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Bram Moolenaar08250432008-02-13 11:42:46 +00001*eval.txt* For Vim version 7.1. Last change: 2008 Feb 13
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002
3
4 VIM REFERENCE MANUAL by Bram Moolenaar
5
6
7Expression evaluation *expression* *expr* *E15* *eval*
8
9Using expressions is introduced in chapter 41 of the user manual |usr_41.txt|.
10
11Note: Expression evaluation can be disabled at compile time. If this has been
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +000012done, the features in this document are not available. See |+eval| and
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000013|no-eval-feature|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000014
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000151. Variables |variables|
16 1.1 Variable types
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +000017 1.2 Function references |Funcref|
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +000018 1.3 Lists |Lists|
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000019 1.4 Dictionaries |Dictionaries|
20 1.5 More about variables |more-variables|
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000212. Expression syntax |expression-syntax|
223. Internal variable |internal-variables|
234. Builtin Functions |functions|
245. Defining functions |user-functions|
256. Curly braces names |curly-braces-names|
267. Commands |expression-commands|
278. Exception handling |exception-handling|
289. Examples |eval-examples|
2910. No +eval feature |no-eval-feature|
3011. The sandbox |eval-sandbox|
Bram 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 Moolenaar39a58ca2005-06-27 22:42:44 +000040There are five types of variables:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000041
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000042Number A 32 bit signed number.
43 Examples: -123 0x10 0177
44
45String A NUL terminated string of 8-bit unsigned characters (bytes).
46 Examples: "ab\txx\"--" 'x-z''a,c'
47
48Funcref A reference to a function |Funcref|.
49 Example: function("strlen")
50
51List An ordered sequence of items |List|.
52 Example: [1, 2, ['a', 'b']]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000053
Bram Moolenaar39a58ca2005-06-27 22:42:44 +000054Dictionary An associative, unordered array: Each entry has a key and a
55 value. |Dictionary|
56 Example: {'blue': "#0000ff", 'red': "#ff0000"}
57
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +000058The Number and String types are converted automatically, depending on how they
59are used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000060
61Conversion from a Number to a String is by making the ASCII representation of
62the Number. Examples: >
63 Number 123 --> String "123"
64 Number 0 --> String "0"
65 Number -1 --> String "-1"
66
67Conversion from a String to a Number is done by converting the first digits
68to a number. Hexadecimal "0xf9" and Octal "017" numbers are recognized. If
69the String doesn't start with digits, the result is zero. Examples: >
70 String "456" --> Number 456
71 String "6bar" --> Number 6
72 String "foo" --> Number 0
73 String "0xf1" --> Number 241
74 String "0100" --> Number 64
75 String "-8" --> Number -8
76 String "+8" --> Number 0
77
78To force conversion from String to Number, add zero to it: >
79 :echo "0100" + 0
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +000080< 64 ~
81
82To avoid a leading zero to cause octal conversion, or for using a different
83base, use |str2nr()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000084
85For boolean operators Numbers are used. Zero is FALSE, non-zero is TRUE.
86
87Note that in the command >
88 :if "foo"
89"foo" is converted to 0, which means FALSE. To test for a non-empty string,
90use strlen(): >
91 :if strlen("foo")
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +000092< *E745* *E728* *E703* *E729* *E730* *E731*
93List, Dictionary and Funcref types are not automatically converted.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +000094
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +000095 *E706*
96You will get an error if you try to change the type of a variable. You need
97to |:unlet| it first to avoid this error. String and Number are considered
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000098equivalent though. Consider this sequence of commands: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +000099 :let l = "string"
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000100 :let l = 44 " changes type from String to Number
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000101 :let l = [1, 2, 3] " error!
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000102
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000103
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00001041.2 Function references ~
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +0000105 *Funcref* *E695* *E718*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000106A Funcref variable is obtained with the |function()| function. It can be used
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000107in an expression in the place of a function name, before the parenthesis
108around the arguments, to invoke the function it refers to. Example: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000109
110 :let Fn = function("MyFunc")
111 :echo Fn()
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000112< *E704* *E705* *E707*
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +0000113A Funcref variable must start with a capital, "s:", "w:", "t:" or "b:". You
114cannot have both a Funcref variable and a function with the same name.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000115
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000116A special case is defining a function and directly assigning its Funcref to a
117Dictionary entry. Example: >
118 :function dict.init() dict
119 : let self.val = 0
120 :endfunction
121
122The key of the Dictionary can start with a lower case letter. The actual
123function name is not used here. Also see |numbered-function|.
124
125A Funcref can also be used with the |:call| command: >
126 :call Fn()
127 :call dict.init()
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000128
129The name of the referenced function can be obtained with |string()|. >
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000130 :let func = string(Fn)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000131
132You can use |call()| to invoke a Funcref and use a list variable for the
133arguments: >
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000134 :let r = call(Fn, mylist)
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000135
136
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00001371.3 Lists ~
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +0000138 *List* *Lists* *E686*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000139A List is an ordered sequence of items. An item can be of any type. Items
140can be accessed by their index number. Items can be added and removed at any
141position in the sequence.
142
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000143
144List creation ~
145 *E696* *E697*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000146A List is created with a comma separated list of items in square brackets.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000147Examples: >
148 :let mylist = [1, two, 3, "four"]
149 :let emptylist = []
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000150
151An item can be any expression. Using a List for an item creates a
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +0000152List of Lists: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000153 :let nestlist = [[11, 12], [21, 22], [31, 32]]
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000154
155An extra comma after the last item is ignored.
156
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000157
158List index ~
159 *list-index* *E684*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000160An item in the List can be accessed by putting the index in square brackets
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000161after the List. Indexes are zero-based, thus the first item has index zero. >
162 :let item = mylist[0] " get the first item: 1
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000163 :let item = mylist[2] " get the third item: 3
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000164
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000165When the resulting item is a list this can be repeated: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000166 :let item = nestlist[0][1] " get the first list, second item: 12
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000167<
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000168A negative index is counted from the end. Index -1 refers to the last item in
169the List, -2 to the last but one item, etc. >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000170 :let last = mylist[-1] " get the last item: "four"
171
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000172To avoid an error for an invalid index use the |get()| function. When an item
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000173is not available it returns zero or the default value you specify: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000174 :echo get(mylist, idx)
175 :echo get(mylist, idx, "NONE")
176
177
178List concatenation ~
179
180Two lists can be concatenated with the "+" operator: >
181 :let longlist = mylist + [5, 6]
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000182 :let mylist += [7, 8]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000183
184To prepend or append an item turn the item into a list by putting [] around
185it. To change a list in-place see |list-modification| below.
186
187
188Sublist ~
189
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000190A part of the List can be obtained by specifying the first and last index,
191separated by a colon in square brackets: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000192 :let shortlist = mylist[2:-1] " get List [3, "four"]
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000193
194Omitting the first index is similar to zero. Omitting the last index is
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +0000195similar to -1. >
Bram Moolenaar540d6e32005-01-09 21:20:18 +0000196 :let endlist = mylist[2:] " from item 2 to the end: [3, "four"]
197 :let shortlist = mylist[2:2] " List with one item: [3]
198 :let otherlist = mylist[:] " make a copy of the List
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000199
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +0000200If the first index is beyond the last item of the List or the second item is
201before the first item, the result is an empty list. There is no error
202message.
203
204If the second index is equal to or greater than the length of the list the
205length minus one is used: >
Bram Moolenaar9e54a0e2006-04-14 20:42:25 +0000206 :let mylist = [0, 1, 2, 3]
207 :echo mylist[2:8] " result: [2, 3]
208
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +0000209NOTE: mylist[s:e] means using the variable "s:e" as index. Watch out for
210using a single letter variable before the ":". Insert a space when needed:
211mylist[s : e].
212
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000213
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000214List identity ~
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000215 *list-identity*
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000216When variable "aa" is a list and you assign it to another variable "bb", both
217variables refer to the same list. Thus changing the list "aa" will also
218change "bb": >
219 :let aa = [1, 2, 3]
220 :let bb = aa
221 :call add(aa, 4)
222 :echo bb
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000223< [1, 2, 3, 4]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000224
225Making a copy of a list is done with the |copy()| function. Using [:] also
226works, as explained above. This creates a shallow copy of the list: Changing
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000227a list item in the list will also change the item in the copied list: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000228 :let aa = [[1, 'a'], 2, 3]
229 :let bb = copy(aa)
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000230 :call add(aa, 4)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000231 :let aa[0][1] = 'aaa'
232 :echo aa
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000233< [[1, aaa], 2, 3, 4] >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000234 :echo bb
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000235< [[1, aaa], 2, 3]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000236
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000237To make a completely independent list use |deepcopy()|. This also makes a
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000238copy of the values in the list, recursively. Up to a hundred levels deep.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000239
240The operator "is" can be used to check if two variables refer to the same
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000241List. "isnot" does the opposite. In contrast "==" compares if two lists have
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000242the same value. >
243 :let alist = [1, 2, 3]
244 :let blist = [1, 2, 3]
245 :echo alist is blist
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000246< 0 >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000247 :echo alist == blist
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000248< 1
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000249
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000250Note about comparing lists: Two lists are considered equal if they have the
251same length and all items compare equal, as with using "==". There is one
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000252exception: When comparing a number with a string they are considered
253different. There is no automatic type conversion, as with using "==" on
254variables. Example: >
255 echo 4 == "4"
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000256< 1 >
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000257 echo [4] == ["4"]
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000258< 0
259
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000260Thus comparing Lists is more strict than comparing numbers and strings. You
261can compare simple values this way too by putting them in a string: >
262
263 :let a = 5
264 :let b = "5"
265 echo a == b
266< 1 >
267 echo [a] == [b]
268< 0
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000269
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000270
271List unpack ~
272
273To unpack the items in a list to individual variables, put the variables in
274square brackets, like list items: >
275 :let [var1, var2] = mylist
276
277When the number of variables does not match the number of items in the list
278this produces an error. To handle any extra items from the list append ";"
279and a variable name: >
280 :let [var1, var2; rest] = mylist
281
282This works like: >
283 :let var1 = mylist[0]
284 :let var2 = mylist[1]
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000285 :let rest = mylist[2:]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000286
287Except that there is no error if there are only two items. "rest" will be an
288empty list then.
289
290
291List modification ~
292 *list-modification*
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000293To change a specific item of a list use |:let| this way: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000294 :let list[4] = "four"
295 :let listlist[0][3] = item
296
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000297To change part of a list you can specify the first and last item to be
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000298modified. The value must at least have the number of items in the range: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000299 :let list[3:5] = [3, 4, 5]
300
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000301Adding and removing items from a list is done with functions. Here are a few
302examples: >
303 :call insert(list, 'a') " prepend item 'a'
304 :call insert(list, 'a', 3) " insert item 'a' before list[3]
305 :call add(list, "new") " append String item
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000306 :call add(list, [1, 2]) " append a List as one new item
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000307 :call extend(list, [1, 2]) " extend the list with two more items
308 :let i = remove(list, 3) " remove item 3
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +0000309 :unlet list[3] " idem
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000310 :let l = remove(list, 3, -1) " remove items 3 to last item
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +0000311 :unlet list[3 : ] " idem
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000312 :call filter(list, 'v:val !~ "x"') " remove items with an 'x'
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000313
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000314Changing the order of items in a list: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000315 :call sort(list) " sort a list alphabetically
316 :call reverse(list) " reverse the order of items
317
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000318
319For loop ~
320
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000321The |:for| loop executes commands for each item in a list. A variable is set
322to each item in the list in sequence. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000323 :for item in mylist
324 : call Doit(item)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000325 :endfor
326
327This works like: >
328 :let index = 0
329 :while index < len(mylist)
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000330 : let item = mylist[index]
331 : :call Doit(item)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000332 : let index = index + 1
333 :endwhile
334
335Note that all items in the list should be of the same type, otherwise this
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000336results in error |E706|. To avoid this |:unlet| the variable at the end of
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000337the loop.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000338
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000339If all you want to do is modify each item in the list then the |map()|
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000340function will be a simpler method than a for loop.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000341
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000342Just like the |:let| command, |:for| also accepts a list of variables. This
343requires the argument to be a list of lists. >
344 :for [lnum, col] in [[1, 3], [2, 8], [3, 0]]
345 : call Doit(lnum, col)
346 :endfor
347
348This works like a |:let| command is done for each list item. Again, the types
349must remain the same to avoid an error.
350
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000351It is also possible to put remaining items in a List variable: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000352 :for [i, j; rest] in listlist
353 : call Doit(i, j)
354 : if !empty(rest)
355 : echo "remainder: " . string(rest)
356 : endif
357 :endfor
358
359
360List functions ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000361 *E714*
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000362Functions that are useful with a List: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000363 :let r = call(funcname, list) " call a function with an argument list
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000364 :if empty(list) " check if list is empty
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000365 :let l = len(list) " number of items in list
366 :let big = max(list) " maximum value in list
367 :let small = min(list) " minimum value in list
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000368 :let xs = count(list, 'x') " count nr of times 'x' appears in list
369 :let i = index(list, 'x') " index of first 'x' in list
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000370 :let lines = getline(1, 10) " get ten text lines from buffer
371 :call append('$', lines) " append text lines in buffer
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000372 :let list = split("a b c") " create list from items in a string
373 :let string = join(list, ', ') " create string from list items
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000374 :let s = string(list) " String representation of list
375 :call map(list, '">> " . v:val') " prepend ">> " to each item
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000376
Bram Moolenaar0cb032e2005-04-23 20:52:00 +0000377Don't forget that a combination of features can make things simple. For
378example, to add up all the numbers in a list: >
379 :exe 'let sum = ' . join(nrlist, '+')
380
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000381
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003821.4 Dictionaries ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000383 *Dictionaries* *Dictionary*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000384A Dictionary is an associative array: Each entry has a key and a value. The
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000385entry can be located with the key. The entries are stored without a specific
386ordering.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000387
388
389Dictionary creation ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000390 *E720* *E721* *E722* *E723*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000391A Dictionary is created with a comma separated list of entries in curly
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000392braces. Each entry has a key and a value, separated by a colon. Each key can
393only appear once. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000394 :let mydict = {1: 'one', 2: 'two', 3: 'three'}
395 :let emptydict = {}
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000396< *E713* *E716* *E717*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000397A key is always a String. You can use a Number, it will be converted to a
398String automatically. Thus the String '4' and the number 4 will find the same
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000399entry. Note that the String '04' and the Number 04 are different, since the
400Number will be converted to the String '4'.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000401
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000402A value can be any expression. Using a Dictionary for a value creates a
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000403nested Dictionary: >
404 :let nestdict = {1: {11: 'a', 12: 'b'}, 2: {21: 'c'}}
405
406An extra comma after the last entry is ignored.
407
408
409Accessing entries ~
410
411The normal way to access an entry is by putting the key in square brackets: >
412 :let val = mydict["one"]
413 :let mydict["four"] = 4
414
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000415You can add new entries to an existing Dictionary this way, unlike Lists.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000416
417For keys that consist entirely of letters, digits and underscore the following
418form can be used |expr-entry|: >
419 :let val = mydict.one
420 :let mydict.four = 4
421
422Since an entry can be any type, also a List and a Dictionary, the indexing and
423key lookup can be repeated: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000424 :echo dict.key[idx].key
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000425
426
427Dictionary to List conversion ~
428
429You may want to loop over the entries in a dictionary. For this you need to
430turn the Dictionary into a List and pass it to |:for|.
431
432Most often you want to loop over the keys, using the |keys()| function: >
433 :for key in keys(mydict)
434 : echo key . ': ' . mydict[key]
435 :endfor
436
437The List of keys is unsorted. You may want to sort them first: >
438 :for key in sort(keys(mydict))
439
440To loop over the values use the |values()| function: >
441 :for v in values(mydict)
442 : echo "value: " . v
443 :endfor
444
445If you want both the key and the value use the |items()| function. It returns
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000446a List in which each item is a List with two items, the key and the value: >
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +0000447 :for [key, value] in items(mydict)
448 : echo key . ': ' . value
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000449 :endfor
450
451
452Dictionary identity ~
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +0000453 *dict-identity*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000454Just like Lists you need to use |copy()| and |deepcopy()| to make a copy of a
455Dictionary. Otherwise, assignment results in referring to the same
456Dictionary: >
457 :let onedict = {'a': 1, 'b': 2}
458 :let adict = onedict
459 :let adict['a'] = 11
460 :echo onedict['a']
461 11
462
Bram Moolenaarf3bd51a2005-06-14 22:11:18 +0000463Two Dictionaries compare equal if all the key-value pairs compare equal. For
464more info see |list-identity|.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000465
466
467Dictionary modification ~
468 *dict-modification*
469To change an already existing entry of a Dictionary, or to add a new entry,
470use |:let| this way: >
471 :let dict[4] = "four"
472 :let dict['one'] = item
473
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +0000474Removing an entry from a Dictionary is done with |remove()| or |:unlet|.
475Three ways to remove the entry with key "aaa" from dict: >
476 :let i = remove(dict, 'aaa')
477 :unlet dict.aaa
478 :unlet dict['aaa']
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000479
480Merging a Dictionary with another is done with |extend()|: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000481 :call extend(adict, bdict)
482This extends adict with all entries from bdict. Duplicate keys cause entries
483in adict to be overwritten. An optional third argument can change this.
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000484Note that the order of entries in a Dictionary is irrelevant, thus don't
485expect ":echo adict" to show the items from bdict after the older entries in
486adict.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000487
488Weeding out entries from a Dictionary can be done with |filter()|: >
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +0000489 :call filter(dict, 'v:val =~ "x"')
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000490This removes all entries from "dict" with a value not matching 'x'.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000491
492
493Dictionary function ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000494 *Dictionary-function* *self* *E725*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000495When a function is defined with the "dict" attribute it can be used in a
496special way with a dictionary. Example: >
497 :function Mylen() dict
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000498 : return len(self.data)
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000499 :endfunction
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000500 :let mydict = {'data': [0, 1, 2, 3], 'len': function("Mylen")}
501 :echo mydict.len()
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000502
503This is like a method in object oriented programming. The entry in the
504Dictionary is a |Funcref|. The local variable "self" refers to the dictionary
505the function was invoked from.
506
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000507It is also possible to add a function without the "dict" attribute as a
508Funcref to a Dictionary, but the "self" variable is not available then.
509
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +0000510 *numbered-function* *anonymous-function*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000511To avoid the extra name for the function it can be defined and directly
512assigned to a Dictionary in this way: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000513 :let mydict = {'data': [0, 1, 2, 3]}
514 :function mydict.len() dict
515 : return len(self.data)
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000516 :endfunction
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000517 :echo mydict.len()
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000518
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000519The function will then get a number and the value of dict.len is a |Funcref|
520that references this function. The function can only be used through a
521|Funcref|. It will automatically be deleted when there is no |Funcref|
522remaining that refers to it.
523
524It is not necessary to use the "dict" attribute for a numbered function.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000525
526
527Functions for Dictionaries ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000528 *E715*
529Functions that can be used with a Dictionary: >
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000530 :if has_key(dict, 'foo') " TRUE if dict has entry with key "foo"
531 :if empty(dict) " TRUE if dict is empty
532 :let l = len(dict) " number of items in dict
533 :let big = max(dict) " maximum value in dict
534 :let small = min(dict) " minimum value in dict
535 :let xs = count(dict, 'x') " count nr of times 'x' appears in dict
536 :let s = string(dict) " String representation of dict
537 :call map(dict, '">> " . v:val') " prepend ">> " to each item
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000538
539
5401.5 More about variables ~
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000541 *more-variables*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000542If you need to know the type of a variable or expression, use the |type()|
543function.
544
545When the '!' flag is included in the 'viminfo' option, global variables that
546start with an uppercase letter, and don't contain a lowercase letter, are
547stored in the viminfo file |viminfo-file|.
548
549When the 'sessionoptions' option contains "global", global variables that
550start with an uppercase letter and contain at least one lowercase letter are
551stored in the session file |session-file|.
552
553variable name can be stored where ~
554my_var_6 not
555My_Var_6 session file
556MY_VAR_6 viminfo file
557
558
559It's possible to form a variable name with curly braces, see
560|curly-braces-names|.
561
562==============================================================================
5632. Expression syntax *expression-syntax*
564
565Expression syntax summary, from least to most significant:
566
567|expr1| expr2 ? expr1 : expr1 if-then-else
568
569|expr2| expr3 || expr3 .. logical OR
570
571|expr3| expr4 && expr4 .. logical AND
572
573|expr4| expr5 == expr5 equal
574 expr5 != expr5 not equal
575 expr5 > expr5 greater than
576 expr5 >= expr5 greater than or equal
577 expr5 < expr5 smaller than
578 expr5 <= expr5 smaller than or equal
579 expr5 =~ expr5 regexp matches
580 expr5 !~ expr5 regexp doesn't match
581
582 expr5 ==? expr5 equal, ignoring case
583 expr5 ==# expr5 equal, match case
584 etc. As above, append ? for ignoring case, # for
585 matching case
586
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000587 expr5 is expr5 same |List| instance
588 expr5 isnot expr5 different |List| instance
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000589
590|expr5| expr6 + expr6 .. number addition or list concatenation
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000591 expr6 - expr6 .. number subtraction
592 expr6 . expr6 .. string concatenation
593
594|expr6| expr7 * expr7 .. number multiplication
595 expr7 / expr7 .. number division
596 expr7 % expr7 .. number modulo
597
598|expr7| ! expr7 logical NOT
599 - expr7 unary minus
600 + expr7 unary plus
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000601
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000602
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000603|expr8| expr8[expr1] byte of a String or item of a |List|
604 expr8[expr1 : expr1] substring of a String or sublist of a |List|
605 expr8.name entry in a |Dictionary|
606 expr8(expr1, ...) function call with |Funcref| variable
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000607
608|expr9| number number constant
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +0000609 "string" string constant, backslash is special
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000610 'string' string constant, ' is doubled
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000611 [expr1, ...] |List|
612 {expr1: expr1, ...} |Dictionary|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000613 &option option value
614 (expr1) nested expression
615 variable internal variable
616 va{ria}ble internal variable with curly braces
617 $VAR environment variable
618 @r contents of register 'r'
619 function(expr1, ...) function call
620 func{ti}on(expr1, ...) function call with curly braces
621
622
623".." indicates that the operations in this level can be concatenated.
624Example: >
625 &nu || &list && &shell == "csh"
626
627All expressions within one level are parsed from left to right.
628
629
630expr1 *expr1* *E109*
631-----
632
633expr2 ? expr1 : expr1
634
635The expression before the '?' is evaluated to a number. If it evaluates to
636non-zero, the result is the value of the expression between the '?' and ':',
637otherwise the result is the value of the expression after the ':'.
638Example: >
639 :echo lnum == 1 ? "top" : lnum
640
641Since the first expression is an "expr2", it cannot contain another ?:. The
642other two expressions can, thus allow for recursive use of ?:.
643Example: >
644 :echo lnum == 1 ? "top" : lnum == 1000 ? "last" : lnum
645
646To keep this readable, using |line-continuation| is suggested: >
647 :echo lnum == 1
648 :\ ? "top"
649 :\ : lnum == 1000
650 :\ ? "last"
651 :\ : lnum
652
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +0000653You should always put a space before the ':', otherwise it can be mistaken for
654use in a variable such as "a:1".
655
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000656
657expr2 and expr3 *expr2* *expr3*
658---------------
659
660 *expr-barbar* *expr-&&*
661The "||" and "&&" operators take one argument on each side. The arguments
662are (converted to) Numbers. The result is:
663
664 input output ~
665n1 n2 n1 || n2 n1 && n2 ~
666zero zero zero zero
667zero non-zero non-zero zero
668non-zero zero non-zero zero
669non-zero non-zero non-zero non-zero
670
671The operators can be concatenated, for example: >
672
673 &nu || &list && &shell == "csh"
674
675Note that "&&" takes precedence over "||", so this has the meaning of: >
676
677 &nu || (&list && &shell == "csh")
678
679Once the result is known, the expression "short-circuits", that is, further
680arguments are not evaluated. This is like what happens in C. For example: >
681
682 let a = 1
683 echo a || b
684
685This is valid even if there is no variable called "b" because "a" is non-zero,
686so the result must be non-zero. Similarly below: >
687
688 echo exists("b") && b == "yes"
689
690This is valid whether "b" has been defined or not. The second clause will
691only be evaluated if "b" has been defined.
692
693
694expr4 *expr4*
695-----
696
697expr5 {cmp} expr5
698
699Compare two expr5 expressions, resulting in a 0 if it evaluates to false, or 1
700if it evaluates to true.
701
702 *expr-==* *expr-!=* *expr->* *expr->=*
703 *expr-<* *expr-<=* *expr-=~* *expr-!~*
704 *expr-==#* *expr-!=#* *expr->#* *expr->=#*
705 *expr-<#* *expr-<=#* *expr-=~#* *expr-!~#*
706 *expr-==?* *expr-!=?* *expr->?* *expr->=?*
707 *expr-<?* *expr-<=?* *expr-=~?* *expr-!~?*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000708 *expr-is*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000709 use 'ignorecase' match case ignore case ~
710equal == ==# ==?
711not equal != !=# !=?
712greater than > ># >?
713greater than or equal >= >=# >=?
714smaller than < <# <?
715smaller than or equal <= <=# <=?
716regexp matches =~ =~# =~?
717regexp doesn't match !~ !~# !~?
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000718same instance is
719different instance isnot
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000720
721Examples:
722"abc" ==# "Abc" evaluates to 0
723"abc" ==? "Abc" evaluates to 1
724"abc" == "Abc" evaluates to 1 if 'ignorecase' is set, 0 otherwise
725
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000726 *E691* *E692*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000727A |List| can only be compared with a |List| and only "equal", "not equal" and
728"is" can be used. This compares the values of the list, recursively.
729Ignoring case means case is ignored when comparing item values.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000730
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000731 *E735* *E736*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000732A |Dictionary| can only be compared with a |Dictionary| and only "equal", "not
733equal" and "is" can be used. This compares the key/values of the |Dictionary|
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000734recursively. Ignoring case means case is ignored when comparing item values.
735
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000736 *E693* *E694*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000737A |Funcref| can only be compared with a |Funcref| and only "equal" and "not
738equal" can be used. Case is never ignored.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000739
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000740When using "is" or "isnot" with a |List| this checks if the expressions are
741referring to the same |List| instance. A copy of a |List| is different from
742the original |List|. When using "is" without a |List| it is equivalent to
743using "equal", using "isnot" equivalent to using "not equal". Except that a
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000744different type means the values are different. "4 == '4'" is true, "4 is '4'"
745is false.
746
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000747When comparing a String with a Number, the String is converted to a Number,
748and the comparison is done on Numbers. This means that "0 == 'x'" is TRUE,
749because 'x' converted to a Number is zero.
750
751When comparing two Strings, this is done with strcmp() or stricmp(). This
752results in the mathematical difference (comparing byte values), not
753necessarily the alphabetical difference in the local language.
754
755When using the operators with a trailing '#", or the short version and
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +0000756'ignorecase' is off, the comparing is done with strcmp(): case matters.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000757
758When using the operators with a trailing '?', or the short version and
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +0000759'ignorecase' is set, the comparing is done with stricmp(): case is ignored.
760
761'smartcase' is not used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000762
763The "=~" and "!~" operators match the lefthand argument with the righthand
764argument, which is used as a pattern. See |pattern| for what a pattern is.
765This matching is always done like 'magic' was set and 'cpoptions' is empty, no
766matter what the actual value of 'magic' or 'cpoptions' is. This makes scripts
767portable. To avoid backslashes in the regexp pattern to be doubled, use a
768single-quote string, see |literal-string|.
769Since a string is considered to be a single line, a multi-line pattern
770(containing \n, backslash-n) will not match. However, a literal NL character
771can be matched like an ordinary character. Examples:
772 "foo\nbar" =~ "\n" evaluates to 1
773 "foo\nbar" =~ "\\n" evaluates to 0
774
775
776expr5 and expr6 *expr5* *expr6*
777---------------
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000778expr6 + expr6 .. Number addition or |List| concatenation *expr-+*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000779expr6 - expr6 .. Number subtraction *expr--*
780expr6 . expr6 .. String concatenation *expr-.*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000781
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +0000782For |Lists| only "+" is possible and then both expr6 must be a list. The
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000783result is a new list with the two lists Concatenated.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000784
785expr7 * expr7 .. number multiplication *expr-star*
786expr7 / expr7 .. number division *expr-/*
787expr7 % expr7 .. number modulo *expr-%*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000788
789For all, except ".", Strings are converted to Numbers.
790
791Note the difference between "+" and ".":
792 "123" + "456" = 579
793 "123" . "456" = "123456"
794
795When the righthand side of '/' is zero, the result is 0x7fffffff.
796When the righthand side of '%' is zero, the result is 0.
797
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000798None of these work for |Funcref|s.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000799
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000800
801expr7 *expr7*
802-----
803! expr7 logical NOT *expr-!*
804- expr7 unary minus *expr-unary--*
805+ expr7 unary plus *expr-unary-+*
806
807For '!' non-zero becomes zero, zero becomes one.
808For '-' the sign of the number is changed.
809For '+' the number is unchanged.
810
811A String will be converted to a Number first.
812
813These three can be repeated and mixed. Examples:
814 !-1 == 0
815 !!8 == 1
816 --9 == 9
817
818
819expr8 *expr8*
820-----
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000821expr8[expr1] item of String or |List| *expr-[]* *E111*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000822
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000823If expr8 is a Number or String this results in a String that contains the
824expr1'th single byte from expr8. expr8 is used as a String, expr1 as a
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000825Number. Note that this doesn't recognize multi-byte encodings.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000826
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000827Index zero gives the first character. This is like it works in C. Careful:
828text column numbers start with one! Example, to get the character under the
829cursor: >
Bram Moolenaar61660ea2006-04-07 21:40:07 +0000830 :let c = getline(".")[col(".") - 1]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000831
832If the length of the String is less than the index, the result is an empty
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000833String. A negative index always results in an empty string (reason: backwards
834compatibility). Use [-1:] to get the last byte.
835
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000836If expr8 is a |List| then it results the item at index expr1. See |list-index|
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000837for possible index values. If the index is out of range this results in an
838error. Example: >
839 :let item = mylist[-1] " get last item
840
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000841Generally, if a |List| index is equal to or higher than the length of the
842|List|, or more negative than the length of the |List|, this results in an
843error.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000844
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000845
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000846expr8[expr1a : expr1b] substring or sublist *expr-[:]*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000847
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000848If expr8 is a Number or String this results in the substring with the bytes
849from expr1a to and including expr1b. expr8 is used as a String, expr1a and
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000850expr1b are used as a Number. Note that this doesn't recognize multi-byte
851encodings.
852
853If expr1a is omitted zero is used. If expr1b is omitted the length of the
854string minus one is used.
855
856A negative number can be used to measure from the end of the string. -1 is
857the last character, -2 the last but one, etc.
858
859If an index goes out of range for the string characters are omitted. If
860expr1b is smaller than expr1a the result is an empty string.
861
862Examples: >
863 :let c = name[-1:] " last byte of a string
864 :let c = name[-2:-2] " last but one byte of a string
865 :let s = line(".")[4:] " from the fifth byte to the end
866 :let s = s[:-3] " remove last two bytes
867
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000868If expr8 is a |List| this results in a new |List| with the items indicated by
869the indexes expr1a and expr1b. This works like with a String, as explained
870just above, except that indexes out of range cause an error. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000871 :let l = mylist[:3] " first four items
872 :let l = mylist[4:4] " List with one item
873 :let l = mylist[:] " shallow copy of a List
874
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000875Using expr8[expr1] or expr8[expr1a : expr1b] on a |Funcref| results in an
876error.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000877
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000878
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000879expr8.name entry in a |Dictionary| *expr-entry*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000880
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000881If expr8 is a |Dictionary| and it is followed by a dot, then the following
882name will be used as a key in the |Dictionary|. This is just like:
883expr8[name].
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000884
885The name must consist of alphanumeric characters, just like a variable name,
886but it may start with a number. Curly braces cannot be used.
887
888There must not be white space before or after the dot.
889
890Examples: >
891 :let dict = {"one": 1, 2: "two"}
892 :echo dict.one
893 :echo dict .2
894
895Note that the dot is also used for String concatenation. To avoid confusion
896always put spaces around the dot for String concatenation.
897
898
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000899expr8(expr1, ...) |Funcref| function call
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000900
901When expr8 is a |Funcref| type variable, invoke the function it refers to.
902
903
904
905 *expr9*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000906number
907------
908number number constant *expr-number*
909
910Decimal, Hexadecimal (starting with 0x or 0X), or Octal (starting with 0).
911
912
913string *expr-string* *E114*
914------
915"string" string constant *expr-quote*
916
917Note that double quotes are used.
918
919A string constant accepts these special characters:
920\... three-digit octal number (e.g., "\316")
921\.. two-digit octal number (must be followed by non-digit)
922\. one-digit octal number (must be followed by non-digit)
923\x.. byte specified with two hex numbers (e.g., "\x1f")
924\x. byte specified with one hex number (must be followed by non-hex char)
925\X.. same as \x..
926\X. same as \x.
927\u.... character specified with up to 4 hex numbers, stored according to the
928 current value of 'encoding' (e.g., "\u02a4")
929\U.... same as \u....
930\b backspace <BS>
931\e escape <Esc>
932\f formfeed <FF>
933\n newline <NL>
934\r return <CR>
935\t tab <Tab>
936\\ backslash
937\" double quote
938\<xxx> Special key named "xxx". e.g. "\<C-W>" for CTRL-W.
939
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +0000940Note that "\xff" is stored as the byte 255, which may be invalid in some
941encodings. Use "\u00ff" to store character 255 according to the current value
942of 'encoding'.
943
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000944Note that "\000" and "\x00" force the end of the string.
945
946
947literal-string *literal-string* *E115*
948---------------
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +0000949'string' string constant *expr-'*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000950
951Note that single quotes are used.
952
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +0000953This string is taken as it is. No backslashes are removed or have a special
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000954meaning. The only exception is that two quotes stand for one quote.
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +0000955
956Single quoted strings are useful for patterns, so that backslashes do not need
957to be doubled. These two commands are equivalent: >
958 if a =~ "\\s*"
959 if a =~ '\s*'
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000960
961
962option *expr-option* *E112* *E113*
963------
964&option option value, local value if possible
965&g:option global option value
966&l:option local option value
967
968Examples: >
969 echo "tabstop is " . &tabstop
970 if &insertmode
971
972Any option name can be used here. See |options|. When using the local value
973and there is no buffer-local or window-local value, the global value is used
974anyway.
975
976
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +0000977register *expr-register* *@r*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000978--------
979@r contents of register 'r'
980
981The result is the contents of the named register, as a single string.
982Newlines are inserted where required. To get the contents of the unnamed
Bram Moolenaare7566042005-06-17 22:00:15 +0000983register use @" or @@. See |registers| for an explanation of the available
984registers.
985
986When using the '=' register you get the expression itself, not what it
987evaluates to. Use |eval()| to evaluate it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000988
989
990nesting *expr-nesting* *E110*
991-------
992(expr1) nested expression
993
994
995environment variable *expr-env*
996--------------------
997$VAR environment variable
998
999The String value of any environment variable. When it is not defined, the
1000result is an empty string.
1001 *expr-env-expand*
1002Note that there is a difference between using $VAR directly and using
1003expand("$VAR"). Using it directly will only expand environment variables that
1004are known inside the current Vim session. Using expand() will first try using
1005the environment variables known inside the current Vim session. If that
1006fails, a shell will be used to expand the variable. This can be slow, but it
1007does expand all variables that the shell knows about. Example: >
1008 :echo $version
1009 :echo expand("$version")
1010The first one probably doesn't echo anything, the second echoes the $version
1011variable (if your shell supports it).
1012
1013
1014internal variable *expr-variable*
1015-----------------
1016variable internal variable
1017See below |internal-variables|.
1018
1019
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00001020function call *expr-function* *E116* *E118* *E119* *E120*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001021-------------
1022function(expr1, ...) function call
1023See below |functions|.
1024
1025
1026==============================================================================
10273. Internal variable *internal-variables* *E121*
1028 *E461*
1029An internal variable name can be made up of letters, digits and '_'. But it
1030cannot start with a digit. It's also possible to use curly braces, see
1031|curly-braces-names|.
1032
1033An internal variable is created with the ":let" command |:let|.
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00001034An internal variable is explicitly destroyed with the ":unlet" command
1035|:unlet|.
1036Using a name that is not an internal variable or refers to a variable that has
1037been destroyed results in an error.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001038
1039There are several name spaces for variables. Which one is to be used is
1040specified by what is prepended:
1041
1042 (nothing) In a function: local to a function; otherwise: global
1043|buffer-variable| b: Local to the current buffer.
1044|window-variable| w: Local to the current window.
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00001045|tabpage-variable| t: Local to the current tab page.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001046|global-variable| g: Global.
1047|local-variable| l: Local to a function.
1048|script-variable| s: Local to a |:source|'ed Vim script.
1049|function-argument| a: Function argument (only inside a function).
1050|vim-variable| v: Global, predefined by Vim.
1051
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001052The scope name by itself can be used as a |Dictionary|. For example, to
1053delete all script-local variables: >
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00001054 :for k in keys(s:)
1055 : unlet s:[k]
1056 :endfor
1057<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001058 *buffer-variable* *b:var*
1059A variable name that is preceded with "b:" is local to the current buffer.
1060Thus you can have several "b:foo" variables, one for each buffer.
1061This kind of variable is deleted when the buffer is wiped out or deleted with
1062|:bdelete|.
1063
1064One local buffer variable is predefined:
1065 *b:changedtick-variable* *changetick*
1066b:changedtick The total number of changes to the current buffer. It is
1067 incremented for each change. An undo command is also a change
1068 in this case. This can be used to perform an action only when
1069 the buffer has changed. Example: >
1070 :if my_changedtick != b:changedtick
1071 : let my_changedtick = b:changedtick
1072 : call My_Update()
1073 :endif
1074<
1075 *window-variable* *w:var*
1076A variable name that is preceded with "w:" is local to the current window. It
1077is deleted when the window is closed.
1078
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00001079 *tabpage-variable* *t:var*
1080A variable name that is preceded with "t:" is local to the current tab page,
1081It is deleted when the tab page is closed. {not available when compiled
1082without the +windows feature}
1083
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001084 *global-variable* *g:var*
1085Inside functions global variables are accessed with "g:". Omitting this will
1086access a variable local to a function. But "g:" can also be used in any other
1087place if you like.
1088
1089 *local-variable* *l:var*
1090Inside functions local variables are accessed without prepending anything.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00001091But you can also prepend "l:" if you like. However, without prepending "l:"
1092you may run into reserved variable names. For example "count". By itself it
1093refers to "v:count". Using "l:count" you can have a local variable with the
1094same name.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001095
1096 *script-variable* *s:var*
1097In a Vim script variables starting with "s:" can be used. They cannot be
1098accessed from outside of the scripts, thus are local to the script.
1099
1100They can be used in:
1101- commands executed while the script is sourced
1102- functions defined in the script
1103- autocommands defined in the script
1104- functions and autocommands defined in functions and autocommands which were
1105 defined in the script (recursively)
1106- user defined commands defined in the script
1107Thus not in:
1108- other scripts sourced from this one
1109- mappings
1110- etc.
1111
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00001112Script variables can be used to avoid conflicts with global variable names.
1113Take this example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001114
1115 let s:counter = 0
1116 function MyCounter()
1117 let s:counter = s:counter + 1
1118 echo s:counter
1119 endfunction
1120 command Tick call MyCounter()
1121
1122You can now invoke "Tick" from any script, and the "s:counter" variable in
1123that script will not be changed, only the "s:counter" in the script where
1124"Tick" was defined is used.
1125
1126Another example that does the same: >
1127
1128 let s:counter = 0
1129 command Tick let s:counter = s:counter + 1 | echo s:counter
1130
1131When calling a function and invoking a user-defined command, the context for
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001132script variables is set to the script where the function or command was
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001133defined.
1134
1135The script variables are also available when a function is defined inside a
1136function that is defined in a script. Example: >
1137
1138 let s:counter = 0
1139 function StartCounting(incr)
1140 if a:incr
1141 function MyCounter()
1142 let s:counter = s:counter + 1
1143 endfunction
1144 else
1145 function MyCounter()
1146 let s:counter = s:counter - 1
1147 endfunction
1148 endif
1149 endfunction
1150
1151This defines the MyCounter() function either for counting up or counting down
1152when calling StartCounting(). It doesn't matter from where StartCounting() is
1153called, the s:counter variable will be accessible in MyCounter().
1154
1155When the same script is sourced again it will use the same script variables.
1156They will remain valid as long as Vim is running. This can be used to
1157maintain a counter: >
1158
1159 if !exists("s:counter")
1160 let s:counter = 1
1161 echo "script executed for the first time"
1162 else
1163 let s:counter = s:counter + 1
1164 echo "script executed " . s:counter . " times now"
1165 endif
1166
1167Note that this means that filetype plugins don't get a different set of script
1168variables for each buffer. Use local buffer variables instead |b:var|.
1169
1170
1171Predefined Vim variables: *vim-variable* *v:var*
1172
Bram Moolenaare4efc3b2005-03-07 23:16:51 +00001173 *v:beval_col* *beval_col-variable*
1174v:beval_col The number of the column, over which the mouse pointer is.
1175 This is the byte index in the |v:beval_lnum| line.
1176 Only valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1177
1178 *v:beval_bufnr* *beval_bufnr-variable*
1179v:beval_bufnr The number of the buffer, over which the mouse pointer is. Only
1180 valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1181
1182 *v:beval_lnum* *beval_lnum-variable*
1183v:beval_lnum The number of the line, over which the mouse pointer is. Only
1184 valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1185
1186 *v:beval_text* *beval_text-variable*
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00001187v:beval_text The text under or after the mouse pointer. Usually a word as
1188 it is useful for debugging a C program. 'iskeyword' applies,
1189 but a dot and "->" before the position is included. When on a
1190 ']' the text before it is used, including the matching '[' and
Bram Moolenaare4efc3b2005-03-07 23:16:51 +00001191 word before it. When on a Visual area within one line the
1192 highlighted text is used.
1193 Only valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1194
1195 *v:beval_winnr* *beval_winnr-variable*
1196v:beval_winnr The number of the window, over which the mouse pointer is. Only
1197 valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1198
Bram Moolenaarf193fff2006-04-27 00:02:13 +00001199 *v:char* *char-variable*
1200v:char Argument for evaluating 'formatexpr'.
1201
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001202 *v:charconvert_from* *charconvert_from-variable*
1203v:charconvert_from
1204 The name of the character encoding of a file to be converted.
1205 Only valid while evaluating the 'charconvert' option.
1206
1207 *v:charconvert_to* *charconvert_to-variable*
1208v:charconvert_to
1209 The name of the character encoding of a file after conversion.
1210 Only valid while evaluating the 'charconvert' option.
1211
1212 *v:cmdarg* *cmdarg-variable*
1213v:cmdarg This variable is used for two purposes:
1214 1. The extra arguments given to a file read/write command.
1215 Currently these are "++enc=" and "++ff=". This variable is
1216 set before an autocommand event for a file read/write
1217 command is triggered. There is a leading space to make it
1218 possible to append this variable directly after the
1219 read/write command. Note: The "+cmd" argument isn't
1220 included here, because it will be executed anyway.
1221 2. When printing a PostScript file with ":hardcopy" this is
1222 the argument for the ":hardcopy" command. This can be used
1223 in 'printexpr'.
1224
1225 *v:cmdbang* *cmdbang-variable*
1226v:cmdbang Set like v:cmdarg for a file read/write command. When a "!"
1227 was used the value is 1, otherwise it is 0. Note that this
1228 can only be used in autocommands. For user commands |<bang>|
1229 can be used.
1230
1231 *v:count* *count-variable*
1232v:count The count given for the last Normal mode command. Can be used
1233 to get the count before a mapping. Read-only. Example: >
1234 :map _x :<C-U>echo "the count is " . v:count<CR>
1235< Note: The <C-U> is required to remove the line range that you
1236 get when typing ':' after a count.
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001237 Also used for evaluating the 'formatexpr' option.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001238 "count" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1239
1240 *v:count1* *count1-variable*
1241v:count1 Just like "v:count", but defaults to one when no count is
1242 used.
1243
1244 *v:ctype* *ctype-variable*
1245v:ctype The current locale setting for characters of the runtime
1246 environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the
1247 current locale encoding. Technical: it's the value of
1248 LC_CTYPE. When not using a locale the value is "C".
1249 This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language|
1250 command.
1251 See |multi-lang|.
1252
1253 *v:dying* *dying-variable*
1254v:dying Normally zero. When a deadly signal is caught it's set to
1255 one. When multiple signals are caught the number increases.
1256 Can be used in an autocommand to check if Vim didn't
1257 terminate normally. {only works on Unix}
1258 Example: >
1259 :au VimLeave * if v:dying | echo "\nAAAAaaaarrrggghhhh!!!\n" | endif
1260<
1261 *v:errmsg* *errmsg-variable*
1262v:errmsg Last given error message. It's allowed to set this variable.
1263 Example: >
1264 :let v:errmsg = ""
1265 :silent! next
1266 :if v:errmsg != ""
1267 : ... handle error
1268< "errmsg" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1269
1270 *v:exception* *exception-variable*
1271v:exception The value of the exception most recently caught and not
1272 finished. See also |v:throwpoint| and |throw-variables|.
1273 Example: >
1274 :try
1275 : throw "oops"
1276 :catch /.*/
1277 : echo "caught" v:exception
1278 :endtry
1279< Output: "caught oops".
1280
Bram Moolenaar19a09a12005-03-04 23:39:37 +00001281 *v:fcs_reason* *fcs_reason-variable*
1282v:fcs_reason The reason why the |FileChangedShell| event was triggered.
1283 Can be used in an autocommand to decide what to do and/or what
1284 to set v:fcs_choice to. Possible values:
1285 deleted file no longer exists
1286 conflict file contents, mode or timestamp was
1287 changed and buffer is modified
1288 changed file contents has changed
1289 mode mode of file changed
1290 time only file timestamp changed
1291
1292 *v:fcs_choice* *fcs_choice-variable*
1293v:fcs_choice What should happen after a |FileChangedShell| event was
1294 triggered. Can be used in an autocommand to tell Vim what to
1295 do with the affected buffer:
1296 reload Reload the buffer (does not work if
1297 the file was deleted).
1298 ask Ask the user what to do, as if there
1299 was no autocommand. Except that when
1300 only the timestamp changed nothing
1301 will happen.
1302 <empty> Nothing, the autocommand should do
1303 everything that needs to be done.
1304 The default is empty. If another (invalid) value is used then
1305 Vim behaves like it is empty, there is no warning message.
1306
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001307 *v:fname_in* *fname_in-variable*
Bram Moolenaar4e330bb2005-12-07 21:04:31 +00001308v:fname_in The name of the input file. Valid while evaluating:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001309 option used for ~
1310 'charconvert' file to be converted
1311 'diffexpr' original file
1312 'patchexpr' original file
1313 'printexpr' file to be printed
Bram Moolenaar2c7a29c2005-12-12 22:02:31 +00001314 And set to the swap file name for |SwapExists|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001315
1316 *v:fname_out* *fname_out-variable*
1317v:fname_out The name of the output file. Only valid while
1318 evaluating:
1319 option used for ~
1320 'charconvert' resulting converted file (*)
1321 'diffexpr' output of diff
1322 'patchexpr' resulting patched file
1323 (*) When doing conversion for a write command (e.g., ":w
1324 file") it will be equal to v:fname_in. When doing conversion
1325 for a read command (e.g., ":e file") it will be a temporary
1326 file and different from v:fname_in.
1327
1328 *v:fname_new* *fname_new-variable*
1329v:fname_new The name of the new version of the file. Only valid while
1330 evaluating 'diffexpr'.
1331
1332 *v:fname_diff* *fname_diff-variable*
1333v:fname_diff The name of the diff (patch) file. Only valid while
1334 evaluating 'patchexpr'.
1335
1336 *v:folddashes* *folddashes-variable*
1337v:folddashes Used for 'foldtext': dashes representing foldlevel of a closed
1338 fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001339 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001340
1341 *v:foldlevel* *foldlevel-variable*
1342v:foldlevel Used for 'foldtext': foldlevel of closed fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001343 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001344
1345 *v:foldend* *foldend-variable*
1346v:foldend Used for 'foldtext': last line of closed fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001347 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001348
1349 *v:foldstart* *foldstart-variable*
1350v:foldstart Used for 'foldtext': first line of closed fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001351 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001352
Bram Moolenaar843ee412004-06-30 16:16:41 +00001353 *v:insertmode* *insertmode-variable*
1354v:insertmode Used for the |InsertEnter| and |InsertChange| autocommand
1355 events. Values:
1356 i Insert mode
1357 r Replace mode
1358 v Virtual Replace mode
1359
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001360 *v:key* *key-variable*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001361v:key Key of the current item of a |Dictionary|. Only valid while
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001362 evaluating the expression used with |map()| and |filter()|.
1363 Read-only.
1364
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001365 *v:lang* *lang-variable*
1366v:lang The current locale setting for messages of the runtime
1367 environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the
1368 current language. Technical: it's the value of LC_MESSAGES.
1369 The value is system dependent.
1370 This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language|
1371 command.
1372 It can be different from |v:ctype| when messages are desired
1373 in a different language than what is used for character
1374 encoding. See |multi-lang|.
1375
1376 *v:lc_time* *lc_time-variable*
1377v:lc_time The current locale setting for time messages of the runtime
1378 environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the
1379 current language. Technical: it's the value of LC_TIME.
1380 This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language|
1381 command. See |multi-lang|.
1382
1383 *v:lnum* *lnum-variable*
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001384v:lnum Line number for the 'foldexpr' |fold-expr| and 'indentexpr'
Bram Moolenaar57657d82006-04-21 22:12:41 +00001385 expressions, tab page number for 'guitablabel' and
1386 'guitabtooltip'. Only valid while one of these expressions is
1387 being evaluated. Read-only when in the |sandbox|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001388
Bram Moolenaar219b8702006-11-01 14:32:36 +00001389 *v:mouse_win* *mouse_win-variable*
1390v:mouse_win Window number for a mouse click obtained with |getchar()|.
1391 First window has number 1, like with |winnr()|. The value is
1392 zero when there was no mouse button click.
1393
1394 *v:mouse_lnum* *mouse_lnum-variable*
1395v:mouse_lnum Line number for a mouse click obtained with |getchar()|.
1396 This is the text line number, not the screen line number. The
1397 value is zero when there was no mouse button click.
1398
1399 *v:mouse_col* *mouse_col-variable*
1400v:mouse_col Column number for a mouse click obtained with |getchar()|.
1401 This is the screen column number, like with |virtcol()|. The
1402 value is zero when there was no mouse button click.
1403
Bram Moolenaar8af1fbf2008-01-05 12:35:21 +00001404 *v:operator* *operator-variable*
1405v:operator The last operator given in Normal mode. This is a single
1406 character except for commands starting with <g> or <z>,
1407 in which case it is two characters. Best used alongside
1408 |v:prevcount| and |v:register|. Useful if you want to cancel
1409 Operator-pending mode and then use the operator, e.g.: >
1410 :omap O <Esc>:call MyMotion(v:operator)<CR>
1411< The value remains set until another operator is entered, thus
1412 don't expect it to be empty.
1413 v:operator is not set for |:delete|, |:yank| or other Ex
1414 commands.
1415 Read-only.
1416
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001417 *v:prevcount* *prevcount-variable*
1418v:prevcount The count given for the last but one Normal mode command.
1419 This is the v:count value of the previous command. Useful if
Bram Moolenaar8af1fbf2008-01-05 12:35:21 +00001420 you want to cancel Visual or Operator-pending mode and then
1421 use the count, e.g.: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001422 :vmap % <Esc>:call MyFilter(v:prevcount)<CR>
1423< Read-only.
1424
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00001425 *v:profiling* *profiling-variable*
1426v:profiling Normally zero. Set to one after using ":profile start".
1427 See |profiling|.
1428
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001429 *v:progname* *progname-variable*
1430v:progname Contains the name (with path removed) with which Vim was
1431 invoked. Allows you to do special initialisations for "view",
1432 "evim" etc., or any other name you might symlink to Vim.
1433 Read-only.
1434
1435 *v:register* *register-variable*
1436v:register The name of the register supplied to the last normal mode
1437 command. Empty if none were supplied. |getreg()| |setreg()|
1438
Bram Moolenaar1c7715d2005-10-03 22:02:18 +00001439 *v:scrollstart* *scrollstart-variable*
1440v:scrollstart String describing the script or function that caused the
1441 screen to scroll up. It's only set when it is empty, thus the
1442 first reason is remembered. It is set to "Unknown" for a
1443 typed command.
1444 This can be used to find out why your script causes the
1445 hit-enter prompt.
1446
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001447 *v:servername* *servername-variable*
1448v:servername The resulting registered |x11-clientserver| name if any.
1449 Read-only.
1450
1451 *v:shell_error* *shell_error-variable*
1452v:shell_error Result of the last shell command. When non-zero, the last
1453 shell command had an error. When zero, there was no problem.
1454 This only works when the shell returns the error code to Vim.
1455 The value -1 is often used when the command could not be
1456 executed. Read-only.
1457 Example: >
1458 :!mv foo bar
1459 :if v:shell_error
1460 : echo 'could not rename "foo" to "bar"!'
1461 :endif
1462< "shell_error" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1463
1464 *v:statusmsg* *statusmsg-variable*
1465v:statusmsg Last given status message. It's allowed to set this variable.
1466
Bram Moolenaar4e330bb2005-12-07 21:04:31 +00001467 *v:swapname* *swapname-variable*
1468v:swapname Only valid when executing |SwapExists| autocommands: Name of
1469 the swap file found. Read-only.
1470
1471 *v:swapchoice* *swapchoice-variable*
1472v:swapchoice |SwapExists| autocommands can set this to the selected choice
1473 for handling an existing swap file:
1474 'o' Open read-only
1475 'e' Edit anyway
1476 'r' Recover
1477 'd' Delete swapfile
1478 'q' Quit
1479 'a' Abort
1480 The value should be a single-character string. An empty value
1481 results in the user being asked, as would happen when there is
1482 no SwapExists autocommand. The default is empty.
1483
Bram Moolenaarb3480382005-12-11 21:33:32 +00001484 *v:swapcommand* *swapcommand-variable*
Bram Moolenaar4770d092006-01-12 23:22:24 +00001485v:swapcommand Normal mode command to be executed after a file has been
Bram Moolenaarb3480382005-12-11 21:33:32 +00001486 opened. Can be used for a |SwapExists| autocommand to have
1487 another Vim open the file and jump to the right place. For
1488 example, when jumping to a tag the value is ":tag tagname\r".
Bram Moolenaar1f35bf92006-03-07 22:38:47 +00001489 For ":edit +cmd file" the value is ":cmd\r".
Bram Moolenaarb3480382005-12-11 21:33:32 +00001490
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001491 *v:termresponse* *termresponse-variable*
1492v:termresponse The escape sequence returned by the terminal for the |t_RV|
1493 termcap entry. It is set when Vim receives an escape sequence
1494 that starts with ESC [ or CSI and ends in a 'c', with only
1495 digits, ';' and '.' in between.
1496 When this option is set, the TermResponse autocommand event is
1497 fired, so that you can react to the response from the
1498 terminal.
1499 The response from a new xterm is: "<Esc>[ Pp ; Pv ; Pc c". Pp
1500 is the terminal type: 0 for vt100 and 1 for vt220. Pv is the
1501 patch level (since this was introduced in patch 95, it's
1502 always 95 or bigger). Pc is always zero.
1503 {only when compiled with |+termresponse| feature}
1504
1505 *v:this_session* *this_session-variable*
1506v:this_session Full filename of the last loaded or saved session file. See
1507 |:mksession|. It is allowed to set this variable. When no
1508 session file has been saved, this variable is empty.
1509 "this_session" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1510
1511 *v:throwpoint* *throwpoint-variable*
1512v:throwpoint The point where the exception most recently caught and not
1513 finished was thrown. Not set when commands are typed. See
1514 also |v:exception| and |throw-variables|.
1515 Example: >
1516 :try
1517 : throw "oops"
1518 :catch /.*/
1519 : echo "Exception from" v:throwpoint
1520 :endtry
1521< Output: "Exception from test.vim, line 2"
1522
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001523 *v:val* *val-variable*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001524v:val Value of the current item of a |List| or |Dictionary|. Only
1525 valid while evaluating the expression used with |map()| and
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001526 |filter()|. Read-only.
1527
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001528 *v:version* *version-variable*
1529v:version Version number of Vim: Major version number times 100 plus
1530 minor version number. Version 5.0 is 500. Version 5.1 (5.01)
1531 is 501. Read-only. "version" also works, for backwards
1532 compatibility.
1533 Use |has()| to check if a certain patch was included, e.g.: >
1534 if has("patch123")
1535< Note that patch numbers are specific to the version, thus both
1536 version 5.0 and 5.1 may have a patch 123, but these are
1537 completely different.
1538
1539 *v:warningmsg* *warningmsg-variable*
1540v:warningmsg Last given warning message. It's allowed to set this variable.
1541
1542==============================================================================
15434. Builtin Functions *functions*
1544
1545See |function-list| for a list grouped by what the function is used for.
1546
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00001547(Use CTRL-] on the function name to jump to the full explanation.)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001548
1549USAGE RESULT DESCRIPTION ~
1550
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001551add( {list}, {item}) List append {item} to |List| {list}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001552append( {lnum}, {string}) Number append {string} below line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00001553append( {lnum}, {list}) Number append lines {list} below line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001554argc() Number number of files in the argument list
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001555argidx() Number current index in the argument list
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001556argv( {nr}) String {nr} entry of the argument list
Bram Moolenaare2f98b92006-03-29 21:18:24 +00001557argv( ) List the argument list
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001558browse( {save}, {title}, {initdir}, {default})
1559 String put up a file requester
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001560browsedir( {title}, {initdir}) String put up a directory requester
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001561bufexists( {expr}) Number TRUE if buffer {expr} exists
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001562buflisted( {expr}) Number TRUE if buffer {expr} is listed
1563bufloaded( {expr}) Number TRUE if buffer {expr} is loaded
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001564bufname( {expr}) String Name of the buffer {expr}
1565bufnr( {expr}) Number Number of the buffer {expr}
1566bufwinnr( {expr}) Number window number of buffer {expr}
1567byte2line( {byte}) Number line number at byte count {byte}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001568byteidx( {expr}, {nr}) Number byte index of {nr}'th char in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001569call( {func}, {arglist} [, {dict}])
1570 any call {func} with arguments {arglist}
Bram Moolenaarca003e12006-03-17 23:19:38 +00001571changenr() Number current change number
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001572char2nr( {expr}) Number ASCII value of first char in {expr}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001573cindent( {lnum}) Number C indent for line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00001574clearmatches() None clear all matches
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001575col( {expr}) Number column nr of cursor or mark
Bram Moolenaara94bc432006-03-10 21:42:59 +00001576complete({startcol}, {matches}) String set Insert mode completion
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00001577complete_add( {expr}) Number add completion match
1578complete_check() Number check for key typed during completion
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001579confirm( {msg} [, {choices} [, {default} [, {type}]]])
1580 Number number of choice picked by user
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001581copy( {expr}) any make a shallow copy of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001582count( {list}, {expr} [, {start} [, {ic}]])
1583 Number count how many {expr} are in {list}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001584cscope_connection( [{num} , {dbpath} [, {prepend}]])
1585 Number checks existence of cscope connection
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00001586cursor( {lnum}, {col} [, {coladd}])
1587 Number move cursor to {lnum}, {col}, {coladd}
1588cursor( {list}) Number move cursor to position in {list}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001589deepcopy( {expr}) any make a full copy of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001590delete( {fname}) Number delete file {fname}
1591did_filetype() Number TRUE if FileType autocommand event used
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001592diff_filler( {lnum}) Number diff filler lines about {lnum}
1593diff_hlID( {lnum}, {col}) Number diff highlighting at {lnum}/{col}
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00001594empty( {expr}) Number TRUE if {expr} is empty
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001595escape( {string}, {chars}) String escape {chars} in {string} with '\'
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00001596eval( {string}) any evaluate {string} into its value
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001597eventhandler( ) Number TRUE if inside an event handler
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001598executable( {expr}) Number 1 if executable {expr} exists
1599exists( {expr}) Number TRUE if {expr} exists
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001600extend({expr1}, {expr2} [, {expr3}])
1601 List/Dict insert items of {expr2} into {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001602expand( {expr}) String expand special keywords in {expr}
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +00001603feedkeys( {string} [, {mode}]) Number add key sequence to typeahead buffer
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001604filereadable( {file}) Number TRUE if {file} is a readable file
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001605filewritable( {file}) Number TRUE if {file} is a writable file
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001606filter( {expr}, {string}) List/Dict remove items from {expr} where
1607 {string} is 0
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001608finddir( {name}[, {path}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001609 String find directory {name} in {path}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001610findfile( {name}[, {path}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001611 String find file {name} in {path}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001612fnamemodify( {fname}, {mods}) String modify file name
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001613foldclosed( {lnum}) Number first line of fold at {lnum} if closed
1614foldclosedend( {lnum}) Number last line of fold at {lnum} if closed
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001615foldlevel( {lnum}) Number fold level at {lnum}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001616foldtext( ) String line displayed for closed fold
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001617foldtextresult( {lnum}) String text for closed fold at {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001618foreground( ) Number bring the Vim window to the foreground
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001619function( {name}) Funcref reference to function {name}
Bram Moolenaar9d2c8c12007-09-25 16:00:00 +00001620garbagecollect( [at_exit]) none free memory, breaking cyclic references
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001621get( {list}, {idx} [, {def}]) any get item {idx} from {list} or {def}
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001622get( {dict}, {key} [, {def}]) any get item {key} from {dict} or {def}
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00001623getbufline( {expr}, {lnum} [, {end}])
1624 List lines {lnum} to {end} of buffer {expr}
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001625getbufvar( {expr}, {varname}) any variable {varname} in buffer {expr}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001626getchar( [expr]) Number get one character from the user
1627getcharmod( ) Number modifiers for the last typed character
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001628getcmdline() String return the current command-line
1629getcmdpos() Number return cursor position in command-line
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00001630getcmdtype() String return the current command-line type
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001631getcwd() String the current working directory
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00001632getfperm( {fname}) String file permissions of file {fname}
1633getfsize( {fname}) Number size in bytes of file {fname}
Bram Moolenaard8b0cf12004-12-12 11:33:30 +00001634getfontname( [{name}]) String name of font being used
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001635getftime( {fname}) Number last modification time of file
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00001636getftype( {fname}) String description of type of file {fname}
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00001637getline( {lnum}) String line {lnum} of current buffer
1638getline( {lnum}, {end}) List lines {lnum} to {end} of current buffer
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00001639getloclist({nr}) List list of location list items
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00001640getmatches() List list of current matches
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00001641getpos( {expr}) List position of cursor, mark, etc.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00001642getqflist() List list of quickfix items
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00001643getreg( [{regname} [, 1]]) String contents of register
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001644getregtype( [{regname}]) String type of register
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00001645gettabwinvar( {tabnr}, {winnr}, {name})
1646 any {name} in {winnr} in tab page {tabnr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001647getwinposx() Number X coord in pixels of GUI Vim window
1648getwinposy() Number Y coord in pixels of GUI Vim window
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001649getwinvar( {nr}, {varname}) any variable {varname} in window {nr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001650glob( {expr}) String expand file wildcards in {expr}
1651globpath( {path}, {expr}) String do glob({expr}) for all dirs in {path}
1652has( {feature}) Number TRUE if feature {feature} supported
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001653has_key( {dict}, {key}) Number TRUE if {dict} has entry {key}
Bram Moolenaard267b9c2007-04-26 15:06:45 +00001654haslocaldir() Number TRUE if current window executed |:lcd|
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00001655hasmapto( {what} [, {mode} [, {abbr}]])
1656 Number TRUE if mapping to {what} exists
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001657histadd( {history},{item}) String add an item to a history
1658histdel( {history} [, {item}]) String remove an item from a history
1659histget( {history} [, {index}]) String get the item {index} from a history
1660histnr( {history}) Number highest index of a history
1661hlexists( {name}) Number TRUE if highlight group {name} exists
1662hlID( {name}) Number syntax ID of highlight group {name}
1663hostname() String name of the machine Vim is running on
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001664iconv( {expr}, {from}, {to}) String convert encoding of {expr}
1665indent( {lnum}) Number indent of line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001666index( {list}, {expr} [, {start} [, {ic}]])
1667 Number index in {list} where {expr} appears
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00001668input( {prompt} [, {text} [, {completion}]])
1669 String get input from the user
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001670inputdialog( {p} [, {t} [, {c}]]) String like input() but in a GUI dialog
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001671inputlist( {textlist}) Number let the user pick from a choice list
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001672inputrestore() Number restore typeahead
1673inputsave() Number save and clear typeahead
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001674inputsecret( {prompt} [, {text}]) String like input() but hiding the text
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001675insert( {list}, {item} [, {idx}]) List insert {item} in {list} [before {idx}]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001676isdirectory( {directory}) Number TRUE if {directory} is a directory
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00001677islocked( {expr}) Number TRUE if {expr} is locked
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001678items( {dict}) List key-value pairs in {dict}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001679join( {list} [, {sep}]) String join {list} items into one String
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001680keys( {dict}) List keys in {dict}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001681len( {expr}) Number the length of {expr}
1682libcall( {lib}, {func}, {arg}) String call {func} in library {lib} with {arg}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001683libcallnr( {lib}, {func}, {arg}) Number idem, but return a Number
1684line( {expr}) Number line nr of cursor, last line or mark
1685line2byte( {lnum}) Number byte count of line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001686lispindent( {lnum}) Number Lisp indent for line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001687localtime() Number current time
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001688map( {expr}, {string}) List/Dict change each item in {expr} to {expr}
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00001689maparg( {name}[, {mode} [, {abbr}]])
1690 String rhs of mapping {name} in mode {mode}
1691mapcheck( {name}[, {mode} [, {abbr}]])
1692 String check for mappings matching {name}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001693match( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001694 Number position where {pat} matches in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00001695matchadd( {group}, {pattern}[, {priority}[, {id}]])
1696 Number highlight {pattern} with {group}
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00001697matcharg( {nr}) List arguments of |:match|
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00001698matchdelete( {id}) Number delete match identified by {id}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001699matchend( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001700 Number position where {pat} ends in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00001701matchlist( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
1702 List match and submatches of {pat} in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001703matchstr( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
1704 String {count}'th match of {pat} in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00001705max({list}) Number maximum value of items in {list}
Bram Moolenaar79166c42007-05-10 18:29:51 +00001706min({list}) Number minimum value of items in {list}
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00001707mkdir({name} [, {path} [, {prot}]])
1708 Number create directory {name}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001709mode() String current editing mode
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001710nextnonblank( {lnum}) Number line nr of non-blank line >= {lnum}
1711nr2char( {expr}) String single char with ASCII value {expr}
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00001712pathshorten( {expr}) String shorten directory names in a path
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001713prevnonblank( {lnum}) Number line nr of non-blank line <= {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00001714printf( {fmt}, {expr1}...) String format text
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001715pumvisible() Number whether popup menu is visible
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00001716range( {expr} [, {max} [, {stride}]])
1717 List items from {expr} to {max}
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00001718readfile({fname} [, {binary} [, {max}]])
1719 List get list of lines from file {fname}
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00001720reltime( [{start} [, {end}]]) List get time value
1721reltimestr( {time}) String turn time value into a String
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001722remote_expr( {server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
1723 String send expression
1724remote_foreground( {server}) Number bring Vim server to the foreground
1725remote_peek( {serverid} [, {retvar}])
1726 Number check for reply string
1727remote_read( {serverid}) String read reply string
1728remote_send( {server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
1729 String send key sequence
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00001730remove( {list}, {idx} [, {end}]) any remove items {idx}-{end} from {list}
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00001731remove( {dict}, {key}) any remove entry {key} from {dict}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001732rename( {from}, {to}) Number rename (move) file from {from} to {to}
1733repeat( {expr}, {count}) String repeat {expr} {count} times
1734resolve( {filename}) String get filename a shortcut points to
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001735reverse( {list}) List reverse {list} in-place
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00001736search( {pattern} [, {flags} [, {stopline} [, {timeout}]]])
1737 Number search for {pattern}
Bram Moolenaarf75a9632005-09-13 21:20:47 +00001738searchdecl({name} [, {global} [, {thisblock}]])
1739 Number search for variable declaration
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00001740searchpair( {start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip} [...]]])
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001741 Number search for other end of start/end pair
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00001742searchpairpos( {start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip} [...]]])
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001743 List search for other end of start/end pair
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00001744searchpos( {pattern} [, {flags} [, {stopline} [, {timeout}]]])
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001745 List search for {pattern}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001746server2client( {clientid}, {string})
1747 Number send reply string
1748serverlist() String get a list of available servers
1749setbufvar( {expr}, {varname}, {val}) set {varname} in buffer {expr} to {val}
1750setcmdpos( {pos}) Number set cursor position in command-line
1751setline( {lnum}, {line}) Number set line {lnum} to {line}
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00001752setloclist( {nr}, {list}[, {action}])
1753 Number modify location list using {list}
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00001754setmatches( {list}) Number restore a list of matches
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001755setpos( {expr}, {list}) none set the {expr} position to {list}
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00001756setqflist( {list}[, {action}]) Number modify quickfix list using {list}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001757setreg( {n}, {v}[, {opt}]) Number set register to value and type
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00001758settabwinvar( {tabnr}, {winnr}, {varname}, {val}) set {varname} in window
1759 {winnr} in tab page {tabnr} to {val}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001760setwinvar( {nr}, {varname}, {val}) set {varname} in window {nr} to {val}
Bram Moolenaar60a495f2006-10-03 12:44:42 +00001761shellescape( {string}) String escape {string} for use as shell
1762 command argument
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001763simplify( {filename}) String simplify filename as much as possible
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001764sort( {list} [, {func}]) List sort {list}, using {func} to compare
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00001765soundfold( {word}) String sound-fold {word}
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00001766spellbadword() String badly spelled word at cursor
Bram Moolenaarc54b8a72005-09-30 21:20:29 +00001767spellsuggest( {word} [, {max} [, {capital}]])
1768 List spelling suggestions
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00001769split( {expr} [, {pat} [, {keepempty}]])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001770 List make |List| from {pat} separated {expr}
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00001771str2nr( {expr} [, {base}]) Number convert string to number
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001772strftime( {format}[, {time}]) String time in specified format
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00001773stridx( {haystack}, {needle}[, {start}])
1774 Number index of {needle} in {haystack}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001775string( {expr}) String String representation of {expr} value
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001776strlen( {expr}) Number length of the String {expr}
1777strpart( {src}, {start}[, {len}])
1778 String {len} characters of {src} at {start}
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00001779strridx( {haystack}, {needle} [, {start}])
1780 Number last index of {needle} in {haystack}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001781strtrans( {expr}) String translate string to make it printable
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001782submatch( {nr}) String specific match in ":substitute"
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001783substitute( {expr}, {pat}, {sub}, {flags})
1784 String all {pat} in {expr} replaced with {sub}
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00001785synID( {lnum}, {col}, {trans}) Number syntax ID at {lnum} and {col}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001786synIDattr( {synID}, {what} [, {mode}])
1787 String attribute {what} of syntax ID {synID}
1788synIDtrans( {synID}) Number translated syntax ID of {synID}
Bram Moolenaar9d188ab2008-01-10 21:24:39 +00001789synstack({lnum}, {col}) List stack of syntax IDs at {lnum} and {col}
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00001790system( {expr} [, {input}]) String output of shell command/filter {expr}
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00001791tabpagebuflist( [{arg}]) List list of buffer numbers in tab page
1792tabpagenr( [{arg}]) Number number of current or last tab page
1793tabpagewinnr( {tabarg}[, {arg}])
1794 Number number of current window in tab page
1795taglist( {expr}) List list of tags matching {expr}
Bram Moolenaare7eb9df2005-09-09 19:49:30 +00001796tagfiles() List tags files used
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001797tempname() String name for a temporary file
1798tolower( {expr}) String the String {expr} switched to lowercase
1799toupper( {expr}) String the String {expr} switched to uppercase
Bram Moolenaar8299df92004-07-10 09:47:34 +00001800tr( {src}, {fromstr}, {tostr}) String translate chars of {src} in {fromstr}
1801 to chars in {tostr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001802type( {name}) Number type of variable {name}
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001803values( {dict}) List values in {dict}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001804virtcol( {expr}) Number screen column of cursor or mark
1805visualmode( [expr]) String last visual mode used
1806winbufnr( {nr}) Number buffer number of window {nr}
1807wincol() Number window column of the cursor
1808winheight( {nr}) Number height of window {nr}
1809winline() Number window line of the cursor
Bram Moolenaar7e8fd632006-02-18 22:14:51 +00001810winnr( [{expr}]) Number number of current window
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001811winrestcmd() String returns command to restore window sizes
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00001812winrestview({dict}) None restore view of current window
1813winsaveview() Dict save view of current window
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001814winwidth( {nr}) Number width of window {nr}
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00001815writefile({list}, {fname} [, {binary}])
1816 Number write list of lines to file {fname}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001817
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001818add({list}, {expr}) *add()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001819 Append the item {expr} to |List| {list}. Returns the
1820 resulting |List|. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001821 :let alist = add([1, 2, 3], item)
1822 :call add(mylist, "woodstock")
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001823< Note that when {expr} is a |List| it is appended as a single
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00001824 item. Use |extend()| to concatenate |Lists|.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00001825 Use |insert()| to add an item at another position.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001826
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001827
1828append({lnum}, {expr}) *append()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001829 When {expr} is a |List|: Append each item of the |List| as a
1830 text line below line {lnum} in the current buffer.
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00001831 Otherwise append {expr} as one text line below line {lnum} in
1832 the current buffer.
1833 {lnum} can be zero to insert a line before the first one.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001834 Returns 1 for failure ({lnum} out of range or out of memory),
1835 0 for success. Example: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001836 :let failed = append(line('$'), "# THE END")
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001837 :let failed = append(0, ["Chapter 1", "the beginning"])
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001838<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001839 *argc()*
1840argc() The result is the number of files in the argument list of the
1841 current window. See |arglist|.
1842
1843 *argidx()*
1844argidx() The result is the current index in the argument list. 0 is
1845 the first file. argc() - 1 is the last one. See |arglist|.
1846
1847 *argv()*
Bram Moolenaare2f98b92006-03-29 21:18:24 +00001848argv([{nr}]) The result is the {nr}th file in the argument list of the
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001849 current window. See |arglist|. "argv(0)" is the first one.
1850 Example: >
1851 :let i = 0
1852 :while i < argc()
1853 : let f = escape(argv(i), '. ')
1854 : exe 'amenu Arg.' . f . ' :e ' . f . '<CR>'
1855 : let i = i + 1
1856 :endwhile
Bram Moolenaare2f98b92006-03-29 21:18:24 +00001857< Without the {nr} argument a |List| with the whole |arglist| is
1858 returned.
1859
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001860 *browse()*
1861browse({save}, {title}, {initdir}, {default})
1862 Put up a file requester. This only works when "has("browse")"
1863 returns non-zero (only in some GUI versions).
1864 The input fields are:
1865 {save} when non-zero, select file to write
1866 {title} title for the requester
1867 {initdir} directory to start browsing in
1868 {default} default file name
1869 When the "Cancel" button is hit, something went wrong, or
1870 browsing is not possible, an empty string is returned.
1871
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001872 *browsedir()*
1873browsedir({title}, {initdir})
1874 Put up a directory requester. This only works when
1875 "has("browse")" returns non-zero (only in some GUI versions).
1876 On systems where a directory browser is not supported a file
1877 browser is used. In that case: select a file in the directory
1878 to be used.
1879 The input fields are:
1880 {title} title for the requester
1881 {initdir} directory to start browsing in
1882 When the "Cancel" button is hit, something went wrong, or
1883 browsing is not possible, an empty string is returned.
1884
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001885bufexists({expr}) *bufexists()*
1886 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a buffer called
1887 {expr} exists.
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001888 If the {expr} argument is a number, buffer numbers are used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001889 If the {expr} argument is a string it must match a buffer name
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001890 exactly. The name can be:
1891 - Relative to the current directory.
1892 - A full path.
1893 - The name of a buffer with 'filetype' set to "nofile".
1894 - A URL name.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001895 Unlisted buffers will be found.
1896 Note that help files are listed by their short name in the
1897 output of |:buffers|, but bufexists() requires using their
1898 long name to be able to find them.
1899 Use "bufexists(0)" to test for the existence of an alternate
1900 file name.
1901 *buffer_exists()*
1902 Obsolete name: buffer_exists().
1903
1904buflisted({expr}) *buflisted()*
1905 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a buffer called
1906 {expr} exists and is listed (has the 'buflisted' option set).
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001907 The {expr} argument is used like with |bufexists()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001908
1909bufloaded({expr}) *bufloaded()*
1910 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a buffer called
1911 {expr} exists and is loaded (shown in a window or hidden).
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001912 The {expr} argument is used like with |bufexists()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001913
1914bufname({expr}) *bufname()*
1915 The result is the name of a buffer, as it is displayed by the
1916 ":ls" command.
1917 If {expr} is a Number, that buffer number's name is given.
1918 Number zero is the alternate buffer for the current window.
1919 If {expr} is a String, it is used as a |file-pattern| to match
1920 with the buffer names. This is always done like 'magic' is
1921 set and 'cpoptions' is empty. When there is more than one
1922 match an empty string is returned.
1923 "" or "%" can be used for the current buffer, "#" for the
1924 alternate buffer.
1925 A full match is preferred, otherwise a match at the start, end
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00001926 or middle of the buffer name is accepted. If you only want a
1927 full match then put "^" at the start and "$" at the end of the
1928 pattern.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001929 Listed buffers are found first. If there is a single match
1930 with a listed buffer, that one is returned. Next unlisted
1931 buffers are searched for.
1932 If the {expr} is a String, but you want to use it as a buffer
1933 number, force it to be a Number by adding zero to it: >
1934 :echo bufname("3" + 0)
1935< If the buffer doesn't exist, or doesn't have a name, an empty
1936 string is returned. >
1937 bufname("#") alternate buffer name
1938 bufname(3) name of buffer 3
1939 bufname("%") name of current buffer
1940 bufname("file2") name of buffer where "file2" matches.
1941< *buffer_name()*
1942 Obsolete name: buffer_name().
1943
1944 *bufnr()*
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00001945bufnr({expr} [, {create}])
1946 The result is the number of a buffer, as it is displayed by
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001947 the ":ls" command. For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()|
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00001948 above.
1949 If the buffer doesn't exist, -1 is returned. Or, if the
1950 {create} argument is present and not zero, a new, unlisted,
1951 buffer is created and its number is returned.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001952 bufnr("$") is the last buffer: >
1953 :let last_buffer = bufnr("$")
1954< The result is a Number, which is the highest buffer number
1955 of existing buffers. Note that not all buffers with a smaller
1956 number necessarily exist, because ":bwipeout" may have removed
1957 them. Use bufexists() to test for the existence of a buffer.
1958 *buffer_number()*
1959 Obsolete name: buffer_number().
1960 *last_buffer_nr()*
1961 Obsolete name for bufnr("$"): last_buffer_nr().
1962
1963bufwinnr({expr}) *bufwinnr()*
1964 The result is a Number, which is the number of the first
1965 window associated with buffer {expr}. For the use of {expr},
1966 see |bufname()| above. If buffer {expr} doesn't exist or
1967 there is no such window, -1 is returned. Example: >
1968
1969 echo "A window containing buffer 1 is " . (bufwinnr(1))
1970
1971< The number can be used with |CTRL-W_w| and ":wincmd w"
1972 |:wincmd|.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00001973 Only deals with the current tab page.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001974
1975
1976byte2line({byte}) *byte2line()*
1977 Return the line number that contains the character at byte
1978 count {byte} in the current buffer. This includes the
1979 end-of-line character, depending on the 'fileformat' option
1980 for the current buffer. The first character has byte count
1981 one.
1982 Also see |line2byte()|, |go| and |:goto|.
1983 {not available when compiled without the |+byte_offset|
1984 feature}
1985
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00001986byteidx({expr}, {nr}) *byteidx()*
1987 Return byte index of the {nr}'th character in the string
1988 {expr}. Use zero for the first character, it returns zero.
1989 This function is only useful when there are multibyte
1990 characters, otherwise the returned value is equal to {nr}.
1991 Composing characters are counted as a separate character.
1992 Example : >
1993 echo matchstr(str, ".", byteidx(str, 3))
1994< will display the fourth character. Another way to do the
1995 same: >
1996 let s = strpart(str, byteidx(str, 3))
1997 echo strpart(s, 0, byteidx(s, 1))
1998< If there are less than {nr} characters -1 is returned.
1999 If there are exactly {nr} characters the length of the string
2000 is returned.
2001
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002002call({func}, {arglist} [, {dict}]) *call()* *E699*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002003 Call function {func} with the items in |List| {arglist} as
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002004 arguments.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002005 {func} can either be a |Funcref| or the name of a function.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002006 a:firstline and a:lastline are set to the cursor line.
2007 Returns the return value of the called function.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002008 {dict} is for functions with the "dict" attribute. It will be
2009 used to set the local variable "self". |Dictionary-function|
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002010
Bram Moolenaarca003e12006-03-17 23:19:38 +00002011changenr() *changenr()*
2012 Return the number of the most recent change. This is the same
2013 number as what is displayed with |:undolist| and can be used
2014 with the |:undo| command.
2015 When a change was made it is the number of that change. After
2016 redo it is the number of the redone change. After undo it is
2017 one less than the number of the undone change.
2018
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002019char2nr({expr}) *char2nr()*
2020 Return number value of the first char in {expr}. Examples: >
2021 char2nr(" ") returns 32
2022 char2nr("ABC") returns 65
2023< The current 'encoding' is used. Example for "utf-8": >
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002024 char2nr("á") returns 225
2025 char2nr("á"[0]) returns 195
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00002026< nr2char() does the opposite.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002027
2028cindent({lnum}) *cindent()*
2029 Get the amount of indent for line {lnum} according the C
2030 indenting rules, as with 'cindent'.
2031 The indent is counted in spaces, the value of 'tabstop' is
2032 relevant. {lnum} is used just like in |getline()|.
2033 When {lnum} is invalid or Vim was not compiled the |+cindent|
2034 feature, -1 is returned.
Bram Moolenaard5cdbeb2005-10-10 20:59:28 +00002035 See |C-indenting|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002036
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00002037clearmatches() *clearmatches()*
2038 Clears all matches previously defined by |matchadd()| and the
2039 |:match| commands.
2040
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002041 *col()*
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00002042col({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the byte index of the column
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002043 position given with {expr}. The accepted positions are:
2044 . the cursor position
2045 $ the end of the cursor line (the result is the
2046 number of characters in the cursor line plus one)
2047 'x position of mark x (if the mark is not set, 0 is
2048 returned)
Bram Moolenaar477933c2007-07-17 14:32:23 +00002049 Additionally {expr} can be [lnum, col]: a |List| with the line
2050 and column number. Most useful when the column is "$", to get
2051 the las column of a specific line. When "lnum" or "col" is
2052 out of range then col() returns zero.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002053 To get the line number use |line()|. To get both use
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00002054 |getpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002055 For the screen column position use |virtcol()|.
2056 Note that only marks in the current file can be used.
2057 Examples: >
2058 col(".") column of cursor
2059 col("$") length of cursor line plus one
2060 col("'t") column of mark t
2061 col("'" . markname) column of mark markname
2062< The first column is 1. 0 is returned for an error.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002063 For an uppercase mark the column may actually be in another
2064 buffer.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002065 For the cursor position, when 'virtualedit' is active, the
2066 column is one higher if the cursor is after the end of the
2067 line. This can be used to obtain the column in Insert mode: >
2068 :imap <F2> <C-O>:let save_ve = &ve<CR>
2069 \<C-O>:set ve=all<CR>
2070 \<C-O>:echo col(".") . "\n" <Bar>
2071 \let &ve = save_ve<CR>
2072<
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00002073
Bram Moolenaara94bc432006-03-10 21:42:59 +00002074complete({startcol}, {matches}) *complete()* *E785*
2075 Set the matches for Insert mode completion.
2076 Can only be used in Insert mode. You need to use a mapping
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002077 with CTRL-R = |i_CTRL-R|. It does not work after CTRL-O or
2078 with an expression mapping.
Bram Moolenaara94bc432006-03-10 21:42:59 +00002079 {startcol} is the byte offset in the line where the completed
2080 text start. The text up to the cursor is the original text
2081 that will be replaced by the matches. Use col('.') for an
2082 empty string. "col('.') - 1" will replace one character by a
2083 match.
2084 {matches} must be a |List|. Each |List| item is one match.
2085 See |complete-items| for the kind of items that are possible.
2086 Note that the after calling this function you need to avoid
2087 inserting anything that would completion to stop.
2088 The match can be selected with CTRL-N and CTRL-P as usual with
2089 Insert mode completion. The popup menu will appear if
2090 specified, see |ins-completion-menu|.
2091 Example: >
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002092 inoremap <F5> <C-R>=ListMonths()<CR>
Bram Moolenaara94bc432006-03-10 21:42:59 +00002093
2094 func! ListMonths()
2095 call complete(col('.'), ['January', 'February', 'March',
2096 \ 'April', 'May', 'June', 'July', 'August', 'September',
2097 \ 'October', 'November', 'December'])
2098 return ''
2099 endfunc
2100< This isn't very useful, but it shows how it works. Note that
2101 an empty string is returned to avoid a zero being inserted.
2102
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00002103complete_add({expr}) *complete_add()*
2104 Add {expr} to the list of matches. Only to be used by the
2105 function specified with the 'completefunc' option.
2106 Returns 0 for failure (empty string or out of memory),
2107 1 when the match was added, 2 when the match was already in
2108 the list.
Bram Moolenaar39f05632006-03-19 22:15:26 +00002109 See |complete-functions| for an explanation of {expr}. It is
2110 the same as one item in the list that 'omnifunc' would return.
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00002111
2112complete_check() *complete_check()*
2113 Check for a key typed while looking for completion matches.
2114 This is to be used when looking for matches takes some time.
2115 Returns non-zero when searching for matches is to be aborted,
2116 zero otherwise.
2117 Only to be used by the function specified with the
2118 'completefunc' option.
2119
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002120 *confirm()*
2121confirm({msg} [, {choices} [, {default} [, {type}]]])
2122 Confirm() offers the user a dialog, from which a choice can be
2123 made. It returns the number of the choice. For the first
2124 choice this is 1.
2125 Note: confirm() is only supported when compiled with dialog
2126 support, see |+dialog_con| and |+dialog_gui|.
2127 {msg} is displayed in a |dialog| with {choices} as the
2128 alternatives. When {choices} is missing or empty, "&OK" is
2129 used (and translated).
2130 {msg} is a String, use '\n' to include a newline. Only on
2131 some systems the string is wrapped when it doesn't fit.
2132 {choices} is a String, with the individual choices separated
2133 by '\n', e.g. >
2134 confirm("Save changes?", "&Yes\n&No\n&Cancel")
2135< The letter after the '&' is the shortcut key for that choice.
2136 Thus you can type 'c' to select "Cancel". The shortcut does
2137 not need to be the first letter: >
2138 confirm("file has been modified", "&Save\nSave &All")
2139< For the console, the first letter of each choice is used as
2140 the default shortcut key.
2141 The optional {default} argument is the number of the choice
2142 that is made if the user hits <CR>. Use 1 to make the first
2143 choice the default one. Use 0 to not set a default. If
2144 {default} is omitted, 1 is used.
2145 The optional {type} argument gives the type of dialog. This
2146 is only used for the icon of the Win32 GUI. It can be one of
2147 these values: "Error", "Question", "Info", "Warning" or
2148 "Generic". Only the first character is relevant. When {type}
2149 is omitted, "Generic" is used.
2150 If the user aborts the dialog by pressing <Esc>, CTRL-C,
2151 or another valid interrupt key, confirm() returns 0.
2152
2153 An example: >
2154 :let choice = confirm("What do you want?", "&Apples\n&Oranges\n&Bananas", 2)
2155 :if choice == 0
2156 : echo "make up your mind!"
2157 :elseif choice == 3
2158 : echo "tasteful"
2159 :else
2160 : echo "I prefer bananas myself."
2161 :endif
2162< In a GUI dialog, buttons are used. The layout of the buttons
2163 depends on the 'v' flag in 'guioptions'. If it is included,
2164 the buttons are always put vertically. Otherwise, confirm()
2165 tries to put the buttons in one horizontal line. If they
2166 don't fit, a vertical layout is used anyway. For some systems
2167 the horizontal layout is always used.
2168
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002169 *copy()*
2170copy({expr}) Make a copy of {expr}. For Numbers and Strings this isn't
2171 different from using {expr} directly.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002172 When {expr} is a |List| a shallow copy is created. This means
2173 that the original |List| can be changed without changing the
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002174 copy, and vise versa. But the items are identical, thus
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00002175 changing an item changes the contents of both |Lists|. Also
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002176 see |deepcopy()|.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002177
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002178count({comp}, {expr} [, {ic} [, {start}]]) *count()*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002179 Return the number of times an item with value {expr} appears
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002180 in |List| or |Dictionary| {comp}.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002181 If {start} is given then start with the item with this index.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002182 {start} can only be used with a |List|.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002183 When {ic} is given and it's non-zero then case is ignored.
2184
2185
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002186 *cscope_connection()*
2187cscope_connection([{num} , {dbpath} [, {prepend}]])
2188 Checks for the existence of a |cscope| connection. If no
2189 parameters are specified, then the function returns:
2190 0, if cscope was not available (not compiled in), or
2191 if there are no cscope connections;
2192 1, if there is at least one cscope connection.
2193
2194 If parameters are specified, then the value of {num}
2195 determines how existence of a cscope connection is checked:
2196
2197 {num} Description of existence check
2198 ----- ------------------------------
2199 0 Same as no parameters (e.g., "cscope_connection()").
2200 1 Ignore {prepend}, and use partial string matches for
2201 {dbpath}.
2202 2 Ignore {prepend}, and use exact string matches for
2203 {dbpath}.
2204 3 Use {prepend}, use partial string matches for both
2205 {dbpath} and {prepend}.
2206 4 Use {prepend}, use exact string matches for both
2207 {dbpath} and {prepend}.
2208
2209 Note: All string comparisons are case sensitive!
2210
2211 Examples. Suppose we had the following (from ":cs show"): >
2212
2213 # pid database name prepend path
2214 0 27664 cscope.out /usr/local
2215<
2216 Invocation Return Val ~
2217 ---------- ---------- >
2218 cscope_connection() 1
2219 cscope_connection(1, "out") 1
2220 cscope_connection(2, "out") 0
2221 cscope_connection(3, "out") 0
2222 cscope_connection(3, "out", "local") 1
2223 cscope_connection(4, "out") 0
2224 cscope_connection(4, "out", "local") 0
2225 cscope_connection(4, "cscope.out", "/usr/local") 1
2226<
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00002227cursor({lnum}, {col} [, {off}]) *cursor()*
2228cursor({list})
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002229 Positions the cursor at the column (byte count) {col} in the
2230 line {lnum}. The first column is one.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00002231 When there is one argument {list} this is used as a |List|
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00002232 with two or three items {lnum}, {col} and {off}. This is like
2233 the return value of |getpos()|, but without the first item.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002234 Does not change the jumplist.
2235 If {lnum} is greater than the number of lines in the buffer,
2236 the cursor will be positioned at the last line in the buffer.
2237 If {lnum} is zero, the cursor will stay in the current line.
Bram Moolenaar6f16eb82005-08-23 21:02:42 +00002238 If {col} is greater than the number of bytes in the line,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002239 the cursor will be positioned at the last character in the
2240 line.
2241 If {col} is zero, the cursor will stay in the current column.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00002242 When 'virtualedit' is used {off} specifies the offset in
2243 screen columns from the start of the character. E.g., a
Bram Moolenaard46bbc72007-05-12 14:38:41 +00002244 position within a <Tab> or after the last character.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002245
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002246
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00002247deepcopy({expr}[, {noref}]) *deepcopy()* *E698*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002248 Make a copy of {expr}. For Numbers and Strings this isn't
2249 different from using {expr} directly.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002250 When {expr} is a |List| a full copy is created. This means
2251 that the original |List| can be changed without changing the
2252 copy, and vise versa. When an item is a |List|, a copy for it
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002253 is made, recursively. Thus changing an item in the copy does
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002254 not change the contents of the original |List|.
2255 When {noref} is omitted or zero a contained |List| or
2256 |Dictionary| is only copied once. All references point to
2257 this single copy. With {noref} set to 1 every occurrence of a
2258 |List| or |Dictionary| results in a new copy. This also means
2259 that a cyclic reference causes deepcopy() to fail.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00002260 *E724*
2261 Nesting is possible up to 100 levels. When there is an item
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00002262 that refers back to a higher level making a deep copy with
2263 {noref} set to 1 will fail.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002264 Also see |copy()|.
2265
2266delete({fname}) *delete()*
2267 Deletes the file by the name {fname}. The result is a Number,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002268 which is 0 if the file was deleted successfully, and non-zero
2269 when the deletion failed.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002270 Use |remove()| to delete an item from a |List|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002271
2272 *did_filetype()*
2273did_filetype() Returns non-zero when autocommands are being executed and the
2274 FileType event has been triggered at least once. Can be used
2275 to avoid triggering the FileType event again in the scripts
2276 that detect the file type. |FileType|
2277 When editing another file, the counter is reset, thus this
2278 really checks if the FileType event has been triggered for the
2279 current buffer. This allows an autocommand that starts
2280 editing another buffer to set 'filetype' and load a syntax
2281 file.
2282
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00002283diff_filler({lnum}) *diff_filler()*
2284 Returns the number of filler lines above line {lnum}.
2285 These are the lines that were inserted at this point in
2286 another diff'ed window. These filler lines are shown in the
2287 display but don't exist in the buffer.
2288 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current
2289 line, "'m" mark m, etc.
2290 Returns 0 if the current window is not in diff mode.
2291
2292diff_hlID({lnum}, {col}) *diff_hlID()*
2293 Returns the highlight ID for diff mode at line {lnum} column
2294 {col} (byte index). When the current line does not have a
2295 diff change zero is returned.
2296 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current
2297 line, "'m" mark m, etc.
2298 {col} is 1 for the leftmost column, {lnum} is 1 for the first
2299 line.
2300 The highlight ID can be used with |synIDattr()| to obtain
2301 syntax information about the highlighting.
2302
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00002303empty({expr}) *empty()*
2304 Return the Number 1 if {expr} is empty, zero otherwise.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002305 A |List| or |Dictionary| is empty when it does not have any
2306 items. A Number is empty when its value is zero.
2307 For a long |List| this is much faster then comparing the
2308 length with zero.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00002309
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002310escape({string}, {chars}) *escape()*
2311 Escape the characters in {chars} that occur in {string} with a
2312 backslash. Example: >
2313 :echo escape('c:\program files\vim', ' \')
2314< results in: >
2315 c:\\program\ files\\vim
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002316
2317< *eval()*
2318eval({string}) Evaluate {string} and return the result. Especially useful to
2319 turn the result of |string()| back into the original value.
2320 This works for Numbers, Strings and composites of them.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002321 Also works for |Funcref|s that refer to existing functions.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002322
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002323eventhandler() *eventhandler()*
2324 Returns 1 when inside an event handler. That is that Vim got
2325 interrupted while waiting for the user to type a character,
2326 e.g., when dropping a file on Vim. This means interactive
2327 commands cannot be used. Otherwise zero is returned.
2328
2329executable({expr}) *executable()*
2330 This function checks if an executable with the name {expr}
2331 exists. {expr} must be the name of the program without any
Bram Moolenaarf4b8e572004-06-24 15:53:16 +00002332 arguments.
2333 executable() uses the value of $PATH and/or the normal
2334 searchpath for programs. *PATHEXT*
2335 On MS-DOS and MS-Windows the ".exe", ".bat", etc. can
2336 optionally be included. Then the extensions in $PATHEXT are
2337 tried. Thus if "foo.exe" does not exist, "foo.exe.bat" can be
2338 found. If $PATHEXT is not set then ".exe;.com;.bat;.cmd" is
2339 used. A dot by itself can be used in $PATHEXT to try using
2340 the name without an extension. When 'shell' looks like a
2341 Unix shell, then the name is also tried without adding an
2342 extension.
2343 On MS-DOS and MS-Windows it only checks if the file exists and
2344 is not a directory, not if it's really executable.
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00002345 On MS-Windows an executable in the same directory as Vim is
2346 always found. Since this directory is added to $PATH it
2347 should also work to execute it |win32-PATH|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002348 The result is a Number:
2349 1 exists
2350 0 does not exist
2351 -1 not implemented on this system
2352
2353 *exists()*
2354exists({expr}) The result is a Number, which is non-zero if {expr} is
2355 defined, zero otherwise. The {expr} argument is a string,
2356 which contains one of these:
2357 &option-name Vim option (only checks if it exists,
2358 not if it really works)
2359 +option-name Vim option that works.
2360 $ENVNAME environment variable (could also be
2361 done by comparing with an empty
2362 string)
2363 *funcname built-in function (see |functions|)
2364 or user defined function (see
2365 |user-functions|).
2366 varname internal variable (see
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00002367 |internal-variables|). Also works
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002368 for |curly-braces-names|, |Dictionary|
2369 entries, |List| items, etc. Beware
2370 that this may cause functions to be
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00002371 invoked cause an error message for an
2372 invalid expression.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002373 :cmdname Ex command: built-in command, user
2374 command or command modifier |:command|.
2375 Returns:
2376 1 for match with start of a command
2377 2 full match with a command
2378 3 matches several user commands
2379 To check for a supported command
2380 always check the return value to be 2.
Bram Moolenaar14716812006-05-04 21:54:08 +00002381 :2match The |:2match| command.
2382 :3match The |:3match| command.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002383 #event autocommand defined for this event
2384 #event#pattern autocommand defined for this event and
2385 pattern (the pattern is taken
2386 literally and compared to the
2387 autocommand patterns character by
2388 character)
Bram Moolenaara9b1e742005-12-19 22:14:58 +00002389 #group autocommand group exists
2390 #group#event autocommand defined for this group and
2391 event.
2392 #group#event#pattern
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00002393 autocommand defined for this group,
Bram Moolenaara9b1e742005-12-19 22:14:58 +00002394 event and pattern.
Bram Moolenaarf4cd3e82005-12-22 22:47:02 +00002395 ##event autocommand for this event is
2396 supported.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002397 For checking for a supported feature use |has()|.
2398
2399 Examples: >
2400 exists("&shortname")
2401 exists("$HOSTNAME")
2402 exists("*strftime")
2403 exists("*s:MyFunc")
2404 exists("bufcount")
2405 exists(":Make")
Bram Moolenaara9b1e742005-12-19 22:14:58 +00002406 exists("#CursorHold")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002407 exists("#BufReadPre#*.gz")
Bram Moolenaara9b1e742005-12-19 22:14:58 +00002408 exists("#filetypeindent")
2409 exists("#filetypeindent#FileType")
2410 exists("#filetypeindent#FileType#*")
Bram Moolenaarf4cd3e82005-12-22 22:47:02 +00002411 exists("##ColorScheme")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002412< There must be no space between the symbol (&/$/*/#) and the
2413 name.
Bram Moolenaar91170f82006-05-05 21:15:17 +00002414 There must be no extra characters after the name, although in
2415 a few cases this is ignored. That may become more strict in
2416 the future, thus don't count on it!
2417 Working example: >
2418 exists(":make")
2419< NOT working example: >
2420 exists(":make install")
Bram Moolenaar9c102382006-05-03 21:26:49 +00002421
2422< Note that the argument must be a string, not the name of the
2423 variable itself. For example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002424 exists(bufcount)
2425< This doesn't check for existence of the "bufcount" variable,
Bram Moolenaar06a89a52006-04-29 22:01:03 +00002426 but gets the value of "bufcount", and checks if that exists.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002427
2428expand({expr} [, {flag}]) *expand()*
2429 Expand wildcards and the following special keywords in {expr}.
2430 The result is a String.
2431
2432 When there are several matches, they are separated by <NL>
2433 characters. [Note: in version 5.0 a space was used, which
2434 caused problems when a file name contains a space]
2435
2436 If the expansion fails, the result is an empty string. A name
2437 for a non-existing file is not included.
2438
2439 When {expr} starts with '%', '#' or '<', the expansion is done
2440 like for the |cmdline-special| variables with their associated
2441 modifiers. Here is a short overview:
2442
2443 % current file name
2444 # alternate file name
2445 #n alternate file name n
2446 <cfile> file name under the cursor
2447 <afile> autocmd file name
2448 <abuf> autocmd buffer number (as a String!)
2449 <amatch> autocmd matched name
2450 <sfile> sourced script file name
2451 <cword> word under the cursor
2452 <cWORD> WORD under the cursor
2453 <client> the {clientid} of the last received
2454 message |server2client()|
2455 Modifiers:
2456 :p expand to full path
2457 :h head (last path component removed)
2458 :t tail (last path component only)
2459 :r root (one extension removed)
2460 :e extension only
2461
2462 Example: >
2463 :let &tags = expand("%:p:h") . "/tags"
2464< Note that when expanding a string that starts with '%', '#' or
2465 '<', any following text is ignored. This does NOT work: >
2466 :let doesntwork = expand("%:h.bak")
2467< Use this: >
2468 :let doeswork = expand("%:h") . ".bak"
2469< Also note that expanding "<cfile>" and others only returns the
2470 referenced file name without further expansion. If "<cfile>"
2471 is "~/.cshrc", you need to do another expand() to have the
2472 "~/" expanded into the path of the home directory: >
2473 :echo expand(expand("<cfile>"))
2474<
2475 There cannot be white space between the variables and the
2476 following modifier. The |fnamemodify()| function can be used
2477 to modify normal file names.
2478
2479 When using '%' or '#', and the current or alternate file name
2480 is not defined, an empty string is used. Using "%:p" in a
2481 buffer with no name, results in the current directory, with a
2482 '/' added.
2483
2484 When {expr} does not start with '%', '#' or '<', it is
2485 expanded like a file name is expanded on the command line.
2486 'suffixes' and 'wildignore' are used, unless the optional
2487 {flag} argument is given and it is non-zero. Names for
Bram Moolenaar02743632005-07-25 20:42:36 +00002488 non-existing files are included. The "**" item can be used to
2489 search in a directory tree. For example, to find all "README"
2490 files in the current directory and below: >
2491 :echo expand("**/README")
2492<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002493 Expand() can also be used to expand variables and environment
2494 variables that are only known in a shell. But this can be
2495 slow, because a shell must be started. See |expr-env-expand|.
2496 The expanded variable is still handled like a list of file
2497 names. When an environment variable cannot be expanded, it is
2498 left unchanged. Thus ":echo expand('$FOOBAR')" results in
2499 "$FOOBAR".
2500
2501 See |glob()| for finding existing files. See |system()| for
2502 getting the raw output of an external command.
2503
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002504extend({expr1}, {expr2} [, {expr3}]) *extend()*
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00002505 {expr1} and {expr2} must be both |Lists| or both
2506 |Dictionaries|.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002507
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00002508 If they are |Lists|: Append {expr2} to {expr1}.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002509 If {expr3} is given insert the items of {expr2} before item
2510 {expr3} in {expr1}. When {expr3} is zero insert before the
2511 first item. When {expr3} is equal to len({expr1}) then
2512 {expr2} is appended.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002513 Examples: >
2514 :echo sort(extend(mylist, [7, 5]))
2515 :call extend(mylist, [2, 3], 1)
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002516< Use |add()| to concatenate one item to a list. To concatenate
2517 two lists into a new list use the + operator: >
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002518 :let newlist = [1, 2, 3] + [4, 5]
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002519<
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00002520 If they are |Dictionaries|:
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002521 Add all entries from {expr2} to {expr1}.
2522 If a key exists in both {expr1} and {expr2} then {expr3} is
2523 used to decide what to do:
2524 {expr3} = "keep": keep the value of {expr1}
2525 {expr3} = "force": use the value of {expr2}
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00002526 {expr3} = "error": give an error message *E737*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002527 When {expr3} is omitted then "force" is assumed.
2528
2529 {expr1} is changed when {expr2} is not empty. If necessary
2530 make a copy of {expr1} first.
2531 {expr2} remains unchanged.
2532 Returns {expr1}.
2533
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002534
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +00002535feedkeys({string} [, {mode}]) *feedkeys()*
2536 Characters in {string} are queued for processing as if they
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002537 come from a mapping or were typed by the user. They are added
2538 to the end of the typeahead buffer, thus if a mapping is still
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +00002539 being executed these characters come after them.
2540 The function does not wait for processing of keys contained in
2541 {string}.
2542 To include special keys into {string}, use double-quotes
2543 and "\..." notation |expr-quote|. For example,
Bram Moolenaar79166c42007-05-10 18:29:51 +00002544 feedkeys("\<CR>") simulates pressing of the <Enter> key. But
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +00002545 feedkeys('\<CR>') pushes 5 characters.
2546 If {mode} is absent, keys are remapped.
2547 {mode} is a String, which can contain these character flags:
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00002548 'm' Remap keys. This is default.
2549 'n' Do not remap keys.
2550 't' Handle keys as if typed; otherwise they are handled as
2551 if coming from a mapping. This matters for undo,
2552 opening folds, etc.
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +00002553 Return value is always 0.
2554
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002555filereadable({file}) *filereadable()*
2556 The result is a Number, which is TRUE when a file with the
2557 name {file} exists, and can be read. If {file} doesn't exist,
2558 or is a directory, the result is FALSE. {file} is any
2559 expression, which is used as a String.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002560 If you don't care about the file being readable you can use
2561 |glob()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002562 *file_readable()*
2563 Obsolete name: file_readable().
2564
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002565
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002566filewritable({file}) *filewritable()*
2567 The result is a Number, which is 1 when a file with the
2568 name {file} exists, and can be written. If {file} doesn't
2569 exist, or is not writable, the result is 0. If (file) is a
2570 directory, and we can write to it, the result is 2.
2571
2572
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002573filter({expr}, {string}) *filter()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002574 {expr} must be a |List| or a |Dictionary|.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002575 For each item in {expr} evaluate {string} and when the result
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002576 is zero remove the item from the |List| or |Dictionary|.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002577 Inside {string} |v:val| has the value of the current item.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002578 For a |Dictionary| |v:key| has the key of the current item.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002579 Examples: >
2580 :call filter(mylist, 'v:val !~ "OLD"')
2581< Removes the items where "OLD" appears. >
2582 :call filter(mydict, 'v:key >= 8')
2583< Removes the items with a key below 8. >
2584 :call filter(var, 0)
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002585< Removes all the items, thus clears the |List| or |Dictionary|.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00002586
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002587 Note that {string} is the result of expression and is then
2588 used as an expression again. Often it is good to use a
2589 |literal-string| to avoid having to double backslashes.
2590
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002591 The operation is done in-place. If you want a |List| or
2592 |Dictionary| to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
Bram Moolenaarafeb4fa2006-02-01 21:51:12 +00002593 :let l = filter(copy(mylist), 'v:val =~ "KEEP"')
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002594
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002595< Returns {expr}, the |List| or |Dictionary| that was filtered.
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00002596 When an error is encountered while evaluating {string} no
2597 further items in {expr} are processed.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002598
2599
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00002600finddir({name}[, {path}[, {count}]]) *finddir()*
Bram Moolenaar5b6b1ca2007-03-27 08:19:43 +00002601 Find directory {name} in {path}. Supports both downwards and
2602 upwards recursive directory searches. See |file-searching|
2603 for the syntax of {path}.
2604 Returns the path of the first found match. When the found
2605 directory is below the current directory a relative path is
2606 returned. Otherwise a full path is returned.
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00002607 If {path} is omitted or empty then 'path' is used.
2608 If the optional {count} is given, find {count}'s occurrence of
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00002609 {name} in {path} instead of the first one.
Bram Moolenaar899dddf2006-03-26 21:06:50 +00002610 When {count} is negative return all the matches in a |List|.
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00002611 This is quite similar to the ex-command |:find|.
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00002612 {only available when compiled with the +file_in_path feature}
2613
2614findfile({name}[, {path}[, {count}]]) *findfile()*
2615 Just like |finddir()|, but find a file instead of a directory.
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00002616 Uses 'suffixesadd'.
2617 Example: >
2618 :echo findfile("tags.vim", ".;")
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002619< Searches from the directory of the current file upwards until
2620 it finds the file "tags.vim".
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002621
2622fnamemodify({fname}, {mods}) *fnamemodify()*
2623 Modify file name {fname} according to {mods}. {mods} is a
2624 string of characters like it is used for file names on the
2625 command line. See |filename-modifiers|.
2626 Example: >
2627 :echo fnamemodify("main.c", ":p:h")
2628< results in: >
2629 /home/mool/vim/vim/src
2630< Note: Environment variables and "~" don't work in {fname}, use
2631 |expand()| first then.
2632
2633foldclosed({lnum}) *foldclosed()*
2634 The result is a Number. If the line {lnum} is in a closed
2635 fold, the result is the number of the first line in that fold.
2636 If the line {lnum} is not in a closed fold, -1 is returned.
2637
2638foldclosedend({lnum}) *foldclosedend()*
2639 The result is a Number. If the line {lnum} is in a closed
2640 fold, the result is the number of the last line in that fold.
2641 If the line {lnum} is not in a closed fold, -1 is returned.
2642
2643foldlevel({lnum}) *foldlevel()*
2644 The result is a Number, which is the foldlevel of line {lnum}
2645 in the current buffer. For nested folds the deepest level is
2646 returned. If there is no fold at line {lnum}, zero is
2647 returned. It doesn't matter if the folds are open or closed.
2648 When used while updating folds (from 'foldexpr') -1 is
2649 returned for lines where folds are still to be updated and the
2650 foldlevel is unknown. As a special case the level of the
2651 previous line is usually available.
2652
2653 *foldtext()*
2654foldtext() Returns a String, to be displayed for a closed fold. This is
2655 the default function used for the 'foldtext' option and should
2656 only be called from evaluating 'foldtext'. It uses the
2657 |v:foldstart|, |v:foldend| and |v:folddashes| variables.
2658 The returned string looks like this: >
2659 +-- 45 lines: abcdef
2660< The number of dashes depends on the foldlevel. The "45" is
2661 the number of lines in the fold. "abcdef" is the text in the
2662 first non-blank line of the fold. Leading white space, "//"
2663 or "/*" and the text from the 'foldmarker' and 'commentstring'
2664 options is removed.
2665 {not available when compiled without the |+folding| feature}
2666
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00002667foldtextresult({lnum}) *foldtextresult()*
2668 Returns the text that is displayed for the closed fold at line
2669 {lnum}. Evaluates 'foldtext' in the appropriate context.
2670 When there is no closed fold at {lnum} an empty string is
2671 returned.
2672 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current
2673 line, "'m" mark m, etc.
2674 Useful when exporting folded text, e.g., to HTML.
2675 {not available when compiled without the |+folding| feature}
2676
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002677 *foreground()*
2678foreground() Move the Vim window to the foreground. Useful when sent from
2679 a client to a Vim server. |remote_send()|
2680 On Win32 systems this might not work, the OS does not always
2681 allow a window to bring itself to the foreground. Use
2682 |remote_foreground()| instead.
2683 {only in the Win32, Athena, Motif and GTK GUI versions and the
2684 Win32 console version}
2685
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002686
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00002687function({name}) *function()* *E700*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002688 Return a |Funcref| variable that refers to function {name}.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002689 {name} can be a user defined function or an internal function.
2690
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002691
Bram Moolenaar9d2c8c12007-09-25 16:00:00 +00002692garbagecollect([at_exit]) *garbagecollect()*
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00002693 Cleanup unused |Lists| and |Dictionaries| that have circular
Bram Moolenaar39a58ca2005-06-27 22:42:44 +00002694 references. There is hardly ever a need to invoke this
2695 function, as it is automatically done when Vim runs out of
2696 memory or is waiting for the user to press a key after
2697 'updatetime'. Items without circular references are always
2698 freed when they become unused.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002699 This is useful if you have deleted a very big |List| and/or
2700 |Dictionary| with circular references in a script that runs
2701 for a long time.
Bram Moolenaar9d2c8c12007-09-25 16:00:00 +00002702 When the optional "at_exit" argument is one, garbage
2703 collection will also be done when exiting Vim, if it wasn't
2704 done before. This is useful when checking for memory leaks.
Bram Moolenaar39a58ca2005-06-27 22:42:44 +00002705
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00002706get({list}, {idx} [, {default}]) *get()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002707 Get item {idx} from |List| {list}. When this item is not
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002708 available return {default}. Return zero when {default} is
2709 omitted.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002710get({dict}, {key} [, {default}])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002711 Get item with key {key} from |Dictionary| {dict}. When this
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002712 item is not available return {default}. Return zero when
2713 {default} is omitted.
2714
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002715 *getbufline()*
2716getbufline({expr}, {lnum} [, {end}])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002717 Return a |List| with the lines starting from {lnum} to {end}
2718 (inclusive) in the buffer {expr}. If {end} is omitted, a
2719 |List| with only the line {lnum} is returned.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002720
2721 For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above.
2722
Bram Moolenaar661b1822005-07-28 22:36:45 +00002723 For {lnum} and {end} "$" can be used for the last line of the
2724 buffer. Otherwise a number must be used.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002725
2726 When {lnum} is smaller than 1 or bigger than the number of
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002727 lines in the buffer, an empty |List| is returned.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002728
2729 When {end} is greater than the number of lines in the buffer,
2730 it is treated as {end} is set to the number of lines in the
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002731 buffer. When {end} is before {lnum} an empty |List| is
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002732 returned.
2733
Bram Moolenaar661b1822005-07-28 22:36:45 +00002734 This function works only for loaded buffers. For unloaded and
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002735 non-existing buffers, an empty |List| is returned.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002736
2737 Example: >
2738 :let lines = getbufline(bufnr("myfile"), 1, "$")
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002739
2740getbufvar({expr}, {varname}) *getbufvar()*
2741 The result is the value of option or local buffer variable
2742 {varname} in buffer {expr}. Note that the name without "b:"
2743 must be used.
Bram Moolenaar4317d9b2005-03-18 20:25:31 +00002744 This also works for a global or buffer-local option, but it
2745 doesn't work for a global variable, window-local variable or
2746 window-local option.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002747 For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above.
2748 When the buffer or variable doesn't exist an empty string is
2749 returned, there is no error message.
2750 Examples: >
2751 :let bufmodified = getbufvar(1, "&mod")
2752 :echo "todo myvar = " . getbufvar("todo", "myvar")
2753<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002754getchar([expr]) *getchar()*
Bram Moolenaar91170f82006-05-05 21:15:17 +00002755 Get a single character from the user or input stream.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002756 If [expr] is omitted, wait until a character is available.
2757 If [expr] is 0, only get a character when one is available.
Bram Moolenaar91170f82006-05-05 21:15:17 +00002758 Return zero otherwise.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002759 If [expr] is 1, only check if a character is available, it is
Bram Moolenaar91170f82006-05-05 21:15:17 +00002760 not consumed. Return zero if no character available.
2761
2762 Without {expr} and when {expr} is 0 a whole character or
2763 special key is returned. If it is an 8-bit character, the
2764 result is a number. Use nr2char() to convert it to a String.
2765 Otherwise a String is returned with the encoded character.
2766 For a special key it's a sequence of bytes starting with 0x80
Bram Moolenaar56a907a2006-05-06 21:44:30 +00002767 (decimal: 128). This is the same value as the string
2768 "\<Key>", e.g., "\<Left>". The returned value is also a
2769 String when a modifier (shift, control, alt) was used that is
2770 not included in the character.
Bram Moolenaar91170f82006-05-05 21:15:17 +00002771
2772 When {expr} is 1 only the first byte is returned. For a
Bram Moolenaar56a907a2006-05-06 21:44:30 +00002773 one-byte character it is the character itself as a number.
2774 Use nr2char() to convert it to a String.
Bram Moolenaar91170f82006-05-05 21:15:17 +00002775
Bram Moolenaar219b8702006-11-01 14:32:36 +00002776 When the user clicks a mouse button, the mouse event will be
2777 returned. The position can then be found in |v:mouse_col|,
2778 |v:mouse_lnum| and |v:mouse_win|. This example positions the
2779 mouse as it would normally happen: >
2780 let c = getchar()
2781 if c == "\<LeftMouse>" && v:mouse_win > 0
2782 exe v:mouse_win . "wincmd w"
2783 exe v:mouse_lnum
2784 exe "normal " . v:mouse_col . "|"
2785 endif
2786<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002787 There is no prompt, you will somehow have to make clear to the
2788 user that a character has to be typed.
2789 There is no mapping for the character.
2790 Key codes are replaced, thus when the user presses the <Del>
2791 key you get the code for the <Del> key, not the raw character
2792 sequence. Examples: >
2793 getchar() == "\<Del>"
2794 getchar() == "\<S-Left>"
2795< This example redefines "f" to ignore case: >
2796 :nmap f :call FindChar()<CR>
2797 :function FindChar()
2798 : let c = nr2char(getchar())
2799 : while col('.') < col('$') - 1
2800 : normal l
2801 : if getline('.')[col('.') - 1] ==? c
2802 : break
2803 : endif
2804 : endwhile
2805 :endfunction
2806
2807getcharmod() *getcharmod()*
2808 The result is a Number which is the state of the modifiers for
2809 the last obtained character with getchar() or in another way.
2810 These values are added together:
2811 2 shift
2812 4 control
2813 8 alt (meta)
2814 16 mouse double click
2815 32 mouse triple click
2816 64 mouse quadruple click
2817 128 Macintosh only: command
2818 Only the modifiers that have not been included in the
2819 character itself are obtained. Thus Shift-a results in "A"
2820 with no modifier.
2821
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002822getcmdline() *getcmdline()*
2823 Return the current command-line. Only works when the command
2824 line is being edited, thus requires use of |c_CTRL-\_e| or
2825 |c_CTRL-R_=|.
2826 Example: >
2827 :cmap <F7> <C-\>eescape(getcmdline(), ' \')<CR>
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00002828< Also see |getcmdtype()|, |getcmdpos()| and |setcmdpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002829
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002830getcmdpos() *getcmdpos()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002831 Return the position of the cursor in the command line as a
2832 byte count. The first column is 1.
2833 Only works when editing the command line, thus requires use of
2834 |c_CTRL-\_e| or |c_CTRL-R_=|. Returns 0 otherwise.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00002835 Also see |getcmdtype()|, |setcmdpos()| and |getcmdline()|.
2836
2837getcmdtype() *getcmdtype()*
2838 Return the current command-line type. Possible return values
2839 are:
Bram Moolenaar1e015462005-09-25 22:16:38 +00002840 : normal Ex command
2841 > debug mode command |debug-mode|
2842 / forward search command
2843 ? backward search command
2844 @ |input()| command
2845 - |:insert| or |:append| command
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00002846 Only works when editing the command line, thus requires use of
2847 |c_CTRL-\_e| or |c_CTRL-R_=|. Returns an empty string
2848 otherwise.
2849 Also see |getcmdpos()|, |setcmdpos()| and |getcmdline()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002850
2851 *getcwd()*
2852getcwd() The result is a String, which is the name of the current
2853 working directory.
2854
2855getfsize({fname}) *getfsize()*
2856 The result is a Number, which is the size in bytes of the
2857 given file {fname}.
2858 If {fname} is a directory, 0 is returned.
2859 If the file {fname} can't be found, -1 is returned.
Bram Moolenaard827ada2007-06-19 15:19:55 +00002860 If the size of {fname} is too big to fit in a Number then -2
2861 is returned.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002862
Bram Moolenaard8b0cf12004-12-12 11:33:30 +00002863getfontname([{name}]) *getfontname()*
2864 Without an argument returns the name of the normal font being
2865 used. Like what is used for the Normal highlight group
2866 |hl-Normal|.
2867 With an argument a check is done whether {name} is a valid
2868 font name. If not then an empty string is returned.
2869 Otherwise the actual font name is returned, or {name} if the
2870 GUI does not support obtaining the real name.
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00002871 Only works when the GUI is running, thus not in your vimrc or
Bram Moolenaard8b0cf12004-12-12 11:33:30 +00002872 gvimrc file. Use the |GUIEnter| autocommand to use this
2873 function just after the GUI has started.
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00002874 Note that the GTK 2 GUI accepts any font name, thus checking
2875 for a valid name does not work.
Bram Moolenaard8b0cf12004-12-12 11:33:30 +00002876
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00002877getfperm({fname}) *getfperm()*
2878 The result is a String, which is the read, write, and execute
2879 permissions of the given file {fname}.
2880 If {fname} does not exist or its directory cannot be read, an
2881 empty string is returned.
2882 The result is of the form "rwxrwxrwx", where each group of
2883 "rwx" flags represent, in turn, the permissions of the owner
2884 of the file, the group the file belongs to, and other users.
2885 If a user does not have a given permission the flag for this
2886 is replaced with the string "-". Example: >
2887 :echo getfperm("/etc/passwd")
2888< This will hopefully (from a security point of view) display
2889 the string "rw-r--r--" or even "rw-------".
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00002890
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002891getftime({fname}) *getftime()*
2892 The result is a Number, which is the last modification time of
2893 the given file {fname}. The value is measured as seconds
2894 since 1st Jan 1970, and may be passed to strftime(). See also
2895 |localtime()| and |strftime()|.
2896 If the file {fname} can't be found -1 is returned.
2897
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00002898getftype({fname}) *getftype()*
2899 The result is a String, which is a description of the kind of
2900 file of the given file {fname}.
2901 If {fname} does not exist an empty string is returned.
2902 Here is a table over different kinds of files and their
2903 results:
2904 Normal file "file"
2905 Directory "dir"
2906 Symbolic link "link"
2907 Block device "bdev"
2908 Character device "cdev"
2909 Socket "socket"
2910 FIFO "fifo"
2911 All other "other"
2912 Example: >
2913 getftype("/home")
2914< Note that a type such as "link" will only be returned on
2915 systems that support it. On some systems only "dir" and
2916 "file" are returned.
2917
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002918 *getline()*
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002919getline({lnum} [, {end}])
2920 Without {end} the result is a String, which is line {lnum}
2921 from the current buffer. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002922 getline(1)
2923< When {lnum} is a String that doesn't start with a
2924 digit, line() is called to translate the String into a Number.
2925 To get the line under the cursor: >
2926 getline(".")
2927< When {lnum} is smaller than 1 or bigger than the number of
2928 lines in the buffer, an empty string is returned.
2929
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002930 When {end} is given the result is a |List| where each item is
2931 a line from the current buffer in the range {lnum} to {end},
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002932 including line {end}.
2933 {end} is used in the same way as {lnum}.
2934 Non-existing lines are silently omitted.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002935 When {end} is before {lnum} an empty |List| is returned.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002936 Example: >
2937 :let start = line('.')
2938 :let end = search("^$") - 1
2939 :let lines = getline(start, end)
2940
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002941< To get lines from another buffer see |getbufline()|
2942
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00002943getloclist({nr}) *getloclist()*
2944 Returns a list with all the entries in the location list for
2945 window {nr}. When {nr} is zero the current window is used.
2946 For a location list window, the displayed location list is
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00002947 returned. For an invalid window number {nr}, an empty list is
2948 returned. Otherwise, same as getqflist().
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002949
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00002950getmatches() *getmatches()*
2951 Returns a |List| with all matches previously defined by
2952 |matchadd()| and the |:match| commands. |getmatches()| is
2953 useful in combination with |setmatches()|, as |setmatches()|
2954 can restore a list of matches saved by |getmatches()|.
2955 Example: >
2956 :echo getmatches()
2957< [{'group': 'MyGroup1', 'pattern': 'TODO',
2958 'priority': 10, 'id': 1}, {'group': 'MyGroup2',
2959 'pattern': 'FIXME', 'priority': 10, 'id': 2}] >
2960 :let m = getmatches()
2961 :call clearmatches()
2962 :echo getmatches()
2963< [] >
2964 :call setmatches(m)
2965 :echo getmatches()
2966< [{'group': 'MyGroup1', 'pattern': 'TODO',
2967 'priority': 10, 'id': 1}, {'group': 'MyGroup2',
2968 'pattern': 'FIXME', 'priority': 10, 'id': 2}] >
2969 :unlet m
2970<
2971
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00002972getqflist() *getqflist()*
2973 Returns a list with all the current quickfix errors. Each
2974 list item is a dictionary with these entries:
2975 bufnr number of buffer that has the file name, use
2976 bufname() to get the name
2977 lnum line number in the buffer (first line is 1)
2978 col column number (first column is 1)
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00002979 vcol non-zero: "col" is visual column
2980 zero: "col" is byte index
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00002981 nr error number
Bram Moolenaar48b66fb2007-02-04 01:58:18 +00002982 pattern search pattern used to locate the error
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00002983 text description of the error
2984 type type of the error, 'E', '1', etc.
2985 valid non-zero: recognized error message
2986
Bram Moolenaare7eb9df2005-09-09 19:49:30 +00002987 When there is no error list or it's empty an empty list is
Bram Moolenaar48b66fb2007-02-04 01:58:18 +00002988 returned. Quickfix list entries with non-existing buffer
2989 number are returned with "bufnr" set to zero.
Bram Moolenaare7eb9df2005-09-09 19:49:30 +00002990
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00002991 Useful application: Find pattern matches in multiple files and
2992 do something with them: >
2993 :vimgrep /theword/jg *.c
2994 :for d in getqflist()
2995 : echo bufname(d.bufnr) ':' d.lnum '=' d.text
2996 :endfor
2997
2998
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00002999getreg([{regname} [, 1]]) *getreg()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003000 The result is a String, which is the contents of register
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003001 {regname}. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003002 :let cliptext = getreg('*')
3003< getreg('=') returns the last evaluated value of the expression
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003004 register. (For use in maps.)
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00003005 getreg('=', 1) returns the expression itself, so that it can
3006 be restored with |setreg()|. For other registers the extra
3007 argument is ignored, thus you can always give it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003008 If {regname} is not specified, |v:register| is used.
3009
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003010
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003011getregtype([{regname}]) *getregtype()*
3012 The result is a String, which is type of register {regname}.
3013 The value will be one of:
3014 "v" for |characterwise| text
3015 "V" for |linewise| text
3016 "<CTRL-V>{width}" for |blockwise-visual| text
3017 0 for an empty or unknown register
3018 <CTRL-V> is one character with value 0x16.
3019 If {regname} is not specified, |v:register| is used.
3020
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00003021gettabwinvar({tabnr}, {winnr}, {varname}) *gettabwinvar()*
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00003022 Get the value of window-local variable {varname} in window
3023 {winnr} in tab page {tabnr}.
3024 When {varname} starts with "&" get the value of a window-local
3025 option.
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00003026 Tabs are numbered starting with one. For the current tabpage
3027 use |getwinvar()|.
3028 When {winnr} is zero the current window is used.
3029 This also works for a global option, buffer-local option and
3030 window-local option, but it doesn't work for a global variable
3031 or buffer-local variable.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00003032 When {varname} is empty a dictionary with all window-local
3033 variables is returned.
3034 Note that {varname} must be the name without "w:".
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00003035 Examples: >
3036 :let list_is_on = gettabwinvar(1, 2, '&list')
3037 :echo "myvar = " . gettabwinvar(3, 1, 'myvar')
Bram Moolenaard46bbc72007-05-12 14:38:41 +00003038<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003039 *getwinposx()*
3040getwinposx() The result is a Number, which is the X coordinate in pixels of
3041 the left hand side of the GUI Vim window. The result will be
3042 -1 if the information is not available.
3043
3044 *getwinposy()*
3045getwinposy() The result is a Number, which is the Y coordinate in pixels of
3046 the top of the GUI Vim window. The result will be -1 if the
3047 information is not available.
3048
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00003049getwinvar({winnr}, {varname}) *getwinvar()*
3050 Like |gettabwinvar()| for the current tabpage.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003051 Examples: >
3052 :let list_is_on = getwinvar(2, '&list')
3053 :echo "myvar = " . getwinvar(1, 'myvar')
3054<
3055 *glob()*
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00003056glob({expr}) Expand the file wildcards in {expr}. See |wildcards| for the
3057 use of special characters.
3058 The result is a String.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003059 When there are several matches, they are separated by <NL>
3060 characters.
3061 If the expansion fails, the result is an empty string.
3062 A name for a non-existing file is not included.
3063
3064 For most systems backticks can be used to get files names from
3065 any external command. Example: >
3066 :let tagfiles = glob("`find . -name tags -print`")
3067 :let &tags = substitute(tagfiles, "\n", ",", "g")
3068< The result of the program inside the backticks should be one
3069 item per line. Spaces inside an item are allowed.
3070
3071 See |expand()| for expanding special Vim variables. See
3072 |system()| for getting the raw output of an external command.
3073
3074globpath({path}, {expr}) *globpath()*
3075 Perform glob() on all directories in {path} and concatenate
3076 the results. Example: >
3077 :echo globpath(&rtp, "syntax/c.vim")
3078< {path} is a comma-separated list of directory names. Each
3079 directory name is prepended to {expr} and expanded like with
3080 glob(). A path separator is inserted when needed.
3081 To add a comma inside a directory name escape it with a
3082 backslash. Note that on MS-Windows a directory may have a
3083 trailing backslash, remove it if you put a comma after it.
3084 If the expansion fails for one of the directories, there is no
3085 error message.
3086 The 'wildignore' option applies: Names matching one of the
3087 patterns in 'wildignore' will be skipped.
3088
Bram Moolenaar02743632005-07-25 20:42:36 +00003089 The "**" item can be used to search in a directory tree.
3090 For example, to find all "README.txt" files in the directories
3091 in 'runtimepath' and below: >
3092 :echo globpath(&rtp, "**/README.txt")
3093<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003094 *has()*
3095has({feature}) The result is a Number, which is 1 if the feature {feature} is
3096 supported, zero otherwise. The {feature} argument is a
3097 string. See |feature-list| below.
3098 Also see |exists()|.
3099
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003100
3101has_key({dict}, {key}) *has_key()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003102 The result is a Number, which is 1 if |Dictionary| {dict} has
3103 an entry with key {key}. Zero otherwise.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003104
Bram Moolenaard267b9c2007-04-26 15:06:45 +00003105haslocaldir() *haslocaldir()*
3106 The result is a Number, which is 1 when the current
3107 window has set a local path via |:lcd|, and 0 otherwise.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003108
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00003109hasmapto({what} [, {mode} [, {abbr}]]) *hasmapto()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003110 The result is a Number, which is 1 if there is a mapping that
3111 contains {what} in somewhere in the rhs (what it is mapped to)
3112 and this mapping exists in one of the modes indicated by
3113 {mode}.
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00003114 When {abbr} is there and it is non-zero use abbreviations
Bram Moolenaar39f05632006-03-19 22:15:26 +00003115 instead of mappings. Don't forget to specify Insert and/or
3116 Command-line mode.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003117 Both the global mappings and the mappings local to the current
3118 buffer are checked for a match.
3119 If no matching mapping is found 0 is returned.
3120 The following characters are recognized in {mode}:
3121 n Normal mode
3122 v Visual mode
3123 o Operator-pending mode
3124 i Insert mode
3125 l Language-Argument ("r", "f", "t", etc.)
3126 c Command-line mode
3127 When {mode} is omitted, "nvo" is used.
3128
3129 This function is useful to check if a mapping already exists
3130 to a function in a Vim script. Example: >
3131 :if !hasmapto('\ABCdoit')
3132 : map <Leader>d \ABCdoit
3133 :endif
3134< This installs the mapping to "\ABCdoit" only if there isn't
3135 already a mapping to "\ABCdoit".
3136
3137histadd({history}, {item}) *histadd()*
3138 Add the String {item} to the history {history} which can be
3139 one of: *hist-names*
3140 "cmd" or ":" command line history
3141 "search" or "/" search pattern history
3142 "expr" or "=" typed expression history
3143 "input" or "@" input line history
3144 If {item} does already exist in the history, it will be
3145 shifted to become the newest entry.
3146 The result is a Number: 1 if the operation was successful,
3147 otherwise 0 is returned.
3148
3149 Example: >
3150 :call histadd("input", strftime("%Y %b %d"))
3151 :let date=input("Enter date: ")
3152< This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3153
3154histdel({history} [, {item}]) *histdel()*
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003155 Clear {history}, i.e. delete all its entries. See |hist-names|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003156 for the possible values of {history}.
3157
3158 If the parameter {item} is given as String, this is seen
3159 as regular expression. All entries matching that expression
3160 will be removed from the history (if there are any).
3161 Upper/lowercase must match, unless "\c" is used |/\c|.
3162 If {item} is a Number, it will be interpreted as index, see
3163 |:history-indexing|. The respective entry will be removed
3164 if it exists.
3165
3166 The result is a Number: 1 for a successful operation,
3167 otherwise 0 is returned.
3168
3169 Examples:
3170 Clear expression register history: >
3171 :call histdel("expr")
3172<
3173 Remove all entries starting with "*" from the search history: >
3174 :call histdel("/", '^\*')
3175<
3176 The following three are equivalent: >
3177 :call histdel("search", histnr("search"))
3178 :call histdel("search", -1)
3179 :call histdel("search", '^'.histget("search", -1).'$')
3180<
3181 To delete the last search pattern and use the last-but-one for
3182 the "n" command and 'hlsearch': >
3183 :call histdel("search", -1)
3184 :let @/ = histget("search", -1)
3185
3186histget({history} [, {index}]) *histget()*
3187 The result is a String, the entry with Number {index} from
3188 {history}. See |hist-names| for the possible values of
3189 {history}, and |:history-indexing| for {index}. If there is
3190 no such entry, an empty String is returned. When {index} is
3191 omitted, the most recent item from the history is used.
3192
3193 Examples:
3194 Redo the second last search from history. >
3195 :execute '/' . histget("search", -2)
3196
3197< Define an Ex command ":H {num}" that supports re-execution of
3198 the {num}th entry from the output of |:history|. >
3199 :command -nargs=1 H execute histget("cmd", 0+<args>)
3200<
3201histnr({history}) *histnr()*
3202 The result is the Number of the current entry in {history}.
3203 See |hist-names| for the possible values of {history}.
3204 If an error occurred, -1 is returned.
3205
3206 Example: >
3207 :let inp_index = histnr("expr")
3208<
3209hlexists({name}) *hlexists()*
3210 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a highlight group
3211 called {name} exists. This is when the group has been
3212 defined in some way. Not necessarily when highlighting has
3213 been defined for it, it may also have been used for a syntax
3214 item.
3215 *highlight_exists()*
3216 Obsolete name: highlight_exists().
3217
3218 *hlID()*
3219hlID({name}) The result is a Number, which is the ID of the highlight group
3220 with name {name}. When the highlight group doesn't exist,
3221 zero is returned.
3222 This can be used to retrieve information about the highlight
3223 group. For example, to get the background color of the
3224 "Comment" group: >
3225 :echo synIDattr(synIDtrans(hlID("Comment")), "bg")
3226< *highlightID()*
3227 Obsolete name: highlightID().
3228
3229hostname() *hostname()*
3230 The result is a String, which is the name of the machine on
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003231 which Vim is currently running. Machine names greater than
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003232 256 characters long are truncated.
3233
3234iconv({expr}, {from}, {to}) *iconv()*
3235 The result is a String, which is the text {expr} converted
3236 from encoding {from} to encoding {to}.
3237 When the conversion fails an empty string is returned.
3238 The encoding names are whatever the iconv() library function
3239 can accept, see ":!man 3 iconv".
3240 Most conversions require Vim to be compiled with the |+iconv|
3241 feature. Otherwise only UTF-8 to latin1 conversion and back
3242 can be done.
3243 This can be used to display messages with special characters,
3244 no matter what 'encoding' is set to. Write the message in
3245 UTF-8 and use: >
3246 echo iconv(utf8_str, "utf-8", &enc)
3247< Note that Vim uses UTF-8 for all Unicode encodings, conversion
3248 from/to UCS-2 is automatically changed to use UTF-8. You
3249 cannot use UCS-2 in a string anyway, because of the NUL bytes.
3250 {only available when compiled with the +multi_byte feature}
3251
3252 *indent()*
3253indent({lnum}) The result is a Number, which is indent of line {lnum} in the
3254 current buffer. The indent is counted in spaces, the value
3255 of 'tabstop' is relevant. {lnum} is used just like in
3256 |getline()|.
3257 When {lnum} is invalid -1 is returned.
3258
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003259
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003260index({list}, {expr} [, {start} [, {ic}]]) *index()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003261 Return the lowest index in |List| {list} where the item has a
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003262 value equal to {expr}.
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00003263 If {start} is given then start looking at the item with index
3264 {start} (may be negative for an item relative to the end).
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003265 When {ic} is given and it is non-zero, ignore case. Otherwise
3266 case must match.
3267 -1 is returned when {expr} is not found in {list}.
3268 Example: >
3269 :let idx = index(words, "the")
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00003270 :if index(numbers, 123) >= 0
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003271
3272
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003273input({prompt} [, {text} [, {completion}]]) *input()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003274 The result is a String, which is whatever the user typed on
3275 the command-line. The parameter is either a prompt string, or
3276 a blank string (for no prompt). A '\n' can be used in the
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003277 prompt to start a new line.
3278 The highlighting set with |:echohl| is used for the prompt.
3279 The input is entered just like a command-line, with the same
3280 editing commands and mappings. There is a separate history
3281 for lines typed for input().
3282 Example: >
3283 :if input("Coffee or beer? ") == "beer"
3284 : echo "Cheers!"
3285 :endif
3286<
Bram Moolenaar1e015462005-09-25 22:16:38 +00003287 If the optional {text} is present and not empty, this is used
3288 for the default reply, as if the user typed this. Example: >
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003289 :let color = input("Color? ", "white")
3290
3291< The optional {completion} argument specifies the type of
3292 completion supported for the input. Without it completion is
3293 not performed. The supported completion types are the same as
3294 that can be supplied to a user-defined command using the
3295 "-complete=" argument. Refer to |:command-completion| for
3296 more information. Example: >
3297 let fname = input("File: ", "", "file")
3298<
3299 NOTE: This function must not be used in a startup file, for
3300 the versions that only run in GUI mode (e.g., the Win32 GUI).
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003301 Note: When input() is called from within a mapping it will
3302 consume remaining characters from that mapping, because a
3303 mapping is handled like the characters were typed.
3304 Use |inputsave()| before input() and |inputrestore()|
3305 after input() to avoid that. Another solution is to avoid
3306 that further characters follow in the mapping, e.g., by using
3307 |:execute| or |:normal|.
3308
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003309 Example with a mapping: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003310 :nmap \x :call GetFoo()<CR>:exe "/" . Foo<CR>
3311 :function GetFoo()
3312 : call inputsave()
3313 : let g:Foo = input("enter search pattern: ")
3314 : call inputrestore()
3315 :endfunction
3316
3317inputdialog({prompt} [, {text} [, {cancelreturn}]]) *inputdialog()*
3318 Like input(), but when the GUI is running and text dialogs are
3319 supported, a dialog window pops up to input the text.
3320 Example: >
3321 :let n = inputdialog("value for shiftwidth", &sw)
3322 :if n != ""
3323 : let &sw = n
3324 :endif
3325< When the dialog is cancelled {cancelreturn} is returned. When
3326 omitted an empty string is returned.
3327 Hitting <Enter> works like pressing the OK button. Hitting
3328 <Esc> works like pressing the Cancel button.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003329 NOTE: Command-line completion is not supported.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003330
Bram Moolenaar578b49e2005-09-10 19:22:57 +00003331inputlist({textlist}) *inputlist()*
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00003332 {textlist} must be a |List| of strings. This |List| is
3333 displayed, one string per line. The user will be prompted to
3334 enter a number, which is returned.
Bram Moolenaar578b49e2005-09-10 19:22:57 +00003335 The user can also select an item by clicking on it with the
3336 mouse. For the first string 0 is returned. When clicking
3337 above the first item a negative number is returned. When
3338 clicking on the prompt one more than the length of {textlist}
3339 is returned.
3340 Make sure {textlist} has less then 'lines' entries, otherwise
3341 it won't work. It's a good idea to put the entry number at
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00003342 the start of the string. And put a prompt in the first item.
3343 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar578b49e2005-09-10 19:22:57 +00003344 let color = inputlist(['Select color:', '1. red',
3345 \ '2. green', '3. blue'])
3346
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003347inputrestore() *inputrestore()*
3348 Restore typeahead that was saved with a previous inputsave().
3349 Should be called the same number of times inputsave() is
3350 called. Calling it more often is harmless though.
3351 Returns 1 when there is nothing to restore, 0 otherwise.
3352
3353inputsave() *inputsave()*
3354 Preserve typeahead (also from mappings) and clear it, so that
3355 a following prompt gets input from the user. Should be
3356 followed by a matching inputrestore() after the prompt. Can
3357 be used several times, in which case there must be just as
3358 many inputrestore() calls.
3359 Returns 1 when out of memory, 0 otherwise.
3360
3361inputsecret({prompt} [, {text}]) *inputsecret()*
3362 This function acts much like the |input()| function with but
3363 two exceptions:
3364 a) the user's response will be displayed as a sequence of
3365 asterisks ("*") thereby keeping the entry secret, and
3366 b) the user's response will not be recorded on the input
3367 |history| stack.
3368 The result is a String, which is whatever the user actually
3369 typed on the command-line in response to the issued prompt.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003370 NOTE: Command-line completion is not supported.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003371
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003372insert({list}, {item} [, {idx}]) *insert()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003373 Insert {item} at the start of |List| {list}.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003374 If {idx} is specified insert {item} before the item with index
3375 {idx}. If {idx} is zero it goes before the first item, just
3376 like omitting {idx}. A negative {idx} is also possible, see
3377 |list-index|. -1 inserts just before the last item.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003378 Returns the resulting |List|. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003379 :let mylist = insert([2, 3, 5], 1)
3380 :call insert(mylist, 4, -1)
3381 :call insert(mylist, 6, len(mylist))
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003382< The last example can be done simpler with |add()|.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003383 Note that when {item} is a |List| it is inserted as a single
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00003384 item. Use |extend()| to concatenate |Lists|.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003385
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003386isdirectory({directory}) *isdirectory()*
3387 The result is a Number, which is non-zero when a directory
3388 with the name {directory} exists. If {directory} doesn't
3389 exist, or isn't a directory, the result is FALSE. {directory}
3390 is any expression, which is used as a String.
3391
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00003392islocked({expr}) *islocked()* *E786*
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00003393 The result is a Number, which is non-zero when {expr} is the
3394 name of a locked variable.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003395 {expr} must be the name of a variable, |List| item or
3396 |Dictionary| entry, not the variable itself! Example: >
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00003397 :let alist = [0, ['a', 'b'], 2, 3]
3398 :lockvar 1 alist
3399 :echo islocked('alist') " 1
3400 :echo islocked('alist[1]') " 0
3401
3402< When {expr} is a variable that does not exist you get an error
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00003403 message. Use |exists()| to check for existence.
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00003404
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00003405items({dict}) *items()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003406 Return a |List| with all the key-value pairs of {dict}. Each
3407 |List| item is a list with two items: the key of a {dict}
3408 entry and the value of this entry. The |List| is in arbitrary
3409 order.
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00003410
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003411
3412join({list} [, {sep}]) *join()*
3413 Join the items in {list} together into one String.
3414 When {sep} is specified it is put in between the items. If
3415 {sep} is omitted a single space is used.
3416 Note that {sep} is not added at the end. You might want to
3417 add it there too: >
3418 let lines = join(mylist, "\n") . "\n"
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00003419< String items are used as-is. |Lists| and |Dictionaries| are
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003420 converted into a string like with |string()|.
3421 The opposite function is |split()|.
3422
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003423keys({dict}) *keys()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003424 Return a |List| with all the keys of {dict}. The |List| is in
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003425 arbitrary order.
3426
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00003427 *len()* *E701*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003428len({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the length of the argument.
3429 When {expr} is a String or a Number the length in bytes is
3430 used, as with |strlen()|.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003431 When {expr} is a |List| the number of items in the |List| is
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003432 returned.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003433 When {expr} is a |Dictionary| the number of entries in the
3434 |Dictionary| is returned.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003435 Otherwise an error is given.
3436
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003437 *libcall()* *E364* *E368*
3438libcall({libname}, {funcname}, {argument})
3439 Call function {funcname} in the run-time library {libname}
3440 with single argument {argument}.
3441 This is useful to call functions in a library that you
3442 especially made to be used with Vim. Since only one argument
3443 is possible, calling standard library functions is rather
3444 limited.
3445 The result is the String returned by the function. If the
3446 function returns NULL, this will appear as an empty string ""
3447 to Vim.
3448 If the function returns a number, use libcallnr()!
3449 If {argument} is a number, it is passed to the function as an
3450 int; if {argument} is a string, it is passed as a
3451 null-terminated string.
3452 This function will fail in |restricted-mode|.
3453
3454 libcall() allows you to write your own 'plug-in' extensions to
3455 Vim without having to recompile the program. It is NOT a
3456 means to call system functions! If you try to do so Vim will
3457 very probably crash.
3458
3459 For Win32, the functions you write must be placed in a DLL
3460 and use the normal C calling convention (NOT Pascal which is
3461 used in Windows System DLLs). The function must take exactly
3462 one parameter, either a character pointer or a long integer,
3463 and must return a character pointer or NULL. The character
3464 pointer returned must point to memory that will remain valid
3465 after the function has returned (e.g. in static data in the
3466 DLL). If it points to allocated memory, that memory will
3467 leak away. Using a static buffer in the function should work,
3468 it's then freed when the DLL is unloaded.
3469
3470 WARNING: If the function returns a non-valid pointer, Vim may
3471 crash! This also happens if the function returns a number,
3472 because Vim thinks it's a pointer.
3473 For Win32 systems, {libname} should be the filename of the DLL
3474 without the ".DLL" suffix. A full path is only required if
3475 the DLL is not in the usual places.
3476 For Unix: When compiling your own plugins, remember that the
3477 object code must be compiled as position-independent ('PIC').
3478 {only in Win32 on some Unix versions, when the |+libcall|
3479 feature is present}
3480 Examples: >
3481 :echo libcall("libc.so", "getenv", "HOME")
3482 :echo libcallnr("/usr/lib/libc.so", "getpid", "")
3483<
3484 *libcallnr()*
3485libcallnr({libname}, {funcname}, {argument})
3486 Just like libcall(), but used for a function that returns an
3487 int instead of a string.
3488 {only in Win32 on some Unix versions, when the |+libcall|
3489 feature is present}
3490 Example (not very useful...): >
3491 :call libcallnr("libc.so", "printf", "Hello World!\n")
3492 :call libcallnr("libc.so", "sleep", 10)
3493<
3494 *line()*
3495line({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the line number of the file
3496 position given with {expr}. The accepted positions are:
3497 . the cursor position
3498 $ the last line in the current buffer
3499 'x position of mark x (if the mark is not set, 0 is
3500 returned)
Bram Moolenaarc7453f52006-02-10 23:20:28 +00003501 w0 first line visible in current window
3502 w$ last line visible in current window
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00003503 Note that a mark in another file can be used. The line number
3504 then applies to another buffer.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00003505 To get the column number use |col()|. To get both use
3506 |getpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003507 Examples: >
3508 line(".") line number of the cursor
3509 line("'t") line number of mark t
3510 line("'" . marker) line number of mark marker
3511< *last-position-jump*
3512 This autocommand jumps to the last known position in a file
3513 just after opening it, if the '" mark is set: >
3514 :au BufReadPost * if line("'\"") > 0 && line("'\"") <= line("$") | exe "normal g'\"" | endif
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00003515
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003516line2byte({lnum}) *line2byte()*
3517 Return the byte count from the start of the buffer for line
3518 {lnum}. This includes the end-of-line character, depending on
3519 the 'fileformat' option for the current buffer. The first
3520 line returns 1.
3521 This can also be used to get the byte count for the line just
3522 below the last line: >
3523 line2byte(line("$") + 1)
3524< This is the file size plus one.
3525 When {lnum} is invalid, or the |+byte_offset| feature has been
3526 disabled at compile time, -1 is returned.
3527 Also see |byte2line()|, |go| and |:goto|.
3528
3529lispindent({lnum}) *lispindent()*
3530 Get the amount of indent for line {lnum} according the lisp
3531 indenting rules, as with 'lisp'.
3532 The indent is counted in spaces, the value of 'tabstop' is
3533 relevant. {lnum} is used just like in |getline()|.
3534 When {lnum} is invalid or Vim was not compiled the
3535 |+lispindent| feature, -1 is returned.
3536
3537localtime() *localtime()*
3538 Return the current time, measured as seconds since 1st Jan
3539 1970. See also |strftime()| and |getftime()|.
3540
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003541
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003542map({expr}, {string}) *map()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003543 {expr} must be a |List| or a |Dictionary|.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003544 Replace each item in {expr} with the result of evaluating
3545 {string}.
3546 Inside {string} |v:val| has the value of the current item.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003547 For a |Dictionary| |v:key| has the key of the current item.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003548 Example: >
3549 :call map(mylist, '"> " . v:val . " <"')
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003550< This puts "> " before and " <" after each item in "mylist".
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003551
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003552 Note that {string} is the result of an expression and is then
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003553 used as an expression again. Often it is good to use a
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003554 |literal-string| to avoid having to double backslashes. You
3555 still have to double ' quotes
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003556
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003557 The operation is done in-place. If you want a |List| or
3558 |Dictionary| to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003559 :let tlist = map(copy(mylist), ' & . "\t"')
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003560
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003561< Returns {expr}, the |List| or |Dictionary| that was filtered.
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00003562 When an error is encountered while evaluating {string} no
3563 further items in {expr} are processed.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003564
3565
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00003566maparg({name}[, {mode} [, {abbr}]]) *maparg()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003567 Return the rhs of mapping {name} in mode {mode}. When there
3568 is no mapping for {name}, an empty String is returned.
Bram Moolenaard12f5c12006-01-25 22:10:52 +00003569 {mode} can be one of these strings:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003570 "n" Normal
3571 "v" Visual
3572 "o" Operator-pending
3573 "i" Insert
3574 "c" Cmd-line
3575 "l" langmap |language-mapping|
3576 "" Normal, Visual and Operator-pending
Bram Moolenaard12f5c12006-01-25 22:10:52 +00003577 When {mode} is omitted, the modes for "" are used.
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00003578 When {abbr} is there and it is non-zero use abbreviations
3579 instead of mappings.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003580 The {name} can have special key names, like in the ":map"
3581 command. The returned String has special characters
3582 translated like in the output of the ":map" command listing.
3583 The mappings local to the current buffer are checked first,
3584 then the global mappings.
Bram Moolenaara40ceaf2006-01-13 22:35:40 +00003585 This function can be used to map a key even when it's already
3586 mapped, and have it do the original mapping too. Sketch: >
3587 exe 'nnoremap <Tab> ==' . maparg('<Tab>', 'n')
3588
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003589
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00003590mapcheck({name}[, {mode} [, {abbr}]]) *mapcheck()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003591 Check if there is a mapping that matches with {name} in mode
3592 {mode}. See |maparg()| for {mode} and special names in
3593 {name}.
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00003594 When {abbr} is there and it is non-zero use abbreviations
3595 instead of mappings.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003596 A match happens with a mapping that starts with {name} and
3597 with a mapping which is equal to the start of {name}.
3598
3599 matches mapping "a" "ab" "abc" ~
3600 mapcheck("a") yes yes yes
3601 mapcheck("abc") yes yes yes
3602 mapcheck("ax") yes no no
3603 mapcheck("b") no no no
3604
3605 The difference with maparg() is that mapcheck() finds a
3606 mapping that matches with {name}, while maparg() only finds a
3607 mapping for {name} exactly.
3608 When there is no mapping that starts with {name}, an empty
3609 String is returned. If there is one, the rhs of that mapping
3610 is returned. If there are several mappings that start with
3611 {name}, the rhs of one of them is returned.
3612 The mappings local to the current buffer are checked first,
3613 then the global mappings.
3614 This function can be used to check if a mapping can be added
3615 without being ambiguous. Example: >
3616 :if mapcheck("_vv") == ""
3617 : map _vv :set guifont=7x13<CR>
3618 :endif
3619< This avoids adding the "_vv" mapping when there already is a
3620 mapping for "_v" or for "_vvv".
3621
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003622match({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *match()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003623 When {expr} is a |List| then this returns the index of the
3624 first item where {pat} matches. Each item is used as a
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00003625 String, |Lists| and |Dictionaries| are used as echoed.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003626 Otherwise, {expr} is used as a String. The result is a
3627 Number, which gives the index (byte offset) in {expr} where
3628 {pat} matches.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003629 A match at the first character or |List| item returns zero.
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003630 If there is no match -1 is returned.
3631 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003632 :echo match("testing", "ing") " results in 4
Bram Moolenaar362e1a32006-03-06 23:29:24 +00003633 :echo match([1, 'x'], '\a') " results in 1
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003634< See |string-match| for how {pat} is used.
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00003635 *strpbrk()*
3636 Vim doesn't have a strpbrk() function. But you can do: >
3637 :let sepidx = match(line, '[.,;: \t]')
3638< *strcasestr()*
3639 Vim doesn't have a strcasestr() function. But you can add
3640 "\c" to the pattern to ignore case: >
3641 :let idx = match(haystack, '\cneedle')
3642<
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003643 If {start} is given, the search starts from byte index
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003644 {start} in a String or item {start} in a |List|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003645 The result, however, is still the index counted from the
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003646 first character/item. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003647 :echo match("testing", "ing", 2)
3648< result is again "4". >
3649 :echo match("testing", "ing", 4)
3650< result is again "4". >
3651 :echo match("testing", "t", 2)
3652< result is "3".
Bram Moolenaar5e3cb7e2006-02-27 23:58:35 +00003653 For a String, if {start} > 0 then it is like the string starts
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00003654 {start} bytes later, thus "^" will match at {start}. Except
3655 when {count} is given, then it's like matches before the
3656 {start} byte are ignored (this is a bit complicated to keep it
3657 backwards compatible).
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003658 For a String, if {start} < 0, it will be set to 0. For a list
3659 the index is counted from the end.
Bram Moolenaare224ffa2006-03-01 00:01:28 +00003660 If {start} is out of range ({start} > strlen({expr}) for a
3661 String or {start} > len({expr}) for a |List|) -1 is returned.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003662
Bram Moolenaar5e3cb7e2006-02-27 23:58:35 +00003663 When {count} is given use the {count}'th match. When a match
Bram Moolenaare224ffa2006-03-01 00:01:28 +00003664 is found in a String the search for the next one starts one
Bram Moolenaar5e3cb7e2006-02-27 23:58:35 +00003665 character further. Thus this example results in 1: >
3666 echo match("testing", "..", 0, 2)
3667< In a |List| the search continues in the next item.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00003668 Note that when {count} is added the way {start} works changes,
3669 see above.
Bram Moolenaar5e3cb7e2006-02-27 23:58:35 +00003670
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003671 See |pattern| for the patterns that are accepted.
3672 The 'ignorecase' option is used to set the ignore-caseness of
3673 the pattern. 'smartcase' is NOT used. The matching is always
3674 done like 'magic' is set and 'cpoptions' is empty.
3675
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00003676 *matchadd()* *E798* *E799* *E801*
3677matchadd({group}, {pattern}[, {priority}[, {id}]])
3678 Defines a pattern to be highlighted in the current window (a
3679 "match"). It will be highlighted with {group}. Returns an
3680 identification number (ID), which can be used to delete the
3681 match using |matchdelete()|.
3682
3683 The optional {priority} argument assigns a priority to the
3684 match. A match with a high priority will have its
3685 highlighting overrule that of a match with a lower priority.
3686 A priority is specified as an integer (negative numbers are no
3687 exception). If the {priority} argument is not specified, the
3688 default priority is 10. The priority of 'hlsearch' is zero,
3689 hence all matches with a priority greater than zero will
3690 overrule it. Syntax highlighting (see 'syntax') is a separate
3691 mechanism, and regardless of the chosen priority a match will
3692 always overrule syntax highlighting.
3693
3694 The optional {id} argument allows the request for a specific
3695 match ID. If a specified ID is already taken, an error
3696 message will appear and the match will not be added. An ID
3697 is specified as a positive integer (zero excluded). IDs 1, 2
3698 and 3 are reserved for |:match|, |:2match| and |:3match|,
3699 respectively. If the {id} argument is not specified,
3700 |matchadd()| automatically chooses a free ID.
3701
3702 The number of matches is not limited, as it is the case with
3703 the |:match| commands.
3704
3705 Example: >
3706 :highlight MyGroup ctermbg=green guibg=green
3707 :let m = matchadd("MyGroup", "TODO")
3708< Deletion of the pattern: >
3709 :call matchdelete(m)
3710
3711< A list of matches defined by |matchadd()| and |:match| are
3712 available from |getmatches()|. All matches can be deleted in
3713 one operation by |clearmatches()|.
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00003714
3715matcharg({nr}) *matcharg()*
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00003716 Selects the {nr} match item, as set with a |:match|,
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00003717 |:2match| or |:3match| command.
3718 Return a |List| with two elements:
3719 The name of the highlight group used
3720 The pattern used.
3721 When {nr} is not 1, 2 or 3 returns an empty |List|.
3722 When there is no match item set returns ['', ''].
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00003723 This is useful to save and restore a |:match|.
3724 Highlighting matches using the |:match| commands are limited
3725 to three matches. |matchadd()| does not have this limitation.
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00003726
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00003727matchdelete({id}) *matchdelete()* *E802* *E803*
3728 Deletes a match with ID {id} previously defined by |matchadd()|
3729 or one of the |:match| commands. Returns 0 if succesfull,
3730 otherwise -1. See example for |matchadd()|. All matches can
3731 be deleted in one operation by |clearmatches()|.
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00003732
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003733matchend({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *matchend()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003734 Same as match(), but return the index of first character after
3735 the match. Example: >
3736 :echo matchend("testing", "ing")
3737< results in "7".
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00003738 *strspn()* *strcspn()*
3739 Vim doesn't have a strspn() or strcspn() function, but you can
3740 do it with matchend(): >
3741 :let span = matchend(line, '[a-zA-Z]')
3742 :let span = matchend(line, '[^a-zA-Z]')
3743< Except that -1 is returned when there are no matches.
3744
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003745 The {start}, if given, has the same meaning as for match(). >
3746 :echo matchend("testing", "ing", 2)
3747< results in "7". >
3748 :echo matchend("testing", "ing", 5)
3749< result is "-1".
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003750 When {expr} is a |List| the result is equal to match().
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003751
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003752matchlist({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *matchlist()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003753 Same as match(), but return a |List|. The first item in the
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003754 list is the matched string, same as what matchstr() would
3755 return. Following items are submatches, like "\1", "\2", etc.
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +00003756 in |:substitute|. When an optional submatch didn't match an
3757 empty string is used. Example: >
3758 echo matchlist('acd', '\(a\)\?\(b\)\?\(c\)\?\(.*\)')
3759< Results in: ['acd', 'a', '', 'c', 'd', '', '', '', '', '']
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003760 When there is no match an empty list is returned.
3761
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003762matchstr({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *matchstr()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003763 Same as match(), but return the matched string. Example: >
3764 :echo matchstr("testing", "ing")
3765< results in "ing".
3766 When there is no match "" is returned.
3767 The {start}, if given, has the same meaning as for match(). >
3768 :echo matchstr("testing", "ing", 2)
3769< results in "ing". >
3770 :echo matchstr("testing", "ing", 5)
3771< result is "".
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003772 When {expr} is a |List| then the matching item is returned.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003773 The type isn't changed, it's not necessarily a String.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003774
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00003775 *max()*
3776max({list}) Return the maximum value of all items in {list}.
3777 If {list} is not a list or one of the items in {list} cannot
3778 be used as a Number this results in an error.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003779 An empty |List| results in zero.
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00003780
3781 *min()*
Bram Moolenaar79166c42007-05-10 18:29:51 +00003782min({list}) Return the minimum value of all items in {list}.
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00003783 If {list} is not a list or one of the items in {list} cannot
3784 be used as a Number this results in an error.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003785 An empty |List| results in zero.
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00003786
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00003787 *mkdir()* *E739*
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00003788mkdir({name} [, {path} [, {prot}]])
3789 Create directory {name}.
3790 If {path} is "p" then intermediate directories are created as
3791 necessary. Otherwise it must be "".
3792 If {prot} is given it is used to set the protection bits of
3793 the new directory. The default is 0755 (rwxr-xr-x: r/w for
3794 the user readable for others). Use 0700 to make it unreadable
3795 for others.
3796 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3797 Not available on all systems. To check use: >
3798 :if exists("*mkdir")
3799<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003800 *mode()*
3801mode() Return a string that indicates the current mode:
3802 n Normal
3803 v Visual by character
3804 V Visual by line
3805 CTRL-V Visual blockwise
3806 s Select by character
3807 S Select by line
3808 CTRL-S Select blockwise
3809 i Insert
3810 R Replace
3811 c Command-line
3812 r Hit-enter prompt
3813 This is useful in the 'statusline' option. In most other
3814 places it always returns "c" or "n".
3815
3816nextnonblank({lnum}) *nextnonblank()*
3817 Return the line number of the first line at or below {lnum}
3818 that is not blank. Example: >
3819 if getline(nextnonblank(1)) =~ "Java"
3820< When {lnum} is invalid or there is no non-blank line at or
3821 below it, zero is returned.
3822 See also |prevnonblank()|.
3823
3824nr2char({expr}) *nr2char()*
3825 Return a string with a single character, which has the number
3826 value {expr}. Examples: >
3827 nr2char(64) returns "@"
3828 nr2char(32) returns " "
3829< The current 'encoding' is used. Example for "utf-8": >
3830 nr2char(300) returns I with bow character
3831< Note that a NUL character in the file is specified with
3832 nr2char(10), because NULs are represented with newline
3833 characters. nr2char(0) is a real NUL and terminates the
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +00003834 string, thus results in an empty string.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003835
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00003836 *getpos()*
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00003837getpos({expr}) Get the position for {expr}. For possible values of {expr}
3838 see |line()|.
3839 The result is a |List| with four numbers:
3840 [bufnum, lnum, col, off]
3841 "bufnum" is zero, unless a mark like '0 or 'A is used, then it
3842 is the buffer number of the mark.
3843 "lnum" and "col" are the position in the buffer. The first
3844 column is 1.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00003845 The "off" number is zero, unless 'virtualedit' is used. Then
3846 it is the offset in screen columns from the start of the
Bram Moolenaard46bbc72007-05-12 14:38:41 +00003847 character. E.g., a position within a <Tab> or after the last
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00003848 character.
3849 This can be used to save and restore the cursor position: >
3850 let save_cursor = getpos(".")
3851 MoveTheCursorAround
Bram Moolenaardb552d602006-03-23 22:59:57 +00003852 call setpos('.', save_cursor)
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00003853< Also see |setpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00003854
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00003855pathshorten({expr}) *pathshorten()*
3856 Shorten directory names in the path {expr} and return the
3857 result. The tail, the file name, is kept as-is. The other
3858 components in the path are reduced to single letters. Leading
3859 '~' and '.' characters are kept. Example: >
3860 :echo pathshorten('~/.vim/autoload/myfile.vim')
3861< ~/.v/a/myfile.vim ~
3862 It doesn't matter if the path exists or not.
3863
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00003864prevnonblank({lnum}) *prevnonblank()*
3865 Return the line number of the first line at or above {lnum}
3866 that is not blank. Example: >
3867 let ind = indent(prevnonblank(v:lnum - 1))
3868< When {lnum} is invalid or there is no non-blank line at or
3869 above it, zero is returned.
3870 Also see |nextnonblank()|.
3871
3872
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003873printf({fmt}, {expr1} ...) *printf()*
3874 Return a String with {fmt}, where "%" items are replaced by
3875 the formatted form of their respective arguments. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003876 printf("%4d: E%d %.30s", lnum, errno, msg)
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003877< May result in:
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003878 " 99: E42 asdfasdfasdfasdfasdfasdfasdfas" ~
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003879
3880 Often used items are:
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00003881 %s string
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00003882 %6s string right-aligned in 6 bytes
3883 %.9s string truncated to 9 bytes
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003884 %c single byte
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003885 %d decimal number
3886 %5d decimal number padded with spaces to 5 characters
3887 %x hex number
3888 %04x hex number padded with zeros to at least 4 characters
3889 %X hex number using upper case letters
3890 %o octal number
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00003891 %% the % character itself
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003892
3893 Conversion specifications start with '%' and end with the
3894 conversion type. All other characters are copied unchanged to
3895 the result.
3896
3897 The "%" starts a conversion specification. The following
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003898 arguments appear in sequence:
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003899
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003900 % [flags] [field-width] [.precision] type
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003901
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00003902 flags
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003903 Zero or more of the following flags:
3904
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003905 # The value should be converted to an "alternate
3906 form". For c, d, and s conversions, this option
3907 has no effect. For o conversions, the precision
3908 of the number is increased to force the first
3909 character of the output string to a zero (except
3910 if a zero value is printed with an explicit
3911 precision of zero).
3912 For x and X conversions, a non-zero result has
3913 the string "0x" (or "0X" for X conversions)
3914 prepended to it.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003915
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003916 0 (zero) Zero padding. For all conversions the converted
3917 value is padded on the left with zeros rather
3918 than blanks. If a precision is given with a
3919 numeric conversion (d, o, x, and X), the 0 flag
3920 is ignored.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003921
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003922 - A negative field width flag; the converted value
3923 is to be left adjusted on the field boundary.
3924 The converted value is padded on the right with
3925 blanks, rather than on the left with blanks or
3926 zeros. A - overrides a 0 if both are given.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003927
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003928 ' ' (space) A blank should be left before a positive
3929 number produced by a signed conversion (d).
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003930
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003931 + A sign must always be placed before a number
3932 produced by a signed conversion. A + overrides
3933 a space if both are used.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003934
3935 field-width
3936 An optional decimal digit string specifying a minimum
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00003937 field width. If the converted value has fewer bytes
3938 than the field width, it will be padded with spaces on
3939 the left (or right, if the left-adjustment flag has
3940 been given) to fill out the field width.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003941
3942 .precision
3943 An optional precision, in the form of a period '.'
3944 followed by an optional digit string. If the digit
3945 string is omitted, the precision is taken as zero.
3946 This gives the minimum number of digits to appear for
3947 d, o, x, and X conversions, or the maximum number of
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00003948 bytes to be printed from a string for s conversions.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003949
3950 type
3951 A character that specifies the type of conversion to
3952 be applied, see below.
3953
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003954 A field width or precision, or both, may be indicated by an
3955 asterisk '*' instead of a digit string. In this case, a
3956 Number argument supplies the field width or precision. A
3957 negative field width is treated as a left adjustment flag
3958 followed by a positive field width; a negative precision is
3959 treated as though it were missing. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003960 :echo printf("%d: %.*s", nr, width, line)
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003961< This limits the length of the text used from "line" to
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003962 "width" bytes.
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003963
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00003964 The conversion specifiers and their meanings are:
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003965
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003966 doxX The Number argument is converted to signed decimal
3967 (d), unsigned octal (o), or unsigned hexadecimal (x
3968 and X) notation. The letters "abcdef" are used for
3969 x conversions; the letters "ABCDEF" are used for X
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003970 conversions.
3971 The precision, if any, gives the minimum number of
3972 digits that must appear; if the converted value
3973 requires fewer digits, it is padded on the left with
3974 zeros.
3975 In no case does a non-existent or small field width
3976 cause truncation of a numeric field; if the result of
3977 a conversion is wider than the field width, the field
3978 is expanded to contain the conversion result.
3979
3980 c The Number argument is converted to a byte, and the
3981 resulting character is written.
3982
3983 s The text of the String argument is used. If a
3984 precision is specified, no more bytes than the number
3985 specified are used.
3986
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003987 % A '%' is written. No argument is converted. The
3988 complete conversion specification is "%%".
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003989
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003990 Each argument can be Number or String and is converted
3991 automatically to fit the conversion specifier. Any other
3992 argument type results in an error message.
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003993
Bram Moolenaar83bab712005-08-01 21:58:57 +00003994 *E766* *E767*
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003995 The number of {exprN} arguments must exactly match the number
3996 of "%" items. If there are not sufficient or too many
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003997 arguments an error is given. Up to 18 arguments can be used.
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003998
3999
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00004000pumvisible() *pumvisible()*
4001 Returns non-zero when the popup menu is visible, zero
4002 otherwise. See |ins-completion-menu|.
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004003 This can be used to avoid some things that would remove the
4004 popup menu.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004005
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004006 *E726* *E727*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004007range({expr} [, {max} [, {stride}]]) *range()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004008 Returns a |List| with Numbers:
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004009 - If only {expr} is specified: [0, 1, ..., {expr} - 1]
4010 - If {max} is specified: [{expr}, {expr} + 1, ..., {max}]
4011 - If {stride} is specified: [{expr}, {expr} + {stride}, ...,
4012 {max}] (increasing {expr} with {stride} each time, not
4013 producing a value past {max}).
Bram Moolenaare7566042005-06-17 22:00:15 +00004014 When the maximum is one before the start the result is an
4015 empty list. When the maximum is more than one before the
4016 start this is an error.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004017 Examples: >
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004018 range(4) " [0, 1, 2, 3]
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004019 range(2, 4) " [2, 3, 4]
4020 range(2, 9, 3) " [2, 5, 8]
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004021 range(2, -2, -1) " [2, 1, 0, -1, -2]
Bram Moolenaare7566042005-06-17 22:00:15 +00004022 range(0) " []
4023 range(2, 0) " error!
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004024<
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00004025 *readfile()*
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004026readfile({fname} [, {binary} [, {max}]])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004027 Read file {fname} and return a |List|, each line of the file
4028 as an item. Lines broken at NL characters. Macintosh files
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00004029 separated with CR will result in a single long line (unless a
4030 NL appears somewhere).
4031 When {binary} is equal to "b" binary mode is used:
4032 - When the last line ends in a NL an extra empty list item is
4033 added.
4034 - No CR characters are removed.
4035 Otherwise:
4036 - CR characters that appear before a NL are removed.
4037 - Whether the last line ends in a NL or not does not matter.
4038 All NUL characters are replaced with a NL character.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004039 When {max} is given this specifies the maximum number of lines
4040 to be read. Useful if you only want to check the first ten
4041 lines of a file: >
4042 :for line in readfile(fname, '', 10)
4043 : if line =~ 'Date' | echo line | endif
4044 :endfor
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00004045< When {max} is negative -{max} lines from the end of the file
4046 are returned, or as many as there are.
4047 When {max} is zero the result is an empty list.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004048 Note that without {max} the whole file is read into memory.
4049 Also note that there is no recognition of encoding. Read a
4050 file into a buffer if you need to.
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00004051 When the file can't be opened an error message is given and
4052 the result is an empty list.
4053 Also see |writefile()|.
4054
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00004055reltime([{start} [, {end}]]) *reltime()*
4056 Return an item that represents a time value. The format of
4057 the item depends on the system. It can be passed to
4058 |reltimestr()| to convert it to a string.
4059 Without an argument it returns the current time.
4060 With one argument is returns the time passed since the time
4061 specified in the argument.
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00004062 With two arguments it returns the time passed between {start}
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00004063 and {end}.
4064 The {start} and {end} arguments must be values returned by
4065 reltime().
4066 {only available when compiled with the +reltime feature}
4067
4068reltimestr({time}) *reltimestr()*
4069 Return a String that represents the time value of {time}.
4070 This is the number of seconds, a dot and the number of
4071 microseconds. Example: >
4072 let start = reltime()
4073 call MyFunction()
4074 echo reltimestr(reltime(start))
4075< Note that overhead for the commands will be added to the time.
4076 The accuracy depends on the system.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00004077 Leading spaces are used to make the string align nicely. You
4078 can use split() to remove it. >
4079 echo split(reltimestr(reltime(start)))[0]
4080< Also see |profiling|.
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00004081 {only available when compiled with the +reltime feature}
4082
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004083 *remote_expr()* *E449*
4084remote_expr({server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
4085 Send the {string} to {server}. The string is sent as an
4086 expression and the result is returned after evaluation.
Bram Moolenaar362e1a32006-03-06 23:29:24 +00004087 The result must be a String or a |List|. A |List| is turned
4088 into a String by joining the items with a line break in
4089 between (not at the end), like with join(expr, "\n").
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004090 If {idvar} is present, it is taken as the name of a
4091 variable and a {serverid} for later use with
4092 remote_read() is stored there.
4093 See also |clientserver| |RemoteReply|.
4094 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4095 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
4096 Note: Any errors will cause a local error message to be issued
4097 and the result will be the empty string.
4098 Examples: >
4099 :echo remote_expr("gvim", "2+2")
4100 :echo remote_expr("gvim1", "b:current_syntax")
4101<
4102
4103remote_foreground({server}) *remote_foreground()*
4104 Move the Vim server with the name {server} to the foreground.
4105 This works like: >
4106 remote_expr({server}, "foreground()")
4107< Except that on Win32 systems the client does the work, to work
4108 around the problem that the OS doesn't always allow the server
4109 to bring itself to the foreground.
Bram Moolenaar9372a112005-12-06 19:59:18 +00004110 Note: This does not restore the window if it was minimized,
4111 like foreground() does.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004112 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4113 {only in the Win32, Athena, Motif and GTK GUI versions and the
4114 Win32 console version}
4115
4116
4117remote_peek({serverid} [, {retvar}]) *remote_peek()*
4118 Returns a positive number if there are available strings
4119 from {serverid}. Copies any reply string into the variable
4120 {retvar} if specified. {retvar} must be a string with the
4121 name of a variable.
4122 Returns zero if none are available.
4123 Returns -1 if something is wrong.
4124 See also |clientserver|.
4125 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4126 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
4127 Examples: >
4128 :let repl = ""
4129 :echo "PEEK: ".remote_peek(id, "repl").": ".repl
4130
4131remote_read({serverid}) *remote_read()*
4132 Return the oldest available reply from {serverid} and consume
4133 it. It blocks until a reply is available.
4134 See also |clientserver|.
4135 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4136 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
4137 Example: >
4138 :echo remote_read(id)
4139<
4140 *remote_send()* *E241*
4141remote_send({server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
Bram Moolenaard4755bb2004-09-02 19:12:26 +00004142 Send the {string} to {server}. The string is sent as input
4143 keys and the function returns immediately. At the Vim server
4144 the keys are not mapped |:map|.
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00004145 If {idvar} is present, it is taken as the name of a variable
4146 and a {serverid} for later use with remote_read() is stored
4147 there.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004148 See also |clientserver| |RemoteReply|.
4149 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4150 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
4151 Note: Any errors will be reported in the server and may mess
4152 up the display.
4153 Examples: >
4154 :echo remote_send("gvim", ":DropAndReply ".file, "serverid").
4155 \ remote_read(serverid)
4156
4157 :autocmd NONE RemoteReply *
4158 \ echo remote_read(expand("<amatch>"))
4159 :echo remote_send("gvim", ":sleep 10 | echo ".
4160 \ 'server2client(expand("<client>"), "HELLO")<CR>')
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004161<
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00004162remove({list}, {idx} [, {end}]) *remove()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004163 Without {end}: Remove the item at {idx} from |List| {list} and
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00004164 return it.
4165 With {end}: Remove items from {idx} to {end} (inclusive) and
4166 return a list with these items. When {idx} points to the same
4167 item as {end} a list with one item is returned. When {end}
4168 points to an item before {idx} this is an error.
4169 See |list-index| for possible values of {idx} and {end}.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00004170 Example: >
4171 :echo "last item: " . remove(mylist, -1)
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00004172 :call remove(mylist, 0, 9)
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004173remove({dict}, {key})
4174 Remove the entry from {dict} with key {key}. Example: >
4175 :echo "removed " . remove(dict, "one")
4176< If there is no {key} in {dict} this is an error.
4177
4178 Use |delete()| to remove a file.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00004179
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004180rename({from}, {to}) *rename()*
4181 Rename the file by the name {from} to the name {to}. This
4182 should also work to move files across file systems. The
4183 result is a Number, which is 0 if the file was renamed
4184 successfully, and non-zero when the renaming failed.
4185 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4186
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00004187repeat({expr}, {count}) *repeat()*
4188 Repeat {expr} {count} times and return the concatenated
4189 result. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00004190 :let separator = repeat('-', 80)
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00004191< When {count} is zero or negative the result is empty.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004192 When {expr} is a |List| the result is {expr} concatenated
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004193 {count} times. Example: >
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00004194 :let longlist = repeat(['a', 'b'], 3)
4195< Results in ['a', 'b', 'a', 'b', 'a', 'b'].
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00004196
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004197
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004198resolve({filename}) *resolve()* *E655*
4199 On MS-Windows, when {filename} is a shortcut (a .lnk file),
4200 returns the path the shortcut points to in a simplified form.
4201 On Unix, repeat resolving symbolic links in all path
4202 components of {filename} and return the simplified result.
4203 To cope with link cycles, resolving of symbolic links is
4204 stopped after 100 iterations.
4205 On other systems, return the simplified {filename}.
4206 The simplification step is done as by |simplify()|.
4207 resolve() keeps a leading path component specifying the
4208 current directory (provided the result is still a relative
4209 path name) and also keeps a trailing path separator.
4210
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004211 *reverse()*
4212reverse({list}) Reverse the order of items in {list} in-place. Returns
4213 {list}.
4214 If you want a list to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
4215 :let revlist = reverse(copy(mylist))
4216
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00004217search({pattern} [, {flags} [, {stopline} [, {timeout}]]]) *search()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004218 Search for regexp pattern {pattern}. The search starts at the
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +00004219 cursor position (you can use |cursor()| to set it).
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00004220
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004221 {flags} is a String, which can contain these character flags:
4222 'b' search backward instead of forward
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004223 'c' accept a match at the cursor position
4224 'e' move to the End of the match
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00004225 'n' do Not move the cursor
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004226 'p' return number of matching sub-pattern (see below)
4227 's' set the ' mark at the previous location of the cursor
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004228 'w' wrap around the end of the file
4229 'W' don't wrap around the end of the file
4230 If neither 'w' or 'W' is given, the 'wrapscan' option applies.
4231
Bram Moolenaar02743632005-07-25 20:42:36 +00004232 If the 's' flag is supplied, the ' mark is set, only if the
4233 cursor is moved. The 's' flag cannot be combined with the 'n'
4234 flag.
4235
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00004236 'ignorecase', 'smartcase' and 'magic' are used.
4237
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004238 When the {stopline} argument is given then the search stops
4239 after searching this line. This is useful to restrict the
4240 search to a range of lines. Examples: >
4241 let match = search('(', 'b', line("w0"))
4242 let end = search('END', '', line("w$"))
4243< When {stopline} is used and it is not zero this also implies
4244 that the search does not wrap around the end of the file.
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00004245 A zero value is equal to not giving the argument.
4246
4247 When the {timeout} argument is given the search stops when
4248 more than this many milli seconds have passed. Thus when
4249 {timeout} is 500 the search stops after half a second.
4250 The value must not be negative. A zero value is like not
4251 giving the argument.
4252 {only available when compiled with the +reltime feature}
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004253
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00004254 If there is no match a 0 is returned and the cursor doesn't
4255 move. No error message is given.
Bram Moolenaar362e1a32006-03-06 23:29:24 +00004256 When a match has been found its line number is returned.
4257 *search()-sub-match*
4258 With the 'p' flag the returned value is one more than the
4259 first sub-match in \(\). One if none of them matched but the
4260 whole pattern did match.
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004261 To get the column number too use |searchpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004262
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004263 The cursor will be positioned at the match, unless the 'n'
4264 flag is used.
4265
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004266 Example (goes over all files in the argument list): >
4267 :let n = 1
4268 :while n <= argc() " loop over all files in arglist
4269 : exe "argument " . n
4270 : " start at the last char in the file and wrap for the
4271 : " first search to find match at start of file
4272 : normal G$
4273 : let flags = "w"
4274 : while search("foo", flags) > 0
4275 : s/foo/bar/g
4276 : let flags = "W"
4277 : endwhile
4278 : update " write the file if modified
4279 : let n = n + 1
4280 :endwhile
4281<
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004282 Example for using some flags: >
4283 :echo search('\<if\|\(else\)\|\(endif\)', 'ncpe')
4284< This will search for the keywords "if", "else", and "endif"
4285 under or after the cursor. Because of the 'p' flag, it
4286 returns 1, 2, or 3 depending on which keyword is found, or 0
4287 if the search fails. With the cursor on the first word of the
4288 line:
4289 if (foo == 0) | let foo = foo + 1 | endif ~
4290 the function returns 1. Without the 'c' flag, the function
4291 finds the "endif" and returns 3. The same thing happens
4292 without the 'e' flag if the cursor is on the "f" of "if".
4293 The 'n' flag tells the function not to move the cursor.
4294
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00004295
Bram Moolenaarf75a9632005-09-13 21:20:47 +00004296searchdecl({name} [, {global} [, {thisblock}]]) *searchdecl()*
4297 Search for the declaration of {name}.
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004298
Bram Moolenaarf75a9632005-09-13 21:20:47 +00004299 With a non-zero {global} argument it works like |gD|, find
4300 first match in the file. Otherwise it works like |gd|, find
4301 first match in the function.
4302
4303 With a non-zero {thisblock} argument matches in a {} block
4304 that ends before the cursor position are ignored. Avoids
4305 finding variable declarations only valid in another scope.
4306
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00004307 Moves the cursor to the found match.
4308 Returns zero for success, non-zero for failure.
4309 Example: >
4310 if searchdecl('myvar') == 0
4311 echo getline('.')
4312 endif
4313<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004314 *searchpair()*
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00004315searchpair({start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip}
4316 [, {stopline} [, {timeout}]]]])
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004317 Search for the match of a nested start-end pair. This can be
4318 used to find the "endif" that matches an "if", while other
4319 if/endif pairs in between are ignored.
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00004320 The search starts at the cursor. The default is to search
4321 forward, include 'b' in {flags} to search backward.
4322 If a match is found, the cursor is positioned at it and the
4323 line number is returned. If no match is found 0 or -1 is
4324 returned and the cursor doesn't move. No error message is
4325 given.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004326
4327 {start}, {middle} and {end} are patterns, see |pattern|. They
4328 must not contain \( \) pairs. Use of \%( \) is allowed. When
4329 {middle} is not empty, it is found when searching from either
4330 direction, but only when not in a nested start-end pair. A
4331 typical use is: >
4332 searchpair('\<if\>', '\<else\>', '\<endif\>')
4333< By leaving {middle} empty the "else" is skipped.
4334
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004335 {flags} 'b', 'c', 'n', 's', 'w' and 'W' are used like with
4336 |search()|. Additionally:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004337 'r' Repeat until no more matches found; will find the
4338 outer pair
4339 'm' return number of Matches instead of line number with
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004340 the match; will be > 1 when 'r' is used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004341
4342 When a match for {start}, {middle} or {end} is found, the
4343 {skip} expression is evaluated with the cursor positioned on
4344 the start of the match. It should return non-zero if this
4345 match is to be skipped. E.g., because it is inside a comment
4346 or a string.
4347 When {skip} is omitted or empty, every match is accepted.
4348 When evaluating {skip} causes an error the search is aborted
4349 and -1 returned.
4350
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00004351 For {stopline} and {timeout} see |search()|.
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004352
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004353 The value of 'ignorecase' is used. 'magic' is ignored, the
4354 patterns are used like it's on.
4355
4356 The search starts exactly at the cursor. A match with
4357 {start}, {middle} or {end} at the next character, in the
4358 direction of searching, is the first one found. Example: >
4359 if 1
4360 if 2
4361 endif 2
4362 endif 1
4363< When starting at the "if 2", with the cursor on the "i", and
4364 searching forwards, the "endif 2" is found. When starting on
4365 the character just before the "if 2", the "endif 1" will be
4366 found. That's because the "if 2" will be found first, and
4367 then this is considered to be a nested if/endif from "if 2" to
4368 "endif 2".
4369 When searching backwards and {end} is more than one character,
4370 it may be useful to put "\zs" at the end of the pattern, so
4371 that when the cursor is inside a match with the end it finds
4372 the matching start.
4373
4374 Example, to find the "endif" command in a Vim script: >
4375
4376 :echo searchpair('\<if\>', '\<el\%[seif]\>', '\<en\%[dif]\>', 'W',
4377 \ 'getline(".") =~ "^\\s*\""')
4378
4379< The cursor must be at or after the "if" for which a match is
4380 to be found. Note that single-quote strings are used to avoid
4381 having to double the backslashes. The skip expression only
4382 catches comments at the start of a line, not after a command.
4383 Also, a word "en" or "if" halfway a line is considered a
4384 match.
4385 Another example, to search for the matching "{" of a "}": >
4386
4387 :echo searchpair('{', '', '}', 'bW')
4388
4389< This works when the cursor is at or before the "}" for which a
4390 match is to be found. To reject matches that syntax
4391 highlighting recognized as strings: >
4392
4393 :echo searchpair('{', '', '}', 'bW',
4394 \ 'synIDattr(synID(line("."), col("."), 0), "name") =~? "string"')
4395<
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00004396 *searchpairpos()*
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00004397searchpairpos({start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip}
4398 [, {stopline} [, {timeout}]]]])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004399 Same as searchpair(), but returns a |List| with the line and
4400 column position of the match. The first element of the |List|
4401 is the line number and the second element is the byte index of
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00004402 the column position of the match. If no match is found,
4403 returns [0, 0].
4404>
4405 :let [lnum,col] = searchpairpos('{', '', '}', 'n')
4406<
4407 See |match-parens| for a bigger and more useful example.
4408
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00004409searchpos({pattern} [, {flags} [, {stopline} [, {timeout}]]]) *searchpos()*
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004410 Same as |search()|, but returns a |List| with the line and
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004411 column position of the match. The first element of the |List|
4412 is the line number and the second element is the byte index of
4413 the column position of the match. If no match is found,
4414 returns [0, 0].
Bram Moolenaar362e1a32006-03-06 23:29:24 +00004415 Example: >
4416 :let [lnum, col] = searchpos('mypattern', 'n')
4417
4418< When the 'p' flag is given then there is an extra item with
4419 the sub-pattern match number |search()-sub-match|. Example: >
4420 :let [lnum, col, submatch] = searchpos('\(\l\)\|\(\u\)', 'np')
4421< In this example "submatch" is 2 when a lowercase letter is
4422 found |/\l|, 3 when an uppercase letter is found |/\u|.
4423
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004424server2client( {clientid}, {string}) *server2client()*
4425 Send a reply string to {clientid}. The most recent {clientid}
4426 that sent a string can be retrieved with expand("<client>").
4427 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
4428 Note:
4429 This id has to be stored before the next command can be
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004430 received. I.e. before returning from the received command and
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004431 before calling any commands that waits for input.
4432 See also |clientserver|.
4433 Example: >
4434 :echo server2client(expand("<client>"), "HELLO")
4435<
4436serverlist() *serverlist()*
4437 Return a list of available server names, one per line.
4438 When there are no servers or the information is not available
4439 an empty string is returned. See also |clientserver|.
4440 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
4441 Example: >
4442 :echo serverlist()
4443<
4444setbufvar({expr}, {varname}, {val}) *setbufvar()*
4445 Set option or local variable {varname} in buffer {expr} to
4446 {val}.
4447 This also works for a global or local window option, but it
4448 doesn't work for a global or local window variable.
4449 For a local window option the global value is unchanged.
4450 For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above.
4451 Note that the variable name without "b:" must be used.
4452 Examples: >
4453 :call setbufvar(1, "&mod", 1)
4454 :call setbufvar("todo", "myvar", "foobar")
4455< This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4456
4457setcmdpos({pos}) *setcmdpos()*
4458 Set the cursor position in the command line to byte position
4459 {pos}. The first position is 1.
4460 Use |getcmdpos()| to obtain the current position.
4461 Only works while editing the command line, thus you must use
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004462 |c_CTRL-\_e|, |c_CTRL-R_=| or |c_CTRL-R_CTRL-R| with '='. For
4463 |c_CTRL-\_e| and |c_CTRL-R_CTRL-R| with '=' the position is
4464 set after the command line is set to the expression. For
4465 |c_CTRL-R_=| it is set after evaluating the expression but
4466 before inserting the resulting text.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004467 When the number is too big the cursor is put at the end of the
4468 line. A number smaller than one has undefined results.
4469 Returns 0 when successful, 1 when not editing the command
4470 line.
4471
4472setline({lnum}, {line}) *setline()*
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004473 Set line {lnum} of the current buffer to {line}.
4474 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|.
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004475 When {lnum} is just below the last line the {line} will be
4476 added as a new line.
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004477 If this succeeds, 0 is returned. If this fails (most likely
4478 because {lnum} is invalid) 1 is returned. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004479 :call setline(5, strftime("%c"))
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004480< When {line} is a |List| then line {lnum} and following lines
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004481 will be set to the items in the list. Example: >
4482 :call setline(5, ['aaa', 'bbb', 'ccc'])
4483< This is equivalent to: >
4484 :for [n, l] in [[5, 6, 7], ['aaa', 'bbb', 'ccc']]
4485 : call setline(n, l)
4486 :endfor
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004487< Note: The '[ and '] marks are not set.
4488
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00004489setloclist({nr}, {list} [, {action}]) *setloclist()*
4490 Create or replace or add to the location list for window {nr}.
4491 When {nr} is zero the current window is used. For a location
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00004492 list window, the displayed location list is modified. For an
4493 invalid window number {nr}, -1 is returned.
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00004494 Otherwise, same as |setqflist()|.
4495 Also see |location-list|.
4496
4497setmatches({list}) *setmatches()*
4498 Restores a list of matches saved by |getmatches()|. Returns 0
4499 if succesfull, otherwise -1. All current matches are cleared
4500 before the list is restored. See example for |getmatches()|.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00004501
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00004502 *setpos()*
4503setpos({expr}, {list})
4504 Set the position for {expr}. Possible values:
4505 . the cursor
4506 'x mark x
4507
4508 {list} must be a |List| with four numbers:
4509 [bufnum, lnum, col, off]
4510
4511 "bufnum" is the buffer number. Zero can be used for the
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004512 current buffer. Setting the cursor is only possible for
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00004513 the current buffer. To set a mark in another buffer you can
4514 use the |bufnr()| function to turn a file name into a buffer
4515 number.
Bram Moolenaardb552d602006-03-23 22:59:57 +00004516 Does not change the jumplist.
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00004517
4518 "lnum" and "col" are the position in the buffer. The first
4519 column is 1. Use a zero "lnum" to delete a mark.
4520
4521 The "off" number is only used when 'virtualedit' is set. Then
4522 it is the offset in screen columns from the start of the
Bram Moolenaard46bbc72007-05-12 14:38:41 +00004523 character. E.g., a position within a <Tab> or after the last
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00004524 character.
4525
Bram Moolenaar08250432008-02-13 11:42:46 +00004526 Returns 0 when the position could be set, -1 otherwise.
4527 An error message is given if {expr} is invalid.
4528
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00004529 Also see |getpos()|
4530
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00004531 This does not restore the preferred column for moving
4532 vertically. See |winrestview()| for that.
4533
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00004534
Bram Moolenaar35c54e52005-05-20 21:25:31 +00004535setqflist({list} [, {action}]) *setqflist()*
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00004536 Create or replace or add to the quickfix list using the items
4537 in {list}. Each item in {list} is a dictionary.
4538 Non-dictionary items in {list} are ignored. Each dictionary
4539 item can contain the following entries:
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00004540
Bram Moolenaar48b66fb2007-02-04 01:58:18 +00004541 bufnr buffer number; must be the number of a valid
4542 buffer
4543 filename name of a file; only used when "bufnr" is not
4544 present or it is invalid.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00004545 lnum line number in the file
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00004546 pattern search pattern used to locate the error
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00004547 col column number
4548 vcol when non-zero: "col" is visual column
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004549 when zero: "col" is byte index
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00004550 nr error number
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00004551 text description of the error
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00004552 type single-character error type, 'E', 'W', etc.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00004553
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00004554 The "col", "vcol", "nr", "type" and "text" entries are
4555 optional. Either "lnum" or "pattern" entry can be used to
4556 locate a matching error line.
Bram Moolenaar48b66fb2007-02-04 01:58:18 +00004557 If the "filename" and "bufnr" entries are not present or
4558 neither the "lnum" or "pattern" entries are present, then the
4559 item will not be handled as an error line.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00004560 If both "pattern" and "lnum" are present then "pattern" will
4561 be used.
Bram Moolenaar48b66fb2007-02-04 01:58:18 +00004562 Note that the list is not exactly the same as what
4563 |getqflist()| returns.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00004564
Bram Moolenaar35c54e52005-05-20 21:25:31 +00004565 If {action} is set to 'a', then the items from {list} are
4566 added to the existing quickfix list. If there is no existing
4567 list, then a new list is created. If {action} is set to 'r',
4568 then the items from the current quickfix list are replaced
4569 with the items from {list}. If {action} is not present or is
4570 set to ' ', then a new list is created.
4571
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00004572 Returns zero for success, -1 for failure.
4573
4574 This function can be used to create a quickfix list
4575 independent of the 'errorformat' setting. Use a command like
4576 ":cc 1" to jump to the first position.
4577
4578
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004579 *setreg()*
4580setreg({regname}, {value} [,{options}])
4581 Set the register {regname} to {value}.
4582 If {options} contains "a" or {regname} is upper case,
4583 then the value is appended.
4584 {options} can also contains a register type specification:
4585 "c" or "v" |characterwise| mode
4586 "l" or "V" |linewise| mode
4587 "b" or "<CTRL-V>" |blockwise-visual| mode
4588 If a number immediately follows "b" or "<CTRL-V>" then this is
4589 used as the width of the selection - if it is not specified
4590 then the width of the block is set to the number of characters
Bram Moolenaard46bbc72007-05-12 14:38:41 +00004591 in the longest line (counting a <Tab> as 1 character).
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004592
4593 If {options} contains no register settings, then the default
4594 is to use character mode unless {value} ends in a <NL>.
4595 Setting the '=' register is not possible.
4596 Returns zero for success, non-zero for failure.
4597
4598 Examples: >
4599 :call setreg(v:register, @*)
4600 :call setreg('*', @%, 'ac')
4601 :call setreg('a', "1\n2\n3", 'b5')
4602
4603< This example shows using the functions to save and restore a
4604 register. >
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004605 :let var_a = getreg('a', 1)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004606 :let var_amode = getregtype('a')
4607 ....
4608 :call setreg('a', var_a, var_amode)
4609
4610< You can also change the type of a register by appending
4611 nothing: >
4612 :call setreg('a', '', 'al')
4613
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00004614settabwinvar({tabnr}, {winnr}, {varname}, {val}) *settabwinvar()*
4615 Set option or local variable {varname} in window {winnr} to
4616 {val}.
4617 Tabs are numbered starting with one. For the current tabpage
4618 use |setwinvar()|.
4619 When {winnr} is zero the current window is used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004620 This also works for a global or local buffer option, but it
4621 doesn't work for a global or local buffer variable.
4622 For a local buffer option the global value is unchanged.
4623 Note that the variable name without "w:" must be used.
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00004624 Vim briefly goes to the tab page {tabnr}, this may trigger
4625 TabLeave and TabEnter autocommands.
4626 Examples: >
4627 :call settabwinvar(1, 1, "&list", 0)
4628 :call settabwinvar(3, 2, "myvar", "foobar")
4629< This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4630
4631setwinvar({nr}, {varname}, {val}) *setwinvar()*
4632 Like |settabwinvar()| for the current tab page.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004633 Examples: >
4634 :call setwinvar(1, "&list", 0)
4635 :call setwinvar(2, "myvar", "foobar")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004636
Bram Moolenaar60a495f2006-10-03 12:44:42 +00004637shellescape({string}) *shellescape()*
4638 Escape {string} for use as shell command argument.
4639 On MS-Windows and MS-DOS, when 'shellslash' is not set, it
4640 will enclose {string} double quotes and double all double
4641 quotes within {string}.
4642 For other systems, it will enclose {string} in single quotes
4643 and replace all "'" with "'\''".
4644 Example: >
4645 :echo shellescape('c:\program files\vim')
4646< results in:
4647 "c:\program files\vim" ~
4648 Example usage: >
4649 :call system("chmod +x -- " . shellescape(expand("%")))
4650
4651
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004652simplify({filename}) *simplify()*
4653 Simplify the file name as much as possible without changing
4654 the meaning. Shortcuts (on MS-Windows) or symbolic links (on
4655 Unix) are not resolved. If the first path component in
4656 {filename} designates the current directory, this will be
4657 valid for the result as well. A trailing path separator is
4658 not removed either.
4659 Example: >
4660 simplify("./dir/.././/file/") == "./file/"
4661< Note: The combination "dir/.." is only removed if "dir" is
4662 a searchable directory or does not exist. On Unix, it is also
4663 removed when "dir" is a symbolic link within the same
4664 directory. In order to resolve all the involved symbolic
4665 links before simplifying the path name, use |resolve()|.
4666
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004667
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00004668sort({list} [, {func}]) *sort()* *E702*
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004669 Sort the items in {list} in-place. Returns {list}. If you
4670 want a list to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
4671 :let sortedlist = sort(copy(mylist))
4672< Uses the string representation of each item to sort on.
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004673 Numbers sort after Strings, |Lists| after Numbers.
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004674 For sorting text in the current buffer use |:sort|.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004675 When {func} is given and it is one then case is ignored.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004676 When {func} is a |Funcref| or a function name, this function
4677 is called to compare items. The function is invoked with two
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004678 items as argument and must return zero if they are equal, 1 if
4679 the first one sorts after the second one, -1 if the first one
4680 sorts before the second one. Example: >
4681 func MyCompare(i1, i2)
4682 return a:i1 == a:i2 ? 0 : a:i1 > a:i2 ? 1 : -1
4683 endfunc
4684 let sortedlist = sort(mylist, "MyCompare")
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00004685<
4686
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00004687 *soundfold()*
4688soundfold({word})
4689 Return the sound-folded equivalent of {word}. Uses the first
4690 language in 'spellang' for the current window that supports
Bram Moolenaar42eeac32005-06-29 22:40:58 +00004691 soundfolding. 'spell' must be set. When no sound folding is
4692 possible the {word} is returned unmodified.
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00004693 This can be used for making spelling suggestions. Note that
4694 the method can be quite slow.
4695
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00004696 *spellbadword()*
Bram Moolenaar1e015462005-09-25 22:16:38 +00004697spellbadword([{sentence}])
4698 Without argument: The result is the badly spelled word under
4699 or after the cursor. The cursor is moved to the start of the
4700 bad word. When no bad word is found in the cursor line the
4701 result is an empty string and the cursor doesn't move.
4702
4703 With argument: The result is the first word in {sentence} that
4704 is badly spelled. If there are no spelling mistakes the
4705 result is an empty string.
4706
4707 The return value is a list with two items:
4708 - The badly spelled word or an empty string.
4709 - The type of the spelling error:
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004710 "bad" spelling mistake
Bram Moolenaar1e015462005-09-25 22:16:38 +00004711 "rare" rare word
4712 "local" word only valid in another region
4713 "caps" word should start with Capital
4714 Example: >
4715 echo spellbadword("the quik brown fox")
4716< ['quik', 'bad'] ~
4717
4718 The spelling information for the current window is used. The
4719 'spell' option must be set and the value of 'spelllang' is
4720 used.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00004721
4722 *spellsuggest()*
Bram Moolenaarc54b8a72005-09-30 21:20:29 +00004723spellsuggest({word} [, {max} [, {capital}]])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004724 Return a |List| with spelling suggestions to replace {word}.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00004725 When {max} is given up to this number of suggestions are
4726 returned. Otherwise up to 25 suggestions are returned.
4727
Bram Moolenaarc54b8a72005-09-30 21:20:29 +00004728 When the {capital} argument is given and it's non-zero only
4729 suggestions with a leading capital will be given. Use this
4730 after a match with 'spellcapcheck'.
4731
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00004732 {word} can be a badly spelled word followed by other text.
4733 This allows for joining two words that were split. The
Bram Moolenaarf461c8e2005-06-25 23:04:51 +00004734 suggestions also include the following text, thus you can
4735 replace a line.
4736
4737 {word} may also be a good word. Similar words will then be
Bram Moolenaarc54b8a72005-09-30 21:20:29 +00004738 returned. {word} itself is not included in the suggestions,
4739 although it may appear capitalized.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00004740
4741 The spelling information for the current window is used. The
Bram Moolenaar42eeac32005-06-29 22:40:58 +00004742 'spell' option must be set and the values of 'spelllang' and
4743 'spellsuggest' are used.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00004744
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004745
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004746split({expr} [, {pattern} [, {keepempty}]]) *split()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004747 Make a |List| out of {expr}. When {pattern} is omitted or
4748 empty each white-separated sequence of characters becomes an
4749 item.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004750 Otherwise the string is split where {pattern} matches,
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004751 removing the matched characters.
4752 When the first or last item is empty it is omitted, unless the
4753 {keepempty} argument is given and it's non-zero.
Bram Moolenaar5c06f8b2005-05-31 22:14:58 +00004754 Other empty items are kept when {pattern} matches at least one
4755 character or when {keepempty} is non-zero.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004756 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004757 :let words = split(getline('.'), '\W\+')
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004758< To split a string in individual characters: >
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004759 :for c in split(mystring, '\zs')
Bram Moolenaar0cb032e2005-04-23 20:52:00 +00004760< If you want to keep the separator you can also use '\zs': >
4761 :echo split('abc:def:ghi', ':\zs')
4762< ['abc:', 'def:', 'ghi'] ~
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004763 Splitting a table where the first element can be empty: >
4764 :let items = split(line, ':', 1)
4765< The opposite function is |join()|.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004766
4767
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00004768str2nr( {expr} [, {base}]) *str2nr()*
4769 Convert string {expr} to a number.
4770 {base} is the conversion base, it can be 8, 10 or 16.
4771 When {base} is omitted base 10 is used. This also means that
4772 a leading zero doesn't cause octal conversion to be used, as
4773 with the default String to Number conversion.
4774 When {base} is 16 a leading "0x" or "0X" is ignored. With a
4775 different base the result will be zero.
4776 Text after the number is silently ignored.
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004777
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00004778
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004779strftime({format} [, {time}]) *strftime()*
4780 The result is a String, which is a formatted date and time, as
4781 specified by the {format} string. The given {time} is used,
4782 or the current time if no time is given. The accepted
4783 {format} depends on your system, thus this is not portable!
4784 See the manual page of the C function strftime() for the
4785 format. The maximum length of the result is 80 characters.
4786 See also |localtime()| and |getftime()|.
4787 The language can be changed with the |:language| command.
4788 Examples: >
4789 :echo strftime("%c") Sun Apr 27 11:49:23 1997
4790 :echo strftime("%Y %b %d %X") 1997 Apr 27 11:53:25
4791 :echo strftime("%y%m%d %T") 970427 11:53:55
4792 :echo strftime("%H:%M") 11:55
4793 :echo strftime("%c", getftime("file.c"))
4794 Show mod time of file.c.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004795< Not available on all systems. To check use: >
4796 :if exists("*strftime")
4797
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00004798stridx({haystack}, {needle} [, {start}]) *stridx()*
4799 The result is a Number, which gives the byte index in
4800 {haystack} of the first occurrence of the String {needle}.
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00004801 If {start} is specified, the search starts at index {start}.
4802 This can be used to find a second match: >
4803 :let comma1 = stridx(line, ",")
4804 :let comma2 = stridx(line, ",", comma1 + 1)
4805< The search is done case-sensitive.
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004806 For pattern searches use |match()|.
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00004807 -1 is returned if the {needle} does not occur in {haystack}.
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00004808 See also |strridx()|.
4809 Examples: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004810 :echo stridx("An Example", "Example") 3
4811 :echo stridx("Starting point", "Start") 0
4812 :echo stridx("Starting point", "start") -1
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004813< *strstr()* *strchr()*
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00004814 stridx() works similar to the C function strstr(). When used
4815 with a single character it works similar to strchr().
4816
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00004817 *string()*
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004818string({expr}) Return {expr} converted to a String. If {expr} is a Number,
4819 String or a composition of them, then the result can be parsed
4820 back with |eval()|.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00004821 {expr} type result ~
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004822 String 'string'
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004823 Number 123
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004824 Funcref function('name')
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004825 List [item, item]
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +00004826 Dictionary {key: value, key: value}
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004827 Note that in String values the ' character is doubled.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00004828 Also see |strtrans()|.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00004829
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004830 *strlen()*
4831strlen({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the length of the String
Bram Moolenaare344bea2005-09-01 20:46:49 +00004832 {expr} in bytes.
4833 If you want to count the number of multi-byte characters (not
4834 counting composing characters) use something like this: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004835
4836 :let len = strlen(substitute(str, ".", "x", "g"))
Bram Moolenaare344bea2005-09-01 20:46:49 +00004837<
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00004838 If the argument is a Number it is first converted to a String.
4839 For other types an error is given.
4840 Also see |len()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004841
4842strpart({src}, {start}[, {len}]) *strpart()*
4843 The result is a String, which is part of {src}, starting from
Bram Moolenaar9372a112005-12-06 19:59:18 +00004844 byte {start}, with the byte length {len}.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004845 When non-existing bytes are included, this doesn't result in
4846 an error, the bytes are simply omitted.
4847 If {len} is missing, the copy continues from {start} till the
4848 end of the {src}. >
4849 strpart("abcdefg", 3, 2) == "de"
4850 strpart("abcdefg", -2, 4) == "ab"
4851 strpart("abcdefg", 5, 4) == "fg"
4852 strpart("abcdefg", 3) == "defg"
4853< Note: To get the first character, {start} must be 0. For
4854 example, to get three bytes under and after the cursor: >
Bram Moolenaar61660ea2006-04-07 21:40:07 +00004855 strpart(getline("."), col(".") - 1, 3)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004856<
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00004857strridx({haystack}, {needle} [, {start}]) *strridx()*
4858 The result is a Number, which gives the byte index in
4859 {haystack} of the last occurrence of the String {needle}.
4860 When {start} is specified, matches beyond this index are
4861 ignored. This can be used to find a match before a previous
4862 match: >
4863 :let lastcomma = strridx(line, ",")
4864 :let comma2 = strridx(line, ",", lastcomma - 1)
4865< The search is done case-sensitive.
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00004866 For pattern searches use |match()|.
4867 -1 is returned if the {needle} does not occur in {haystack}.
Bram Moolenaard4755bb2004-09-02 19:12:26 +00004868 If the {needle} is empty the length of {haystack} is returned.
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004869 See also |stridx()|. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004870 :echo strridx("an angry armadillo", "an") 3
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004871< *strrchr()*
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00004872 When used with a single character it works similar to the C
4873 function strrchr().
4874
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004875strtrans({expr}) *strtrans()*
4876 The result is a String, which is {expr} with all unprintable
4877 characters translated into printable characters |'isprint'|.
4878 Like they are shown in a window. Example: >
4879 echo strtrans(@a)
4880< This displays a newline in register a as "^@" instead of
4881 starting a new line.
4882
4883submatch({nr}) *submatch()*
4884 Only for an expression in a |:substitute| command. Returns
4885 the {nr}'th submatch of the matched text. When {nr} is 0
4886 the whole matched text is returned.
4887 Example: >
4888 :s/\d\+/\=submatch(0) + 1/
4889< This finds the first number in the line and adds one to it.
4890 A line break is included as a newline character.
4891
4892substitute({expr}, {pat}, {sub}, {flags}) *substitute()*
4893 The result is a String, which is a copy of {expr}, in which
4894 the first match of {pat} is replaced with {sub}. This works
4895 like the ":substitute" command (without any flags). But the
4896 matching with {pat} is always done like the 'magic' option is
4897 set and 'cpoptions' is empty (to make scripts portable).
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00004898 'ignorecase' is still relevant. 'smartcase' is not used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004899 See |string-match| for how {pat} is used.
4900 And a "~" in {sub} is not replaced with the previous {sub}.
4901 Note that some codes in {sub} have a special meaning
4902 |sub-replace-special|. For example, to replace something with
4903 "\n" (two characters), use "\\\\n" or '\\n'.
4904 When {pat} does not match in {expr}, {expr} is returned
4905 unmodified.
4906 When {flags} is "g", all matches of {pat} in {expr} are
4907 replaced. Otherwise {flags} should be "".
4908 Example: >
4909 :let &path = substitute(&path, ",\\=[^,]*$", "", "")
4910< This removes the last component of the 'path' option. >
4911 :echo substitute("testing", ".*", "\\U\\0", "")
4912< results in "TESTING".
4913
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00004914synID({lnum}, {col}, {trans}) *synID()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004915 The result is a Number, which is the syntax ID at the position
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00004916 {lnum} and {col} in the current window.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004917 The syntax ID can be used with |synIDattr()| and
4918 |synIDtrans()| to obtain syntax information about text.
Bram Moolenaarce0842a2005-07-18 21:58:11 +00004919
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00004920 {col} is 1 for the leftmost column, {lnum} is 1 for the first
Bram Moolenaarce0842a2005-07-18 21:58:11 +00004921 line. 'synmaxcol' applies, in a longer line zero is returned.
4922
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004923 When {trans} is non-zero, transparent items are reduced to the
4924 item that they reveal. This is useful when wanting to know
4925 the effective color. When {trans} is zero, the transparent
4926 item is returned. This is useful when wanting to know which
4927 syntax item is effective (e.g. inside parens).
4928 Warning: This function can be very slow. Best speed is
4929 obtained by going through the file in forward direction.
4930
4931 Example (echoes the name of the syntax item under the cursor): >
4932 :echo synIDattr(synID(line("."), col("."), 1), "name")
4933<
4934synIDattr({synID}, {what} [, {mode}]) *synIDattr()*
4935 The result is a String, which is the {what} attribute of
4936 syntax ID {synID}. This can be used to obtain information
4937 about a syntax item.
4938 {mode} can be "gui", "cterm" or "term", to get the attributes
4939 for that mode. When {mode} is omitted, or an invalid value is
4940 used, the attributes for the currently active highlighting are
4941 used (GUI, cterm or term).
4942 Use synIDtrans() to follow linked highlight groups.
4943 {what} result
4944 "name" the name of the syntax item
4945 "fg" foreground color (GUI: color name used to set
4946 the color, cterm: color number as a string,
4947 term: empty string)
4948 "bg" background color (like "fg")
4949 "fg#" like "fg", but for the GUI and the GUI is
4950 running the name in "#RRGGBB" form
4951 "bg#" like "fg#" for "bg"
4952 "bold" "1" if bold
4953 "italic" "1" if italic
4954 "reverse" "1" if reverse
4955 "inverse" "1" if inverse (= reverse)
4956 "underline" "1" if underlined
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004957 "undercurl" "1" if undercurled
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004958
4959 Example (echoes the color of the syntax item under the
4960 cursor): >
4961 :echo synIDattr(synIDtrans(synID(line("."), col("."), 1)), "fg")
4962<
4963synIDtrans({synID}) *synIDtrans()*
4964 The result is a Number, which is the translated syntax ID of
4965 {synID}. This is the syntax group ID of what is being used to
4966 highlight the character. Highlight links given with
4967 ":highlight link" are followed.
4968
Bram Moolenaar9d188ab2008-01-10 21:24:39 +00004969synstack({lnum}, {col}) *synstack()*
4970 Return a |List|, which is the stack of syntax items at the
4971 position {lnum} and {col} in the current window. Each item in
4972 the List is an ID like what |synID()| returns.
Bram Moolenaar9d188ab2008-01-10 21:24:39 +00004973 The first item in the List is the outer region, following are
4974 items contained in that one. The last one is what |synID()|
4975 returns, unless not the whole item is highlighted or it is a
4976 transparent item.
4977 This function is useful for debugging a syntax file.
4978 Example that shows the syntax stack under the cursor: >
4979 for id in synstack(line("."), col("."))
4980 echo synIDattr(id, "name")
4981 endfor
4982
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00004983system({expr} [, {input}]) *system()* *E677*
4984 Get the output of the shell command {expr}.
4985 When {input} is given, this string is written to a file and
4986 passed as stdin to the command. The string is written as-is,
4987 you need to take care of using the correct line separators
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00004988 yourself. Pipes are not used.
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00004989 Note: newlines in {expr} may cause the command to fail. The
4990 characters in 'shellquote' and 'shellxquote' may also cause
4991 trouble.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004992 This is not to be used for interactive commands.
4993 The result is a String. Example: >
4994
4995 :let files = system("ls")
4996
4997< To make the result more system-independent, the shell output
4998 is filtered to replace <CR> with <NL> for Macintosh, and
4999 <CR><NL> with <NL> for DOS-like systems.
5000 The command executed is constructed using several options:
5001 'shell' 'shellcmdflag' 'shellxquote' {expr} 'shellredir' {tmp} 'shellxquote'
5002 ({tmp} is an automatically generated file name).
5003 For Unix and OS/2 braces are put around {expr} to allow for
5004 concatenated commands.
5005
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00005006 The command will be executed in "cooked" mode, so that a
5007 CTRL-C will interrupt the command (on Unix at least).
5008
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005009 The resulting error code can be found in |v:shell_error|.
5010 This function will fail in |restricted-mode|.
Bram Moolenaar4770d092006-01-12 23:22:24 +00005011
5012 Note that any wrong value in the options mentioned above may
5013 make the function fail. It has also been reported to fail
5014 when using a security agent application.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005015 Unlike ":!cmd" there is no automatic check for changed files.
5016 Use |:checktime| to force a check.
5017
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00005018
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00005019tabpagebuflist([{arg}]) *tabpagebuflist()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005020 The result is a |List|, where each item is the number of the
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00005021 buffer associated with each window in the current tab page.
5022 {arg} specifies the number of tab page to be used. When
5023 omitted the current tab page is used.
5024 When {arg} is invalid the number zero is returned.
5025 To get a list of all buffers in all tabs use this: >
5026 tablist = []
5027 for i in range(tabpagenr('$'))
5028 call extend(tablist, tabpagebuflist(i + 1))
5029 endfor
5030< Note that a buffer may appear in more than one window.
5031
5032
5033tabpagenr([{arg}]) *tabpagenr()*
Bram Moolenaar7e8fd632006-02-18 22:14:51 +00005034 The result is a Number, which is the number of the current
5035 tab page. The first tab page has number 1.
5036 When the optional argument is "$", the number of the last tab
5037 page is returned (the tab page count).
5038 The number can be used with the |:tab| command.
5039
5040
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00005041tabpagewinnr({tabarg}, [{arg}]) *tabpagewinnr()*
5042 Like |winnr()| but for tab page {arg}.
5043 {tabarg} specifies the number of tab page to be used.
5044 {arg} is used like with |winnr()|:
5045 - When omitted the current window number is returned. This is
5046 the window which will be used when going to this tab page.
5047 - When "$" the number of windows is returned.
5048 - When "#" the previous window nr is returned.
5049 Useful examples: >
5050 tabpagewinnr(1) " current window of tab page 1
5051 tabpagewinnr(4, '$') " number of windows in tab page 4
5052< When {tabarg} is invalid zero is returned.
5053
Bram Moolenaarfa1d1402006-03-25 21:59:56 +00005054 *tagfiles()*
5055tagfiles() Returns a |List| with the file names used to search for tags
5056 for the current buffer. This is the 'tags' option expanded.
5057
5058
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00005059taglist({expr}) *taglist()*
5060 Returns a list of tags matching the regular expression {expr}.
Bram Moolenaard8c00872005-07-22 21:52:15 +00005061 Each list item is a dictionary with at least the following
5062 entries:
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00005063 name Name of the tag.
5064 filename Name of the file where the tag is
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00005065 defined. It is either relative to the
5066 current directory or a full path.
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00005067 cmd Ex command used to locate the tag in
5068 the file.
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00005069 kind Type of the tag. The value for this
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00005070 entry depends on the language specific
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00005071 kind values. Only available when
5072 using a tags file generated by
5073 Exuberant ctags or hdrtag.
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00005074 static A file specific tag. Refer to
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00005075 |static-tag| for more information.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00005076 More entries may be present, depending on the content of the
5077 tags file: access, implementation, inherits and signature.
5078 Refer to the ctags documentation for information about these
5079 fields. For C code the fields "struct", "class" and "enum"
5080 may appear, they give the name of the entity the tag is
5081 contained in.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00005082
Bram Moolenaar4317d9b2005-03-18 20:25:31 +00005083 The ex-command 'cmd' can be either an ex search pattern, a
5084 line number or a line number followed by a byte number.
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00005085
5086 If there are no matching tags, then an empty list is returned.
5087
5088 To get an exact tag match, the anchors '^' and '$' should be
5089 used in {expr}. Refer to |tag-regexp| for more information
5090 about the tag search regular expression pattern.
5091
5092 Refer to |'tags'| for information about how the tags file is
5093 located by Vim. Refer to |tags-file-format| for the format of
5094 the tags file generated by the different ctags tools.
5095
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005096tempname() *tempname()* *temp-file-name*
5097 The result is a String, which is the name of a file that
5098 doesn't exist. It can be used for a temporary file. The name
5099 is different for at least 26 consecutive calls. Example: >
5100 :let tmpfile = tempname()
5101 :exe "redir > " . tmpfile
5102< For Unix, the file will be in a private directory (only
5103 accessible by the current user) to avoid security problems
5104 (e.g., a symlink attack or other people reading your file).
5105 When Vim exits the directory and all files in it are deleted.
5106 For MS-Windows forward slashes are used when the 'shellslash'
5107 option is set or when 'shellcmdflag' starts with '-'.
5108
5109tolower({expr}) *tolower()*
5110 The result is a copy of the String given, with all uppercase
5111 characters turned into lowercase (just like applying |gu| to
5112 the string).
5113
5114toupper({expr}) *toupper()*
5115 The result is a copy of the String given, with all lowercase
5116 characters turned into uppercase (just like applying |gU| to
5117 the string).
5118
Bram Moolenaar8299df92004-07-10 09:47:34 +00005119tr({src}, {fromstr}, {tostr}) *tr()*
5120 The result is a copy of the {src} string with all characters
5121 which appear in {fromstr} replaced by the character in that
5122 position in the {tostr} string. Thus the first character in
5123 {fromstr} is translated into the first character in {tostr}
5124 and so on. Exactly like the unix "tr" command.
5125 This code also deals with multibyte characters properly.
5126
5127 Examples: >
5128 echo tr("hello there", "ht", "HT")
5129< returns "Hello THere" >
5130 echo tr("<blob>", "<>", "{}")
5131< returns "{blob}"
5132
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00005133 *type()*
5134type({expr}) The result is a Number, depending on the type of {expr}:
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00005135 Number: 0
5136 String: 1
5137 Funcref: 2
5138 List: 3
5139 Dictionary: 4
5140 To avoid the magic numbers it should be used this way: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00005141 :if type(myvar) == type(0)
5142 :if type(myvar) == type("")
5143 :if type(myvar) == type(function("tr"))
5144 :if type(myvar) == type([])
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00005145 :if type(myvar) == type({})
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005146
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00005147values({dict}) *values()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005148 Return a |List| with all the values of {dict}. The |List| is
5149 in arbitrary order.
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00005150
5151
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005152virtcol({expr}) *virtcol()*
5153 The result is a Number, which is the screen column of the file
5154 position given with {expr}. That is, the last screen position
5155 occupied by the character at that position, when the screen
5156 would be of unlimited width. When there is a <Tab> at the
5157 position, the returned Number will be the column at the end of
5158 the <Tab>. For example, for a <Tab> in column 1, with 'ts'
5159 set to 8, it returns 8.
Bram Moolenaar477933c2007-07-17 14:32:23 +00005160 For the byte position use |col()|.
5161 For the use of {expr} see |col()|.
5162 When 'virtualedit' is used {expr} can be [lnum, col, off], where
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00005163 "off" is the offset in screen columns from the start of the
Bram Moolenaard46bbc72007-05-12 14:38:41 +00005164 character. E.g., a position within a <Tab> or after the last
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00005165 character.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005166 When Virtual editing is active in the current mode, a position
5167 beyond the end of the line can be returned. |'virtualedit'|
5168 The accepted positions are:
5169 . the cursor position
5170 $ the end of the cursor line (the result is the
5171 number of displayed characters in the cursor line
5172 plus one)
5173 'x position of mark x (if the mark is not set, 0 is
5174 returned)
5175 Note that only marks in the current file can be used.
5176 Examples: >
5177 virtcol(".") with text "foo^Lbar", with cursor on the "^L", returns 5
5178 virtcol("$") with text "foo^Lbar", returns 9
5179 virtcol("'t") with text " there", with 't at 'h', returns 6
5180< The first column is 1. 0 is returned for an error.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00005181 A more advanced example that echoes the maximum length of
5182 all lines: >
5183 echo max(map(range(1, line('$')), "virtcol([v:val, '$'])"))
5184
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005185
5186visualmode([expr]) *visualmode()*
5187 The result is a String, which describes the last Visual mode
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00005188 used in the current buffer. Initially it returns an empty
5189 string, but once Visual mode has been used, it returns "v",
5190 "V", or "<CTRL-V>" (a single CTRL-V character) for
5191 character-wise, line-wise, or block-wise Visual mode
5192 respectively.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005193 Example: >
5194 :exe "normal " . visualmode()
5195< This enters the same Visual mode as before. It is also useful
5196 in scripts if you wish to act differently depending on the
5197 Visual mode that was used.
5198
5199 If an expression is supplied that results in a non-zero number
5200 or a non-empty string, then the Visual mode will be cleared
5201 and the old value is returned. Note that " " and "0" are also
5202 non-empty strings, thus cause the mode to be cleared.
5203
5204 *winbufnr()*
5205winbufnr({nr}) The result is a Number, which is the number of the buffer
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00005206 associated with window {nr}. When {nr} is zero, the number of
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005207 the buffer in the current window is returned. When window
5208 {nr} doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
5209 Example: >
5210 :echo "The file in the current window is " . bufname(winbufnr(0))
5211<
5212 *wincol()*
5213wincol() The result is a Number, which is the virtual column of the
5214 cursor in the window. This is counting screen cells from the
5215 left side of the window. The leftmost column is one.
5216
5217winheight({nr}) *winheight()*
5218 The result is a Number, which is the height of window {nr}.
5219 When {nr} is zero, the height of the current window is
5220 returned. When window {nr} doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
5221 An existing window always has a height of zero or more.
5222 Examples: >
5223 :echo "The current window has " . winheight(0) . " lines."
5224<
5225 *winline()*
5226winline() The result is a Number, which is the screen line of the cursor
5227 in the window. This is counting screen lines from the top of
5228 the window. The first line is one.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00005229 If the cursor was moved the view on the file will be updated
5230 first, this may cause a scroll.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005231
5232 *winnr()*
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00005233winnr([{arg}]) The result is a Number, which is the number of the current
5234 window. The top window has number 1.
5235 When the optional argument is "$", the number of the
Bram Moolenaar7e8fd632006-02-18 22:14:51 +00005236 last window is returned (the window count).
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00005237 When the optional argument is "#", the number of the last
5238 accessed window is returned (where |CTRL-W_p| goes to).
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00005239 If there is no previous window or it is in another tab page 0
5240 is returned.
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00005241 The number can be used with |CTRL-W_w| and ":wincmd w"
5242 |:wincmd|.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00005243 Also see |tabpagewinnr()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005244
5245 *winrestcmd()*
5246winrestcmd() Returns a sequence of |:resize| commands that should restore
5247 the current window sizes. Only works properly when no windows
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00005248 are opened or closed and the current window and tab page is
5249 unchanged.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005250 Example: >
5251 :let cmd = winrestcmd()
5252 :call MessWithWindowSizes()
5253 :exe cmd
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00005254<
5255 *winrestview()*
5256winrestview({dict})
5257 Uses the |Dictionary| returned by |winsaveview()| to restore
5258 the view of the current window.
5259 If you have changed the values the result is unpredictable.
5260 If the window size changed the result won't be the same.
5261
5262 *winsaveview()*
5263winsaveview() Returns a |Dictionary| that contains information to restore
5264 the view of the current window. Use |winrestview()| to
5265 restore the view.
5266 This is useful if you have a mapping that jumps around in the
5267 buffer and you want to go back to the original view.
5268 This does not save fold information. Use the 'foldenable'
Bram Moolenaardb552d602006-03-23 22:59:57 +00005269 option to temporarily switch off folding, so that folds are
5270 not opened when moving around.
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00005271 The return value includes:
5272 lnum cursor line number
5273 col cursor column
5274 coladd cursor column offset for 'virtualedit'
5275 curswant column for vertical movement
5276 topline first line in the window
5277 topfill filler lines, only in diff mode
5278 leftcol first column displayed
5279 skipcol columns skipped
5280 Note that no option values are saved.
5281
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005282
5283winwidth({nr}) *winwidth()*
5284 The result is a Number, which is the width of window {nr}.
5285 When {nr} is zero, the width of the current window is
5286 returned. When window {nr} doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
5287 An existing window always has a width of zero or more.
5288 Examples: >
5289 :echo "The current window has " . winwidth(0) . " columns."
5290 :if winwidth(0) <= 50
5291 : exe "normal 50\<C-W>|"
5292 :endif
5293<
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00005294 *writefile()*
5295writefile({list}, {fname} [, {binary}])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005296 Write |List| {list} to file {fname}. Each list item is
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00005297 separated with a NL. Each list item must be a String or
5298 Number.
5299 When {binary} is equal to "b" binary mode is used: There will
5300 not be a NL after the last list item. An empty item at the
5301 end does cause the last line in the file to end in a NL.
5302 All NL characters are replaced with a NUL character.
5303 Inserting CR characters needs to be done before passing {list}
5304 to writefile().
5305 An existing file is overwritten, if possible.
5306 When the write fails -1 is returned, otherwise 0. There is an
5307 error message if the file can't be created or when writing
5308 fails.
5309 Also see |readfile()|.
5310 To copy a file byte for byte: >
5311 :let fl = readfile("foo", "b")
5312 :call writefile(fl, "foocopy", "b")
5313<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005314
5315 *feature-list*
5316There are three types of features:
53171. Features that are only supported when they have been enabled when Vim
5318 was compiled |+feature-list|. Example: >
5319 :if has("cindent")
53202. Features that are only supported when certain conditions have been met.
5321 Example: >
5322 :if has("gui_running")
5323< *has-patch*
53243. Included patches. First check |v:version| for the version of Vim.
5325 Then the "patch123" feature means that patch 123 has been included for
5326 this version. Example (checking version 6.2.148 or later): >
5327 :if v:version > 602 || v:version == 602 && has("patch148")
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00005328< Note that it's possible for patch 147 to be omitted even though 148 is
5329 included.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005330
5331all_builtin_terms Compiled with all builtin terminals enabled.
5332amiga Amiga version of Vim.
5333arabic Compiled with Arabic support |Arabic|.
5334arp Compiled with ARP support (Amiga).
Bram Moolenaara9b1e742005-12-19 22:14:58 +00005335autocmd Compiled with autocommand support. |autocommand|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005336balloon_eval Compiled with |balloon-eval| support.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00005337balloon_multiline GUI supports multiline balloons.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005338beos BeOS version of Vim.
5339browse Compiled with |:browse| support, and browse() will
5340 work.
5341builtin_terms Compiled with some builtin terminals.
5342byte_offset Compiled with support for 'o' in 'statusline'
5343cindent Compiled with 'cindent' support.
5344clientserver Compiled with remote invocation support |clientserver|.
5345clipboard Compiled with 'clipboard' support.
5346cmdline_compl Compiled with |cmdline-completion| support.
5347cmdline_hist Compiled with |cmdline-history| support.
5348cmdline_info Compiled with 'showcmd' and 'ruler' support.
5349comments Compiled with |'comments'| support.
5350cryptv Compiled with encryption support |encryption|.
5351cscope Compiled with |cscope| support.
5352compatible Compiled to be very Vi compatible.
5353debug Compiled with "DEBUG" defined.
5354dialog_con Compiled with console dialog support.
5355dialog_gui Compiled with GUI dialog support.
5356diff Compiled with |vimdiff| and 'diff' support.
5357digraphs Compiled with support for digraphs.
5358dnd Compiled with support for the "~ register |quote_~|.
5359dos32 32 bits DOS (DJGPP) version of Vim.
5360dos16 16 bits DOS version of Vim.
5361ebcdic Compiled on a machine with ebcdic character set.
5362emacs_tags Compiled with support for Emacs tags.
5363eval Compiled with expression evaluation support. Always
5364 true, of course!
5365ex_extra Compiled with extra Ex commands |+ex_extra|.
5366extra_search Compiled with support for |'incsearch'| and
5367 |'hlsearch'|
5368farsi Compiled with Farsi support |farsi|.
5369file_in_path Compiled with support for |gf| and |<cfile>|
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00005370filterpipe When 'shelltemp' is off pipes are used for shell
5371 read/write/filter commands
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005372find_in_path Compiled with support for include file searches
5373 |+find_in_path|.
5374fname_case Case in file names matters (for Amiga, MS-DOS, and
5375 Windows this is not present).
5376folding Compiled with |folding| support.
5377footer Compiled with GUI footer support. |gui-footer|
5378fork Compiled to use fork()/exec() instead of system().
5379gettext Compiled with message translation |multi-lang|
5380gui Compiled with GUI enabled.
5381gui_athena Compiled with Athena GUI.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005382gui_gtk Compiled with GTK+ GUI (any version).
5383gui_gtk2 Compiled with GTK+ 2 GUI (gui_gtk is also defined).
5384gui_mac Compiled with Macintosh GUI.
5385gui_motif Compiled with Motif GUI.
5386gui_photon Compiled with Photon GUI.
5387gui_win32 Compiled with MS Windows Win32 GUI.
5388gui_win32s idem, and Win32s system being used (Windows 3.1)
5389gui_running Vim is running in the GUI, or it will start soon.
5390hangul_input Compiled with Hangul input support. |hangul|
5391iconv Can use iconv() for conversion.
5392insert_expand Compiled with support for CTRL-X expansion commands in
5393 Insert mode.
5394jumplist Compiled with |jumplist| support.
5395keymap Compiled with 'keymap' support.
5396langmap Compiled with 'langmap' support.
5397libcall Compiled with |libcall()| support.
5398linebreak Compiled with 'linebreak', 'breakat' and 'showbreak'
5399 support.
5400lispindent Compiled with support for lisp indenting.
5401listcmds Compiled with commands for the buffer list |:files|
5402 and the argument list |arglist|.
5403localmap Compiled with local mappings and abbr. |:map-local|
5404mac Macintosh version of Vim.
5405macunix Macintosh version of Vim, using Unix files (OS-X).
5406menu Compiled with support for |:menu|.
5407mksession Compiled with support for |:mksession|.
5408modify_fname Compiled with file name modifiers. |filename-modifiers|
5409mouse Compiled with support mouse.
5410mouseshape Compiled with support for 'mouseshape'.
5411mouse_dec Compiled with support for Dec terminal mouse.
5412mouse_gpm Compiled with support for gpm (Linux console mouse)
5413mouse_netterm Compiled with support for netterm mouse.
5414mouse_pterm Compiled with support for qnx pterm mouse.
5415mouse_xterm Compiled with support for xterm mouse.
5416multi_byte Compiled with support for editing Korean et al.
5417multi_byte_ime Compiled with support for IME input method.
5418multi_lang Compiled with support for multiple languages.
Bram Moolenaar325b7a22004-07-05 15:58:32 +00005419mzscheme Compiled with MzScheme interface |mzscheme|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005420netbeans_intg Compiled with support for |netbeans|.
Bram Moolenaar009b2592004-10-24 19:18:58 +00005421netbeans_enabled Compiled with support for |netbeans| and it's used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005422ole Compiled with OLE automation support for Win32.
5423os2 OS/2 version of Vim.
5424osfiletype Compiled with support for osfiletypes |+osfiletype|
5425path_extra Compiled with up/downwards search in 'path' and 'tags'
5426perl Compiled with Perl interface.
5427postscript Compiled with PostScript file printing.
5428printer Compiled with |:hardcopy| support.
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00005429profile Compiled with |:profile| support.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005430python Compiled with Python interface.
5431qnx QNX version of Vim.
5432quickfix Compiled with |quickfix| support.
Bram Moolenaard68071d2006-05-02 22:08:30 +00005433reltime Compiled with |reltime()| support.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005434rightleft Compiled with 'rightleft' support.
5435ruby Compiled with Ruby interface |ruby|.
5436scrollbind Compiled with 'scrollbind' support.
5437showcmd Compiled with 'showcmd' support.
5438signs Compiled with |:sign| support.
5439smartindent Compiled with 'smartindent' support.
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00005440sniff Compiled with SNiFF interface support.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005441statusline Compiled with support for 'statusline', 'rulerformat'
5442 and special formats of 'titlestring' and 'iconstring'.
5443sun_workshop Compiled with support for Sun |workshop|.
Bram Moolenaar82cf9b62005-06-07 21:09:25 +00005444spell Compiled with spell checking support |spell|.
5445syntax Compiled with syntax highlighting support |syntax|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005446syntax_items There are active syntax highlighting items for the
5447 current buffer.
5448system Compiled to use system() instead of fork()/exec().
5449tag_binary Compiled with binary searching in tags files
5450 |tag-binary-search|.
5451tag_old_static Compiled with support for old static tags
5452 |tag-old-static|.
5453tag_any_white Compiled with support for any white characters in tags
5454 files |tag-any-white|.
5455tcl Compiled with Tcl interface.
5456terminfo Compiled with terminfo instead of termcap.
5457termresponse Compiled with support for |t_RV| and |v:termresponse|.
5458textobjects Compiled with support for |text-objects|.
5459tgetent Compiled with tgetent support, able to use a termcap
5460 or terminfo file.
5461title Compiled with window title support |'title'|.
5462toolbar Compiled with support for |gui-toolbar|.
5463unix Unix version of Vim.
5464user_commands User-defined commands.
5465viminfo Compiled with viminfo support.
5466vim_starting True while initial source'ing takes place.
5467vertsplit Compiled with vertically split windows |:vsplit|.
5468virtualedit Compiled with 'virtualedit' option.
5469visual Compiled with Visual mode.
5470visualextra Compiled with extra Visual mode commands.
5471 |blockwise-operators|.
5472vms VMS version of Vim.
5473vreplace Compiled with |gR| and |gr| commands.
5474wildignore Compiled with 'wildignore' option.
5475wildmenu Compiled with 'wildmenu' option.
5476windows Compiled with support for more than one window.
5477winaltkeys Compiled with 'winaltkeys' option.
5478win16 Win16 version of Vim (MS-Windows 3.1).
5479win32 Win32 version of Vim (MS-Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP).
5480win64 Win64 version of Vim (MS-Windows 64 bit).
5481win32unix Win32 version of Vim, using Unix files (Cygwin)
5482win95 Win32 version for MS-Windows 95/98/ME.
5483writebackup Compiled with 'writebackup' default on.
5484xfontset Compiled with X fontset support |xfontset|.
5485xim Compiled with X input method support |xim|.
5486xsmp Compiled with X session management support.
5487xsmp_interact Compiled with interactive X session management support.
5488xterm_clipboard Compiled with support for xterm clipboard.
5489xterm_save Compiled with support for saving and restoring the
5490 xterm screen.
5491x11 Compiled with X11 support.
5492
5493 *string-match*
5494Matching a pattern in a String
5495
5496A regexp pattern as explained at |pattern| is normally used to find a match in
5497the buffer lines. When a pattern is used to find a match in a String, almost
5498everything works in the same way. The difference is that a String is handled
5499like it is one line. When it contains a "\n" character, this is not seen as a
5500line break for the pattern. It can be matched with a "\n" in the pattern, or
5501with ".". Example: >
5502 :let a = "aaaa\nxxxx"
5503 :echo matchstr(a, "..\n..")
5504 aa
5505 xx
5506 :echo matchstr(a, "a.x")
5507 a
5508 x
5509
5510Don't forget that "^" will only match at the first character of the String and
5511"$" at the last character of the string. They don't match after or before a
5512"\n".
5513
5514==============================================================================
55155. Defining functions *user-functions*
5516
5517New functions can be defined. These can be called just like builtin
5518functions. The function executes a sequence of Ex commands. Normal mode
5519commands can be executed with the |:normal| command.
5520
5521The function name must start with an uppercase letter, to avoid confusion with
5522builtin functions. To prevent from using the same name in different scripts
5523avoid obvious, short names. A good habit is to start the function name with
5524the name of the script, e.g., "HTMLcolor()".
5525
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00005526It's also possible to use curly braces, see |curly-braces-names|. And the
5527|autoload| facility is useful to define a function only when it's called.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005528
5529 *local-function*
5530A function local to a script must start with "s:". A local script function
5531can only be called from within the script and from functions, user commands
5532and autocommands defined in the script. It is also possible to call the
5533function from a mappings defined in the script, but then |<SID>| must be used
5534instead of "s:" when the mapping is expanded outside of the script.
5535
5536 *:fu* *:function* *E128* *E129* *E123*
5537:fu[nction] List all functions and their arguments.
5538
5539:fu[nction] {name} List function {name}.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005540 {name} can also be a |Dictionary| entry that is a
5541 |Funcref|: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005542 :function dict.init
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00005543
5544:fu[nction] /{pattern} List functions with a name matching {pattern}.
5545 Example that lists all functions ending with "File": >
5546 :function /File$
Bram Moolenaar5b8d8fd2005-08-16 23:01:50 +00005547<
5548 *:function-verbose*
5549When 'verbose' is non-zero, listing a function will also display where it was
5550last defined. Example: >
5551
5552 :verbose function SetFileTypeSH
5553 function SetFileTypeSH(name)
5554 Last set from /usr/share/vim/vim-7.0/filetype.vim
5555<
Bram Moolenaar8aff23a2005-08-19 20:40:30 +00005556See |:verbose-cmd| for more information.
Bram Moolenaar5b8d8fd2005-08-16 23:01:50 +00005557
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00005558 *E124* *E125*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00005559:fu[nction][!] {name}([arguments]) [range] [abort] [dict]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005560 Define a new function by the name {name}. The name
5561 must be made of alphanumeric characters and '_', and
5562 must start with a capital or "s:" (see above).
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005563
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005564 {name} can also be a |Dictionary| entry that is a
5565 |Funcref|: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005566 :function dict.init(arg)
5567< "dict" must be an existing dictionary. The entry
5568 "init" is added if it didn't exist yet. Otherwise [!]
5569 is required to overwrite an existing function. The
5570 result is a |Funcref| to a numbered function. The
5571 function can only be used with a |Funcref| and will be
5572 deleted if there are no more references to it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005573 *E127* *E122*
5574 When a function by this name already exists and [!] is
5575 not used an error message is given. When [!] is used,
5576 an existing function is silently replaced. Unless it
5577 is currently being executed, that is an error.
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00005578
5579 For the {arguments} see |function-argument|.
5580
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005581 *a:firstline* *a:lastline*
5582 When the [range] argument is added, the function is
5583 expected to take care of a range itself. The range is
5584 passed as "a:firstline" and "a:lastline". If [range]
5585 is excluded, ":{range}call" will call the function for
5586 each line in the range, with the cursor on the start
5587 of each line. See |function-range-example|.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005588
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005589 When the [abort] argument is added, the function will
5590 abort as soon as an error is detected.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005591
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00005592 When the [dict] argument is added, the function must
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005593 be invoked through an entry in a |Dictionary|. The
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00005594 local variable "self" will then be set to the
5595 dictionary. See |Dictionary-function|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005596
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00005597 The last used search pattern and the redo command "."
5598 will not be changed by the function.
5599
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005600 *:endf* *:endfunction* *E126* *E193*
5601:endf[unction] The end of a function definition. Must be on a line
5602 by its own, without other commands.
5603
5604 *:delf* *:delfunction* *E130* *E131*
5605:delf[unction] {name} Delete function {name}.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005606 {name} can also be a |Dictionary| entry that is a
5607 |Funcref|: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005608 :delfunc dict.init
5609< This will remove the "init" entry from "dict". The
5610 function is deleted if there are no more references to
5611 it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005612 *:retu* *:return* *E133*
5613:retu[rn] [expr] Return from a function. When "[expr]" is given, it is
5614 evaluated and returned as the result of the function.
5615 If "[expr]" is not given, the number 0 is returned.
5616 When a function ends without an explicit ":return",
5617 the number 0 is returned.
5618 Note that there is no check for unreachable lines,
5619 thus there is no warning if commands follow ":return".
5620
5621 If the ":return" is used after a |:try| but before the
5622 matching |:finally| (if present), the commands
5623 following the ":finally" up to the matching |:endtry|
5624 are executed first. This process applies to all
5625 nested ":try"s inside the function. The function
5626 returns at the outermost ":endtry".
5627
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00005628 *function-argument* *a:var*
5629An argument can be defined by giving its name. In the function this can then
5630be used as "a:name" ("a:" for argument).
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00005631 *a:0* *a:1* *a:000* *E740* *...*
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00005632Up to 20 arguments can be given, separated by commas. After the named
5633arguments an argument "..." can be specified, which means that more arguments
5634may optionally be following. In the function the extra arguments can be used
5635as "a:1", "a:2", etc. "a:0" is set to the number of extra arguments (which
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005636can be 0). "a:000" is set to a |List| that contains these arguments. Note
5637that "a:1" is the same as "a:000[0]".
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00005638 *E742*
5639The a: scope and the variables in it cannot be changed, they are fixed.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005640However, if a |List| or |Dictionary| is used, you can changes their contents.
5641Thus you can pass a |List| to a function and have the function add an item to
5642it. If you want to make sure the function cannot change a |List| or
5643|Dictionary| use |:lockvar|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005644
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00005645When not using "...", the number of arguments in a function call must be equal
5646to the number of named arguments. When using "...", the number of arguments
5647may be larger.
5648
5649It is also possible to define a function without any arguments. You must
5650still supply the () then. The body of the function follows in the next lines,
5651until the matching |:endfunction|. It is allowed to define another function
5652inside a function body.
5653
5654 *local-variables*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005655Inside a function variables can be used. These are local variables, which
5656will disappear when the function returns. Global variables need to be
5657accessed with "g:".
5658
5659Example: >
5660 :function Table(title, ...)
5661 : echohl Title
5662 : echo a:title
5663 : echohl None
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00005664 : echo a:0 . " items:"
5665 : for s in a:000
5666 : echon ' ' . s
5667 : endfor
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005668 :endfunction
5669
5670This function can then be called with: >
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00005671 call Table("Table", "line1", "line2")
5672 call Table("Empty Table")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005673
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00005674To return more than one value, return a |List|: >
5675 :function Compute(n1, n2)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005676 : if a:n2 == 0
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00005677 : return ["fail", 0]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005678 : endif
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00005679 : return ["ok", a:n1 / a:n2]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005680 :endfunction
5681
5682This function can then be called with: >
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00005683 :let [success, div] = Compute(102, 6)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005684 :if success == "ok"
5685 : echo div
5686 :endif
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00005687<
Bram Moolenaar39f05632006-03-19 22:15:26 +00005688 *:cal* *:call* *E107* *E117*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005689:[range]cal[l] {name}([arguments])
5690 Call a function. The name of the function and its arguments
5691 are as specified with |:function|. Up to 20 arguments can be
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00005692 used. The returned value is discarded.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005693 Without a range and for functions that accept a range, the
5694 function is called once. When a range is given the cursor is
5695 positioned at the start of the first line before executing the
5696 function.
5697 When a range is given and the function doesn't handle it
5698 itself, the function is executed for each line in the range,
5699 with the cursor in the first column of that line. The cursor
5700 is left at the last line (possibly moved by the last function
5701 call). The arguments are re-evaluated for each line. Thus
5702 this works:
5703 *function-range-example* >
5704 :function Mynumber(arg)
5705 : echo line(".") . " " . a:arg
5706 :endfunction
5707 :1,5call Mynumber(getline("."))
5708<
5709 The "a:firstline" and "a:lastline" are defined anyway, they
5710 can be used to do something different at the start or end of
5711 the range.
5712
5713 Example of a function that handles the range itself: >
5714
5715 :function Cont() range
5716 : execute (a:firstline + 1) . "," . a:lastline . 's/^/\t\\ '
5717 :endfunction
5718 :4,8call Cont()
5719<
5720 This function inserts the continuation character "\" in front
5721 of all the lines in the range, except the first one.
5722
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00005723 When the function returns a composite value it can be further
5724 dereferenced, but the range will not be used then. Example: >
5725 :4,8call GetDict().method()
5726< Here GetDict() gets the range but method() does not.
5727
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005728 *E132*
5729The recursiveness of user functions is restricted with the |'maxfuncdepth'|
5730option.
5731
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005732
5733AUTOMATICALLY LOADING FUNCTIONS ~
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005734 *autoload-functions*
5735When using many or large functions, it's possible to automatically define them
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005736only when they are used. There are two methods: with an autocommand and with
5737the "autoload" directory in 'runtimepath'.
5738
5739
5740Using an autocommand ~
5741
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00005742This is introduced in the user manual, section |41.14|.
5743
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005744The autocommand is useful if you have a plugin that is a long Vim script file.
5745You can define the autocommand and quickly quit the script with |:finish|.
5746That makes Vim startup faster. The autocommand should then load the same file
5747again, setting a variable to skip the |:finish| command.
5748
5749Use the FuncUndefined autocommand event with a pattern that matches the
5750function(s) to be defined. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005751
5752 :au FuncUndefined BufNet* source ~/vim/bufnetfuncs.vim
5753
5754The file "~/vim/bufnetfuncs.vim" should then define functions that start with
5755"BufNet". Also see |FuncUndefined|.
5756
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005757
5758Using an autoload script ~
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00005759 *autoload* *E746*
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00005760This is introduced in the user manual, section |41.15|.
5761
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005762Using a script in the "autoload" directory is simpler, but requires using
5763exactly the right file name. A function that can be autoloaded has a name
5764like this: >
5765
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00005766 :call filename#funcname()
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005767
5768When such a function is called, and it is not defined yet, Vim will search the
5769"autoload" directories in 'runtimepath' for a script file called
5770"filename.vim". For example "~/.vim/autoload/filename.vim". That file should
5771then define the function like this: >
5772
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00005773 function filename#funcname()
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005774 echo "Done!"
5775 endfunction
5776
Bram Moolenaar60a795a2005-09-16 21:55:43 +00005777The file name and the name used before the # in the function must match
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005778exactly, and the defined function must have the name exactly as it will be
5779called.
5780
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00005781It is possible to use subdirectories. Every # in the function name works like
5782a path separator. Thus when calling a function: >
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005783
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00005784 :call foo#bar#func()
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005785
5786Vim will look for the file "autoload/foo/bar.vim" in 'runtimepath'.
5787
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00005788This also works when reading a variable that has not been set yet: >
5789
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00005790 :let l = foo#bar#lvar
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00005791
Bram Moolenaara5792f52005-11-23 21:25:05 +00005792However, when the autoload script was already loaded it won't be loaded again
5793for an unknown variable.
5794
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00005795When assigning a value to such a variable nothing special happens. This can
5796be used to pass settings to the autoload script before it's loaded: >
5797
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00005798 :let foo#bar#toggle = 1
5799 :call foo#bar#func()
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00005800
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00005801Note that when you make a mistake and call a function that is supposed to be
5802defined in an autoload script, but the script doesn't actually define the
5803function, the script will be sourced every time you try to call the function.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00005804And you will get an error message every time.
5805
5806Also note that if you have two script files, and one calls a function in the
5807other and vise versa, before the used function is defined, it won't work.
5808Avoid using the autoload functionality at the toplevel.
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005809
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00005810Hint: If you distribute a bunch of scripts you can pack them together with the
5811|vimball| utility. Also read the user manual |distribute-script|.
5812
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005813==============================================================================
58146. Curly braces names *curly-braces-names*
5815
5816Wherever you can use a variable, you can use a "curly braces name" variable.
5817This is a regular variable name with one or more expressions wrapped in braces
5818{} like this: >
5819 my_{adjective}_variable
5820
5821When Vim encounters this, it evaluates the expression inside the braces, puts
5822that in place of the expression, and re-interprets the whole as a variable
5823name. So in the above example, if the variable "adjective" was set to
5824"noisy", then the reference would be to "my_noisy_variable", whereas if
5825"adjective" was set to "quiet", then it would be to "my_quiet_variable".
5826
5827One application for this is to create a set of variables governed by an option
5828value. For example, the statement >
5829 echo my_{&background}_message
5830
5831would output the contents of "my_dark_message" or "my_light_message" depending
5832on the current value of 'background'.
5833
5834You can use multiple brace pairs: >
5835 echo my_{adverb}_{adjective}_message
5836..or even nest them: >
5837 echo my_{ad{end_of_word}}_message
5838where "end_of_word" is either "verb" or "jective".
5839
5840However, the expression inside the braces must evaluate to a valid single
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00005841variable name, e.g. this is invalid: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005842 :let foo='a + b'
5843 :echo c{foo}d
5844.. since the result of expansion is "ca + bd", which is not a variable name.
5845
5846 *curly-braces-function-names*
5847You can call and define functions by an evaluated name in a similar way.
5848Example: >
5849 :let func_end='whizz'
5850 :call my_func_{func_end}(parameter)
5851
5852This would call the function "my_func_whizz(parameter)".
5853
5854==============================================================================
58557. Commands *expression-commands*
5856
5857:let {var-name} = {expr1} *:let* *E18*
5858 Set internal variable {var-name} to the result of the
5859 expression {expr1}. The variable will get the type
5860 from the {expr}. If {var-name} didn't exist yet, it
5861 is created.
5862
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00005863:let {var-name}[{idx}] = {expr1} *E689*
5864 Set a list item to the result of the expression
5865 {expr1}. {var-name} must refer to a list and {idx}
5866 must be a valid index in that list. For nested list
5867 the index can be repeated.
5868 This cannot be used to add an item to a list.
5869
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005870 *E711* *E719*
5871:let {var-name}[{idx1}:{idx2}] = {expr1} *E708* *E709* *E710*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005872 Set a sequence of items in a |List| to the result of
5873 the expression {expr1}, which must be a list with the
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00005874 correct number of items.
5875 {idx1} can be omitted, zero is used instead.
5876 {idx2} can be omitted, meaning the end of the list.
5877 When the selected range of items is partly past the
5878 end of the list, items will be added.
5879
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00005880 *:let+=* *:let-=* *:let.=* *E734*
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005881:let {var} += {expr1} Like ":let {var} = {var} + {expr1}".
5882:let {var} -= {expr1} Like ":let {var} = {var} - {expr1}".
5883:let {var} .= {expr1} Like ":let {var} = {var} . {expr1}".
5884 These fail if {var} was not set yet and when the type
5885 of {var} and {expr1} don't fit the operator.
5886
5887
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005888:let ${env-name} = {expr1} *:let-environment* *:let-$*
5889 Set environment variable {env-name} to the result of
5890 the expression {expr1}. The type is always String.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005891:let ${env-name} .= {expr1}
5892 Append {expr1} to the environment variable {env-name}.
5893 If the environment variable didn't exist yet this
5894 works like "=".
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005895
5896:let @{reg-name} = {expr1} *:let-register* *:let-@*
5897 Write the result of the expression {expr1} in register
5898 {reg-name}. {reg-name} must be a single letter, and
5899 must be the name of a writable register (see
5900 |registers|). "@@" can be used for the unnamed
5901 register, "@/" for the search pattern.
5902 If the result of {expr1} ends in a <CR> or <NL>, the
5903 register will be linewise, otherwise it will be set to
5904 characterwise.
5905 This can be used to clear the last search pattern: >
5906 :let @/ = ""
5907< This is different from searching for an empty string,
5908 that would match everywhere.
5909
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005910:let @{reg-name} .= {expr1}
5911 Append {expr1} to register {reg-name}. If the
5912 register was empty it's like setting it to {expr1}.
5913
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00005914:let &{option-name} = {expr1} *:let-option* *:let-&*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005915 Set option {option-name} to the result of the
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00005916 expression {expr1}. A String or Number value is
5917 always converted to the type of the option.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005918 For an option local to a window or buffer the effect
5919 is just like using the |:set| command: both the local
Bram Moolenaara5fac542005-10-12 20:58:49 +00005920 value and the global value are changed.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00005921 Example: >
5922 :let &path = &path . ',/usr/local/include'
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005923
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005924:let &{option-name} .= {expr1}
5925 For a string option: Append {expr1} to the value.
5926 Does not insert a comma like |:set+=|.
5927
5928:let &{option-name} += {expr1}
5929:let &{option-name} -= {expr1}
5930 For a number or boolean option: Add or subtract
5931 {expr1}.
5932
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005933:let &l:{option-name} = {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005934:let &l:{option-name} .= {expr1}
5935:let &l:{option-name} += {expr1}
5936:let &l:{option-name} -= {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005937 Like above, but only set the local value of an option
5938 (if there is one). Works like |:setlocal|.
5939
5940:let &g:{option-name} = {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005941:let &g:{option-name} .= {expr1}
5942:let &g:{option-name} += {expr1}
5943:let &g:{option-name} -= {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005944 Like above, but only set the global value of an option
5945 (if there is one). Works like |:setglobal|.
5946
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00005947:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] = {expr1} *:let-unpack* *E687* *E688*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005948 {expr1} must evaluate to a |List|. The first item in
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00005949 the list is assigned to {name1}, the second item to
5950 {name2}, etc.
5951 The number of names must match the number of items in
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005952 the |List|.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00005953 Each name can be one of the items of the ":let"
5954 command as mentioned above.
5955 Example: >
5956 :let [s, item] = GetItem(s)
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005957< Detail: {expr1} is evaluated first, then the
5958 assignments are done in sequence. This matters if
5959 {name2} depends on {name1}. Example: >
5960 :let x = [0, 1]
5961 :let i = 0
5962 :let [i, x[i]] = [1, 2]
5963 :echo x
5964< The result is [0, 2].
5965
5966:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] .= {expr1}
5967:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] += {expr1}
5968:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] -= {expr1}
5969 Like above, but append/add/subtract the value for each
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005970 |List| item.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00005971
5972:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] = {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005973 Like |:let-unpack| above, but the |List| may have more
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005974 items than there are names. A list of the remaining
5975 items is assigned to {lastname}. If there are no
5976 remaining items {lastname} is set to an empty list.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00005977 Example: >
5978 :let [a, b; rest] = ["aval", "bval", 3, 4]
5979<
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005980:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] .= {expr1}
5981:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] += {expr1}
5982:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] -= {expr1}
5983 Like above, but append/add/subtract the value for each
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005984 |List| item.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005985 *E106*
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005986:let {var-name} .. List the value of variable {var-name}. Multiple
Bram Moolenaardcaf10e2005-01-21 11:55:25 +00005987 variable names may be given. Special names recognized
5988 here: *E738*
Bram Moolenaarca003e12006-03-17 23:19:38 +00005989 g: global variables
5990 b: local buffer variables
5991 w: local window variables
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00005992 t: local tab page variables
Bram Moolenaarca003e12006-03-17 23:19:38 +00005993 s: script-local variables
5994 l: local function variables
Bram Moolenaardcaf10e2005-01-21 11:55:25 +00005995 v: Vim variables.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005996
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00005997:let List the values of all variables. The type of the
5998 variable is indicated before the value:
5999 <nothing> String
6000 # Number
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00006001 * Funcref
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006002
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00006003
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006004:unl[et][!] {name} ... *:unlet* *:unl* *E108* *E795*
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00006005 Remove the internal variable {name}. Several variable
6006 names can be given, they are all removed. The name
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006007 may also be a |List| or |Dictionary| item.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006008 With [!] no error message is given for non-existing
6009 variables.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006010 One or more items from a |List| can be removed: >
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +00006011 :unlet list[3] " remove fourth item
6012 :unlet list[3:] " remove fourth item to last
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006013< One item from a |Dictionary| can be removed at a time: >
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +00006014 :unlet dict['two']
6015 :unlet dict.two
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006016
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00006017:lockv[ar][!] [depth] {name} ... *:lockvar* *:lockv*
6018 Lock the internal variable {name}. Locking means that
6019 it can no longer be changed (until it is unlocked).
6020 A locked variable can be deleted: >
6021 :lockvar v
6022 :let v = 'asdf' " fails!
6023 :unlet v
6024< *E741*
6025 If you try to change a locked variable you get an
6026 error message: "E741: Value of {name} is locked"
6027
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006028 [depth] is relevant when locking a |List| or
6029 |Dictionary|. It specifies how deep the locking goes:
6030 1 Lock the |List| or |Dictionary| itself,
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00006031 cannot add or remove items, but can
6032 still change their values.
6033 2 Also lock the values, cannot change
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006034 the items. If an item is a |List| or
6035 |Dictionary|, cannot add or remove
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00006036 items, but can still change the
6037 values.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006038 3 Like 2 but for the |List| /
6039 |Dictionary| in the |List| /
6040 |Dictionary|, one level deeper.
6041 The default [depth] is 2, thus when {name} is a |List|
6042 or |Dictionary| the values cannot be changed.
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00006043 *E743*
6044 For unlimited depth use [!] and omit [depth].
6045 However, there is a maximum depth of 100 to catch
6046 loops.
6047
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006048 Note that when two variables refer to the same |List|
6049 and you lock one of them, the |List| will also be
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00006050 locked when used through the other variable.
6051 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00006052 :let l = [0, 1, 2, 3]
6053 :let cl = l
6054 :lockvar l
6055 :let cl[1] = 99 " won't work!
6056< You may want to make a copy of a list to avoid this.
6057 See |deepcopy()|.
6058
6059
6060:unlo[ckvar][!] [depth] {name} ... *:unlockvar* *:unlo*
6061 Unlock the internal variable {name}. Does the
6062 opposite of |:lockvar|.
6063
6064
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006065:if {expr1} *:if* *:endif* *:en* *E171* *E579* *E580*
6066:en[dif] Execute the commands until the next matching ":else"
6067 or ":endif" if {expr1} evaluates to non-zero.
6068
6069 From Vim version 4.5 until 5.0, every Ex command in
6070 between the ":if" and ":endif" is ignored. These two
6071 commands were just to allow for future expansions in a
6072 backwards compatible way. Nesting was allowed. Note
6073 that any ":else" or ":elseif" was ignored, the "else"
6074 part was not executed either.
6075
6076 You can use this to remain compatible with older
6077 versions: >
6078 :if version >= 500
6079 : version-5-specific-commands
6080 :endif
6081< The commands still need to be parsed to find the
6082 "endif". Sometimes an older Vim has a problem with a
6083 new command. For example, ":silent" is recognized as
6084 a ":substitute" command. In that case ":execute" can
6085 avoid problems: >
6086 :if version >= 600
6087 : execute "silent 1,$delete"
6088 :endif
6089<
6090 NOTE: The ":append" and ":insert" commands don't work
6091 properly in between ":if" and ":endif".
6092
6093 *:else* *:el* *E581* *E583*
6094:el[se] Execute the commands until the next matching ":else"
6095 or ":endif" if they previously were not being
6096 executed.
6097
6098 *:elseif* *:elsei* *E582* *E584*
6099:elsei[f] {expr1} Short for ":else" ":if", with the addition that there
6100 is no extra ":endif".
6101
6102:wh[ile] {expr1} *:while* *:endwhile* *:wh* *:endw*
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006103 *E170* *E585* *E588* *E733*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006104:endw[hile] Repeat the commands between ":while" and ":endwhile",
6105 as long as {expr1} evaluates to non-zero.
6106 When an error is detected from a command inside the
6107 loop, execution continues after the "endwhile".
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00006108 Example: >
6109 :let lnum = 1
6110 :while lnum <= line("$")
6111 :call FixLine(lnum)
6112 :let lnum = lnum + 1
6113 :endwhile
6114<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006115 NOTE: The ":append" and ":insert" commands don't work
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00006116 properly inside a ":while" and ":for" loop.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006117
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006118:for {var} in {list} *:for* *E690* *E732*
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00006119:endfo[r] *:endfo* *:endfor*
6120 Repeat the commands between ":for" and ":endfor" for
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00006121 each item in {list}. Variable {var} is set to the
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00006122 value of each item.
6123 When an error is detected for a command inside the
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00006124 loop, execution continues after the "endfor".
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00006125 Changing {list} inside the loop affects what items are
6126 used. Make a copy if this is unwanted: >
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00006127 :for item in copy(mylist)
6128< When not making a copy, Vim stores a reference to the
6129 next item in the list, before executing the commands
6130 with the current item. Thus the current item can be
6131 removed without effect. Removing any later item means
6132 it will not be found. Thus the following example
6133 works (an inefficient way to make a list empty): >
6134 :for item in mylist
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00006135 :call remove(mylist, 0)
6136 :endfor
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00006137< Note that reordering the list (e.g., with sort() or
6138 reverse()) may have unexpected effects.
6139 Note that the type of each list item should be
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00006140 identical to avoid errors for the type of {var}
6141 changing. Unlet the variable at the end of the loop
6142 to allow multiple item types.
6143
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00006144:for [{var1}, {var2}, ...] in {listlist}
6145:endfo[r]
6146 Like ":for" above, but each item in {listlist} must be
6147 a list, of which each item is assigned to {var1},
6148 {var2}, etc. Example: >
6149 :for [lnum, col] in [[1, 3], [2, 5], [3, 8]]
6150 :echo getline(lnum)[col]
6151 :endfor
6152<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006153 *:continue* *:con* *E586*
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00006154:con[tinue] When used inside a ":while" or ":for" loop, jumps back
6155 to the start of the loop.
6156 If it is used after a |:try| inside the loop but
6157 before the matching |:finally| (if present), the
6158 commands following the ":finally" up to the matching
6159 |:endtry| are executed first. This process applies to
6160 all nested ":try"s inside the loop. The outermost
6161 ":endtry" then jumps back to the start of the loop.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006162
6163 *:break* *:brea* *E587*
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00006164:brea[k] When used inside a ":while" or ":for" loop, skips to
6165 the command after the matching ":endwhile" or
6166 ":endfor".
6167 If it is used after a |:try| inside the loop but
6168 before the matching |:finally| (if present), the
6169 commands following the ":finally" up to the matching
6170 |:endtry| are executed first. This process applies to
6171 all nested ":try"s inside the loop. The outermost
6172 ":endtry" then jumps to the command after the loop.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006173
6174:try *:try* *:endt* *:endtry* *E600* *E601* *E602*
6175:endt[ry] Change the error handling for the commands between
6176 ":try" and ":endtry" including everything being
6177 executed across ":source" commands, function calls,
6178 or autocommand invocations.
6179
6180 When an error or interrupt is detected and there is
6181 a |:finally| command following, execution continues
6182 after the ":finally". Otherwise, or when the
6183 ":endtry" is reached thereafter, the next
6184 (dynamically) surrounding ":try" is checked for
6185 a corresponding ":finally" etc. Then the script
6186 processing is terminated. (Whether a function
6187 definition has an "abort" argument does not matter.)
6188 Example: >
6189 :try | edit too much | finally | echo "cleanup" | endtry
6190 :echo "impossible" " not reached, script terminated above
6191<
6192 Moreover, an error or interrupt (dynamically) inside
6193 ":try" and ":endtry" is converted to an exception. It
6194 can be caught as if it were thrown by a |:throw|
6195 command (see |:catch|). In this case, the script
6196 processing is not terminated.
6197
6198 The value "Vim:Interrupt" is used for an interrupt
6199 exception. An error in a Vim command is converted
6200 to a value of the form "Vim({command}):{errmsg}",
6201 other errors are converted to a value of the form
6202 "Vim:{errmsg}". {command} is the full command name,
6203 and {errmsg} is the message that is displayed if the
6204 error exception is not caught, always beginning with
6205 the error number.
6206 Examples: >
6207 :try | sleep 100 | catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/ | endtry
6208 :try | edit | catch /^Vim(edit):E\d\+/ | echo "error" | endtry
6209<
6210 *:cat* *:catch* *E603* *E604* *E605*
6211:cat[ch] /{pattern}/ The following commands until the next ":catch",
6212 |:finally|, or |:endtry| that belongs to the same
6213 |:try| as the ":catch" are executed when an exception
6214 matching {pattern} is being thrown and has not yet
6215 been caught by a previous ":catch". Otherwise, these
6216 commands are skipped.
6217 When {pattern} is omitted all errors are caught.
6218 Examples: >
6219 :catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/ " catch interrupts (CTRL-C)
6220 :catch /^Vim\%((\a\+)\)\=:E/ " catch all Vim errors
6221 :catch /^Vim\%((\a\+)\)\=:/ " catch errors and interrupts
6222 :catch /^Vim(write):/ " catch all errors in :write
6223 :catch /^Vim\%((\a\+)\)\=:E123/ " catch error E123
6224 :catch /my-exception/ " catch user exception
6225 :catch /.*/ " catch everything
6226 :catch " same as /.*/
6227<
6228 Another character can be used instead of / around the
6229 {pattern}, so long as it does not have a special
6230 meaning (e.g., '|' or '"') and doesn't occur inside
6231 {pattern}.
6232 NOTE: It is not reliable to ":catch" the TEXT of
6233 an error message because it may vary in different
6234 locales.
6235
6236 *:fina* *:finally* *E606* *E607*
6237:fina[lly] The following commands until the matching |:endtry|
6238 are executed whenever the part between the matching
6239 |:try| and the ":finally" is left: either by falling
6240 through to the ":finally" or by a |:continue|,
6241 |:break|, |:finish|, or |:return|, or by an error or
6242 interrupt or exception (see |:throw|).
6243
6244 *:th* *:throw* *E608*
6245:th[row] {expr1} The {expr1} is evaluated and thrown as an exception.
6246 If the ":throw" is used after a |:try| but before the
6247 first corresponding |:catch|, commands are skipped
6248 until the first ":catch" matching {expr1} is reached.
6249 If there is no such ":catch" or if the ":throw" is
6250 used after a ":catch" but before the |:finally|, the
6251 commands following the ":finally" (if present) up to
6252 the matching |:endtry| are executed. If the ":throw"
6253 is after the ":finally", commands up to the ":endtry"
6254 are skipped. At the ":endtry", this process applies
6255 again for the next dynamically surrounding ":try"
6256 (which may be found in a calling function or sourcing
6257 script), until a matching ":catch" has been found.
6258 If the exception is not caught, the command processing
6259 is terminated.
6260 Example: >
6261 :try | throw "oops" | catch /^oo/ | echo "caught" | endtry
6262<
6263
6264 *:ec* *:echo*
6265:ec[ho] {expr1} .. Echoes each {expr1}, with a space in between. The
6266 first {expr1} starts on a new line.
6267 Also see |:comment|.
6268 Use "\n" to start a new line. Use "\r" to move the
6269 cursor to the first column.
6270 Uses the highlighting set by the |:echohl| command.
6271 Cannot be followed by a comment.
6272 Example: >
6273 :echo "the value of 'shell' is" &shell
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006274< *:echo-redraw*
6275 A later redraw may make the message disappear again.
6276 And since Vim mostly postpones redrawing until it's
6277 finished with a sequence of commands this happens
6278 quite often. To avoid that a command from before the
6279 ":echo" causes a redraw afterwards (redraws are often
6280 postponed until you type something), force a redraw
6281 with the |:redraw| command. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006282 :new | redraw | echo "there is a new window"
6283<
6284 *:echon*
6285:echon {expr1} .. Echoes each {expr1}, without anything added. Also see
6286 |:comment|.
6287 Uses the highlighting set by the |:echohl| command.
6288 Cannot be followed by a comment.
6289 Example: >
6290 :echon "the value of 'shell' is " &shell
6291<
6292 Note the difference between using ":echo", which is a
6293 Vim command, and ":!echo", which is an external shell
6294 command: >
6295 :!echo % --> filename
6296< The arguments of ":!" are expanded, see |:_%|. >
6297 :!echo "%" --> filename or "filename"
6298< Like the previous example. Whether you see the double
6299 quotes or not depends on your 'shell'. >
6300 :echo % --> nothing
6301< The '%' is an illegal character in an expression. >
6302 :echo "%" --> %
6303< This just echoes the '%' character. >
6304 :echo expand("%") --> filename
6305< This calls the expand() function to expand the '%'.
6306
6307 *:echoh* *:echohl*
6308:echoh[l] {name} Use the highlight group {name} for the following
6309 |:echo|, |:echon| and |:echomsg| commands. Also used
6310 for the |input()| prompt. Example: >
6311 :echohl WarningMsg | echo "Don't panic!" | echohl None
6312< Don't forget to set the group back to "None",
6313 otherwise all following echo's will be highlighted.
6314
6315 *:echom* *:echomsg*
6316:echom[sg] {expr1} .. Echo the expression(s) as a true message, saving the
6317 message in the |message-history|.
6318 Spaces are placed between the arguments as with the
6319 |:echo| command. But unprintable characters are
6320 displayed, not interpreted.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006321 The parsing works slightly different from |:echo|,
6322 more like |:execute|. All the expressions are first
6323 evaluated and concatenated before echoing anything.
6324 The expressions must evaluate to a Number or String, a
6325 Dictionary or List causes an error.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006326 Uses the highlighting set by the |:echohl| command.
6327 Example: >
6328 :echomsg "It's a Zizzer Zazzer Zuzz, as you can plainly see."
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006329< See |:echo-redraw| to avoid the message disappearing
6330 when the screen is redrawn.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006331 *:echoe* *:echoerr*
6332:echoe[rr] {expr1} .. Echo the expression(s) as an error message, saving the
6333 message in the |message-history|. When used in a
6334 script or function the line number will be added.
6335 Spaces are placed between the arguments as with the
6336 :echo command. When used inside a try conditional,
6337 the message is raised as an error exception instead
6338 (see |try-echoerr|).
6339 Example: >
6340 :echoerr "This script just failed!"
6341< If you just want a highlighted message use |:echohl|.
6342 And to get a beep: >
6343 :exe "normal \<Esc>"
6344<
6345 *:exe* *:execute*
6346:exe[cute] {expr1} .. Executes the string that results from the evaluation
6347 of {expr1} as an Ex command. Multiple arguments are
6348 concatenated, with a space in between. {expr1} is
6349 used as the processed command, command line editing
6350 keys are not recognized.
6351 Cannot be followed by a comment.
6352 Examples: >
6353 :execute "buffer " nextbuf
6354 :execute "normal " count . "w"
6355<
6356 ":execute" can be used to append a command to commands
6357 that don't accept a '|'. Example: >
6358 :execute '!ls' | echo "theend"
6359
6360< ":execute" is also a nice way to avoid having to type
6361 control characters in a Vim script for a ":normal"
6362 command: >
6363 :execute "normal ixxx\<Esc>"
6364< This has an <Esc> character, see |expr-string|.
6365
6366 Note: The executed string may be any command-line, but
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00006367 you cannot start or end a "while", "for" or "if"
6368 command. Thus this is illegal: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006369 :execute 'while i > 5'
6370 :execute 'echo "test" | break'
6371<
6372 It is allowed to have a "while" or "if" command
6373 completely in the executed string: >
6374 :execute 'while i < 5 | echo i | let i = i + 1 | endwhile'
6375<
6376
6377 *:comment*
6378 ":execute", ":echo" and ":echon" cannot be followed by
6379 a comment directly, because they see the '"' as the
6380 start of a string. But, you can use '|' followed by a
6381 comment. Example: >
6382 :echo "foo" | "this is a comment
6383
6384==============================================================================
63858. Exception handling *exception-handling*
6386
6387The Vim script language comprises an exception handling feature. This section
6388explains how it can be used in a Vim script.
6389
6390Exceptions may be raised by Vim on an error or on interrupt, see
6391|catch-errors| and |catch-interrupt|. You can also explicitly throw an
6392exception by using the ":throw" command, see |throw-catch|.
6393
6394
6395TRY CONDITIONALS *try-conditionals*
6396
6397Exceptions can be caught or can cause cleanup code to be executed. You can
6398use a try conditional to specify catch clauses (that catch exceptions) and/or
6399a finally clause (to be executed for cleanup).
6400 A try conditional begins with a |:try| command and ends at the matching
6401|:endtry| command. In between, you can use a |:catch| command to start
6402a catch clause, or a |:finally| command to start a finally clause. There may
6403be none or multiple catch clauses, but there is at most one finally clause,
6404which must not be followed by any catch clauses. The lines before the catch
6405clauses and the finally clause is called a try block. >
6406
6407 :try
6408 : ...
6409 : ... TRY BLOCK
6410 : ...
6411 :catch /{pattern}/
6412 : ...
6413 : ... CATCH CLAUSE
6414 : ...
6415 :catch /{pattern}/
6416 : ...
6417 : ... CATCH CLAUSE
6418 : ...
6419 :finally
6420 : ...
6421 : ... FINALLY CLAUSE
6422 : ...
6423 :endtry
6424
6425The try conditional allows to watch code for exceptions and to take the
6426appropriate actions. Exceptions from the try block may be caught. Exceptions
6427from the try block and also the catch clauses may cause cleanup actions.
6428 When no exception is thrown during execution of the try block, the control
6429is transferred to the finally clause, if present. After its execution, the
6430script continues with the line following the ":endtry".
6431 When an exception occurs during execution of the try block, the remaining
6432lines in the try block are skipped. The exception is matched against the
6433patterns specified as arguments to the ":catch" commands. The catch clause
6434after the first matching ":catch" is taken, other catch clauses are not
6435executed. The catch clause ends when the next ":catch", ":finally", or
6436":endtry" command is reached - whatever is first. Then, the finally clause
6437(if present) is executed. When the ":endtry" is reached, the script execution
6438continues in the following line as usual.
6439 When an exception that does not match any of the patterns specified by the
6440":catch" commands is thrown in the try block, the exception is not caught by
6441that try conditional and none of the catch clauses is executed. Only the
6442finally clause, if present, is taken. The exception pends during execution of
6443the finally clause. It is resumed at the ":endtry", so that commands after
6444the ":endtry" are not executed and the exception might be caught elsewhere,
6445see |try-nesting|.
6446 When during execution of a catch clause another exception is thrown, the
6447remaining lines in that catch clause are not executed. The new exception is
6448not matched against the patterns in any of the ":catch" commands of the same
6449try conditional and none of its catch clauses is taken. If there is, however,
6450a finally clause, it is executed, and the exception pends during its
6451execution. The commands following the ":endtry" are not executed. The new
6452exception might, however, be caught elsewhere, see |try-nesting|.
6453 When during execution of the finally clause (if present) an exception is
6454thrown, the remaining lines in the finally clause are skipped. If the finally
6455clause has been taken because of an exception from the try block or one of the
6456catch clauses, the original (pending) exception is discarded. The commands
6457following the ":endtry" are not executed, and the exception from the finally
6458clause is propagated and can be caught elsewhere, see |try-nesting|.
6459
6460The finally clause is also executed, when a ":break" or ":continue" for
6461a ":while" loop enclosing the complete try conditional is executed from the
6462try block or a catch clause. Or when a ":return" or ":finish" is executed
6463from the try block or a catch clause of a try conditional in a function or
6464sourced script, respectively. The ":break", ":continue", ":return", or
6465":finish" pends during execution of the finally clause and is resumed when the
6466":endtry" is reached. It is, however, discarded when an exception is thrown
6467from the finally clause.
6468 When a ":break" or ":continue" for a ":while" loop enclosing the complete
6469try conditional or when a ":return" or ":finish" is encountered in the finally
6470clause, the rest of the finally clause is skipped, and the ":break",
6471":continue", ":return" or ":finish" is executed as usual. If the finally
6472clause has been taken because of an exception or an earlier ":break",
6473":continue", ":return", or ":finish" from the try block or a catch clause,
6474this pending exception or command is discarded.
6475
6476For examples see |throw-catch| and |try-finally|.
6477
6478
6479NESTING OF TRY CONDITIONALS *try-nesting*
6480
6481Try conditionals can be nested arbitrarily. That is, a complete try
6482conditional can be put into the try block, a catch clause, or the finally
6483clause of another try conditional. If the inner try conditional does not
6484catch an exception thrown in its try block or throws a new exception from one
6485of its catch clauses or its finally clause, the outer try conditional is
6486checked according to the rules above. If the inner try conditional is in the
6487try block of the outer try conditional, its catch clauses are checked, but
6488otherwise only the finally clause is executed. It does not matter for
6489nesting, whether the inner try conditional is directly contained in the outer
6490one, or whether the outer one sources a script or calls a function containing
6491the inner try conditional.
6492
6493When none of the active try conditionals catches an exception, just their
6494finally clauses are executed. Thereafter, the script processing terminates.
6495An error message is displayed in case of an uncaught exception explicitly
6496thrown by a ":throw" command. For uncaught error and interrupt exceptions
6497implicitly raised by Vim, the error message(s) or interrupt message are shown
6498as usual.
6499
6500For examples see |throw-catch|.
6501
6502
6503EXAMINING EXCEPTION HANDLING CODE *except-examine*
6504
6505Exception handling code can get tricky. If you are in doubt what happens, set
6506'verbose' to 13 or use the ":13verbose" command modifier when sourcing your
6507script file. Then you see when an exception is thrown, discarded, caught, or
6508finished. When using a verbosity level of at least 14, things pending in
6509a finally clause are also shown. This information is also given in debug mode
6510(see |debug-scripts|).
6511
6512
6513THROWING AND CATCHING EXCEPTIONS *throw-catch*
6514
6515You can throw any number or string as an exception. Use the |:throw| command
6516and pass the value to be thrown as argument: >
6517 :throw 4711
6518 :throw "string"
6519< *throw-expression*
6520You can also specify an expression argument. The expression is then evaluated
6521first, and the result is thrown: >
6522 :throw 4705 + strlen("string")
6523 :throw strpart("strings", 0, 6)
6524
6525An exception might be thrown during evaluation of the argument of the ":throw"
6526command. Unless it is caught there, the expression evaluation is abandoned.
6527The ":throw" command then does not throw a new exception.
6528 Example: >
6529
6530 :function! Foo(arg)
6531 : try
6532 : throw a:arg
6533 : catch /foo/
6534 : endtry
6535 : return 1
6536 :endfunction
6537 :
6538 :function! Bar()
6539 : echo "in Bar"
6540 : return 4710
6541 :endfunction
6542 :
6543 :throw Foo("arrgh") + Bar()
6544
6545This throws "arrgh", and "in Bar" is not displayed since Bar() is not
6546executed. >
6547 :throw Foo("foo") + Bar()
6548however displays "in Bar" and throws 4711.
6549
6550Any other command that takes an expression as argument might also be
6551abandoned by an (uncaught) exception during the expression evaluation. The
6552exception is then propagated to the caller of the command.
6553 Example: >
6554
6555 :if Foo("arrgh")
6556 : echo "then"
6557 :else
6558 : echo "else"
6559 :endif
6560
6561Here neither of "then" or "else" is displayed.
6562
6563 *catch-order*
6564Exceptions can be caught by a try conditional with one or more |:catch|
6565commands, see |try-conditionals|. The values to be caught by each ":catch"
6566command can be specified as a pattern argument. The subsequent catch clause
6567gets executed when a matching exception is caught.
6568 Example: >
6569
6570 :function! Foo(value)
6571 : try
6572 : throw a:value
6573 : catch /^\d\+$/
6574 : echo "Number thrown"
6575 : catch /.*/
6576 : echo "String thrown"
6577 : endtry
6578 :endfunction
6579 :
6580 :call Foo(0x1267)
6581 :call Foo('string')
6582
6583The first call to Foo() displays "Number thrown", the second "String thrown".
6584An exception is matched against the ":catch" commands in the order they are
6585specified. Only the first match counts. So you should place the more
6586specific ":catch" first. The following order does not make sense: >
6587
6588 : catch /.*/
6589 : echo "String thrown"
6590 : catch /^\d\+$/
6591 : echo "Number thrown"
6592
6593The first ":catch" here matches always, so that the second catch clause is
6594never taken.
6595
6596 *throw-variables*
6597If you catch an exception by a general pattern, you may access the exact value
6598in the variable |v:exception|: >
6599
6600 : catch /^\d\+$/
6601 : echo "Number thrown. Value is" v:exception
6602
6603You may also be interested where an exception was thrown. This is stored in
6604|v:throwpoint|. Note that "v:exception" and "v:throwpoint" are valid for the
6605exception most recently caught as long it is not finished.
6606 Example: >
6607
6608 :function! Caught()
6609 : if v:exception != ""
6610 : echo 'Caught "' . v:exception . '" in ' . v:throwpoint
6611 : else
6612 : echo 'Nothing caught'
6613 : endif
6614 :endfunction
6615 :
6616 :function! Foo()
6617 : try
6618 : try
6619 : try
6620 : throw 4711
6621 : finally
6622 : call Caught()
6623 : endtry
6624 : catch /.*/
6625 : call Caught()
6626 : throw "oops"
6627 : endtry
6628 : catch /.*/
6629 : call Caught()
6630 : finally
6631 : call Caught()
6632 : endtry
6633 :endfunction
6634 :
6635 :call Foo()
6636
6637This displays >
6638
6639 Nothing caught
6640 Caught "4711" in function Foo, line 4
6641 Caught "oops" in function Foo, line 10
6642 Nothing caught
6643
6644A practical example: The following command ":LineNumber" displays the line
6645number in the script or function where it has been used: >
6646
6647 :function! LineNumber()
6648 : return substitute(v:throwpoint, '.*\D\(\d\+\).*', '\1', "")
6649 :endfunction
6650 :command! LineNumber try | throw "" | catch | echo LineNumber() | endtry
6651<
6652 *try-nested*
6653An exception that is not caught by a try conditional can be caught by
6654a surrounding try conditional: >
6655
6656 :try
6657 : try
6658 : throw "foo"
6659 : catch /foobar/
6660 : echo "foobar"
6661 : finally
6662 : echo "inner finally"
6663 : endtry
6664 :catch /foo/
6665 : echo "foo"
6666 :endtry
6667
6668The inner try conditional does not catch the exception, just its finally
6669clause is executed. The exception is then caught by the outer try
6670conditional. The example displays "inner finally" and then "foo".
6671
6672 *throw-from-catch*
6673You can catch an exception and throw a new one to be caught elsewhere from the
6674catch clause: >
6675
6676 :function! Foo()
6677 : throw "foo"
6678 :endfunction
6679 :
6680 :function! Bar()
6681 : try
6682 : call Foo()
6683 : catch /foo/
6684 : echo "Caught foo, throw bar"
6685 : throw "bar"
6686 : endtry
6687 :endfunction
6688 :
6689 :try
6690 : call Bar()
6691 :catch /.*/
6692 : echo "Caught" v:exception
6693 :endtry
6694
6695This displays "Caught foo, throw bar" and then "Caught bar".
6696
6697 *rethrow*
6698There is no real rethrow in the Vim script language, but you may throw
6699"v:exception" instead: >
6700
6701 :function! Bar()
6702 : try
6703 : call Foo()
6704 : catch /.*/
6705 : echo "Rethrow" v:exception
6706 : throw v:exception
6707 : endtry
6708 :endfunction
6709< *try-echoerr*
6710Note that this method cannot be used to "rethrow" Vim error or interrupt
6711exceptions, because it is not possible to fake Vim internal exceptions.
6712Trying so causes an error exception. You should throw your own exception
6713denoting the situation. If you want to cause a Vim error exception containing
6714the original error exception value, you can use the |:echoerr| command: >
6715
6716 :try
6717 : try
6718 : asdf
6719 : catch /.*/
6720 : echoerr v:exception
6721 : endtry
6722 :catch /.*/
6723 : echo v:exception
6724 :endtry
6725
6726This code displays
6727
6728 Vim(echoerr):Vim:E492: Not an editor command: asdf ~
6729
6730
6731CLEANUP CODE *try-finally*
6732
6733Scripts often change global settings and restore them at their end. If the
6734user however interrupts the script by pressing CTRL-C, the settings remain in
6735an inconsistent state. The same may happen to you in the development phase of
6736a script when an error occurs or you explicitly throw an exception without
6737catching it. You can solve these problems by using a try conditional with
6738a finally clause for restoring the settings. Its execution is guaranteed on
6739normal control flow, on error, on an explicit ":throw", and on interrupt.
6740(Note that errors and interrupts from inside the try conditional are converted
6741to exceptions. When not caught, they terminate the script after the finally
6742clause has been executed.)
6743Example: >
6744
6745 :try
6746 : let s:saved_ts = &ts
6747 : set ts=17
6748 :
6749 : " Do the hard work here.
6750 :
6751 :finally
6752 : let &ts = s:saved_ts
6753 : unlet s:saved_ts
6754 :endtry
6755
6756This method should be used locally whenever a function or part of a script
6757changes global settings which need to be restored on failure or normal exit of
6758that function or script part.
6759
6760 *break-finally*
6761Cleanup code works also when the try block or a catch clause is left by
6762a ":continue", ":break", ":return", or ":finish".
6763 Example: >
6764
6765 :let first = 1
6766 :while 1
6767 : try
6768 : if first
6769 : echo "first"
6770 : let first = 0
6771 : continue
6772 : else
6773 : throw "second"
6774 : endif
6775 : catch /.*/
6776 : echo v:exception
6777 : break
6778 : finally
6779 : echo "cleanup"
6780 : endtry
6781 : echo "still in while"
6782 :endwhile
6783 :echo "end"
6784
6785This displays "first", "cleanup", "second", "cleanup", and "end". >
6786
6787 :function! Foo()
6788 : try
6789 : return 4711
6790 : finally
6791 : echo "cleanup\n"
6792 : endtry
6793 : echo "Foo still active"
6794 :endfunction
6795 :
6796 :echo Foo() "returned by Foo"
6797
6798This displays "cleanup" and "4711 returned by Foo". You don't need to add an
6799extra ":return" in the finally clause. (Above all, this would override the
6800return value.)
6801
6802 *except-from-finally*
6803Using either of ":continue", ":break", ":return", ":finish", or ":throw" in
6804a finally clause is possible, but not recommended since it abandons the
6805cleanup actions for the try conditional. But, of course, interrupt and error
6806exceptions might get raised from a finally clause.
6807 Example where an error in the finally clause stops an interrupt from
6808working correctly: >
6809
6810 :try
6811 : try
6812 : echo "Press CTRL-C for interrupt"
6813 : while 1
6814 : endwhile
6815 : finally
6816 : unlet novar
6817 : endtry
6818 :catch /novar/
6819 :endtry
6820 :echo "Script still running"
6821 :sleep 1
6822
6823If you need to put commands that could fail into a finally clause, you should
6824think about catching or ignoring the errors in these commands, see
6825|catch-errors| and |ignore-errors|.
6826
6827
6828CATCHING ERRORS *catch-errors*
6829
6830If you want to catch specific errors, you just have to put the code to be
6831watched in a try block and add a catch clause for the error message. The
6832presence of the try conditional causes all errors to be converted to an
6833exception. No message is displayed and |v:errmsg| is not set then. To find
6834the right pattern for the ":catch" command, you have to know how the format of
6835the error exception is.
6836 Error exceptions have the following format: >
6837
6838 Vim({cmdname}):{errmsg}
6839or >
6840 Vim:{errmsg}
6841
6842{cmdname} is the name of the command that failed; the second form is used when
6843the command name is not known. {errmsg} is the error message usually produced
6844when the error occurs outside try conditionals. It always begins with
6845a capital "E", followed by a two or three-digit error number, a colon, and
6846a space.
6847
6848Examples:
6849
6850The command >
6851 :unlet novar
6852normally produces the error message >
6853 E108: No such variable: "novar"
6854which is converted inside try conditionals to an exception >
6855 Vim(unlet):E108: No such variable: "novar"
6856
6857The command >
6858 :dwim
6859normally produces the error message >
6860 E492: Not an editor command: dwim
6861which is converted inside try conditionals to an exception >
6862 Vim:E492: Not an editor command: dwim
6863
6864You can catch all ":unlet" errors by a >
6865 :catch /^Vim(unlet):/
6866or all errors for misspelled command names by a >
6867 :catch /^Vim:E492:/
6868
6869Some error messages may be produced by different commands: >
6870 :function nofunc
6871and >
6872 :delfunction nofunc
6873both produce the error message >
6874 E128: Function name must start with a capital: nofunc
6875which is converted inside try conditionals to an exception >
6876 Vim(function):E128: Function name must start with a capital: nofunc
6877or >
6878 Vim(delfunction):E128: Function name must start with a capital: nofunc
6879respectively. You can catch the error by its number independently on the
6880command that caused it if you use the following pattern: >
6881 :catch /^Vim(\a\+):E128:/
6882
6883Some commands like >
6884 :let x = novar
6885produce multiple error messages, here: >
6886 E121: Undefined variable: novar
6887 E15: Invalid expression: novar
6888Only the first is used for the exception value, since it is the most specific
6889one (see |except-several-errors|). So you can catch it by >
6890 :catch /^Vim(\a\+):E121:/
6891
6892You can catch all errors related to the name "nofunc" by >
6893 :catch /\<nofunc\>/
6894
6895You can catch all Vim errors in the ":write" and ":read" commands by >
6896 :catch /^Vim(\(write\|read\)):E\d\+:/
6897
6898You can catch all Vim errors by the pattern >
6899 :catch /^Vim\((\a\+)\)\=:E\d\+:/
6900<
6901 *catch-text*
6902NOTE: You should never catch the error message text itself: >
6903 :catch /No such variable/
6904only works in the english locale, but not when the user has selected
6905a different language by the |:language| command. It is however helpful to
6906cite the message text in a comment: >
6907 :catch /^Vim(\a\+):E108:/ " No such variable
6908
6909
6910IGNORING ERRORS *ignore-errors*
6911
6912You can ignore errors in a specific Vim command by catching them locally: >
6913
6914 :try
6915 : write
6916 :catch
6917 :endtry
6918
6919But you are strongly recommended NOT to use this simple form, since it could
6920catch more than you want. With the ":write" command, some autocommands could
6921be executed and cause errors not related to writing, for instance: >
6922
6923 :au BufWritePre * unlet novar
6924
6925There could even be such errors you are not responsible for as a script
6926writer: a user of your script might have defined such autocommands. You would
6927then hide the error from the user.
6928 It is much better to use >
6929
6930 :try
6931 : write
6932 :catch /^Vim(write):/
6933 :endtry
6934
6935which only catches real write errors. So catch only what you'd like to ignore
6936intentionally.
6937
6938For a single command that does not cause execution of autocommands, you could
6939even suppress the conversion of errors to exceptions by the ":silent!"
6940command: >
6941 :silent! nunmap k
6942This works also when a try conditional is active.
6943
6944
6945CATCHING INTERRUPTS *catch-interrupt*
6946
6947When there are active try conditionals, an interrupt (CTRL-C) is converted to
6948the exception "Vim:Interrupt". You can catch it like every exception. The
6949script is not terminated, then.
6950 Example: >
6951
6952 :function! TASK1()
6953 : sleep 10
6954 :endfunction
6955
6956 :function! TASK2()
6957 : sleep 20
6958 :endfunction
6959
6960 :while 1
6961 : let command = input("Type a command: ")
6962 : try
6963 : if command == ""
6964 : continue
6965 : elseif command == "END"
6966 : break
6967 : elseif command == "TASK1"
6968 : call TASK1()
6969 : elseif command == "TASK2"
6970 : call TASK2()
6971 : else
6972 : echo "\nIllegal command:" command
6973 : continue
6974 : endif
6975 : catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/
6976 : echo "\nCommand interrupted"
6977 : " Caught the interrupt. Continue with next prompt.
6978 : endtry
6979 :endwhile
6980
6981You can interrupt a task here by pressing CTRL-C; the script then asks for
6982a new command. If you press CTRL-C at the prompt, the script is terminated.
6983
6984For testing what happens when CTRL-C would be pressed on a specific line in
6985your script, use the debug mode and execute the |>quit| or |>interrupt|
6986command on that line. See |debug-scripts|.
6987
6988
6989CATCHING ALL *catch-all*
6990
6991The commands >
6992
6993 :catch /.*/
6994 :catch //
6995 :catch
6996
6997catch everything, error exceptions, interrupt exceptions and exceptions
6998explicitly thrown by the |:throw| command. This is useful at the top level of
6999a script in order to catch unexpected things.
7000 Example: >
7001
7002 :try
7003 :
7004 : " do the hard work here
7005 :
7006 :catch /MyException/
7007 :
7008 : " handle known problem
7009 :
7010 :catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/
7011 : echo "Script interrupted"
7012 :catch /.*/
7013 : echo "Internal error (" . v:exception . ")"
7014 : echo " - occurred at " . v:throwpoint
7015 :endtry
7016 :" end of script
7017
7018Note: Catching all might catch more things than you want. Thus, you are
7019strongly encouraged to catch only for problems that you can really handle by
7020specifying a pattern argument to the ":catch".
7021 Example: Catching all could make it nearly impossible to interrupt a script
7022by pressing CTRL-C: >
7023
7024 :while 1
7025 : try
7026 : sleep 1
7027 : catch
7028 : endtry
7029 :endwhile
7030
7031
7032EXCEPTIONS AND AUTOCOMMANDS *except-autocmd*
7033
7034Exceptions may be used during execution of autocommands. Example: >
7035
7036 :autocmd User x try
7037 :autocmd User x throw "Oops!"
7038 :autocmd User x catch
7039 :autocmd User x echo v:exception
7040 :autocmd User x endtry
7041 :autocmd User x throw "Arrgh!"
7042 :autocmd User x echo "Should not be displayed"
7043 :
7044 :try
7045 : doautocmd User x
7046 :catch
7047 : echo v:exception
7048 :endtry
7049
7050This displays "Oops!" and "Arrgh!".
7051
7052 *except-autocmd-Pre*
7053For some commands, autocommands get executed before the main action of the
7054command takes place. If an exception is thrown and not caught in the sequence
7055of autocommands, the sequence and the command that caused its execution are
7056abandoned and the exception is propagated to the caller of the command.
7057 Example: >
7058
7059 :autocmd BufWritePre * throw "FAIL"
7060 :autocmd BufWritePre * echo "Should not be displayed"
7061 :
7062 :try
7063 : write
7064 :catch
7065 : echo "Caught:" v:exception "from" v:throwpoint
7066 :endtry
7067
7068Here, the ":write" command does not write the file currently being edited (as
7069you can see by checking 'modified'), since the exception from the BufWritePre
7070autocommand abandons the ":write". The exception is then caught and the
7071script displays: >
7072
7073 Caught: FAIL from BufWrite Auto commands for "*"
7074<
7075 *except-autocmd-Post*
7076For some commands, autocommands get executed after the main action of the
7077command has taken place. If this main action fails and the command is inside
7078an active try conditional, the autocommands are skipped and an error exception
7079is thrown that can be caught by the caller of the command.
7080 Example: >
7081
7082 :autocmd BufWritePost * echo "File successfully written!"
7083 :
7084 :try
7085 : write /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
7086 :catch
7087 : echo v:exception
7088 :endtry
7089
7090This just displays: >
7091
7092 Vim(write):E212: Can't open file for writing (/i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e)
7093
7094If you really need to execute the autocommands even when the main action
7095fails, trigger the event from the catch clause.
7096 Example: >
7097
7098 :autocmd BufWritePre * set noreadonly
7099 :autocmd BufWritePost * set readonly
7100 :
7101 :try
7102 : write /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
7103 :catch
7104 : doautocmd BufWritePost /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
7105 :endtry
7106<
7107You can also use ":silent!": >
7108
7109 :let x = "ok"
7110 :let v:errmsg = ""
7111 :autocmd BufWritePost * if v:errmsg != ""
7112 :autocmd BufWritePost * let x = "after fail"
7113 :autocmd BufWritePost * endif
7114 :try
7115 : silent! write /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
7116 :catch
7117 :endtry
7118 :echo x
7119
7120This displays "after fail".
7121
7122If the main action of the command does not fail, exceptions from the
7123autocommands will be catchable by the caller of the command: >
7124
7125 :autocmd BufWritePost * throw ":-("
7126 :autocmd BufWritePost * echo "Should not be displayed"
7127 :
7128 :try
7129 : write
7130 :catch
7131 : echo v:exception
7132 :endtry
7133<
7134 *except-autocmd-Cmd*
7135For some commands, the normal action can be replaced by a sequence of
7136autocommands. Exceptions from that sequence will be catchable by the caller
7137of the command.
7138 Example: For the ":write" command, the caller cannot know whether the file
7139had actually been written when the exception occurred. You need to tell it in
7140some way. >
7141
7142 :if !exists("cnt")
7143 : let cnt = 0
7144 :
7145 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * if &modified
7146 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * let cnt = cnt + 1
7147 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * if cnt % 3 == 2
7148 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * throw "BufWriteCmdError"
7149 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * endif
7150 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * write | set nomodified
7151 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * if cnt % 3 == 0
7152 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * throw "BufWriteCmdError"
7153 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * endif
7154 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * echo "File successfully written!"
7155 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * endif
7156 :endif
7157 :
7158 :try
7159 : write
7160 :catch /^BufWriteCmdError$/
7161 : if &modified
7162 : echo "Error on writing (file contents not changed)"
7163 : else
7164 : echo "Error after writing"
7165 : endif
7166 :catch /^Vim(write):/
7167 : echo "Error on writing"
7168 :endtry
7169
7170When this script is sourced several times after making changes, it displays
7171first >
7172 File successfully written!
7173then >
7174 Error on writing (file contents not changed)
7175then >
7176 Error after writing
7177etc.
7178
7179 *except-autocmd-ill*
7180You cannot spread a try conditional over autocommands for different events.
7181The following code is ill-formed: >
7182
7183 :autocmd BufWritePre * try
7184 :
7185 :autocmd BufWritePost * catch
7186 :autocmd BufWritePost * echo v:exception
7187 :autocmd BufWritePost * endtry
7188 :
7189 :write
7190
7191
7192EXCEPTION HIERARCHIES AND PARAMETERIZED EXCEPTIONS *except-hier-param*
7193
7194Some programming languages allow to use hierarchies of exception classes or to
7195pass additional information with the object of an exception class. You can do
7196similar things in Vim.
7197 In order to throw an exception from a hierarchy, just throw the complete
7198class name with the components separated by a colon, for instance throw the
7199string "EXCEPT:MATHERR:OVERFLOW" for an overflow in a mathematical library.
7200 When you want to pass additional information with your exception class, add
7201it in parentheses, for instance throw the string "EXCEPT:IO:WRITEERR(myfile)"
7202for an error when writing "myfile".
7203 With the appropriate patterns in the ":catch" command, you can catch for
7204base classes or derived classes of your hierarchy. Additional information in
7205parentheses can be cut out from |v:exception| with the ":substitute" command.
7206 Example: >
7207
7208 :function! CheckRange(a, func)
7209 : if a:a < 0
7210 : throw "EXCEPT:MATHERR:RANGE(" . a:func . ")"
7211 : endif
7212 :endfunction
7213 :
7214 :function! Add(a, b)
7215 : call CheckRange(a:a, "Add")
7216 : call CheckRange(a:b, "Add")
7217 : let c = a:a + a:b
7218 : if c < 0
7219 : throw "EXCEPT:MATHERR:OVERFLOW"
7220 : endif
7221 : return c
7222 :endfunction
7223 :
7224 :function! Div(a, b)
7225 : call CheckRange(a:a, "Div")
7226 : call CheckRange(a:b, "Div")
7227 : if (a:b == 0)
7228 : throw "EXCEPT:MATHERR:ZERODIV"
7229 : endif
7230 : return a:a / a:b
7231 :endfunction
7232 :
7233 :function! Write(file)
7234 : try
7235 : execute "write" a:file
7236 : catch /^Vim(write):/
7237 : throw "EXCEPT:IO(" . getcwd() . ", " . a:file . "):WRITEERR"
7238 : endtry
7239 :endfunction
7240 :
7241 :try
7242 :
7243 : " something with arithmetics and I/O
7244 :
7245 :catch /^EXCEPT:MATHERR:RANGE/
7246 : let function = substitute(v:exception, '.*(\(\a\+\)).*', '\1', "")
7247 : echo "Range error in" function
7248 :
7249 :catch /^EXCEPT:MATHERR/ " catches OVERFLOW and ZERODIV
7250 : echo "Math error"
7251 :
7252 :catch /^EXCEPT:IO/
7253 : let dir = substitute(v:exception, '.*(\(.\+\),\s*.\+).*', '\1', "")
7254 : let file = substitute(v:exception, '.*(.\+,\s*\(.\+\)).*', '\1', "")
7255 : if file !~ '^/'
7256 : let file = dir . "/" . file
7257 : endif
7258 : echo 'I/O error for "' . file . '"'
7259 :
7260 :catch /^EXCEPT/
7261 : echo "Unspecified error"
7262 :
7263 :endtry
7264
7265The exceptions raised by Vim itself (on error or when pressing CTRL-C) use
7266a flat hierarchy: they are all in the "Vim" class. You cannot throw yourself
7267exceptions with the "Vim" prefix; they are reserved for Vim.
7268 Vim error exceptions are parameterized with the name of the command that
7269failed, if known. See |catch-errors|.
7270
7271
7272PECULIARITIES
7273 *except-compat*
7274The exception handling concept requires that the command sequence causing the
7275exception is aborted immediately and control is transferred to finally clauses
7276and/or a catch clause.
7277
7278In the Vim script language there are cases where scripts and functions
7279continue after an error: in functions without the "abort" flag or in a command
7280after ":silent!", control flow goes to the following line, and outside
7281functions, control flow goes to the line following the outermost ":endwhile"
7282or ":endif". On the other hand, errors should be catchable as exceptions
7283(thus, requiring the immediate abortion).
7284
7285This problem has been solved by converting errors to exceptions and using
7286immediate abortion (if not suppressed by ":silent!") only when a try
7287conditional is active. This is no restriction since an (error) exception can
7288be caught only from an active try conditional. If you want an immediate
7289termination without catching the error, just use a try conditional without
7290catch clause. (You can cause cleanup code being executed before termination
7291by specifying a finally clause.)
7292
7293When no try conditional is active, the usual abortion and continuation
7294behavior is used instead of immediate abortion. This ensures compatibility of
7295scripts written for Vim 6.1 and earlier.
7296
7297However, when sourcing an existing script that does not use exception handling
7298commands (or when calling one of its functions) from inside an active try
7299conditional of a new script, you might change the control flow of the existing
7300script on error. You get the immediate abortion on error and can catch the
7301error in the new script. If however the sourced script suppresses error
7302messages by using the ":silent!" command (checking for errors by testing
7303|v:errmsg| if appropriate), its execution path is not changed. The error is
7304not converted to an exception. (See |:silent|.) So the only remaining cause
7305where this happens is for scripts that don't care about errors and produce
7306error messages. You probably won't want to use such code from your new
7307scripts.
7308
7309 *except-syntax-err*
7310Syntax errors in the exception handling commands are never caught by any of
7311the ":catch" commands of the try conditional they belong to. Its finally
7312clauses, however, is executed.
7313 Example: >
7314
7315 :try
7316 : try
7317 : throw 4711
7318 : catch /\(/
7319 : echo "in catch with syntax error"
7320 : catch
7321 : echo "inner catch-all"
7322 : finally
7323 : echo "inner finally"
7324 : endtry
7325 :catch
7326 : echo 'outer catch-all caught "' . v:exception . '"'
7327 : finally
7328 : echo "outer finally"
7329 :endtry
7330
7331This displays: >
7332 inner finally
7333 outer catch-all caught "Vim(catch):E54: Unmatched \("
7334 outer finally
7335The original exception is discarded and an error exception is raised, instead.
7336
7337 *except-single-line*
7338The ":try", ":catch", ":finally", and ":endtry" commands can be put on
7339a single line, but then syntax errors may make it difficult to recognize the
7340"catch" line, thus you better avoid this.
7341 Example: >
7342 :try | unlet! foo # | catch | endtry
7343raises an error exception for the trailing characters after the ":unlet!"
7344argument, but does not see the ":catch" and ":endtry" commands, so that the
7345error exception is discarded and the "E488: Trailing characters" message gets
7346displayed.
7347
7348 *except-several-errors*
7349When several errors appear in a single command, the first error message is
7350usually the most specific one and therefor converted to the error exception.
7351 Example: >
7352 echo novar
7353causes >
7354 E121: Undefined variable: novar
7355 E15: Invalid expression: novar
7356The value of the error exception inside try conditionals is: >
7357 Vim(echo):E121: Undefined variable: novar
7358< *except-syntax-error*
7359But when a syntax error is detected after a normal error in the same command,
7360the syntax error is used for the exception being thrown.
7361 Example: >
7362 unlet novar #
7363causes >
7364 E108: No such variable: "novar"
7365 E488: Trailing characters
7366The value of the error exception inside try conditionals is: >
7367 Vim(unlet):E488: Trailing characters
7368This is done because the syntax error might change the execution path in a way
7369not intended by the user. Example: >
7370 try
7371 try | unlet novar # | catch | echo v:exception | endtry
7372 catch /.*/
7373 echo "outer catch:" v:exception
7374 endtry
7375This displays "outer catch: Vim(unlet):E488: Trailing characters", and then
7376a "E600: Missing :endtry" error message is given, see |except-single-line|.
7377
7378==============================================================================
73799. Examples *eval-examples*
7380
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00007381Printing in Binary ~
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007382>
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00007383 :" The function Nr2Bin() returns the Hex string of a number.
7384 :func Nr2Bin(nr)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007385 : let n = a:nr
7386 : let r = ""
7387 : while n
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00007388 : let r = '01'[n % 2] . r
7389 : let n = n / 2
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007390 : endwhile
7391 : return r
7392 :endfunc
7393
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00007394 :" The function String2Bin() converts each character in a string to a
7395 :" binary string, separated with dashes.
7396 :func String2Bin(str)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007397 : let out = ''
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00007398 : for ix in range(strlen(a:str))
7399 : let out = out . '-' . Nr2Bin(char2nr(a:str[ix]))
7400 : endfor
7401 : return out[1:]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007402 :endfunc
7403
7404Example of its use: >
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00007405 :echo Nr2Bin(32)
7406result: "100000" >
7407 :echo String2Bin("32")
7408result: "110011-110010"
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007409
7410
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00007411Sorting lines ~
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007412
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00007413This example sorts lines with a specific compare function. >
7414
7415 :func SortBuffer()
7416 : let lines = getline(1, '$')
7417 : call sort(lines, function("Strcmp"))
7418 : call setline(1, lines)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007419 :endfunction
7420
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00007421As a one-liner: >
7422 :call setline(1, sort(getline(1, '$'), function("Strcmp")))
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007423
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007424
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00007425scanf() replacement ~
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007426 *sscanf*
7427There is no sscanf() function in Vim. If you need to extract parts from a
7428line, you can use matchstr() and substitute() to do it. This example shows
7429how to get the file name, line number and column number out of a line like
7430"foobar.txt, 123, 45". >
7431 :" Set up the match bit
7432 :let mx='\(\f\+\),\s*\(\d\+\),\s*\(\d\+\)'
7433 :"get the part matching the whole expression
7434 :let l = matchstr(line, mx)
7435 :"get each item out of the match
7436 :let file = substitute(l, mx, '\1', '')
7437 :let lnum = substitute(l, mx, '\2', '')
7438 :let col = substitute(l, mx, '\3', '')
7439
7440The input is in the variable "line", the results in the variables "file",
7441"lnum" and "col". (idea from Michael Geddes)
7442
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00007443
7444getting the scriptnames in a Dictionary ~
7445 *scriptnames-dictionary*
7446The |:scriptnames| command can be used to get a list of all script files that
7447have been sourced. There is no equivalent function or variable for this
7448(because it's rarely needed). In case you need to manipulate the list this
7449code can be used: >
7450 " Get the output of ":scriptnames" in the scriptnames_output variable.
7451 let scriptnames_output = ''
7452 redir => scriptnames_output
7453 silent scriptnames
7454 redir END
7455
7456 " Split the output into lines and parse each line. Add an entry to the
7457 " "scripts" dictionary.
7458 let scripts = {}
7459 for line in split(scriptnames_output, "\n")
7460 " Only do non-blank lines.
7461 if line =~ '\S'
7462 " Get the first number in the line.
7463 let nr = matchstr(line, '\d\+')
7464 " Get the file name, remove the script number " 123: ".
7465 let name = substitute(line, '.\+:\s*', '', '')
7466 " Add an item to the Dictionary
7467 let scripts[nr] = name
7468 endif
7469 endfor
7470 unlet scriptnames_output
7471
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007472==============================================================================
747310. No +eval feature *no-eval-feature*
7474
7475When the |+eval| feature was disabled at compile time, none of the expression
7476evaluation commands are available. To prevent this from causing Vim scripts
7477to generate all kinds of errors, the ":if" and ":endif" commands are still
7478recognized, though the argument of the ":if" and everything between the ":if"
7479and the matching ":endif" is ignored. Nesting of ":if" blocks is allowed, but
7480only if the commands are at the start of the line. The ":else" command is not
7481recognized.
7482
7483Example of how to avoid executing commands when the |+eval| feature is
7484missing: >
7485
7486 :if 1
7487 : echo "Expression evaluation is compiled in"
7488 :else
7489 : echo "You will _never_ see this message"
7490 :endif
7491
7492==============================================================================
749311. The sandbox *eval-sandbox* *sandbox* *E48*
7494
7495The 'foldexpr', 'includeexpr', 'indentexpr', 'statusline' and 'foldtext'
7496options are evaluated in a sandbox. This means that you are protected from
7497these expressions having nasty side effects. This gives some safety for when
7498these options are set from a modeline. It is also used when the command from
Bram Moolenaarebefac62005-12-28 22:39:57 +00007499a tags file is executed and for CTRL-R = in the command line.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00007500The sandbox is also used for the |:sandbox| command.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007501
7502These items are not allowed in the sandbox:
7503 - changing the buffer text
7504 - defining or changing mapping, autocommands, functions, user commands
7505 - setting certain options (see |option-summary|)
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00007506 - setting certain v: variables (see |v:var|) *E794*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007507 - executing a shell command
7508 - reading or writing a file
7509 - jumping to another buffer or editing a file
Bram Moolenaar4770d092006-01-12 23:22:24 +00007510 - executing Python, Perl, etc. commands
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00007511This is not guaranteed 100% secure, but it should block most attacks.
7512
7513 *:san* *:sandbox*
Bram Moolenaar045e82d2005-07-08 22:25:33 +00007514:san[dbox] {cmd} Execute {cmd} in the sandbox. Useful to evaluate an
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00007515 option that may have been set from a modeline, e.g.
7516 'foldexpr'.
7517
Bram Moolenaarb71eaae2006-01-20 23:10:18 +00007518 *sandbox-option*
7519A few options contain an expression. When this expression is evaluated it may
Bram Moolenaar9b2200a2006-03-20 21:55:45 +00007520have to be done in the sandbox to avoid a security risk. But the sandbox is
Bram Moolenaarb71eaae2006-01-20 23:10:18 +00007521restrictive, thus this only happens when the option was set from an insecure
7522location. Insecure in this context are:
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00007523- sourcing a .vimrc or .exrc in the current directory
Bram Moolenaarb71eaae2006-01-20 23:10:18 +00007524- while executing in the sandbox
7525- value coming from a modeline
7526
7527Note that when in the sandbox and saving an option value and restoring it, the
7528option will still be marked as it was set in the sandbox.
7529
7530==============================================================================
753112. Textlock *textlock*
7532
7533In a few situations it is not allowed to change the text in the buffer, jump
7534to another window and some other things that might confuse or break what Vim
7535is currently doing. This mostly applies to things that happen when Vim is
7536actually doing something else. For example, evaluating the 'balloonexpr' may
7537happen any moment the mouse cursor is resting at some position.
7538
7539This is not allowed when the textlock is active:
7540 - changing the buffer text
7541 - jumping to another buffer or window
7542 - editing another file
7543 - closing a window or quitting Vim
7544 - etc.
7545
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007546
7547 vim:tw=78:ts=8:ft=help:norl: