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Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00001*eval.txt* For Vim version 7.0aa. Last change: 2005 Apr 04
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002
3
4 VIM REFERENCE MANUAL by Bram Moolenaar
5
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 Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +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 Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000031
32{Vi does not have any of these commands}
33
34==============================================================================
351. Variables *variables*
36
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000371.1 Variable types ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +000038 *E712*
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +000039There are four types of variables:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000040
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000041Number A 32 bit signed number.
42 Examples: -123 0x10 0177
43
44String A NUL terminated string of 8-bit unsigned characters (bytes).
45 Examples: "ab\txx\"--" 'x-z''a,c'
46
47Funcref A reference to a function |Funcref|.
48 Example: function("strlen")
49
50List An ordered sequence of items |List|.
51 Example: [1, 2, ['a', 'b']]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000052
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +000053The Number and String types are converted automatically, depending on how they
54are used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000055
56Conversion from a Number to a String is by making the ASCII representation of
57the Number. Examples: >
58 Number 123 --> String "123"
59 Number 0 --> String "0"
60 Number -1 --> String "-1"
61
62Conversion from a String to a Number is done by converting the first digits
63to a number. Hexadecimal "0xf9" and Octal "017" numbers are recognized. If
64the String doesn't start with digits, the result is zero. Examples: >
65 String "456" --> Number 456
66 String "6bar" --> Number 6
67 String "foo" --> Number 0
68 String "0xf1" --> Number 241
69 String "0100" --> Number 64
70 String "-8" --> Number -8
71 String "+8" --> Number 0
72
73To force conversion from String to Number, add zero to it: >
74 :echo "0100" + 0
75
76For boolean operators Numbers are used. Zero is FALSE, non-zero is TRUE.
77
78Note that in the command >
79 :if "foo"
80"foo" is converted to 0, which means FALSE. To test for a non-empty string,
81use strlen(): >
82 :if strlen("foo")
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +000083< *E745* *E728* *E703* *E729* *E730* *E731*
84List, Dictionary and Funcref types are not automatically converted.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +000085
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +000086 *E706*
87You will get an error if you try to change the type of a variable. You need
88to |:unlet| it first to avoid this error. String and Number are considered
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000089equivalent though. Consider this sequence of commands: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +000090 :let l = "string"
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +000091 :let l = 44 " changes type from String to Number
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +000092 :let l = [1, 2, 3] " error!
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +000093
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +000094
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000951.2 Function references ~
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +000096 *Funcref* *E695* *E718*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +000097A Funcref variable is obtained with the |function()| function. It can be used
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +000098in an expression in the place of a function name, before the parenthesis
99around the arguments, to invoke the function it refers to. Example: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000100
101 :let Fn = function("MyFunc")
102 :echo Fn()
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000103< *E704* *E705* *E707*
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000104A Funcref variable must start with a capital, "s:", "w:" or "b:". You cannot
105have both a Funcref variable and a function with the same name.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000106
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000107A special case is defining a function and directly assigning its Funcref to a
108Dictionary entry. Example: >
109 :function dict.init() dict
110 : let self.val = 0
111 :endfunction
112
113The key of the Dictionary can start with a lower case letter. The actual
114function name is not used here. Also see |numbered-function|.
115
116A Funcref can also be used with the |:call| command: >
117 :call Fn()
118 :call dict.init()
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000119
120The name of the referenced function can be obtained with |string()|. >
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000121 :let func = string(Fn)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000122
123You can use |call()| to invoke a Funcref and use a list variable for the
124arguments: >
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000125 :let r = call(Fn, mylist)
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000126
127
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00001281.3 Lists ~
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +0000129 *List* *Lists* *E686*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000130A List is an ordered sequence of items. An item can be of any type. Items
131can be accessed by their index number. Items can be added and removed at any
132position in the sequence.
133
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000134
135List creation ~
136 *E696* *E697*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000137A List is created with a comma separated list of items in square brackets.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000138Examples: >
139 :let mylist = [1, two, 3, "four"]
140 :let emptylist = []
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000141
142An item can be any expression. Using a List for an item creates a
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000143nested List: >
144 :let nestlist = [[11, 12], [21, 22], [31, 32]]
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000145
146An extra comma after the last item is ignored.
147
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000148
149List index ~
150 *list-index* *E684*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000151An item in the List can be accessed by putting the index in square brackets
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000152after the List. Indexes are zero-based, thus the first item has index zero. >
153 :let item = mylist[0] " get the first item: 1
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000154 :let item = mylist[2] " get the third item: 3
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000155
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000156When the resulting item is a list this can be repeated: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000157 :let item = nestlist[0][1] " get the first list, second item: 12
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000158<
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000159A negative index is counted from the end. Index -1 refers to the last item in
160the List, -2 to the last but one item, etc. >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000161 :let last = mylist[-1] " get the last item: "four"
162
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000163To avoid an error for an invalid index use the |get()| function. When an item
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000164is not available it returns zero or the default value you specify: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000165 :echo get(mylist, idx)
166 :echo get(mylist, idx, "NONE")
167
168
169List concatenation ~
170
171Two lists can be concatenated with the "+" operator: >
172 :let longlist = mylist + [5, 6]
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000173 :let mylist += [7, 8]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000174
175To prepend or append an item turn the item into a list by putting [] around
176it. To change a list in-place see |list-modification| below.
177
178
179Sublist ~
180
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000181A part of the List can be obtained by specifying the first and last index,
182separated by a colon in square brackets: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000183 :let shortlist = mylist[2:-1] " get List [3, "four"]
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000184
185Omitting the first index is similar to zero. Omitting the last index is
186similar to -1. The difference is that there is no error if the items are not
187available. >
Bram Moolenaar540d6e32005-01-09 21:20:18 +0000188 :let endlist = mylist[2:] " from item 2 to the end: [3, "four"]
189 :let shortlist = mylist[2:2] " List with one item: [3]
190 :let otherlist = mylist[:] " make a copy of the List
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000191
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000192The second index can be just before the first index. In that case the result
193is an empty list. If the second index is lower, this results in an error. >
194 :echo mylist[2:1] " result: []
195 :echo mylist[2:0] " error!
196
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000197
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000198List identity ~
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000199 *list-identity*
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000200When variable "aa" is a list and you assign it to another variable "bb", both
201variables refer to the same list. Thus changing the list "aa" will also
202change "bb": >
203 :let aa = [1, 2, 3]
204 :let bb = aa
205 :call add(aa, 4)
206 :echo bb
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000207< [1, 2, 3, 4]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000208
209Making a copy of a list is done with the |copy()| function. Using [:] also
210works, as explained above. This creates a shallow copy of the list: Changing
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000211a list item in the list will also change the item in the copied list: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000212 :let aa = [[1, 'a'], 2, 3]
213 :let bb = copy(aa)
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000214 :call add(aa, 4)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000215 :let aa[0][1] = 'aaa'
216 :echo aa
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000217< [[1, aaa], 2, 3, 4] >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000218 :echo bb
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000219< [[1, aaa], 2, 3]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000220
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000221To make a completely independent list use |deepcopy()|. This also makes a
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000222copy of the values in the list, recursively. Up to a hundred levels deep.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000223
224The operator "is" can be used to check if two variables refer to the same
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000225List. "isnot" does the opposite. In contrast "==" compares if two lists have
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000226the same value. >
227 :let alist = [1, 2, 3]
228 :let blist = [1, 2, 3]
229 :echo alist is blist
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000230< 0 >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000231 :echo alist == blist
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000232< 1
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000233
234
235List unpack ~
236
237To unpack the items in a list to individual variables, put the variables in
238square brackets, like list items: >
239 :let [var1, var2] = mylist
240
241When the number of variables does not match the number of items in the list
242this produces an error. To handle any extra items from the list append ";"
243and a variable name: >
244 :let [var1, var2; rest] = mylist
245
246This works like: >
247 :let var1 = mylist[0]
248 :let var2 = mylist[1]
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000249 :let rest = mylist[2:]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000250
251Except that there is no error if there are only two items. "rest" will be an
252empty list then.
253
254
255List modification ~
256 *list-modification*
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000257To change a specific item of a list use |:let| this way: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000258 :let list[4] = "four"
259 :let listlist[0][3] = item
260
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000261To change part of a list you can specify the first and last item to be
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000262modified. The value must at least have the number of items in the range: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000263 :let list[3:5] = [3, 4, 5]
264
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000265Adding and removing items from a list is done with functions. Here are a few
266examples: >
267 :call insert(list, 'a') " prepend item 'a'
268 :call insert(list, 'a', 3) " insert item 'a' before list[3]
269 :call add(list, "new") " append String item
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000270 :call add(list, [1, 2]) " append a List as one new item
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000271 :call extend(list, [1, 2]) " extend the list with two more items
272 :let i = remove(list, 3) " remove item 3
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +0000273 :unlet list[3] " idem
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000274 :let l = remove(list, 3, -1) " remove items 3 to last item
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +0000275 :unlet list[3 : ] " idem
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000276 :call filter(list, 'v:val !~ "x"') " remove items with an 'x'
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000277
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000278Changing the order of items in a list: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000279 :call sort(list) " sort a list alphabetically
280 :call reverse(list) " reverse the order of items
281
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000282
283For loop ~
284
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000285The |:for| loop executes commands for each item in a list. A variable is set
286to each item in the list in sequence. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000287 :for item in mylist
288 : call Doit(item)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000289 :endfor
290
291This works like: >
292 :let index = 0
293 :while index < len(mylist)
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000294 : let item = mylist[index]
295 : :call Doit(item)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000296 : let index = index + 1
297 :endwhile
298
299Note that all items in the list should be of the same type, otherwise this
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000300results in error |E706|. To avoid this |:unlet| the variable at the end of
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000301the loop.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000302
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000303If all you want to do is modify each item in the list then the |map()|
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000304function will be a simpler method than a for loop.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000305
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000306Just like the |:let| command, |:for| also accepts a list of variables. This
307requires the argument to be a list of lists. >
308 :for [lnum, col] in [[1, 3], [2, 8], [3, 0]]
309 : call Doit(lnum, col)
310 :endfor
311
312This works like a |:let| command is done for each list item. Again, the types
313must remain the same to avoid an error.
314
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000315It is also possible to put remaining items in a List variable: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000316 :for [i, j; rest] in listlist
317 : call Doit(i, j)
318 : if !empty(rest)
319 : echo "remainder: " . string(rest)
320 : endif
321 :endfor
322
323
324List functions ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000325 *E714*
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000326Functions that are useful with a List: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000327 :let r = call(funcname, list) " call a function with an argument list
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000328 :if empty(list) " check if list is empty
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000329 :let l = len(list) " number of items in list
330 :let big = max(list) " maximum value in list
331 :let small = min(list) " minimum value in list
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000332 :let xs = count(list, 'x') " count nr of times 'x' appears in list
333 :let i = index(list, 'x') " index of first 'x' in list
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000334 :let lines = getline(1, 10) " get ten text lines from buffer
335 :call append('$', lines) " append text lines in buffer
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000336 :let list = split("a b c") " create list from items in a string
337 :let string = join(list, ', ') " create string from list items
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000338 :let s = string(list) " String representation of list
339 :call map(list, '">> " . v:val') " prepend ">> " to each item
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000340
341
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003421.4 Dictionaries ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000343 *Dictionaries* *Dictionary*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000344A Dictionary is an associative array: Each entry has a key and a value. The
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000345entry can be located with the key. The entries are stored without a specific
346ordering.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000347
348
349Dictionary creation ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000350 *E720* *E721* *E722* *E723*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000351A Dictionary is created with a comma separated list of entries in curly
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000352braces. Each entry has a key and a value, separated by a colon. Each key can
353only appear once. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000354 :let mydict = {1: 'one', 2: 'two', 3: 'three'}
355 :let emptydict = {}
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000356< *E713* *E716* *E717*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000357A key is always a String. You can use a Number, it will be converted to a
358String automatically. Thus the String '4' and the number 4 will find the same
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000359entry. Note that the String '04' and the Number 04 are different, since the
360Number will be converted to the String '4'.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000361
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000362A value can be any expression. Using a Dictionary for a value creates a
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000363nested Dictionary: >
364 :let nestdict = {1: {11: 'a', 12: 'b'}, 2: {21: 'c'}}
365
366An extra comma after the last entry is ignored.
367
368
369Accessing entries ~
370
371The normal way to access an entry is by putting the key in square brackets: >
372 :let val = mydict["one"]
373 :let mydict["four"] = 4
374
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000375You can add new entries to an existing Dictionary this way, unlike Lists.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000376
377For keys that consist entirely of letters, digits and underscore the following
378form can be used |expr-entry|: >
379 :let val = mydict.one
380 :let mydict.four = 4
381
382Since an entry can be any type, also a List and a Dictionary, the indexing and
383key lookup can be repeated: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000384 :echo dict.key[idx].key
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000385
386
387Dictionary to List conversion ~
388
389You may want to loop over the entries in a dictionary. For this you need to
390turn the Dictionary into a List and pass it to |:for|.
391
392Most often you want to loop over the keys, using the |keys()| function: >
393 :for key in keys(mydict)
394 : echo key . ': ' . mydict[key]
395 :endfor
396
397The List of keys is unsorted. You may want to sort them first: >
398 :for key in sort(keys(mydict))
399
400To loop over the values use the |values()| function: >
401 :for v in values(mydict)
402 : echo "value: " . v
403 :endfor
404
405If you want both the key and the value use the |items()| function. It returns
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000406a List in which each item is a List with two items, the key and the value: >
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000407 :for entry in items(mydict)
408 : echo entry[0] . ': ' . entry[1]
409 :endfor
410
411
412Dictionary identity ~
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +0000413 *dict-identity*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000414Just like Lists you need to use |copy()| and |deepcopy()| to make a copy of a
415Dictionary. Otherwise, assignment results in referring to the same
416Dictionary: >
417 :let onedict = {'a': 1, 'b': 2}
418 :let adict = onedict
419 :let adict['a'] = 11
420 :echo onedict['a']
421 11
422
423For more info see |list-identity|.
424
425
426Dictionary modification ~
427 *dict-modification*
428To change an already existing entry of a Dictionary, or to add a new entry,
429use |:let| this way: >
430 :let dict[4] = "four"
431 :let dict['one'] = item
432
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +0000433Removing an entry from a Dictionary is done with |remove()| or |:unlet|.
434Three ways to remove the entry with key "aaa" from dict: >
435 :let i = remove(dict, 'aaa')
436 :unlet dict.aaa
437 :unlet dict['aaa']
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000438
439Merging a Dictionary with another is done with |extend()|: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000440 :call extend(adict, bdict)
441This extends adict with all entries from bdict. Duplicate keys cause entries
442in adict to be overwritten. An optional third argument can change this.
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000443Note that the order of entries in a Dictionary is irrelevant, thus don't
444expect ":echo adict" to show the items from bdict after the older entries in
445adict.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000446
447Weeding out entries from a Dictionary can be done with |filter()|: >
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +0000448 :call filter(dict 'v:val =~ "x"')
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000449This removes all entries from "dict" with a value not matching 'x'.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000450
451
452Dictionary function ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000453 *Dictionary-function* *self* *E725*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000454When a function is defined with the "dict" attribute it can be used in a
455special way with a dictionary. Example: >
456 :function Mylen() dict
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000457 : return len(self.data)
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000458 :endfunction
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000459 :let mydict = {'data': [0, 1, 2, 3], 'len': function("Mylen")}
460 :echo mydict.len()
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000461
462This is like a method in object oriented programming. The entry in the
463Dictionary is a |Funcref|. The local variable "self" refers to the dictionary
464the function was invoked from.
465
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000466It is also possible to add a function without the "dict" attribute as a
467Funcref to a Dictionary, but the "self" variable is not available then.
468
469 *numbered-function*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000470To avoid the extra name for the function it can be defined and directly
471assigned to a Dictionary in this way: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000472 :let mydict = {'data': [0, 1, 2, 3]}
473 :function mydict.len() dict
474 : return len(self.data)
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000475 :endfunction
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000476 :echo mydict.len()
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000477
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000478The function will then get a number and the value of dict.len is a |Funcref|
479that references this function. The function can only be used through a
480|Funcref|. It will automatically be deleted when there is no |Funcref|
481remaining that refers to it.
482
483It is not necessary to use the "dict" attribute for a numbered function.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000484
485
486Functions for Dictionaries ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000487 *E715*
488Functions that can be used with a Dictionary: >
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000489 :if has_key(dict, 'foo') " TRUE if dict has entry with key "foo"
490 :if empty(dict) " TRUE if dict is empty
491 :let l = len(dict) " number of items in dict
492 :let big = max(dict) " maximum value in dict
493 :let small = min(dict) " minimum value in dict
494 :let xs = count(dict, 'x') " count nr of times 'x' appears in dict
495 :let s = string(dict) " String representation of dict
496 :call map(dict, '">> " . v:val') " prepend ">> " to each item
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000497
498
4991.5 More about variables ~
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000500 *more-variables*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000501If you need to know the type of a variable or expression, use the |type()|
502function.
503
504When the '!' flag is included in the 'viminfo' option, global variables that
505start with an uppercase letter, and don't contain a lowercase letter, are
506stored in the viminfo file |viminfo-file|.
507
508When the 'sessionoptions' option contains "global", global variables that
509start with an uppercase letter and contain at least one lowercase letter are
510stored in the session file |session-file|.
511
512variable name can be stored where ~
513my_var_6 not
514My_Var_6 session file
515MY_VAR_6 viminfo file
516
517
518It's possible to form a variable name with curly braces, see
519|curly-braces-names|.
520
521==============================================================================
5222. Expression syntax *expression-syntax*
523
524Expression syntax summary, from least to most significant:
525
526|expr1| expr2 ? expr1 : expr1 if-then-else
527
528|expr2| expr3 || expr3 .. logical OR
529
530|expr3| expr4 && expr4 .. logical AND
531
532|expr4| expr5 == expr5 equal
533 expr5 != expr5 not equal
534 expr5 > expr5 greater than
535 expr5 >= expr5 greater than or equal
536 expr5 < expr5 smaller than
537 expr5 <= expr5 smaller than or equal
538 expr5 =~ expr5 regexp matches
539 expr5 !~ expr5 regexp doesn't match
540
541 expr5 ==? expr5 equal, ignoring case
542 expr5 ==# expr5 equal, match case
543 etc. As above, append ? for ignoring case, # for
544 matching case
545
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000546 expr5 is expr5 same List instance
547 expr5 isnot expr5 different List instance
548
549|expr5| expr6 + expr6 .. number addition or list concatenation
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000550 expr6 - expr6 .. number subtraction
551 expr6 . expr6 .. string concatenation
552
553|expr6| expr7 * expr7 .. number multiplication
554 expr7 / expr7 .. number division
555 expr7 % expr7 .. number modulo
556
557|expr7| ! expr7 logical NOT
558 - expr7 unary minus
559 + expr7 unary plus
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000560
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000561
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000562|expr8| expr8[expr1] byte of a String or item of a List
563 expr8[expr1 : expr1] substring of a String or sublist of a List
564 expr8.name entry in a Dictionary
565 expr8(expr1, ...) function call with Funcref variable
566
567|expr9| number number constant
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +0000568 "string" string constant, backslash is special
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000569 'string' string constant, ' is doubled
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000570 [expr1, ...] List
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000571 {expr1: expr1, ...} Dictionary
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000572 &option option value
573 (expr1) nested expression
574 variable internal variable
575 va{ria}ble internal variable with curly braces
576 $VAR environment variable
577 @r contents of register 'r'
578 function(expr1, ...) function call
579 func{ti}on(expr1, ...) function call with curly braces
580
581
582".." indicates that the operations in this level can be concatenated.
583Example: >
584 &nu || &list && &shell == "csh"
585
586All expressions within one level are parsed from left to right.
587
588
589expr1 *expr1* *E109*
590-----
591
592expr2 ? expr1 : expr1
593
594The expression before the '?' is evaluated to a number. If it evaluates to
595non-zero, the result is the value of the expression between the '?' and ':',
596otherwise the result is the value of the expression after the ':'.
597Example: >
598 :echo lnum == 1 ? "top" : lnum
599
600Since the first expression is an "expr2", it cannot contain another ?:. The
601other two expressions can, thus allow for recursive use of ?:.
602Example: >
603 :echo lnum == 1 ? "top" : lnum == 1000 ? "last" : lnum
604
605To keep this readable, using |line-continuation| is suggested: >
606 :echo lnum == 1
607 :\ ? "top"
608 :\ : lnum == 1000
609 :\ ? "last"
610 :\ : lnum
611
612
613expr2 and expr3 *expr2* *expr3*
614---------------
615
616 *expr-barbar* *expr-&&*
617The "||" and "&&" operators take one argument on each side. The arguments
618are (converted to) Numbers. The result is:
619
620 input output ~
621n1 n2 n1 || n2 n1 && n2 ~
622zero zero zero zero
623zero non-zero non-zero zero
624non-zero zero non-zero zero
625non-zero non-zero non-zero non-zero
626
627The operators can be concatenated, for example: >
628
629 &nu || &list && &shell == "csh"
630
631Note that "&&" takes precedence over "||", so this has the meaning of: >
632
633 &nu || (&list && &shell == "csh")
634
635Once the result is known, the expression "short-circuits", that is, further
636arguments are not evaluated. This is like what happens in C. For example: >
637
638 let a = 1
639 echo a || b
640
641This is valid even if there is no variable called "b" because "a" is non-zero,
642so the result must be non-zero. Similarly below: >
643
644 echo exists("b") && b == "yes"
645
646This is valid whether "b" has been defined or not. The second clause will
647only be evaluated if "b" has been defined.
648
649
650expr4 *expr4*
651-----
652
653expr5 {cmp} expr5
654
655Compare two expr5 expressions, resulting in a 0 if it evaluates to false, or 1
656if it evaluates to true.
657
658 *expr-==* *expr-!=* *expr->* *expr->=*
659 *expr-<* *expr-<=* *expr-=~* *expr-!~*
660 *expr-==#* *expr-!=#* *expr->#* *expr->=#*
661 *expr-<#* *expr-<=#* *expr-=~#* *expr-!~#*
662 *expr-==?* *expr-!=?* *expr->?* *expr->=?*
663 *expr-<?* *expr-<=?* *expr-=~?* *expr-!~?*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000664 *expr-is*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000665 use 'ignorecase' match case ignore case ~
666equal == ==# ==?
667not equal != !=# !=?
668greater than > ># >?
669greater than or equal >= >=# >=?
670smaller than < <# <?
671smaller than or equal <= <=# <=?
672regexp matches =~ =~# =~?
673regexp doesn't match !~ !~# !~?
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000674same instance is
675different instance isnot
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000676
677Examples:
678"abc" ==# "Abc" evaluates to 0
679"abc" ==? "Abc" evaluates to 1
680"abc" == "Abc" evaluates to 1 if 'ignorecase' is set, 0 otherwise
681
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000682 *E691* *E692*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000683A List can only be compared with a List and only "equal", "not equal" and "is"
684can be used. This compares the values of the list, recursively. Ignoring
685case means case is ignored when comparing item values.
686
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000687 *E735* *E736*
688A Dictionary can only be compared with a Dictionary and only "equal", "not
689equal" and "is" can be used. This compares the key/values of the Dictionary,
690recursively. Ignoring case means case is ignored when comparing item values.
691
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000692 *E693* *E694*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000693A Funcref can only be compared with a Funcref and only "equal" and "not equal"
694can be used. Case is never ignored.
695
696When using "is" or "isnot" with a List this checks if the expressions are
697referring to the same List instance. A copy of a List is different from the
698original List. When using "is" without a List it is equivalent to using
699"equal", using "isnot" equivalent to using "not equal". Except that a
700different type means the values are different. "4 == '4'" is true, "4 is '4'"
701is false.
702
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000703When comparing a String with a Number, the String is converted to a Number,
704and the comparison is done on Numbers. This means that "0 == 'x'" is TRUE,
705because 'x' converted to a Number is zero.
706
707When comparing two Strings, this is done with strcmp() or stricmp(). This
708results in the mathematical difference (comparing byte values), not
709necessarily the alphabetical difference in the local language.
710
711When using the operators with a trailing '#", or the short version and
712'ignorecase' is off, the comparing is done with strcmp().
713
714When using the operators with a trailing '?', or the short version and
715'ignorecase' is set, the comparing is done with stricmp().
716
717The "=~" and "!~" operators match the lefthand argument with the righthand
718argument, which is used as a pattern. See |pattern| for what a pattern is.
719This matching is always done like 'magic' was set and 'cpoptions' is empty, no
720matter what the actual value of 'magic' or 'cpoptions' is. This makes scripts
721portable. To avoid backslashes in the regexp pattern to be doubled, use a
722single-quote string, see |literal-string|.
723Since a string is considered to be a single line, a multi-line pattern
724(containing \n, backslash-n) will not match. However, a literal NL character
725can be matched like an ordinary character. Examples:
726 "foo\nbar" =~ "\n" evaluates to 1
727 "foo\nbar" =~ "\\n" evaluates to 0
728
729
730expr5 and expr6 *expr5* *expr6*
731---------------
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000732expr6 + expr6 .. Number addition or List concatenation *expr-+*
733expr6 - expr6 .. Number subtraction *expr--*
734expr6 . expr6 .. String concatenation *expr-.*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000735
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000736For Lists only "+" is possible and then both expr6 must be a list. The result
737is a new list with the two lists Concatenated.
738
739expr7 * expr7 .. number multiplication *expr-star*
740expr7 / expr7 .. number division *expr-/*
741expr7 % expr7 .. number modulo *expr-%*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000742
743For all, except ".", Strings are converted to Numbers.
744
745Note the difference between "+" and ".":
746 "123" + "456" = 579
747 "123" . "456" = "123456"
748
749When the righthand side of '/' is zero, the result is 0x7fffffff.
750When the righthand side of '%' is zero, the result is 0.
751
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000752None of these work for Funcrefs.
753
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000754
755expr7 *expr7*
756-----
757! expr7 logical NOT *expr-!*
758- expr7 unary minus *expr-unary--*
759+ expr7 unary plus *expr-unary-+*
760
761For '!' non-zero becomes zero, zero becomes one.
762For '-' the sign of the number is changed.
763For '+' the number is unchanged.
764
765A String will be converted to a Number first.
766
767These three can be repeated and mixed. Examples:
768 !-1 == 0
769 !!8 == 1
770 --9 == 9
771
772
773expr8 *expr8*
774-----
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000775expr8[expr1] item of String or List *expr-[]* *E111*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000776
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000777If expr8 is a Number or String this results in a String that contains the
778expr1'th single byte from expr8. expr8 is used as a String, expr1 as a
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000779Number. Note that this doesn't recognize multi-byte encodings.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000780
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000781Index zero gives the first character. This is like it works in C. Careful:
782text column numbers start with one! Example, to get the character under the
783cursor: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000784 :let c = getline(line("."))[col(".") - 1]
785
786If the length of the String is less than the index, the result is an empty
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000787String. A negative index always results in an empty string (reason: backwards
788compatibility). Use [-1:] to get the last byte.
789
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000790If expr8 is a List then it results the item at index expr1. See |list-index|
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000791for possible index values. If the index is out of range this results in an
792error. Example: >
793 :let item = mylist[-1] " get last item
794
795Generally, if a List index is equal to or higher than the length of the List,
796or more negative than the length of the List, this results in an error.
797
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000798
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000799expr8[expr1a : expr1b] substring or sublist *expr-[:]*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000800
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000801If expr8 is a Number or String this results in the substring with the bytes
802from expr1a to and including expr1b. expr8 is used as a String, expr1a and
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000803expr1b are used as a Number. Note that this doesn't recognize multi-byte
804encodings.
805
806If expr1a is omitted zero is used. If expr1b is omitted the length of the
807string minus one is used.
808
809A negative number can be used to measure from the end of the string. -1 is
810the last character, -2 the last but one, etc.
811
812If an index goes out of range for the string characters are omitted. If
813expr1b is smaller than expr1a the result is an empty string.
814
815Examples: >
816 :let c = name[-1:] " last byte of a string
817 :let c = name[-2:-2] " last but one byte of a string
818 :let s = line(".")[4:] " from the fifth byte to the end
819 :let s = s[:-3] " remove last two bytes
820
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000821If expr8 is a List this results in a new List with the items indicated by the
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000822indexes expr1a and expr1b. This works like with a String, as explained just
823above, except that indexes out of range cause an error. Examples: >
824 :let l = mylist[:3] " first four items
825 :let l = mylist[4:4] " List with one item
826 :let l = mylist[:] " shallow copy of a List
827
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000828Using expr8[expr1] or expr8[expr1a : expr1b] on a Funcref results in an error.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000829
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000830
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000831expr8.name entry in a Dictionary *expr-entry*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000832
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000833If expr8 is a Dictionary and it is followed by a dot, then the following name
834will be used as a key in the Dictionary. This is just like: expr8[name].
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000835
836The name must consist of alphanumeric characters, just like a variable name,
837but it may start with a number. Curly braces cannot be used.
838
839There must not be white space before or after the dot.
840
841Examples: >
842 :let dict = {"one": 1, 2: "two"}
843 :echo dict.one
844 :echo dict .2
845
846Note that the dot is also used for String concatenation. To avoid confusion
847always put spaces around the dot for String concatenation.
848
849
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000850expr8(expr1, ...) Funcref function call
851
852When expr8 is a |Funcref| type variable, invoke the function it refers to.
853
854
855
856 *expr9*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000857number
858------
859number number constant *expr-number*
860
861Decimal, Hexadecimal (starting with 0x or 0X), or Octal (starting with 0).
862
863
864string *expr-string* *E114*
865------
866"string" string constant *expr-quote*
867
868Note that double quotes are used.
869
870A string constant accepts these special characters:
871\... three-digit octal number (e.g., "\316")
872\.. two-digit octal number (must be followed by non-digit)
873\. one-digit octal number (must be followed by non-digit)
874\x.. byte specified with two hex numbers (e.g., "\x1f")
875\x. byte specified with one hex number (must be followed by non-hex char)
876\X.. same as \x..
877\X. same as \x.
878\u.... character specified with up to 4 hex numbers, stored according to the
879 current value of 'encoding' (e.g., "\u02a4")
880\U.... same as \u....
881\b backspace <BS>
882\e escape <Esc>
883\f formfeed <FF>
884\n newline <NL>
885\r return <CR>
886\t tab <Tab>
887\\ backslash
888\" double quote
889\<xxx> Special key named "xxx". e.g. "\<C-W>" for CTRL-W.
890
891Note that "\000" and "\x00" force the end of the string.
892
893
894literal-string *literal-string* *E115*
895---------------
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +0000896'string' string constant *expr-'*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000897
898Note that single quotes are used.
899
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +0000900This string is taken as it is. No backslashes are removed or have a special
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000901meaning. The only exception is that two quotes stand for one quote.
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +0000902
903Single quoted strings are useful for patterns, so that backslashes do not need
904to be doubled. These two commands are equivalent: >
905 if a =~ "\\s*"
906 if a =~ '\s*'
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000907
908
909option *expr-option* *E112* *E113*
910------
911&option option value, local value if possible
912&g:option global option value
913&l:option local option value
914
915Examples: >
916 echo "tabstop is " . &tabstop
917 if &insertmode
918
919Any option name can be used here. See |options|. When using the local value
920and there is no buffer-local or window-local value, the global value is used
921anyway.
922
923
924register *expr-register*
925--------
926@r contents of register 'r'
927
928The result is the contents of the named register, as a single string.
929Newlines are inserted where required. To get the contents of the unnamed
930register use @" or @@. The '=' register can not be used here. See
931|registers| for an explanation of the available registers.
932
933
934nesting *expr-nesting* *E110*
935-------
936(expr1) nested expression
937
938
939environment variable *expr-env*
940--------------------
941$VAR environment variable
942
943The String value of any environment variable. When it is not defined, the
944result is an empty string.
945 *expr-env-expand*
946Note that there is a difference between using $VAR directly and using
947expand("$VAR"). Using it directly will only expand environment variables that
948are known inside the current Vim session. Using expand() will first try using
949the environment variables known inside the current Vim session. If that
950fails, a shell will be used to expand the variable. This can be slow, but it
951does expand all variables that the shell knows about. Example: >
952 :echo $version
953 :echo expand("$version")
954The first one probably doesn't echo anything, the second echoes the $version
955variable (if your shell supports it).
956
957
958internal variable *expr-variable*
959-----------------
960variable internal variable
961See below |internal-variables|.
962
963
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +0000964function call *expr-function* *E116* *E118* *E119* *E120*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000965-------------
966function(expr1, ...) function call
967See below |functions|.
968
969
970==============================================================================
9713. Internal variable *internal-variables* *E121*
972 *E461*
973An internal variable name can be made up of letters, digits and '_'. But it
974cannot start with a digit. It's also possible to use curly braces, see
975|curly-braces-names|.
976
977An internal variable is created with the ":let" command |:let|.
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000978An internal variable is explicitly destroyed with the ":unlet" command
979|:unlet|.
980Using a name that is not an internal variable or refers to a variable that has
981been destroyed results in an error.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000982
983There are several name spaces for variables. Which one is to be used is
984specified by what is prepended:
985
986 (nothing) In a function: local to a function; otherwise: global
987|buffer-variable| b: Local to the current buffer.
988|window-variable| w: Local to the current window.
989|global-variable| g: Global.
990|local-variable| l: Local to a function.
991|script-variable| s: Local to a |:source|'ed Vim script.
992|function-argument| a: Function argument (only inside a function).
993|vim-variable| v: Global, predefined by Vim.
994
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +0000995The scope name by itself can be used as a Dictionary. For example, to delete
996all script-local variables: >
997 :for k in keys(s:)
998 : unlet s:[k]
999 :endfor
1000<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001001 *buffer-variable* *b:var*
1002A variable name that is preceded with "b:" is local to the current buffer.
1003Thus you can have several "b:foo" variables, one for each buffer.
1004This kind of variable is deleted when the buffer is wiped out or deleted with
1005|:bdelete|.
1006
1007One local buffer variable is predefined:
1008 *b:changedtick-variable* *changetick*
1009b:changedtick The total number of changes to the current buffer. It is
1010 incremented for each change. An undo command is also a change
1011 in this case. This can be used to perform an action only when
1012 the buffer has changed. Example: >
1013 :if my_changedtick != b:changedtick
1014 : let my_changedtick = b:changedtick
1015 : call My_Update()
1016 :endif
1017<
1018 *window-variable* *w:var*
1019A variable name that is preceded with "w:" is local to the current window. It
1020is deleted when the window is closed.
1021
1022 *global-variable* *g:var*
1023Inside functions global variables are accessed with "g:". Omitting this will
1024access a variable local to a function. But "g:" can also be used in any other
1025place if you like.
1026
1027 *local-variable* *l:var*
1028Inside functions local variables are accessed without prepending anything.
1029But you can also prepend "l:" if you like.
1030
1031 *script-variable* *s:var*
1032In a Vim script variables starting with "s:" can be used. They cannot be
1033accessed from outside of the scripts, thus are local to the script.
1034
1035They can be used in:
1036- commands executed while the script is sourced
1037- functions defined in the script
1038- autocommands defined in the script
1039- functions and autocommands defined in functions and autocommands which were
1040 defined in the script (recursively)
1041- user defined commands defined in the script
1042Thus not in:
1043- other scripts sourced from this one
1044- mappings
1045- etc.
1046
1047script variables can be used to avoid conflicts with global variable names.
1048Take this example:
1049
1050 let s:counter = 0
1051 function MyCounter()
1052 let s:counter = s:counter + 1
1053 echo s:counter
1054 endfunction
1055 command Tick call MyCounter()
1056
1057You can now invoke "Tick" from any script, and the "s:counter" variable in
1058that script will not be changed, only the "s:counter" in the script where
1059"Tick" was defined is used.
1060
1061Another example that does the same: >
1062
1063 let s:counter = 0
1064 command Tick let s:counter = s:counter + 1 | echo s:counter
1065
1066When calling a function and invoking a user-defined command, the context for
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001067script variables is set to the script where the function or command was
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001068defined.
1069
1070The script variables are also available when a function is defined inside a
1071function that is defined in a script. Example: >
1072
1073 let s:counter = 0
1074 function StartCounting(incr)
1075 if a:incr
1076 function MyCounter()
1077 let s:counter = s:counter + 1
1078 endfunction
1079 else
1080 function MyCounter()
1081 let s:counter = s:counter - 1
1082 endfunction
1083 endif
1084 endfunction
1085
1086This defines the MyCounter() function either for counting up or counting down
1087when calling StartCounting(). It doesn't matter from where StartCounting() is
1088called, the s:counter variable will be accessible in MyCounter().
1089
1090When the same script is sourced again it will use the same script variables.
1091They will remain valid as long as Vim is running. This can be used to
1092maintain a counter: >
1093
1094 if !exists("s:counter")
1095 let s:counter = 1
1096 echo "script executed for the first time"
1097 else
1098 let s:counter = s:counter + 1
1099 echo "script executed " . s:counter . " times now"
1100 endif
1101
1102Note that this means that filetype plugins don't get a different set of script
1103variables for each buffer. Use local buffer variables instead |b:var|.
1104
1105
1106Predefined Vim variables: *vim-variable* *v:var*
1107
Bram Moolenaare4efc3b2005-03-07 23:16:51 +00001108 *v:beval_col* *beval_col-variable*
1109v:beval_col The number of the column, over which the mouse pointer is.
1110 This is the byte index in the |v:beval_lnum| line.
1111 Only valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1112
1113 *v:beval_bufnr* *beval_bufnr-variable*
1114v:beval_bufnr The number of the buffer, over which the mouse pointer is. Only
1115 valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1116
1117 *v:beval_lnum* *beval_lnum-variable*
1118v:beval_lnum The number of the line, over which the mouse pointer is. Only
1119 valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1120
1121 *v:beval_text* *beval_text-variable*
1122v:beval_text The text under or after the mouse pointer. Usually a word as it is
1123 useful for debugging a C program. 'iskeyword' applies, but a
1124 dot and "->" before the position is included. When on a ']'
1125 the text before it is used, including the matching '[' and
1126 word before it. When on a Visual area within one line the
1127 highlighted text is used.
1128 Only valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1129
1130 *v:beval_winnr* *beval_winnr-variable*
1131v:beval_winnr The number of the window, over which the mouse pointer is. Only
1132 valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1133
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001134 *v:charconvert_from* *charconvert_from-variable*
1135v:charconvert_from
1136 The name of the character encoding of a file to be converted.
1137 Only valid while evaluating the 'charconvert' option.
1138
1139 *v:charconvert_to* *charconvert_to-variable*
1140v:charconvert_to
1141 The name of the character encoding of a file after conversion.
1142 Only valid while evaluating the 'charconvert' option.
1143
1144 *v:cmdarg* *cmdarg-variable*
1145v:cmdarg This variable is used for two purposes:
1146 1. The extra arguments given to a file read/write command.
1147 Currently these are "++enc=" and "++ff=". This variable is
1148 set before an autocommand event for a file read/write
1149 command is triggered. There is a leading space to make it
1150 possible to append this variable directly after the
1151 read/write command. Note: The "+cmd" argument isn't
1152 included here, because it will be executed anyway.
1153 2. When printing a PostScript file with ":hardcopy" this is
1154 the argument for the ":hardcopy" command. This can be used
1155 in 'printexpr'.
1156
1157 *v:cmdbang* *cmdbang-variable*
1158v:cmdbang Set like v:cmdarg for a file read/write command. When a "!"
1159 was used the value is 1, otherwise it is 0. Note that this
1160 can only be used in autocommands. For user commands |<bang>|
1161 can be used.
1162
1163 *v:count* *count-variable*
1164v:count The count given for the last Normal mode command. Can be used
1165 to get the count before a mapping. Read-only. Example: >
1166 :map _x :<C-U>echo "the count is " . v:count<CR>
1167< Note: The <C-U> is required to remove the line range that you
1168 get when typing ':' after a count.
1169 "count" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1170
1171 *v:count1* *count1-variable*
1172v:count1 Just like "v:count", but defaults to one when no count is
1173 used.
1174
1175 *v:ctype* *ctype-variable*
1176v:ctype The current locale setting for characters of the runtime
1177 environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the
1178 current locale encoding. Technical: it's the value of
1179 LC_CTYPE. When not using a locale the value is "C".
1180 This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language|
1181 command.
1182 See |multi-lang|.
1183
1184 *v:dying* *dying-variable*
1185v:dying Normally zero. When a deadly signal is caught it's set to
1186 one. When multiple signals are caught the number increases.
1187 Can be used in an autocommand to check if Vim didn't
1188 terminate normally. {only works on Unix}
1189 Example: >
1190 :au VimLeave * if v:dying | echo "\nAAAAaaaarrrggghhhh!!!\n" | endif
1191<
1192 *v:errmsg* *errmsg-variable*
1193v:errmsg Last given error message. It's allowed to set this variable.
1194 Example: >
1195 :let v:errmsg = ""
1196 :silent! next
1197 :if v:errmsg != ""
1198 : ... handle error
1199< "errmsg" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1200
1201 *v:exception* *exception-variable*
1202v:exception The value of the exception most recently caught and not
1203 finished. See also |v:throwpoint| and |throw-variables|.
1204 Example: >
1205 :try
1206 : throw "oops"
1207 :catch /.*/
1208 : echo "caught" v:exception
1209 :endtry
1210< Output: "caught oops".
1211
Bram Moolenaar19a09a12005-03-04 23:39:37 +00001212 *v:fcs_reason* *fcs_reason-variable*
1213v:fcs_reason The reason why the |FileChangedShell| event was triggered.
1214 Can be used in an autocommand to decide what to do and/or what
1215 to set v:fcs_choice to. Possible values:
1216 deleted file no longer exists
1217 conflict file contents, mode or timestamp was
1218 changed and buffer is modified
1219 changed file contents has changed
1220 mode mode of file changed
1221 time only file timestamp changed
1222
1223 *v:fcs_choice* *fcs_choice-variable*
1224v:fcs_choice What should happen after a |FileChangedShell| event was
1225 triggered. Can be used in an autocommand to tell Vim what to
1226 do with the affected buffer:
1227 reload Reload the buffer (does not work if
1228 the file was deleted).
1229 ask Ask the user what to do, as if there
1230 was no autocommand. Except that when
1231 only the timestamp changed nothing
1232 will happen.
1233 <empty> Nothing, the autocommand should do
1234 everything that needs to be done.
1235 The default is empty. If another (invalid) value is used then
1236 Vim behaves like it is empty, there is no warning message.
1237
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001238 *v:fname_in* *fname_in-variable*
1239v:fname_in The name of the input file. Only valid while evaluating:
1240 option used for ~
1241 'charconvert' file to be converted
1242 'diffexpr' original file
1243 'patchexpr' original file
1244 'printexpr' file to be printed
1245
1246 *v:fname_out* *fname_out-variable*
1247v:fname_out The name of the output file. Only valid while
1248 evaluating:
1249 option used for ~
1250 'charconvert' resulting converted file (*)
1251 'diffexpr' output of diff
1252 'patchexpr' resulting patched file
1253 (*) When doing conversion for a write command (e.g., ":w
1254 file") it will be equal to v:fname_in. When doing conversion
1255 for a read command (e.g., ":e file") it will be a temporary
1256 file and different from v:fname_in.
1257
1258 *v:fname_new* *fname_new-variable*
1259v:fname_new The name of the new version of the file. Only valid while
1260 evaluating 'diffexpr'.
1261
1262 *v:fname_diff* *fname_diff-variable*
1263v:fname_diff The name of the diff (patch) file. Only valid while
1264 evaluating 'patchexpr'.
1265
1266 *v:folddashes* *folddashes-variable*
1267v:folddashes Used for 'foldtext': dashes representing foldlevel of a closed
1268 fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001269 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001270
1271 *v:foldlevel* *foldlevel-variable*
1272v:foldlevel Used for 'foldtext': foldlevel of closed fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001273 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001274
1275 *v:foldend* *foldend-variable*
1276v:foldend Used for 'foldtext': last line of closed fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001277 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001278
1279 *v:foldstart* *foldstart-variable*
1280v:foldstart Used for 'foldtext': first line of closed fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001281 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001282
Bram Moolenaar843ee412004-06-30 16:16:41 +00001283 *v:insertmode* *insertmode-variable*
1284v:insertmode Used for the |InsertEnter| and |InsertChange| autocommand
1285 events. Values:
1286 i Insert mode
1287 r Replace mode
1288 v Virtual Replace mode
1289
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001290 *v:key* *key-variable*
1291v:key Key of the current item of a Dictionary. Only valid while
1292 evaluating the expression used with |map()| and |filter()|.
1293 Read-only.
1294
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001295 *v:lang* *lang-variable*
1296v:lang The current locale setting for messages of the runtime
1297 environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the
1298 current language. Technical: it's the value of LC_MESSAGES.
1299 The value is system dependent.
1300 This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language|
1301 command.
1302 It can be different from |v:ctype| when messages are desired
1303 in a different language than what is used for character
1304 encoding. See |multi-lang|.
1305
1306 *v:lc_time* *lc_time-variable*
1307v:lc_time The current locale setting for time messages of the runtime
1308 environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the
1309 current language. Technical: it's the value of LC_TIME.
1310 This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language|
1311 command. See |multi-lang|.
1312
1313 *v:lnum* *lnum-variable*
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001314v:lnum Line number for the 'foldexpr' |fold-expr| and 'indentexpr'
1315 expressions. Only valid while one of these expressions is
1316 being evaluated. Read-only when in the |sandbox|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001317
1318 *v:prevcount* *prevcount-variable*
1319v:prevcount The count given for the last but one Normal mode command.
1320 This is the v:count value of the previous command. Useful if
1321 you want to cancel Visual mode and then use the count. >
1322 :vmap % <Esc>:call MyFilter(v:prevcount)<CR>
1323< Read-only.
1324
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00001325 *v:profiling* *profiling-variable*
1326v:profiling Normally zero. Set to one after using ":profile start".
1327 See |profiling|.
1328
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001329 *v:progname* *progname-variable*
1330v:progname Contains the name (with path removed) with which Vim was
1331 invoked. Allows you to do special initialisations for "view",
1332 "evim" etc., or any other name you might symlink to Vim.
1333 Read-only.
1334
1335 *v:register* *register-variable*
1336v:register The name of the register supplied to the last normal mode
1337 command. Empty if none were supplied. |getreg()| |setreg()|
1338
1339 *v:servername* *servername-variable*
1340v:servername The resulting registered |x11-clientserver| name if any.
1341 Read-only.
1342
1343 *v:shell_error* *shell_error-variable*
1344v:shell_error Result of the last shell command. When non-zero, the last
1345 shell command had an error. When zero, there was no problem.
1346 This only works when the shell returns the error code to Vim.
1347 The value -1 is often used when the command could not be
1348 executed. Read-only.
1349 Example: >
1350 :!mv foo bar
1351 :if v:shell_error
1352 : echo 'could not rename "foo" to "bar"!'
1353 :endif
1354< "shell_error" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1355
1356 *v:statusmsg* *statusmsg-variable*
1357v:statusmsg Last given status message. It's allowed to set this variable.
1358
1359 *v:termresponse* *termresponse-variable*
1360v:termresponse The escape sequence returned by the terminal for the |t_RV|
1361 termcap entry. It is set when Vim receives an escape sequence
1362 that starts with ESC [ or CSI and ends in a 'c', with only
1363 digits, ';' and '.' in between.
1364 When this option is set, the TermResponse autocommand event is
1365 fired, so that you can react to the response from the
1366 terminal.
1367 The response from a new xterm is: "<Esc>[ Pp ; Pv ; Pc c". Pp
1368 is the terminal type: 0 for vt100 and 1 for vt220. Pv is the
1369 patch level (since this was introduced in patch 95, it's
1370 always 95 or bigger). Pc is always zero.
1371 {only when compiled with |+termresponse| feature}
1372
1373 *v:this_session* *this_session-variable*
1374v:this_session Full filename of the last loaded or saved session file. See
1375 |:mksession|. It is allowed to set this variable. When no
1376 session file has been saved, this variable is empty.
1377 "this_session" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1378
1379 *v:throwpoint* *throwpoint-variable*
1380v:throwpoint The point where the exception most recently caught and not
1381 finished was thrown. Not set when commands are typed. See
1382 also |v:exception| and |throw-variables|.
1383 Example: >
1384 :try
1385 : throw "oops"
1386 :catch /.*/
1387 : echo "Exception from" v:throwpoint
1388 :endtry
1389< Output: "Exception from test.vim, line 2"
1390
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001391 *v:val* *val-variable*
1392v:val Value of the current item of a List or Dictionary. Only valid
1393 while evaluating the expression used with |map()| and
1394 |filter()|. Read-only.
1395
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001396 *v:version* *version-variable*
1397v:version Version number of Vim: Major version number times 100 plus
1398 minor version number. Version 5.0 is 500. Version 5.1 (5.01)
1399 is 501. Read-only. "version" also works, for backwards
1400 compatibility.
1401 Use |has()| to check if a certain patch was included, e.g.: >
1402 if has("patch123")
1403< Note that patch numbers are specific to the version, thus both
1404 version 5.0 and 5.1 may have a patch 123, but these are
1405 completely different.
1406
1407 *v:warningmsg* *warningmsg-variable*
1408v:warningmsg Last given warning message. It's allowed to set this variable.
1409
1410==============================================================================
14114. Builtin Functions *functions*
1412
1413See |function-list| for a list grouped by what the function is used for.
1414
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00001415(Use CTRL-] on the function name to jump to the full explanation.)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001416
1417USAGE RESULT DESCRIPTION ~
1418
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001419add( {list}, {item}) List append {item} to List {list}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001420append( {lnum}, {string}) Number append {string} below line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00001421append( {lnum}, {list}) Number append lines {list} below line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001422argc() Number number of files in the argument list
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001423argidx() Number current index in the argument list
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001424argv( {nr}) String {nr} entry of the argument list
1425browse( {save}, {title}, {initdir}, {default})
1426 String put up a file requester
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001427browsedir( {title}, {initdir}) String put up a directory requester
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001428bufexists( {expr}) Number TRUE if buffer {expr} exists
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001429buflisted( {expr}) Number TRUE if buffer {expr} is listed
1430bufloaded( {expr}) Number TRUE if buffer {expr} is loaded
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001431bufname( {expr}) String Name of the buffer {expr}
1432bufnr( {expr}) Number Number of the buffer {expr}
1433bufwinnr( {expr}) Number window number of buffer {expr}
1434byte2line( {byte}) Number line number at byte count {byte}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001435byteidx( {expr}, {nr}) Number byte index of {nr}'th char in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001436call( {func}, {arglist} [, {dict}])
1437 any call {func} with arguments {arglist}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001438char2nr( {expr}) Number ASCII value of first char in {expr}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001439cindent( {lnum}) Number C indent for line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001440col( {expr}) Number column nr of cursor or mark
1441confirm( {msg} [, {choices} [, {default} [, {type}]]])
1442 Number number of choice picked by user
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001443copy( {expr}) any make a shallow copy of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001444count( {list}, {expr} [, {start} [, {ic}]])
1445 Number count how many {expr} are in {list}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001446cscope_connection( [{num} , {dbpath} [, {prepend}]])
1447 Number checks existence of cscope connection
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001448cursor( {lnum}, {col}) Number position cursor at {lnum}, {col}
1449deepcopy( {expr}) any make a full copy of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001450delete( {fname}) Number delete file {fname}
1451did_filetype() Number TRUE if FileType autocommand event used
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001452diff_filler( {lnum}) Number diff filler lines about {lnum}
1453diff_hlID( {lnum}, {col}) Number diff highlighting at {lnum}/{col}
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00001454empty( {expr}) Number TRUE if {expr} is empty
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001455escape( {string}, {chars}) String escape {chars} in {string} with '\'
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00001456eval( {string}) any evaluate {string} into its value
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001457eventhandler( ) Number TRUE if inside an event handler
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001458executable( {expr}) Number 1 if executable {expr} exists
1459exists( {expr}) Number TRUE if {expr} exists
1460expand( {expr}) String expand special keywords in {expr}
1461filereadable( {file}) Number TRUE if {file} is a readable file
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001462filter( {expr}, {string}) List/Dict remove items from {expr} where
1463 {string} is 0
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001464finddir( {name}[, {path}[, {count}]])
1465 String Find directory {name} in {path}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001466findfile( {name}[, {path}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001467 String Find file {name} in {path}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001468filewritable( {file}) Number TRUE if {file} is a writable file
1469fnamemodify( {fname}, {mods}) String modify file name
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001470foldclosed( {lnum}) Number first line of fold at {lnum} if closed
1471foldclosedend( {lnum}) Number last line of fold at {lnum} if closed
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001472foldlevel( {lnum}) Number fold level at {lnum}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001473foldtext( ) String line displayed for closed fold
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001474foreground( ) Number bring the Vim window to the foreground
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001475function( {name}) Funcref reference to function {name}
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001476get( {list}, {idx} [, {def}]) any get item {idx} from {list} or {def}
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001477get( {dict}, {key} [, {def}]) any get item {key} from {dict} or {def}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001478getchar( [expr]) Number get one character from the user
1479getcharmod( ) Number modifiers for the last typed character
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001480getbufvar( {expr}, {varname}) variable {varname} in buffer {expr}
1481getcmdline() String return the current command-line
1482getcmdpos() Number return cursor position in command-line
1483getcwd() String the current working directory
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00001484getfperm( {fname}) String file permissions of file {fname}
1485getfsize( {fname}) Number size in bytes of file {fname}
Bram Moolenaard8b0cf12004-12-12 11:33:30 +00001486getfontname( [{name}]) String name of font being used
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001487getftime( {fname}) Number last modification time of file
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00001488getftype( {fname}) String description of type of file {fname}
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00001489getline( {lnum}) String line {lnum} of current buffer
1490getline( {lnum}, {end}) List lines {lnum} to {end} of current buffer
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00001491getqflist() List list of quickfix items
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001492getreg( [{regname}]) String contents of register
1493getregtype( [{regname}]) String type of register
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001494getwinposx() Number X coord in pixels of GUI Vim window
1495getwinposy() Number Y coord in pixels of GUI Vim window
1496getwinvar( {nr}, {varname}) variable {varname} in window {nr}
1497glob( {expr}) String expand file wildcards in {expr}
1498globpath( {path}, {expr}) String do glob({expr}) for all dirs in {path}
1499has( {feature}) Number TRUE if feature {feature} supported
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001500has_key( {dict}, {key}) Number TRUE if {dict} has entry {key}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001501hasmapto( {what} [, {mode}]) Number TRUE if mapping to {what} exists
1502histadd( {history},{item}) String add an item to a history
1503histdel( {history} [, {item}]) String remove an item from a history
1504histget( {history} [, {index}]) String get the item {index} from a history
1505histnr( {history}) Number highest index of a history
1506hlexists( {name}) Number TRUE if highlight group {name} exists
1507hlID( {name}) Number syntax ID of highlight group {name}
1508hostname() String name of the machine Vim is running on
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001509iconv( {expr}, {from}, {to}) String convert encoding of {expr}
1510indent( {lnum}) Number indent of line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001511index( {list}, {expr} [, {start} [, {ic}]])
1512 Number index in {list} where {expr} appears
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001513input( {prompt} [, {text}]) String get input from the user
1514inputdialog( {p} [, {t} [, {c}]]) String like input() but in a GUI dialog
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001515inputrestore() Number restore typeahead
1516inputsave() Number save and clear typeahead
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001517inputsecret( {prompt} [, {text}]) String like input() but hiding the text
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001518insert( {list}, {item} [, {idx}]) List insert {item} in {list} [before {idx}]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001519isdirectory( {directory}) Number TRUE if {directory} is a directory
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00001520islocked( {expr}) Number TRUE if {expr} is locked
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00001521items( {dict}) List List of key-value pairs in {dict}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001522join( {list} [, {sep}]) String join {list} items into one String
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00001523keys( {dict}) List List of keys in {dict}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001524len( {expr}) Number the length of {expr}
1525libcall( {lib}, {func}, {arg}) String call {func} in library {lib} with {arg}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001526libcallnr( {lib}, {func}, {arg}) Number idem, but return a Number
1527line( {expr}) Number line nr of cursor, last line or mark
1528line2byte( {lnum}) Number byte count of line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001529lispindent( {lnum}) Number Lisp indent for line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001530localtime() Number current time
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001531map( {expr}, {string}) List/Dict change each item in {expr} to {expr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001532maparg( {name}[, {mode}]) String rhs of mapping {name} in mode {mode}
1533mapcheck( {name}[, {mode}]) String check for mappings matching {name}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001534match( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001535 Number position where {pat} matches in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001536matchend( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001537 Number position where {pat} ends in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00001538matchlist( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
1539 List match and submatches of {pat} in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001540matchstr( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
1541 String {count}'th match of {pat} in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00001542max({list}) Number maximum value of items in {list}
1543min({list}) Number minumum value of items in {list}
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00001544mkdir({name} [, {path} [, {prot}]])
1545 Number create directory {name}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001546mode() String current editing mode
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001547nextnonblank( {lnum}) Number line nr of non-blank line >= {lnum}
1548nr2char( {expr}) String single char with ASCII value {expr}
1549prevnonblank( {lnum}) Number line nr of non-blank line <= {lnum}
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00001550range( {expr} [, {max} [, {stride}]])
1551 List items from {expr} to {max}
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00001552readfile({fname} [, {binary} [, {max}]])
1553 List get list of lines from file {fname}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001554remote_expr( {server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
1555 String send expression
1556remote_foreground( {server}) Number bring Vim server to the foreground
1557remote_peek( {serverid} [, {retvar}])
1558 Number check for reply string
1559remote_read( {serverid}) String read reply string
1560remote_send( {server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
1561 String send key sequence
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00001562remove( {list}, {idx} [, {end}]) any remove items {idx}-{end} from {list}
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00001563remove( {dict}, {key}) any remove entry {key} from {dict}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001564rename( {from}, {to}) Number rename (move) file from {from} to {to}
1565repeat( {expr}, {count}) String repeat {expr} {count} times
1566resolve( {filename}) String get filename a shortcut points to
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001567reverse( {list}) List reverse {list} in-place
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001568search( {pattern} [, {flags}]) Number search for {pattern}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001569searchpair( {start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip}]])
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001570 Number search for other end of start/end pair
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001571server2client( {clientid}, {string})
1572 Number send reply string
1573serverlist() String get a list of available servers
1574setbufvar( {expr}, {varname}, {val}) set {varname} in buffer {expr} to {val}
1575setcmdpos( {pos}) Number set cursor position in command-line
1576setline( {lnum}, {line}) Number set line {lnum} to {line}
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00001577setqflist( {list} ) Number set list of quickfix items using {list}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001578setreg( {n}, {v}[, {opt}]) Number set register to value and type
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001579setwinvar( {nr}, {varname}, {val}) set {varname} in window {nr} to {val}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001580simplify( {filename}) String simplify filename as much as possible
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001581sort( {list} [, {func}]) List sort {list}, using {func} to compare
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001582split( {expr} [, {pat}]) List make List from {pat} separated {expr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001583strftime( {format}[, {time}]) String time in specified format
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00001584stridx( {haystack}, {needle}[, {start}])
1585 Number index of {needle} in {haystack}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001586string( {expr}) String String representation of {expr} value
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001587strlen( {expr}) Number length of the String {expr}
1588strpart( {src}, {start}[, {len}])
1589 String {len} characters of {src} at {start}
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00001590strridx( {haystack}, {needle} [, {start}])
1591 Number last index of {needle} in {haystack}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001592strtrans( {expr}) String translate string to make it printable
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001593submatch( {nr}) String specific match in ":substitute"
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001594substitute( {expr}, {pat}, {sub}, {flags})
1595 String all {pat} in {expr} replaced with {sub}
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00001596synID( {lnum}, {col}, {trans}) Number syntax ID at {lnum} and {col}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001597synIDattr( {synID}, {what} [, {mode}])
1598 String attribute {what} of syntax ID {synID}
1599synIDtrans( {synID}) Number translated syntax ID of {synID}
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00001600system( {expr} [, {input}]) String output of shell command/filter {expr}
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00001601taglist({expr}) List list of tags matching {expr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001602tempname() String name for a temporary file
1603tolower( {expr}) String the String {expr} switched to lowercase
1604toupper( {expr}) String the String {expr} switched to uppercase
Bram Moolenaar8299df92004-07-10 09:47:34 +00001605tr( {src}, {fromstr}, {tostr}) String translate chars of {src} in {fromstr}
1606 to chars in {tostr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001607type( {name}) Number type of variable {name}
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00001608values( {dict}) List List of values in {dict}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001609virtcol( {expr}) Number screen column of cursor or mark
1610visualmode( [expr]) String last visual mode used
1611winbufnr( {nr}) Number buffer number of window {nr}
1612wincol() Number window column of the cursor
1613winheight( {nr}) Number height of window {nr}
1614winline() Number window line of the cursor
1615winnr() Number number of current window
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001616winrestcmd() String returns command to restore window sizes
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001617winwidth( {nr}) Number width of window {nr}
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00001618writefile({list}, {fname} [, {binary}])
1619 Number write list of lines to file {fname}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001620
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001621add({list}, {expr}) *add()*
1622 Append the item {expr} to List {list}. Returns the resulting
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00001623 List. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001624 :let alist = add([1, 2, 3], item)
1625 :call add(mylist, "woodstock")
1626< Note that when {expr} is a List it is appended as a single
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001627 item. Use |extend()| to concatenate Lists.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00001628 Use |insert()| to add an item at another position.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001629
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001630
1631append({lnum}, {expr}) *append()*
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00001632 When {expr} is a List: Append each item of the List as a text
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001633 line below line {lnum} in the current buffer.
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00001634 Otherwise append {expr} as one text line below line {lnum} in
1635 the current buffer.
1636 {lnum} can be zero to insert a line before the first one.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001637 Returns 1 for failure ({lnum} out of range or out of memory),
1638 0 for success. Example: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001639 :let failed = append(line('$'), "# THE END")
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001640 :let failed = append(0, ["Chapter 1", "the beginning"])
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001641<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001642 *argc()*
1643argc() The result is the number of files in the argument list of the
1644 current window. See |arglist|.
1645
1646 *argidx()*
1647argidx() The result is the current index in the argument list. 0 is
1648 the first file. argc() - 1 is the last one. See |arglist|.
1649
1650 *argv()*
1651argv({nr}) The result is the {nr}th file in the argument list of the
1652 current window. See |arglist|. "argv(0)" is the first one.
1653 Example: >
1654 :let i = 0
1655 :while i < argc()
1656 : let f = escape(argv(i), '. ')
1657 : exe 'amenu Arg.' . f . ' :e ' . f . '<CR>'
1658 : let i = i + 1
1659 :endwhile
1660<
1661 *browse()*
1662browse({save}, {title}, {initdir}, {default})
1663 Put up a file requester. This only works when "has("browse")"
1664 returns non-zero (only in some GUI versions).
1665 The input fields are:
1666 {save} when non-zero, select file to write
1667 {title} title for the requester
1668 {initdir} directory to start browsing in
1669 {default} default file name
1670 When the "Cancel" button is hit, something went wrong, or
1671 browsing is not possible, an empty string is returned.
1672
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001673 *browsedir()*
1674browsedir({title}, {initdir})
1675 Put up a directory requester. This only works when
1676 "has("browse")" returns non-zero (only in some GUI versions).
1677 On systems where a directory browser is not supported a file
1678 browser is used. In that case: select a file in the directory
1679 to be used.
1680 The input fields are:
1681 {title} title for the requester
1682 {initdir} directory to start browsing in
1683 When the "Cancel" button is hit, something went wrong, or
1684 browsing is not possible, an empty string is returned.
1685
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001686bufexists({expr}) *bufexists()*
1687 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a buffer called
1688 {expr} exists.
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001689 If the {expr} argument is a number, buffer numbers are used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001690 If the {expr} argument is a string it must match a buffer name
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001691 exactly. The name can be:
1692 - Relative to the current directory.
1693 - A full path.
1694 - The name of a buffer with 'filetype' set to "nofile".
1695 - A URL name.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001696 Unlisted buffers will be found.
1697 Note that help files are listed by their short name in the
1698 output of |:buffers|, but bufexists() requires using their
1699 long name to be able to find them.
1700 Use "bufexists(0)" to test for the existence of an alternate
1701 file name.
1702 *buffer_exists()*
1703 Obsolete name: buffer_exists().
1704
1705buflisted({expr}) *buflisted()*
1706 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a buffer called
1707 {expr} exists and is listed (has the 'buflisted' option set).
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001708 The {expr} argument is used like with |bufexists()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001709
1710bufloaded({expr}) *bufloaded()*
1711 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a buffer called
1712 {expr} exists and is loaded (shown in a window or hidden).
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001713 The {expr} argument is used like with |bufexists()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001714
1715bufname({expr}) *bufname()*
1716 The result is the name of a buffer, as it is displayed by the
1717 ":ls" command.
1718 If {expr} is a Number, that buffer number's name is given.
1719 Number zero is the alternate buffer for the current window.
1720 If {expr} is a String, it is used as a |file-pattern| to match
1721 with the buffer names. This is always done like 'magic' is
1722 set and 'cpoptions' is empty. When there is more than one
1723 match an empty string is returned.
1724 "" or "%" can be used for the current buffer, "#" for the
1725 alternate buffer.
1726 A full match is preferred, otherwise a match at the start, end
1727 or middle of the buffer name is accepted.
1728 Listed buffers are found first. If there is a single match
1729 with a listed buffer, that one is returned. Next unlisted
1730 buffers are searched for.
1731 If the {expr} is a String, but you want to use it as a buffer
1732 number, force it to be a Number by adding zero to it: >
1733 :echo bufname("3" + 0)
1734< If the buffer doesn't exist, or doesn't have a name, an empty
1735 string is returned. >
1736 bufname("#") alternate buffer name
1737 bufname(3) name of buffer 3
1738 bufname("%") name of current buffer
1739 bufname("file2") name of buffer where "file2" matches.
1740< *buffer_name()*
1741 Obsolete name: buffer_name().
1742
1743 *bufnr()*
1744bufnr({expr}) The result is the number of a buffer, as it is displayed by
1745 the ":ls" command. For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()|
1746 above. If the buffer doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
1747 bufnr("$") is the last buffer: >
1748 :let last_buffer = bufnr("$")
1749< The result is a Number, which is the highest buffer number
1750 of existing buffers. Note that not all buffers with a smaller
1751 number necessarily exist, because ":bwipeout" may have removed
1752 them. Use bufexists() to test for the existence of a buffer.
1753 *buffer_number()*
1754 Obsolete name: buffer_number().
1755 *last_buffer_nr()*
1756 Obsolete name for bufnr("$"): last_buffer_nr().
1757
1758bufwinnr({expr}) *bufwinnr()*
1759 The result is a Number, which is the number of the first
1760 window associated with buffer {expr}. For the use of {expr},
1761 see |bufname()| above. If buffer {expr} doesn't exist or
1762 there is no such window, -1 is returned. Example: >
1763
1764 echo "A window containing buffer 1 is " . (bufwinnr(1))
1765
1766< The number can be used with |CTRL-W_w| and ":wincmd w"
1767 |:wincmd|.
1768
1769
1770byte2line({byte}) *byte2line()*
1771 Return the line number that contains the character at byte
1772 count {byte} in the current buffer. This includes the
1773 end-of-line character, depending on the 'fileformat' option
1774 for the current buffer. The first character has byte count
1775 one.
1776 Also see |line2byte()|, |go| and |:goto|.
1777 {not available when compiled without the |+byte_offset|
1778 feature}
1779
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00001780byteidx({expr}, {nr}) *byteidx()*
1781 Return byte index of the {nr}'th character in the string
1782 {expr}. Use zero for the first character, it returns zero.
1783 This function is only useful when there are multibyte
1784 characters, otherwise the returned value is equal to {nr}.
1785 Composing characters are counted as a separate character.
1786 Example : >
1787 echo matchstr(str, ".", byteidx(str, 3))
1788< will display the fourth character. Another way to do the
1789 same: >
1790 let s = strpart(str, byteidx(str, 3))
1791 echo strpart(s, 0, byteidx(s, 1))
1792< If there are less than {nr} characters -1 is returned.
1793 If there are exactly {nr} characters the length of the string
1794 is returned.
1795
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001796call({func}, {arglist} [, {dict}]) *call()* *E699*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00001797 Call function {func} with the items in List {arglist} as
1798 arguments.
1799 {func} can either be a Funcref or the name of a function.
1800 a:firstline and a:lastline are set to the cursor line.
1801 Returns the return value of the called function.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001802 {dict} is for functions with the "dict" attribute. It will be
1803 used to set the local variable "self". |Dictionary-function|
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00001804
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001805char2nr({expr}) *char2nr()*
1806 Return number value of the first char in {expr}. Examples: >
1807 char2nr(" ") returns 32
1808 char2nr("ABC") returns 65
1809< The current 'encoding' is used. Example for "utf-8": >
1810 char2nr("á") returns 225
1811 char2nr("á"[0]) returns 195
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00001812< nr2char() does the opposite.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001813
1814cindent({lnum}) *cindent()*
1815 Get the amount of indent for line {lnum} according the C
1816 indenting rules, as with 'cindent'.
1817 The indent is counted in spaces, the value of 'tabstop' is
1818 relevant. {lnum} is used just like in |getline()|.
1819 When {lnum} is invalid or Vim was not compiled the |+cindent|
1820 feature, -1 is returned.
1821
1822 *col()*
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00001823col({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the byte index of the column
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001824 position given with {expr}. The accepted positions are:
1825 . the cursor position
1826 $ the end of the cursor line (the result is the
1827 number of characters in the cursor line plus one)
1828 'x position of mark x (if the mark is not set, 0 is
1829 returned)
1830 For the screen column position use |virtcol()|.
1831 Note that only marks in the current file can be used.
1832 Examples: >
1833 col(".") column of cursor
1834 col("$") length of cursor line plus one
1835 col("'t") column of mark t
1836 col("'" . markname) column of mark markname
1837< The first column is 1. 0 is returned for an error.
1838 For the cursor position, when 'virtualedit' is active, the
1839 column is one higher if the cursor is after the end of the
1840 line. This can be used to obtain the column in Insert mode: >
1841 :imap <F2> <C-O>:let save_ve = &ve<CR>
1842 \<C-O>:set ve=all<CR>
1843 \<C-O>:echo col(".") . "\n" <Bar>
1844 \let &ve = save_ve<CR>
1845<
1846 *confirm()*
1847confirm({msg} [, {choices} [, {default} [, {type}]]])
1848 Confirm() offers the user a dialog, from which a choice can be
1849 made. It returns the number of the choice. For the first
1850 choice this is 1.
1851 Note: confirm() is only supported when compiled with dialog
1852 support, see |+dialog_con| and |+dialog_gui|.
1853 {msg} is displayed in a |dialog| with {choices} as the
1854 alternatives. When {choices} is missing or empty, "&OK" is
1855 used (and translated).
1856 {msg} is a String, use '\n' to include a newline. Only on
1857 some systems the string is wrapped when it doesn't fit.
1858 {choices} is a String, with the individual choices separated
1859 by '\n', e.g. >
1860 confirm("Save changes?", "&Yes\n&No\n&Cancel")
1861< The letter after the '&' is the shortcut key for that choice.
1862 Thus you can type 'c' to select "Cancel". The shortcut does
1863 not need to be the first letter: >
1864 confirm("file has been modified", "&Save\nSave &All")
1865< For the console, the first letter of each choice is used as
1866 the default shortcut key.
1867 The optional {default} argument is the number of the choice
1868 that is made if the user hits <CR>. Use 1 to make the first
1869 choice the default one. Use 0 to not set a default. If
1870 {default} is omitted, 1 is used.
1871 The optional {type} argument gives the type of dialog. This
1872 is only used for the icon of the Win32 GUI. It can be one of
1873 these values: "Error", "Question", "Info", "Warning" or
1874 "Generic". Only the first character is relevant. When {type}
1875 is omitted, "Generic" is used.
1876 If the user aborts the dialog by pressing <Esc>, CTRL-C,
1877 or another valid interrupt key, confirm() returns 0.
1878
1879 An example: >
1880 :let choice = confirm("What do you want?", "&Apples\n&Oranges\n&Bananas", 2)
1881 :if choice == 0
1882 : echo "make up your mind!"
1883 :elseif choice == 3
1884 : echo "tasteful"
1885 :else
1886 : echo "I prefer bananas myself."
1887 :endif
1888< In a GUI dialog, buttons are used. The layout of the buttons
1889 depends on the 'v' flag in 'guioptions'. If it is included,
1890 the buttons are always put vertically. Otherwise, confirm()
1891 tries to put the buttons in one horizontal line. If they
1892 don't fit, a vertical layout is used anyway. For some systems
1893 the horizontal layout is always used.
1894
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001895 *copy()*
1896copy({expr}) Make a copy of {expr}. For Numbers and Strings this isn't
1897 different from using {expr} directly.
1898 When {expr} is a List a shallow copy is created. This means
1899 that the original List can be changed without changing the
1900 copy, and vise versa. But the items are identical, thus
1901 changing an item changes the contents of both Lists. Also see
1902 |deepcopy()|.
1903
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001904count({comp}, {expr} [, {ic} [, {start}]]) *count()*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00001905 Return the number of times an item with value {expr} appears
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001906 in List or Dictionary {comp}.
1907 If {start} is given then start with the item with this index.
1908 {start} can only be used with a List.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00001909 When {ic} is given and it's non-zero then case is ignored.
1910
1911
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001912 *cscope_connection()*
1913cscope_connection([{num} , {dbpath} [, {prepend}]])
1914 Checks for the existence of a |cscope| connection. If no
1915 parameters are specified, then the function returns:
1916 0, if cscope was not available (not compiled in), or
1917 if there are no cscope connections;
1918 1, if there is at least one cscope connection.
1919
1920 If parameters are specified, then the value of {num}
1921 determines how existence of a cscope connection is checked:
1922
1923 {num} Description of existence check
1924 ----- ------------------------------
1925 0 Same as no parameters (e.g., "cscope_connection()").
1926 1 Ignore {prepend}, and use partial string matches for
1927 {dbpath}.
1928 2 Ignore {prepend}, and use exact string matches for
1929 {dbpath}.
1930 3 Use {prepend}, use partial string matches for both
1931 {dbpath} and {prepend}.
1932 4 Use {prepend}, use exact string matches for both
1933 {dbpath} and {prepend}.
1934
1935 Note: All string comparisons are case sensitive!
1936
1937 Examples. Suppose we had the following (from ":cs show"): >
1938
1939 # pid database name prepend path
1940 0 27664 cscope.out /usr/local
1941<
1942 Invocation Return Val ~
1943 ---------- ---------- >
1944 cscope_connection() 1
1945 cscope_connection(1, "out") 1
1946 cscope_connection(2, "out") 0
1947 cscope_connection(3, "out") 0
1948 cscope_connection(3, "out", "local") 1
1949 cscope_connection(4, "out") 0
1950 cscope_connection(4, "out", "local") 0
1951 cscope_connection(4, "cscope.out", "/usr/local") 1
1952<
1953cursor({lnum}, {col}) *cursor()*
1954 Positions the cursor at the column {col} in the line {lnum}.
1955 Does not change the jumplist.
1956 If {lnum} is greater than the number of lines in the buffer,
1957 the cursor will be positioned at the last line in the buffer.
1958 If {lnum} is zero, the cursor will stay in the current line.
1959 If {col} is greater than the number of characters in the line,
1960 the cursor will be positioned at the last character in the
1961 line.
1962 If {col} is zero, the cursor will stay in the current column.
1963
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001964
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00001965deepcopy({expr}[, {noref}]) *deepcopy()* *E698*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001966 Make a copy of {expr}. For Numbers and Strings this isn't
1967 different from using {expr} directly.
1968 When {expr} is a List a full copy is created. This means
1969 that the original List can be changed without changing the
1970 copy, and vise versa. When an item is a List, a copy for it
1971 is made, recursively. Thus changing an item in the copy does
1972 not change the contents of the original List.
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00001973 When {noref} is omitted or zero a contained List or Dictionary
1974 is only copied once. All references point to this single
1975 copy. With {noref} set to 1 every occurrence of a List or
1976 Dictionary results in a new copy. This also means that a
1977 cyclic reference causes deepcopy() to fail.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00001978 *E724*
1979 Nesting is possible up to 100 levels. When there is an item
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00001980 that refers back to a higher level making a deep copy with
1981 {noref} set to 1 will fail.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001982 Also see |copy()|.
1983
1984delete({fname}) *delete()*
1985 Deletes the file by the name {fname}. The result is a Number,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001986 which is 0 if the file was deleted successfully, and non-zero
1987 when the deletion failed.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001988 Use |remove()| to delete an item from a List.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001989
1990 *did_filetype()*
1991did_filetype() Returns non-zero when autocommands are being executed and the
1992 FileType event has been triggered at least once. Can be used
1993 to avoid triggering the FileType event again in the scripts
1994 that detect the file type. |FileType|
1995 When editing another file, the counter is reset, thus this
1996 really checks if the FileType event has been triggered for the
1997 current buffer. This allows an autocommand that starts
1998 editing another buffer to set 'filetype' and load a syntax
1999 file.
2000
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00002001diff_filler({lnum}) *diff_filler()*
2002 Returns the number of filler lines above line {lnum}.
2003 These are the lines that were inserted at this point in
2004 another diff'ed window. These filler lines are shown in the
2005 display but don't exist in the buffer.
2006 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current
2007 line, "'m" mark m, etc.
2008 Returns 0 if the current window is not in diff mode.
2009
2010diff_hlID({lnum}, {col}) *diff_hlID()*
2011 Returns the highlight ID for diff mode at line {lnum} column
2012 {col} (byte index). When the current line does not have a
2013 diff change zero is returned.
2014 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current
2015 line, "'m" mark m, etc.
2016 {col} is 1 for the leftmost column, {lnum} is 1 for the first
2017 line.
2018 The highlight ID can be used with |synIDattr()| to obtain
2019 syntax information about the highlighting.
2020
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00002021empty({expr}) *empty()*
2022 Return the Number 1 if {expr} is empty, zero otherwise.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002023 A List or Dictionary is empty when it does not have any items.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00002024 A Number is empty when its value is zero.
2025 For a long List this is much faster then comparing the length
2026 with zero.
2027
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002028escape({string}, {chars}) *escape()*
2029 Escape the characters in {chars} that occur in {string} with a
2030 backslash. Example: >
2031 :echo escape('c:\program files\vim', ' \')
2032< results in: >
2033 c:\\program\ files\\vim
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002034
2035< *eval()*
2036eval({string}) Evaluate {string} and return the result. Especially useful to
2037 turn the result of |string()| back into the original value.
2038 This works for Numbers, Strings and composites of them.
2039 Also works for Funcrefs that refer to existing functions.
2040
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002041eventhandler() *eventhandler()*
2042 Returns 1 when inside an event handler. That is that Vim got
2043 interrupted while waiting for the user to type a character,
2044 e.g., when dropping a file on Vim. This means interactive
2045 commands cannot be used. Otherwise zero is returned.
2046
2047executable({expr}) *executable()*
2048 This function checks if an executable with the name {expr}
2049 exists. {expr} must be the name of the program without any
Bram Moolenaarf4b8e572004-06-24 15:53:16 +00002050 arguments.
2051 executable() uses the value of $PATH and/or the normal
2052 searchpath for programs. *PATHEXT*
2053 On MS-DOS and MS-Windows the ".exe", ".bat", etc. can
2054 optionally be included. Then the extensions in $PATHEXT are
2055 tried. Thus if "foo.exe" does not exist, "foo.exe.bat" can be
2056 found. If $PATHEXT is not set then ".exe;.com;.bat;.cmd" is
2057 used. A dot by itself can be used in $PATHEXT to try using
2058 the name without an extension. When 'shell' looks like a
2059 Unix shell, then the name is also tried without adding an
2060 extension.
2061 On MS-DOS and MS-Windows it only checks if the file exists and
2062 is not a directory, not if it's really executable.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002063 The result is a Number:
2064 1 exists
2065 0 does not exist
2066 -1 not implemented on this system
2067
2068 *exists()*
2069exists({expr}) The result is a Number, which is non-zero if {expr} is
2070 defined, zero otherwise. The {expr} argument is a string,
2071 which contains one of these:
2072 &option-name Vim option (only checks if it exists,
2073 not if it really works)
2074 +option-name Vim option that works.
2075 $ENVNAME environment variable (could also be
2076 done by comparing with an empty
2077 string)
2078 *funcname built-in function (see |functions|)
2079 or user defined function (see
2080 |user-functions|).
2081 varname internal variable (see
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00002082 |internal-variables|). Also works
2083 for |curly-braces-names|, Dictionary
2084 entries, List items, etc. Beware that
2085 this may cause functions to be
2086 invoked cause an error message for an
2087 invalid expression.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002088 :cmdname Ex command: built-in command, user
2089 command or command modifier |:command|.
2090 Returns:
2091 1 for match with start of a command
2092 2 full match with a command
2093 3 matches several user commands
2094 To check for a supported command
2095 always check the return value to be 2.
2096 #event autocommand defined for this event
2097 #event#pattern autocommand defined for this event and
2098 pattern (the pattern is taken
2099 literally and compared to the
2100 autocommand patterns character by
2101 character)
2102 For checking for a supported feature use |has()|.
2103
2104 Examples: >
2105 exists("&shortname")
2106 exists("$HOSTNAME")
2107 exists("*strftime")
2108 exists("*s:MyFunc")
2109 exists("bufcount")
2110 exists(":Make")
2111 exists("#CursorHold");
2112 exists("#BufReadPre#*.gz")
2113< There must be no space between the symbol (&/$/*/#) and the
2114 name.
2115 Note that the argument must be a string, not the name of the
2116 variable itself! For example: >
2117 exists(bufcount)
2118< This doesn't check for existence of the "bufcount" variable,
2119 but gets the contents of "bufcount", and checks if that
2120 exists.
2121
2122expand({expr} [, {flag}]) *expand()*
2123 Expand wildcards and the following special keywords in {expr}.
2124 The result is a String.
2125
2126 When there are several matches, they are separated by <NL>
2127 characters. [Note: in version 5.0 a space was used, which
2128 caused problems when a file name contains a space]
2129
2130 If the expansion fails, the result is an empty string. A name
2131 for a non-existing file is not included.
2132
2133 When {expr} starts with '%', '#' or '<', the expansion is done
2134 like for the |cmdline-special| variables with their associated
2135 modifiers. Here is a short overview:
2136
2137 % current file name
2138 # alternate file name
2139 #n alternate file name n
2140 <cfile> file name under the cursor
2141 <afile> autocmd file name
2142 <abuf> autocmd buffer number (as a String!)
2143 <amatch> autocmd matched name
2144 <sfile> sourced script file name
2145 <cword> word under the cursor
2146 <cWORD> WORD under the cursor
2147 <client> the {clientid} of the last received
2148 message |server2client()|
2149 Modifiers:
2150 :p expand to full path
2151 :h head (last path component removed)
2152 :t tail (last path component only)
2153 :r root (one extension removed)
2154 :e extension only
2155
2156 Example: >
2157 :let &tags = expand("%:p:h") . "/tags"
2158< Note that when expanding a string that starts with '%', '#' or
2159 '<', any following text is ignored. This does NOT work: >
2160 :let doesntwork = expand("%:h.bak")
2161< Use this: >
2162 :let doeswork = expand("%:h") . ".bak"
2163< Also note that expanding "<cfile>" and others only returns the
2164 referenced file name without further expansion. If "<cfile>"
2165 is "~/.cshrc", you need to do another expand() to have the
2166 "~/" expanded into the path of the home directory: >
2167 :echo expand(expand("<cfile>"))
2168<
2169 There cannot be white space between the variables and the
2170 following modifier. The |fnamemodify()| function can be used
2171 to modify normal file names.
2172
2173 When using '%' or '#', and the current or alternate file name
2174 is not defined, an empty string is used. Using "%:p" in a
2175 buffer with no name, results in the current directory, with a
2176 '/' added.
2177
2178 When {expr} does not start with '%', '#' or '<', it is
2179 expanded like a file name is expanded on the command line.
2180 'suffixes' and 'wildignore' are used, unless the optional
2181 {flag} argument is given and it is non-zero. Names for
2182 non-existing files are included.
2183
2184 Expand() can also be used to expand variables and environment
2185 variables that are only known in a shell. But this can be
2186 slow, because a shell must be started. See |expr-env-expand|.
2187 The expanded variable is still handled like a list of file
2188 names. When an environment variable cannot be expanded, it is
2189 left unchanged. Thus ":echo expand('$FOOBAR')" results in
2190 "$FOOBAR".
2191
2192 See |glob()| for finding existing files. See |system()| for
2193 getting the raw output of an external command.
2194
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002195extend({expr1}, {expr2} [, {expr3}]) *extend()*
2196 {expr1} and {expr2} must be both Lists or both Dictionaries.
2197
2198 If they are Lists: Append {expr2} to {expr1}.
2199 If {expr3} is given insert the items of {expr2} before item
2200 {expr3} in {expr1}. When {expr3} is zero insert before the
2201 first item. When {expr3} is equal to len({expr1}) then
2202 {expr2} is appended.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002203 Examples: >
2204 :echo sort(extend(mylist, [7, 5]))
2205 :call extend(mylist, [2, 3], 1)
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002206< Use |add()| to concatenate one item to a list. To concatenate
2207 two lists into a new list use the + operator: >
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002208 :let newlist = [1, 2, 3] + [4, 5]
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002209<
2210 If they are Dictionaries:
2211 Add all entries from {expr2} to {expr1}.
2212 If a key exists in both {expr1} and {expr2} then {expr3} is
2213 used to decide what to do:
2214 {expr3} = "keep": keep the value of {expr1}
2215 {expr3} = "force": use the value of {expr2}
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +00002216 {expr3} = "error": give an error message *E737*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002217 When {expr3} is omitted then "force" is assumed.
2218
2219 {expr1} is changed when {expr2} is not empty. If necessary
2220 make a copy of {expr1} first.
2221 {expr2} remains unchanged.
2222 Returns {expr1}.
2223
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002224
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002225filereadable({file}) *filereadable()*
2226 The result is a Number, which is TRUE when a file with the
2227 name {file} exists, and can be read. If {file} doesn't exist,
2228 or is a directory, the result is FALSE. {file} is any
2229 expression, which is used as a String.
2230 *file_readable()*
2231 Obsolete name: file_readable().
2232
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002233
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002234filter({expr}, {string}) *filter()*
2235 {expr} must be a List or a Dictionary.
2236 For each item in {expr} evaluate {string} and when the result
2237 is zero remove the item from the List or Dictionary.
2238 Inside {string} |v:val| has the value of the current item.
2239 For a Dictionary |v:key| has the key of the current item.
2240 Examples: >
2241 :call filter(mylist, 'v:val !~ "OLD"')
2242< Removes the items where "OLD" appears. >
2243 :call filter(mydict, 'v:key >= 8')
2244< Removes the items with a key below 8. >
2245 :call filter(var, 0)
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00002246< Removes all the items, thus clears the List or Dictionary.
2247
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002248 Note that {string} is the result of expression and is then
2249 used as an expression again. Often it is good to use a
2250 |literal-string| to avoid having to double backslashes.
2251
2252 The operation is done in-place. If you want a List or
2253 Dictionary to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00002254 :let l = filter(copy(mylist), '& =~ "KEEP"')
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002255
2256< Returns {expr}, the List or Dictionary that was filtered.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002257
2258
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00002259finddir({name}[, {path}[, {count}]]) *finddir()*
2260 Find directory {name} in {path}.
2261 If {path} is omitted or empty then 'path' is used.
2262 If the optional {count} is given, find {count}'s occurrence of
2263 {name} in {path}.
2264 This is quite similar to the ex-command |:find|.
2265 When the found directory is below the current directory a
2266 relative path is returned. Otherwise a full path is returned.
2267 Example: >
2268 :echo findfile("tags.vim", ".;")
2269< Searches from the current directory upwards until it finds
2270 the file "tags.vim".
2271 {only available when compiled with the +file_in_path feature}
2272
2273findfile({name}[, {path}[, {count}]]) *findfile()*
2274 Just like |finddir()|, but find a file instead of a directory.
2275
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002276filewritable({file}) *filewritable()*
2277 The result is a Number, which is 1 when a file with the
2278 name {file} exists, and can be written. If {file} doesn't
2279 exist, or is not writable, the result is 0. If (file) is a
2280 directory, and we can write to it, the result is 2.
2281
2282fnamemodify({fname}, {mods}) *fnamemodify()*
2283 Modify file name {fname} according to {mods}. {mods} is a
2284 string of characters like it is used for file names on the
2285 command line. See |filename-modifiers|.
2286 Example: >
2287 :echo fnamemodify("main.c", ":p:h")
2288< results in: >
2289 /home/mool/vim/vim/src
2290< Note: Environment variables and "~" don't work in {fname}, use
2291 |expand()| first then.
2292
2293foldclosed({lnum}) *foldclosed()*
2294 The result is a Number. If the line {lnum} is in a closed
2295 fold, the result is the number of the first line in that fold.
2296 If the line {lnum} is not in a closed fold, -1 is returned.
2297
2298foldclosedend({lnum}) *foldclosedend()*
2299 The result is a Number. If the line {lnum} is in a closed
2300 fold, the result is the number of the last line in that fold.
2301 If the line {lnum} is not in a closed fold, -1 is returned.
2302
2303foldlevel({lnum}) *foldlevel()*
2304 The result is a Number, which is the foldlevel of line {lnum}
2305 in the current buffer. For nested folds the deepest level is
2306 returned. If there is no fold at line {lnum}, zero is
2307 returned. It doesn't matter if the folds are open or closed.
2308 When used while updating folds (from 'foldexpr') -1 is
2309 returned for lines where folds are still to be updated and the
2310 foldlevel is unknown. As a special case the level of the
2311 previous line is usually available.
2312
2313 *foldtext()*
2314foldtext() Returns a String, to be displayed for a closed fold. This is
2315 the default function used for the 'foldtext' option and should
2316 only be called from evaluating 'foldtext'. It uses the
2317 |v:foldstart|, |v:foldend| and |v:folddashes| variables.
2318 The returned string looks like this: >
2319 +-- 45 lines: abcdef
2320< The number of dashes depends on the foldlevel. The "45" is
2321 the number of lines in the fold. "abcdef" is the text in the
2322 first non-blank line of the fold. Leading white space, "//"
2323 or "/*" and the text from the 'foldmarker' and 'commentstring'
2324 options is removed.
2325 {not available when compiled without the |+folding| feature}
2326
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00002327foldtextresult({lnum}) *foldtextresult()*
2328 Returns the text that is displayed for the closed fold at line
2329 {lnum}. Evaluates 'foldtext' in the appropriate context.
2330 When there is no closed fold at {lnum} an empty string is
2331 returned.
2332 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current
2333 line, "'m" mark m, etc.
2334 Useful when exporting folded text, e.g., to HTML.
2335 {not available when compiled without the |+folding| feature}
2336
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002337 *foreground()*
2338foreground() Move the Vim window to the foreground. Useful when sent from
2339 a client to a Vim server. |remote_send()|
2340 On Win32 systems this might not work, the OS does not always
2341 allow a window to bring itself to the foreground. Use
2342 |remote_foreground()| instead.
2343 {only in the Win32, Athena, Motif and GTK GUI versions and the
2344 Win32 console version}
2345
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002346
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00002347function({name}) *function()* *E700*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002348 Return a Funcref variable that refers to function {name}.
2349 {name} can be a user defined function or an internal function.
2350
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002351
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00002352get({list}, {idx} [, {default}]) *get()*
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002353 Get item {idx} from List {list}. When this item is not
2354 available return {default}. Return zero when {default} is
2355 omitted.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002356get({dict}, {key} [, {default}])
2357 Get item with key {key} from Dictionary {dict}. When this
2358 item is not available return {default}. Return zero when
2359 {default} is omitted.
2360
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002361
2362getbufvar({expr}, {varname}) *getbufvar()*
2363 The result is the value of option or local buffer variable
2364 {varname} in buffer {expr}. Note that the name without "b:"
2365 must be used.
Bram Moolenaar4317d9b2005-03-18 20:25:31 +00002366 This also works for a global or buffer-local option, but it
2367 doesn't work for a global variable, window-local variable or
2368 window-local option.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002369 For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above.
2370 When the buffer or variable doesn't exist an empty string is
2371 returned, there is no error message.
2372 Examples: >
2373 :let bufmodified = getbufvar(1, "&mod")
2374 :echo "todo myvar = " . getbufvar("todo", "myvar")
2375<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002376getchar([expr]) *getchar()*
2377 Get a single character from the user. If it is an 8-bit
2378 character, the result is a number. Otherwise a String is
2379 returned with the encoded character. For a special key it's a
2380 sequence of bytes starting with 0x80 (decimal: 128).
2381 If [expr] is omitted, wait until a character is available.
2382 If [expr] is 0, only get a character when one is available.
2383 If [expr] is 1, only check if a character is available, it is
2384 not consumed. If a normal character is
2385 available, it is returned, otherwise a
2386 non-zero value is returned.
2387 If a normal character available, it is returned as a Number.
2388 Use nr2char() to convert it to a String.
2389 The returned value is zero if no character is available.
2390 The returned value is a string of characters for special keys
2391 and when a modifier (shift, control, alt) was used.
2392 There is no prompt, you will somehow have to make clear to the
2393 user that a character has to be typed.
2394 There is no mapping for the character.
2395 Key codes are replaced, thus when the user presses the <Del>
2396 key you get the code for the <Del> key, not the raw character
2397 sequence. Examples: >
2398 getchar() == "\<Del>"
2399 getchar() == "\<S-Left>"
2400< This example redefines "f" to ignore case: >
2401 :nmap f :call FindChar()<CR>
2402 :function FindChar()
2403 : let c = nr2char(getchar())
2404 : while col('.') < col('$') - 1
2405 : normal l
2406 : if getline('.')[col('.') - 1] ==? c
2407 : break
2408 : endif
2409 : endwhile
2410 :endfunction
2411
2412getcharmod() *getcharmod()*
2413 The result is a Number which is the state of the modifiers for
2414 the last obtained character with getchar() or in another way.
2415 These values are added together:
2416 2 shift
2417 4 control
2418 8 alt (meta)
2419 16 mouse double click
2420 32 mouse triple click
2421 64 mouse quadruple click
2422 128 Macintosh only: command
2423 Only the modifiers that have not been included in the
2424 character itself are obtained. Thus Shift-a results in "A"
2425 with no modifier.
2426
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002427getcmdline() *getcmdline()*
2428 Return the current command-line. Only works when the command
2429 line is being edited, thus requires use of |c_CTRL-\_e| or
2430 |c_CTRL-R_=|.
2431 Example: >
2432 :cmap <F7> <C-\>eescape(getcmdline(), ' \')<CR>
2433< Also see |getcmdpos()| and |setcmdpos()|.
2434
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002435getcmdpos() *getcmdpos()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002436 Return the position of the cursor in the command line as a
2437 byte count. The first column is 1.
2438 Only works when editing the command line, thus requires use of
2439 |c_CTRL-\_e| or |c_CTRL-R_=|. Returns 0 otherwise.
2440 Also see |setcmdpos()| and |getcmdline()|.
2441
2442 *getcwd()*
2443getcwd() The result is a String, which is the name of the current
2444 working directory.
2445
2446getfsize({fname}) *getfsize()*
2447 The result is a Number, which is the size in bytes of the
2448 given file {fname}.
2449 If {fname} is a directory, 0 is returned.
2450 If the file {fname} can't be found, -1 is returned.
2451
Bram Moolenaard8b0cf12004-12-12 11:33:30 +00002452getfontname([{name}]) *getfontname()*
2453 Without an argument returns the name of the normal font being
2454 used. Like what is used for the Normal highlight group
2455 |hl-Normal|.
2456 With an argument a check is done whether {name} is a valid
2457 font name. If not then an empty string is returned.
2458 Otherwise the actual font name is returned, or {name} if the
2459 GUI does not support obtaining the real name.
2460 Only works when the GUI is running, thus not you your vimrc or
2461 Note that the GTK 2 GUI accepts any font name, thus checking
2462 for a valid name does not work.
2463 gvimrc file. Use the |GUIEnter| autocommand to use this
2464 function just after the GUI has started.
2465
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00002466getfperm({fname}) *getfperm()*
2467 The result is a String, which is the read, write, and execute
2468 permissions of the given file {fname}.
2469 If {fname} does not exist or its directory cannot be read, an
2470 empty string is returned.
2471 The result is of the form "rwxrwxrwx", where each group of
2472 "rwx" flags represent, in turn, the permissions of the owner
2473 of the file, the group the file belongs to, and other users.
2474 If a user does not have a given permission the flag for this
2475 is replaced with the string "-". Example: >
2476 :echo getfperm("/etc/passwd")
2477< This will hopefully (from a security point of view) display
2478 the string "rw-r--r--" or even "rw-------".
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00002479
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002480getftime({fname}) *getftime()*
2481 The result is a Number, which is the last modification time of
2482 the given file {fname}. The value is measured as seconds
2483 since 1st Jan 1970, and may be passed to strftime(). See also
2484 |localtime()| and |strftime()|.
2485 If the file {fname} can't be found -1 is returned.
2486
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00002487getftype({fname}) *getftype()*
2488 The result is a String, which is a description of the kind of
2489 file of the given file {fname}.
2490 If {fname} does not exist an empty string is returned.
2491 Here is a table over different kinds of files and their
2492 results:
2493 Normal file "file"
2494 Directory "dir"
2495 Symbolic link "link"
2496 Block device "bdev"
2497 Character device "cdev"
2498 Socket "socket"
2499 FIFO "fifo"
2500 All other "other"
2501 Example: >
2502 getftype("/home")
2503< Note that a type such as "link" will only be returned on
2504 systems that support it. On some systems only "dir" and
2505 "file" are returned.
2506
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002507 *getline()*
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002508getline({lnum} [, {end}])
2509 Without {end} the result is a String, which is line {lnum}
2510 from the current buffer. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002511 getline(1)
2512< When {lnum} is a String that doesn't start with a
2513 digit, line() is called to translate the String into a Number.
2514 To get the line under the cursor: >
2515 getline(".")
2516< When {lnum} is smaller than 1 or bigger than the number of
2517 lines in the buffer, an empty string is returned.
2518
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002519 When {end} is given the result is a List where each item is a
2520 line from the current buffer in the range {lnum} to {end},
2521 including line {end}.
2522 {end} is used in the same way as {lnum}.
2523 Non-existing lines are silently omitted.
2524 When {end} is before {lnum} an error is given.
2525 Example: >
2526 :let start = line('.')
2527 :let end = search("^$") - 1
2528 :let lines = getline(start, end)
2529
2530
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00002531getqflist() *getqflist()*
2532 Returns a list with all the current quickfix errors. Each
2533 list item is a dictionary with these entries:
2534 bufnr number of buffer that has the file name, use
2535 bufname() to get the name
2536 lnum line number in the buffer (first line is 1)
2537 col column number (first column is 1)
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00002538 vcol non-zero: "col" is visual column
2539 zero: "col" is byte index
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00002540 nr error number
2541 text description of the error
2542 type type of the error, 'E', '1', etc.
2543 valid non-zero: recognized error message
2544
2545 Useful application: Find pattern matches in multiple files and
2546 do something with them: >
2547 :vimgrep /theword/jg *.c
2548 :for d in getqflist()
2549 : echo bufname(d.bufnr) ':' d.lnum '=' d.text
2550 :endfor
2551
2552
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002553getreg([{regname}]) *getreg()*
2554 The result is a String, which is the contents of register
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00002555 {regname}. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002556 :let cliptext = getreg('*')
2557< getreg('=') returns the last evaluated value of the expression
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00002558 register. (For use in maps.)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002559 If {regname} is not specified, |v:register| is used.
2560
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002561
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002562getregtype([{regname}]) *getregtype()*
2563 The result is a String, which is type of register {regname}.
2564 The value will be one of:
2565 "v" for |characterwise| text
2566 "V" for |linewise| text
2567 "<CTRL-V>{width}" for |blockwise-visual| text
2568 0 for an empty or unknown register
2569 <CTRL-V> is one character with value 0x16.
2570 If {regname} is not specified, |v:register| is used.
2571
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002572
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002573 *getwinposx()*
2574getwinposx() The result is a Number, which is the X coordinate in pixels of
2575 the left hand side of the GUI Vim window. The result will be
2576 -1 if the information is not available.
2577
2578 *getwinposy()*
2579getwinposy() The result is a Number, which is the Y coordinate in pixels of
2580 the top of the GUI Vim window. The result will be -1 if the
2581 information is not available.
2582
2583getwinvar({nr}, {varname}) *getwinvar()*
2584 The result is the value of option or local window variable
2585 {varname} in window {nr}.
Bram Moolenaar4317d9b2005-03-18 20:25:31 +00002586 This also works for a global option, buffer-local option and
2587 window-local option, but it doesn't work for a global variable
2588 or buffer-local variable.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002589 Note that the name without "w:" must be used.
2590 Examples: >
2591 :let list_is_on = getwinvar(2, '&list')
2592 :echo "myvar = " . getwinvar(1, 'myvar')
2593<
2594 *glob()*
2595glob({expr}) Expand the file wildcards in {expr}. The result is a String.
2596 When there are several matches, they are separated by <NL>
2597 characters.
2598 If the expansion fails, the result is an empty string.
2599 A name for a non-existing file is not included.
2600
2601 For most systems backticks can be used to get files names from
2602 any external command. Example: >
2603 :let tagfiles = glob("`find . -name tags -print`")
2604 :let &tags = substitute(tagfiles, "\n", ",", "g")
2605< The result of the program inside the backticks should be one
2606 item per line. Spaces inside an item are allowed.
2607
2608 See |expand()| for expanding special Vim variables. See
2609 |system()| for getting the raw output of an external command.
2610
2611globpath({path}, {expr}) *globpath()*
2612 Perform glob() on all directories in {path} and concatenate
2613 the results. Example: >
2614 :echo globpath(&rtp, "syntax/c.vim")
2615< {path} is a comma-separated list of directory names. Each
2616 directory name is prepended to {expr} and expanded like with
2617 glob(). A path separator is inserted when needed.
2618 To add a comma inside a directory name escape it with a
2619 backslash. Note that on MS-Windows a directory may have a
2620 trailing backslash, remove it if you put a comma after it.
2621 If the expansion fails for one of the directories, there is no
2622 error message.
2623 The 'wildignore' option applies: Names matching one of the
2624 patterns in 'wildignore' will be skipped.
2625
2626 *has()*
2627has({feature}) The result is a Number, which is 1 if the feature {feature} is
2628 supported, zero otherwise. The {feature} argument is a
2629 string. See |feature-list| below.
2630 Also see |exists()|.
2631
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002632
2633has_key({dict}, {key}) *has_key()*
2634 The result is a Number, which is 1 if Dictionary {dict} has an
2635 entry with key {key}. Zero otherwise.
2636
2637
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002638hasmapto({what} [, {mode}]) *hasmapto()*
2639 The result is a Number, which is 1 if there is a mapping that
2640 contains {what} in somewhere in the rhs (what it is mapped to)
2641 and this mapping exists in one of the modes indicated by
2642 {mode}.
2643 Both the global mappings and the mappings local to the current
2644 buffer are checked for a match.
2645 If no matching mapping is found 0 is returned.
2646 The following characters are recognized in {mode}:
2647 n Normal mode
2648 v Visual mode
2649 o Operator-pending mode
2650 i Insert mode
2651 l Language-Argument ("r", "f", "t", etc.)
2652 c Command-line mode
2653 When {mode} is omitted, "nvo" is used.
2654
2655 This function is useful to check if a mapping already exists
2656 to a function in a Vim script. Example: >
2657 :if !hasmapto('\ABCdoit')
2658 : map <Leader>d \ABCdoit
2659 :endif
2660< This installs the mapping to "\ABCdoit" only if there isn't
2661 already a mapping to "\ABCdoit".
2662
2663histadd({history}, {item}) *histadd()*
2664 Add the String {item} to the history {history} which can be
2665 one of: *hist-names*
2666 "cmd" or ":" command line history
2667 "search" or "/" search pattern history
2668 "expr" or "=" typed expression history
2669 "input" or "@" input line history
2670 If {item} does already exist in the history, it will be
2671 shifted to become the newest entry.
2672 The result is a Number: 1 if the operation was successful,
2673 otherwise 0 is returned.
2674
2675 Example: >
2676 :call histadd("input", strftime("%Y %b %d"))
2677 :let date=input("Enter date: ")
2678< This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
2679
2680histdel({history} [, {item}]) *histdel()*
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00002681 Clear {history}, i.e. delete all its entries. See |hist-names|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002682 for the possible values of {history}.
2683
2684 If the parameter {item} is given as String, this is seen
2685 as regular expression. All entries matching that expression
2686 will be removed from the history (if there are any).
2687 Upper/lowercase must match, unless "\c" is used |/\c|.
2688 If {item} is a Number, it will be interpreted as index, see
2689 |:history-indexing|. The respective entry will be removed
2690 if it exists.
2691
2692 The result is a Number: 1 for a successful operation,
2693 otherwise 0 is returned.
2694
2695 Examples:
2696 Clear expression register history: >
2697 :call histdel("expr")
2698<
2699 Remove all entries starting with "*" from the search history: >
2700 :call histdel("/", '^\*')
2701<
2702 The following three are equivalent: >
2703 :call histdel("search", histnr("search"))
2704 :call histdel("search", -1)
2705 :call histdel("search", '^'.histget("search", -1).'$')
2706<
2707 To delete the last search pattern and use the last-but-one for
2708 the "n" command and 'hlsearch': >
2709 :call histdel("search", -1)
2710 :let @/ = histget("search", -1)
2711
2712histget({history} [, {index}]) *histget()*
2713 The result is a String, the entry with Number {index} from
2714 {history}. See |hist-names| for the possible values of
2715 {history}, and |:history-indexing| for {index}. If there is
2716 no such entry, an empty String is returned. When {index} is
2717 omitted, the most recent item from the history is used.
2718
2719 Examples:
2720 Redo the second last search from history. >
2721 :execute '/' . histget("search", -2)
2722
2723< Define an Ex command ":H {num}" that supports re-execution of
2724 the {num}th entry from the output of |:history|. >
2725 :command -nargs=1 H execute histget("cmd", 0+<args>)
2726<
2727histnr({history}) *histnr()*
2728 The result is the Number of the current entry in {history}.
2729 See |hist-names| for the possible values of {history}.
2730 If an error occurred, -1 is returned.
2731
2732 Example: >
2733 :let inp_index = histnr("expr")
2734<
2735hlexists({name}) *hlexists()*
2736 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a highlight group
2737 called {name} exists. This is when the group has been
2738 defined in some way. Not necessarily when highlighting has
2739 been defined for it, it may also have been used for a syntax
2740 item.
2741 *highlight_exists()*
2742 Obsolete name: highlight_exists().
2743
2744 *hlID()*
2745hlID({name}) The result is a Number, which is the ID of the highlight group
2746 with name {name}. When the highlight group doesn't exist,
2747 zero is returned.
2748 This can be used to retrieve information about the highlight
2749 group. For example, to get the background color of the
2750 "Comment" group: >
2751 :echo synIDattr(synIDtrans(hlID("Comment")), "bg")
2752< *highlightID()*
2753 Obsolete name: highlightID().
2754
2755hostname() *hostname()*
2756 The result is a String, which is the name of the machine on
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00002757 which Vim is currently running. Machine names greater than
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002758 256 characters long are truncated.
2759
2760iconv({expr}, {from}, {to}) *iconv()*
2761 The result is a String, which is the text {expr} converted
2762 from encoding {from} to encoding {to}.
2763 When the conversion fails an empty string is returned.
2764 The encoding names are whatever the iconv() library function
2765 can accept, see ":!man 3 iconv".
2766 Most conversions require Vim to be compiled with the |+iconv|
2767 feature. Otherwise only UTF-8 to latin1 conversion and back
2768 can be done.
2769 This can be used to display messages with special characters,
2770 no matter what 'encoding' is set to. Write the message in
2771 UTF-8 and use: >
2772 echo iconv(utf8_str, "utf-8", &enc)
2773< Note that Vim uses UTF-8 for all Unicode encodings, conversion
2774 from/to UCS-2 is automatically changed to use UTF-8. You
2775 cannot use UCS-2 in a string anyway, because of the NUL bytes.
2776 {only available when compiled with the +multi_byte feature}
2777
2778 *indent()*
2779indent({lnum}) The result is a Number, which is indent of line {lnum} in the
2780 current buffer. The indent is counted in spaces, the value
2781 of 'tabstop' is relevant. {lnum} is used just like in
2782 |getline()|.
2783 When {lnum} is invalid -1 is returned.
2784
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002785
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002786index({list}, {expr} [, {start} [, {ic}]]) *index()*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002787 Return the lowest index in List {list} where the item has a
2788 value equal to {expr}.
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00002789 If {start} is given then start looking at the item with index
2790 {start} (may be negative for an item relative to the end).
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002791 When {ic} is given and it is non-zero, ignore case. Otherwise
2792 case must match.
2793 -1 is returned when {expr} is not found in {list}.
2794 Example: >
2795 :let idx = index(words, "the")
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00002796 :if index(numbers, 123) >= 0
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002797
2798
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002799input({prompt} [, {text}]) *input()*
2800 The result is a String, which is whatever the user typed on
2801 the command-line. The parameter is either a prompt string, or
2802 a blank string (for no prompt). A '\n' can be used in the
2803 prompt to start a new line. The highlighting set with
2804 |:echohl| is used for the prompt. The input is entered just
2805 like a command-line, with the same editing commands and
2806 mappings. There is a separate history for lines typed for
2807 input().
2808 If the optional {text} is present, this is used for the
2809 default reply, as if the user typed this.
2810 NOTE: This must not be used in a startup file, for the
2811 versions that only run in GUI mode (e.g., the Win32 GUI).
2812 Note: When input() is called from within a mapping it will
2813 consume remaining characters from that mapping, because a
2814 mapping is handled like the characters were typed.
2815 Use |inputsave()| before input() and |inputrestore()|
2816 after input() to avoid that. Another solution is to avoid
2817 that further characters follow in the mapping, e.g., by using
2818 |:execute| or |:normal|.
2819
2820 Example: >
2821 :if input("Coffee or beer? ") == "beer"
2822 : echo "Cheers!"
2823 :endif
2824< Example with default text: >
2825 :let color = input("Color? ", "white")
2826< Example with a mapping: >
2827 :nmap \x :call GetFoo()<CR>:exe "/" . Foo<CR>
2828 :function GetFoo()
2829 : call inputsave()
2830 : let g:Foo = input("enter search pattern: ")
2831 : call inputrestore()
2832 :endfunction
2833
2834inputdialog({prompt} [, {text} [, {cancelreturn}]]) *inputdialog()*
2835 Like input(), but when the GUI is running and text dialogs are
2836 supported, a dialog window pops up to input the text.
2837 Example: >
2838 :let n = inputdialog("value for shiftwidth", &sw)
2839 :if n != ""
2840 : let &sw = n
2841 :endif
2842< When the dialog is cancelled {cancelreturn} is returned. When
2843 omitted an empty string is returned.
2844 Hitting <Enter> works like pressing the OK button. Hitting
2845 <Esc> works like pressing the Cancel button.
2846
2847inputrestore() *inputrestore()*
2848 Restore typeahead that was saved with a previous inputsave().
2849 Should be called the same number of times inputsave() is
2850 called. Calling it more often is harmless though.
2851 Returns 1 when there is nothing to restore, 0 otherwise.
2852
2853inputsave() *inputsave()*
2854 Preserve typeahead (also from mappings) and clear it, so that
2855 a following prompt gets input from the user. Should be
2856 followed by a matching inputrestore() after the prompt. Can
2857 be used several times, in which case there must be just as
2858 many inputrestore() calls.
2859 Returns 1 when out of memory, 0 otherwise.
2860
2861inputsecret({prompt} [, {text}]) *inputsecret()*
2862 This function acts much like the |input()| function with but
2863 two exceptions:
2864 a) the user's response will be displayed as a sequence of
2865 asterisks ("*") thereby keeping the entry secret, and
2866 b) the user's response will not be recorded on the input
2867 |history| stack.
2868 The result is a String, which is whatever the user actually
2869 typed on the command-line in response to the issued prompt.
2870
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002871insert({list}, {item} [, {idx}]) *insert()*
2872 Insert {item} at the start of List {list}.
2873 If {idx} is specified insert {item} before the item with index
2874 {idx}. If {idx} is zero it goes before the first item, just
2875 like omitting {idx}. A negative {idx} is also possible, see
2876 |list-index|. -1 inserts just before the last item.
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00002877 Returns the resulting List. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002878 :let mylist = insert([2, 3, 5], 1)
2879 :call insert(mylist, 4, -1)
2880 :call insert(mylist, 6, len(mylist))
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002881< The last example can be done simpler with |add()|.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002882 Note that when {item} is a List it is inserted as a single
2883 item. Use |extend()| to concatenate Lists.
2884
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002885isdirectory({directory}) *isdirectory()*
2886 The result is a Number, which is non-zero when a directory
2887 with the name {directory} exists. If {directory} doesn't
2888 exist, or isn't a directory, the result is FALSE. {directory}
2889 is any expression, which is used as a String.
2890
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00002891islocked({expr}) *islocked()*
2892 The result is a Number, which is non-zero when {expr} is the
2893 name of a locked variable.
2894 {expr} must be the name of a variable, List item or Dictionary
2895 entry, not the variable itself! Example: >
2896 :let alist = [0, ['a', 'b'], 2, 3]
2897 :lockvar 1 alist
2898 :echo islocked('alist') " 1
2899 :echo islocked('alist[1]') " 0
2900
2901< When {expr} is a variable that does not exist you get an error
2902 message. Use |exists()| to check for existance.
2903
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00002904items({dict}) *items()*
2905 Return a List with all the key-value pairs of {dict}. Each
2906 List item is a list with two items: the key of a {dict} entry
2907 and the value of this entry. The List is in arbitrary order.
2908
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002909
2910join({list} [, {sep}]) *join()*
2911 Join the items in {list} together into one String.
2912 When {sep} is specified it is put in between the items. If
2913 {sep} is omitted a single space is used.
2914 Note that {sep} is not added at the end. You might want to
2915 add it there too: >
2916 let lines = join(mylist, "\n") . "\n"
2917< String items are used as-is. Lists and Dictionaries are
2918 converted into a string like with |string()|.
2919 The opposite function is |split()|.
2920
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00002921keys({dict}) *keys()*
2922 Return a List with all the keys of {dict}. The List is in
2923 arbitrary order.
2924
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00002925 *len()* *E701*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002926len({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the length of the argument.
2927 When {expr} is a String or a Number the length in bytes is
2928 used, as with |strlen()|.
2929 When {expr} is a List the number of items in the List is
2930 returned.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002931 When {expr} is a Dictionary the number of entries in the
2932 Dictionary is returned.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002933 Otherwise an error is given.
2934
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002935 *libcall()* *E364* *E368*
2936libcall({libname}, {funcname}, {argument})
2937 Call function {funcname} in the run-time library {libname}
2938 with single argument {argument}.
2939 This is useful to call functions in a library that you
2940 especially made to be used with Vim. Since only one argument
2941 is possible, calling standard library functions is rather
2942 limited.
2943 The result is the String returned by the function. If the
2944 function returns NULL, this will appear as an empty string ""
2945 to Vim.
2946 If the function returns a number, use libcallnr()!
2947 If {argument} is a number, it is passed to the function as an
2948 int; if {argument} is a string, it is passed as a
2949 null-terminated string.
2950 This function will fail in |restricted-mode|.
2951
2952 libcall() allows you to write your own 'plug-in' extensions to
2953 Vim without having to recompile the program. It is NOT a
2954 means to call system functions! If you try to do so Vim will
2955 very probably crash.
2956
2957 For Win32, the functions you write must be placed in a DLL
2958 and use the normal C calling convention (NOT Pascal which is
2959 used in Windows System DLLs). The function must take exactly
2960 one parameter, either a character pointer or a long integer,
2961 and must return a character pointer or NULL. The character
2962 pointer returned must point to memory that will remain valid
2963 after the function has returned (e.g. in static data in the
2964 DLL). If it points to allocated memory, that memory will
2965 leak away. Using a static buffer in the function should work,
2966 it's then freed when the DLL is unloaded.
2967
2968 WARNING: If the function returns a non-valid pointer, Vim may
2969 crash! This also happens if the function returns a number,
2970 because Vim thinks it's a pointer.
2971 For Win32 systems, {libname} should be the filename of the DLL
2972 without the ".DLL" suffix. A full path is only required if
2973 the DLL is not in the usual places.
2974 For Unix: When compiling your own plugins, remember that the
2975 object code must be compiled as position-independent ('PIC').
2976 {only in Win32 on some Unix versions, when the |+libcall|
2977 feature is present}
2978 Examples: >
2979 :echo libcall("libc.so", "getenv", "HOME")
2980 :echo libcallnr("/usr/lib/libc.so", "getpid", "")
2981<
2982 *libcallnr()*
2983libcallnr({libname}, {funcname}, {argument})
2984 Just like libcall(), but used for a function that returns an
2985 int instead of a string.
2986 {only in Win32 on some Unix versions, when the |+libcall|
2987 feature is present}
2988 Example (not very useful...): >
2989 :call libcallnr("libc.so", "printf", "Hello World!\n")
2990 :call libcallnr("libc.so", "sleep", 10)
2991<
2992 *line()*
2993line({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the line number of the file
2994 position given with {expr}. The accepted positions are:
2995 . the cursor position
2996 $ the last line in the current buffer
2997 'x position of mark x (if the mark is not set, 0 is
2998 returned)
2999 Note that only marks in the current file can be used.
3000 Examples: >
3001 line(".") line number of the cursor
3002 line("'t") line number of mark t
3003 line("'" . marker) line number of mark marker
3004< *last-position-jump*
3005 This autocommand jumps to the last known position in a file
3006 just after opening it, if the '" mark is set: >
3007 :au BufReadPost * if line("'\"") > 0 && line("'\"") <= line("$") | exe "normal g'\"" | endif
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00003008
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003009line2byte({lnum}) *line2byte()*
3010 Return the byte count from the start of the buffer for line
3011 {lnum}. This includes the end-of-line character, depending on
3012 the 'fileformat' option for the current buffer. The first
3013 line returns 1.
3014 This can also be used to get the byte count for the line just
3015 below the last line: >
3016 line2byte(line("$") + 1)
3017< This is the file size plus one.
3018 When {lnum} is invalid, or the |+byte_offset| feature has been
3019 disabled at compile time, -1 is returned.
3020 Also see |byte2line()|, |go| and |:goto|.
3021
3022lispindent({lnum}) *lispindent()*
3023 Get the amount of indent for line {lnum} according the lisp
3024 indenting rules, as with 'lisp'.
3025 The indent is counted in spaces, the value of 'tabstop' is
3026 relevant. {lnum} is used just like in |getline()|.
3027 When {lnum} is invalid or Vim was not compiled the
3028 |+lispindent| feature, -1 is returned.
3029
3030localtime() *localtime()*
3031 Return the current time, measured as seconds since 1st Jan
3032 1970. See also |strftime()| and |getftime()|.
3033
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003034
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003035map({expr}, {string}) *map()*
3036 {expr} must be a List or a Dictionary.
3037 Replace each item in {expr} with the result of evaluating
3038 {string}.
3039 Inside {string} |v:val| has the value of the current item.
3040 For a Dictionary |v:key| has the key of the current item.
3041 Example: >
3042 :call map(mylist, '"> " . v:val . " <"')
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003043< This puts "> " before and " <" after each item in "mylist".
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003044
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003045 Note that {string} is the result of an expression and is then
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003046 used as an expression again. Often it is good to use a
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003047 |literal-string| to avoid having to double backslashes. You
3048 still have to double ' quotes
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003049
3050 The operation is done in-place. If you want a List or
3051 Dictionary to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003052 :let tlist = map(copy(mylist), ' & . "\t"')
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003053
3054< Returns {expr}, the List or Dictionary that was filtered.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003055
3056
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003057maparg({name}[, {mode}]) *maparg()*
3058 Return the rhs of mapping {name} in mode {mode}. When there
3059 is no mapping for {name}, an empty String is returned.
3060 These characters can be used for {mode}:
3061 "n" Normal
3062 "v" Visual
3063 "o" Operator-pending
3064 "i" Insert
3065 "c" Cmd-line
3066 "l" langmap |language-mapping|
3067 "" Normal, Visual and Operator-pending
3068 When {mode} is omitted, the modes from "" are used.
3069 The {name} can have special key names, like in the ":map"
3070 command. The returned String has special characters
3071 translated like in the output of the ":map" command listing.
3072 The mappings local to the current buffer are checked first,
3073 then the global mappings.
3074
3075mapcheck({name}[, {mode}]) *mapcheck()*
3076 Check if there is a mapping that matches with {name} in mode
3077 {mode}. See |maparg()| for {mode} and special names in
3078 {name}.
3079 A match happens with a mapping that starts with {name} and
3080 with a mapping which is equal to the start of {name}.
3081
3082 matches mapping "a" "ab" "abc" ~
3083 mapcheck("a") yes yes yes
3084 mapcheck("abc") yes yes yes
3085 mapcheck("ax") yes no no
3086 mapcheck("b") no no no
3087
3088 The difference with maparg() is that mapcheck() finds a
3089 mapping that matches with {name}, while maparg() only finds a
3090 mapping for {name} exactly.
3091 When there is no mapping that starts with {name}, an empty
3092 String is returned. If there is one, the rhs of that mapping
3093 is returned. If there are several mappings that start with
3094 {name}, the rhs of one of them is returned.
3095 The mappings local to the current buffer are checked first,
3096 then the global mappings.
3097 This function can be used to check if a mapping can be added
3098 without being ambiguous. Example: >
3099 :if mapcheck("_vv") == ""
3100 : map _vv :set guifont=7x13<CR>
3101 :endif
3102< This avoids adding the "_vv" mapping when there already is a
3103 mapping for "_v" or for "_vvv".
3104
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003105match({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *match()*
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003106 When {expr} is a List then this returns the index of the first
3107 item where {pat} matches. Each item is used as a String,
3108 Lists and Dictionaries are used as echoed.
3109 Otherwise, {expr} is used as a String. The result is a
3110 Number, which gives the index (byte offset) in {expr} where
3111 {pat} matches.
3112 A match at the first character or List item returns zero.
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003113 If there is no match -1 is returned.
3114 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003115 :echo match("testing", "ing") " results in 4
3116 :echo match([1, 'x'], '\a') " results in 2
3117< See |string-match| for how {pat} is used.
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00003118 *strpbrk()*
3119 Vim doesn't have a strpbrk() function. But you can do: >
3120 :let sepidx = match(line, '[.,;: \t]')
3121< *strcasestr()*
3122 Vim doesn't have a strcasestr() function. But you can add
3123 "\c" to the pattern to ignore case: >
3124 :let idx = match(haystack, '\cneedle')
3125<
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003126 When {count} is given use the {count}'th match. When a match
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003127 is found in a String the search for the next one starts on
3128 character further. Thus this example results in 1: >
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003129 echo match("testing", "..", 0, 2)
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003130< In a List the search continues in the next item.
3131
3132 If {start} is given, the search starts from byte index
3133 {start} in a String or item {start} in a List.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003134 The result, however, is still the index counted from the
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003135 first character/item. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003136 :echo match("testing", "ing", 2)
3137< result is again "4". >
3138 :echo match("testing", "ing", 4)
3139< result is again "4". >
3140 :echo match("testing", "t", 2)
3141< result is "3".
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003142 For a String, if {start} < 0, it will be set to 0. For a list
3143 the index is counted from the end.
3144 If {start} is out of range (> strlen({expr} for a String or
3145 > len({expr} for a List) -1 is returned.
3146
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003147 See |pattern| for the patterns that are accepted.
3148 The 'ignorecase' option is used to set the ignore-caseness of
3149 the pattern. 'smartcase' is NOT used. The matching is always
3150 done like 'magic' is set and 'cpoptions' is empty.
3151
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003152matchend({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *matchend()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003153 Same as match(), but return the index of first character after
3154 the match. Example: >
3155 :echo matchend("testing", "ing")
3156< results in "7".
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00003157 *strspn()* *strcspn()*
3158 Vim doesn't have a strspn() or strcspn() function, but you can
3159 do it with matchend(): >
3160 :let span = matchend(line, '[a-zA-Z]')
3161 :let span = matchend(line, '[^a-zA-Z]')
3162< Except that -1 is returned when there are no matches.
3163
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003164 The {start}, if given, has the same meaning as for match(). >
3165 :echo matchend("testing", "ing", 2)
3166< results in "7". >
3167 :echo matchend("testing", "ing", 5)
3168< result is "-1".
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003169 When {expr} is a List the result is equal to match().
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003170
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003171matchlist({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *matchlist()*
3172 Same as match(), but return a List. The first item in the
3173 list is the matched string, same as what matchstr() would
3174 return. Following items are submatches, like "\1", "\2", etc.
3175 in |:substitute|.
3176 When there is no match an empty list is returned.
3177
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003178matchstr({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *matchstr()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003179 Same as match(), but return the matched string. Example: >
3180 :echo matchstr("testing", "ing")
3181< results in "ing".
3182 When there is no match "" is returned.
3183 The {start}, if given, has the same meaning as for match(). >
3184 :echo matchstr("testing", "ing", 2)
3185< results in "ing". >
3186 :echo matchstr("testing", "ing", 5)
3187< result is "".
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003188 When {expr} is a List then the matching item is returned.
3189 The type isn't changed, it's not necessarily a String.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003190
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00003191 *max()*
3192max({list}) Return the maximum value of all items in {list}.
3193 If {list} is not a list or one of the items in {list} cannot
3194 be used as a Number this results in an error.
3195 An empty List results in zero.
3196
3197 *min()*
3198min({list}) Return the minumum value of all items in {list}.
3199 If {list} is not a list or one of the items in {list} cannot
3200 be used as a Number this results in an error.
3201 An empty List results in zero.
3202
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00003203 *mkdir()* *E749*
3204mkdir({name} [, {path} [, {prot}]])
3205 Create directory {name}.
3206 If {path} is "p" then intermediate directories are created as
3207 necessary. Otherwise it must be "".
3208 If {prot} is given it is used to set the protection bits of
3209 the new directory. The default is 0755 (rwxr-xr-x: r/w for
3210 the user readable for others). Use 0700 to make it unreadable
3211 for others.
3212 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3213 Not available on all systems. To check use: >
3214 :if exists("*mkdir")
3215<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003216 *mode()*
3217mode() Return a string that indicates the current mode:
3218 n Normal
3219 v Visual by character
3220 V Visual by line
3221 CTRL-V Visual blockwise
3222 s Select by character
3223 S Select by line
3224 CTRL-S Select blockwise
3225 i Insert
3226 R Replace
3227 c Command-line
3228 r Hit-enter prompt
3229 This is useful in the 'statusline' option. In most other
3230 places it always returns "c" or "n".
3231
3232nextnonblank({lnum}) *nextnonblank()*
3233 Return the line number of the first line at or below {lnum}
3234 that is not blank. Example: >
3235 if getline(nextnonblank(1)) =~ "Java"
3236< When {lnum} is invalid or there is no non-blank line at or
3237 below it, zero is returned.
3238 See also |prevnonblank()|.
3239
3240nr2char({expr}) *nr2char()*
3241 Return a string with a single character, which has the number
3242 value {expr}. Examples: >
3243 nr2char(64) returns "@"
3244 nr2char(32) returns " "
3245< The current 'encoding' is used. Example for "utf-8": >
3246 nr2char(300) returns I with bow character
3247< Note that a NUL character in the file is specified with
3248 nr2char(10), because NULs are represented with newline
3249 characters. nr2char(0) is a real NUL and terminates the
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +00003250 string, thus results in an empty string.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003251
3252prevnonblank({lnum}) *prevnonblank()*
3253 Return the line number of the first line at or above {lnum}
3254 that is not blank. Example: >
3255 let ind = indent(prevnonblank(v:lnum - 1))
3256< When {lnum} is invalid or there is no non-blank line at or
3257 above it, zero is returned.
3258 Also see |nextnonblank()|.
3259
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00003260 *E726* *E727*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003261range({expr} [, {max} [, {stride}]]) *range()*
3262 Returns a List with Numbers:
3263 - If only {expr} is specified: [0, 1, ..., {expr} - 1]
3264 - If {max} is specified: [{expr}, {expr} + 1, ..., {max}]
3265 - If {stride} is specified: [{expr}, {expr} + {stride}, ...,
3266 {max}] (increasing {expr} with {stride} each time, not
3267 producing a value past {max}).
3268 Examples: >
3269 range(4) " [0, 1, 2, 3]
3270 range(2, 4) " [2, 3, 4]
3271 range(2, 9, 3) " [2, 5, 8]
3272 range(2, -2, -1) " [2, 1, 0, -1, -2]
3273<
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003274 *readfile()*
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00003275readfile({fname} [, {binary} [, {max}]])
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003276 Read file {fname} and return a List, each line of the file as
3277 an item. Lines broken at NL characters. Macintosh files
3278 separated with CR will result in a single long line (unless a
3279 NL appears somewhere).
3280 When {binary} is equal to "b" binary mode is used:
3281 - When the last line ends in a NL an extra empty list item is
3282 added.
3283 - No CR characters are removed.
3284 Otherwise:
3285 - CR characters that appear before a NL are removed.
3286 - Whether the last line ends in a NL or not does not matter.
3287 All NUL characters are replaced with a NL character.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00003288 When {max} is given this specifies the maximum number of lines
3289 to be read. Useful if you only want to check the first ten
3290 lines of a file: >
3291 :for line in readfile(fname, '', 10)
3292 : if line =~ 'Date' | echo line | endif
3293 :endfor
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00003294< When {max} is negative -{max} lines from the end of the file
3295 are returned, or as many as there are.
3296 When {max} is zero the result is an empty list.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00003297 Note that without {max} the whole file is read into memory.
3298 Also note that there is no recognition of encoding. Read a
3299 file into a buffer if you need to.
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003300 When the file can't be opened an error message is given and
3301 the result is an empty list.
3302 Also see |writefile()|.
3303
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003304 *remote_expr()* *E449*
3305remote_expr({server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
3306 Send the {string} to {server}. The string is sent as an
3307 expression and the result is returned after evaluation.
3308 If {idvar} is present, it is taken as the name of a
3309 variable and a {serverid} for later use with
3310 remote_read() is stored there.
3311 See also |clientserver| |RemoteReply|.
3312 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3313 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
3314 Note: Any errors will cause a local error message to be issued
3315 and the result will be the empty string.
3316 Examples: >
3317 :echo remote_expr("gvim", "2+2")
3318 :echo remote_expr("gvim1", "b:current_syntax")
3319<
3320
3321remote_foreground({server}) *remote_foreground()*
3322 Move the Vim server with the name {server} to the foreground.
3323 This works like: >
3324 remote_expr({server}, "foreground()")
3325< Except that on Win32 systems the client does the work, to work
3326 around the problem that the OS doesn't always allow the server
3327 to bring itself to the foreground.
3328 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3329 {only in the Win32, Athena, Motif and GTK GUI versions and the
3330 Win32 console version}
3331
3332
3333remote_peek({serverid} [, {retvar}]) *remote_peek()*
3334 Returns a positive number if there are available strings
3335 from {serverid}. Copies any reply string into the variable
3336 {retvar} if specified. {retvar} must be a string with the
3337 name of a variable.
3338 Returns zero if none are available.
3339 Returns -1 if something is wrong.
3340 See also |clientserver|.
3341 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3342 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
3343 Examples: >
3344 :let repl = ""
3345 :echo "PEEK: ".remote_peek(id, "repl").": ".repl
3346
3347remote_read({serverid}) *remote_read()*
3348 Return the oldest available reply from {serverid} and consume
3349 it. It blocks until a reply is available.
3350 See also |clientserver|.
3351 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3352 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
3353 Example: >
3354 :echo remote_read(id)
3355<
3356 *remote_send()* *E241*
3357remote_send({server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
Bram Moolenaard4755bb2004-09-02 19:12:26 +00003358 Send the {string} to {server}. The string is sent as input
3359 keys and the function returns immediately. At the Vim server
3360 the keys are not mapped |:map|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003361 If {idvar} is present, it is taken as the name of a
3362 variable and a {serverid} for later use with
3363 remote_read() is stored there.
3364 See also |clientserver| |RemoteReply|.
3365 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3366 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
3367 Note: Any errors will be reported in the server and may mess
3368 up the display.
3369 Examples: >
3370 :echo remote_send("gvim", ":DropAndReply ".file, "serverid").
3371 \ remote_read(serverid)
3372
3373 :autocmd NONE RemoteReply *
3374 \ echo remote_read(expand("<amatch>"))
3375 :echo remote_send("gvim", ":sleep 10 | echo ".
3376 \ 'server2client(expand("<client>"), "HELLO")<CR>')
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003377<
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003378remove({list}, {idx} [, {end}]) *remove()*
3379 Without {end}: Remove the item at {idx} from List {list} and
3380 return it.
3381 With {end}: Remove items from {idx} to {end} (inclusive) and
3382 return a list with these items. When {idx} points to the same
3383 item as {end} a list with one item is returned. When {end}
3384 points to an item before {idx} this is an error.
3385 See |list-index| for possible values of {idx} and {end}.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003386 Example: >
3387 :echo "last item: " . remove(mylist, -1)
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003388 :call remove(mylist, 0, 9)
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003389remove({dict}, {key})
3390 Remove the entry from {dict} with key {key}. Example: >
3391 :echo "removed " . remove(dict, "one")
3392< If there is no {key} in {dict} this is an error.
3393
3394 Use |delete()| to remove a file.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003395
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003396rename({from}, {to}) *rename()*
3397 Rename the file by the name {from} to the name {to}. This
3398 should also work to move files across file systems. The
3399 result is a Number, which is 0 if the file was renamed
3400 successfully, and non-zero when the renaming failed.
3401 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3402
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00003403repeat({expr}, {count}) *repeat()*
3404 Repeat {expr} {count} times and return the concatenated
3405 result. Example: >
3406 :let seperator = repeat('-', 80)
3407< When {count} is zero or negative the result is empty.
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00003408 When {expr} is a List the result is {expr} concatenated
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003409 {count} times. Example: >
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003410 :let longlist = repeat(['a', 'b'], 3)
3411< Results in ['a', 'b', 'a', 'b', 'a', 'b'].
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00003412
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003413
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003414resolve({filename}) *resolve()* *E655*
3415 On MS-Windows, when {filename} is a shortcut (a .lnk file),
3416 returns the path the shortcut points to in a simplified form.
3417 On Unix, repeat resolving symbolic links in all path
3418 components of {filename} and return the simplified result.
3419 To cope with link cycles, resolving of symbolic links is
3420 stopped after 100 iterations.
3421 On other systems, return the simplified {filename}.
3422 The simplification step is done as by |simplify()|.
3423 resolve() keeps a leading path component specifying the
3424 current directory (provided the result is still a relative
3425 path name) and also keeps a trailing path separator.
3426
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003427 *reverse()*
3428reverse({list}) Reverse the order of items in {list} in-place. Returns
3429 {list}.
3430 If you want a list to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
3431 :let revlist = reverse(copy(mylist))
3432
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003433search({pattern} [, {flags}]) *search()*
3434 Search for regexp pattern {pattern}. The search starts at the
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +00003435 cursor position (you can use |cursor()| to set it).
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003436 {flags} is a String, which can contain these character flags:
3437 'b' search backward instead of forward
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00003438 'n' do Not move the cursor
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003439 'w' wrap around the end of the file
3440 'W' don't wrap around the end of the file
3441 If neither 'w' or 'W' is given, the 'wrapscan' option applies.
3442
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00003443 When a match has been found its line number is returned.
3444 The cursor will be positioned at the match, unless the 'n'
3445 flag is used).
3446 If there is no match a 0 is returned and the cursor doesn't
3447 move. No error message is given.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003448
3449 Example (goes over all files in the argument list): >
3450 :let n = 1
3451 :while n <= argc() " loop over all files in arglist
3452 : exe "argument " . n
3453 : " start at the last char in the file and wrap for the
3454 : " first search to find match at start of file
3455 : normal G$
3456 : let flags = "w"
3457 : while search("foo", flags) > 0
3458 : s/foo/bar/g
3459 : let flags = "W"
3460 : endwhile
3461 : update " write the file if modified
3462 : let n = n + 1
3463 :endwhile
3464<
3465 *searchpair()*
3466searchpair({start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip}]])
3467 Search for the match of a nested start-end pair. This can be
3468 used to find the "endif" that matches an "if", while other
3469 if/endif pairs in between are ignored.
3470 The search starts at the cursor. If a match is found, the
3471 cursor is positioned at it and the line number is returned.
3472 If no match is found 0 or -1 is returned and the cursor
3473 doesn't move. No error message is given.
3474
3475 {start}, {middle} and {end} are patterns, see |pattern|. They
3476 must not contain \( \) pairs. Use of \%( \) is allowed. When
3477 {middle} is not empty, it is found when searching from either
3478 direction, but only when not in a nested start-end pair. A
3479 typical use is: >
3480 searchpair('\<if\>', '\<else\>', '\<endif\>')
3481< By leaving {middle} empty the "else" is skipped.
3482
3483 {flags} are used like with |search()|. Additionally:
3484 'n' do Not move the cursor
3485 'r' Repeat until no more matches found; will find the
3486 outer pair
3487 'm' return number of Matches instead of line number with
3488 the match; will only be > 1 when 'r' is used.
3489
3490 When a match for {start}, {middle} or {end} is found, the
3491 {skip} expression is evaluated with the cursor positioned on
3492 the start of the match. It should return non-zero if this
3493 match is to be skipped. E.g., because it is inside a comment
3494 or a string.
3495 When {skip} is omitted or empty, every match is accepted.
3496 When evaluating {skip} causes an error the search is aborted
3497 and -1 returned.
3498
3499 The value of 'ignorecase' is used. 'magic' is ignored, the
3500 patterns are used like it's on.
3501
3502 The search starts exactly at the cursor. A match with
3503 {start}, {middle} or {end} at the next character, in the
3504 direction of searching, is the first one found. Example: >
3505 if 1
3506 if 2
3507 endif 2
3508 endif 1
3509< When starting at the "if 2", with the cursor on the "i", and
3510 searching forwards, the "endif 2" is found. When starting on
3511 the character just before the "if 2", the "endif 1" will be
3512 found. That's because the "if 2" will be found first, and
3513 then this is considered to be a nested if/endif from "if 2" to
3514 "endif 2".
3515 When searching backwards and {end} is more than one character,
3516 it may be useful to put "\zs" at the end of the pattern, so
3517 that when the cursor is inside a match with the end it finds
3518 the matching start.
3519
3520 Example, to find the "endif" command in a Vim script: >
3521
3522 :echo searchpair('\<if\>', '\<el\%[seif]\>', '\<en\%[dif]\>', 'W',
3523 \ 'getline(".") =~ "^\\s*\""')
3524
3525< The cursor must be at or after the "if" for which a match is
3526 to be found. Note that single-quote strings are used to avoid
3527 having to double the backslashes. The skip expression only
3528 catches comments at the start of a line, not after a command.
3529 Also, a word "en" or "if" halfway a line is considered a
3530 match.
3531 Another example, to search for the matching "{" of a "}": >
3532
3533 :echo searchpair('{', '', '}', 'bW')
3534
3535< This works when the cursor is at or before the "}" for which a
3536 match is to be found. To reject matches that syntax
3537 highlighting recognized as strings: >
3538
3539 :echo searchpair('{', '', '}', 'bW',
3540 \ 'synIDattr(synID(line("."), col("."), 0), "name") =~? "string"')
3541<
3542server2client( {clientid}, {string}) *server2client()*
3543 Send a reply string to {clientid}. The most recent {clientid}
3544 that sent a string can be retrieved with expand("<client>").
3545 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
3546 Note:
3547 This id has to be stored before the next command can be
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003548 received. I.e. before returning from the received command and
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003549 before calling any commands that waits for input.
3550 See also |clientserver|.
3551 Example: >
3552 :echo server2client(expand("<client>"), "HELLO")
3553<
3554serverlist() *serverlist()*
3555 Return a list of available server names, one per line.
3556 When there are no servers or the information is not available
3557 an empty string is returned. See also |clientserver|.
3558 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
3559 Example: >
3560 :echo serverlist()
3561<
3562setbufvar({expr}, {varname}, {val}) *setbufvar()*
3563 Set option or local variable {varname} in buffer {expr} to
3564 {val}.
3565 This also works for a global or local window option, but it
3566 doesn't work for a global or local window variable.
3567 For a local window option the global value is unchanged.
3568 For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above.
3569 Note that the variable name without "b:" must be used.
3570 Examples: >
3571 :call setbufvar(1, "&mod", 1)
3572 :call setbufvar("todo", "myvar", "foobar")
3573< This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3574
3575setcmdpos({pos}) *setcmdpos()*
3576 Set the cursor position in the command line to byte position
3577 {pos}. The first position is 1.
3578 Use |getcmdpos()| to obtain the current position.
3579 Only works while editing the command line, thus you must use
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003580 |c_CTRL-\_e|, |c_CTRL-R_=| or |c_CTRL-R_CTRL-R| with '='. For
3581 |c_CTRL-\_e| and |c_CTRL-R_CTRL-R| with '=' the position is
3582 set after the command line is set to the expression. For
3583 |c_CTRL-R_=| it is set after evaluating the expression but
3584 before inserting the resulting text.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003585 When the number is too big the cursor is put at the end of the
3586 line. A number smaller than one has undefined results.
3587 Returns 0 when successful, 1 when not editing the command
3588 line.
3589
3590setline({lnum}, {line}) *setline()*
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003591 Set line {lnum} of the current buffer to {line}.
3592 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|.
3593 If this succeeds, 0 is returned. If this fails (most likely
3594 because {lnum} is invalid) 1 is returned. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003595 :call setline(5, strftime("%c"))
3596< Note: The '[ and '] marks are not set.
3597
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003598
3599setqflist({list}) *setqflist()*
3600 Creates a quickfix list using the items in {list}. Each item
3601 in {list} is a dictionary. Non-dictionary items in {list} are
3602 ignored. Each dictionary item can contain the following
3603 entries:
3604
3605 filename name of a file
3606 lnum line number in the file
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003607 pattern search pattern used to locate the error
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00003608 col column number
3609 vcol when non-zero: "col" is visual column
3610 when zero: "col" is byte index
3611 nr error number
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003612 text description of the error
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00003613 type single-character error type, 'E', 'W', etc.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003614
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00003615 The "col", "vcol", "nr", "type" and "text" entries are
3616 optional. Either "lnum" or "pattern" entry can be used to
3617 locate a matching error line.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003618 If the "filename" entry is not present or neither the "lnum"
3619 or "pattern" entries are present, then the item will not be
3620 handled as an error line.
3621 If both "pattern" and "lnum" are present then "pattern" will
3622 be used.
3623
3624 Returns zero for success, -1 for failure.
3625
3626 This function can be used to create a quickfix list
3627 independent of the 'errorformat' setting. Use a command like
3628 ":cc 1" to jump to the first position.
3629
3630
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003631 *setreg()*
3632setreg({regname}, {value} [,{options}])
3633 Set the register {regname} to {value}.
3634 If {options} contains "a" or {regname} is upper case,
3635 then the value is appended.
3636 {options} can also contains a register type specification:
3637 "c" or "v" |characterwise| mode
3638 "l" or "V" |linewise| mode
3639 "b" or "<CTRL-V>" |blockwise-visual| mode
3640 If a number immediately follows "b" or "<CTRL-V>" then this is
3641 used as the width of the selection - if it is not specified
3642 then the width of the block is set to the number of characters
3643 in the longest line (counting a <TAB> as 1 character).
3644
3645 If {options} contains no register settings, then the default
3646 is to use character mode unless {value} ends in a <NL>.
3647 Setting the '=' register is not possible.
3648 Returns zero for success, non-zero for failure.
3649
3650 Examples: >
3651 :call setreg(v:register, @*)
3652 :call setreg('*', @%, 'ac')
3653 :call setreg('a', "1\n2\n3", 'b5')
3654
3655< This example shows using the functions to save and restore a
3656 register. >
3657 :let var_a = getreg('a')
3658 :let var_amode = getregtype('a')
3659 ....
3660 :call setreg('a', var_a, var_amode)
3661
3662< You can also change the type of a register by appending
3663 nothing: >
3664 :call setreg('a', '', 'al')
3665
3666setwinvar({nr}, {varname}, {val}) *setwinvar()*
3667 Set option or local variable {varname} in window {nr} to
3668 {val}.
3669 This also works for a global or local buffer option, but it
3670 doesn't work for a global or local buffer variable.
3671 For a local buffer option the global value is unchanged.
3672 Note that the variable name without "w:" must be used.
3673 Examples: >
3674 :call setwinvar(1, "&list", 0)
3675 :call setwinvar(2, "myvar", "foobar")
3676< This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3677
3678simplify({filename}) *simplify()*
3679 Simplify the file name as much as possible without changing
3680 the meaning. Shortcuts (on MS-Windows) or symbolic links (on
3681 Unix) are not resolved. If the first path component in
3682 {filename} designates the current directory, this will be
3683 valid for the result as well. A trailing path separator is
3684 not removed either.
3685 Example: >
3686 simplify("./dir/.././/file/") == "./file/"
3687< Note: The combination "dir/.." is only removed if "dir" is
3688 a searchable directory or does not exist. On Unix, it is also
3689 removed when "dir" is a symbolic link within the same
3690 directory. In order to resolve all the involved symbolic
3691 links before simplifying the path name, use |resolve()|.
3692
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003693
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00003694sort({list} [, {func}]) *sort()* *E702*
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003695 Sort the items in {list} in-place. Returns {list}. If you
3696 want a list to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
3697 :let sortedlist = sort(copy(mylist))
3698< Uses the string representation of each item to sort on.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003699 Numbers sort after Strings, Lists after Numbers.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003700 When {func} is given and it is one then case is ignored.
3701 When {func} is a Funcref or a function name, this function is
3702 called to compare items. The function is invoked with two
3703 items as argument and must return zero if they are equal, 1 if
3704 the first one sorts after the second one, -1 if the first one
3705 sorts before the second one. Example: >
3706 func MyCompare(i1, i2)
3707 return a:i1 == a:i2 ? 0 : a:i1 > a:i2 ? 1 : -1
3708 endfunc
3709 let sortedlist = sort(mylist, "MyCompare")
3710
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003711split({expr} [, {pattern}]) *split()*
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003712 Make a List out of {expr}. When {pattern} is omitted each
3713 white-separated sequence of characters becomes an item.
3714 Otherwise the string is split where {pattern} matches,
3715 removing the matched characters. Empty strings are omitted.
3716 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003717 :let words = split(getline('.'), '\W\+')
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003718< Since empty strings are not added the "\+" isn't required but
3719 it makes the function work a bit faster.
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003720 To split a string in individual characters: >
3721 :for c in split(mystring, '\zs')
3722< The opposite function is |join()|.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003723
3724
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003725strftime({format} [, {time}]) *strftime()*
3726 The result is a String, which is a formatted date and time, as
3727 specified by the {format} string. The given {time} is used,
3728 or the current time if no time is given. The accepted
3729 {format} depends on your system, thus this is not portable!
3730 See the manual page of the C function strftime() for the
3731 format. The maximum length of the result is 80 characters.
3732 See also |localtime()| and |getftime()|.
3733 The language can be changed with the |:language| command.
3734 Examples: >
3735 :echo strftime("%c") Sun Apr 27 11:49:23 1997
3736 :echo strftime("%Y %b %d %X") 1997 Apr 27 11:53:25
3737 :echo strftime("%y%m%d %T") 970427 11:53:55
3738 :echo strftime("%H:%M") 11:55
3739 :echo strftime("%c", getftime("file.c"))
3740 Show mod time of file.c.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003741< Not available on all systems. To check use: >
3742 :if exists("*strftime")
3743
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00003744stridx({haystack}, {needle} [, {start}]) *stridx()*
3745 The result is a Number, which gives the byte index in
3746 {haystack} of the first occurrence of the String {needle}.
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00003747 If {start} is specified, the search starts at index {start}.
3748 This can be used to find a second match: >
3749 :let comma1 = stridx(line, ",")
3750 :let comma2 = stridx(line, ",", comma1 + 1)
3751< The search is done case-sensitive.
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00003752 For pattern searches use |match()|.
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00003753 -1 is returned if the {needle} does not occur in {haystack}.
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00003754 See also |strridx()|.
3755 Examples: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003756 :echo stridx("An Example", "Example") 3
3757 :echo stridx("Starting point", "Start") 0
3758 :echo stridx("Starting point", "start") -1
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00003759< *strstr()* *strchr()*
3760 stridx() works similar to the C function strstr(). When used
3761 with a single character it works similar to strchr().
3762
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003763 *string()*
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003764string({expr}) Return {expr} converted to a String. If {expr} is a Number,
3765 String or a composition of them, then the result can be parsed
3766 back with |eval()|.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003767 {expr} type result ~
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003768 String 'string'
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003769 Number 123
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003770 Funcref function('name')
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003771 List [item, item]
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003772 Note that in String values the ' character is doubled.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003773
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003774 *strlen()*
3775strlen({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the length of the String
3776 {expr} in bytes. If you want to count the number of
3777 multi-byte characters use something like this: >
3778
3779 :let len = strlen(substitute(str, ".", "x", "g"))
3780
3781< Composing characters are not counted.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003782 If the argument is a Number it is first converted to a String.
3783 For other types an error is given.
3784 Also see |len()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003785
3786strpart({src}, {start}[, {len}]) *strpart()*
3787 The result is a String, which is part of {src}, starting from
3788 byte {start}, with the length {len}.
3789 When non-existing bytes are included, this doesn't result in
3790 an error, the bytes are simply omitted.
3791 If {len} is missing, the copy continues from {start} till the
3792 end of the {src}. >
3793 strpart("abcdefg", 3, 2) == "de"
3794 strpart("abcdefg", -2, 4) == "ab"
3795 strpart("abcdefg", 5, 4) == "fg"
3796 strpart("abcdefg", 3) == "defg"
3797< Note: To get the first character, {start} must be 0. For
3798 example, to get three bytes under and after the cursor: >
3799 strpart(getline(line(".")), col(".") - 1, 3)
3800<
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00003801strridx({haystack}, {needle} [, {start}]) *strridx()*
3802 The result is a Number, which gives the byte index in
3803 {haystack} of the last occurrence of the String {needle}.
3804 When {start} is specified, matches beyond this index are
3805 ignored. This can be used to find a match before a previous
3806 match: >
3807 :let lastcomma = strridx(line, ",")
3808 :let comma2 = strridx(line, ",", lastcomma - 1)
3809< The search is done case-sensitive.
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00003810 For pattern searches use |match()|.
3811 -1 is returned if the {needle} does not occur in {haystack}.
Bram Moolenaard4755bb2004-09-02 19:12:26 +00003812 If the {needle} is empty the length of {haystack} is returned.
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003813 See also |stridx()|. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003814 :echo strridx("an angry armadillo", "an") 3
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00003815< *strrchr()*
3816 When used with a single character it works similar to the C
3817 function strrchr().
3818
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003819strtrans({expr}) *strtrans()*
3820 The result is a String, which is {expr} with all unprintable
3821 characters translated into printable characters |'isprint'|.
3822 Like they are shown in a window. Example: >
3823 echo strtrans(@a)
3824< This displays a newline in register a as "^@" instead of
3825 starting a new line.
3826
3827submatch({nr}) *submatch()*
3828 Only for an expression in a |:substitute| command. Returns
3829 the {nr}'th submatch of the matched text. When {nr} is 0
3830 the whole matched text is returned.
3831 Example: >
3832 :s/\d\+/\=submatch(0) + 1/
3833< This finds the first number in the line and adds one to it.
3834 A line break is included as a newline character.
3835
3836substitute({expr}, {pat}, {sub}, {flags}) *substitute()*
3837 The result is a String, which is a copy of {expr}, in which
3838 the first match of {pat} is replaced with {sub}. This works
3839 like the ":substitute" command (without any flags). But the
3840 matching with {pat} is always done like the 'magic' option is
3841 set and 'cpoptions' is empty (to make scripts portable).
3842 See |string-match| for how {pat} is used.
3843 And a "~" in {sub} is not replaced with the previous {sub}.
3844 Note that some codes in {sub} have a special meaning
3845 |sub-replace-special|. For example, to replace something with
3846 "\n" (two characters), use "\\\\n" or '\\n'.
3847 When {pat} does not match in {expr}, {expr} is returned
3848 unmodified.
3849 When {flags} is "g", all matches of {pat} in {expr} are
3850 replaced. Otherwise {flags} should be "".
3851 Example: >
3852 :let &path = substitute(&path, ",\\=[^,]*$", "", "")
3853< This removes the last component of the 'path' option. >
3854 :echo substitute("testing", ".*", "\\U\\0", "")
3855< results in "TESTING".
3856
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00003857synID({lnum}, {col}, {trans}) *synID()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003858 The result is a Number, which is the syntax ID at the position
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00003859 {lnum} and {col} in the current window.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003860 The syntax ID can be used with |synIDattr()| and
3861 |synIDtrans()| to obtain syntax information about text.
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00003862 {col} is 1 for the leftmost column, {lnum} is 1 for the first
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003863 line.
3864 When {trans} is non-zero, transparent items are reduced to the
3865 item that they reveal. This is useful when wanting to know
3866 the effective color. When {trans} is zero, the transparent
3867 item is returned. This is useful when wanting to know which
3868 syntax item is effective (e.g. inside parens).
3869 Warning: This function can be very slow. Best speed is
3870 obtained by going through the file in forward direction.
3871
3872 Example (echoes the name of the syntax item under the cursor): >
3873 :echo synIDattr(synID(line("."), col("."), 1), "name")
3874<
3875synIDattr({synID}, {what} [, {mode}]) *synIDattr()*
3876 The result is a String, which is the {what} attribute of
3877 syntax ID {synID}. This can be used to obtain information
3878 about a syntax item.
3879 {mode} can be "gui", "cterm" or "term", to get the attributes
3880 for that mode. When {mode} is omitted, or an invalid value is
3881 used, the attributes for the currently active highlighting are
3882 used (GUI, cterm or term).
3883 Use synIDtrans() to follow linked highlight groups.
3884 {what} result
3885 "name" the name of the syntax item
3886 "fg" foreground color (GUI: color name used to set
3887 the color, cterm: color number as a string,
3888 term: empty string)
3889 "bg" background color (like "fg")
3890 "fg#" like "fg", but for the GUI and the GUI is
3891 running the name in "#RRGGBB" form
3892 "bg#" like "fg#" for "bg"
3893 "bold" "1" if bold
3894 "italic" "1" if italic
3895 "reverse" "1" if reverse
3896 "inverse" "1" if inverse (= reverse)
3897 "underline" "1" if underlined
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00003898 "undercurl" "1" if undercurled
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003899
3900 Example (echoes the color of the syntax item under the
3901 cursor): >
3902 :echo synIDattr(synIDtrans(synID(line("."), col("."), 1)), "fg")
3903<
3904synIDtrans({synID}) *synIDtrans()*
3905 The result is a Number, which is the translated syntax ID of
3906 {synID}. This is the syntax group ID of what is being used to
3907 highlight the character. Highlight links given with
3908 ":highlight link" are followed.
3909
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00003910system({expr} [, {input}]) *system()* *E677*
3911 Get the output of the shell command {expr}.
3912 When {input} is given, this string is written to a file and
3913 passed as stdin to the command. The string is written as-is,
3914 you need to take care of using the correct line separators
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00003915 yourself. Pipes are not used.
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00003916 Note: newlines in {expr} may cause the command to fail. The
3917 characters in 'shellquote' and 'shellxquote' may also cause
3918 trouble.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003919 This is not to be used for interactive commands.
3920 The result is a String. Example: >
3921
3922 :let files = system("ls")
3923
3924< To make the result more system-independent, the shell output
3925 is filtered to replace <CR> with <NL> for Macintosh, and
3926 <CR><NL> with <NL> for DOS-like systems.
3927 The command executed is constructed using several options:
3928 'shell' 'shellcmdflag' 'shellxquote' {expr} 'shellredir' {tmp} 'shellxquote'
3929 ({tmp} is an automatically generated file name).
3930 For Unix and OS/2 braces are put around {expr} to allow for
3931 concatenated commands.
3932
3933 The resulting error code can be found in |v:shell_error|.
3934 This function will fail in |restricted-mode|.
3935 Unlike ":!cmd" there is no automatic check for changed files.
3936 Use |:checktime| to force a check.
3937
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00003938
3939taglist({expr}) *taglist()*
3940 Returns a list of tags matching the regular expression {expr}.
3941 Each list item is a dictionary with the following entries:
3942 name name of the tag.
3943 filename name of the file where the tag is
3944 defined.
3945 cmd Ex command used to locate the tag in
3946 the file.
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003947 kind type of the tag. The value for this
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00003948 entry depends on the language specific
3949 kind values generated by the ctags
3950 tool.
3951 static a file specific tag. Refer to
3952 |static-tag| for more information.
Bram Moolenaar4317d9b2005-03-18 20:25:31 +00003953 The "kind" entry is only available when using Exuberant ctags
3954 generated tags file. More entries may be present, depending
3955 on the content of the tags file: access, implementation,
3956 inherits and signature. Refer to the ctags documentation for
3957 information about these fields. For C code the fields
3958 "struct", "class" and "enum" may appear, they give the name of
3959 the entity the tag is contained in.
3960
3961 The ex-command 'cmd' can be either an ex search pattern, a
3962 line number or a line number followed by a byte number.
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00003963
3964 If there are no matching tags, then an empty list is returned.
3965
3966 To get an exact tag match, the anchors '^' and '$' should be
3967 used in {expr}. Refer to |tag-regexp| for more information
3968 about the tag search regular expression pattern.
3969
3970 Refer to |'tags'| for information about how the tags file is
3971 located by Vim. Refer to |tags-file-format| for the format of
3972 the tags file generated by the different ctags tools.
3973
3974
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003975tempname() *tempname()* *temp-file-name*
3976 The result is a String, which is the name of a file that
3977 doesn't exist. It can be used for a temporary file. The name
3978 is different for at least 26 consecutive calls. Example: >
3979 :let tmpfile = tempname()
3980 :exe "redir > " . tmpfile
3981< For Unix, the file will be in a private directory (only
3982 accessible by the current user) to avoid security problems
3983 (e.g., a symlink attack or other people reading your file).
3984 When Vim exits the directory and all files in it are deleted.
3985 For MS-Windows forward slashes are used when the 'shellslash'
3986 option is set or when 'shellcmdflag' starts with '-'.
3987
3988tolower({expr}) *tolower()*
3989 The result is a copy of the String given, with all uppercase
3990 characters turned into lowercase (just like applying |gu| to
3991 the string).
3992
3993toupper({expr}) *toupper()*
3994 The result is a copy of the String given, with all lowercase
3995 characters turned into uppercase (just like applying |gU| to
3996 the string).
3997
Bram Moolenaar8299df92004-07-10 09:47:34 +00003998tr({src}, {fromstr}, {tostr}) *tr()*
3999 The result is a copy of the {src} string with all characters
4000 which appear in {fromstr} replaced by the character in that
4001 position in the {tostr} string. Thus the first character in
4002 {fromstr} is translated into the first character in {tostr}
4003 and so on. Exactly like the unix "tr" command.
4004 This code also deals with multibyte characters properly.
4005
4006 Examples: >
4007 echo tr("hello there", "ht", "HT")
4008< returns "Hello THere" >
4009 echo tr("<blob>", "<>", "{}")
4010< returns "{blob}"
4011
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00004012 *type()*
4013type({expr}) The result is a Number, depending on the type of {expr}:
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00004014 Number: 0
4015 String: 1
4016 Funcref: 2
4017 List: 3
4018 Dictionary: 4
4019 To avoid the magic numbers it should be used this way: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00004020 :if type(myvar) == type(0)
4021 :if type(myvar) == type("")
4022 :if type(myvar) == type(function("tr"))
4023 :if type(myvar) == type([])
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00004024 :if type(myvar) == type({})
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004025
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00004026values({dict}) *values()*
4027 Return a List with all the values of {dict}. The List is in
4028 arbitrary order.
4029
4030
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004031virtcol({expr}) *virtcol()*
4032 The result is a Number, which is the screen column of the file
4033 position given with {expr}. That is, the last screen position
4034 occupied by the character at that position, when the screen
4035 would be of unlimited width. When there is a <Tab> at the
4036 position, the returned Number will be the column at the end of
4037 the <Tab>. For example, for a <Tab> in column 1, with 'ts'
4038 set to 8, it returns 8.
4039 For the byte position use |col()|.
4040 When Virtual editing is active in the current mode, a position
4041 beyond the end of the line can be returned. |'virtualedit'|
4042 The accepted positions are:
4043 . the cursor position
4044 $ the end of the cursor line (the result is the
4045 number of displayed characters in the cursor line
4046 plus one)
4047 'x position of mark x (if the mark is not set, 0 is
4048 returned)
4049 Note that only marks in the current file can be used.
4050 Examples: >
4051 virtcol(".") with text "foo^Lbar", with cursor on the "^L", returns 5
4052 virtcol("$") with text "foo^Lbar", returns 9
4053 virtcol("'t") with text " there", with 't at 'h', returns 6
4054< The first column is 1. 0 is returned for an error.
4055
4056visualmode([expr]) *visualmode()*
4057 The result is a String, which describes the last Visual mode
4058 used. Initially it returns an empty string, but once Visual
4059 mode has been used, it returns "v", "V", or "<CTRL-V>" (a
4060 single CTRL-V character) for character-wise, line-wise, or
4061 block-wise Visual mode respectively.
4062 Example: >
4063 :exe "normal " . visualmode()
4064< This enters the same Visual mode as before. It is also useful
4065 in scripts if you wish to act differently depending on the
4066 Visual mode that was used.
4067
4068 If an expression is supplied that results in a non-zero number
4069 or a non-empty string, then the Visual mode will be cleared
4070 and the old value is returned. Note that " " and "0" are also
4071 non-empty strings, thus cause the mode to be cleared.
4072
4073 *winbufnr()*
4074winbufnr({nr}) The result is a Number, which is the number of the buffer
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004075 associated with window {nr}. When {nr} is zero, the number of
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004076 the buffer in the current window is returned. When window
4077 {nr} doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
4078 Example: >
4079 :echo "The file in the current window is " . bufname(winbufnr(0))
4080<
4081 *wincol()*
4082wincol() The result is a Number, which is the virtual column of the
4083 cursor in the window. This is counting screen cells from the
4084 left side of the window. The leftmost column is one.
4085
4086winheight({nr}) *winheight()*
4087 The result is a Number, which is the height of window {nr}.
4088 When {nr} is zero, the height of the current window is
4089 returned. When window {nr} doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
4090 An existing window always has a height of zero or more.
4091 Examples: >
4092 :echo "The current window has " . winheight(0) . " lines."
4093<
4094 *winline()*
4095winline() The result is a Number, which is the screen line of the cursor
4096 in the window. This is counting screen lines from the top of
4097 the window. The first line is one.
4098
4099 *winnr()*
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00004100winnr([{arg}]) The result is a Number, which is the number of the current
4101 window. The top window has number 1.
4102 When the optional argument is "$", the number of the
4103 last window is returnd (the window count).
4104 When the optional argument is "#", the number of the last
4105 accessed window is returned (where |CTRL-W_p| goes to).
4106 If there is no previous window 0 is returned.
4107 The number can be used with |CTRL-W_w| and ":wincmd w"
4108 |:wincmd|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004109
4110 *winrestcmd()*
4111winrestcmd() Returns a sequence of |:resize| commands that should restore
4112 the current window sizes. Only works properly when no windows
4113 are opened or closed and the current window is unchanged.
4114 Example: >
4115 :let cmd = winrestcmd()
4116 :call MessWithWindowSizes()
4117 :exe cmd
4118
4119winwidth({nr}) *winwidth()*
4120 The result is a Number, which is the width of window {nr}.
4121 When {nr} is zero, the width of the current window is
4122 returned. When window {nr} doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
4123 An existing window always has a width of zero or more.
4124 Examples: >
4125 :echo "The current window has " . winwidth(0) . " columns."
4126 :if winwidth(0) <= 50
4127 : exe "normal 50\<C-W>|"
4128 :endif
4129<
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00004130 *writefile()*
4131writefile({list}, {fname} [, {binary}])
4132 Write List {list} to file {fname}. Each list item is
4133 separated with a NL. Each list item must be a String or
4134 Number.
4135 When {binary} is equal to "b" binary mode is used: There will
4136 not be a NL after the last list item. An empty item at the
4137 end does cause the last line in the file to end in a NL.
4138 All NL characters are replaced with a NUL character.
4139 Inserting CR characters needs to be done before passing {list}
4140 to writefile().
4141 An existing file is overwritten, if possible.
4142 When the write fails -1 is returned, otherwise 0. There is an
4143 error message if the file can't be created or when writing
4144 fails.
4145 Also see |readfile()|.
4146 To copy a file byte for byte: >
4147 :let fl = readfile("foo", "b")
4148 :call writefile(fl, "foocopy", "b")
4149<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004150
4151 *feature-list*
4152There are three types of features:
41531. Features that are only supported when they have been enabled when Vim
4154 was compiled |+feature-list|. Example: >
4155 :if has("cindent")
41562. Features that are only supported when certain conditions have been met.
4157 Example: >
4158 :if has("gui_running")
4159< *has-patch*
41603. Included patches. First check |v:version| for the version of Vim.
4161 Then the "patch123" feature means that patch 123 has been included for
4162 this version. Example (checking version 6.2.148 or later): >
4163 :if v:version > 602 || v:version == 602 && has("patch148")
4164
4165all_builtin_terms Compiled with all builtin terminals enabled.
4166amiga Amiga version of Vim.
4167arabic Compiled with Arabic support |Arabic|.
4168arp Compiled with ARP support (Amiga).
4169autocmd Compiled with autocommands support.
4170balloon_eval Compiled with |balloon-eval| support.
4171beos BeOS version of Vim.
4172browse Compiled with |:browse| support, and browse() will
4173 work.
4174builtin_terms Compiled with some builtin terminals.
4175byte_offset Compiled with support for 'o' in 'statusline'
4176cindent Compiled with 'cindent' support.
4177clientserver Compiled with remote invocation support |clientserver|.
4178clipboard Compiled with 'clipboard' support.
4179cmdline_compl Compiled with |cmdline-completion| support.
4180cmdline_hist Compiled with |cmdline-history| support.
4181cmdline_info Compiled with 'showcmd' and 'ruler' support.
4182comments Compiled with |'comments'| support.
4183cryptv Compiled with encryption support |encryption|.
4184cscope Compiled with |cscope| support.
4185compatible Compiled to be very Vi compatible.
4186debug Compiled with "DEBUG" defined.
4187dialog_con Compiled with console dialog support.
4188dialog_gui Compiled with GUI dialog support.
4189diff Compiled with |vimdiff| and 'diff' support.
4190digraphs Compiled with support for digraphs.
4191dnd Compiled with support for the "~ register |quote_~|.
4192dos32 32 bits DOS (DJGPP) version of Vim.
4193dos16 16 bits DOS version of Vim.
4194ebcdic Compiled on a machine with ebcdic character set.
4195emacs_tags Compiled with support for Emacs tags.
4196eval Compiled with expression evaluation support. Always
4197 true, of course!
4198ex_extra Compiled with extra Ex commands |+ex_extra|.
4199extra_search Compiled with support for |'incsearch'| and
4200 |'hlsearch'|
4201farsi Compiled with Farsi support |farsi|.
4202file_in_path Compiled with support for |gf| and |<cfile>|
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004203filterpipe When 'shelltemp' is off pipes are used for shell
4204 read/write/filter commands
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004205find_in_path Compiled with support for include file searches
4206 |+find_in_path|.
4207fname_case Case in file names matters (for Amiga, MS-DOS, and
4208 Windows this is not present).
4209folding Compiled with |folding| support.
4210footer Compiled with GUI footer support. |gui-footer|
4211fork Compiled to use fork()/exec() instead of system().
4212gettext Compiled with message translation |multi-lang|
4213gui Compiled with GUI enabled.
4214gui_athena Compiled with Athena GUI.
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00004215gui_beos Compiled with BeOS GUI.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004216gui_gtk Compiled with GTK+ GUI (any version).
4217gui_gtk2 Compiled with GTK+ 2 GUI (gui_gtk is also defined).
Bram Moolenaar843ee412004-06-30 16:16:41 +00004218gui_kde Compiled with KDE GUI |KVim|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004219gui_mac Compiled with Macintosh GUI.
4220gui_motif Compiled with Motif GUI.
4221gui_photon Compiled with Photon GUI.
4222gui_win32 Compiled with MS Windows Win32 GUI.
4223gui_win32s idem, and Win32s system being used (Windows 3.1)
4224gui_running Vim is running in the GUI, or it will start soon.
4225hangul_input Compiled with Hangul input support. |hangul|
4226iconv Can use iconv() for conversion.
4227insert_expand Compiled with support for CTRL-X expansion commands in
4228 Insert mode.
4229jumplist Compiled with |jumplist| support.
4230keymap Compiled with 'keymap' support.
4231langmap Compiled with 'langmap' support.
4232libcall Compiled with |libcall()| support.
4233linebreak Compiled with 'linebreak', 'breakat' and 'showbreak'
4234 support.
4235lispindent Compiled with support for lisp indenting.
4236listcmds Compiled with commands for the buffer list |:files|
4237 and the argument list |arglist|.
4238localmap Compiled with local mappings and abbr. |:map-local|
4239mac Macintosh version of Vim.
4240macunix Macintosh version of Vim, using Unix files (OS-X).
4241menu Compiled with support for |:menu|.
4242mksession Compiled with support for |:mksession|.
4243modify_fname Compiled with file name modifiers. |filename-modifiers|
4244mouse Compiled with support mouse.
4245mouseshape Compiled with support for 'mouseshape'.
4246mouse_dec Compiled with support for Dec terminal mouse.
4247mouse_gpm Compiled with support for gpm (Linux console mouse)
4248mouse_netterm Compiled with support for netterm mouse.
4249mouse_pterm Compiled with support for qnx pterm mouse.
4250mouse_xterm Compiled with support for xterm mouse.
4251multi_byte Compiled with support for editing Korean et al.
4252multi_byte_ime Compiled with support for IME input method.
4253multi_lang Compiled with support for multiple languages.
Bram Moolenaar325b7a22004-07-05 15:58:32 +00004254mzscheme Compiled with MzScheme interface |mzscheme|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004255netbeans_intg Compiled with support for |netbeans|.
Bram Moolenaar009b2592004-10-24 19:18:58 +00004256netbeans_enabled Compiled with support for |netbeans| and it's used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004257ole Compiled with OLE automation support for Win32.
4258os2 OS/2 version of Vim.
4259osfiletype Compiled with support for osfiletypes |+osfiletype|
4260path_extra Compiled with up/downwards search in 'path' and 'tags'
4261perl Compiled with Perl interface.
4262postscript Compiled with PostScript file printing.
4263printer Compiled with |:hardcopy| support.
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00004264profile Compiled with |:profile| support.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004265python Compiled with Python interface.
4266qnx QNX version of Vim.
4267quickfix Compiled with |quickfix| support.
4268rightleft Compiled with 'rightleft' support.
4269ruby Compiled with Ruby interface |ruby|.
4270scrollbind Compiled with 'scrollbind' support.
4271showcmd Compiled with 'showcmd' support.
4272signs Compiled with |:sign| support.
4273smartindent Compiled with 'smartindent' support.
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00004274sniff Compiled with SNiFF interface support.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004275statusline Compiled with support for 'statusline', 'rulerformat'
4276 and special formats of 'titlestring' and 'iconstring'.
4277sun_workshop Compiled with support for Sun |workshop|.
4278syntax Compiled with syntax highlighting support.
4279syntax_items There are active syntax highlighting items for the
4280 current buffer.
4281system Compiled to use system() instead of fork()/exec().
4282tag_binary Compiled with binary searching in tags files
4283 |tag-binary-search|.
4284tag_old_static Compiled with support for old static tags
4285 |tag-old-static|.
4286tag_any_white Compiled with support for any white characters in tags
4287 files |tag-any-white|.
4288tcl Compiled with Tcl interface.
4289terminfo Compiled with terminfo instead of termcap.
4290termresponse Compiled with support for |t_RV| and |v:termresponse|.
4291textobjects Compiled with support for |text-objects|.
4292tgetent Compiled with tgetent support, able to use a termcap
4293 or terminfo file.
4294title Compiled with window title support |'title'|.
4295toolbar Compiled with support for |gui-toolbar|.
4296unix Unix version of Vim.
4297user_commands User-defined commands.
4298viminfo Compiled with viminfo support.
4299vim_starting True while initial source'ing takes place.
4300vertsplit Compiled with vertically split windows |:vsplit|.
4301virtualedit Compiled with 'virtualedit' option.
4302visual Compiled with Visual mode.
4303visualextra Compiled with extra Visual mode commands.
4304 |blockwise-operators|.
4305vms VMS version of Vim.
4306vreplace Compiled with |gR| and |gr| commands.
4307wildignore Compiled with 'wildignore' option.
4308wildmenu Compiled with 'wildmenu' option.
4309windows Compiled with support for more than one window.
4310winaltkeys Compiled with 'winaltkeys' option.
4311win16 Win16 version of Vim (MS-Windows 3.1).
4312win32 Win32 version of Vim (MS-Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP).
4313win64 Win64 version of Vim (MS-Windows 64 bit).
4314win32unix Win32 version of Vim, using Unix files (Cygwin)
4315win95 Win32 version for MS-Windows 95/98/ME.
4316writebackup Compiled with 'writebackup' default on.
4317xfontset Compiled with X fontset support |xfontset|.
4318xim Compiled with X input method support |xim|.
4319xsmp Compiled with X session management support.
4320xsmp_interact Compiled with interactive X session management support.
4321xterm_clipboard Compiled with support for xterm clipboard.
4322xterm_save Compiled with support for saving and restoring the
4323 xterm screen.
4324x11 Compiled with X11 support.
4325
4326 *string-match*
4327Matching a pattern in a String
4328
4329A regexp pattern as explained at |pattern| is normally used to find a match in
4330the buffer lines. When a pattern is used to find a match in a String, almost
4331everything works in the same way. The difference is that a String is handled
4332like it is one line. When it contains a "\n" character, this is not seen as a
4333line break for the pattern. It can be matched with a "\n" in the pattern, or
4334with ".". Example: >
4335 :let a = "aaaa\nxxxx"
4336 :echo matchstr(a, "..\n..")
4337 aa
4338 xx
4339 :echo matchstr(a, "a.x")
4340 a
4341 x
4342
4343Don't forget that "^" will only match at the first character of the String and
4344"$" at the last character of the string. They don't match after or before a
4345"\n".
4346
4347==============================================================================
43485. Defining functions *user-functions*
4349
4350New functions can be defined. These can be called just like builtin
4351functions. The function executes a sequence of Ex commands. Normal mode
4352commands can be executed with the |:normal| command.
4353
4354The function name must start with an uppercase letter, to avoid confusion with
4355builtin functions. To prevent from using the same name in different scripts
4356avoid obvious, short names. A good habit is to start the function name with
4357the name of the script, e.g., "HTMLcolor()".
4358
4359It's also possible to use curly braces, see |curly-braces-names|.
4360
4361 *local-function*
4362A function local to a script must start with "s:". A local script function
4363can only be called from within the script and from functions, user commands
4364and autocommands defined in the script. It is also possible to call the
4365function from a mappings defined in the script, but then |<SID>| must be used
4366instead of "s:" when the mapping is expanded outside of the script.
4367
4368 *:fu* *:function* *E128* *E129* *E123*
4369:fu[nction] List all functions and their arguments.
4370
4371:fu[nction] {name} List function {name}.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004372 {name} can also be a Dictionary entry that is a
4373 Funcref: >
4374 :function dict.init
4375< *E124* *E125*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00004376:fu[nction][!] {name}([arguments]) [range] [abort] [dict]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004377 Define a new function by the name {name}. The name
4378 must be made of alphanumeric characters and '_', and
4379 must start with a capital or "s:" (see above).
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004380
4381 {name} can also be a Dictionary entry that is a
4382 Funcref: >
4383 :function dict.init(arg)
4384< "dict" must be an existing dictionary. The entry
4385 "init" is added if it didn't exist yet. Otherwise [!]
4386 is required to overwrite an existing function. The
4387 result is a |Funcref| to a numbered function. The
4388 function can only be used with a |Funcref| and will be
4389 deleted if there are no more references to it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004390 *E127* *E122*
4391 When a function by this name already exists and [!] is
4392 not used an error message is given. When [!] is used,
4393 an existing function is silently replaced. Unless it
4394 is currently being executed, that is an error.
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00004395
4396 For the {arguments} see |function-argument|.
4397
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004398 *a:firstline* *a:lastline*
4399 When the [range] argument is added, the function is
4400 expected to take care of a range itself. The range is
4401 passed as "a:firstline" and "a:lastline". If [range]
4402 is excluded, ":{range}call" will call the function for
4403 each line in the range, with the cursor on the start
4404 of each line. See |function-range-example|.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004405
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004406 When the [abort] argument is added, the function will
4407 abort as soon as an error is detected.
4408 The last used search pattern and the redo command "."
4409 will not be changed by the function.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004410
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00004411 When the [dict] argument is added, the function must
4412 be invoked through an entry in a Dictionary. The
4413 local variable "self" will then be set to the
4414 dictionary. See |Dictionary-function|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004415
4416 *:endf* *:endfunction* *E126* *E193*
4417:endf[unction] The end of a function definition. Must be on a line
4418 by its own, without other commands.
4419
4420 *:delf* *:delfunction* *E130* *E131*
4421:delf[unction] {name} Delete function {name}.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004422 {name} can also be a Dictionary entry that is a
4423 Funcref: >
4424 :delfunc dict.init
4425< This will remove the "init" entry from "dict". The
4426 function is deleted if there are no more references to
4427 it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004428 *:retu* *:return* *E133*
4429:retu[rn] [expr] Return from a function. When "[expr]" is given, it is
4430 evaluated and returned as the result of the function.
4431 If "[expr]" is not given, the number 0 is returned.
4432 When a function ends without an explicit ":return",
4433 the number 0 is returned.
4434 Note that there is no check for unreachable lines,
4435 thus there is no warning if commands follow ":return".
4436
4437 If the ":return" is used after a |:try| but before the
4438 matching |:finally| (if present), the commands
4439 following the ":finally" up to the matching |:endtry|
4440 are executed first. This process applies to all
4441 nested ":try"s inside the function. The function
4442 returns at the outermost ":endtry".
4443
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00004444 *function-argument* *a:var*
4445An argument can be defined by giving its name. In the function this can then
4446be used as "a:name" ("a:" for argument).
4447 *a:0* *a:1* *a:000* *E740*
4448Up to 20 arguments can be given, separated by commas. After the named
4449arguments an argument "..." can be specified, which means that more arguments
4450may optionally be following. In the function the extra arguments can be used
4451as "a:1", "a:2", etc. "a:0" is set to the number of extra arguments (which
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00004452can be 0). "a:000" is set to a List that contains these arguments. Note that
4453"a:1" is the same as "a:000[0]".
4454 *E742*
4455The a: scope and the variables in it cannot be changed, they are fixed.
4456However, if a List or Dictionary is used, you can changes their contents.
4457Thus you can pass a List to a function and have the function add an item to
4458it. If you want to make sure the function cannot change a List or Dictionary
4459use |:lockvar|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004460
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00004461When not using "...", the number of arguments in a function call must be equal
4462to the number of named arguments. When using "...", the number of arguments
4463may be larger.
4464
4465It is also possible to define a function without any arguments. You must
4466still supply the () then. The body of the function follows in the next lines,
4467until the matching |:endfunction|. It is allowed to define another function
4468inside a function body.
4469
4470 *local-variables*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004471Inside a function variables can be used. These are local variables, which
4472will disappear when the function returns. Global variables need to be
4473accessed with "g:".
4474
4475Example: >
4476 :function Table(title, ...)
4477 : echohl Title
4478 : echo a:title
4479 : echohl None
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00004480 : echo a:0 . " items:"
4481 : for s in a:000
4482 : echon ' ' . s
4483 : endfor
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004484 :endfunction
4485
4486This function can then be called with: >
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00004487 call Table("Table", "line1", "line2")
4488 call Table("Empty Table")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004489
4490To return more than one value, pass the name of a global variable: >
4491 :function Compute(n1, n2, divname)
4492 : if a:n2 == 0
4493 : return "fail"
4494 : endif
4495 : let g:{a:divname} = a:n1 / a:n2
4496 : return "ok"
4497 :endfunction
4498
4499This function can then be called with: >
4500 :let success = Compute(13, 1324, "div")
4501 :if success == "ok"
4502 : echo div
4503 :endif
4504
4505An alternative is to return a command that can be executed. This also works
4506with local variables in a calling function. Example: >
4507 :function Foo()
4508 : execute Bar()
4509 : echo "line " . lnum . " column " . col
4510 :endfunction
4511
4512 :function Bar()
4513 : return "let lnum = " . line(".") . " | let col = " . col(".")
4514 :endfunction
4515
4516The names "lnum" and "col" could also be passed as argument to Bar(), to allow
4517the caller to set the names.
4518
4519 *:cal* *:call* *E107*
4520:[range]cal[l] {name}([arguments])
4521 Call a function. The name of the function and its arguments
4522 are as specified with |:function|. Up to 20 arguments can be
4523 used.
4524 Without a range and for functions that accept a range, the
4525 function is called once. When a range is given the cursor is
4526 positioned at the start of the first line before executing the
4527 function.
4528 When a range is given and the function doesn't handle it
4529 itself, the function is executed for each line in the range,
4530 with the cursor in the first column of that line. The cursor
4531 is left at the last line (possibly moved by the last function
4532 call). The arguments are re-evaluated for each line. Thus
4533 this works:
4534 *function-range-example* >
4535 :function Mynumber(arg)
4536 : echo line(".") . " " . a:arg
4537 :endfunction
4538 :1,5call Mynumber(getline("."))
4539<
4540 The "a:firstline" and "a:lastline" are defined anyway, they
4541 can be used to do something different at the start or end of
4542 the range.
4543
4544 Example of a function that handles the range itself: >
4545
4546 :function Cont() range
4547 : execute (a:firstline + 1) . "," . a:lastline . 's/^/\t\\ '
4548 :endfunction
4549 :4,8call Cont()
4550<
4551 This function inserts the continuation character "\" in front
4552 of all the lines in the range, except the first one.
4553
4554 *E132*
4555The recursiveness of user functions is restricted with the |'maxfuncdepth'|
4556option.
4557
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00004558
4559AUTOMATICALLY LOADING FUNCTIONS ~
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004560 *autoload-functions*
4561When using many or large functions, it's possible to automatically define them
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00004562only when they are used. There are two methods: with an autocommand and with
4563the "autoload" directory in 'runtimepath'.
4564
4565
4566Using an autocommand ~
4567
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00004568This is introduced in the user manual, section |41.14|.
4569
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00004570The autocommand is useful if you have a plugin that is a long Vim script file.
4571You can define the autocommand and quickly quit the script with |:finish|.
4572That makes Vim startup faster. The autocommand should then load the same file
4573again, setting a variable to skip the |:finish| command.
4574
4575Use the FuncUndefined autocommand event with a pattern that matches the
4576function(s) to be defined. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004577
4578 :au FuncUndefined BufNet* source ~/vim/bufnetfuncs.vim
4579
4580The file "~/vim/bufnetfuncs.vim" should then define functions that start with
4581"BufNet". Also see |FuncUndefined|.
4582
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00004583
4584Using an autoload script ~
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004585 *autoload* *E746*
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00004586This is introduced in the user manual, section |41.15|.
4587
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00004588Using a script in the "autoload" directory is simpler, but requires using
4589exactly the right file name. A function that can be autoloaded has a name
4590like this: >
4591
4592 :call filename:funcname()
4593
4594When such a function is called, and it is not defined yet, Vim will search the
4595"autoload" directories in 'runtimepath' for a script file called
4596"filename.vim". For example "~/.vim/autoload/filename.vim". That file should
4597then define the function like this: >
4598
4599 function filename:funcname()
4600 echo "Done!"
4601 endfunction
4602
4603The file name and the name used before the colon in the function must match
4604exactly, and the defined function must have the name exactly as it will be
4605called.
4606
4607It is possible to use subdirectories. Every colon in the function name works
4608like a path separator. Thus when calling a function: >
4609
4610 :call foo:bar:func()
4611
4612Vim will look for the file "autoload/foo/bar.vim" in 'runtimepath'.
4613
4614The name before the first colon must be at least two characters long,
4615otherwise it looks like a scope, such as "s:".
4616
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004617This also works when reading a variable that has not been set yet: >
4618
4619 :let l = foo:bar:lvar
4620
4621When assigning a value to such a variable nothing special happens. This can
4622be used to pass settings to the autoload script before it's loaded: >
4623
4624 :let foo:bar:toggle = 1
4625 :call foo:bar:func()
4626
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00004627Note that when you make a mistake and call a function that is supposed to be
4628defined in an autoload script, but the script doesn't actually define the
4629function, the script will be sourced every time you try to call the function.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004630And you will get an error message every time.
4631
4632Also note that if you have two script files, and one calls a function in the
4633other and vise versa, before the used function is defined, it won't work.
4634Avoid using the autoload functionality at the toplevel.
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00004635
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004636==============================================================================
46376. Curly braces names *curly-braces-names*
4638
4639Wherever you can use a variable, you can use a "curly braces name" variable.
4640This is a regular variable name with one or more expressions wrapped in braces
4641{} like this: >
4642 my_{adjective}_variable
4643
4644When Vim encounters this, it evaluates the expression inside the braces, puts
4645that in place of the expression, and re-interprets the whole as a variable
4646name. So in the above example, if the variable "adjective" was set to
4647"noisy", then the reference would be to "my_noisy_variable", whereas if
4648"adjective" was set to "quiet", then it would be to "my_quiet_variable".
4649
4650One application for this is to create a set of variables governed by an option
4651value. For example, the statement >
4652 echo my_{&background}_message
4653
4654would output the contents of "my_dark_message" or "my_light_message" depending
4655on the current value of 'background'.
4656
4657You can use multiple brace pairs: >
4658 echo my_{adverb}_{adjective}_message
4659..or even nest them: >
4660 echo my_{ad{end_of_word}}_message
4661where "end_of_word" is either "verb" or "jective".
4662
4663However, the expression inside the braces must evaluate to a valid single
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004664variable name, e.g. this is invalid: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004665 :let foo='a + b'
4666 :echo c{foo}d
4667.. since the result of expansion is "ca + bd", which is not a variable name.
4668
4669 *curly-braces-function-names*
4670You can call and define functions by an evaluated name in a similar way.
4671Example: >
4672 :let func_end='whizz'
4673 :call my_func_{func_end}(parameter)
4674
4675This would call the function "my_func_whizz(parameter)".
4676
4677==============================================================================
46787. Commands *expression-commands*
4679
4680:let {var-name} = {expr1} *:let* *E18*
4681 Set internal variable {var-name} to the result of the
4682 expression {expr1}. The variable will get the type
4683 from the {expr}. If {var-name} didn't exist yet, it
4684 is created.
4685
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00004686:let {var-name}[{idx}] = {expr1} *E689*
4687 Set a list item to the result of the expression
4688 {expr1}. {var-name} must refer to a list and {idx}
4689 must be a valid index in that list. For nested list
4690 the index can be repeated.
4691 This cannot be used to add an item to a list.
4692
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004693 *E711* *E719*
4694:let {var-name}[{idx1}:{idx2}] = {expr1} *E708* *E709* *E710*
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00004695 Set a sequence of items in a List to the result of the
4696 expression {expr1}, which must be a list with the
4697 correct number of items.
4698 {idx1} can be omitted, zero is used instead.
4699 {idx2} can be omitted, meaning the end of the list.
4700 When the selected range of items is partly past the
4701 end of the list, items will be added.
4702
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00004703 *:let+=* *:let-=* *:let.=* *E734*
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004704:let {var} += {expr1} Like ":let {var} = {var} + {expr1}".
4705:let {var} -= {expr1} Like ":let {var} = {var} - {expr1}".
4706:let {var} .= {expr1} Like ":let {var} = {var} . {expr1}".
4707 These fail if {var} was not set yet and when the type
4708 of {var} and {expr1} don't fit the operator.
4709
4710
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004711:let ${env-name} = {expr1} *:let-environment* *:let-$*
4712 Set environment variable {env-name} to the result of
4713 the expression {expr1}. The type is always String.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004714:let ${env-name} .= {expr1}
4715 Append {expr1} to the environment variable {env-name}.
4716 If the environment variable didn't exist yet this
4717 works like "=".
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004718
4719:let @{reg-name} = {expr1} *:let-register* *:let-@*
4720 Write the result of the expression {expr1} in register
4721 {reg-name}. {reg-name} must be a single letter, and
4722 must be the name of a writable register (see
4723 |registers|). "@@" can be used for the unnamed
4724 register, "@/" for the search pattern.
4725 If the result of {expr1} ends in a <CR> or <NL>, the
4726 register will be linewise, otherwise it will be set to
4727 characterwise.
4728 This can be used to clear the last search pattern: >
4729 :let @/ = ""
4730< This is different from searching for an empty string,
4731 that would match everywhere.
4732
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004733:let @{reg-name} .= {expr1}
4734 Append {expr1} to register {reg-name}. If the
4735 register was empty it's like setting it to {expr1}.
4736
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004737:let &{option-name} = {expr1} *:let-option* *:let-star*
4738 Set option {option-name} to the result of the
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00004739 expression {expr1}. A String or Number value is
4740 always converted to the type of the option.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004741 For an option local to a window or buffer the effect
4742 is just like using the |:set| command: both the local
4743 value and the global value is changed.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00004744 Example: >
4745 :let &path = &path . ',/usr/local/include'
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004746
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004747:let &{option-name} .= {expr1}
4748 For a string option: Append {expr1} to the value.
4749 Does not insert a comma like |:set+=|.
4750
4751:let &{option-name} += {expr1}
4752:let &{option-name} -= {expr1}
4753 For a number or boolean option: Add or subtract
4754 {expr1}.
4755
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004756:let &l:{option-name} = {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004757:let &l:{option-name} .= {expr1}
4758:let &l:{option-name} += {expr1}
4759:let &l:{option-name} -= {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004760 Like above, but only set the local value of an option
4761 (if there is one). Works like |:setlocal|.
4762
4763:let &g:{option-name} = {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004764:let &g:{option-name} .= {expr1}
4765:let &g:{option-name} += {expr1}
4766:let &g:{option-name} -= {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004767 Like above, but only set the global value of an option
4768 (if there is one). Works like |:setglobal|.
4769
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00004770:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] = {expr1} *:let-unpack* *E687* *E688*
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00004771 {expr1} must evaluate to a List. The first item in
4772 the list is assigned to {name1}, the second item to
4773 {name2}, etc.
4774 The number of names must match the number of items in
4775 the List.
4776 Each name can be one of the items of the ":let"
4777 command as mentioned above.
4778 Example: >
4779 :let [s, item] = GetItem(s)
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004780< Detail: {expr1} is evaluated first, then the
4781 assignments are done in sequence. This matters if
4782 {name2} depends on {name1}. Example: >
4783 :let x = [0, 1]
4784 :let i = 0
4785 :let [i, x[i]] = [1, 2]
4786 :echo x
4787< The result is [0, 2].
4788
4789:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] .= {expr1}
4790:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] += {expr1}
4791:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] -= {expr1}
4792 Like above, but append/add/subtract the value for each
4793 List item.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00004794
4795:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] = {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00004796 Like |:let-unpack| above, but the List may have more
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004797 items than there are names. A list of the remaining
4798 items is assigned to {lastname}. If there are no
4799 remaining items {lastname} is set to an empty list.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00004800 Example: >
4801 :let [a, b; rest] = ["aval", "bval", 3, 4]
4802<
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004803:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] .= {expr1}
4804:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] += {expr1}
4805:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] -= {expr1}
4806 Like above, but append/add/subtract the value for each
4807 List item.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004808 *E106*
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004809:let {var-name} .. List the value of variable {var-name}. Multiple
Bram Moolenaardcaf10e2005-01-21 11:55:25 +00004810 variable names may be given. Special names recognized
4811 here: *E738*
4812 g: global variables.
4813 b: local buffer variables.
4814 w: local window variables.
4815 v: Vim variables.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004816
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00004817:let List the values of all variables. The type of the
4818 variable is indicated before the value:
4819 <nothing> String
4820 # Number
4821 * Funcref
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004822
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00004823
4824:unl[et][!] {name} ... *:unlet* *:unl* *E108*
4825 Remove the internal variable {name}. Several variable
4826 names can be given, they are all removed. The name
4827 may also be a List or Dictionary item.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004828 With [!] no error message is given for non-existing
4829 variables.
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +00004830 One or more items from a List can be removed: >
4831 :unlet list[3] " remove fourth item
4832 :unlet list[3:] " remove fourth item to last
4833< One item from a Dictionary can be removed at a time: >
4834 :unlet dict['two']
4835 :unlet dict.two
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004836
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00004837:lockv[ar][!] [depth] {name} ... *:lockvar* *:lockv*
4838 Lock the internal variable {name}. Locking means that
4839 it can no longer be changed (until it is unlocked).
4840 A locked variable can be deleted: >
4841 :lockvar v
4842 :let v = 'asdf' " fails!
4843 :unlet v
4844< *E741*
4845 If you try to change a locked variable you get an
4846 error message: "E741: Value of {name} is locked"
4847
4848 [depth] is relevant when locking a List or Dictionary.
4849 It specifies how deep the locking goes:
4850 1 Lock the List or Dictionary itself,
4851 cannot add or remove items, but can
4852 still change their values.
4853 2 Also lock the values, cannot change
4854 the items. If an item is a List or
4855 Dictionary, cannot add or remove
4856 items, but can still change the
4857 values.
4858 3 Like 2 but for the List/Dictionary in
4859 the List/Dictionary, one level deeper.
4860 The default [depth] is 2, thus when {name} is a List
4861 or Dictionary the values cannot be changed.
4862 *E743*
4863 For unlimited depth use [!] and omit [depth].
4864 However, there is a maximum depth of 100 to catch
4865 loops.
4866
4867 Note that when two variables refer to the same List
4868 and you lock one of them, the List will also be locked
4869 when used through the other variable. Example: >
4870 :let l = [0, 1, 2, 3]
4871 :let cl = l
4872 :lockvar l
4873 :let cl[1] = 99 " won't work!
4874< You may want to make a copy of a list to avoid this.
4875 See |deepcopy()|.
4876
4877
4878:unlo[ckvar][!] [depth] {name} ... *:unlockvar* *:unlo*
4879 Unlock the internal variable {name}. Does the
4880 opposite of |:lockvar|.
4881
4882
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004883:if {expr1} *:if* *:endif* *:en* *E171* *E579* *E580*
4884:en[dif] Execute the commands until the next matching ":else"
4885 or ":endif" if {expr1} evaluates to non-zero.
4886
4887 From Vim version 4.5 until 5.0, every Ex command in
4888 between the ":if" and ":endif" is ignored. These two
4889 commands were just to allow for future expansions in a
4890 backwards compatible way. Nesting was allowed. Note
4891 that any ":else" or ":elseif" was ignored, the "else"
4892 part was not executed either.
4893
4894 You can use this to remain compatible with older
4895 versions: >
4896 :if version >= 500
4897 : version-5-specific-commands
4898 :endif
4899< The commands still need to be parsed to find the
4900 "endif". Sometimes an older Vim has a problem with a
4901 new command. For example, ":silent" is recognized as
4902 a ":substitute" command. In that case ":execute" can
4903 avoid problems: >
4904 :if version >= 600
4905 : execute "silent 1,$delete"
4906 :endif
4907<
4908 NOTE: The ":append" and ":insert" commands don't work
4909 properly in between ":if" and ":endif".
4910
4911 *:else* *:el* *E581* *E583*
4912:el[se] Execute the commands until the next matching ":else"
4913 or ":endif" if they previously were not being
4914 executed.
4915
4916 *:elseif* *:elsei* *E582* *E584*
4917:elsei[f] {expr1} Short for ":else" ":if", with the addition that there
4918 is no extra ":endif".
4919
4920:wh[ile] {expr1} *:while* *:endwhile* *:wh* *:endw*
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004921 *E170* *E585* *E588* *E733*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004922:endw[hile] Repeat the commands between ":while" and ":endwhile",
4923 as long as {expr1} evaluates to non-zero.
4924 When an error is detected from a command inside the
4925 loop, execution continues after the "endwhile".
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00004926 Example: >
4927 :let lnum = 1
4928 :while lnum <= line("$")
4929 :call FixLine(lnum)
4930 :let lnum = lnum + 1
4931 :endwhile
4932<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004933 NOTE: The ":append" and ":insert" commands don't work
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004934 properly inside a ":while" and ":for" loop.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004935
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004936:for {var} in {list} *:for* *E690* *E732*
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00004937:endfo[r] *:endfo* *:endfor*
4938 Repeat the commands between ":for" and ":endfor" for
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00004939 each item in {list}. Variable {var} is set to the
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00004940 value of each item.
4941 When an error is detected for a command inside the
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00004942 loop, execution continues after the "endfor".
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00004943 Changing {list} affects what items are used. Make a
4944 copy if this is unwanted: >
4945 :for item in copy(mylist)
4946< When not making a copy, Vim stores a reference to the
4947 next item in the list, before executing the commands
4948 with the current item. Thus the current item can be
4949 removed without effect. Removing any later item means
4950 it will not be found. Thus the following example
4951 works (an inefficient way to make a list empty): >
4952 :for item in mylist
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00004953 :call remove(mylist, 0)
4954 :endfor
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00004955< Note that reordering the list (e.g., with sort() or
4956 reverse()) may have unexpected effects.
4957 Note that the type of each list item should be
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00004958 identical to avoid errors for the type of {var}
4959 changing. Unlet the variable at the end of the loop
4960 to allow multiple item types.
4961
4962:for {var} in {string}
4963:endfo[r] Like ":for" above, but use each character in {string}
4964 as a list item.
4965 Composing characters are used as separate characters.
4966 A Number is first converted to a String.
4967
4968:for [{var1}, {var2}, ...] in {listlist}
4969:endfo[r]
4970 Like ":for" above, but each item in {listlist} must be
4971 a list, of which each item is assigned to {var1},
4972 {var2}, etc. Example: >
4973 :for [lnum, col] in [[1, 3], [2, 5], [3, 8]]
4974 :echo getline(lnum)[col]
4975 :endfor
4976<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004977 *:continue* *:con* *E586*
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00004978:con[tinue] When used inside a ":while" or ":for" loop, jumps back
4979 to the start of the loop.
4980 If it is used after a |:try| inside the loop but
4981 before the matching |:finally| (if present), the
4982 commands following the ":finally" up to the matching
4983 |:endtry| are executed first. This process applies to
4984 all nested ":try"s inside the loop. The outermost
4985 ":endtry" then jumps back to the start of the loop.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004986
4987 *:break* *:brea* *E587*
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00004988:brea[k] When used inside a ":while" or ":for" loop, skips to
4989 the command after the matching ":endwhile" or
4990 ":endfor".
4991 If it is used after a |:try| inside the loop but
4992 before the matching |:finally| (if present), the
4993 commands following the ":finally" up to the matching
4994 |:endtry| are executed first. This process applies to
4995 all nested ":try"s inside the loop. The outermost
4996 ":endtry" then jumps to the command after the loop.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004997
4998:try *:try* *:endt* *:endtry* *E600* *E601* *E602*
4999:endt[ry] Change the error handling for the commands between
5000 ":try" and ":endtry" including everything being
5001 executed across ":source" commands, function calls,
5002 or autocommand invocations.
5003
5004 When an error or interrupt is detected and there is
5005 a |:finally| command following, execution continues
5006 after the ":finally". Otherwise, or when the
5007 ":endtry" is reached thereafter, the next
5008 (dynamically) surrounding ":try" is checked for
5009 a corresponding ":finally" etc. Then the script
5010 processing is terminated. (Whether a function
5011 definition has an "abort" argument does not matter.)
5012 Example: >
5013 :try | edit too much | finally | echo "cleanup" | endtry
5014 :echo "impossible" " not reached, script terminated above
5015<
5016 Moreover, an error or interrupt (dynamically) inside
5017 ":try" and ":endtry" is converted to an exception. It
5018 can be caught as if it were thrown by a |:throw|
5019 command (see |:catch|). In this case, the script
5020 processing is not terminated.
5021
5022 The value "Vim:Interrupt" is used for an interrupt
5023 exception. An error in a Vim command is converted
5024 to a value of the form "Vim({command}):{errmsg}",
5025 other errors are converted to a value of the form
5026 "Vim:{errmsg}". {command} is the full command name,
5027 and {errmsg} is the message that is displayed if the
5028 error exception is not caught, always beginning with
5029 the error number.
5030 Examples: >
5031 :try | sleep 100 | catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/ | endtry
5032 :try | edit | catch /^Vim(edit):E\d\+/ | echo "error" | endtry
5033<
5034 *:cat* *:catch* *E603* *E604* *E605*
5035:cat[ch] /{pattern}/ The following commands until the next ":catch",
5036 |:finally|, or |:endtry| that belongs to the same
5037 |:try| as the ":catch" are executed when an exception
5038 matching {pattern} is being thrown and has not yet
5039 been caught by a previous ":catch". Otherwise, these
5040 commands are skipped.
5041 When {pattern} is omitted all errors are caught.
5042 Examples: >
5043 :catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/ " catch interrupts (CTRL-C)
5044 :catch /^Vim\%((\a\+)\)\=:E/ " catch all Vim errors
5045 :catch /^Vim\%((\a\+)\)\=:/ " catch errors and interrupts
5046 :catch /^Vim(write):/ " catch all errors in :write
5047 :catch /^Vim\%((\a\+)\)\=:E123/ " catch error E123
5048 :catch /my-exception/ " catch user exception
5049 :catch /.*/ " catch everything
5050 :catch " same as /.*/
5051<
5052 Another character can be used instead of / around the
5053 {pattern}, so long as it does not have a special
5054 meaning (e.g., '|' or '"') and doesn't occur inside
5055 {pattern}.
5056 NOTE: It is not reliable to ":catch" the TEXT of
5057 an error message because it may vary in different
5058 locales.
5059
5060 *:fina* *:finally* *E606* *E607*
5061:fina[lly] The following commands until the matching |:endtry|
5062 are executed whenever the part between the matching
5063 |:try| and the ":finally" is left: either by falling
5064 through to the ":finally" or by a |:continue|,
5065 |:break|, |:finish|, or |:return|, or by an error or
5066 interrupt or exception (see |:throw|).
5067
5068 *:th* *:throw* *E608*
5069:th[row] {expr1} The {expr1} is evaluated and thrown as an exception.
5070 If the ":throw" is used after a |:try| but before the
5071 first corresponding |:catch|, commands are skipped
5072 until the first ":catch" matching {expr1} is reached.
5073 If there is no such ":catch" or if the ":throw" is
5074 used after a ":catch" but before the |:finally|, the
5075 commands following the ":finally" (if present) up to
5076 the matching |:endtry| are executed. If the ":throw"
5077 is after the ":finally", commands up to the ":endtry"
5078 are skipped. At the ":endtry", this process applies
5079 again for the next dynamically surrounding ":try"
5080 (which may be found in a calling function or sourcing
5081 script), until a matching ":catch" has been found.
5082 If the exception is not caught, the command processing
5083 is terminated.
5084 Example: >
5085 :try | throw "oops" | catch /^oo/ | echo "caught" | endtry
5086<
5087
5088 *:ec* *:echo*
5089:ec[ho] {expr1} .. Echoes each {expr1}, with a space in between. The
5090 first {expr1} starts on a new line.
5091 Also see |:comment|.
5092 Use "\n" to start a new line. Use "\r" to move the
5093 cursor to the first column.
5094 Uses the highlighting set by the |:echohl| command.
5095 Cannot be followed by a comment.
5096 Example: >
5097 :echo "the value of 'shell' is" &shell
5098< A later redraw may make the message disappear again.
5099 To avoid that a command from before the ":echo" causes
5100 a redraw afterwards (redraws are often postponed until
5101 you type something), force a redraw with the |:redraw|
5102 command. Example: >
5103 :new | redraw | echo "there is a new window"
5104<
5105 *:echon*
5106:echon {expr1} .. Echoes each {expr1}, without anything added. Also see
5107 |:comment|.
5108 Uses the highlighting set by the |:echohl| command.
5109 Cannot be followed by a comment.
5110 Example: >
5111 :echon "the value of 'shell' is " &shell
5112<
5113 Note the difference between using ":echo", which is a
5114 Vim command, and ":!echo", which is an external shell
5115 command: >
5116 :!echo % --> filename
5117< The arguments of ":!" are expanded, see |:_%|. >
5118 :!echo "%" --> filename or "filename"
5119< Like the previous example. Whether you see the double
5120 quotes or not depends on your 'shell'. >
5121 :echo % --> nothing
5122< The '%' is an illegal character in an expression. >
5123 :echo "%" --> %
5124< This just echoes the '%' character. >
5125 :echo expand("%") --> filename
5126< This calls the expand() function to expand the '%'.
5127
5128 *:echoh* *:echohl*
5129:echoh[l] {name} Use the highlight group {name} for the following
5130 |:echo|, |:echon| and |:echomsg| commands. Also used
5131 for the |input()| prompt. Example: >
5132 :echohl WarningMsg | echo "Don't panic!" | echohl None
5133< Don't forget to set the group back to "None",
5134 otherwise all following echo's will be highlighted.
5135
5136 *:echom* *:echomsg*
5137:echom[sg] {expr1} .. Echo the expression(s) as a true message, saving the
5138 message in the |message-history|.
5139 Spaces are placed between the arguments as with the
5140 |:echo| command. But unprintable characters are
5141 displayed, not interpreted.
5142 Uses the highlighting set by the |:echohl| command.
5143 Example: >
5144 :echomsg "It's a Zizzer Zazzer Zuzz, as you can plainly see."
5145<
5146 *:echoe* *:echoerr*
5147:echoe[rr] {expr1} .. Echo the expression(s) as an error message, saving the
5148 message in the |message-history|. When used in a
5149 script or function the line number will be added.
5150 Spaces are placed between the arguments as with the
5151 :echo command. When used inside a try conditional,
5152 the message is raised as an error exception instead
5153 (see |try-echoerr|).
5154 Example: >
5155 :echoerr "This script just failed!"
5156< If you just want a highlighted message use |:echohl|.
5157 And to get a beep: >
5158 :exe "normal \<Esc>"
5159<
5160 *:exe* *:execute*
5161:exe[cute] {expr1} .. Executes the string that results from the evaluation
5162 of {expr1} as an Ex command. Multiple arguments are
5163 concatenated, with a space in between. {expr1} is
5164 used as the processed command, command line editing
5165 keys are not recognized.
5166 Cannot be followed by a comment.
5167 Examples: >
5168 :execute "buffer " nextbuf
5169 :execute "normal " count . "w"
5170<
5171 ":execute" can be used to append a command to commands
5172 that don't accept a '|'. Example: >
5173 :execute '!ls' | echo "theend"
5174
5175< ":execute" is also a nice way to avoid having to type
5176 control characters in a Vim script for a ":normal"
5177 command: >
5178 :execute "normal ixxx\<Esc>"
5179< This has an <Esc> character, see |expr-string|.
5180
5181 Note: The executed string may be any command-line, but
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00005182 you cannot start or end a "while", "for" or "if"
5183 command. Thus this is illegal: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005184 :execute 'while i > 5'
5185 :execute 'echo "test" | break'
5186<
5187 It is allowed to have a "while" or "if" command
5188 completely in the executed string: >
5189 :execute 'while i < 5 | echo i | let i = i + 1 | endwhile'
5190<
5191
5192 *:comment*
5193 ":execute", ":echo" and ":echon" cannot be followed by
5194 a comment directly, because they see the '"' as the
5195 start of a string. But, you can use '|' followed by a
5196 comment. Example: >
5197 :echo "foo" | "this is a comment
5198
5199==============================================================================
52008. Exception handling *exception-handling*
5201
5202The Vim script language comprises an exception handling feature. This section
5203explains how it can be used in a Vim script.
5204
5205Exceptions may be raised by Vim on an error or on interrupt, see
5206|catch-errors| and |catch-interrupt|. You can also explicitly throw an
5207exception by using the ":throw" command, see |throw-catch|.
5208
5209
5210TRY CONDITIONALS *try-conditionals*
5211
5212Exceptions can be caught or can cause cleanup code to be executed. You can
5213use a try conditional to specify catch clauses (that catch exceptions) and/or
5214a finally clause (to be executed for cleanup).
5215 A try conditional begins with a |:try| command and ends at the matching
5216|:endtry| command. In between, you can use a |:catch| command to start
5217a catch clause, or a |:finally| command to start a finally clause. There may
5218be none or multiple catch clauses, but there is at most one finally clause,
5219which must not be followed by any catch clauses. The lines before the catch
5220clauses and the finally clause is called a try block. >
5221
5222 :try
5223 : ...
5224 : ... TRY BLOCK
5225 : ...
5226 :catch /{pattern}/
5227 : ...
5228 : ... CATCH CLAUSE
5229 : ...
5230 :catch /{pattern}/
5231 : ...
5232 : ... CATCH CLAUSE
5233 : ...
5234 :finally
5235 : ...
5236 : ... FINALLY CLAUSE
5237 : ...
5238 :endtry
5239
5240The try conditional allows to watch code for exceptions and to take the
5241appropriate actions. Exceptions from the try block may be caught. Exceptions
5242from the try block and also the catch clauses may cause cleanup actions.
5243 When no exception is thrown during execution of the try block, the control
5244is transferred to the finally clause, if present. After its execution, the
5245script continues with the line following the ":endtry".
5246 When an exception occurs during execution of the try block, the remaining
5247lines in the try block are skipped. The exception is matched against the
5248patterns specified as arguments to the ":catch" commands. The catch clause
5249after the first matching ":catch" is taken, other catch clauses are not
5250executed. The catch clause ends when the next ":catch", ":finally", or
5251":endtry" command is reached - whatever is first. Then, the finally clause
5252(if present) is executed. When the ":endtry" is reached, the script execution
5253continues in the following line as usual.
5254 When an exception that does not match any of the patterns specified by the
5255":catch" commands is thrown in the try block, the exception is not caught by
5256that try conditional and none of the catch clauses is executed. Only the
5257finally clause, if present, is taken. The exception pends during execution of
5258the finally clause. It is resumed at the ":endtry", so that commands after
5259the ":endtry" are not executed and the exception might be caught elsewhere,
5260see |try-nesting|.
5261 When during execution of a catch clause another exception is thrown, the
5262remaining lines in that catch clause are not executed. The new exception is
5263not matched against the patterns in any of the ":catch" commands of the same
5264try conditional and none of its catch clauses is taken. If there is, however,
5265a finally clause, it is executed, and the exception pends during its
5266execution. The commands following the ":endtry" are not executed. The new
5267exception might, however, be caught elsewhere, see |try-nesting|.
5268 When during execution of the finally clause (if present) an exception is
5269thrown, the remaining lines in the finally clause are skipped. If the finally
5270clause has been taken because of an exception from the try block or one of the
5271catch clauses, the original (pending) exception is discarded. The commands
5272following the ":endtry" are not executed, and the exception from the finally
5273clause is propagated and can be caught elsewhere, see |try-nesting|.
5274
5275The finally clause is also executed, when a ":break" or ":continue" for
5276a ":while" loop enclosing the complete try conditional is executed from the
5277try block or a catch clause. Or when a ":return" or ":finish" is executed
5278from the try block or a catch clause of a try conditional in a function or
5279sourced script, respectively. The ":break", ":continue", ":return", or
5280":finish" pends during execution of the finally clause and is resumed when the
5281":endtry" is reached. It is, however, discarded when an exception is thrown
5282from the finally clause.
5283 When a ":break" or ":continue" for a ":while" loop enclosing the complete
5284try conditional or when a ":return" or ":finish" is encountered in the finally
5285clause, the rest of the finally clause is skipped, and the ":break",
5286":continue", ":return" or ":finish" is executed as usual. If the finally
5287clause has been taken because of an exception or an earlier ":break",
5288":continue", ":return", or ":finish" from the try block or a catch clause,
5289this pending exception or command is discarded.
5290
5291For examples see |throw-catch| and |try-finally|.
5292
5293
5294NESTING OF TRY CONDITIONALS *try-nesting*
5295
5296Try conditionals can be nested arbitrarily. That is, a complete try
5297conditional can be put into the try block, a catch clause, or the finally
5298clause of another try conditional. If the inner try conditional does not
5299catch an exception thrown in its try block or throws a new exception from one
5300of its catch clauses or its finally clause, the outer try conditional is
5301checked according to the rules above. If the inner try conditional is in the
5302try block of the outer try conditional, its catch clauses are checked, but
5303otherwise only the finally clause is executed. It does not matter for
5304nesting, whether the inner try conditional is directly contained in the outer
5305one, or whether the outer one sources a script or calls a function containing
5306the inner try conditional.
5307
5308When none of the active try conditionals catches an exception, just their
5309finally clauses are executed. Thereafter, the script processing terminates.
5310An error message is displayed in case of an uncaught exception explicitly
5311thrown by a ":throw" command. For uncaught error and interrupt exceptions
5312implicitly raised by Vim, the error message(s) or interrupt message are shown
5313as usual.
5314
5315For examples see |throw-catch|.
5316
5317
5318EXAMINING EXCEPTION HANDLING CODE *except-examine*
5319
5320Exception handling code can get tricky. If you are in doubt what happens, set
5321'verbose' to 13 or use the ":13verbose" command modifier when sourcing your
5322script file. Then you see when an exception is thrown, discarded, caught, or
5323finished. When using a verbosity level of at least 14, things pending in
5324a finally clause are also shown. This information is also given in debug mode
5325(see |debug-scripts|).
5326
5327
5328THROWING AND CATCHING EXCEPTIONS *throw-catch*
5329
5330You can throw any number or string as an exception. Use the |:throw| command
5331and pass the value to be thrown as argument: >
5332 :throw 4711
5333 :throw "string"
5334< *throw-expression*
5335You can also specify an expression argument. The expression is then evaluated
5336first, and the result is thrown: >
5337 :throw 4705 + strlen("string")
5338 :throw strpart("strings", 0, 6)
5339
5340An exception might be thrown during evaluation of the argument of the ":throw"
5341command. Unless it is caught there, the expression evaluation is abandoned.
5342The ":throw" command then does not throw a new exception.
5343 Example: >
5344
5345 :function! Foo(arg)
5346 : try
5347 : throw a:arg
5348 : catch /foo/
5349 : endtry
5350 : return 1
5351 :endfunction
5352 :
5353 :function! Bar()
5354 : echo "in Bar"
5355 : return 4710
5356 :endfunction
5357 :
5358 :throw Foo("arrgh") + Bar()
5359
5360This throws "arrgh", and "in Bar" is not displayed since Bar() is not
5361executed. >
5362 :throw Foo("foo") + Bar()
5363however displays "in Bar" and throws 4711.
5364
5365Any other command that takes an expression as argument might also be
5366abandoned by an (uncaught) exception during the expression evaluation. The
5367exception is then propagated to the caller of the command.
5368 Example: >
5369
5370 :if Foo("arrgh")
5371 : echo "then"
5372 :else
5373 : echo "else"
5374 :endif
5375
5376Here neither of "then" or "else" is displayed.
5377
5378 *catch-order*
5379Exceptions can be caught by a try conditional with one or more |:catch|
5380commands, see |try-conditionals|. The values to be caught by each ":catch"
5381command can be specified as a pattern argument. The subsequent catch clause
5382gets executed when a matching exception is caught.
5383 Example: >
5384
5385 :function! Foo(value)
5386 : try
5387 : throw a:value
5388 : catch /^\d\+$/
5389 : echo "Number thrown"
5390 : catch /.*/
5391 : echo "String thrown"
5392 : endtry
5393 :endfunction
5394 :
5395 :call Foo(0x1267)
5396 :call Foo('string')
5397
5398The first call to Foo() displays "Number thrown", the second "String thrown".
5399An exception is matched against the ":catch" commands in the order they are
5400specified. Only the first match counts. So you should place the more
5401specific ":catch" first. The following order does not make sense: >
5402
5403 : catch /.*/
5404 : echo "String thrown"
5405 : catch /^\d\+$/
5406 : echo "Number thrown"
5407
5408The first ":catch" here matches always, so that the second catch clause is
5409never taken.
5410
5411 *throw-variables*
5412If you catch an exception by a general pattern, you may access the exact value
5413in the variable |v:exception|: >
5414
5415 : catch /^\d\+$/
5416 : echo "Number thrown. Value is" v:exception
5417
5418You may also be interested where an exception was thrown. This is stored in
5419|v:throwpoint|. Note that "v:exception" and "v:throwpoint" are valid for the
5420exception most recently caught as long it is not finished.
5421 Example: >
5422
5423 :function! Caught()
5424 : if v:exception != ""
5425 : echo 'Caught "' . v:exception . '" in ' . v:throwpoint
5426 : else
5427 : echo 'Nothing caught'
5428 : endif
5429 :endfunction
5430 :
5431 :function! Foo()
5432 : try
5433 : try
5434 : try
5435 : throw 4711
5436 : finally
5437 : call Caught()
5438 : endtry
5439 : catch /.*/
5440 : call Caught()
5441 : throw "oops"
5442 : endtry
5443 : catch /.*/
5444 : call Caught()
5445 : finally
5446 : call Caught()
5447 : endtry
5448 :endfunction
5449 :
5450 :call Foo()
5451
5452This displays >
5453
5454 Nothing caught
5455 Caught "4711" in function Foo, line 4
5456 Caught "oops" in function Foo, line 10
5457 Nothing caught
5458
5459A practical example: The following command ":LineNumber" displays the line
5460number in the script or function where it has been used: >
5461
5462 :function! LineNumber()
5463 : return substitute(v:throwpoint, '.*\D\(\d\+\).*', '\1', "")
5464 :endfunction
5465 :command! LineNumber try | throw "" | catch | echo LineNumber() | endtry
5466<
5467 *try-nested*
5468An exception that is not caught by a try conditional can be caught by
5469a surrounding try conditional: >
5470
5471 :try
5472 : try
5473 : throw "foo"
5474 : catch /foobar/
5475 : echo "foobar"
5476 : finally
5477 : echo "inner finally"
5478 : endtry
5479 :catch /foo/
5480 : echo "foo"
5481 :endtry
5482
5483The inner try conditional does not catch the exception, just its finally
5484clause is executed. The exception is then caught by the outer try
5485conditional. The example displays "inner finally" and then "foo".
5486
5487 *throw-from-catch*
5488You can catch an exception and throw a new one to be caught elsewhere from the
5489catch clause: >
5490
5491 :function! Foo()
5492 : throw "foo"
5493 :endfunction
5494 :
5495 :function! Bar()
5496 : try
5497 : call Foo()
5498 : catch /foo/
5499 : echo "Caught foo, throw bar"
5500 : throw "bar"
5501 : endtry
5502 :endfunction
5503 :
5504 :try
5505 : call Bar()
5506 :catch /.*/
5507 : echo "Caught" v:exception
5508 :endtry
5509
5510This displays "Caught foo, throw bar" and then "Caught bar".
5511
5512 *rethrow*
5513There is no real rethrow in the Vim script language, but you may throw
5514"v:exception" instead: >
5515
5516 :function! Bar()
5517 : try
5518 : call Foo()
5519 : catch /.*/
5520 : echo "Rethrow" v:exception
5521 : throw v:exception
5522 : endtry
5523 :endfunction
5524< *try-echoerr*
5525Note that this method cannot be used to "rethrow" Vim error or interrupt
5526exceptions, because it is not possible to fake Vim internal exceptions.
5527Trying so causes an error exception. You should throw your own exception
5528denoting the situation. If you want to cause a Vim error exception containing
5529the original error exception value, you can use the |:echoerr| command: >
5530
5531 :try
5532 : try
5533 : asdf
5534 : catch /.*/
5535 : echoerr v:exception
5536 : endtry
5537 :catch /.*/
5538 : echo v:exception
5539 :endtry
5540
5541This code displays
5542
5543 Vim(echoerr):Vim:E492: Not an editor command: asdf ~
5544
5545
5546CLEANUP CODE *try-finally*
5547
5548Scripts often change global settings and restore them at their end. If the
5549user however interrupts the script by pressing CTRL-C, the settings remain in
5550an inconsistent state. The same may happen to you in the development phase of
5551a script when an error occurs or you explicitly throw an exception without
5552catching it. You can solve these problems by using a try conditional with
5553a finally clause for restoring the settings. Its execution is guaranteed on
5554normal control flow, on error, on an explicit ":throw", and on interrupt.
5555(Note that errors and interrupts from inside the try conditional are converted
5556to exceptions. When not caught, they terminate the script after the finally
5557clause has been executed.)
5558Example: >
5559
5560 :try
5561 : let s:saved_ts = &ts
5562 : set ts=17
5563 :
5564 : " Do the hard work here.
5565 :
5566 :finally
5567 : let &ts = s:saved_ts
5568 : unlet s:saved_ts
5569 :endtry
5570
5571This method should be used locally whenever a function or part of a script
5572changes global settings which need to be restored on failure or normal exit of
5573that function or script part.
5574
5575 *break-finally*
5576Cleanup code works also when the try block or a catch clause is left by
5577a ":continue", ":break", ":return", or ":finish".
5578 Example: >
5579
5580 :let first = 1
5581 :while 1
5582 : try
5583 : if first
5584 : echo "first"
5585 : let first = 0
5586 : continue
5587 : else
5588 : throw "second"
5589 : endif
5590 : catch /.*/
5591 : echo v:exception
5592 : break
5593 : finally
5594 : echo "cleanup"
5595 : endtry
5596 : echo "still in while"
5597 :endwhile
5598 :echo "end"
5599
5600This displays "first", "cleanup", "second", "cleanup", and "end". >
5601
5602 :function! Foo()
5603 : try
5604 : return 4711
5605 : finally
5606 : echo "cleanup\n"
5607 : endtry
5608 : echo "Foo still active"
5609 :endfunction
5610 :
5611 :echo Foo() "returned by Foo"
5612
5613This displays "cleanup" and "4711 returned by Foo". You don't need to add an
5614extra ":return" in the finally clause. (Above all, this would override the
5615return value.)
5616
5617 *except-from-finally*
5618Using either of ":continue", ":break", ":return", ":finish", or ":throw" in
5619a finally clause is possible, but not recommended since it abandons the
5620cleanup actions for the try conditional. But, of course, interrupt and error
5621exceptions might get raised from a finally clause.
5622 Example where an error in the finally clause stops an interrupt from
5623working correctly: >
5624
5625 :try
5626 : try
5627 : echo "Press CTRL-C for interrupt"
5628 : while 1
5629 : endwhile
5630 : finally
5631 : unlet novar
5632 : endtry
5633 :catch /novar/
5634 :endtry
5635 :echo "Script still running"
5636 :sleep 1
5637
5638If you need to put commands that could fail into a finally clause, you should
5639think about catching or ignoring the errors in these commands, see
5640|catch-errors| and |ignore-errors|.
5641
5642
5643CATCHING ERRORS *catch-errors*
5644
5645If you want to catch specific errors, you just have to put the code to be
5646watched in a try block and add a catch clause for the error message. The
5647presence of the try conditional causes all errors to be converted to an
5648exception. No message is displayed and |v:errmsg| is not set then. To find
5649the right pattern for the ":catch" command, you have to know how the format of
5650the error exception is.
5651 Error exceptions have the following format: >
5652
5653 Vim({cmdname}):{errmsg}
5654or >
5655 Vim:{errmsg}
5656
5657{cmdname} is the name of the command that failed; the second form is used when
5658the command name is not known. {errmsg} is the error message usually produced
5659when the error occurs outside try conditionals. It always begins with
5660a capital "E", followed by a two or three-digit error number, a colon, and
5661a space.
5662
5663Examples:
5664
5665The command >
5666 :unlet novar
5667normally produces the error message >
5668 E108: No such variable: "novar"
5669which is converted inside try conditionals to an exception >
5670 Vim(unlet):E108: No such variable: "novar"
5671
5672The command >
5673 :dwim
5674normally produces the error message >
5675 E492: Not an editor command: dwim
5676which is converted inside try conditionals to an exception >
5677 Vim:E492: Not an editor command: dwim
5678
5679You can catch all ":unlet" errors by a >
5680 :catch /^Vim(unlet):/
5681or all errors for misspelled command names by a >
5682 :catch /^Vim:E492:/
5683
5684Some error messages may be produced by different commands: >
5685 :function nofunc
5686and >
5687 :delfunction nofunc
5688both produce the error message >
5689 E128: Function name must start with a capital: nofunc
5690which is converted inside try conditionals to an exception >
5691 Vim(function):E128: Function name must start with a capital: nofunc
5692or >
5693 Vim(delfunction):E128: Function name must start with a capital: nofunc
5694respectively. You can catch the error by its number independently on the
5695command that caused it if you use the following pattern: >
5696 :catch /^Vim(\a\+):E128:/
5697
5698Some commands like >
5699 :let x = novar
5700produce multiple error messages, here: >
5701 E121: Undefined variable: novar
5702 E15: Invalid expression: novar
5703Only the first is used for the exception value, since it is the most specific
5704one (see |except-several-errors|). So you can catch it by >
5705 :catch /^Vim(\a\+):E121:/
5706
5707You can catch all errors related to the name "nofunc" by >
5708 :catch /\<nofunc\>/
5709
5710You can catch all Vim errors in the ":write" and ":read" commands by >
5711 :catch /^Vim(\(write\|read\)):E\d\+:/
5712
5713You can catch all Vim errors by the pattern >
5714 :catch /^Vim\((\a\+)\)\=:E\d\+:/
5715<
5716 *catch-text*
5717NOTE: You should never catch the error message text itself: >
5718 :catch /No such variable/
5719only works in the english locale, but not when the user has selected
5720a different language by the |:language| command. It is however helpful to
5721cite the message text in a comment: >
5722 :catch /^Vim(\a\+):E108:/ " No such variable
5723
5724
5725IGNORING ERRORS *ignore-errors*
5726
5727You can ignore errors in a specific Vim command by catching them locally: >
5728
5729 :try
5730 : write
5731 :catch
5732 :endtry
5733
5734But you are strongly recommended NOT to use this simple form, since it could
5735catch more than you want. With the ":write" command, some autocommands could
5736be executed and cause errors not related to writing, for instance: >
5737
5738 :au BufWritePre * unlet novar
5739
5740There could even be such errors you are not responsible for as a script
5741writer: a user of your script might have defined such autocommands. You would
5742then hide the error from the user.
5743 It is much better to use >
5744
5745 :try
5746 : write
5747 :catch /^Vim(write):/
5748 :endtry
5749
5750which only catches real write errors. So catch only what you'd like to ignore
5751intentionally.
5752
5753For a single command that does not cause execution of autocommands, you could
5754even suppress the conversion of errors to exceptions by the ":silent!"
5755command: >
5756 :silent! nunmap k
5757This works also when a try conditional is active.
5758
5759
5760CATCHING INTERRUPTS *catch-interrupt*
5761
5762When there are active try conditionals, an interrupt (CTRL-C) is converted to
5763the exception "Vim:Interrupt". You can catch it like every exception. The
5764script is not terminated, then.
5765 Example: >
5766
5767 :function! TASK1()
5768 : sleep 10
5769 :endfunction
5770
5771 :function! TASK2()
5772 : sleep 20
5773 :endfunction
5774
5775 :while 1
5776 : let command = input("Type a command: ")
5777 : try
5778 : if command == ""
5779 : continue
5780 : elseif command == "END"
5781 : break
5782 : elseif command == "TASK1"
5783 : call TASK1()
5784 : elseif command == "TASK2"
5785 : call TASK2()
5786 : else
5787 : echo "\nIllegal command:" command
5788 : continue
5789 : endif
5790 : catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/
5791 : echo "\nCommand interrupted"
5792 : " Caught the interrupt. Continue with next prompt.
5793 : endtry
5794 :endwhile
5795
5796You can interrupt a task here by pressing CTRL-C; the script then asks for
5797a new command. If you press CTRL-C at the prompt, the script is terminated.
5798
5799For testing what happens when CTRL-C would be pressed on a specific line in
5800your script, use the debug mode and execute the |>quit| or |>interrupt|
5801command on that line. See |debug-scripts|.
5802
5803
5804CATCHING ALL *catch-all*
5805
5806The commands >
5807
5808 :catch /.*/
5809 :catch //
5810 :catch
5811
5812catch everything, error exceptions, interrupt exceptions and exceptions
5813explicitly thrown by the |:throw| command. This is useful at the top level of
5814a script in order to catch unexpected things.
5815 Example: >
5816
5817 :try
5818 :
5819 : " do the hard work here
5820 :
5821 :catch /MyException/
5822 :
5823 : " handle known problem
5824 :
5825 :catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/
5826 : echo "Script interrupted"
5827 :catch /.*/
5828 : echo "Internal error (" . v:exception . ")"
5829 : echo " - occurred at " . v:throwpoint
5830 :endtry
5831 :" end of script
5832
5833Note: Catching all might catch more things than you want. Thus, you are
5834strongly encouraged to catch only for problems that you can really handle by
5835specifying a pattern argument to the ":catch".
5836 Example: Catching all could make it nearly impossible to interrupt a script
5837by pressing CTRL-C: >
5838
5839 :while 1
5840 : try
5841 : sleep 1
5842 : catch
5843 : endtry
5844 :endwhile
5845
5846
5847EXCEPTIONS AND AUTOCOMMANDS *except-autocmd*
5848
5849Exceptions may be used during execution of autocommands. Example: >
5850
5851 :autocmd User x try
5852 :autocmd User x throw "Oops!"
5853 :autocmd User x catch
5854 :autocmd User x echo v:exception
5855 :autocmd User x endtry
5856 :autocmd User x throw "Arrgh!"
5857 :autocmd User x echo "Should not be displayed"
5858 :
5859 :try
5860 : doautocmd User x
5861 :catch
5862 : echo v:exception
5863 :endtry
5864
5865This displays "Oops!" and "Arrgh!".
5866
5867 *except-autocmd-Pre*
5868For some commands, autocommands get executed before the main action of the
5869command takes place. If an exception is thrown and not caught in the sequence
5870of autocommands, the sequence and the command that caused its execution are
5871abandoned and the exception is propagated to the caller of the command.
5872 Example: >
5873
5874 :autocmd BufWritePre * throw "FAIL"
5875 :autocmd BufWritePre * echo "Should not be displayed"
5876 :
5877 :try
5878 : write
5879 :catch
5880 : echo "Caught:" v:exception "from" v:throwpoint
5881 :endtry
5882
5883Here, the ":write" command does not write the file currently being edited (as
5884you can see by checking 'modified'), since the exception from the BufWritePre
5885autocommand abandons the ":write". The exception is then caught and the
5886script displays: >
5887
5888 Caught: FAIL from BufWrite Auto commands for "*"
5889<
5890 *except-autocmd-Post*
5891For some commands, autocommands get executed after the main action of the
5892command has taken place. If this main action fails and the command is inside
5893an active try conditional, the autocommands are skipped and an error exception
5894is thrown that can be caught by the caller of the command.
5895 Example: >
5896
5897 :autocmd BufWritePost * echo "File successfully written!"
5898 :
5899 :try
5900 : write /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
5901 :catch
5902 : echo v:exception
5903 :endtry
5904
5905This just displays: >
5906
5907 Vim(write):E212: Can't open file for writing (/i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e)
5908
5909If you really need to execute the autocommands even when the main action
5910fails, trigger the event from the catch clause.
5911 Example: >
5912
5913 :autocmd BufWritePre * set noreadonly
5914 :autocmd BufWritePost * set readonly
5915 :
5916 :try
5917 : write /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
5918 :catch
5919 : doautocmd BufWritePost /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
5920 :endtry
5921<
5922You can also use ":silent!": >
5923
5924 :let x = "ok"
5925 :let v:errmsg = ""
5926 :autocmd BufWritePost * if v:errmsg != ""
5927 :autocmd BufWritePost * let x = "after fail"
5928 :autocmd BufWritePost * endif
5929 :try
5930 : silent! write /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
5931 :catch
5932 :endtry
5933 :echo x
5934
5935This displays "after fail".
5936
5937If the main action of the command does not fail, exceptions from the
5938autocommands will be catchable by the caller of the command: >
5939
5940 :autocmd BufWritePost * throw ":-("
5941 :autocmd BufWritePost * echo "Should not be displayed"
5942 :
5943 :try
5944 : write
5945 :catch
5946 : echo v:exception
5947 :endtry
5948<
5949 *except-autocmd-Cmd*
5950For some commands, the normal action can be replaced by a sequence of
5951autocommands. Exceptions from that sequence will be catchable by the caller
5952of the command.
5953 Example: For the ":write" command, the caller cannot know whether the file
5954had actually been written when the exception occurred. You need to tell it in
5955some way. >
5956
5957 :if !exists("cnt")
5958 : let cnt = 0
5959 :
5960 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * if &modified
5961 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * let cnt = cnt + 1
5962 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * if cnt % 3 == 2
5963 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * throw "BufWriteCmdError"
5964 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * endif
5965 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * write | set nomodified
5966 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * if cnt % 3 == 0
5967 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * throw "BufWriteCmdError"
5968 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * endif
5969 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * echo "File successfully written!"
5970 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * endif
5971 :endif
5972 :
5973 :try
5974 : write
5975 :catch /^BufWriteCmdError$/
5976 : if &modified
5977 : echo "Error on writing (file contents not changed)"
5978 : else
5979 : echo "Error after writing"
5980 : endif
5981 :catch /^Vim(write):/
5982 : echo "Error on writing"
5983 :endtry
5984
5985When this script is sourced several times after making changes, it displays
5986first >
5987 File successfully written!
5988then >
5989 Error on writing (file contents not changed)
5990then >
5991 Error after writing
5992etc.
5993
5994 *except-autocmd-ill*
5995You cannot spread a try conditional over autocommands for different events.
5996The following code is ill-formed: >
5997
5998 :autocmd BufWritePre * try
5999 :
6000 :autocmd BufWritePost * catch
6001 :autocmd BufWritePost * echo v:exception
6002 :autocmd BufWritePost * endtry
6003 :
6004 :write
6005
6006
6007EXCEPTION HIERARCHIES AND PARAMETERIZED EXCEPTIONS *except-hier-param*
6008
6009Some programming languages allow to use hierarchies of exception classes or to
6010pass additional information with the object of an exception class. You can do
6011similar things in Vim.
6012 In order to throw an exception from a hierarchy, just throw the complete
6013class name with the components separated by a colon, for instance throw the
6014string "EXCEPT:MATHERR:OVERFLOW" for an overflow in a mathematical library.
6015 When you want to pass additional information with your exception class, add
6016it in parentheses, for instance throw the string "EXCEPT:IO:WRITEERR(myfile)"
6017for an error when writing "myfile".
6018 With the appropriate patterns in the ":catch" command, you can catch for
6019base classes or derived classes of your hierarchy. Additional information in
6020parentheses can be cut out from |v:exception| with the ":substitute" command.
6021 Example: >
6022
6023 :function! CheckRange(a, func)
6024 : if a:a < 0
6025 : throw "EXCEPT:MATHERR:RANGE(" . a:func . ")"
6026 : endif
6027 :endfunction
6028 :
6029 :function! Add(a, b)
6030 : call CheckRange(a:a, "Add")
6031 : call CheckRange(a:b, "Add")
6032 : let c = a:a + a:b
6033 : if c < 0
6034 : throw "EXCEPT:MATHERR:OVERFLOW"
6035 : endif
6036 : return c
6037 :endfunction
6038 :
6039 :function! Div(a, b)
6040 : call CheckRange(a:a, "Div")
6041 : call CheckRange(a:b, "Div")
6042 : if (a:b == 0)
6043 : throw "EXCEPT:MATHERR:ZERODIV"
6044 : endif
6045 : return a:a / a:b
6046 :endfunction
6047 :
6048 :function! Write(file)
6049 : try
6050 : execute "write" a:file
6051 : catch /^Vim(write):/
6052 : throw "EXCEPT:IO(" . getcwd() . ", " . a:file . "):WRITEERR"
6053 : endtry
6054 :endfunction
6055 :
6056 :try
6057 :
6058 : " something with arithmetics and I/O
6059 :
6060 :catch /^EXCEPT:MATHERR:RANGE/
6061 : let function = substitute(v:exception, '.*(\(\a\+\)).*', '\1', "")
6062 : echo "Range error in" function
6063 :
6064 :catch /^EXCEPT:MATHERR/ " catches OVERFLOW and ZERODIV
6065 : echo "Math error"
6066 :
6067 :catch /^EXCEPT:IO/
6068 : let dir = substitute(v:exception, '.*(\(.\+\),\s*.\+).*', '\1', "")
6069 : let file = substitute(v:exception, '.*(.\+,\s*\(.\+\)).*', '\1', "")
6070 : if file !~ '^/'
6071 : let file = dir . "/" . file
6072 : endif
6073 : echo 'I/O error for "' . file . '"'
6074 :
6075 :catch /^EXCEPT/
6076 : echo "Unspecified error"
6077 :
6078 :endtry
6079
6080The exceptions raised by Vim itself (on error or when pressing CTRL-C) use
6081a flat hierarchy: they are all in the "Vim" class. You cannot throw yourself
6082exceptions with the "Vim" prefix; they are reserved for Vim.
6083 Vim error exceptions are parameterized with the name of the command that
6084failed, if known. See |catch-errors|.
6085
6086
6087PECULIARITIES
6088 *except-compat*
6089The exception handling concept requires that the command sequence causing the
6090exception is aborted immediately and control is transferred to finally clauses
6091and/or a catch clause.
6092
6093In the Vim script language there are cases where scripts and functions
6094continue after an error: in functions without the "abort" flag or in a command
6095after ":silent!", control flow goes to the following line, and outside
6096functions, control flow goes to the line following the outermost ":endwhile"
6097or ":endif". On the other hand, errors should be catchable as exceptions
6098(thus, requiring the immediate abortion).
6099
6100This problem has been solved by converting errors to exceptions and using
6101immediate abortion (if not suppressed by ":silent!") only when a try
6102conditional is active. This is no restriction since an (error) exception can
6103be caught only from an active try conditional. If you want an immediate
6104termination without catching the error, just use a try conditional without
6105catch clause. (You can cause cleanup code being executed before termination
6106by specifying a finally clause.)
6107
6108When no try conditional is active, the usual abortion and continuation
6109behavior is used instead of immediate abortion. This ensures compatibility of
6110scripts written for Vim 6.1 and earlier.
6111
6112However, when sourcing an existing script that does not use exception handling
6113commands (or when calling one of its functions) from inside an active try
6114conditional of a new script, you might change the control flow of the existing
6115script on error. You get the immediate abortion on error and can catch the
6116error in the new script. If however the sourced script suppresses error
6117messages by using the ":silent!" command (checking for errors by testing
6118|v:errmsg| if appropriate), its execution path is not changed. The error is
6119not converted to an exception. (See |:silent|.) So the only remaining cause
6120where this happens is for scripts that don't care about errors and produce
6121error messages. You probably won't want to use such code from your new
6122scripts.
6123
6124 *except-syntax-err*
6125Syntax errors in the exception handling commands are never caught by any of
6126the ":catch" commands of the try conditional they belong to. Its finally
6127clauses, however, is executed.
6128 Example: >
6129
6130 :try
6131 : try
6132 : throw 4711
6133 : catch /\(/
6134 : echo "in catch with syntax error"
6135 : catch
6136 : echo "inner catch-all"
6137 : finally
6138 : echo "inner finally"
6139 : endtry
6140 :catch
6141 : echo 'outer catch-all caught "' . v:exception . '"'
6142 : finally
6143 : echo "outer finally"
6144 :endtry
6145
6146This displays: >
6147 inner finally
6148 outer catch-all caught "Vim(catch):E54: Unmatched \("
6149 outer finally
6150The original exception is discarded and an error exception is raised, instead.
6151
6152 *except-single-line*
6153The ":try", ":catch", ":finally", and ":endtry" commands can be put on
6154a single line, but then syntax errors may make it difficult to recognize the
6155"catch" line, thus you better avoid this.
6156 Example: >
6157 :try | unlet! foo # | catch | endtry
6158raises an error exception for the trailing characters after the ":unlet!"
6159argument, but does not see the ":catch" and ":endtry" commands, so that the
6160error exception is discarded and the "E488: Trailing characters" message gets
6161displayed.
6162
6163 *except-several-errors*
6164When several errors appear in a single command, the first error message is
6165usually the most specific one and therefor converted to the error exception.
6166 Example: >
6167 echo novar
6168causes >
6169 E121: Undefined variable: novar
6170 E15: Invalid expression: novar
6171The value of the error exception inside try conditionals is: >
6172 Vim(echo):E121: Undefined variable: novar
6173< *except-syntax-error*
6174But when a syntax error is detected after a normal error in the same command,
6175the syntax error is used for the exception being thrown.
6176 Example: >
6177 unlet novar #
6178causes >
6179 E108: No such variable: "novar"
6180 E488: Trailing characters
6181The value of the error exception inside try conditionals is: >
6182 Vim(unlet):E488: Trailing characters
6183This is done because the syntax error might change the execution path in a way
6184not intended by the user. Example: >
6185 try
6186 try | unlet novar # | catch | echo v:exception | endtry
6187 catch /.*/
6188 echo "outer catch:" v:exception
6189 endtry
6190This displays "outer catch: Vim(unlet):E488: Trailing characters", and then
6191a "E600: Missing :endtry" error message is given, see |except-single-line|.
6192
6193==============================================================================
61949. Examples *eval-examples*
6195
6196Printing in Hex ~
6197>
6198 :" The function Nr2Hex() returns the Hex string of a number.
6199 :func Nr2Hex(nr)
6200 : let n = a:nr
6201 : let r = ""
6202 : while n
6203 : let r = '0123456789ABCDEF'[n % 16] . r
6204 : let n = n / 16
6205 : endwhile
6206 : return r
6207 :endfunc
6208
6209 :" The function String2Hex() converts each character in a string to a two
6210 :" character Hex string.
6211 :func String2Hex(str)
6212 : let out = ''
6213 : let ix = 0
6214 : while ix < strlen(a:str)
6215 : let out = out . Nr2Hex(char2nr(a:str[ix]))
6216 : let ix = ix + 1
6217 : endwhile
6218 : return out
6219 :endfunc
6220
6221Example of its use: >
6222 :echo Nr2Hex(32)
6223result: "20" >
6224 :echo String2Hex("32")
6225result: "3332"
6226
6227
6228Sorting lines (by Robert Webb) ~
6229
6230Here is a Vim script to sort lines. Highlight the lines in Vim and type
6231":Sort". This doesn't call any external programs so it'll work on any
6232platform. The function Sort() actually takes the name of a comparison
6233function as its argument, like qsort() does in C. So you could supply it
6234with different comparison functions in order to sort according to date etc.
6235>
6236 :" Function for use with Sort(), to compare two strings.
6237 :func! Strcmp(str1, str2)
6238 : if (a:str1 < a:str2)
6239 : return -1
6240 : elseif (a:str1 > a:str2)
6241 : return 1
6242 : else
6243 : return 0
6244 : endif
6245 :endfunction
6246
6247 :" Sort lines. SortR() is called recursively.
6248 :func! SortR(start, end, cmp)
6249 : if (a:start >= a:end)
6250 : return
6251 : endif
6252 : let partition = a:start - 1
6253 : let middle = partition
6254 : let partStr = getline((a:start + a:end) / 2)
6255 : let i = a:start
6256 : while (i <= a:end)
6257 : let str = getline(i)
6258 : exec "let result = " . a:cmp . "(str, partStr)"
6259 : if (result <= 0)
6260 : " Need to put it before the partition. Swap lines i and partition.
6261 : let partition = partition + 1
6262 : if (result == 0)
6263 : let middle = partition
6264 : endif
6265 : if (i != partition)
6266 : let str2 = getline(partition)
6267 : call setline(i, str2)
6268 : call setline(partition, str)
6269 : endif
6270 : endif
6271 : let i = i + 1
6272 : endwhile
6273
6274 : " Now we have a pointer to the "middle" element, as far as partitioning
6275 : " goes, which could be anywhere before the partition. Make sure it is at
6276 : " the end of the partition.
6277 : if (middle != partition)
6278 : let str = getline(middle)
6279 : let str2 = getline(partition)
6280 : call setline(middle, str2)
6281 : call setline(partition, str)
6282 : endif
6283 : call SortR(a:start, partition - 1, a:cmp)
6284 : call SortR(partition + 1, a:end, a:cmp)
6285 :endfunc
6286
6287 :" To Sort a range of lines, pass the range to Sort() along with the name of a
6288 :" function that will compare two lines.
6289 :func! Sort(cmp) range
6290 : call SortR(a:firstline, a:lastline, a:cmp)
6291 :endfunc
6292
6293 :" :Sort takes a range of lines and sorts them.
6294 :command! -nargs=0 -range Sort <line1>,<line2>call Sort("Strcmp")
6295<
6296 *sscanf*
6297There is no sscanf() function in Vim. If you need to extract parts from a
6298line, you can use matchstr() and substitute() to do it. This example shows
6299how to get the file name, line number and column number out of a line like
6300"foobar.txt, 123, 45". >
6301 :" Set up the match bit
6302 :let mx='\(\f\+\),\s*\(\d\+\),\s*\(\d\+\)'
6303 :"get the part matching the whole expression
6304 :let l = matchstr(line, mx)
6305 :"get each item out of the match
6306 :let file = substitute(l, mx, '\1', '')
6307 :let lnum = substitute(l, mx, '\2', '')
6308 :let col = substitute(l, mx, '\3', '')
6309
6310The input is in the variable "line", the results in the variables "file",
6311"lnum" and "col". (idea from Michael Geddes)
6312
6313==============================================================================
631410. No +eval feature *no-eval-feature*
6315
6316When the |+eval| feature was disabled at compile time, none of the expression
6317evaluation commands are available. To prevent this from causing Vim scripts
6318to generate all kinds of errors, the ":if" and ":endif" commands are still
6319recognized, though the argument of the ":if" and everything between the ":if"
6320and the matching ":endif" is ignored. Nesting of ":if" blocks is allowed, but
6321only if the commands are at the start of the line. The ":else" command is not
6322recognized.
6323
6324Example of how to avoid executing commands when the |+eval| feature is
6325missing: >
6326
6327 :if 1
6328 : echo "Expression evaluation is compiled in"
6329 :else
6330 : echo "You will _never_ see this message"
6331 :endif
6332
6333==============================================================================
633411. The sandbox *eval-sandbox* *sandbox* *E48*
6335
6336The 'foldexpr', 'includeexpr', 'indentexpr', 'statusline' and 'foldtext'
6337options are evaluated in a sandbox. This means that you are protected from
6338these expressions having nasty side effects. This gives some safety for when
6339these options are set from a modeline. It is also used when the command from
6340a tags file is executed.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00006341The sandbox is also used for the |:sandbox| command.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006342
6343These items are not allowed in the sandbox:
6344 - changing the buffer text
6345 - defining or changing mapping, autocommands, functions, user commands
6346 - setting certain options (see |option-summary|)
6347 - executing a shell command
6348 - reading or writing a file
6349 - jumping to another buffer or editing a file
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00006350This is not guaranteed 100% secure, but it should block most attacks.
6351
6352 *:san* *:sandbox*
6353:sandbox {cmd} Execute {cmd} in the sandbox. Useful to evaluate an
6354 option that may have been set from a modeline, e.g.
6355 'foldexpr'.
6356
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006357
6358 vim:tw=78:ts=8:ft=help:norl: