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Bram Moolenaar5302d9e2011-09-14 17:55:08 +02001*eval.txt* For Vim version 7.3. Last change: 2011 Aug 29
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002
3
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004 VIM REFERENCE MANUAL by Bram Moolenaar
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005
6
7Expression evaluation *expression* *expr* *E15* *eval*
8
9Using expressions is introduced in chapter 41 of the user manual |usr_41.txt|.
10
11Note: Expression evaluation can be disabled at compile time. If this has been
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +000012done, the features in this document are not available. See |+eval| and
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000013|no-eval-feature|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000014
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000151. Variables |variables|
16 1.1 Variable types
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +000017 1.2 Function references |Funcref|
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +000018 1.3 Lists |Lists|
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000019 1.4 Dictionaries |Dictionaries|
20 1.5 More about variables |more-variables|
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000212. Expression syntax |expression-syntax|
223. Internal variable |internal-variables|
234. Builtin Functions |functions|
245. Defining functions |user-functions|
256. Curly braces names |curly-braces-names|
267. Commands |expression-commands|
278. Exception handling |exception-handling|
289. Examples |eval-examples|
2910. No +eval feature |no-eval-feature|
3011. The sandbox |eval-sandbox|
Bram Moolenaarb71eaae2006-01-20 23:10:18 +00003112. Textlock |textlock|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000032
33{Vi does not have any of these commands}
34
35==============================================================================
361. Variables *variables*
37
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000381.1 Variable types ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +000039 *E712*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +000040There are six types of variables:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000041
Bram Moolenaar5302d9e2011-09-14 17:55:08 +020042Number A 32 or 64 bit signed number. |expr-number| *Number*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000043 Examples: -123 0x10 0177
44
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +000045Float A floating point number. |floating-point-format| *Float*
46 {only when compiled with the |+float| feature}
47 Examples: 123.456 1.15e-6 -1.1e3
48
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000049String A NUL terminated string of 8-bit unsigned characters (bytes).
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +000050 |expr-string| Examples: "ab\txx\"--" 'x-z''a,c'
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000051
52Funcref A reference to a function |Funcref|.
53 Example: function("strlen")
54
55List An ordered sequence of items |List|.
56 Example: [1, 2, ['a', 'b']]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000057
Bram Moolenaar39a58ca2005-06-27 22:42:44 +000058Dictionary An associative, unordered array: Each entry has a key and a
59 value. |Dictionary|
60 Example: {'blue': "#0000ff", 'red': "#ff0000"}
61
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +000062The Number and String types are converted automatically, depending on how they
63are used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000064
65Conversion from a Number to a String is by making the ASCII representation of
Bram Moolenaar24ea3ba2010-09-19 19:01:21 +020066the Number. Examples:
67 Number 123 --> String "123" ~
68 Number 0 --> String "0" ~
69 Number -1 --> String "-1" ~
Bram Moolenaar00a927d2010-05-14 23:24:24 +020070 *octal*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000071Conversion from a String to a Number is done by converting the first digits
72to a number. Hexadecimal "0xf9" and Octal "017" numbers are recognized. If
Bram Moolenaar24ea3ba2010-09-19 19:01:21 +020073the String doesn't start with digits, the result is zero. Examples:
74 String "456" --> Number 456 ~
75 String "6bar" --> Number 6 ~
76 String "foo" --> Number 0 ~
77 String "0xf1" --> Number 241 ~
78 String "0100" --> Number 64 ~
79 String "-8" --> Number -8 ~
80 String "+8" --> Number 0 ~
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000081
82To force conversion from String to Number, add zero to it: >
83 :echo "0100" + 0
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +000084< 64 ~
85
86To avoid a leading zero to cause octal conversion, or for using a different
87base, use |str2nr()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000088
89For boolean operators Numbers are used. Zero is FALSE, non-zero is TRUE.
90
91Note that in the command >
92 :if "foo"
93"foo" is converted to 0, which means FALSE. To test for a non-empty string,
94use strlen(): >
95 :if strlen("foo")
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +000096< *E745* *E728* *E703* *E729* *E730* *E731*
97List, Dictionary and Funcref types are not automatically converted.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +000098
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +000099 *E805* *E806* *E808*
100When mixing Number and Float the Number is converted to Float. Otherwise
101there is no automatic conversion of Float. You can use str2float() for String
102to Float, printf() for Float to String and float2nr() for Float to Number.
103
104 *E706* *sticky-type-checking*
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000105You will get an error if you try to change the type of a variable. You need
106to |:unlet| it first to avoid this error. String and Number are considered
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000107equivalent though, as well are Float and Number. Consider this sequence of
108commands: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000109 :let l = "string"
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000110 :let l = 44 " changes type from String to Number
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000111 :let l = [1, 2, 3] " error! l is still a Number
112 :let l = 4.4 " changes type from Number to Float
113 :let l = "string" " error!
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000114
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000115
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00001161.2 Function references ~
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +0000117 *Funcref* *E695* *E718*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000118A Funcref variable is obtained with the |function()| function. It can be used
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000119in an expression in the place of a function name, before the parenthesis
120around the arguments, to invoke the function it refers to. Example: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000121
122 :let Fn = function("MyFunc")
123 :echo Fn()
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000124< *E704* *E705* *E707*
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +0000125A Funcref variable must start with a capital, "s:", "w:", "t:" or "b:". You
126cannot have both a Funcref variable and a function with the same name.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000127
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000128A special case is defining a function and directly assigning its Funcref to a
129Dictionary entry. Example: >
130 :function dict.init() dict
131 : let self.val = 0
132 :endfunction
133
134The key of the Dictionary can start with a lower case letter. The actual
135function name is not used here. Also see |numbered-function|.
136
137A Funcref can also be used with the |:call| command: >
138 :call Fn()
139 :call dict.init()
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000140
141The name of the referenced function can be obtained with |string()|. >
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000142 :let func = string(Fn)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000143
144You can use |call()| to invoke a Funcref and use a list variable for the
145arguments: >
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000146 :let r = call(Fn, mylist)
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000147
148
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00001491.3 Lists ~
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +0000150 *List* *Lists* *E686*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000151A List is an ordered sequence of items. An item can be of any type. Items
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000152can be accessed by their index number. Items can be added and removed at any
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000153position in the sequence.
154
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000155
156List creation ~
157 *E696* *E697*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000158A List is created with a comma separated list of items in square brackets.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000159Examples: >
160 :let mylist = [1, two, 3, "four"]
161 :let emptylist = []
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000162
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000163An item can be any expression. Using a List for an item creates a
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +0000164List of Lists: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000165 :let nestlist = [[11, 12], [21, 22], [31, 32]]
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000166
167An extra comma after the last item is ignored.
168
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000169
170List index ~
171 *list-index* *E684*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000172An item in the List can be accessed by putting the index in square brackets
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000173after the List. Indexes are zero-based, thus the first item has index zero. >
174 :let item = mylist[0] " get the first item: 1
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000175 :let item = mylist[2] " get the third item: 3
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000176
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000177When the resulting item is a list this can be repeated: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000178 :let item = nestlist[0][1] " get the first list, second item: 12
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000179<
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000180A negative index is counted from the end. Index -1 refers to the last item in
181the List, -2 to the last but one item, etc. >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000182 :let last = mylist[-1] " get the last item: "four"
183
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000184To avoid an error for an invalid index use the |get()| function. When an item
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000185is not available it returns zero or the default value you specify: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000186 :echo get(mylist, idx)
187 :echo get(mylist, idx, "NONE")
188
189
190List concatenation ~
191
192Two lists can be concatenated with the "+" operator: >
193 :let longlist = mylist + [5, 6]
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000194 :let mylist += [7, 8]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000195
196To prepend or append an item turn the item into a list by putting [] around
197it. To change a list in-place see |list-modification| below.
198
199
200Sublist ~
201
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000202A part of the List can be obtained by specifying the first and last index,
203separated by a colon in square brackets: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000204 :let shortlist = mylist[2:-1] " get List [3, "four"]
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000205
206Omitting the first index is similar to zero. Omitting the last index is
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +0000207similar to -1. >
Bram Moolenaar540d6e32005-01-09 21:20:18 +0000208 :let endlist = mylist[2:] " from item 2 to the end: [3, "four"]
209 :let shortlist = mylist[2:2] " List with one item: [3]
210 :let otherlist = mylist[:] " make a copy of the List
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000211
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +0000212If the first index is beyond the last item of the List or the second item is
213before the first item, the result is an empty list. There is no error
214message.
215
216If the second index is equal to or greater than the length of the list the
217length minus one is used: >
Bram Moolenaar9e54a0e2006-04-14 20:42:25 +0000218 :let mylist = [0, 1, 2, 3]
219 :echo mylist[2:8] " result: [2, 3]
220
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +0000221NOTE: mylist[s:e] means using the variable "s:e" as index. Watch out for
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000222using a single letter variable before the ":". Insert a space when needed:
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +0000223mylist[s : e].
224
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000225
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000226List identity ~
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000227 *list-identity*
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000228When variable "aa" is a list and you assign it to another variable "bb", both
229variables refer to the same list. Thus changing the list "aa" will also
230change "bb": >
231 :let aa = [1, 2, 3]
232 :let bb = aa
233 :call add(aa, 4)
234 :echo bb
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000235< [1, 2, 3, 4]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000236
237Making a copy of a list is done with the |copy()| function. Using [:] also
238works, as explained above. This creates a shallow copy of the list: Changing
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000239a list item in the list will also change the item in the copied list: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000240 :let aa = [[1, 'a'], 2, 3]
241 :let bb = copy(aa)
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000242 :call add(aa, 4)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000243 :let aa[0][1] = 'aaa'
244 :echo aa
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000245< [[1, aaa], 2, 3, 4] >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000246 :echo bb
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000247< [[1, aaa], 2, 3]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000248
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000249To make a completely independent list use |deepcopy()|. This also makes a
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000250copy of the values in the list, recursively. Up to a hundred levels deep.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000251
252The operator "is" can be used to check if two variables refer to the same
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000253List. "isnot" does the opposite. In contrast "==" compares if two lists have
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000254the same value. >
255 :let alist = [1, 2, 3]
256 :let blist = [1, 2, 3]
257 :echo alist is blist
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000258< 0 >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000259 :echo alist == blist
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000260< 1
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000261
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000262Note about comparing lists: Two lists are considered equal if they have the
263same length and all items compare equal, as with using "==". There is one
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000264exception: When comparing a number with a string they are considered
265different. There is no automatic type conversion, as with using "==" on
266variables. Example: >
267 echo 4 == "4"
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000268< 1 >
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000269 echo [4] == ["4"]
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000270< 0
271
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000272Thus comparing Lists is more strict than comparing numbers and strings. You
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000273can compare simple values this way too by putting them in a list: >
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000274
275 :let a = 5
276 :let b = "5"
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000277 :echo a == b
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000278< 1 >
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000279 :echo [a] == [b]
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000280< 0
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000281
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000282
283List unpack ~
284
285To unpack the items in a list to individual variables, put the variables in
286square brackets, like list items: >
287 :let [var1, var2] = mylist
288
289When the number of variables does not match the number of items in the list
290this produces an error. To handle any extra items from the list append ";"
291and a variable name: >
292 :let [var1, var2; rest] = mylist
293
294This works like: >
295 :let var1 = mylist[0]
296 :let var2 = mylist[1]
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000297 :let rest = mylist[2:]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000298
299Except that there is no error if there are only two items. "rest" will be an
300empty list then.
301
302
303List modification ~
304 *list-modification*
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000305To change a specific item of a list use |:let| this way: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000306 :let list[4] = "four"
307 :let listlist[0][3] = item
308
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000309To change part of a list you can specify the first and last item to be
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000310modified. The value must at least have the number of items in the range: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000311 :let list[3:5] = [3, 4, 5]
312
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000313Adding and removing items from a list is done with functions. Here are a few
314examples: >
315 :call insert(list, 'a') " prepend item 'a'
316 :call insert(list, 'a', 3) " insert item 'a' before list[3]
317 :call add(list, "new") " append String item
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000318 :call add(list, [1, 2]) " append a List as one new item
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000319 :call extend(list, [1, 2]) " extend the list with two more items
320 :let i = remove(list, 3) " remove item 3
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +0000321 :unlet list[3] " idem
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000322 :let l = remove(list, 3, -1) " remove items 3 to last item
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +0000323 :unlet list[3 : ] " idem
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000324 :call filter(list, 'v:val !~ "x"') " remove items with an 'x'
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000325
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000326Changing the order of items in a list: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000327 :call sort(list) " sort a list alphabetically
328 :call reverse(list) " reverse the order of items
329
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000330
331For loop ~
332
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000333The |:for| loop executes commands for each item in a list. A variable is set
334to each item in the list in sequence. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000335 :for item in mylist
336 : call Doit(item)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000337 :endfor
338
339This works like: >
340 :let index = 0
341 :while index < len(mylist)
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000342 : let item = mylist[index]
343 : :call Doit(item)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000344 : let index = index + 1
345 :endwhile
346
347Note that all items in the list should be of the same type, otherwise this
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000348results in error |E706|. To avoid this |:unlet| the variable at the end of
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000349the loop.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000350
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000351If all you want to do is modify each item in the list then the |map()|
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000352function will be a simpler method than a for loop.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000353
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000354Just like the |:let| command, |:for| also accepts a list of variables. This
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000355requires the argument to be a list of lists. >
356 :for [lnum, col] in [[1, 3], [2, 8], [3, 0]]
357 : call Doit(lnum, col)
358 :endfor
359
360This works like a |:let| command is done for each list item. Again, the types
361must remain the same to avoid an error.
362
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000363It is also possible to put remaining items in a List variable: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000364 :for [i, j; rest] in listlist
365 : call Doit(i, j)
366 : if !empty(rest)
367 : echo "remainder: " . string(rest)
368 : endif
369 :endfor
370
371
372List functions ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000373 *E714*
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000374Functions that are useful with a List: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000375 :let r = call(funcname, list) " call a function with an argument list
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000376 :if empty(list) " check if list is empty
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000377 :let l = len(list) " number of items in list
378 :let big = max(list) " maximum value in list
379 :let small = min(list) " minimum value in list
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000380 :let xs = count(list, 'x') " count nr of times 'x' appears in list
381 :let i = index(list, 'x') " index of first 'x' in list
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000382 :let lines = getline(1, 10) " get ten text lines from buffer
383 :call append('$', lines) " append text lines in buffer
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000384 :let list = split("a b c") " create list from items in a string
385 :let string = join(list, ', ') " create string from list items
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000386 :let s = string(list) " String representation of list
387 :call map(list, '">> " . v:val') " prepend ">> " to each item
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000388
Bram Moolenaar0cb032e2005-04-23 20:52:00 +0000389Don't forget that a combination of features can make things simple. For
390example, to add up all the numbers in a list: >
391 :exe 'let sum = ' . join(nrlist, '+')
392
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000393
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003941.4 Dictionaries ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000395 *Dictionaries* *Dictionary*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000396A Dictionary is an associative array: Each entry has a key and a value. The
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000397entry can be located with the key. The entries are stored without a specific
398ordering.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000399
400
401Dictionary creation ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000402 *E720* *E721* *E722* *E723*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000403A Dictionary is created with a comma separated list of entries in curly
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000404braces. Each entry has a key and a value, separated by a colon. Each key can
405only appear once. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000406 :let mydict = {1: 'one', 2: 'two', 3: 'three'}
407 :let emptydict = {}
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000408< *E713* *E716* *E717*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000409A key is always a String. You can use a Number, it will be converted to a
410String automatically. Thus the String '4' and the number 4 will find the same
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000411entry. Note that the String '04' and the Number 04 are different, since the
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000412Number will be converted to the String '4'.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000413
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000414A value can be any expression. Using a Dictionary for a value creates a
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000415nested Dictionary: >
416 :let nestdict = {1: {11: 'a', 12: 'b'}, 2: {21: 'c'}}
417
418An extra comma after the last entry is ignored.
419
420
421Accessing entries ~
422
423The normal way to access an entry is by putting the key in square brackets: >
424 :let val = mydict["one"]
425 :let mydict["four"] = 4
426
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000427You can add new entries to an existing Dictionary this way, unlike Lists.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000428
429For keys that consist entirely of letters, digits and underscore the following
430form can be used |expr-entry|: >
431 :let val = mydict.one
432 :let mydict.four = 4
433
434Since an entry can be any type, also a List and a Dictionary, the indexing and
435key lookup can be repeated: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000436 :echo dict.key[idx].key
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000437
438
439Dictionary to List conversion ~
440
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000441You may want to loop over the entries in a dictionary. For this you need to
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000442turn the Dictionary into a List and pass it to |:for|.
443
444Most often you want to loop over the keys, using the |keys()| function: >
445 :for key in keys(mydict)
446 : echo key . ': ' . mydict[key]
447 :endfor
448
449The List of keys is unsorted. You may want to sort them first: >
450 :for key in sort(keys(mydict))
451
452To loop over the values use the |values()| function: >
453 :for v in values(mydict)
454 : echo "value: " . v
455 :endfor
456
457If you want both the key and the value use the |items()| function. It returns
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000458a List in which each item is a List with two items, the key and the value: >
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +0000459 :for [key, value] in items(mydict)
460 : echo key . ': ' . value
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000461 :endfor
462
463
464Dictionary identity ~
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +0000465 *dict-identity*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000466Just like Lists you need to use |copy()| and |deepcopy()| to make a copy of a
467Dictionary. Otherwise, assignment results in referring to the same
468Dictionary: >
469 :let onedict = {'a': 1, 'b': 2}
470 :let adict = onedict
471 :let adict['a'] = 11
472 :echo onedict['a']
473 11
474
Bram Moolenaarf3bd51a2005-06-14 22:11:18 +0000475Two Dictionaries compare equal if all the key-value pairs compare equal. For
476more info see |list-identity|.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000477
478
479Dictionary modification ~
480 *dict-modification*
481To change an already existing entry of a Dictionary, or to add a new entry,
482use |:let| this way: >
483 :let dict[4] = "four"
484 :let dict['one'] = item
485
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +0000486Removing an entry from a Dictionary is done with |remove()| or |:unlet|.
487Three ways to remove the entry with key "aaa" from dict: >
488 :let i = remove(dict, 'aaa')
489 :unlet dict.aaa
490 :unlet dict['aaa']
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000491
492Merging a Dictionary with another is done with |extend()|: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000493 :call extend(adict, bdict)
494This extends adict with all entries from bdict. Duplicate keys cause entries
495in adict to be overwritten. An optional third argument can change this.
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000496Note that the order of entries in a Dictionary is irrelevant, thus don't
497expect ":echo adict" to show the items from bdict after the older entries in
498adict.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000499
500Weeding out entries from a Dictionary can be done with |filter()|: >
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +0000501 :call filter(dict, 'v:val =~ "x"')
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000502This removes all entries from "dict" with a value not matching 'x'.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000503
504
505Dictionary function ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000506 *Dictionary-function* *self* *E725*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000507When a function is defined with the "dict" attribute it can be used in a
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000508special way with a dictionary. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000509 :function Mylen() dict
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000510 : return len(self.data)
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000511 :endfunction
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000512 :let mydict = {'data': [0, 1, 2, 3], 'len': function("Mylen")}
513 :echo mydict.len()
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000514
515This is like a method in object oriented programming. The entry in the
516Dictionary is a |Funcref|. The local variable "self" refers to the dictionary
517the function was invoked from.
518
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000519It is also possible to add a function without the "dict" attribute as a
520Funcref to a Dictionary, but the "self" variable is not available then.
521
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +0000522 *numbered-function* *anonymous-function*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000523To avoid the extra name for the function it can be defined and directly
524assigned to a Dictionary in this way: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000525 :let mydict = {'data': [0, 1, 2, 3]}
526 :function mydict.len() dict
527 : return len(self.data)
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000528 :endfunction
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000529 :echo mydict.len()
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000530
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000531The function will then get a number and the value of dict.len is a |Funcref|
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000532that references this function. The function can only be used through a
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000533|Funcref|. It will automatically be deleted when there is no |Funcref|
534remaining that refers to it.
535
536It is not necessary to use the "dict" attribute for a numbered function.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000537
Bram Moolenaar1affd722010-08-04 17:49:30 +0200538If you get an error for a numbered function, you can find out what it is with
539a trick. Assuming the function is 42, the command is: >
540 :function {42}
541
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000542
543Functions for Dictionaries ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000544 *E715*
545Functions that can be used with a Dictionary: >
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000546 :if has_key(dict, 'foo') " TRUE if dict has entry with key "foo"
547 :if empty(dict) " TRUE if dict is empty
548 :let l = len(dict) " number of items in dict
549 :let big = max(dict) " maximum value in dict
550 :let small = min(dict) " minimum value in dict
551 :let xs = count(dict, 'x') " count nr of times 'x' appears in dict
552 :let s = string(dict) " String representation of dict
553 :call map(dict, '">> " . v:val') " prepend ">> " to each item
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000554
555
5561.5 More about variables ~
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000557 *more-variables*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000558If you need to know the type of a variable or expression, use the |type()|
559function.
560
561When the '!' flag is included in the 'viminfo' option, global variables that
562start with an uppercase letter, and don't contain a lowercase letter, are
563stored in the viminfo file |viminfo-file|.
564
565When the 'sessionoptions' option contains "global", global variables that
566start with an uppercase letter and contain at least one lowercase letter are
567stored in the session file |session-file|.
568
569variable name can be stored where ~
570my_var_6 not
571My_Var_6 session file
572MY_VAR_6 viminfo file
573
574
575It's possible to form a variable name with curly braces, see
576|curly-braces-names|.
577
578==============================================================================
5792. Expression syntax *expression-syntax*
580
581Expression syntax summary, from least to most significant:
582
583|expr1| expr2 ? expr1 : expr1 if-then-else
584
585|expr2| expr3 || expr3 .. logical OR
586
587|expr3| expr4 && expr4 .. logical AND
588
589|expr4| expr5 == expr5 equal
590 expr5 != expr5 not equal
591 expr5 > expr5 greater than
592 expr5 >= expr5 greater than or equal
593 expr5 < expr5 smaller than
594 expr5 <= expr5 smaller than or equal
595 expr5 =~ expr5 regexp matches
596 expr5 !~ expr5 regexp doesn't match
597
598 expr5 ==? expr5 equal, ignoring case
599 expr5 ==# expr5 equal, match case
600 etc. As above, append ? for ignoring case, # for
601 matching case
602
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000603 expr5 is expr5 same |List| instance
604 expr5 isnot expr5 different |List| instance
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000605
606|expr5| expr6 + expr6 .. number addition or list concatenation
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000607 expr6 - expr6 .. number subtraction
608 expr6 . expr6 .. string concatenation
609
610|expr6| expr7 * expr7 .. number multiplication
611 expr7 / expr7 .. number division
612 expr7 % expr7 .. number modulo
613
614|expr7| ! expr7 logical NOT
615 - expr7 unary minus
616 + expr7 unary plus
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000617
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000618
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000619|expr8| expr8[expr1] byte of a String or item of a |List|
620 expr8[expr1 : expr1] substring of a String or sublist of a |List|
621 expr8.name entry in a |Dictionary|
622 expr8(expr1, ...) function call with |Funcref| variable
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000623
624|expr9| number number constant
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +0000625 "string" string constant, backslash is special
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000626 'string' string constant, ' is doubled
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000627 [expr1, ...] |List|
628 {expr1: expr1, ...} |Dictionary|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000629 &option option value
630 (expr1) nested expression
631 variable internal variable
632 va{ria}ble internal variable with curly braces
633 $VAR environment variable
634 @r contents of register 'r'
635 function(expr1, ...) function call
636 func{ti}on(expr1, ...) function call with curly braces
637
638
639".." indicates that the operations in this level can be concatenated.
640Example: >
641 &nu || &list && &shell == "csh"
642
643All expressions within one level are parsed from left to right.
644
645
646expr1 *expr1* *E109*
647-----
648
649expr2 ? expr1 : expr1
650
651The expression before the '?' is evaluated to a number. If it evaluates to
652non-zero, the result is the value of the expression between the '?' and ':',
653otherwise the result is the value of the expression after the ':'.
654Example: >
655 :echo lnum == 1 ? "top" : lnum
656
657Since the first expression is an "expr2", it cannot contain another ?:. The
658other two expressions can, thus allow for recursive use of ?:.
659Example: >
660 :echo lnum == 1 ? "top" : lnum == 1000 ? "last" : lnum
661
662To keep this readable, using |line-continuation| is suggested: >
663 :echo lnum == 1
664 :\ ? "top"
665 :\ : lnum == 1000
666 :\ ? "last"
667 :\ : lnum
668
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +0000669You should always put a space before the ':', otherwise it can be mistaken for
670use in a variable such as "a:1".
671
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000672
673expr2 and expr3 *expr2* *expr3*
674---------------
675
676 *expr-barbar* *expr-&&*
677The "||" and "&&" operators take one argument on each side. The arguments
678are (converted to) Numbers. The result is:
679
680 input output ~
681n1 n2 n1 || n2 n1 && n2 ~
682zero zero zero zero
683zero non-zero non-zero zero
684non-zero zero non-zero zero
685non-zero non-zero non-zero non-zero
686
687The operators can be concatenated, for example: >
688
689 &nu || &list && &shell == "csh"
690
691Note that "&&" takes precedence over "||", so this has the meaning of: >
692
693 &nu || (&list && &shell == "csh")
694
695Once the result is known, the expression "short-circuits", that is, further
696arguments are not evaluated. This is like what happens in C. For example: >
697
698 let a = 1
699 echo a || b
700
701This is valid even if there is no variable called "b" because "a" is non-zero,
702so the result must be non-zero. Similarly below: >
703
704 echo exists("b") && b == "yes"
705
706This is valid whether "b" has been defined or not. The second clause will
707only be evaluated if "b" has been defined.
708
709
710expr4 *expr4*
711-----
712
713expr5 {cmp} expr5
714
715Compare two expr5 expressions, resulting in a 0 if it evaluates to false, or 1
716if it evaluates to true.
717
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000718 *expr-==* *expr-!=* *expr->* *expr->=*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000719 *expr-<* *expr-<=* *expr-=~* *expr-!~*
720 *expr-==#* *expr-!=#* *expr->#* *expr->=#*
721 *expr-<#* *expr-<=#* *expr-=~#* *expr-!~#*
722 *expr-==?* *expr-!=?* *expr->?* *expr->=?*
723 *expr-<?* *expr-<=?* *expr-=~?* *expr-!~?*
Bram Moolenaar251e1912011-06-19 05:09:16 +0200724 *expr-is* *expr-isnot* *expr-is#* *expr-isnot#*
725 *expr-is?* *expr-isnot?*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000726 use 'ignorecase' match case ignore case ~
727equal == ==# ==?
728not equal != !=# !=?
729greater than > ># >?
730greater than or equal >= >=# >=?
731smaller than < <# <?
732smaller than or equal <= <=# <=?
733regexp matches =~ =~# =~?
734regexp doesn't match !~ !~# !~?
Bram Moolenaar251e1912011-06-19 05:09:16 +0200735same instance is is# is?
736different instance isnot isnot# isnot?
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000737
738Examples:
739"abc" ==# "Abc" evaluates to 0
740"abc" ==? "Abc" evaluates to 1
741"abc" == "Abc" evaluates to 1 if 'ignorecase' is set, 0 otherwise
742
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000743 *E691* *E692*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000744A |List| can only be compared with a |List| and only "equal", "not equal" and
745"is" can be used. This compares the values of the list, recursively.
746Ignoring case means case is ignored when comparing item values.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000747
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000748 *E735* *E736*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000749A |Dictionary| can only be compared with a |Dictionary| and only "equal", "not
750equal" and "is" can be used. This compares the key/values of the |Dictionary|
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000751recursively. Ignoring case means case is ignored when comparing item values.
752
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000753 *E693* *E694*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000754A |Funcref| can only be compared with a |Funcref| and only "equal" and "not
755equal" can be used. Case is never ignored.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000756
Bram Moolenaar251e1912011-06-19 05:09:16 +0200757When using "is" or "isnot" with a |List| or a |Dictionary| this checks if the
758expressions are referring to the same |List| or |Dictionary| instance. A copy
759of a |List| is different from the original |List|. When using "is" without
760a |List| or a |Dictionary| it is equivalent to using "equal", using "isnot"
761equivalent to using "not equal". Except that a different type means the
762values are different: "4 == '4'" is true, "4 is '4'" is false and "0 is []" is
763false and not a error. "is#"/"isnot#" and "is?"/"isnot?" can be used to match
764and ignore case.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000765
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000766When comparing a String with a Number, the String is converted to a Number,
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000767and the comparison is done on Numbers. This means that "0 == 'x'" is TRUE,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000768because 'x' converted to a Number is zero.
769
770When comparing two Strings, this is done with strcmp() or stricmp(). This
771results in the mathematical difference (comparing byte values), not
772necessarily the alphabetical difference in the local language.
773
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000774When using the operators with a trailing '#', or the short version and
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +0000775'ignorecase' is off, the comparing is done with strcmp(): case matters.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000776
777When using the operators with a trailing '?', or the short version and
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +0000778'ignorecase' is set, the comparing is done with stricmp(): case is ignored.
779
780'smartcase' is not used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000781
782The "=~" and "!~" operators match the lefthand argument with the righthand
783argument, which is used as a pattern. See |pattern| for what a pattern is.
784This matching is always done like 'magic' was set and 'cpoptions' is empty, no
785matter what the actual value of 'magic' or 'cpoptions' is. This makes scripts
786portable. To avoid backslashes in the regexp pattern to be doubled, use a
787single-quote string, see |literal-string|.
788Since a string is considered to be a single line, a multi-line pattern
789(containing \n, backslash-n) will not match. However, a literal NL character
790can be matched like an ordinary character. Examples:
791 "foo\nbar" =~ "\n" evaluates to 1
792 "foo\nbar" =~ "\\n" evaluates to 0
793
794
795expr5 and expr6 *expr5* *expr6*
796---------------
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000797expr6 + expr6 .. Number addition or |List| concatenation *expr-+*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000798expr6 - expr6 .. Number subtraction *expr--*
799expr6 . expr6 .. String concatenation *expr-.*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000800
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +0000801For |Lists| only "+" is possible and then both expr6 must be a list. The
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000802result is a new list with the two lists Concatenated.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000803
804expr7 * expr7 .. number multiplication *expr-star*
805expr7 / expr7 .. number division *expr-/*
806expr7 % expr7 .. number modulo *expr-%*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000807
808For all, except ".", Strings are converted to Numbers.
809
810Note the difference between "+" and ".":
811 "123" + "456" = 579
812 "123" . "456" = "123456"
813
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000814Since '.' has the same precedence as '+' and '-', you need to read: >
815 1 . 90 + 90.0
816As: >
817 (1 . 90) + 90.0
818That works, since the String "190" is automatically converted to the Number
819190, which can be added to the Float 90.0. However: >
820 1 . 90 * 90.0
821Should be read as: >
822 1 . (90 * 90.0)
823Since '.' has lower precedence than '*'. This does NOT work, since this
824attempts to concatenate a Float and a String.
825
826When dividing a Number by zero the result depends on the value:
827 0 / 0 = -0x80000000 (like NaN for Float)
828 >0 / 0 = 0x7fffffff (like positive infinity)
829 <0 / 0 = -0x7fffffff (like negative infinity)
830 (before Vim 7.2 it was always 0x7fffffff)
831
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000832When the righthand side of '%' is zero, the result is 0.
833
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000834None of these work for |Funcref|s.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000835
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000836. and % do not work for Float. *E804*
837
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000838
839expr7 *expr7*
840-----
841! expr7 logical NOT *expr-!*
842- expr7 unary minus *expr-unary--*
843+ expr7 unary plus *expr-unary-+*
844
845For '!' non-zero becomes zero, zero becomes one.
846For '-' the sign of the number is changed.
847For '+' the number is unchanged.
848
849A String will be converted to a Number first.
850
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000851These three can be repeated and mixed. Examples:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000852 !-1 == 0
853 !!8 == 1
854 --9 == 9
855
856
857expr8 *expr8*
858-----
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000859expr8[expr1] item of String or |List| *expr-[]* *E111*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000860
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000861If expr8 is a Number or String this results in a String that contains the
862expr1'th single byte from expr8. expr8 is used as a String, expr1 as a
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +0100863Number. This doesn't recognize multi-byte encodings, see |byteidx()| for
864an alternative.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000865
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000866Index zero gives the first character. This is like it works in C. Careful:
867text column numbers start with one! Example, to get the character under the
868cursor: >
Bram Moolenaar61660ea2006-04-07 21:40:07 +0000869 :let c = getline(".")[col(".") - 1]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000870
871If the length of the String is less than the index, the result is an empty
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000872String. A negative index always results in an empty string (reason: backwards
873compatibility). Use [-1:] to get the last byte.
874
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000875If expr8 is a |List| then it results the item at index expr1. See |list-index|
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000876for possible index values. If the index is out of range this results in an
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000877error. Example: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000878 :let item = mylist[-1] " get last item
879
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000880Generally, if a |List| index is equal to or higher than the length of the
881|List|, or more negative than the length of the |List|, this results in an
882error.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000883
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000884
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000885expr8[expr1a : expr1b] substring or sublist *expr-[:]*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000886
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000887If expr8 is a Number or String this results in the substring with the bytes
888from expr1a to and including expr1b. expr8 is used as a String, expr1a and
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +0100889expr1b are used as a Number. This doesn't recognize multi-byte encodings, see
890|byteidx()| for computing the indexes.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000891
892If expr1a is omitted zero is used. If expr1b is omitted the length of the
893string minus one is used.
894
895A negative number can be used to measure from the end of the string. -1 is
896the last character, -2 the last but one, etc.
897
898If an index goes out of range for the string characters are omitted. If
899expr1b is smaller than expr1a the result is an empty string.
900
901Examples: >
902 :let c = name[-1:] " last byte of a string
903 :let c = name[-2:-2] " last but one byte of a string
904 :let s = line(".")[4:] " from the fifth byte to the end
905 :let s = s[:-3] " remove last two bytes
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +0100906<
907 *sublist* *slice*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000908If expr8 is a |List| this results in a new |List| with the items indicated by
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000909the indexes expr1a and expr1b. This works like with a String, as explained
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000910just above, except that indexes out of range cause an error. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000911 :let l = mylist[:3] " first four items
912 :let l = mylist[4:4] " List with one item
913 :let l = mylist[:] " shallow copy of a List
914
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000915Using expr8[expr1] or expr8[expr1a : expr1b] on a |Funcref| results in an
916error.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000917
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000918
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000919expr8.name entry in a |Dictionary| *expr-entry*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000920
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000921If expr8 is a |Dictionary| and it is followed by a dot, then the following
922name will be used as a key in the |Dictionary|. This is just like:
923expr8[name].
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000924
925The name must consist of alphanumeric characters, just like a variable name,
926but it may start with a number. Curly braces cannot be used.
927
928There must not be white space before or after the dot.
929
930Examples: >
931 :let dict = {"one": 1, 2: "two"}
932 :echo dict.one
933 :echo dict .2
934
935Note that the dot is also used for String concatenation. To avoid confusion
936always put spaces around the dot for String concatenation.
937
938
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000939expr8(expr1, ...) |Funcref| function call
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000940
941When expr8 is a |Funcref| type variable, invoke the function it refers to.
942
943
944
945 *expr9*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000946number
947------
948number number constant *expr-number*
949
950Decimal, Hexadecimal (starting with 0x or 0X), or Octal (starting with 0).
951
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000952 *floating-point-format*
953Floating point numbers can be written in two forms:
954
955 [-+]{N}.{M}
956 [-+]{N}.{M}e[-+]{exp}
957
958{N} and {M} are numbers. Both {N} and {M} must be present and can only
959contain digits.
960[-+] means there is an optional plus or minus sign.
961{exp} is the exponent, power of 10.
962Only a decimal point is accepted, not a comma. No matter what the current
963locale is.
964{only when compiled with the |+float| feature}
965
966Examples:
967 123.456
968 +0.0001
969 55.0
970 -0.123
971 1.234e03
972 1.0E-6
973 -3.1416e+88
974
975These are INVALID:
976 3. empty {M}
977 1e40 missing .{M}
978
Bram Moolenaare37d50a2008-08-06 17:06:04 +0000979 *float-pi* *float-e*
980A few useful values to copy&paste: >
981 :let pi = 3.14159265359
982 :let e = 2.71828182846
983
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000984Rationale:
985Before floating point was introduced, the text "123.456" was interpreted as
986the two numbers "123" and "456", both converted to a string and concatenated,
987resulting in the string "123456". Since this was considered pointless, and we
Bram Moolenaare37d50a2008-08-06 17:06:04 +0000988could not find it intentionally being used in Vim scripts, this backwards
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000989incompatibility was accepted in favor of being able to use the normal notation
990for floating point numbers.
991
992 *floating-point-precision*
993The precision and range of floating points numbers depends on what "double"
994means in the library Vim was compiled with. There is no way to change this at
995runtime.
996
997The default for displaying a |Float| is to use 6 decimal places, like using
998printf("%g", f). You can select something else when using the |printf()|
999function. Example: >
1000 :echo printf('%.15e', atan(1))
1001< 7.853981633974483e-01
1002
1003
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001004
1005string *expr-string* *E114*
1006------
1007"string" string constant *expr-quote*
1008
1009Note that double quotes are used.
1010
1011A string constant accepts these special characters:
1012\... three-digit octal number (e.g., "\316")
1013\.. two-digit octal number (must be followed by non-digit)
1014\. one-digit octal number (must be followed by non-digit)
1015\x.. byte specified with two hex numbers (e.g., "\x1f")
1016\x. byte specified with one hex number (must be followed by non-hex char)
1017\X.. same as \x..
1018\X. same as \x.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001019\u.... character specified with up to 4 hex numbers, stored according to the
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001020 current value of 'encoding' (e.g., "\u02a4")
1021\U.... same as \u....
1022\b backspace <BS>
1023\e escape <Esc>
1024\f formfeed <FF>
1025\n newline <NL>
1026\r return <CR>
1027\t tab <Tab>
1028\\ backslash
1029\" double quote
Bram Moolenaar00a927d2010-05-14 23:24:24 +02001030\<xxx> Special key named "xxx". e.g. "\<C-W>" for CTRL-W. This is for use
1031 in mappings, the 0x80 byte is escaped. Don't use <Char-xxxx> to get a
1032 utf-8 character, use \uxxxx as mentioned above.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001033
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00001034Note that "\xff" is stored as the byte 255, which may be invalid in some
1035encodings. Use "\u00ff" to store character 255 according to the current value
1036of 'encoding'.
1037
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001038Note that "\000" and "\x00" force the end of the string.
1039
1040
1041literal-string *literal-string* *E115*
1042---------------
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +00001043'string' string constant *expr-'*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001044
1045Note that single quotes are used.
1046
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001047This string is taken as it is. No backslashes are removed or have a special
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00001048meaning. The only exception is that two quotes stand for one quote.
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +00001049
1050Single quoted strings are useful for patterns, so that backslashes do not need
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001051to be doubled. These two commands are equivalent: >
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +00001052 if a =~ "\\s*"
1053 if a =~ '\s*'
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001054
1055
1056option *expr-option* *E112* *E113*
1057------
1058&option option value, local value if possible
1059&g:option global option value
1060&l:option local option value
1061
1062Examples: >
1063 echo "tabstop is " . &tabstop
1064 if &insertmode
1065
1066Any option name can be used here. See |options|. When using the local value
1067and there is no buffer-local or window-local value, the global value is used
1068anyway.
1069
1070
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00001071register *expr-register* *@r*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001072--------
1073@r contents of register 'r'
1074
1075The result is the contents of the named register, as a single string.
1076Newlines are inserted where required. To get the contents of the unnamed
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001077register use @" or @@. See |registers| for an explanation of the available
Bram Moolenaare7566042005-06-17 22:00:15 +00001078registers.
1079
1080When using the '=' register you get the expression itself, not what it
1081evaluates to. Use |eval()| to evaluate it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001082
1083
1084nesting *expr-nesting* *E110*
1085-------
1086(expr1) nested expression
1087
1088
1089environment variable *expr-env*
1090--------------------
1091$VAR environment variable
1092
1093The String value of any environment variable. When it is not defined, the
1094result is an empty string.
1095 *expr-env-expand*
1096Note that there is a difference between using $VAR directly and using
1097expand("$VAR"). Using it directly will only expand environment variables that
1098are known inside the current Vim session. Using expand() will first try using
1099the environment variables known inside the current Vim session. If that
1100fails, a shell will be used to expand the variable. This can be slow, but it
1101does expand all variables that the shell knows about. Example: >
1102 :echo $version
1103 :echo expand("$version")
1104The first one probably doesn't echo anything, the second echoes the $version
1105variable (if your shell supports it).
1106
1107
1108internal variable *expr-variable*
1109-----------------
1110variable internal variable
1111See below |internal-variables|.
1112
1113
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00001114function call *expr-function* *E116* *E118* *E119* *E120*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001115-------------
1116function(expr1, ...) function call
1117See below |functions|.
1118
1119
1120==============================================================================
Bram Moolenaar4a748032010-09-30 21:47:56 +020011213. Internal variable *internal-variables* *E461*
1122
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001123An internal variable name can be made up of letters, digits and '_'. But it
1124cannot start with a digit. It's also possible to use curly braces, see
1125|curly-braces-names|.
1126
1127An internal variable is created with the ":let" command |:let|.
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00001128An internal variable is explicitly destroyed with the ":unlet" command
1129|:unlet|.
1130Using a name that is not an internal variable or refers to a variable that has
1131been destroyed results in an error.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001132
1133There are several name spaces for variables. Which one is to be used is
1134specified by what is prepended:
1135
1136 (nothing) In a function: local to a function; otherwise: global
1137|buffer-variable| b: Local to the current buffer.
1138|window-variable| w: Local to the current window.
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00001139|tabpage-variable| t: Local to the current tab page.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001140|global-variable| g: Global.
1141|local-variable| l: Local to a function.
1142|script-variable| s: Local to a |:source|'ed Vim script.
1143|function-argument| a: Function argument (only inside a function).
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001144|vim-variable| v: Global, predefined by Vim.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001145
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001146The scope name by itself can be used as a |Dictionary|. For example, to
1147delete all script-local variables: >
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00001148 :for k in keys(s:)
1149 : unlet s:[k]
1150 :endfor
1151<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001152 *buffer-variable* *b:var*
1153A variable name that is preceded with "b:" is local to the current buffer.
1154Thus you can have several "b:foo" variables, one for each buffer.
1155This kind of variable is deleted when the buffer is wiped out or deleted with
1156|:bdelete|.
1157
1158One local buffer variable is predefined:
1159 *b:changedtick-variable* *changetick*
1160b:changedtick The total number of changes to the current buffer. It is
1161 incremented for each change. An undo command is also a change
1162 in this case. This can be used to perform an action only when
1163 the buffer has changed. Example: >
1164 :if my_changedtick != b:changedtick
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001165 : let my_changedtick = b:changedtick
1166 : call My_Update()
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001167 :endif
1168<
1169 *window-variable* *w:var*
1170A variable name that is preceded with "w:" is local to the current window. It
1171is deleted when the window is closed.
1172
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00001173 *tabpage-variable* *t:var*
1174A variable name that is preceded with "t:" is local to the current tab page,
1175It is deleted when the tab page is closed. {not available when compiled
Bram Moolenaardb84e452010-08-15 13:50:43 +02001176without the |+windows| feature}
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00001177
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001178 *global-variable* *g:var*
1179Inside functions global variables are accessed with "g:". Omitting this will
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001180access a variable local to a function. But "g:" can also be used in any other
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001181place if you like.
1182
1183 *local-variable* *l:var*
1184Inside functions local variables are accessed without prepending anything.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00001185But you can also prepend "l:" if you like. However, without prepending "l:"
1186you may run into reserved variable names. For example "count". By itself it
1187refers to "v:count". Using "l:count" you can have a local variable with the
1188same name.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001189
1190 *script-variable* *s:var*
1191In a Vim script variables starting with "s:" can be used. They cannot be
1192accessed from outside of the scripts, thus are local to the script.
1193
1194They can be used in:
1195- commands executed while the script is sourced
1196- functions defined in the script
1197- autocommands defined in the script
1198- functions and autocommands defined in functions and autocommands which were
1199 defined in the script (recursively)
1200- user defined commands defined in the script
1201Thus not in:
1202- other scripts sourced from this one
1203- mappings
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001204- menus
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001205- etc.
1206
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00001207Script variables can be used to avoid conflicts with global variable names.
1208Take this example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001209
1210 let s:counter = 0
1211 function MyCounter()
1212 let s:counter = s:counter + 1
1213 echo s:counter
1214 endfunction
1215 command Tick call MyCounter()
1216
1217You can now invoke "Tick" from any script, and the "s:counter" variable in
1218that script will not be changed, only the "s:counter" in the script where
1219"Tick" was defined is used.
1220
1221Another example that does the same: >
1222
1223 let s:counter = 0
1224 command Tick let s:counter = s:counter + 1 | echo s:counter
1225
1226When calling a function and invoking a user-defined command, the context for
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001227script variables is set to the script where the function or command was
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001228defined.
1229
1230The script variables are also available when a function is defined inside a
1231function that is defined in a script. Example: >
1232
1233 let s:counter = 0
1234 function StartCounting(incr)
1235 if a:incr
1236 function MyCounter()
1237 let s:counter = s:counter + 1
1238 endfunction
1239 else
1240 function MyCounter()
1241 let s:counter = s:counter - 1
1242 endfunction
1243 endif
1244 endfunction
1245
1246This defines the MyCounter() function either for counting up or counting down
1247when calling StartCounting(). It doesn't matter from where StartCounting() is
1248called, the s:counter variable will be accessible in MyCounter().
1249
1250When the same script is sourced again it will use the same script variables.
1251They will remain valid as long as Vim is running. This can be used to
1252maintain a counter: >
1253
1254 if !exists("s:counter")
1255 let s:counter = 1
1256 echo "script executed for the first time"
1257 else
1258 let s:counter = s:counter + 1
1259 echo "script executed " . s:counter . " times now"
1260 endif
1261
1262Note that this means that filetype plugins don't get a different set of script
1263variables for each buffer. Use local buffer variables instead |b:var|.
1264
1265
1266Predefined Vim variables: *vim-variable* *v:var*
1267
Bram Moolenaare4efc3b2005-03-07 23:16:51 +00001268 *v:beval_col* *beval_col-variable*
1269v:beval_col The number of the column, over which the mouse pointer is.
1270 This is the byte index in the |v:beval_lnum| line.
1271 Only valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1272
1273 *v:beval_bufnr* *beval_bufnr-variable*
1274v:beval_bufnr The number of the buffer, over which the mouse pointer is. Only
1275 valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1276
1277 *v:beval_lnum* *beval_lnum-variable*
1278v:beval_lnum The number of the line, over which the mouse pointer is. Only
1279 valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1280
1281 *v:beval_text* *beval_text-variable*
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00001282v:beval_text The text under or after the mouse pointer. Usually a word as
1283 it is useful for debugging a C program. 'iskeyword' applies,
1284 but a dot and "->" before the position is included. When on a
1285 ']' the text before it is used, including the matching '[' and
Bram Moolenaare4efc3b2005-03-07 23:16:51 +00001286 word before it. When on a Visual area within one line the
1287 highlighted text is used.
1288 Only valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1289
1290 *v:beval_winnr* *beval_winnr-variable*
1291v:beval_winnr The number of the window, over which the mouse pointer is. Only
Bram Moolenaar00654022011-02-25 14:42:19 +01001292 valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option. The first
1293 window has number zero (unlike most other places where a
1294 window gets a number).
Bram Moolenaare4efc3b2005-03-07 23:16:51 +00001295
Bram Moolenaarf193fff2006-04-27 00:02:13 +00001296 *v:char* *char-variable*
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001297v:char Argument for evaluating 'formatexpr' and used for the typed
Bram Moolenaar945e2db2010-06-05 17:43:32 +02001298 character when using <expr> in an abbreviation |:map-<expr>|.
Bram Moolenaar251e1912011-06-19 05:09:16 +02001299 It is also used by the |InsertCharPre| event.
Bram Moolenaarf193fff2006-04-27 00:02:13 +00001300
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001301 *v:charconvert_from* *charconvert_from-variable*
1302v:charconvert_from
1303 The name of the character encoding of a file to be converted.
1304 Only valid while evaluating the 'charconvert' option.
1305
1306 *v:charconvert_to* *charconvert_to-variable*
1307v:charconvert_to
1308 The name of the character encoding of a file after conversion.
1309 Only valid while evaluating the 'charconvert' option.
1310
1311 *v:cmdarg* *cmdarg-variable*
1312v:cmdarg This variable is used for two purposes:
1313 1. The extra arguments given to a file read/write command.
1314 Currently these are "++enc=" and "++ff=". This variable is
1315 set before an autocommand event for a file read/write
1316 command is triggered. There is a leading space to make it
1317 possible to append this variable directly after the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001318 read/write command. Note: The "+cmd" argument isn't
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001319 included here, because it will be executed anyway.
1320 2. When printing a PostScript file with ":hardcopy" this is
1321 the argument for the ":hardcopy" command. This can be used
1322 in 'printexpr'.
1323
1324 *v:cmdbang* *cmdbang-variable*
1325v:cmdbang Set like v:cmdarg for a file read/write command. When a "!"
1326 was used the value is 1, otherwise it is 0. Note that this
1327 can only be used in autocommands. For user commands |<bang>|
1328 can be used.
1329
1330 *v:count* *count-variable*
1331v:count The count given for the last Normal mode command. Can be used
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001332 to get the count before a mapping. Read-only. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001333 :map _x :<C-U>echo "the count is " . v:count<CR>
1334< Note: The <C-U> is required to remove the line range that you
1335 get when typing ':' after a count.
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001336 When there are two counts, as in "3d2w", they are multiplied,
1337 just like what happens in the command, "d6w" for the example.
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001338 Also used for evaluating the 'formatexpr' option.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001339 "count" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1340
1341 *v:count1* *count1-variable*
1342v:count1 Just like "v:count", but defaults to one when no count is
1343 used.
1344
1345 *v:ctype* *ctype-variable*
1346v:ctype The current locale setting for characters of the runtime
1347 environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the
1348 current locale encoding. Technical: it's the value of
1349 LC_CTYPE. When not using a locale the value is "C".
1350 This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language|
1351 command.
1352 See |multi-lang|.
1353
1354 *v:dying* *dying-variable*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001355v:dying Normally zero. When a deadly signal is caught it's set to
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001356 one. When multiple signals are caught the number increases.
1357 Can be used in an autocommand to check if Vim didn't
1358 terminate normally. {only works on Unix}
1359 Example: >
1360 :au VimLeave * if v:dying | echo "\nAAAAaaaarrrggghhhh!!!\n" | endif
Bram Moolenaar0e1e25f2010-05-28 21:07:08 +02001361< Note: if another deadly signal is caught when v:dying is one,
1362 VimLeave autocommands will not be executed.
1363
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001364 *v:errmsg* *errmsg-variable*
1365v:errmsg Last given error message. It's allowed to set this variable.
1366 Example: >
1367 :let v:errmsg = ""
1368 :silent! next
1369 :if v:errmsg != ""
1370 : ... handle error
1371< "errmsg" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1372
1373 *v:exception* *exception-variable*
1374v:exception The value of the exception most recently caught and not
1375 finished. See also |v:throwpoint| and |throw-variables|.
1376 Example: >
1377 :try
1378 : throw "oops"
1379 :catch /.*/
1380 : echo "caught" v:exception
1381 :endtry
1382< Output: "caught oops".
1383
Bram Moolenaar19a09a12005-03-04 23:39:37 +00001384 *v:fcs_reason* *fcs_reason-variable*
1385v:fcs_reason The reason why the |FileChangedShell| event was triggered.
1386 Can be used in an autocommand to decide what to do and/or what
1387 to set v:fcs_choice to. Possible values:
1388 deleted file no longer exists
1389 conflict file contents, mode or timestamp was
1390 changed and buffer is modified
1391 changed file contents has changed
1392 mode mode of file changed
1393 time only file timestamp changed
1394
1395 *v:fcs_choice* *fcs_choice-variable*
1396v:fcs_choice What should happen after a |FileChangedShell| event was
1397 triggered. Can be used in an autocommand to tell Vim what to
1398 do with the affected buffer:
1399 reload Reload the buffer (does not work if
1400 the file was deleted).
1401 ask Ask the user what to do, as if there
1402 was no autocommand. Except that when
1403 only the timestamp changed nothing
1404 will happen.
1405 <empty> Nothing, the autocommand should do
1406 everything that needs to be done.
1407 The default is empty. If another (invalid) value is used then
1408 Vim behaves like it is empty, there is no warning message.
1409
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001410 *v:fname_in* *fname_in-variable*
Bram Moolenaar4e330bb2005-12-07 21:04:31 +00001411v:fname_in The name of the input file. Valid while evaluating:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001412 option used for ~
1413 'charconvert' file to be converted
1414 'diffexpr' original file
1415 'patchexpr' original file
1416 'printexpr' file to be printed
Bram Moolenaar2c7a29c2005-12-12 22:02:31 +00001417 And set to the swap file name for |SwapExists|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001418
1419 *v:fname_out* *fname_out-variable*
1420v:fname_out The name of the output file. Only valid while
1421 evaluating:
1422 option used for ~
1423 'charconvert' resulting converted file (*)
1424 'diffexpr' output of diff
1425 'patchexpr' resulting patched file
1426 (*) When doing conversion for a write command (e.g., ":w
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001427 file") it will be equal to v:fname_in. When doing conversion
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001428 for a read command (e.g., ":e file") it will be a temporary
1429 file and different from v:fname_in.
1430
1431 *v:fname_new* *fname_new-variable*
1432v:fname_new The name of the new version of the file. Only valid while
1433 evaluating 'diffexpr'.
1434
1435 *v:fname_diff* *fname_diff-variable*
1436v:fname_diff The name of the diff (patch) file. Only valid while
1437 evaluating 'patchexpr'.
1438
1439 *v:folddashes* *folddashes-variable*
1440v:folddashes Used for 'foldtext': dashes representing foldlevel of a closed
1441 fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001442 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001443
1444 *v:foldlevel* *foldlevel-variable*
1445v:foldlevel Used for 'foldtext': foldlevel of closed fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001446 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001447
1448 *v:foldend* *foldend-variable*
1449v:foldend Used for 'foldtext': last line of closed fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001450 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001451
1452 *v:foldstart* *foldstart-variable*
1453v:foldstart Used for 'foldtext': first line of closed fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001454 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001455
Bram Moolenaar843ee412004-06-30 16:16:41 +00001456 *v:insertmode* *insertmode-variable*
1457v:insertmode Used for the |InsertEnter| and |InsertChange| autocommand
1458 events. Values:
1459 i Insert mode
1460 r Replace mode
1461 v Virtual Replace mode
1462
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001463 *v:key* *key-variable*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001464v:key Key of the current item of a |Dictionary|. Only valid while
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001465 evaluating the expression used with |map()| and |filter()|.
1466 Read-only.
1467
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001468 *v:lang* *lang-variable*
1469v:lang The current locale setting for messages of the runtime
1470 environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the
1471 current language. Technical: it's the value of LC_MESSAGES.
1472 The value is system dependent.
1473 This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language|
1474 command.
1475 It can be different from |v:ctype| when messages are desired
1476 in a different language than what is used for character
1477 encoding. See |multi-lang|.
1478
1479 *v:lc_time* *lc_time-variable*
1480v:lc_time The current locale setting for time messages of the runtime
1481 environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the
1482 current language. Technical: it's the value of LC_TIME.
1483 This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language|
1484 command. See |multi-lang|.
1485
1486 *v:lnum* *lnum-variable*
Bram Moolenaar368373e2010-07-19 20:46:22 +02001487v:lnum Line number for the 'foldexpr' |fold-expr|, 'formatexpr' and
1488 'indentexpr' expressions, tab page number for 'guitablabel'
1489 and 'guitabtooltip'. Only valid while one of these
1490 expressions is being evaluated. Read-only when in the
1491 |sandbox|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001492
Bram Moolenaar219b8702006-11-01 14:32:36 +00001493 *v:mouse_win* *mouse_win-variable*
1494v:mouse_win Window number for a mouse click obtained with |getchar()|.
1495 First window has number 1, like with |winnr()|. The value is
1496 zero when there was no mouse button click.
1497
1498 *v:mouse_lnum* *mouse_lnum-variable*
1499v:mouse_lnum Line number for a mouse click obtained with |getchar()|.
1500 This is the text line number, not the screen line number. The
1501 value is zero when there was no mouse button click.
1502
1503 *v:mouse_col* *mouse_col-variable*
1504v:mouse_col Column number for a mouse click obtained with |getchar()|.
1505 This is the screen column number, like with |virtcol()|. The
1506 value is zero when there was no mouse button click.
1507
Bram Moolenaard812df62008-11-09 12:46:09 +00001508 *v:oldfiles* *oldfiles-variable*
1509v:oldfiles List of file names that is loaded from the |viminfo| file on
1510 startup. These are the files that Vim remembers marks for.
1511 The length of the List is limited by the ' argument of the
1512 'viminfo' option (default is 100).
1513 Also see |:oldfiles| and |c_#<|.
1514 The List can be modified, but this has no effect on what is
1515 stored in the |viminfo| file later. If you use values other
1516 than String this will cause trouble.
Bram Moolenaardb84e452010-08-15 13:50:43 +02001517 {only when compiled with the |+viminfo| feature}
Bram Moolenaard812df62008-11-09 12:46:09 +00001518
Bram Moolenaar8af1fbf2008-01-05 12:35:21 +00001519 *v:operator* *operator-variable*
1520v:operator The last operator given in Normal mode. This is a single
1521 character except for commands starting with <g> or <z>,
1522 in which case it is two characters. Best used alongside
1523 |v:prevcount| and |v:register|. Useful if you want to cancel
1524 Operator-pending mode and then use the operator, e.g.: >
1525 :omap O <Esc>:call MyMotion(v:operator)<CR>
1526< The value remains set until another operator is entered, thus
1527 don't expect it to be empty.
1528 v:operator is not set for |:delete|, |:yank| or other Ex
1529 commands.
1530 Read-only.
1531
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001532 *v:prevcount* *prevcount-variable*
1533v:prevcount The count given for the last but one Normal mode command.
1534 This is the v:count value of the previous command. Useful if
Bram Moolenaar8af1fbf2008-01-05 12:35:21 +00001535 you want to cancel Visual or Operator-pending mode and then
1536 use the count, e.g.: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001537 :vmap % <Esc>:call MyFilter(v:prevcount)<CR>
1538< Read-only.
1539
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00001540 *v:profiling* *profiling-variable*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001541v:profiling Normally zero. Set to one after using ":profile start".
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00001542 See |profiling|.
1543
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001544 *v:progname* *progname-variable*
1545v:progname Contains the name (with path removed) with which Vim was
1546 invoked. Allows you to do special initialisations for "view",
1547 "evim" etc., or any other name you might symlink to Vim.
1548 Read-only.
1549
1550 *v:register* *register-variable*
Bram Moolenaard58e9292011-02-09 17:07:58 +01001551v:register The name of the register in effect for the current normal mode
Bram Moolenaar446beb42011-05-10 17:18:44 +02001552 command. If none is supplied it is the default register '"',
1553 unless 'clipboard' contains "unnamed" or "unnamedplus", then
1554 it is '*' or '+'.
Bram Moolenaard58e9292011-02-09 17:07:58 +01001555 Also see |getreg()| and |setreg()|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001556
Bram Moolenaar1c7715d2005-10-03 22:02:18 +00001557 *v:scrollstart* *scrollstart-variable*
1558v:scrollstart String describing the script or function that caused the
1559 screen to scroll up. It's only set when it is empty, thus the
1560 first reason is remembered. It is set to "Unknown" for a
1561 typed command.
1562 This can be used to find out why your script causes the
1563 hit-enter prompt.
1564
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001565 *v:servername* *servername-variable*
1566v:servername The resulting registered |x11-clientserver| name if any.
1567 Read-only.
1568
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001569
1570v:searchforward *v:searchforward* *searchforward-variable*
1571 Search direction: 1 after a forward search, 0 after a
1572 backward search. It is reset to forward when directly setting
1573 the last search pattern, see |quote/|.
1574 Note that the value is restored when returning from a
1575 function. |function-search-undo|.
1576 Read-write.
1577
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001578 *v:shell_error* *shell_error-variable*
1579v:shell_error Result of the last shell command. When non-zero, the last
1580 shell command had an error. When zero, there was no problem.
1581 This only works when the shell returns the error code to Vim.
1582 The value -1 is often used when the command could not be
1583 executed. Read-only.
1584 Example: >
1585 :!mv foo bar
1586 :if v:shell_error
1587 : echo 'could not rename "foo" to "bar"!'
1588 :endif
1589< "shell_error" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1590
1591 *v:statusmsg* *statusmsg-variable*
1592v:statusmsg Last given status message. It's allowed to set this variable.
1593
Bram Moolenaar4e330bb2005-12-07 21:04:31 +00001594 *v:swapname* *swapname-variable*
1595v:swapname Only valid when executing |SwapExists| autocommands: Name of
1596 the swap file found. Read-only.
1597
1598 *v:swapchoice* *swapchoice-variable*
1599v:swapchoice |SwapExists| autocommands can set this to the selected choice
1600 for handling an existing swap file:
1601 'o' Open read-only
1602 'e' Edit anyway
1603 'r' Recover
1604 'd' Delete swapfile
1605 'q' Quit
1606 'a' Abort
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001607 The value should be a single-character string. An empty value
Bram Moolenaar4e330bb2005-12-07 21:04:31 +00001608 results in the user being asked, as would happen when there is
1609 no SwapExists autocommand. The default is empty.
1610
Bram Moolenaarb3480382005-12-11 21:33:32 +00001611 *v:swapcommand* *swapcommand-variable*
Bram Moolenaar4770d092006-01-12 23:22:24 +00001612v:swapcommand Normal mode command to be executed after a file has been
Bram Moolenaarb3480382005-12-11 21:33:32 +00001613 opened. Can be used for a |SwapExists| autocommand to have
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001614 another Vim open the file and jump to the right place. For
Bram Moolenaarb3480382005-12-11 21:33:32 +00001615 example, when jumping to a tag the value is ":tag tagname\r".
Bram Moolenaar1f35bf92006-03-07 22:38:47 +00001616 For ":edit +cmd file" the value is ":cmd\r".
Bram Moolenaarb3480382005-12-11 21:33:32 +00001617
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001618 *v:termresponse* *termresponse-variable*
1619v:termresponse The escape sequence returned by the terminal for the |t_RV|
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001620 termcap entry. It is set when Vim receives an escape sequence
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001621 that starts with ESC [ or CSI and ends in a 'c', with only
1622 digits, ';' and '.' in between.
1623 When this option is set, the TermResponse autocommand event is
1624 fired, so that you can react to the response from the
1625 terminal.
1626 The response from a new xterm is: "<Esc>[ Pp ; Pv ; Pc c". Pp
1627 is the terminal type: 0 for vt100 and 1 for vt220. Pv is the
1628 patch level (since this was introduced in patch 95, it's
1629 always 95 or bigger). Pc is always zero.
1630 {only when compiled with |+termresponse| feature}
1631
1632 *v:this_session* *this_session-variable*
1633v:this_session Full filename of the last loaded or saved session file. See
1634 |:mksession|. It is allowed to set this variable. When no
1635 session file has been saved, this variable is empty.
1636 "this_session" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1637
1638 *v:throwpoint* *throwpoint-variable*
1639v:throwpoint The point where the exception most recently caught and not
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001640 finished was thrown. Not set when commands are typed. See
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001641 also |v:exception| and |throw-variables|.
1642 Example: >
1643 :try
1644 : throw "oops"
1645 :catch /.*/
1646 : echo "Exception from" v:throwpoint
1647 :endtry
1648< Output: "Exception from test.vim, line 2"
1649
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001650 *v:val* *val-variable*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001651v:val Value of the current item of a |List| or |Dictionary|. Only
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001652 valid while evaluating the expression used with |map()| and
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001653 |filter()|. Read-only.
1654
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001655 *v:version* *version-variable*
1656v:version Version number of Vim: Major version number times 100 plus
1657 minor version number. Version 5.0 is 500. Version 5.1 (5.01)
1658 is 501. Read-only. "version" also works, for backwards
1659 compatibility.
1660 Use |has()| to check if a certain patch was included, e.g.: >
1661 if has("patch123")
1662< Note that patch numbers are specific to the version, thus both
1663 version 5.0 and 5.1 may have a patch 123, but these are
1664 completely different.
1665
1666 *v:warningmsg* *warningmsg-variable*
1667v:warningmsg Last given warning message. It's allowed to set this variable.
1668
Bram Moolenaar727c8762010-10-20 19:17:48 +02001669 *v:windowid* *windowid-variable*
1670v:windowid When any X11 based GUI is running or when running in a
1671 terminal and Vim connects to the X server (|-X|) this will be
Bram Moolenaar264e9fd2010-10-27 12:33:17 +02001672 set to the window ID.
1673 When an MS-Windows GUI is running this will be set to the
1674 window handle.
1675 Otherwise the value is zero.
1676 Note: for windows inside Vim use |winnr()|.
Bram Moolenaar727c8762010-10-20 19:17:48 +02001677
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001678==============================================================================
16794. Builtin Functions *functions*
1680
1681See |function-list| for a list grouped by what the function is used for.
1682
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00001683(Use CTRL-] on the function name to jump to the full explanation.)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001684
1685USAGE RESULT DESCRIPTION ~
1686
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001687abs( {expr}) Float or Number absolute value of {expr}
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02001688acos( {expr}) Float arc cosine of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001689add( {list}, {item}) List append {item} to |List| {list}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001690append( {lnum}, {string}) Number append {string} below line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00001691append( {lnum}, {list}) Number append lines {list} below line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001692argc() Number number of files in the argument list
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001693argidx() Number current index in the argument list
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001694argv( {nr}) String {nr} entry of the argument list
Bram Moolenaare2f98b92006-03-29 21:18:24 +00001695argv( ) List the argument list
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02001696asin( {expr}) Float arc sine of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001697atan( {expr}) Float arc tangent of {expr}
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02001698atan2( {expr}, {expr}) Float arc tangent of {expr1} / {expr2}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001699browse( {save}, {title}, {initdir}, {default})
1700 String put up a file requester
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001701browsedir( {title}, {initdir}) String put up a directory requester
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001702bufexists( {expr}) Number TRUE if buffer {expr} exists
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001703buflisted( {expr}) Number TRUE if buffer {expr} is listed
1704bufloaded( {expr}) Number TRUE if buffer {expr} is loaded
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001705bufname( {expr}) String Name of the buffer {expr}
1706bufnr( {expr}) Number Number of the buffer {expr}
1707bufwinnr( {expr}) Number window number of buffer {expr}
1708byte2line( {byte}) Number line number at byte count {byte}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001709byteidx( {expr}, {nr}) Number byte index of {nr}'th char in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001710call( {func}, {arglist} [, {dict}])
1711 any call {func} with arguments {arglist}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001712ceil( {expr}) Float round {expr} up
1713changenr() Number current change number
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001714char2nr( {expr}) Number ASCII value of first char in {expr}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001715cindent( {lnum}) Number C indent for line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001716clearmatches() none clear all matches
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001717col( {expr}) Number column nr of cursor or mark
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001718complete( {startcol}, {matches}) none set Insert mode completion
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00001719complete_add( {expr}) Number add completion match
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001720complete_check() Number check for key typed during completion
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001721confirm( {msg} [, {choices} [, {default} [, {type}]]])
1722 Number number of choice picked by user
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001723copy( {expr}) any make a shallow copy of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001724cos( {expr}) Float cosine of {expr}
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02001725cosh( {expr}) Float hyperbolic cosine of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001726count( {list}, {expr} [, {start} [, {ic}]])
1727 Number count how many {expr} are in {list}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001728cscope_connection( [{num} , {dbpath} [, {prepend}]])
1729 Number checks existence of cscope connection
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00001730cursor( {lnum}, {col} [, {coladd}])
1731 Number move cursor to {lnum}, {col}, {coladd}
1732cursor( {list}) Number move cursor to position in {list}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001733deepcopy( {expr}) any make a full copy of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001734delete( {fname}) Number delete file {fname}
1735did_filetype() Number TRUE if FileType autocommand event used
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001736diff_filler( {lnum}) Number diff filler lines about {lnum}
1737diff_hlID( {lnum}, {col}) Number diff highlighting at {lnum}/{col}
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00001738empty( {expr}) Number TRUE if {expr} is empty
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001739escape( {string}, {chars}) String escape {chars} in {string} with '\'
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00001740eval( {string}) any evaluate {string} into its value
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001741eventhandler( ) Number TRUE if inside an event handler
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001742executable( {expr}) Number 1 if executable {expr} exists
1743exists( {expr}) Number TRUE if {expr} exists
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001744extend( {expr1}, {expr2} [, {expr3}])
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001745 List/Dict insert items of {expr2} into {expr1}
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02001746exp( {expr}) Float exponential of {expr}
Bram Moolenaarbb5ddda2008-11-28 10:01:10 +00001747expand( {expr} [, {flag}]) String expand special keywords in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001748feedkeys( {string} [, {mode}]) Number add key sequence to typeahead buffer
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001749filereadable( {file}) Number TRUE if {file} is a readable file
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001750filewritable( {file}) Number TRUE if {file} is a writable file
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001751filter( {expr}, {string}) List/Dict remove items from {expr} where
1752 {string} is 0
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001753finddir( {name}[, {path}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001754 String find directory {name} in {path}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001755findfile( {name}[, {path}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001756 String find file {name} in {path}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001757float2nr( {expr}) Number convert Float {expr} to a Number
1758floor( {expr}) Float round {expr} down
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02001759fmod( {expr1}, {expr2}) Float remainder of {expr1} / {expr2}
Bram Moolenaaraebaf892008-05-28 14:49:58 +00001760fnameescape( {fname}) String escape special characters in {fname}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001761fnamemodify( {fname}, {mods}) String modify file name
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001762foldclosed( {lnum}) Number first line of fold at {lnum} if closed
1763foldclosedend( {lnum}) Number last line of fold at {lnum} if closed
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001764foldlevel( {lnum}) Number fold level at {lnum}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001765foldtext( ) String line displayed for closed fold
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001766foldtextresult( {lnum}) String text for closed fold at {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001767foreground( ) Number bring the Vim window to the foreground
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001768function( {name}) Funcref reference to function {name}
Bram Moolenaar9d2c8c12007-09-25 16:00:00 +00001769garbagecollect( [at_exit]) none free memory, breaking cyclic references
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001770get( {list}, {idx} [, {def}]) any get item {idx} from {list} or {def}
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001771get( {dict}, {key} [, {def}]) any get item {key} from {dict} or {def}
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00001772getbufline( {expr}, {lnum} [, {end}])
1773 List lines {lnum} to {end} of buffer {expr}
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001774getbufvar( {expr}, {varname}) any variable {varname} in buffer {expr}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001775getchar( [expr]) Number get one character from the user
1776getcharmod( ) Number modifiers for the last typed character
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001777getcmdline() String return the current command-line
1778getcmdpos() Number return cursor position in command-line
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00001779getcmdtype() String return the current command-line type
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001780getcwd() String the current working directory
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00001781getfperm( {fname}) String file permissions of file {fname}
1782getfsize( {fname}) Number size in bytes of file {fname}
Bram Moolenaard8b0cf12004-12-12 11:33:30 +00001783getfontname( [{name}]) String name of font being used
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001784getftime( {fname}) Number last modification time of file
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00001785getftype( {fname}) String description of type of file {fname}
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00001786getline( {lnum}) String line {lnum} of current buffer
1787getline( {lnum}, {end}) List lines {lnum} to {end} of current buffer
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001788getloclist( {nr}) List list of location list items
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00001789getmatches() List list of current matches
Bram Moolenaar18081e32008-02-20 19:11:07 +00001790getpid() Number process ID of Vim
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00001791getpos( {expr}) List position of cursor, mark, etc.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00001792getqflist() List list of quickfix items
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00001793getreg( [{regname} [, 1]]) String contents of register
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001794getregtype( [{regname}]) String type of register
Bram Moolenaar06b5d512010-05-22 15:37:44 +02001795gettabvar( {nr}, {varname}) any variable {varname} in tab {nr}
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00001796gettabwinvar( {tabnr}, {winnr}, {name})
1797 any {name} in {winnr} in tab page {tabnr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001798getwinposx() Number X coord in pixels of GUI Vim window
1799getwinposy() Number Y coord in pixels of GUI Vim window
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001800getwinvar( {nr}, {varname}) any variable {varname} in window {nr}
Bram Moolenaarbb5ddda2008-11-28 10:01:10 +00001801glob( {expr} [, {flag}]) String expand file wildcards in {expr}
1802globpath( {path}, {expr} [, {flag}])
1803 String do glob({expr}) for all dirs in {path}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001804has( {feature}) Number TRUE if feature {feature} supported
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001805has_key( {dict}, {key}) Number TRUE if {dict} has entry {key}
Bram Moolenaard267b9c2007-04-26 15:06:45 +00001806haslocaldir() Number TRUE if current window executed |:lcd|
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00001807hasmapto( {what} [, {mode} [, {abbr}]])
1808 Number TRUE if mapping to {what} exists
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001809histadd( {history},{item}) String add an item to a history
1810histdel( {history} [, {item}]) String remove an item from a history
1811histget( {history} [, {index}]) String get the item {index} from a history
1812histnr( {history}) Number highest index of a history
1813hlexists( {name}) Number TRUE if highlight group {name} exists
1814hlID( {name}) Number syntax ID of highlight group {name}
1815hostname() String name of the machine Vim is running on
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001816iconv( {expr}, {from}, {to}) String convert encoding of {expr}
1817indent( {lnum}) Number indent of line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001818index( {list}, {expr} [, {start} [, {ic}]])
1819 Number index in {list} where {expr} appears
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00001820input( {prompt} [, {text} [, {completion}]])
1821 String get input from the user
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001822inputdialog( {p} [, {t} [, {c}]]) String like input() but in a GUI dialog
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001823inputlist( {textlist}) Number let the user pick from a choice list
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001824inputrestore() Number restore typeahead
1825inputsave() Number save and clear typeahead
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001826inputsecret( {prompt} [, {text}]) String like input() but hiding the text
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001827insert( {list}, {item} [, {idx}]) List insert {item} in {list} [before {idx}]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001828isdirectory( {directory}) Number TRUE if {directory} is a directory
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00001829islocked( {expr}) Number TRUE if {expr} is locked
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001830items( {dict}) List key-value pairs in {dict}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001831join( {list} [, {sep}]) String join {list} items into one String
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001832keys( {dict}) List keys in {dict}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001833len( {expr}) Number the length of {expr}
1834libcall( {lib}, {func}, {arg}) String call {func} in library {lib} with {arg}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001835libcallnr( {lib}, {func}, {arg}) Number idem, but return a Number
1836line( {expr}) Number line nr of cursor, last line or mark
1837line2byte( {lnum}) Number byte count of line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001838lispindent( {lnum}) Number Lisp indent for line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001839localtime() Number current time
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02001840log( {expr}) Float natural logarithm (base e) of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001841log10( {expr}) Float logarithm of Float {expr} to base 10
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001842map( {expr}, {string}) List/Dict change each item in {expr} to {expr}
Bram Moolenaarbd743252010-10-20 21:23:33 +02001843maparg( {name}[, {mode} [, {abbr} [, {dict}]]])
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00001844 String rhs of mapping {name} in mode {mode}
1845mapcheck( {name}[, {mode} [, {abbr}]])
1846 String check for mappings matching {name}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001847match( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001848 Number position where {pat} matches in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00001849matchadd( {group}, {pattern}[, {priority}[, {id}]])
1850 Number highlight {pattern} with {group}
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00001851matcharg( {nr}) List arguments of |:match|
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00001852matchdelete( {id}) Number delete match identified by {id}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001853matchend( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001854 Number position where {pat} ends in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00001855matchlist( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
1856 List match and submatches of {pat} in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001857matchstr( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
1858 String {count}'th match of {pat} in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001859max( {list}) Number maximum value of items in {list}
1860min( {list}) Number minimum value of items in {list}
1861mkdir( {name} [, {path} [, {prot}]])
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00001862 Number create directory {name}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001863mode( [expr]) String current editing mode
Bram Moolenaar7e506b62010-01-19 15:55:06 +01001864mzeval( {expr}) any evaluate |MzScheme| expression
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001865nextnonblank( {lnum}) Number line nr of non-blank line >= {lnum}
1866nr2char( {expr}) String single char with ASCII value {expr}
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00001867pathshorten( {expr}) String shorten directory names in a path
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001868pow( {x}, {y}) Float {x} to the power of {y}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001869prevnonblank( {lnum}) Number line nr of non-blank line <= {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001870printf( {fmt}, {expr1}...) String format text
1871pumvisible() Number whether popup menu is visible
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00001872range( {expr} [, {max} [, {stride}]])
1873 List items from {expr} to {max}
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001874readfile( {fname} [, {binary} [, {max}]])
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00001875 List get list of lines from file {fname}
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00001876reltime( [{start} [, {end}]]) List get time value
1877reltimestr( {time}) String turn time value into a String
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001878remote_expr( {server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
1879 String send expression
1880remote_foreground( {server}) Number bring Vim server to the foreground
1881remote_peek( {serverid} [, {retvar}])
1882 Number check for reply string
1883remote_read( {serverid}) String read reply string
1884remote_send( {server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
1885 String send key sequence
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00001886remove( {list}, {idx} [, {end}]) any remove items {idx}-{end} from {list}
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00001887remove( {dict}, {key}) any remove entry {key} from {dict}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001888rename( {from}, {to}) Number rename (move) file from {from} to {to}
1889repeat( {expr}, {count}) String repeat {expr} {count} times
1890resolve( {filename}) String get filename a shortcut points to
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001891reverse( {list}) List reverse {list} in-place
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001892round( {expr}) Float round off {expr}
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00001893search( {pattern} [, {flags} [, {stopline} [, {timeout}]]])
1894 Number search for {pattern}
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001895searchdecl( {name} [, {global} [, {thisblock}]])
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001896 Number search for variable declaration
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00001897searchpair( {start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip} [...]]])
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001898 Number search for other end of start/end pair
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00001899searchpairpos( {start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip} [...]]])
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001900 List search for other end of start/end pair
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00001901searchpos( {pattern} [, {flags} [, {stopline} [, {timeout}]]])
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001902 List search for {pattern}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001903server2client( {clientid}, {string})
1904 Number send reply string
1905serverlist() String get a list of available servers
1906setbufvar( {expr}, {varname}, {val}) set {varname} in buffer {expr} to {val}
1907setcmdpos( {pos}) Number set cursor position in command-line
1908setline( {lnum}, {line}) Number set line {lnum} to {line}
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00001909setloclist( {nr}, {list}[, {action}])
1910 Number modify location list using {list}
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00001911setmatches( {list}) Number restore a list of matches
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001912setpos( {expr}, {list}) Number set the {expr} position to {list}
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00001913setqflist( {list}[, {action}]) Number modify quickfix list using {list}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001914setreg( {n}, {v}[, {opt}]) Number set register to value and type
Bram Moolenaar06b5d512010-05-22 15:37:44 +02001915settabvar( {nr}, {varname}, {val}) set {varname} in tab page {nr} to {val}
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00001916settabwinvar( {tabnr}, {winnr}, {varname}, {val}) set {varname} in window
1917 {winnr} in tab page {tabnr} to {val}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001918setwinvar( {nr}, {varname}, {val}) set {varname} in window {nr} to {val}
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00001919shellescape( {string} [, {special}])
1920 String escape {string} for use as shell
Bram Moolenaar60a495f2006-10-03 12:44:42 +00001921 command argument
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001922simplify( {filename}) String simplify filename as much as possible
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001923sin( {expr}) Float sine of {expr}
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02001924sinh( {expr}) Float hyperbolic sine of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar5f894962011-06-19 02:55:37 +02001925sort( {list} [, {func} [, {dict}]])
1926 List sort {list}, using {func} to compare
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00001927soundfold( {word}) String sound-fold {word}
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00001928spellbadword() String badly spelled word at cursor
Bram Moolenaarc54b8a72005-09-30 21:20:29 +00001929spellsuggest( {word} [, {max} [, {capital}]])
1930 List spelling suggestions
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00001931split( {expr} [, {pat} [, {keepempty}]])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001932 List make |List| from {pat} separated {expr}
Bram Moolenaard58e9292011-02-09 17:07:58 +01001933sqrt( {expr}) Float square root of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001934str2float( {expr}) Float convert String to Float
1935str2nr( {expr} [, {base}]) Number convert String to Number
Bram Moolenaar72597a52010-07-18 15:31:08 +02001936strchars( {expr}) Number character length of the String {expr}
Bram Moolenaardc536092010-07-18 15:45:49 +02001937strdisplaywidth( {expr} [, {col}]) Number display length of the String {expr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001938strftime( {format}[, {time}]) String time in specified format
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00001939stridx( {haystack}, {needle}[, {start}])
1940 Number index of {needle} in {haystack}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001941string( {expr}) String String representation of {expr} value
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001942strlen( {expr}) Number length of the String {expr}
1943strpart( {src}, {start}[, {len}])
1944 String {len} characters of {src} at {start}
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00001945strridx( {haystack}, {needle} [, {start}])
1946 Number last index of {needle} in {haystack}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001947strtrans( {expr}) String translate string to make it printable
Bram Moolenaar72597a52010-07-18 15:31:08 +02001948strwidth( {expr}) Number display cell length of the String {expr}
Bram Moolenaar251e1912011-06-19 05:09:16 +02001949submatch( {nr}) String specific match in ":s" or substitute()
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001950substitute( {expr}, {pat}, {sub}, {flags})
1951 String all {pat} in {expr} replaced with {sub}
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00001952synID( {lnum}, {col}, {trans}) Number syntax ID at {lnum} and {col}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001953synIDattr( {synID}, {what} [, {mode}])
1954 String attribute {what} of syntax ID {synID}
1955synIDtrans( {synID}) Number translated syntax ID of {synID}
Bram Moolenaar483c5d82010-10-20 18:45:33 +02001956synconcealed( {lnum}, {col}) List info about concealing
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001957synstack( {lnum}, {col}) List stack of syntax IDs at {lnum} and {col}
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00001958system( {expr} [, {input}]) String output of shell command/filter {expr}
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00001959tabpagebuflist( [{arg}]) List list of buffer numbers in tab page
1960tabpagenr( [{arg}]) Number number of current or last tab page
1961tabpagewinnr( {tabarg}[, {arg}])
1962 Number number of current window in tab page
1963taglist( {expr}) List list of tags matching {expr}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001964tagfiles() List tags files used
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001965tempname() String name for a temporary file
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02001966tan( {expr}) Float tangent of {expr}
1967tanh( {expr}) Float hyperbolic tangent of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001968tolower( {expr}) String the String {expr} switched to lowercase
1969toupper( {expr}) String the String {expr} switched to uppercase
Bram Moolenaar8299df92004-07-10 09:47:34 +00001970tr( {src}, {fromstr}, {tostr}) String translate chars of {src} in {fromstr}
1971 to chars in {tostr}
Bram Moolenaard58e9292011-02-09 17:07:58 +01001972trunc( {expr}) Float truncate Float {expr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001973type( {name}) Number type of variable {name}
Bram Moolenaara17d4c12010-05-30 18:30:36 +02001974undofile( {name}) String undo file name for {name}
Bram Moolenaara800b422010-06-27 01:15:55 +02001975undotree() List undo file tree
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001976values( {dict}) List values in {dict}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001977virtcol( {expr}) Number screen column of cursor or mark
1978visualmode( [expr]) String last visual mode used
1979winbufnr( {nr}) Number buffer number of window {nr}
1980wincol() Number window column of the cursor
1981winheight( {nr}) Number height of window {nr}
1982winline() Number window line of the cursor
Bram Moolenaar7e8fd632006-02-18 22:14:51 +00001983winnr( [{expr}]) Number number of current window
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001984winrestcmd() String returns command to restore window sizes
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001985winrestview( {dict}) none restore view of current window
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00001986winsaveview() Dict save view of current window
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001987winwidth( {nr}) Number width of window {nr}
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001988writefile( {list}, {fname} [, {binary}])
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00001989 Number write list of lines to file {fname}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001990
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001991abs({expr}) *abs()*
1992 Return the absolute value of {expr}. When {expr} evaluates to
1993 a |Float| abs() returns a |Float|. When {expr} can be
1994 converted to a |Number| abs() returns a |Number|. Otherwise
1995 abs() gives an error message and returns -1.
1996 Examples: >
1997 echo abs(1.456)
1998< 1.456 >
1999 echo abs(-5.456)
2000< 5.456 >
2001 echo abs(-4)
2002< 4
2003 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
2004
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002005
2006acos({expr}) *acos()*
2007 Return the arc cosine of {expr} measured in radians, as a
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02002008 |Float| in the range of [0, pi].
2009 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number| in the range
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002010 [-1, 1].
2011 Examples: >
2012 :echo acos(0)
2013< 1.570796 >
2014 :echo acos(-0.5)
2015< 2.094395
Bram Moolenaardb84e452010-08-15 13:50:43 +02002016 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002017
2018
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002019add({list}, {expr}) *add()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002020 Append the item {expr} to |List| {list}. Returns the
2021 resulting |List|. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002022 :let alist = add([1, 2, 3], item)
2023 :call add(mylist, "woodstock")
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002024< Note that when {expr} is a |List| it is appended as a single
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00002025 item. Use |extend()| to concatenate |Lists|.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00002026 Use |insert()| to add an item at another position.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002027
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002028
2029append({lnum}, {expr}) *append()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002030 When {expr} is a |List|: Append each item of the |List| as a
2031 text line below line {lnum} in the current buffer.
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00002032 Otherwise append {expr} as one text line below line {lnum} in
2033 the current buffer.
2034 {lnum} can be zero to insert a line before the first one.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002035 Returns 1 for failure ({lnum} out of range or out of memory),
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002036 0 for success. Example: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002037 :let failed = append(line('$'), "# THE END")
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002038 :let failed = append(0, ["Chapter 1", "the beginning"])
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002039<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002040 *argc()*
2041argc() The result is the number of files in the argument list of the
2042 current window. See |arglist|.
2043
2044 *argidx()*
2045argidx() The result is the current index in the argument list. 0 is
2046 the first file. argc() - 1 is the last one. See |arglist|.
2047
2048 *argv()*
Bram Moolenaare2f98b92006-03-29 21:18:24 +00002049argv([{nr}]) The result is the {nr}th file in the argument list of the
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002050 current window. See |arglist|. "argv(0)" is the first one.
2051 Example: >
2052 :let i = 0
2053 :while i < argc()
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002054 : let f = escape(fnameescape(argv(i)), '.')
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002055 : exe 'amenu Arg.' . f . ' :e ' . f . '<CR>'
2056 : let i = i + 1
2057 :endwhile
Bram Moolenaare2f98b92006-03-29 21:18:24 +00002058< Without the {nr} argument a |List| with the whole |arglist| is
2059 returned.
2060
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002061asin({expr}) *asin()*
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02002062 Return the arc sine of {expr} measured in radians, as a |Float|
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002063 in the range of [-pi/2, pi/2].
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02002064 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number| in the range
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002065 [-1, 1].
2066 Examples: >
2067 :echo asin(0.8)
2068< 0.927295 >
2069 :echo asin(-0.5)
2070< -0.523599
Bram Moolenaardb84e452010-08-15 13:50:43 +02002071 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002072
2073
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002074atan({expr}) *atan()*
2075 Return the principal value of the arc tangent of {expr}, in
2076 the range [-pi/2, +pi/2] radians, as a |Float|.
2077 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
2078 Examples: >
2079 :echo atan(100)
2080< 1.560797 >
2081 :echo atan(-4.01)
2082< -1.326405
2083 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
2084
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002085
2086atan2({expr1}, {expr2}) *atan2()*
2087 Return the arc tangent of {expr1} / {expr2}, measured in
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02002088 radians, as a |Float| in the range [-pi, pi].
2089 {expr1} and {expr2} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002090 Examples: >
2091 :echo atan2(-1, 1)
2092< -0.785398 >
2093 :echo atan2(1, -1)
2094< 2.356194
Bram Moolenaardb84e452010-08-15 13:50:43 +02002095 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002096
2097
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002098 *browse()*
2099browse({save}, {title}, {initdir}, {default})
2100 Put up a file requester. This only works when "has("browse")"
2101 returns non-zero (only in some GUI versions).
2102 The input fields are:
2103 {save} when non-zero, select file to write
2104 {title} title for the requester
2105 {initdir} directory to start browsing in
2106 {default} default file name
2107 When the "Cancel" button is hit, something went wrong, or
2108 browsing is not possible, an empty string is returned.
2109
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00002110 *browsedir()*
2111browsedir({title}, {initdir})
2112 Put up a directory requester. This only works when
2113 "has("browse")" returns non-zero (only in some GUI versions).
2114 On systems where a directory browser is not supported a file
2115 browser is used. In that case: select a file in the directory
2116 to be used.
2117 The input fields are:
2118 {title} title for the requester
2119 {initdir} directory to start browsing in
2120 When the "Cancel" button is hit, something went wrong, or
2121 browsing is not possible, an empty string is returned.
2122
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002123bufexists({expr}) *bufexists()*
2124 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a buffer called
2125 {expr} exists.
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00002126 If the {expr} argument is a number, buffer numbers are used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002127 If the {expr} argument is a string it must match a buffer name
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00002128 exactly. The name can be:
2129 - Relative to the current directory.
2130 - A full path.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002131 - The name of a buffer with 'buftype' set to "nofile".
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00002132 - A URL name.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002133 Unlisted buffers will be found.
2134 Note that help files are listed by their short name in the
2135 output of |:buffers|, but bufexists() requires using their
2136 long name to be able to find them.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002137 bufexists() may report a buffer exists, but to use the name
2138 with a |:buffer| command you may need to use |expand()|. Esp
2139 for MS-Windows 8.3 names in the form "c:\DOCUME~1"
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002140 Use "bufexists(0)" to test for the existence of an alternate
2141 file name.
2142 *buffer_exists()*
2143 Obsolete name: buffer_exists().
2144
2145buflisted({expr}) *buflisted()*
2146 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a buffer called
2147 {expr} exists and is listed (has the 'buflisted' option set).
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00002148 The {expr} argument is used like with |bufexists()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002149
2150bufloaded({expr}) *bufloaded()*
2151 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a buffer called
2152 {expr} exists and is loaded (shown in a window or hidden).
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00002153 The {expr} argument is used like with |bufexists()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002154
2155bufname({expr}) *bufname()*
2156 The result is the name of a buffer, as it is displayed by the
2157 ":ls" command.
2158 If {expr} is a Number, that buffer number's name is given.
2159 Number zero is the alternate buffer for the current window.
2160 If {expr} is a String, it is used as a |file-pattern| to match
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002161 with the buffer names. This is always done like 'magic' is
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002162 set and 'cpoptions' is empty. When there is more than one
2163 match an empty string is returned.
2164 "" or "%" can be used for the current buffer, "#" for the
2165 alternate buffer.
2166 A full match is preferred, otherwise a match at the start, end
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002167 or middle of the buffer name is accepted. If you only want a
2168 full match then put "^" at the start and "$" at the end of the
2169 pattern.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002170 Listed buffers are found first. If there is a single match
2171 with a listed buffer, that one is returned. Next unlisted
2172 buffers are searched for.
2173 If the {expr} is a String, but you want to use it as a buffer
2174 number, force it to be a Number by adding zero to it: >
2175 :echo bufname("3" + 0)
2176< If the buffer doesn't exist, or doesn't have a name, an empty
2177 string is returned. >
2178 bufname("#") alternate buffer name
2179 bufname(3) name of buffer 3
2180 bufname("%") name of current buffer
2181 bufname("file2") name of buffer where "file2" matches.
2182< *buffer_name()*
2183 Obsolete name: buffer_name().
2184
2185 *bufnr()*
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00002186bufnr({expr} [, {create}])
2187 The result is the number of a buffer, as it is displayed by
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002188 the ":ls" command. For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()|
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00002189 above.
2190 If the buffer doesn't exist, -1 is returned. Or, if the
2191 {create} argument is present and not zero, a new, unlisted,
2192 buffer is created and its number is returned.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002193 bufnr("$") is the last buffer: >
2194 :let last_buffer = bufnr("$")
2195< The result is a Number, which is the highest buffer number
2196 of existing buffers. Note that not all buffers with a smaller
2197 number necessarily exist, because ":bwipeout" may have removed
2198 them. Use bufexists() to test for the existence of a buffer.
2199 *buffer_number()*
2200 Obsolete name: buffer_number().
2201 *last_buffer_nr()*
2202 Obsolete name for bufnr("$"): last_buffer_nr().
2203
2204bufwinnr({expr}) *bufwinnr()*
2205 The result is a Number, which is the number of the first
2206 window associated with buffer {expr}. For the use of {expr},
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002207 see |bufname()| above. If buffer {expr} doesn't exist or
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002208 there is no such window, -1 is returned. Example: >
2209
2210 echo "A window containing buffer 1 is " . (bufwinnr(1))
2211
2212< The number can be used with |CTRL-W_w| and ":wincmd w"
2213 |:wincmd|.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002214 Only deals with the current tab page.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002215
2216
2217byte2line({byte}) *byte2line()*
2218 Return the line number that contains the character at byte
2219 count {byte} in the current buffer. This includes the
2220 end-of-line character, depending on the 'fileformat' option
2221 for the current buffer. The first character has byte count
2222 one.
2223 Also see |line2byte()|, |go| and |:goto|.
2224 {not available when compiled without the |+byte_offset|
2225 feature}
2226
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00002227byteidx({expr}, {nr}) *byteidx()*
2228 Return byte index of the {nr}'th character in the string
2229 {expr}. Use zero for the first character, it returns zero.
2230 This function is only useful when there are multibyte
2231 characters, otherwise the returned value is equal to {nr}.
2232 Composing characters are counted as a separate character.
2233 Example : >
2234 echo matchstr(str, ".", byteidx(str, 3))
2235< will display the fourth character. Another way to do the
2236 same: >
2237 let s = strpart(str, byteidx(str, 3))
2238 echo strpart(s, 0, byteidx(s, 1))
2239< If there are less than {nr} characters -1 is returned.
2240 If there are exactly {nr} characters the length of the string
2241 is returned.
2242
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002243call({func}, {arglist} [, {dict}]) *call()* *E699*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002244 Call function {func} with the items in |List| {arglist} as
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002245 arguments.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002246 {func} can either be a |Funcref| or the name of a function.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002247 a:firstline and a:lastline are set to the cursor line.
2248 Returns the return value of the called function.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002249 {dict} is for functions with the "dict" attribute. It will be
2250 used to set the local variable "self". |Dictionary-function|
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002251
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002252ceil({expr}) *ceil()*
2253 Return the smallest integral value greater than or equal to
2254 {expr} as a |Float| (round up).
2255 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
2256 Examples: >
2257 echo ceil(1.456)
2258< 2.0 >
2259 echo ceil(-5.456)
2260< -5.0 >
2261 echo ceil(4.0)
2262< 4.0
2263 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
2264
Bram Moolenaarca003e12006-03-17 23:19:38 +00002265changenr() *changenr()*
2266 Return the number of the most recent change. This is the same
2267 number as what is displayed with |:undolist| and can be used
2268 with the |:undo| command.
2269 When a change was made it is the number of that change. After
2270 redo it is the number of the redone change. After undo it is
2271 one less than the number of the undone change.
2272
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002273char2nr({expr}) *char2nr()*
2274 Return number value of the first char in {expr}. Examples: >
2275 char2nr(" ") returns 32
2276 char2nr("ABC") returns 65
2277< The current 'encoding' is used. Example for "utf-8": >
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002278 char2nr("á") returns 225
2279 char2nr("á"[0]) returns 195
Bram Moolenaar97293012011-07-18 19:40:27 +02002280< A combining character is a separate character.
2281 |nr2char()| does the opposite.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002282
2283cindent({lnum}) *cindent()*
2284 Get the amount of indent for line {lnum} according the C
2285 indenting rules, as with 'cindent'.
2286 The indent is counted in spaces, the value of 'tabstop' is
2287 relevant. {lnum} is used just like in |getline()|.
2288 When {lnum} is invalid or Vim was not compiled the |+cindent|
2289 feature, -1 is returned.
Bram Moolenaard5cdbeb2005-10-10 20:59:28 +00002290 See |C-indenting|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002291
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00002292clearmatches() *clearmatches()*
2293 Clears all matches previously defined by |matchadd()| and the
2294 |:match| commands.
2295
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002296 *col()*
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00002297col({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the byte index of the column
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002298 position given with {expr}. The accepted positions are:
2299 . the cursor position
2300 $ the end of the cursor line (the result is the
2301 number of characters in the cursor line plus one)
2302 'x position of mark x (if the mark is not set, 0 is
2303 returned)
Bram Moolenaar477933c2007-07-17 14:32:23 +00002304 Additionally {expr} can be [lnum, col]: a |List| with the line
2305 and column number. Most useful when the column is "$", to get
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002306 the last column of a specific line. When "lnum" or "col" is
Bram Moolenaar477933c2007-07-17 14:32:23 +00002307 out of range then col() returns zero.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002308 To get the line number use |line()|. To get both use
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00002309 |getpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002310 For the screen column position use |virtcol()|.
2311 Note that only marks in the current file can be used.
2312 Examples: >
2313 col(".") column of cursor
2314 col("$") length of cursor line plus one
2315 col("'t") column of mark t
2316 col("'" . markname) column of mark markname
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002317< The first column is 1. 0 is returned for an error.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002318 For an uppercase mark the column may actually be in another
2319 buffer.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002320 For the cursor position, when 'virtualedit' is active, the
2321 column is one higher if the cursor is after the end of the
2322 line. This can be used to obtain the column in Insert mode: >
2323 :imap <F2> <C-O>:let save_ve = &ve<CR>
2324 \<C-O>:set ve=all<CR>
2325 \<C-O>:echo col(".") . "\n" <Bar>
2326 \let &ve = save_ve<CR>
2327<
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00002328
Bram Moolenaara94bc432006-03-10 21:42:59 +00002329complete({startcol}, {matches}) *complete()* *E785*
2330 Set the matches for Insert mode completion.
2331 Can only be used in Insert mode. You need to use a mapping
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002332 with CTRL-R = |i_CTRL-R|. It does not work after CTRL-O or
2333 with an expression mapping.
Bram Moolenaara94bc432006-03-10 21:42:59 +00002334 {startcol} is the byte offset in the line where the completed
2335 text start. The text up to the cursor is the original text
2336 that will be replaced by the matches. Use col('.') for an
2337 empty string. "col('.') - 1" will replace one character by a
2338 match.
2339 {matches} must be a |List|. Each |List| item is one match.
2340 See |complete-items| for the kind of items that are possible.
2341 Note that the after calling this function you need to avoid
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01002342 inserting anything that would cause completion to stop.
Bram Moolenaara94bc432006-03-10 21:42:59 +00002343 The match can be selected with CTRL-N and CTRL-P as usual with
2344 Insert mode completion. The popup menu will appear if
2345 specified, see |ins-completion-menu|.
2346 Example: >
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002347 inoremap <F5> <C-R>=ListMonths()<CR>
Bram Moolenaara94bc432006-03-10 21:42:59 +00002348
2349 func! ListMonths()
2350 call complete(col('.'), ['January', 'February', 'March',
2351 \ 'April', 'May', 'June', 'July', 'August', 'September',
2352 \ 'October', 'November', 'December'])
2353 return ''
2354 endfunc
2355< This isn't very useful, but it shows how it works. Note that
2356 an empty string is returned to avoid a zero being inserted.
2357
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00002358complete_add({expr}) *complete_add()*
2359 Add {expr} to the list of matches. Only to be used by the
2360 function specified with the 'completefunc' option.
2361 Returns 0 for failure (empty string or out of memory),
2362 1 when the match was added, 2 when the match was already in
2363 the list.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002364 See |complete-functions| for an explanation of {expr}. It is
Bram Moolenaar39f05632006-03-19 22:15:26 +00002365 the same as one item in the list that 'omnifunc' would return.
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00002366
2367complete_check() *complete_check()*
2368 Check for a key typed while looking for completion matches.
2369 This is to be used when looking for matches takes some time.
2370 Returns non-zero when searching for matches is to be aborted,
2371 zero otherwise.
2372 Only to be used by the function specified with the
2373 'completefunc' option.
2374
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002375 *confirm()*
2376confirm({msg} [, {choices} [, {default} [, {type}]]])
2377 Confirm() offers the user a dialog, from which a choice can be
2378 made. It returns the number of the choice. For the first
2379 choice this is 1.
2380 Note: confirm() is only supported when compiled with dialog
2381 support, see |+dialog_con| and |+dialog_gui|.
Bram Moolenaara800b422010-06-27 01:15:55 +02002382
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002383 {msg} is displayed in a |dialog| with {choices} as the
2384 alternatives. When {choices} is missing or empty, "&OK" is
2385 used (and translated).
2386 {msg} is a String, use '\n' to include a newline. Only on
2387 some systems the string is wrapped when it doesn't fit.
Bram Moolenaara800b422010-06-27 01:15:55 +02002388
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002389 {choices} is a String, with the individual choices separated
2390 by '\n', e.g. >
2391 confirm("Save changes?", "&Yes\n&No\n&Cancel")
2392< The letter after the '&' is the shortcut key for that choice.
2393 Thus you can type 'c' to select "Cancel". The shortcut does
2394 not need to be the first letter: >
2395 confirm("file has been modified", "&Save\nSave &All")
2396< For the console, the first letter of each choice is used as
2397 the default shortcut key.
Bram Moolenaara800b422010-06-27 01:15:55 +02002398
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002399 The optional {default} argument is the number of the choice
2400 that is made if the user hits <CR>. Use 1 to make the first
2401 choice the default one. Use 0 to not set a default. If
2402 {default} is omitted, 1 is used.
Bram Moolenaara800b422010-06-27 01:15:55 +02002403
2404 The optional {type} argument gives the type of dialog. This
2405 is only used for the icon of the GTK, Mac, Motif and Win32
2406 GUI. It can be one of these values: "Error", "Question",
2407 "Info", "Warning" or "Generic". Only the first character is
2408 relevant. When {type} is omitted, "Generic" is used.
2409
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002410 If the user aborts the dialog by pressing <Esc>, CTRL-C,
2411 or another valid interrupt key, confirm() returns 0.
2412
2413 An example: >
2414 :let choice = confirm("What do you want?", "&Apples\n&Oranges\n&Bananas", 2)
2415 :if choice == 0
2416 : echo "make up your mind!"
2417 :elseif choice == 3
2418 : echo "tasteful"
2419 :else
2420 : echo "I prefer bananas myself."
2421 :endif
2422< In a GUI dialog, buttons are used. The layout of the buttons
2423 depends on the 'v' flag in 'guioptions'. If it is included,
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002424 the buttons are always put vertically. Otherwise, confirm()
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002425 tries to put the buttons in one horizontal line. If they
2426 don't fit, a vertical layout is used anyway. For some systems
2427 the horizontal layout is always used.
2428
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002429 *copy()*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002430copy({expr}) Make a copy of {expr}. For Numbers and Strings this isn't
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002431 different from using {expr} directly.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002432 When {expr} is a |List| a shallow copy is created. This means
2433 that the original |List| can be changed without changing the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002434 copy, and vice versa. But the items are identical, thus
2435 changing an item changes the contents of both |Lists|. Also
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002436 see |deepcopy()|.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002437
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002438cos({expr}) *cos()*
2439 Return the cosine of {expr}, measured in radians, as a |Float|.
2440 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
2441 Examples: >
2442 :echo cos(100)
2443< 0.862319 >
2444 :echo cos(-4.01)
2445< -0.646043
2446 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
2447
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002448
2449cosh({expr}) *cosh()*
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02002450 Return the hyperbolic cosine of {expr} as a |Float| in the range
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002451 [1, inf].
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02002452 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002453 Examples: >
2454 :echo cosh(0.5)
2455< 1.127626 >
2456 :echo cosh(-0.5)
2457< -1.127626
Bram Moolenaardb84e452010-08-15 13:50:43 +02002458 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002459
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002460
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002461count({comp}, {expr} [, {ic} [, {start}]]) *count()*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002462 Return the number of times an item with value {expr} appears
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002463 in |List| or |Dictionary| {comp}.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002464 If {start} is given then start with the item with this index.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002465 {start} can only be used with a |List|.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002466 When {ic} is given and it's non-zero then case is ignored.
2467
2468
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002469 *cscope_connection()*
2470cscope_connection([{num} , {dbpath} [, {prepend}]])
2471 Checks for the existence of a |cscope| connection. If no
2472 parameters are specified, then the function returns:
2473 0, if cscope was not available (not compiled in), or
2474 if there are no cscope connections;
2475 1, if there is at least one cscope connection.
2476
2477 If parameters are specified, then the value of {num}
2478 determines how existence of a cscope connection is checked:
2479
2480 {num} Description of existence check
2481 ----- ------------------------------
2482 0 Same as no parameters (e.g., "cscope_connection()").
2483 1 Ignore {prepend}, and use partial string matches for
2484 {dbpath}.
2485 2 Ignore {prepend}, and use exact string matches for
2486 {dbpath}.
2487 3 Use {prepend}, use partial string matches for both
2488 {dbpath} and {prepend}.
2489 4 Use {prepend}, use exact string matches for both
2490 {dbpath} and {prepend}.
2491
2492 Note: All string comparisons are case sensitive!
2493
2494 Examples. Suppose we had the following (from ":cs show"): >
2495
2496 # pid database name prepend path
2497 0 27664 cscope.out /usr/local
2498<
2499 Invocation Return Val ~
2500 ---------- ---------- >
2501 cscope_connection() 1
2502 cscope_connection(1, "out") 1
2503 cscope_connection(2, "out") 0
2504 cscope_connection(3, "out") 0
2505 cscope_connection(3, "out", "local") 1
2506 cscope_connection(4, "out") 0
2507 cscope_connection(4, "out", "local") 0
2508 cscope_connection(4, "cscope.out", "/usr/local") 1
2509<
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00002510cursor({lnum}, {col} [, {off}]) *cursor()*
2511cursor({list})
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002512 Positions the cursor at the column (byte count) {col} in the
2513 line {lnum}. The first column is one.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00002514 When there is one argument {list} this is used as a |List|
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00002515 with two or three items {lnum}, {col} and {off}. This is like
2516 the return value of |getpos()|, but without the first item.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002517 Does not change the jumplist.
2518 If {lnum} is greater than the number of lines in the buffer,
2519 the cursor will be positioned at the last line in the buffer.
2520 If {lnum} is zero, the cursor will stay in the current line.
Bram Moolenaar6f16eb82005-08-23 21:02:42 +00002521 If {col} is greater than the number of bytes in the line,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002522 the cursor will be positioned at the last character in the
2523 line.
2524 If {col} is zero, the cursor will stay in the current column.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00002525 When 'virtualedit' is used {off} specifies the offset in
2526 screen columns from the start of the character. E.g., a
Bram Moolenaard46bbc72007-05-12 14:38:41 +00002527 position within a <Tab> or after the last character.
Bram Moolenaar798b30b2009-04-22 10:56:16 +00002528 Returns 0 when the position could be set, -1 otherwise.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002529
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002530
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00002531deepcopy({expr}[, {noref}]) *deepcopy()* *E698*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002532 Make a copy of {expr}. For Numbers and Strings this isn't
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002533 different from using {expr} directly.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002534 When {expr} is a |List| a full copy is created. This means
2535 that the original |List| can be changed without changing the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002536 copy, and vice versa. When an item is a |List|, a copy for it
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002537 is made, recursively. Thus changing an item in the copy does
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002538 not change the contents of the original |List|.
2539 When {noref} is omitted or zero a contained |List| or
2540 |Dictionary| is only copied once. All references point to
2541 this single copy. With {noref} set to 1 every occurrence of a
2542 |List| or |Dictionary| results in a new copy. This also means
2543 that a cyclic reference causes deepcopy() to fail.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00002544 *E724*
2545 Nesting is possible up to 100 levels. When there is an item
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00002546 that refers back to a higher level making a deep copy with
2547 {noref} set to 1 will fail.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002548 Also see |copy()|.
2549
2550delete({fname}) *delete()*
2551 Deletes the file by the name {fname}. The result is a Number,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002552 which is 0 if the file was deleted successfully, and non-zero
2553 when the deletion failed.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002554 Use |remove()| to delete an item from a |List|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002555
2556 *did_filetype()*
2557did_filetype() Returns non-zero when autocommands are being executed and the
2558 FileType event has been triggered at least once. Can be used
2559 to avoid triggering the FileType event again in the scripts
2560 that detect the file type. |FileType|
2561 When editing another file, the counter is reset, thus this
2562 really checks if the FileType event has been triggered for the
2563 current buffer. This allows an autocommand that starts
2564 editing another buffer to set 'filetype' and load a syntax
2565 file.
2566
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00002567diff_filler({lnum}) *diff_filler()*
2568 Returns the number of filler lines above line {lnum}.
2569 These are the lines that were inserted at this point in
2570 another diff'ed window. These filler lines are shown in the
2571 display but don't exist in the buffer.
2572 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current
2573 line, "'m" mark m, etc.
2574 Returns 0 if the current window is not in diff mode.
2575
2576diff_hlID({lnum}, {col}) *diff_hlID()*
2577 Returns the highlight ID for diff mode at line {lnum} column
2578 {col} (byte index). When the current line does not have a
2579 diff change zero is returned.
2580 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current
2581 line, "'m" mark m, etc.
2582 {col} is 1 for the leftmost column, {lnum} is 1 for the first
2583 line.
2584 The highlight ID can be used with |synIDattr()| to obtain
2585 syntax information about the highlighting.
2586
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00002587empty({expr}) *empty()*
2588 Return the Number 1 if {expr} is empty, zero otherwise.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002589 A |List| or |Dictionary| is empty when it does not have any
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002590 items. A Number is empty when its value is zero.
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01002591 For a long |List| this is much faster than comparing the
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002592 length with zero.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00002593
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002594escape({string}, {chars}) *escape()*
2595 Escape the characters in {chars} that occur in {string} with a
2596 backslash. Example: >
2597 :echo escape('c:\program files\vim', ' \')
2598< results in: >
2599 c:\\program\ files\\vim
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002600< Also see |shellescape()|.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002601
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002602 *eval()*
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002603eval({string}) Evaluate {string} and return the result. Especially useful to
2604 turn the result of |string()| back into the original value.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002605 This works for Numbers, Floats, Strings and composites of
2606 them. Also works for |Funcref|s that refer to existing
2607 functions.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002608
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002609eventhandler() *eventhandler()*
2610 Returns 1 when inside an event handler. That is that Vim got
2611 interrupted while waiting for the user to type a character,
2612 e.g., when dropping a file on Vim. This means interactive
2613 commands cannot be used. Otherwise zero is returned.
2614
2615executable({expr}) *executable()*
2616 This function checks if an executable with the name {expr}
2617 exists. {expr} must be the name of the program without any
Bram Moolenaarf4b8e572004-06-24 15:53:16 +00002618 arguments.
2619 executable() uses the value of $PATH and/or the normal
2620 searchpath for programs. *PATHEXT*
2621 On MS-DOS and MS-Windows the ".exe", ".bat", etc. can
2622 optionally be included. Then the extensions in $PATHEXT are
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002623 tried. Thus if "foo.exe" does not exist, "foo.exe.bat" can be
2624 found. If $PATHEXT is not set then ".exe;.com;.bat;.cmd" is
Bram Moolenaarf4b8e572004-06-24 15:53:16 +00002625 used. A dot by itself can be used in $PATHEXT to try using
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002626 the name without an extension. When 'shell' looks like a
Bram Moolenaarf4b8e572004-06-24 15:53:16 +00002627 Unix shell, then the name is also tried without adding an
2628 extension.
2629 On MS-DOS and MS-Windows it only checks if the file exists and
2630 is not a directory, not if it's really executable.
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00002631 On MS-Windows an executable in the same directory as Vim is
2632 always found. Since this directory is added to $PATH it
2633 should also work to execute it |win32-PATH|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002634 The result is a Number:
2635 1 exists
2636 0 does not exist
2637 -1 not implemented on this system
2638
2639 *exists()*
2640exists({expr}) The result is a Number, which is non-zero if {expr} is
2641 defined, zero otherwise. The {expr} argument is a string,
2642 which contains one of these:
2643 &option-name Vim option (only checks if it exists,
2644 not if it really works)
2645 +option-name Vim option that works.
2646 $ENVNAME environment variable (could also be
2647 done by comparing with an empty
2648 string)
2649 *funcname built-in function (see |functions|)
2650 or user defined function (see
2651 |user-functions|).
2652 varname internal variable (see
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002653 |internal-variables|). Also works
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002654 for |curly-braces-names|, |Dictionary|
2655 entries, |List| items, etc. Beware
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00002656 that evaluating an index may cause an
2657 error message for an invalid
2658 expression. E.g.: >
2659 :let l = [1, 2, 3]
2660 :echo exists("l[5]")
2661< 0 >
2662 :echo exists("l[xx]")
2663< E121: Undefined variable: xx
2664 0
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002665 :cmdname Ex command: built-in command, user
2666 command or command modifier |:command|.
2667 Returns:
2668 1 for match with start of a command
2669 2 full match with a command
2670 3 matches several user commands
2671 To check for a supported command
2672 always check the return value to be 2.
Bram Moolenaar14716812006-05-04 21:54:08 +00002673 :2match The |:2match| command.
2674 :3match The |:3match| command.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002675 #event autocommand defined for this event
2676 #event#pattern autocommand defined for this event and
2677 pattern (the pattern is taken
2678 literally and compared to the
2679 autocommand patterns character by
2680 character)
Bram Moolenaara9b1e742005-12-19 22:14:58 +00002681 #group autocommand group exists
2682 #group#event autocommand defined for this group and
2683 event.
2684 #group#event#pattern
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00002685 autocommand defined for this group,
Bram Moolenaara9b1e742005-12-19 22:14:58 +00002686 event and pattern.
Bram Moolenaarf4cd3e82005-12-22 22:47:02 +00002687 ##event autocommand for this event is
2688 supported.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002689 For checking for a supported feature use |has()|.
2690
2691 Examples: >
2692 exists("&shortname")
2693 exists("$HOSTNAME")
2694 exists("*strftime")
2695 exists("*s:MyFunc")
2696 exists("bufcount")
2697 exists(":Make")
Bram Moolenaara9b1e742005-12-19 22:14:58 +00002698 exists("#CursorHold")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002699 exists("#BufReadPre#*.gz")
Bram Moolenaara9b1e742005-12-19 22:14:58 +00002700 exists("#filetypeindent")
2701 exists("#filetypeindent#FileType")
2702 exists("#filetypeindent#FileType#*")
Bram Moolenaarf4cd3e82005-12-22 22:47:02 +00002703 exists("##ColorScheme")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002704< There must be no space between the symbol (&/$/*/#) and the
2705 name.
Bram Moolenaar91170f82006-05-05 21:15:17 +00002706 There must be no extra characters after the name, although in
2707 a few cases this is ignored. That may become more strict in
2708 the future, thus don't count on it!
2709 Working example: >
2710 exists(":make")
2711< NOT working example: >
2712 exists(":make install")
Bram Moolenaar9c102382006-05-03 21:26:49 +00002713
2714< Note that the argument must be a string, not the name of the
2715 variable itself. For example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002716 exists(bufcount)
2717< This doesn't check for existence of the "bufcount" variable,
Bram Moolenaar06a89a52006-04-29 22:01:03 +00002718 but gets the value of "bufcount", and checks if that exists.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002719
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002720exp({expr}) *exp()*
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02002721 Return the exponential of {expr} as a |Float| in the range
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002722 [0, inf].
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02002723 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002724 Examples: >
2725 :echo exp(2)
2726< 7.389056 >
2727 :echo exp(-1)
2728< 0.367879
Bram Moolenaardb84e452010-08-15 13:50:43 +02002729 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002730
2731
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002732expand({expr} [, {flag}]) *expand()*
2733 Expand wildcards and the following special keywords in {expr}.
Bram Moolenaar81af9252010-12-10 20:35:50 +01002734 The result is a String. 'wildignorecase' applies.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002735
2736 When there are several matches, they are separated by <NL>
2737 characters. [Note: in version 5.0 a space was used, which
2738 caused problems when a file name contains a space]
2739
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002740 If the expansion fails, the result is an empty string. A name
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002741 for a non-existing file is not included.
2742
2743 When {expr} starts with '%', '#' or '<', the expansion is done
2744 like for the |cmdline-special| variables with their associated
2745 modifiers. Here is a short overview:
2746
2747 % current file name
2748 # alternate file name
2749 #n alternate file name n
2750 <cfile> file name under the cursor
2751 <afile> autocmd file name
2752 <abuf> autocmd buffer number (as a String!)
2753 <amatch> autocmd matched name
2754 <sfile> sourced script file name
Bram Moolenaar81af9252010-12-10 20:35:50 +01002755 <slnum> sourced script file line number
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002756 <cword> word under the cursor
2757 <cWORD> WORD under the cursor
2758 <client> the {clientid} of the last received
2759 message |server2client()|
2760 Modifiers:
2761 :p expand to full path
2762 :h head (last path component removed)
2763 :t tail (last path component only)
2764 :r root (one extension removed)
2765 :e extension only
2766
2767 Example: >
2768 :let &tags = expand("%:p:h") . "/tags"
2769< Note that when expanding a string that starts with '%', '#' or
2770 '<', any following text is ignored. This does NOT work: >
2771 :let doesntwork = expand("%:h.bak")
2772< Use this: >
2773 :let doeswork = expand("%:h") . ".bak"
2774< Also note that expanding "<cfile>" and others only returns the
2775 referenced file name without further expansion. If "<cfile>"
2776 is "~/.cshrc", you need to do another expand() to have the
2777 "~/" expanded into the path of the home directory: >
2778 :echo expand(expand("<cfile>"))
2779<
2780 There cannot be white space between the variables and the
2781 following modifier. The |fnamemodify()| function can be used
2782 to modify normal file names.
2783
2784 When using '%' or '#', and the current or alternate file name
2785 is not defined, an empty string is used. Using "%:p" in a
2786 buffer with no name, results in the current directory, with a
2787 '/' added.
2788
2789 When {expr} does not start with '%', '#' or '<', it is
2790 expanded like a file name is expanded on the command line.
2791 'suffixes' and 'wildignore' are used, unless the optional
2792 {flag} argument is given and it is non-zero. Names for
Bram Moolenaar02743632005-07-25 20:42:36 +00002793 non-existing files are included. The "**" item can be used to
2794 search in a directory tree. For example, to find all "README"
2795 files in the current directory and below: >
2796 :echo expand("**/README")
2797<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002798 Expand() can also be used to expand variables and environment
2799 variables that are only known in a shell. But this can be
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002800 slow, because a shell must be started. See |expr-env-expand|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002801 The expanded variable is still handled like a list of file
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002802 names. When an environment variable cannot be expanded, it is
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002803 left unchanged. Thus ":echo expand('$FOOBAR')" results in
2804 "$FOOBAR".
2805
2806 See |glob()| for finding existing files. See |system()| for
2807 getting the raw output of an external command.
2808
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002809extend({expr1}, {expr2} [, {expr3}]) *extend()*
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00002810 {expr1} and {expr2} must be both |Lists| or both
2811 |Dictionaries|.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002812
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00002813 If they are |Lists|: Append {expr2} to {expr1}.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002814 If {expr3} is given insert the items of {expr2} before item
2815 {expr3} in {expr1}. When {expr3} is zero insert before the
2816 first item. When {expr3} is equal to len({expr1}) then
2817 {expr2} is appended.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002818 Examples: >
2819 :echo sort(extend(mylist, [7, 5]))
2820 :call extend(mylist, [2, 3], 1)
Bram Moolenaardc9cf9c2008-08-08 10:36:31 +00002821< When {expr1} is the same List as {expr2} then the number of
2822 items copied is equal to the original length of the List.
2823 E.g., when {expr3} is 1 you get N new copies of the first item
2824 (where N is the original length of the List).
2825 Use |add()| to concatenate one item to a list. To concatenate
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002826 two lists into a new list use the + operator: >
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002827 :let newlist = [1, 2, 3] + [4, 5]
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002828<
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00002829 If they are |Dictionaries|:
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002830 Add all entries from {expr2} to {expr1}.
2831 If a key exists in both {expr1} and {expr2} then {expr3} is
2832 used to decide what to do:
2833 {expr3} = "keep": keep the value of {expr1}
2834 {expr3} = "force": use the value of {expr2}
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00002835 {expr3} = "error": give an error message *E737*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002836 When {expr3} is omitted then "force" is assumed.
2837
2838 {expr1} is changed when {expr2} is not empty. If necessary
2839 make a copy of {expr1} first.
2840 {expr2} remains unchanged.
2841 Returns {expr1}.
2842
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002843
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +00002844feedkeys({string} [, {mode}]) *feedkeys()*
2845 Characters in {string} are queued for processing as if they
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002846 come from a mapping or were typed by the user. They are added
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002847 to the end of the typeahead buffer, thus if a mapping is still
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +00002848 being executed these characters come after them.
2849 The function does not wait for processing of keys contained in
2850 {string}.
2851 To include special keys into {string}, use double-quotes
2852 and "\..." notation |expr-quote|. For example,
Bram Moolenaar79166c42007-05-10 18:29:51 +00002853 feedkeys("\<CR>") simulates pressing of the <Enter> key. But
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +00002854 feedkeys('\<CR>') pushes 5 characters.
2855 If {mode} is absent, keys are remapped.
2856 {mode} is a String, which can contain these character flags:
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00002857 'm' Remap keys. This is default.
2858 'n' Do not remap keys.
2859 't' Handle keys as if typed; otherwise they are handled as
2860 if coming from a mapping. This matters for undo,
2861 opening folds, etc.
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +00002862 Return value is always 0.
2863
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002864filereadable({file}) *filereadable()*
2865 The result is a Number, which is TRUE when a file with the
2866 name {file} exists, and can be read. If {file} doesn't exist,
2867 or is a directory, the result is FALSE. {file} is any
2868 expression, which is used as a String.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002869 If you don't care about the file being readable you can use
2870 |glob()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002871 *file_readable()*
2872 Obsolete name: file_readable().
2873
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002874
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002875filewritable({file}) *filewritable()*
2876 The result is a Number, which is 1 when a file with the
2877 name {file} exists, and can be written. If {file} doesn't
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002878 exist, or is not writable, the result is 0. If {file} is a
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002879 directory, and we can write to it, the result is 2.
2880
2881
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002882filter({expr}, {string}) *filter()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002883 {expr} must be a |List| or a |Dictionary|.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002884 For each item in {expr} evaluate {string} and when the result
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002885 is zero remove the item from the |List| or |Dictionary|.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002886 Inside {string} |v:val| has the value of the current item.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002887 For a |Dictionary| |v:key| has the key of the current item.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002888 Examples: >
2889 :call filter(mylist, 'v:val !~ "OLD"')
2890< Removes the items where "OLD" appears. >
2891 :call filter(mydict, 'v:key >= 8')
2892< Removes the items with a key below 8. >
2893 :call filter(var, 0)
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002894< Removes all the items, thus clears the |List| or |Dictionary|.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00002895
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002896 Note that {string} is the result of expression and is then
2897 used as an expression again. Often it is good to use a
2898 |literal-string| to avoid having to double backslashes.
2899
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002900 The operation is done in-place. If you want a |List| or
2901 |Dictionary| to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
Bram Moolenaarafeb4fa2006-02-01 21:51:12 +00002902 :let l = filter(copy(mylist), 'v:val =~ "KEEP"')
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002903
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002904< Returns {expr}, the |List| or |Dictionary| that was filtered.
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00002905 When an error is encountered while evaluating {string} no
2906 further items in {expr} are processed.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002907
2908
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00002909finddir({name}[, {path}[, {count}]]) *finddir()*
Bram Moolenaar5b6b1ca2007-03-27 08:19:43 +00002910 Find directory {name} in {path}. Supports both downwards and
2911 upwards recursive directory searches. See |file-searching|
2912 for the syntax of {path}.
2913 Returns the path of the first found match. When the found
2914 directory is below the current directory a relative path is
2915 returned. Otherwise a full path is returned.
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00002916 If {path} is omitted or empty then 'path' is used.
2917 If the optional {count} is given, find {count}'s occurrence of
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00002918 {name} in {path} instead of the first one.
Bram Moolenaar899dddf2006-03-26 21:06:50 +00002919 When {count} is negative return all the matches in a |List|.
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00002920 This is quite similar to the ex-command |:find|.
Bram Moolenaardb84e452010-08-15 13:50:43 +02002921 {only available when compiled with the |+file_in_path|
2922 feature}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00002923
2924findfile({name}[, {path}[, {count}]]) *findfile()*
2925 Just like |finddir()|, but find a file instead of a directory.
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00002926 Uses 'suffixesadd'.
2927 Example: >
2928 :echo findfile("tags.vim", ".;")
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002929< Searches from the directory of the current file upwards until
2930 it finds the file "tags.vim".
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002931
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002932float2nr({expr}) *float2nr()*
2933 Convert {expr} to a Number by omitting the part after the
2934 decimal point.
2935 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a Number.
2936 When the value of {expr} is out of range for a |Number| the
2937 result is truncated to 0x7fffffff or -0x7fffffff. NaN results
2938 in -0x80000000.
2939 Examples: >
2940 echo float2nr(3.95)
2941< 3 >
2942 echo float2nr(-23.45)
2943< -23 >
2944 echo float2nr(1.0e100)
2945< 2147483647 >
2946 echo float2nr(-1.0e150)
2947< -2147483647 >
2948 echo float2nr(1.0e-100)
2949< 0
2950 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
2951
2952
2953floor({expr}) *floor()*
2954 Return the largest integral value less than or equal to
2955 {expr} as a |Float| (round down).
2956 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
2957 Examples: >
2958 echo floor(1.856)
2959< 1.0 >
2960 echo floor(-5.456)
2961< -6.0 >
2962 echo floor(4.0)
2963< 4.0
2964 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
2965
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002966
2967fmod({expr1}, {expr2}) *fmod()*
2968 Return the remainder of {expr1} / {expr2}, even if the
2969 division is not representable. Returns {expr1} - i * {expr2}
2970 for some integer i such that if {expr2} is non-zero, the
2971 result has the same sign as {expr1} and magnitude less than
2972 the magnitude of {expr2}. If {expr2} is zero, the value
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02002973 returned is zero. The value returned is a |Float|.
2974 {expr1} and {expr2} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002975 Examples: >
2976 :echo fmod(12.33, 1.22)
2977< 0.13 >
2978 :echo fmod(-12.33, 1.22)
2979< -0.13
Bram Moolenaardb84e452010-08-15 13:50:43 +02002980 {only available when compiled with |+float| feature}
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002981
2982
Bram Moolenaaraebaf892008-05-28 14:49:58 +00002983fnameescape({string}) *fnameescape()*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002984 Escape {string} for use as file name command argument. All
Bram Moolenaaraebaf892008-05-28 14:49:58 +00002985 characters that have a special meaning, such as '%' and '|'
2986 are escaped with a backslash.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002987 For most systems the characters escaped are
2988 " \t\n*?[{`$\\%#'\"|!<". For systems where a backslash
2989 appears in a filename, it depends on the value of 'isfname'.
Bram Moolenaar1b24e4b2008-08-08 10:59:17 +00002990 A leading '+' and '>' is also escaped (special after |:edit|
2991 and |:write|). And a "-" by itself (special after |:cd|).
Bram Moolenaaraebaf892008-05-28 14:49:58 +00002992 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar1b24e4b2008-08-08 10:59:17 +00002993 :let fname = '+some str%nge|name'
Bram Moolenaaraebaf892008-05-28 14:49:58 +00002994 :exe "edit " . fnameescape(fname)
2995< results in executing: >
Bram Moolenaar1b24e4b2008-08-08 10:59:17 +00002996 edit \+some\ str\%nge\|name
Bram Moolenaaraebaf892008-05-28 14:49:58 +00002997
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002998fnamemodify({fname}, {mods}) *fnamemodify()*
2999 Modify file name {fname} according to {mods}. {mods} is a
3000 string of characters like it is used for file names on the
3001 command line. See |filename-modifiers|.
3002 Example: >
3003 :echo fnamemodify("main.c", ":p:h")
3004< results in: >
3005 /home/mool/vim/vim/src
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003006< Note: Environment variables don't work in {fname}, use
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003007 |expand()| first then.
3008
3009foldclosed({lnum}) *foldclosed()*
3010 The result is a Number. If the line {lnum} is in a closed
3011 fold, the result is the number of the first line in that fold.
3012 If the line {lnum} is not in a closed fold, -1 is returned.
3013
3014foldclosedend({lnum}) *foldclosedend()*
3015 The result is a Number. If the line {lnum} is in a closed
3016 fold, the result is the number of the last line in that fold.
3017 If the line {lnum} is not in a closed fold, -1 is returned.
3018
3019foldlevel({lnum}) *foldlevel()*
3020 The result is a Number, which is the foldlevel of line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003021 in the current buffer. For nested folds the deepest level is
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003022 returned. If there is no fold at line {lnum}, zero is
3023 returned. It doesn't matter if the folds are open or closed.
3024 When used while updating folds (from 'foldexpr') -1 is
3025 returned for lines where folds are still to be updated and the
3026 foldlevel is unknown. As a special case the level of the
3027 previous line is usually available.
3028
3029 *foldtext()*
3030foldtext() Returns a String, to be displayed for a closed fold. This is
3031 the default function used for the 'foldtext' option and should
3032 only be called from evaluating 'foldtext'. It uses the
3033 |v:foldstart|, |v:foldend| and |v:folddashes| variables.
3034 The returned string looks like this: >
3035 +-- 45 lines: abcdef
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003036< The number of dashes depends on the foldlevel. The "45" is
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003037 the number of lines in the fold. "abcdef" is the text in the
3038 first non-blank line of the fold. Leading white space, "//"
3039 or "/*" and the text from the 'foldmarker' and 'commentstring'
3040 options is removed.
3041 {not available when compiled without the |+folding| feature}
3042
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00003043foldtextresult({lnum}) *foldtextresult()*
3044 Returns the text that is displayed for the closed fold at line
3045 {lnum}. Evaluates 'foldtext' in the appropriate context.
3046 When there is no closed fold at {lnum} an empty string is
3047 returned.
3048 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current
3049 line, "'m" mark m, etc.
3050 Useful when exporting folded text, e.g., to HTML.
3051 {not available when compiled without the |+folding| feature}
3052
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003053 *foreground()*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003054foreground() Move the Vim window to the foreground. Useful when sent from
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003055 a client to a Vim server. |remote_send()|
3056 On Win32 systems this might not work, the OS does not always
3057 allow a window to bring itself to the foreground. Use
3058 |remote_foreground()| instead.
3059 {only in the Win32, Athena, Motif and GTK GUI versions and the
3060 Win32 console version}
3061
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003062
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00003063function({name}) *function()* *E700*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003064 Return a |Funcref| variable that refers to function {name}.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003065 {name} can be a user defined function or an internal function.
3066
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003067
Bram Moolenaar9d2c8c12007-09-25 16:00:00 +00003068garbagecollect([at_exit]) *garbagecollect()*
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00003069 Cleanup unused |Lists| and |Dictionaries| that have circular
Bram Moolenaar39a58ca2005-06-27 22:42:44 +00003070 references. There is hardly ever a need to invoke this
3071 function, as it is automatically done when Vim runs out of
3072 memory or is waiting for the user to press a key after
3073 'updatetime'. Items without circular references are always
3074 freed when they become unused.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003075 This is useful if you have deleted a very big |List| and/or
3076 |Dictionary| with circular references in a script that runs
3077 for a long time.
Bram Moolenaar9d2c8c12007-09-25 16:00:00 +00003078 When the optional "at_exit" argument is one, garbage
3079 collection will also be done when exiting Vim, if it wasn't
3080 done before. This is useful when checking for memory leaks.
Bram Moolenaar39a58ca2005-06-27 22:42:44 +00003081
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00003082get({list}, {idx} [, {default}]) *get()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003083 Get item {idx} from |List| {list}. When this item is not
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003084 available return {default}. Return zero when {default} is
3085 omitted.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003086get({dict}, {key} [, {default}])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003087 Get item with key {key} from |Dictionary| {dict}. When this
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003088 item is not available return {default}. Return zero when
3089 {default} is omitted.
3090
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00003091 *getbufline()*
3092getbufline({expr}, {lnum} [, {end}])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003093 Return a |List| with the lines starting from {lnum} to {end}
3094 (inclusive) in the buffer {expr}. If {end} is omitted, a
3095 |List| with only the line {lnum} is returned.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00003096
3097 For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above.
3098
Bram Moolenaar661b1822005-07-28 22:36:45 +00003099 For {lnum} and {end} "$" can be used for the last line of the
3100 buffer. Otherwise a number must be used.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00003101
3102 When {lnum} is smaller than 1 or bigger than the number of
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003103 lines in the buffer, an empty |List| is returned.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00003104
3105 When {end} is greater than the number of lines in the buffer,
3106 it is treated as {end} is set to the number of lines in the
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003107 buffer. When {end} is before {lnum} an empty |List| is
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00003108 returned.
3109
Bram Moolenaar661b1822005-07-28 22:36:45 +00003110 This function works only for loaded buffers. For unloaded and
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003111 non-existing buffers, an empty |List| is returned.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00003112
3113 Example: >
3114 :let lines = getbufline(bufnr("myfile"), 1, "$")
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003115
3116getbufvar({expr}, {varname}) *getbufvar()*
3117 The result is the value of option or local buffer variable
3118 {varname} in buffer {expr}. Note that the name without "b:"
3119 must be used.
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00003120 When {varname} is empty returns a dictionary with all the
3121 buffer-local variables.
Bram Moolenaar4317d9b2005-03-18 20:25:31 +00003122 This also works for a global or buffer-local option, but it
3123 doesn't work for a global variable, window-local variable or
3124 window-local option.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003125 For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above.
3126 When the buffer or variable doesn't exist an empty string is
3127 returned, there is no error message.
3128 Examples: >
3129 :let bufmodified = getbufvar(1, "&mod")
3130 :echo "todo myvar = " . getbufvar("todo", "myvar")
3131<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003132getchar([expr]) *getchar()*
Bram Moolenaar91170f82006-05-05 21:15:17 +00003133 Get a single character from the user or input stream.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003134 If [expr] is omitted, wait until a character is available.
3135 If [expr] is 0, only get a character when one is available.
Bram Moolenaar91170f82006-05-05 21:15:17 +00003136 Return zero otherwise.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003137 If [expr] is 1, only check if a character is available, it is
Bram Moolenaar91170f82006-05-05 21:15:17 +00003138 not consumed. Return zero if no character available.
3139
3140 Without {expr} and when {expr} is 0 a whole character or
3141 special key is returned. If it is an 8-bit character, the
3142 result is a number. Use nr2char() to convert it to a String.
3143 Otherwise a String is returned with the encoded character.
3144 For a special key it's a sequence of bytes starting with 0x80
Bram Moolenaar56a907a2006-05-06 21:44:30 +00003145 (decimal: 128). This is the same value as the string
3146 "\<Key>", e.g., "\<Left>". The returned value is also a
3147 String when a modifier (shift, control, alt) was used that is
3148 not included in the character.
Bram Moolenaar91170f82006-05-05 21:15:17 +00003149
3150 When {expr} is 1 only the first byte is returned. For a
Bram Moolenaar56a907a2006-05-06 21:44:30 +00003151 one-byte character it is the character itself as a number.
3152 Use nr2char() to convert it to a String.
Bram Moolenaar91170f82006-05-05 21:15:17 +00003153
Bram Moolenaar219b8702006-11-01 14:32:36 +00003154 When the user clicks a mouse button, the mouse event will be
3155 returned. The position can then be found in |v:mouse_col|,
3156 |v:mouse_lnum| and |v:mouse_win|. This example positions the
3157 mouse as it would normally happen: >
3158 let c = getchar()
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003159 if c == "\<LeftMouse>" && v:mouse_win > 0
Bram Moolenaar219b8702006-11-01 14:32:36 +00003160 exe v:mouse_win . "wincmd w"
3161 exe v:mouse_lnum
3162 exe "normal " . v:mouse_col . "|"
3163 endif
3164<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003165 There is no prompt, you will somehow have to make clear to the
3166 user that a character has to be typed.
3167 There is no mapping for the character.
3168 Key codes are replaced, thus when the user presses the <Del>
3169 key you get the code for the <Del> key, not the raw character
3170 sequence. Examples: >
3171 getchar() == "\<Del>"
3172 getchar() == "\<S-Left>"
3173< This example redefines "f" to ignore case: >
3174 :nmap f :call FindChar()<CR>
3175 :function FindChar()
3176 : let c = nr2char(getchar())
3177 : while col('.') < col('$') - 1
3178 : normal l
3179 : if getline('.')[col('.') - 1] ==? c
3180 : break
3181 : endif
3182 : endwhile
3183 :endfunction
3184
3185getcharmod() *getcharmod()*
3186 The result is a Number which is the state of the modifiers for
3187 the last obtained character with getchar() or in another way.
3188 These values are added together:
3189 2 shift
3190 4 control
3191 8 alt (meta)
3192 16 mouse double click
3193 32 mouse triple click
3194 64 mouse quadruple click
3195 128 Macintosh only: command
3196 Only the modifiers that have not been included in the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003197 character itself are obtained. Thus Shift-a results in "A"
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01003198 without a modifier.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003199
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003200getcmdline() *getcmdline()*
3201 Return the current command-line. Only works when the command
3202 line is being edited, thus requires use of |c_CTRL-\_e| or
3203 |c_CTRL-R_=|.
3204 Example: >
3205 :cmap <F7> <C-\>eescape(getcmdline(), ' \')<CR>
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003206< Also see |getcmdtype()|, |getcmdpos()| and |setcmdpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003207
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003208getcmdpos() *getcmdpos()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003209 Return the position of the cursor in the command line as a
3210 byte count. The first column is 1.
3211 Only works when editing the command line, thus requires use of
3212 |c_CTRL-\_e| or |c_CTRL-R_=|. Returns 0 otherwise.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003213 Also see |getcmdtype()|, |setcmdpos()| and |getcmdline()|.
3214
3215getcmdtype() *getcmdtype()*
3216 Return the current command-line type. Possible return values
3217 are:
Bram Moolenaar1e015462005-09-25 22:16:38 +00003218 : normal Ex command
3219 > debug mode command |debug-mode|
3220 / forward search command
3221 ? backward search command
3222 @ |input()| command
3223 - |:insert| or |:append| command
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003224 Only works when editing the command line, thus requires use of
3225 |c_CTRL-\_e| or |c_CTRL-R_=|. Returns an empty string
3226 otherwise.
3227 Also see |getcmdpos()|, |setcmdpos()| and |getcmdline()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003228
3229 *getcwd()*
3230getcwd() The result is a String, which is the name of the current
3231 working directory.
3232
3233getfsize({fname}) *getfsize()*
3234 The result is a Number, which is the size in bytes of the
3235 given file {fname}.
3236 If {fname} is a directory, 0 is returned.
3237 If the file {fname} can't be found, -1 is returned.
Bram Moolenaard827ada2007-06-19 15:19:55 +00003238 If the size of {fname} is too big to fit in a Number then -2
3239 is returned.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003240
Bram Moolenaard8b0cf12004-12-12 11:33:30 +00003241getfontname([{name}]) *getfontname()*
3242 Without an argument returns the name of the normal font being
3243 used. Like what is used for the Normal highlight group
3244 |hl-Normal|.
3245 With an argument a check is done whether {name} is a valid
3246 font name. If not then an empty string is returned.
3247 Otherwise the actual font name is returned, or {name} if the
3248 GUI does not support obtaining the real name.
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00003249 Only works when the GUI is running, thus not in your vimrc or
Bram Moolenaard8b0cf12004-12-12 11:33:30 +00003250 gvimrc file. Use the |GUIEnter| autocommand to use this
3251 function just after the GUI has started.
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00003252 Note that the GTK 2 GUI accepts any font name, thus checking
3253 for a valid name does not work.
Bram Moolenaard8b0cf12004-12-12 11:33:30 +00003254
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00003255getfperm({fname}) *getfperm()*
3256 The result is a String, which is the read, write, and execute
3257 permissions of the given file {fname}.
3258 If {fname} does not exist or its directory cannot be read, an
3259 empty string is returned.
3260 The result is of the form "rwxrwxrwx", where each group of
3261 "rwx" flags represent, in turn, the permissions of the owner
3262 of the file, the group the file belongs to, and other users.
3263 If a user does not have a given permission the flag for this
3264 is replaced with the string "-". Example: >
3265 :echo getfperm("/etc/passwd")
3266< This will hopefully (from a security point of view) display
3267 the string "rw-r--r--" or even "rw-------".
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00003268
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003269getftime({fname}) *getftime()*
3270 The result is a Number, which is the last modification time of
3271 the given file {fname}. The value is measured as seconds
3272 since 1st Jan 1970, and may be passed to strftime(). See also
3273 |localtime()| and |strftime()|.
3274 If the file {fname} can't be found -1 is returned.
3275
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00003276getftype({fname}) *getftype()*
3277 The result is a String, which is a description of the kind of
3278 file of the given file {fname}.
3279 If {fname} does not exist an empty string is returned.
3280 Here is a table over different kinds of files and their
3281 results:
3282 Normal file "file"
3283 Directory "dir"
3284 Symbolic link "link"
3285 Block device "bdev"
3286 Character device "cdev"
3287 Socket "socket"
3288 FIFO "fifo"
3289 All other "other"
3290 Example: >
3291 getftype("/home")
3292< Note that a type such as "link" will only be returned on
3293 systems that support it. On some systems only "dir" and
3294 "file" are returned.
3295
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003296 *getline()*
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003297getline({lnum} [, {end}])
3298 Without {end} the result is a String, which is line {lnum}
3299 from the current buffer. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003300 getline(1)
3301< When {lnum} is a String that doesn't start with a
3302 digit, line() is called to translate the String into a Number.
3303 To get the line under the cursor: >
3304 getline(".")
3305< When {lnum} is smaller than 1 or bigger than the number of
3306 lines in the buffer, an empty string is returned.
3307
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003308 When {end} is given the result is a |List| where each item is
3309 a line from the current buffer in the range {lnum} to {end},
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003310 including line {end}.
3311 {end} is used in the same way as {lnum}.
3312 Non-existing lines are silently omitted.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003313 When {end} is before {lnum} an empty |List| is returned.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003314 Example: >
3315 :let start = line('.')
3316 :let end = search("^$") - 1
3317 :let lines = getline(start, end)
3318
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00003319< To get lines from another buffer see |getbufline()|
3320
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00003321getloclist({nr}) *getloclist()*
3322 Returns a list with all the entries in the location list for
3323 window {nr}. When {nr} is zero the current window is used.
3324 For a location list window, the displayed location list is
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00003325 returned. For an invalid window number {nr}, an empty list is
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01003326 returned. Otherwise, same as |getqflist()|.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003327
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00003328getmatches() *getmatches()*
3329 Returns a |List| with all matches previously defined by
3330 |matchadd()| and the |:match| commands. |getmatches()| is
3331 useful in combination with |setmatches()|, as |setmatches()|
3332 can restore a list of matches saved by |getmatches()|.
3333 Example: >
3334 :echo getmatches()
3335< [{'group': 'MyGroup1', 'pattern': 'TODO',
3336 'priority': 10, 'id': 1}, {'group': 'MyGroup2',
3337 'pattern': 'FIXME', 'priority': 10, 'id': 2}] >
3338 :let m = getmatches()
3339 :call clearmatches()
3340 :echo getmatches()
3341< [] >
3342 :call setmatches(m)
3343 :echo getmatches()
3344< [{'group': 'MyGroup1', 'pattern': 'TODO',
3345 'priority': 10, 'id': 1}, {'group': 'MyGroup2',
3346 'pattern': 'FIXME', 'priority': 10, 'id': 2}] >
3347 :unlet m
3348<
3349
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003350getqflist() *getqflist()*
3351 Returns a list with all the current quickfix errors. Each
3352 list item is a dictionary with these entries:
3353 bufnr number of buffer that has the file name, use
3354 bufname() to get the name
3355 lnum line number in the buffer (first line is 1)
3356 col column number (first column is 1)
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00003357 vcol non-zero: "col" is visual column
3358 zero: "col" is byte index
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003359 nr error number
Bram Moolenaar48b66fb2007-02-04 01:58:18 +00003360 pattern search pattern used to locate the error
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003361 text description of the error
3362 type type of the error, 'E', '1', etc.
3363 valid non-zero: recognized error message
3364
Bram Moolenaare7eb9df2005-09-09 19:49:30 +00003365 When there is no error list or it's empty an empty list is
Bram Moolenaar48b66fb2007-02-04 01:58:18 +00003366 returned. Quickfix list entries with non-existing buffer
3367 number are returned with "bufnr" set to zero.
Bram Moolenaare7eb9df2005-09-09 19:49:30 +00003368
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003369 Useful application: Find pattern matches in multiple files and
3370 do something with them: >
3371 :vimgrep /theword/jg *.c
3372 :for d in getqflist()
3373 : echo bufname(d.bufnr) ':' d.lnum '=' d.text
3374 :endfor
3375
3376
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00003377getreg([{regname} [, 1]]) *getreg()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003378 The result is a String, which is the contents of register
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003379 {regname}. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003380 :let cliptext = getreg('*')
3381< getreg('=') returns the last evaluated value of the expression
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003382 register. (For use in maps.)
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00003383 getreg('=', 1) returns the expression itself, so that it can
3384 be restored with |setreg()|. For other registers the extra
3385 argument is ignored, thus you can always give it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003386 If {regname} is not specified, |v:register| is used.
3387
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003388
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003389getregtype([{regname}]) *getregtype()*
3390 The result is a String, which is type of register {regname}.
3391 The value will be one of:
3392 "v" for |characterwise| text
3393 "V" for |linewise| text
3394 "<CTRL-V>{width}" for |blockwise-visual| text
3395 0 for an empty or unknown register
3396 <CTRL-V> is one character with value 0x16.
3397 If {regname} is not specified, |v:register| is used.
3398
Bram Moolenaar06b5d512010-05-22 15:37:44 +02003399gettabvar({tabnr}, {varname}) *gettabvar()*
3400 Get the value of a tab-local variable {varname} in tab page
3401 {tabnr}. |t:var|
3402 Tabs are numbered starting with one.
3403 Note that the name without "t:" must be used.
3404
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00003405gettabwinvar({tabnr}, {winnr}, {varname}) *gettabwinvar()*
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00003406 Get the value of window-local variable {varname} in window
3407 {winnr} in tab page {tabnr}.
3408 When {varname} starts with "&" get the value of a window-local
3409 option.
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00003410 Tabs are numbered starting with one. For the current tabpage
3411 use |getwinvar()|.
3412 When {winnr} is zero the current window is used.
3413 This also works for a global option, buffer-local option and
3414 window-local option, but it doesn't work for a global variable
3415 or buffer-local variable.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00003416 When {varname} is empty a dictionary with all window-local
3417 variables is returned.
3418 Note that {varname} must be the name without "w:".
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00003419 Examples: >
3420 :let list_is_on = gettabwinvar(1, 2, '&list')
3421 :echo "myvar = " . gettabwinvar(3, 1, 'myvar')
Bram Moolenaard46bbc72007-05-12 14:38:41 +00003422<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003423 *getwinposx()*
3424getwinposx() The result is a Number, which is the X coordinate in pixels of
3425 the left hand side of the GUI Vim window. The result will be
3426 -1 if the information is not available.
3427
3428 *getwinposy()*
3429getwinposy() The result is a Number, which is the Y coordinate in pixels of
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003430 the top of the GUI Vim window. The result will be -1 if the
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003431 information is not available.
3432
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00003433getwinvar({winnr}, {varname}) *getwinvar()*
3434 Like |gettabwinvar()| for the current tabpage.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003435 Examples: >
3436 :let list_is_on = getwinvar(2, '&list')
3437 :echo "myvar = " . getwinvar(1, 'myvar')
3438<
Bram Moolenaarbb5ddda2008-11-28 10:01:10 +00003439glob({expr} [, {flag}]) *glob()*
3440 Expand the file wildcards in {expr}. See |wildcards| for the
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00003441 use of special characters.
3442 The result is a String.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003443 When there are several matches, they are separated by <NL>
3444 characters.
Bram Moolenaarbb5ddda2008-11-28 10:01:10 +00003445 Unless the optional {flag} argument is given and is non-zero,
3446 the 'suffixes' and 'wildignore' options apply: Names matching
3447 one of the patterns in 'wildignore' will be skipped and
3448 'suffixes' affect the ordering of matches.
Bram Moolenaar81af9252010-12-10 20:35:50 +01003449 'wildignorecase' always applies.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003450 If the expansion fails, the result is an empty string.
3451 A name for a non-existing file is not included.
3452
3453 For most systems backticks can be used to get files names from
3454 any external command. Example: >
3455 :let tagfiles = glob("`find . -name tags -print`")
3456 :let &tags = substitute(tagfiles, "\n", ",", "g")
3457< The result of the program inside the backticks should be one
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003458 item per line. Spaces inside an item are allowed.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003459
3460 See |expand()| for expanding special Vim variables. See
3461 |system()| for getting the raw output of an external command.
3462
Bram Moolenaarbb5ddda2008-11-28 10:01:10 +00003463globpath({path}, {expr} [, {flag}]) *globpath()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003464 Perform glob() on all directories in {path} and concatenate
3465 the results. Example: >
3466 :echo globpath(&rtp, "syntax/c.vim")
3467< {path} is a comma-separated list of directory names. Each
3468 directory name is prepended to {expr} and expanded like with
Bram Moolenaarbb5ddda2008-11-28 10:01:10 +00003469 |glob()|. A path separator is inserted when needed.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003470 To add a comma inside a directory name escape it with a
3471 backslash. Note that on MS-Windows a directory may have a
3472 trailing backslash, remove it if you put a comma after it.
3473 If the expansion fails for one of the directories, there is no
3474 error message.
Bram Moolenaarbb5ddda2008-11-28 10:01:10 +00003475 Unless the optional {flag} argument is given and is non-zero,
3476 the 'suffixes' and 'wildignore' options apply: Names matching
3477 one of the patterns in 'wildignore' will be skipped and
3478 'suffixes' affect the ordering of matches.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003479
Bram Moolenaar02743632005-07-25 20:42:36 +00003480 The "**" item can be used to search in a directory tree.
3481 For example, to find all "README.txt" files in the directories
3482 in 'runtimepath' and below: >
3483 :echo globpath(&rtp, "**/README.txt")
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00003484< Upwards search and limiting the depth of "**" is not
3485 supported, thus using 'path' will not always work properly.
3486
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003487 *has()*
3488has({feature}) The result is a Number, which is 1 if the feature {feature} is
3489 supported, zero otherwise. The {feature} argument is a
3490 string. See |feature-list| below.
3491 Also see |exists()|.
3492
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003493
3494has_key({dict}, {key}) *has_key()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003495 The result is a Number, which is 1 if |Dictionary| {dict} has
3496 an entry with key {key}. Zero otherwise.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003497
Bram Moolenaard267b9c2007-04-26 15:06:45 +00003498haslocaldir() *haslocaldir()*
3499 The result is a Number, which is 1 when the current
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003500 window has set a local path via |:lcd|, and 0 otherwise.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003501
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00003502hasmapto({what} [, {mode} [, {abbr}]]) *hasmapto()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003503 The result is a Number, which is 1 if there is a mapping that
3504 contains {what} in somewhere in the rhs (what it is mapped to)
3505 and this mapping exists in one of the modes indicated by
3506 {mode}.
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00003507 When {abbr} is there and it is non-zero use abbreviations
Bram Moolenaar39f05632006-03-19 22:15:26 +00003508 instead of mappings. Don't forget to specify Insert and/or
3509 Command-line mode.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003510 Both the global mappings and the mappings local to the current
3511 buffer are checked for a match.
3512 If no matching mapping is found 0 is returned.
3513 The following characters are recognized in {mode}:
3514 n Normal mode
3515 v Visual mode
3516 o Operator-pending mode
3517 i Insert mode
3518 l Language-Argument ("r", "f", "t", etc.)
3519 c Command-line mode
3520 When {mode} is omitted, "nvo" is used.
3521
3522 This function is useful to check if a mapping already exists
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003523 to a function in a Vim script. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003524 :if !hasmapto('\ABCdoit')
3525 : map <Leader>d \ABCdoit
3526 :endif
3527< This installs the mapping to "\ABCdoit" only if there isn't
3528 already a mapping to "\ABCdoit".
3529
3530histadd({history}, {item}) *histadd()*
3531 Add the String {item} to the history {history} which can be
3532 one of: *hist-names*
3533 "cmd" or ":" command line history
3534 "search" or "/" search pattern history
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003535 "expr" or "=" typed expression history
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003536 "input" or "@" input line history
3537 If {item} does already exist in the history, it will be
3538 shifted to become the newest entry.
3539 The result is a Number: 1 if the operation was successful,
3540 otherwise 0 is returned.
3541
3542 Example: >
3543 :call histadd("input", strftime("%Y %b %d"))
3544 :let date=input("Enter date: ")
3545< This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3546
3547histdel({history} [, {item}]) *histdel()*
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003548 Clear {history}, i.e. delete all its entries. See |hist-names|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003549 for the possible values of {history}.
3550
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00003551 If the parameter {item} evaluates to a String, it is used as a
3552 regular expression. All entries matching that expression will
3553 be removed from the history (if there are any).
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003554 Upper/lowercase must match, unless "\c" is used |/\c|.
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00003555 If {item} evaluates to a Number, it will be interpreted as
3556 an index, see |:history-indexing|. The respective entry will
3557 be removed if it exists.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003558
3559 The result is a Number: 1 for a successful operation,
3560 otherwise 0 is returned.
3561
3562 Examples:
3563 Clear expression register history: >
3564 :call histdel("expr")
3565<
3566 Remove all entries starting with "*" from the search history: >
3567 :call histdel("/", '^\*')
3568<
3569 The following three are equivalent: >
3570 :call histdel("search", histnr("search"))
3571 :call histdel("search", -1)
3572 :call histdel("search", '^'.histget("search", -1).'$')
3573<
3574 To delete the last search pattern and use the last-but-one for
3575 the "n" command and 'hlsearch': >
3576 :call histdel("search", -1)
3577 :let @/ = histget("search", -1)
3578
3579histget({history} [, {index}]) *histget()*
3580 The result is a String, the entry with Number {index} from
3581 {history}. See |hist-names| for the possible values of
3582 {history}, and |:history-indexing| for {index}. If there is
3583 no such entry, an empty String is returned. When {index} is
3584 omitted, the most recent item from the history is used.
3585
3586 Examples:
3587 Redo the second last search from history. >
3588 :execute '/' . histget("search", -2)
3589
3590< Define an Ex command ":H {num}" that supports re-execution of
3591 the {num}th entry from the output of |:history|. >
3592 :command -nargs=1 H execute histget("cmd", 0+<args>)
3593<
3594histnr({history}) *histnr()*
3595 The result is the Number of the current entry in {history}.
3596 See |hist-names| for the possible values of {history}.
3597 If an error occurred, -1 is returned.
3598
3599 Example: >
3600 :let inp_index = histnr("expr")
3601<
3602hlexists({name}) *hlexists()*
3603 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a highlight group
3604 called {name} exists. This is when the group has been
3605 defined in some way. Not necessarily when highlighting has
3606 been defined for it, it may also have been used for a syntax
3607 item.
3608 *highlight_exists()*
3609 Obsolete name: highlight_exists().
3610
3611 *hlID()*
3612hlID({name}) The result is a Number, which is the ID of the highlight group
3613 with name {name}. When the highlight group doesn't exist,
3614 zero is returned.
3615 This can be used to retrieve information about the highlight
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003616 group. For example, to get the background color of the
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003617 "Comment" group: >
3618 :echo synIDattr(synIDtrans(hlID("Comment")), "bg")
3619< *highlightID()*
3620 Obsolete name: highlightID().
3621
3622hostname() *hostname()*
3623 The result is a String, which is the name of the machine on
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003624 which Vim is currently running. Machine names greater than
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003625 256 characters long are truncated.
3626
3627iconv({expr}, {from}, {to}) *iconv()*
3628 The result is a String, which is the text {expr} converted
3629 from encoding {from} to encoding {to}.
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01003630 When the conversion completely fails an empty string is
3631 returned. When some characters could not be converted they
3632 are replaced with "?".
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003633 The encoding names are whatever the iconv() library function
3634 can accept, see ":!man 3 iconv".
3635 Most conversions require Vim to be compiled with the |+iconv|
3636 feature. Otherwise only UTF-8 to latin1 conversion and back
3637 can be done.
3638 This can be used to display messages with special characters,
3639 no matter what 'encoding' is set to. Write the message in
3640 UTF-8 and use: >
3641 echo iconv(utf8_str, "utf-8", &enc)
3642< Note that Vim uses UTF-8 for all Unicode encodings, conversion
3643 from/to UCS-2 is automatically changed to use UTF-8. You
3644 cannot use UCS-2 in a string anyway, because of the NUL bytes.
Bram Moolenaardb84e452010-08-15 13:50:43 +02003645 {only available when compiled with the |+multi_byte| feature}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003646
3647 *indent()*
3648indent({lnum}) The result is a Number, which is indent of line {lnum} in the
3649 current buffer. The indent is counted in spaces, the value
3650 of 'tabstop' is relevant. {lnum} is used just like in
3651 |getline()|.
3652 When {lnum} is invalid -1 is returned.
3653
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003654
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003655index({list}, {expr} [, {start} [, {ic}]]) *index()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003656 Return the lowest index in |List| {list} where the item has a
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01003657 value equal to {expr}. There is no automatic conversion, so
3658 the String "4" is different from the Number 4. And the number
3659 4 is different from the Float 4.0. The value of 'ignorecase'
3660 is not used here, case always matters.
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00003661 If {start} is given then start looking at the item with index
3662 {start} (may be negative for an item relative to the end).
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003663 When {ic} is given and it is non-zero, ignore case. Otherwise
3664 case must match.
3665 -1 is returned when {expr} is not found in {list}.
3666 Example: >
3667 :let idx = index(words, "the")
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00003668 :if index(numbers, 123) >= 0
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003669
3670
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003671input({prompt} [, {text} [, {completion}]]) *input()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003672 The result is a String, which is whatever the user typed on
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01003673 the command-line. The {prompt} argument is either a prompt
3674 string, or a blank string (for no prompt). A '\n' can be used
3675 in the prompt to start a new line.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003676 The highlighting set with |:echohl| is used for the prompt.
3677 The input is entered just like a command-line, with the same
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003678 editing commands and mappings. There is a separate history
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003679 for lines typed for input().
3680 Example: >
3681 :if input("Coffee or beer? ") == "beer"
3682 : echo "Cheers!"
3683 :endif
3684<
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01003685 If the optional {text} argument is present and not empty, this
3686 is used for the default reply, as if the user typed this.
3687 Example: >
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003688 :let color = input("Color? ", "white")
3689
3690< The optional {completion} argument specifies the type of
3691 completion supported for the input. Without it completion is
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003692 not performed. The supported completion types are the same as
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003693 that can be supplied to a user-defined command using the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003694 "-complete=" argument. Refer to |:command-completion| for
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003695 more information. Example: >
3696 let fname = input("File: ", "", "file")
3697<
3698 NOTE: This function must not be used in a startup file, for
3699 the versions that only run in GUI mode (e.g., the Win32 GUI).
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003700 Note: When input() is called from within a mapping it will
3701 consume remaining characters from that mapping, because a
3702 mapping is handled like the characters were typed.
3703 Use |inputsave()| before input() and |inputrestore()|
3704 after input() to avoid that. Another solution is to avoid
3705 that further characters follow in the mapping, e.g., by using
3706 |:execute| or |:normal|.
3707
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003708 Example with a mapping: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003709 :nmap \x :call GetFoo()<CR>:exe "/" . Foo<CR>
3710 :function GetFoo()
3711 : call inputsave()
3712 : let g:Foo = input("enter search pattern: ")
3713 : call inputrestore()
3714 :endfunction
3715
3716inputdialog({prompt} [, {text} [, {cancelreturn}]]) *inputdialog()*
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01003717 Like |input()|, but when the GUI is running and text dialogs
3718 are supported, a dialog window pops up to input the text.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003719 Example: >
3720 :let n = inputdialog("value for shiftwidth", &sw)
3721 :if n != ""
3722 : let &sw = n
3723 :endif
3724< When the dialog is cancelled {cancelreturn} is returned. When
3725 omitted an empty string is returned.
3726 Hitting <Enter> works like pressing the OK button. Hitting
3727 <Esc> works like pressing the Cancel button.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003728 NOTE: Command-line completion is not supported.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003729
Bram Moolenaar578b49e2005-09-10 19:22:57 +00003730inputlist({textlist}) *inputlist()*
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00003731 {textlist} must be a |List| of strings. This |List| is
3732 displayed, one string per line. The user will be prompted to
3733 enter a number, which is returned.
Bram Moolenaar578b49e2005-09-10 19:22:57 +00003734 The user can also select an item by clicking on it with the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003735 mouse. For the first string 0 is returned. When clicking
Bram Moolenaar578b49e2005-09-10 19:22:57 +00003736 above the first item a negative number is returned. When
3737 clicking on the prompt one more than the length of {textlist}
3738 is returned.
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01003739 Make sure {textlist} has less than 'lines' entries, otherwise
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003740 it won't work. It's a good idea to put the entry number at
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00003741 the start of the string. And put a prompt in the first item.
3742 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar578b49e2005-09-10 19:22:57 +00003743 let color = inputlist(['Select color:', '1. red',
3744 \ '2. green', '3. blue'])
3745
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003746inputrestore() *inputrestore()*
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01003747 Restore typeahead that was saved with a previous |inputsave()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003748 Should be called the same number of times inputsave() is
3749 called. Calling it more often is harmless though.
3750 Returns 1 when there is nothing to restore, 0 otherwise.
3751
3752inputsave() *inputsave()*
3753 Preserve typeahead (also from mappings) and clear it, so that
3754 a following prompt gets input from the user. Should be
3755 followed by a matching inputrestore() after the prompt. Can
3756 be used several times, in which case there must be just as
3757 many inputrestore() calls.
3758 Returns 1 when out of memory, 0 otherwise.
3759
3760inputsecret({prompt} [, {text}]) *inputsecret()*
3761 This function acts much like the |input()| function with but
3762 two exceptions:
3763 a) the user's response will be displayed as a sequence of
3764 asterisks ("*") thereby keeping the entry secret, and
3765 b) the user's response will not be recorded on the input
3766 |history| stack.
3767 The result is a String, which is whatever the user actually
3768 typed on the command-line in response to the issued prompt.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003769 NOTE: Command-line completion is not supported.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003770
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003771insert({list}, {item} [, {idx}]) *insert()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003772 Insert {item} at the start of |List| {list}.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003773 If {idx} is specified insert {item} before the item with index
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003774 {idx}. If {idx} is zero it goes before the first item, just
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003775 like omitting {idx}. A negative {idx} is also possible, see
3776 |list-index|. -1 inserts just before the last item.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003777 Returns the resulting |List|. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003778 :let mylist = insert([2, 3, 5], 1)
3779 :call insert(mylist, 4, -1)
3780 :call insert(mylist, 6, len(mylist))
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003781< The last example can be done simpler with |add()|.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003782 Note that when {item} is a |List| it is inserted as a single
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00003783 item. Use |extend()| to concatenate |Lists|.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003784
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003785isdirectory({directory}) *isdirectory()*
3786 The result is a Number, which is non-zero when a directory
3787 with the name {directory} exists. If {directory} doesn't
3788 exist, or isn't a directory, the result is FALSE. {directory}
3789 is any expression, which is used as a String.
3790
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00003791islocked({expr}) *islocked()* *E786*
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00003792 The result is a Number, which is non-zero when {expr} is the
3793 name of a locked variable.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003794 {expr} must be the name of a variable, |List| item or
3795 |Dictionary| entry, not the variable itself! Example: >
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00003796 :let alist = [0, ['a', 'b'], 2, 3]
3797 :lockvar 1 alist
3798 :echo islocked('alist') " 1
3799 :echo islocked('alist[1]') " 0
3800
3801< When {expr} is a variable that does not exist you get an error
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00003802 message. Use |exists()| to check for existence.
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00003803
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00003804items({dict}) *items()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003805 Return a |List| with all the key-value pairs of {dict}. Each
3806 |List| item is a list with two items: the key of a {dict}
3807 entry and the value of this entry. The |List| is in arbitrary
3808 order.
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00003809
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003810
3811join({list} [, {sep}]) *join()*
3812 Join the items in {list} together into one String.
3813 When {sep} is specified it is put in between the items. If
3814 {sep} is omitted a single space is used.
3815 Note that {sep} is not added at the end. You might want to
3816 add it there too: >
3817 let lines = join(mylist, "\n") . "\n"
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00003818< String items are used as-is. |Lists| and |Dictionaries| are
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003819 converted into a string like with |string()|.
3820 The opposite function is |split()|.
3821
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003822keys({dict}) *keys()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003823 Return a |List| with all the keys of {dict}. The |List| is in
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003824 arbitrary order.
3825
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00003826 *len()* *E701*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003827len({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the length of the argument.
3828 When {expr} is a String or a Number the length in bytes is
3829 used, as with |strlen()|.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003830 When {expr} is a |List| the number of items in the |List| is
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003831 returned.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003832 When {expr} is a |Dictionary| the number of entries in the
3833 |Dictionary| is returned.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003834 Otherwise an error is given.
3835
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003836 *libcall()* *E364* *E368*
3837libcall({libname}, {funcname}, {argument})
3838 Call function {funcname} in the run-time library {libname}
3839 with single argument {argument}.
3840 This is useful to call functions in a library that you
3841 especially made to be used with Vim. Since only one argument
3842 is possible, calling standard library functions is rather
3843 limited.
3844 The result is the String returned by the function. If the
3845 function returns NULL, this will appear as an empty string ""
3846 to Vim.
3847 If the function returns a number, use libcallnr()!
3848 If {argument} is a number, it is passed to the function as an
3849 int; if {argument} is a string, it is passed as a
3850 null-terminated string.
3851 This function will fail in |restricted-mode|.
3852
3853 libcall() allows you to write your own 'plug-in' extensions to
3854 Vim without having to recompile the program. It is NOT a
3855 means to call system functions! If you try to do so Vim will
3856 very probably crash.
3857
3858 For Win32, the functions you write must be placed in a DLL
3859 and use the normal C calling convention (NOT Pascal which is
3860 used in Windows System DLLs). The function must take exactly
3861 one parameter, either a character pointer or a long integer,
3862 and must return a character pointer or NULL. The character
3863 pointer returned must point to memory that will remain valid
3864 after the function has returned (e.g. in static data in the
3865 DLL). If it points to allocated memory, that memory will
3866 leak away. Using a static buffer in the function should work,
3867 it's then freed when the DLL is unloaded.
3868
3869 WARNING: If the function returns a non-valid pointer, Vim may
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003870 crash! This also happens if the function returns a number,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003871 because Vim thinks it's a pointer.
3872 For Win32 systems, {libname} should be the filename of the DLL
3873 without the ".DLL" suffix. A full path is only required if
3874 the DLL is not in the usual places.
3875 For Unix: When compiling your own plugins, remember that the
3876 object code must be compiled as position-independent ('PIC').
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01003877 {only in Win32 and some Unix versions, when the |+libcall|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003878 feature is present}
3879 Examples: >
3880 :echo libcall("libc.so", "getenv", "HOME")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003881<
3882 *libcallnr()*
3883libcallnr({libname}, {funcname}, {argument})
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01003884 Just like |libcall()|, but used for a function that returns an
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003885 int instead of a string.
3886 {only in Win32 on some Unix versions, when the |+libcall|
3887 feature is present}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003888 Examples: >
3889 :echo libcallnr("/usr/lib/libc.so", "getpid", "")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003890 :call libcallnr("libc.so", "printf", "Hello World!\n")
3891 :call libcallnr("libc.so", "sleep", 10)
3892<
3893 *line()*
3894line({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the line number of the file
3895 position given with {expr}. The accepted positions are:
3896 . the cursor position
3897 $ the last line in the current buffer
3898 'x position of mark x (if the mark is not set, 0 is
3899 returned)
Bram Moolenaarc7453f52006-02-10 23:20:28 +00003900 w0 first line visible in current window
3901 w$ last line visible in current window
Bram Moolenaar9ecd0232008-06-20 15:31:51 +00003902 v In Visual mode: the start of the Visual area (the
3903 cursor is the end). When not in Visual mode
3904 returns the cursor position. Differs from |'<| in
3905 that it's updated right away.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00003906 Note that a mark in another file can be used. The line number
3907 then applies to another buffer.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00003908 To get the column number use |col()|. To get both use
3909 |getpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003910 Examples: >
3911 line(".") line number of the cursor
3912 line("'t") line number of mark t
3913 line("'" . marker) line number of mark marker
3914< *last-position-jump*
3915 This autocommand jumps to the last known position in a file
3916 just after opening it, if the '" mark is set: >
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01003917 :au BufReadPost * if line("'\"") > 1 && line("'\"") <= line("$") | exe "normal! g`\"" | endif
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00003918
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003919line2byte({lnum}) *line2byte()*
3920 Return the byte count from the start of the buffer for line
3921 {lnum}. This includes the end-of-line character, depending on
3922 the 'fileformat' option for the current buffer. The first
3923 line returns 1.
3924 This can also be used to get the byte count for the line just
3925 below the last line: >
3926 line2byte(line("$") + 1)
3927< This is the file size plus one.
3928 When {lnum} is invalid, or the |+byte_offset| feature has been
3929 disabled at compile time, -1 is returned.
3930 Also see |byte2line()|, |go| and |:goto|.
3931
3932lispindent({lnum}) *lispindent()*
3933 Get the amount of indent for line {lnum} according the lisp
3934 indenting rules, as with 'lisp'.
3935 The indent is counted in spaces, the value of 'tabstop' is
3936 relevant. {lnum} is used just like in |getline()|.
3937 When {lnum} is invalid or Vim was not compiled the
3938 |+lispindent| feature, -1 is returned.
3939
3940localtime() *localtime()*
3941 Return the current time, measured as seconds since 1st Jan
3942 1970. See also |strftime()| and |getftime()|.
3943
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003944
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02003945log({expr}) *log()*
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02003946 Return the natural logarithm (base e) of {expr} as a |Float|.
3947 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number| in the range
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02003948 (0, inf].
3949 Examples: >
3950 :echo log(10)
3951< 2.302585 >
3952 :echo log(exp(5))
3953< 5.0
Bram Moolenaardb84e452010-08-15 13:50:43 +02003954 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02003955
3956
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003957log10({expr}) *log10()*
3958 Return the logarithm of Float {expr} to base 10 as a |Float|.
3959 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
3960 Examples: >
3961 :echo log10(1000)
3962< 3.0 >
3963 :echo log10(0.01)
3964< -2.0
3965 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
3966
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003967map({expr}, {string}) *map()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003968 {expr} must be a |List| or a |Dictionary|.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003969 Replace each item in {expr} with the result of evaluating
3970 {string}.
3971 Inside {string} |v:val| has the value of the current item.
Bram Moolenaar627b1d32009-11-17 11:20:35 +00003972 For a |Dictionary| |v:key| has the key of the current item
3973 and for a |List| |v:key| has the index of the current item.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003974 Example: >
3975 :call map(mylist, '"> " . v:val . " <"')
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003976< This puts "> " before and " <" after each item in "mylist".
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003977
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003978 Note that {string} is the result of an expression and is then
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003979 used as an expression again. Often it is good to use a
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003980 |literal-string| to avoid having to double backslashes. You
3981 still have to double ' quotes
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003982
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003983 The operation is done in-place. If you want a |List| or
3984 |Dictionary| to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003985 :let tlist = map(copy(mylist), ' & . "\t"')
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003986
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003987< Returns {expr}, the |List| or |Dictionary| that was filtered.
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00003988 When an error is encountered while evaluating {string} no
3989 further items in {expr} are processed.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003990
3991
Bram Moolenaarbd743252010-10-20 21:23:33 +02003992maparg({name}[, {mode} [, {abbr} [, {dict}]]]) *maparg()*
3993 When {dict} is omitted or zero: Return the rhs of mapping
3994 {name} in mode {mode}. The returned String has special
3995 characters translated like in the output of the ":map" command
3996 listing.
3997
3998 When there is no mapping for {name}, an empty String is
3999 returned.
4000
4001 The {name} can have special key names, like in the ":map"
4002 command.
4003
Bram Moolenaard12f5c12006-01-25 22:10:52 +00004004 {mode} can be one of these strings:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004005 "n" Normal
Bram Moolenaarbd743252010-10-20 21:23:33 +02004006 "v" Visual (including Select)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004007 "o" Operator-pending
4008 "i" Insert
4009 "c" Cmd-line
Bram Moolenaarbd743252010-10-20 21:23:33 +02004010 "s" Select
4011 "x" Visual
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004012 "l" langmap |language-mapping|
4013 "" Normal, Visual and Operator-pending
Bram Moolenaard12f5c12006-01-25 22:10:52 +00004014 When {mode} is omitted, the modes for "" are used.
Bram Moolenaarbd743252010-10-20 21:23:33 +02004015
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00004016 When {abbr} is there and it is non-zero use abbreviations
4017 instead of mappings.
Bram Moolenaarbd743252010-10-20 21:23:33 +02004018
4019 When {dict} is there and it is non-zero return a dictionary
4020 containing all the information of the mapping with the
4021 following items:
4022 "lhs" The {lhs} of the mapping.
4023 "rhs" The {rhs} of the mapping as typed.
4024 "silent" 1 for a |:map-silent| mapping, else 0.
Bram Moolenaar05365702010-10-27 18:34:44 +02004025 "noremap" 1 if the {rhs} of the mapping is not remappable.
Bram Moolenaarbd743252010-10-20 21:23:33 +02004026 "expr" 1 for an expression mapping (|:map-<expr>|).
4027 "buffer" 1 for a buffer local mapping (|:map-local|).
4028 "mode" Modes for which the mapping is defined. In
4029 addition to the modes mentioned above, these
4030 characters will be used:
4031 " " Normal, Visual and Operator-pending
4032 "!" Insert and Commandline mode
Bram Moolenaar166af9b2010-11-16 20:34:40 +01004033 (|mapmode-ic|)
Bram Moolenaar05365702010-10-27 18:34:44 +02004034 "sid" The script local ID, used for <sid> mappings
4035 (|<SID>|).
Bram Moolenaarbd743252010-10-20 21:23:33 +02004036
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004037 The mappings local to the current buffer are checked first,
4038 then the global mappings.
Bram Moolenaara40ceaf2006-01-13 22:35:40 +00004039 This function can be used to map a key even when it's already
4040 mapped, and have it do the original mapping too. Sketch: >
4041 exe 'nnoremap <Tab> ==' . maparg('<Tab>', 'n')
4042
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004043
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00004044mapcheck({name}[, {mode} [, {abbr}]]) *mapcheck()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004045 Check if there is a mapping that matches with {name} in mode
4046 {mode}. See |maparg()| for {mode} and special names in
4047 {name}.
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00004048 When {abbr} is there and it is non-zero use abbreviations
4049 instead of mappings.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004050 A match happens with a mapping that starts with {name} and
4051 with a mapping which is equal to the start of {name}.
4052
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004053 matches mapping "a" "ab" "abc" ~
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004054 mapcheck("a") yes yes yes
4055 mapcheck("abc") yes yes yes
4056 mapcheck("ax") yes no no
4057 mapcheck("b") no no no
4058
4059 The difference with maparg() is that mapcheck() finds a
4060 mapping that matches with {name}, while maparg() only finds a
4061 mapping for {name} exactly.
4062 When there is no mapping that starts with {name}, an empty
4063 String is returned. If there is one, the rhs of that mapping
4064 is returned. If there are several mappings that start with
4065 {name}, the rhs of one of them is returned.
4066 The mappings local to the current buffer are checked first,
4067 then the global mappings.
4068 This function can be used to check if a mapping can be added
4069 without being ambiguous. Example: >
4070 :if mapcheck("_vv") == ""
4071 : map _vv :set guifont=7x13<CR>
4072 :endif
4073< This avoids adding the "_vv" mapping when there already is a
4074 mapping for "_v" or for "_vvv".
4075
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00004076match({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *match()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004077 When {expr} is a |List| then this returns the index of the
4078 first item where {pat} matches. Each item is used as a
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004079 String, |Lists| and |Dictionaries| are used as echoed.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004080 Otherwise, {expr} is used as a String. The result is a
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004081 Number, which gives the index (byte offset) in {expr} where
4082 {pat} matches.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004083 A match at the first character or |List| item returns zero.
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00004084 If there is no match -1 is returned.
Bram Moolenaar20f90cf2011-05-19 12:22:51 +02004085 For getting submatches see |matchlist()|.
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00004086 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004087 :echo match("testing", "ing") " results in 4
Bram Moolenaar362e1a32006-03-06 23:29:24 +00004088 :echo match([1, 'x'], '\a') " results in 1
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004089< See |string-match| for how {pat} is used.
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00004090 *strpbrk()*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004091 Vim doesn't have a strpbrk() function. But you can do: >
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00004092 :let sepidx = match(line, '[.,;: \t]')
4093< *strcasestr()*
4094 Vim doesn't have a strcasestr() function. But you can add
4095 "\c" to the pattern to ignore case: >
4096 :let idx = match(haystack, '\cneedle')
4097<
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004098 If {start} is given, the search starts from byte index
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004099 {start} in a String or item {start} in a |List|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004100 The result, however, is still the index counted from the
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004101 first character/item. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004102 :echo match("testing", "ing", 2)
4103< result is again "4". >
4104 :echo match("testing", "ing", 4)
4105< result is again "4". >
4106 :echo match("testing", "t", 2)
4107< result is "3".
Bram Moolenaar5e3cb7e2006-02-27 23:58:35 +00004108 For a String, if {start} > 0 then it is like the string starts
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00004109 {start} bytes later, thus "^" will match at {start}. Except
4110 when {count} is given, then it's like matches before the
4111 {start} byte are ignored (this is a bit complicated to keep it
4112 backwards compatible).
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004113 For a String, if {start} < 0, it will be set to 0. For a list
4114 the index is counted from the end.
Bram Moolenaare224ffa2006-03-01 00:01:28 +00004115 If {start} is out of range ({start} > strlen({expr}) for a
4116 String or {start} > len({expr}) for a |List|) -1 is returned.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004117
Bram Moolenaar5e3cb7e2006-02-27 23:58:35 +00004118 When {count} is given use the {count}'th match. When a match
Bram Moolenaare224ffa2006-03-01 00:01:28 +00004119 is found in a String the search for the next one starts one
Bram Moolenaar5e3cb7e2006-02-27 23:58:35 +00004120 character further. Thus this example results in 1: >
4121 echo match("testing", "..", 0, 2)
4122< In a |List| the search continues in the next item.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00004123 Note that when {count} is added the way {start} works changes,
4124 see above.
Bram Moolenaar5e3cb7e2006-02-27 23:58:35 +00004125
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004126 See |pattern| for the patterns that are accepted.
4127 The 'ignorecase' option is used to set the ignore-caseness of
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004128 the pattern. 'smartcase' is NOT used. The matching is always
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004129 done like 'magic' is set and 'cpoptions' is empty.
4130
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00004131 *matchadd()* *E798* *E799* *E801*
4132matchadd({group}, {pattern}[, {priority}[, {id}]])
4133 Defines a pattern to be highlighted in the current window (a
4134 "match"). It will be highlighted with {group}. Returns an
4135 identification number (ID), which can be used to delete the
4136 match using |matchdelete()|.
4137
4138 The optional {priority} argument assigns a priority to the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004139 match. A match with a high priority will have its
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00004140 highlighting overrule that of a match with a lower priority.
4141 A priority is specified as an integer (negative numbers are no
4142 exception). If the {priority} argument is not specified, the
4143 default priority is 10. The priority of 'hlsearch' is zero,
4144 hence all matches with a priority greater than zero will
4145 overrule it. Syntax highlighting (see 'syntax') is a separate
4146 mechanism, and regardless of the chosen priority a match will
4147 always overrule syntax highlighting.
4148
4149 The optional {id} argument allows the request for a specific
4150 match ID. If a specified ID is already taken, an error
4151 message will appear and the match will not be added. An ID
4152 is specified as a positive integer (zero excluded). IDs 1, 2
4153 and 3 are reserved for |:match|, |:2match| and |:3match|,
4154 respectively. If the {id} argument is not specified,
4155 |matchadd()| automatically chooses a free ID.
4156
4157 The number of matches is not limited, as it is the case with
4158 the |:match| commands.
4159
4160 Example: >
4161 :highlight MyGroup ctermbg=green guibg=green
4162 :let m = matchadd("MyGroup", "TODO")
4163< Deletion of the pattern: >
4164 :call matchdelete(m)
4165
4166< A list of matches defined by |matchadd()| and |:match| are
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004167 available from |getmatches()|. All matches can be deleted in
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00004168 one operation by |clearmatches()|.
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00004169
4170matcharg({nr}) *matcharg()*
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004171 Selects the {nr} match item, as set with a |:match|,
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00004172 |:2match| or |:3match| command.
4173 Return a |List| with two elements:
4174 The name of the highlight group used
4175 The pattern used.
4176 When {nr} is not 1, 2 or 3 returns an empty |List|.
4177 When there is no match item set returns ['', ''].
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00004178 This is useful to save and restore a |:match|.
4179 Highlighting matches using the |:match| commands are limited
4180 to three matches. |matchadd()| does not have this limitation.
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00004181
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00004182matchdelete({id}) *matchdelete()* *E802* *E803*
4183 Deletes a match with ID {id} previously defined by |matchadd()|
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004184 or one of the |:match| commands. Returns 0 if successful,
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00004185 otherwise -1. See example for |matchadd()|. All matches can
4186 be deleted in one operation by |clearmatches()|.
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00004187
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00004188matchend({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *matchend()*
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01004189 Same as |match()|, but return the index of first character
4190 after the match. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004191 :echo matchend("testing", "ing")
4192< results in "7".
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00004193 *strspn()* *strcspn()*
4194 Vim doesn't have a strspn() or strcspn() function, but you can
4195 do it with matchend(): >
4196 :let span = matchend(line, '[a-zA-Z]')
4197 :let span = matchend(line, '[^a-zA-Z]')
4198< Except that -1 is returned when there are no matches.
4199
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01004200 The {start}, if given, has the same meaning as for |match()|. >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004201 :echo matchend("testing", "ing", 2)
4202< results in "7". >
4203 :echo matchend("testing", "ing", 5)
4204< result is "-1".
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01004205 When {expr} is a |List| the result is equal to |match()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004206
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00004207matchlist({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *matchlist()*
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01004208 Same as |match()|, but return a |List|. The first item in the
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00004209 list is the matched string, same as what matchstr() would
4210 return. Following items are submatches, like "\1", "\2", etc.
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +00004211 in |:substitute|. When an optional submatch didn't match an
4212 empty string is used. Example: >
4213 echo matchlist('acd', '\(a\)\?\(b\)\?\(c\)\?\(.*\)')
4214< Results in: ['acd', 'a', '', 'c', 'd', '', '', '', '', '']
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00004215 When there is no match an empty list is returned.
4216
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00004217matchstr({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *matchstr()*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004218 Same as |match()|, but return the matched string. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004219 :echo matchstr("testing", "ing")
4220< results in "ing".
4221 When there is no match "" is returned.
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01004222 The {start}, if given, has the same meaning as for |match()|. >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004223 :echo matchstr("testing", "ing", 2)
4224< results in "ing". >
4225 :echo matchstr("testing", "ing", 5)
4226< result is "".
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004227 When {expr} is a |List| then the matching item is returned.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004228 The type isn't changed, it's not necessarily a String.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004229
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00004230 *max()*
4231max({list}) Return the maximum value of all items in {list}.
4232 If {list} is not a list or one of the items in {list} cannot
4233 be used as a Number this results in an error.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004234 An empty |List| results in zero.
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00004235
4236 *min()*
Bram Moolenaar79166c42007-05-10 18:29:51 +00004237min({list}) Return the minimum value of all items in {list}.
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00004238 If {list} is not a list or one of the items in {list} cannot
4239 be used as a Number this results in an error.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004240 An empty |List| results in zero.
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00004241
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00004242 *mkdir()* *E739*
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004243mkdir({name} [, {path} [, {prot}]])
4244 Create directory {name}.
4245 If {path} is "p" then intermediate directories are created as
4246 necessary. Otherwise it must be "".
4247 If {prot} is given it is used to set the protection bits of
4248 the new directory. The default is 0755 (rwxr-xr-x: r/w for
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004249 the user readable for others). Use 0700 to make it unreadable
Bram Moolenaared39e1d2008-08-09 17:55:22 +00004250 for others. This is only used for the last part of {name}.
4251 Thus if you create /tmp/foo/bar then /tmp/foo will be created
4252 with 0755.
4253 Example: >
4254 :call mkdir($HOME . "/tmp/foo/bar", "p", 0700)
4255< This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004256 Not available on all systems. To check use: >
4257 :if exists("*mkdir")
4258<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004259 *mode()*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004260mode([expr]) Return a string that indicates the current mode.
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00004261 If [expr] is supplied and it evaluates to a non-zero Number or
4262 a non-empty String (|non-zero-arg|), then the full mode is
4263 returned, otherwise only the first letter is returned. Note
4264 that " " and "0" are also non-empty strings.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004265
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004266 n Normal
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004267 no Operator-pending
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004268 v Visual by character
4269 V Visual by line
4270 CTRL-V Visual blockwise
4271 s Select by character
4272 S Select by line
4273 CTRL-S Select blockwise
4274 i Insert
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004275 R Replace |R|
4276 Rv Virtual Replace |gR|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004277 c Command-line
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004278 cv Vim Ex mode |gQ|
4279 ce Normal Ex mode |Q|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004280 r Hit-enter prompt
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004281 rm The -- more -- prompt
4282 r? A |:confirm| query of some sort
4283 ! Shell or external command is executing
4284 This is useful in the 'statusline' option or when used
4285 with |remote_expr()| In most other places it always returns
4286 "c" or "n".
4287 Also see |visualmode()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004288
Bram Moolenaar7e506b62010-01-19 15:55:06 +01004289mzeval({expr}) *mzeval()*
4290 Evaluate MzScheme expression {expr} and return its result
4291 convert to Vim data structures.
4292 Numbers and strings are returned as they are.
4293 Pairs (including lists and improper lists) and vectors are
4294 returned as Vim |Lists|.
4295 Hash tables are represented as Vim |Dictionary| type with keys
4296 converted to strings.
4297 All other types are converted to string with display function.
4298 Examples: >
4299 :mz (define l (list 1 2 3))
4300 :mz (define h (make-hash)) (hash-set! h "list" l)
4301 :echo mzeval("l")
4302 :echo mzeval("h")
4303<
4304 {only available when compiled with the |+mzscheme| feature}
4305
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004306nextnonblank({lnum}) *nextnonblank()*
4307 Return the line number of the first line at or below {lnum}
4308 that is not blank. Example: >
4309 if getline(nextnonblank(1)) =~ "Java"
4310< When {lnum} is invalid or there is no non-blank line at or
4311 below it, zero is returned.
4312 See also |prevnonblank()|.
4313
4314nr2char({expr}) *nr2char()*
4315 Return a string with a single character, which has the number
4316 value {expr}. Examples: >
4317 nr2char(64) returns "@"
4318 nr2char(32) returns " "
4319< The current 'encoding' is used. Example for "utf-8": >
4320 nr2char(300) returns I with bow character
4321< Note that a NUL character in the file is specified with
4322 nr2char(10), because NULs are represented with newline
4323 characters. nr2char(0) is a real NUL and terminates the
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +00004324 string, thus results in an empty string.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004325
Bram Moolenaar18081e32008-02-20 19:11:07 +00004326 *getpid()*
4327getpid() Return a Number which is the process ID of the Vim process.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004328 On Unix and MS-Windows this is a unique number, until Vim
4329 exits. On MS-DOS it's always zero.
Bram Moolenaar18081e32008-02-20 19:11:07 +00004330
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00004331 *getpos()*
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00004332getpos({expr}) Get the position for {expr}. For possible values of {expr}
4333 see |line()|.
4334 The result is a |List| with four numbers:
4335 [bufnum, lnum, col, off]
4336 "bufnum" is zero, unless a mark like '0 or 'A is used, then it
4337 is the buffer number of the mark.
4338 "lnum" and "col" are the position in the buffer. The first
4339 column is 1.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00004340 The "off" number is zero, unless 'virtualedit' is used. Then
4341 it is the offset in screen columns from the start of the
Bram Moolenaard46bbc72007-05-12 14:38:41 +00004342 character. E.g., a position within a <Tab> or after the last
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00004343 character.
4344 This can be used to save and restore the cursor position: >
4345 let save_cursor = getpos(".")
4346 MoveTheCursorAround
Bram Moolenaardb552d602006-03-23 22:59:57 +00004347 call setpos('.', save_cursor)
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00004348< Also see |setpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00004349
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00004350pathshorten({expr}) *pathshorten()*
4351 Shorten directory names in the path {expr} and return the
4352 result. The tail, the file name, is kept as-is. The other
4353 components in the path are reduced to single letters. Leading
4354 '~' and '.' characters are kept. Example: >
4355 :echo pathshorten('~/.vim/autoload/myfile.vim')
4356< ~/.v/a/myfile.vim ~
4357 It doesn't matter if the path exists or not.
4358
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004359pow({x}, {y}) *pow()*
4360 Return the power of {x} to the exponent {y} as a |Float|.
4361 {x} and {y} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
4362 Examples: >
4363 :echo pow(3, 3)
4364< 27.0 >
4365 :echo pow(2, 16)
4366< 65536.0 >
4367 :echo pow(32, 0.20)
4368< 2.0
4369 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
4370
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00004371prevnonblank({lnum}) *prevnonblank()*
4372 Return the line number of the first line at or above {lnum}
4373 that is not blank. Example: >
4374 let ind = indent(prevnonblank(v:lnum - 1))
4375< When {lnum} is invalid or there is no non-blank line at or
4376 above it, zero is returned.
4377 Also see |nextnonblank()|.
4378
4379
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004380printf({fmt}, {expr1} ...) *printf()*
4381 Return a String with {fmt}, where "%" items are replaced by
4382 the formatted form of their respective arguments. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004383 printf("%4d: E%d %.30s", lnum, errno, msg)
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004384< May result in:
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004385 " 99: E42 asdfasdfasdfasdfasdfasdfasdfas" ~
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004386
4387 Often used items are:
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004388 %s string
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00004389 %6s string right-aligned in 6 bytes
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004390 %.9s string truncated to 9 bytes
4391 %c single byte
4392 %d decimal number
4393 %5d decimal number padded with spaces to 5 characters
4394 %x hex number
4395 %04x hex number padded with zeros to at least 4 characters
4396 %X hex number using upper case letters
4397 %o octal number
4398 %f floating point number in the form 123.456
4399 %e floating point number in the form 1.234e3
4400 %E floating point number in the form 1.234E3
4401 %g floating point number, as %f or %e depending on value
4402 %G floating point number, as %f or %E depending on value
4403 %% the % character itself
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004404
4405 Conversion specifications start with '%' and end with the
4406 conversion type. All other characters are copied unchanged to
4407 the result.
4408
4409 The "%" starts a conversion specification. The following
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004410 arguments appear in sequence:
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004411
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004412 % [flags] [field-width] [.precision] type
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004413
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004414 flags
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004415 Zero or more of the following flags:
4416
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004417 # The value should be converted to an "alternate
4418 form". For c, d, and s conversions, this option
4419 has no effect. For o conversions, the precision
4420 of the number is increased to force the first
4421 character of the output string to a zero (except
4422 if a zero value is printed with an explicit
4423 precision of zero).
4424 For x and X conversions, a non-zero result has
4425 the string "0x" (or "0X" for X conversions)
4426 prepended to it.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004427
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004428 0 (zero) Zero padding. For all conversions the converted
4429 value is padded on the left with zeros rather
4430 than blanks. If a precision is given with a
4431 numeric conversion (d, o, x, and X), the 0 flag
4432 is ignored.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004433
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004434 - A negative field width flag; the converted value
4435 is to be left adjusted on the field boundary.
4436 The converted value is padded on the right with
4437 blanks, rather than on the left with blanks or
4438 zeros. A - overrides a 0 if both are given.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004439
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004440 ' ' (space) A blank should be left before a positive
4441 number produced by a signed conversion (d).
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004442
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004443 + A sign must always be placed before a number
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004444 produced by a signed conversion. A + overrides
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004445 a space if both are used.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004446
4447 field-width
4448 An optional decimal digit string specifying a minimum
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00004449 field width. If the converted value has fewer bytes
4450 than the field width, it will be padded with spaces on
4451 the left (or right, if the left-adjustment flag has
4452 been given) to fill out the field width.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004453
4454 .precision
4455 An optional precision, in the form of a period '.'
4456 followed by an optional digit string. If the digit
4457 string is omitted, the precision is taken as zero.
4458 This gives the minimum number of digits to appear for
4459 d, o, x, and X conversions, or the maximum number of
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00004460 bytes to be printed from a string for s conversions.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004461 For floating point it is the number of digits after
4462 the decimal point.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004463
4464 type
4465 A character that specifies the type of conversion to
4466 be applied, see below.
4467
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004468 A field width or precision, or both, may be indicated by an
4469 asterisk '*' instead of a digit string. In this case, a
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004470 Number argument supplies the field width or precision. A
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004471 negative field width is treated as a left adjustment flag
4472 followed by a positive field width; a negative precision is
4473 treated as though it were missing. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004474 :echo printf("%d: %.*s", nr, width, line)
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004475< This limits the length of the text used from "line" to
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004476 "width" bytes.
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004477
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004478 The conversion specifiers and their meanings are:
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004479
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004480 *printf-d* *printf-o* *printf-x* *printf-X*
4481 doxX The Number argument is converted to signed decimal
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004482 (d), unsigned octal (o), or unsigned hexadecimal (x
4483 and X) notation. The letters "abcdef" are used for
4484 x conversions; the letters "ABCDEF" are used for X
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004485 conversions.
4486 The precision, if any, gives the minimum number of
4487 digits that must appear; if the converted value
4488 requires fewer digits, it is padded on the left with
4489 zeros.
4490 In no case does a non-existent or small field width
4491 cause truncation of a numeric field; if the result of
4492 a conversion is wider than the field width, the field
4493 is expanded to contain the conversion result.
4494
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004495 *printf-c*
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004496 c The Number argument is converted to a byte, and the
4497 resulting character is written.
4498
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004499 *printf-s*
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004500 s The text of the String argument is used. If a
4501 precision is specified, no more bytes than the number
4502 specified are used.
4503
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004504 *printf-f* *E807*
4505 f The Float argument is converted into a string of the
4506 form 123.456. The precision specifies the number of
4507 digits after the decimal point. When the precision is
4508 zero the decimal point is omitted. When the precision
4509 is not specified 6 is used. A really big number
4510 (out of range or dividing by zero) results in "inf".
4511 "0.0 / 0.0" results in "nan".
4512 Example: >
4513 echo printf("%.2f", 12.115)
4514< 12.12
4515 Note that roundoff depends on the system libraries.
4516 Use |round()| when in doubt.
4517
4518 *printf-e* *printf-E*
4519 e E The Float argument is converted into a string of the
4520 form 1.234e+03 or 1.234E+03 when using 'E'. The
4521 precision specifies the number of digits after the
4522 decimal point, like with 'f'.
4523
4524 *printf-g* *printf-G*
4525 g G The Float argument is converted like with 'f' if the
4526 value is between 0.001 (inclusive) and 10000000.0
4527 (exclusive). Otherwise 'e' is used for 'g' and 'E'
4528 for 'G'. When no precision is specified superfluous
4529 zeroes and '+' signs are removed, except for the zero
4530 immediately after the decimal point. Thus 10000000.0
4531 results in 1.0e7.
4532
4533 *printf-%*
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004534 % A '%' is written. No argument is converted. The
4535 complete conversion specification is "%%".
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004536
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00004537 When a Number argument is expected a String argument is also
4538 accepted and automatically converted.
4539 When a Float or String argument is expected a Number argument
4540 is also accepted and automatically converted.
4541 Any other argument type results in an error message.
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004542
Bram Moolenaar83bab712005-08-01 21:58:57 +00004543 *E766* *E767*
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004544 The number of {exprN} arguments must exactly match the number
4545 of "%" items. If there are not sufficient or too many
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004546 arguments an error is given. Up to 18 arguments can be used.
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004547
4548
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00004549pumvisible() *pumvisible()*
4550 Returns non-zero when the popup menu is visible, zero
4551 otherwise. See |ins-completion-menu|.
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004552 This can be used to avoid some things that would remove the
4553 popup menu.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004554
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004555 *E726* *E727*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004556range({expr} [, {max} [, {stride}]]) *range()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004557 Returns a |List| with Numbers:
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004558 - If only {expr} is specified: [0, 1, ..., {expr} - 1]
4559 - If {max} is specified: [{expr}, {expr} + 1, ..., {max}]
4560 - If {stride} is specified: [{expr}, {expr} + {stride}, ...,
4561 {max}] (increasing {expr} with {stride} each time, not
4562 producing a value past {max}).
Bram Moolenaare7566042005-06-17 22:00:15 +00004563 When the maximum is one before the start the result is an
4564 empty list. When the maximum is more than one before the
4565 start this is an error.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004566 Examples: >
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004567 range(4) " [0, 1, 2, 3]
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004568 range(2, 4) " [2, 3, 4]
4569 range(2, 9, 3) " [2, 5, 8]
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004570 range(2, -2, -1) " [2, 1, 0, -1, -2]
Bram Moolenaare7566042005-06-17 22:00:15 +00004571 range(0) " []
4572 range(2, 0) " error!
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004573<
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00004574 *readfile()*
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004575readfile({fname} [, {binary} [, {max}]])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004576 Read file {fname} and return a |List|, each line of the file
4577 as an item. Lines broken at NL characters. Macintosh files
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00004578 separated with CR will result in a single long line (unless a
4579 NL appears somewhere).
Bram Moolenaar06583f12010-08-07 20:30:49 +02004580 All NUL characters are replaced with a NL character.
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00004581 When {binary} is equal to "b" binary mode is used:
4582 - When the last line ends in a NL an extra empty list item is
4583 added.
4584 - No CR characters are removed.
4585 Otherwise:
4586 - CR characters that appear before a NL are removed.
4587 - Whether the last line ends in a NL or not does not matter.
Bram Moolenaar06583f12010-08-07 20:30:49 +02004588 - When 'encoding' is Unicode any UTF-8 byte order mark is
4589 removed from the text.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004590 When {max} is given this specifies the maximum number of lines
4591 to be read. Useful if you only want to check the first ten
4592 lines of a file: >
4593 :for line in readfile(fname, '', 10)
4594 : if line =~ 'Date' | echo line | endif
4595 :endfor
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00004596< When {max} is negative -{max} lines from the end of the file
4597 are returned, or as many as there are.
4598 When {max} is zero the result is an empty list.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004599 Note that without {max} the whole file is read into memory.
4600 Also note that there is no recognition of encoding. Read a
4601 file into a buffer if you need to.
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00004602 When the file can't be opened an error message is given and
4603 the result is an empty list.
4604 Also see |writefile()|.
4605
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00004606reltime([{start} [, {end}]]) *reltime()*
4607 Return an item that represents a time value. The format of
4608 the item depends on the system. It can be passed to
4609 |reltimestr()| to convert it to a string.
4610 Without an argument it returns the current time.
4611 With one argument is returns the time passed since the time
4612 specified in the argument.
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00004613 With two arguments it returns the time passed between {start}
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00004614 and {end}.
4615 The {start} and {end} arguments must be values returned by
4616 reltime().
Bram Moolenaardb84e452010-08-15 13:50:43 +02004617 {only available when compiled with the |+reltime| feature}
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00004618
4619reltimestr({time}) *reltimestr()*
4620 Return a String that represents the time value of {time}.
4621 This is the number of seconds, a dot and the number of
4622 microseconds. Example: >
4623 let start = reltime()
4624 call MyFunction()
4625 echo reltimestr(reltime(start))
4626< Note that overhead for the commands will be added to the time.
4627 The accuracy depends on the system.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00004628 Leading spaces are used to make the string align nicely. You
4629 can use split() to remove it. >
4630 echo split(reltimestr(reltime(start)))[0]
4631< Also see |profiling|.
Bram Moolenaardb84e452010-08-15 13:50:43 +02004632 {only available when compiled with the |+reltime| feature}
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00004633
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004634 *remote_expr()* *E449*
4635remote_expr({server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004636 Send the {string} to {server}. The string is sent as an
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004637 expression and the result is returned after evaluation.
Bram Moolenaar362e1a32006-03-06 23:29:24 +00004638 The result must be a String or a |List|. A |List| is turned
4639 into a String by joining the items with a line break in
4640 between (not at the end), like with join(expr, "\n").
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004641 If {idvar} is present, it is taken as the name of a
4642 variable and a {serverid} for later use with
4643 remote_read() is stored there.
4644 See also |clientserver| |RemoteReply|.
4645 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4646 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
4647 Note: Any errors will cause a local error message to be issued
4648 and the result will be the empty string.
4649 Examples: >
4650 :echo remote_expr("gvim", "2+2")
4651 :echo remote_expr("gvim1", "b:current_syntax")
4652<
4653
4654remote_foreground({server}) *remote_foreground()*
4655 Move the Vim server with the name {server} to the foreground.
4656 This works like: >
4657 remote_expr({server}, "foreground()")
4658< Except that on Win32 systems the client does the work, to work
4659 around the problem that the OS doesn't always allow the server
4660 to bring itself to the foreground.
Bram Moolenaar9372a112005-12-06 19:59:18 +00004661 Note: This does not restore the window if it was minimized,
4662 like foreground() does.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004663 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4664 {only in the Win32, Athena, Motif and GTK GUI versions and the
4665 Win32 console version}
4666
4667
4668remote_peek({serverid} [, {retvar}]) *remote_peek()*
4669 Returns a positive number if there are available strings
4670 from {serverid}. Copies any reply string into the variable
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004671 {retvar} if specified. {retvar} must be a string with the
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004672 name of a variable.
4673 Returns zero if none are available.
4674 Returns -1 if something is wrong.
4675 See also |clientserver|.
4676 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4677 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
4678 Examples: >
4679 :let repl = ""
4680 :echo "PEEK: ".remote_peek(id, "repl").": ".repl
4681
4682remote_read({serverid}) *remote_read()*
4683 Return the oldest available reply from {serverid} and consume
4684 it. It blocks until a reply is available.
4685 See also |clientserver|.
4686 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4687 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
4688 Example: >
4689 :echo remote_read(id)
4690<
4691 *remote_send()* *E241*
4692remote_send({server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004693 Send the {string} to {server}. The string is sent as input
Bram Moolenaard4755bb2004-09-02 19:12:26 +00004694 keys and the function returns immediately. At the Vim server
4695 the keys are not mapped |:map|.
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00004696 If {idvar} is present, it is taken as the name of a variable
4697 and a {serverid} for later use with remote_read() is stored
4698 there.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004699 See also |clientserver| |RemoteReply|.
4700 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4701 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
4702 Note: Any errors will be reported in the server and may mess
4703 up the display.
4704 Examples: >
4705 :echo remote_send("gvim", ":DropAndReply ".file, "serverid").
4706 \ remote_read(serverid)
4707
4708 :autocmd NONE RemoteReply *
4709 \ echo remote_read(expand("<amatch>"))
4710 :echo remote_send("gvim", ":sleep 10 | echo ".
4711 \ 'server2client(expand("<client>"), "HELLO")<CR>')
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004712<
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00004713remove({list}, {idx} [, {end}]) *remove()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004714 Without {end}: Remove the item at {idx} from |List| {list} and
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01004715 return the item.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00004716 With {end}: Remove items from {idx} to {end} (inclusive) and
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01004717 return a List with these items. When {idx} points to the same
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00004718 item as {end} a list with one item is returned. When {end}
4719 points to an item before {idx} this is an error.
4720 See |list-index| for possible values of {idx} and {end}.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00004721 Example: >
4722 :echo "last item: " . remove(mylist, -1)
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00004723 :call remove(mylist, 0, 9)
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004724remove({dict}, {key})
4725 Remove the entry from {dict} with key {key}. Example: >
4726 :echo "removed " . remove(dict, "one")
4727< If there is no {key} in {dict} this is an error.
4728
4729 Use |delete()| to remove a file.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00004730
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004731rename({from}, {to}) *rename()*
4732 Rename the file by the name {from} to the name {to}. This
4733 should also work to move files across file systems. The
4734 result is a Number, which is 0 if the file was renamed
4735 successfully, and non-zero when the renaming failed.
Bram Moolenaar798b30b2009-04-22 10:56:16 +00004736 NOTE: If {to} exists it is overwritten without warning.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004737 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4738
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00004739repeat({expr}, {count}) *repeat()*
4740 Repeat {expr} {count} times and return the concatenated
4741 result. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00004742 :let separator = repeat('-', 80)
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00004743< When {count} is zero or negative the result is empty.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004744 When {expr} is a |List| the result is {expr} concatenated
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004745 {count} times. Example: >
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00004746 :let longlist = repeat(['a', 'b'], 3)
4747< Results in ['a', 'b', 'a', 'b', 'a', 'b'].
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00004748
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004749
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004750resolve({filename}) *resolve()* *E655*
4751 On MS-Windows, when {filename} is a shortcut (a .lnk file),
4752 returns the path the shortcut points to in a simplified form.
4753 On Unix, repeat resolving symbolic links in all path
4754 components of {filename} and return the simplified result.
4755 To cope with link cycles, resolving of symbolic links is
4756 stopped after 100 iterations.
4757 On other systems, return the simplified {filename}.
4758 The simplification step is done as by |simplify()|.
4759 resolve() keeps a leading path component specifying the
4760 current directory (provided the result is still a relative
4761 path name) and also keeps a trailing path separator.
4762
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004763 *reverse()*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004764reverse({list}) Reverse the order of items in {list} in-place. Returns
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004765 {list}.
4766 If you want a list to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
4767 :let revlist = reverse(copy(mylist))
4768
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004769round({expr}) *round()*
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00004770 Round off {expr} to the nearest integral value and return it
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004771 as a |Float|. If {expr} lies halfway between two integral
4772 values, then use the larger one (away from zero).
4773 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
4774 Examples: >
4775 echo round(0.456)
4776< 0.0 >
4777 echo round(4.5)
4778< 5.0 >
4779 echo round(-4.5)
4780< -5.0
4781 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
4782
4783
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00004784search({pattern} [, {flags} [, {stopline} [, {timeout}]]]) *search()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004785 Search for regexp pattern {pattern}. The search starts at the
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +00004786 cursor position (you can use |cursor()| to set it).
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00004787
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004788 {flags} is a String, which can contain these character flags:
4789 'b' search backward instead of forward
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004790 'c' accept a match at the cursor position
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004791 'e' move to the End of the match
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00004792 'n' do Not move the cursor
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004793 'p' return number of matching sub-pattern (see below)
4794 's' set the ' mark at the previous location of the cursor
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004795 'w' wrap around the end of the file
4796 'W' don't wrap around the end of the file
4797 If neither 'w' or 'W' is given, the 'wrapscan' option applies.
4798
Bram Moolenaar02743632005-07-25 20:42:36 +00004799 If the 's' flag is supplied, the ' mark is set, only if the
4800 cursor is moved. The 's' flag cannot be combined with the 'n'
4801 flag.
4802
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00004803 'ignorecase', 'smartcase' and 'magic' are used.
4804
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004805 When the {stopline} argument is given then the search stops
4806 after searching this line. This is useful to restrict the
4807 search to a range of lines. Examples: >
4808 let match = search('(', 'b', line("w0"))
4809 let end = search('END', '', line("w$"))
4810< When {stopline} is used and it is not zero this also implies
4811 that the search does not wrap around the end of the file.
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00004812 A zero value is equal to not giving the argument.
4813
4814 When the {timeout} argument is given the search stops when
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004815 more than this many milli seconds have passed. Thus when
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00004816 {timeout} is 500 the search stops after half a second.
4817 The value must not be negative. A zero value is like not
4818 giving the argument.
Bram Moolenaardb84e452010-08-15 13:50:43 +02004819 {only available when compiled with the |+reltime| feature}
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004820
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00004821 If there is no match a 0 is returned and the cursor doesn't
4822 move. No error message is given.
Bram Moolenaar362e1a32006-03-06 23:29:24 +00004823 When a match has been found its line number is returned.
4824 *search()-sub-match*
4825 With the 'p' flag the returned value is one more than the
4826 first sub-match in \(\). One if none of them matched but the
4827 whole pattern did match.
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004828 To get the column number too use |searchpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004829
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004830 The cursor will be positioned at the match, unless the 'n'
4831 flag is used.
4832
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004833 Example (goes over all files in the argument list): >
4834 :let n = 1
4835 :while n <= argc() " loop over all files in arglist
4836 : exe "argument " . n
4837 : " start at the last char in the file and wrap for the
4838 : " first search to find match at start of file
4839 : normal G$
4840 : let flags = "w"
4841 : while search("foo", flags) > 0
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004842 : s/foo/bar/g
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004843 : let flags = "W"
4844 : endwhile
4845 : update " write the file if modified
4846 : let n = n + 1
4847 :endwhile
4848<
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004849 Example for using some flags: >
4850 :echo search('\<if\|\(else\)\|\(endif\)', 'ncpe')
4851< This will search for the keywords "if", "else", and "endif"
4852 under or after the cursor. Because of the 'p' flag, it
4853 returns 1, 2, or 3 depending on which keyword is found, or 0
4854 if the search fails. With the cursor on the first word of the
4855 line:
4856 if (foo == 0) | let foo = foo + 1 | endif ~
4857 the function returns 1. Without the 'c' flag, the function
4858 finds the "endif" and returns 3. The same thing happens
4859 without the 'e' flag if the cursor is on the "f" of "if".
4860 The 'n' flag tells the function not to move the cursor.
4861
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00004862
Bram Moolenaarf75a9632005-09-13 21:20:47 +00004863searchdecl({name} [, {global} [, {thisblock}]]) *searchdecl()*
4864 Search for the declaration of {name}.
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004865
Bram Moolenaarf75a9632005-09-13 21:20:47 +00004866 With a non-zero {global} argument it works like |gD|, find
4867 first match in the file. Otherwise it works like |gd|, find
4868 first match in the function.
4869
4870 With a non-zero {thisblock} argument matches in a {} block
4871 that ends before the cursor position are ignored. Avoids
4872 finding variable declarations only valid in another scope.
4873
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00004874 Moves the cursor to the found match.
4875 Returns zero for success, non-zero for failure.
4876 Example: >
4877 if searchdecl('myvar') == 0
4878 echo getline('.')
4879 endif
4880<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004881 *searchpair()*
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00004882searchpair({start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip}
4883 [, {stopline} [, {timeout}]]]])
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004884 Search for the match of a nested start-end pair. This can be
4885 used to find the "endif" that matches an "if", while other
4886 if/endif pairs in between are ignored.
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00004887 The search starts at the cursor. The default is to search
4888 forward, include 'b' in {flags} to search backward.
4889 If a match is found, the cursor is positioned at it and the
4890 line number is returned. If no match is found 0 or -1 is
4891 returned and the cursor doesn't move. No error message is
4892 given.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004893
4894 {start}, {middle} and {end} are patterns, see |pattern|. They
4895 must not contain \( \) pairs. Use of \%( \) is allowed. When
4896 {middle} is not empty, it is found when searching from either
4897 direction, but only when not in a nested start-end pair. A
4898 typical use is: >
4899 searchpair('\<if\>', '\<else\>', '\<endif\>')
4900< By leaving {middle} empty the "else" is skipped.
4901
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004902 {flags} 'b', 'c', 'n', 's', 'w' and 'W' are used like with
4903 |search()|. Additionally:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004904 'r' Repeat until no more matches found; will find the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004905 outer pair. Implies the 'W' flag.
4906 'm' Return number of matches instead of line number with
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004907 the match; will be > 1 when 'r' is used.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004908 Note: it's nearly always a good idea to use the 'W' flag, to
4909 avoid wrapping around the end of the file.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004910
4911 When a match for {start}, {middle} or {end} is found, the
4912 {skip} expression is evaluated with the cursor positioned on
4913 the start of the match. It should return non-zero if this
4914 match is to be skipped. E.g., because it is inside a comment
4915 or a string.
4916 When {skip} is omitted or empty, every match is accepted.
4917 When evaluating {skip} causes an error the search is aborted
4918 and -1 returned.
4919
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00004920 For {stopline} and {timeout} see |search()|.
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004921
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004922 The value of 'ignorecase' is used. 'magic' is ignored, the
4923 patterns are used like it's on.
4924
4925 The search starts exactly at the cursor. A match with
4926 {start}, {middle} or {end} at the next character, in the
4927 direction of searching, is the first one found. Example: >
4928 if 1
4929 if 2
4930 endif 2
4931 endif 1
4932< When starting at the "if 2", with the cursor on the "i", and
4933 searching forwards, the "endif 2" is found. When starting on
4934 the character just before the "if 2", the "endif 1" will be
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004935 found. That's because the "if 2" will be found first, and
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004936 then this is considered to be a nested if/endif from "if 2" to
4937 "endif 2".
4938 When searching backwards and {end} is more than one character,
4939 it may be useful to put "\zs" at the end of the pattern, so
4940 that when the cursor is inside a match with the end it finds
4941 the matching start.
4942
4943 Example, to find the "endif" command in a Vim script: >
4944
4945 :echo searchpair('\<if\>', '\<el\%[seif]\>', '\<en\%[dif]\>', 'W',
4946 \ 'getline(".") =~ "^\\s*\""')
4947
4948< The cursor must be at or after the "if" for which a match is
4949 to be found. Note that single-quote strings are used to avoid
4950 having to double the backslashes. The skip expression only
4951 catches comments at the start of a line, not after a command.
4952 Also, a word "en" or "if" halfway a line is considered a
4953 match.
4954 Another example, to search for the matching "{" of a "}": >
4955
4956 :echo searchpair('{', '', '}', 'bW')
4957
4958< This works when the cursor is at or before the "}" for which a
4959 match is to be found. To reject matches that syntax
4960 highlighting recognized as strings: >
4961
4962 :echo searchpair('{', '', '}', 'bW',
4963 \ 'synIDattr(synID(line("."), col("."), 0), "name") =~? "string"')
4964<
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00004965 *searchpairpos()*
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00004966searchpairpos({start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip}
4967 [, {stopline} [, {timeout}]]]])
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01004968 Same as |searchpair()|, but returns a |List| with the line and
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004969 column position of the match. The first element of the |List|
4970 is the line number and the second element is the byte index of
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00004971 the column position of the match. If no match is found,
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02004972 returns [0, 0]. >
4973
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00004974 :let [lnum,col] = searchpairpos('{', '', '}', 'n')
4975<
4976 See |match-parens| for a bigger and more useful example.
4977
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00004978searchpos({pattern} [, {flags} [, {stopline} [, {timeout}]]]) *searchpos()*
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004979 Same as |search()|, but returns a |List| with the line and
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004980 column position of the match. The first element of the |List|
4981 is the line number and the second element is the byte index of
4982 the column position of the match. If no match is found,
4983 returns [0, 0].
Bram Moolenaar362e1a32006-03-06 23:29:24 +00004984 Example: >
4985 :let [lnum, col] = searchpos('mypattern', 'n')
4986
4987< When the 'p' flag is given then there is an extra item with
4988 the sub-pattern match number |search()-sub-match|. Example: >
4989 :let [lnum, col, submatch] = searchpos('\(\l\)\|\(\u\)', 'np')
4990< In this example "submatch" is 2 when a lowercase letter is
4991 found |/\l|, 3 when an uppercase letter is found |/\u|.
4992
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004993server2client( {clientid}, {string}) *server2client()*
4994 Send a reply string to {clientid}. The most recent {clientid}
4995 that sent a string can be retrieved with expand("<client>").
4996 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
4997 Note:
4998 This id has to be stored before the next command can be
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004999 received. I.e. before returning from the received command and
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005000 before calling any commands that waits for input.
5001 See also |clientserver|.
5002 Example: >
5003 :echo server2client(expand("<client>"), "HELLO")
5004<
5005serverlist() *serverlist()*
5006 Return a list of available server names, one per line.
5007 When there are no servers or the information is not available
5008 an empty string is returned. See also |clientserver|.
5009 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
5010 Example: >
5011 :echo serverlist()
5012<
5013setbufvar({expr}, {varname}, {val}) *setbufvar()*
5014 Set option or local variable {varname} in buffer {expr} to
5015 {val}.
5016 This also works for a global or local window option, but it
5017 doesn't work for a global or local window variable.
5018 For a local window option the global value is unchanged.
5019 For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above.
5020 Note that the variable name without "b:" must be used.
5021 Examples: >
5022 :call setbufvar(1, "&mod", 1)
5023 :call setbufvar("todo", "myvar", "foobar")
5024< This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
5025
5026setcmdpos({pos}) *setcmdpos()*
5027 Set the cursor position in the command line to byte position
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005028 {pos}. The first position is 1.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005029 Use |getcmdpos()| to obtain the current position.
5030 Only works while editing the command line, thus you must use
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00005031 |c_CTRL-\_e|, |c_CTRL-R_=| or |c_CTRL-R_CTRL-R| with '='. For
5032 |c_CTRL-\_e| and |c_CTRL-R_CTRL-R| with '=' the position is
5033 set after the command line is set to the expression. For
5034 |c_CTRL-R_=| it is set after evaluating the expression but
5035 before inserting the resulting text.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005036 When the number is too big the cursor is put at the end of the
5037 line. A number smaller than one has undefined results.
5038 Returns 0 when successful, 1 when not editing the command
5039 line.
5040
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005041setline({lnum}, {text}) *setline()*
5042 Set line {lnum} of the current buffer to {text}.
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00005043 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005044 When {lnum} is just below the last line the {text} will be
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00005045 added as a new line.
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00005046 If this succeeds, 0 is returned. If this fails (most likely
5047 because {lnum} is invalid) 1 is returned. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005048 :call setline(5, strftime("%c"))
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005049< When {text} is a |List| then line {lnum} and following lines
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00005050 will be set to the items in the list. Example: >
5051 :call setline(5, ['aaa', 'bbb', 'ccc'])
5052< This is equivalent to: >
5053 :for [n, l] in [[5, 6, 7], ['aaa', 'bbb', 'ccc']]
5054 : call setline(n, l)
5055 :endfor
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005056< Note: The '[ and '] marks are not set.
5057
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00005058setloclist({nr}, {list} [, {action}]) *setloclist()*
5059 Create or replace or add to the location list for window {nr}.
5060 When {nr} is zero the current window is used. For a location
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00005061 list window, the displayed location list is modified. For an
5062 invalid window number {nr}, -1 is returned.
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00005063 Otherwise, same as |setqflist()|.
5064 Also see |location-list|.
5065
5066setmatches({list}) *setmatches()*
5067 Restores a list of matches saved by |getmatches()|. Returns 0
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005068 if successful, otherwise -1. All current matches are cleared
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00005069 before the list is restored. See example for |getmatches()|.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00005070
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00005071 *setpos()*
5072setpos({expr}, {list})
5073 Set the position for {expr}. Possible values:
5074 . the cursor
5075 'x mark x
5076
5077 {list} must be a |List| with four numbers:
5078 [bufnum, lnum, col, off]
5079
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005080 "bufnum" is the buffer number. Zero can be used for the
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00005081 current buffer. Setting the cursor is only possible for
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00005082 the current buffer. To set a mark in another buffer you can
5083 use the |bufnr()| function to turn a file name into a buffer
5084 number.
Bram Moolenaardb552d602006-03-23 22:59:57 +00005085 Does not change the jumplist.
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00005086
5087 "lnum" and "col" are the position in the buffer. The first
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01005088 column is 1. Use a zero "lnum" to delete a mark. If "col" is
5089 smaller than 1 then 1 is used.
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00005090
5091 The "off" number is only used when 'virtualedit' is set. Then
5092 it is the offset in screen columns from the start of the
Bram Moolenaard46bbc72007-05-12 14:38:41 +00005093 character. E.g., a position within a <Tab> or after the last
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00005094 character.
5095
Bram Moolenaar08250432008-02-13 11:42:46 +00005096 Returns 0 when the position could be set, -1 otherwise.
5097 An error message is given if {expr} is invalid.
5098
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00005099 Also see |getpos()|
5100
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00005101 This does not restore the preferred column for moving
5102 vertically. See |winrestview()| for that.
5103
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00005104
Bram Moolenaar35c54e52005-05-20 21:25:31 +00005105setqflist({list} [, {action}]) *setqflist()*
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00005106 Create or replace or add to the quickfix list using the items
5107 in {list}. Each item in {list} is a dictionary.
5108 Non-dictionary items in {list} are ignored. Each dictionary
5109 item can contain the following entries:
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00005110
Bram Moolenaar48b66fb2007-02-04 01:58:18 +00005111 bufnr buffer number; must be the number of a valid
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005112 buffer
Bram Moolenaar48b66fb2007-02-04 01:58:18 +00005113 filename name of a file; only used when "bufnr" is not
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005114 present or it is invalid.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00005115 lnum line number in the file
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00005116 pattern search pattern used to locate the error
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00005117 col column number
5118 vcol when non-zero: "col" is visual column
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00005119 when zero: "col" is byte index
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00005120 nr error number
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00005121 text description of the error
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00005122 type single-character error type, 'E', 'W', etc.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00005123
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00005124 The "col", "vcol", "nr", "type" and "text" entries are
5125 optional. Either "lnum" or "pattern" entry can be used to
5126 locate a matching error line.
Bram Moolenaar48b66fb2007-02-04 01:58:18 +00005127 If the "filename" and "bufnr" entries are not present or
5128 neither the "lnum" or "pattern" entries are present, then the
5129 item will not be handled as an error line.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00005130 If both "pattern" and "lnum" are present then "pattern" will
5131 be used.
Bram Moolenaar00a927d2010-05-14 23:24:24 +02005132 If you supply an empty {list}, the quickfix list will be
5133 cleared.
Bram Moolenaar48b66fb2007-02-04 01:58:18 +00005134 Note that the list is not exactly the same as what
5135 |getqflist()| returns.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00005136
Bram Moolenaar35c54e52005-05-20 21:25:31 +00005137 If {action} is set to 'a', then the items from {list} are
5138 added to the existing quickfix list. If there is no existing
5139 list, then a new list is created. If {action} is set to 'r',
5140 then the items from the current quickfix list are replaced
5141 with the items from {list}. If {action} is not present or is
5142 set to ' ', then a new list is created.
5143
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00005144 Returns zero for success, -1 for failure.
5145
5146 This function can be used to create a quickfix list
5147 independent of the 'errorformat' setting. Use a command like
5148 ":cc 1" to jump to the first position.
5149
5150
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005151 *setreg()*
5152setreg({regname}, {value} [,{options}])
5153 Set the register {regname} to {value}.
5154 If {options} contains "a" or {regname} is upper case,
5155 then the value is appended.
Bram Moolenaarc6485bc2010-07-28 17:02:55 +02005156 {options} can also contain a register type specification:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005157 "c" or "v" |characterwise| mode
5158 "l" or "V" |linewise| mode
5159 "b" or "<CTRL-V>" |blockwise-visual| mode
5160 If a number immediately follows "b" or "<CTRL-V>" then this is
5161 used as the width of the selection - if it is not specified
5162 then the width of the block is set to the number of characters
Bram Moolenaard46bbc72007-05-12 14:38:41 +00005163 in the longest line (counting a <Tab> as 1 character).
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005164
5165 If {options} contains no register settings, then the default
5166 is to use character mode unless {value} ends in a <NL>.
5167 Setting the '=' register is not possible.
5168 Returns zero for success, non-zero for failure.
5169
5170 Examples: >
5171 :call setreg(v:register, @*)
5172 :call setreg('*', @%, 'ac')
5173 :call setreg('a', "1\n2\n3", 'b5')
5174
5175< This example shows using the functions to save and restore a
5176 register. >
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00005177 :let var_a = getreg('a', 1)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005178 :let var_amode = getregtype('a')
5179 ....
5180 :call setreg('a', var_a, var_amode)
5181
5182< You can also change the type of a register by appending
5183 nothing: >
5184 :call setreg('a', '', 'al')
5185
Bram Moolenaar06b5d512010-05-22 15:37:44 +02005186settabvar({tabnr}, {varname}, {val}) *settabvar()*
5187 Set tab-local variable {varname} to {val} in tab page {tabnr}.
5188 |t:var|
5189 Note that the variable name without "t:" must be used.
5190 Tabs are numbered starting with one.
5191 Vim briefly goes to the tab page {tabnr}, this may trigger
5192 TabLeave and TabEnter autocommands.
5193 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
5194
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00005195settabwinvar({tabnr}, {winnr}, {varname}, {val}) *settabwinvar()*
5196 Set option or local variable {varname} in window {winnr} to
5197 {val}.
5198 Tabs are numbered starting with one. For the current tabpage
5199 use |setwinvar()|.
5200 When {winnr} is zero the current window is used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005201 This also works for a global or local buffer option, but it
5202 doesn't work for a global or local buffer variable.
5203 For a local buffer option the global value is unchanged.
5204 Note that the variable name without "w:" must be used.
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00005205 Vim briefly goes to the tab page {tabnr}, this may trigger
5206 TabLeave and TabEnter autocommands.
5207 Examples: >
5208 :call settabwinvar(1, 1, "&list", 0)
5209 :call settabwinvar(3, 2, "myvar", "foobar")
5210< This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
5211
5212setwinvar({nr}, {varname}, {val}) *setwinvar()*
5213 Like |settabwinvar()| for the current tab page.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005214 Examples: >
5215 :call setwinvar(1, "&list", 0)
5216 :call setwinvar(2, "myvar", "foobar")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005217
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00005218shellescape({string} [, {special}]) *shellescape()*
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01005219 Escape {string} for use as a shell command argument.
Bram Moolenaar60a495f2006-10-03 12:44:42 +00005220 On MS-Windows and MS-DOS, when 'shellslash' is not set, it
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00005221 will enclose {string} in double quotes and double all double
Bram Moolenaar60a495f2006-10-03 12:44:42 +00005222 quotes within {string}.
5223 For other systems, it will enclose {string} in single quotes
5224 and replace all "'" with "'\''".
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00005225 When the {special} argument is present and it's a non-zero
5226 Number or a non-empty String (|non-zero-arg|), then special
Bram Moolenaare37d50a2008-08-06 17:06:04 +00005227 items such as "!", "%", "#" and "<cword>" will be preceded by
5228 a backslash. This backslash will be removed again by the |:!|
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00005229 command.
Bram Moolenaare37d50a2008-08-06 17:06:04 +00005230 The "!" character will be escaped (again with a |non-zero-arg|
5231 {special}) when 'shell' contains "csh" in the tail. That is
5232 because for csh and tcsh "!" is used for history replacement
5233 even when inside single quotes.
5234 The <NL> character is also escaped. With a |non-zero-arg|
5235 {special} and 'shell' containing "csh" in the tail it's
5236 escaped a second time.
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00005237 Example of use with a |:!| command: >
5238 :exe '!dir ' . shellescape(expand('<cfile>'), 1)
5239< This results in a directory listing for the file under the
5240 cursor. Example of use with |system()|: >
5241 :call system("chmod +w -- " . shellescape(expand("%")))
Bram Moolenaar60a495f2006-10-03 12:44:42 +00005242
5243
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005244simplify({filename}) *simplify()*
5245 Simplify the file name as much as possible without changing
5246 the meaning. Shortcuts (on MS-Windows) or symbolic links (on
5247 Unix) are not resolved. If the first path component in
5248 {filename} designates the current directory, this will be
5249 valid for the result as well. A trailing path separator is
5250 not removed either.
5251 Example: >
5252 simplify("./dir/.././/file/") == "./file/"
5253< Note: The combination "dir/.." is only removed if "dir" is
5254 a searchable directory or does not exist. On Unix, it is also
5255 removed when "dir" is a symbolic link within the same
5256 directory. In order to resolve all the involved symbolic
5257 links before simplifying the path name, use |resolve()|.
5258
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00005259
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005260sin({expr}) *sin()*
5261 Return the sine of {expr}, measured in radians, as a |Float|.
5262 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
5263 Examples: >
5264 :echo sin(100)
5265< -0.506366 >
5266 :echo sin(-4.01)
5267< 0.763301
5268 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
5269
5270
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02005271sinh({expr}) *sinh()*
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02005272 Return the hyperbolic sine of {expr} as a |Float| in the range
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02005273 [-inf, inf].
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02005274 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02005275 Examples: >
5276 :echo sinh(0.5)
5277< 0.521095 >
5278 :echo sinh(-0.9)
5279< -1.026517
Bram Moolenaardb84e452010-08-15 13:50:43 +02005280 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02005281
5282
Bram Moolenaar5f894962011-06-19 02:55:37 +02005283sort({list} [, {func} [, {dict}]]) *sort()* *E702*
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00005284 Sort the items in {list} in-place. Returns {list}. If you
5285 want a list to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
5286 :let sortedlist = sort(copy(mylist))
5287< Uses the string representation of each item to sort on.
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00005288 Numbers sort after Strings, |Lists| after Numbers.
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00005289 For sorting text in the current buffer use |:sort|.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00005290 When {func} is given and it is one then case is ignored.
Bram Moolenaar5f894962011-06-19 02:55:37 +02005291 {dict} is for functions with the "dict" attribute. It will be
5292 used to set the local variable "self". |Dictionary-function|
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005293 When {func} is a |Funcref| or a function name, this function
5294 is called to compare items. The function is invoked with two
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01005295 items as argument and must return zero if they are equal, 1 or
5296 bigger if the first one sorts after the second one, -1 or
5297 smaller if the first one sorts before the second one.
5298 Example: >
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00005299 func MyCompare(i1, i2)
5300 return a:i1 == a:i2 ? 0 : a:i1 > a:i2 ? 1 : -1
5301 endfunc
5302 let sortedlist = sort(mylist, "MyCompare")
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01005303< A shorter compare version for this specific simple case, which
5304 ignores overflow: >
5305 func MyCompare(i1, i2)
5306 return a:i1 - a:i2
5307 endfunc
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00005308<
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00005309 *soundfold()*
5310soundfold({word})
5311 Return the sound-folded equivalent of {word}. Uses the first
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005312 language in 'spelllang' for the current window that supports
Bram Moolenaar42eeac32005-06-29 22:40:58 +00005313 soundfolding. 'spell' must be set. When no sound folding is
5314 possible the {word} is returned unmodified.
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00005315 This can be used for making spelling suggestions. Note that
5316 the method can be quite slow.
5317
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00005318 *spellbadword()*
Bram Moolenaar1e015462005-09-25 22:16:38 +00005319spellbadword([{sentence}])
5320 Without argument: The result is the badly spelled word under
5321 or after the cursor. The cursor is moved to the start of the
5322 bad word. When no bad word is found in the cursor line the
5323 result is an empty string and the cursor doesn't move.
5324
5325 With argument: The result is the first word in {sentence} that
5326 is badly spelled. If there are no spelling mistakes the
5327 result is an empty string.
5328
5329 The return value is a list with two items:
5330 - The badly spelled word or an empty string.
5331 - The type of the spelling error:
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00005332 "bad" spelling mistake
Bram Moolenaar1e015462005-09-25 22:16:38 +00005333 "rare" rare word
5334 "local" word only valid in another region
5335 "caps" word should start with Capital
5336 Example: >
5337 echo spellbadword("the quik brown fox")
5338< ['quik', 'bad'] ~
5339
5340 The spelling information for the current window is used. The
5341 'spell' option must be set and the value of 'spelllang' is
5342 used.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00005343
5344 *spellsuggest()*
Bram Moolenaarc54b8a72005-09-30 21:20:29 +00005345spellsuggest({word} [, {max} [, {capital}]])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005346 Return a |List| with spelling suggestions to replace {word}.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00005347 When {max} is given up to this number of suggestions are
5348 returned. Otherwise up to 25 suggestions are returned.
5349
Bram Moolenaarc54b8a72005-09-30 21:20:29 +00005350 When the {capital} argument is given and it's non-zero only
5351 suggestions with a leading capital will be given. Use this
5352 after a match with 'spellcapcheck'.
5353
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00005354 {word} can be a badly spelled word followed by other text.
5355 This allows for joining two words that were split. The
Bram Moolenaarf461c8e2005-06-25 23:04:51 +00005356 suggestions also include the following text, thus you can
5357 replace a line.
5358
5359 {word} may also be a good word. Similar words will then be
Bram Moolenaarc54b8a72005-09-30 21:20:29 +00005360 returned. {word} itself is not included in the suggestions,
5361 although it may appear capitalized.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00005362
5363 The spelling information for the current window is used. The
Bram Moolenaar42eeac32005-06-29 22:40:58 +00005364 'spell' option must be set and the values of 'spelllang' and
5365 'spellsuggest' are used.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00005366
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00005367
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00005368split({expr} [, {pattern} [, {keepempty}]]) *split()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005369 Make a |List| out of {expr}. When {pattern} is omitted or
5370 empty each white-separated sequence of characters becomes an
5371 item.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00005372 Otherwise the string is split where {pattern} matches,
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00005373 removing the matched characters.
5374 When the first or last item is empty it is omitted, unless the
5375 {keepempty} argument is given and it's non-zero.
Bram Moolenaar5c06f8b2005-05-31 22:14:58 +00005376 Other empty items are kept when {pattern} matches at least one
5377 character or when {keepempty} is non-zero.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00005378 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00005379 :let words = split(getline('.'), '\W\+')
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00005380< To split a string in individual characters: >
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00005381 :for c in split(mystring, '\zs')
Bram Moolenaar0cb032e2005-04-23 20:52:00 +00005382< If you want to keep the separator you can also use '\zs': >
5383 :echo split('abc:def:ghi', ':\zs')
5384< ['abc:', 'def:', 'ghi'] ~
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00005385 Splitting a table where the first element can be empty: >
5386 :let items = split(line, ':', 1)
5387< The opposite function is |join()|.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00005388
5389
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005390sqrt({expr}) *sqrt()*
5391 Return the non-negative square root of Float {expr} as a
5392 |Float|.
5393 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|. When {expr}
5394 is negative the result is NaN (Not a Number).
5395 Examples: >
5396 :echo sqrt(100)
5397< 10.0 >
5398 :echo sqrt(-4.01)
5399< nan
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00005400 "nan" may be different, it depends on system libraries.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005401 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
5402
5403
5404str2float( {expr}) *str2float()*
5405 Convert String {expr} to a Float. This mostly works the same
5406 as when using a floating point number in an expression, see
5407 |floating-point-format|. But it's a bit more permissive.
5408 E.g., "1e40" is accepted, while in an expression you need to
5409 write "1.0e40".
5410 Text after the number is silently ignored.
5411 The decimal point is always '.', no matter what the locale is
5412 set to. A comma ends the number: "12,345.67" is converted to
5413 12.0. You can strip out thousands separators with
5414 |substitute()|: >
5415 let f = str2float(substitute(text, ',', '', 'g'))
5416< {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
5417
5418
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00005419str2nr( {expr} [, {base}]) *str2nr()*
5420 Convert string {expr} to a number.
5421 {base} is the conversion base, it can be 8, 10 or 16.
5422 When {base} is omitted base 10 is used. This also means that
5423 a leading zero doesn't cause octal conversion to be used, as
5424 with the default String to Number conversion.
5425 When {base} is 16 a leading "0x" or "0X" is ignored. With a
5426 different base the result will be zero.
5427 Text after the number is silently ignored.
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00005428
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00005429
Bram Moolenaar72597a52010-07-18 15:31:08 +02005430strchars({expr}) *strchars()*
5431 The result is a Number, which is the number of characters
5432 String {expr} occupies. Composing characters are counted
5433 separately.
Bram Moolenaardc536092010-07-18 15:45:49 +02005434 Also see |strlen()|, |strdisplaywidth()| and |strwidth()|.
5435
5436strdisplaywidth({expr}[, {col}]) *strdisplaywidth()*
5437 The result is a Number, which is the number of display cells
5438 String {expr} occupies on the screen.
5439 When {col} is omitted zero is used. Otherwise it is the
5440 screen column where to start. This matters for Tab
5441 characters.
Bram Moolenaar4d32c2d2010-07-18 22:10:01 +02005442 The option settings of the current window are used. This
5443 matters for anything that's displayed differently, such as
5444 'tabstop' and 'display'.
Bram Moolenaardc536092010-07-18 15:45:49 +02005445 When {expr} contains characters with East Asian Width Class
5446 Ambiguous, this function's return value depends on 'ambiwidth'.
5447 Also see |strlen()|, |strwidth()| and |strchars()|.
Bram Moolenaar72597a52010-07-18 15:31:08 +02005448
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005449strftime({format} [, {time}]) *strftime()*
5450 The result is a String, which is a formatted date and time, as
5451 specified by the {format} string. The given {time} is used,
5452 or the current time if no time is given. The accepted
5453 {format} depends on your system, thus this is not portable!
5454 See the manual page of the C function strftime() for the
5455 format. The maximum length of the result is 80 characters.
5456 See also |localtime()| and |getftime()|.
5457 The language can be changed with the |:language| command.
5458 Examples: >
5459 :echo strftime("%c") Sun Apr 27 11:49:23 1997
5460 :echo strftime("%Y %b %d %X") 1997 Apr 27 11:53:25
5461 :echo strftime("%y%m%d %T") 970427 11:53:55
5462 :echo strftime("%H:%M") 11:55
5463 :echo strftime("%c", getftime("file.c"))
5464 Show mod time of file.c.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00005465< Not available on all systems. To check use: >
5466 :if exists("*strftime")
5467
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00005468stridx({haystack}, {needle} [, {start}]) *stridx()*
5469 The result is a Number, which gives the byte index in
5470 {haystack} of the first occurrence of the String {needle}.
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00005471 If {start} is specified, the search starts at index {start}.
5472 This can be used to find a second match: >
Bram Moolenaar81af9252010-12-10 20:35:50 +01005473 :let colon1 = stridx(line, ":")
5474 :let colon2 = stridx(line, ":", colon1 + 1)
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00005475< The search is done case-sensitive.
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00005476 For pattern searches use |match()|.
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00005477 -1 is returned if the {needle} does not occur in {haystack}.
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00005478 See also |strridx()|.
5479 Examples: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005480 :echo stridx("An Example", "Example") 3
5481 :echo stridx("Starting point", "Start") 0
5482 :echo stridx("Starting point", "start") -1
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00005483< *strstr()* *strchr()*
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00005484 stridx() works similar to the C function strstr(). When used
5485 with a single character it works similar to strchr().
5486
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00005487 *string()*
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00005488string({expr}) Return {expr} converted to a String. If {expr} is a Number,
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005489 Float, String or a composition of them, then the result can be
5490 parsed back with |eval()|.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00005491 {expr} type result ~
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00005492 String 'string'
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00005493 Number 123
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005494 Float 123.123456 or 1.123456e8
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00005495 Funcref function('name')
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00005496 List [item, item]
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +00005497 Dictionary {key: value, key: value}
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00005498 Note that in String values the ' character is doubled.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00005499 Also see |strtrans()|.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00005500
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005501 *strlen()*
5502strlen({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the length of the String
Bram Moolenaare344bea2005-09-01 20:46:49 +00005503 {expr} in bytes.
5504 If you want to count the number of multi-byte characters (not
5505 counting composing characters) use something like this: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005506
5507 :let len = strlen(substitute(str, ".", "x", "g"))
Bram Moolenaare344bea2005-09-01 20:46:49 +00005508<
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00005509 If the argument is a Number it is first converted to a String.
5510 For other types an error is given.
Bram Moolenaardc536092010-07-18 15:45:49 +02005511 Also see |len()|, |strchars()|, |strdisplaywidth()| and
5512 |strwidth()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005513
5514strpart({src}, {start}[, {len}]) *strpart()*
5515 The result is a String, which is part of {src}, starting from
Bram Moolenaar9372a112005-12-06 19:59:18 +00005516 byte {start}, with the byte length {len}.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005517 When non-existing bytes are included, this doesn't result in
5518 an error, the bytes are simply omitted.
5519 If {len} is missing, the copy continues from {start} till the
5520 end of the {src}. >
5521 strpart("abcdefg", 3, 2) == "de"
5522 strpart("abcdefg", -2, 4) == "ab"
5523 strpart("abcdefg", 5, 4) == "fg"
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005524 strpart("abcdefg", 3) == "defg"
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005525< Note: To get the first character, {start} must be 0. For
5526 example, to get three bytes under and after the cursor: >
Bram Moolenaar61660ea2006-04-07 21:40:07 +00005527 strpart(getline("."), col(".") - 1, 3)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005528<
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00005529strridx({haystack}, {needle} [, {start}]) *strridx()*
5530 The result is a Number, which gives the byte index in
5531 {haystack} of the last occurrence of the String {needle}.
5532 When {start} is specified, matches beyond this index are
5533 ignored. This can be used to find a match before a previous
5534 match: >
5535 :let lastcomma = strridx(line, ",")
5536 :let comma2 = strridx(line, ",", lastcomma - 1)
5537< The search is done case-sensitive.
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00005538 For pattern searches use |match()|.
5539 -1 is returned if the {needle} does not occur in {haystack}.
Bram Moolenaard4755bb2004-09-02 19:12:26 +00005540 If the {needle} is empty the length of {haystack} is returned.
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00005541 See also |stridx()|. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005542 :echo strridx("an angry armadillo", "an") 3
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00005543< *strrchr()*
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00005544 When used with a single character it works similar to the C
5545 function strrchr().
5546
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005547strtrans({expr}) *strtrans()*
5548 The result is a String, which is {expr} with all unprintable
5549 characters translated into printable characters |'isprint'|.
5550 Like they are shown in a window. Example: >
5551 echo strtrans(@a)
5552< This displays a newline in register a as "^@" instead of
5553 starting a new line.
5554
Bram Moolenaar72597a52010-07-18 15:31:08 +02005555strwidth({expr}) *strwidth()*
5556 The result is a Number, which is the number of display cells
5557 String {expr} occupies. A Tab character is counted as one
Bram Moolenaardc536092010-07-18 15:45:49 +02005558 cell, alternatively use |strdisplaywidth()|.
Bram Moolenaar72597a52010-07-18 15:31:08 +02005559 When {expr} contains characters with East Asian Width Class
5560 Ambiguous, this function's return value depends on 'ambiwidth'.
Bram Moolenaardc536092010-07-18 15:45:49 +02005561 Also see |strlen()|, |strdisplaywidth()| and |strchars()|.
Bram Moolenaar72597a52010-07-18 15:31:08 +02005562
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005563submatch({nr}) *submatch()*
Bram Moolenaar251e1912011-06-19 05:09:16 +02005564 Only for an expression in a |:substitute| command or
5565 substitute() function.
5566 Returns the {nr}'th submatch of the matched text. When {nr}
5567 is 0 the whole matched text is returned.
5568 Also see |sub-replace-expression|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005569 Example: >
5570 :s/\d\+/\=submatch(0) + 1/
5571< This finds the first number in the line and adds one to it.
5572 A line break is included as a newline character.
5573
5574substitute({expr}, {pat}, {sub}, {flags}) *substitute()*
5575 The result is a String, which is a copy of {expr}, in which
Bram Moolenaar251e1912011-06-19 05:09:16 +02005576 the first match of {pat} is replaced with {sub}.
5577 When {flags} is "g", all matches of {pat} in {expr} are
5578 replaced. Otherwise {flags} should be "".
5579
5580 This works like the ":substitute" command (without any flags).
5581 But the matching with {pat} is always done like the 'magic'
5582 option is set and 'cpoptions' is empty (to make scripts
5583 portable). 'ignorecase' is still relevant. 'smartcase' is
5584 not used. See |string-match| for how {pat} is used.
5585
5586 A "~" in {sub} is not replaced with the previous {sub}.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005587 Note that some codes in {sub} have a special meaning
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005588 |sub-replace-special|. For example, to replace something with
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005589 "\n" (two characters), use "\\\\n" or '\\n'.
Bram Moolenaar251e1912011-06-19 05:09:16 +02005590
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005591 When {pat} does not match in {expr}, {expr} is returned
5592 unmodified.
Bram Moolenaar251e1912011-06-19 05:09:16 +02005593
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005594 Example: >
5595 :let &path = substitute(&path, ",\\=[^,]*$", "", "")
5596< This removes the last component of the 'path' option. >
5597 :echo substitute("testing", ".*", "\\U\\0", "")
5598< results in "TESTING".
Bram Moolenaar251e1912011-06-19 05:09:16 +02005599
5600 When {sub} starts with "\=", the remainder is interpreted as
5601 an expression. See |sub-replace-expression|. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar20f90cf2011-05-19 12:22:51 +02005602 :echo substitute(s, '%\(\x\x\)',
5603 \ '\=nr2char("0x" . submatch(1))', 'g')
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005604
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00005605synID({lnum}, {col}, {trans}) *synID()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005606 The result is a Number, which is the syntax ID at the position
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00005607 {lnum} and {col} in the current window.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005608 The syntax ID can be used with |synIDattr()| and
5609 |synIDtrans()| to obtain syntax information about text.
Bram Moolenaarce0842a2005-07-18 21:58:11 +00005610
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00005611 {col} is 1 for the leftmost column, {lnum} is 1 for the first
Bram Moolenaarce0842a2005-07-18 21:58:11 +00005612 line. 'synmaxcol' applies, in a longer line zero is returned.
5613
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005614 When {trans} is non-zero, transparent items are reduced to the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005615 item that they reveal. This is useful when wanting to know
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005616 the effective color. When {trans} is zero, the transparent
5617 item is returned. This is useful when wanting to know which
5618 syntax item is effective (e.g. inside parens).
5619 Warning: This function can be very slow. Best speed is
5620 obtained by going through the file in forward direction.
5621
5622 Example (echoes the name of the syntax item under the cursor): >
5623 :echo synIDattr(synID(line("."), col("."), 1), "name")
5624<
Bram Moolenaar7510fe72010-07-25 12:46:44 +02005625
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005626synIDattr({synID}, {what} [, {mode}]) *synIDattr()*
5627 The result is a String, which is the {what} attribute of
5628 syntax ID {synID}. This can be used to obtain information
5629 about a syntax item.
5630 {mode} can be "gui", "cterm" or "term", to get the attributes
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005631 for that mode. When {mode} is omitted, or an invalid value is
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005632 used, the attributes for the currently active highlighting are
5633 used (GUI, cterm or term).
5634 Use synIDtrans() to follow linked highlight groups.
5635 {what} result
5636 "name" the name of the syntax item
5637 "fg" foreground color (GUI: color name used to set
5638 the color, cterm: color number as a string,
5639 term: empty string)
Bram Moolenaar6f507d62008-11-28 10:16:05 +00005640 "bg" background color (as with "fg")
Bram Moolenaar12682fd2010-03-10 13:43:49 +01005641 "font" font name (only available in the GUI)
5642 |highlight-font|
Bram Moolenaar6f507d62008-11-28 10:16:05 +00005643 "sp" special color (as with "fg") |highlight-guisp|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005644 "fg#" like "fg", but for the GUI and the GUI is
5645 running the name in "#RRGGBB" form
5646 "bg#" like "fg#" for "bg"
Bram Moolenaar6f507d62008-11-28 10:16:05 +00005647 "sp#" like "fg#" for "sp"
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005648 "bold" "1" if bold
5649 "italic" "1" if italic
5650 "reverse" "1" if reverse
5651 "inverse" "1" if inverse (= reverse)
Bram Moolenaar12682fd2010-03-10 13:43:49 +01005652 "standout" "1" if standout
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005653 "underline" "1" if underlined
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00005654 "undercurl" "1" if undercurled
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005655
5656 Example (echoes the color of the syntax item under the
5657 cursor): >
5658 :echo synIDattr(synIDtrans(synID(line("."), col("."), 1)), "fg")
5659<
5660synIDtrans({synID}) *synIDtrans()*
5661 The result is a Number, which is the translated syntax ID of
5662 {synID}. This is the syntax group ID of what is being used to
5663 highlight the character. Highlight links given with
5664 ":highlight link" are followed.
5665
Bram Moolenaar483c5d82010-10-20 18:45:33 +02005666synconcealed({lnum}, {col}) *synconcealed()*
5667 The result is a List. The first item in the list is 0 if the
5668 character at the position {lnum} and {col} is not part of a
5669 concealable region, 1 if it is. The second item in the list is
5670 a string. If the first item is 1, the second item contains the
5671 text which will be displayed in place of the concealed text,
5672 depending on the current setting of 'conceallevel'. The third
5673 and final item in the list is a unique number representing the
5674 specific syntax region matched. This allows detection of the
5675 beginning of a new concealable region if there are two
5676 consecutive regions with the same replacement character.
5677 For an example use see $VIMRUNTIME/syntax/2html.vim .
5678
5679
Bram Moolenaar9d188ab2008-01-10 21:24:39 +00005680synstack({lnum}, {col}) *synstack()*
5681 Return a |List|, which is the stack of syntax items at the
5682 position {lnum} and {col} in the current window. Each item in
5683 the List is an ID like what |synID()| returns.
Bram Moolenaar9d188ab2008-01-10 21:24:39 +00005684 The first item in the List is the outer region, following are
5685 items contained in that one. The last one is what |synID()|
5686 returns, unless not the whole item is highlighted or it is a
5687 transparent item.
5688 This function is useful for debugging a syntax file.
5689 Example that shows the syntax stack under the cursor: >
5690 for id in synstack(line("."), col("."))
5691 echo synIDattr(id, "name")
5692 endfor
Bram Moolenaar0bc380a2010-07-10 13:52:13 +02005693< When the position specified with {lnum} and {col} is invalid
5694 nothing is returned. The position just after the last
5695 character in a line and the first column in an empty line are
5696 valid positions.
Bram Moolenaar9d188ab2008-01-10 21:24:39 +00005697
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00005698system({expr} [, {input}]) *system()* *E677*
5699 Get the output of the shell command {expr}.
5700 When {input} is given, this string is written to a file and
5701 passed as stdin to the command. The string is written as-is,
5702 you need to take care of using the correct line separators
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00005703 yourself. Pipes are not used.
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00005704 Note: Use |shellescape()| to escape special characters in a
5705 command argument. Newlines in {expr} may cause the command to
5706 fail. The characters in 'shellquote' and 'shellxquote' may
5707 also cause trouble.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005708 This is not to be used for interactive commands.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005709
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00005710 The result is a String. Example: >
5711 :let files = system("ls " . shellescape(expand('%:h')))
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005712
5713< To make the result more system-independent, the shell output
5714 is filtered to replace <CR> with <NL> for Macintosh, and
5715 <CR><NL> with <NL> for DOS-like systems.
5716 The command executed is constructed using several options:
5717 'shell' 'shellcmdflag' 'shellxquote' {expr} 'shellredir' {tmp} 'shellxquote'
5718 ({tmp} is an automatically generated file name).
5719 For Unix and OS/2 braces are put around {expr} to allow for
5720 concatenated commands.
5721
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00005722 The command will be executed in "cooked" mode, so that a
5723 CTRL-C will interrupt the command (on Unix at least).
5724
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005725 The resulting error code can be found in |v:shell_error|.
5726 This function will fail in |restricted-mode|.
Bram Moolenaar4770d092006-01-12 23:22:24 +00005727
5728 Note that any wrong value in the options mentioned above may
5729 make the function fail. It has also been reported to fail
5730 when using a security agent application.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005731 Unlike ":!cmd" there is no automatic check for changed files.
5732 Use |:checktime| to force a check.
5733
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00005734
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00005735tabpagebuflist([{arg}]) *tabpagebuflist()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005736 The result is a |List|, where each item is the number of the
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00005737 buffer associated with each window in the current tab page.
5738 {arg} specifies the number of tab page to be used. When
5739 omitted the current tab page is used.
5740 When {arg} is invalid the number zero is returned.
5741 To get a list of all buffers in all tabs use this: >
5742 tablist = []
5743 for i in range(tabpagenr('$'))
5744 call extend(tablist, tabpagebuflist(i + 1))
5745 endfor
5746< Note that a buffer may appear in more than one window.
5747
5748
5749tabpagenr([{arg}]) *tabpagenr()*
Bram Moolenaar7e8fd632006-02-18 22:14:51 +00005750 The result is a Number, which is the number of the current
5751 tab page. The first tab page has number 1.
5752 When the optional argument is "$", the number of the last tab
5753 page is returned (the tab page count).
5754 The number can be used with the |:tab| command.
5755
5756
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00005757tabpagewinnr({tabarg}, [{arg}]) *tabpagewinnr()*
Bram Moolenaard04f4402010-08-15 13:30:34 +02005758 Like |winnr()| but for tab page {tabarg}.
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00005759 {tabarg} specifies the number of tab page to be used.
5760 {arg} is used like with |winnr()|:
5761 - When omitted the current window number is returned. This is
5762 the window which will be used when going to this tab page.
5763 - When "$" the number of windows is returned.
5764 - When "#" the previous window nr is returned.
5765 Useful examples: >
5766 tabpagewinnr(1) " current window of tab page 1
5767 tabpagewinnr(4, '$') " number of windows in tab page 4
5768< When {tabarg} is invalid zero is returned.
5769
Bram Moolenaarfa1d1402006-03-25 21:59:56 +00005770 *tagfiles()*
5771tagfiles() Returns a |List| with the file names used to search for tags
5772 for the current buffer. This is the 'tags' option expanded.
5773
5774
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00005775taglist({expr}) *taglist()*
5776 Returns a list of tags matching the regular expression {expr}.
Bram Moolenaard8c00872005-07-22 21:52:15 +00005777 Each list item is a dictionary with at least the following
5778 entries:
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00005779 name Name of the tag.
5780 filename Name of the file where the tag is
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00005781 defined. It is either relative to the
5782 current directory or a full path.
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00005783 cmd Ex command used to locate the tag in
5784 the file.
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00005785 kind Type of the tag. The value for this
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00005786 entry depends on the language specific
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00005787 kind values. Only available when
5788 using a tags file generated by
5789 Exuberant ctags or hdrtag.
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00005790 static A file specific tag. Refer to
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00005791 |static-tag| for more information.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00005792 More entries may be present, depending on the content of the
5793 tags file: access, implementation, inherits and signature.
5794 Refer to the ctags documentation for information about these
5795 fields. For C code the fields "struct", "class" and "enum"
5796 may appear, they give the name of the entity the tag is
5797 contained in.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00005798
Bram Moolenaar4317d9b2005-03-18 20:25:31 +00005799 The ex-command 'cmd' can be either an ex search pattern, a
5800 line number or a line number followed by a byte number.
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00005801
5802 If there are no matching tags, then an empty list is returned.
5803
5804 To get an exact tag match, the anchors '^' and '$' should be
5805 used in {expr}. Refer to |tag-regexp| for more information
5806 about the tag search regular expression pattern.
5807
5808 Refer to |'tags'| for information about how the tags file is
5809 located by Vim. Refer to |tags-file-format| for the format of
5810 the tags file generated by the different ctags tools.
5811
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005812tempname() *tempname()* *temp-file-name*
5813 The result is a String, which is the name of a file that
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005814 doesn't exist. It can be used for a temporary file. The name
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005815 is different for at least 26 consecutive calls. Example: >
5816 :let tmpfile = tempname()
5817 :exe "redir > " . tmpfile
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01005818< For Unix, the file will be in a private directory |tempfile|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005819 For MS-Windows forward slashes are used when the 'shellslash'
5820 option is set or when 'shellcmdflag' starts with '-'.
5821
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02005822
5823tan({expr}) *tan()*
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02005824 Return the tangent of {expr}, measured in radians, as a |Float|
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02005825 in the range [-inf, inf].
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02005826 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02005827 Examples: >
5828 :echo tan(10)
5829< 0.648361 >
5830 :echo tan(-4.01)
5831< -1.181502
Bram Moolenaardb84e452010-08-15 13:50:43 +02005832 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02005833
5834
5835tanh({expr}) *tanh()*
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02005836 Return the hyperbolic tangent of {expr} as a |Float| in the
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02005837 range [-1, 1].
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02005838 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02005839 Examples: >
5840 :echo tanh(0.5)
5841< 0.462117 >
5842 :echo tanh(-1)
5843< -0.761594
Bram Moolenaardb84e452010-08-15 13:50:43 +02005844 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02005845
5846
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005847tolower({expr}) *tolower()*
5848 The result is a copy of the String given, with all uppercase
5849 characters turned into lowercase (just like applying |gu| to
5850 the string).
5851
5852toupper({expr}) *toupper()*
5853 The result is a copy of the String given, with all lowercase
5854 characters turned into uppercase (just like applying |gU| to
5855 the string).
5856
Bram Moolenaar8299df92004-07-10 09:47:34 +00005857tr({src}, {fromstr}, {tostr}) *tr()*
5858 The result is a copy of the {src} string with all characters
5859 which appear in {fromstr} replaced by the character in that
5860 position in the {tostr} string. Thus the first character in
5861 {fromstr} is translated into the first character in {tostr}
5862 and so on. Exactly like the unix "tr" command.
5863 This code also deals with multibyte characters properly.
5864
5865 Examples: >
5866 echo tr("hello there", "ht", "HT")
5867< returns "Hello THere" >
5868 echo tr("<blob>", "<>", "{}")
5869< returns "{blob}"
5870
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005871trunc({expr}) *trunc()*
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00005872 Return the largest integral value with magnitude less than or
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005873 equal to {expr} as a |Float| (truncate towards zero).
5874 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
5875 Examples: >
5876 echo trunc(1.456)
5877< 1.0 >
5878 echo trunc(-5.456)
5879< -5.0 >
5880 echo trunc(4.0)
5881< 4.0
5882 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
5883
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00005884 *type()*
5885type({expr}) The result is a Number, depending on the type of {expr}:
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00005886 Number: 0
5887 String: 1
5888 Funcref: 2
5889 List: 3
5890 Dictionary: 4
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005891 Float: 5
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00005892 To avoid the magic numbers it should be used this way: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00005893 :if type(myvar) == type(0)
5894 :if type(myvar) == type("")
5895 :if type(myvar) == type(function("tr"))
5896 :if type(myvar) == type([])
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00005897 :if type(myvar) == type({})
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005898 :if type(myvar) == type(0.0)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005899
Bram Moolenaara17d4c12010-05-30 18:30:36 +02005900undofile({name}) *undofile()*
5901 Return the name of the undo file that would be used for a file
5902 with name {name} when writing. This uses the 'undodir'
5903 option, finding directories that exist. It does not check if
Bram Moolenaar860cae12010-06-05 23:22:07 +02005904 the undo file exists.
Bram Moolenaar945e2db2010-06-05 17:43:32 +02005905 {name} is always expanded to the full path, since that is what
5906 is used internally.
Bram Moolenaara17d4c12010-05-30 18:30:36 +02005907 Useful in combination with |:wundo| and |:rundo|.
5908 When compiled without the +persistent_undo option this always
5909 returns an empty string.
5910
Bram Moolenaara800b422010-06-27 01:15:55 +02005911undotree() *undotree()*
5912 Return the current state of the undo tree in a dictionary with
5913 the following items:
5914 "seq_last" The highest undo sequence number used.
5915 "seq_cur" The sequence number of the current position in
5916 the undo tree. This differs from "seq_last"
5917 when some changes were undone.
5918 "time_cur" Time last used for |:earlier| and related
5919 commands. Use |strftime()| to convert to
5920 something readable.
5921 "save_last" Number of the last file write. Zero when no
5922 write yet.
Bram Moolenaar730cde92010-06-27 05:18:54 +02005923 "save_cur" Number of the current position in the undo
5924 tree.
Bram Moolenaara800b422010-06-27 01:15:55 +02005925 "synced" Non-zero when the last undo block was synced.
5926 This happens when waiting from input from the
5927 user. See |undo-blocks|.
5928 "entries" A list of dictionaries with information about
5929 undo blocks.
5930
5931 The first item in the "entries" list is the oldest undo item.
5932 Each List item is a Dictionary with these items:
5933 "seq" Undo sequence number. Same as what appears in
5934 |:undolist|.
5935 "time" Timestamp when the change happened. Use
5936 |strftime()| to convert to something readable.
5937 "newhead" Only appears in the item that is the last one
5938 that was added. This marks the last change
5939 and where further changes will be added.
5940 "curhead" Only appears in the item that is the last one
5941 that was undone. This marks the current
5942 position in the undo tree, the block that will
5943 be used by a redo command. When nothing was
5944 undone after the last change this item will
5945 not appear anywhere.
5946 "save" Only appears on the last block before a file
5947 write. The number is the write count. The
5948 first write has number 1, the last one the
5949 "save_last" mentioned above.
5950 "alt" Alternate entry. This is again a List of undo
5951 blocks. Each item may again have an "alt"
5952 item.
5953
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00005954values({dict}) *values()*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005955 Return a |List| with all the values of {dict}. The |List| is
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005956 in arbitrary order.
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00005957
5958
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005959virtcol({expr}) *virtcol()*
5960 The result is a Number, which is the screen column of the file
5961 position given with {expr}. That is, the last screen position
5962 occupied by the character at that position, when the screen
5963 would be of unlimited width. When there is a <Tab> at the
5964 position, the returned Number will be the column at the end of
5965 the <Tab>. For example, for a <Tab> in column 1, with 'ts'
5966 set to 8, it returns 8.
Bram Moolenaar477933c2007-07-17 14:32:23 +00005967 For the byte position use |col()|.
5968 For the use of {expr} see |col()|.
5969 When 'virtualedit' is used {expr} can be [lnum, col, off], where
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00005970 "off" is the offset in screen columns from the start of the
Bram Moolenaard46bbc72007-05-12 14:38:41 +00005971 character. E.g., a position within a <Tab> or after the last
Bram Moolenaar97293012011-07-18 19:40:27 +02005972 character. When "off" is omitted zero is used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005973 When Virtual editing is active in the current mode, a position
5974 beyond the end of the line can be returned. |'virtualedit'|
5975 The accepted positions are:
5976 . the cursor position
5977 $ the end of the cursor line (the result is the
5978 number of displayed characters in the cursor line
5979 plus one)
5980 'x position of mark x (if the mark is not set, 0 is
5981 returned)
5982 Note that only marks in the current file can be used.
5983 Examples: >
5984 virtcol(".") with text "foo^Lbar", with cursor on the "^L", returns 5
5985 virtcol("$") with text "foo^Lbar", returns 9
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005986 virtcol("'t") with text " there", with 't at 'h', returns 6
5987< The first column is 1. 0 is returned for an error.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00005988 A more advanced example that echoes the maximum length of
5989 all lines: >
5990 echo max(map(range(1, line('$')), "virtcol([v:val, '$'])"))
5991
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005992
5993visualmode([expr]) *visualmode()*
5994 The result is a String, which describes the last Visual mode
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00005995 used in the current buffer. Initially it returns an empty
5996 string, but once Visual mode has been used, it returns "v",
5997 "V", or "<CTRL-V>" (a single CTRL-V character) for
5998 character-wise, line-wise, or block-wise Visual mode
5999 respectively.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006000 Example: >
6001 :exe "normal " . visualmode()
6002< This enters the same Visual mode as before. It is also useful
6003 in scripts if you wish to act differently depending on the
6004 Visual mode that was used.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006005 If Visual mode is active, use |mode()| to get the Visual mode
6006 (e.g., in a |:vmap|).
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00006007 *non-zero-arg*
6008 If [expr] is supplied and it evaluates to a non-zero Number or
6009 a non-empty String, then the Visual mode will be cleared and
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006010 the old value is returned. Note that " " and "0" are also
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00006011 non-empty strings, thus cause the mode to be cleared. A List,
6012 Dictionary or Float is not a Number or String, thus does not
6013 cause the mode to be cleared.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006014
6015 *winbufnr()*
6016winbufnr({nr}) The result is a Number, which is the number of the buffer
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00006017 associated with window {nr}. When {nr} is zero, the number of
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006018 the buffer in the current window is returned. When window
6019 {nr} doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
6020 Example: >
6021 :echo "The file in the current window is " . bufname(winbufnr(0))
6022<
6023 *wincol()*
6024wincol() The result is a Number, which is the virtual column of the
6025 cursor in the window. This is counting screen cells from the
6026 left side of the window. The leftmost column is one.
6027
6028winheight({nr}) *winheight()*
6029 The result is a Number, which is the height of window {nr}.
6030 When {nr} is zero, the height of the current window is
6031 returned. When window {nr} doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
6032 An existing window always has a height of zero or more.
6033 Examples: >
6034 :echo "The current window has " . winheight(0) . " lines."
6035<
6036 *winline()*
6037winline() The result is a Number, which is the screen line of the cursor
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006038 in the window. This is counting screen lines from the top of
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006039 the window. The first line is one.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00006040 If the cursor was moved the view on the file will be updated
6041 first, this may cause a scroll.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006042
6043 *winnr()*
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00006044winnr([{arg}]) The result is a Number, which is the number of the current
6045 window. The top window has number 1.
6046 When the optional argument is "$", the number of the
Bram Moolenaar7e8fd632006-02-18 22:14:51 +00006047 last window is returned (the window count).
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00006048 When the optional argument is "#", the number of the last
6049 accessed window is returned (where |CTRL-W_p| goes to).
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006050 If there is no previous window or it is in another tab page 0
6051 is returned.
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00006052 The number can be used with |CTRL-W_w| and ":wincmd w"
6053 |:wincmd|.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006054 Also see |tabpagewinnr()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006055
6056 *winrestcmd()*
6057winrestcmd() Returns a sequence of |:resize| commands that should restore
6058 the current window sizes. Only works properly when no windows
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00006059 are opened or closed and the current window and tab page is
6060 unchanged.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006061 Example: >
6062 :let cmd = winrestcmd()
6063 :call MessWithWindowSizes()
6064 :exe cmd
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00006065<
6066 *winrestview()*
6067winrestview({dict})
6068 Uses the |Dictionary| returned by |winsaveview()| to restore
6069 the view of the current window.
6070 If you have changed the values the result is unpredictable.
6071 If the window size changed the result won't be the same.
6072
6073 *winsaveview()*
6074winsaveview() Returns a |Dictionary| that contains information to restore
6075 the view of the current window. Use |winrestview()| to
6076 restore the view.
6077 This is useful if you have a mapping that jumps around in the
6078 buffer and you want to go back to the original view.
6079 This does not save fold information. Use the 'foldenable'
Bram Moolenaardb552d602006-03-23 22:59:57 +00006080 option to temporarily switch off folding, so that folds are
6081 not opened when moving around.
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00006082 The return value includes:
6083 lnum cursor line number
6084 col cursor column
6085 coladd cursor column offset for 'virtualedit'
6086 curswant column for vertical movement
6087 topline first line in the window
6088 topfill filler lines, only in diff mode
6089 leftcol first column displayed
6090 skipcol columns skipped
6091 Note that no option values are saved.
6092
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006093
6094winwidth({nr}) *winwidth()*
6095 The result is a Number, which is the width of window {nr}.
6096 When {nr} is zero, the width of the current window is
6097 returned. When window {nr} doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
6098 An existing window always has a width of zero or more.
6099 Examples: >
6100 :echo "The current window has " . winwidth(0) . " columns."
6101 :if winwidth(0) <= 50
6102 : exe "normal 50\<C-W>|"
6103 :endif
6104<
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00006105 *writefile()*
6106writefile({list}, {fname} [, {binary}])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006107 Write |List| {list} to file {fname}. Each list item is
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00006108 separated with a NL. Each list item must be a String or
6109 Number.
6110 When {binary} is equal to "b" binary mode is used: There will
6111 not be a NL after the last list item. An empty item at the
6112 end does cause the last line in the file to end in a NL.
6113 All NL characters are replaced with a NUL character.
6114 Inserting CR characters needs to be done before passing {list}
6115 to writefile().
6116 An existing file is overwritten, if possible.
6117 When the write fails -1 is returned, otherwise 0. There is an
6118 error message if the file can't be created or when writing
6119 fails.
6120 Also see |readfile()|.
6121 To copy a file byte for byte: >
6122 :let fl = readfile("foo", "b")
6123 :call writefile(fl, "foocopy", "b")
6124<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006125
6126 *feature-list*
6127There are three types of features:
61281. Features that are only supported when they have been enabled when Vim
6129 was compiled |+feature-list|. Example: >
6130 :if has("cindent")
61312. Features that are only supported when certain conditions have been met.
6132 Example: >
6133 :if has("gui_running")
6134< *has-patch*
61353. Included patches. First check |v:version| for the version of Vim.
6136 Then the "patch123" feature means that patch 123 has been included for
6137 this version. Example (checking version 6.2.148 or later): >
6138 :if v:version > 602 || v:version == 602 && has("patch148")
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006139< Note that it's possible for patch 147 to be omitted even though 148 is
6140 included.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006141
6142all_builtin_terms Compiled with all builtin terminals enabled.
6143amiga Amiga version of Vim.
6144arabic Compiled with Arabic support |Arabic|.
6145arp Compiled with ARP support (Amiga).
Bram Moolenaara9b1e742005-12-19 22:14:58 +00006146autocmd Compiled with autocommand support. |autocommand|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006147balloon_eval Compiled with |balloon-eval| support.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00006148balloon_multiline GUI supports multiline balloons.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006149beos BeOS version of Vim.
6150browse Compiled with |:browse| support, and browse() will
6151 work.
6152builtin_terms Compiled with some builtin terminals.
6153byte_offset Compiled with support for 'o' in 'statusline'
6154cindent Compiled with 'cindent' support.
6155clientserver Compiled with remote invocation support |clientserver|.
6156clipboard Compiled with 'clipboard' support.
6157cmdline_compl Compiled with |cmdline-completion| support.
6158cmdline_hist Compiled with |cmdline-history| support.
6159cmdline_info Compiled with 'showcmd' and 'ruler' support.
6160comments Compiled with |'comments'| support.
Bram Moolenaar2a8a3ec2011-01-08 16:06:37 +01006161compatible Compiled to be very Vi compatible.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006162cryptv Compiled with encryption support |encryption|.
6163cscope Compiled with |cscope| support.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006164debug Compiled with "DEBUG" defined.
6165dialog_con Compiled with console dialog support.
6166dialog_gui Compiled with GUI dialog support.
6167diff Compiled with |vimdiff| and 'diff' support.
6168digraphs Compiled with support for digraphs.
6169dnd Compiled with support for the "~ register |quote_~|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006170dos16 16 bits DOS version of Vim.
Bram Moolenaar2a8a3ec2011-01-08 16:06:37 +01006171dos32 32 bits DOS (DJGPP) version of Vim.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006172ebcdic Compiled on a machine with ebcdic character set.
6173emacs_tags Compiled with support for Emacs tags.
6174eval Compiled with expression evaluation support. Always
6175 true, of course!
6176ex_extra Compiled with extra Ex commands |+ex_extra|.
6177extra_search Compiled with support for |'incsearch'| and
6178 |'hlsearch'|
6179farsi Compiled with Farsi support |farsi|.
6180file_in_path Compiled with support for |gf| and |<cfile>|
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00006181filterpipe When 'shelltemp' is off pipes are used for shell
6182 read/write/filter commands
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006183find_in_path Compiled with support for include file searches
6184 |+find_in_path|.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006185float Compiled with support for |Float|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006186fname_case Case in file names matters (for Amiga, MS-DOS, and
6187 Windows this is not present).
6188folding Compiled with |folding| support.
6189footer Compiled with GUI footer support. |gui-footer|
6190fork Compiled to use fork()/exec() instead of system().
6191gettext Compiled with message translation |multi-lang|
6192gui Compiled with GUI enabled.
6193gui_athena Compiled with Athena GUI.
Bram Moolenaar2a8a3ec2011-01-08 16:06:37 +01006194gui_gnome Compiled with Gnome support (gui_gtk is also defined).
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006195gui_gtk Compiled with GTK+ GUI (any version).
6196gui_gtk2 Compiled with GTK+ 2 GUI (gui_gtk is also defined).
6197gui_mac Compiled with Macintosh GUI.
6198gui_motif Compiled with Motif GUI.
6199gui_photon Compiled with Photon GUI.
Bram Moolenaar2a8a3ec2011-01-08 16:06:37 +01006200gui_running Vim is running in the GUI, or it will start soon.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006201gui_win32 Compiled with MS Windows Win32 GUI.
6202gui_win32s idem, and Win32s system being used (Windows 3.1)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006203hangul_input Compiled with Hangul input support. |hangul|
6204iconv Can use iconv() for conversion.
6205insert_expand Compiled with support for CTRL-X expansion commands in
6206 Insert mode.
6207jumplist Compiled with |jumplist| support.
6208keymap Compiled with 'keymap' support.
6209langmap Compiled with 'langmap' support.
6210libcall Compiled with |libcall()| support.
6211linebreak Compiled with 'linebreak', 'breakat' and 'showbreak'
6212 support.
6213lispindent Compiled with support for lisp indenting.
6214listcmds Compiled with commands for the buffer list |:files|
6215 and the argument list |arglist|.
6216localmap Compiled with local mappings and abbr. |:map-local|
Bram Moolenaar0ba04292010-07-14 23:23:17 +02006217lua Compiled with Lua interface |Lua|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006218mac Macintosh version of Vim.
6219macunix Macintosh version of Vim, using Unix files (OS-X).
6220menu Compiled with support for |:menu|.
6221mksession Compiled with support for |:mksession|.
6222modify_fname Compiled with file name modifiers. |filename-modifiers|
6223mouse Compiled with support mouse.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006224mouse_dec Compiled with support for Dec terminal mouse.
6225mouse_gpm Compiled with support for gpm (Linux console mouse)
6226mouse_netterm Compiled with support for netterm mouse.
6227mouse_pterm Compiled with support for qnx pterm mouse.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006228mouse_sysmouse Compiled with support for sysmouse (*BSD console mouse)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006229mouse_xterm Compiled with support for xterm mouse.
Bram Moolenaar2a8a3ec2011-01-08 16:06:37 +01006230mouseshape Compiled with support for 'mouseshape'.
Bram Moolenaar42022d52008-12-09 09:57:49 +00006231multi_byte Compiled with support for 'encoding'
6232multi_byte_encoding 'encoding' is set to a multi-byte encoding.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006233multi_byte_ime Compiled with support for IME input method.
6234multi_lang Compiled with support for multiple languages.
Bram Moolenaar325b7a22004-07-05 15:58:32 +00006235mzscheme Compiled with MzScheme interface |mzscheme|.
Bram Moolenaarb26e6322010-05-22 21:34:09 +02006236netbeans_enabled Compiled with support for |netbeans| and connected.
Bram Moolenaar2a8a3ec2011-01-08 16:06:37 +01006237netbeans_intg Compiled with support for |netbeans|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006238ole Compiled with OLE automation support for Win32.
6239os2 OS/2 version of Vim.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006240path_extra Compiled with up/downwards search in 'path' and 'tags'
6241perl Compiled with Perl interface.
Bram Moolenaar55debbe2010-05-23 23:34:36 +02006242persistent_undo Compiled with support for persistent undo history.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006243postscript Compiled with PostScript file printing.
6244printer Compiled with |:hardcopy| support.
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00006245profile Compiled with |:profile| support.
Bram Moolenaar446beb42011-05-10 17:18:44 +02006246python Compiled with Python 2.x interface. |has-python|
6247python3 Compiled with Python 3.x interface. |has-python|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006248qnx QNX version of Vim.
6249quickfix Compiled with |quickfix| support.
Bram Moolenaard68071d2006-05-02 22:08:30 +00006250reltime Compiled with |reltime()| support.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006251rightleft Compiled with 'rightleft' support.
6252ruby Compiled with Ruby interface |ruby|.
6253scrollbind Compiled with 'scrollbind' support.
6254showcmd Compiled with 'showcmd' support.
6255signs Compiled with |:sign| support.
6256smartindent Compiled with 'smartindent' support.
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00006257sniff Compiled with SNiFF interface support.
Bram Moolenaar2a8a3ec2011-01-08 16:06:37 +01006258spell Compiled with spell checking support |spell|.
Bram Moolenaaref94eec2009-11-11 13:22:11 +00006259startuptime Compiled with |--startuptime| support.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006260statusline Compiled with support for 'statusline', 'rulerformat'
6261 and special formats of 'titlestring' and 'iconstring'.
6262sun_workshop Compiled with support for Sun |workshop|.
Bram Moolenaar82cf9b62005-06-07 21:09:25 +00006263syntax Compiled with syntax highlighting support |syntax|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006264syntax_items There are active syntax highlighting items for the
6265 current buffer.
6266system Compiled to use system() instead of fork()/exec().
6267tag_binary Compiled with binary searching in tags files
6268 |tag-binary-search|.
6269tag_old_static Compiled with support for old static tags
6270 |tag-old-static|.
6271tag_any_white Compiled with support for any white characters in tags
6272 files |tag-any-white|.
6273tcl Compiled with Tcl interface.
6274terminfo Compiled with terminfo instead of termcap.
6275termresponse Compiled with support for |t_RV| and |v:termresponse|.
6276textobjects Compiled with support for |text-objects|.
6277tgetent Compiled with tgetent support, able to use a termcap
6278 or terminfo file.
6279title Compiled with window title support |'title'|.
6280toolbar Compiled with support for |gui-toolbar|.
6281unix Unix version of Vim.
6282user_commands User-defined commands.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006283vertsplit Compiled with vertically split windows |:vsplit|.
Bram Moolenaar2a8a3ec2011-01-08 16:06:37 +01006284vim_starting True while initial source'ing takes place. |startup|
6285viminfo Compiled with viminfo support.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006286virtualedit Compiled with 'virtualedit' option.
6287visual Compiled with Visual mode.
6288visualextra Compiled with extra Visual mode commands.
6289 |blockwise-operators|.
6290vms VMS version of Vim.
6291vreplace Compiled with |gR| and |gr| commands.
6292wildignore Compiled with 'wildignore' option.
6293wildmenu Compiled with 'wildmenu' option.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006294win16 Win16 version of Vim (MS-Windows 3.1).
Bram Moolenaard58e9292011-02-09 17:07:58 +01006295win32 Win32 version of Vim (MS-Windows 95 and later, 32 or
6296 64 bits)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006297win32unix Win32 version of Vim, using Unix files (Cygwin)
Bram Moolenaar2a8a3ec2011-01-08 16:06:37 +01006298win64 Win64 version of Vim (MS-Windows 64 bit).
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006299win95 Win32 version for MS-Windows 95/98/ME.
Bram Moolenaar2a8a3ec2011-01-08 16:06:37 +01006300winaltkeys Compiled with 'winaltkeys' option.
6301windows Compiled with support for more than one window.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006302writebackup Compiled with 'writebackup' default on.
6303xfontset Compiled with X fontset support |xfontset|.
6304xim Compiled with X input method support |xim|.
6305xsmp Compiled with X session management support.
6306xsmp_interact Compiled with interactive X session management support.
6307xterm_clipboard Compiled with support for xterm clipboard.
6308xterm_save Compiled with support for saving and restoring the
6309 xterm screen.
6310x11 Compiled with X11 support.
6311
6312 *string-match*
6313Matching a pattern in a String
6314
6315A regexp pattern as explained at |pattern| is normally used to find a match in
6316the buffer lines. When a pattern is used to find a match in a String, almost
6317everything works in the same way. The difference is that a String is handled
6318like it is one line. When it contains a "\n" character, this is not seen as a
6319line break for the pattern. It can be matched with a "\n" in the pattern, or
6320with ".". Example: >
6321 :let a = "aaaa\nxxxx"
6322 :echo matchstr(a, "..\n..")
6323 aa
6324 xx
6325 :echo matchstr(a, "a.x")
6326 a
6327 x
6328
6329Don't forget that "^" will only match at the first character of the String and
6330"$" at the last character of the string. They don't match after or before a
6331"\n".
6332
6333==============================================================================
63345. Defining functions *user-functions*
6335
6336New functions can be defined. These can be called just like builtin
6337functions. The function executes a sequence of Ex commands. Normal mode
6338commands can be executed with the |:normal| command.
6339
6340The function name must start with an uppercase letter, to avoid confusion with
6341builtin functions. To prevent from using the same name in different scripts
6342avoid obvious, short names. A good habit is to start the function name with
6343the name of the script, e.g., "HTMLcolor()".
6344
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00006345It's also possible to use curly braces, see |curly-braces-names|. And the
6346|autoload| facility is useful to define a function only when it's called.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006347
6348 *local-function*
6349A function local to a script must start with "s:". A local script function
6350can only be called from within the script and from functions, user commands
6351and autocommands defined in the script. It is also possible to call the
Bram Moolenaare37d50a2008-08-06 17:06:04 +00006352function from a mapping defined in the script, but then |<SID>| must be used
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006353instead of "s:" when the mapping is expanded outside of the script.
6354
6355 *:fu* *:function* *E128* *E129* *E123*
6356:fu[nction] List all functions and their arguments.
6357
6358:fu[nction] {name} List function {name}.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006359 {name} can also be a |Dictionary| entry that is a
6360 |Funcref|: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006361 :function dict.init
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00006362
6363:fu[nction] /{pattern} List functions with a name matching {pattern}.
6364 Example that lists all functions ending with "File": >
6365 :function /File$
Bram Moolenaar5b8d8fd2005-08-16 23:01:50 +00006366<
6367 *:function-verbose*
6368When 'verbose' is non-zero, listing a function will also display where it was
6369last defined. Example: >
6370
6371 :verbose function SetFileTypeSH
6372 function SetFileTypeSH(name)
6373 Last set from /usr/share/vim/vim-7.0/filetype.vim
6374<
Bram Moolenaar8aff23a2005-08-19 20:40:30 +00006375See |:verbose-cmd| for more information.
Bram Moolenaar5b8d8fd2005-08-16 23:01:50 +00006376
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00006377 *E124* *E125*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00006378:fu[nction][!] {name}([arguments]) [range] [abort] [dict]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006379 Define a new function by the name {name}. The name
6380 must be made of alphanumeric characters and '_', and
6381 must start with a capital or "s:" (see above).
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006382
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006383 {name} can also be a |Dictionary| entry that is a
6384 |Funcref|: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006385 :function dict.init(arg)
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006386< "dict" must be an existing dictionary. The entry
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006387 "init" is added if it didn't exist yet. Otherwise [!]
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006388 is required to overwrite an existing function. The
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006389 result is a |Funcref| to a numbered function. The
6390 function can only be used with a |Funcref| and will be
6391 deleted if there are no more references to it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006392 *E127* *E122*
6393 When a function by this name already exists and [!] is
6394 not used an error message is given. When [!] is used,
6395 an existing function is silently replaced. Unless it
6396 is currently being executed, that is an error.
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00006397
6398 For the {arguments} see |function-argument|.
6399
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006400 *a:firstline* *a:lastline*
6401 When the [range] argument is added, the function is
6402 expected to take care of a range itself. The range is
6403 passed as "a:firstline" and "a:lastline". If [range]
6404 is excluded, ":{range}call" will call the function for
6405 each line in the range, with the cursor on the start
6406 of each line. See |function-range-example|.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006407
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006408 When the [abort] argument is added, the function will
6409 abort as soon as an error is detected.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006410
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00006411 When the [dict] argument is added, the function must
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006412 be invoked through an entry in a |Dictionary|. The
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00006413 local variable "self" will then be set to the
6414 dictionary. See |Dictionary-function|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006415
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006416 *function-search-undo*
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00006417 The last used search pattern and the redo command "."
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006418 will not be changed by the function. This also
6419 implies that the effect of |:nohlsearch| is undone
6420 when the function returns.
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00006421
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006422 *:endf* *:endfunction* *E126* *E193*
6423:endf[unction] The end of a function definition. Must be on a line
6424 by its own, without other commands.
6425
6426 *:delf* *:delfunction* *E130* *E131*
6427:delf[unction] {name} Delete function {name}.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006428 {name} can also be a |Dictionary| entry that is a
6429 |Funcref|: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006430 :delfunc dict.init
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006431< This will remove the "init" entry from "dict". The
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006432 function is deleted if there are no more references to
6433 it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006434 *:retu* *:return* *E133*
6435:retu[rn] [expr] Return from a function. When "[expr]" is given, it is
6436 evaluated and returned as the result of the function.
6437 If "[expr]" is not given, the number 0 is returned.
6438 When a function ends without an explicit ":return",
6439 the number 0 is returned.
6440 Note that there is no check for unreachable lines,
6441 thus there is no warning if commands follow ":return".
6442
6443 If the ":return" is used after a |:try| but before the
6444 matching |:finally| (if present), the commands
6445 following the ":finally" up to the matching |:endtry|
6446 are executed first. This process applies to all
6447 nested ":try"s inside the function. The function
6448 returns at the outermost ":endtry".
6449
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00006450 *function-argument* *a:var*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006451An argument can be defined by giving its name. In the function this can then
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00006452be used as "a:name" ("a:" for argument).
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006453 *a:0* *a:1* *a:000* *E740* *...*
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00006454Up to 20 arguments can be given, separated by commas. After the named
6455arguments an argument "..." can be specified, which means that more arguments
6456may optionally be following. In the function the extra arguments can be used
6457as "a:1", "a:2", etc. "a:0" is set to the number of extra arguments (which
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006458can be 0). "a:000" is set to a |List| that contains these arguments. Note
6459that "a:1" is the same as "a:000[0]".
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00006460 *E742*
6461The a: scope and the variables in it cannot be changed, they are fixed.
Bram Moolenaare37d50a2008-08-06 17:06:04 +00006462However, if a |List| or |Dictionary| is used, you can change their contents.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006463Thus you can pass a |List| to a function and have the function add an item to
6464it. If you want to make sure the function cannot change a |List| or
6465|Dictionary| use |:lockvar|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006466
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00006467When not using "...", the number of arguments in a function call must be equal
6468to the number of named arguments. When using "...", the number of arguments
6469may be larger.
6470
6471It is also possible to define a function without any arguments. You must
6472still supply the () then. The body of the function follows in the next lines,
6473until the matching |:endfunction|. It is allowed to define another function
6474inside a function body.
6475
6476 *local-variables*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006477Inside a function variables can be used. These are local variables, which
6478will disappear when the function returns. Global variables need to be
6479accessed with "g:".
6480
6481Example: >
6482 :function Table(title, ...)
6483 : echohl Title
6484 : echo a:title
6485 : echohl None
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00006486 : echo a:0 . " items:"
6487 : for s in a:000
6488 : echon ' ' . s
6489 : endfor
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006490 :endfunction
6491
6492This function can then be called with: >
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00006493 call Table("Table", "line1", "line2")
6494 call Table("Empty Table")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006495
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006496To return more than one value, return a |List|: >
6497 :function Compute(n1, n2)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006498 : if a:n2 == 0
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006499 : return ["fail", 0]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006500 : endif
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006501 : return ["ok", a:n1 / a:n2]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006502 :endfunction
6503
6504This function can then be called with: >
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006505 :let [success, div] = Compute(102, 6)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006506 :if success == "ok"
6507 : echo div
6508 :endif
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006509<
Bram Moolenaar39f05632006-03-19 22:15:26 +00006510 *:cal* *:call* *E107* *E117*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006511:[range]cal[l] {name}([arguments])
6512 Call a function. The name of the function and its arguments
6513 are as specified with |:function|. Up to 20 arguments can be
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006514 used. The returned value is discarded.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006515 Without a range and for functions that accept a range, the
6516 function is called once. When a range is given the cursor is
6517 positioned at the start of the first line before executing the
6518 function.
6519 When a range is given and the function doesn't handle it
6520 itself, the function is executed for each line in the range,
6521 with the cursor in the first column of that line. The cursor
6522 is left at the last line (possibly moved by the last function
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006523 call). The arguments are re-evaluated for each line. Thus
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006524 this works:
6525 *function-range-example* >
6526 :function Mynumber(arg)
6527 : echo line(".") . " " . a:arg
6528 :endfunction
6529 :1,5call Mynumber(getline("."))
6530<
6531 The "a:firstline" and "a:lastline" are defined anyway, they
6532 can be used to do something different at the start or end of
6533 the range.
6534
6535 Example of a function that handles the range itself: >
6536
6537 :function Cont() range
6538 : execute (a:firstline + 1) . "," . a:lastline . 's/^/\t\\ '
6539 :endfunction
6540 :4,8call Cont()
6541<
6542 This function inserts the continuation character "\" in front
6543 of all the lines in the range, except the first one.
6544
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006545 When the function returns a composite value it can be further
6546 dereferenced, but the range will not be used then. Example: >
6547 :4,8call GetDict().method()
6548< Here GetDict() gets the range but method() does not.
6549
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006550 *E132*
6551The recursiveness of user functions is restricted with the |'maxfuncdepth'|
6552option.
6553
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006554
6555AUTOMATICALLY LOADING FUNCTIONS ~
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006556 *autoload-functions*
6557When using many or large functions, it's possible to automatically define them
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006558only when they are used. There are two methods: with an autocommand and with
6559the "autoload" directory in 'runtimepath'.
6560
6561
6562Using an autocommand ~
6563
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00006564This is introduced in the user manual, section |41.14|.
6565
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006566The autocommand is useful if you have a plugin that is a long Vim script file.
6567You can define the autocommand and quickly quit the script with |:finish|.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006568That makes Vim startup faster. The autocommand should then load the same file
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006569again, setting a variable to skip the |:finish| command.
6570
6571Use the FuncUndefined autocommand event with a pattern that matches the
6572function(s) to be defined. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006573
6574 :au FuncUndefined BufNet* source ~/vim/bufnetfuncs.vim
6575
6576The file "~/vim/bufnetfuncs.vim" should then define functions that start with
6577"BufNet". Also see |FuncUndefined|.
6578
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006579
6580Using an autoload script ~
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00006581 *autoload* *E746*
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00006582This is introduced in the user manual, section |41.15|.
6583
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006584Using a script in the "autoload" directory is simpler, but requires using
6585exactly the right file name. A function that can be autoloaded has a name
6586like this: >
6587
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00006588 :call filename#funcname()
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006589
6590When such a function is called, and it is not defined yet, Vim will search the
6591"autoload" directories in 'runtimepath' for a script file called
6592"filename.vim". For example "~/.vim/autoload/filename.vim". That file should
6593then define the function like this: >
6594
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00006595 function filename#funcname()
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006596 echo "Done!"
6597 endfunction
6598
Bram Moolenaar60a795a2005-09-16 21:55:43 +00006599The file name and the name used before the # in the function must match
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006600exactly, and the defined function must have the name exactly as it will be
6601called.
6602
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00006603It is possible to use subdirectories. Every # in the function name works like
6604a path separator. Thus when calling a function: >
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006605
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00006606 :call foo#bar#func()
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006607
6608Vim will look for the file "autoload/foo/bar.vim" in 'runtimepath'.
6609
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00006610This also works when reading a variable that has not been set yet: >
6611
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00006612 :let l = foo#bar#lvar
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00006613
Bram Moolenaara5792f52005-11-23 21:25:05 +00006614However, when the autoload script was already loaded it won't be loaded again
6615for an unknown variable.
6616
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00006617When assigning a value to such a variable nothing special happens. This can
6618be used to pass settings to the autoload script before it's loaded: >
6619
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00006620 :let foo#bar#toggle = 1
6621 :call foo#bar#func()
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00006622
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00006623Note that when you make a mistake and call a function that is supposed to be
6624defined in an autoload script, but the script doesn't actually define the
6625function, the script will be sourced every time you try to call the function.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00006626And you will get an error message every time.
6627
6628Also note that if you have two script files, and one calls a function in the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006629other and vice versa, before the used function is defined, it won't work.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00006630Avoid using the autoload functionality at the toplevel.
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006631
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00006632Hint: If you distribute a bunch of scripts you can pack them together with the
6633|vimball| utility. Also read the user manual |distribute-script|.
6634
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006635==============================================================================
66366. Curly braces names *curly-braces-names*
6637
6638Wherever you can use a variable, you can use a "curly braces name" variable.
6639This is a regular variable name with one or more expressions wrapped in braces
6640{} like this: >
6641 my_{adjective}_variable
6642
6643When Vim encounters this, it evaluates the expression inside the braces, puts
6644that in place of the expression, and re-interprets the whole as a variable
6645name. So in the above example, if the variable "adjective" was set to
6646"noisy", then the reference would be to "my_noisy_variable", whereas if
6647"adjective" was set to "quiet", then it would be to "my_quiet_variable".
6648
6649One application for this is to create a set of variables governed by an option
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006650value. For example, the statement >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006651 echo my_{&background}_message
6652
6653would output the contents of "my_dark_message" or "my_light_message" depending
6654on the current value of 'background'.
6655
6656You can use multiple brace pairs: >
6657 echo my_{adverb}_{adjective}_message
6658..or even nest them: >
6659 echo my_{ad{end_of_word}}_message
6660where "end_of_word" is either "verb" or "jective".
6661
6662However, the expression inside the braces must evaluate to a valid single
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00006663variable name, e.g. this is invalid: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006664 :let foo='a + b'
6665 :echo c{foo}d
6666.. since the result of expansion is "ca + bd", which is not a variable name.
6667
6668 *curly-braces-function-names*
6669You can call and define functions by an evaluated name in a similar way.
6670Example: >
6671 :let func_end='whizz'
6672 :call my_func_{func_end}(parameter)
6673
6674This would call the function "my_func_whizz(parameter)".
6675
6676==============================================================================
66777. Commands *expression-commands*
6678
6679:let {var-name} = {expr1} *:let* *E18*
6680 Set internal variable {var-name} to the result of the
6681 expression {expr1}. The variable will get the type
6682 from the {expr}. If {var-name} didn't exist yet, it
6683 is created.
6684
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00006685:let {var-name}[{idx}] = {expr1} *E689*
6686 Set a list item to the result of the expression
6687 {expr1}. {var-name} must refer to a list and {idx}
6688 must be a valid index in that list. For nested list
6689 the index can be repeated.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006690 This cannot be used to add an item to a |List|.
6691 This cannot be used to set a byte in a String. You
6692 can do that like this: >
6693 :let var = var[0:2] . 'X' . var[4:]
6694<
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006695 *E711* *E719*
6696:let {var-name}[{idx1}:{idx2}] = {expr1} *E708* *E709* *E710*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006697 Set a sequence of items in a |List| to the result of
6698 the expression {expr1}, which must be a list with the
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00006699 correct number of items.
6700 {idx1} can be omitted, zero is used instead.
6701 {idx2} can be omitted, meaning the end of the list.
6702 When the selected range of items is partly past the
6703 end of the list, items will be added.
6704
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00006705 *:let+=* *:let-=* *:let.=* *E734*
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006706:let {var} += {expr1} Like ":let {var} = {var} + {expr1}".
6707:let {var} -= {expr1} Like ":let {var} = {var} - {expr1}".
6708:let {var} .= {expr1} Like ":let {var} = {var} . {expr1}".
6709 These fail if {var} was not set yet and when the type
6710 of {var} and {expr1} don't fit the operator.
6711
6712
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006713:let ${env-name} = {expr1} *:let-environment* *:let-$*
6714 Set environment variable {env-name} to the result of
6715 the expression {expr1}. The type is always String.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006716:let ${env-name} .= {expr1}
6717 Append {expr1} to the environment variable {env-name}.
6718 If the environment variable didn't exist yet this
6719 works like "=".
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006720
6721:let @{reg-name} = {expr1} *:let-register* *:let-@*
6722 Write the result of the expression {expr1} in register
6723 {reg-name}. {reg-name} must be a single letter, and
6724 must be the name of a writable register (see
6725 |registers|). "@@" can be used for the unnamed
6726 register, "@/" for the search pattern.
6727 If the result of {expr1} ends in a <CR> or <NL>, the
6728 register will be linewise, otherwise it will be set to
6729 characterwise.
6730 This can be used to clear the last search pattern: >
6731 :let @/ = ""
6732< This is different from searching for an empty string,
6733 that would match everywhere.
6734
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006735:let @{reg-name} .= {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006736 Append {expr1} to register {reg-name}. If the
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006737 register was empty it's like setting it to {expr1}.
6738
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006739:let &{option-name} = {expr1} *:let-option* *:let-&*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006740 Set option {option-name} to the result of the
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00006741 expression {expr1}. A String or Number value is
6742 always converted to the type of the option.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006743 For an option local to a window or buffer the effect
6744 is just like using the |:set| command: both the local
Bram Moolenaara5fac542005-10-12 20:58:49 +00006745 value and the global value are changed.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00006746 Example: >
6747 :let &path = &path . ',/usr/local/include'
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006748
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006749:let &{option-name} .= {expr1}
6750 For a string option: Append {expr1} to the value.
6751 Does not insert a comma like |:set+=|.
6752
6753:let &{option-name} += {expr1}
6754:let &{option-name} -= {expr1}
6755 For a number or boolean option: Add or subtract
6756 {expr1}.
6757
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006758:let &l:{option-name} = {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006759:let &l:{option-name} .= {expr1}
6760:let &l:{option-name} += {expr1}
6761:let &l:{option-name} -= {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006762 Like above, but only set the local value of an option
6763 (if there is one). Works like |:setlocal|.
6764
6765:let &g:{option-name} = {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006766:let &g:{option-name} .= {expr1}
6767:let &g:{option-name} += {expr1}
6768:let &g:{option-name} -= {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006769 Like above, but only set the global value of an option
6770 (if there is one). Works like |:setglobal|.
6771
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00006772:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] = {expr1} *:let-unpack* *E687* *E688*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006773 {expr1} must evaluate to a |List|. The first item in
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00006774 the list is assigned to {name1}, the second item to
6775 {name2}, etc.
6776 The number of names must match the number of items in
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006777 the |List|.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00006778 Each name can be one of the items of the ":let"
6779 command as mentioned above.
6780 Example: >
6781 :let [s, item] = GetItem(s)
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006782< Detail: {expr1} is evaluated first, then the
6783 assignments are done in sequence. This matters if
6784 {name2} depends on {name1}. Example: >
6785 :let x = [0, 1]
6786 :let i = 0
6787 :let [i, x[i]] = [1, 2]
6788 :echo x
6789< The result is [0, 2].
6790
6791:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] .= {expr1}
6792:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] += {expr1}
6793:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] -= {expr1}
6794 Like above, but append/add/subtract the value for each
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006795 |List| item.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00006796
6797:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] = {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006798 Like |:let-unpack| above, but the |List| may have more
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006799 items than there are names. A list of the remaining
6800 items is assigned to {lastname}. If there are no
6801 remaining items {lastname} is set to an empty list.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00006802 Example: >
6803 :let [a, b; rest] = ["aval", "bval", 3, 4]
6804<
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006805:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] .= {expr1}
6806:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] += {expr1}
6807:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] -= {expr1}
6808 Like above, but append/add/subtract the value for each
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006809 |List| item.
Bram Moolenaar4a748032010-09-30 21:47:56 +02006810
6811 *E121*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006812:let {var-name} .. List the value of variable {var-name}. Multiple
Bram Moolenaardcaf10e2005-01-21 11:55:25 +00006813 variable names may be given. Special names recognized
6814 here: *E738*
Bram Moolenaarca003e12006-03-17 23:19:38 +00006815 g: global variables
6816 b: local buffer variables
6817 w: local window variables
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00006818 t: local tab page variables
Bram Moolenaarca003e12006-03-17 23:19:38 +00006819 s: script-local variables
6820 l: local function variables
Bram Moolenaardcaf10e2005-01-21 11:55:25 +00006821 v: Vim variables.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006822
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00006823:let List the values of all variables. The type of the
6824 variable is indicated before the value:
6825 <nothing> String
6826 # Number
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00006827 * Funcref
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006828
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00006829
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006830:unl[et][!] {name} ... *:unlet* *:unl* *E108* *E795*
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00006831 Remove the internal variable {name}. Several variable
6832 names can be given, they are all removed. The name
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006833 may also be a |List| or |Dictionary| item.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006834 With [!] no error message is given for non-existing
6835 variables.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006836 One or more items from a |List| can be removed: >
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +00006837 :unlet list[3] " remove fourth item
6838 :unlet list[3:] " remove fourth item to last
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006839< One item from a |Dictionary| can be removed at a time: >
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +00006840 :unlet dict['two']
6841 :unlet dict.two
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00006842< This is especially useful to clean up used global
6843 variables and script-local variables (these are not
6844 deleted when the script ends). Function-local
6845 variables are automatically deleted when the function
6846 ends.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006847
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00006848:lockv[ar][!] [depth] {name} ... *:lockvar* *:lockv*
6849 Lock the internal variable {name}. Locking means that
6850 it can no longer be changed (until it is unlocked).
6851 A locked variable can be deleted: >
6852 :lockvar v
6853 :let v = 'asdf' " fails!
6854 :unlet v
6855< *E741*
6856 If you try to change a locked variable you get an
6857 error message: "E741: Value of {name} is locked"
6858
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006859 [depth] is relevant when locking a |List| or
6860 |Dictionary|. It specifies how deep the locking goes:
6861 1 Lock the |List| or |Dictionary| itself,
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00006862 cannot add or remove items, but can
6863 still change their values.
6864 2 Also lock the values, cannot change
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006865 the items. If an item is a |List| or
6866 |Dictionary|, cannot add or remove
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00006867 items, but can still change the
6868 values.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006869 3 Like 2 but for the |List| /
6870 |Dictionary| in the |List| /
6871 |Dictionary|, one level deeper.
6872 The default [depth] is 2, thus when {name} is a |List|
6873 or |Dictionary| the values cannot be changed.
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00006874 *E743*
6875 For unlimited depth use [!] and omit [depth].
6876 However, there is a maximum depth of 100 to catch
6877 loops.
6878
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006879 Note that when two variables refer to the same |List|
6880 and you lock one of them, the |List| will also be
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00006881 locked when used through the other variable.
6882 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00006883 :let l = [0, 1, 2, 3]
6884 :let cl = l
6885 :lockvar l
6886 :let cl[1] = 99 " won't work!
6887< You may want to make a copy of a list to avoid this.
6888 See |deepcopy()|.
6889
6890
6891:unlo[ckvar][!] [depth] {name} ... *:unlockvar* *:unlo*
6892 Unlock the internal variable {name}. Does the
6893 opposite of |:lockvar|.
6894
6895
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006896:if {expr1} *:if* *:endif* *:en* *E171* *E579* *E580*
6897:en[dif] Execute the commands until the next matching ":else"
6898 or ":endif" if {expr1} evaluates to non-zero.
6899
6900 From Vim version 4.5 until 5.0, every Ex command in
6901 between the ":if" and ":endif" is ignored. These two
6902 commands were just to allow for future expansions in a
6903 backwards compatible way. Nesting was allowed. Note
6904 that any ":else" or ":elseif" was ignored, the "else"
6905 part was not executed either.
6906
6907 You can use this to remain compatible with older
6908 versions: >
6909 :if version >= 500
6910 : version-5-specific-commands
6911 :endif
6912< The commands still need to be parsed to find the
6913 "endif". Sometimes an older Vim has a problem with a
6914 new command. For example, ":silent" is recognized as
6915 a ":substitute" command. In that case ":execute" can
6916 avoid problems: >
6917 :if version >= 600
6918 : execute "silent 1,$delete"
6919 :endif
6920<
6921 NOTE: The ":append" and ":insert" commands don't work
6922 properly in between ":if" and ":endif".
6923
6924 *:else* *:el* *E581* *E583*
6925:el[se] Execute the commands until the next matching ":else"
6926 or ":endif" if they previously were not being
6927 executed.
6928
6929 *:elseif* *:elsei* *E582* *E584*
6930:elsei[f] {expr1} Short for ":else" ":if", with the addition that there
6931 is no extra ":endif".
6932
6933:wh[ile] {expr1} *:while* *:endwhile* *:wh* *:endw*
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006934 *E170* *E585* *E588* *E733*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006935:endw[hile] Repeat the commands between ":while" and ":endwhile",
6936 as long as {expr1} evaluates to non-zero.
6937 When an error is detected from a command inside the
6938 loop, execution continues after the "endwhile".
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00006939 Example: >
6940 :let lnum = 1
6941 :while lnum <= line("$")
6942 :call FixLine(lnum)
6943 :let lnum = lnum + 1
6944 :endwhile
6945<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006946 NOTE: The ":append" and ":insert" commands don't work
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00006947 properly inside a ":while" and ":for" loop.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006948
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006949:for {var} in {list} *:for* *E690* *E732*
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00006950:endfo[r] *:endfo* *:endfor*
6951 Repeat the commands between ":for" and ":endfor" for
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00006952 each item in {list}. Variable {var} is set to the
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00006953 value of each item.
6954 When an error is detected for a command inside the
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00006955 loop, execution continues after the "endfor".
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00006956 Changing {list} inside the loop affects what items are
6957 used. Make a copy if this is unwanted: >
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00006958 :for item in copy(mylist)
6959< When not making a copy, Vim stores a reference to the
6960 next item in the list, before executing the commands
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006961 with the current item. Thus the current item can be
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00006962 removed without effect. Removing any later item means
6963 it will not be found. Thus the following example
6964 works (an inefficient way to make a list empty): >
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01006965 for item in mylist
6966 call remove(mylist, 0)
6967 endfor
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00006968< Note that reordering the list (e.g., with sort() or
6969 reverse()) may have unexpected effects.
6970 Note that the type of each list item should be
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00006971 identical to avoid errors for the type of {var}
6972 changing. Unlet the variable at the end of the loop
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01006973 to allow multiple item types: >
6974 for item in ["foo", ["bar"]]
6975 echo item
6976 unlet item " E706 without this
6977 endfor
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00006978
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00006979:for [{var1}, {var2}, ...] in {listlist}
6980:endfo[r]
6981 Like ":for" above, but each item in {listlist} must be
6982 a list, of which each item is assigned to {var1},
6983 {var2}, etc. Example: >
6984 :for [lnum, col] in [[1, 3], [2, 5], [3, 8]]
6985 :echo getline(lnum)[col]
6986 :endfor
6987<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006988 *:continue* *:con* *E586*
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00006989:con[tinue] When used inside a ":while" or ":for" loop, jumps back
6990 to the start of the loop.
6991 If it is used after a |:try| inside the loop but
6992 before the matching |:finally| (if present), the
6993 commands following the ":finally" up to the matching
6994 |:endtry| are executed first. This process applies to
6995 all nested ":try"s inside the loop. The outermost
6996 ":endtry" then jumps back to the start of the loop.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006997
6998 *:break* *:brea* *E587*
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00006999:brea[k] When used inside a ":while" or ":for" loop, skips to
7000 the command after the matching ":endwhile" or
7001 ":endfor".
7002 If it is used after a |:try| inside the loop but
7003 before the matching |:finally| (if present), the
7004 commands following the ":finally" up to the matching
7005 |:endtry| are executed first. This process applies to
7006 all nested ":try"s inside the loop. The outermost
7007 ":endtry" then jumps to the command after the loop.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007008
7009:try *:try* *:endt* *:endtry* *E600* *E601* *E602*
7010:endt[ry] Change the error handling for the commands between
7011 ":try" and ":endtry" including everything being
7012 executed across ":source" commands, function calls,
7013 or autocommand invocations.
7014
7015 When an error or interrupt is detected and there is
7016 a |:finally| command following, execution continues
7017 after the ":finally". Otherwise, or when the
7018 ":endtry" is reached thereafter, the next
7019 (dynamically) surrounding ":try" is checked for
7020 a corresponding ":finally" etc. Then the script
7021 processing is terminated. (Whether a function
7022 definition has an "abort" argument does not matter.)
7023 Example: >
7024 :try | edit too much | finally | echo "cleanup" | endtry
7025 :echo "impossible" " not reached, script terminated above
7026<
7027 Moreover, an error or interrupt (dynamically) inside
7028 ":try" and ":endtry" is converted to an exception. It
7029 can be caught as if it were thrown by a |:throw|
7030 command (see |:catch|). In this case, the script
7031 processing is not terminated.
7032
7033 The value "Vim:Interrupt" is used for an interrupt
7034 exception. An error in a Vim command is converted
7035 to a value of the form "Vim({command}):{errmsg}",
7036 other errors are converted to a value of the form
7037 "Vim:{errmsg}". {command} is the full command name,
7038 and {errmsg} is the message that is displayed if the
7039 error exception is not caught, always beginning with
7040 the error number.
7041 Examples: >
7042 :try | sleep 100 | catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/ | endtry
7043 :try | edit | catch /^Vim(edit):E\d\+/ | echo "error" | endtry
7044<
7045 *:cat* *:catch* *E603* *E604* *E605*
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01007046:cat[ch] /{pattern}/ The following commands until the next |:catch|,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007047 |:finally|, or |:endtry| that belongs to the same
7048 |:try| as the ":catch" are executed when an exception
7049 matching {pattern} is being thrown and has not yet
7050 been caught by a previous ":catch". Otherwise, these
7051 commands are skipped.
7052 When {pattern} is omitted all errors are caught.
7053 Examples: >
7054 :catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/ " catch interrupts (CTRL-C)
7055 :catch /^Vim\%((\a\+)\)\=:E/ " catch all Vim errors
7056 :catch /^Vim\%((\a\+)\)\=:/ " catch errors and interrupts
7057 :catch /^Vim(write):/ " catch all errors in :write
7058 :catch /^Vim\%((\a\+)\)\=:E123/ " catch error E123
7059 :catch /my-exception/ " catch user exception
7060 :catch /.*/ " catch everything
7061 :catch " same as /.*/
7062<
7063 Another character can be used instead of / around the
7064 {pattern}, so long as it does not have a special
7065 meaning (e.g., '|' or '"') and doesn't occur inside
7066 {pattern}.
7067 NOTE: It is not reliable to ":catch" the TEXT of
7068 an error message because it may vary in different
7069 locales.
7070
7071 *:fina* *:finally* *E606* *E607*
7072:fina[lly] The following commands until the matching |:endtry|
7073 are executed whenever the part between the matching
7074 |:try| and the ":finally" is left: either by falling
7075 through to the ":finally" or by a |:continue|,
7076 |:break|, |:finish|, or |:return|, or by an error or
7077 interrupt or exception (see |:throw|).
7078
7079 *:th* *:throw* *E608*
7080:th[row] {expr1} The {expr1} is evaluated and thrown as an exception.
7081 If the ":throw" is used after a |:try| but before the
7082 first corresponding |:catch|, commands are skipped
7083 until the first ":catch" matching {expr1} is reached.
7084 If there is no such ":catch" or if the ":throw" is
7085 used after a ":catch" but before the |:finally|, the
7086 commands following the ":finally" (if present) up to
7087 the matching |:endtry| are executed. If the ":throw"
7088 is after the ":finally", commands up to the ":endtry"
7089 are skipped. At the ":endtry", this process applies
7090 again for the next dynamically surrounding ":try"
7091 (which may be found in a calling function or sourcing
7092 script), until a matching ":catch" has been found.
7093 If the exception is not caught, the command processing
7094 is terminated.
7095 Example: >
7096 :try | throw "oops" | catch /^oo/ | echo "caught" | endtry
Bram Moolenaar662db672011-03-22 14:05:35 +01007097< Note that "catch" may need to be on a separate line
7098 for when an error causes the parsing to skip the whole
7099 line and not see the "|" that separates the commands.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007100
7101 *:ec* *:echo*
7102:ec[ho] {expr1} .. Echoes each {expr1}, with a space in between. The
7103 first {expr1} starts on a new line.
7104 Also see |:comment|.
7105 Use "\n" to start a new line. Use "\r" to move the
7106 cursor to the first column.
7107 Uses the highlighting set by the |:echohl| command.
7108 Cannot be followed by a comment.
7109 Example: >
7110 :echo "the value of 'shell' is" &shell
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00007111< *:echo-redraw*
7112 A later redraw may make the message disappear again.
7113 And since Vim mostly postpones redrawing until it's
7114 finished with a sequence of commands this happens
7115 quite often. To avoid that a command from before the
7116 ":echo" causes a redraw afterwards (redraws are often
7117 postponed until you type something), force a redraw
7118 with the |:redraw| command. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007119 :new | redraw | echo "there is a new window"
7120<
7121 *:echon*
7122:echon {expr1} .. Echoes each {expr1}, without anything added. Also see
7123 |:comment|.
7124 Uses the highlighting set by the |:echohl| command.
7125 Cannot be followed by a comment.
7126 Example: >
7127 :echon "the value of 'shell' is " &shell
7128<
7129 Note the difference between using ":echo", which is a
7130 Vim command, and ":!echo", which is an external shell
7131 command: >
7132 :!echo % --> filename
7133< The arguments of ":!" are expanded, see |:_%|. >
7134 :!echo "%" --> filename or "filename"
7135< Like the previous example. Whether you see the double
7136 quotes or not depends on your 'shell'. >
7137 :echo % --> nothing
7138< The '%' is an illegal character in an expression. >
7139 :echo "%" --> %
7140< This just echoes the '%' character. >
7141 :echo expand("%") --> filename
7142< This calls the expand() function to expand the '%'.
7143
7144 *:echoh* *:echohl*
7145:echoh[l] {name} Use the highlight group {name} for the following
7146 |:echo|, |:echon| and |:echomsg| commands. Also used
7147 for the |input()| prompt. Example: >
7148 :echohl WarningMsg | echo "Don't panic!" | echohl None
7149< Don't forget to set the group back to "None",
7150 otherwise all following echo's will be highlighted.
7151
7152 *:echom* *:echomsg*
7153:echom[sg] {expr1} .. Echo the expression(s) as a true message, saving the
7154 message in the |message-history|.
7155 Spaces are placed between the arguments as with the
7156 |:echo| command. But unprintable characters are
7157 displayed, not interpreted.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00007158 The parsing works slightly different from |:echo|,
7159 more like |:execute|. All the expressions are first
7160 evaluated and concatenated before echoing anything.
7161 The expressions must evaluate to a Number or String, a
7162 Dictionary or List causes an error.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007163 Uses the highlighting set by the |:echohl| command.
7164 Example: >
7165 :echomsg "It's a Zizzer Zazzer Zuzz, as you can plainly see."
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00007166< See |:echo-redraw| to avoid the message disappearing
7167 when the screen is redrawn.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007168 *:echoe* *:echoerr*
7169:echoe[rr] {expr1} .. Echo the expression(s) as an error message, saving the
7170 message in the |message-history|. When used in a
7171 script or function the line number will be added.
7172 Spaces are placed between the arguments as with the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007173 :echo command. When used inside a try conditional,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007174 the message is raised as an error exception instead
7175 (see |try-echoerr|).
7176 Example: >
7177 :echoerr "This script just failed!"
7178< If you just want a highlighted message use |:echohl|.
7179 And to get a beep: >
7180 :exe "normal \<Esc>"
7181<
7182 *:exe* *:execute*
7183:exe[cute] {expr1} .. Executes the string that results from the evaluation
Bram Moolenaar00a927d2010-05-14 23:24:24 +02007184 of {expr1} as an Ex command.
7185 Multiple arguments are concatenated, with a space in
7186 between. To avoid the extra space use the "."
7187 operator to concatenate strings into one argument.
7188 {expr1} is used as the processed command, command line
7189 editing keys are not recognized.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007190 Cannot be followed by a comment.
7191 Examples: >
Bram Moolenaar00a927d2010-05-14 23:24:24 +02007192 :execute "buffer" nextbuf
7193 :execute "normal" count . "w"
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007194<
7195 ":execute" can be used to append a command to commands
7196 that don't accept a '|'. Example: >
7197 :execute '!ls' | echo "theend"
7198
7199< ":execute" is also a nice way to avoid having to type
7200 control characters in a Vim script for a ":normal"
7201 command: >
7202 :execute "normal ixxx\<Esc>"
7203< This has an <Esc> character, see |expr-string|.
7204
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007205 Be careful to correctly escape special characters in
7206 file names. The |fnameescape()| function can be used
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00007207 for Vim commands, |shellescape()| for |:!| commands.
7208 Examples: >
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007209 :execute "e " . fnameescape(filename)
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00007210 :execute "!ls " . shellescape(expand('%:h'), 1)
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007211<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007212 Note: The executed string may be any command-line, but
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00007213 you cannot start or end a "while", "for" or "if"
7214 command. Thus this is illegal: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007215 :execute 'while i > 5'
7216 :execute 'echo "test" | break'
7217<
7218 It is allowed to have a "while" or "if" command
7219 completely in the executed string: >
7220 :execute 'while i < 5 | echo i | let i = i + 1 | endwhile'
7221<
7222
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01007223 *:exe-comment*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007224 ":execute", ":echo" and ":echon" cannot be followed by
7225 a comment directly, because they see the '"' as the
7226 start of a string. But, you can use '|' followed by a
7227 comment. Example: >
7228 :echo "foo" | "this is a comment
7229
7230==============================================================================
72318. Exception handling *exception-handling*
7232
7233The Vim script language comprises an exception handling feature. This section
7234explains how it can be used in a Vim script.
7235
7236Exceptions may be raised by Vim on an error or on interrupt, see
7237|catch-errors| and |catch-interrupt|. You can also explicitly throw an
7238exception by using the ":throw" command, see |throw-catch|.
7239
7240
7241TRY CONDITIONALS *try-conditionals*
7242
7243Exceptions can be caught or can cause cleanup code to be executed. You can
7244use a try conditional to specify catch clauses (that catch exceptions) and/or
7245a finally clause (to be executed for cleanup).
7246 A try conditional begins with a |:try| command and ends at the matching
7247|:endtry| command. In between, you can use a |:catch| command to start
7248a catch clause, or a |:finally| command to start a finally clause. There may
7249be none or multiple catch clauses, but there is at most one finally clause,
7250which must not be followed by any catch clauses. The lines before the catch
7251clauses and the finally clause is called a try block. >
7252
7253 :try
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007254 : ...
7255 : ... TRY BLOCK
7256 : ...
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007257 :catch /{pattern}/
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007258 : ...
7259 : ... CATCH CLAUSE
7260 : ...
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007261 :catch /{pattern}/
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007262 : ...
7263 : ... CATCH CLAUSE
7264 : ...
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007265 :finally
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007266 : ...
7267 : ... FINALLY CLAUSE
7268 : ...
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007269 :endtry
7270
7271The try conditional allows to watch code for exceptions and to take the
7272appropriate actions. Exceptions from the try block may be caught. Exceptions
7273from the try block and also the catch clauses may cause cleanup actions.
7274 When no exception is thrown during execution of the try block, the control
7275is transferred to the finally clause, if present. After its execution, the
7276script continues with the line following the ":endtry".
7277 When an exception occurs during execution of the try block, the remaining
7278lines in the try block are skipped. The exception is matched against the
7279patterns specified as arguments to the ":catch" commands. The catch clause
7280after the first matching ":catch" is taken, other catch clauses are not
7281executed. The catch clause ends when the next ":catch", ":finally", or
7282":endtry" command is reached - whatever is first. Then, the finally clause
7283(if present) is executed. When the ":endtry" is reached, the script execution
7284continues in the following line as usual.
7285 When an exception that does not match any of the patterns specified by the
7286":catch" commands is thrown in the try block, the exception is not caught by
7287that try conditional and none of the catch clauses is executed. Only the
7288finally clause, if present, is taken. The exception pends during execution of
7289the finally clause. It is resumed at the ":endtry", so that commands after
7290the ":endtry" are not executed and the exception might be caught elsewhere,
7291see |try-nesting|.
7292 When during execution of a catch clause another exception is thrown, the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007293remaining lines in that catch clause are not executed. The new exception is
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007294not matched against the patterns in any of the ":catch" commands of the same
7295try conditional and none of its catch clauses is taken. If there is, however,
7296a finally clause, it is executed, and the exception pends during its
7297execution. The commands following the ":endtry" are not executed. The new
7298exception might, however, be caught elsewhere, see |try-nesting|.
7299 When during execution of the finally clause (if present) an exception is
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007300thrown, the remaining lines in the finally clause are skipped. If the finally
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007301clause has been taken because of an exception from the try block or one of the
7302catch clauses, the original (pending) exception is discarded. The commands
7303following the ":endtry" are not executed, and the exception from the finally
7304clause is propagated and can be caught elsewhere, see |try-nesting|.
7305
7306The finally clause is also executed, when a ":break" or ":continue" for
7307a ":while" loop enclosing the complete try conditional is executed from the
7308try block or a catch clause. Or when a ":return" or ":finish" is executed
7309from the try block or a catch clause of a try conditional in a function or
7310sourced script, respectively. The ":break", ":continue", ":return", or
7311":finish" pends during execution of the finally clause and is resumed when the
7312":endtry" is reached. It is, however, discarded when an exception is thrown
7313from the finally clause.
7314 When a ":break" or ":continue" for a ":while" loop enclosing the complete
7315try conditional or when a ":return" or ":finish" is encountered in the finally
7316clause, the rest of the finally clause is skipped, and the ":break",
7317":continue", ":return" or ":finish" is executed as usual. If the finally
7318clause has been taken because of an exception or an earlier ":break",
7319":continue", ":return", or ":finish" from the try block or a catch clause,
7320this pending exception or command is discarded.
7321
7322For examples see |throw-catch| and |try-finally|.
7323
7324
7325NESTING OF TRY CONDITIONALS *try-nesting*
7326
7327Try conditionals can be nested arbitrarily. That is, a complete try
7328conditional can be put into the try block, a catch clause, or the finally
7329clause of another try conditional. If the inner try conditional does not
7330catch an exception thrown in its try block or throws a new exception from one
7331of its catch clauses or its finally clause, the outer try conditional is
7332checked according to the rules above. If the inner try conditional is in the
7333try block of the outer try conditional, its catch clauses are checked, but
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007334otherwise only the finally clause is executed. It does not matter for
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007335nesting, whether the inner try conditional is directly contained in the outer
7336one, or whether the outer one sources a script or calls a function containing
7337the inner try conditional.
7338
7339When none of the active try conditionals catches an exception, just their
7340finally clauses are executed. Thereafter, the script processing terminates.
7341An error message is displayed in case of an uncaught exception explicitly
7342thrown by a ":throw" command. For uncaught error and interrupt exceptions
7343implicitly raised by Vim, the error message(s) or interrupt message are shown
7344as usual.
7345
7346For examples see |throw-catch|.
7347
7348
7349EXAMINING EXCEPTION HANDLING CODE *except-examine*
7350
7351Exception handling code can get tricky. If you are in doubt what happens, set
7352'verbose' to 13 or use the ":13verbose" command modifier when sourcing your
7353script file. Then you see when an exception is thrown, discarded, caught, or
7354finished. When using a verbosity level of at least 14, things pending in
7355a finally clause are also shown. This information is also given in debug mode
7356(see |debug-scripts|).
7357
7358
7359THROWING AND CATCHING EXCEPTIONS *throw-catch*
7360
7361You can throw any number or string as an exception. Use the |:throw| command
7362and pass the value to be thrown as argument: >
7363 :throw 4711
7364 :throw "string"
7365< *throw-expression*
7366You can also specify an expression argument. The expression is then evaluated
7367first, and the result is thrown: >
7368 :throw 4705 + strlen("string")
7369 :throw strpart("strings", 0, 6)
7370
7371An exception might be thrown during evaluation of the argument of the ":throw"
7372command. Unless it is caught there, the expression evaluation is abandoned.
7373The ":throw" command then does not throw a new exception.
7374 Example: >
7375
7376 :function! Foo(arg)
7377 : try
7378 : throw a:arg
7379 : catch /foo/
7380 : endtry
7381 : return 1
7382 :endfunction
7383 :
7384 :function! Bar()
7385 : echo "in Bar"
7386 : return 4710
7387 :endfunction
7388 :
7389 :throw Foo("arrgh") + Bar()
7390
7391This throws "arrgh", and "in Bar" is not displayed since Bar() is not
7392executed. >
7393 :throw Foo("foo") + Bar()
7394however displays "in Bar" and throws 4711.
7395
7396Any other command that takes an expression as argument might also be
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007397abandoned by an (uncaught) exception during the expression evaluation. The
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007398exception is then propagated to the caller of the command.
7399 Example: >
7400
7401 :if Foo("arrgh")
7402 : echo "then"
7403 :else
7404 : echo "else"
7405 :endif
7406
7407Here neither of "then" or "else" is displayed.
7408
7409 *catch-order*
7410Exceptions can be caught by a try conditional with one or more |:catch|
7411commands, see |try-conditionals|. The values to be caught by each ":catch"
7412command can be specified as a pattern argument. The subsequent catch clause
7413gets executed when a matching exception is caught.
7414 Example: >
7415
7416 :function! Foo(value)
7417 : try
7418 : throw a:value
7419 : catch /^\d\+$/
7420 : echo "Number thrown"
7421 : catch /.*/
7422 : echo "String thrown"
7423 : endtry
7424 :endfunction
7425 :
7426 :call Foo(0x1267)
7427 :call Foo('string')
7428
7429The first call to Foo() displays "Number thrown", the second "String thrown".
7430An exception is matched against the ":catch" commands in the order they are
7431specified. Only the first match counts. So you should place the more
7432specific ":catch" first. The following order does not make sense: >
7433
7434 : catch /.*/
7435 : echo "String thrown"
7436 : catch /^\d\+$/
7437 : echo "Number thrown"
7438
7439The first ":catch" here matches always, so that the second catch clause is
7440never taken.
7441
7442 *throw-variables*
7443If you catch an exception by a general pattern, you may access the exact value
7444in the variable |v:exception|: >
7445
7446 : catch /^\d\+$/
7447 : echo "Number thrown. Value is" v:exception
7448
7449You may also be interested where an exception was thrown. This is stored in
7450|v:throwpoint|. Note that "v:exception" and "v:throwpoint" are valid for the
7451exception most recently caught as long it is not finished.
7452 Example: >
7453
7454 :function! Caught()
7455 : if v:exception != ""
7456 : echo 'Caught "' . v:exception . '" in ' . v:throwpoint
7457 : else
7458 : echo 'Nothing caught'
7459 : endif
7460 :endfunction
7461 :
7462 :function! Foo()
7463 : try
7464 : try
7465 : try
7466 : throw 4711
7467 : finally
7468 : call Caught()
7469 : endtry
7470 : catch /.*/
7471 : call Caught()
7472 : throw "oops"
7473 : endtry
7474 : catch /.*/
7475 : call Caught()
7476 : finally
7477 : call Caught()
7478 : endtry
7479 :endfunction
7480 :
7481 :call Foo()
7482
7483This displays >
7484
7485 Nothing caught
7486 Caught "4711" in function Foo, line 4
7487 Caught "oops" in function Foo, line 10
7488 Nothing caught
7489
7490A practical example: The following command ":LineNumber" displays the line
7491number in the script or function where it has been used: >
7492
7493 :function! LineNumber()
7494 : return substitute(v:throwpoint, '.*\D\(\d\+\).*', '\1', "")
7495 :endfunction
7496 :command! LineNumber try | throw "" | catch | echo LineNumber() | endtry
7497<
7498 *try-nested*
7499An exception that is not caught by a try conditional can be caught by
7500a surrounding try conditional: >
7501
7502 :try
7503 : try
7504 : throw "foo"
7505 : catch /foobar/
7506 : echo "foobar"
7507 : finally
7508 : echo "inner finally"
7509 : endtry
7510 :catch /foo/
7511 : echo "foo"
7512 :endtry
7513
7514The inner try conditional does not catch the exception, just its finally
7515clause is executed. The exception is then caught by the outer try
7516conditional. The example displays "inner finally" and then "foo".
7517
7518 *throw-from-catch*
7519You can catch an exception and throw a new one to be caught elsewhere from the
7520catch clause: >
7521
7522 :function! Foo()
7523 : throw "foo"
7524 :endfunction
7525 :
7526 :function! Bar()
7527 : try
7528 : call Foo()
7529 : catch /foo/
7530 : echo "Caught foo, throw bar"
7531 : throw "bar"
7532 : endtry
7533 :endfunction
7534 :
7535 :try
7536 : call Bar()
7537 :catch /.*/
7538 : echo "Caught" v:exception
7539 :endtry
7540
7541This displays "Caught foo, throw bar" and then "Caught bar".
7542
7543 *rethrow*
7544There is no real rethrow in the Vim script language, but you may throw
7545"v:exception" instead: >
7546
7547 :function! Bar()
7548 : try
7549 : call Foo()
7550 : catch /.*/
7551 : echo "Rethrow" v:exception
7552 : throw v:exception
7553 : endtry
7554 :endfunction
7555< *try-echoerr*
7556Note that this method cannot be used to "rethrow" Vim error or interrupt
7557exceptions, because it is not possible to fake Vim internal exceptions.
7558Trying so causes an error exception. You should throw your own exception
7559denoting the situation. If you want to cause a Vim error exception containing
7560the original error exception value, you can use the |:echoerr| command: >
7561
7562 :try
7563 : try
7564 : asdf
7565 : catch /.*/
7566 : echoerr v:exception
7567 : endtry
7568 :catch /.*/
7569 : echo v:exception
7570 :endtry
7571
7572This code displays
7573
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007574 Vim(echoerr):Vim:E492: Not an editor command: asdf ~
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007575
7576
7577CLEANUP CODE *try-finally*
7578
7579Scripts often change global settings and restore them at their end. If the
7580user however interrupts the script by pressing CTRL-C, the settings remain in
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007581an inconsistent state. The same may happen to you in the development phase of
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007582a script when an error occurs or you explicitly throw an exception without
7583catching it. You can solve these problems by using a try conditional with
7584a finally clause for restoring the settings. Its execution is guaranteed on
7585normal control flow, on error, on an explicit ":throw", and on interrupt.
7586(Note that errors and interrupts from inside the try conditional are converted
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007587to exceptions. When not caught, they terminate the script after the finally
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007588clause has been executed.)
7589Example: >
7590
7591 :try
7592 : let s:saved_ts = &ts
7593 : set ts=17
7594 :
7595 : " Do the hard work here.
7596 :
7597 :finally
7598 : let &ts = s:saved_ts
7599 : unlet s:saved_ts
7600 :endtry
7601
7602This method should be used locally whenever a function or part of a script
7603changes global settings which need to be restored on failure or normal exit of
7604that function or script part.
7605
7606 *break-finally*
7607Cleanup code works also when the try block or a catch clause is left by
7608a ":continue", ":break", ":return", or ":finish".
7609 Example: >
7610
7611 :let first = 1
7612 :while 1
7613 : try
7614 : if first
7615 : echo "first"
7616 : let first = 0
7617 : continue
7618 : else
7619 : throw "second"
7620 : endif
7621 : catch /.*/
7622 : echo v:exception
7623 : break
7624 : finally
7625 : echo "cleanup"
7626 : endtry
7627 : echo "still in while"
7628 :endwhile
7629 :echo "end"
7630
7631This displays "first", "cleanup", "second", "cleanup", and "end". >
7632
7633 :function! Foo()
7634 : try
7635 : return 4711
7636 : finally
7637 : echo "cleanup\n"
7638 : endtry
7639 : echo "Foo still active"
7640 :endfunction
7641 :
7642 :echo Foo() "returned by Foo"
7643
7644This displays "cleanup" and "4711 returned by Foo". You don't need to add an
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007645extra ":return" in the finally clause. (Above all, this would override the
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007646return value.)
7647
7648 *except-from-finally*
7649Using either of ":continue", ":break", ":return", ":finish", or ":throw" in
7650a finally clause is possible, but not recommended since it abandons the
7651cleanup actions for the try conditional. But, of course, interrupt and error
7652exceptions might get raised from a finally clause.
7653 Example where an error in the finally clause stops an interrupt from
7654working correctly: >
7655
7656 :try
7657 : try
7658 : echo "Press CTRL-C for interrupt"
7659 : while 1
7660 : endwhile
7661 : finally
7662 : unlet novar
7663 : endtry
7664 :catch /novar/
7665 :endtry
7666 :echo "Script still running"
7667 :sleep 1
7668
7669If you need to put commands that could fail into a finally clause, you should
7670think about catching or ignoring the errors in these commands, see
7671|catch-errors| and |ignore-errors|.
7672
7673
7674CATCHING ERRORS *catch-errors*
7675
7676If you want to catch specific errors, you just have to put the code to be
7677watched in a try block and add a catch clause for the error message. The
7678presence of the try conditional causes all errors to be converted to an
7679exception. No message is displayed and |v:errmsg| is not set then. To find
7680the right pattern for the ":catch" command, you have to know how the format of
7681the error exception is.
7682 Error exceptions have the following format: >
7683
7684 Vim({cmdname}):{errmsg}
7685or >
7686 Vim:{errmsg}
7687
7688{cmdname} is the name of the command that failed; the second form is used when
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007689the command name is not known. {errmsg} is the error message usually produced
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007690when the error occurs outside try conditionals. It always begins with
7691a capital "E", followed by a two or three-digit error number, a colon, and
7692a space.
7693
7694Examples:
7695
7696The command >
7697 :unlet novar
7698normally produces the error message >
7699 E108: No such variable: "novar"
7700which is converted inside try conditionals to an exception >
7701 Vim(unlet):E108: No such variable: "novar"
7702
7703The command >
7704 :dwim
7705normally produces the error message >
7706 E492: Not an editor command: dwim
7707which is converted inside try conditionals to an exception >
7708 Vim:E492: Not an editor command: dwim
7709
7710You can catch all ":unlet" errors by a >
7711 :catch /^Vim(unlet):/
7712or all errors for misspelled command names by a >
7713 :catch /^Vim:E492:/
7714
7715Some error messages may be produced by different commands: >
7716 :function nofunc
7717and >
7718 :delfunction nofunc
7719both produce the error message >
7720 E128: Function name must start with a capital: nofunc
7721which is converted inside try conditionals to an exception >
7722 Vim(function):E128: Function name must start with a capital: nofunc
7723or >
7724 Vim(delfunction):E128: Function name must start with a capital: nofunc
7725respectively. You can catch the error by its number independently on the
7726command that caused it if you use the following pattern: >
7727 :catch /^Vim(\a\+):E128:/
7728
7729Some commands like >
7730 :let x = novar
7731produce multiple error messages, here: >
7732 E121: Undefined variable: novar
7733 E15: Invalid expression: novar
7734Only the first is used for the exception value, since it is the most specific
7735one (see |except-several-errors|). So you can catch it by >
7736 :catch /^Vim(\a\+):E121:/
7737
7738You can catch all errors related to the name "nofunc" by >
7739 :catch /\<nofunc\>/
7740
7741You can catch all Vim errors in the ":write" and ":read" commands by >
7742 :catch /^Vim(\(write\|read\)):E\d\+:/
7743
7744You can catch all Vim errors by the pattern >
7745 :catch /^Vim\((\a\+)\)\=:E\d\+:/
7746<
7747 *catch-text*
7748NOTE: You should never catch the error message text itself: >
7749 :catch /No such variable/
7750only works in the english locale, but not when the user has selected
7751a different language by the |:language| command. It is however helpful to
7752cite the message text in a comment: >
7753 :catch /^Vim(\a\+):E108:/ " No such variable
7754
7755
7756IGNORING ERRORS *ignore-errors*
7757
7758You can ignore errors in a specific Vim command by catching them locally: >
7759
7760 :try
7761 : write
7762 :catch
7763 :endtry
7764
7765But you are strongly recommended NOT to use this simple form, since it could
7766catch more than you want. With the ":write" command, some autocommands could
7767be executed and cause errors not related to writing, for instance: >
7768
7769 :au BufWritePre * unlet novar
7770
7771There could even be such errors you are not responsible for as a script
7772writer: a user of your script might have defined such autocommands. You would
7773then hide the error from the user.
7774 It is much better to use >
7775
7776 :try
7777 : write
7778 :catch /^Vim(write):/
7779 :endtry
7780
7781which only catches real write errors. So catch only what you'd like to ignore
7782intentionally.
7783
7784For a single command that does not cause execution of autocommands, you could
7785even suppress the conversion of errors to exceptions by the ":silent!"
7786command: >
7787 :silent! nunmap k
7788This works also when a try conditional is active.
7789
7790
7791CATCHING INTERRUPTS *catch-interrupt*
7792
7793When there are active try conditionals, an interrupt (CTRL-C) is converted to
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007794the exception "Vim:Interrupt". You can catch it like every exception. The
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007795script is not terminated, then.
7796 Example: >
7797
7798 :function! TASK1()
7799 : sleep 10
7800 :endfunction
7801
7802 :function! TASK2()
7803 : sleep 20
7804 :endfunction
7805
7806 :while 1
7807 : let command = input("Type a command: ")
7808 : try
7809 : if command == ""
7810 : continue
7811 : elseif command == "END"
7812 : break
7813 : elseif command == "TASK1"
7814 : call TASK1()
7815 : elseif command == "TASK2"
7816 : call TASK2()
7817 : else
7818 : echo "\nIllegal command:" command
7819 : continue
7820 : endif
7821 : catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/
7822 : echo "\nCommand interrupted"
7823 : " Caught the interrupt. Continue with next prompt.
7824 : endtry
7825 :endwhile
7826
7827You can interrupt a task here by pressing CTRL-C; the script then asks for
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007828a new command. If you press CTRL-C at the prompt, the script is terminated.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007829
7830For testing what happens when CTRL-C would be pressed on a specific line in
7831your script, use the debug mode and execute the |>quit| or |>interrupt|
7832command on that line. See |debug-scripts|.
7833
7834
7835CATCHING ALL *catch-all*
7836
7837The commands >
7838
7839 :catch /.*/
7840 :catch //
7841 :catch
7842
7843catch everything, error exceptions, interrupt exceptions and exceptions
7844explicitly thrown by the |:throw| command. This is useful at the top level of
7845a script in order to catch unexpected things.
7846 Example: >
7847
7848 :try
7849 :
7850 : " do the hard work here
7851 :
7852 :catch /MyException/
7853 :
7854 : " handle known problem
7855 :
7856 :catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/
7857 : echo "Script interrupted"
7858 :catch /.*/
7859 : echo "Internal error (" . v:exception . ")"
7860 : echo " - occurred at " . v:throwpoint
7861 :endtry
7862 :" end of script
7863
7864Note: Catching all might catch more things than you want. Thus, you are
7865strongly encouraged to catch only for problems that you can really handle by
7866specifying a pattern argument to the ":catch".
7867 Example: Catching all could make it nearly impossible to interrupt a script
7868by pressing CTRL-C: >
7869
7870 :while 1
7871 : try
7872 : sleep 1
7873 : catch
7874 : endtry
7875 :endwhile
7876
7877
7878EXCEPTIONS AND AUTOCOMMANDS *except-autocmd*
7879
7880Exceptions may be used during execution of autocommands. Example: >
7881
7882 :autocmd User x try
7883 :autocmd User x throw "Oops!"
7884 :autocmd User x catch
7885 :autocmd User x echo v:exception
7886 :autocmd User x endtry
7887 :autocmd User x throw "Arrgh!"
7888 :autocmd User x echo "Should not be displayed"
7889 :
7890 :try
7891 : doautocmd User x
7892 :catch
7893 : echo v:exception
7894 :endtry
7895
7896This displays "Oops!" and "Arrgh!".
7897
7898 *except-autocmd-Pre*
7899For some commands, autocommands get executed before the main action of the
7900command takes place. If an exception is thrown and not caught in the sequence
7901of autocommands, the sequence and the command that caused its execution are
7902abandoned and the exception is propagated to the caller of the command.
7903 Example: >
7904
7905 :autocmd BufWritePre * throw "FAIL"
7906 :autocmd BufWritePre * echo "Should not be displayed"
7907 :
7908 :try
7909 : write
7910 :catch
7911 : echo "Caught:" v:exception "from" v:throwpoint
7912 :endtry
7913
7914Here, the ":write" command does not write the file currently being edited (as
7915you can see by checking 'modified'), since the exception from the BufWritePre
7916autocommand abandons the ":write". The exception is then caught and the
7917script displays: >
7918
7919 Caught: FAIL from BufWrite Auto commands for "*"
7920<
7921 *except-autocmd-Post*
7922For some commands, autocommands get executed after the main action of the
7923command has taken place. If this main action fails and the command is inside
7924an active try conditional, the autocommands are skipped and an error exception
7925is thrown that can be caught by the caller of the command.
7926 Example: >
7927
7928 :autocmd BufWritePost * echo "File successfully written!"
7929 :
7930 :try
7931 : write /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
7932 :catch
7933 : echo v:exception
7934 :endtry
7935
7936This just displays: >
7937
7938 Vim(write):E212: Can't open file for writing (/i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e)
7939
7940If you really need to execute the autocommands even when the main action
7941fails, trigger the event from the catch clause.
7942 Example: >
7943
7944 :autocmd BufWritePre * set noreadonly
7945 :autocmd BufWritePost * set readonly
7946 :
7947 :try
7948 : write /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
7949 :catch
7950 : doautocmd BufWritePost /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
7951 :endtry
7952<
7953You can also use ":silent!": >
7954
7955 :let x = "ok"
7956 :let v:errmsg = ""
7957 :autocmd BufWritePost * if v:errmsg != ""
7958 :autocmd BufWritePost * let x = "after fail"
7959 :autocmd BufWritePost * endif
7960 :try
7961 : silent! write /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
7962 :catch
7963 :endtry
7964 :echo x
7965
7966This displays "after fail".
7967
7968If the main action of the command does not fail, exceptions from the
7969autocommands will be catchable by the caller of the command: >
7970
7971 :autocmd BufWritePost * throw ":-("
7972 :autocmd BufWritePost * echo "Should not be displayed"
7973 :
7974 :try
7975 : write
7976 :catch
7977 : echo v:exception
7978 :endtry
7979<
7980 *except-autocmd-Cmd*
7981For some commands, the normal action can be replaced by a sequence of
7982autocommands. Exceptions from that sequence will be catchable by the caller
7983of the command.
7984 Example: For the ":write" command, the caller cannot know whether the file
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007985had actually been written when the exception occurred. You need to tell it in
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007986some way. >
7987
7988 :if !exists("cnt")
7989 : let cnt = 0
7990 :
7991 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * if &modified
7992 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * let cnt = cnt + 1
7993 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * if cnt % 3 == 2
7994 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * throw "BufWriteCmdError"
7995 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * endif
7996 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * write | set nomodified
7997 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * if cnt % 3 == 0
7998 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * throw "BufWriteCmdError"
7999 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * endif
8000 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * echo "File successfully written!"
8001 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * endif
8002 :endif
8003 :
8004 :try
8005 : write
8006 :catch /^BufWriteCmdError$/
8007 : if &modified
8008 : echo "Error on writing (file contents not changed)"
8009 : else
8010 : echo "Error after writing"
8011 : endif
8012 :catch /^Vim(write):/
8013 : echo "Error on writing"
8014 :endtry
8015
8016When this script is sourced several times after making changes, it displays
8017first >
8018 File successfully written!
8019then >
8020 Error on writing (file contents not changed)
8021then >
8022 Error after writing
8023etc.
8024
8025 *except-autocmd-ill*
8026You cannot spread a try conditional over autocommands for different events.
8027The following code is ill-formed: >
8028
8029 :autocmd BufWritePre * try
8030 :
8031 :autocmd BufWritePost * catch
8032 :autocmd BufWritePost * echo v:exception
8033 :autocmd BufWritePost * endtry
8034 :
8035 :write
8036
8037
8038EXCEPTION HIERARCHIES AND PARAMETERIZED EXCEPTIONS *except-hier-param*
8039
8040Some programming languages allow to use hierarchies of exception classes or to
8041pass additional information with the object of an exception class. You can do
8042similar things in Vim.
8043 In order to throw an exception from a hierarchy, just throw the complete
8044class name with the components separated by a colon, for instance throw the
8045string "EXCEPT:MATHERR:OVERFLOW" for an overflow in a mathematical library.
8046 When you want to pass additional information with your exception class, add
8047it in parentheses, for instance throw the string "EXCEPT:IO:WRITEERR(myfile)"
8048for an error when writing "myfile".
8049 With the appropriate patterns in the ":catch" command, you can catch for
8050base classes or derived classes of your hierarchy. Additional information in
8051parentheses can be cut out from |v:exception| with the ":substitute" command.
8052 Example: >
8053
8054 :function! CheckRange(a, func)
8055 : if a:a < 0
8056 : throw "EXCEPT:MATHERR:RANGE(" . a:func . ")"
8057 : endif
8058 :endfunction
8059 :
8060 :function! Add(a, b)
8061 : call CheckRange(a:a, "Add")
8062 : call CheckRange(a:b, "Add")
8063 : let c = a:a + a:b
8064 : if c < 0
8065 : throw "EXCEPT:MATHERR:OVERFLOW"
8066 : endif
8067 : return c
8068 :endfunction
8069 :
8070 :function! Div(a, b)
8071 : call CheckRange(a:a, "Div")
8072 : call CheckRange(a:b, "Div")
8073 : if (a:b == 0)
8074 : throw "EXCEPT:MATHERR:ZERODIV"
8075 : endif
8076 : return a:a / a:b
8077 :endfunction
8078 :
8079 :function! Write(file)
8080 : try
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00008081 : execute "write" fnameescape(a:file)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008082 : catch /^Vim(write):/
8083 : throw "EXCEPT:IO(" . getcwd() . ", " . a:file . "):WRITEERR"
8084 : endtry
8085 :endfunction
8086 :
8087 :try
8088 :
8089 : " something with arithmetics and I/O
8090 :
8091 :catch /^EXCEPT:MATHERR:RANGE/
8092 : let function = substitute(v:exception, '.*(\(\a\+\)).*', '\1', "")
8093 : echo "Range error in" function
8094 :
8095 :catch /^EXCEPT:MATHERR/ " catches OVERFLOW and ZERODIV
8096 : echo "Math error"
8097 :
8098 :catch /^EXCEPT:IO/
8099 : let dir = substitute(v:exception, '.*(\(.\+\),\s*.\+).*', '\1', "")
8100 : let file = substitute(v:exception, '.*(.\+,\s*\(.\+\)).*', '\1', "")
8101 : if file !~ '^/'
8102 : let file = dir . "/" . file
8103 : endif
8104 : echo 'I/O error for "' . file . '"'
8105 :
8106 :catch /^EXCEPT/
8107 : echo "Unspecified error"
8108 :
8109 :endtry
8110
8111The exceptions raised by Vim itself (on error or when pressing CTRL-C) use
8112a flat hierarchy: they are all in the "Vim" class. You cannot throw yourself
8113exceptions with the "Vim" prefix; they are reserved for Vim.
8114 Vim error exceptions are parameterized with the name of the command that
8115failed, if known. See |catch-errors|.
8116
8117
8118PECULIARITIES
8119 *except-compat*
8120The exception handling concept requires that the command sequence causing the
8121exception is aborted immediately and control is transferred to finally clauses
8122and/or a catch clause.
8123
8124In the Vim script language there are cases where scripts and functions
8125continue after an error: in functions without the "abort" flag or in a command
8126after ":silent!", control flow goes to the following line, and outside
8127functions, control flow goes to the line following the outermost ":endwhile"
8128or ":endif". On the other hand, errors should be catchable as exceptions
8129(thus, requiring the immediate abortion).
8130
8131This problem has been solved by converting errors to exceptions and using
8132immediate abortion (if not suppressed by ":silent!") only when a try
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00008133conditional is active. This is no restriction since an (error) exception can
8134be caught only from an active try conditional. If you want an immediate
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008135termination without catching the error, just use a try conditional without
8136catch clause. (You can cause cleanup code being executed before termination
8137by specifying a finally clause.)
8138
8139When no try conditional is active, the usual abortion and continuation
8140behavior is used instead of immediate abortion. This ensures compatibility of
8141scripts written for Vim 6.1 and earlier.
8142
8143However, when sourcing an existing script that does not use exception handling
8144commands (or when calling one of its functions) from inside an active try
8145conditional of a new script, you might change the control flow of the existing
8146script on error. You get the immediate abortion on error and can catch the
8147error in the new script. If however the sourced script suppresses error
8148messages by using the ":silent!" command (checking for errors by testing
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00008149|v:errmsg| if appropriate), its execution path is not changed. The error is
8150not converted to an exception. (See |:silent|.) So the only remaining cause
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008151where this happens is for scripts that don't care about errors and produce
8152error messages. You probably won't want to use such code from your new
8153scripts.
8154
8155 *except-syntax-err*
8156Syntax errors in the exception handling commands are never caught by any of
8157the ":catch" commands of the try conditional they belong to. Its finally
8158clauses, however, is executed.
8159 Example: >
8160
8161 :try
8162 : try
8163 : throw 4711
8164 : catch /\(/
8165 : echo "in catch with syntax error"
8166 : catch
8167 : echo "inner catch-all"
8168 : finally
8169 : echo "inner finally"
8170 : endtry
8171 :catch
8172 : echo 'outer catch-all caught "' . v:exception . '"'
8173 : finally
8174 : echo "outer finally"
8175 :endtry
8176
8177This displays: >
8178 inner finally
8179 outer catch-all caught "Vim(catch):E54: Unmatched \("
8180 outer finally
8181The original exception is discarded and an error exception is raised, instead.
8182
8183 *except-single-line*
8184The ":try", ":catch", ":finally", and ":endtry" commands can be put on
8185a single line, but then syntax errors may make it difficult to recognize the
8186"catch" line, thus you better avoid this.
8187 Example: >
8188 :try | unlet! foo # | catch | endtry
8189raises an error exception for the trailing characters after the ":unlet!"
8190argument, but does not see the ":catch" and ":endtry" commands, so that the
8191error exception is discarded and the "E488: Trailing characters" message gets
8192displayed.
8193
8194 *except-several-errors*
8195When several errors appear in a single command, the first error message is
8196usually the most specific one and therefor converted to the error exception.
8197 Example: >
8198 echo novar
8199causes >
8200 E121: Undefined variable: novar
8201 E15: Invalid expression: novar
8202The value of the error exception inside try conditionals is: >
8203 Vim(echo):E121: Undefined variable: novar
8204< *except-syntax-error*
8205But when a syntax error is detected after a normal error in the same command,
8206the syntax error is used for the exception being thrown.
8207 Example: >
8208 unlet novar #
8209causes >
8210 E108: No such variable: "novar"
8211 E488: Trailing characters
8212The value of the error exception inside try conditionals is: >
8213 Vim(unlet):E488: Trailing characters
8214This is done because the syntax error might change the execution path in a way
8215not intended by the user. Example: >
8216 try
8217 try | unlet novar # | catch | echo v:exception | endtry
8218 catch /.*/
8219 echo "outer catch:" v:exception
8220 endtry
8221This displays "outer catch: Vim(unlet):E488: Trailing characters", and then
8222a "E600: Missing :endtry" error message is given, see |except-single-line|.
8223
8224==============================================================================
82259. Examples *eval-examples*
8226
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008227Printing in Binary ~
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008228>
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01008229 :" The function Nr2Bin() returns the binary string representation of a number.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008230 :func Nr2Bin(nr)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008231 : let n = a:nr
8232 : let r = ""
8233 : while n
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008234 : let r = '01'[n % 2] . r
8235 : let n = n / 2
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008236 : endwhile
8237 : return r
8238 :endfunc
8239
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008240 :" The function String2Bin() converts each character in a string to a
8241 :" binary string, separated with dashes.
8242 :func String2Bin(str)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008243 : let out = ''
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008244 : for ix in range(strlen(a:str))
8245 : let out = out . '-' . Nr2Bin(char2nr(a:str[ix]))
8246 : endfor
8247 : return out[1:]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008248 :endfunc
8249
8250Example of its use: >
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008251 :echo Nr2Bin(32)
8252result: "100000" >
8253 :echo String2Bin("32")
8254result: "110011-110010"
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008255
8256
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008257Sorting lines ~
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008258
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008259This example sorts lines with a specific compare function. >
8260
8261 :func SortBuffer()
8262 : let lines = getline(1, '$')
8263 : call sort(lines, function("Strcmp"))
8264 : call setline(1, lines)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008265 :endfunction
8266
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008267As a one-liner: >
8268 :call setline(1, sort(getline(1, '$'), function("Strcmp")))
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008269
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008270
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008271scanf() replacement ~
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008272 *sscanf*
8273There is no sscanf() function in Vim. If you need to extract parts from a
8274line, you can use matchstr() and substitute() to do it. This example shows
8275how to get the file name, line number and column number out of a line like
8276"foobar.txt, 123, 45". >
8277 :" Set up the match bit
8278 :let mx='\(\f\+\),\s*\(\d\+\),\s*\(\d\+\)'
8279 :"get the part matching the whole expression
8280 :let l = matchstr(line, mx)
8281 :"get each item out of the match
8282 :let file = substitute(l, mx, '\1', '')
8283 :let lnum = substitute(l, mx, '\2', '')
8284 :let col = substitute(l, mx, '\3', '')
8285
8286The input is in the variable "line", the results in the variables "file",
8287"lnum" and "col". (idea from Michael Geddes)
8288
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008289
8290getting the scriptnames in a Dictionary ~
8291 *scriptnames-dictionary*
8292The |:scriptnames| command can be used to get a list of all script files that
8293have been sourced. There is no equivalent function or variable for this
8294(because it's rarely needed). In case you need to manipulate the list this
8295code can be used: >
8296 " Get the output of ":scriptnames" in the scriptnames_output variable.
8297 let scriptnames_output = ''
8298 redir => scriptnames_output
8299 silent scriptnames
8300 redir END
8301
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00008302 " Split the output into lines and parse each line. Add an entry to the
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008303 " "scripts" dictionary.
8304 let scripts = {}
8305 for line in split(scriptnames_output, "\n")
8306 " Only do non-blank lines.
8307 if line =~ '\S'
8308 " Get the first number in the line.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00008309 let nr = matchstr(line, '\d\+')
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008310 " Get the file name, remove the script number " 123: ".
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00008311 let name = substitute(line, '.\+:\s*', '', '')
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008312 " Add an item to the Dictionary
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00008313 let scripts[nr] = name
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008314 endif
8315 endfor
8316 unlet scriptnames_output
8317
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008318==============================================================================
831910. No +eval feature *no-eval-feature*
8320
8321When the |+eval| feature was disabled at compile time, none of the expression
8322evaluation commands are available. To prevent this from causing Vim scripts
8323to generate all kinds of errors, the ":if" and ":endif" commands are still
8324recognized, though the argument of the ":if" and everything between the ":if"
8325and the matching ":endif" is ignored. Nesting of ":if" blocks is allowed, but
8326only if the commands are at the start of the line. The ":else" command is not
8327recognized.
8328
8329Example of how to avoid executing commands when the |+eval| feature is
8330missing: >
8331
8332 :if 1
8333 : echo "Expression evaluation is compiled in"
8334 :else
8335 : echo "You will _never_ see this message"
8336 :endif
8337
8338==============================================================================
833911. The sandbox *eval-sandbox* *sandbox* *E48*
8340
Bram Moolenaar368373e2010-07-19 20:46:22 +02008341The 'foldexpr', 'formatexpr', 'includeexpr', 'indentexpr', 'statusline' and
8342'foldtext' options may be evaluated in a sandbox. This means that you are
8343protected from these expressions having nasty side effects. This gives some
8344safety for when these options are set from a modeline. It is also used when
8345the command from a tags file is executed and for CTRL-R = in the command line.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00008346The sandbox is also used for the |:sandbox| command.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008347
8348These items are not allowed in the sandbox:
8349 - changing the buffer text
8350 - defining or changing mapping, autocommands, functions, user commands
8351 - setting certain options (see |option-summary|)
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008352 - setting certain v: variables (see |v:var|) *E794*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008353 - executing a shell command
8354 - reading or writing a file
8355 - jumping to another buffer or editing a file
Bram Moolenaar4770d092006-01-12 23:22:24 +00008356 - executing Python, Perl, etc. commands
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00008357This is not guaranteed 100% secure, but it should block most attacks.
8358
8359 *:san* *:sandbox*
Bram Moolenaar045e82d2005-07-08 22:25:33 +00008360:san[dbox] {cmd} Execute {cmd} in the sandbox. Useful to evaluate an
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00008361 option that may have been set from a modeline, e.g.
8362 'foldexpr'.
8363
Bram Moolenaarb71eaae2006-01-20 23:10:18 +00008364 *sandbox-option*
8365A few options contain an expression. When this expression is evaluated it may
Bram Moolenaar9b2200a2006-03-20 21:55:45 +00008366have to be done in the sandbox to avoid a security risk. But the sandbox is
Bram Moolenaarb71eaae2006-01-20 23:10:18 +00008367restrictive, thus this only happens when the option was set from an insecure
8368location. Insecure in this context are:
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00008369- sourcing a .vimrc or .exrc in the current directory
Bram Moolenaarb71eaae2006-01-20 23:10:18 +00008370- while executing in the sandbox
8371- value coming from a modeline
8372
8373Note that when in the sandbox and saving an option value and restoring it, the
8374option will still be marked as it was set in the sandbox.
8375
8376==============================================================================
837712. Textlock *textlock*
8378
8379In a few situations it is not allowed to change the text in the buffer, jump
8380to another window and some other things that might confuse or break what Vim
8381is currently doing. This mostly applies to things that happen when Vim is
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00008382actually doing something else. For example, evaluating the 'balloonexpr' may
Bram Moolenaarb71eaae2006-01-20 23:10:18 +00008383happen any moment the mouse cursor is resting at some position.
8384
8385This is not allowed when the textlock is active:
8386 - changing the buffer text
8387 - jumping to another buffer or window
8388 - editing another file
8389 - closing a window or quitting Vim
8390 - etc.
8391
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008392
8393 vim:tw=78:ts=8:ft=help:norl: