creation ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000402 *E720* *E721* *E722* *E723*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000403A Dictionary is created with a comma separated list of entries in curly
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000404braces. Each entry has a key and a value, separated by a colon. Each key can
405only appear once. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000406 :let mydict = {1: 'one', 2: 'two', 3: 'three'}
407 :let emptydict = {}
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000408< *E713* *E716* *E717*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000409A key is always a String. You can use a Number, it will be converted to a
410String automatically. Thus the String '4' and the number 4 will find the same
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000411entry. Note that the String '04' and the Number 04 are different, since the
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000412Number will be converted to the String '4'.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000413
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000414A value can be any expression. Using a Dictionary for a value creates a
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000415nested Dictionary: >
416 :let nestdict = {1: {11: 'a', 12: 'b'}, 2: {21: 'c'}}
417
418An extra comma after the last entry is ignored.
419
420
421Accessing entries ~
422
423The normal way to access an entry is by putting the key in square brackets: >
424 :let val = mydict["one"]
425 :let mydict["four"] = 4
426
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000427You can add new entries to an existing Dictionary this way, unlike Lists.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000428
429For keys that consist entirely of letters, digits and underscore the following
430form can be used |expr-entry|: >
431 :let val = mydict.one
432 :let mydict.four = 4
433
434Since an entry can be any type, also a List and a Dictionary, the indexing and
435key lookup can be repeated: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000436 :echo dict.key[idx].key
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000437
438
439Dictionary to List conversion ~
440
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000441You may want to loop over the entries in a dictionary. For this you need to
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000442turn the Dictionary into a List and pass it to |:for|.
443
444Most often you want to loop over the keys, using the |keys()| function: >
445 :for key in keys(mydict)
446 : echo key . ': ' . mydict[key]
447 :endfor
448
449The List of keys is unsorted. You may want to sort them first: >
450 :for key in sort(keys(mydict))
451
452To loop over the values use the |values()| function: >
453 :for v in values(mydict)
454 : echo "value: " . v
455 :endfor
456
457If you want both the key and the value use the |items()| function. It returns
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000458a List in which each item is a List with two items, the key and the value: >
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +0000459 :for [key, value] in items(mydict)
460 : echo key . ': ' . value
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000461 :endfor
462
463
464Dictionary identity ~
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +0000465 *dict-identity*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000466Just like Lists you need to use |copy()| and |deepcopy()| to make a copy of a
467Dictionary. Otherwise, assignment results in referring to the same
468Dictionary: >
469 :let onedict = {'a': 1, 'b': 2}
470 :let adict = onedict
471 :let adict['a'] = 11
472 :echo onedict['a']
473 11
474
Bram Moolenaarf3bd51a2005-06-14 22:11:18 +0000475Two Dictionaries compare equal if all the key-value pairs compare equal. For
476more info see |list-identity|.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000477
478
479Dictionary modification ~
480 *dict-modification*
481To change an already existing entry of a Dictionary, or to add a new entry,
482use |:let| this way: >
483 :let dict[4] = "four"
484 :let dict['one'] = item
485
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +0000486Removing an entry from a Dictionary is done with |remove()| or |:unlet|.
487Three ways to remove the entry with key "aaa" from dict: >
488 :let i = remove(dict, 'aaa')
489 :unlet dict.aaa
490 :unlet dict['aaa']
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000491
492Merging a Dictionary with another is done with |extend()|: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000493 :call extend(adict, bdict)
494This extends adict with all entries from bdict. Duplicate keys cause entries
495in adict to be overwritten. An optional third argument can change this.
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000496Note that the order of entries in a Dictionary is irrelevant, thus don't
497expect ":echo adict" to show the items from bdict after the older entries in
498adict.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000499
500Weeding out entries from a Dictionary can be done with |filter()|: >
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +0000501 :call filter(dict, 'v:val =~ "x"')
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000502This removes all entries from "dict" with a value not matching 'x'.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000503
504
505Dictionary function ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000506 *Dictionary-function* *self* *E725*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000507When a function is defined with the "dict" attribute it can be used in a
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000508special way with a dictionary. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000509 :function Mylen() dict
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000510 : return len(self.data)
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000511 :endfunction
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000512 :let mydict = {'data': [0, 1, 2, 3], 'len': function("Mylen")}
513 :echo mydict.len()
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000514
515This is like a method in object oriented programming. The entry in the
516Dictionary is a |Funcref|. The local variable "self" refers to the dictionary
517the function was invoked from.
518
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000519It is also possible to add a function without the "dict" attribute as a
520Funcref to a Dictionary, but the "self" variable is not available then.
521
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +0000522 *numbered-function* *anonymous-function*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000523To avoid the extra name for the function it can be defined and directly
524assigned to a Dictionary in this way: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000525 :let mydict = {'data': [0, 1, 2, 3]}
526 :function mydict.len() dict
527 : return len(self.data)
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000528 :endfunction
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000529 :echo mydict.len()
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000530
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000531The function will then get a number and the value of dict.len is a |Funcref|
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000532that references this function. The function can only be used through a
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000533|Funcref|. It will automatically be deleted when there is no |Funcref|
534remaining that refers to it.
535
536It is not necessary to use the "dict" attribute for a numbered function.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000537
538
539Functions for Dictionaries ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000540 *E715*
541Functions that can be used with a Dictionary: >
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000542 :if has_key(dict, 'foo') " TRUE if dict has entry with key "foo"
543 :if empty(dict) " TRUE if dict is empty
544 :let l = len(dict) " number of items in dict
545 :let big = max(dict) " maximum value in dict
546 :let small = min(dict) " minimum value in dict
547 :let xs = count(dict, 'x') " count nr of times 'x' appears in dict
548 :let s = string(dict) " String representation of dict
549 :call map(dict, '">> " . v:val') " prepend ">> " to each item
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000550
551
5521.5 More about variables ~
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000553 *more-variables*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000554If you need to know the type of a variable or expression, use the |type()|
555function.
556
557When the '!' flag is included in the 'viminfo' option, global variables that
558start with an uppercase letter, and don't contain a lowercase letter, are
559stored in the viminfo file |viminfo-file|.
560
561When the 'sessionoptions' option contains "global", global variables that
562start with an uppercase letter and contain at least one lowercase letter are
563stored in the session file |session-file|.
564
565variable name can be stored where ~
566my_var_6 not
567My_Var_6 session file
568MY_VAR_6 viminfo file
569
570
571It's possible to form a variable name with curly braces, see
572|curly-braces-names|.
573
574==============================================================================
5752. Expression syntax *expression-syntax*
576
577Expression syntax summary, from least to most significant:
578
579|expr1| expr2 ? expr1 : expr1 if-then-else
580
581|expr2| expr3 || expr3 .. logical OR
582
583|expr3| expr4 && expr4 .. logical AND
584
585|expr4| expr5 == expr5 equal
586 expr5 != expr5 not equal
587 expr5 > expr5 greater than
588 expr5 >= expr5 greater than or equal
589 expr5 < expr5 smaller than
590 expr5 <= expr5 smaller than or equal
591 expr5 =~ expr5 regexp matches
592 expr5 !~ expr5 regexp doesn't match
593
594 expr5 ==? expr5 equal, ignoring case
595 expr5 ==# expr5 equal, match case
596 etc. As above, append ? for ignoring case, # for
597 matching case
598
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000599 expr5 is expr5 same |List| instance
600 expr5 isnot expr5 different |List| instance
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000601
602|expr5| expr6 + expr6 .. number addition or list concatenation
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000603 expr6 - expr6 .. number subtraction
604 expr6 . expr6 .. string concatenation
605
606|expr6| expr7 * expr7 .. number multiplication
607 expr7 / expr7 .. number division
608 expr7 % expr7 .. number modulo
609
610|expr7| ! expr7 logical NOT
611 - expr7 unary minus
612 + expr7 unary plus
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000613
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000614
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000615|expr8| expr8[expr1] byte of a String or item of a |List|
616 expr8[expr1 : expr1] substring of a String or sublist of a |List|
617 expr8.name entry in a |Dictionary|
618 expr8(expr1, ...) function call with |Funcref| variable
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000619
620|expr9| number number constant
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +0000621 "string" string constant, backslash is special
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000622 'string' string constant, ' is doubled
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000623 [expr1, ...] |List|
624 {expr1: expr1, ...} |Dictionary|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000625 &option option value
626 (expr1) nested expression
627 variable internal variable
628 va{ria}ble internal variable with curly braces
629 $VAR environment variable
630 @r contents of register 'r'
631 function(expr1, ...) function call
632 func{ti}on(expr1, ...) function call with curly braces
633
634
635".." indicates that the operations in this level can be concatenated.
636Example: >
637 &nu || &list && &shell == "csh"
638
639All expressions within one level are parsed from left to right.
640
641
642expr1 *expr1* *E109*
643-----
644
645expr2 ? expr1 : expr1
646
647The expression before the '?' is evaluated to a number. If it evaluates to
648non-zero, the result is the value of the expression between the '?' and ':',
649otherwise the result is the value of the expression after the ':'.
650Example: >
651 :echo lnum == 1 ? "top" : lnum
652
653Since the first expression is an "expr2", it cannot contain another ?:. The
654other two expressions can, thus allow for recursive use of ?:.
655Example: >
656 :echo lnum == 1 ? "top" : lnum == 1000 ? "last" : lnum
657
658To keep this readable, using |line-continuation| is suggested: >
659 :echo lnum == 1
660 :\ ? "top"
661 :\ : lnum == 1000
662 :\ ? "last"
663 :\ : lnum
664
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +0000665You should always put a space before the ':', otherwise it can be mistaken for
666use in a variable such as "a:1".
667
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000668
669expr2 and expr3 *expr2* *expr3*
670---------------
671
672 *expr-barbar* *expr-&&*
673The "||" and "&&" operators take one argument on each side. The arguments
674are (converted to) Numbers. The result is:
675
676 input output ~
677n1 n2 n1 || n2 n1 && n2 ~
678zero zero zero zero
679zero non-zero non-zero zero
680non-zero zero non-zero zero
681non-zero non-zero non-zero non-zero
682
683The operators can be concatenated, for example: >
684
685 &nu || &list && &shell == "csh"
686
687Note that "&&" takes precedence over "||", so this has the meaning of: >
688
689 &nu || (&list && &shell == "csh")
690
691Once the result is known, the expression "short-circuits", that is, further
692arguments are not evaluated. This is like what happens in C. For example: >
693
694 let a = 1
695 echo a || b
696
697This is valid even if there is no variable called "b" because "a" is non-zero,
698so the result must be non-zero. Similarly below: >
699
700 echo exists("b") && b == "yes"
701
702This is valid whether "b" has been defined or not. The second clause will
703only be evaluated if "b" has been defined.
704
705
706expr4 *expr4*
707-----
708
709expr5 {cmp} expr5
710
711Compare two expr5 expressions, resulting in a 0 if it evaluates to false, or 1
712if it evaluates to true.
713
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000714 *expr-==* *expr-!=* *expr->* *expr->=*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000715 *expr-<* *expr-<=* *expr-=~* *expr-!~*
716 *expr-==#* *expr-!=#* *expr->#* *expr->=#*
717 *expr-<#* *expr-<=#* *expr-=~#* *expr-!~#*
718 *expr-==?* *expr-!=?* *expr->?* *expr->=?*
719 *expr-<?* *expr-<=?* *expr-=~?* *expr-!~?*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000720 *expr-is*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000721 use 'ignorecase' match case ignore case ~
722equal == ==# ==?
723not equal != !=# !=?
724greater than > ># >?
725greater than or equal >= >=# >=?
726smaller than < <# <?
727smaller than or equal <= <=# <=?
728regexp matches =~ =~# =~?
729regexp doesn't match !~ !~# !~?
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000730same instance is
731different instance isnot
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000732
733Examples:
734"abc" ==# "Abc" evaluates to 0
735"abc" ==? "Abc" evaluates to 1
736"abc" == "Abc" evaluates to 1 if 'ignorecase' is set, 0 otherwise
737
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000738 *E691* *E692*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000739A |List| can only be compared with a |List| and only "equal", "not equal" and
740"is" can be used. This compares the values of the list, recursively.
741Ignoring case means case is ignored when comparing item values.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000742
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000743 *E735* *E736*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000744A |Dictionary| can only be compared with a |Dictionary| and only "equal", "not
745equal" and "is" can be used. This compares the key/values of the |Dictionary|
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000746recursively. Ignoring case means case is ignored when comparing item values.
747
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000748 *E693* *E694*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000749A |Funcref| can only be compared with a |Funcref| and only "equal" and "not
750equal" can be used. Case is never ignored.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000751
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000752When using "is" or "isnot" with a |List| this checks if the expressions are
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000753referring to the same |List| instance. A copy of a |List| is different from
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000754the original |List|. When using "is" without a |List| it is equivalent to
755using "equal", using "isnot" equivalent to using "not equal". Except that a
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000756different type means the values are different. "4 == '4'" is true, "4 is '4'"
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000757is false.
758
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000759When comparing a String with a Number, the String is converted to a Number,
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000760and the comparison is done on Numbers. This means that "0 == 'x'" is TRUE,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000761because 'x' converted to a Number is zero.
762
763When comparing two Strings, this is done with strcmp() or stricmp(). This
764results in the mathematical difference (comparing byte values), not
765necessarily the alphabetical difference in the local language.
766
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000767When using the operators with a trailing '#', or the short version and
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +0000768'ignorecase' is off, the comparing is done with strcmp(): case matters.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000769
770When using the operators with a trailing '?', or the short version and
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +0000771'ignorecase' is set, the comparing is done with stricmp(): case is ignored.
772
773'smartcase' is not used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000774
775The "=~" and "!~" operators match the lefthand argument with the righthand
776argument, which is used as a pattern. See |pattern| for what a pattern is.
777This matching is always done like 'magic' was set and 'cpoptions' is empty, no
778matter what the actual value of 'magic' or 'cpoptions' is. This makes scripts
779portable. To avoid backslashes in the regexp pattern to be doubled, use a
780single-quote string, see |literal-string|.
781Since a string is considered to be a single line, a multi-line pattern
782(containing \n, backslash-n) will not match. However, a literal NL character
783can be matched like an ordinary character. Examples:
784 "foo\nbar" =~ "\n" evaluates to 1
785 "foo\nbar" =~ "\\n" evaluates to 0
786
787
788expr5 and expr6 *expr5* *expr6*
789---------------
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000790expr6 + expr6 .. Number addition or |List| concatenation *expr-+*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000791expr6 - expr6 .. Number subtraction *expr--*
792expr6 . expr6 .. String concatenation *expr-.*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000793
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +0000794For |Lists| only "+" is possible and then both expr6 must be a list. The
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000795result is a new list with the two lists Concatenated.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000796
797expr7 * expr7 .. number multiplication *expr-star*
798expr7 / expr7 .. number division *expr-/*
799expr7 % expr7 .. number modulo *expr-%*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000800
801For all, except ".", Strings are converted to Numbers.
802
803Note the difference between "+" and ".":
804 "123" + "456" = 579
805 "123" . "456" = "123456"
806
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000807Since '.' has the same precedence as '+' and '-', you need to read: >
808 1 . 90 + 90.0
809As: >
810 (1 . 90) + 90.0
811That works, since the String "190" is automatically converted to the Number
812190, which can be added to the Float 90.0. However: >
813 1 . 90 * 90.0
814Should be read as: >
815 1 . (90 * 90.0)
816Since '.' has lower precedence than '*'. This does NOT work, since this
817attempts to concatenate a Float and a String.
818
819When dividing a Number by zero the result depends on the value:
820 0 / 0 = -0x80000000 (like NaN for Float)
821 >0 / 0 = 0x7fffffff (like positive infinity)
822 <0 / 0 = -0x7fffffff (like negative infinity)
823 (before Vim 7.2 it was always 0x7fffffff)
824
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000825When the righthand side of '%' is zero, the result is 0.
826
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000827None of these work for |Funcref|s.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000828
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000829. and % do not work for Float. *E804*
830
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000831
832expr7 *expr7*
833-----
834! expr7 logical NOT *expr-!*
835- expr7 unary minus *expr-unary--*
836+ expr7 unary plus *expr-unary-+*
837
838For '!' non-zero becomes zero, zero becomes one.
839For '-' the sign of the number is changed.
840For '+' the number is unchanged.
841
842A String will be converted to a Number first.
843
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000844These three can be repeated and mixed. Examples:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000845 !-1 == 0
846 !!8 == 1
847 --9 == 9
848
849
850expr8 *expr8*
851-----
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000852expr8[expr1] item of String or |List| *expr-[]* *E111*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000853
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000854If expr8 is a Number or String this results in a String that contains the
855expr1'th single byte from expr8. expr8 is used as a String, expr1 as a
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +0100856Number. This doesn't recognize multi-byte encodings, see |byteidx()| for
857an alternative.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000858
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000859Index zero gives the first character. This is like it works in C. Careful:
860text column numbers start with one! Example, to get the character under the
861cursor: >
Bram Moolenaar61660ea2006-04-07 21:40:07 +0000862 :let c = getline(".")[col(".") - 1]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000863
864If the length of the String is less than the index, the result is an empty
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000865String. A negative index always results in an empty string (reason: backwards
866compatibility). Use [-1:] to get the last byte.
867
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000868If expr8 is a |List| then it results the item at index expr1. See |list-index|
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000869for possible index values. If the index is out of range this results in an
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000870error. Example: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000871 :let item = mylist[-1] " get last item
872
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000873Generally, if a |List| index is equal to or higher than the length of the
874|List|, or more negative than the length of the |List|, this results in an
875error.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000876
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000877
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000878expr8[expr1a : expr1b] substring or sublist *expr-[:]*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000879
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000880If expr8 is a Number or String this results in the substring with the bytes
881from expr1a to and including expr1b. expr8 is used as a String, expr1a and
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +0100882expr1b are used as a Number. This doesn't recognize multi-byte encodings, see
883|byteidx()| for computing the indexes.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000884
885If expr1a is omitted zero is used. If expr1b is omitted the length of the
886string minus one is used.
887
888A negative number can be used to measure from the end of the string. -1 is
889the last character, -2 the last but one, etc.
890
891If an index goes out of range for the string characters are omitted. If
892expr1b is smaller than expr1a the result is an empty string.
893
894Examples: >
895 :let c = name[-1:] " last byte of a string
896 :let c = name[-2:-2] " last but one byte of a string
897 :let s = line(".")[4:] " from the fifth byte to the end
898 :let s = s[:-3] " remove last two bytes
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +0100899<
900 *sublist* *slice*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000901If expr8 is a |List| this results in a new |List| with the items indicated by
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000902the indexes expr1a and expr1b. This works like with a String, as explained
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000903just above, except that indexes out of range cause an error. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000904 :let l = mylist[:3] " first four items
905 :let l = mylist[4:4] " List with one item
906 :let l = mylist[:] " shallow copy of a List
907
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000908Using expr8[expr1] or expr8[expr1a : expr1b] on a |Funcref| results in an
909error.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000910
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000911
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000912expr8.name entry in a |Dictionary| *expr-entry*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000913
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000914If expr8 is a |Dictionary| and it is followed by a dot, then the following
915name will be used as a key in the |Dictionary|. This is just like:
916expr8[name].
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000917
918The name must consist of alphanumeric characters, just like a variable name,
919but it may start with a number. Curly braces cannot be used.
920
921There must not be white space before or after the dot.
922
923Examples: >
924 :let dict = {"one": 1, 2: "two"}
925 :echo dict.one
926 :echo dict .2
927
928Note that the dot is also used for String concatenation. To avoid confusion
929always put spaces around the dot for String concatenation.
930
931
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000932expr8(expr1, ...) |Funcref| function call
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000933
934When expr8 is a |Funcref| type variable, invoke the function it refers to.
935
936
937
938 *expr9*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000939number
940------
941number number constant *expr-number*
942
943Decimal, Hexadecimal (starting with 0x or 0X), or Octal (starting with 0).
944
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000945 *floating-point-format*
946Floating point numbers can be written in two forms:
947
948 [-+]{N}.{M}
949 [-+]{N}.{M}e[-+]{exp}
950
951{N} and {M} are numbers. Both {N} and {M} must be present and can only
952contain digits.
953[-+] means there is an optional plus or minus sign.
954{exp} is the exponent, power of 10.
955Only a decimal point is accepted, not a comma. No matter what the current
956locale is.
957{only when compiled with the |+float| feature}
958
959Examples:
960 123.456
961 +0.0001
962 55.0
963 -0.123
964 1.234e03
965 1.0E-6
966 -3.1416e+88
967
968These are INVALID:
969 3. empty {M}
970 1e40 missing .{M}
971
Bram Moolenaare37d50a2008-08-06 17:06:04 +0000972 *float-pi* *float-e*
973A few useful values to copy&paste: >
974 :let pi = 3.14159265359
975 :let e = 2.71828182846
976
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000977Rationale:
978Before floating point was introduced, the text "123.456" was interpreted as
979the two numbers "123" and "456", both converted to a string and concatenated,
980resulting in the string "123456". Since this was considered pointless, and we
Bram Moolenaare37d50a2008-08-06 17:06:04 +0000981could not find it intentionally being used in Vim scripts, this backwards
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000982incompatibility was accepted in favor of being able to use the normal notation
983for floating point numbers.
984
985 *floating-point-precision*
986The precision and range of floating points numbers depends on what "double"
987means in the library Vim was compiled with. There is no way to change this at
988runtime.
989
990The default for displaying a |Float| is to use 6 decimal places, like using
991printf("%g", f). You can select something else when using the |printf()|
992function. Example: >
993 :echo printf('%.15e', atan(1))
994< 7.853981633974483e-01
995
996
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000997
998string *expr-string* *E114*
999------
1000"string" string constant *expr-quote*
1001
1002Note that double quotes are used.
1003
1004A string constant accepts these special characters:
1005\... three-digit octal number (e.g., "\316")
1006\.. two-digit octal number (must be followed by non-digit)
1007\. one-digit octal number (must be followed by non-digit)
1008\x.. byte specified with two hex numbers (e.g., "\x1f")
1009\x. byte specified with one hex number (must be followed by non-hex char)
1010\X.. same as \x..
1011\X. same as \x.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001012\u.... character specified with up to 4 hex numbers, stored according to the
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001013 current value of 'encoding' (e.g., "\u02a4")
1014\U.... same as \u....
1015\b backspace <BS>
1016\e escape <Esc>
1017\f formfeed <FF>
1018\n newline <NL>
1019\r return <CR>
1020\t tab <Tab>
1021\\ backslash
1022\" double quote
Bram Moolenaar00a927d2010-05-14 23:24:24 +02001023\<xxx> Special key named "xxx". e.g. "\<C-W>" for CTRL-W. This is for use
1024 in mappings, the 0x80 byte is escaped. Don't use <Char-xxxx> to get a
1025 utf-8 character, use \uxxxx as mentioned above.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001026
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00001027Note that "\xff" is stored as the byte 255, which may be invalid in some
1028encodings. Use "\u00ff" to store character 255 according to the current value
1029of 'encoding'.
1030
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001031Note that "\000" and "\x00" force the end of the string.
1032
1033
1034literal-string *literal-string* *E115*
1035---------------
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +00001036'string' string constant *expr-'*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001037
1038Note that single quotes are used.
1039
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001040This string is taken as it is. No backslashes are removed or have a special
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00001041meaning. The only exception is that two quotes stand for one quote.
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +00001042
1043Single quoted strings are useful for patterns, so that backslashes do not need
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001044to be doubled. These two commands are equivalent: >
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +00001045 if a =~ "\\s*"
1046 if a =~ '\s*'
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001047
1048
1049option *expr-option* *E112* *E113*
1050------
1051&option option value, local value if possible
1052&g:option global option value
1053&l:option local option value
1054
1055Examples: >
1056 echo "tabstop is " . &tabstop
1057 if &insertmode
1058
1059Any option name can be used here. See |options|. When using the local value
1060and there is no buffer-local or window-local value, the global value is used
1061anyway.
1062
1063
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00001064register *expr-register* *@r*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001065--------
1066@r contents of register 'r'
1067
1068The result is the contents of the named register, as a single string.
1069Newlines are inserted where required. To get the contents of the unnamed
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001070register use @" or @@. See |registers| for an explanation of the available
Bram Moolenaare7566042005-06-17 22:00:15 +00001071registers.
1072
1073When using the '=' register you get the expression itself, not what it
1074evaluates to. Use |eval()| to evaluate it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001075
1076
1077nesting *expr-nesting* *E110*
1078-------
1079(expr1) nested expression
1080
1081
1082environment variable *expr-env*
1083--------------------
1084$VAR environment variable
1085
1086The String value of any environment variable. When it is not defined, the
1087result is an empty string.
1088 *expr-env-expand*
1089Note that there is a difference between using $VAR directly and using
1090expand("$VAR"). Using it directly will only expand environment variables that
1091are known inside the current Vim session. Using expand() will first try using
1092the environment variables known inside the current Vim session. If that
1093fails, a shell will be used to expand the variable. This can be slow, but it
1094does expand all variables that the shell knows about. Example: >
1095 :echo $version
1096 :echo expand("$version")
1097The first one probably doesn't echo anything, the second echoes the $version
1098variable (if your shell supports it).
1099
1100
1101internal variable *expr-variable*
1102-----------------
1103variable internal variable
1104See below |internal-variables|.
1105
1106
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00001107function call *expr-function* *E116* *E118* *E119* *E120*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001108-------------
1109function(expr1, ...) function call
1110See below |functions|.
1111
1112
1113==============================================================================
11143. Internal variable *internal-variables* *E121*
1115 *E461*
1116An internal variable name can be made up of letters, digits and '_'. But it
1117cannot start with a digit. It's also possible to use curly braces, see
1118|curly-braces-names|.
1119
1120An internal variable is created with the ":let" command |:let|.
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00001121An internal variable is explicitly destroyed with the ":unlet" command
1122|:unlet|.
1123Using a name that is not an internal variable or refers to a variable that has
1124been destroyed results in an error.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001125
1126There are several name spaces for variables. Which one is to be used is
1127specified by what is prepended:
1128
1129 (nothing) In a function: local to a function; otherwise: global
1130|buffer-variable| b: Local to the current buffer.
1131|window-variable| w: Local to the current window.
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00001132|tabpage-variable| t: Local to the current tab page.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001133|global-variable| g: Global.
1134|local-variable| l: Local to a function.
1135|script-variable| s: Local to a |:source|'ed Vim script.
1136|function-argument| a: Function argument (only inside a function).
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001137|vim-variable| v: Global, predefined by Vim.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001138
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001139The scope name by itself can be used as a |Dictionary|. For example, to
1140delete all script-local variables: >
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00001141 :for k in keys(s:)
1142 : unlet s:[k]
1143 :endfor
1144<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001145 *buffer-variable* *b:var*
1146A variable name that is preceded with "b:" is local to the current buffer.
1147Thus you can have several "b:foo" variables, one for each buffer.
1148This kind of variable is deleted when the buffer is wiped out or deleted with
1149|:bdelete|.
1150
1151One local buffer variable is predefined:
1152 *b:changedtick-variable* *changetick*
1153b:changedtick The total number of changes to the current buffer. It is
1154 incremented for each change. An undo command is also a change
1155 in this case. This can be used to perform an action only when
1156 the buffer has changed. Example: >
1157 :if my_changedtick != b:changedtick
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001158 : let my_changedtick = b:changedtick
1159 : call My_Update()
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001160 :endif
1161<
1162 *window-variable* *w:var*
1163A variable name that is preceded with "w:" is local to the current window. It
1164is deleted when the window is closed.
1165
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00001166 *tabpage-variable* *t:var*
1167A variable name that is preceded with "t:" is local to the current tab page,
1168It is deleted when the tab page is closed. {not available when compiled
1169without the +windows feature}
1170
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001171 *global-variable* *g:var*
1172Inside functions global variables are accessed with "g:". Omitting this will
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001173access a variable local to a function. But "g:" can also be used in any other
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001174place if you like.
1175
1176 *local-variable* *l:var*
1177Inside functions local variables are accessed without prepending anything.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00001178But you can also prepend "l:" if you like. However, without prepending "l:"
1179you may run into reserved variable names. For example "count". By itself it
1180refers to "v:count". Using "l:count" you can have a local variable with the
1181same name.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001182
1183 *script-variable* *s:var*
1184In a Vim script variables starting with "s:" can be used. They cannot be
1185accessed from outside of the scripts, thus are local to the script.
1186
1187They can be used in:
1188- commands executed while the script is sourced
1189- functions defined in the script
1190- autocommands defined in the script
1191- functions and autocommands defined in functions and autocommands which were
1192 defined in the script (recursively)
1193- user defined commands defined in the script
1194Thus not in:
1195- other scripts sourced from this one
1196- mappings
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001197- menus
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001198- etc.
1199
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00001200Script variables can be used to avoid conflicts with global variable names.
1201Take this example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001202
1203 let s:counter = 0
1204 function MyCounter()
1205 let s:counter = s:counter + 1
1206 echo s:counter
1207 endfunction
1208 command Tick call MyCounter()
1209
1210You can now invoke "Tick" from any script, and the "s:counter" variable in
1211that script will not be changed, only the "s:counter" in the script where
1212"Tick" was defined is used.
1213
1214Another example that does the same: >
1215
1216 let s:counter = 0
1217 command Tick let s:counter = s:counter + 1 | echo s:counter
1218
1219When calling a function and invoking a user-defined command, the context for
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001220script variables is set to the script where the function or command was
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001221defined.
1222
1223The script variables are also available when a function is defined inside a
1224function that is defined in a script. Example: >
1225
1226 let s:counter = 0
1227 function StartCounting(incr)
1228 if a:incr
1229 function MyCounter()
1230 let s:counter = s:counter + 1
1231 endfunction
1232 else
1233 function MyCounter()
1234 let s:counter = s:counter - 1
1235 endfunction
1236 endif
1237 endfunction
1238
1239This defines the MyCounter() function either for counting up or counting down
1240when calling StartCounting(). It doesn't matter from where StartCounting() is
1241called, the s:counter variable will be accessible in MyCounter().
1242
1243When the same script is sourced again it will use the same script variables.
1244They will remain valid as long as Vim is running. This can be used to
1245maintain a counter: >
1246
1247 if !exists("s:counter")
1248 let s:counter = 1
1249 echo "script executed for the first time"
1250 else
1251 let s:counter = s:counter + 1
1252 echo "script executed " . s:counter . " times now"
1253 endif
1254
1255Note that this means that filetype plugins don't get a different set of script
1256variables for each buffer. Use local buffer variables instead |b:var|.
1257
1258
1259Predefined Vim variables: *vim-variable* *v:var*
1260
Bram Moolenaare4efc3b2005-03-07 23:16:51 +00001261 *v:beval_col* *beval_col-variable*
1262v:beval_col The number of the column, over which the mouse pointer is.
1263 This is the byte index in the |v:beval_lnum| line.
1264 Only valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1265
1266 *v:beval_bufnr* *beval_bufnr-variable*
1267v:beval_bufnr The number of the buffer, over which the mouse pointer is. Only
1268 valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1269
1270 *v:beval_lnum* *beval_lnum-variable*
1271v:beval_lnum The number of the line, over which the mouse pointer is. Only
1272 valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1273
1274 *v:beval_text* *beval_text-variable*
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00001275v:beval_text The text under or after the mouse pointer. Usually a word as
1276 it is useful for debugging a C program. 'iskeyword' applies,
1277 but a dot and "->" before the position is included. When on a
1278 ']' the text before it is used, including the matching '[' and
Bram Moolenaare4efc3b2005-03-07 23:16:51 +00001279 word before it. When on a Visual area within one line the
1280 highlighted text is used.
1281 Only valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1282
1283 *v:beval_winnr* *beval_winnr-variable*
1284v:beval_winnr The number of the window, over which the mouse pointer is. Only
1285 valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1286
Bram Moolenaarf193fff2006-04-27 00:02:13 +00001287 *v:char* *char-variable*
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001288v:char Argument for evaluating 'formatexpr' and used for the typed
1289 character when using <expr> in an abbreviation |map-<expr>|.
Bram Moolenaarf193fff2006-04-27 00:02:13 +00001290
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001291 *v:charconvert_from* *charconvert_from-variable*
1292v:charconvert_from
1293 The name of the character encoding of a file to be converted.
1294 Only valid while evaluating the 'charconvert' option.
1295
1296 *v:charconvert_to* *charconvert_to-variable*
1297v:charconvert_to
1298 The name of the character encoding of a file after conversion.
1299 Only valid while evaluating the 'charconvert' option.
1300
1301 *v:cmdarg* *cmdarg-variable*
1302v:cmdarg This variable is used for two purposes:
1303 1. The extra arguments given to a file read/write command.
1304 Currently these are "++enc=" and "++ff=". This variable is
1305 set before an autocommand event for a file read/write
1306 command is triggered. There is a leading space to make it
1307 possible to append this variable directly after the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001308 read/write command. Note: The "+cmd" argument isn't
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001309 included here, because it will be executed anyway.
1310 2. When printing a PostScript file with ":hardcopy" this is
1311 the argument for the ":hardcopy" command. This can be used
1312 in 'printexpr'.
1313
1314 *v:cmdbang* *cmdbang-variable*
1315v:cmdbang Set like v:cmdarg for a file read/write command. When a "!"
1316 was used the value is 1, otherwise it is 0. Note that this
1317 can only be used in autocommands. For user commands |<bang>|
1318 can be used.
1319
1320 *v:count* *count-variable*
1321v:count The count given for the last Normal mode command. Can be used
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001322 to get the count before a mapping. Read-only. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001323 :map _x :<C-U>echo "the count is " . v:count<CR>
1324< Note: The <C-U> is required to remove the line range that you
1325 get when typing ':' after a count.
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001326 When there are two counts, as in "3d2w", they are multiplied,
1327 just like what happens in the command, "d6w" for the example.
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001328 Also used for evaluating the 'formatexpr' option.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001329 "count" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1330
1331 *v:count1* *count1-variable*
1332v:count1 Just like "v:count", but defaults to one when no count is
1333 used.
1334
1335 *v:ctype* *ctype-variable*
1336v:ctype The current locale setting for characters of the runtime
1337 environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the
1338 current locale encoding. Technical: it's the value of
1339 LC_CTYPE. When not using a locale the value is "C".
1340 This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language|
1341 command.
1342 See |multi-lang|.
1343
1344 *v:dying* *dying-variable*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001345v:dying Normally zero. When a deadly signal is caught it's set to
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001346 one. When multiple signals are caught the number increases.
1347 Can be used in an autocommand to check if Vim didn't
1348 terminate normally. {only works on Unix}
1349 Example: >
1350 :au VimLeave * if v:dying | echo "\nAAAAaaaarrrggghhhh!!!\n" | endif
1351<
1352 *v:errmsg* *errmsg-variable*
1353v:errmsg Last given error message. It's allowed to set this variable.
1354 Example: >
1355 :let v:errmsg = ""
1356 :silent! next
1357 :if v:errmsg != ""
1358 : ... handle error
1359< "errmsg" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1360
1361 *v:exception* *exception-variable*
1362v:exception The value of the exception most recently caught and not
1363 finished. See also |v:throwpoint| and |throw-variables|.
1364 Example: >
1365 :try
1366 : throw "oops"
1367 :catch /.*/
1368 : echo "caught" v:exception
1369 :endtry
1370< Output: "caught oops".
1371
Bram Moolenaar19a09a12005-03-04 23:39:37 +00001372 *v:fcs_reason* *fcs_reason-variable*
1373v:fcs_reason The reason why the |FileChangedShell| event was triggered.
1374 Can be used in an autocommand to decide what to do and/or what
1375 to set v:fcs_choice to. Possible values:
1376 deleted file no longer exists
1377 conflict file contents, mode or timestamp was
1378 changed and buffer is modified
1379 changed file contents has changed
1380 mode mode of file changed
1381 time only file timestamp changed
1382
1383 *v:fcs_choice* *fcs_choice-variable*
1384v:fcs_choice What should happen after a |FileChangedShell| event was
1385 triggered. Can be used in an autocommand to tell Vim what to
1386 do with the affected buffer:
1387 reload Reload the buffer (does not work if
1388 the file was deleted).
1389 ask Ask the user what to do, as if there
1390 was no autocommand. Except that when
1391 only the timestamp changed nothing
1392 will happen.
1393 <empty> Nothing, the autocommand should do
1394 everything that needs to be done.
1395 The default is empty. If another (invalid) value is used then
1396 Vim behaves like it is empty, there is no warning message.
1397
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001398 *v:fname_in* *fname_in-variable*
Bram Moolenaar4e330bb2005-12-07 21:04:31 +00001399v:fname_in The name of the input file. Valid while evaluating:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001400 option used for ~
1401 'charconvert' file to be converted
1402 'diffexpr' original file
1403 'patchexpr' original file
1404 'printexpr' file to be printed
Bram Moolenaar2c7a29c2005-12-12 22:02:31 +00001405 And set to the swap file name for |SwapExists|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001406
1407 *v:fname_out* *fname_out-variable*
1408v:fname_out The name of the output file. Only valid while
1409 evaluating:
1410 option used for ~
1411 'charconvert' resulting converted file (*)
1412 'diffexpr' output of diff
1413 'patchexpr' resulting patched file
1414 (*) When doing conversion for a write command (e.g., ":w
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001415 file") it will be equal to v:fname_in. When doing conversion
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001416 for a read command (e.g., ":e file") it will be a temporary
1417 file and different from v:fname_in.
1418
1419 *v:fname_new* *fname_new-variable*
1420v:fname_new The name of the new version of the file. Only valid while
1421 evaluating 'diffexpr'.
1422
1423 *v:fname_diff* *fname_diff-variable*
1424v:fname_diff The name of the diff (patch) file. Only valid while
1425 evaluating 'patchexpr'.
1426
1427 *v:folddashes* *folddashes-variable*
1428v:folddashes Used for 'foldtext': dashes representing foldlevel of a closed
1429 fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001430 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001431
1432 *v:foldlevel* *foldlevel-variable*
1433v:foldlevel Used for 'foldtext': foldlevel of closed fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001434 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001435
1436 *v:foldend* *foldend-variable*
1437v:foldend Used for 'foldtext': last line of closed fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001438 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001439
1440 *v:foldstart* *foldstart-variable*
1441v:foldstart Used for 'foldtext': first line of closed fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001442 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001443
Bram Moolenaar843ee412004-06-30 16:16:41 +00001444 *v:insertmode* *insertmode-variable*
1445v:insertmode Used for the |InsertEnter| and |InsertChange| autocommand
1446 events. Values:
1447 i Insert mode
1448 r Replace mode
1449 v Virtual Replace mode
1450
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001451 *v:key* *key-variable*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001452v:key Key of the current item of a |Dictionary|. Only valid while
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001453 evaluating the expression used with |map()| and |filter()|.
1454 Read-only.
1455
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001456 *v:lang* *lang-variable*
1457v:lang The current locale setting for messages of the runtime
1458 environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the
1459 current language. Technical: it's the value of LC_MESSAGES.
1460 The value is system dependent.
1461 This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language|
1462 command.
1463 It can be different from |v:ctype| when messages are desired
1464 in a different language than what is used for character
1465 encoding. See |multi-lang|.
1466
1467 *v:lc_time* *lc_time-variable*
1468v:lc_time The current locale setting for time messages of the runtime
1469 environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the
1470 current language. Technical: it's the value of LC_TIME.
1471 This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language|
1472 command. See |multi-lang|.
1473
1474 *v:lnum* *lnum-variable*
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001475v:lnum Line number for the 'foldexpr' |fold-expr| and 'indentexpr'
Bram Moolenaar57657d82006-04-21 22:12:41 +00001476 expressions, tab page number for 'guitablabel' and
1477 'guitabtooltip'. Only valid while one of these expressions is
1478 being evaluated. Read-only when in the |sandbox|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001479
Bram Moolenaar219b8702006-11-01 14:32:36 +00001480 *v:mouse_win* *mouse_win-variable*
1481v:mouse_win Window number for a mouse click obtained with |getchar()|.
1482 First window has number 1, like with |winnr()|. The value is
1483 zero when there was no mouse button click.
1484
1485 *v:mouse_lnum* *mouse_lnum-variable*
1486v:mouse_lnum Line number for a mouse click obtained with |getchar()|.
1487 This is the text line number, not the screen line number. The
1488 value is zero when there was no mouse button click.
1489
1490 *v:mouse_col* *mouse_col-variable*
1491v:mouse_col Column number for a mouse click obtained with |getchar()|.
1492 This is the screen column number, like with |virtcol()|. The
1493 value is zero when there was no mouse button click.
1494
Bram Moolenaard812df62008-11-09 12:46:09 +00001495 *v:oldfiles* *oldfiles-variable*
1496v:oldfiles List of file names that is loaded from the |viminfo| file on
1497 startup. These are the files that Vim remembers marks for.
1498 The length of the List is limited by the ' argument of the
1499 'viminfo' option (default is 100).
1500 Also see |:oldfiles| and |c_#<|.
1501 The List can be modified, but this has no effect on what is
1502 stored in the |viminfo| file later. If you use values other
1503 than String this will cause trouble.
1504 {only when compiled with the +viminfo feature}
1505
Bram Moolenaar8af1fbf2008-01-05 12:35:21 +00001506 *v:operator* *operator-variable*
1507v:operator The last operator given in Normal mode. This is a single
1508 character except for commands starting with <g> or <z>,
1509 in which case it is two characters. Best used alongside
1510 |v:prevcount| and |v:register|. Useful if you want to cancel
1511 Operator-pending mode and then use the operator, e.g.: >
1512 :omap O <Esc>:call MyMotion(v:operator)<CR>
1513< The value remains set until another operator is entered, thus
1514 don't expect it to be empty.
1515 v:operator is not set for |:delete|, |:yank| or other Ex
1516 commands.
1517 Read-only.
1518
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001519 *v:prevcount* *prevcount-variable*
1520v:prevcount The count given for the last but one Normal mode command.
1521 This is the v:count value of the previous command. Useful if
Bram Moolenaar8af1fbf2008-01-05 12:35:21 +00001522 you want to cancel Visual or Operator-pending mode and then
1523 use the count, e.g.: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001524 :vmap % <Esc>:call MyFilter(v:prevcount)<CR>
1525< Read-only.
1526
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00001527 *v:profiling* *profiling-variable*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001528v:profiling Normally zero. Set to one after using ":profile start".
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00001529 See |profiling|.
1530
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001531 *v:progname* *progname-variable*
1532v:progname Contains the name (with path removed) with which Vim was
1533 invoked. Allows you to do special initialisations for "view",
1534 "evim" etc., or any other name you might symlink to Vim.
1535 Read-only.
1536
1537 *v:register* *register-variable*
1538v:register The name of the register supplied to the last normal mode
1539 command. Empty if none were supplied. |getreg()| |setreg()|
1540
Bram Moolenaar1c7715d2005-10-03 22:02:18 +00001541 *v:scrollstart* *scrollstart-variable*
1542v:scrollstart String describing the script or function that caused the
1543 screen to scroll up. It's only set when it is empty, thus the
1544 first reason is remembered. It is set to "Unknown" for a
1545 typed command.
1546 This can be used to find out why your script causes the
1547 hit-enter prompt.
1548
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001549 *v:servername* *servername-variable*
1550v:servername The resulting registered |x11-clientserver| name if any.
1551 Read-only.
1552
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001553
1554v:searchforward *v:searchforward* *searchforward-variable*
1555 Search direction: 1 after a forward search, 0 after a
1556 backward search. It is reset to forward when directly setting
1557 the last search pattern, see |quote/|.
1558 Note that the value is restored when returning from a
1559 function. |function-search-undo|.
1560 Read-write.
1561
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001562 *v:shell_error* *shell_error-variable*
1563v:shell_error Result of the last shell command. When non-zero, the last
1564 shell command had an error. When zero, there was no problem.
1565 This only works when the shell returns the error code to Vim.
1566 The value -1 is often used when the command could not be
1567 executed. Read-only.
1568 Example: >
1569 :!mv foo bar
1570 :if v:shell_error
1571 : echo 'could not rename "foo" to "bar"!'
1572 :endif
1573< "shell_error" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1574
1575 *v:statusmsg* *statusmsg-variable*
1576v:statusmsg Last given status message. It's allowed to set this variable.
1577
Bram Moolenaar4e330bb2005-12-07 21:04:31 +00001578 *v:swapname* *swapname-variable*
1579v:swapname Only valid when executing |SwapExists| autocommands: Name of
1580 the swap file found. Read-only.
1581
1582 *v:swapchoice* *swapchoice-variable*
1583v:swapchoice |SwapExists| autocommands can set this to the selected choice
1584 for handling an existing swap file:
1585 'o' Open read-only
1586 'e' Edit anyway
1587 'r' Recover
1588 'd' Delete swapfile
1589 'q' Quit
1590 'a' Abort
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001591 The value should be a single-character string. An empty value
Bram Moolenaar4e330bb2005-12-07 21:04:31 +00001592 results in the user being asked, as would happen when there is
1593 no SwapExists autocommand. The default is empty.
1594
Bram Moolenaarb3480382005-12-11 21:33:32 +00001595 *v:swapcommand* *swapcommand-variable*
Bram Moolenaar4770d092006-01-12 23:22:24 +00001596v:swapcommand Normal mode command to be executed after a file has been
Bram Moolenaarb3480382005-12-11 21:33:32 +00001597 opened. Can be used for a |SwapExists| autocommand to have
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001598 another Vim open the file and jump to the right place. For
Bram Moolenaarb3480382005-12-11 21:33:32 +00001599 example, when jumping to a tag the value is ":tag tagname\r".
Bram Moolenaar1f35bf92006-03-07 22:38:47 +00001600 For ":edit +cmd file" the value is ":cmd\r".
Bram Moolenaarb3480382005-12-11 21:33:32 +00001601
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001602 *v:termresponse* *termresponse-variable*
1603v:termresponse The escape sequence returned by the terminal for the |t_RV|
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001604 termcap entry. It is set when Vim receives an escape sequence
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001605 that starts with ESC [ or CSI and ends in a 'c', with only
1606 digits, ';' and '.' in between.
1607 When this option is set, the TermResponse autocommand event is
1608 fired, so that you can react to the response from the
1609 terminal.
1610 The response from a new xterm is: "<Esc>[ Pp ; Pv ; Pc c". Pp
1611 is the terminal type: 0 for vt100 and 1 for vt220. Pv is the
1612 patch level (since this was introduced in patch 95, it's
1613 always 95 or bigger). Pc is always zero.
1614 {only when compiled with |+termresponse| feature}
1615
1616 *v:this_session* *this_session-variable*
1617v:this_session Full filename of the last loaded or saved session file. See
1618 |:mksession|. It is allowed to set this variable. When no
1619 session file has been saved, this variable is empty.
1620 "this_session" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1621
1622 *v:throwpoint* *throwpoint-variable*
1623v:throwpoint The point where the exception most recently caught and not
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001624 finished was thrown. Not set when commands are typed. See
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001625 also |v:exception| and |throw-variables|.
1626 Example: >
1627 :try
1628 : throw "oops"
1629 :catch /.*/
1630 : echo "Exception from" v:throwpoint
1631 :endtry
1632< Output: "Exception from test.vim, line 2"
1633
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001634 *v:val* *val-variable*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001635v:val Value of the current item of a |List| or |Dictionary|. Only
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001636 valid while evaluating the expression used with |map()| and
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001637 |filter()|. Read-only.
1638
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001639 *v:version* *version-variable*
1640v:version Version number of Vim: Major version number times 100 plus
1641 minor version number. Version 5.0 is 500. Version 5.1 (5.01)
1642 is 501. Read-only. "version" also works, for backwards
1643 compatibility.
1644 Use |has()| to check if a certain patch was included, e.g.: >
1645 if has("patch123")
1646< Note that patch numbers are specific to the version, thus both
1647 version 5.0 and 5.1 may have a patch 123, but these are
1648 completely different.
1649
1650 *v:warningmsg* *warningmsg-variable*
1651v:warningmsg Last given warning message. It's allowed to set this variable.
1652
1653==============================================================================
16544. Builtin Functions *functions*
1655
1656See |function-list| for a list grouped by what the function is used for.
1657
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00001658(Use CTRL-] on the function name to jump to the full explanation.)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001659
1660USAGE RESULT DESCRIPTION ~
1661
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001662abs( {expr}) Float or Number absolute value of {expr}
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02001663acos( {expr}) Float arc cosine of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001664add( {list}, {item}) List append {item} to |List| {list}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001665append( {lnum}, {string}) Number append {string} below line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00001666append( {lnum}, {list}) Number append lines {list} below line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001667argc() Number number of files in the argument list
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001668argidx() Number current index in the argument list
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001669argv( {nr}) String {nr} entry of the argument list
Bram Moolenaare2f98b92006-03-29 21:18:24 +00001670argv( ) List the argument list
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02001671asin( {expr}) Float arc sine of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001672atan( {expr}) Float arc tangent of {expr}
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02001673atan2( {expr}, {expr}) Float arc tangent of {expr1} / {expr2}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001674browse( {save}, {title}, {initdir}, {default})
1675 String put up a file requester
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001676browsedir( {title}, {initdir}) String put up a directory requester
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001677bufexists( {expr}) Number TRUE if buffer {expr} exists
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001678buflisted( {expr}) Number TRUE if buffer {expr} is listed
1679bufloaded( {expr}) Number TRUE if buffer {expr} is loaded
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001680bufname( {expr}) String Name of the buffer {expr}
1681bufnr( {expr}) Number Number of the buffer {expr}
1682bufwinnr( {expr}) Number window number of buffer {expr}
1683byte2line( {byte}) Number line number at byte count {byte}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001684byteidx( {expr}, {nr}) Number byte index of {nr}'th char in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001685call( {func}, {arglist} [, {dict}])
1686 any call {func} with arguments {arglist}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001687ceil( {expr}) Float round {expr} up
1688changenr() Number current change number
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001689char2nr( {expr}) Number ASCII value of first char in {expr}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001690cindent( {lnum}) Number C indent for line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001691clearmatches() none clear all matches
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001692col( {expr}) Number column nr of cursor or mark
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001693complete( {startcol}, {matches}) none set Insert mode completion
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00001694complete_add( {expr}) Number add completion match
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001695complete_check() Number check for key typed during completion
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001696confirm( {msg} [, {choices} [, {default} [, {type}]]])
1697 Number number of choice picked by user
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001698copy( {expr}) any make a shallow copy of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001699cos( {expr}) Float cosine of {expr}
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02001700cosh( {expr}) Float hyperbolic cosine of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001701count( {list}, {expr} [, {start} [, {ic}]])
1702 Number count how many {expr} are in {list}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001703cscope_connection( [{num} , {dbpath} [, {prepend}]])
1704 Number checks existence of cscope connection
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00001705cursor( {lnum}, {col} [, {coladd}])
1706 Number move cursor to {lnum}, {col}, {coladd}
1707cursor( {list}) Number move cursor to position in {list}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001708deepcopy( {expr}) any make a full copy of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001709delete( {fname}) Number delete file {fname}
1710did_filetype() Number TRUE if FileType autocommand event used
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001711diff_filler( {lnum}) Number diff filler lines about {lnum}
1712diff_hlID( {lnum}, {col}) Number diff highlighting at {lnum}/{col}
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00001713empty( {expr}) Number TRUE if {expr} is empty
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001714escape( {string}, {chars}) String escape {chars} in {string} with '\'
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00001715eval( {string}) any evaluate {string} into its value
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001716eventhandler( ) Number TRUE if inside an event handler
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001717executable( {expr}) Number 1 if executable {expr} exists
1718exists( {expr}) Number TRUE if {expr} exists
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001719extend( {expr1}, {expr2} [, {expr3}])
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001720 List/Dict insert items of {expr2} into {expr1}
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02001721exp( {expr}) Float exponential of {expr}
Bram Moolenaarbb5ddda2008-11-28 10:01:10 +00001722expand( {expr} [, {flag}]) String expand special keywords in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001723feedkeys( {string} [, {mode}]) Number add key sequence to typeahead buffer
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001724filereadable( {file}) Number TRUE if {file} is a readable file
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001725filewritable( {file}) Number TRUE if {file} is a writable file
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001726filter( {expr}, {string}) List/Dict remove items from {expr} where
1727 {string} is 0
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001728finddir( {name}[, {path}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001729 String find directory {name} in {path}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001730findfile( {name}[, {path}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001731 String find file {name} in {path}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001732float2nr( {expr}) Number convert Float {expr} to a Number
1733floor( {expr}) Float round {expr} down
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02001734fmod( {expr1}, {expr2}) Float remainder of {expr1} / {expr2}
Bram Moolenaaraebaf892008-05-28 14:49:58 +00001735fnameescape( {fname}) String escape special characters in {fname}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001736fnamemodify( {fname}, {mods}) String modify file name
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001737foldclosed( {lnum}) Number first line of fold at {lnum} if closed
1738foldclosedend( {lnum}) Number last line of fold at {lnum} if closed
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001739foldlevel( {lnum}) Number fold level at {lnum}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001740foldtext( ) String line displayed for closed fold
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001741foldtextresult( {lnum}) String text for closed fold at {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001742foreground( ) Number bring the Vim window to the foreground
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001743function( {name}) Funcref reference to function {name}
Bram Moolenaar9d2c8c12007-09-25 16:00:00 +00001744garbagecollect( [at_exit]) none free memory, breaking cyclic references
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001745get( {list}, {idx} [, {def}]) any get item {idx} from {list} or {def}
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001746get( {dict}, {key} [, {def}]) any get item {key} from {dict} or {def}
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00001747getbufline( {expr}, {lnum} [, {end}])
1748 List lines {lnum} to {end} of buffer {expr}
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001749getbufvar( {expr}, {varname}) any variable {varname} in buffer {expr}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001750getchar( [expr]) Number get one character from the user
1751getcharmod( ) Number modifiers for the last typed character
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001752getcmdline() String return the current command-line
1753getcmdpos() Number return cursor position in command-line
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00001754getcmdtype() String return the current command-line type
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001755getcwd() String the current working directory
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00001756getfperm( {fname}) String file permissions of file {fname}
1757getfsize( {fname}) Number size in bytes of file {fname}
Bram Moolenaard8b0cf12004-12-12 11:33:30 +00001758getfontname( [{name}]) String name of font being used
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001759getftime( {fname}) Number last modification time of file
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00001760getftype( {fname}) String description of type of file {fname}
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00001761getline( {lnum}) String line {lnum} of current buffer
1762getline( {lnum}, {end}) List lines {lnum} to {end} of current buffer
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001763getloclist( {nr}) List list of location list items
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00001764getmatches() List list of current matches
Bram Moolenaar18081e32008-02-20 19:11:07 +00001765getpid() Number process ID of Vim
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00001766getpos( {expr}) List position of cursor, mark, etc.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00001767getqflist() List list of quickfix items
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00001768getreg( [{regname} [, 1]]) String contents of register
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001769getregtype( [{regname}]) String type of register
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00001770gettabwinvar( {tabnr}, {winnr}, {name})
1771 any {name} in {winnr} in tab page {tabnr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001772getwinposx() Number X coord in pixels of GUI Vim window
1773getwinposy() Number Y coord in pixels of GUI Vim window
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001774getwinvar( {nr}, {varname}) any variable {varname} in window {nr}
Bram Moolenaarbb5ddda2008-11-28 10:01:10 +00001775glob( {expr} [, {flag}]) String expand file wildcards in {expr}
1776globpath( {path}, {expr} [, {flag}])
1777 String do glob({expr}) for all dirs in {path}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001778has( {feature}) Number TRUE if feature {feature} supported
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001779has_key( {dict}, {key}) Number TRUE if {dict} has entry {key}
Bram Moolenaard267b9c2007-04-26 15:06:45 +00001780haslocaldir() Number TRUE if current window executed |:lcd|
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00001781hasmapto( {what} [, {mode} [, {abbr}]])
1782 Number TRUE if mapping to {what} exists
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001783histadd( {history},{item}) String add an item to a history
1784histdel( {history} [, {item}]) String remove an item from a history
1785histget( {history} [, {index}]) String get the item {index} from a history
1786histnr( {history}) Number highest index of a history
1787hlexists( {name}) Number TRUE if highlight group {name} exists
1788hlID( {name}) Number syntax ID of highlight group {name}
1789hostname() String name of the machine Vim is running on
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001790iconv( {expr}, {from}, {to}) String convert encoding of {expr}
1791indent( {lnum}) Number indent of line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001792index( {list}, {expr} [, {start} [, {ic}]])
1793 Number index in {list} where {expr} appears
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00001794input( {prompt} [, {text} [, {completion}]])
1795 String get input from the user
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001796inputdialog( {p} [, {t} [, {c}]]) String like input() but in a GUI dialog
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001797inputlist( {textlist}) Number let the user pick from a choice list
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001798inputrestore() Number restore typeahead
1799inputsave() Number save and clear typeahead
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001800inputsecret( {prompt} [, {text}]) String like input() but hiding the text
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001801insert( {list}, {item} [, {idx}]) List insert {item} in {list} [before {idx}]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001802isdirectory( {directory}) Number TRUE if {directory} is a directory
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00001803islocked( {expr}) Number TRUE if {expr} is locked
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001804items( {dict}) List key-value pairs in {dict}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001805join( {list} [, {sep}]) String join {list} items into one String
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001806keys( {dict}) List keys in {dict}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001807len( {expr}) Number the length of {expr}
1808libcall( {lib}, {func}, {arg}) String call {func} in library {lib} with {arg}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001809libcallnr( {lib}, {func}, {arg}) Number idem, but return a Number
1810line( {expr}) Number line nr of cursor, last line or mark
1811line2byte( {lnum}) Number byte count of line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001812lispindent( {lnum}) Number Lisp indent for line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001813localtime() Number current time
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02001814log( {expr}) Float natural logarithm (base e) of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001815log10( {expr}) Float logarithm of Float {expr} to base 10
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001816map( {expr}, {string}) List/Dict change each item in {expr} to {expr}
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00001817maparg( {name}[, {mode} [, {abbr}]])
1818 String rhs of mapping {name} in mode {mode}
1819mapcheck( {name}[, {mode} [, {abbr}]])
1820 String check for mappings matching {name}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001821match( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001822 Number position where {pat} matches in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00001823matchadd( {group}, {pattern}[, {priority}[, {id}]])
1824 Number highlight {pattern} with {group}
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00001825matcharg( {nr}) List arguments of |:match|
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00001826matchdelete( {id}) Number delete match identified by {id}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001827matchend( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001828 Number position where {pat} ends in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00001829matchlist( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
1830 List match and submatches of {pat} in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001831matchstr( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
1832 String {count}'th match of {pat} in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001833max( {list}) Number maximum value of items in {list}
1834min( {list}) Number minimum value of items in {list}
1835mkdir( {name} [, {path} [, {prot}]])
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00001836 Number create directory {name}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001837mode( [expr]) String current editing mode
Bram Moolenaar7e506b62010-01-19 15:55:06 +01001838mzeval( {expr}) any evaluate |MzScheme| expression
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001839nextnonblank( {lnum}) Number line nr of non-blank line >= {lnum}
1840nr2char( {expr}) String single char with ASCII value {expr}
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00001841pathshorten( {expr}) String shorten directory names in a path
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001842pow( {x}, {y}) Float {x} to the power of {y}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001843prevnonblank( {lnum}) Number line nr of non-blank line <= {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001844printf( {fmt}, {expr1}...) String format text
1845pumvisible() Number whether popup menu is visible
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00001846range( {expr} [, {max} [, {stride}]])
1847 List items from {expr} to {max}
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001848readfile( {fname} [, {binary} [, {max}]])
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00001849 List get list of lines from file {fname}
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00001850reltime( [{start} [, {end}]]) List get time value
1851reltimestr( {time}) String turn time value into a String
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001852remote_expr( {server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
1853 String send expression
1854remote_foreground( {server}) Number bring Vim server to the foreground
1855remote_peek( {serverid} [, {retvar}])
1856 Number check for reply string
1857remote_read( {serverid}) String read reply string
1858remote_send( {server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
1859 String send key sequence
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00001860remove( {list}, {idx} [, {end}]) any remove items {idx}-{end} from {list}
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00001861remove( {dict}, {key}) any remove entry {key} from {dict}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001862rename( {from}, {to}) Number rename (move) file from {from} to {to}
1863repeat( {expr}, {count}) String repeat {expr} {count} times
1864resolve( {filename}) String get filename a shortcut points to
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001865reverse( {list}) List reverse {list} in-place
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001866round( {expr}) Float round off {expr}
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00001867search( {pattern} [, {flags} [, {stopline} [, {timeout}]]])
1868 Number search for {pattern}
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001869searchdecl( {name} [, {global} [, {thisblock}]])
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001870 Number search for variable declaration
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00001871searchpair( {start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip} [...]]])
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001872 Number search for other end of start/end pair
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00001873searchpairpos( {start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip} [...]]])
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001874 List search for other end of start/end pair
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00001875searchpos( {pattern} [, {flags} [, {stopline} [, {timeout}]]])
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001876 List search for {pattern}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001877server2client( {clientid}, {string})
1878 Number send reply string
1879serverlist() String get a list of available servers
1880setbufvar( {expr}, {varname}, {val}) set {varname} in buffer {expr} to {val}
1881setcmdpos( {pos}) Number set cursor position in command-line
1882setline( {lnum}, {line}) Number set line {lnum} to {line}
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00001883setloclist( {nr}, {list}[, {action}])
1884 Number modify location list using {list}
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00001885setmatches( {list}) Number restore a list of matches
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001886setpos( {expr}, {list}) Number set the {expr} position to {list}
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00001887setqflist( {list}[, {action}]) Number modify quickfix list using {list}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001888setreg( {n}, {v}[, {opt}]) Number set register to value and type
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00001889settabwinvar( {tabnr}, {winnr}, {varname}, {val}) set {varname} in window
1890 {winnr} in tab page {tabnr} to {val}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001891setwinvar( {nr}, {varname}, {val}) set {varname} in window {nr} to {val}
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00001892shellescape( {string} [, {special}])
1893 String escape {string} for use as shell
Bram Moolenaar60a495f2006-10-03 12:44:42 +00001894 command argument
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001895simplify( {filename}) String simplify filename as much as possible
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001896sin( {expr}) Float sine of {expr}
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02001897sinh( {expr}) Float hyperbolic sine of {expr}
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001898sort( {list} [, {func}]) List sort {list}, using {func} to compare
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00001899soundfold( {word}) String sound-fold {word}
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00001900spellbadword() String badly spelled word at cursor
Bram Moolenaarc54b8a72005-09-30 21:20:29 +00001901spellsuggest( {word} [, {max} [, {capital}]])
1902 List spelling suggestions
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00001903split( {expr} [, {pat} [, {keepempty}]])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001904 List make |List| from {pat} separated {expr}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001905sqrt( {expr} Float squar root of {expr}
1906str2float( {expr}) Float convert String to Float
1907str2nr( {expr} [, {base}]) Number convert String to Number
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001908strftime( {format}[, {time}]) String time in specified format
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00001909stridx( {haystack}, {needle}[, {start}])
1910 Number index of {needle} in {haystack}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001911string( {expr}) String String representation of {expr} value
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001912strlen( {expr}) Number length of the String {expr}
1913strpart( {src}, {start}[, {len}])
1914 String {len} characters of {src} at {start}
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00001915strridx( {haystack}, {needle} [, {start}])
1916 Number last index of {needle} in {haystack}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001917strtrans( {expr}) String translate string to make it printable
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001918submatch( {nr}) String specific match in ":substitute"
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001919substitute( {expr}, {pat}, {sub}, {flags})
1920 String all {pat} in {expr} replaced with {sub}
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00001921synID( {lnum}, {col}, {trans}) Number syntax ID at {lnum} and {col}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001922synIDattr( {synID}, {what} [, {mode}])
1923 String attribute {what} of syntax ID {synID}
1924synIDtrans( {synID}) Number translated syntax ID of {synID}
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001925synstack( {lnum}, {col}) List stack of syntax IDs at {lnum} and {col}
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00001926system( {expr} [, {input}]) String output of shell command/filter {expr}
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00001927tabpagebuflist( [{arg}]) List list of buffer numbers in tab page
1928tabpagenr( [{arg}]) Number number of current or last tab page
1929tabpagewinnr( {tabarg}[, {arg}])
1930 Number number of current window in tab page
1931taglist( {expr}) List list of tags matching {expr}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001932tagfiles() List tags files used
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001933tempname() String name for a temporary file
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02001934tan( {expr}) Float tangent of {expr}
1935tanh( {expr}) Float hyperbolic tangent of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001936tolower( {expr}) String the String {expr} switched to lowercase
1937toupper( {expr}) String the String {expr} switched to uppercase
Bram Moolenaar8299df92004-07-10 09:47:34 +00001938tr( {src}, {fromstr}, {tostr}) String translate chars of {src} in {fromstr}
1939 to chars in {tostr}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001940trunc( {expr} Float truncate Float {expr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001941type( {name}) Number type of variable {name}
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001942values( {dict}) List values in {dict}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001943virtcol( {expr}) Number screen column of cursor or mark
1944visualmode( [expr]) String last visual mode used
1945winbufnr( {nr}) Number buffer number of window {nr}
1946wincol() Number window column of the cursor
1947winheight( {nr}) Number height of window {nr}
1948winline() Number window line of the cursor
Bram Moolenaar7e8fd632006-02-18 22:14:51 +00001949winnr( [{expr}]) Number number of current window
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001950winrestcmd() String returns command to restore window sizes
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001951winrestview( {dict}) none restore view of current window
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00001952winsaveview() Dict save view of current window
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001953winwidth( {nr}) Number width of window {nr}
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001954writefile( {list}, {fname} [, {binary}])
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00001955 Number write list of lines to file {fname}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001956
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001957abs({expr}) *abs()*
1958 Return the absolute value of {expr}. When {expr} evaluates to
1959 a |Float| abs() returns a |Float|. When {expr} can be
1960 converted to a |Number| abs() returns a |Number|. Otherwise
1961 abs() gives an error message and returns -1.
1962 Examples: >
1963 echo abs(1.456)
1964< 1.456 >
1965 echo abs(-5.456)
1966< 5.456 >
1967 echo abs(-4)
1968< 4
1969 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
1970
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02001971
1972acos({expr}) *acos()*
1973 Return the arc cosine of {expr} measured in radians, as a
1974 |Float|in the range of [0, pi].
1975 {expr} must evaluate to a|Float|or a|Number|in the range
1976 [-1, 1].
1977 Examples: >
1978 :echo acos(0)
1979< 1.570796 >
1980 :echo acos(-0.5)
1981< 2.094395
1982 {only available when compiled with|+float|}
1983
1984
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001985add({list}, {expr}) *add()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001986 Append the item {expr} to |List| {list}. Returns the
1987 resulting |List|. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001988 :let alist = add([1, 2, 3], item)
1989 :call add(mylist, "woodstock")
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001990< Note that when {expr} is a |List| it is appended as a single
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00001991 item. Use |extend()| to concatenate |Lists|.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00001992 Use |insert()| to add an item at another position.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001993
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001994
1995append({lnum}, {expr}) *append()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001996 When {expr} is a |List|: Append each item of the |List| as a
1997 text line below line {lnum} in the current buffer.
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00001998 Otherwise append {expr} as one text line below line {lnum} in
1999 the current buffer.
2000 {lnum} can be zero to insert a line before the first one.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002001 Returns 1 for failure ({lnum} out of range or out of memory),
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002002 0 for success. Example: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002003 :let failed = append(line('$'), "# THE END")
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002004 :let failed = append(0, ["Chapter 1", "the beginning"])
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002005<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002006 *argc()*
2007argc() The result is the number of files in the argument list of the
2008 current window. See |arglist|.
2009
2010 *argidx()*
2011argidx() The result is the current index in the argument list. 0 is
2012 the first file. argc() - 1 is the last one. See |arglist|.
2013
2014 *argv()*
Bram Moolenaare2f98b92006-03-29 21:18:24 +00002015argv([{nr}]) The result is the {nr}th file in the argument list of the
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002016 current window. See |arglist|. "argv(0)" is the first one.
2017 Example: >
2018 :let i = 0
2019 :while i < argc()
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002020 : let f = escape(fnameescape(argv(i)), '.')
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002021 : exe 'amenu Arg.' . f . ' :e ' . f . '<CR>'
2022 : let i = i + 1
2023 :endwhile
Bram Moolenaare2f98b92006-03-29 21:18:24 +00002024< Without the {nr} argument a |List| with the whole |arglist| is
2025 returned.
2026
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002027asin({expr}) *asin()*
2028 Return the arc sine of {expr} measured in radians, as a|Float|
2029 in the range of [-pi/2, pi/2].
2030 {expr} must evaluate to a|Float|or a|Number|in the range
2031 [-1, 1].
2032 Examples: >
2033 :echo asin(0.8)
2034< 0.927295 >
2035 :echo asin(-0.5)
2036< -0.523599
2037 {only available when compiled with|+float|}
2038
2039
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002040atan({expr}) *atan()*
2041 Return the principal value of the arc tangent of {expr}, in
2042 the range [-pi/2, +pi/2] radians, as a |Float|.
2043 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
2044 Examples: >
2045 :echo atan(100)
2046< 1.560797 >
2047 :echo atan(-4.01)
2048< -1.326405
2049 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
2050
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002051
2052atan2({expr1}, {expr2}) *atan2()*
2053 Return the arc tangent of {expr1} / {expr2}, measured in
2054 radians, as a|Float|in the range [-pi, pi].
2055 {expr1} and {expr2} must evaluate to a|Float|or a|Number|.
2056 Examples: >
2057 :echo atan2(-1, 1)
2058< -0.785398 >
2059 :echo atan2(1, -1)
2060< 2.356194
2061 {only available when compiled with|+float|}
2062
2063
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002064 *browse()*
2065browse({save}, {title}, {initdir}, {default})
2066 Put up a file requester. This only works when "has("browse")"
2067 returns non-zero (only in some GUI versions).
2068 The input fields are:
2069 {save} when non-zero, select file to write
2070 {title} title for the requester
2071 {initdir} directory to start browsing in
2072 {default} default file name
2073 When the "Cancel" button is hit, something went wrong, or
2074 browsing is not possible, an empty string is returned.
2075
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00002076 *browsedir()*
2077browsedir({title}, {initdir})
2078 Put up a directory requester. This only works when
2079 "has("browse")" returns non-zero (only in some GUI versions).
2080 On systems where a directory browser is not supported a file
2081 browser is used. In that case: select a file in the directory
2082 to be used.
2083 The input fields are:
2084 {title} title for the requester
2085 {initdir} directory to start browsing in
2086 When the "Cancel" button is hit, something went wrong, or
2087 browsing is not possible, an empty string is returned.
2088
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002089bufexists({expr}) *bufexists()*
2090 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a buffer called
2091 {expr} exists.
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00002092 If the {expr} argument is a number, buffer numbers are used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002093 If the {expr} argument is a string it must match a buffer name
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00002094 exactly. The name can be:
2095 - Relative to the current directory.
2096 - A full path.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002097 - The name of a buffer with 'buftype' set to "nofile".
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00002098 - A URL name.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002099 Unlisted buffers will be found.
2100 Note that help files are listed by their short name in the
2101 output of |:buffers|, but bufexists() requires using their
2102 long name to be able to find them.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002103 bufexists() may report a buffer exists, but to use the name
2104 with a |:buffer| command you may need to use |expand()|. Esp
2105 for MS-Windows 8.3 names in the form "c:\DOCUME~1"
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002106 Use "bufexists(0)" to test for the existence of an alternate
2107 file name.
2108 *buffer_exists()*
2109 Obsolete name: buffer_exists().
2110
2111buflisted({expr}) *buflisted()*
2112 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a buffer called
2113 {expr} exists and is listed (has the 'buflisted' option set).
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00002114 The {expr} argument is used like with |bufexists()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002115
2116bufloaded({expr}) *bufloaded()*
2117 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a buffer called
2118 {expr} exists and is loaded (shown in a window or hidden).
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00002119 The {expr} argument is used like with |bufexists()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002120
2121bufname({expr}) *bufname()*
2122 The result is the name of a buffer, as it is displayed by the
2123 ":ls" command.
2124 If {expr} is a Number, that buffer number's name is given.
2125 Number zero is the alternate buffer for the current window.
2126 If {expr} is a String, it is used as a |file-pattern| to match
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002127 with the buffer names. This is always done like 'magic' is
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002128 set and 'cpoptions' is empty. When there is more than one
2129 match an empty string is returned.
2130 "" or "%" can be used for the current buffer, "#" for the
2131 alternate buffer.
2132 A full match is preferred, otherwise a match at the start, end
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002133 or middle of the buffer name is accepted. If you only want a
2134 full match then put "^" at the start and "$" at the end of the
2135 pattern.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002136 Listed buffers are found first. If there is a single match
2137 with a listed buffer, that one is returned. Next unlisted
2138 buffers are searched for.
2139 If the {expr} is a String, but you want to use it as a buffer
2140 number, force it to be a Number by adding zero to it: >
2141 :echo bufname("3" + 0)
2142< If the buffer doesn't exist, or doesn't have a name, an empty
2143 string is returned. >
2144 bufname("#") alternate buffer name
2145 bufname(3) name of buffer 3
2146 bufname("%") name of current buffer
2147 bufname("file2") name of buffer where "file2" matches.
2148< *buffer_name()*
2149 Obsolete name: buffer_name().
2150
2151 *bufnr()*
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00002152bufnr({expr} [, {create}])
2153 The result is the number of a buffer, as it is displayed by
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002154 the ":ls" command. For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()|
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00002155 above.
2156 If the buffer doesn't exist, -1 is returned. Or, if the
2157 {create} argument is present and not zero, a new, unlisted,
2158 buffer is created and its number is returned.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002159 bufnr("$") is the last buffer: >
2160 :let last_buffer = bufnr("$")
2161< The result is a Number, which is the highest buffer number
2162 of existing buffers. Note that not all buffers with a smaller
2163 number necessarily exist, because ":bwipeout" may have removed
2164 them. Use bufexists() to test for the existence of a buffer.
2165 *buffer_number()*
2166 Obsolete name: buffer_number().
2167 *last_buffer_nr()*
2168 Obsolete name for bufnr("$"): last_buffer_nr().
2169
2170bufwinnr({expr}) *bufwinnr()*
2171 The result is a Number, which is the number of the first
2172 window associated with buffer {expr}. For the use of {expr},
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002173 see |bufname()| above. If buffer {expr} doesn't exist or
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002174 there is no such window, -1 is returned. Example: >
2175
2176 echo "A window containing buffer 1 is " . (bufwinnr(1))
2177
2178< The number can be used with |CTRL-W_w| and ":wincmd w"
2179 |:wincmd|.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002180 Only deals with the current tab page.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002181
2182
2183byte2line({byte}) *byte2line()*
2184 Return the line number that contains the character at byte
2185 count {byte} in the current buffer. This includes the
2186 end-of-line character, depending on the 'fileformat' option
2187 for the current buffer. The first character has byte count
2188 one.
2189 Also see |line2byte()|, |go| and |:goto|.
2190 {not available when compiled without the |+byte_offset|
2191 feature}
2192
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00002193byteidx({expr}, {nr}) *byteidx()*
2194 Return byte index of the {nr}'th character in the string
2195 {expr}. Use zero for the first character, it returns zero.
2196 This function is only useful when there are multibyte
2197 characters, otherwise the returned value is equal to {nr}.
2198 Composing characters are counted as a separate character.
2199 Example : >
2200 echo matchstr(str, ".", byteidx(str, 3))
2201< will display the fourth character. Another way to do the
2202 same: >
2203 let s = strpart(str, byteidx(str, 3))
2204 echo strpart(s, 0, byteidx(s, 1))
2205< If there are less than {nr} characters -1 is returned.
2206 If there are exactly {nr} characters the length of the string
2207 is returned.
2208
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002209call({func}, {arglist} [, {dict}]) *call()* *E699*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002210 Call function {func} with the items in |List| {arglist} as
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002211 arguments.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002212 {func} can either be a |Funcref| or the name of a function.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002213 a:firstline and a:lastline are set to the cursor line.
2214 Returns the return value of the called function.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002215 {dict} is for functions with the "dict" attribute. It will be
2216 used to set the local variable "self". |Dictionary-function|
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002217
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002218ceil({expr}) *ceil()*
2219 Return the smallest integral value greater than or equal to
2220 {expr} as a |Float| (round up).
2221 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
2222 Examples: >
2223 echo ceil(1.456)
2224< 2.0 >
2225 echo ceil(-5.456)
2226< -5.0 >
2227 echo ceil(4.0)
2228< 4.0
2229 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
2230
Bram Moolenaarca003e12006-03-17 23:19:38 +00002231changenr() *changenr()*
2232 Return the number of the most recent change. This is the same
2233 number as what is displayed with |:undolist| and can be used
2234 with the |:undo| command.
2235 When a change was made it is the number of that change. After
2236 redo it is the number of the redone change. After undo it is
2237 one less than the number of the undone change.
2238
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002239char2nr({expr}) *char2nr()*
2240 Return number value of the first char in {expr}. Examples: >
2241 char2nr(" ") returns 32
2242 char2nr("ABC") returns 65
2243< The current 'encoding' is used. Example for "utf-8": >
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002244 char2nr("á") returns 225
2245 char2nr("á"[0]) returns 195
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002246< |nr2char()| does the opposite.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002247
2248cindent({lnum}) *cindent()*
2249 Get the amount of indent for line {lnum} according the C
2250 indenting rules, as with 'cindent'.
2251 The indent is counted in spaces, the value of 'tabstop' is
2252 relevant. {lnum} is used just like in |getline()|.
2253 When {lnum} is invalid or Vim was not compiled the |+cindent|
2254 feature, -1 is returned.
Bram Moolenaard5cdbeb2005-10-10 20:59:28 +00002255 See |C-indenting|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002256
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00002257clearmatches() *clearmatches()*
2258 Clears all matches previously defined by |matchadd()| and the
2259 |:match| commands.
2260
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002261 *col()*
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00002262col({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the byte index of the column
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002263 position given with {expr}. The accepted positions are:
2264 . the cursor position
2265 $ the end of the cursor line (the result is the
2266 number of characters in the cursor line plus one)
2267 'x position of mark x (if the mark is not set, 0 is
2268 returned)
Bram Moolenaar477933c2007-07-17 14:32:23 +00002269 Additionally {expr} can be [lnum, col]: a |List| with the line
2270 and column number. Most useful when the column is "$", to get
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002271 the last column of a specific line. When "lnum" or "col" is
Bram Moolenaar477933c2007-07-17 14:32:23 +00002272 out of range then col() returns zero.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002273 To get the line number use |line()|. To get both use
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00002274 |getpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002275 For the screen column position use |virtcol()|.
2276 Note that only marks in the current file can be used.
2277 Examples: >
2278 col(".") column of cursor
2279 col("$") length of cursor line plus one
2280 col("'t") column of mark t
2281 col("'" . markname) column of mark markname
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002282< The first column is 1. 0 is returned for an error.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002283 For an uppercase mark the column may actually be in another
2284 buffer.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002285 For the cursor position, when 'virtualedit' is active, the
2286 column is one higher if the cursor is after the end of the
2287 line. This can be used to obtain the column in Insert mode: >
2288 :imap <F2> <C-O>:let save_ve = &ve<CR>
2289 \<C-O>:set ve=all<CR>
2290 \<C-O>:echo col(".") . "\n" <Bar>
2291 \let &ve = save_ve<CR>
2292<
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00002293
Bram Moolenaara94bc432006-03-10 21:42:59 +00002294complete({startcol}, {matches}) *complete()* *E785*
2295 Set the matches for Insert mode completion.
2296 Can only be used in Insert mode. You need to use a mapping
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002297 with CTRL-R = |i_CTRL-R|. It does not work after CTRL-O or
2298 with an expression mapping.
Bram Moolenaara94bc432006-03-10 21:42:59 +00002299 {startcol} is the byte offset in the line where the completed
2300 text start. The text up to the cursor is the original text
2301 that will be replaced by the matches. Use col('.') for an
2302 empty string. "col('.') - 1" will replace one character by a
2303 match.
2304 {matches} must be a |List|. Each |List| item is one match.
2305 See |complete-items| for the kind of items that are possible.
2306 Note that the after calling this function you need to avoid
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01002307 inserting anything that would cause completion to stop.
Bram Moolenaara94bc432006-03-10 21:42:59 +00002308 The match can be selected with CTRL-N and CTRL-P as usual with
2309 Insert mode completion. The popup menu will appear if
2310 specified, see |ins-completion-menu|.
2311 Example: >
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002312 inoremap <F5> <C-R>=ListMonths()<CR>
Bram Moolenaara94bc432006-03-10 21:42:59 +00002313
2314 func! ListMonths()
2315 call complete(col('.'), ['January', 'February', 'March',
2316 \ 'April', 'May', 'June', 'July', 'August', 'September',
2317 \ 'October', 'November', 'December'])
2318 return ''
2319 endfunc
2320< This isn't very useful, but it shows how it works. Note that
2321 an empty string is returned to avoid a zero being inserted.
2322
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00002323complete_add({expr}) *complete_add()*
2324 Add {expr} to the list of matches. Only to be used by the
2325 function specified with the 'completefunc' option.
2326 Returns 0 for failure (empty string or out of memory),
2327 1 when the match was added, 2 when the match was already in
2328 the list.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002329 See |complete-functions| for an explanation of {expr}. It is
Bram Moolenaar39f05632006-03-19 22:15:26 +00002330 the same as one item in the list that 'omnifunc' would return.
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00002331
2332complete_check() *complete_check()*
2333 Check for a key typed while looking for completion matches.
2334 This is to be used when looking for matches takes some time.
2335 Returns non-zero when searching for matches is to be aborted,
2336 zero otherwise.
2337 Only to be used by the function specified with the
2338 'completefunc' option.
2339
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002340 *confirm()*
2341confirm({msg} [, {choices} [, {default} [, {type}]]])
2342 Confirm() offers the user a dialog, from which a choice can be
2343 made. It returns the number of the choice. For the first
2344 choice this is 1.
2345 Note: confirm() is only supported when compiled with dialog
2346 support, see |+dialog_con| and |+dialog_gui|.
2347 {msg} is displayed in a |dialog| with {choices} as the
2348 alternatives. When {choices} is missing or empty, "&OK" is
2349 used (and translated).
2350 {msg} is a String, use '\n' to include a newline. Only on
2351 some systems the string is wrapped when it doesn't fit.
2352 {choices} is a String, with the individual choices separated
2353 by '\n', e.g. >
2354 confirm("Save changes?", "&Yes\n&No\n&Cancel")
2355< The letter after the '&' is the shortcut key for that choice.
2356 Thus you can type 'c' to select "Cancel". The shortcut does
2357 not need to be the first letter: >
2358 confirm("file has been modified", "&Save\nSave &All")
2359< For the console, the first letter of each choice is used as
2360 the default shortcut key.
2361 The optional {default} argument is the number of the choice
2362 that is made if the user hits <CR>. Use 1 to make the first
2363 choice the default one. Use 0 to not set a default. If
2364 {default} is omitted, 1 is used.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002365 The optional {type} argument gives the type of dialog. This
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002366 is only used for the icon of the Win32 GUI. It can be one of
2367 these values: "Error", "Question", "Info", "Warning" or
2368 "Generic". Only the first character is relevant. When {type}
2369 is omitted, "Generic" is used.
2370 If the user aborts the dialog by pressing <Esc>, CTRL-C,
2371 or another valid interrupt key, confirm() returns 0.
2372
2373 An example: >
2374 :let choice = confirm("What do you want?", "&Apples\n&Oranges\n&Bananas", 2)
2375 :if choice == 0
2376 : echo "make up your mind!"
2377 :elseif choice == 3
2378 : echo "tasteful"
2379 :else
2380 : echo "I prefer bananas myself."
2381 :endif
2382< In a GUI dialog, buttons are used. The layout of the buttons
2383 depends on the 'v' flag in 'guioptions'. If it is included,
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002384 the buttons are always put vertically. Otherwise, confirm()
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002385 tries to put the buttons in one horizontal line. If they
2386 don't fit, a vertical layout is used anyway. For some systems
2387 the horizontal layout is always used.
2388
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002389 *copy()*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002390copy({expr}) Make a copy of {expr}. For Numbers and Strings this isn't
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002391 different from using {expr} directly.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002392 When {expr} is a |List| a shallow copy is created. This means
2393 that the original |List| can be changed without changing the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002394 copy, and vice versa. But the items are identical, thus
2395 changing an item changes the contents of both |Lists|. Also
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002396 see |deepcopy()|.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002397
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002398cos({expr}) *cos()*
2399 Return the cosine of {expr}, measured in radians, as a |Float|.
2400 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
2401 Examples: >
2402 :echo cos(100)
2403< 0.862319 >
2404 :echo cos(-4.01)
2405< -0.646043
2406 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
2407
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002408
2409cosh({expr}) *cosh()*
2410 Return the hyperbolic cosine of {expr} as a|Float|in the range
2411 [1, inf].
2412 {expr} must evaluate to a|Float|or a|Number|.
2413 Examples: >
2414 :echo cosh(0.5)
2415< 1.127626 >
2416 :echo cosh(-0.5)
2417< -1.127626
2418 {only available when compiled with|+float|}
2419
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002420
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002421count({comp}, {expr} [, {ic} [, {start}]]) *count()*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002422 Return the number of times an item with value {expr} appears
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002423 in |List| or |Dictionary| {comp}.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002424 If {start} is given then start with the item with this index.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002425 {start} can only be used with a |List|.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002426 When {ic} is given and it's non-zero then case is ignored.
2427
2428
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002429 *cscope_connection()*
2430cscope_connection([{num} , {dbpath} [, {prepend}]])
2431 Checks for the existence of a |cscope| connection. If no
2432 parameters are specified, then the function returns:
2433 0, if cscope was not available (not compiled in), or
2434 if there are no cscope connections;
2435 1, if there is at least one cscope connection.
2436
2437 If parameters are specified, then the value of {num}
2438 determines how existence of a cscope connection is checked:
2439
2440 {num} Description of existence check
2441 ----- ------------------------------
2442 0 Same as no parameters (e.g., "cscope_connection()").
2443 1 Ignore {prepend}, and use partial string matches for
2444 {dbpath}.
2445 2 Ignore {prepend}, and use exact string matches for
2446 {dbpath}.
2447 3 Use {prepend}, use partial string matches for both
2448 {dbpath} and {prepend}.
2449 4 Use {prepend}, use exact string matches for both
2450 {dbpath} and {prepend}.
2451
2452 Note: All string comparisons are case sensitive!
2453
2454 Examples. Suppose we had the following (from ":cs show"): >
2455
2456 # pid database name prepend path
2457 0 27664 cscope.out /usr/local
2458<
2459 Invocation Return Val ~
2460 ---------- ---------- >
2461 cscope_connection() 1
2462 cscope_connection(1, "out") 1
2463 cscope_connection(2, "out") 0
2464 cscope_connection(3, "out") 0
2465 cscope_connection(3, "out", "local") 1
2466 cscope_connection(4, "out") 0
2467 cscope_connection(4, "out", "local") 0
2468 cscope_connection(4, "cscope.out", "/usr/local") 1
2469<
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00002470cursor({lnum}, {col} [, {off}]) *cursor()*
2471cursor({list})
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002472 Positions the cursor at the column (byte count) {col} in the
2473 line {lnum}. The first column is one.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00002474 When there is one argument {list} this is used as a |List|
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00002475 with two or three items {lnum}, {col} and {off}. This is like
2476 the return value of |getpos()|, but without the first item.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002477 Does not change the jumplist.
2478 If {lnum} is greater than the number of lines in the buffer,
2479 the cursor will be positioned at the last line in the buffer.
2480 If {lnum} is zero, the cursor will stay in the current line.
Bram Moolenaar6f16eb82005-08-23 21:02:42 +00002481 If {col} is greater than the number of bytes in the line,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002482 the cursor will be positioned at the last character in the
2483 line.
2484 If {col} is zero, the cursor will stay in the current column.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00002485 When 'virtualedit' is used {off} specifies the offset in
2486 screen columns from the start of the character. E.g., a
Bram Moolenaard46bbc72007-05-12 14:38:41 +00002487 position within a <Tab> or after the last character.
Bram Moolenaar798b30b2009-04-22 10:56:16 +00002488 Returns 0 when the position could be set, -1 otherwise.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002489
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002490
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00002491deepcopy({expr}[, {noref}]) *deepcopy()* *E698*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002492 Make a copy of {expr}. For Numbers and Strings this isn't
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002493 different from using {expr} directly.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002494 When {expr} is a |List| a full copy is created. This means
2495 that the original |List| can be changed without changing the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002496 copy, and vice versa. When an item is a |List|, a copy for it
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002497 is made, recursively. Thus changing an item in the copy does
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002498 not change the contents of the original |List|.
2499 When {noref} is omitted or zero a contained |List| or
2500 |Dictionary| is only copied once. All references point to
2501 this single copy. With {noref} set to 1 every occurrence of a
2502 |List| or |Dictionary| results in a new copy. This also means
2503 that a cyclic reference causes deepcopy() to fail.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00002504 *E724*
2505 Nesting is possible up to 100 levels. When there is an item
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00002506 that refers back to a higher level making a deep copy with
2507 {noref} set to 1 will fail.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002508 Also see |copy()|.
2509
2510delete({fname}) *delete()*
2511 Deletes the file by the name {fname}. The result is a Number,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002512 which is 0 if the file was deleted successfully, and non-zero
2513 when the deletion failed.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002514 Use |remove()| to delete an item from a |List|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002515
2516 *did_filetype()*
2517did_filetype() Returns non-zero when autocommands are being executed and the
2518 FileType event has been triggered at least once. Can be used
2519 to avoid triggering the FileType event again in the scripts
2520 that detect the file type. |FileType|
2521 When editing another file, the counter is reset, thus this
2522 really checks if the FileType event has been triggered for the
2523 current buffer. This allows an autocommand that starts
2524 editing another buffer to set 'filetype' and load a syntax
2525 file.
2526
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00002527diff_filler({lnum}) *diff_filler()*
2528 Returns the number of filler lines above line {lnum}.
2529 These are the lines that were inserted at this point in
2530 another diff'ed window. These filler lines are shown in the
2531 display but don't exist in the buffer.
2532 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current
2533 line, "'m" mark m, etc.
2534 Returns 0 if the current window is not in diff mode.
2535
2536diff_hlID({lnum}, {col}) *diff_hlID()*
2537 Returns the highlight ID for diff mode at line {lnum} column
2538 {col} (byte index). When the current line does not have a
2539 diff change zero is returned.
2540 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current
2541 line, "'m" mark m, etc.
2542 {col} is 1 for the leftmost column, {lnum} is 1 for the first
2543 line.
2544 The highlight ID can be used with |synIDattr()| to obtain
2545 syntax information about the highlighting.
2546
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00002547empty({expr}) *empty()*
2548 Return the Number 1 if {expr} is empty, zero otherwise.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002549 A |List| or |Dictionary| is empty when it does not have any
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002550 items. A Number is empty when its value is zero.
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01002551 For a long |List| this is much faster than comparing the
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002552 length with zero.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00002553
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002554escape({string}, {chars}) *escape()*
2555 Escape the characters in {chars} that occur in {string} with a
2556 backslash. Example: >
2557 :echo escape('c:\program files\vim', ' \')
2558< results in: >
2559 c:\\program\ files\\vim
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002560< Also see |shellescape()|.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002561
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002562 *eval()*
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002563eval({string}) Evaluate {string} and return the result. Especially useful to
2564 turn the result of |string()| back into the original value.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002565 This works for Numbers, Floats, Strings and composites of
2566 them. Also works for |Funcref|s that refer to existing
2567 functions.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002568
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002569eventhandler() *eventhandler()*
2570 Returns 1 when inside an event handler. That is that Vim got
2571 interrupted while waiting for the user to type a character,
2572 e.g., when dropping a file on Vim. This means interactive
2573 commands cannot be used. Otherwise zero is returned.
2574
2575executable({expr}) *executable()*
2576 This function checks if an executable with the name {expr}
2577 exists. {expr} must be the name of the program without any
Bram Moolenaarf4b8e572004-06-24 15:53:16 +00002578 arguments.
2579 executable() uses the value of $PATH and/or the normal
2580 searchpath for programs. *PATHEXT*
2581 On MS-DOS and MS-Windows the ".exe", ".bat", etc. can
2582 optionally be included. Then the extensions in $PATHEXT are
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002583 tried. Thus if "foo.exe" does not exist, "foo.exe.bat" can be
2584 found. If $PATHEXT is not set then ".exe;.com;.bat;.cmd" is
Bram Moolenaarf4b8e572004-06-24 15:53:16 +00002585 used. A dot by itself can be used in $PATHEXT to try using
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002586 the name without an extension. When 'shell' looks like a
Bram Moolenaarf4b8e572004-06-24 15:53:16 +00002587 Unix shell, then the name is also tried without adding an
2588 extension.
2589 On MS-DOS and MS-Windows it only checks if the file exists and
2590 is not a directory, not if it's really executable.
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00002591 On MS-Windows an executable in the same directory as Vim is
2592 always found. Since this directory is added to $PATH it
2593 should also work to execute it |win32-PATH|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002594 The result is a Number:
2595 1 exists
2596 0 does not exist
2597 -1 not implemented on this system
2598
2599 *exists()*
2600exists({expr}) The result is a Number, which is non-zero if {expr} is
2601 defined, zero otherwise. The {expr} argument is a string,
2602 which contains one of these:
2603 &option-name Vim option (only checks if it exists,
2604 not if it really works)
2605 +option-name Vim option that works.
2606 $ENVNAME environment variable (could also be
2607 done by comparing with an empty
2608 string)
2609 *funcname built-in function (see |functions|)
2610 or user defined function (see
2611 |user-functions|).
2612 varname internal variable (see
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002613 |internal-variables|). Also works
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002614 for |curly-braces-names|, |Dictionary|
2615 entries, |List| items, etc. Beware
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00002616 that evaluating an index may cause an
2617 error message for an invalid
2618 expression. E.g.: >
2619 :let l = [1, 2, 3]
2620 :echo exists("l[5]")
2621< 0 >
2622 :echo exists("l[xx]")
2623< E121: Undefined variable: xx
2624 0
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002625 :cmdname Ex command: built-in command, user
2626 command or command modifier |:command|.
2627 Returns:
2628 1 for match with start of a command
2629 2 full match with a command
2630 3 matches several user commands
2631 To check for a supported command
2632 always check the return value to be 2.
Bram Moolenaar14716812006-05-04 21:54:08 +00002633 :2match The |:2match| command.
2634 :3match The |:3match| command.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002635 #event autocommand defined for this event
2636 #event#pattern autocommand defined for this event and
2637 pattern (the pattern is taken
2638 literally and compared to the
2639 autocommand patterns character by
2640 character)
Bram Moolenaara9b1e742005-12-19 22:14:58 +00002641 #group autocommand group exists
2642 #group#event autocommand defined for this group and
2643 event.
2644 #group#event#pattern
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00002645 autocommand defined for this group,
Bram Moolenaara9b1e742005-12-19 22:14:58 +00002646 event and pattern.
Bram Moolenaarf4cd3e82005-12-22 22:47:02 +00002647 ##event autocommand for this event is
2648 supported.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002649 For checking for a supported feature use |has()|.
2650
2651 Examples: >
2652 exists("&shortname")
2653 exists("$HOSTNAME")
2654 exists("*strftime")
2655 exists("*s:MyFunc")
2656 exists("bufcount")
2657 exists(":Make")
Bram Moolenaara9b1e742005-12-19 22:14:58 +00002658 exists("#CursorHold")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002659 exists("#BufReadPre#*.gz")
Bram Moolenaara9b1e742005-12-19 22:14:58 +00002660 exists("#filetypeindent")
2661 exists("#filetypeindent#FileType")
2662 exists("#filetypeindent#FileType#*")
Bram Moolenaarf4cd3e82005-12-22 22:47:02 +00002663 exists("##ColorScheme")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002664< There must be no space between the symbol (&/$/*/#) and the
2665 name.
Bram Moolenaar91170f82006-05-05 21:15:17 +00002666 There must be no extra characters after the name, although in
2667 a few cases this is ignored. That may become more strict in
2668 the future, thus don't count on it!
2669 Working example: >
2670 exists(":make")
2671< NOT working example: >
2672 exists(":make install")
Bram Moolenaar9c102382006-05-03 21:26:49 +00002673
2674< Note that the argument must be a string, not the name of the
2675 variable itself. For example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002676 exists(bufcount)
2677< This doesn't check for existence of the "bufcount" variable,
Bram Moolenaar06a89a52006-04-29 22:01:03 +00002678 but gets the value of "bufcount", and checks if that exists.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002679
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002680exp({expr}) *exp()*
2681 Return the exponential of {expr} as a|Float|in the range
2682 [0, inf].
2683 {expr} must evaluate to a|Float|or a|Number|.
2684 Examples: >
2685 :echo exp(2)
2686< 7.389056 >
2687 :echo exp(-1)
2688< 0.367879
2689 {only available when compiled with|+float|}
2690
2691
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002692expand({expr} [, {flag}]) *expand()*
2693 Expand wildcards and the following special keywords in {expr}.
2694 The result is a String.
2695
2696 When there are several matches, they are separated by <NL>
2697 characters. [Note: in version 5.0 a space was used, which
2698 caused problems when a file name contains a space]
2699
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002700 If the expansion fails, the result is an empty string. A name
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002701 for a non-existing file is not included.
2702
2703 When {expr} starts with '%', '#' or '<', the expansion is done
2704 like for the |cmdline-special| variables with their associated
2705 modifiers. Here is a short overview:
2706
2707 % current file name
2708 # alternate file name
2709 #n alternate file name n
2710 <cfile> file name under the cursor
2711 <afile> autocmd file name
2712 <abuf> autocmd buffer number (as a String!)
2713 <amatch> autocmd matched name
2714 <sfile> sourced script file name
2715 <cword> word under the cursor
2716 <cWORD> WORD under the cursor
2717 <client> the {clientid} of the last received
2718 message |server2client()|
2719 Modifiers:
2720 :p expand to full path
2721 :h head (last path component removed)
2722 :t tail (last path component only)
2723 :r root (one extension removed)
2724 :e extension only
2725
2726 Example: >
2727 :let &tags = expand("%:p:h") . "/tags"
2728< Note that when expanding a string that starts with '%', '#' or
2729 '<', any following text is ignored. This does NOT work: >
2730 :let doesntwork = expand("%:h.bak")
2731< Use this: >
2732 :let doeswork = expand("%:h") . ".bak"
2733< Also note that expanding "<cfile>" and others only returns the
2734 referenced file name without further expansion. If "<cfile>"
2735 is "~/.cshrc", you need to do another expand() to have the
2736 "~/" expanded into the path of the home directory: >
2737 :echo expand(expand("<cfile>"))
2738<
2739 There cannot be white space between the variables and the
2740 following modifier. The |fnamemodify()| function can be used
2741 to modify normal file names.
2742
2743 When using '%' or '#', and the current or alternate file name
2744 is not defined, an empty string is used. Using "%:p" in a
2745 buffer with no name, results in the current directory, with a
2746 '/' added.
2747
2748 When {expr} does not start with '%', '#' or '<', it is
2749 expanded like a file name is expanded on the command line.
2750 'suffixes' and 'wildignore' are used, unless the optional
2751 {flag} argument is given and it is non-zero. Names for
Bram Moolenaar02743632005-07-25 20:42:36 +00002752 non-existing files are included. The "**" item can be used to
2753 search in a directory tree. For example, to find all "README"
2754 files in the current directory and below: >
2755 :echo expand("**/README")
2756<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002757 Expand() can also be used to expand variables and environment
2758 variables that are only known in a shell. But this can be
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002759 slow, because a shell must be started. See |expr-env-expand|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002760 The expanded variable is still handled like a list of file
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002761 names. When an environment variable cannot be expanded, it is
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002762 left unchanged. Thus ":echo expand('$FOOBAR')" results in
2763 "$FOOBAR".
2764
2765 See |glob()| for finding existing files. See |system()| for
2766 getting the raw output of an external command.
2767
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002768extend({expr1}, {expr2} [, {expr3}]) *extend()*
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00002769 {expr1} and {expr2} must be both |Lists| or both
2770 |Dictionaries|.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002771
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00002772 If they are |Lists|: Append {expr2} to {expr1}.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002773 If {expr3} is given insert the items of {expr2} before item
2774 {expr3} in {expr1}. When {expr3} is zero insert before the
2775 first item. When {expr3} is equal to len({expr1}) then
2776 {expr2} is appended.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002777 Examples: >
2778 :echo sort(extend(mylist, [7, 5]))
2779 :call extend(mylist, [2, 3], 1)
Bram Moolenaardc9cf9c2008-08-08 10:36:31 +00002780< When {expr1} is the same List as {expr2} then the number of
2781 items copied is equal to the original length of the List.
2782 E.g., when {expr3} is 1 you get N new copies of the first item
2783 (where N is the original length of the List).
2784 Use |add()| to concatenate one item to a list. To concatenate
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002785 two lists into a new list use the + operator: >
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002786 :let newlist = [1, 2, 3] + [4, 5]
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002787<
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00002788 If they are |Dictionaries|:
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002789 Add all entries from {expr2} to {expr1}.
2790 If a key exists in both {expr1} and {expr2} then {expr3} is
2791 used to decide what to do:
2792 {expr3} = "keep": keep the value of {expr1}
2793 {expr3} = "force": use the value of {expr2}
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00002794 {expr3} = "error": give an error message *E737*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002795 When {expr3} is omitted then "force" is assumed.
2796
2797 {expr1} is changed when {expr2} is not empty. If necessary
2798 make a copy of {expr1} first.
2799 {expr2} remains unchanged.
2800 Returns {expr1}.
2801
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002802
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +00002803feedkeys({string} [, {mode}]) *feedkeys()*
2804 Characters in {string} are queued for processing as if they
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002805 come from a mapping or were typed by the user. They are added
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002806 to the end of the typeahead buffer, thus if a mapping is still
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +00002807 being executed these characters come after them.
2808 The function does not wait for processing of keys contained in
2809 {string}.
2810 To include special keys into {string}, use double-quotes
2811 and "\..." notation |expr-quote|. For example,
Bram Moolenaar79166c42007-05-10 18:29:51 +00002812 feedkeys("\<CR>") simulates pressing of the <Enter> key. But
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +00002813 feedkeys('\<CR>') pushes 5 characters.
2814 If {mode} is absent, keys are remapped.
2815 {mode} is a String, which can contain these character flags:
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00002816 'm' Remap keys. This is default.
2817 'n' Do not remap keys.
2818 't' Handle keys as if typed; otherwise they are handled as
2819 if coming from a mapping. This matters for undo,
2820 opening folds, etc.
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +00002821 Return value is always 0.
2822
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002823filereadable({file}) *filereadable()*
2824 The result is a Number, which is TRUE when a file with the
2825 name {file} exists, and can be read. If {file} doesn't exist,
2826 or is a directory, the result is FALSE. {file} is any
2827 expression, which is used as a String.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002828 If you don't care about the file being readable you can use
2829 |glob()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002830 *file_readable()*
2831 Obsolete name: file_readable().
2832
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002833
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002834filewritable({file}) *filewritable()*
2835 The result is a Number, which is 1 when a file with the
2836 name {file} exists, and can be written. If {file} doesn't
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002837 exist, or is not writable, the result is 0. If {file} is a
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002838 directory, and we can write to it, the result is 2.
2839
2840
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002841filter({expr}, {string}) *filter()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002842 {expr} must be a |List| or a |Dictionary|.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002843 For each item in {expr} evaluate {string} and when the result
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002844 is zero remove the item from the |List| or |Dictionary|.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002845 Inside {string} |v:val| has the value of the current item.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002846 For a |Dictionary| |v:key| has the key of the current item.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002847 Examples: >
2848 :call filter(mylist, 'v:val !~ "OLD"')
2849< Removes the items where "OLD" appears. >
2850 :call filter(mydict, 'v:key >= 8')
2851< Removes the items with a key below 8. >
2852 :call filter(var, 0)
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002853< Removes all the items, thus clears the |List| or |Dictionary|.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00002854
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002855 Note that {string} is the result of expression and is then
2856 used as an expression again. Often it is good to use a
2857 |literal-string| to avoid having to double backslashes.
2858
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002859 The operation is done in-place. If you want a |List| or
2860 |Dictionary| to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
Bram Moolenaarafeb4fa2006-02-01 21:51:12 +00002861 :let l = filter(copy(mylist), 'v:val =~ "KEEP"')
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002862
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002863< Returns {expr}, the |List| or |Dictionary| that was filtered.
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00002864 When an error is encountered while evaluating {string} no
2865 further items in {expr} are processed.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002866
2867
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00002868finddir({name}[, {path}[, {count}]]) *finddir()*
Bram Moolenaar5b6b1ca2007-03-27 08:19:43 +00002869 Find directory {name} in {path}. Supports both downwards and
2870 upwards recursive directory searches. See |file-searching|
2871 for the syntax of {path}.
2872 Returns the path of the first found match. When the found
2873 directory is below the current directory a relative path is
2874 returned. Otherwise a full path is returned.
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00002875 If {path} is omitted or empty then 'path' is used.
2876 If the optional {count} is given, find {count}'s occurrence of
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00002877 {name} in {path} instead of the first one.
Bram Moolenaar899dddf2006-03-26 21:06:50 +00002878 When {count} is negative return all the matches in a |List|.
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00002879 This is quite similar to the ex-command |:find|.
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00002880 {only available when compiled with the +file_in_path feature}
2881
2882findfile({name}[, {path}[, {count}]]) *findfile()*
2883 Just like |finddir()|, but find a file instead of a directory.
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00002884 Uses 'suffixesadd'.
2885 Example: >
2886 :echo findfile("tags.vim", ".;")
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002887< Searches from the directory of the current file upwards until
2888 it finds the file "tags.vim".
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002889
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002890float2nr({expr}) *float2nr()*
2891 Convert {expr} to a Number by omitting the part after the
2892 decimal point.
2893 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a Number.
2894 When the value of {expr} is out of range for a |Number| the
2895 result is truncated to 0x7fffffff or -0x7fffffff. NaN results
2896 in -0x80000000.
2897 Examples: >
2898 echo float2nr(3.95)
2899< 3 >
2900 echo float2nr(-23.45)
2901< -23 >
2902 echo float2nr(1.0e100)
2903< 2147483647 >
2904 echo float2nr(-1.0e150)
2905< -2147483647 >
2906 echo float2nr(1.0e-100)
2907< 0
2908 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
2909
2910
2911floor({expr}) *floor()*
2912 Return the largest integral value less than or equal to
2913 {expr} as a |Float| (round down).
2914 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
2915 Examples: >
2916 echo floor(1.856)
2917< 1.0 >
2918 echo floor(-5.456)
2919< -6.0 >
2920 echo floor(4.0)
2921< 4.0
2922 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
2923
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002924
2925fmod({expr1}, {expr2}) *fmod()*
2926 Return the remainder of {expr1} / {expr2}, even if the
2927 division is not representable. Returns {expr1} - i * {expr2}
2928 for some integer i such that if {expr2} is non-zero, the
2929 result has the same sign as {expr1} and magnitude less than
2930 the magnitude of {expr2}. If {expr2} is zero, the value
2931 returned is zero. The value returned is a|Float|.
2932 {expr1} and {expr2} must evaluate to a|Float|or a|Number|.
2933 Examples: >
2934 :echo fmod(12.33, 1.22)
2935< 0.13 >
2936 :echo fmod(-12.33, 1.22)
2937< -0.13
2938 {only available when compiled with|+float|}
2939
2940
Bram Moolenaaraebaf892008-05-28 14:49:58 +00002941fnameescape({string}) *fnameescape()*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002942 Escape {string} for use as file name command argument. All
Bram Moolenaaraebaf892008-05-28 14:49:58 +00002943 characters that have a special meaning, such as '%' and '|'
2944 are escaped with a backslash.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002945 For most systems the characters escaped are
2946 " \t\n*?[{`$\\%#'\"|!<". For systems where a backslash
2947 appears in a filename, it depends on the value of 'isfname'.
Bram Moolenaar1b24e4b2008-08-08 10:59:17 +00002948 A leading '+' and '>' is also escaped (special after |:edit|
2949 and |:write|). And a "-" by itself (special after |:cd|).
Bram Moolenaaraebaf892008-05-28 14:49:58 +00002950 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar1b24e4b2008-08-08 10:59:17 +00002951 :let fname = '+some str%nge|name'
Bram Moolenaaraebaf892008-05-28 14:49:58 +00002952 :exe "edit " . fnameescape(fname)
2953< results in executing: >
Bram Moolenaar1b24e4b2008-08-08 10:59:17 +00002954 edit \+some\ str\%nge\|name
Bram Moolenaaraebaf892008-05-28 14:49:58 +00002955
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002956fnamemodify({fname}, {mods}) *fnamemodify()*
2957 Modify file name {fname} according to {mods}. {mods} is a
2958 string of characters like it is used for file names on the
2959 command line. See |filename-modifiers|.
2960 Example: >
2961 :echo fnamemodify("main.c", ":p:h")
2962< results in: >
2963 /home/mool/vim/vim/src
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002964< Note: Environment variables don't work in {fname}, use
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002965 |expand()| first then.
2966
2967foldclosed({lnum}) *foldclosed()*
2968 The result is a Number. If the line {lnum} is in a closed
2969 fold, the result is the number of the first line in that fold.
2970 If the line {lnum} is not in a closed fold, -1 is returned.
2971
2972foldclosedend({lnum}) *foldclosedend()*
2973 The result is a Number. If the line {lnum} is in a closed
2974 fold, the result is the number of the last line in that fold.
2975 If the line {lnum} is not in a closed fold, -1 is returned.
2976
2977foldlevel({lnum}) *foldlevel()*
2978 The result is a Number, which is the foldlevel of line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002979 in the current buffer. For nested folds the deepest level is
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002980 returned. If there is no fold at line {lnum}, zero is
2981 returned. It doesn't matter if the folds are open or closed.
2982 When used while updating folds (from 'foldexpr') -1 is
2983 returned for lines where folds are still to be updated and the
2984 foldlevel is unknown. As a special case the level of the
2985 previous line is usually available.
2986
2987 *foldtext()*
2988foldtext() Returns a String, to be displayed for a closed fold. This is
2989 the default function used for the 'foldtext' option and should
2990 only be called from evaluating 'foldtext'. It uses the
2991 |v:foldstart|, |v:foldend| and |v:folddashes| variables.
2992 The returned string looks like this: >
2993 +-- 45 lines: abcdef
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002994< The number of dashes depends on the foldlevel. The "45" is
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002995 the number of lines in the fold. "abcdef" is the text in the
2996 first non-blank line of the fold. Leading white space, "//"
2997 or "/*" and the text from the 'foldmarker' and 'commentstring'
2998 options is removed.
2999 {not available when compiled without the |+folding| feature}
3000
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00003001foldtextresult({lnum}) *foldtextresult()*
3002 Returns the text that is displayed for the closed fold at line
3003 {lnum}. Evaluates 'foldtext' in the appropriate context.
3004 When there is no closed fold at {lnum} an empty string is
3005 returned.
3006 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current
3007 line, "'m" mark m, etc.
3008 Useful when exporting folded text, e.g., to HTML.
3009 {not available when compiled without the |+folding| feature}
3010
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003011 *foreground()*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003012foreground() Move the Vim window to the foreground. Useful when sent from
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003013 a client to a Vim server. |remote_send()|
3014 On Win32 systems this might not work, the OS does not always
3015 allow a window to bring itself to the foreground. Use
3016 |remote_foreground()| instead.
3017 {only in the Win32, Athena, Motif and GTK GUI versions and the
3018 Win32 console version}
3019
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003020
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00003021function({name}) *function()* *E700*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003022 Return a |Funcref| variable that refers to function {name}.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003023 {name} can be a user defined function or an internal function.
3024
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003025
Bram Moolenaar9d2c8c12007-09-25 16:00:00 +00003026garbagecollect([at_exit]) *garbagecollect()*
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00003027 Cleanup unused |Lists| and |Dictionaries| that have circular
Bram Moolenaar39a58ca2005-06-27 22:42:44 +00003028 references. There is hardly ever a need to invoke this
3029 function, as it is automatically done when Vim runs out of
3030 memory or is waiting for the user to press a key after
3031 'updatetime'. Items without circular references are always
3032 freed when they become unused.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003033 This is useful if you have deleted a very big |List| and/or
3034 |Dictionary| with circular references in a script that runs
3035 for a long time.
Bram Moolenaar9d2c8c12007-09-25 16:00:00 +00003036 When the optional "at_exit" argument is one, garbage
3037 collection will also be done when exiting Vim, if it wasn't
3038 done before. This is useful when checking for memory leaks.
Bram Moolenaar39a58ca2005-06-27 22:42:44 +00003039
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00003040get({list}, {idx} [, {default}]) *get()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003041 Get item {idx} from |List| {list}. When this item is not
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003042 available return {default}. Return zero when {default} is
3043 omitted.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003044get({dict}, {key} [, {default}])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003045 Get item with key {key} from |Dictionary| {dict}. When this
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003046 item is not available return {default}. Return zero when
3047 {default} is omitted.
3048
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00003049 *getbufline()*
3050getbufline({expr}, {lnum} [, {end}])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003051 Return a |List| with the lines starting from {lnum} to {end}
3052 (inclusive) in the buffer {expr}. If {end} is omitted, a
3053 |List| with only the line {lnum} is returned.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00003054
3055 For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above.
3056
Bram Moolenaar661b1822005-07-28 22:36:45 +00003057 For {lnum} and {end} "$" can be used for the last line of the
3058 buffer. Otherwise a number must be used.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00003059
3060 When {lnum} is smaller than 1 or bigger than the number of
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003061 lines in the buffer, an empty |List| is returned.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00003062
3063 When {end} is greater than the number of lines in the buffer,
3064 it is treated as {end} is set to the number of lines in the
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003065 buffer. When {end} is before {lnum} an empty |List| is
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00003066 returned.
3067
Bram Moolenaar661b1822005-07-28 22:36:45 +00003068 This function works only for loaded buffers. For unloaded and
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003069 non-existing buffers, an empty |List| is returned.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00003070
3071 Example: >
3072 :let lines = getbufline(bufnr("myfile"), 1, "$")
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003073
3074getbufvar({expr}, {varname}) *getbufvar()*
3075 The result is the value of option or local buffer variable
3076 {varname} in buffer {expr}. Note that the name without "b:"
3077 must be used.
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00003078 When {varname} is empty returns a dictionary with all the
3079 buffer-local variables.
Bram Moolenaar4317d9b2005-03-18 20:25:31 +00003080 This also works for a global or buffer-local option, but it
3081 doesn't work for a global variable, window-local variable or
3082 window-local option.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003083 For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above.
3084 When the buffer or variable doesn't exist an empty string is
3085 returned, there is no error message.
3086 Examples: >
3087 :let bufmodified = getbufvar(1, "&mod")
3088 :echo "todo myvar = " . getbufvar("todo", "myvar")
3089<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003090getchar([expr]) *getchar()*
Bram Moolenaar91170f82006-05-05 21:15:17 +00003091 Get a single character from the user or input stream.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003092 If [expr] is omitted, wait until a character is available.
3093 If [expr] is 0, only get a character when one is available.
Bram Moolenaar91170f82006-05-05 21:15:17 +00003094 Return zero otherwise.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003095 If [expr] is 1, only check if a character is available, it is
Bram Moolenaar91170f82006-05-05 21:15:17 +00003096 not consumed. Return zero if no character available.
3097
3098 Without {expr} and when {expr} is 0 a whole character or
3099 special key is returned. If it is an 8-bit character, the
3100 result is a number. Use nr2char() to convert it to a String.
3101 Otherwise a String is returned with the encoded character.
3102 For a special key it's a sequence of bytes starting with 0x80
Bram Moolenaar56a907a2006-05-06 21:44:30 +00003103 (decimal: 128). This is the same value as the string
3104 "\<Key>", e.g., "\<Left>". The returned value is also a
3105 String when a modifier (shift, control, alt) was used that is
3106 not included in the character.
Bram Moolenaar91170f82006-05-05 21:15:17 +00003107
3108 When {expr} is 1 only the first byte is returned. For a
Bram Moolenaar56a907a2006-05-06 21:44:30 +00003109 one-byte character it is the character itself as a number.
3110 Use nr2char() to convert it to a String.
Bram Moolenaar91170f82006-05-05 21:15:17 +00003111
Bram Moolenaar219b8702006-11-01 14:32:36 +00003112 When the user clicks a mouse button, the mouse event will be
3113 returned. The position can then be found in |v:mouse_col|,
3114 |v:mouse_lnum| and |v:mouse_win|. This example positions the
3115 mouse as it would normally happen: >
3116 let c = getchar()
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003117 if c == "\<LeftMouse>" && v:mouse_win > 0
Bram Moolenaar219b8702006-11-01 14:32:36 +00003118 exe v:mouse_win . "wincmd w"
3119 exe v:mouse_lnum
3120 exe "normal " . v:mouse_col . "|"
3121 endif
3122<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003123 There is no prompt, you will somehow have to make clear to the
3124 user that a character has to be typed.
3125 There is no mapping for the character.
3126 Key codes are replaced, thus when the user presses the <Del>
3127 key you get the code for the <Del> key, not the raw character
3128 sequence. Examples: >
3129 getchar() == "\<Del>"
3130 getchar() == "\<S-Left>"
3131< This example redefines "f" to ignore case: >
3132 :nmap f :call FindChar()<CR>
3133 :function FindChar()
3134 : let c = nr2char(getchar())
3135 : while col('.') < col('$') - 1
3136 : normal l
3137 : if getline('.')[col('.') - 1] ==? c
3138 : break
3139 : endif
3140 : endwhile
3141 :endfunction
3142
3143getcharmod() *getcharmod()*
3144 The result is a Number which is the state of the modifiers for
3145 the last obtained character with getchar() or in another way.
3146 These values are added together:
3147 2 shift
3148 4 control
3149 8 alt (meta)
3150 16 mouse double click
3151 32 mouse triple click
3152 64 mouse quadruple click
3153 128 Macintosh only: command
3154 Only the modifiers that have not been included in the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003155 character itself are obtained. Thus Shift-a results in "A"
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01003156 without a modifier.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003157
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003158getcmdline() *getcmdline()*
3159 Return the current command-line. Only works when the command
3160 line is being edited, thus requires use of |c_CTRL-\_e| or
3161 |c_CTRL-R_=|.
3162 Example: >
3163 :cmap <F7> <C-\>eescape(getcmdline(), ' \')<CR>
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003164< Also see |getcmdtype()|, |getcmdpos()| and |setcmdpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003165
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003166getcmdpos() *getcmdpos()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003167 Return the position of the cursor in the command line as a
3168 byte count. The first column is 1.
3169 Only works when editing the command line, thus requires use of
3170 |c_CTRL-\_e| or |c_CTRL-R_=|. Returns 0 otherwise.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003171 Also see |getcmdtype()|, |setcmdpos()| and |getcmdline()|.
3172
3173getcmdtype() *getcmdtype()*
3174 Return the current command-line type. Possible return values
3175 are:
Bram Moolenaar1e015462005-09-25 22:16:38 +00003176 : normal Ex command
3177 > debug mode command |debug-mode|
3178 / forward search command
3179 ? backward search command
3180 @ |input()| command
3181 - |:insert| or |:append| command
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003182 Only works when editing the command line, thus requires use of
3183 |c_CTRL-\_e| or |c_CTRL-R_=|. Returns an empty string
3184 otherwise.
3185 Also see |getcmdpos()|, |setcmdpos()| and |getcmdline()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003186
3187 *getcwd()*
3188getcwd() The result is a String, which is the name of the current
3189 working directory.
3190
3191getfsize({fname}) *getfsize()*
3192 The result is a Number, which is the size in bytes of the
3193 given file {fname}.
3194 If {fname} is a directory, 0 is returned.
3195 If the file {fname} can't be found, -1 is returned.
Bram Moolenaard827ada2007-06-19 15:19:55 +00003196 If the size of {fname} is too big to fit in a Number then -2
3197 is returned.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003198
Bram Moolenaard8b0cf12004-12-12 11:33:30 +00003199getfontname([{name}]) *getfontname()*
3200 Without an argument returns the name of the normal font being
3201 used. Like what is used for the Normal highlight group
3202 |hl-Normal|.
3203 With an argument a check is done whether {name} is a valid
3204 font name. If not then an empty string is returned.
3205 Otherwise the actual font name is returned, or {name} if the
3206 GUI does not support obtaining the real name.
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00003207 Only works when the GUI is running, thus not in your vimrc or
Bram Moolenaard8b0cf12004-12-12 11:33:30 +00003208 gvimrc file. Use the |GUIEnter| autocommand to use this
3209 function just after the GUI has started.
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00003210 Note that the GTK 2 GUI accepts any font name, thus checking
3211 for a valid name does not work.
Bram Moolenaard8b0cf12004-12-12 11:33:30 +00003212
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00003213getfperm({fname}) *getfperm()*
3214 The result is a String, which is the read, write, and execute
3215 permissions of the given file {fname}.
3216 If {fname} does not exist or its directory cannot be read, an
3217 empty string is returned.
3218 The result is of the form "rwxrwxrwx", where each group of
3219 "rwx" flags represent, in turn, the permissions of the owner
3220 of the file, the group the file belongs to, and other users.
3221 If a user does not have a given permission the flag for this
3222 is replaced with the string "-". Example: >
3223 :echo getfperm("/etc/passwd")
3224< This will hopefully (from a security point of view) display
3225 the string "rw-r--r--" or even "rw-------".
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00003226
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003227getftime({fname}) *getftime()*
3228 The result is a Number, which is the last modification time of
3229 the given file {fname}. The value is measured as seconds
3230 since 1st Jan 1970, and may be passed to strftime(). See also
3231 |localtime()| and |strftime()|.
3232 If the file {fname} can't be found -1 is returned.
3233
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00003234getftype({fname}) *getftype()*
3235 The result is a String, which is a description of the kind of
3236 file of the given file {fname}.
3237 If {fname} does not exist an empty string is returned.
3238 Here is a table over different kinds of files and their
3239 results:
3240 Normal file "file"
3241 Directory "dir"
3242 Symbolic link "link"
3243 Block device "bdev"
3244 Character device "cdev"
3245 Socket "socket"
3246 FIFO "fifo"
3247 All other "other"
3248 Example: >
3249 getftype("/home")
3250< Note that a type such as "link" will only be returned on
3251 systems that support it. On some systems only "dir" and
3252 "file" are returned.
3253
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003254 *getline()*
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003255getline({lnum} [, {end}])
3256 Without {end} the result is a String, which is line {lnum}
3257 from the current buffer. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003258 getline(1)
3259< When {lnum} is a String that doesn't start with a
3260 digit, line() is called to translate the String into a Number.
3261 To get the line under the cursor: >
3262 getline(".")
3263< When {lnum} is smaller than 1 or bigger than the number of
3264 lines in the buffer, an empty string is returned.
3265
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003266 When {end} is given the result is a |List| where each item is
3267 a line from the current buffer in the range {lnum} to {end},
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003268 including line {end}.
3269 {end} is used in the same way as {lnum}.
3270 Non-existing lines are silently omitted.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003271 When {end} is before {lnum} an empty |List| is returned.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003272 Example: >
3273 :let start = line('.')
3274 :let end = search("^$") - 1
3275 :let lines = getline(start, end)
3276
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00003277< To get lines from another buffer see |getbufline()|
3278
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00003279getloclist({nr}) *getloclist()*
3280 Returns a list with all the entries in the location list for
3281 window {nr}. When {nr} is zero the current window is used.
3282 For a location list window, the displayed location list is
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00003283 returned. For an invalid window number {nr}, an empty list is
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01003284 returned. Otherwise, same as |getqflist()|.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003285
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00003286getmatches() *getmatches()*
3287 Returns a |List| with all matches previously defined by
3288 |matchadd()| and the |:match| commands. |getmatches()| is
3289 useful in combination with |setmatches()|, as |setmatches()|
3290 can restore a list of matches saved by |getmatches()|.
3291 Example: >
3292 :echo getmatches()
3293< [{'group': 'MyGroup1', 'pattern': 'TODO',
3294 'priority': 10, 'id': 1}, {'group': 'MyGroup2',
3295 'pattern': 'FIXME', 'priority': 10, 'id': 2}] >
3296 :let m = getmatches()
3297 :call clearmatches()
3298 :echo getmatches()
3299< [] >
3300 :call setmatches(m)
3301 :echo getmatches()
3302< [{'group': 'MyGroup1', 'pattern': 'TODO',
3303 'priority': 10, 'id': 1}, {'group': 'MyGroup2',
3304 'pattern': 'FIXME', 'priority': 10, 'id': 2}] >
3305 :unlet m
3306<
3307
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003308getqflist() *getqflist()*
3309 Returns a list with all the current quickfix errors. Each
3310 list item is a dictionary with these entries:
3311 bufnr number of buffer that has the file name, use
3312 bufname() to get the name
3313 lnum line number in the buffer (first line is 1)
3314 col column number (first column is 1)
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00003315 vcol non-zero: "col" is visual column
3316 zero: "col" is byte index
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003317 nr error number
Bram Moolenaar48b66fb2007-02-04 01:58:18 +00003318 pattern search pattern used to locate the error
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003319 text description of the error
3320 type type of the error, 'E', '1', etc.
3321 valid non-zero: recognized error message
3322
Bram Moolenaare7eb9df2005-09-09 19:49:30 +00003323 When there is no error list or it's empty an empty list is
Bram Moolenaar48b66fb2007-02-04 01:58:18 +00003324 returned. Quickfix list entries with non-existing buffer
3325 number are returned with "bufnr" set to zero.
Bram Moolenaare7eb9df2005-09-09 19:49:30 +00003326
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003327 Useful application: Find pattern matches in multiple files and
3328 do something with them: >
3329 :vimgrep /theword/jg *.c
3330 :for d in getqflist()
3331 : echo bufname(d.bufnr) ':' d.lnum '=' d.text
3332 :endfor
3333
3334
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00003335getreg([{regname} [, 1]]) *getreg()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003336 The result is a String, which is the contents of register
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003337 {regname}. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003338 :let cliptext = getreg('*')
3339< getreg('=') returns the last evaluated value of the expression
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003340 register. (For use in maps.)
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00003341 getreg('=', 1) returns the expression itself, so that it can
3342 be restored with |setreg()|. For other registers the extra
3343 argument is ignored, thus you can always give it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003344 If {regname} is not specified, |v:register| is used.
3345
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003346
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003347getregtype([{regname}]) *getregtype()*
3348 The result is a String, which is type of register {regname}.
3349 The value will be one of:
3350 "v" for |characterwise| text
3351 "V" for |linewise| text
3352 "<CTRL-V>{width}" for |blockwise-visual| text
3353 0 for an empty or unknown register
3354 <CTRL-V> is one character with value 0x16.
3355 If {regname} is not specified, |v:register| is used.
3356
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00003357gettabwinvar({tabnr}, {winnr}, {varname}) *gettabwinvar()*
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00003358 Get the value of window-local variable {varname} in window
3359 {winnr} in tab page {tabnr}.
3360 When {varname} starts with "&" get the value of a window-local
3361 option.
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00003362 Tabs are numbered starting with one. For the current tabpage
3363 use |getwinvar()|.
3364 When {winnr} is zero the current window is used.
3365 This also works for a global option, buffer-local option and
3366 window-local option, but it doesn't work for a global variable
3367 or buffer-local variable.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00003368 When {varname} is empty a dictionary with all window-local
3369 variables is returned.
3370 Note that {varname} must be the name without "w:".
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00003371 Examples: >
3372 :let list_is_on = gettabwinvar(1, 2, '&list')
3373 :echo "myvar = " . gettabwinvar(3, 1, 'myvar')
Bram Moolenaard46bbc72007-05-12 14:38:41 +00003374<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003375 *getwinposx()*
3376getwinposx() The result is a Number, which is the X coordinate in pixels of
3377 the left hand side of the GUI Vim window. The result will be
3378 -1 if the information is not available.
3379
3380 *getwinposy()*
3381getwinposy() The result is a Number, which is the Y coordinate in pixels of
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003382 the top of the GUI Vim window. The result will be -1 if the
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003383 information is not available.
3384
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00003385getwinvar({winnr}, {varname}) *getwinvar()*
3386 Like |gettabwinvar()| for the current tabpage.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003387 Examples: >
3388 :let list_is_on = getwinvar(2, '&list')
3389 :echo "myvar = " . getwinvar(1, 'myvar')
3390<
Bram Moolenaarbb5ddda2008-11-28 10:01:10 +00003391glob({expr} [, {flag}]) *glob()*
3392 Expand the file wildcards in {expr}. See |wildcards| for the
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00003393 use of special characters.
3394 The result is a String.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003395 When there are several matches, they are separated by <NL>
3396 characters.
Bram Moolenaarbb5ddda2008-11-28 10:01:10 +00003397 Unless the optional {flag} argument is given and is non-zero,
3398 the 'suffixes' and 'wildignore' options apply: Names matching
3399 one of the patterns in 'wildignore' will be skipped and
3400 'suffixes' affect the ordering of matches.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003401 If the expansion fails, the result is an empty string.
3402 A name for a non-existing file is not included.
3403
3404 For most systems backticks can be used to get files names from
3405 any external command. Example: >
3406 :let tagfiles = glob("`find . -name tags -print`")
3407 :let &tags = substitute(tagfiles, "\n", ",", "g")
3408< The result of the program inside the backticks should be one
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003409 item per line. Spaces inside an item are allowed.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003410
3411 See |expand()| for expanding special Vim variables. See
3412 |system()| for getting the raw output of an external command.
3413
Bram Moolenaarbb5ddda2008-11-28 10:01:10 +00003414globpath({path}, {expr} [, {flag}]) *globpath()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003415 Perform glob() on all directories in {path} and concatenate
3416 the results. Example: >
3417 :echo globpath(&rtp, "syntax/c.vim")
3418< {path} is a comma-separated list of directory names. Each
3419 directory name is prepended to {expr} and expanded like with
Bram Moolenaarbb5ddda2008-11-28 10:01:10 +00003420 |glob()|. A path separator is inserted when needed.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003421 To add a comma inside a directory name escape it with a
3422 backslash. Note that on MS-Windows a directory may have a
3423 trailing backslash, remove it if you put a comma after it.
3424 If the expansion fails for one of the directories, there is no
3425 error message.
Bram Moolenaarbb5ddda2008-11-28 10:01:10 +00003426 Unless the optional {flag} argument is given and is non-zero,
3427 the 'suffixes' and 'wildignore' options apply: Names matching
3428 one of the patterns in 'wildignore' will be skipped and
3429 'suffixes' affect the ordering of matches.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003430
Bram Moolenaar02743632005-07-25 20:42:36 +00003431 The "**" item can be used to search in a directory tree.
3432 For example, to find all "README.txt" files in the directories
3433 in 'runtimepath' and below: >
3434 :echo globpath(&rtp, "**/README.txt")
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00003435< Upwards search and limiting the depth of "**" is not
3436 supported, thus using 'path' will not always work properly.
3437
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003438 *has()*
3439has({feature}) The result is a Number, which is 1 if the feature {feature} is
3440 supported, zero otherwise. The {feature} argument is a
3441 string. See |feature-list| below.
3442 Also see |exists()|.
3443
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003444
3445has_key({dict}, {key}) *has_key()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003446 The result is a Number, which is 1 if |Dictionary| {dict} has
3447 an entry with key {key}. Zero otherwise.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003448
Bram Moolenaard267b9c2007-04-26 15:06:45 +00003449haslocaldir() *haslocaldir()*
3450 The result is a Number, which is 1 when the current
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003451 window has set a local path via |:lcd|, and 0 otherwise.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003452
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00003453hasmapto({what} [, {mode} [, {abbr}]]) *hasmapto()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003454 The result is a Number, which is 1 if there is a mapping that
3455 contains {what} in somewhere in the rhs (what it is mapped to)
3456 and this mapping exists in one of the modes indicated by
3457 {mode}.
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00003458 When {abbr} is there and it is non-zero use abbreviations
Bram Moolenaar39f05632006-03-19 22:15:26 +00003459 instead of mappings. Don't forget to specify Insert and/or
3460 Command-line mode.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003461 Both the global mappings and the mappings local to the current
3462 buffer are checked for a match.
3463 If no matching mapping is found 0 is returned.
3464 The following characters are recognized in {mode}:
3465 n Normal mode
3466 v Visual mode
3467 o Operator-pending mode
3468 i Insert mode
3469 l Language-Argument ("r", "f", "t", etc.)
3470 c Command-line mode
3471 When {mode} is omitted, "nvo" is used.
3472
3473 This function is useful to check if a mapping already exists
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003474 to a function in a Vim script. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003475 :if !hasmapto('\ABCdoit')
3476 : map <Leader>d \ABCdoit
3477 :endif
3478< This installs the mapping to "\ABCdoit" only if there isn't
3479 already a mapping to "\ABCdoit".
3480
3481histadd({history}, {item}) *histadd()*
3482 Add the String {item} to the history {history} which can be
3483 one of: *hist-names*
3484 "cmd" or ":" command line history
3485 "search" or "/" search pattern history
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003486 "expr" or "=" typed expression history
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003487 "input" or "@" input line history
3488 If {item} does already exist in the history, it will be
3489 shifted to become the newest entry.
3490 The result is a Number: 1 if the operation was successful,
3491 otherwise 0 is returned.
3492
3493 Example: >
3494 :call histadd("input", strftime("%Y %b %d"))
3495 :let date=input("Enter date: ")
3496< This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3497
3498histdel({history} [, {item}]) *histdel()*
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003499 Clear {history}, i.e. delete all its entries. See |hist-names|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003500 for the possible values of {history}.
3501
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00003502 If the parameter {item} evaluates to a String, it is used as a
3503 regular expression. All entries matching that expression will
3504 be removed from the history (if there are any).
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003505 Upper/lowercase must match, unless "\c" is used |/\c|.
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00003506 If {item} evaluates to a Number, it will be interpreted as
3507 an index, see |:history-indexing|. The respective entry will
3508 be removed if it exists.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003509
3510 The result is a Number: 1 for a successful operation,
3511 otherwise 0 is returned.
3512
3513 Examples:
3514 Clear expression register history: >
3515 :call histdel("expr")
3516<
3517 Remove all entries starting with "*" from the search history: >
3518 :call histdel("/", '^\*')
3519<
3520 The following three are equivalent: >
3521 :call histdel("search", histnr("search"))
3522 :call histdel("search", -1)
3523 :call histdel("search", '^'.histget("search", -1).'$')
3524<
3525 To delete the last search pattern and use the last-but-one for
3526 the "n" command and 'hlsearch': >
3527 :call histdel("search", -1)
3528 :let @/ = histget("search", -1)
3529
3530histget({history} [, {index}]) *histget()*
3531 The result is a String, the entry with Number {index} from
3532 {history}. See |hist-names| for the possible values of
3533 {history}, and |:history-indexing| for {index}. If there is
3534 no such entry, an empty String is returned. When {index} is
3535 omitted, the most recent item from the history is used.
3536
3537 Examples:
3538 Redo the second last search from history. >
3539 :execute '/' . histget("search", -2)
3540
3541< Define an Ex command ":H {num}" that supports re-execution of
3542 the {num}th entry from the output of |:history|. >
3543 :command -nargs=1 H execute histget("cmd", 0+<args>)
3544<
3545histnr({history}) *histnr()*
3546 The result is the Number of the current entry in {history}.
3547 See |hist-names| for the possible values of {history}.
3548 If an error occurred, -1 is returned.
3549
3550 Example: >
3551 :let inp_index = histnr("expr")
3552<
3553hlexists({name}) *hlexists()*
3554 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a highlight group
3555 called {name} exists. This is when the group has been
3556 defined in some way. Not necessarily when highlighting has
3557 been defined for it, it may also have been used for a syntax
3558 item.
3559 *highlight_exists()*
3560 Obsolete name: highlight_exists().
3561
3562 *hlID()*
3563hlID({name}) The result is a Number, which is the ID of the highlight group
3564 with name {name}. When the highlight group doesn't exist,
3565 zero is returned.
3566 This can be used to retrieve information about the highlight
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003567 group. For example, to get the background color of the
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003568 "Comment" group: >
3569 :echo synIDattr(synIDtrans(hlID("Comment")), "bg")
3570< *highlightID()*
3571 Obsolete name: highlightID().
3572
3573hostname() *hostname()*
3574 The result is a String, which is the name of the machine on
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003575 which Vim is currently running. Machine names greater than
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003576 256 characters long are truncated.
3577
3578iconv({expr}, {from}, {to}) *iconv()*
3579 The result is a String, which is the text {expr} converted
3580 from encoding {from} to encoding {to}.
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01003581 When the conversion completely fails an empty string is
3582 returned. When some characters could not be converted they
3583 are replaced with "?".
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003584 The encoding names are whatever the iconv() library function
3585 can accept, see ":!man 3 iconv".
3586 Most conversions require Vim to be compiled with the |+iconv|
3587 feature. Otherwise only UTF-8 to latin1 conversion and back
3588 can be done.
3589 This can be used to display messages with special characters,
3590 no matter what 'encoding' is set to. Write the message in
3591 UTF-8 and use: >
3592 echo iconv(utf8_str, "utf-8", &enc)
3593< Note that Vim uses UTF-8 for all Unicode encodings, conversion
3594 from/to UCS-2 is automatically changed to use UTF-8. You
3595 cannot use UCS-2 in a string anyway, because of the NUL bytes.
3596 {only available when compiled with the +multi_byte feature}
3597
3598 *indent()*
3599indent({lnum}) The result is a Number, which is indent of line {lnum} in the
3600 current buffer. The indent is counted in spaces, the value
3601 of 'tabstop' is relevant. {lnum} is used just like in
3602 |getline()|.
3603 When {lnum} is invalid -1 is returned.
3604
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003605
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003606index({list}, {expr} [, {start} [, {ic}]]) *index()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003607 Return the lowest index in |List| {list} where the item has a
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01003608 value equal to {expr}. There is no automatic conversion, so
3609 the String "4" is different from the Number 4. And the number
3610 4 is different from the Float 4.0. The value of 'ignorecase'
3611 is not used here, case always matters.
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00003612 If {start} is given then start looking at the item with index
3613 {start} (may be negative for an item relative to the end).
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003614 When {ic} is given and it is non-zero, ignore case. Otherwise
3615 case must match.
3616 -1 is returned when {expr} is not found in {list}.
3617 Example: >
3618 :let idx = index(words, "the")
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00003619 :if index(numbers, 123) >= 0
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003620
3621
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003622input({prompt} [, {text} [, {completion}]]) *input()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003623 The result is a String, which is whatever the user typed on
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01003624 the command-line. The {prompt} argument is either a prompt
3625 string, or a blank string (for no prompt). A '\n' can be used
3626 in the prompt to start a new line.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003627 The highlighting set with |:echohl| is used for the prompt.
3628 The input is entered just like a command-line, with the same
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003629 editing commands and mappings. There is a separate history
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003630 for lines typed for input().
3631 Example: >
3632 :if input("Coffee or beer? ") == "beer"
3633 : echo "Cheers!"
3634 :endif
3635<
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01003636 If the optional {text} argument is present and not empty, this
3637 is used for the default reply, as if the user typed this.
3638 Example: >
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003639 :let color = input("Color? ", "white")
3640
3641< The optional {completion} argument specifies the type of
3642 completion supported for the input. Without it completion is
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003643 not performed. The supported completion types are the same as
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003644 that can be supplied to a user-defined command using the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003645 "-complete=" argument. Refer to |:command-completion| for
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003646 more information. Example: >
3647 let fname = input("File: ", "", "file")
3648<
3649 NOTE: This function must not be used in a startup file, for
3650 the versions that only run in GUI mode (e.g., the Win32 GUI).
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003651 Note: When input() is called from within a mapping it will
3652 consume remaining characters from that mapping, because a
3653 mapping is handled like the characters were typed.
3654 Use |inputsave()| before input() and |inputrestore()|
3655 after input() to avoid that. Another solution is to avoid
3656 that further characters follow in the mapping, e.g., by using
3657 |:execute| or |:normal|.
3658
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003659 Example with a mapping: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003660 :nmap \x :call GetFoo()<CR>:exe "/" . Foo<CR>
3661 :function GetFoo()
3662 : call inputsave()
3663 : let g:Foo = input("enter search pattern: ")
3664 : call inputrestore()
3665 :endfunction
3666
3667inputdialog({prompt} [, {text} [, {cancelreturn}]]) *inputdialog()*
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01003668 Like |input()|, but when the GUI is running and text dialogs
3669 are supported, a dialog window pops up to input the text.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003670 Example: >
3671 :let n = inputdialog("value for shiftwidth", &sw)
3672 :if n != ""
3673 : let &sw = n
3674 :endif
3675< When the dialog is cancelled {cancelreturn} is returned. When
3676 omitted an empty string is returned.
3677 Hitting <Enter> works like pressing the OK button. Hitting
3678 <Esc> works like pressing the Cancel button.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003679 NOTE: Command-line completion is not supported.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003680
Bram Moolenaar578b49e2005-09-10 19:22:57 +00003681inputlist({textlist}) *inputlist()*
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00003682 {textlist} must be a |List| of strings. This |List| is
3683 displayed, one string per line. The user will be prompted to
3684 enter a number, which is returned.
Bram Moolenaar578b49e2005-09-10 19:22:57 +00003685 The user can also select an item by clicking on it with the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003686 mouse. For the first string 0 is returned. When clicking
Bram Moolenaar578b49e2005-09-10 19:22:57 +00003687 above the first item a negative number is returned. When
3688 clicking on the prompt one more than the length of {textlist}
3689 is returned.
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01003690 Make sure {textlist} has less than 'lines' entries, otherwise
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003691 it won't work. It's a good idea to put the entry number at
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00003692 the start of the string. And put a prompt in the first item.
3693 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar578b49e2005-09-10 19:22:57 +00003694 let color = inputlist(['Select color:', '1. red',
3695 \ '2. green', '3. blue'])
3696
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003697inputrestore() *inputrestore()*
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01003698 Restore typeahead that was saved with a previous |inputsave()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003699 Should be called the same number of times inputsave() is
3700 called. Calling it more often is harmless though.
3701 Returns 1 when there is nothing to restore, 0 otherwise.
3702
3703inputsave() *inputsave()*
3704 Preserve typeahead (also from mappings) and clear it, so that
3705 a following prompt gets input from the user. Should be
3706 followed by a matching inputrestore() after the prompt. Can
3707 be used several times, in which case there must be just as
3708 many inputrestore() calls.
3709 Returns 1 when out of memory, 0 otherwise.
3710
3711inputsecret({prompt} [, {text}]) *inputsecret()*
3712 This function acts much like the |input()| function with but
3713 two exceptions:
3714 a) the user's response will be displayed as a sequence of
3715 asterisks ("*") thereby keeping the entry secret, and
3716 b) the user's response will not be recorded on the input
3717 |history| stack.
3718 The result is a String, which is whatever the user actually
3719 typed on the command-line in response to the issued prompt.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003720 NOTE: Command-line completion is not supported.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003721
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003722insert({list}, {item} [, {idx}]) *insert()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003723 Insert {item} at the start of |List| {list}.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003724 If {idx} is specified insert {item} before the item with index
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003725 {idx}. If {idx} is zero it goes before the first item, just
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003726 like omitting {idx}. A negative {idx} is also possible, see
3727 |list-index|. -1 inserts just before the last item.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003728 Returns the resulting |List|. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003729 :let mylist = insert([2, 3, 5], 1)
3730 :call insert(mylist, 4, -1)
3731 :call insert(mylist, 6, len(mylist))
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003732< The last example can be done simpler with |add()|.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003733 Note that when {item} is a |List| it is inserted as a single
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00003734 item. Use |extend()| to concatenate |Lists|.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003735
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003736isdirectory({directory}) *isdirectory()*
3737 The result is a Number, which is non-zero when a directory
3738 with the name {directory} exists. If {directory} doesn't
3739 exist, or isn't a directory, the result is FALSE. {directory}
3740 is any expression, which is used as a String.
3741
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00003742islocked({expr}) *islocked()* *E786*
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00003743 The result is a Number, which is non-zero when {expr} is the
3744 name of a locked variable.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003745 {expr} must be the name of a variable, |List| item or
3746 |Dictionary| entry, not the variable itself! Example: >
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00003747 :let alist = [0, ['a', 'b'], 2, 3]
3748 :lockvar 1 alist
3749 :echo islocked('alist') " 1
3750 :echo islocked('alist[1]') " 0
3751
3752< When {expr} is a variable that does not exist you get an error
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00003753 message. Use |exists()| to check for existence.
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00003754
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00003755items({dict}) *items()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003756 Return a |List| with all the key-value pairs of {dict}. Each
3757 |List| item is a list with two items: the key of a {dict}
3758 entry and the value of this entry. The |List| is in arbitrary
3759 order.
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00003760
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003761
3762join({list} [, {sep}]) *join()*
3763 Join the items in {list} together into one String.
3764 When {sep} is specified it is put in between the items. If
3765 {sep} is omitted a single space is used.
3766 Note that {sep} is not added at the end. You might want to
3767 add it there too: >
3768 let lines = join(mylist, "\n") . "\n"
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00003769< String items are used as-is. |Lists| and |Dictionaries| are
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003770 converted into a string like with |string()|.
3771 The opposite function is |split()|.
3772
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003773keys({dict}) *keys()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003774 Return a |List| with all the keys of {dict}. The |List| is in
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003775 arbitrary order.
3776
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00003777 *len()* *E701*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003778len({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the length of the argument.
3779 When {expr} is a String or a Number the length in bytes is
3780 used, as with |strlen()|.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003781 When {expr} is a |List| the number of items in the |List| is
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003782 returned.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003783 When {expr} is a |Dictionary| the number of entries in the
3784 |Dictionary| is returned.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003785 Otherwise an error is given.
3786
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003787 *libcall()* *E364* *E368*
3788libcall({libname}, {funcname}, {argument})
3789 Call function {funcname} in the run-time library {libname}
3790 with single argument {argument}.
3791 This is useful to call functions in a library that you
3792 especially made to be used with Vim. Since only one argument
3793 is possible, calling standard library functions is rather
3794 limited.
3795 The result is the String returned by the function. If the
3796 function returns NULL, this will appear as an empty string ""
3797 to Vim.
3798 If the function returns a number, use libcallnr()!
3799 If {argument} is a number, it is passed to the function as an
3800 int; if {argument} is a string, it is passed as a
3801 null-terminated string.
3802 This function will fail in |restricted-mode|.
3803
3804 libcall() allows you to write your own 'plug-in' extensions to
3805 Vim without having to recompile the program. It is NOT a
3806 means to call system functions! If you try to do so Vim will
3807 very probably crash.
3808
3809 For Win32, the functions you write must be placed in a DLL
3810 and use the normal C calling convention (NOT Pascal which is
3811 used in Windows System DLLs). The function must take exactly
3812 one parameter, either a character pointer or a long integer,
3813 and must return a character pointer or NULL. The character
3814 pointer returned must point to memory that will remain valid
3815 after the function has returned (e.g. in static data in the
3816 DLL). If it points to allocated memory, that memory will
3817 leak away. Using a static buffer in the function should work,
3818 it's then freed when the DLL is unloaded.
3819
3820 WARNING: If the function returns a non-valid pointer, Vim may
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003821 crash! This also happens if the function returns a number,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003822 because Vim thinks it's a pointer.
3823 For Win32 systems, {libname} should be the filename of the DLL
3824 without the ".DLL" suffix. A full path is only required if
3825 the DLL is not in the usual places.
3826 For Unix: When compiling your own plugins, remember that the
3827 object code must be compiled as position-independent ('PIC').
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01003828 {only in Win32 and some Unix versions, when the |+libcall|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003829 feature is present}
3830 Examples: >
3831 :echo libcall("libc.so", "getenv", "HOME")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003832<
3833 *libcallnr()*
3834libcallnr({libname}, {funcname}, {argument})
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01003835 Just like |libcall()|, but used for a function that returns an
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003836 int instead of a string.
3837 {only in Win32 on some Unix versions, when the |+libcall|
3838 feature is present}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003839 Examples: >
3840 :echo libcallnr("/usr/lib/libc.so", "getpid", "")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003841 :call libcallnr("libc.so", "printf", "Hello World!\n")
3842 :call libcallnr("libc.so", "sleep", 10)
3843<
3844 *line()*
3845line({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the line number of the file
3846 position given with {expr}. The accepted positions are:
3847 . the cursor position
3848 $ the last line in the current buffer
3849 'x position of mark x (if the mark is not set, 0 is
3850 returned)
Bram Moolenaarc7453f52006-02-10 23:20:28 +00003851 w0 first line visible in current window
3852 w$ last line visible in current window
Bram Moolenaar9ecd0232008-06-20 15:31:51 +00003853 v In Visual mode: the start of the Visual area (the
3854 cursor is the end). When not in Visual mode
3855 returns the cursor position. Differs from |'<| in
3856 that it's updated right away.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00003857 Note that a mark in another file can be used. The line number
3858 then applies to another buffer.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00003859 To get the column number use |col()|. To get both use
3860 |getpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003861 Examples: >
3862 line(".") line number of the cursor
3863 line("'t") line number of mark t
3864 line("'" . marker) line number of mark marker
3865< *last-position-jump*
3866 This autocommand jumps to the last known position in a file
3867 just after opening it, if the '" mark is set: >
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01003868 :au BufReadPost * if line("'\"") > 1 && line("'\"") <= line("$") | exe "normal! g`\"" | endif
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00003869
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003870line2byte({lnum}) *line2byte()*
3871 Return the byte count from the start of the buffer for line
3872 {lnum}. This includes the end-of-line character, depending on
3873 the 'fileformat' option for the current buffer. The first
3874 line returns 1.
3875 This can also be used to get the byte count for the line just
3876 below the last line: >
3877 line2byte(line("$") + 1)
3878< This is the file size plus one.
3879 When {lnum} is invalid, or the |+byte_offset| feature has been
3880 disabled at compile time, -1 is returned.
3881 Also see |byte2line()|, |go| and |:goto|.
3882
3883lispindent({lnum}) *lispindent()*
3884 Get the amount of indent for line {lnum} according the lisp
3885 indenting rules, as with 'lisp'.
3886 The indent is counted in spaces, the value of 'tabstop' is
3887 relevant. {lnum} is used just like in |getline()|.
3888 When {lnum} is invalid or Vim was not compiled the
3889 |+lispindent| feature, -1 is returned.
3890
3891localtime() *localtime()*
3892 Return the current time, measured as seconds since 1st Jan
3893 1970. See also |strftime()| and |getftime()|.
3894
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003895
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02003896log({expr}) *log()*
3897 Return the natural logarithm (base e) of {expr} as a|Float|.
3898 {expr} must evaluate to a|Float|or a|Number|in the range
3899 (0, inf].
3900 Examples: >
3901 :echo log(10)
3902< 2.302585 >
3903 :echo log(exp(5))
3904< 5.0
3905 {only available when compiled with|+float|}
3906
3907
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003908log10({expr}) *log10()*
3909 Return the logarithm of Float {expr} to base 10 as a |Float|.
3910 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
3911 Examples: >
3912 :echo log10(1000)
3913< 3.0 >
3914 :echo log10(0.01)
3915< -2.0
3916 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
3917
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003918map({expr}, {string}) *map()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003919 {expr} must be a |List| or a |Dictionary|.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003920 Replace each item in {expr} with the result of evaluating
3921 {string}.
3922 Inside {string} |v:val| has the value of the current item.
Bram Moolenaar627b1d32009-11-17 11:20:35 +00003923 For a |Dictionary| |v:key| has the key of the current item
3924 and for a |List| |v:key| has the index of the current item.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003925 Example: >
3926 :call map(mylist, '"> " . v:val . " <"')
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003927< This puts "> " before and " <" after each item in "mylist".
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003928
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003929 Note that {string} is the result of an expression and is then
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003930 used as an expression again. Often it is good to use a
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003931 |literal-string| to avoid having to double backslashes. You
3932 still have to double ' quotes
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003933
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003934 The operation is done in-place. If you want a |List| or
3935 |Dictionary| to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003936 :let tlist = map(copy(mylist), ' & . "\t"')
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003937
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003938< Returns {expr}, the |List| or |Dictionary| that was filtered.
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00003939 When an error is encountered while evaluating {string} no
3940 further items in {expr} are processed.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003941
3942
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00003943maparg({name}[, {mode} [, {abbr}]]) *maparg()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003944 Return the rhs of mapping {name} in mode {mode}. When there
3945 is no mapping for {name}, an empty String is returned.
Bram Moolenaard12f5c12006-01-25 22:10:52 +00003946 {mode} can be one of these strings:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003947 "n" Normal
3948 "v" Visual
3949 "o" Operator-pending
3950 "i" Insert
3951 "c" Cmd-line
3952 "l" langmap |language-mapping|
3953 "" Normal, Visual and Operator-pending
Bram Moolenaard12f5c12006-01-25 22:10:52 +00003954 When {mode} is omitted, the modes for "" are used.
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00003955 When {abbr} is there and it is non-zero use abbreviations
3956 instead of mappings.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003957 The {name} can have special key names, like in the ":map"
3958 command. The returned String has special characters
3959 translated like in the output of the ":map" command listing.
3960 The mappings local to the current buffer are checked first,
3961 then the global mappings.
Bram Moolenaara40ceaf2006-01-13 22:35:40 +00003962 This function can be used to map a key even when it's already
3963 mapped, and have it do the original mapping too. Sketch: >
3964 exe 'nnoremap <Tab> ==' . maparg('<Tab>', 'n')
3965
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003966
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00003967mapcheck({name}[, {mode} [, {abbr}]]) *mapcheck()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003968 Check if there is a mapping that matches with {name} in mode
3969 {mode}. See |maparg()| for {mode} and special names in
3970 {name}.
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00003971 When {abbr} is there and it is non-zero use abbreviations
3972 instead of mappings.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003973 A match happens with a mapping that starts with {name} and
3974 with a mapping which is equal to the start of {name}.
3975
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003976 matches mapping "a" "ab" "abc" ~
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003977 mapcheck("a") yes yes yes
3978 mapcheck("abc") yes yes yes
3979 mapcheck("ax") yes no no
3980 mapcheck("b") no no no
3981
3982 The difference with maparg() is that mapcheck() finds a
3983 mapping that matches with {name}, while maparg() only finds a
3984 mapping for {name} exactly.
3985 When there is no mapping that starts with {name}, an empty
3986 String is returned. If there is one, the rhs of that mapping
3987 is returned. If there are several mappings that start with
3988 {name}, the rhs of one of them is returned.
3989 The mappings local to the current buffer are checked first,
3990 then the global mappings.
3991 This function can be used to check if a mapping can be added
3992 without being ambiguous. Example: >
3993 :if mapcheck("_vv") == ""
3994 : map _vv :set guifont=7x13<CR>
3995 :endif
3996< This avoids adding the "_vv" mapping when there already is a
3997 mapping for "_v" or for "_vvv".
3998
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003999match({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *match()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004000 When {expr} is a |List| then this returns the index of the
4001 first item where {pat} matches. Each item is used as a
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004002 String, |Lists| and |Dictionaries| are used as echoed.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004003 Otherwise, {expr} is used as a String. The result is a
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004004 Number, which gives the index (byte offset) in {expr} where
4005 {pat} matches.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004006 A match at the first character or |List| item returns zero.
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00004007 If there is no match -1 is returned.
4008 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004009 :echo match("testing", "ing") " results in 4
Bram Moolenaar362e1a32006-03-06 23:29:24 +00004010 :echo match([1, 'x'], '\a') " results in 1
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004011< See |string-match| for how {pat} is used.
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00004012 *strpbrk()*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004013 Vim doesn't have a strpbrk() function. But you can do: >
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00004014 :let sepidx = match(line, '[.,;: \t]')
4015< *strcasestr()*
4016 Vim doesn't have a strcasestr() function. But you can add
4017 "\c" to the pattern to ignore case: >
4018 :let idx = match(haystack, '\cneedle')
4019<
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004020 If {start} is given, the search starts from byte index
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004021 {start} in a String or item {start} in a |List|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004022 The result, however, is still the index counted from the
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004023 first character/item. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004024 :echo match("testing", "ing", 2)
4025< result is again "4". >
4026 :echo match("testing", "ing", 4)
4027< result is again "4". >
4028 :echo match("testing", "t", 2)
4029< result is "3".
Bram Moolenaar5e3cb7e2006-02-27 23:58:35 +00004030 For a String, if {start} > 0 then it is like the string starts
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00004031 {start} bytes later, thus "^" will match at {start}. Except
4032 when {count} is given, then it's like matches before the
4033 {start} byte are ignored (this is a bit complicated to keep it
4034 backwards compatible).
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004035 For a String, if {start} < 0, it will be set to 0. For a list
4036 the index is counted from the end.
Bram Moolenaare224ffa2006-03-01 00:01:28 +00004037 If {start} is out of range ({start} > strlen({expr}) for a
4038 String or {start} > len({expr}) for a |List|) -1 is returned.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004039
Bram Moolenaar5e3cb7e2006-02-27 23:58:35 +00004040 When {count} is given use the {count}'th match. When a match
Bram Moolenaare224ffa2006-03-01 00:01:28 +00004041 is found in a String the search for the next one starts one
Bram Moolenaar5e3cb7e2006-02-27 23:58:35 +00004042 character further. Thus this example results in 1: >
4043 echo match("testing", "..", 0, 2)
4044< In a |List| the search continues in the next item.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00004045 Note that when {count} is added the way {start} works changes,
4046 see above.
Bram Moolenaar5e3cb7e2006-02-27 23:58:35 +00004047
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004048 See |pattern| for the patterns that are accepted.
4049 The 'ignorecase' option is used to set the ignore-caseness of
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004050 the pattern. 'smartcase' is NOT used. The matching is always
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004051 done like 'magic' is set and 'cpoptions' is empty.
4052
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00004053 *matchadd()* *E798* *E799* *E801*
4054matchadd({group}, {pattern}[, {priority}[, {id}]])
4055 Defines a pattern to be highlighted in the current window (a
4056 "match"). It will be highlighted with {group}. Returns an
4057 identification number (ID), which can be used to delete the
4058 match using |matchdelete()|.
4059
4060 The optional {priority} argument assigns a priority to the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004061 match. A match with a high priority will have its
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00004062 highlighting overrule that of a match with a lower priority.
4063 A priority is specified as an integer (negative numbers are no
4064 exception). If the {priority} argument is not specified, the
4065 default priority is 10. The priority of 'hlsearch' is zero,
4066 hence all matches with a priority greater than zero will
4067 overrule it. Syntax highlighting (see 'syntax') is a separate
4068 mechanism, and regardless of the chosen priority a match will
4069 always overrule syntax highlighting.
4070
4071 The optional {id} argument allows the request for a specific
4072 match ID. If a specified ID is already taken, an error
4073 message will appear and the match will not be added. An ID
4074 is specified as a positive integer (zero excluded). IDs 1, 2
4075 and 3 are reserved for |:match|, |:2match| and |:3match|,
4076 respectively. If the {id} argument is not specified,
4077 |matchadd()| automatically chooses a free ID.
4078
4079 The number of matches is not limited, as it is the case with
4080 the |:match| commands.
4081
4082 Example: >
4083 :highlight MyGroup ctermbg=green guibg=green
4084 :let m = matchadd("MyGroup", "TODO")
4085< Deletion of the pattern: >
4086 :call matchdelete(m)
4087
4088< A list of matches defined by |matchadd()| and |:match| are
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004089 available from |getmatches()|. All matches can be deleted in
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00004090 one operation by |clearmatches()|.
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00004091
4092matcharg({nr}) *matcharg()*
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004093 Selects the {nr} match item, as set with a |:match|,
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00004094 |:2match| or |:3match| command.
4095 Return a |List| with two elements:
4096 The name of the highlight group used
4097 The pattern used.
4098 When {nr} is not 1, 2 or 3 returns an empty |List|.
4099 When there is no match item set returns ['', ''].
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00004100 This is useful to save and restore a |:match|.
4101 Highlighting matches using the |:match| commands are limited
4102 to three matches. |matchadd()| does not have this limitation.
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00004103
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00004104matchdelete({id}) *matchdelete()* *E802* *E803*
4105 Deletes a match with ID {id} previously defined by |matchadd()|
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004106 or one of the |:match| commands. Returns 0 if successful,
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00004107 otherwise -1. See example for |matchadd()|. All matches can
4108 be deleted in one operation by |clearmatches()|.
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00004109
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00004110matchend({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *matchend()*
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01004111 Same as |match()|, but return the index of first character
4112 after the match. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004113 :echo matchend("testing", "ing")
4114< results in "7".
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00004115 *strspn()* *strcspn()*
4116 Vim doesn't have a strspn() or strcspn() function, but you can
4117 do it with matchend(): >
4118 :let span = matchend(line, '[a-zA-Z]')
4119 :let span = matchend(line, '[^a-zA-Z]')
4120< Except that -1 is returned when there are no matches.
4121
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01004122 The {start}, if given, has the same meaning as for |match()|. >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004123 :echo matchend("testing", "ing", 2)
4124< results in "7". >
4125 :echo matchend("testing", "ing", 5)
4126< result is "-1".
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01004127 When {expr} is a |List| the result is equal to |match()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004128
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00004129matchlist({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *matchlist()*
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01004130 Same as |match()|, but return a |List|. The first item in the
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00004131 list is the matched string, same as what matchstr() would
4132 return. Following items are submatches, like "\1", "\2", etc.
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +00004133 in |:substitute|. When an optional submatch didn't match an
4134 empty string is used. Example: >
4135 echo matchlist('acd', '\(a\)\?\(b\)\?\(c\)\?\(.*\)')
4136< Results in: ['acd', 'a', '', 'c', 'd', '', '', '', '', '']
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00004137 When there is no match an empty list is returned.
4138
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00004139matchstr({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *matchstr()*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004140 Same as |match()|, but return the matched string. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004141 :echo matchstr("testing", "ing")
4142< results in "ing".
4143 When there is no match "" is returned.
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01004144 The {start}, if given, has the same meaning as for |match()|. >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004145 :echo matchstr("testing", "ing", 2)
4146< results in "ing". >
4147 :echo matchstr("testing", "ing", 5)
4148< result is "".
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004149 When {expr} is a |List| then the matching item is returned.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004150 The type isn't changed, it's not necessarily a String.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004151
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00004152 *max()*
4153max({list}) Return the maximum value of all items in {list}.
4154 If {list} is not a list or one of the items in {list} cannot
4155 be used as a Number this results in an error.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004156 An empty |List| results in zero.
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00004157
4158 *min()*
Bram Moolenaar79166c42007-05-10 18:29:51 +00004159min({list}) Return the minimum value of all items in {list}.
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00004160 If {list} is not a list or one of the items in {list} cannot
4161 be used as a Number this results in an error.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004162 An empty |List| results in zero.
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00004163
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00004164 *mkdir()* *E739*
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004165mkdir({name} [, {path} [, {prot}]])
4166 Create directory {name}.
4167 If {path} is "p" then intermediate directories are created as
4168 necessary. Otherwise it must be "".
4169 If {prot} is given it is used to set the protection bits of
4170 the new directory. The default is 0755 (rwxr-xr-x: r/w for
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004171 the user readable for others). Use 0700 to make it unreadable
Bram Moolenaared39e1d2008-08-09 17:55:22 +00004172 for others. This is only used for the last part of {name}.
4173 Thus if you create /tmp/foo/bar then /tmp/foo will be created
4174 with 0755.
4175 Example: >
4176 :call mkdir($HOME . "/tmp/foo/bar", "p", 0700)
4177< This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004178 Not available on all systems. To check use: >
4179 :if exists("*mkdir")
4180<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004181 *mode()*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004182mode([expr]) Return a string that indicates the current mode.
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00004183 If [expr] is supplied and it evaluates to a non-zero Number or
4184 a non-empty String (|non-zero-arg|), then the full mode is
4185 returned, otherwise only the first letter is returned. Note
4186 that " " and "0" are also non-empty strings.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004187
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004188 n Normal
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004189 no Operator-pending
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004190 v Visual by character
4191 V Visual by line
4192 CTRL-V Visual blockwise
4193 s Select by character
4194 S Select by line
4195 CTRL-S Select blockwise
4196 i Insert
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004197 R Replace |R|
4198 Rv Virtual Replace |gR|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004199 c Command-line
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004200 cv Vim Ex mode |gQ|
4201 ce Normal Ex mode |Q|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004202 r Hit-enter prompt
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004203 rm The -- more -- prompt
4204 r? A |:confirm| query of some sort
4205 ! Shell or external command is executing
4206 This is useful in the 'statusline' option or when used
4207 with |remote_expr()| In most other places it always returns
4208 "c" or "n".
4209 Also see |visualmode()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004210
Bram Moolenaar7e506b62010-01-19 15:55:06 +01004211mzeval({expr}) *mzeval()*
4212 Evaluate MzScheme expression {expr} and return its result
4213 convert to Vim data structures.
4214 Numbers and strings are returned as they are.
4215 Pairs (including lists and improper lists) and vectors are
4216 returned as Vim |Lists|.
4217 Hash tables are represented as Vim |Dictionary| type with keys
4218 converted to strings.
4219 All other types are converted to string with display function.
4220 Examples: >
4221 :mz (define l (list 1 2 3))
4222 :mz (define h (make-hash)) (hash-set! h "list" l)
4223 :echo mzeval("l")
4224 :echo mzeval("h")
4225<
4226 {only available when compiled with the |+mzscheme| feature}
4227
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004228nextnonblank({lnum}) *nextnonblank()*
4229 Return the line number of the first line at or below {lnum}
4230 that is not blank. Example: >
4231 if getline(nextnonblank(1)) =~ "Java"
4232< When {lnum} is invalid or there is no non-blank line at or
4233 below it, zero is returned.
4234 See also |prevnonblank()|.
4235
4236nr2char({expr}) *nr2char()*
4237 Return a string with a single character, which has the number
4238 value {expr}. Examples: >
4239 nr2char(64) returns "@"
4240 nr2char(32) returns " "
4241< The current 'encoding' is used. Example for "utf-8": >
4242 nr2char(300) returns I with bow character
4243< Note that a NUL character in the file is specified with
4244 nr2char(10), because NULs are represented with newline
4245 characters. nr2char(0) is a real NUL and terminates the
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +00004246 string, thus results in an empty string.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004247
Bram Moolenaar18081e32008-02-20 19:11:07 +00004248 *getpid()*
4249getpid() Return a Number which is the process ID of the Vim process.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004250 On Unix and MS-Windows this is a unique number, until Vim
4251 exits. On MS-DOS it's always zero.
Bram Moolenaar18081e32008-02-20 19:11:07 +00004252
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00004253 *getpos()*
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00004254getpos({expr}) Get the position for {expr}. For possible values of {expr}
4255 see |line()|.
4256 The result is a |List| with four numbers:
4257 [bufnum, lnum, col, off]
4258 "bufnum" is zero, unless a mark like '0 or 'A is used, then it
4259 is the buffer number of the mark.
4260 "lnum" and "col" are the position in the buffer. The first
4261 column is 1.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00004262 The "off" number is zero, unless 'virtualedit' is used. Then
4263 it is the offset in screen columns from the start of the
Bram Moolenaard46bbc72007-05-12 14:38:41 +00004264 character. E.g., a position within a <Tab> or after the last
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00004265 character.
4266 This can be used to save and restore the cursor position: >
4267 let save_cursor = getpos(".")
4268 MoveTheCursorAround
Bram Moolenaardb552d602006-03-23 22:59:57 +00004269 call setpos('.', save_cursor)
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00004270< Also see |setpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00004271
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00004272pathshorten({expr}) *pathshorten()*
4273 Shorten directory names in the path {expr} and return the
4274 result. The tail, the file name, is kept as-is. The other
4275 components in the path are reduced to single letters. Leading
4276 '~' and '.' characters are kept. Example: >
4277 :echo pathshorten('~/.vim/autoload/myfile.vim')
4278< ~/.v/a/myfile.vim ~
4279 It doesn't matter if the path exists or not.
4280
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004281pow({x}, {y}) *pow()*
4282 Return the power of {x} to the exponent {y} as a |Float|.
4283 {x} and {y} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
4284 Examples: >
4285 :echo pow(3, 3)
4286< 27.0 >
4287 :echo pow(2, 16)
4288< 65536.0 >
4289 :echo pow(32, 0.20)
4290< 2.0
4291 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
4292
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00004293prevnonblank({lnum}) *prevnonblank()*
4294 Return the line number of the first line at or above {lnum}
4295 that is not blank. Example: >
4296 let ind = indent(prevnonblank(v:lnum - 1))
4297< When {lnum} is invalid or there is no non-blank line at or
4298 above it, zero is returned.
4299 Also see |nextnonblank()|.
4300
4301
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004302printf({fmt}, {expr1} ...) *printf()*
4303 Return a String with {fmt}, where "%" items are replaced by
4304 the formatted form of their respective arguments. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004305 printf("%4d: E%d %.30s", lnum, errno, msg)
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004306< May result in:
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004307 " 99: E42 asdfasdfasdfasdfasdfasdfasdfas" ~
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004308
4309 Often used items are:
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004310 %s string
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00004311 %6s string right-aligned in 6 bytes
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004312 %.9s string truncated to 9 bytes
4313 %c single byte
4314 %d decimal number
4315 %5d decimal number padded with spaces to 5 characters
4316 %x hex number
4317 %04x hex number padded with zeros to at least 4 characters
4318 %X hex number using upper case letters
4319 %o octal number
4320 %f floating point number in the form 123.456
4321 %e floating point number in the form 1.234e3
4322 %E floating point number in the form 1.234E3
4323 %g floating point number, as %f or %e depending on value
4324 %G floating point number, as %f or %E depending on value
4325 %% the % character itself
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004326
4327 Conversion specifications start with '%' and end with the
4328 conversion type. All other characters are copied unchanged to
4329 the result.
4330
4331 The "%" starts a conversion specification. The following
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004332 arguments appear in sequence:
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004333
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004334 % [flags] [field-width] [.precision] type
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004335
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004336 flags
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004337 Zero or more of the following flags:
4338
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004339 # The value should be converted to an "alternate
4340 form". For c, d, and s conversions, this option
4341 has no effect. For o conversions, the precision
4342 of the number is increased to force the first
4343 character of the output string to a zero (except
4344 if a zero value is printed with an explicit
4345 precision of zero).
4346 For x and X conversions, a non-zero result has
4347 the string "0x" (or "0X" for X conversions)
4348 prepended to it.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004349
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004350 0 (zero) Zero padding. For all conversions the converted
4351 value is padded on the left with zeros rather
4352 than blanks. If a precision is given with a
4353 numeric conversion (d, o, x, and X), the 0 flag
4354 is ignored.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004355
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004356 - A negative field width flag; the converted value
4357 is to be left adjusted on the field boundary.
4358 The converted value is padded on the right with
4359 blanks, rather than on the left with blanks or
4360 zeros. A - overrides a 0 if both are given.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004361
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004362 ' ' (space) A blank should be left before a positive
4363 number produced by a signed conversion (d).
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004364
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004365 + A sign must always be placed before a number
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004366 produced by a signed conversion. A + overrides
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004367 a space if both are used.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004368
4369 field-width
4370 An optional decimal digit string specifying a minimum
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00004371 field width. If the converted value has fewer bytes
4372 than the field width, it will be padded with spaces on
4373 the left (or right, if the left-adjustment flag has
4374 been given) to fill out the field width.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004375
4376 .precision
4377 An optional precision, in the form of a period '.'
4378 followed by an optional digit string. If the digit
4379 string is omitted, the precision is taken as zero.
4380 This gives the minimum number of digits to appear for
4381 d, o, x, and X conversions, or the maximum number of
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00004382 bytes to be printed from a string for s conversions.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004383 For floating point it is the number of digits after
4384 the decimal point.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004385
4386 type
4387 A character that specifies the type of conversion to
4388 be applied, see below.
4389
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004390 A field width or precision, or both, may be indicated by an
4391 asterisk '*' instead of a digit string. In this case, a
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004392 Number argument supplies the field width or precision. A
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004393 negative field width is treated as a left adjustment flag
4394 followed by a positive field width; a negative precision is
4395 treated as though it were missing. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004396 :echo printf("%d: %.*s", nr, width, line)
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004397< This limits the length of the text used from "line" to
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004398 "width" bytes.
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004399
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004400 The conversion specifiers and their meanings are:
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004401
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004402 *printf-d* *printf-o* *printf-x* *printf-X*
4403 doxX The Number argument is converted to signed decimal
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004404 (d), unsigned octal (o), or unsigned hexadecimal (x
4405 and X) notation. The letters "abcdef" are used for
4406 x conversions; the letters "ABCDEF" are used for X
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004407 conversions.
4408 The precision, if any, gives the minimum number of
4409 digits that must appear; if the converted value
4410 requires fewer digits, it is padded on the left with
4411 zeros.
4412 In no case does a non-existent or small field width
4413 cause truncation of a numeric field; if the result of
4414 a conversion is wider than the field width, the field
4415 is expanded to contain the conversion result.
4416
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004417 *printf-c*
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004418 c The Number argument is converted to a byte, and the
4419 resulting character is written.
4420
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004421 *printf-s*
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004422 s The text of the String argument is used. If a
4423 precision is specified, no more bytes than the number
4424 specified are used.
4425
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004426 *printf-f* *E807*
4427 f The Float argument is converted into a string of the
4428 form 123.456. The precision specifies the number of
4429 digits after the decimal point. When the precision is
4430 zero the decimal point is omitted. When the precision
4431 is not specified 6 is used. A really big number
4432 (out of range or dividing by zero) results in "inf".
4433 "0.0 / 0.0" results in "nan".
4434 Example: >
4435 echo printf("%.2f", 12.115)
4436< 12.12
4437 Note that roundoff depends on the system libraries.
4438 Use |round()| when in doubt.
4439
4440 *printf-e* *printf-E*
4441 e E The Float argument is converted into a string of the
4442 form 1.234e+03 or 1.234E+03 when using 'E'. The
4443 precision specifies the number of digits after the
4444 decimal point, like with 'f'.
4445
4446 *printf-g* *printf-G*
4447 g G The Float argument is converted like with 'f' if the
4448 value is between 0.001 (inclusive) and 10000000.0
4449 (exclusive). Otherwise 'e' is used for 'g' and 'E'
4450 for 'G'. When no precision is specified superfluous
4451 zeroes and '+' signs are removed, except for the zero
4452 immediately after the decimal point. Thus 10000000.0
4453 results in 1.0e7.
4454
4455 *printf-%*
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004456 % A '%' is written. No argument is converted. The
4457 complete conversion specification is "%%".
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004458
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00004459 When a Number argument is expected a String argument is also
4460 accepted and automatically converted.
4461 When a Float or String argument is expected a Number argument
4462 is also accepted and automatically converted.
4463 Any other argument type results in an error message.
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004464
Bram Moolenaar83bab712005-08-01 21:58:57 +00004465 *E766* *E767*
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004466 The number of {exprN} arguments must exactly match the number
4467 of "%" items. If there are not sufficient or too many
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004468 arguments an error is given. Up to 18 arguments can be used.
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004469
4470
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00004471pumvisible() *pumvisible()*
4472 Returns non-zero when the popup menu is visible, zero
4473 otherwise. See |ins-completion-menu|.
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004474 This can be used to avoid some things that would remove the
4475 popup menu.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004476
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004477 *E726* *E727*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004478range({expr} [, {max} [, {stride}]]) *range()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004479 Returns a |List| with Numbers:
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004480 - If only {expr} is specified: [0, 1, ..., {expr} - 1]
4481 - If {max} is specified: [{expr}, {expr} + 1, ..., {max}]
4482 - If {stride} is specified: [{expr}, {expr} + {stride}, ...,
4483 {max}] (increasing {expr} with {stride} each time, not
4484 producing a value past {max}).
Bram Moolenaare7566042005-06-17 22:00:15 +00004485 When the maximum is one before the start the result is an
4486 empty list. When the maximum is more than one before the
4487 start this is an error.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004488 Examples: >
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004489 range(4) " [0, 1, 2, 3]
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004490 range(2, 4) " [2, 3, 4]
4491 range(2, 9, 3) " [2, 5, 8]
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004492 range(2, -2, -1) " [2, 1, 0, -1, -2]
Bram Moolenaare7566042005-06-17 22:00:15 +00004493 range(0) " []
4494 range(2, 0) " error!
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004495<
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00004496 *readfile()*
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004497readfile({fname} [, {binary} [, {max}]])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004498 Read file {fname} and return a |List|, each line of the file
4499 as an item. Lines broken at NL characters. Macintosh files
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00004500 separated with CR will result in a single long line (unless a
4501 NL appears somewhere).
4502 When {binary} is equal to "b" binary mode is used:
4503 - When the last line ends in a NL an extra empty list item is
4504 added.
4505 - No CR characters are removed.
4506 Otherwise:
4507 - CR characters that appear before a NL are removed.
4508 - Whether the last line ends in a NL or not does not matter.
4509 All NUL characters are replaced with a NL character.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004510 When {max} is given this specifies the maximum number of lines
4511 to be read. Useful if you only want to check the first ten
4512 lines of a file: >
4513 :for line in readfile(fname, '', 10)
4514 : if line =~ 'Date' | echo line | endif
4515 :endfor
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00004516< When {max} is negative -{max} lines from the end of the file
4517 are returned, or as many as there are.
4518 When {max} is zero the result is an empty list.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004519 Note that without {max} the whole file is read into memory.
4520 Also note that there is no recognition of encoding. Read a
4521 file into a buffer if you need to.
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00004522 When the file can't be opened an error message is given and
4523 the result is an empty list.
4524 Also see |writefile()|.
4525
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00004526reltime([{start} [, {end}]]) *reltime()*
4527 Return an item that represents a time value. The format of
4528 the item depends on the system. It can be passed to
4529 |reltimestr()| to convert it to a string.
4530 Without an argument it returns the current time.
4531 With one argument is returns the time passed since the time
4532 specified in the argument.
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00004533 With two arguments it returns the time passed between {start}
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00004534 and {end}.
4535 The {start} and {end} arguments must be values returned by
4536 reltime().
4537 {only available when compiled with the +reltime feature}
4538
4539reltimestr({time}) *reltimestr()*
4540 Return a String that represents the time value of {time}.
4541 This is the number of seconds, a dot and the number of
4542 microseconds. Example: >
4543 let start = reltime()
4544 call MyFunction()
4545 echo reltimestr(reltime(start))
4546< Note that overhead for the commands will be added to the time.
4547 The accuracy depends on the system.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00004548 Leading spaces are used to make the string align nicely. You
4549 can use split() to remove it. >
4550 echo split(reltimestr(reltime(start)))[0]
4551< Also see |profiling|.
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00004552 {only available when compiled with the +reltime feature}
4553
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004554 *remote_expr()* *E449*
4555remote_expr({server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004556 Send the {string} to {server}. The string is sent as an
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004557 expression and the result is returned after evaluation.
Bram Moolenaar362e1a32006-03-06 23:29:24 +00004558 The result must be a String or a |List|. A |List| is turned
4559 into a String by joining the items with a line break in
4560 between (not at the end), like with join(expr, "\n").
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004561 If {idvar} is present, it is taken as the name of a
4562 variable and a {serverid} for later use with
4563 remote_read() is stored there.
4564 See also |clientserver| |RemoteReply|.
4565 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4566 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
4567 Note: Any errors will cause a local error message to be issued
4568 and the result will be the empty string.
4569 Examples: >
4570 :echo remote_expr("gvim", "2+2")
4571 :echo remote_expr("gvim1", "b:current_syntax")
4572<
4573
4574remote_foreground({server}) *remote_foreground()*
4575 Move the Vim server with the name {server} to the foreground.
4576 This works like: >
4577 remote_expr({server}, "foreground()")
4578< Except that on Win32 systems the client does the work, to work
4579 around the problem that the OS doesn't always allow the server
4580 to bring itself to the foreground.
Bram Moolenaar9372a112005-12-06 19:59:18 +00004581 Note: This does not restore the window if it was minimized,
4582 like foreground() does.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004583 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4584 {only in the Win32, Athena, Motif and GTK GUI versions and the
4585 Win32 console version}
4586
4587
4588remote_peek({serverid} [, {retvar}]) *remote_peek()*
4589 Returns a positive number if there are available strings
4590 from {serverid}. Copies any reply string into the variable
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004591 {retvar} if specified. {retvar} must be a string with the
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004592 name of a variable.
4593 Returns zero if none are available.
4594 Returns -1 if something is wrong.
4595 See also |clientserver|.
4596 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4597 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
4598 Examples: >
4599 :let repl = ""
4600 :echo "PEEK: ".remote_peek(id, "repl").": ".repl
4601
4602remote_read({serverid}) *remote_read()*
4603 Return the oldest available reply from {serverid} and consume
4604 it. It blocks until a reply is available.
4605 See also |clientserver|.
4606 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4607 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
4608 Example: >
4609 :echo remote_read(id)
4610<
4611 *remote_send()* *E241*
4612remote_send({server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004613 Send the {string} to {server}. The string is sent as input
Bram Moolenaard4755bb2004-09-02 19:12:26 +00004614 keys and the function returns immediately. At the Vim server
4615 the keys are not mapped |:map|.
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00004616 If {idvar} is present, it is taken as the name of a variable
4617 and a {serverid} for later use with remote_read() is stored
4618 there.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004619 See also |clientserver| |RemoteReply|.
4620 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4621 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
4622 Note: Any errors will be reported in the server and may mess
4623 up the display.
4624 Examples: >
4625 :echo remote_send("gvim", ":DropAndReply ".file, "serverid").
4626 \ remote_read(serverid)
4627
4628 :autocmd NONE RemoteReply *
4629 \ echo remote_read(expand("<amatch>"))
4630 :echo remote_send("gvim", ":sleep 10 | echo ".
4631 \ 'server2client(expand("<client>"), "HELLO")<CR>')
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004632<
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00004633remove({list}, {idx} [, {end}]) *remove()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004634 Without {end}: Remove the item at {idx} from |List| {list} and
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01004635 return the item.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00004636 With {end}: Remove items from {idx} to {end} (inclusive) and
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01004637 return a List with these items. When {idx} points to the same
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00004638 item as {end} a list with one item is returned. When {end}
4639 points to an item before {idx} this is an error.
4640 See |list-index| for possible values of {idx} and {end}.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00004641 Example: >
4642 :echo "last item: " . remove(mylist, -1)
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00004643 :call remove(mylist, 0, 9)
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004644remove({dict}, {key})
4645 Remove the entry from {dict} with key {key}. Example: >
4646 :echo "removed " . remove(dict, "one")
4647< If there is no {key} in {dict} this is an error.
4648
4649 Use |delete()| to remove a file.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00004650
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004651rename({from}, {to}) *rename()*
4652 Rename the file by the name {from} to the name {to}. This
4653 should also work to move files across file systems. The
4654 result is a Number, which is 0 if the file was renamed
4655 successfully, and non-zero when the renaming failed.
Bram Moolenaar798b30b2009-04-22 10:56:16 +00004656 NOTE: If {to} exists it is overwritten without warning.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004657 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4658
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00004659repeat({expr}, {count}) *repeat()*
4660 Repeat {expr} {count} times and return the concatenated
4661 result. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00004662 :let separator = repeat('-', 80)
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00004663< When {count} is zero or negative the result is empty.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004664 When {expr} is a |List| the result is {expr} concatenated
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004665 {count} times. Example: >
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00004666 :let longlist = repeat(['a', 'b'], 3)
4667< Results in ['a', 'b', 'a', 'b', 'a', 'b'].
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00004668
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004669
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004670resolve({filename}) *resolve()* *E655*
4671 On MS-Windows, when {filename} is a shortcut (a .lnk file),
4672 returns the path the shortcut points to in a simplified form.
4673 On Unix, repeat resolving symbolic links in all path
4674 components of {filename} and return the simplified result.
4675 To cope with link cycles, resolving of symbolic links is
4676 stopped after 100 iterations.
4677 On other systems, return the simplified {filename}.
4678 The simplification step is done as by |simplify()|.
4679 resolve() keeps a leading path component specifying the
4680 current directory (provided the result is still a relative
4681 path name) and also keeps a trailing path separator.
4682
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004683 *reverse()*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004684reverse({list}) Reverse the order of items in {list} in-place. Returns
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004685 {list}.
4686 If you want a list to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
4687 :let revlist = reverse(copy(mylist))
4688
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004689round({expr}) *round()*
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00004690 Round off {expr} to the nearest integral value and return it
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004691 as a |Float|. If {expr} lies halfway between two integral
4692 values, then use the larger one (away from zero).
4693 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
4694 Examples: >
4695 echo round(0.456)
4696< 0.0 >
4697 echo round(4.5)
4698< 5.0 >
4699 echo round(-4.5)
4700< -5.0
4701 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
4702
4703
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00004704search({pattern} [, {flags} [, {stopline} [, {timeout}]]]) *search()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004705 Search for regexp pattern {pattern}. The search starts at the
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +00004706 cursor position (you can use |cursor()| to set it).
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00004707
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004708 {flags} is a String, which can contain these character flags:
4709 'b' search backward instead of forward
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004710 'c' accept a match at the cursor position
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004711 'e' move to the End of the match
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00004712 'n' do Not move the cursor
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004713 'p' return number of matching sub-pattern (see below)
4714 's' set the ' mark at the previous location of the cursor
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004715 'w' wrap around the end of the file
4716 'W' don't wrap around the end of the file
4717 If neither 'w' or 'W' is given, the 'wrapscan' option applies.
4718
Bram Moolenaar02743632005-07-25 20:42:36 +00004719 If the 's' flag is supplied, the ' mark is set, only if the
4720 cursor is moved. The 's' flag cannot be combined with the 'n'
4721 flag.
4722
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00004723 'ignorecase', 'smartcase' and 'magic' are used.
4724
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004725 When the {stopline} argument is given then the search stops
4726 after searching this line. This is useful to restrict the
4727 search to a range of lines. Examples: >
4728 let match = search('(', 'b', line("w0"))
4729 let end = search('END', '', line("w$"))
4730< When {stopline} is used and it is not zero this also implies
4731 that the search does not wrap around the end of the file.
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00004732 A zero value is equal to not giving the argument.
4733
4734 When the {timeout} argument is given the search stops when
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004735 more than this many milli seconds have passed. Thus when
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00004736 {timeout} is 500 the search stops after half a second.
4737 The value must not be negative. A zero value is like not
4738 giving the argument.
4739 {only available when compiled with the +reltime feature}
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004740
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00004741 If there is no match a 0 is returned and the cursor doesn't
4742 move. No error message is given.
Bram Moolenaar362e1a32006-03-06 23:29:24 +00004743 When a match has been found its line number is returned.
4744 *search()-sub-match*
4745 With the 'p' flag the returned value is one more than the
4746 first sub-match in \(\). One if none of them matched but the
4747 whole pattern did match.
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004748 To get the column number too use |searchpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004749
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004750 The cursor will be positioned at the match, unless the 'n'
4751 flag is used.
4752
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004753 Example (goes over all files in the argument list): >
4754 :let n = 1
4755 :while n <= argc() " loop over all files in arglist
4756 : exe "argument " . n
4757 : " start at the last char in the file and wrap for the
4758 : " first search to find match at start of file
4759 : normal G$
4760 : let flags = "w"
4761 : while search("foo", flags) > 0
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004762 : s/foo/bar/g
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004763 : let flags = "W"
4764 : endwhile
4765 : update " write the file if modified
4766 : let n = n + 1
4767 :endwhile
4768<
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004769 Example for using some flags: >
4770 :echo search('\<if\|\(else\)\|\(endif\)', 'ncpe')
4771< This will search for the keywords "if", "else", and "endif"
4772 under or after the cursor. Because of the 'p' flag, it
4773 returns 1, 2, or 3 depending on which keyword is found, or 0
4774 if the search fails. With the cursor on the first word of the
4775 line:
4776 if (foo == 0) | let foo = foo + 1 | endif ~
4777 the function returns 1. Without the 'c' flag, the function
4778 finds the "endif" and returns 3. The same thing happens
4779 without the 'e' flag if the cursor is on the "f" of "if".
4780 The 'n' flag tells the function not to move the cursor.
4781
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00004782
Bram Moolenaarf75a9632005-09-13 21:20:47 +00004783searchdecl({name} [, {global} [, {thisblock}]]) *searchdecl()*
4784 Search for the declaration of {name}.
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004785
Bram Moolenaarf75a9632005-09-13 21:20:47 +00004786 With a non-zero {global} argument it works like |gD|, find
4787 first match in the file. Otherwise it works like |gd|, find
4788 first match in the function.
4789
4790 With a non-zero {thisblock} argument matches in a {} block
4791 that ends before the cursor position are ignored. Avoids
4792 finding variable declarations only valid in another scope.
4793
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00004794 Moves the cursor to the found match.
4795 Returns zero for success, non-zero for failure.
4796 Example: >
4797 if searchdecl('myvar') == 0
4798 echo getline('.')
4799 endif
4800<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004801 *searchpair()*
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00004802searchpair({start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip}
4803 [, {stopline} [, {timeout}]]]])
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004804 Search for the match of a nested start-end pair. This can be
4805 used to find the "endif" that matches an "if", while other
4806 if/endif pairs in between are ignored.
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00004807 The search starts at the cursor. The default is to search
4808 forward, include 'b' in {flags} to search backward.
4809 If a match is found, the cursor is positioned at it and the
4810 line number is returned. If no match is found 0 or -1 is
4811 returned and the cursor doesn't move. No error message is
4812 given.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004813
4814 {start}, {middle} and {end} are patterns, see |pattern|. They
4815 must not contain \( \) pairs. Use of \%( \) is allowed. When
4816 {middle} is not empty, it is found when searching from either
4817 direction, but only when not in a nested start-end pair. A
4818 typical use is: >
4819 searchpair('\<if\>', '\<else\>', '\<endif\>')
4820< By leaving {middle} empty the "else" is skipped.
4821
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004822 {flags} 'b', 'c', 'n', 's', 'w' and 'W' are used like with
4823 |search()|. Additionally:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004824 'r' Repeat until no more matches found; will find the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004825 outer pair. Implies the 'W' flag.
4826 'm' Return number of matches instead of line number with
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004827 the match; will be > 1 when 'r' is used.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004828 Note: it's nearly always a good idea to use the 'W' flag, to
4829 avoid wrapping around the end of the file.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004830
4831 When a match for {start}, {middle} or {end} is found, the
4832 {skip} expression is evaluated with the cursor positioned on
4833 the start of the match. It should return non-zero if this
4834 match is to be skipped. E.g., because it is inside a comment
4835 or a string.
4836 When {skip} is omitted or empty, every match is accepted.
4837 When evaluating {skip} causes an error the search is aborted
4838 and -1 returned.
4839
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00004840 For {stopline} and {timeout} see |search()|.
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004841
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004842 The value of 'ignorecase' is used. 'magic' is ignored, the
4843 patterns are used like it's on.
4844
4845 The search starts exactly at the cursor. A match with
4846 {start}, {middle} or {end} at the next character, in the
4847 direction of searching, is the first one found. Example: >
4848 if 1
4849 if 2
4850 endif 2
4851 endif 1
4852< When starting at the "if 2", with the cursor on the "i", and
4853 searching forwards, the "endif 2" is found. When starting on
4854 the character just before the "if 2", the "endif 1" will be
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004855 found. That's because the "if 2" will be found first, and
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004856 then this is considered to be a nested if/endif from "if 2" to
4857 "endif 2".
4858 When searching backwards and {end} is more than one character,
4859 it may be useful to put "\zs" at the end of the pattern, so
4860 that when the cursor is inside a match with the end it finds
4861 the matching start.
4862
4863 Example, to find the "endif" command in a Vim script: >
4864
4865 :echo searchpair('\<if\>', '\<el\%[seif]\>', '\<en\%[dif]\>', 'W',
4866 \ 'getline(".") =~ "^\\s*\""')
4867
4868< The cursor must be at or after the "if" for which a match is
4869 to be found. Note that single-quote strings are used to avoid
4870 having to double the backslashes. The skip expression only
4871 catches comments at the start of a line, not after a command.
4872 Also, a word "en" or "if" halfway a line is considered a
4873 match.
4874 Another example, to search for the matching "{" of a "}": >
4875
4876 :echo searchpair('{', '', '}', 'bW')
4877
4878< This works when the cursor is at or before the "}" for which a
4879 match is to be found. To reject matches that syntax
4880 highlighting recognized as strings: >
4881
4882 :echo searchpair('{', '', '}', 'bW',
4883 \ 'synIDattr(synID(line("."), col("."), 0), "name") =~? "string"')
4884<
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00004885 *searchpairpos()*
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00004886searchpairpos({start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip}
4887 [, {stopline} [, {timeout}]]]])
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01004888 Same as |searchpair()|, but returns a |List| with the line and
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004889 column position of the match. The first element of the |List|
4890 is the line number and the second element is the byte index of
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00004891 the column position of the match. If no match is found,
4892 returns [0, 0].
4893>
4894 :let [lnum,col] = searchpairpos('{', '', '}', 'n')
4895<
4896 See |match-parens| for a bigger and more useful example.
4897
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00004898searchpos({pattern} [, {flags} [, {stopline} [, {timeout}]]]) *searchpos()*
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004899 Same as |search()|, but returns a |List| with the line and
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004900 column position of the match. The first element of the |List|
4901 is the line number and the second element is the byte index of
4902 the column position of the match. If no match is found,
4903 returns [0, 0].
Bram Moolenaar362e1a32006-03-06 23:29:24 +00004904 Example: >
4905 :let [lnum, col] = searchpos('mypattern', 'n')
4906
4907< When the 'p' flag is given then there is an extra item with
4908 the sub-pattern match number |search()-sub-match|. Example: >
4909 :let [lnum, col, submatch] = searchpos('\(\l\)\|\(\u\)', 'np')
4910< In this example "submatch" is 2 when a lowercase letter is
4911 found |/\l|, 3 when an uppercase letter is found |/\u|.
4912
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004913server2client( {clientid}, {string}) *server2client()*
4914 Send a reply string to {clientid}. The most recent {clientid}
4915 that sent a string can be retrieved with expand("<client>").
4916 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
4917 Note:
4918 This id has to be stored before the next command can be
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004919 received. I.e. before returning from the received command and
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004920 before calling any commands that waits for input.
4921 See also |clientserver|.
4922 Example: >
4923 :echo server2client(expand("<client>"), "HELLO")
4924<
4925serverlist() *serverlist()*
4926 Return a list of available server names, one per line.
4927 When there are no servers or the information is not available
4928 an empty string is returned. See also |clientserver|.
4929 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
4930 Example: >
4931 :echo serverlist()
4932<
4933setbufvar({expr}, {varname}, {val}) *setbufvar()*
4934 Set option or local variable {varname} in buffer {expr} to
4935 {val}.
4936 This also works for a global or local window option, but it
4937 doesn't work for a global or local window variable.
4938 For a local window option the global value is unchanged.
4939 For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above.
4940 Note that the variable name without "b:" must be used.
4941 Examples: >
4942 :call setbufvar(1, "&mod", 1)
4943 :call setbufvar("todo", "myvar", "foobar")
4944< This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4945
4946setcmdpos({pos}) *setcmdpos()*
4947 Set the cursor position in the command line to byte position
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004948 {pos}. The first position is 1.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004949 Use |getcmdpos()| to obtain the current position.
4950 Only works while editing the command line, thus you must use
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004951 |c_CTRL-\_e|, |c_CTRL-R_=| or |c_CTRL-R_CTRL-R| with '='. For
4952 |c_CTRL-\_e| and |c_CTRL-R_CTRL-R| with '=' the position is
4953 set after the command line is set to the expression. For
4954 |c_CTRL-R_=| it is set after evaluating the expression but
4955 before inserting the resulting text.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004956 When the number is too big the cursor is put at the end of the
4957 line. A number smaller than one has undefined results.
4958 Returns 0 when successful, 1 when not editing the command
4959 line.
4960
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004961setline({lnum}, {text}) *setline()*
4962 Set line {lnum} of the current buffer to {text}.
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004963 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004964 When {lnum} is just below the last line the {text} will be
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004965 added as a new line.
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004966 If this succeeds, 0 is returned. If this fails (most likely
4967 because {lnum} is invalid) 1 is returned. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004968 :call setline(5, strftime("%c"))
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004969< When {text} is a |List| then line {lnum} and following lines
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004970 will be set to the items in the list. Example: >
4971 :call setline(5, ['aaa', 'bbb', 'ccc'])
4972< This is equivalent to: >
4973 :for [n, l] in [[5, 6, 7], ['aaa', 'bbb', 'ccc']]
4974 : call setline(n, l)
4975 :endfor
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004976< Note: The '[ and '] marks are not set.
4977
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00004978setloclist({nr}, {list} [, {action}]) *setloclist()*
4979 Create or replace or add to the location list for window {nr}.
4980 When {nr} is zero the current window is used. For a location
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00004981 list window, the displayed location list is modified. For an
4982 invalid window number {nr}, -1 is returned.
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00004983 Otherwise, same as |setqflist()|.
4984 Also see |location-list|.
4985
4986setmatches({list}) *setmatches()*
4987 Restores a list of matches saved by |getmatches()|. Returns 0
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004988 if successful, otherwise -1. All current matches are cleared
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00004989 before the list is restored. See example for |getmatches()|.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00004990
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00004991 *setpos()*
4992setpos({expr}, {list})
4993 Set the position for {expr}. Possible values:
4994 . the cursor
4995 'x mark x
4996
4997 {list} must be a |List| with four numbers:
4998 [bufnum, lnum, col, off]
4999
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005000 "bufnum" is the buffer number. Zero can be used for the
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00005001 current buffer. Setting the cursor is only possible for
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00005002 the current buffer. To set a mark in another buffer you can
5003 use the |bufnr()| function to turn a file name into a buffer
5004 number.
Bram Moolenaardb552d602006-03-23 22:59:57 +00005005 Does not change the jumplist.
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00005006
5007 "lnum" and "col" are the position in the buffer. The first
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01005008 column is 1. Use a zero "lnum" to delete a mark. If "col" is
5009 smaller than 1 then 1 is used.
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00005010
5011 The "off" number is only used when 'virtualedit' is set. Then
5012 it is the offset in screen columns from the start of the
Bram Moolenaard46bbc72007-05-12 14:38:41 +00005013 character. E.g., a position within a <Tab> or after the last
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00005014 character.
5015
Bram Moolenaar08250432008-02-13 11:42:46 +00005016 Returns 0 when the position could be set, -1 otherwise.
5017 An error message is given if {expr} is invalid.
5018
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00005019 Also see |getpos()|
5020
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00005021 This does not restore the preferred column for moving
5022 vertically. See |winrestview()| for that.
5023
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00005024
Bram Moolenaar35c54e52005-05-20 21:25:31 +00005025setqflist({list} [, {action}]) *setqflist()*
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00005026 Create or replace or add to the quickfix list using the items
5027 in {list}. Each item in {list} is a dictionary.
5028 Non-dictionary items in {list} are ignored. Each dictionary
5029 item can contain the following entries:
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00005030
Bram Moolenaar48b66fb2007-02-04 01:58:18 +00005031 bufnr buffer number; must be the number of a valid
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005032 buffer
Bram Moolenaar48b66fb2007-02-04 01:58:18 +00005033 filename name of a file; only used when "bufnr" is not
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005034 present or it is invalid.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00005035 lnum line number in the file
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00005036 pattern search pattern used to locate the error
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00005037 col column number
5038 vcol when non-zero: "col" is visual column
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00005039 when zero: "col" is byte index
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00005040 nr error number
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00005041 text description of the error
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00005042 type single-character error type, 'E', 'W', etc.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00005043
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00005044 The "col", "vcol", "nr", "type" and "text" entries are
5045 optional. Either "lnum" or "pattern" entry can be used to
5046 locate a matching error line.
Bram Moolenaar48b66fb2007-02-04 01:58:18 +00005047 If the "filename" and "bufnr" entries are not present or
5048 neither the "lnum" or "pattern" entries are present, then the
5049 item will not be handled as an error line.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00005050 If both "pattern" and "lnum" are present then "pattern" will
5051 be used.
Bram Moolenaar00a927d2010-05-14 23:24:24 +02005052 If you supply an empty {list}, the quickfix list will be
5053 cleared.
Bram Moolenaar48b66fb2007-02-04 01:58:18 +00005054 Note that the list is not exactly the same as what
5055 |getqflist()| returns.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00005056
Bram Moolenaar35c54e52005-05-20 21:25:31 +00005057 If {action} is set to 'a', then the items from {list} are
5058 added to the existing quickfix list. If there is no existing
5059 list, then a new list is created. If {action} is set to 'r',
5060 then the items from the current quickfix list are replaced
5061 with the items from {list}. If {action} is not present or is
5062 set to ' ', then a new list is created.
5063
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00005064 Returns zero for success, -1 for failure.
5065
5066 This function can be used to create a quickfix list
5067 independent of the 'errorformat' setting. Use a command like
5068 ":cc 1" to jump to the first position.
5069
5070
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005071 *setreg()*
5072setreg({regname}, {value} [,{options}])
5073 Set the register {regname} to {value}.
5074 If {options} contains "a" or {regname} is upper case,
5075 then the value is appended.
5076 {options} can also contains a register type specification:
5077 "c" or "v" |characterwise| mode
5078 "l" or "V" |linewise| mode
5079 "b" or "<CTRL-V>" |blockwise-visual| mode
5080 If a number immediately follows "b" or "<CTRL-V>" then this is
5081 used as the width of the selection - if it is not specified
5082 then the width of the block is set to the number of characters
Bram Moolenaard46bbc72007-05-12 14:38:41 +00005083 in the longest line (counting a <Tab> as 1 character).
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005084
5085 If {options} contains no register settings, then the default
5086 is to use character mode unless {value} ends in a <NL>.
5087 Setting the '=' register is not possible.
5088 Returns zero for success, non-zero for failure.
5089
5090 Examples: >
5091 :call setreg(v:register, @*)
5092 :call setreg('*', @%, 'ac')
5093 :call setreg('a', "1\n2\n3", 'b5')
5094
5095< This example shows using the functions to save and restore a
5096 register. >
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00005097 :let var_a = getreg('a', 1)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005098 :let var_amode = getregtype('a')
5099 ....
5100 :call setreg('a', var_a, var_amode)
5101
5102< You can also change the type of a register by appending
5103 nothing: >
5104 :call setreg('a', '', 'al')
5105
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00005106settabwinvar({tabnr}, {winnr}, {varname}, {val}) *settabwinvar()*
5107 Set option or local variable {varname} in window {winnr} to
5108 {val}.
5109 Tabs are numbered starting with one. For the current tabpage
5110 use |setwinvar()|.
5111 When {winnr} is zero the current window is used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005112 This also works for a global or local buffer option, but it
5113 doesn't work for a global or local buffer variable.
5114 For a local buffer option the global value is unchanged.
5115 Note that the variable name without "w:" must be used.
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00005116 Vim briefly goes to the tab page {tabnr}, this may trigger
5117 TabLeave and TabEnter autocommands.
5118 Examples: >
5119 :call settabwinvar(1, 1, "&list", 0)
5120 :call settabwinvar(3, 2, "myvar", "foobar")
5121< This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
5122
5123setwinvar({nr}, {varname}, {val}) *setwinvar()*
5124 Like |settabwinvar()| for the current tab page.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005125 Examples: >
5126 :call setwinvar(1, "&list", 0)
5127 :call setwinvar(2, "myvar", "foobar")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005128
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00005129shellescape({string} [, {special}]) *shellescape()*
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01005130 Escape {string} for use as a shell command argument.
Bram Moolenaar60a495f2006-10-03 12:44:42 +00005131 On MS-Windows and MS-DOS, when 'shellslash' is not set, it
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00005132 will enclose {string} in double quotes and double all double
Bram Moolenaar60a495f2006-10-03 12:44:42 +00005133 quotes within {string}.
5134 For other systems, it will enclose {string} in single quotes
5135 and replace all "'" with "'\''".
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00005136 When the {special} argument is present and it's a non-zero
5137 Number or a non-empty String (|non-zero-arg|), then special
Bram Moolenaare37d50a2008-08-06 17:06:04 +00005138 items such as "!", "%", "#" and "<cword>" will be preceded by
5139 a backslash. This backslash will be removed again by the |:!|
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00005140 command.
Bram Moolenaare37d50a2008-08-06 17:06:04 +00005141 The "!" character will be escaped (again with a |non-zero-arg|
5142 {special}) when 'shell' contains "csh" in the tail. That is
5143 because for csh and tcsh "!" is used for history replacement
5144 even when inside single quotes.
5145 The <NL> character is also escaped. With a |non-zero-arg|
5146 {special} and 'shell' containing "csh" in the tail it's
5147 escaped a second time.
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00005148 Example of use with a |:!| command: >
5149 :exe '!dir ' . shellescape(expand('<cfile>'), 1)
5150< This results in a directory listing for the file under the
5151 cursor. Example of use with |system()|: >
5152 :call system("chmod +w -- " . shellescape(expand("%")))
Bram Moolenaar60a495f2006-10-03 12:44:42 +00005153
5154
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005155simplify({filename}) *simplify()*
5156 Simplify the file name as much as possible without changing
5157 the meaning. Shortcuts (on MS-Windows) or symbolic links (on
5158 Unix) are not resolved. If the first path component in
5159 {filename} designates the current directory, this will be
5160 valid for the result as well. A trailing path separator is
5161 not removed either.
5162 Example: >
5163 simplify("./dir/.././/file/") == "./file/"
5164< Note: The combination "dir/.." is only removed if "dir" is
5165 a searchable directory or does not exist. On Unix, it is also
5166 removed when "dir" is a symbolic link within the same
5167 directory. In order to resolve all the involved symbolic
5168 links before simplifying the path name, use |resolve()|.
5169
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00005170
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005171sin({expr}) *sin()*
5172 Return the sine of {expr}, measured in radians, as a |Float|.
5173 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
5174 Examples: >
5175 :echo sin(100)
5176< -0.506366 >
5177 :echo sin(-4.01)
5178< 0.763301
5179 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
5180
5181
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02005182sinh({expr}) *sinh()*
5183 Return the hyperbolic sine of {expr} as a|Float|in the range
5184 [-inf, inf].
5185 {expr} must evaluate to a|Float|or a|Number|.
5186 Examples: >
5187 :echo sinh(0.5)
5188< 0.521095 >
5189 :echo sinh(-0.9)
5190< -1.026517
5191 {only available when compiled with|+float|}
5192
5193
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00005194sort({list} [, {func}]) *sort()* *E702*
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00005195 Sort the items in {list} in-place. Returns {list}. If you
5196 want a list to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
5197 :let sortedlist = sort(copy(mylist))
5198< Uses the string representation of each item to sort on.
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00005199 Numbers sort after Strings, |Lists| after Numbers.
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00005200 For sorting text in the current buffer use |:sort|.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00005201 When {func} is given and it is one then case is ignored.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005202 When {func} is a |Funcref| or a function name, this function
5203 is called to compare items. The function is invoked with two
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01005204 items as argument and must return zero if they are equal, 1 or
5205 bigger if the first one sorts after the second one, -1 or
5206 smaller if the first one sorts before the second one.
5207 Example: >
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00005208 func MyCompare(i1, i2)
5209 return a:i1 == a:i2 ? 0 : a:i1 > a:i2 ? 1 : -1
5210 endfunc
5211 let sortedlist = sort(mylist, "MyCompare")
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01005212< A shorter compare version for this specific simple case, which
5213 ignores overflow: >
5214 func MyCompare(i1, i2)
5215 return a:i1 - a:i2
5216 endfunc
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00005217<
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00005218 *soundfold()*
5219soundfold({word})
5220 Return the sound-folded equivalent of {word}. Uses the first
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005221 language in 'spelllang' for the current window that supports
Bram Moolenaar42eeac32005-06-29 22:40:58 +00005222 soundfolding. 'spell' must be set. When no sound folding is
5223 possible the {word} is returned unmodified.
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00005224 This can be used for making spelling suggestions. Note that
5225 the method can be quite slow.
5226
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00005227 *spellbadword()*
Bram Moolenaar1e015462005-09-25 22:16:38 +00005228spellbadword([{sentence}])
5229 Without argument: The result is the badly spelled word under
5230 or after the cursor. The cursor is moved to the start of the
5231 bad word. When no bad word is found in the cursor line the
5232 result is an empty string and the cursor doesn't move.
5233
5234 With argument: The result is the first word in {sentence} that
5235 is badly spelled. If there are no spelling mistakes the
5236 result is an empty string.
5237
5238 The return value is a list with two items:
5239 - The badly spelled word or an empty string.
5240 - The type of the spelling error:
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00005241 "bad" spelling mistake
Bram Moolenaar1e015462005-09-25 22:16:38 +00005242 "rare" rare word
5243 "local" word only valid in another region
5244 "caps" word should start with Capital
5245 Example: >
5246 echo spellbadword("the quik brown fox")
5247< ['quik', 'bad'] ~
5248
5249 The spelling information for the current window is used. The
5250 'spell' option must be set and the value of 'spelllang' is
5251 used.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00005252
5253 *spellsuggest()*
Bram Moolenaarc54b8a72005-09-30 21:20:29 +00005254spellsuggest({word} [, {max} [, {capital}]])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005255 Return a |List| with spelling suggestions to replace {word}.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00005256 When {max} is given up to this number of suggestions are
5257 returned. Otherwise up to 25 suggestions are returned.
5258
Bram Moolenaarc54b8a72005-09-30 21:20:29 +00005259 When the {capital} argument is given and it's non-zero only
5260 suggestions with a leading capital will be given. Use this
5261 after a match with 'spellcapcheck'.
5262
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00005263 {word} can be a badly spelled word followed by other text.
5264 This allows for joining two words that were split. The
Bram Moolenaarf461c8e2005-06-25 23:04:51 +00005265 suggestions also include the following text, thus you can
5266 replace a line.
5267
5268 {word} may also be a good word. Similar words will then be
Bram Moolenaarc54b8a72005-09-30 21:20:29 +00005269 returned. {word} itself is not included in the suggestions,
5270 although it may appear capitalized.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00005271
5272 The spelling information for the current window is used. The
Bram Moolenaar42eeac32005-06-29 22:40:58 +00005273 'spell' option must be set and the values of 'spelllang' and
5274 'spellsuggest' are used.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00005275
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00005276
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00005277split({expr} [, {pattern} [, {keepempty}]]) *split()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005278 Make a |List| out of {expr}. When {pattern} is omitted or
5279 empty each white-separated sequence of characters becomes an
5280 item.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00005281 Otherwise the string is split where {pattern} matches,
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00005282 removing the matched characters.
5283 When the first or last item is empty it is omitted, unless the
5284 {keepempty} argument is given and it's non-zero.
Bram Moolenaar5c06f8b2005-05-31 22:14:58 +00005285 Other empty items are kept when {pattern} matches at least one
5286 character or when {keepempty} is non-zero.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00005287 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00005288 :let words = split(getline('.'), '\W\+')
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00005289< To split a string in individual characters: >
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00005290 :for c in split(mystring, '\zs')
Bram Moolenaar0cb032e2005-04-23 20:52:00 +00005291< If you want to keep the separator you can also use '\zs': >
5292 :echo split('abc:def:ghi', ':\zs')
5293< ['abc:', 'def:', 'ghi'] ~
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00005294 Splitting a table where the first element can be empty: >
5295 :let items = split(line, ':', 1)
5296< The opposite function is |join()|.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00005297
5298
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005299sqrt({expr}) *sqrt()*
5300 Return the non-negative square root of Float {expr} as a
5301 |Float|.
5302 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|. When {expr}
5303 is negative the result is NaN (Not a Number).
5304 Examples: >
5305 :echo sqrt(100)
5306< 10.0 >
5307 :echo sqrt(-4.01)
5308< nan
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00005309 "nan" may be different, it depends on system libraries.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005310 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
5311
5312
5313str2float( {expr}) *str2float()*
5314 Convert String {expr} to a Float. This mostly works the same
5315 as when using a floating point number in an expression, see
5316 |floating-point-format|. But it's a bit more permissive.
5317 E.g., "1e40" is accepted, while in an expression you need to
5318 write "1.0e40".
5319 Text after the number is silently ignored.
5320 The decimal point is always '.', no matter what the locale is
5321 set to. A comma ends the number: "12,345.67" is converted to
5322 12.0. You can strip out thousands separators with
5323 |substitute()|: >
5324 let f = str2float(substitute(text, ',', '', 'g'))
5325< {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
5326
5327
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00005328str2nr( {expr} [, {base}]) *str2nr()*
5329 Convert string {expr} to a number.
5330 {base} is the conversion base, it can be 8, 10 or 16.
5331 When {base} is omitted base 10 is used. This also means that
5332 a leading zero doesn't cause octal conversion to be used, as
5333 with the default String to Number conversion.
5334 When {base} is 16 a leading "0x" or "0X" is ignored. With a
5335 different base the result will be zero.
5336 Text after the number is silently ignored.
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00005337
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00005338
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005339strftime({format} [, {time}]) *strftime()*
5340 The result is a String, which is a formatted date and time, as
5341 specified by the {format} string. The given {time} is used,
5342 or the current time if no time is given. The accepted
5343 {format} depends on your system, thus this is not portable!
5344 See the manual page of the C function strftime() for the
5345 format. The maximum length of the result is 80 characters.
5346 See also |localtime()| and |getftime()|.
5347 The language can be changed with the |:language| command.
5348 Examples: >
5349 :echo strftime("%c") Sun Apr 27 11:49:23 1997
5350 :echo strftime("%Y %b %d %X") 1997 Apr 27 11:53:25
5351 :echo strftime("%y%m%d %T") 970427 11:53:55
5352 :echo strftime("%H:%M") 11:55
5353 :echo strftime("%c", getftime("file.c"))
5354 Show mod time of file.c.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00005355< Not available on all systems. To check use: >
5356 :if exists("*strftime")
5357
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00005358stridx({haystack}, {needle} [, {start}]) *stridx()*
5359 The result is a Number, which gives the byte index in
5360 {haystack} of the first occurrence of the String {needle}.
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00005361 If {start} is specified, the search starts at index {start}.
5362 This can be used to find a second match: >
5363 :let comma1 = stridx(line, ",")
5364 :let comma2 = stridx(line, ",", comma1 + 1)
5365< The search is done case-sensitive.
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00005366 For pattern searches use |match()|.
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00005367 -1 is returned if the {needle} does not occur in {haystack}.
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00005368 See also |strridx()|.
5369 Examples: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005370 :echo stridx("An Example", "Example") 3
5371 :echo stridx("Starting point", "Start") 0
5372 :echo stridx("Starting point", "start") -1
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00005373< *strstr()* *strchr()*
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00005374 stridx() works similar to the C function strstr(). When used
5375 with a single character it works similar to strchr().
5376
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00005377 *string()*
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00005378string({expr}) Return {expr} converted to a String. If {expr} is a Number,
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005379 Float, String or a composition of them, then the result can be
5380 parsed back with |eval()|.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00005381 {expr} type result ~
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00005382 String 'string'
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00005383 Number 123
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005384 Float 123.123456 or 1.123456e8
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00005385 Funcref function('name')
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00005386 List [item, item]
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +00005387 Dictionary {key: value, key: value}
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00005388 Note that in String values the ' character is doubled.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00005389 Also see |strtrans()|.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00005390
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005391 *strlen()*
5392strlen({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the length of the String
Bram Moolenaare344bea2005-09-01 20:46:49 +00005393 {expr} in bytes.
5394 If you want to count the number of multi-byte characters (not
5395 counting composing characters) use something like this: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005396
5397 :let len = strlen(substitute(str, ".", "x", "g"))
Bram Moolenaare344bea2005-09-01 20:46:49 +00005398<
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00005399 If the argument is a Number it is first converted to a String.
5400 For other types an error is given.
5401 Also see |len()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005402
5403strpart({src}, {start}[, {len}]) *strpart()*
5404 The result is a String, which is part of {src}, starting from
Bram Moolenaar9372a112005-12-06 19:59:18 +00005405 byte {start}, with the byte length {len}.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005406 When non-existing bytes are included, this doesn't result in
5407 an error, the bytes are simply omitted.
5408 If {len} is missing, the copy continues from {start} till the
5409 end of the {src}. >
5410 strpart("abcdefg", 3, 2) == "de"
5411 strpart("abcdefg", -2, 4) == "ab"
5412 strpart("abcdefg", 5, 4) == "fg"
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005413 strpart("abcdefg", 3) == "defg"
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005414< Note: To get the first character, {start} must be 0. For
5415 example, to get three bytes under and after the cursor: >
Bram Moolenaar61660ea2006-04-07 21:40:07 +00005416 strpart(getline("."), col(".") - 1, 3)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005417<
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00005418strridx({haystack}, {needle} [, {start}]) *strridx()*
5419 The result is a Number, which gives the byte index in
5420 {haystack} of the last occurrence of the String {needle}.
5421 When {start} is specified, matches beyond this index are
5422 ignored. This can be used to find a match before a previous
5423 match: >
5424 :let lastcomma = strridx(line, ",")
5425 :let comma2 = strridx(line, ",", lastcomma - 1)
5426< The search is done case-sensitive.
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00005427 For pattern searches use |match()|.
5428 -1 is returned if the {needle} does not occur in {haystack}.
Bram Moolenaard4755bb2004-09-02 19:12:26 +00005429 If the {needle} is empty the length of {haystack} is returned.
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00005430 See also |stridx()|. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005431 :echo strridx("an angry armadillo", "an") 3
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00005432< *strrchr()*
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00005433 When used with a single character it works similar to the C
5434 function strrchr().
5435
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005436strtrans({expr}) *strtrans()*
5437 The result is a String, which is {expr} with all unprintable
5438 characters translated into printable characters |'isprint'|.
5439 Like they are shown in a window. Example: >
5440 echo strtrans(@a)
5441< This displays a newline in register a as "^@" instead of
5442 starting a new line.
5443
5444submatch({nr}) *submatch()*
5445 Only for an expression in a |:substitute| command. Returns
5446 the {nr}'th submatch of the matched text. When {nr} is 0
5447 the whole matched text is returned.
5448 Example: >
5449 :s/\d\+/\=submatch(0) + 1/
5450< This finds the first number in the line and adds one to it.
5451 A line break is included as a newline character.
5452
5453substitute({expr}, {pat}, {sub}, {flags}) *substitute()*
5454 The result is a String, which is a copy of {expr}, in which
5455 the first match of {pat} is replaced with {sub}. This works
5456 like the ":substitute" command (without any flags). But the
5457 matching with {pat} is always done like the 'magic' option is
5458 set and 'cpoptions' is empty (to make scripts portable).
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00005459 'ignorecase' is still relevant. 'smartcase' is not used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005460 See |string-match| for how {pat} is used.
5461 And a "~" in {sub} is not replaced with the previous {sub}.
5462 Note that some codes in {sub} have a special meaning
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005463 |sub-replace-special|. For example, to replace something with
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005464 "\n" (two characters), use "\\\\n" or '\\n'.
5465 When {pat} does not match in {expr}, {expr} is returned
5466 unmodified.
5467 When {flags} is "g", all matches of {pat} in {expr} are
5468 replaced. Otherwise {flags} should be "".
5469 Example: >
5470 :let &path = substitute(&path, ",\\=[^,]*$", "", "")
5471< This removes the last component of the 'path' option. >
5472 :echo substitute("testing", ".*", "\\U\\0", "")
5473< results in "TESTING".
5474
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00005475synID({lnum}, {col}, {trans}) *synID()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005476 The result is a Number, which is the syntax ID at the position
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00005477 {lnum} and {col} in the current window.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005478 The syntax ID can be used with |synIDattr()| and
5479 |synIDtrans()| to obtain syntax information about text.
Bram Moolenaarce0842a2005-07-18 21:58:11 +00005480
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00005481 {col} is 1 for the leftmost column, {lnum} is 1 for the first
Bram Moolenaarce0842a2005-07-18 21:58:11 +00005482 line. 'synmaxcol' applies, in a longer line zero is returned.
5483
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005484 When {trans} is non-zero, transparent items are reduced to the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005485 item that they reveal. This is useful when wanting to know
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005486 the effective color. When {trans} is zero, the transparent
5487 item is returned. This is useful when wanting to know which
5488 syntax item is effective (e.g. inside parens).
5489 Warning: This function can be very slow. Best speed is
5490 obtained by going through the file in forward direction.
5491
5492 Example (echoes the name of the syntax item under the cursor): >
5493 :echo synIDattr(synID(line("."), col("."), 1), "name")
5494<
5495synIDattr({synID}, {what} [, {mode}]) *synIDattr()*
5496 The result is a String, which is the {what} attribute of
5497 syntax ID {synID}. This can be used to obtain information
5498 about a syntax item.
5499 {mode} can be "gui", "cterm" or "term", to get the attributes
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005500 for that mode. When {mode} is omitted, or an invalid value is
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005501 used, the attributes for the currently active highlighting are
5502 used (GUI, cterm or term).
5503 Use synIDtrans() to follow linked highlight groups.
5504 {what} result
5505 "name" the name of the syntax item
5506 "fg" foreground color (GUI: color name used to set
5507 the color, cterm: color number as a string,
5508 term: empty string)
Bram Moolenaar6f507d62008-11-28 10:16:05 +00005509 "bg" background color (as with "fg")
Bram Moolenaar12682fd2010-03-10 13:43:49 +01005510 "font" font name (only available in the GUI)
5511 |highlight-font|
Bram Moolenaar6f507d62008-11-28 10:16:05 +00005512 "sp" special color (as with "fg") |highlight-guisp|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005513 "fg#" like "fg", but for the GUI and the GUI is
5514 running the name in "#RRGGBB" form
5515 "bg#" like "fg#" for "bg"
Bram Moolenaar6f507d62008-11-28 10:16:05 +00005516 "sp#" like "fg#" for "sp"
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005517 "bold" "1" if bold
5518 "italic" "1" if italic
5519 "reverse" "1" if reverse
5520 "inverse" "1" if inverse (= reverse)
Bram Moolenaar12682fd2010-03-10 13:43:49 +01005521 "standout" "1" if standout
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005522 "underline" "1" if underlined
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00005523 "undercurl" "1" if undercurled
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005524
5525 Example (echoes the color of the syntax item under the
5526 cursor): >
5527 :echo synIDattr(synIDtrans(synID(line("."), col("."), 1)), "fg")
5528<
5529synIDtrans({synID}) *synIDtrans()*
5530 The result is a Number, which is the translated syntax ID of
5531 {synID}. This is the syntax group ID of what is being used to
5532 highlight the character. Highlight links given with
5533 ":highlight link" are followed.
5534
Bram Moolenaar9d188ab2008-01-10 21:24:39 +00005535synstack({lnum}, {col}) *synstack()*
5536 Return a |List|, which is the stack of syntax items at the
5537 position {lnum} and {col} in the current window. Each item in
5538 the List is an ID like what |synID()| returns.
Bram Moolenaar9d188ab2008-01-10 21:24:39 +00005539 The first item in the List is the outer region, following are
5540 items contained in that one. The last one is what |synID()|
5541 returns, unless not the whole item is highlighted or it is a
5542 transparent item.
5543 This function is useful for debugging a syntax file.
5544 Example that shows the syntax stack under the cursor: >
5545 for id in synstack(line("."), col("."))
5546 echo synIDattr(id, "name")
5547 endfor
5548
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00005549system({expr} [, {input}]) *system()* *E677*
5550 Get the output of the shell command {expr}.
5551 When {input} is given, this string is written to a file and
5552 passed as stdin to the command. The string is written as-is,
5553 you need to take care of using the correct line separators
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00005554 yourself. Pipes are not used.
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00005555 Note: Use |shellescape()| to escape special characters in a
5556 command argument. Newlines in {expr} may cause the command to
5557 fail. The characters in 'shellquote' and 'shellxquote' may
5558 also cause trouble.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005559 This is not to be used for interactive commands.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005560
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00005561 The result is a String. Example: >
5562 :let files = system("ls " . shellescape(expand('%:h')))
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005563
5564< To make the result more system-independent, the shell output
5565 is filtered to replace <CR> with <NL> for Macintosh, and
5566 <CR><NL> with <NL> for DOS-like systems.
5567 The command executed is constructed using several options:
5568 'shell' 'shellcmdflag' 'shellxquote' {expr} 'shellredir' {tmp} 'shellxquote'
5569 ({tmp} is an automatically generated file name).
5570 For Unix and OS/2 braces are put around {expr} to allow for
5571 concatenated commands.
5572
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00005573 The command will be executed in "cooked" mode, so that a
5574 CTRL-C will interrupt the command (on Unix at least).
5575
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005576 The resulting error code can be found in |v:shell_error|.
5577 This function will fail in |restricted-mode|.
Bram Moolenaar4770d092006-01-12 23:22:24 +00005578
5579 Note that any wrong value in the options mentioned above may
5580 make the function fail. It has also been reported to fail
5581 when using a security agent application.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005582 Unlike ":!cmd" there is no automatic check for changed files.
5583 Use |:checktime| to force a check.
5584
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00005585
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00005586tabpagebuflist([{arg}]) *tabpagebuflist()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005587 The result is a |List|, where each item is the number of the
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00005588 buffer associated with each window in the current tab page.
5589 {arg} specifies the number of tab page to be used. When
5590 omitted the current tab page is used.
5591 When {arg} is invalid the number zero is returned.
5592 To get a list of all buffers in all tabs use this: >
5593 tablist = []
5594 for i in range(tabpagenr('$'))
5595 call extend(tablist, tabpagebuflist(i + 1))
5596 endfor
5597< Note that a buffer may appear in more than one window.
5598
5599
5600tabpagenr([{arg}]) *tabpagenr()*
Bram Moolenaar7e8fd632006-02-18 22:14:51 +00005601 The result is a Number, which is the number of the current
5602 tab page. The first tab page has number 1.
5603 When the optional argument is "$", the number of the last tab
5604 page is returned (the tab page count).
5605 The number can be used with the |:tab| command.
5606
5607
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00005608tabpagewinnr({tabarg}, [{arg}]) *tabpagewinnr()*
5609 Like |winnr()| but for tab page {arg}.
5610 {tabarg} specifies the number of tab page to be used.
5611 {arg} is used like with |winnr()|:
5612 - When omitted the current window number is returned. This is
5613 the window which will be used when going to this tab page.
5614 - When "$" the number of windows is returned.
5615 - When "#" the previous window nr is returned.
5616 Useful examples: >
5617 tabpagewinnr(1) " current window of tab page 1
5618 tabpagewinnr(4, '$') " number of windows in tab page 4
5619< When {tabarg} is invalid zero is returned.
5620
Bram Moolenaarfa1d1402006-03-25 21:59:56 +00005621 *tagfiles()*
5622tagfiles() Returns a |List| with the file names used to search for tags
5623 for the current buffer. This is the 'tags' option expanded.
5624
5625
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00005626taglist({expr}) *taglist()*
5627 Returns a list of tags matching the regular expression {expr}.
Bram Moolenaard8c00872005-07-22 21:52:15 +00005628 Each list item is a dictionary with at least the following
5629 entries:
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00005630 name Name of the tag.
5631 filename Name of the file where the tag is
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00005632 defined. It is either relative to the
5633 current directory or a full path.
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00005634 cmd Ex command used to locate the tag in
5635 the file.
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00005636 kind Type of the tag. The value for this
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00005637 entry depends on the language specific
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00005638 kind values. Only available when
5639 using a tags file generated by
5640 Exuberant ctags or hdrtag.
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00005641 static A file specific tag. Refer to
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00005642 |static-tag| for more information.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00005643 More entries may be present, depending on the content of the
5644 tags file: access, implementation, inherits and signature.
5645 Refer to the ctags documentation for information about these
5646 fields. For C code the fields "struct", "class" and "enum"
5647 may appear, they give the name of the entity the tag is
5648 contained in.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00005649
Bram Moolenaar4317d9b2005-03-18 20:25:31 +00005650 The ex-command 'cmd' can be either an ex search pattern, a
5651 line number or a line number followed by a byte number.
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00005652
5653 If there are no matching tags, then an empty list is returned.
5654
5655 To get an exact tag match, the anchors '^' and '$' should be
5656 used in {expr}. Refer to |tag-regexp| for more information
5657 about the tag search regular expression pattern.
5658
5659 Refer to |'tags'| for information about how the tags file is
5660 located by Vim. Refer to |tags-file-format| for the format of
5661 the tags file generated by the different ctags tools.
5662
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005663tempname() *tempname()* *temp-file-name*
5664 The result is a String, which is the name of a file that
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005665 doesn't exist. It can be used for a temporary file. The name
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005666 is different for at least 26 consecutive calls. Example: >
5667 :let tmpfile = tempname()
5668 :exe "redir > " . tmpfile
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01005669< For Unix, the file will be in a private directory |tempfile|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005670 For MS-Windows forward slashes are used when the 'shellslash'
5671 option is set or when 'shellcmdflag' starts with '-'.
5672
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02005673
5674tan({expr}) *tan()*
5675 Return the tangent of {expr}, measured in radians, as a|Float|
5676 in the range [-inf, inf].
5677 {expr} must evaluate to a|Float|or a|Number|.
5678 Examples: >
5679 :echo tan(10)
5680< 0.648361 >
5681 :echo tan(-4.01)
5682< -1.181502
5683 {only available when compiled with|+float|}
5684
5685
5686tanh({expr}) *tanh()*
5687 Return the hyperbolic tangent of {expr} as a|Float|in the
5688 range [-1, 1].
5689 {expr} must evaluate to a|Float|or a|Number|.
5690 Examples: >
5691 :echo tanh(0.5)
5692< 0.462117 >
5693 :echo tanh(-1)
5694< -0.761594
5695 {only available when compiled with|+float|}
5696
5697
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005698tolower({expr}) *tolower()*
5699 The result is a copy of the String given, with all uppercase
5700 characters turned into lowercase (just like applying |gu| to
5701 the string).
5702
5703toupper({expr}) *toupper()*
5704 The result is a copy of the String given, with all lowercase
5705 characters turned into uppercase (just like applying |gU| to
5706 the string).
5707
Bram Moolenaar8299df92004-07-10 09:47:34 +00005708tr({src}, {fromstr}, {tostr}) *tr()*
5709 The result is a copy of the {src} string with all characters
5710 which appear in {fromstr} replaced by the character in that
5711 position in the {tostr} string. Thus the first character in
5712 {fromstr} is translated into the first character in {tostr}
5713 and so on. Exactly like the unix "tr" command.
5714 This code also deals with multibyte characters properly.
5715
5716 Examples: >
5717 echo tr("hello there", "ht", "HT")
5718< returns "Hello THere" >
5719 echo tr("<blob>", "<>", "{}")
5720< returns "{blob}"
5721
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005722trunc({expr}) *trunc()*
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00005723 Return the largest integral value with magnitude less than or
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005724 equal to {expr} as a |Float| (truncate towards zero).
5725 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
5726 Examples: >
5727 echo trunc(1.456)
5728< 1.0 >
5729 echo trunc(-5.456)
5730< -5.0 >
5731 echo trunc(4.0)
5732< 4.0
5733 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
5734
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00005735 *type()*
5736type({expr}) The result is a Number, depending on the type of {expr}:
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00005737 Number: 0
5738 String: 1
5739 Funcref: 2
5740 List: 3
5741 Dictionary: 4
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005742 Float: 5
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00005743 To avoid the magic numbers it should be used this way: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00005744 :if type(myvar) == type(0)
5745 :if type(myvar) == type("")
5746 :if type(myvar) == type(function("tr"))
5747 :if type(myvar) == type([])
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00005748 :if type(myvar) == type({})
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005749 :if type(myvar) == type(0.0)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005750
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00005751values({dict}) *values()*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005752 Return a |List| with all the values of {dict}. The |List| is
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005753 in arbitrary order.
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00005754
5755
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005756virtcol({expr}) *virtcol()*
5757 The result is a Number, which is the screen column of the file
5758 position given with {expr}. That is, the last screen position
5759 occupied by the character at that position, when the screen
5760 would be of unlimited width. When there is a <Tab> at the
5761 position, the returned Number will be the column at the end of
5762 the <Tab>. For example, for a <Tab> in column 1, with 'ts'
5763 set to 8, it returns 8.
Bram Moolenaar477933c2007-07-17 14:32:23 +00005764 For the byte position use |col()|.
5765 For the use of {expr} see |col()|.
5766 When 'virtualedit' is used {expr} can be [lnum, col, off], where
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00005767 "off" is the offset in screen columns from the start of the
Bram Moolenaard46bbc72007-05-12 14:38:41 +00005768 character. E.g., a position within a <Tab> or after the last
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00005769 character.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005770 When Virtual editing is active in the current mode, a position
5771 beyond the end of the line can be returned. |'virtualedit'|
5772 The accepted positions are:
5773 . the cursor position
5774 $ the end of the cursor line (the result is the
5775 number of displayed characters in the cursor line
5776 plus one)
5777 'x position of mark x (if the mark is not set, 0 is
5778 returned)
5779 Note that only marks in the current file can be used.
5780 Examples: >
5781 virtcol(".") with text "foo^Lbar", with cursor on the "^L", returns 5
5782 virtcol("$") with text "foo^Lbar", returns 9
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005783 virtcol("'t") with text " there", with 't at 'h', returns 6
5784< The first column is 1. 0 is returned for an error.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00005785 A more advanced example that echoes the maximum length of
5786 all lines: >
5787 echo max(map(range(1, line('$')), "virtcol([v:val, '$'])"))
5788
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005789
5790visualmode([expr]) *visualmode()*
5791 The result is a String, which describes the last Visual mode
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00005792 used in the current buffer. Initially it returns an empty
5793 string, but once Visual mode has been used, it returns "v",
5794 "V", or "<CTRL-V>" (a single CTRL-V character) for
5795 character-wise, line-wise, or block-wise Visual mode
5796 respectively.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005797 Example: >
5798 :exe "normal " . visualmode()
5799< This enters the same Visual mode as before. It is also useful
5800 in scripts if you wish to act differently depending on the
5801 Visual mode that was used.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005802 If Visual mode is active, use |mode()| to get the Visual mode
5803 (e.g., in a |:vmap|).
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00005804 *non-zero-arg*
5805 If [expr] is supplied and it evaluates to a non-zero Number or
5806 a non-empty String, then the Visual mode will be cleared and
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005807 the old value is returned. Note that " " and "0" are also
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00005808 non-empty strings, thus cause the mode to be cleared. A List,
5809 Dictionary or Float is not a Number or String, thus does not
5810 cause the mode to be cleared.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005811
5812 *winbufnr()*
5813winbufnr({nr}) The result is a Number, which is the number of the buffer
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00005814 associated with window {nr}. When {nr} is zero, the number of
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005815 the buffer in the current window is returned. When window
5816 {nr} doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
5817 Example: >
5818 :echo "The file in the current window is " . bufname(winbufnr(0))
5819<
5820 *wincol()*
5821wincol() The result is a Number, which is the virtual column of the
5822 cursor in the window. This is counting screen cells from the
5823 left side of the window. The leftmost column is one.
5824
5825winheight({nr}) *winheight()*
5826 The result is a Number, which is the height of window {nr}.
5827 When {nr} is zero, the height of the current window is
5828 returned. When window {nr} doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
5829 An existing window always has a height of zero or more.
5830 Examples: >
5831 :echo "The current window has " . winheight(0) . " lines."
5832<
5833 *winline()*
5834winline() The result is a Number, which is the screen line of the cursor
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005835 in the window. This is counting screen lines from the top of
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005836 the window. The first line is one.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00005837 If the cursor was moved the view on the file will be updated
5838 first, this may cause a scroll.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005839
5840 *winnr()*
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00005841winnr([{arg}]) The result is a Number, which is the number of the current
5842 window. The top window has number 1.
5843 When the optional argument is "$", the number of the
Bram Moolenaar7e8fd632006-02-18 22:14:51 +00005844 last window is returned (the window count).
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00005845 When the optional argument is "#", the number of the last
5846 accessed window is returned (where |CTRL-W_p| goes to).
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00005847 If there is no previous window or it is in another tab page 0
5848 is returned.
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00005849 The number can be used with |CTRL-W_w| and ":wincmd w"
5850 |:wincmd|.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00005851 Also see |tabpagewinnr()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005852
5853 *winrestcmd()*
5854winrestcmd() Returns a sequence of |:resize| commands that should restore
5855 the current window sizes. Only works properly when no windows
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00005856 are opened or closed and the current window and tab page is
5857 unchanged.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005858 Example: >
5859 :let cmd = winrestcmd()
5860 :call MessWithWindowSizes()
5861 :exe cmd
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00005862<
5863 *winrestview()*
5864winrestview({dict})
5865 Uses the |Dictionary| returned by |winsaveview()| to restore
5866 the view of the current window.
5867 If you have changed the values the result is unpredictable.
5868 If the window size changed the result won't be the same.
5869
5870 *winsaveview()*
5871winsaveview() Returns a |Dictionary| that contains information to restore
5872 the view of the current window. Use |winrestview()| to
5873 restore the view.
5874 This is useful if you have a mapping that jumps around in the
5875 buffer and you want to go back to the original view.
5876 This does not save fold information. Use the 'foldenable'
Bram Moolenaardb552d602006-03-23 22:59:57 +00005877 option to temporarily switch off folding, so that folds are
5878 not opened when moving around.
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00005879 The return value includes:
5880 lnum cursor line number
5881 col cursor column
5882 coladd cursor column offset for 'virtualedit'
5883 curswant column for vertical movement
5884 topline first line in the window
5885 topfill filler lines, only in diff mode
5886 leftcol first column displayed
5887 skipcol columns skipped
5888 Note that no option values are saved.
5889
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005890
5891winwidth({nr}) *winwidth()*
5892 The result is a Number, which is the width of window {nr}.
5893 When {nr} is zero, the width of the current window is
5894 returned. When window {nr} doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
5895 An existing window always has a width of zero or more.
5896 Examples: >
5897 :echo "The current window has " . winwidth(0) . " columns."
5898 :if winwidth(0) <= 50
5899 : exe "normal 50\<C-W>|"
5900 :endif
5901<
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00005902 *writefile()*
5903writefile({list}, {fname} [, {binary}])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005904 Write |List| {list} to file {fname}. Each list item is
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00005905 separated with a NL. Each list item must be a String or
5906 Number.
5907 When {binary} is equal to "b" binary mode is used: There will
5908 not be a NL after the last list item. An empty item at the
5909 end does cause the last line in the file to end in a NL.
5910 All NL characters are replaced with a NUL character.
5911 Inserting CR characters needs to be done before passing {list}
5912 to writefile().
5913 An existing file is overwritten, if possible.
5914 When the write fails -1 is returned, otherwise 0. There is an
5915 error message if the file can't be created or when writing
5916 fails.
5917 Also see |readfile()|.
5918 To copy a file byte for byte: >
5919 :let fl = readfile("foo", "b")
5920 :call writefile(fl, "foocopy", "b")
5921<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005922
5923 *feature-list*
5924There are three types of features:
59251. Features that are only supported when they have been enabled when Vim
5926 was compiled |+feature-list|. Example: >
5927 :if has("cindent")
59282. Features that are only supported when certain conditions have been met.
5929 Example: >
5930 :if has("gui_running")
5931< *has-patch*
59323. Included patches. First check |v:version| for the version of Vim.
5933 Then the "patch123" feature means that patch 123 has been included for
5934 this version. Example (checking version 6.2.148 or later): >
5935 :if v:version > 602 || v:version == 602 && has("patch148")
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00005936< Note that it's possible for patch 147 to be omitted even though 148 is
5937 included.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005938
5939all_builtin_terms Compiled with all builtin terminals enabled.
5940amiga Amiga version of Vim.
5941arabic Compiled with Arabic support |Arabic|.
5942arp Compiled with ARP support (Amiga).
Bram Moolenaara9b1e742005-12-19 22:14:58 +00005943autocmd Compiled with autocommand support. |autocommand|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005944balloon_eval Compiled with |balloon-eval| support.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00005945balloon_multiline GUI supports multiline balloons.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005946beos BeOS version of Vim.
5947browse Compiled with |:browse| support, and browse() will
5948 work.
5949builtin_terms Compiled with some builtin terminals.
5950byte_offset Compiled with support for 'o' in 'statusline'
5951cindent Compiled with 'cindent' support.
5952clientserver Compiled with remote invocation support |clientserver|.
5953clipboard Compiled with 'clipboard' support.
5954cmdline_compl Compiled with |cmdline-completion| support.
5955cmdline_hist Compiled with |cmdline-history| support.
5956cmdline_info Compiled with 'showcmd' and 'ruler' support.
5957comments Compiled with |'comments'| support.
5958cryptv Compiled with encryption support |encryption|.
5959cscope Compiled with |cscope| support.
5960compatible Compiled to be very Vi compatible.
5961debug Compiled with "DEBUG" defined.
5962dialog_con Compiled with console dialog support.
5963dialog_gui Compiled with GUI dialog support.
5964diff Compiled with |vimdiff| and 'diff' support.
5965digraphs Compiled with support for digraphs.
5966dnd Compiled with support for the "~ register |quote_~|.
5967dos32 32 bits DOS (DJGPP) version of Vim.
5968dos16 16 bits DOS version of Vim.
5969ebcdic Compiled on a machine with ebcdic character set.
5970emacs_tags Compiled with support for Emacs tags.
5971eval Compiled with expression evaluation support. Always
5972 true, of course!
5973ex_extra Compiled with extra Ex commands |+ex_extra|.
5974extra_search Compiled with support for |'incsearch'| and
5975 |'hlsearch'|
5976farsi Compiled with Farsi support |farsi|.
5977file_in_path Compiled with support for |gf| and |<cfile>|
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00005978filterpipe When 'shelltemp' is off pipes are used for shell
5979 read/write/filter commands
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005980find_in_path Compiled with support for include file searches
5981 |+find_in_path|.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005982float Compiled with support for |Float|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005983fname_case Case in file names matters (for Amiga, MS-DOS, and
5984 Windows this is not present).
5985folding Compiled with |folding| support.
5986footer Compiled with GUI footer support. |gui-footer|
5987fork Compiled to use fork()/exec() instead of system().
5988gettext Compiled with message translation |multi-lang|
5989gui Compiled with GUI enabled.
5990gui_athena Compiled with Athena GUI.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005991gui_gtk Compiled with GTK+ GUI (any version).
5992gui_gtk2 Compiled with GTK+ 2 GUI (gui_gtk is also defined).
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005993gui_gnome Compiled with Gnome support (gui_gtk is also defined).
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005994gui_mac Compiled with Macintosh GUI.
5995gui_motif Compiled with Motif GUI.
5996gui_photon Compiled with Photon GUI.
5997gui_win32 Compiled with MS Windows Win32 GUI.
5998gui_win32s idem, and Win32s system being used (Windows 3.1)
5999gui_running Vim is running in the GUI, or it will start soon.
6000hangul_input Compiled with Hangul input support. |hangul|
6001iconv Can use iconv() for conversion.
6002insert_expand Compiled with support for CTRL-X expansion commands in
6003 Insert mode.
6004jumplist Compiled with |jumplist| support.
6005keymap Compiled with 'keymap' support.
6006langmap Compiled with 'langmap' support.
6007libcall Compiled with |libcall()| support.
6008linebreak Compiled with 'linebreak', 'breakat' and 'showbreak'
6009 support.
6010lispindent Compiled with support for lisp indenting.
6011listcmds Compiled with commands for the buffer list |:files|
6012 and the argument list |arglist|.
6013localmap Compiled with local mappings and abbr. |:map-local|
6014mac Macintosh version of Vim.
6015macunix Macintosh version of Vim, using Unix files (OS-X).
6016menu Compiled with support for |:menu|.
6017mksession Compiled with support for |:mksession|.
6018modify_fname Compiled with file name modifiers. |filename-modifiers|
6019mouse Compiled with support mouse.
6020mouseshape Compiled with support for 'mouseshape'.
6021mouse_dec Compiled with support for Dec terminal mouse.
6022mouse_gpm Compiled with support for gpm (Linux console mouse)
6023mouse_netterm Compiled with support for netterm mouse.
6024mouse_pterm Compiled with support for qnx pterm mouse.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006025mouse_sysmouse Compiled with support for sysmouse (*BSD console mouse)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006026mouse_xterm Compiled with support for xterm mouse.
Bram Moolenaar42022d52008-12-09 09:57:49 +00006027multi_byte Compiled with support for 'encoding'
6028multi_byte_encoding 'encoding' is set to a multi-byte encoding.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006029multi_byte_ime Compiled with support for IME input method.
6030multi_lang Compiled with support for multiple languages.
Bram Moolenaar325b7a22004-07-05 15:58:32 +00006031mzscheme Compiled with MzScheme interface |mzscheme|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006032netbeans_intg Compiled with support for |netbeans|.
Bram Moolenaar009b2592004-10-24 19:18:58 +00006033netbeans_enabled Compiled with support for |netbeans| and it's used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006034ole Compiled with OLE automation support for Win32.
6035os2 OS/2 version of Vim.
6036osfiletype Compiled with support for osfiletypes |+osfiletype|
6037path_extra Compiled with up/downwards search in 'path' and 'tags'
6038perl Compiled with Perl interface.
6039postscript Compiled with PostScript file printing.
6040printer Compiled with |:hardcopy| support.
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00006041profile Compiled with |:profile| support.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006042python Compiled with Python interface.
6043qnx QNX version of Vim.
6044quickfix Compiled with |quickfix| support.
Bram Moolenaard68071d2006-05-02 22:08:30 +00006045reltime Compiled with |reltime()| support.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006046rightleft Compiled with 'rightleft' support.
6047ruby Compiled with Ruby interface |ruby|.
6048scrollbind Compiled with 'scrollbind' support.
6049showcmd Compiled with 'showcmd' support.
6050signs Compiled with |:sign| support.
6051smartindent Compiled with 'smartindent' support.
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00006052sniff Compiled with SNiFF interface support.
Bram Moolenaaref94eec2009-11-11 13:22:11 +00006053startuptime Compiled with |--startuptime| support.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006054statusline Compiled with support for 'statusline', 'rulerformat'
6055 and special formats of 'titlestring' and 'iconstring'.
6056sun_workshop Compiled with support for Sun |workshop|.
Bram Moolenaar82cf9b62005-06-07 21:09:25 +00006057spell Compiled with spell checking support |spell|.
6058syntax Compiled with syntax highlighting support |syntax|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006059syntax_items There are active syntax highlighting items for the
6060 current buffer.
6061system Compiled to use system() instead of fork()/exec().
6062tag_binary Compiled with binary searching in tags files
6063 |tag-binary-search|.
6064tag_old_static Compiled with support for old static tags
6065 |tag-old-static|.
6066tag_any_white Compiled with support for any white characters in tags
6067 files |tag-any-white|.
6068tcl Compiled with Tcl interface.
6069terminfo Compiled with terminfo instead of termcap.
6070termresponse Compiled with support for |t_RV| and |v:termresponse|.
6071textobjects Compiled with support for |text-objects|.
6072tgetent Compiled with tgetent support, able to use a termcap
6073 or terminfo file.
6074title Compiled with window title support |'title'|.
6075toolbar Compiled with support for |gui-toolbar|.
6076unix Unix version of Vim.
6077user_commands User-defined commands.
6078viminfo Compiled with viminfo support.
6079vim_starting True while initial source'ing takes place.
6080vertsplit Compiled with vertically split windows |:vsplit|.
6081virtualedit Compiled with 'virtualedit' option.
6082visual Compiled with Visual mode.
6083visualextra Compiled with extra Visual mode commands.
6084 |blockwise-operators|.
6085vms VMS version of Vim.
6086vreplace Compiled with |gR| and |gr| commands.
6087wildignore Compiled with 'wildignore' option.
6088wildmenu Compiled with 'wildmenu' option.
6089windows Compiled with support for more than one window.
6090winaltkeys Compiled with 'winaltkeys' option.
6091win16 Win16 version of Vim (MS-Windows 3.1).
6092win32 Win32 version of Vim (MS-Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP).
6093win64 Win64 version of Vim (MS-Windows 64 bit).
6094win32unix Win32 version of Vim, using Unix files (Cygwin)
6095win95 Win32 version for MS-Windows 95/98/ME.
6096writebackup Compiled with 'writebackup' default on.
6097xfontset Compiled with X fontset support |xfontset|.
6098xim Compiled with X input method support |xim|.
6099xsmp Compiled with X session management support.
6100xsmp_interact Compiled with interactive X session management support.
6101xterm_clipboard Compiled with support for xterm clipboard.
6102xterm_save Compiled with support for saving and restoring the
6103 xterm screen.
6104x11 Compiled with X11 support.
6105
6106 *string-match*
6107Matching a pattern in a String
6108
6109A regexp pattern as explained at |pattern| is normally used to find a match in
6110the buffer lines. When a pattern is used to find a match in a String, almost
6111everything works in the same way. The difference is that a String is handled
6112like it is one line. When it contains a "\n" character, this is not seen as a
6113line break for the pattern. It can be matched with a "\n" in the pattern, or
6114with ".". Example: >
6115 :let a = "aaaa\nxxxx"
6116 :echo matchstr(a, "..\n..")
6117 aa
6118 xx
6119 :echo matchstr(a, "a.x")
6120 a
6121 x
6122
6123Don't forget that "^" will only match at the first character of the String and
6124"$" at the last character of the string. They don't match after or before a
6125"\n".
6126
6127==============================================================================
61285. Defining functions *user-functions*
6129
6130New functions can be defined. These can be called just like builtin
6131functions. The function executes a sequence of Ex commands. Normal mode
6132commands can be executed with the |:normal| command.
6133
6134The function name must start with an uppercase letter, to avoid confusion with
6135builtin functions. To prevent from using the same name in different scripts
6136avoid obvious, short names. A good habit is to start the function name with
6137the name of the script, e.g., "HTMLcolor()".
6138
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00006139It's also possible to use curly braces, see |curly-braces-names|. And the
6140|autoload| facility is useful to define a function only when it's called.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006141
6142 *local-function*
6143A function local to a script must start with "s:". A local script function
6144can only be called from within the script and from functions, user commands
6145and autocommands defined in the script. It is also possible to call the
Bram Moolenaare37d50a2008-08-06 17:06:04 +00006146function from a mapping defined in the script, but then |<SID>| must be used
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006147instead of "s:" when the mapping is expanded outside of the script.
6148
6149 *:fu* *:function* *E128* *E129* *E123*
6150:fu[nction] List all functions and their arguments.
6151
6152:fu[nction] {name} List function {name}.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006153 {name} can also be a |Dictionary| entry that is a
6154 |Funcref|: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006155 :function dict.init
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00006156
6157:fu[nction] /{pattern} List functions with a name matching {pattern}.
6158 Example that lists all functions ending with "File": >
6159 :function /File$
Bram Moolenaar5b8d8fd2005-08-16 23:01:50 +00006160<
6161 *:function-verbose*
6162When 'verbose' is non-zero, listing a function will also display where it was
6163last defined. Example: >
6164
6165 :verbose function SetFileTypeSH
6166 function SetFileTypeSH(name)
6167 Last set from /usr/share/vim/vim-7.0/filetype.vim
6168<
Bram Moolenaar8aff23a2005-08-19 20:40:30 +00006169See |:verbose-cmd| for more information.
Bram Moolenaar5b8d8fd2005-08-16 23:01:50 +00006170
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00006171 *E124* *E125*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00006172:fu[nction][!] {name}([arguments]) [range] [abort] [dict]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006173 Define a new function by the name {name}. The name
6174 must be made of alphanumeric characters and '_', and
6175 must start with a capital or "s:" (see above).
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006176
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006177 {name} can also be a |Dictionary| entry that is a
6178 |Funcref|: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006179 :function dict.init(arg)
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006180< "dict" must be an existing dictionary. The entry
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006181 "init" is added if it didn't exist yet. Otherwise [!]
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006182 is required to overwrite an existing function. The
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006183 result is a |Funcref| to a numbered function. The
6184 function can only be used with a |Funcref| and will be
6185 deleted if there are no more references to it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006186 *E127* *E122*
6187 When a function by this name already exists and [!] is
6188 not used an error message is given. When [!] is used,
6189 an existing function is silently replaced. Unless it
6190 is currently being executed, that is an error.
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00006191
6192 For the {arguments} see |function-argument|.
6193
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006194 *a:firstline* *a:lastline*
6195 When the [range] argument is added, the function is
6196 expected to take care of a range itself. The range is
6197 passed as "a:firstline" and "a:lastline". If [range]
6198 is excluded, ":{range}call" will call the function for
6199 each line in the range, with the cursor on the start
6200 of each line. See |function-range-example|.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006201
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006202 When the [abort] argument is added, the function will
6203 abort as soon as an error is detected.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006204
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00006205 When the [dict] argument is added, the function must
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006206 be invoked through an entry in a |Dictionary|. The
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00006207 local variable "self" will then be set to the
6208 dictionary. See |Dictionary-function|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006209
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006210 *function-search-undo*
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00006211 The last used search pattern and the redo command "."
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006212 will not be changed by the function. This also
6213 implies that the effect of |:nohlsearch| is undone
6214 when the function returns.
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00006215
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006216 *:endf* *:endfunction* *E126* *E193*
6217:endf[unction] The end of a function definition. Must be on a line
6218 by its own, without other commands.
6219
6220 *:delf* *:delfunction* *E130* *E131*
6221:delf[unction] {name} Delete function {name}.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006222 {name} can also be a |Dictionary| entry that is a
6223 |Funcref|: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006224 :delfunc dict.init
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006225< This will remove the "init" entry from "dict". The
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006226 function is deleted if there are no more references to
6227 it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006228 *:retu* *:return* *E133*
6229:retu[rn] [expr] Return from a function. When "[expr]" is given, it is
6230 evaluated and returned as the result of the function.
6231 If "[expr]" is not given, the number 0 is returned.
6232 When a function ends without an explicit ":return",
6233 the number 0 is returned.
6234 Note that there is no check for unreachable lines,
6235 thus there is no warning if commands follow ":return".
6236
6237 If the ":return" is used after a |:try| but before the
6238 matching |:finally| (if present), the commands
6239 following the ":finally" up to the matching |:endtry|
6240 are executed first. This process applies to all
6241 nested ":try"s inside the function. The function
6242 returns at the outermost ":endtry".
6243
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00006244 *function-argument* *a:var*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006245An argument can be defined by giving its name. In the function this can then
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00006246be used as "a:name" ("a:" for argument).
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006247 *a:0* *a:1* *a:000* *E740* *...*
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00006248Up to 20 arguments can be given, separated by commas. After the named
6249arguments an argument "..." can be specified, which means that more arguments
6250may optionally be following. In the function the extra arguments can be used
6251as "a:1", "a:2", etc. "a:0" is set to the number of extra arguments (which
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006252can be 0). "a:000" is set to a |List| that contains these arguments. Note
6253that "a:1" is the same as "a:000[0]".
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00006254 *E742*
6255The a: scope and the variables in it cannot be changed, they are fixed.
Bram Moolenaare37d50a2008-08-06 17:06:04 +00006256However, if a |List| or |Dictionary| is used, you can change their contents.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006257Thus you can pass a |List| to a function and have the function add an item to
6258it. If you want to make sure the function cannot change a |List| or
6259|Dictionary| use |:lockvar|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006260
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00006261When not using "...", the number of arguments in a function call must be equal
6262to the number of named arguments. When using "...", the number of arguments
6263may be larger.
6264
6265It is also possible to define a function without any arguments. You must
6266still supply the () then. The body of the function follows in the next lines,
6267until the matching |:endfunction|. It is allowed to define another function
6268inside a function body.
6269
6270 *local-variables*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006271Inside a function variables can be used. These are local variables, which
6272will disappear when the function returns. Global variables need to be
6273accessed with "g:".
6274
6275Example: >
6276 :function Table(title, ...)
6277 : echohl Title
6278 : echo a:title
6279 : echohl None
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00006280 : echo a:0 . " items:"
6281 : for s in a:000
6282 : echon ' ' . s
6283 : endfor
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006284 :endfunction
6285
6286This function can then be called with: >
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00006287 call Table("Table", "line1", "line2")
6288 call Table("Empty Table")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006289
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006290To return more than one value, return a |List|: >
6291 :function Compute(n1, n2)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006292 : if a:n2 == 0
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006293 : return ["fail", 0]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006294 : endif
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006295 : return ["ok", a:n1 / a:n2]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006296 :endfunction
6297
6298This function can then be called with: >
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006299 :let [success, div] = Compute(102, 6)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006300 :if success == "ok"
6301 : echo div
6302 :endif
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006303<
Bram Moolenaar39f05632006-03-19 22:15:26 +00006304 *:cal* *:call* *E107* *E117*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006305:[range]cal[l] {name}([arguments])
6306 Call a function. The name of the function and its arguments
6307 are as specified with |:function|. Up to 20 arguments can be
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006308 used. The returned value is discarded.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006309 Without a range and for functions that accept a range, the
6310 function is called once. When a range is given the cursor is
6311 positioned at the start of the first line before executing the
6312 function.
6313 When a range is given and the function doesn't handle it
6314 itself, the function is executed for each line in the range,
6315 with the cursor in the first column of that line. The cursor
6316 is left at the last line (possibly moved by the last function
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006317 call). The arguments are re-evaluated for each line. Thus
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006318 this works:
6319 *function-range-example* >
6320 :function Mynumber(arg)
6321 : echo line(".") . " " . a:arg
6322 :endfunction
6323 :1,5call Mynumber(getline("."))
6324<
6325 The "a:firstline" and "a:lastline" are defined anyway, they
6326 can be used to do something different at the start or end of
6327 the range.
6328
6329 Example of a function that handles the range itself: >
6330
6331 :function Cont() range
6332 : execute (a:firstline + 1) . "," . a:lastline . 's/^/\t\\ '
6333 :endfunction
6334 :4,8call Cont()
6335<
6336 This function inserts the continuation character "\" in front
6337 of all the lines in the range, except the first one.
6338
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006339 When the function returns a composite value it can be further
6340 dereferenced, but the range will not be used then. Example: >
6341 :4,8call GetDict().method()
6342< Here GetDict() gets the range but method() does not.
6343
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006344 *E132*
6345The recursiveness of user functions is restricted with the |'maxfuncdepth'|
6346option.
6347
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006348
6349AUTOMATICALLY LOADING FUNCTIONS ~
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006350 *autoload-functions*
6351When using many or large functions, it's possible to automatically define them
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006352only when they are used. There are two methods: with an autocommand and with
6353the "autoload" directory in 'runtimepath'.
6354
6355
6356Using an autocommand ~
6357
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00006358This is introduced in the user manual, section |41.14|.
6359
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006360The autocommand is useful if you have a plugin that is a long Vim script file.
6361You can define the autocommand and quickly quit the script with |:finish|.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006362That makes Vim startup faster. The autocommand should then load the same file
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006363again, setting a variable to skip the |:finish| command.
6364
6365Use the FuncUndefined autocommand event with a pattern that matches the
6366function(s) to be defined. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006367
6368 :au FuncUndefined BufNet* source ~/vim/bufnetfuncs.vim
6369
6370The file "~/vim/bufnetfuncs.vim" should then define functions that start with
6371"BufNet". Also see |FuncUndefined|.
6372
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006373
6374Using an autoload script ~
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00006375 *autoload* *E746*
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00006376This is introduced in the user manual, section |41.15|.
6377
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006378Using a script in the "autoload" directory is simpler, but requires using
6379exactly the right file name. A function that can be autoloaded has a name
6380like this: >
6381
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00006382 :call filename#funcname()
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006383
6384When such a function is called, and it is not defined yet, Vim will search the
6385"autoload" directories in 'runtimepath' for a script file called
6386"filename.vim". For example "~/.vim/autoload/filename.vim". That file should
6387then define the function like this: >
6388
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00006389 function filename#funcname()
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006390 echo "Done!"
6391 endfunction
6392
Bram Moolenaar60a795a2005-09-16 21:55:43 +00006393The file name and the name used before the # in the function must match
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006394exactly, and the defined function must have the name exactly as it will be
6395called.
6396
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00006397It is possible to use subdirectories. Every # in the function name works like
6398a path separator. Thus when calling a function: >
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006399
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00006400 :call foo#bar#func()
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006401
6402Vim will look for the file "autoload/foo/bar.vim" in 'runtimepath'.
6403
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00006404This also works when reading a variable that has not been set yet: >
6405
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00006406 :let l = foo#bar#lvar
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00006407
Bram Moolenaara5792f52005-11-23 21:25:05 +00006408However, when the autoload script was already loaded it won't be loaded again
6409for an unknown variable.
6410
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00006411When assigning a value to such a variable nothing special happens. This can
6412be used to pass settings to the autoload script before it's loaded: >
6413
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00006414 :let foo#bar#toggle = 1
6415 :call foo#bar#func()
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00006416
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00006417Note that when you make a mistake and call a function that is supposed to be
6418defined in an autoload script, but the script doesn't actually define the
6419function, the script will be sourced every time you try to call the function.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00006420And you will get an error message every time.
6421
6422Also note that if you have two script files, and one calls a function in the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006423other and vice versa, before the used function is defined, it won't work.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00006424Avoid using the autoload functionality at the toplevel.
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006425
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00006426Hint: If you distribute a bunch of scripts you can pack them together with the
6427|vimball| utility. Also read the user manual |distribute-script|.
6428
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006429==============================================================================
64306. Curly braces names *curly-braces-names*
6431
6432Wherever you can use a variable, you can use a "curly braces name" variable.
6433This is a regular variable name with one or more expressions wrapped in braces
6434{} like this: >
6435 my_{adjective}_variable
6436
6437When Vim encounters this, it evaluates the expression inside the braces, puts
6438that in place of the expression, and re-interprets the whole as a variable
6439name. So in the above example, if the variable "adjective" was set to
6440"noisy", then the reference would be to "my_noisy_variable", whereas if
6441"adjective" was set to "quiet", then it would be to "my_quiet_variable".
6442
6443One application for this is to create a set of variables governed by an option
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006444value. For example, the statement >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006445 echo my_{&background}_message
6446
6447would output the contents of "my_dark_message" or "my_light_message" depending
6448on the current value of 'background'.
6449
6450You can use multiple brace pairs: >
6451 echo my_{adverb}_{adjective}_message
6452..or even nest them: >
6453 echo my_{ad{end_of_word}}_message
6454where "end_of_word" is either "verb" or "jective".
6455
6456However, the expression inside the braces must evaluate to a valid single
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00006457variable name, e.g. this is invalid: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006458 :let foo='a + b'
6459 :echo c{foo}d
6460.. since the result of expansion is "ca + bd", which is not a variable name.
6461
6462 *curly-braces-function-names*
6463You can call and define functions by an evaluated name in a similar way.
6464Example: >
6465 :let func_end='whizz'
6466 :call my_func_{func_end}(parameter)
6467
6468This would call the function "my_func_whizz(parameter)".
6469
6470==============================================================================
64717. Commands *expression-commands*
6472
6473:let {var-name} = {expr1} *:let* *E18*
6474 Set internal variable {var-name} to the result of the
6475 expression {expr1}. The variable will get the type
6476 from the {expr}. If {var-name} didn't exist yet, it
6477 is created.
6478
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00006479:let {var-name}[{idx}] = {expr1} *E689*
6480 Set a list item to the result of the expression
6481 {expr1}. {var-name} must refer to a list and {idx}
6482 must be a valid index in that list. For nested list
6483 the index can be repeated.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006484 This cannot be used to add an item to a |List|.
6485 This cannot be used to set a byte in a String. You
6486 can do that like this: >
6487 :let var = var[0:2] . 'X' . var[4:]
6488<
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006489 *E711* *E719*
6490:let {var-name}[{idx1}:{idx2}] = {expr1} *E708* *E709* *E710*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006491 Set a sequence of items in a |List| to the result of
6492 the expression {expr1}, which must be a list with the
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00006493 correct number of items.
6494 {idx1} can be omitted, zero is used instead.
6495 {idx2} can be omitted, meaning the end of the list.
6496 When the selected range of items is partly past the
6497 end of the list, items will be added.
6498
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00006499 *:let+=* *:let-=* *:let.=* *E734*
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006500:let {var} += {expr1} Like ":let {var} = {var} + {expr1}".
6501:let {var} -= {expr1} Like ":let {var} = {var} - {expr1}".
6502:let {var} .= {expr1} Like ":let {var} = {var} . {expr1}".
6503 These fail if {var} was not set yet and when the type
6504 of {var} and {expr1} don't fit the operator.
6505
6506
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006507:let ${env-name} = {expr1} *:let-environment* *:let-$*
6508 Set environment variable {env-name} to the result of
6509 the expression {expr1}. The type is always String.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006510:let ${env-name} .= {expr1}
6511 Append {expr1} to the environment variable {env-name}.
6512 If the environment variable didn't exist yet this
6513 works like "=".
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006514
6515:let @{reg-name} = {expr1} *:let-register* *:let-@*
6516 Write the result of the expression {expr1} in register
6517 {reg-name}. {reg-name} must be a single letter, and
6518 must be the name of a writable register (see
6519 |registers|). "@@" can be used for the unnamed
6520 register, "@/" for the search pattern.
6521 If the result of {expr1} ends in a <CR> or <NL>, the
6522 register will be linewise, otherwise it will be set to
6523 characterwise.
6524 This can be used to clear the last search pattern: >
6525 :let @/ = ""
6526< This is different from searching for an empty string,
6527 that would match everywhere.
6528
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006529:let @{reg-name} .= {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006530 Append {expr1} to register {reg-name}. If the
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006531 register was empty it's like setting it to {expr1}.
6532
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006533:let &{option-name} = {expr1} *:let-option* *:let-&*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006534 Set option {option-name} to the result of the
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00006535 expression {expr1}. A String or Number value is
6536 always converted to the type of the option.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006537 For an option local to a window or buffer the effect
6538 is just like using the |:set| command: both the local
Bram Moolenaara5fac542005-10-12 20:58:49 +00006539 value and the global value are changed.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00006540 Example: >
6541 :let &path = &path . ',/usr/local/include'
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006542
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006543:let &{option-name} .= {expr1}
6544 For a string option: Append {expr1} to the value.
6545 Does not insert a comma like |:set+=|.
6546
6547:let &{option-name} += {expr1}
6548:let &{option-name} -= {expr1}
6549 For a number or boolean option: Add or subtract
6550 {expr1}.
6551
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006552:let &l:{option-name} = {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006553:let &l:{option-name} .= {expr1}
6554:let &l:{option-name} += {expr1}
6555:let &l:{option-name} -= {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006556 Like above, but only set the local value of an option
6557 (if there is one). Works like |:setlocal|.
6558
6559:let &g:{option-name} = {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006560:let &g:{option-name} .= {expr1}
6561:let &g:{option-name} += {expr1}
6562:let &g:{option-name} -= {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006563 Like above, but only set the global value of an option
6564 (if there is one). Works like |:setglobal|.
6565
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00006566:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] = {expr1} *:let-unpack* *E687* *E688*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006567 {expr1} must evaluate to a |List|. The first item in
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00006568 the list is assigned to {name1}, the second item to
6569 {name2}, etc.
6570 The number of names must match the number of items in
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006571 the |List|.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00006572 Each name can be one of the items of the ":let"
6573 command as mentioned above.
6574 Example: >
6575 :let [s, item] = GetItem(s)
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006576< Detail: {expr1} is evaluated first, then the
6577 assignments are done in sequence. This matters if
6578 {name2} depends on {name1}. Example: >
6579 :let x = [0, 1]
6580 :let i = 0
6581 :let [i, x[i]] = [1, 2]
6582 :echo x
6583< The result is [0, 2].
6584
6585:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] .= {expr1}
6586:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] += {expr1}
6587:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] -= {expr1}
6588 Like above, but append/add/subtract the value for each
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006589 |List| item.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00006590
6591:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] = {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006592 Like |:let-unpack| above, but the |List| may have more
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006593 items than there are names. A list of the remaining
6594 items is assigned to {lastname}. If there are no
6595 remaining items {lastname} is set to an empty list.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00006596 Example: >
6597 :let [a, b; rest] = ["aval", "bval", 3, 4]
6598<
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006599:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] .= {expr1}
6600:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] += {expr1}
6601:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] -= {expr1}
6602 Like above, but append/add/subtract the value for each
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006603 |List| item.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006604 *E106*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006605:let {var-name} .. List the value of variable {var-name}. Multiple
Bram Moolenaardcaf10e2005-01-21 11:55:25 +00006606 variable names may be given. Special names recognized
6607 here: *E738*
Bram Moolenaarca003e12006-03-17 23:19:38 +00006608 g: global variables
6609 b: local buffer variables
6610 w: local window variables
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00006611 t: local tab page variables
Bram Moolenaarca003e12006-03-17 23:19:38 +00006612 s: script-local variables
6613 l: local function variables
Bram Moolenaardcaf10e2005-01-21 11:55:25 +00006614 v: Vim variables.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006615
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00006616:let List the values of all variables. The type of the
6617 variable is indicated before the value:
6618 <nothing> String
6619 # Number
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00006620 * Funcref
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006621
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00006622
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006623:unl[et][!] {name} ... *:unlet* *:unl* *E108* *E795*
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00006624 Remove the internal variable {name}. Several variable
6625 names can be given, they are all removed. The name
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006626 may also be a |List| or |Dictionary| item.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006627 With [!] no error message is given for non-existing
6628 variables.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006629 One or more items from a |List| can be removed: >
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +00006630 :unlet list[3] " remove fourth item
6631 :unlet list[3:] " remove fourth item to last
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006632< One item from a |Dictionary| can be removed at a time: >
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +00006633 :unlet dict['two']
6634 :unlet dict.two
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00006635< This is especially useful to clean up used global
6636 variables and script-local variables (these are not
6637 deleted when the script ends). Function-local
6638 variables are automatically deleted when the function
6639 ends.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006640
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00006641:lockv[ar][!] [depth] {name} ... *:lockvar* *:lockv*
6642 Lock the internal variable {name}. Locking means that
6643 it can no longer be changed (until it is unlocked).
6644 A locked variable can be deleted: >
6645 :lockvar v
6646 :let v = 'asdf' " fails!
6647 :unlet v
6648< *E741*
6649 If you try to change a locked variable you get an
6650 error message: "E741: Value of {name} is locked"
6651
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006652 [depth] is relevant when locking a |List| or
6653 |Dictionary|. It specifies how deep the locking goes:
6654 1 Lock the |List| or |Dictionary| itself,
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00006655 cannot add or remove items, but can
6656 still change their values.
6657 2 Also lock the values, cannot change
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006658 the items. If an item is a |List| or
6659 |Dictionary|, cannot add or remove
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00006660 items, but can still change the
6661 values.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006662 3 Like 2 but for the |List| /
6663 |Dictionary| in the |List| /
6664 |Dictionary|, one level deeper.
6665 The default [depth] is 2, thus when {name} is a |List|
6666 or |Dictionary| the values cannot be changed.
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00006667 *E743*
6668 For unlimited depth use [!] and omit [depth].
6669 However, there is a maximum depth of 100 to catch
6670 loops.
6671
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006672 Note that when two variables refer to the same |List|
6673 and you lock one of them, the |List| will also be
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00006674 locked when used through the other variable.
6675 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00006676 :let l = [0, 1, 2, 3]
6677 :let cl = l
6678 :lockvar l
6679 :let cl[1] = 99 " won't work!
6680< You may want to make a copy of a list to avoid this.
6681 See |deepcopy()|.
6682
6683
6684:unlo[ckvar][!] [depth] {name} ... *:unlockvar* *:unlo*
6685 Unlock the internal variable {name}. Does the
6686 opposite of |:lockvar|.
6687
6688
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006689:if {expr1} *:if* *:endif* *:en* *E171* *E579* *E580*
6690:en[dif] Execute the commands until the next matching ":else"
6691 or ":endif" if {expr1} evaluates to non-zero.
6692
6693 From Vim version 4.5 until 5.0, every Ex command in
6694 between the ":if" and ":endif" is ignored. These two
6695 commands were just to allow for future expansions in a
6696 backwards compatible way. Nesting was allowed. Note
6697 that any ":else" or ":elseif" was ignored, the "else"
6698 part was not executed either.
6699
6700 You can use this to remain compatible with older
6701 versions: >
6702 :if version >= 500
6703 : version-5-specific-commands
6704 :endif
6705< The commands still need to be parsed to find the
6706 "endif". Sometimes an older Vim has a problem with a
6707 new command. For example, ":silent" is recognized as
6708 a ":substitute" command. In that case ":execute" can
6709 avoid problems: >
6710 :if version >= 600
6711 : execute "silent 1,$delete"
6712 :endif
6713<
6714 NOTE: The ":append" and ":insert" commands don't work
6715 properly in between ":if" and ":endif".
6716
6717 *:else* *:el* *E581* *E583*
6718:el[se] Execute the commands until the next matching ":else"
6719 or ":endif" if they previously were not being
6720 executed.
6721
6722 *:elseif* *:elsei* *E582* *E584*
6723:elsei[f] {expr1} Short for ":else" ":if", with the addition that there
6724 is no extra ":endif".
6725
6726:wh[ile] {expr1} *:while* *:endwhile* *:wh* *:endw*
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006727 *E170* *E585* *E588* *E733*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006728:endw[hile] Repeat the commands between ":while" and ":endwhile",
6729 as long as {expr1} evaluates to non-zero.
6730 When an error is detected from a command inside the
6731 loop, execution continues after the "endwhile".
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00006732 Example: >
6733 :let lnum = 1
6734 :while lnum <= line("$")
6735 :call FixLine(lnum)
6736 :let lnum = lnum + 1
6737 :endwhile
6738<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006739 NOTE: The ":append" and ":insert" commands don't work
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00006740 properly inside a ":while" and ":for" loop.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006741
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006742:for {var} in {list} *:for* *E690* *E732*
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00006743:endfo[r] *:endfo* *:endfor*
6744 Repeat the commands between ":for" and ":endfor" for
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00006745 each item in {list}. Variable {var} is set to the
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00006746 value of each item.
6747 When an error is detected for a command inside the
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00006748 loop, execution continues after the "endfor".
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00006749 Changing {list} inside the loop affects what items are
6750 used. Make a copy if this is unwanted: >
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00006751 :for item in copy(mylist)
6752< When not making a copy, Vim stores a reference to the
6753 next item in the list, before executing the commands
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006754 with the current item. Thus the current item can be
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00006755 removed without effect. Removing any later item means
6756 it will not be found. Thus the following example
6757 works (an inefficient way to make a list empty): >
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01006758 for item in mylist
6759 call remove(mylist, 0)
6760 endfor
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00006761< Note that reordering the list (e.g., with sort() or
6762 reverse()) may have unexpected effects.
6763 Note that the type of each list item should be
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00006764 identical to avoid errors for the type of {var}
6765 changing. Unlet the variable at the end of the loop
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01006766 to allow multiple item types: >
6767 for item in ["foo", ["bar"]]
6768 echo item
6769 unlet item " E706 without this
6770 endfor
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00006771
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00006772:for [{var1}, {var2}, ...] in {listlist}
6773:endfo[r]
6774 Like ":for" above, but each item in {listlist} must be
6775 a list, of which each item is assigned to {var1},
6776 {var2}, etc. Example: >
6777 :for [lnum, col] in [[1, 3], [2, 5], [3, 8]]
6778 :echo getline(lnum)[col]
6779 :endfor
6780<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006781 *:continue* *:con* *E586*
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00006782:con[tinue] When used inside a ":while" or ":for" loop, jumps back
6783 to the start of the loop.
6784 If it is used after a |:try| inside the loop but
6785 before the matching |:finally| (if present), the
6786 commands following the ":finally" up to the matching
6787 |:endtry| are executed first. This process applies to
6788 all nested ":try"s inside the loop. The outermost
6789 ":endtry" then jumps back to the start of the loop.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006790
6791 *:break* *:brea* *E587*
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00006792:brea[k] When used inside a ":while" or ":for" loop, skips to
6793 the command after the matching ":endwhile" or
6794 ":endfor".
6795 If it is used after a |:try| inside the loop but
6796 before the matching |:finally| (if present), the
6797 commands following the ":finally" up to the matching
6798 |:endtry| are executed first. This process applies to
6799 all nested ":try"s inside the loop. The outermost
6800 ":endtry" then jumps to the command after the loop.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006801
6802:try *:try* *:endt* *:endtry* *E600* *E601* *E602*
6803:endt[ry] Change the error handling for the commands between
6804 ":try" and ":endtry" including everything being
6805 executed across ":source" commands, function calls,
6806 or autocommand invocations.
6807
6808 When an error or interrupt is detected and there is
6809 a |:finally| command following, execution continues
6810 after the ":finally". Otherwise, or when the
6811 ":endtry" is reached thereafter, the next
6812 (dynamically) surrounding ":try" is checked for
6813 a corresponding ":finally" etc. Then the script
6814 processing is terminated. (Whether a function
6815 definition has an "abort" argument does not matter.)
6816 Example: >
6817 :try | edit too much | finally | echo "cleanup" | endtry
6818 :echo "impossible" " not reached, script terminated above
6819<
6820 Moreover, an error or interrupt (dynamically) inside
6821 ":try" and ":endtry" is converted to an exception. It
6822 can be caught as if it were thrown by a |:throw|
6823 command (see |:catch|). In this case, the script
6824 processing is not terminated.
6825
6826 The value "Vim:Interrupt" is used for an interrupt
6827 exception. An error in a Vim command is converted
6828 to a value of the form "Vim({command}):{errmsg}",
6829 other errors are converted to a value of the form
6830 "Vim:{errmsg}". {command} is the full command name,
6831 and {errmsg} is the message that is displayed if the
6832 error exception is not caught, always beginning with
6833 the error number.
6834 Examples: >
6835 :try | sleep 100 | catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/ | endtry
6836 :try | edit | catch /^Vim(edit):E\d\+/ | echo "error" | endtry
6837<
6838 *:cat* *:catch* *E603* *E604* *E605*
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01006839:cat[ch] /{pattern}/ The following commands until the next |:catch|,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006840 |:finally|, or |:endtry| that belongs to the same
6841 |:try| as the ":catch" are executed when an exception
6842 matching {pattern} is being thrown and has not yet
6843 been caught by a previous ":catch". Otherwise, these
6844 commands are skipped.
6845 When {pattern} is omitted all errors are caught.
6846 Examples: >
6847 :catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/ " catch interrupts (CTRL-C)
6848 :catch /^Vim\%((\a\+)\)\=:E/ " catch all Vim errors
6849 :catch /^Vim\%((\a\+)\)\=:/ " catch errors and interrupts
6850 :catch /^Vim(write):/ " catch all errors in :write
6851 :catch /^Vim\%((\a\+)\)\=:E123/ " catch error E123
6852 :catch /my-exception/ " catch user exception
6853 :catch /.*/ " catch everything
6854 :catch " same as /.*/
6855<
6856 Another character can be used instead of / around the
6857 {pattern}, so long as it does not have a special
6858 meaning (e.g., '|' or '"') and doesn't occur inside
6859 {pattern}.
6860 NOTE: It is not reliable to ":catch" the TEXT of
6861 an error message because it may vary in different
6862 locales.
6863
6864 *:fina* *:finally* *E606* *E607*
6865:fina[lly] The following commands until the matching |:endtry|
6866 are executed whenever the part between the matching
6867 |:try| and the ":finally" is left: either by falling
6868 through to the ":finally" or by a |:continue|,
6869 |:break|, |:finish|, or |:return|, or by an error or
6870 interrupt or exception (see |:throw|).
6871
6872 *:th* *:throw* *E608*
6873:th[row] {expr1} The {expr1} is evaluated and thrown as an exception.
6874 If the ":throw" is used after a |:try| but before the
6875 first corresponding |:catch|, commands are skipped
6876 until the first ":catch" matching {expr1} is reached.
6877 If there is no such ":catch" or if the ":throw" is
6878 used after a ":catch" but before the |:finally|, the
6879 commands following the ":finally" (if present) up to
6880 the matching |:endtry| are executed. If the ":throw"
6881 is after the ":finally", commands up to the ":endtry"
6882 are skipped. At the ":endtry", this process applies
6883 again for the next dynamically surrounding ":try"
6884 (which may be found in a calling function or sourcing
6885 script), until a matching ":catch" has been found.
6886 If the exception is not caught, the command processing
6887 is terminated.
6888 Example: >
6889 :try | throw "oops" | catch /^oo/ | echo "caught" | endtry
6890<
6891
6892 *:ec* *:echo*
6893:ec[ho] {expr1} .. Echoes each {expr1}, with a space in between. The
6894 first {expr1} starts on a new line.
6895 Also see |:comment|.
6896 Use "\n" to start a new line. Use "\r" to move the
6897 cursor to the first column.
6898 Uses the highlighting set by the |:echohl| command.
6899 Cannot be followed by a comment.
6900 Example: >
6901 :echo "the value of 'shell' is" &shell
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006902< *:echo-redraw*
6903 A later redraw may make the message disappear again.
6904 And since Vim mostly postpones redrawing until it's
6905 finished with a sequence of commands this happens
6906 quite often. To avoid that a command from before the
6907 ":echo" causes a redraw afterwards (redraws are often
6908 postponed until you type something), force a redraw
6909 with the |:redraw| command. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006910 :new | redraw | echo "there is a new window"
6911<
6912 *:echon*
6913:echon {expr1} .. Echoes each {expr1}, without anything added. Also see
6914 |:comment|.
6915 Uses the highlighting set by the |:echohl| command.
6916 Cannot be followed by a comment.
6917 Example: >
6918 :echon "the value of 'shell' is " &shell
6919<
6920 Note the difference between using ":echo", which is a
6921 Vim command, and ":!echo", which is an external shell
6922 command: >
6923 :!echo % --> filename
6924< The arguments of ":!" are expanded, see |:_%|. >
6925 :!echo "%" --> filename or "filename"
6926< Like the previous example. Whether you see the double
6927 quotes or not depends on your 'shell'. >
6928 :echo % --> nothing
6929< The '%' is an illegal character in an expression. >
6930 :echo "%" --> %
6931< This just echoes the '%' character. >
6932 :echo expand("%") --> filename
6933< This calls the expand() function to expand the '%'.
6934
6935 *:echoh* *:echohl*
6936:echoh[l] {name} Use the highlight group {name} for the following
6937 |:echo|, |:echon| and |:echomsg| commands. Also used
6938 for the |input()| prompt. Example: >
6939 :echohl WarningMsg | echo "Don't panic!" | echohl None
6940< Don't forget to set the group back to "None",
6941 otherwise all following echo's will be highlighted.
6942
6943 *:echom* *:echomsg*
6944:echom[sg] {expr1} .. Echo the expression(s) as a true message, saving the
6945 message in the |message-history|.
6946 Spaces are placed between the arguments as with the
6947 |:echo| command. But unprintable characters are
6948 displayed, not interpreted.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006949 The parsing works slightly different from |:echo|,
6950 more like |:execute|. All the expressions are first
6951 evaluated and concatenated before echoing anything.
6952 The expressions must evaluate to a Number or String, a
6953 Dictionary or List causes an error.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006954 Uses the highlighting set by the |:echohl| command.
6955 Example: >
6956 :echomsg "It's a Zizzer Zazzer Zuzz, as you can plainly see."
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006957< See |:echo-redraw| to avoid the message disappearing
6958 when the screen is redrawn.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006959 *:echoe* *:echoerr*
6960:echoe[rr] {expr1} .. Echo the expression(s) as an error message, saving the
6961 message in the |message-history|. When used in a
6962 script or function the line number will be added.
6963 Spaces are placed between the arguments as with the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006964 :echo command. When used inside a try conditional,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006965 the message is raised as an error exception instead
6966 (see |try-echoerr|).
6967 Example: >
6968 :echoerr "This script just failed!"
6969< If you just want a highlighted message use |:echohl|.
6970 And to get a beep: >
6971 :exe "normal \<Esc>"
6972<
6973 *:exe* *:execute*
6974:exe[cute] {expr1} .. Executes the string that results from the evaluation
Bram Moolenaar00a927d2010-05-14 23:24:24 +02006975 of {expr1} as an Ex command.
6976 Multiple arguments are concatenated, with a space in
6977 between. To avoid the extra space use the "."
6978 operator to concatenate strings into one argument.
6979 {expr1} is used as the processed command, command line
6980 editing keys are not recognized.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006981 Cannot be followed by a comment.
6982 Examples: >
Bram Moolenaar00a927d2010-05-14 23:24:24 +02006983 :execute "buffer" nextbuf
6984 :execute "normal" count . "w"
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006985<
6986 ":execute" can be used to append a command to commands
6987 that don't accept a '|'. Example: >
6988 :execute '!ls' | echo "theend"
6989
6990< ":execute" is also a nice way to avoid having to type
6991 control characters in a Vim script for a ":normal"
6992 command: >
6993 :execute "normal ixxx\<Esc>"
6994< This has an <Esc> character, see |expr-string|.
6995
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006996 Be careful to correctly escape special characters in
6997 file names. The |fnameescape()| function can be used
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00006998 for Vim commands, |shellescape()| for |:!| commands.
6999 Examples: >
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007000 :execute "e " . fnameescape(filename)
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00007001 :execute "!ls " . shellescape(expand('%:h'), 1)
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007002<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007003 Note: The executed string may be any command-line, but
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00007004 you cannot start or end a "while", "for" or "if"
7005 command. Thus this is illegal: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007006 :execute 'while i > 5'
7007 :execute 'echo "test" | break'
7008<
7009 It is allowed to have a "while" or "if" command
7010 completely in the executed string: >
7011 :execute 'while i < 5 | echo i | let i = i + 1 | endwhile'
7012<
7013
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01007014 *:exe-comment*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007015 ":execute", ":echo" and ":echon" cannot be followed by
7016 a comment directly, because they see the '"' as the
7017 start of a string. But, you can use '|' followed by a
7018 comment. Example: >
7019 :echo "foo" | "this is a comment
7020
7021==============================================================================
70228. Exception handling *exception-handling*
7023
7024The Vim script language comprises an exception handling feature. This section
7025explains how it can be used in a Vim script.
7026
7027Exceptions may be raised by Vim on an error or on interrupt, see
7028|catch-errors| and |catch-interrupt|. You can also explicitly throw an
7029exception by using the ":throw" command, see |throw-catch|.
7030
7031
7032TRY CONDITIONALS *try-conditionals*
7033
7034Exceptions can be caught or can cause cleanup code to be executed. You can
7035use a try conditional to specify catch clauses (that catch exceptions) and/or
7036a finally clause (to be executed for cleanup).
7037 A try conditional begins with a |:try| command and ends at the matching
7038|:endtry| command. In between, you can use a |:catch| command to start
7039a catch clause, or a |:finally| command to start a finally clause. There may
7040be none or multiple catch clauses, but there is at most one finally clause,
7041which must not be followed by any catch clauses. The lines before the catch
7042clauses and the finally clause is called a try block. >
7043
7044 :try
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007045 : ...
7046 : ... TRY BLOCK
7047 : ...
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007048 :catch /{pattern}/
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007049 : ...
7050 : ... CATCH CLAUSE
7051 : ...
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007052 :catch /{pattern}/
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007053 : ...
7054 : ... CATCH CLAUSE
7055 : ...
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007056 :finally
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007057 : ...
7058 : ... FINALLY CLAUSE
7059 : ...
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007060 :endtry
7061
7062The try conditional allows to watch code for exceptions and to take the
7063appropriate actions. Exceptions from the try block may be caught. Exceptions
7064from the try block and also the catch clauses may cause cleanup actions.
7065 When no exception is thrown during execution of the try block, the control
7066is transferred to the finally clause, if present. After its execution, the
7067script continues with the line following the ":endtry".
7068 When an exception occurs during execution of the try block, the remaining
7069lines in the try block are skipped. The exception is matched against the
7070patterns specified as arguments to the ":catch" commands. The catch clause
7071after the first matching ":catch" is taken, other catch clauses are not
7072executed. The catch clause ends when the next ":catch", ":finally", or
7073":endtry" command is reached - whatever is first. Then, the finally clause
7074(if present) is executed. When the ":endtry" is reached, the script execution
7075continues in the following line as usual.
7076 When an exception that does not match any of the patterns specified by the
7077":catch" commands is thrown in the try block, the exception is not caught by
7078that try conditional and none of the catch clauses is executed. Only the
7079finally clause, if present, is taken. The exception pends during execution of
7080the finally clause. It is resumed at the ":endtry", so that commands after
7081the ":endtry" are not executed and the exception might be caught elsewhere,
7082see |try-nesting|.
7083 When during execution of a catch clause another exception is thrown, the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007084remaining lines in that catch clause are not executed. The new exception is
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007085not matched against the patterns in any of the ":catch" commands of the same
7086try conditional and none of its catch clauses is taken. If there is, however,
7087a finally clause, it is executed, and the exception pends during its
7088execution. The commands following the ":endtry" are not executed. The new
7089exception might, however, be caught elsewhere, see |try-nesting|.
7090 When during execution of the finally clause (if present) an exception is
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007091thrown, the remaining lines in the finally clause are skipped. If the finally
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007092clause has been taken because of an exception from the try block or one of the
7093catch clauses, the original (pending) exception is discarded. The commands
7094following the ":endtry" are not executed, and the exception from the finally
7095clause is propagated and can be caught elsewhere, see |try-nesting|.
7096
7097The finally clause is also executed, when a ":break" or ":continue" for
7098a ":while" loop enclosing the complete try conditional is executed from the
7099try block or a catch clause. Or when a ":return" or ":finish" is executed
7100from the try block or a catch clause of a try conditional in a function or
7101sourced script, respectively. The ":break", ":continue", ":return", or
7102":finish" pends during execution of the finally clause and is resumed when the
7103":endtry" is reached. It is, however, discarded when an exception is thrown
7104from the finally clause.
7105 When a ":break" or ":continue" for a ":while" loop enclosing the complete
7106try conditional or when a ":return" or ":finish" is encountered in the finally
7107clause, the rest of the finally clause is skipped, and the ":break",
7108":continue", ":return" or ":finish" is executed as usual. If the finally
7109clause has been taken because of an exception or an earlier ":break",
7110":continue", ":return", or ":finish" from the try block or a catch clause,
7111this pending exception or command is discarded.
7112
7113For examples see |throw-catch| and |try-finally|.
7114
7115
7116NESTING OF TRY CONDITIONALS *try-nesting*
7117
7118Try conditionals can be nested arbitrarily. That is, a complete try
7119conditional can be put into the try block, a catch clause, or the finally
7120clause of another try conditional. If the inner try conditional does not
7121catch an exception thrown in its try block or throws a new exception from one
7122of its catch clauses or its finally clause, the outer try conditional is
7123checked according to the rules above. If the inner try conditional is in the
7124try block of the outer try conditional, its catch clauses are checked, but
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007125otherwise only the finally clause is executed. It does not matter for
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007126nesting, whether the inner try conditional is directly contained in the outer
7127one, or whether the outer one sources a script or calls a function containing
7128the inner try conditional.
7129
7130When none of the active try conditionals catches an exception, just their
7131finally clauses are executed. Thereafter, the script processing terminates.
7132An error message is displayed in case of an uncaught exception explicitly
7133thrown by a ":throw" command. For uncaught error and interrupt exceptions
7134implicitly raised by Vim, the error message(s) or interrupt message are shown
7135as usual.
7136
7137For examples see |throw-catch|.
7138
7139
7140EXAMINING EXCEPTION HANDLING CODE *except-examine*
7141
7142Exception handling code can get tricky. If you are in doubt what happens, set
7143'verbose' to 13 or use the ":13verbose" command modifier when sourcing your
7144script file. Then you see when an exception is thrown, discarded, caught, or
7145finished. When using a verbosity level of at least 14, things pending in
7146a finally clause are also shown. This information is also given in debug mode
7147(see |debug-scripts|).
7148
7149
7150THROWING AND CATCHING EXCEPTIONS *throw-catch*
7151
7152You can throw any number or string as an exception. Use the |:throw| command
7153and pass the value to be thrown as argument: >
7154 :throw 4711
7155 :throw "string"
7156< *throw-expression*
7157You can also specify an expression argument. The expression is then evaluated
7158first, and the result is thrown: >
7159 :throw 4705 + strlen("string")
7160 :throw strpart("strings", 0, 6)
7161
7162An exception might be thrown during evaluation of the argument of the ":throw"
7163command. Unless it is caught there, the expression evaluation is abandoned.
7164The ":throw" command then does not throw a new exception.
7165 Example: >
7166
7167 :function! Foo(arg)
7168 : try
7169 : throw a:arg
7170 : catch /foo/
7171 : endtry
7172 : return 1
7173 :endfunction
7174 :
7175 :function! Bar()
7176 : echo "in Bar"
7177 : return 4710
7178 :endfunction
7179 :
7180 :throw Foo("arrgh") + Bar()
7181
7182This throws "arrgh", and "in Bar" is not displayed since Bar() is not
7183executed. >
7184 :throw Foo("foo") + Bar()
7185however displays "in Bar" and throws 4711.
7186
7187Any other command that takes an expression as argument might also be
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007188abandoned by an (uncaught) exception during the expression evaluation. The
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007189exception is then propagated to the caller of the command.
7190 Example: >
7191
7192 :if Foo("arrgh")
7193 : echo "then"
7194 :else
7195 : echo "else"
7196 :endif
7197
7198Here neither of "then" or "else" is displayed.
7199
7200 *catch-order*
7201Exceptions can be caught by a try conditional with one or more |:catch|
7202commands, see |try-conditionals|. The values to be caught by each ":catch"
7203command can be specified as a pattern argument. The subsequent catch clause
7204gets executed when a matching exception is caught.
7205 Example: >
7206
7207 :function! Foo(value)
7208 : try
7209 : throw a:value
7210 : catch /^\d\+$/
7211 : echo "Number thrown"
7212 : catch /.*/
7213 : echo "String thrown"
7214 : endtry
7215 :endfunction
7216 :
7217 :call Foo(0x1267)
7218 :call Foo('string')
7219
7220The first call to Foo() displays "Number thrown", the second "String thrown".
7221An exception is matched against the ":catch" commands in the order they are
7222specified. Only the first match counts. So you should place the more
7223specific ":catch" first. The following order does not make sense: >
7224
7225 : catch /.*/
7226 : echo "String thrown"
7227 : catch /^\d\+$/
7228 : echo "Number thrown"
7229
7230The first ":catch" here matches always, so that the second catch clause is
7231never taken.
7232
7233 *throw-variables*
7234If you catch an exception by a general pattern, you may access the exact value
7235in the variable |v:exception|: >
7236
7237 : catch /^\d\+$/
7238 : echo "Number thrown. Value is" v:exception
7239
7240You may also be interested where an exception was thrown. This is stored in
7241|v:throwpoint|. Note that "v:exception" and "v:throwpoint" are valid for the
7242exception most recently caught as long it is not finished.
7243 Example: >
7244
7245 :function! Caught()
7246 : if v:exception != ""
7247 : echo 'Caught "' . v:exception . '" in ' . v:throwpoint
7248 : else
7249 : echo 'Nothing caught'
7250 : endif
7251 :endfunction
7252 :
7253 :function! Foo()
7254 : try
7255 : try
7256 : try
7257 : throw 4711
7258 : finally
7259 : call Caught()
7260 : endtry
7261 : catch /.*/
7262 : call Caught()
7263 : throw "oops"
7264 : endtry
7265 : catch /.*/
7266 : call Caught()
7267 : finally
7268 : call Caught()
7269 : endtry
7270 :endfunction
7271 :
7272 :call Foo()
7273
7274This displays >
7275
7276 Nothing caught
7277 Caught "4711" in function Foo, line 4
7278 Caught "oops" in function Foo, line 10
7279 Nothing caught
7280
7281A practical example: The following command ":LineNumber" displays the line
7282number in the script or function where it has been used: >
7283
7284 :function! LineNumber()
7285 : return substitute(v:throwpoint, '.*\D\(\d\+\).*', '\1', "")
7286 :endfunction
7287 :command! LineNumber try | throw "" | catch | echo LineNumber() | endtry
7288<
7289 *try-nested*
7290An exception that is not caught by a try conditional can be caught by
7291a surrounding try conditional: >
7292
7293 :try
7294 : try
7295 : throw "foo"
7296 : catch /foobar/
7297 : echo "foobar"
7298 : finally
7299 : echo "inner finally"
7300 : endtry
7301 :catch /foo/
7302 : echo "foo"
7303 :endtry
7304
7305The inner try conditional does not catch the exception, just its finally
7306clause is executed. The exception is then caught by the outer try
7307conditional. The example displays "inner finally" and then "foo".
7308
7309 *throw-from-catch*
7310You can catch an exception and throw a new one to be caught elsewhere from the
7311catch clause: >
7312
7313 :function! Foo()
7314 : throw "foo"
7315 :endfunction
7316 :
7317 :function! Bar()
7318 : try
7319 : call Foo()
7320 : catch /foo/
7321 : echo "Caught foo, throw bar"
7322 : throw "bar"
7323 : endtry
7324 :endfunction
7325 :
7326 :try
7327 : call Bar()
7328 :catch /.*/
7329 : echo "Caught" v:exception
7330 :endtry
7331
7332This displays "Caught foo, throw bar" and then "Caught bar".
7333
7334 *rethrow*
7335There is no real rethrow in the Vim script language, but you may throw
7336"v:exception" instead: >
7337
7338 :function! Bar()
7339 : try
7340 : call Foo()
7341 : catch /.*/
7342 : echo "Rethrow" v:exception
7343 : throw v:exception
7344 : endtry
7345 :endfunction
7346< *try-echoerr*
7347Note that this method cannot be used to "rethrow" Vim error or interrupt
7348exceptions, because it is not possible to fake Vim internal exceptions.
7349Trying so causes an error exception. You should throw your own exception
7350denoting the situation. If you want to cause a Vim error exception containing
7351the original error exception value, you can use the |:echoerr| command: >
7352
7353 :try
7354 : try
7355 : asdf
7356 : catch /.*/
7357 : echoerr v:exception
7358 : endtry
7359 :catch /.*/
7360 : echo v:exception
7361 :endtry
7362
7363This code displays
7364
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007365 Vim(echoerr):Vim:E492: Not an editor command: asdf ~
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007366
7367
7368CLEANUP CODE *try-finally*
7369
7370Scripts often change global settings and restore them at their end. If the
7371user however interrupts the script by pressing CTRL-C, the settings remain in
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007372an inconsistent state. The same may happen to you in the development phase of
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007373a script when an error occurs or you explicitly throw an exception without
7374catching it. You can solve these problems by using a try conditional with
7375a finally clause for restoring the settings. Its execution is guaranteed on
7376normal control flow, on error, on an explicit ":throw", and on interrupt.
7377(Note that errors and interrupts from inside the try conditional are converted
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007378to exceptions. When not caught, they terminate the script after the finally
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007379clause has been executed.)
7380Example: >
7381
7382 :try
7383 : let s:saved_ts = &ts
7384 : set ts=17
7385 :
7386 : " Do the hard work here.
7387 :
7388 :finally
7389 : let &ts = s:saved_ts
7390 : unlet s:saved_ts
7391 :endtry
7392
7393This method should be used locally whenever a function or part of a script
7394changes global settings which need to be restored on failure or normal exit of
7395that function or script part.
7396
7397 *break-finally*
7398Cleanup code works also when the try block or a catch clause is left by
7399a ":continue", ":break", ":return", or ":finish".
7400 Example: >
7401
7402 :let first = 1
7403 :while 1
7404 : try
7405 : if first
7406 : echo "first"
7407 : let first = 0
7408 : continue
7409 : else
7410 : throw "second"
7411 : endif
7412 : catch /.*/
7413 : echo v:exception
7414 : break
7415 : finally
7416 : echo "cleanup"
7417 : endtry
7418 : echo "still in while"
7419 :endwhile
7420 :echo "end"
7421
7422This displays "first", "cleanup", "second", "cleanup", and "end". >
7423
7424 :function! Foo()
7425 : try
7426 : return 4711
7427 : finally
7428 : echo "cleanup\n"
7429 : endtry
7430 : echo "Foo still active"
7431 :endfunction
7432 :
7433 :echo Foo() "returned by Foo"
7434
7435This displays "cleanup" and "4711 returned by Foo". You don't need to add an
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007436extra ":return" in the finally clause. (Above all, this would override the
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007437return value.)
7438
7439 *except-from-finally*
7440Using either of ":continue", ":break", ":return", ":finish", or ":throw" in
7441a finally clause is possible, but not recommended since it abandons the
7442cleanup actions for the try conditional. But, of course, interrupt and error
7443exceptions might get raised from a finally clause.
7444 Example where an error in the finally clause stops an interrupt from
7445working correctly: >
7446
7447 :try
7448 : try
7449 : echo "Press CTRL-C for interrupt"
7450 : while 1
7451 : endwhile
7452 : finally
7453 : unlet novar
7454 : endtry
7455 :catch /novar/
7456 :endtry
7457 :echo "Script still running"
7458 :sleep 1
7459
7460If you need to put commands that could fail into a finally clause, you should
7461think about catching or ignoring the errors in these commands, see
7462|catch-errors| and |ignore-errors|.
7463
7464
7465CATCHING ERRORS *catch-errors*
7466
7467If you want to catch specific errors, you just have to put the code to be
7468watched in a try block and add a catch clause for the error message. The
7469presence of the try conditional causes all errors to be converted to an
7470exception. No message is displayed and |v:errmsg| is not set then. To find
7471the right pattern for the ":catch" command, you have to know how the format of
7472the error exception is.
7473 Error exceptions have the following format: >
7474
7475 Vim({cmdname}):{errmsg}
7476or >
7477 Vim:{errmsg}
7478
7479{cmdname} is the name of the command that failed; the second form is used when
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007480the command name is not known. {errmsg} is the error message usually produced
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007481when the error occurs outside try conditionals. It always begins with
7482a capital "E", followed by a two or three-digit error number, a colon, and
7483a space.
7484
7485Examples:
7486
7487The command >
7488 :unlet novar
7489normally produces the error message >
7490 E108: No such variable: "novar"
7491which is converted inside try conditionals to an exception >
7492 Vim(unlet):E108: No such variable: "novar"
7493
7494The command >
7495 :dwim
7496normally produces the error message >
7497 E492: Not an editor command: dwim
7498which is converted inside try conditionals to an exception >
7499 Vim:E492: Not an editor command: dwim
7500
7501You can catch all ":unlet" errors by a >
7502 :catch /^Vim(unlet):/
7503or all errors for misspelled command names by a >
7504 :catch /^Vim:E492:/
7505
7506Some error messages may be produced by different commands: >
7507 :function nofunc
7508and >
7509 :delfunction nofunc
7510both produce the error message >
7511 E128: Function name must start with a capital: nofunc
7512which is converted inside try conditionals to an exception >
7513 Vim(function):E128: Function name must start with a capital: nofunc
7514or >
7515 Vim(delfunction):E128: Function name must start with a capital: nofunc
7516respectively. You can catch the error by its number independently on the
7517command that caused it if you use the following pattern: >
7518 :catch /^Vim(\a\+):E128:/
7519
7520Some commands like >
7521 :let x = novar
7522produce multiple error messages, here: >
7523 E121: Undefined variable: novar
7524 E15: Invalid expression: novar
7525Only the first is used for the exception value, since it is the most specific
7526one (see |except-several-errors|). So you can catch it by >
7527 :catch /^Vim(\a\+):E121:/
7528
7529You can catch all errors related to the name "nofunc" by >
7530 :catch /\<nofunc\>/
7531
7532You can catch all Vim errors in the ":write" and ":read" commands by >
7533 :catch /^Vim(\(write\|read\)):E\d\+:/
7534
7535You can catch all Vim errors by the pattern >
7536 :catch /^Vim\((\a\+)\)\=:E\d\+:/
7537<
7538 *catch-text*
7539NOTE: You should never catch the error message text itself: >
7540 :catch /No such variable/
7541only works in the english locale, but not when the user has selected
7542a different language by the |:language| command. It is however helpful to
7543cite the message text in a comment: >
7544 :catch /^Vim(\a\+):E108:/ " No such variable
7545
7546
7547IGNORING ERRORS *ignore-errors*
7548
7549You can ignore errors in a specific Vim command by catching them locally: >
7550
7551 :try
7552 : write
7553 :catch
7554 :endtry
7555
7556But you are strongly recommended NOT to use this simple form, since it could
7557catch more than you want. With the ":write" command, some autocommands could
7558be executed and cause errors not related to writing, for instance: >
7559
7560 :au BufWritePre * unlet novar
7561
7562There could even be such errors you are not responsible for as a script
7563writer: a user of your script might have defined such autocommands. You would
7564then hide the error from the user.
7565 It is much better to use >
7566
7567 :try
7568 : write
7569 :catch /^Vim(write):/
7570 :endtry
7571
7572which only catches real write errors. So catch only what you'd like to ignore
7573intentionally.
7574
7575For a single command that does not cause execution of autocommands, you could
7576even suppress the conversion of errors to exceptions by the ":silent!"
7577command: >
7578 :silent! nunmap k
7579This works also when a try conditional is active.
7580
7581
7582CATCHING INTERRUPTS *catch-interrupt*
7583
7584When there are active try conditionals, an interrupt (CTRL-C) is converted to
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007585the exception "Vim:Interrupt". You can catch it like every exception. The
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007586script is not terminated, then.
7587 Example: >
7588
7589 :function! TASK1()
7590 : sleep 10
7591 :endfunction
7592
7593 :function! TASK2()
7594 : sleep 20
7595 :endfunction
7596
7597 :while 1
7598 : let command = input("Type a command: ")
7599 : try
7600 : if command == ""
7601 : continue
7602 : elseif command == "END"
7603 : break
7604 : elseif command == "TASK1"
7605 : call TASK1()
7606 : elseif command == "TASK2"
7607 : call TASK2()
7608 : else
7609 : echo "\nIllegal command:" command
7610 : continue
7611 : endif
7612 : catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/
7613 : echo "\nCommand interrupted"
7614 : " Caught the interrupt. Continue with next prompt.
7615 : endtry
7616 :endwhile
7617
7618You can interrupt a task here by pressing CTRL-C; the script then asks for
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007619a new command. If you press CTRL-C at the prompt, the script is terminated.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007620
7621For testing what happens when CTRL-C would be pressed on a specific line in
7622your script, use the debug mode and execute the |>quit| or |>interrupt|
7623command on that line. See |debug-scripts|.
7624
7625
7626CATCHING ALL *catch-all*
7627
7628The commands >
7629
7630 :catch /.*/
7631 :catch //
7632 :catch
7633
7634catch everything, error exceptions, interrupt exceptions and exceptions
7635explicitly thrown by the |:throw| command. This is useful at the top level of
7636a script in order to catch unexpected things.
7637 Example: >
7638
7639 :try
7640 :
7641 : " do the hard work here
7642 :
7643 :catch /MyException/
7644 :
7645 : " handle known problem
7646 :
7647 :catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/
7648 : echo "Script interrupted"
7649 :catch /.*/
7650 : echo "Internal error (" . v:exception . ")"
7651 : echo " - occurred at " . v:throwpoint
7652 :endtry
7653 :" end of script
7654
7655Note: Catching all might catch more things than you want. Thus, you are
7656strongly encouraged to catch only for problems that you can really handle by
7657specifying a pattern argument to the ":catch".
7658 Example: Catching all could make it nearly impossible to interrupt a script
7659by pressing CTRL-C: >
7660
7661 :while 1
7662 : try
7663 : sleep 1
7664 : catch
7665 : endtry
7666 :endwhile
7667
7668
7669EXCEPTIONS AND AUTOCOMMANDS *except-autocmd*
7670
7671Exceptions may be used during execution of autocommands. Example: >
7672
7673 :autocmd User x try
7674 :autocmd User x throw "Oops!"
7675 :autocmd User x catch
7676 :autocmd User x echo v:exception
7677 :autocmd User x endtry
7678 :autocmd User x throw "Arrgh!"
7679 :autocmd User x echo "Should not be displayed"
7680 :
7681 :try
7682 : doautocmd User x
7683 :catch
7684 : echo v:exception
7685 :endtry
7686
7687This displays "Oops!" and "Arrgh!".
7688
7689 *except-autocmd-Pre*
7690For some commands, autocommands get executed before the main action of the
7691command takes place. If an exception is thrown and not caught in the sequence
7692of autocommands, the sequence and the command that caused its execution are
7693abandoned and the exception is propagated to the caller of the command.
7694 Example: >
7695
7696 :autocmd BufWritePre * throw "FAIL"
7697 :autocmd BufWritePre * echo "Should not be displayed"
7698 :
7699 :try
7700 : write
7701 :catch
7702 : echo "Caught:" v:exception "from" v:throwpoint
7703 :endtry
7704
7705Here, the ":write" command does not write the file currently being edited (as
7706you can see by checking 'modified'), since the exception from the BufWritePre
7707autocommand abandons the ":write". The exception is then caught and the
7708script displays: >
7709
7710 Caught: FAIL from BufWrite Auto commands for "*"
7711<
7712 *except-autocmd-Post*
7713For some commands, autocommands get executed after the main action of the
7714command has taken place. If this main action fails and the command is inside
7715an active try conditional, the autocommands are skipped and an error exception
7716is thrown that can be caught by the caller of the command.
7717 Example: >
7718
7719 :autocmd BufWritePost * echo "File successfully written!"
7720 :
7721 :try
7722 : write /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
7723 :catch
7724 : echo v:exception
7725 :endtry
7726
7727This just displays: >
7728
7729 Vim(write):E212: Can't open file for writing (/i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e)
7730
7731If you really need to execute the autocommands even when the main action
7732fails, trigger the event from the catch clause.
7733 Example: >
7734
7735 :autocmd BufWritePre * set noreadonly
7736 :autocmd BufWritePost * set readonly
7737 :
7738 :try
7739 : write /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
7740 :catch
7741 : doautocmd BufWritePost /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
7742 :endtry
7743<
7744You can also use ":silent!": >
7745
7746 :let x = "ok"
7747 :let v:errmsg = ""
7748 :autocmd BufWritePost * if v:errmsg != ""
7749 :autocmd BufWritePost * let x = "after fail"
7750 :autocmd BufWritePost * endif
7751 :try
7752 : silent! write /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
7753 :catch
7754 :endtry
7755 :echo x
7756
7757This displays "after fail".
7758
7759If the main action of the command does not fail, exceptions from the
7760autocommands will be catchable by the caller of the command: >
7761
7762 :autocmd BufWritePost * throw ":-("
7763 :autocmd BufWritePost * echo "Should not be displayed"
7764 :
7765 :try
7766 : write
7767 :catch
7768 : echo v:exception
7769 :endtry
7770<
7771 *except-autocmd-Cmd*
7772For some commands, the normal action can be replaced by a sequence of
7773autocommands. Exceptions from that sequence will be catchable by the caller
7774of the command.
7775 Example: For the ":write" command, the caller cannot know whether the file
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007776had actually been written when the exception occurred. You need to tell it in
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007777some way. >
7778
7779 :if !exists("cnt")
7780 : let cnt = 0
7781 :
7782 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * if &modified
7783 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * let cnt = cnt + 1
7784 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * if cnt % 3 == 2
7785 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * throw "BufWriteCmdError"
7786 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * endif
7787 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * write | set nomodified
7788 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * if cnt % 3 == 0
7789 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * throw "BufWriteCmdError"
7790 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * endif
7791 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * echo "File successfully written!"
7792 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * endif
7793 :endif
7794 :
7795 :try
7796 : write
7797 :catch /^BufWriteCmdError$/
7798 : if &modified
7799 : echo "Error on writing (file contents not changed)"
7800 : else
7801 : echo "Error after writing"
7802 : endif
7803 :catch /^Vim(write):/
7804 : echo "Error on writing"
7805 :endtry
7806
7807When this script is sourced several times after making changes, it displays
7808first >
7809 File successfully written!
7810then >
7811 Error on writing (file contents not changed)
7812then >
7813 Error after writing
7814etc.
7815
7816 *except-autocmd-ill*
7817You cannot spread a try conditional over autocommands for different events.
7818The following code is ill-formed: >
7819
7820 :autocmd BufWritePre * try
7821 :
7822 :autocmd BufWritePost * catch
7823 :autocmd BufWritePost * echo v:exception
7824 :autocmd BufWritePost * endtry
7825 :
7826 :write
7827
7828
7829EXCEPTION HIERARCHIES AND PARAMETERIZED EXCEPTIONS *except-hier-param*
7830
7831Some programming languages allow to use hierarchies of exception classes or to
7832pass additional information with the object of an exception class. You can do
7833similar things in Vim.
7834 In order to throw an exception from a hierarchy, just throw the complete
7835class name with the components separated by a colon, for instance throw the
7836string "EXCEPT:MATHERR:OVERFLOW" for an overflow in a mathematical library.
7837 When you want to pass additional information with your exception class, add
7838it in parentheses, for instance throw the string "EXCEPT:IO:WRITEERR(myfile)"
7839for an error when writing "myfile".
7840 With the appropriate patterns in the ":catch" command, you can catch for
7841base classes or derived classes of your hierarchy. Additional information in
7842parentheses can be cut out from |v:exception| with the ":substitute" command.
7843 Example: >
7844
7845 :function! CheckRange(a, func)
7846 : if a:a < 0
7847 : throw "EXCEPT:MATHERR:RANGE(" . a:func . ")"
7848 : endif
7849 :endfunction
7850 :
7851 :function! Add(a, b)
7852 : call CheckRange(a:a, "Add")
7853 : call CheckRange(a:b, "Add")
7854 : let c = a:a + a:b
7855 : if c < 0
7856 : throw "EXCEPT:MATHERR:OVERFLOW"
7857 : endif
7858 : return c
7859 :endfunction
7860 :
7861 :function! Div(a, b)
7862 : call CheckRange(a:a, "Div")
7863 : call CheckRange(a:b, "Div")
7864 : if (a:b == 0)
7865 : throw "EXCEPT:MATHERR:ZERODIV"
7866 : endif
7867 : return a:a / a:b
7868 :endfunction
7869 :
7870 :function! Write(file)
7871 : try
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007872 : execute "write" fnameescape(a:file)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007873 : catch /^Vim(write):/
7874 : throw "EXCEPT:IO(" . getcwd() . ", " . a:file . "):WRITEERR"
7875 : endtry
7876 :endfunction
7877 :
7878 :try
7879 :
7880 : " something with arithmetics and I/O
7881 :
7882 :catch /^EXCEPT:MATHERR:RANGE/
7883 : let function = substitute(v:exception, '.*(\(\a\+\)).*', '\1', "")
7884 : echo "Range error in" function
7885 :
7886 :catch /^EXCEPT:MATHERR/ " catches OVERFLOW and ZERODIV
7887 : echo "Math error"
7888 :
7889 :catch /^EXCEPT:IO/
7890 : let dir = substitute(v:exception, '.*(\(.\+\),\s*.\+).*', '\1', "")
7891 : let file = substitute(v:exception, '.*(.\+,\s*\(.\+\)).*', '\1', "")
7892 : if file !~ '^/'
7893 : let file = dir . "/" . file
7894 : endif
7895 : echo 'I/O error for "' . file . '"'
7896 :
7897 :catch /^EXCEPT/
7898 : echo "Unspecified error"
7899 :
7900 :endtry
7901
7902The exceptions raised by Vim itself (on error or when pressing CTRL-C) use
7903a flat hierarchy: they are all in the "Vim" class. You cannot throw yourself
7904exceptions with the "Vim" prefix; they are reserved for Vim.
7905 Vim error exceptions are parameterized with the name of the command that
7906failed, if known. See |catch-errors|.
7907
7908
7909PECULIARITIES
7910 *except-compat*
7911The exception handling concept requires that the command sequence causing the
7912exception is aborted immediately and control is transferred to finally clauses
7913and/or a catch clause.
7914
7915In the Vim script language there are cases where scripts and functions
7916continue after an error: in functions without the "abort" flag or in a command
7917after ":silent!", control flow goes to the following line, and outside
7918functions, control flow goes to the line following the outermost ":endwhile"
7919or ":endif". On the other hand, errors should be catchable as exceptions
7920(thus, requiring the immediate abortion).
7921
7922This problem has been solved by converting errors to exceptions and using
7923immediate abortion (if not suppressed by ":silent!") only when a try
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007924conditional is active. This is no restriction since an (error) exception can
7925be caught only from an active try conditional. If you want an immediate
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007926termination without catching the error, just use a try conditional without
7927catch clause. (You can cause cleanup code being executed before termination
7928by specifying a finally clause.)
7929
7930When no try conditional is active, the usual abortion and continuation
7931behavior is used instead of immediate abortion. This ensures compatibility of
7932scripts written for Vim 6.1 and earlier.
7933
7934However, when sourcing an existing script that does not use exception handling
7935commands (or when calling one of its functions) from inside an active try
7936conditional of a new script, you might change the control flow of the existing
7937script on error. You get the immediate abortion on error and can catch the
7938error in the new script. If however the sourced script suppresses error
7939messages by using the ":silent!" command (checking for errors by testing
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007940|v:errmsg| if appropriate), its execution path is not changed. The error is
7941not converted to an exception. (See |:silent|.) So the only remaining cause
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007942where this happens is for scripts that don't care about errors and produce
7943error messages. You probably won't want to use such code from your new
7944scripts.
7945
7946 *except-syntax-err*
7947Syntax errors in the exception handling commands are never caught by any of
7948the ":catch" commands of the try conditional they belong to. Its finally
7949clauses, however, is executed.
7950 Example: >
7951
7952 :try
7953 : try
7954 : throw 4711
7955 : catch /\(/
7956 : echo "in catch with syntax error"
7957 : catch
7958 : echo "inner catch-all"
7959 : finally
7960 : echo "inner finally"
7961 : endtry
7962 :catch
7963 : echo 'outer catch-all caught "' . v:exception . '"'
7964 : finally
7965 : echo "outer finally"
7966 :endtry
7967
7968This displays: >
7969 inner finally
7970 outer catch-all caught "Vim(catch):E54: Unmatched \("
7971 outer finally
7972The original exception is discarded and an error exception is raised, instead.
7973
7974 *except-single-line*
7975The ":try", ":catch", ":finally", and ":endtry" commands can be put on
7976a single line, but then syntax errors may make it difficult to recognize the
7977"catch" line, thus you better avoid this.
7978 Example: >
7979 :try | unlet! foo # | catch | endtry
7980raises an error exception for the trailing characters after the ":unlet!"
7981argument, but does not see the ":catch" and ":endtry" commands, so that the
7982error exception is discarded and the "E488: Trailing characters" message gets
7983displayed.
7984
7985 *except-several-errors*
7986When several errors appear in a single command, the first error message is
7987usually the most specific one and therefor converted to the error exception.
7988 Example: >
7989 echo novar
7990causes >
7991 E121: Undefined variable: novar
7992 E15: Invalid expression: novar
7993The value of the error exception inside try conditionals is: >
7994 Vim(echo):E121: Undefined variable: novar
7995< *except-syntax-error*
7996But when a syntax error is detected after a normal error in the same command,
7997the syntax error is used for the exception being thrown.
7998 Example: >
7999 unlet novar #
8000causes >
8001 E108: No such variable: "novar"
8002 E488: Trailing characters
8003The value of the error exception inside try conditionals is: >
8004 Vim(unlet):E488: Trailing characters
8005This is done because the syntax error might change the execution path in a way
8006not intended by the user. Example: >
8007 try
8008 try | unlet novar # | catch | echo v:exception | endtry
8009 catch /.*/
8010 echo "outer catch:" v:exception
8011 endtry
8012This displays "outer catch: Vim(unlet):E488: Trailing characters", and then
8013a "E600: Missing :endtry" error message is given, see |except-single-line|.
8014
8015==============================================================================
80169. Examples *eval-examples*
8017
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008018Printing in Binary ~
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008019>
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01008020 :" The function Nr2Bin() returns the binary string representation of a number.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008021 :func Nr2Bin(nr)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008022 : let n = a:nr
8023 : let r = ""
8024 : while n
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008025 : let r = '01'[n % 2] . r
8026 : let n = n / 2
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008027 : endwhile
8028 : return r
8029 :endfunc
8030
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008031 :" The function String2Bin() converts each character in a string to a
8032 :" binary string, separated with dashes.
8033 :func String2Bin(str)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008034 : let out = ''
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008035 : for ix in range(strlen(a:str))
8036 : let out = out . '-' . Nr2Bin(char2nr(a:str[ix]))
8037 : endfor
8038 : return out[1:]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008039 :endfunc
8040
8041Example of its use: >
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008042 :echo Nr2Bin(32)
8043result: "100000" >
8044 :echo String2Bin("32")
8045result: "110011-110010"
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008046
8047
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008048Sorting lines ~
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008049
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008050This example sorts lines with a specific compare function. >
8051
8052 :func SortBuffer()
8053 : let lines = getline(1, '$')
8054 : call sort(lines, function("Strcmp"))
8055 : call setline(1, lines)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008056 :endfunction
8057
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008058As a one-liner: >
8059 :call setline(1, sort(getline(1, '$'), function("Strcmp")))
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008060
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008061
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008062scanf() replacement ~
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008063 *sscanf*
8064There is no sscanf() function in Vim. If you need to extract parts from a
8065line, you can use matchstr() and substitute() to do it. This example shows
8066how to get the file name, line number and column number out of a line like
8067"foobar.txt, 123, 45". >
8068 :" Set up the match bit
8069 :let mx='\(\f\+\),\s*\(\d\+\),\s*\(\d\+\)'
8070 :"get the part matching the whole expression
8071 :let l = matchstr(line, mx)
8072 :"get each item out of the match
8073 :let file = substitute(l, mx, '\1', '')
8074 :let lnum = substitute(l, mx, '\2', '')
8075 :let col = substitute(l, mx, '\3', '')
8076
8077The input is in the variable "line", the results in the variables "file",
8078"lnum" and "col". (idea from Michael Geddes)
8079
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008080
8081getting the scriptnames in a Dictionary ~
8082 *scriptnames-dictionary*
8083The |:scriptnames| command can be used to get a list of all script files that
8084have been sourced. There is no equivalent function or variable for this
8085(because it's rarely needed). In case you need to manipulate the list this
8086code can be used: >
8087 " Get the output of ":scriptnames" in the scriptnames_output variable.
8088 let scriptnames_output = ''
8089 redir => scriptnames_output
8090 silent scriptnames
8091 redir END
8092
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00008093 " Split the output into lines and parse each line. Add an entry to the
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008094 " "scripts" dictionary.
8095 let scripts = {}
8096 for line in split(scriptnames_output, "\n")
8097 " Only do non-blank lines.
8098 if line =~ '\S'
8099 " Get the first number in the line.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00008100 let nr = matchstr(line, '\d\+')
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008101 " Get the file name, remove the script number " 123: ".
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00008102 let name = substitute(line, '.\+:\s*', '', '')
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008103 " Add an item to the Dictionary
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00008104 let scripts[nr] = name
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008105 endif
8106 endfor
8107 unlet scriptnames_output
8108
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008109==============================================================================
811010. No +eval feature *no-eval-feature*
8111
8112When the |+eval| feature was disabled at compile time, none of the expression
8113evaluation commands are available. To prevent this from causing Vim scripts
8114to generate all kinds of errors, the ":if" and ":endif" commands are still
8115recognized, though the argument of the ":if" and everything between the ":if"
8116and the matching ":endif" is ignored. Nesting of ":if" blocks is allowed, but
8117only if the commands are at the start of the line. The ":else" command is not
8118recognized.
8119
8120Example of how to avoid executing commands when the |+eval| feature is
8121missing: >
8122
8123 :if 1
8124 : echo "Expression evaluation is compiled in"
8125 :else
8126 : echo "You will _never_ see this message"
8127 :endif
8128
8129==============================================================================
813011. The sandbox *eval-sandbox* *sandbox* *E48*
8131
8132The 'foldexpr', 'includeexpr', 'indentexpr', 'statusline' and 'foldtext'
8133options are evaluated in a sandbox. This means that you are protected from
8134these expressions having nasty side effects. This gives some safety for when
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00008135these options are set from a modeline. It is also used when the command from
Bram Moolenaarebefac62005-12-28 22:39:57 +00008136a tags file is executed and for CTRL-R = in the command line.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00008137The sandbox is also used for the |:sandbox| command.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008138
8139These items are not allowed in the sandbox:
8140 - changing the buffer text
8141 - defining or changing mapping, autocommands, functions, user commands
8142 - setting certain options (see |option-summary|)
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008143 - setting certain v: variables (see |v:var|) *E794*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008144 - executing a shell command
8145 - reading or writing a file
8146 - jumping to another buffer or editing a file
Bram Moolenaar4770d092006-01-12 23:22:24 +00008147 - executing Python, Perl, etc. commands
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00008148This is not guaranteed 100% secure, but it should block most attacks.
8149
8150 *:san* *:sandbox*
Bram Moolenaar045e82d2005-07-08 22:25:33 +00008151:san[dbox] {cmd} Execute {cmd} in the sandbox. Useful to evaluate an
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00008152 option that may have been set from a modeline, e.g.
8153 'foldexpr'.
8154
Bram Moolenaarb71eaae2006-01-20 23:10:18 +00008155 *sandbox-option*
8156A few options contain an expression. When this expression is evaluated it may
Bram Moolenaar9b2200a2006-03-20 21:55:45 +00008157have to be done in the sandbox to avoid a security risk. But the sandbox is
Bram Moolenaarb71eaae2006-01-20 23:10:18 +00008158restrictive, thus this only happens when the option was set from an insecure
8159location. Insecure in this context are:
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00008160- sourcing a .vimrc or .exrc in the current directory
Bram Moolenaarb71eaae2006-01-20 23:10:18 +00008161- while executing in the sandbox
8162- value coming from a modeline
8163
8164Note that when in the sandbox and saving an option value and restoring it, the
8165option will still be marked as it was set in the sandbox.
8166
8167==============================================================================
816812. Textlock *textlock*
8169
8170In a few situations it is not allowed to change the text in the buffer, jump
8171to another window and some other things that might confuse or break what Vim
8172is currently doing. This mostly applies to things that happen when Vim is
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00008173actually doing something else. For example, evaluating the 'balloonexpr' may
Bram Moolenaarb71eaae2006-01-20 23:10:18 +00008174happen any moment the mouse cursor is resting at some position.
8175
8176This is not allowed when the textlock is active:
8177 - changing the buffer text
8178 - jumping to another buffer or window
8179 - editing another file
8180 - closing a window or quitting Vim
8181 - etc.
8182
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008183
8184 vim:tw=78:ts=8:ft=help:norl: