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Bram Moolenaar63dbda12013-02-20 21:12:10 +01001*eval.txt* For Vim version 7.3. Last change: 2013 Feb 20
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002
3
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004 VIM REFERENCE MANUAL by Bram Moolenaar
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005
6
7Expression evaluation *expression* *expr* *E15* *eval*
8
9Using expressions is introduced in chapter 41 of the user manual |usr_41.txt|.
10
11Note: Expression evaluation can be disabled at compile time. If this has been
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +000012done, the features in this document are not available. See |+eval| and
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000013|no-eval-feature|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000014
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000151. Variables |variables|
16 1.1 Variable types
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +000017 1.2 Function references |Funcref|
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +000018 1.3 Lists |Lists|
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000019 1.4 Dictionaries |Dictionaries|
20 1.5 More about variables |more-variables|
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000212. Expression syntax |expression-syntax|
223. Internal variable |internal-variables|
234. Builtin Functions |functions|
245. Defining functions |user-functions|
256. Curly braces names |curly-braces-names|
267. Commands |expression-commands|
278. Exception handling |exception-handling|
289. Examples |eval-examples|
2910. No +eval feature |no-eval-feature|
3011. The sandbox |eval-sandbox|
Bram Moolenaarb71eaae2006-01-20 23:10:18 +00003112. Textlock |textlock|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000032
33{Vi does not have any of these commands}
34
35==============================================================================
361. Variables *variables*
37
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000381.1 Variable types ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +000039 *E712*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +000040There are six types of variables:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000041
Bram Moolenaar5302d9e2011-09-14 17:55:08 +020042Number A 32 or 64 bit signed number. |expr-number| *Number*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000043 Examples: -123 0x10 0177
44
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +000045Float A floating point number. |floating-point-format| *Float*
46 {only when compiled with the |+float| feature}
47 Examples: 123.456 1.15e-6 -1.1e3
48
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000049String A NUL terminated string of 8-bit unsigned characters (bytes).
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +000050 |expr-string| Examples: "ab\txx\"--" 'x-z''a,c'
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000051
52Funcref A reference to a function |Funcref|.
53 Example: function("strlen")
54
55List An ordered sequence of items |List|.
56 Example: [1, 2, ['a', 'b']]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000057
Bram Moolenaar39a58ca2005-06-27 22:42:44 +000058Dictionary An associative, unordered array: Each entry has a key and a
59 value. |Dictionary|
60 Example: {'blue': "#0000ff", 'red': "#ff0000"}
61
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +000062The Number and String types are converted automatically, depending on how they
63are used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000064
65Conversion from a Number to a String is by making the ASCII representation of
Bram Moolenaar24ea3ba2010-09-19 19:01:21 +020066the Number. Examples:
67 Number 123 --> String "123" ~
68 Number 0 --> String "0" ~
69 Number -1 --> String "-1" ~
Bram Moolenaar00a927d2010-05-14 23:24:24 +020070 *octal*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000071Conversion from a String to a Number is done by converting the first digits
72to a number. Hexadecimal "0xf9" and Octal "017" numbers are recognized. If
Bram Moolenaar24ea3ba2010-09-19 19:01:21 +020073the String doesn't start with digits, the result is zero. Examples:
74 String "456" --> Number 456 ~
75 String "6bar" --> Number 6 ~
76 String "foo" --> Number 0 ~
77 String "0xf1" --> Number 241 ~
78 String "0100" --> Number 64 ~
79 String "-8" --> Number -8 ~
80 String "+8" --> Number 0 ~
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000081
82To force conversion from String to Number, add zero to it: >
83 :echo "0100" + 0
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +000084< 64 ~
85
86To avoid a leading zero to cause octal conversion, or for using a different
87base, use |str2nr()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000088
89For boolean operators Numbers are used. Zero is FALSE, non-zero is TRUE.
90
91Note that in the command >
92 :if "foo"
93"foo" is converted to 0, which means FALSE. To test for a non-empty string,
Bram Moolenaar3a0d8092012-10-21 03:02:54 +020094use empty(): >
95 :if !empty("foo")
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +000096< *E745* *E728* *E703* *E729* *E730* *E731*
97List, Dictionary and Funcref types are not automatically converted.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +000098
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +000099 *E805* *E806* *E808*
100When mixing Number and Float the Number is converted to Float. Otherwise
101there is no automatic conversion of Float. You can use str2float() for String
102to Float, printf() for Float to String and float2nr() for Float to Number.
103
104 *E706* *sticky-type-checking*
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000105You will get an error if you try to change the type of a variable. You need
106to |:unlet| it first to avoid this error. String and Number are considered
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000107equivalent though, as well are Float and Number. Consider this sequence of
108commands: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000109 :let l = "string"
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000110 :let l = 44 " changes type from String to Number
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000111 :let l = [1, 2, 3] " error! l is still a Number
112 :let l = 4.4 " changes type from Number to Float
113 :let l = "string" " error!
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000114
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000115
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00001161.2 Function references ~
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +0000117 *Funcref* *E695* *E718*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000118A Funcref variable is obtained with the |function()| function. It can be used
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000119in an expression in the place of a function name, before the parenthesis
120around the arguments, to invoke the function it refers to. Example: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000121
122 :let Fn = function("MyFunc")
123 :echo Fn()
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000124< *E704* *E705* *E707*
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +0000125A Funcref variable must start with a capital, "s:", "w:", "t:" or "b:". You
126cannot have both a Funcref variable and a function with the same name.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000127
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000128A special case is defining a function and directly assigning its Funcref to a
129Dictionary entry. Example: >
130 :function dict.init() dict
131 : let self.val = 0
132 :endfunction
133
134The key of the Dictionary can start with a lower case letter. The actual
135function name is not used here. Also see |numbered-function|.
136
137A Funcref can also be used with the |:call| command: >
138 :call Fn()
139 :call dict.init()
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000140
141The name of the referenced function can be obtained with |string()|. >
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000142 :let func = string(Fn)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000143
144You can use |call()| to invoke a Funcref and use a list variable for the
145arguments: >
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000146 :let r = call(Fn, mylist)
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000147
148
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00001491.3 Lists ~
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +0000150 *List* *Lists* *E686*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000151A List is an ordered sequence of items. An item can be of any type. Items
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000152can be accessed by their index number. Items can be added and removed at any
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000153position in the sequence.
154
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000155
156List creation ~
157 *E696* *E697*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000158A List is created with a comma separated list of items in square brackets.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000159Examples: >
160 :let mylist = [1, two, 3, "four"]
161 :let emptylist = []
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000162
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000163An item can be any expression. Using a List for an item creates a
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +0000164List of Lists: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000165 :let nestlist = [[11, 12], [21, 22], [31, 32]]
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000166
167An extra comma after the last item is ignored.
168
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000169
170List index ~
171 *list-index* *E684*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000172An item in the List can be accessed by putting the index in square brackets
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000173after the List. Indexes are zero-based, thus the first item has index zero. >
174 :let item = mylist[0] " get the first item: 1
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000175 :let item = mylist[2] " get the third item: 3
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000176
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000177When the resulting item is a list this can be repeated: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000178 :let item = nestlist[0][1] " get the first list, second item: 12
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000179<
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000180A negative index is counted from the end. Index -1 refers to the last item in
181the List, -2 to the last but one item, etc. >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000182 :let last = mylist[-1] " get the last item: "four"
183
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000184To avoid an error for an invalid index use the |get()| function. When an item
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000185is not available it returns zero or the default value you specify: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000186 :echo get(mylist, idx)
187 :echo get(mylist, idx, "NONE")
188
189
190List concatenation ~
191
192Two lists can be concatenated with the "+" operator: >
193 :let longlist = mylist + [5, 6]
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000194 :let mylist += [7, 8]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000195
196To prepend or append an item turn the item into a list by putting [] around
197it. To change a list in-place see |list-modification| below.
198
199
200Sublist ~
201
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000202A part of the List can be obtained by specifying the first and last index,
203separated by a colon in square brackets: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000204 :let shortlist = mylist[2:-1] " get List [3, "four"]
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000205
206Omitting the first index is similar to zero. Omitting the last index is
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +0000207similar to -1. >
Bram Moolenaar540d6e32005-01-09 21:20:18 +0000208 :let endlist = mylist[2:] " from item 2 to the end: [3, "four"]
209 :let shortlist = mylist[2:2] " List with one item: [3]
210 :let otherlist = mylist[:] " make a copy of the List
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000211
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +0000212If the first index is beyond the last item of the List or the second item is
213before the first item, the result is an empty list. There is no error
214message.
215
216If the second index is equal to or greater than the length of the list the
217length minus one is used: >
Bram Moolenaar9e54a0e2006-04-14 20:42:25 +0000218 :let mylist = [0, 1, 2, 3]
219 :echo mylist[2:8] " result: [2, 3]
220
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +0000221NOTE: mylist[s:e] means using the variable "s:e" as index. Watch out for
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000222using a single letter variable before the ":". Insert a space when needed:
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +0000223mylist[s : e].
224
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000225
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000226List identity ~
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000227 *list-identity*
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000228When variable "aa" is a list and you assign it to another variable "bb", both
229variables refer to the same list. Thus changing the list "aa" will also
230change "bb": >
231 :let aa = [1, 2, 3]
232 :let bb = aa
233 :call add(aa, 4)
234 :echo bb
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000235< [1, 2, 3, 4]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000236
237Making a copy of a list is done with the |copy()| function. Using [:] also
238works, as explained above. This creates a shallow copy of the list: Changing
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000239a list item in the list will also change the item in the copied list: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000240 :let aa = [[1, 'a'], 2, 3]
241 :let bb = copy(aa)
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000242 :call add(aa, 4)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000243 :let aa[0][1] = 'aaa'
244 :echo aa
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000245< [[1, aaa], 2, 3, 4] >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000246 :echo bb
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000247< [[1, aaa], 2, 3]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000248
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000249To make a completely independent list use |deepcopy()|. This also makes a
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000250copy of the values in the list, recursively. Up to a hundred levels deep.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000251
252The operator "is" can be used to check if two variables refer to the same
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000253List. "isnot" does the opposite. In contrast "==" compares if two lists have
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000254the same value. >
255 :let alist = [1, 2, 3]
256 :let blist = [1, 2, 3]
257 :echo alist is blist
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000258< 0 >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000259 :echo alist == blist
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000260< 1
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000261
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000262Note about comparing lists: Two lists are considered equal if they have the
263same length and all items compare equal, as with using "==". There is one
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000264exception: When comparing a number with a string they are considered
265different. There is no automatic type conversion, as with using "==" on
266variables. Example: >
267 echo 4 == "4"
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000268< 1 >
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000269 echo [4] == ["4"]
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000270< 0
271
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000272Thus comparing Lists is more strict than comparing numbers and strings. You
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000273can compare simple values this way too by putting them in a list: >
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000274
275 :let a = 5
276 :let b = "5"
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000277 :echo a == b
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000278< 1 >
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000279 :echo [a] == [b]
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000280< 0
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000281
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000282
283List unpack ~
284
285To unpack the items in a list to individual variables, put the variables in
286square brackets, like list items: >
287 :let [var1, var2] = mylist
288
289When the number of variables does not match the number of items in the list
290this produces an error. To handle any extra items from the list append ";"
291and a variable name: >
292 :let [var1, var2; rest] = mylist
293
294This works like: >
295 :let var1 = mylist[0]
296 :let var2 = mylist[1]
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000297 :let rest = mylist[2:]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000298
299Except that there is no error if there are only two items. "rest" will be an
300empty list then.
301
302
303List modification ~
304 *list-modification*
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000305To change a specific item of a list use |:let| this way: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000306 :let list[4] = "four"
307 :let listlist[0][3] = item
308
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000309To change part of a list you can specify the first and last item to be
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000310modified. The value must at least have the number of items in the range: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000311 :let list[3:5] = [3, 4, 5]
312
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000313Adding and removing items from a list is done with functions. Here are a few
314examples: >
315 :call insert(list, 'a') " prepend item 'a'
316 :call insert(list, 'a', 3) " insert item 'a' before list[3]
317 :call add(list, "new") " append String item
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000318 :call add(list, [1, 2]) " append a List as one new item
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000319 :call extend(list, [1, 2]) " extend the list with two more items
320 :let i = remove(list, 3) " remove item 3
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +0000321 :unlet list[3] " idem
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000322 :let l = remove(list, 3, -1) " remove items 3 to last item
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +0000323 :unlet list[3 : ] " idem
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000324 :call filter(list, 'v:val !~ "x"') " remove items with an 'x'
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000325
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000326Changing the order of items in a list: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000327 :call sort(list) " sort a list alphabetically
328 :call reverse(list) " reverse the order of items
329
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000330
331For loop ~
332
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000333The |:for| loop executes commands for each item in a list. A variable is set
334to each item in the list in sequence. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000335 :for item in mylist
336 : call Doit(item)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000337 :endfor
338
339This works like: >
340 :let index = 0
341 :while index < len(mylist)
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000342 : let item = mylist[index]
343 : :call Doit(item)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000344 : let index = index + 1
345 :endwhile
346
347Note that all items in the list should be of the same type, otherwise this
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000348results in error |E706|. To avoid this |:unlet| the variable at the end of
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000349the loop.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000350
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000351If all you want to do is modify each item in the list then the |map()|
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000352function will be a simpler method than a for loop.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000353
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000354Just like the |:let| command, |:for| also accepts a list of variables. This
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000355requires the argument to be a list of lists. >
356 :for [lnum, col] in [[1, 3], [2, 8], [3, 0]]
357 : call Doit(lnum, col)
358 :endfor
359
360This works like a |:let| command is done for each list item. Again, the types
361must remain the same to avoid an error.
362
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000363It is also possible to put remaining items in a List variable: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000364 :for [i, j; rest] in listlist
365 : call Doit(i, j)
366 : if !empty(rest)
367 : echo "remainder: " . string(rest)
368 : endif
369 :endfor
370
371
372List functions ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000373 *E714*
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000374Functions that are useful with a List: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000375 :let r = call(funcname, list) " call a function with an argument list
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000376 :if empty(list) " check if list is empty
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000377 :let l = len(list) " number of items in list
378 :let big = max(list) " maximum value in list
379 :let small = min(list) " minimum value in list
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000380 :let xs = count(list, 'x') " count nr of times 'x' appears in list
381 :let i = index(list, 'x') " index of first 'x' in list
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000382 :let lines = getline(1, 10) " get ten text lines from buffer
383 :call append('$', lines) " append text lines in buffer
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000384 :let list = split("a b c") " create list from items in a string
385 :let string = join(list, ', ') " create string from list items
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000386 :let s = string(list) " String representation of list
387 :call map(list, '">> " . v:val') " prepend ">> " to each item
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000388
Bram Moolenaar0cb032e2005-04-23 20:52:00 +0000389Don't forget that a combination of features can make things simple. For
390example, to add up all the numbers in a list: >
391 :exe 'let sum = ' . join(nrlist, '+')
392
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000393
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003941.4 Dictionaries ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000395 *Dictionaries* *Dictionary*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000396A Dictionary is an associative array: Each entry has a key and a value. The
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000397entry can be located with the key. The entries are stored without a specific
398ordering.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000399
400
401Dictionary creation ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000402 *E720* *E721* *E722* *E723*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000403A Dictionary is created with a comma separated list of entries in curly
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000404braces. Each entry has a key and a value, separated by a colon. Each key can
405only appear once. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000406 :let mydict = {1: 'one', 2: 'two', 3: 'three'}
407 :let emptydict = {}
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000408< *E713* *E716* *E717*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000409A key is always a String. You can use a Number, it will be converted to a
410String automatically. Thus the String '4' and the number 4 will find the same
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000411entry. Note that the String '04' and the Number 04 are different, since the
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000412Number will be converted to the String '4'.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000413
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000414A value can be any expression. Using a Dictionary for a value creates a
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000415nested Dictionary: >
416 :let nestdict = {1: {11: 'a', 12: 'b'}, 2: {21: 'c'}}
417
418An extra comma after the last entry is ignored.
419
420
421Accessing entries ~
422
423The normal way to access an entry is by putting the key in square brackets: >
424 :let val = mydict["one"]
425 :let mydict["four"] = 4
426
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000427You can add new entries to an existing Dictionary this way, unlike Lists.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000428
429For keys that consist entirely of letters, digits and underscore the following
430form can be used |expr-entry|: >
431 :let val = mydict.one
432 :let mydict.four = 4
433
434Since an entry can be any type, also a List and a Dictionary, the indexing and
435key lookup can be repeated: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000436 :echo dict.key[idx].key
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000437
438
439Dictionary to List conversion ~
440
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000441You may want to loop over the entries in a dictionary. For this you need to
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000442turn the Dictionary into a List and pass it to |:for|.
443
444Most often you want to loop over the keys, using the |keys()| function: >
445 :for key in keys(mydict)
446 : echo key . ': ' . mydict[key]
447 :endfor
448
449The List of keys is unsorted. You may want to sort them first: >
450 :for key in sort(keys(mydict))
451
452To loop over the values use the |values()| function: >
453 :for v in values(mydict)
454 : echo "value: " . v
455 :endfor
456
457If you want both the key and the value use the |items()| function. It returns
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000458a List in which each item is a List with two items, the key and the value: >
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +0000459 :for [key, value] in items(mydict)
460 : echo key . ': ' . value
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000461 :endfor
462
463
464Dictionary identity ~
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +0000465 *dict-identity*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000466Just like Lists you need to use |copy()| and |deepcopy()| to make a copy of a
467Dictionary. Otherwise, assignment results in referring to the same
468Dictionary: >
469 :let onedict = {'a': 1, 'b': 2}
470 :let adict = onedict
471 :let adict['a'] = 11
472 :echo onedict['a']
473 11
474
Bram Moolenaarf3bd51a2005-06-14 22:11:18 +0000475Two Dictionaries compare equal if all the key-value pairs compare equal. For
476more info see |list-identity|.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000477
478
479Dictionary modification ~
480 *dict-modification*
481To change an already existing entry of a Dictionary, or to add a new entry,
482use |:let| this way: >
483 :let dict[4] = "four"
484 :let dict['one'] = item
485
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +0000486Removing an entry from a Dictionary is done with |remove()| or |:unlet|.
487Three ways to remove the entry with key "aaa" from dict: >
488 :let i = remove(dict, 'aaa')
489 :unlet dict.aaa
490 :unlet dict['aaa']
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000491
492Merging a Dictionary with another is done with |extend()|: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000493 :call extend(adict, bdict)
494This extends adict with all entries from bdict. Duplicate keys cause entries
495in adict to be overwritten. An optional third argument can change this.
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000496Note that the order of entries in a Dictionary is irrelevant, thus don't
497expect ":echo adict" to show the items from bdict after the older entries in
498adict.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000499
500Weeding out entries from a Dictionary can be done with |filter()|: >
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +0000501 :call filter(dict, 'v:val =~ "x"')
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000502This removes all entries from "dict" with a value not matching 'x'.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000503
504
505Dictionary function ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000506 *Dictionary-function* *self* *E725*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000507When a function is defined with the "dict" attribute it can be used in a
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000508special way with a dictionary. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000509 :function Mylen() dict
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000510 : return len(self.data)
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000511 :endfunction
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000512 :let mydict = {'data': [0, 1, 2, 3], 'len': function("Mylen")}
513 :echo mydict.len()
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000514
515This is like a method in object oriented programming. The entry in the
516Dictionary is a |Funcref|. The local variable "self" refers to the dictionary
517the function was invoked from.
518
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000519It is also possible to add a function without the "dict" attribute as a
520Funcref to a Dictionary, but the "self" variable is not available then.
521
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +0000522 *numbered-function* *anonymous-function*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000523To avoid the extra name for the function it can be defined and directly
524assigned to a Dictionary in this way: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000525 :let mydict = {'data': [0, 1, 2, 3]}
526 :function mydict.len() dict
527 : return len(self.data)
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000528 :endfunction
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000529 :echo mydict.len()
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000530
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000531The function will then get a number and the value of dict.len is a |Funcref|
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000532that references this function. The function can only be used through a
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000533|Funcref|. It will automatically be deleted when there is no |Funcref|
534remaining that refers to it.
535
536It is not necessary to use the "dict" attribute for a numbered function.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000537
Bram Moolenaar1affd722010-08-04 17:49:30 +0200538If you get an error for a numbered function, you can find out what it is with
539a trick. Assuming the function is 42, the command is: >
540 :function {42}
541
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000542
543Functions for Dictionaries ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000544 *E715*
545Functions that can be used with a Dictionary: >
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000546 :if has_key(dict, 'foo') " TRUE if dict has entry with key "foo"
547 :if empty(dict) " TRUE if dict is empty
548 :let l = len(dict) " number of items in dict
549 :let big = max(dict) " maximum value in dict
550 :let small = min(dict) " minimum value in dict
551 :let xs = count(dict, 'x') " count nr of times 'x' appears in dict
552 :let s = string(dict) " String representation of dict
553 :call map(dict, '">> " . v:val') " prepend ">> " to each item
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000554
555
5561.5 More about variables ~
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000557 *more-variables*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000558If you need to know the type of a variable or expression, use the |type()|
559function.
560
561When the '!' flag is included in the 'viminfo' option, global variables that
562start with an uppercase letter, and don't contain a lowercase letter, are
563stored in the viminfo file |viminfo-file|.
564
565When the 'sessionoptions' option contains "global", global variables that
566start with an uppercase letter and contain at least one lowercase letter are
567stored in the session file |session-file|.
568
569variable name can be stored where ~
570my_var_6 not
571My_Var_6 session file
572MY_VAR_6 viminfo file
573
574
575It's possible to form a variable name with curly braces, see
576|curly-braces-names|.
577
578==============================================================================
5792. Expression syntax *expression-syntax*
580
581Expression syntax summary, from least to most significant:
582
583|expr1| expr2 ? expr1 : expr1 if-then-else
584
585|expr2| expr3 || expr3 .. logical OR
586
587|expr3| expr4 && expr4 .. logical AND
588
589|expr4| expr5 == expr5 equal
590 expr5 != expr5 not equal
591 expr5 > expr5 greater than
592 expr5 >= expr5 greater than or equal
593 expr5 < expr5 smaller than
594 expr5 <= expr5 smaller than or equal
595 expr5 =~ expr5 regexp matches
596 expr5 !~ expr5 regexp doesn't match
597
598 expr5 ==? expr5 equal, ignoring case
599 expr5 ==# expr5 equal, match case
600 etc. As above, append ? for ignoring case, # for
601 matching case
602
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000603 expr5 is expr5 same |List| instance
604 expr5 isnot expr5 different |List| instance
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000605
606|expr5| expr6 + expr6 .. number addition or list concatenation
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000607 expr6 - expr6 .. number subtraction
608 expr6 . expr6 .. string concatenation
609
610|expr6| expr7 * expr7 .. number multiplication
611 expr7 / expr7 .. number division
612 expr7 % expr7 .. number modulo
613
614|expr7| ! expr7 logical NOT
615 - expr7 unary minus
616 + expr7 unary plus
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000617
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000618|expr8| expr8[expr1] byte of a String or item of a |List|
619 expr8[expr1 : expr1] substring of a String or sublist of a |List|
620 expr8.name entry in a |Dictionary|
621 expr8(expr1, ...) function call with |Funcref| variable
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000622
623|expr9| number number constant
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +0000624 "string" string constant, backslash is special
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000625 'string' string constant, ' is doubled
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000626 [expr1, ...] |List|
627 {expr1: expr1, ...} |Dictionary|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000628 &option option value
629 (expr1) nested expression
630 variable internal variable
631 va{ria}ble internal variable with curly braces
632 $VAR environment variable
633 @r contents of register 'r'
634 function(expr1, ...) function call
635 func{ti}on(expr1, ...) function call with curly braces
636
637
638".." indicates that the operations in this level can be concatenated.
639Example: >
640 &nu || &list && &shell == "csh"
641
642All expressions within one level are parsed from left to right.
643
644
645expr1 *expr1* *E109*
646-----
647
648expr2 ? expr1 : expr1
649
650The expression before the '?' is evaluated to a number. If it evaluates to
651non-zero, the result is the value of the expression between the '?' and ':',
652otherwise the result is the value of the expression after the ':'.
653Example: >
654 :echo lnum == 1 ? "top" : lnum
655
656Since the first expression is an "expr2", it cannot contain another ?:. The
657other two expressions can, thus allow for recursive use of ?:.
658Example: >
659 :echo lnum == 1 ? "top" : lnum == 1000 ? "last" : lnum
660
661To keep this readable, using |line-continuation| is suggested: >
662 :echo lnum == 1
663 :\ ? "top"
664 :\ : lnum == 1000
665 :\ ? "last"
666 :\ : lnum
667
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +0000668You should always put a space before the ':', otherwise it can be mistaken for
669use in a variable such as "a:1".
670
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000671
672expr2 and expr3 *expr2* *expr3*
673---------------
674
675 *expr-barbar* *expr-&&*
676The "||" and "&&" operators take one argument on each side. The arguments
677are (converted to) Numbers. The result is:
678
679 input output ~
680n1 n2 n1 || n2 n1 && n2 ~
681zero zero zero zero
682zero non-zero non-zero zero
683non-zero zero non-zero zero
684non-zero non-zero non-zero non-zero
685
686The operators can be concatenated, for example: >
687
688 &nu || &list && &shell == "csh"
689
690Note that "&&" takes precedence over "||", so this has the meaning of: >
691
692 &nu || (&list && &shell == "csh")
693
694Once the result is known, the expression "short-circuits", that is, further
695arguments are not evaluated. This is like what happens in C. For example: >
696
697 let a = 1
698 echo a || b
699
700This is valid even if there is no variable called "b" because "a" is non-zero,
701so the result must be non-zero. Similarly below: >
702
703 echo exists("b") && b == "yes"
704
705This is valid whether "b" has been defined or not. The second clause will
706only be evaluated if "b" has been defined.
707
708
709expr4 *expr4*
710-----
711
712expr5 {cmp} expr5
713
714Compare two expr5 expressions, resulting in a 0 if it evaluates to false, or 1
715if it evaluates to true.
716
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000717 *expr-==* *expr-!=* *expr->* *expr->=*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000718 *expr-<* *expr-<=* *expr-=~* *expr-!~*
719 *expr-==#* *expr-!=#* *expr->#* *expr->=#*
720 *expr-<#* *expr-<=#* *expr-=~#* *expr-!~#*
721 *expr-==?* *expr-!=?* *expr->?* *expr->=?*
722 *expr-<?* *expr-<=?* *expr-=~?* *expr-!~?*
Bram Moolenaar251e1912011-06-19 05:09:16 +0200723 *expr-is* *expr-isnot* *expr-is#* *expr-isnot#*
724 *expr-is?* *expr-isnot?*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000725 use 'ignorecase' match case ignore case ~
726equal == ==# ==?
727not equal != !=# !=?
728greater than > ># >?
729greater than or equal >= >=# >=?
730smaller than < <# <?
731smaller than or equal <= <=# <=?
732regexp matches =~ =~# =~?
733regexp doesn't match !~ !~# !~?
Bram Moolenaar251e1912011-06-19 05:09:16 +0200734same instance is is# is?
735different instance isnot isnot# isnot?
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000736
737Examples:
738"abc" ==# "Abc" evaluates to 0
739"abc" ==? "Abc" evaluates to 1
740"abc" == "Abc" evaluates to 1 if 'ignorecase' is set, 0 otherwise
741
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000742 *E691* *E692*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000743A |List| can only be compared with a |List| and only "equal", "not equal" and
744"is" can be used. This compares the values of the list, recursively.
745Ignoring case means case is ignored when comparing item values.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000746
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000747 *E735* *E736*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000748A |Dictionary| can only be compared with a |Dictionary| and only "equal", "not
749equal" and "is" can be used. This compares the key/values of the |Dictionary|
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000750recursively. Ignoring case means case is ignored when comparing item values.
751
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000752 *E693* *E694*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000753A |Funcref| can only be compared with a |Funcref| and only "equal" and "not
754equal" can be used. Case is never ignored.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000755
Bram Moolenaar251e1912011-06-19 05:09:16 +0200756When using "is" or "isnot" with a |List| or a |Dictionary| this checks if the
757expressions are referring to the same |List| or |Dictionary| instance. A copy
758of a |List| is different from the original |List|. When using "is" without
759a |List| or a |Dictionary| it is equivalent to using "equal", using "isnot"
760equivalent to using "not equal". Except that a different type means the
761values are different: "4 == '4'" is true, "4 is '4'" is false and "0 is []" is
Bram Moolenaard09acef2012-09-21 14:54:30 +0200762false and not an error. "is#"/"isnot#" and "is?"/"isnot?" can be used to match
Bram Moolenaar251e1912011-06-19 05:09:16 +0200763and ignore case.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000764
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000765When comparing a String with a Number, the String is converted to a Number,
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000766and the comparison is done on Numbers. This means that "0 == 'x'" is TRUE,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000767because 'x' converted to a Number is zero.
768
769When comparing two Strings, this is done with strcmp() or stricmp(). This
770results in the mathematical difference (comparing byte values), not
771necessarily the alphabetical difference in the local language.
772
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000773When using the operators with a trailing '#', or the short version and
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +0000774'ignorecase' is off, the comparing is done with strcmp(): case matters.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000775
776When using the operators with a trailing '?', or the short version and
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +0000777'ignorecase' is set, the comparing is done with stricmp(): case is ignored.
778
779'smartcase' is not used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000780
781The "=~" and "!~" operators match the lefthand argument with the righthand
782argument, which is used as a pattern. See |pattern| for what a pattern is.
783This matching is always done like 'magic' was set and 'cpoptions' is empty, no
784matter what the actual value of 'magic' or 'cpoptions' is. This makes scripts
785portable. To avoid backslashes in the regexp pattern to be doubled, use a
786single-quote string, see |literal-string|.
787Since a string is considered to be a single line, a multi-line pattern
788(containing \n, backslash-n) will not match. However, a literal NL character
789can be matched like an ordinary character. Examples:
790 "foo\nbar" =~ "\n" evaluates to 1
791 "foo\nbar" =~ "\\n" evaluates to 0
792
793
794expr5 and expr6 *expr5* *expr6*
795---------------
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000796expr6 + expr6 .. Number addition or |List| concatenation *expr-+*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000797expr6 - expr6 .. Number subtraction *expr--*
798expr6 . expr6 .. String concatenation *expr-.*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000799
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +0000800For |Lists| only "+" is possible and then both expr6 must be a list. The
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000801result is a new list with the two lists Concatenated.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000802
Bram Moolenaard6e256c2011-12-14 15:32:50 +0100803expr7 * expr7 .. Number multiplication *expr-star*
804expr7 / expr7 .. Number division *expr-/*
805expr7 % expr7 .. Number modulo *expr-%*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000806
807For all, except ".", Strings are converted to Numbers.
Bram Moolenaard6e256c2011-12-14 15:32:50 +0100808For bitwise operators see |and()|, |or()| and |xor()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000809
810Note the difference between "+" and ".":
811 "123" + "456" = 579
812 "123" . "456" = "123456"
813
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000814Since '.' has the same precedence as '+' and '-', you need to read: >
815 1 . 90 + 90.0
816As: >
817 (1 . 90) + 90.0
818That works, since the String "190" is automatically converted to the Number
819190, which can be added to the Float 90.0. However: >
820 1 . 90 * 90.0
821Should be read as: >
822 1 . (90 * 90.0)
823Since '.' has lower precedence than '*'. This does NOT work, since this
824attempts to concatenate a Float and a String.
825
826When dividing a Number by zero the result depends on the value:
827 0 / 0 = -0x80000000 (like NaN for Float)
828 >0 / 0 = 0x7fffffff (like positive infinity)
829 <0 / 0 = -0x7fffffff (like negative infinity)
830 (before Vim 7.2 it was always 0x7fffffff)
831
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000832When the righthand side of '%' is zero, the result is 0.
833
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000834None of these work for |Funcref|s.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000835
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000836. and % do not work for Float. *E804*
837
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000838
839expr7 *expr7*
840-----
841! expr7 logical NOT *expr-!*
842- expr7 unary minus *expr-unary--*
843+ expr7 unary plus *expr-unary-+*
844
845For '!' non-zero becomes zero, zero becomes one.
846For '-' the sign of the number is changed.
847For '+' the number is unchanged.
848
849A String will be converted to a Number first.
850
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000851These three can be repeated and mixed. Examples:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000852 !-1 == 0
853 !!8 == 1
854 --9 == 9
855
856
857expr8 *expr8*
858-----
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000859expr8[expr1] item of String or |List| *expr-[]* *E111*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000860
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000861If expr8 is a Number or String this results in a String that contains the
862expr1'th single byte from expr8. expr8 is used as a String, expr1 as a
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +0100863Number. This doesn't recognize multi-byte encodings, see |byteidx()| for
864an alternative.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000865
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000866Index zero gives the first character. This is like it works in C. Careful:
867text column numbers start with one! Example, to get the character under the
868cursor: >
Bram Moolenaar61660ea2006-04-07 21:40:07 +0000869 :let c = getline(".")[col(".") - 1]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000870
871If the length of the String is less than the index, the result is an empty
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000872String. A negative index always results in an empty string (reason: backwards
873compatibility). Use [-1:] to get the last byte.
874
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000875If expr8 is a |List| then it results the item at index expr1. See |list-index|
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000876for possible index values. If the index is out of range this results in an
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000877error. Example: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000878 :let item = mylist[-1] " get last item
879
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000880Generally, if a |List| index is equal to or higher than the length of the
881|List|, or more negative than the length of the |List|, this results in an
882error.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000883
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000884
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000885expr8[expr1a : expr1b] substring or sublist *expr-[:]*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000886
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000887If expr8 is a Number or String this results in the substring with the bytes
888from expr1a to and including expr1b. expr8 is used as a String, expr1a and
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +0100889expr1b are used as a Number. This doesn't recognize multi-byte encodings, see
890|byteidx()| for computing the indexes.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000891
892If expr1a is omitted zero is used. If expr1b is omitted the length of the
893string minus one is used.
894
895A negative number can be used to measure from the end of the string. -1 is
896the last character, -2 the last but one, etc.
897
898If an index goes out of range for the string characters are omitted. If
899expr1b is smaller than expr1a the result is an empty string.
900
901Examples: >
902 :let c = name[-1:] " last byte of a string
903 :let c = name[-2:-2] " last but one byte of a string
904 :let s = line(".")[4:] " from the fifth byte to the end
905 :let s = s[:-3] " remove last two bytes
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +0100906<
907 *sublist* *slice*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000908If expr8 is a |List| this results in a new |List| with the items indicated by
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000909the indexes expr1a and expr1b. This works like with a String, as explained
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000910just above, except that indexes out of range cause an error. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000911 :let l = mylist[:3] " first four items
912 :let l = mylist[4:4] " List with one item
913 :let l = mylist[:] " shallow copy of a List
914
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000915Using expr8[expr1] or expr8[expr1a : expr1b] on a |Funcref| results in an
916error.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000917
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000918
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000919expr8.name entry in a |Dictionary| *expr-entry*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000920
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000921If expr8 is a |Dictionary| and it is followed by a dot, then the following
922name will be used as a key in the |Dictionary|. This is just like:
923expr8[name].
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000924
925The name must consist of alphanumeric characters, just like a variable name,
926but it may start with a number. Curly braces cannot be used.
927
928There must not be white space before or after the dot.
929
930Examples: >
931 :let dict = {"one": 1, 2: "two"}
932 :echo dict.one
933 :echo dict .2
934
935Note that the dot is also used for String concatenation. To avoid confusion
936always put spaces around the dot for String concatenation.
937
938
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000939expr8(expr1, ...) |Funcref| function call
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000940
941When expr8 is a |Funcref| type variable, invoke the function it refers to.
942
943
944
945 *expr9*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000946number
947------
Bram Moolenaarf1568ec2011-12-14 21:17:39 +0100948number number constant *expr-number*
949 *hex-number* *octal-number*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000950
951Decimal, Hexadecimal (starting with 0x or 0X), or Octal (starting with 0).
952
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000953 *floating-point-format*
954Floating point numbers can be written in two forms:
955
956 [-+]{N}.{M}
957 [-+]{N}.{M}e[-+]{exp}
958
959{N} and {M} are numbers. Both {N} and {M} must be present and can only
960contain digits.
961[-+] means there is an optional plus or minus sign.
962{exp} is the exponent, power of 10.
963Only a decimal point is accepted, not a comma. No matter what the current
964locale is.
965{only when compiled with the |+float| feature}
966
967Examples:
968 123.456
969 +0.0001
970 55.0
971 -0.123
972 1.234e03
973 1.0E-6
974 -3.1416e+88
975
976These are INVALID:
977 3. empty {M}
978 1e40 missing .{M}
979
Bram Moolenaare37d50a2008-08-06 17:06:04 +0000980 *float-pi* *float-e*
981A few useful values to copy&paste: >
982 :let pi = 3.14159265359
983 :let e = 2.71828182846
984
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000985Rationale:
986Before floating point was introduced, the text "123.456" was interpreted as
987the two numbers "123" and "456", both converted to a string and concatenated,
988resulting in the string "123456". Since this was considered pointless, and we
Bram Moolenaare37d50a2008-08-06 17:06:04 +0000989could not find it intentionally being used in Vim scripts, this backwards
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000990incompatibility was accepted in favor of being able to use the normal notation
991for floating point numbers.
992
993 *floating-point-precision*
994The precision and range of floating points numbers depends on what "double"
995means in the library Vim was compiled with. There is no way to change this at
996runtime.
997
998The default for displaying a |Float| is to use 6 decimal places, like using
999printf("%g", f). You can select something else when using the |printf()|
1000function. Example: >
1001 :echo printf('%.15e', atan(1))
1002< 7.853981633974483e-01
1003
1004
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001005
1006string *expr-string* *E114*
1007------
1008"string" string constant *expr-quote*
1009
1010Note that double quotes are used.
1011
1012A string constant accepts these special characters:
1013\... three-digit octal number (e.g., "\316")
1014\.. two-digit octal number (must be followed by non-digit)
1015\. one-digit octal number (must be followed by non-digit)
1016\x.. byte specified with two hex numbers (e.g., "\x1f")
1017\x. byte specified with one hex number (must be followed by non-hex char)
1018\X.. same as \x..
1019\X. same as \x.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001020\u.... character specified with up to 4 hex numbers, stored according to the
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001021 current value of 'encoding' (e.g., "\u02a4")
1022\U.... same as \u....
1023\b backspace <BS>
1024\e escape <Esc>
1025\f formfeed <FF>
1026\n newline <NL>
1027\r return <CR>
1028\t tab <Tab>
1029\\ backslash
1030\" double quote
Bram Moolenaar00a927d2010-05-14 23:24:24 +02001031\<xxx> Special key named "xxx". e.g. "\<C-W>" for CTRL-W. This is for use
1032 in mappings, the 0x80 byte is escaped. Don't use <Char-xxxx> to get a
1033 utf-8 character, use \uxxxx as mentioned above.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001034
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00001035Note that "\xff" is stored as the byte 255, which may be invalid in some
1036encodings. Use "\u00ff" to store character 255 according to the current value
1037of 'encoding'.
1038
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001039Note that "\000" and "\x00" force the end of the string.
1040
1041
1042literal-string *literal-string* *E115*
1043---------------
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +00001044'string' string constant *expr-'*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001045
1046Note that single quotes are used.
1047
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001048This string is taken as it is. No backslashes are removed or have a special
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00001049meaning. The only exception is that two quotes stand for one quote.
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +00001050
1051Single quoted strings are useful for patterns, so that backslashes do not need
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001052to be doubled. These two commands are equivalent: >
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +00001053 if a =~ "\\s*"
1054 if a =~ '\s*'
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001055
1056
1057option *expr-option* *E112* *E113*
1058------
1059&option option value, local value if possible
1060&g:option global option value
1061&l:option local option value
1062
1063Examples: >
1064 echo "tabstop is " . &tabstop
1065 if &insertmode
1066
1067Any option name can be used here. See |options|. When using the local value
1068and there is no buffer-local or window-local value, the global value is used
1069anyway.
1070
1071
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00001072register *expr-register* *@r*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001073--------
1074@r contents of register 'r'
1075
1076The result is the contents of the named register, as a single string.
1077Newlines are inserted where required. To get the contents of the unnamed
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001078register use @" or @@. See |registers| for an explanation of the available
Bram Moolenaare7566042005-06-17 22:00:15 +00001079registers.
1080
1081When using the '=' register you get the expression itself, not what it
1082evaluates to. Use |eval()| to evaluate it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001083
1084
1085nesting *expr-nesting* *E110*
1086-------
1087(expr1) nested expression
1088
1089
1090environment variable *expr-env*
1091--------------------
1092$VAR environment variable
1093
1094The String value of any environment variable. When it is not defined, the
1095result is an empty string.
1096 *expr-env-expand*
1097Note that there is a difference between using $VAR directly and using
1098expand("$VAR"). Using it directly will only expand environment variables that
1099are known inside the current Vim session. Using expand() will first try using
1100the environment variables known inside the current Vim session. If that
1101fails, a shell will be used to expand the variable. This can be slow, but it
1102does expand all variables that the shell knows about. Example: >
1103 :echo $version
1104 :echo expand("$version")
1105The first one probably doesn't echo anything, the second echoes the $version
1106variable (if your shell supports it).
1107
1108
1109internal variable *expr-variable*
1110-----------------
1111variable internal variable
1112See below |internal-variables|.
1113
1114
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00001115function call *expr-function* *E116* *E118* *E119* *E120*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001116-------------
1117function(expr1, ...) function call
1118See below |functions|.
1119
1120
1121==============================================================================
Bram Moolenaar4a748032010-09-30 21:47:56 +020011223. Internal variable *internal-variables* *E461*
1123
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001124An internal variable name can be made up of letters, digits and '_'. But it
1125cannot start with a digit. It's also possible to use curly braces, see
1126|curly-braces-names|.
1127
1128An internal variable is created with the ":let" command |:let|.
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00001129An internal variable is explicitly destroyed with the ":unlet" command
1130|:unlet|.
1131Using a name that is not an internal variable or refers to a variable that has
1132been destroyed results in an error.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001133
1134There are several name spaces for variables. Which one is to be used is
1135specified by what is prepended:
1136
1137 (nothing) In a function: local to a function; otherwise: global
1138|buffer-variable| b: Local to the current buffer.
1139|window-variable| w: Local to the current window.
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00001140|tabpage-variable| t: Local to the current tab page.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001141|global-variable| g: Global.
1142|local-variable| l: Local to a function.
1143|script-variable| s: Local to a |:source|'ed Vim script.
1144|function-argument| a: Function argument (only inside a function).
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001145|vim-variable| v: Global, predefined by Vim.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001146
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001147The scope name by itself can be used as a |Dictionary|. For example, to
1148delete all script-local variables: >
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00001149 :for k in keys(s:)
1150 : unlet s:[k]
1151 :endfor
1152<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001153 *buffer-variable* *b:var*
1154A variable name that is preceded with "b:" is local to the current buffer.
1155Thus you can have several "b:foo" variables, one for each buffer.
1156This kind of variable is deleted when the buffer is wiped out or deleted with
1157|:bdelete|.
1158
1159One local buffer variable is predefined:
1160 *b:changedtick-variable* *changetick*
1161b:changedtick The total number of changes to the current buffer. It is
1162 incremented for each change. An undo command is also a change
1163 in this case. This can be used to perform an action only when
1164 the buffer has changed. Example: >
1165 :if my_changedtick != b:changedtick
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001166 : let my_changedtick = b:changedtick
1167 : call My_Update()
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001168 :endif
1169<
1170 *window-variable* *w:var*
1171A variable name that is preceded with "w:" is local to the current window. It
1172is deleted when the window is closed.
1173
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00001174 *tabpage-variable* *t:var*
1175A variable name that is preceded with "t:" is local to the current tab page,
1176It is deleted when the tab page is closed. {not available when compiled
Bram Moolenaardb84e452010-08-15 13:50:43 +02001177without the |+windows| feature}
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00001178
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001179 *global-variable* *g:var*
1180Inside functions global variables are accessed with "g:". Omitting this will
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001181access a variable local to a function. But "g:" can also be used in any other
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001182place if you like.
1183
1184 *local-variable* *l:var*
1185Inside functions local variables are accessed without prepending anything.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00001186But you can also prepend "l:" if you like. However, without prepending "l:"
1187you may run into reserved variable names. For example "count". By itself it
1188refers to "v:count". Using "l:count" you can have a local variable with the
1189same name.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001190
1191 *script-variable* *s:var*
1192In a Vim script variables starting with "s:" can be used. They cannot be
1193accessed from outside of the scripts, thus are local to the script.
1194
1195They can be used in:
1196- commands executed while the script is sourced
1197- functions defined in the script
1198- autocommands defined in the script
1199- functions and autocommands defined in functions and autocommands which were
1200 defined in the script (recursively)
1201- user defined commands defined in the script
1202Thus not in:
1203- other scripts sourced from this one
1204- mappings
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001205- menus
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001206- etc.
1207
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00001208Script variables can be used to avoid conflicts with global variable names.
1209Take this example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001210
1211 let s:counter = 0
1212 function MyCounter()
1213 let s:counter = s:counter + 1
1214 echo s:counter
1215 endfunction
1216 command Tick call MyCounter()
1217
1218You can now invoke "Tick" from any script, and the "s:counter" variable in
1219that script will not be changed, only the "s:counter" in the script where
1220"Tick" was defined is used.
1221
1222Another example that does the same: >
1223
1224 let s:counter = 0
1225 command Tick let s:counter = s:counter + 1 | echo s:counter
1226
1227When calling a function and invoking a user-defined command, the context for
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001228script variables is set to the script where the function or command was
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001229defined.
1230
1231The script variables are also available when a function is defined inside a
1232function that is defined in a script. Example: >
1233
1234 let s:counter = 0
1235 function StartCounting(incr)
1236 if a:incr
1237 function MyCounter()
1238 let s:counter = s:counter + 1
1239 endfunction
1240 else
1241 function MyCounter()
1242 let s:counter = s:counter - 1
1243 endfunction
1244 endif
1245 endfunction
1246
1247This defines the MyCounter() function either for counting up or counting down
1248when calling StartCounting(). It doesn't matter from where StartCounting() is
1249called, the s:counter variable will be accessible in MyCounter().
1250
1251When the same script is sourced again it will use the same script variables.
1252They will remain valid as long as Vim is running. This can be used to
1253maintain a counter: >
1254
1255 if !exists("s:counter")
1256 let s:counter = 1
1257 echo "script executed for the first time"
1258 else
1259 let s:counter = s:counter + 1
1260 echo "script executed " . s:counter . " times now"
1261 endif
1262
1263Note that this means that filetype plugins don't get a different set of script
1264variables for each buffer. Use local buffer variables instead |b:var|.
1265
1266
1267Predefined Vim variables: *vim-variable* *v:var*
1268
Bram Moolenaare4efc3b2005-03-07 23:16:51 +00001269 *v:beval_col* *beval_col-variable*
1270v:beval_col The number of the column, over which the mouse pointer is.
1271 This is the byte index in the |v:beval_lnum| line.
1272 Only valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1273
1274 *v:beval_bufnr* *beval_bufnr-variable*
1275v:beval_bufnr The number of the buffer, over which the mouse pointer is. Only
1276 valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1277
1278 *v:beval_lnum* *beval_lnum-variable*
1279v:beval_lnum The number of the line, over which the mouse pointer is. Only
1280 valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1281
1282 *v:beval_text* *beval_text-variable*
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00001283v:beval_text The text under or after the mouse pointer. Usually a word as
1284 it is useful for debugging a C program. 'iskeyword' applies,
1285 but a dot and "->" before the position is included. When on a
1286 ']' the text before it is used, including the matching '[' and
Bram Moolenaare4efc3b2005-03-07 23:16:51 +00001287 word before it. When on a Visual area within one line the
1288 highlighted text is used.
1289 Only valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1290
1291 *v:beval_winnr* *beval_winnr-variable*
1292v:beval_winnr The number of the window, over which the mouse pointer is. Only
Bram Moolenaar00654022011-02-25 14:42:19 +01001293 valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option. The first
1294 window has number zero (unlike most other places where a
1295 window gets a number).
Bram Moolenaare4efc3b2005-03-07 23:16:51 +00001296
Bram Moolenaarf193fff2006-04-27 00:02:13 +00001297 *v:char* *char-variable*
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001298v:char Argument for evaluating 'formatexpr' and used for the typed
Bram Moolenaar945e2db2010-06-05 17:43:32 +02001299 character when using <expr> in an abbreviation |:map-<expr>|.
Bram Moolenaar251e1912011-06-19 05:09:16 +02001300 It is also used by the |InsertCharPre| event.
Bram Moolenaarf193fff2006-04-27 00:02:13 +00001301
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001302 *v:charconvert_from* *charconvert_from-variable*
1303v:charconvert_from
1304 The name of the character encoding of a file to be converted.
1305 Only valid while evaluating the 'charconvert' option.
1306
1307 *v:charconvert_to* *charconvert_to-variable*
1308v:charconvert_to
1309 The name of the character encoding of a file after conversion.
1310 Only valid while evaluating the 'charconvert' option.
1311
1312 *v:cmdarg* *cmdarg-variable*
1313v:cmdarg This variable is used for two purposes:
1314 1. The extra arguments given to a file read/write command.
1315 Currently these are "++enc=" and "++ff=". This variable is
1316 set before an autocommand event for a file read/write
1317 command is triggered. There is a leading space to make it
1318 possible to append this variable directly after the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001319 read/write command. Note: The "+cmd" argument isn't
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001320 included here, because it will be executed anyway.
1321 2. When printing a PostScript file with ":hardcopy" this is
1322 the argument for the ":hardcopy" command. This can be used
1323 in 'printexpr'.
1324
1325 *v:cmdbang* *cmdbang-variable*
1326v:cmdbang Set like v:cmdarg for a file read/write command. When a "!"
1327 was used the value is 1, otherwise it is 0. Note that this
1328 can only be used in autocommands. For user commands |<bang>|
1329 can be used.
1330
1331 *v:count* *count-variable*
1332v:count The count given for the last Normal mode command. Can be used
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001333 to get the count before a mapping. Read-only. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001334 :map _x :<C-U>echo "the count is " . v:count<CR>
1335< Note: The <C-U> is required to remove the line range that you
1336 get when typing ':' after a count.
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001337 When there are two counts, as in "3d2w", they are multiplied,
1338 just like what happens in the command, "d6w" for the example.
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001339 Also used for evaluating the 'formatexpr' option.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001340 "count" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1341
1342 *v:count1* *count1-variable*
1343v:count1 Just like "v:count", but defaults to one when no count is
1344 used.
1345
1346 *v:ctype* *ctype-variable*
1347v:ctype The current locale setting for characters of the runtime
1348 environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the
1349 current locale encoding. Technical: it's the value of
1350 LC_CTYPE. When not using a locale the value is "C".
1351 This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language|
1352 command.
1353 See |multi-lang|.
1354
1355 *v:dying* *dying-variable*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001356v:dying Normally zero. When a deadly signal is caught it's set to
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001357 one. When multiple signals are caught the number increases.
1358 Can be used in an autocommand to check if Vim didn't
1359 terminate normally. {only works on Unix}
1360 Example: >
1361 :au VimLeave * if v:dying | echo "\nAAAAaaaarrrggghhhh!!!\n" | endif
Bram Moolenaar0e1e25f2010-05-28 21:07:08 +02001362< Note: if another deadly signal is caught when v:dying is one,
1363 VimLeave autocommands will not be executed.
1364
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001365 *v:errmsg* *errmsg-variable*
1366v:errmsg Last given error message. It's allowed to set this variable.
1367 Example: >
1368 :let v:errmsg = ""
1369 :silent! next
1370 :if v:errmsg != ""
1371 : ... handle error
1372< "errmsg" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1373
1374 *v:exception* *exception-variable*
1375v:exception The value of the exception most recently caught and not
1376 finished. See also |v:throwpoint| and |throw-variables|.
1377 Example: >
1378 :try
1379 : throw "oops"
1380 :catch /.*/
1381 : echo "caught" v:exception
1382 :endtry
1383< Output: "caught oops".
1384
Bram Moolenaar19a09a12005-03-04 23:39:37 +00001385 *v:fcs_reason* *fcs_reason-variable*
1386v:fcs_reason The reason why the |FileChangedShell| event was triggered.
1387 Can be used in an autocommand to decide what to do and/or what
1388 to set v:fcs_choice to. Possible values:
1389 deleted file no longer exists
1390 conflict file contents, mode or timestamp was
1391 changed and buffer is modified
1392 changed file contents has changed
1393 mode mode of file changed
1394 time only file timestamp changed
1395
1396 *v:fcs_choice* *fcs_choice-variable*
1397v:fcs_choice What should happen after a |FileChangedShell| event was
1398 triggered. Can be used in an autocommand to tell Vim what to
1399 do with the affected buffer:
1400 reload Reload the buffer (does not work if
1401 the file was deleted).
1402 ask Ask the user what to do, as if there
1403 was no autocommand. Except that when
1404 only the timestamp changed nothing
1405 will happen.
1406 <empty> Nothing, the autocommand should do
1407 everything that needs to be done.
1408 The default is empty. If another (invalid) value is used then
1409 Vim behaves like it is empty, there is no warning message.
1410
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001411 *v:fname_in* *fname_in-variable*
Bram Moolenaar4e330bb2005-12-07 21:04:31 +00001412v:fname_in The name of the input file. Valid while evaluating:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001413 option used for ~
1414 'charconvert' file to be converted
1415 'diffexpr' original file
1416 'patchexpr' original file
1417 'printexpr' file to be printed
Bram Moolenaar2c7a29c2005-12-12 22:02:31 +00001418 And set to the swap file name for |SwapExists|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001419
1420 *v:fname_out* *fname_out-variable*
1421v:fname_out The name of the output file. Only valid while
1422 evaluating:
1423 option used for ~
1424 'charconvert' resulting converted file (*)
1425 'diffexpr' output of diff
1426 'patchexpr' resulting patched file
1427 (*) When doing conversion for a write command (e.g., ":w
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001428 file") it will be equal to v:fname_in. When doing conversion
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001429 for a read command (e.g., ":e file") it will be a temporary
1430 file and different from v:fname_in.
1431
1432 *v:fname_new* *fname_new-variable*
1433v:fname_new The name of the new version of the file. Only valid while
1434 evaluating 'diffexpr'.
1435
1436 *v:fname_diff* *fname_diff-variable*
1437v:fname_diff The name of the diff (patch) file. Only valid while
1438 evaluating 'patchexpr'.
1439
1440 *v:folddashes* *folddashes-variable*
1441v:folddashes Used for 'foldtext': dashes representing foldlevel of a closed
1442 fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001443 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001444
1445 *v:foldlevel* *foldlevel-variable*
1446v:foldlevel Used for 'foldtext': foldlevel of closed fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001447 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001448
1449 *v:foldend* *foldend-variable*
1450v:foldend Used for 'foldtext': last line of closed fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001451 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001452
1453 *v:foldstart* *foldstart-variable*
1454v:foldstart Used for 'foldtext': first line of closed fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001455 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001456
Bram Moolenaar843ee412004-06-30 16:16:41 +00001457 *v:insertmode* *insertmode-variable*
1458v:insertmode Used for the |InsertEnter| and |InsertChange| autocommand
1459 events. Values:
1460 i Insert mode
1461 r Replace mode
1462 v Virtual Replace mode
1463
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001464 *v:key* *key-variable*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001465v:key Key of the current item of a |Dictionary|. Only valid while
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001466 evaluating the expression used with |map()| and |filter()|.
1467 Read-only.
1468
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001469 *v:lang* *lang-variable*
1470v:lang The current locale setting for messages of the runtime
1471 environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the
1472 current language. Technical: it's the value of LC_MESSAGES.
1473 The value is system dependent.
1474 This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language|
1475 command.
1476 It can be different from |v:ctype| when messages are desired
1477 in a different language than what is used for character
1478 encoding. See |multi-lang|.
1479
1480 *v:lc_time* *lc_time-variable*
1481v:lc_time The current locale setting for time messages of the runtime
1482 environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the
1483 current language. Technical: it's the value of LC_TIME.
1484 This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language|
1485 command. See |multi-lang|.
1486
1487 *v:lnum* *lnum-variable*
Bram Moolenaar368373e2010-07-19 20:46:22 +02001488v:lnum Line number for the 'foldexpr' |fold-expr|, 'formatexpr' and
1489 'indentexpr' expressions, tab page number for 'guitablabel'
1490 and 'guitabtooltip'. Only valid while one of these
1491 expressions is being evaluated. Read-only when in the
1492 |sandbox|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001493
Bram Moolenaar219b8702006-11-01 14:32:36 +00001494 *v:mouse_win* *mouse_win-variable*
1495v:mouse_win Window number for a mouse click obtained with |getchar()|.
1496 First window has number 1, like with |winnr()|. The value is
1497 zero when there was no mouse button click.
1498
1499 *v:mouse_lnum* *mouse_lnum-variable*
1500v:mouse_lnum Line number for a mouse click obtained with |getchar()|.
1501 This is the text line number, not the screen line number. The
1502 value is zero when there was no mouse button click.
1503
1504 *v:mouse_col* *mouse_col-variable*
1505v:mouse_col Column number for a mouse click obtained with |getchar()|.
1506 This is the screen column number, like with |virtcol()|. The
1507 value is zero when there was no mouse button click.
1508
Bram Moolenaard812df62008-11-09 12:46:09 +00001509 *v:oldfiles* *oldfiles-variable*
1510v:oldfiles List of file names that is loaded from the |viminfo| file on
1511 startup. These are the files that Vim remembers marks for.
1512 The length of the List is limited by the ' argument of the
1513 'viminfo' option (default is 100).
1514 Also see |:oldfiles| and |c_#<|.
1515 The List can be modified, but this has no effect on what is
1516 stored in the |viminfo| file later. If you use values other
1517 than String this will cause trouble.
Bram Moolenaardb84e452010-08-15 13:50:43 +02001518 {only when compiled with the |+viminfo| feature}
Bram Moolenaard812df62008-11-09 12:46:09 +00001519
Bram Moolenaar8af1fbf2008-01-05 12:35:21 +00001520 *v:operator* *operator-variable*
1521v:operator The last operator given in Normal mode. This is a single
1522 character except for commands starting with <g> or <z>,
1523 in which case it is two characters. Best used alongside
1524 |v:prevcount| and |v:register|. Useful if you want to cancel
1525 Operator-pending mode and then use the operator, e.g.: >
1526 :omap O <Esc>:call MyMotion(v:operator)<CR>
1527< The value remains set until another operator is entered, thus
1528 don't expect it to be empty.
1529 v:operator is not set for |:delete|, |:yank| or other Ex
1530 commands.
1531 Read-only.
1532
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001533 *v:prevcount* *prevcount-variable*
1534v:prevcount The count given for the last but one Normal mode command.
1535 This is the v:count value of the previous command. Useful if
Bram Moolenaar8af1fbf2008-01-05 12:35:21 +00001536 you want to cancel Visual or Operator-pending mode and then
1537 use the count, e.g.: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001538 :vmap % <Esc>:call MyFilter(v:prevcount)<CR>
1539< Read-only.
1540
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00001541 *v:profiling* *profiling-variable*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001542v:profiling Normally zero. Set to one after using ":profile start".
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00001543 See |profiling|.
1544
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001545 *v:progname* *progname-variable*
1546v:progname Contains the name (with path removed) with which Vim was
Bram Moolenaard38b0552012-04-25 19:07:41 +02001547 invoked. Allows you to do special initialisations for |view|,
1548 |evim| etc., or any other name you might symlink to Vim.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001549 Read-only.
1550
1551 *v:register* *register-variable*
Bram Moolenaard58e9292011-02-09 17:07:58 +01001552v:register The name of the register in effect for the current normal mode
Bram Moolenaard38b0552012-04-25 19:07:41 +02001553 command (regardless of whether that command actually used a
1554 register). Or for the currently executing normal mode mapping
1555 (use this in custom commands that take a register).
1556 If none is supplied it is the default register '"', unless
1557 'clipboard' contains "unnamed" or "unnamedplus", then it is
1558 '*' or '+'.
Bram Moolenaard58e9292011-02-09 17:07:58 +01001559 Also see |getreg()| and |setreg()|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001560
Bram Moolenaar1c7715d2005-10-03 22:02:18 +00001561 *v:scrollstart* *scrollstart-variable*
1562v:scrollstart String describing the script or function that caused the
1563 screen to scroll up. It's only set when it is empty, thus the
1564 first reason is remembered. It is set to "Unknown" for a
1565 typed command.
1566 This can be used to find out why your script causes the
1567 hit-enter prompt.
1568
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001569 *v:servername* *servername-variable*
1570v:servername The resulting registered |x11-clientserver| name if any.
1571 Read-only.
1572
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001573
1574v:searchforward *v:searchforward* *searchforward-variable*
1575 Search direction: 1 after a forward search, 0 after a
1576 backward search. It is reset to forward when directly setting
1577 the last search pattern, see |quote/|.
1578 Note that the value is restored when returning from a
1579 function. |function-search-undo|.
1580 Read-write.
1581
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001582 *v:shell_error* *shell_error-variable*
1583v:shell_error Result of the last shell command. When non-zero, the last
1584 shell command had an error. When zero, there was no problem.
1585 This only works when the shell returns the error code to Vim.
1586 The value -1 is often used when the command could not be
1587 executed. Read-only.
1588 Example: >
1589 :!mv foo bar
1590 :if v:shell_error
1591 : echo 'could not rename "foo" to "bar"!'
1592 :endif
1593< "shell_error" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1594
1595 *v:statusmsg* *statusmsg-variable*
1596v:statusmsg Last given status message. It's allowed to set this variable.
1597
Bram Moolenaar4e330bb2005-12-07 21:04:31 +00001598 *v:swapname* *swapname-variable*
1599v:swapname Only valid when executing |SwapExists| autocommands: Name of
1600 the swap file found. Read-only.
1601
1602 *v:swapchoice* *swapchoice-variable*
1603v:swapchoice |SwapExists| autocommands can set this to the selected choice
1604 for handling an existing swap file:
1605 'o' Open read-only
1606 'e' Edit anyway
1607 'r' Recover
1608 'd' Delete swapfile
1609 'q' Quit
1610 'a' Abort
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001611 The value should be a single-character string. An empty value
Bram Moolenaar4e330bb2005-12-07 21:04:31 +00001612 results in the user being asked, as would happen when there is
1613 no SwapExists autocommand. The default is empty.
1614
Bram Moolenaarb3480382005-12-11 21:33:32 +00001615 *v:swapcommand* *swapcommand-variable*
Bram Moolenaar4770d092006-01-12 23:22:24 +00001616v:swapcommand Normal mode command to be executed after a file has been
Bram Moolenaarb3480382005-12-11 21:33:32 +00001617 opened. Can be used for a |SwapExists| autocommand to have
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001618 another Vim open the file and jump to the right place. For
Bram Moolenaarb3480382005-12-11 21:33:32 +00001619 example, when jumping to a tag the value is ":tag tagname\r".
Bram Moolenaar1f35bf92006-03-07 22:38:47 +00001620 For ":edit +cmd file" the value is ":cmd\r".
Bram Moolenaarb3480382005-12-11 21:33:32 +00001621
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001622 *v:termresponse* *termresponse-variable*
1623v:termresponse The escape sequence returned by the terminal for the |t_RV|
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001624 termcap entry. It is set when Vim receives an escape sequence
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001625 that starts with ESC [ or CSI and ends in a 'c', with only
1626 digits, ';' and '.' in between.
1627 When this option is set, the TermResponse autocommand event is
1628 fired, so that you can react to the response from the
1629 terminal.
1630 The response from a new xterm is: "<Esc>[ Pp ; Pv ; Pc c". Pp
1631 is the terminal type: 0 for vt100 and 1 for vt220. Pv is the
1632 patch level (since this was introduced in patch 95, it's
1633 always 95 or bigger). Pc is always zero.
1634 {only when compiled with |+termresponse| feature}
1635
1636 *v:this_session* *this_session-variable*
1637v:this_session Full filename of the last loaded or saved session file. See
1638 |:mksession|. It is allowed to set this variable. When no
1639 session file has been saved, this variable is empty.
1640 "this_session" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1641
1642 *v:throwpoint* *throwpoint-variable*
1643v:throwpoint The point where the exception most recently caught and not
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001644 finished was thrown. Not set when commands are typed. See
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001645 also |v:exception| and |throw-variables|.
1646 Example: >
1647 :try
1648 : throw "oops"
1649 :catch /.*/
1650 : echo "Exception from" v:throwpoint
1651 :endtry
1652< Output: "Exception from test.vim, line 2"
1653
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001654 *v:val* *val-variable*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001655v:val Value of the current item of a |List| or |Dictionary|. Only
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001656 valid while evaluating the expression used with |map()| and
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001657 |filter()|. Read-only.
1658
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001659 *v:version* *version-variable*
1660v:version Version number of Vim: Major version number times 100 plus
1661 minor version number. Version 5.0 is 500. Version 5.1 (5.01)
1662 is 501. Read-only. "version" also works, for backwards
1663 compatibility.
1664 Use |has()| to check if a certain patch was included, e.g.: >
1665 if has("patch123")
1666< Note that patch numbers are specific to the version, thus both
1667 version 5.0 and 5.1 may have a patch 123, but these are
1668 completely different.
1669
1670 *v:warningmsg* *warningmsg-variable*
1671v:warningmsg Last given warning message. It's allowed to set this variable.
1672
Bram Moolenaar727c8762010-10-20 19:17:48 +02001673 *v:windowid* *windowid-variable*
1674v:windowid When any X11 based GUI is running or when running in a
1675 terminal and Vim connects to the X server (|-X|) this will be
Bram Moolenaar264e9fd2010-10-27 12:33:17 +02001676 set to the window ID.
1677 When an MS-Windows GUI is running this will be set to the
1678 window handle.
1679 Otherwise the value is zero.
1680 Note: for windows inside Vim use |winnr()|.
Bram Moolenaar727c8762010-10-20 19:17:48 +02001681
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001682==============================================================================
16834. Builtin Functions *functions*
1684
1685See |function-list| for a list grouped by what the function is used for.
1686
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00001687(Use CTRL-] on the function name to jump to the full explanation.)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001688
1689USAGE RESULT DESCRIPTION ~
1690
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001691abs( {expr}) Float or Number absolute value of {expr}
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02001692acos( {expr}) Float arc cosine of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001693add( {list}, {item}) List append {item} to |List| {list}
Bram Moolenaard6e256c2011-12-14 15:32:50 +01001694and( {expr}, {expr}) Number bitwise AND
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001695append( {lnum}, {string}) Number append {string} below line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00001696append( {lnum}, {list}) Number append lines {list} below line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001697argc() Number number of files in the argument list
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001698argidx() Number current index in the argument list
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001699argv( {nr}) String {nr} entry of the argument list
Bram Moolenaare2f98b92006-03-29 21:18:24 +00001700argv( ) List the argument list
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02001701asin( {expr}) Float arc sine of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001702atan( {expr}) Float arc tangent of {expr}
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02001703atan2( {expr}, {expr}) Float arc tangent of {expr1} / {expr2}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001704browse( {save}, {title}, {initdir}, {default})
1705 String put up a file requester
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001706browsedir( {title}, {initdir}) String put up a directory requester
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001707bufexists( {expr}) Number TRUE if buffer {expr} exists
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001708buflisted( {expr}) Number TRUE if buffer {expr} is listed
1709bufloaded( {expr}) Number TRUE if buffer {expr} is loaded
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001710bufname( {expr}) String Name of the buffer {expr}
1711bufnr( {expr}) Number Number of the buffer {expr}
1712bufwinnr( {expr}) Number window number of buffer {expr}
1713byte2line( {byte}) Number line number at byte count {byte}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001714byteidx( {expr}, {nr}) Number byte index of {nr}'th char in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001715call( {func}, {arglist} [, {dict}])
1716 any call {func} with arguments {arglist}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001717ceil( {expr}) Float round {expr} up
1718changenr() Number current change number
Bram Moolenaard35d7842013-01-23 17:17:10 +01001719char2nr( {expr}[, {utf8}]) Number ASCII/UTF8 value of first char in {expr}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001720cindent( {lnum}) Number C indent for line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001721clearmatches() none clear all matches
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001722col( {expr}) Number column nr of cursor or mark
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001723complete( {startcol}, {matches}) none set Insert mode completion
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00001724complete_add( {expr}) Number add completion match
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001725complete_check() Number check for key typed during completion
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001726confirm( {msg} [, {choices} [, {default} [, {type}]]])
1727 Number number of choice picked by user
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001728copy( {expr}) any make a shallow copy of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001729cos( {expr}) Float cosine of {expr}
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02001730cosh( {expr}) Float hyperbolic cosine of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001731count( {list}, {expr} [, {start} [, {ic}]])
1732 Number count how many {expr} are in {list}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001733cscope_connection( [{num} , {dbpath} [, {prepend}]])
1734 Number checks existence of cscope connection
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00001735cursor( {lnum}, {col} [, {coladd}])
1736 Number move cursor to {lnum}, {col}, {coladd}
1737cursor( {list}) Number move cursor to position in {list}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001738deepcopy( {expr}) any make a full copy of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001739delete( {fname}) Number delete file {fname}
1740did_filetype() Number TRUE if FileType autocommand event used
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001741diff_filler( {lnum}) Number diff filler lines about {lnum}
1742diff_hlID( {lnum}, {col}) Number diff highlighting at {lnum}/{col}
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00001743empty( {expr}) Number TRUE if {expr} is empty
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001744escape( {string}, {chars}) String escape {chars} in {string} with '\'
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00001745eval( {string}) any evaluate {string} into its value
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001746eventhandler( ) Number TRUE if inside an event handler
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001747executable( {expr}) Number 1 if executable {expr} exists
1748exists( {expr}) Number TRUE if {expr} exists
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001749extend( {expr1}, {expr2} [, {expr3}])
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001750 List/Dict insert items of {expr2} into {expr1}
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02001751exp( {expr}) Float exponential of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar146e9c32012-03-07 19:18:23 +01001752expand( {expr} [, {nosuf} [, {list}]])
1753 any expand special keywords in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001754feedkeys( {string} [, {mode}]) Number add key sequence to typeahead buffer
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001755filereadable( {file}) Number TRUE if {file} is a readable file
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001756filewritable( {file}) Number TRUE if {file} is a writable file
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001757filter( {expr}, {string}) List/Dict remove items from {expr} where
1758 {string} is 0
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001759finddir( {name}[, {path}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001760 String find directory {name} in {path}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001761findfile( {name}[, {path}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001762 String find file {name} in {path}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001763float2nr( {expr}) Number convert Float {expr} to a Number
1764floor( {expr}) Float round {expr} down
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02001765fmod( {expr1}, {expr2}) Float remainder of {expr1} / {expr2}
Bram Moolenaaraebaf892008-05-28 14:49:58 +00001766fnameescape( {fname}) String escape special characters in {fname}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001767fnamemodify( {fname}, {mods}) String modify file name
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001768foldclosed( {lnum}) Number first line of fold at {lnum} if closed
1769foldclosedend( {lnum}) Number last line of fold at {lnum} if closed
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001770foldlevel( {lnum}) Number fold level at {lnum}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001771foldtext( ) String line displayed for closed fold
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001772foldtextresult( {lnum}) String text for closed fold at {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001773foreground( ) Number bring the Vim window to the foreground
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001774function( {name}) Funcref reference to function {name}
Bram Moolenaarf1568ec2011-12-14 21:17:39 +01001775garbagecollect( [{atexit}]) none free memory, breaking cyclic references
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001776get( {list}, {idx} [, {def}]) any get item {idx} from {list} or {def}
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001777get( {dict}, {key} [, {def}]) any get item {key} from {dict} or {def}
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00001778getbufline( {expr}, {lnum} [, {end}])
1779 List lines {lnum} to {end} of buffer {expr}
Bram Moolenaar63dbda12013-02-20 21:12:10 +01001780getbufvar( {expr}, {varname} [, {def}])
1781 any variable {varname} in buffer {expr}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001782getchar( [expr]) Number get one character from the user
1783getcharmod( ) Number modifiers for the last typed character
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001784getcmdline() String return the current command-line
1785getcmdpos() Number return cursor position in command-line
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00001786getcmdtype() String return the current command-line type
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001787getcwd() String the current working directory
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00001788getfperm( {fname}) String file permissions of file {fname}
1789getfsize( {fname}) Number size in bytes of file {fname}
Bram Moolenaard8b0cf12004-12-12 11:33:30 +00001790getfontname( [{name}]) String name of font being used
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001791getftime( {fname}) Number last modification time of file
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00001792getftype( {fname}) String description of type of file {fname}
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00001793getline( {lnum}) String line {lnum} of current buffer
1794getline( {lnum}, {end}) List lines {lnum} to {end} of current buffer
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001795getloclist( {nr}) List list of location list items
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00001796getmatches() List list of current matches
Bram Moolenaar18081e32008-02-20 19:11:07 +00001797getpid() Number process ID of Vim
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00001798getpos( {expr}) List position of cursor, mark, etc.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00001799getqflist() List list of quickfix items
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00001800getreg( [{regname} [, 1]]) String contents of register
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001801getregtype( [{regname}]) String type of register
Bram Moolenaar63dbda12013-02-20 21:12:10 +01001802gettabvar( {nr}, {varname} [, {def}])
1803 any variable {varname} in tab {nr} or {def}
1804gettabwinvar( {tabnr}, {winnr}, {name} [, {def}])
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00001805 any {name} in {winnr} in tab page {tabnr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001806getwinposx() Number X coord in pixels of GUI Vim window
1807getwinposy() Number Y coord in pixels of GUI Vim window
Bram Moolenaar63dbda12013-02-20 21:12:10 +01001808getwinvar( {nr}, {varname} [, {def}])
1809 any variable {varname} in window {nr}
Bram Moolenaar146e9c32012-03-07 19:18:23 +01001810glob( {expr} [, {nosuf} [, {list}]])
1811 any expand file wildcards in {expr}
Bram Moolenaarbb5ddda2008-11-28 10:01:10 +00001812globpath( {path}, {expr} [, {flag}])
1813 String do glob({expr}) for all dirs in {path}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001814has( {feature}) Number TRUE if feature {feature} supported
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001815has_key( {dict}, {key}) Number TRUE if {dict} has entry {key}
Bram Moolenaard267b9c2007-04-26 15:06:45 +00001816haslocaldir() Number TRUE if current window executed |:lcd|
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00001817hasmapto( {what} [, {mode} [, {abbr}]])
1818 Number TRUE if mapping to {what} exists
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001819histadd( {history},{item}) String add an item to a history
1820histdel( {history} [, {item}]) String remove an item from a history
1821histget( {history} [, {index}]) String get the item {index} from a history
1822histnr( {history}) Number highest index of a history
1823hlexists( {name}) Number TRUE if highlight group {name} exists
1824hlID( {name}) Number syntax ID of highlight group {name}
1825hostname() String name of the machine Vim is running on
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001826iconv( {expr}, {from}, {to}) String convert encoding of {expr}
1827indent( {lnum}) Number indent of line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001828index( {list}, {expr} [, {start} [, {ic}]])
1829 Number index in {list} where {expr} appears
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00001830input( {prompt} [, {text} [, {completion}]])
1831 String get input from the user
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001832inputdialog( {p} [, {t} [, {c}]]) String like input() but in a GUI dialog
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001833inputlist( {textlist}) Number let the user pick from a choice list
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001834inputrestore() Number restore typeahead
1835inputsave() Number save and clear typeahead
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001836inputsecret( {prompt} [, {text}]) String like input() but hiding the text
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001837insert( {list}, {item} [, {idx}]) List insert {item} in {list} [before {idx}]
Bram Moolenaard6e256c2011-12-14 15:32:50 +01001838invert( {expr}) Number bitwise invert
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001839isdirectory( {directory}) Number TRUE if {directory} is a directory
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00001840islocked( {expr}) Number TRUE if {expr} is locked
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001841items( {dict}) List key-value pairs in {dict}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001842join( {list} [, {sep}]) String join {list} items into one String
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001843keys( {dict}) List keys in {dict}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001844len( {expr}) Number the length of {expr}
1845libcall( {lib}, {func}, {arg}) String call {func} in library {lib} with {arg}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001846libcallnr( {lib}, {func}, {arg}) Number idem, but return a Number
1847line( {expr}) Number line nr of cursor, last line or mark
1848line2byte( {lnum}) Number byte count of line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001849lispindent( {lnum}) Number Lisp indent for line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001850localtime() Number current time
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02001851log( {expr}) Float natural logarithm (base e) of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001852log10( {expr}) Float logarithm of Float {expr} to base 10
Bram Moolenaard38b0552012-04-25 19:07:41 +02001853luaeval( {expr}[, {expr}]) any evaluate |Lua| expression
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001854map( {expr}, {string}) List/Dict change each item in {expr} to {expr}
Bram Moolenaarbd743252010-10-20 21:23:33 +02001855maparg( {name}[, {mode} [, {abbr} [, {dict}]]])
Bram Moolenaarf1568ec2011-12-14 21:17:39 +01001856 String or Dict
1857 rhs of mapping {name} in mode {mode}
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00001858mapcheck( {name}[, {mode} [, {abbr}]])
1859 String check for mappings matching {name}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001860match( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001861 Number position where {pat} matches in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00001862matchadd( {group}, {pattern}[, {priority}[, {id}]])
1863 Number highlight {pattern} with {group}
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00001864matcharg( {nr}) List arguments of |:match|
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00001865matchdelete( {id}) Number delete match identified by {id}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001866matchend( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001867 Number position where {pat} ends in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00001868matchlist( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
1869 List match and submatches of {pat} in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001870matchstr( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
1871 String {count}'th match of {pat} in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001872max( {list}) Number maximum value of items in {list}
1873min( {list}) Number minimum value of items in {list}
1874mkdir( {name} [, {path} [, {prot}]])
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00001875 Number create directory {name}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001876mode( [expr]) String current editing mode
Bram Moolenaar7e506b62010-01-19 15:55:06 +01001877mzeval( {expr}) any evaluate |MzScheme| expression
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001878nextnonblank( {lnum}) Number line nr of non-blank line >= {lnum}
Bram Moolenaard35d7842013-01-23 17:17:10 +01001879nr2char( {expr}[, {utf8}]) String single char with ASCII/UTF8 value {expr}
Bram Moolenaard6e256c2011-12-14 15:32:50 +01001880or( {expr}, {expr}) Number bitwise OR
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00001881pathshorten( {expr}) String shorten directory names in a path
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001882pow( {x}, {y}) Float {x} to the power of {y}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001883prevnonblank( {lnum}) Number line nr of non-blank line <= {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001884printf( {fmt}, {expr1}...) String format text
1885pumvisible() Number whether popup menu is visible
Bram Moolenaar30b65812012-07-12 22:01:11 +02001886pyeval( {expr}) any evaluate |Python| expression
1887py3eval( {expr}) any evaluate |python3| expression
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00001888range( {expr} [, {max} [, {stride}]])
1889 List items from {expr} to {max}
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001890readfile( {fname} [, {binary} [, {max}]])
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00001891 List get list of lines from file {fname}
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00001892reltime( [{start} [, {end}]]) List get time value
1893reltimestr( {time}) String turn time value into a String
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001894remote_expr( {server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
1895 String send expression
1896remote_foreground( {server}) Number bring Vim server to the foreground
1897remote_peek( {serverid} [, {retvar}])
1898 Number check for reply string
1899remote_read( {serverid}) String read reply string
1900remote_send( {server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
1901 String send key sequence
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00001902remove( {list}, {idx} [, {end}]) any remove items {idx}-{end} from {list}
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00001903remove( {dict}, {key}) any remove entry {key} from {dict}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001904rename( {from}, {to}) Number rename (move) file from {from} to {to}
1905repeat( {expr}, {count}) String repeat {expr} {count} times
1906resolve( {filename}) String get filename a shortcut points to
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001907reverse( {list}) List reverse {list} in-place
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001908round( {expr}) Float round off {expr}
Bram Moolenaar9750bb12012-12-05 16:10:42 +01001909screencol() Number current cursor column
1910screenrow() Number current cursor row
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00001911search( {pattern} [, {flags} [, {stopline} [, {timeout}]]])
1912 Number search for {pattern}
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001913searchdecl( {name} [, {global} [, {thisblock}]])
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001914 Number search for variable declaration
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00001915searchpair( {start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip} [...]]])
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001916 Number search for other end of start/end pair
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00001917searchpairpos( {start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip} [...]]])
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001918 List search for other end of start/end pair
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00001919searchpos( {pattern} [, {flags} [, {stopline} [, {timeout}]]])
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001920 List search for {pattern}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001921server2client( {clientid}, {string})
1922 Number send reply string
1923serverlist() String get a list of available servers
1924setbufvar( {expr}, {varname}, {val}) set {varname} in buffer {expr} to {val}
1925setcmdpos( {pos}) Number set cursor position in command-line
1926setline( {lnum}, {line}) Number set line {lnum} to {line}
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00001927setloclist( {nr}, {list}[, {action}])
1928 Number modify location list using {list}
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00001929setmatches( {list}) Number restore a list of matches
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001930setpos( {expr}, {list}) Number set the {expr} position to {list}
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00001931setqflist( {list}[, {action}]) Number modify quickfix list using {list}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001932setreg( {n}, {v}[, {opt}]) Number set register to value and type
Bram Moolenaar06b5d512010-05-22 15:37:44 +02001933settabvar( {nr}, {varname}, {val}) set {varname} in tab page {nr} to {val}
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00001934settabwinvar( {tabnr}, {winnr}, {varname}, {val}) set {varname} in window
1935 {winnr} in tab page {tabnr} to {val}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001936setwinvar( {nr}, {varname}, {val}) set {varname} in window {nr} to {val}
Bram Moolenaaraf9aeb92013-02-13 17:35:04 +01001937sha256( {string}) String SHA256 checksum of {string}
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00001938shellescape( {string} [, {special}])
1939 String escape {string} for use as shell
Bram Moolenaar60a495f2006-10-03 12:44:42 +00001940 command argument
Bram Moolenaar2d17fa32012-10-21 00:45:18 +02001941shiftwidth() Number effective value of 'shiftwidth'
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001942simplify( {filename}) String simplify filename as much as possible
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001943sin( {expr}) Float sine of {expr}
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02001944sinh( {expr}) Float hyperbolic sine of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar5f894962011-06-19 02:55:37 +02001945sort( {list} [, {func} [, {dict}]])
1946 List sort {list}, using {func} to compare
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00001947soundfold( {word}) String sound-fold {word}
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00001948spellbadword() String badly spelled word at cursor
Bram Moolenaarc54b8a72005-09-30 21:20:29 +00001949spellsuggest( {word} [, {max} [, {capital}]])
1950 List spelling suggestions
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00001951split( {expr} [, {pat} [, {keepempty}]])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001952 List make |List| from {pat} separated {expr}
Bram Moolenaard58e9292011-02-09 17:07:58 +01001953sqrt( {expr}) Float square root of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001954str2float( {expr}) Float convert String to Float
1955str2nr( {expr} [, {base}]) Number convert String to Number
Bram Moolenaar72597a52010-07-18 15:31:08 +02001956strchars( {expr}) Number character length of the String {expr}
Bram Moolenaardc536092010-07-18 15:45:49 +02001957strdisplaywidth( {expr} [, {col}]) Number display length of the String {expr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001958strftime( {format}[, {time}]) String time in specified format
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00001959stridx( {haystack}, {needle}[, {start}])
1960 Number index of {needle} in {haystack}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001961string( {expr}) String String representation of {expr} value
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001962strlen( {expr}) Number length of the String {expr}
1963strpart( {src}, {start}[, {len}])
1964 String {len} characters of {src} at {start}
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00001965strridx( {haystack}, {needle} [, {start}])
1966 Number last index of {needle} in {haystack}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001967strtrans( {expr}) String translate string to make it printable
Bram Moolenaar72597a52010-07-18 15:31:08 +02001968strwidth( {expr}) Number display cell length of the String {expr}
Bram Moolenaar251e1912011-06-19 05:09:16 +02001969submatch( {nr}) String specific match in ":s" or substitute()
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001970substitute( {expr}, {pat}, {sub}, {flags})
1971 String all {pat} in {expr} replaced with {sub}
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00001972synID( {lnum}, {col}, {trans}) Number syntax ID at {lnum} and {col}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001973synIDattr( {synID}, {what} [, {mode}])
1974 String attribute {what} of syntax ID {synID}
1975synIDtrans( {synID}) Number translated syntax ID of {synID}
Bram Moolenaar483c5d82010-10-20 18:45:33 +02001976synconcealed( {lnum}, {col}) List info about concealing
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001977synstack( {lnum}, {col}) List stack of syntax IDs at {lnum} and {col}
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00001978system( {expr} [, {input}]) String output of shell command/filter {expr}
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00001979tabpagebuflist( [{arg}]) List list of buffer numbers in tab page
1980tabpagenr( [{arg}]) Number number of current or last tab page
1981tabpagewinnr( {tabarg}[, {arg}])
1982 Number number of current window in tab page
1983taglist( {expr}) List list of tags matching {expr}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001984tagfiles() List tags files used
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001985tempname() String name for a temporary file
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02001986tan( {expr}) Float tangent of {expr}
1987tanh( {expr}) Float hyperbolic tangent of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001988tolower( {expr}) String the String {expr} switched to lowercase
1989toupper( {expr}) String the String {expr} switched to uppercase
Bram Moolenaar8299df92004-07-10 09:47:34 +00001990tr( {src}, {fromstr}, {tostr}) String translate chars of {src} in {fromstr}
1991 to chars in {tostr}
Bram Moolenaard58e9292011-02-09 17:07:58 +01001992trunc( {expr}) Float truncate Float {expr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001993type( {name}) Number type of variable {name}
Bram Moolenaara17d4c12010-05-30 18:30:36 +02001994undofile( {name}) String undo file name for {name}
Bram Moolenaara800b422010-06-27 01:15:55 +02001995undotree() List undo file tree
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001996values( {dict}) List values in {dict}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001997virtcol( {expr}) Number screen column of cursor or mark
1998visualmode( [expr]) String last visual mode used
Bram Moolenaar8738fc12013-02-20 17:59:11 +01001999wildmenumode() Number whether 'wildmenu' mode is active
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002000winbufnr( {nr}) Number buffer number of window {nr}
2001wincol() Number window column of the cursor
2002winheight( {nr}) Number height of window {nr}
2003winline() Number window line of the cursor
Bram Moolenaar7e8fd632006-02-18 22:14:51 +00002004winnr( [{expr}]) Number number of current window
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002005winrestcmd() String returns command to restore window sizes
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01002006winrestview( {dict}) none restore view of current window
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00002007winsaveview() Dict save view of current window
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002008winwidth( {nr}) Number width of window {nr}
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01002009writefile( {list}, {fname} [, {binary}])
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00002010 Number write list of lines to file {fname}
Bram Moolenaard6e256c2011-12-14 15:32:50 +01002011xor( {expr}, {expr}) Number bitwise XOR
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002012
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002013abs({expr}) *abs()*
2014 Return the absolute value of {expr}. When {expr} evaluates to
2015 a |Float| abs() returns a |Float|. When {expr} can be
2016 converted to a |Number| abs() returns a |Number|. Otherwise
2017 abs() gives an error message and returns -1.
2018 Examples: >
2019 echo abs(1.456)
2020< 1.456 >
2021 echo abs(-5.456)
2022< 5.456 >
2023 echo abs(-4)
2024< 4
2025 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
2026
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002027
2028acos({expr}) *acos()*
2029 Return the arc cosine of {expr} measured in radians, as a
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02002030 |Float| in the range of [0, pi].
2031 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number| in the range
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002032 [-1, 1].
2033 Examples: >
2034 :echo acos(0)
2035< 1.570796 >
2036 :echo acos(-0.5)
2037< 2.094395
Bram Moolenaardb84e452010-08-15 13:50:43 +02002038 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002039
2040
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002041add({list}, {expr}) *add()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002042 Append the item {expr} to |List| {list}. Returns the
2043 resulting |List|. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002044 :let alist = add([1, 2, 3], item)
2045 :call add(mylist, "woodstock")
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002046< Note that when {expr} is a |List| it is appended as a single
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00002047 item. Use |extend()| to concatenate |Lists|.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00002048 Use |insert()| to add an item at another position.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002049
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002050
Bram Moolenaard6e256c2011-12-14 15:32:50 +01002051and({expr}, {expr}) *and()*
2052 Bitwise AND on the two arguments. The arguments are converted
2053 to a number. A List, Dict or Float argument causes an error.
2054 Example: >
2055 :let flag = and(bits, 0x80)
2056
2057
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002058append({lnum}, {expr}) *append()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002059 When {expr} is a |List|: Append each item of the |List| as a
2060 text line below line {lnum} in the current buffer.
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00002061 Otherwise append {expr} as one text line below line {lnum} in
2062 the current buffer.
2063 {lnum} can be zero to insert a line before the first one.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002064 Returns 1 for failure ({lnum} out of range or out of memory),
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002065 0 for success. Example: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002066 :let failed = append(line('$'), "# THE END")
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002067 :let failed = append(0, ["Chapter 1", "the beginning"])
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002068<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002069 *argc()*
2070argc() The result is the number of files in the argument list of the
2071 current window. See |arglist|.
2072
2073 *argidx()*
2074argidx() The result is the current index in the argument list. 0 is
2075 the first file. argc() - 1 is the last one. See |arglist|.
2076
2077 *argv()*
Bram Moolenaare2f98b92006-03-29 21:18:24 +00002078argv([{nr}]) The result is the {nr}th file in the argument list of the
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002079 current window. See |arglist|. "argv(0)" is the first one.
2080 Example: >
2081 :let i = 0
2082 :while i < argc()
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002083 : let f = escape(fnameescape(argv(i)), '.')
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002084 : exe 'amenu Arg.' . f . ' :e ' . f . '<CR>'
2085 : let i = i + 1
2086 :endwhile
Bram Moolenaare2f98b92006-03-29 21:18:24 +00002087< Without the {nr} argument a |List| with the whole |arglist| is
2088 returned.
2089
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002090asin({expr}) *asin()*
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02002091 Return the arc sine of {expr} measured in radians, as a |Float|
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002092 in the range of [-pi/2, pi/2].
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02002093 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number| in the range
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002094 [-1, 1].
2095 Examples: >
2096 :echo asin(0.8)
2097< 0.927295 >
2098 :echo asin(-0.5)
2099< -0.523599
Bram Moolenaardb84e452010-08-15 13:50:43 +02002100 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002101
2102
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002103atan({expr}) *atan()*
2104 Return the principal value of the arc tangent of {expr}, in
2105 the range [-pi/2, +pi/2] radians, as a |Float|.
2106 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
2107 Examples: >
2108 :echo atan(100)
2109< 1.560797 >
2110 :echo atan(-4.01)
2111< -1.326405
2112 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
2113
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002114
2115atan2({expr1}, {expr2}) *atan2()*
2116 Return the arc tangent of {expr1} / {expr2}, measured in
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02002117 radians, as a |Float| in the range [-pi, pi].
2118 {expr1} and {expr2} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002119 Examples: >
2120 :echo atan2(-1, 1)
2121< -0.785398 >
2122 :echo atan2(1, -1)
2123< 2.356194
Bram Moolenaardb84e452010-08-15 13:50:43 +02002124 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002125
2126
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002127 *browse()*
2128browse({save}, {title}, {initdir}, {default})
2129 Put up a file requester. This only works when "has("browse")"
2130 returns non-zero (only in some GUI versions).
2131 The input fields are:
2132 {save} when non-zero, select file to write
2133 {title} title for the requester
2134 {initdir} directory to start browsing in
2135 {default} default file name
2136 When the "Cancel" button is hit, something went wrong, or
2137 browsing is not possible, an empty string is returned.
2138
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00002139 *browsedir()*
2140browsedir({title}, {initdir})
2141 Put up a directory requester. This only works when
2142 "has("browse")" returns non-zero (only in some GUI versions).
2143 On systems where a directory browser is not supported a file
2144 browser is used. In that case: select a file in the directory
2145 to be used.
2146 The input fields are:
2147 {title} title for the requester
2148 {initdir} directory to start browsing in
2149 When the "Cancel" button is hit, something went wrong, or
2150 browsing is not possible, an empty string is returned.
2151
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002152bufexists({expr}) *bufexists()*
2153 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a buffer called
2154 {expr} exists.
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00002155 If the {expr} argument is a number, buffer numbers are used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002156 If the {expr} argument is a string it must match a buffer name
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00002157 exactly. The name can be:
2158 - Relative to the current directory.
2159 - A full path.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002160 - The name of a buffer with 'buftype' set to "nofile".
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00002161 - A URL name.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002162 Unlisted buffers will be found.
2163 Note that help files are listed by their short name in the
2164 output of |:buffers|, but bufexists() requires using their
2165 long name to be able to find them.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002166 bufexists() may report a buffer exists, but to use the name
2167 with a |:buffer| command you may need to use |expand()|. Esp
2168 for MS-Windows 8.3 names in the form "c:\DOCUME~1"
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002169 Use "bufexists(0)" to test for the existence of an alternate
2170 file name.
2171 *buffer_exists()*
2172 Obsolete name: buffer_exists().
2173
2174buflisted({expr}) *buflisted()*
2175 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a buffer called
2176 {expr} exists and is listed (has the 'buflisted' option set).
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00002177 The {expr} argument is used like with |bufexists()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002178
2179bufloaded({expr}) *bufloaded()*
2180 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a buffer called
2181 {expr} exists and is loaded (shown in a window or hidden).
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00002182 The {expr} argument is used like with |bufexists()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002183
2184bufname({expr}) *bufname()*
2185 The result is the name of a buffer, as it is displayed by the
2186 ":ls" command.
2187 If {expr} is a Number, that buffer number's name is given.
2188 Number zero is the alternate buffer for the current window.
2189 If {expr} is a String, it is used as a |file-pattern| to match
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002190 with the buffer names. This is always done like 'magic' is
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002191 set and 'cpoptions' is empty. When there is more than one
2192 match an empty string is returned.
2193 "" or "%" can be used for the current buffer, "#" for the
2194 alternate buffer.
2195 A full match is preferred, otherwise a match at the start, end
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002196 or middle of the buffer name is accepted. If you only want a
2197 full match then put "^" at the start and "$" at the end of the
2198 pattern.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002199 Listed buffers are found first. If there is a single match
2200 with a listed buffer, that one is returned. Next unlisted
2201 buffers are searched for.
2202 If the {expr} is a String, but you want to use it as a buffer
2203 number, force it to be a Number by adding zero to it: >
2204 :echo bufname("3" + 0)
2205< If the buffer doesn't exist, or doesn't have a name, an empty
2206 string is returned. >
2207 bufname("#") alternate buffer name
2208 bufname(3) name of buffer 3
2209 bufname("%") name of current buffer
2210 bufname("file2") name of buffer where "file2" matches.
2211< *buffer_name()*
2212 Obsolete name: buffer_name().
2213
2214 *bufnr()*
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00002215bufnr({expr} [, {create}])
2216 The result is the number of a buffer, as it is displayed by
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002217 the ":ls" command. For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()|
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00002218 above.
2219 If the buffer doesn't exist, -1 is returned. Or, if the
2220 {create} argument is present and not zero, a new, unlisted,
2221 buffer is created and its number is returned.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002222 bufnr("$") is the last buffer: >
2223 :let last_buffer = bufnr("$")
2224< The result is a Number, which is the highest buffer number
2225 of existing buffers. Note that not all buffers with a smaller
2226 number necessarily exist, because ":bwipeout" may have removed
2227 them. Use bufexists() to test for the existence of a buffer.
2228 *buffer_number()*
2229 Obsolete name: buffer_number().
2230 *last_buffer_nr()*
2231 Obsolete name for bufnr("$"): last_buffer_nr().
2232
2233bufwinnr({expr}) *bufwinnr()*
2234 The result is a Number, which is the number of the first
2235 window associated with buffer {expr}. For the use of {expr},
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002236 see |bufname()| above. If buffer {expr} doesn't exist or
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002237 there is no such window, -1 is returned. Example: >
2238
2239 echo "A window containing buffer 1 is " . (bufwinnr(1))
2240
2241< The number can be used with |CTRL-W_w| and ":wincmd w"
2242 |:wincmd|.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002243 Only deals with the current tab page.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002244
2245
2246byte2line({byte}) *byte2line()*
2247 Return the line number that contains the character at byte
2248 count {byte} in the current buffer. This includes the
2249 end-of-line character, depending on the 'fileformat' option
2250 for the current buffer. The first character has byte count
2251 one.
2252 Also see |line2byte()|, |go| and |:goto|.
2253 {not available when compiled without the |+byte_offset|
2254 feature}
2255
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00002256byteidx({expr}, {nr}) *byteidx()*
2257 Return byte index of the {nr}'th character in the string
2258 {expr}. Use zero for the first character, it returns zero.
2259 This function is only useful when there are multibyte
2260 characters, otherwise the returned value is equal to {nr}.
2261 Composing characters are counted as a separate character.
2262 Example : >
2263 echo matchstr(str, ".", byteidx(str, 3))
2264< will display the fourth character. Another way to do the
2265 same: >
2266 let s = strpart(str, byteidx(str, 3))
2267 echo strpart(s, 0, byteidx(s, 1))
2268< If there are less than {nr} characters -1 is returned.
2269 If there are exactly {nr} characters the length of the string
2270 is returned.
2271
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002272call({func}, {arglist} [, {dict}]) *call()* *E699*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002273 Call function {func} with the items in |List| {arglist} as
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002274 arguments.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002275 {func} can either be a |Funcref| or the name of a function.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002276 a:firstline and a:lastline are set to the cursor line.
2277 Returns the return value of the called function.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002278 {dict} is for functions with the "dict" attribute. It will be
2279 used to set the local variable "self". |Dictionary-function|
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002280
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002281ceil({expr}) *ceil()*
2282 Return the smallest integral value greater than or equal to
2283 {expr} as a |Float| (round up).
2284 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
2285 Examples: >
2286 echo ceil(1.456)
2287< 2.0 >
2288 echo ceil(-5.456)
2289< -5.0 >
2290 echo ceil(4.0)
2291< 4.0
2292 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
2293
Bram Moolenaarca003e12006-03-17 23:19:38 +00002294changenr() *changenr()*
2295 Return the number of the most recent change. This is the same
2296 number as what is displayed with |:undolist| and can be used
2297 with the |:undo| command.
2298 When a change was made it is the number of that change. After
2299 redo it is the number of the redone change. After undo it is
2300 one less than the number of the undone change.
2301
Bram Moolenaard35d7842013-01-23 17:17:10 +01002302char2nr({expr}[, {utf8}]) *char2nr()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002303 Return number value of the first char in {expr}. Examples: >
2304 char2nr(" ") returns 32
2305 char2nr("ABC") returns 65
Bram Moolenaard35d7842013-01-23 17:17:10 +01002306< When {utf8} is omitted or zero, the current 'encoding' is used.
2307 Example for "utf-8": >
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002308 char2nr("á") returns 225
2309 char2nr("á"[0]) returns 195
Bram Moolenaard35d7842013-01-23 17:17:10 +01002310< With {utf8} set to 1, always treat as utf-8 characters.
2311 A combining character is a separate character.
Bram Moolenaar97293012011-07-18 19:40:27 +02002312 |nr2char()| does the opposite.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002313
2314cindent({lnum}) *cindent()*
2315 Get the amount of indent for line {lnum} according the C
2316 indenting rules, as with 'cindent'.
2317 The indent is counted in spaces, the value of 'tabstop' is
2318 relevant. {lnum} is used just like in |getline()|.
2319 When {lnum} is invalid or Vim was not compiled the |+cindent|
2320 feature, -1 is returned.
Bram Moolenaard5cdbeb2005-10-10 20:59:28 +00002321 See |C-indenting|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002322
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00002323clearmatches() *clearmatches()*
2324 Clears all matches previously defined by |matchadd()| and the
2325 |:match| commands.
2326
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002327 *col()*
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00002328col({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the byte index of the column
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002329 position given with {expr}. The accepted positions are:
2330 . the cursor position
2331 $ the end of the cursor line (the result is the
Bram Moolenaar1aeaf8c2012-05-18 13:46:39 +02002332 number of bytes in the cursor line plus one)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002333 'x position of mark x (if the mark is not set, 0 is
2334 returned)
Bram Moolenaar477933c2007-07-17 14:32:23 +00002335 Additionally {expr} can be [lnum, col]: a |List| with the line
2336 and column number. Most useful when the column is "$", to get
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002337 the last column of a specific line. When "lnum" or "col" is
Bram Moolenaar477933c2007-07-17 14:32:23 +00002338 out of range then col() returns zero.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002339 To get the line number use |line()|. To get both use
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00002340 |getpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002341 For the screen column position use |virtcol()|.
2342 Note that only marks in the current file can be used.
2343 Examples: >
2344 col(".") column of cursor
2345 col("$") length of cursor line plus one
2346 col("'t") column of mark t
2347 col("'" . markname) column of mark markname
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002348< The first column is 1. 0 is returned for an error.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002349 For an uppercase mark the column may actually be in another
2350 buffer.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002351 For the cursor position, when 'virtualedit' is active, the
2352 column is one higher if the cursor is after the end of the
2353 line. This can be used to obtain the column in Insert mode: >
2354 :imap <F2> <C-O>:let save_ve = &ve<CR>
2355 \<C-O>:set ve=all<CR>
2356 \<C-O>:echo col(".") . "\n" <Bar>
2357 \let &ve = save_ve<CR>
2358<
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00002359
Bram Moolenaara94bc432006-03-10 21:42:59 +00002360complete({startcol}, {matches}) *complete()* *E785*
2361 Set the matches for Insert mode completion.
2362 Can only be used in Insert mode. You need to use a mapping
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002363 with CTRL-R = |i_CTRL-R|. It does not work after CTRL-O or
2364 with an expression mapping.
Bram Moolenaara94bc432006-03-10 21:42:59 +00002365 {startcol} is the byte offset in the line where the completed
2366 text start. The text up to the cursor is the original text
2367 that will be replaced by the matches. Use col('.') for an
2368 empty string. "col('.') - 1" will replace one character by a
2369 match.
2370 {matches} must be a |List|. Each |List| item is one match.
2371 See |complete-items| for the kind of items that are possible.
2372 Note that the after calling this function you need to avoid
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01002373 inserting anything that would cause completion to stop.
Bram Moolenaara94bc432006-03-10 21:42:59 +00002374 The match can be selected with CTRL-N and CTRL-P as usual with
2375 Insert mode completion. The popup menu will appear if
2376 specified, see |ins-completion-menu|.
2377 Example: >
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002378 inoremap <F5> <C-R>=ListMonths()<CR>
Bram Moolenaara94bc432006-03-10 21:42:59 +00002379
2380 func! ListMonths()
2381 call complete(col('.'), ['January', 'February', 'March',
2382 \ 'April', 'May', 'June', 'July', 'August', 'September',
2383 \ 'October', 'November', 'December'])
2384 return ''
2385 endfunc
2386< This isn't very useful, but it shows how it works. Note that
2387 an empty string is returned to avoid a zero being inserted.
2388
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00002389complete_add({expr}) *complete_add()*
2390 Add {expr} to the list of matches. Only to be used by the
2391 function specified with the 'completefunc' option.
2392 Returns 0 for failure (empty string or out of memory),
2393 1 when the match was added, 2 when the match was already in
2394 the list.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002395 See |complete-functions| for an explanation of {expr}. It is
Bram Moolenaar39f05632006-03-19 22:15:26 +00002396 the same as one item in the list that 'omnifunc' would return.
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00002397
2398complete_check() *complete_check()*
2399 Check for a key typed while looking for completion matches.
2400 This is to be used when looking for matches takes some time.
2401 Returns non-zero when searching for matches is to be aborted,
2402 zero otherwise.
2403 Only to be used by the function specified with the
2404 'completefunc' option.
2405
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002406 *confirm()*
2407confirm({msg} [, {choices} [, {default} [, {type}]]])
2408 Confirm() offers the user a dialog, from which a choice can be
2409 made. It returns the number of the choice. For the first
2410 choice this is 1.
2411 Note: confirm() is only supported when compiled with dialog
2412 support, see |+dialog_con| and |+dialog_gui|.
Bram Moolenaara800b422010-06-27 01:15:55 +02002413
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002414 {msg} is displayed in a |dialog| with {choices} as the
2415 alternatives. When {choices} is missing or empty, "&OK" is
2416 used (and translated).
2417 {msg} is a String, use '\n' to include a newline. Only on
2418 some systems the string is wrapped when it doesn't fit.
Bram Moolenaara800b422010-06-27 01:15:55 +02002419
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002420 {choices} is a String, with the individual choices separated
2421 by '\n', e.g. >
2422 confirm("Save changes?", "&Yes\n&No\n&Cancel")
2423< The letter after the '&' is the shortcut key for that choice.
2424 Thus you can type 'c' to select "Cancel". The shortcut does
2425 not need to be the first letter: >
2426 confirm("file has been modified", "&Save\nSave &All")
2427< For the console, the first letter of each choice is used as
2428 the default shortcut key.
Bram Moolenaara800b422010-06-27 01:15:55 +02002429
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002430 The optional {default} argument is the number of the choice
2431 that is made if the user hits <CR>. Use 1 to make the first
2432 choice the default one. Use 0 to not set a default. If
2433 {default} is omitted, 1 is used.
Bram Moolenaara800b422010-06-27 01:15:55 +02002434
2435 The optional {type} argument gives the type of dialog. This
2436 is only used for the icon of the GTK, Mac, Motif and Win32
2437 GUI. It can be one of these values: "Error", "Question",
2438 "Info", "Warning" or "Generic". Only the first character is
2439 relevant. When {type} is omitted, "Generic" is used.
2440
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002441 If the user aborts the dialog by pressing <Esc>, CTRL-C,
2442 or another valid interrupt key, confirm() returns 0.
2443
2444 An example: >
2445 :let choice = confirm("What do you want?", "&Apples\n&Oranges\n&Bananas", 2)
2446 :if choice == 0
2447 : echo "make up your mind!"
2448 :elseif choice == 3
2449 : echo "tasteful"
2450 :else
2451 : echo "I prefer bananas myself."
2452 :endif
2453< In a GUI dialog, buttons are used. The layout of the buttons
2454 depends on the 'v' flag in 'guioptions'. If it is included,
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002455 the buttons are always put vertically. Otherwise, confirm()
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002456 tries to put the buttons in one horizontal line. If they
2457 don't fit, a vertical layout is used anyway. For some systems
2458 the horizontal layout is always used.
2459
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002460 *copy()*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002461copy({expr}) Make a copy of {expr}. For Numbers and Strings this isn't
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002462 different from using {expr} directly.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002463 When {expr} is a |List| a shallow copy is created. This means
2464 that the original |List| can be changed without changing the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002465 copy, and vice versa. But the items are identical, thus
2466 changing an item changes the contents of both |Lists|. Also
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002467 see |deepcopy()|.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002468
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002469cos({expr}) *cos()*
2470 Return the cosine of {expr}, measured in radians, as a |Float|.
2471 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
2472 Examples: >
2473 :echo cos(100)
2474< 0.862319 >
2475 :echo cos(-4.01)
2476< -0.646043
2477 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
2478
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002479
2480cosh({expr}) *cosh()*
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02002481 Return the hyperbolic cosine of {expr} as a |Float| in the range
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002482 [1, inf].
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02002483 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002484 Examples: >
2485 :echo cosh(0.5)
2486< 1.127626 >
2487 :echo cosh(-0.5)
2488< -1.127626
Bram Moolenaardb84e452010-08-15 13:50:43 +02002489 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002490
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002491
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002492count({comp}, {expr} [, {ic} [, {start}]]) *count()*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002493 Return the number of times an item with value {expr} appears
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002494 in |List| or |Dictionary| {comp}.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002495 If {start} is given then start with the item with this index.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002496 {start} can only be used with a |List|.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002497 When {ic} is given and it's non-zero then case is ignored.
2498
2499
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002500 *cscope_connection()*
2501cscope_connection([{num} , {dbpath} [, {prepend}]])
2502 Checks for the existence of a |cscope| connection. If no
2503 parameters are specified, then the function returns:
2504 0, if cscope was not available (not compiled in), or
2505 if there are no cscope connections;
2506 1, if there is at least one cscope connection.
2507
2508 If parameters are specified, then the value of {num}
2509 determines how existence of a cscope connection is checked:
2510
2511 {num} Description of existence check
2512 ----- ------------------------------
2513 0 Same as no parameters (e.g., "cscope_connection()").
2514 1 Ignore {prepend}, and use partial string matches for
2515 {dbpath}.
2516 2 Ignore {prepend}, and use exact string matches for
2517 {dbpath}.
2518 3 Use {prepend}, use partial string matches for both
2519 {dbpath} and {prepend}.
2520 4 Use {prepend}, use exact string matches for both
2521 {dbpath} and {prepend}.
2522
2523 Note: All string comparisons are case sensitive!
2524
2525 Examples. Suppose we had the following (from ":cs show"): >
2526
2527 # pid database name prepend path
2528 0 27664 cscope.out /usr/local
2529<
2530 Invocation Return Val ~
2531 ---------- ---------- >
2532 cscope_connection() 1
2533 cscope_connection(1, "out") 1
2534 cscope_connection(2, "out") 0
2535 cscope_connection(3, "out") 0
2536 cscope_connection(3, "out", "local") 1
2537 cscope_connection(4, "out") 0
2538 cscope_connection(4, "out", "local") 0
2539 cscope_connection(4, "cscope.out", "/usr/local") 1
2540<
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00002541cursor({lnum}, {col} [, {off}]) *cursor()*
2542cursor({list})
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002543 Positions the cursor at the column (byte count) {col} in the
2544 line {lnum}. The first column is one.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00002545 When there is one argument {list} this is used as a |List|
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00002546 with two or three items {lnum}, {col} and {off}. This is like
2547 the return value of |getpos()|, but without the first item.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002548 Does not change the jumplist.
2549 If {lnum} is greater than the number of lines in the buffer,
2550 the cursor will be positioned at the last line in the buffer.
2551 If {lnum} is zero, the cursor will stay in the current line.
Bram Moolenaar6f16eb82005-08-23 21:02:42 +00002552 If {col} is greater than the number of bytes in the line,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002553 the cursor will be positioned at the last character in the
2554 line.
2555 If {col} is zero, the cursor will stay in the current column.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00002556 When 'virtualedit' is used {off} specifies the offset in
2557 screen columns from the start of the character. E.g., a
Bram Moolenaard46bbc72007-05-12 14:38:41 +00002558 position within a <Tab> or after the last character.
Bram Moolenaar798b30b2009-04-22 10:56:16 +00002559 Returns 0 when the position could be set, -1 otherwise.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002560
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002561
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00002562deepcopy({expr}[, {noref}]) *deepcopy()* *E698*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002563 Make a copy of {expr}. For Numbers and Strings this isn't
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002564 different from using {expr} directly.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002565 When {expr} is a |List| a full copy is created. This means
2566 that the original |List| can be changed without changing the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002567 copy, and vice versa. When an item is a |List|, a copy for it
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002568 is made, recursively. Thus changing an item in the copy does
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002569 not change the contents of the original |List|.
2570 When {noref} is omitted or zero a contained |List| or
2571 |Dictionary| is only copied once. All references point to
2572 this single copy. With {noref} set to 1 every occurrence of a
2573 |List| or |Dictionary| results in a new copy. This also means
2574 that a cyclic reference causes deepcopy() to fail.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00002575 *E724*
2576 Nesting is possible up to 100 levels. When there is an item
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00002577 that refers back to a higher level making a deep copy with
2578 {noref} set to 1 will fail.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002579 Also see |copy()|.
2580
2581delete({fname}) *delete()*
2582 Deletes the file by the name {fname}. The result is a Number,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002583 which is 0 if the file was deleted successfully, and non-zero
2584 when the deletion failed.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002585 Use |remove()| to delete an item from a |List|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002586
2587 *did_filetype()*
2588did_filetype() Returns non-zero when autocommands are being executed and the
2589 FileType event has been triggered at least once. Can be used
2590 to avoid triggering the FileType event again in the scripts
2591 that detect the file type. |FileType|
2592 When editing another file, the counter is reset, thus this
2593 really checks if the FileType event has been triggered for the
2594 current buffer. This allows an autocommand that starts
2595 editing another buffer to set 'filetype' and load a syntax
2596 file.
2597
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00002598diff_filler({lnum}) *diff_filler()*
2599 Returns the number of filler lines above line {lnum}.
2600 These are the lines that were inserted at this point in
2601 another diff'ed window. These filler lines are shown in the
2602 display but don't exist in the buffer.
2603 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current
2604 line, "'m" mark m, etc.
2605 Returns 0 if the current window is not in diff mode.
2606
2607diff_hlID({lnum}, {col}) *diff_hlID()*
2608 Returns the highlight ID for diff mode at line {lnum} column
2609 {col} (byte index). When the current line does not have a
2610 diff change zero is returned.
2611 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current
2612 line, "'m" mark m, etc.
2613 {col} is 1 for the leftmost column, {lnum} is 1 for the first
2614 line.
2615 The highlight ID can be used with |synIDattr()| to obtain
2616 syntax information about the highlighting.
2617
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00002618empty({expr}) *empty()*
2619 Return the Number 1 if {expr} is empty, zero otherwise.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002620 A |List| or |Dictionary| is empty when it does not have any
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002621 items. A Number is empty when its value is zero.
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01002622 For a long |List| this is much faster than comparing the
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002623 length with zero.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00002624
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002625escape({string}, {chars}) *escape()*
2626 Escape the characters in {chars} that occur in {string} with a
2627 backslash. Example: >
2628 :echo escape('c:\program files\vim', ' \')
2629< results in: >
2630 c:\\program\ files\\vim
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002631< Also see |shellescape()|.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002632
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002633 *eval()*
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002634eval({string}) Evaluate {string} and return the result. Especially useful to
2635 turn the result of |string()| back into the original value.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002636 This works for Numbers, Floats, Strings and composites of
2637 them. Also works for |Funcref|s that refer to existing
2638 functions.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002639
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002640eventhandler() *eventhandler()*
2641 Returns 1 when inside an event handler. That is that Vim got
2642 interrupted while waiting for the user to type a character,
2643 e.g., when dropping a file on Vim. This means interactive
2644 commands cannot be used. Otherwise zero is returned.
2645
2646executable({expr}) *executable()*
2647 This function checks if an executable with the name {expr}
2648 exists. {expr} must be the name of the program without any
Bram Moolenaarf4b8e572004-06-24 15:53:16 +00002649 arguments.
2650 executable() uses the value of $PATH and/or the normal
2651 searchpath for programs. *PATHEXT*
2652 On MS-DOS and MS-Windows the ".exe", ".bat", etc. can
2653 optionally be included. Then the extensions in $PATHEXT are
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002654 tried. Thus if "foo.exe" does not exist, "foo.exe.bat" can be
2655 found. If $PATHEXT is not set then ".exe;.com;.bat;.cmd" is
Bram Moolenaarf4b8e572004-06-24 15:53:16 +00002656 used. A dot by itself can be used in $PATHEXT to try using
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002657 the name without an extension. When 'shell' looks like a
Bram Moolenaarf4b8e572004-06-24 15:53:16 +00002658 Unix shell, then the name is also tried without adding an
2659 extension.
2660 On MS-DOS and MS-Windows it only checks if the file exists and
2661 is not a directory, not if it's really executable.
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00002662 On MS-Windows an executable in the same directory as Vim is
2663 always found. Since this directory is added to $PATH it
2664 should also work to execute it |win32-PATH|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002665 The result is a Number:
2666 1 exists
2667 0 does not exist
2668 -1 not implemented on this system
2669
2670 *exists()*
2671exists({expr}) The result is a Number, which is non-zero if {expr} is
2672 defined, zero otherwise. The {expr} argument is a string,
2673 which contains one of these:
2674 &option-name Vim option (only checks if it exists,
2675 not if it really works)
2676 +option-name Vim option that works.
2677 $ENVNAME environment variable (could also be
2678 done by comparing with an empty
2679 string)
2680 *funcname built-in function (see |functions|)
2681 or user defined function (see
2682 |user-functions|).
2683 varname internal variable (see
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002684 |internal-variables|). Also works
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002685 for |curly-braces-names|, |Dictionary|
2686 entries, |List| items, etc. Beware
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00002687 that evaluating an index may cause an
2688 error message for an invalid
2689 expression. E.g.: >
2690 :let l = [1, 2, 3]
2691 :echo exists("l[5]")
2692< 0 >
2693 :echo exists("l[xx]")
2694< E121: Undefined variable: xx
2695 0
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002696 :cmdname Ex command: built-in command, user
2697 command or command modifier |:command|.
2698 Returns:
2699 1 for match with start of a command
2700 2 full match with a command
2701 3 matches several user commands
2702 To check for a supported command
2703 always check the return value to be 2.
Bram Moolenaar14716812006-05-04 21:54:08 +00002704 :2match The |:2match| command.
2705 :3match The |:3match| command.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002706 #event autocommand defined for this event
2707 #event#pattern autocommand defined for this event and
2708 pattern (the pattern is taken
2709 literally and compared to the
2710 autocommand patterns character by
2711 character)
Bram Moolenaara9b1e742005-12-19 22:14:58 +00002712 #group autocommand group exists
2713 #group#event autocommand defined for this group and
2714 event.
2715 #group#event#pattern
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00002716 autocommand defined for this group,
Bram Moolenaara9b1e742005-12-19 22:14:58 +00002717 event and pattern.
Bram Moolenaarf4cd3e82005-12-22 22:47:02 +00002718 ##event autocommand for this event is
2719 supported.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002720 For checking for a supported feature use |has()|.
2721
2722 Examples: >
2723 exists("&shortname")
2724 exists("$HOSTNAME")
2725 exists("*strftime")
2726 exists("*s:MyFunc")
2727 exists("bufcount")
2728 exists(":Make")
Bram Moolenaara9b1e742005-12-19 22:14:58 +00002729 exists("#CursorHold")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002730 exists("#BufReadPre#*.gz")
Bram Moolenaara9b1e742005-12-19 22:14:58 +00002731 exists("#filetypeindent")
2732 exists("#filetypeindent#FileType")
2733 exists("#filetypeindent#FileType#*")
Bram Moolenaarf4cd3e82005-12-22 22:47:02 +00002734 exists("##ColorScheme")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002735< There must be no space between the symbol (&/$/*/#) and the
2736 name.
Bram Moolenaar91170f82006-05-05 21:15:17 +00002737 There must be no extra characters after the name, although in
2738 a few cases this is ignored. That may become more strict in
2739 the future, thus don't count on it!
2740 Working example: >
2741 exists(":make")
2742< NOT working example: >
2743 exists(":make install")
Bram Moolenaar9c102382006-05-03 21:26:49 +00002744
2745< Note that the argument must be a string, not the name of the
2746 variable itself. For example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002747 exists(bufcount)
2748< This doesn't check for existence of the "bufcount" variable,
Bram Moolenaar06a89a52006-04-29 22:01:03 +00002749 but gets the value of "bufcount", and checks if that exists.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002750
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002751exp({expr}) *exp()*
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02002752 Return the exponential of {expr} as a |Float| in the range
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002753 [0, inf].
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02002754 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002755 Examples: >
2756 :echo exp(2)
2757< 7.389056 >
2758 :echo exp(-1)
2759< 0.367879
Bram Moolenaardb84e452010-08-15 13:50:43 +02002760 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002761
2762
Bram Moolenaar84f72352012-03-11 15:57:40 +01002763expand({expr} [, {nosuf} [, {list}]]) *expand()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002764 Expand wildcards and the following special keywords in {expr}.
Bram Moolenaar84f72352012-03-11 15:57:40 +01002765 'wildignorecase' applies.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002766
Bram Moolenaar84f72352012-03-11 15:57:40 +01002767 If {list} is given and it is non-zero, a List will be returned.
2768 Otherwise the result is a String and when there are several
2769 matches, they are separated by <NL> characters. [Note: in
2770 version 5.0 a space was used, which caused problems when a
2771 file name contains a space]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002772
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002773 If the expansion fails, the result is an empty string. A name
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002774 for a non-existing file is not included.
2775
2776 When {expr} starts with '%', '#' or '<', the expansion is done
2777 like for the |cmdline-special| variables with their associated
2778 modifiers. Here is a short overview:
2779
2780 % current file name
2781 # alternate file name
2782 #n alternate file name n
2783 <cfile> file name under the cursor
2784 <afile> autocmd file name
2785 <abuf> autocmd buffer number (as a String!)
2786 <amatch> autocmd matched name
2787 <sfile> sourced script file name
Bram Moolenaar81af9252010-12-10 20:35:50 +01002788 <slnum> sourced script file line number
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002789 <cword> word under the cursor
2790 <cWORD> WORD under the cursor
2791 <client> the {clientid} of the last received
2792 message |server2client()|
2793 Modifiers:
2794 :p expand to full path
2795 :h head (last path component removed)
2796 :t tail (last path component only)
2797 :r root (one extension removed)
2798 :e extension only
2799
2800 Example: >
2801 :let &tags = expand("%:p:h") . "/tags"
2802< Note that when expanding a string that starts with '%', '#' or
2803 '<', any following text is ignored. This does NOT work: >
2804 :let doesntwork = expand("%:h.bak")
2805< Use this: >
2806 :let doeswork = expand("%:h") . ".bak"
2807< Also note that expanding "<cfile>" and others only returns the
2808 referenced file name without further expansion. If "<cfile>"
2809 is "~/.cshrc", you need to do another expand() to have the
2810 "~/" expanded into the path of the home directory: >
2811 :echo expand(expand("<cfile>"))
2812<
2813 There cannot be white space between the variables and the
2814 following modifier. The |fnamemodify()| function can be used
2815 to modify normal file names.
2816
2817 When using '%' or '#', and the current or alternate file name
2818 is not defined, an empty string is used. Using "%:p" in a
2819 buffer with no name, results in the current directory, with a
2820 '/' added.
2821
2822 When {expr} does not start with '%', '#' or '<', it is
2823 expanded like a file name is expanded on the command line.
2824 'suffixes' and 'wildignore' are used, unless the optional
Bram Moolenaar146e9c32012-03-07 19:18:23 +01002825 {nosuf} argument is given and it is non-zero.
2826 Names for non-existing files are included. The "**" item can
2827 be used to search in a directory tree. For example, to find
2828 all "README" files in the current directory and below: >
Bram Moolenaar02743632005-07-25 20:42:36 +00002829 :echo expand("**/README")
2830<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002831 Expand() can also be used to expand variables and environment
2832 variables that are only known in a shell. But this can be
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002833 slow, because a shell must be started. See |expr-env-expand|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002834 The expanded variable is still handled like a list of file
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002835 names. When an environment variable cannot be expanded, it is
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002836 left unchanged. Thus ":echo expand('$FOOBAR')" results in
2837 "$FOOBAR".
2838
2839 See |glob()| for finding existing files. See |system()| for
2840 getting the raw output of an external command.
2841
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002842extend({expr1}, {expr2} [, {expr3}]) *extend()*
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00002843 {expr1} and {expr2} must be both |Lists| or both
2844 |Dictionaries|.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002845
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00002846 If they are |Lists|: Append {expr2} to {expr1}.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002847 If {expr3} is given insert the items of {expr2} before item
2848 {expr3} in {expr1}. When {expr3} is zero insert before the
2849 first item. When {expr3} is equal to len({expr1}) then
2850 {expr2} is appended.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002851 Examples: >
2852 :echo sort(extend(mylist, [7, 5]))
2853 :call extend(mylist, [2, 3], 1)
Bram Moolenaardc9cf9c2008-08-08 10:36:31 +00002854< When {expr1} is the same List as {expr2} then the number of
2855 items copied is equal to the original length of the List.
2856 E.g., when {expr3} is 1 you get N new copies of the first item
2857 (where N is the original length of the List).
2858 Use |add()| to concatenate one item to a list. To concatenate
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002859 two lists into a new list use the + operator: >
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002860 :let newlist = [1, 2, 3] + [4, 5]
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002861<
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00002862 If they are |Dictionaries|:
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002863 Add all entries from {expr2} to {expr1}.
2864 If a key exists in both {expr1} and {expr2} then {expr3} is
2865 used to decide what to do:
2866 {expr3} = "keep": keep the value of {expr1}
2867 {expr3} = "force": use the value of {expr2}
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00002868 {expr3} = "error": give an error message *E737*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002869 When {expr3} is omitted then "force" is assumed.
2870
2871 {expr1} is changed when {expr2} is not empty. If necessary
2872 make a copy of {expr1} first.
2873 {expr2} remains unchanged.
2874 Returns {expr1}.
2875
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002876
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +00002877feedkeys({string} [, {mode}]) *feedkeys()*
2878 Characters in {string} are queued for processing as if they
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002879 come from a mapping or were typed by the user. They are added
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002880 to the end of the typeahead buffer, thus if a mapping is still
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +00002881 being executed these characters come after them.
2882 The function does not wait for processing of keys contained in
2883 {string}.
2884 To include special keys into {string}, use double-quotes
2885 and "\..." notation |expr-quote|. For example,
Bram Moolenaar79166c42007-05-10 18:29:51 +00002886 feedkeys("\<CR>") simulates pressing of the <Enter> key. But
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +00002887 feedkeys('\<CR>') pushes 5 characters.
2888 If {mode} is absent, keys are remapped.
2889 {mode} is a String, which can contain these character flags:
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00002890 'm' Remap keys. This is default.
2891 'n' Do not remap keys.
2892 't' Handle keys as if typed; otherwise they are handled as
2893 if coming from a mapping. This matters for undo,
2894 opening folds, etc.
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +00002895 Return value is always 0.
2896
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002897filereadable({file}) *filereadable()*
2898 The result is a Number, which is TRUE when a file with the
2899 name {file} exists, and can be read. If {file} doesn't exist,
2900 or is a directory, the result is FALSE. {file} is any
2901 expression, which is used as a String.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002902 If you don't care about the file being readable you can use
2903 |glob()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002904 *file_readable()*
2905 Obsolete name: file_readable().
2906
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002907
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002908filewritable({file}) *filewritable()*
2909 The result is a Number, which is 1 when a file with the
2910 name {file} exists, and can be written. If {file} doesn't
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002911 exist, or is not writable, the result is 0. If {file} is a
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002912 directory, and we can write to it, the result is 2.
2913
2914
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002915filter({expr}, {string}) *filter()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002916 {expr} must be a |List| or a |Dictionary|.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002917 For each item in {expr} evaluate {string} and when the result
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002918 is zero remove the item from the |List| or |Dictionary|.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002919 Inside {string} |v:val| has the value of the current item.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002920 For a |Dictionary| |v:key| has the key of the current item.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002921 Examples: >
2922 :call filter(mylist, 'v:val !~ "OLD"')
2923< Removes the items where "OLD" appears. >
2924 :call filter(mydict, 'v:key >= 8')
2925< Removes the items with a key below 8. >
2926 :call filter(var, 0)
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002927< Removes all the items, thus clears the |List| or |Dictionary|.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00002928
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002929 Note that {string} is the result of expression and is then
2930 used as an expression again. Often it is good to use a
2931 |literal-string| to avoid having to double backslashes.
2932
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002933 The operation is done in-place. If you want a |List| or
2934 |Dictionary| to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
Bram Moolenaarafeb4fa2006-02-01 21:51:12 +00002935 :let l = filter(copy(mylist), 'v:val =~ "KEEP"')
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002936
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002937< Returns {expr}, the |List| or |Dictionary| that was filtered.
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00002938 When an error is encountered while evaluating {string} no
2939 further items in {expr} are processed.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002940
2941
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00002942finddir({name}[, {path}[, {count}]]) *finddir()*
Bram Moolenaar5b6b1ca2007-03-27 08:19:43 +00002943 Find directory {name} in {path}. Supports both downwards and
2944 upwards recursive directory searches. See |file-searching|
2945 for the syntax of {path}.
2946 Returns the path of the first found match. When the found
2947 directory is below the current directory a relative path is
2948 returned. Otherwise a full path is returned.
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00002949 If {path} is omitted or empty then 'path' is used.
2950 If the optional {count} is given, find {count}'s occurrence of
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00002951 {name} in {path} instead of the first one.
Bram Moolenaar899dddf2006-03-26 21:06:50 +00002952 When {count} is negative return all the matches in a |List|.
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00002953 This is quite similar to the ex-command |:find|.
Bram Moolenaardb84e452010-08-15 13:50:43 +02002954 {only available when compiled with the |+file_in_path|
2955 feature}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00002956
2957findfile({name}[, {path}[, {count}]]) *findfile()*
2958 Just like |finddir()|, but find a file instead of a directory.
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00002959 Uses 'suffixesadd'.
2960 Example: >
2961 :echo findfile("tags.vim", ".;")
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002962< Searches from the directory of the current file upwards until
2963 it finds the file "tags.vim".
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002964
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002965float2nr({expr}) *float2nr()*
2966 Convert {expr} to a Number by omitting the part after the
2967 decimal point.
2968 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a Number.
2969 When the value of {expr} is out of range for a |Number| the
2970 result is truncated to 0x7fffffff or -0x7fffffff. NaN results
2971 in -0x80000000.
2972 Examples: >
2973 echo float2nr(3.95)
2974< 3 >
2975 echo float2nr(-23.45)
2976< -23 >
2977 echo float2nr(1.0e100)
2978< 2147483647 >
2979 echo float2nr(-1.0e150)
2980< -2147483647 >
2981 echo float2nr(1.0e-100)
2982< 0
2983 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
2984
2985
2986floor({expr}) *floor()*
2987 Return the largest integral value less than or equal to
2988 {expr} as a |Float| (round down).
2989 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
2990 Examples: >
2991 echo floor(1.856)
2992< 1.0 >
2993 echo floor(-5.456)
2994< -6.0 >
2995 echo floor(4.0)
2996< 4.0
2997 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
2998
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002999
3000fmod({expr1}, {expr2}) *fmod()*
3001 Return the remainder of {expr1} / {expr2}, even if the
3002 division is not representable. Returns {expr1} - i * {expr2}
3003 for some integer i such that if {expr2} is non-zero, the
3004 result has the same sign as {expr1} and magnitude less than
3005 the magnitude of {expr2}. If {expr2} is zero, the value
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02003006 returned is zero. The value returned is a |Float|.
3007 {expr1} and {expr2} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02003008 Examples: >
3009 :echo fmod(12.33, 1.22)
3010< 0.13 >
3011 :echo fmod(-12.33, 1.22)
3012< -0.13
Bram Moolenaardb84e452010-08-15 13:50:43 +02003013 {only available when compiled with |+float| feature}
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02003014
3015
Bram Moolenaaraebaf892008-05-28 14:49:58 +00003016fnameescape({string}) *fnameescape()*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003017 Escape {string} for use as file name command argument. All
Bram Moolenaaraebaf892008-05-28 14:49:58 +00003018 characters that have a special meaning, such as '%' and '|'
3019 are escaped with a backslash.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003020 For most systems the characters escaped are
3021 " \t\n*?[{`$\\%#'\"|!<". For systems where a backslash
3022 appears in a filename, it depends on the value of 'isfname'.
Bram Moolenaar1b24e4b2008-08-08 10:59:17 +00003023 A leading '+' and '>' is also escaped (special after |:edit|
3024 and |:write|). And a "-" by itself (special after |:cd|).
Bram Moolenaaraebaf892008-05-28 14:49:58 +00003025 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar1b24e4b2008-08-08 10:59:17 +00003026 :let fname = '+some str%nge|name'
Bram Moolenaaraebaf892008-05-28 14:49:58 +00003027 :exe "edit " . fnameescape(fname)
3028< results in executing: >
Bram Moolenaar1b24e4b2008-08-08 10:59:17 +00003029 edit \+some\ str\%nge\|name
Bram Moolenaaraebaf892008-05-28 14:49:58 +00003030
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003031fnamemodify({fname}, {mods}) *fnamemodify()*
3032 Modify file name {fname} according to {mods}. {mods} is a
3033 string of characters like it is used for file names on the
3034 command line. See |filename-modifiers|.
3035 Example: >
3036 :echo fnamemodify("main.c", ":p:h")
3037< results in: >
3038 /home/mool/vim/vim/src
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003039< Note: Environment variables don't work in {fname}, use
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003040 |expand()| first then.
3041
3042foldclosed({lnum}) *foldclosed()*
3043 The result is a Number. If the line {lnum} is in a closed
3044 fold, the result is the number of the first line in that fold.
3045 If the line {lnum} is not in a closed fold, -1 is returned.
3046
3047foldclosedend({lnum}) *foldclosedend()*
3048 The result is a Number. If the line {lnum} is in a closed
3049 fold, the result is the number of the last line in that fold.
3050 If the line {lnum} is not in a closed fold, -1 is returned.
3051
3052foldlevel({lnum}) *foldlevel()*
3053 The result is a Number, which is the foldlevel of line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003054 in the current buffer. For nested folds the deepest level is
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003055 returned. If there is no fold at line {lnum}, zero is
3056 returned. It doesn't matter if the folds are open or closed.
3057 When used while updating folds (from 'foldexpr') -1 is
3058 returned for lines where folds are still to be updated and the
3059 foldlevel is unknown. As a special case the level of the
3060 previous line is usually available.
3061
3062 *foldtext()*
3063foldtext() Returns a String, to be displayed for a closed fold. This is
3064 the default function used for the 'foldtext' option and should
3065 only be called from evaluating 'foldtext'. It uses the
3066 |v:foldstart|, |v:foldend| and |v:folddashes| variables.
3067 The returned string looks like this: >
3068 +-- 45 lines: abcdef
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003069< The number of dashes depends on the foldlevel. The "45" is
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003070 the number of lines in the fold. "abcdef" is the text in the
3071 first non-blank line of the fold. Leading white space, "//"
3072 or "/*" and the text from the 'foldmarker' and 'commentstring'
3073 options is removed.
3074 {not available when compiled without the |+folding| feature}
3075
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00003076foldtextresult({lnum}) *foldtextresult()*
3077 Returns the text that is displayed for the closed fold at line
3078 {lnum}. Evaluates 'foldtext' in the appropriate context.
3079 When there is no closed fold at {lnum} an empty string is
3080 returned.
3081 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current
3082 line, "'m" mark m, etc.
3083 Useful when exporting folded text, e.g., to HTML.
3084 {not available when compiled without the |+folding| feature}
3085
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003086 *foreground()*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003087foreground() Move the Vim window to the foreground. Useful when sent from
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003088 a client to a Vim server. |remote_send()|
3089 On Win32 systems this might not work, the OS does not always
3090 allow a window to bring itself to the foreground. Use
3091 |remote_foreground()| instead.
3092 {only in the Win32, Athena, Motif and GTK GUI versions and the
3093 Win32 console version}
3094
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003095
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00003096function({name}) *function()* *E700*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003097 Return a |Funcref| variable that refers to function {name}.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003098 {name} can be a user defined function or an internal function.
3099
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003100
Bram Moolenaarf1568ec2011-12-14 21:17:39 +01003101garbagecollect([{atexit}]) *garbagecollect()*
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00003102 Cleanup unused |Lists| and |Dictionaries| that have circular
Bram Moolenaar39a58ca2005-06-27 22:42:44 +00003103 references. There is hardly ever a need to invoke this
3104 function, as it is automatically done when Vim runs out of
3105 memory or is waiting for the user to press a key after
3106 'updatetime'. Items without circular references are always
3107 freed when they become unused.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003108 This is useful if you have deleted a very big |List| and/or
3109 |Dictionary| with circular references in a script that runs
3110 for a long time.
Bram Moolenaarf1568ec2011-12-14 21:17:39 +01003111 When the optional {atexit} argument is one, garbage
Bram Moolenaar9d2c8c12007-09-25 16:00:00 +00003112 collection will also be done when exiting Vim, if it wasn't
3113 done before. This is useful when checking for memory leaks.
Bram Moolenaar39a58ca2005-06-27 22:42:44 +00003114
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00003115get({list}, {idx} [, {default}]) *get()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003116 Get item {idx} from |List| {list}. When this item is not
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003117 available return {default}. Return zero when {default} is
3118 omitted.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003119get({dict}, {key} [, {default}])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003120 Get item with key {key} from |Dictionary| {dict}. When this
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003121 item is not available return {default}. Return zero when
3122 {default} is omitted.
3123
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00003124 *getbufline()*
3125getbufline({expr}, {lnum} [, {end}])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003126 Return a |List| with the lines starting from {lnum} to {end}
3127 (inclusive) in the buffer {expr}. If {end} is omitted, a
3128 |List| with only the line {lnum} is returned.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00003129
3130 For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above.
3131
Bram Moolenaar661b1822005-07-28 22:36:45 +00003132 For {lnum} and {end} "$" can be used for the last line of the
3133 buffer. Otherwise a number must be used.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00003134
3135 When {lnum} is smaller than 1 or bigger than the number of
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003136 lines in the buffer, an empty |List| is returned.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00003137
3138 When {end} is greater than the number of lines in the buffer,
3139 it is treated as {end} is set to the number of lines in the
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003140 buffer. When {end} is before {lnum} an empty |List| is
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00003141 returned.
3142
Bram Moolenaar661b1822005-07-28 22:36:45 +00003143 This function works only for loaded buffers. For unloaded and
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003144 non-existing buffers, an empty |List| is returned.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00003145
3146 Example: >
3147 :let lines = getbufline(bufnr("myfile"), 1, "$")
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003148
Bram Moolenaar63dbda12013-02-20 21:12:10 +01003149getbufvar({expr}, {varname} [, {def}]) *getbufvar()*
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003150 The result is the value of option or local buffer variable
3151 {varname} in buffer {expr}. Note that the name without "b:"
3152 must be used.
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00003153 When {varname} is empty returns a dictionary with all the
3154 buffer-local variables.
Bram Moolenaar4317d9b2005-03-18 20:25:31 +00003155 This also works for a global or buffer-local option, but it
3156 doesn't work for a global variable, window-local variable or
3157 window-local option.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003158 For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above.
Bram Moolenaar63dbda12013-02-20 21:12:10 +01003159 When the buffer or variable doesn't exist {def} or an empty
3160 string is returned, there is no error message.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003161 Examples: >
3162 :let bufmodified = getbufvar(1, "&mod")
3163 :echo "todo myvar = " . getbufvar("todo", "myvar")
3164<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003165getchar([expr]) *getchar()*
Bram Moolenaar91170f82006-05-05 21:15:17 +00003166 Get a single character from the user or input stream.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003167 If [expr] is omitted, wait until a character is available.
3168 If [expr] is 0, only get a character when one is available.
Bram Moolenaar91170f82006-05-05 21:15:17 +00003169 Return zero otherwise.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003170 If [expr] is 1, only check if a character is available, it is
Bram Moolenaar91170f82006-05-05 21:15:17 +00003171 not consumed. Return zero if no character available.
3172
3173 Without {expr} and when {expr} is 0 a whole character or
3174 special key is returned. If it is an 8-bit character, the
3175 result is a number. Use nr2char() to convert it to a String.
3176 Otherwise a String is returned with the encoded character.
3177 For a special key it's a sequence of bytes starting with 0x80
Bram Moolenaar56a907a2006-05-06 21:44:30 +00003178 (decimal: 128). This is the same value as the string
3179 "\<Key>", e.g., "\<Left>". The returned value is also a
3180 String when a modifier (shift, control, alt) was used that is
3181 not included in the character.
Bram Moolenaar91170f82006-05-05 21:15:17 +00003182
3183 When {expr} is 1 only the first byte is returned. For a
Bram Moolenaar56a907a2006-05-06 21:44:30 +00003184 one-byte character it is the character itself as a number.
3185 Use nr2char() to convert it to a String.
Bram Moolenaar91170f82006-05-05 21:15:17 +00003186
Bram Moolenaarf1568ec2011-12-14 21:17:39 +01003187 Use getcharmod() to obtain any additional modifiers.
3188
Bram Moolenaar219b8702006-11-01 14:32:36 +00003189 When the user clicks a mouse button, the mouse event will be
3190 returned. The position can then be found in |v:mouse_col|,
3191 |v:mouse_lnum| and |v:mouse_win|. This example positions the
3192 mouse as it would normally happen: >
3193 let c = getchar()
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003194 if c == "\<LeftMouse>" && v:mouse_win > 0
Bram Moolenaar219b8702006-11-01 14:32:36 +00003195 exe v:mouse_win . "wincmd w"
3196 exe v:mouse_lnum
3197 exe "normal " . v:mouse_col . "|"
3198 endif
3199<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003200 There is no prompt, you will somehow have to make clear to the
3201 user that a character has to be typed.
3202 There is no mapping for the character.
3203 Key codes are replaced, thus when the user presses the <Del>
3204 key you get the code for the <Del> key, not the raw character
3205 sequence. Examples: >
3206 getchar() == "\<Del>"
3207 getchar() == "\<S-Left>"
3208< This example redefines "f" to ignore case: >
3209 :nmap f :call FindChar()<CR>
3210 :function FindChar()
3211 : let c = nr2char(getchar())
3212 : while col('.') < col('$') - 1
3213 : normal l
3214 : if getline('.')[col('.') - 1] ==? c
3215 : break
3216 : endif
3217 : endwhile
3218 :endfunction
3219
3220getcharmod() *getcharmod()*
3221 The result is a Number which is the state of the modifiers for
3222 the last obtained character with getchar() or in another way.
3223 These values are added together:
3224 2 shift
3225 4 control
3226 8 alt (meta)
Bram Moolenaarf1568ec2011-12-14 21:17:39 +01003227 16 meta (when it's different from ALT)
3228 32 mouse double click
3229 64 mouse triple click
3230 96 mouse quadruple click (== 32 + 64)
3231 128 command (Macintosh only)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003232 Only the modifiers that have not been included in the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003233 character itself are obtained. Thus Shift-a results in "A"
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01003234 without a modifier.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003235
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003236getcmdline() *getcmdline()*
3237 Return the current command-line. Only works when the command
3238 line is being edited, thus requires use of |c_CTRL-\_e| or
3239 |c_CTRL-R_=|.
3240 Example: >
3241 :cmap <F7> <C-\>eescape(getcmdline(), ' \')<CR>
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003242< Also see |getcmdtype()|, |getcmdpos()| and |setcmdpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003243
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003244getcmdpos() *getcmdpos()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003245 Return the position of the cursor in the command line as a
3246 byte count. The first column is 1.
3247 Only works when editing the command line, thus requires use of
Bram Moolenaar5b435d62012-04-05 17:33:26 +02003248 |c_CTRL-\_e| or |c_CTRL-R_=| or an expression mapping.
3249 Returns 0 otherwise.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003250 Also see |getcmdtype()|, |setcmdpos()| and |getcmdline()|.
3251
3252getcmdtype() *getcmdtype()*
3253 Return the current command-line type. Possible return values
3254 are:
Bram Moolenaar1e015462005-09-25 22:16:38 +00003255 : normal Ex command
3256 > debug mode command |debug-mode|
3257 / forward search command
3258 ? backward search command
3259 @ |input()| command
3260 - |:insert| or |:append| command
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003261 Only works when editing the command line, thus requires use of
Bram Moolenaar5b435d62012-04-05 17:33:26 +02003262 |c_CTRL-\_e| or |c_CTRL-R_=| or an expression mapping.
3263 Returns an empty string otherwise.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003264 Also see |getcmdpos()|, |setcmdpos()| and |getcmdline()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003265
3266 *getcwd()*
3267getcwd() The result is a String, which is the name of the current
3268 working directory.
3269
3270getfsize({fname}) *getfsize()*
3271 The result is a Number, which is the size in bytes of the
3272 given file {fname}.
3273 If {fname} is a directory, 0 is returned.
3274 If the file {fname} can't be found, -1 is returned.
Bram Moolenaard827ada2007-06-19 15:19:55 +00003275 If the size of {fname} is too big to fit in a Number then -2
3276 is returned.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003277
Bram Moolenaard8b0cf12004-12-12 11:33:30 +00003278getfontname([{name}]) *getfontname()*
3279 Without an argument returns the name of the normal font being
3280 used. Like what is used for the Normal highlight group
3281 |hl-Normal|.
3282 With an argument a check is done whether {name} is a valid
3283 font name. If not then an empty string is returned.
3284 Otherwise the actual font name is returned, or {name} if the
3285 GUI does not support obtaining the real name.
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00003286 Only works when the GUI is running, thus not in your vimrc or
Bram Moolenaard8b0cf12004-12-12 11:33:30 +00003287 gvimrc file. Use the |GUIEnter| autocommand to use this
3288 function just after the GUI has started.
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00003289 Note that the GTK 2 GUI accepts any font name, thus checking
3290 for a valid name does not work.
Bram Moolenaard8b0cf12004-12-12 11:33:30 +00003291
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00003292getfperm({fname}) *getfperm()*
3293 The result is a String, which is the read, write, and execute
3294 permissions of the given file {fname}.
3295 If {fname} does not exist or its directory cannot be read, an
3296 empty string is returned.
3297 The result is of the form "rwxrwxrwx", where each group of
3298 "rwx" flags represent, in turn, the permissions of the owner
3299 of the file, the group the file belongs to, and other users.
3300 If a user does not have a given permission the flag for this
Bram Moolenaar9b451252012-08-15 17:43:31 +02003301 is replaced with the string "-". Examples: >
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00003302 :echo getfperm("/etc/passwd")
Bram Moolenaar9b451252012-08-15 17:43:31 +02003303 :echo getfperm(expand("~/.vimrc"))
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00003304< This will hopefully (from a security point of view) display
3305 the string "rw-r--r--" or even "rw-------".
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00003306
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003307getftime({fname}) *getftime()*
3308 The result is a Number, which is the last modification time of
3309 the given file {fname}. The value is measured as seconds
3310 since 1st Jan 1970, and may be passed to strftime(). See also
3311 |localtime()| and |strftime()|.
3312 If the file {fname} can't be found -1 is returned.
3313
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00003314getftype({fname}) *getftype()*
3315 The result is a String, which is a description of the kind of
3316 file of the given file {fname}.
3317 If {fname} does not exist an empty string is returned.
3318 Here is a table over different kinds of files and their
3319 results:
3320 Normal file "file"
3321 Directory "dir"
3322 Symbolic link "link"
3323 Block device "bdev"
3324 Character device "cdev"
3325 Socket "socket"
3326 FIFO "fifo"
3327 All other "other"
3328 Example: >
3329 getftype("/home")
3330< Note that a type such as "link" will only be returned on
3331 systems that support it. On some systems only "dir" and
3332 "file" are returned.
3333
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003334 *getline()*
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003335getline({lnum} [, {end}])
3336 Without {end} the result is a String, which is line {lnum}
3337 from the current buffer. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003338 getline(1)
3339< When {lnum} is a String that doesn't start with a
3340 digit, line() is called to translate the String into a Number.
3341 To get the line under the cursor: >
3342 getline(".")
3343< When {lnum} is smaller than 1 or bigger than the number of
3344 lines in the buffer, an empty string is returned.
3345
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003346 When {end} is given the result is a |List| where each item is
3347 a line from the current buffer in the range {lnum} to {end},
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003348 including line {end}.
3349 {end} is used in the same way as {lnum}.
3350 Non-existing lines are silently omitted.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003351 When {end} is before {lnum} an empty |List| is returned.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003352 Example: >
3353 :let start = line('.')
3354 :let end = search("^$") - 1
3355 :let lines = getline(start, end)
3356
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00003357< To get lines from another buffer see |getbufline()|
3358
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00003359getloclist({nr}) *getloclist()*
3360 Returns a list with all the entries in the location list for
3361 window {nr}. When {nr} is zero the current window is used.
3362 For a location list window, the displayed location list is
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00003363 returned. For an invalid window number {nr}, an empty list is
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01003364 returned. Otherwise, same as |getqflist()|.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003365
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00003366getmatches() *getmatches()*
3367 Returns a |List| with all matches previously defined by
3368 |matchadd()| and the |:match| commands. |getmatches()| is
3369 useful in combination with |setmatches()|, as |setmatches()|
3370 can restore a list of matches saved by |getmatches()|.
3371 Example: >
3372 :echo getmatches()
3373< [{'group': 'MyGroup1', 'pattern': 'TODO',
3374 'priority': 10, 'id': 1}, {'group': 'MyGroup2',
3375 'pattern': 'FIXME', 'priority': 10, 'id': 2}] >
3376 :let m = getmatches()
3377 :call clearmatches()
3378 :echo getmatches()
3379< [] >
3380 :call setmatches(m)
3381 :echo getmatches()
3382< [{'group': 'MyGroup1', 'pattern': 'TODO',
3383 'priority': 10, 'id': 1}, {'group': 'MyGroup2',
3384 'pattern': 'FIXME', 'priority': 10, 'id': 2}] >
3385 :unlet m
3386<
3387
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003388getqflist() *getqflist()*
3389 Returns a list with all the current quickfix errors. Each
3390 list item is a dictionary with these entries:
3391 bufnr number of buffer that has the file name, use
3392 bufname() to get the name
3393 lnum line number in the buffer (first line is 1)
3394 col column number (first column is 1)
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00003395 vcol non-zero: "col" is visual column
3396 zero: "col" is byte index
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003397 nr error number
Bram Moolenaar48b66fb2007-02-04 01:58:18 +00003398 pattern search pattern used to locate the error
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003399 text description of the error
3400 type type of the error, 'E', '1', etc.
3401 valid non-zero: recognized error message
3402
Bram Moolenaare7eb9df2005-09-09 19:49:30 +00003403 When there is no error list or it's empty an empty list is
Bram Moolenaar48b66fb2007-02-04 01:58:18 +00003404 returned. Quickfix list entries with non-existing buffer
3405 number are returned with "bufnr" set to zero.
Bram Moolenaare7eb9df2005-09-09 19:49:30 +00003406
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003407 Useful application: Find pattern matches in multiple files and
3408 do something with them: >
3409 :vimgrep /theword/jg *.c
3410 :for d in getqflist()
3411 : echo bufname(d.bufnr) ':' d.lnum '=' d.text
3412 :endfor
3413
3414
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00003415getreg([{regname} [, 1]]) *getreg()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003416 The result is a String, which is the contents of register
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003417 {regname}. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003418 :let cliptext = getreg('*')
3419< getreg('=') returns the last evaluated value of the expression
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003420 register. (For use in maps.)
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00003421 getreg('=', 1) returns the expression itself, so that it can
3422 be restored with |setreg()|. For other registers the extra
3423 argument is ignored, thus you can always give it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003424 If {regname} is not specified, |v:register| is used.
3425
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003426
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003427getregtype([{regname}]) *getregtype()*
3428 The result is a String, which is type of register {regname}.
3429 The value will be one of:
3430 "v" for |characterwise| text
3431 "V" for |linewise| text
3432 "<CTRL-V>{width}" for |blockwise-visual| text
3433 0 for an empty or unknown register
3434 <CTRL-V> is one character with value 0x16.
3435 If {regname} is not specified, |v:register| is used.
3436
Bram Moolenaar63dbda12013-02-20 21:12:10 +01003437gettabvar({tabnr}, {varname} [, {def}]) *gettabvar()*
Bram Moolenaar06b5d512010-05-22 15:37:44 +02003438 Get the value of a tab-local variable {varname} in tab page
3439 {tabnr}. |t:var|
3440 Tabs are numbered starting with one.
3441 Note that the name without "t:" must be used.
Bram Moolenaar63dbda12013-02-20 21:12:10 +01003442 When the tab or variable doesn't exist {def} or an empty
3443 string is returned, there is no error message.
Bram Moolenaar06b5d512010-05-22 15:37:44 +02003444
Bram Moolenaar63dbda12013-02-20 21:12:10 +01003445gettabwinvar({tabnr}, {winnr}, {varname} [, {def}]) *gettabwinvar()*
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00003446 Get the value of window-local variable {varname} in window
3447 {winnr} in tab page {tabnr}.
3448 When {varname} starts with "&" get the value of a window-local
3449 option.
Bram Moolenaar63dbda12013-02-20 21:12:10 +01003450 When {varname} is empty a dictionary with all window-local
3451 variables is returned.
3452 Note that {varname} must be the name without "w:".
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00003453 Tabs are numbered starting with one. For the current tabpage
3454 use |getwinvar()|.
3455 When {winnr} is zero the current window is used.
3456 This also works for a global option, buffer-local option and
3457 window-local option, but it doesn't work for a global variable
3458 or buffer-local variable.
Bram Moolenaar63dbda12013-02-20 21:12:10 +01003459 When the tab, window or variable doesn't exist {def} or an
3460 empty string is returned, there is no error message.
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00003461 Examples: >
3462 :let list_is_on = gettabwinvar(1, 2, '&list')
3463 :echo "myvar = " . gettabwinvar(3, 1, 'myvar')
Bram Moolenaard46bbc72007-05-12 14:38:41 +00003464<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003465 *getwinposx()*
3466getwinposx() The result is a Number, which is the X coordinate in pixels of
3467 the left hand side of the GUI Vim window. The result will be
3468 -1 if the information is not available.
3469
3470 *getwinposy()*
3471getwinposy() The result is a Number, which is the Y coordinate in pixels of
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003472 the top of the GUI Vim window. The result will be -1 if the
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003473 information is not available.
3474
Bram Moolenaar63dbda12013-02-20 21:12:10 +01003475getwinvar({winnr}, {varname} [, {def}]) *getwinvar()*
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00003476 Like |gettabwinvar()| for the current tabpage.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003477 Examples: >
3478 :let list_is_on = getwinvar(2, '&list')
3479 :echo "myvar = " . getwinvar(1, 'myvar')
3480<
Bram Moolenaar84f72352012-03-11 15:57:40 +01003481glob({expr} [, {nosuf} [, {list}]]) *glob()*
Bram Moolenaarbb5ddda2008-11-28 10:01:10 +00003482 Expand the file wildcards in {expr}. See |wildcards| for the
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00003483 use of special characters.
Bram Moolenaar84f72352012-03-11 15:57:40 +01003484
3485 Unless the optional {nosuf} argument is given and is non-zero,
Bram Moolenaarbb5ddda2008-11-28 10:01:10 +00003486 the 'suffixes' and 'wildignore' options apply: Names matching
3487 one of the patterns in 'wildignore' will be skipped and
3488 'suffixes' affect the ordering of matches.
Bram Moolenaar81af9252010-12-10 20:35:50 +01003489 'wildignorecase' always applies.
Bram Moolenaar84f72352012-03-11 15:57:40 +01003490
3491 When {list} is present and it is non-zero the result is a List
3492 with all matching files. The advantage of using a List is,
3493 you also get filenames containing newlines correctly.
3494 Otherwise the result is a String and when there are several
3495 matches, they are separated by <NL> characters.
3496
3497 If the expansion fails, the result is an empty String or List.
Bram Moolenaar61d35bd2012-03-28 20:51:51 +02003498 A name for a non-existing file is not included. A symbolic
3499 link is only included if it points to an existing file.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003500
3501 For most systems backticks can be used to get files names from
3502 any external command. Example: >
3503 :let tagfiles = glob("`find . -name tags -print`")
3504 :let &tags = substitute(tagfiles, "\n", ",", "g")
3505< The result of the program inside the backticks should be one
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003506 item per line. Spaces inside an item are allowed.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003507
3508 See |expand()| for expanding special Vim variables. See
3509 |system()| for getting the raw output of an external command.
3510
Bram Moolenaarbb5ddda2008-11-28 10:01:10 +00003511globpath({path}, {expr} [, {flag}]) *globpath()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003512 Perform glob() on all directories in {path} and concatenate
3513 the results. Example: >
3514 :echo globpath(&rtp, "syntax/c.vim")
3515< {path} is a comma-separated list of directory names. Each
3516 directory name is prepended to {expr} and expanded like with
Bram Moolenaarbb5ddda2008-11-28 10:01:10 +00003517 |glob()|. A path separator is inserted when needed.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003518 To add a comma inside a directory name escape it with a
3519 backslash. Note that on MS-Windows a directory may have a
3520 trailing backslash, remove it if you put a comma after it.
3521 If the expansion fails for one of the directories, there is no
3522 error message.
Bram Moolenaarbb5ddda2008-11-28 10:01:10 +00003523 Unless the optional {flag} argument is given and is non-zero,
3524 the 'suffixes' and 'wildignore' options apply: Names matching
3525 one of the patterns in 'wildignore' will be skipped and
3526 'suffixes' affect the ordering of matches.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003527
Bram Moolenaar02743632005-07-25 20:42:36 +00003528 The "**" item can be used to search in a directory tree.
3529 For example, to find all "README.txt" files in the directories
3530 in 'runtimepath' and below: >
3531 :echo globpath(&rtp, "**/README.txt")
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00003532< Upwards search and limiting the depth of "**" is not
3533 supported, thus using 'path' will not always work properly.
3534
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003535 *has()*
3536has({feature}) The result is a Number, which is 1 if the feature {feature} is
3537 supported, zero otherwise. The {feature} argument is a
3538 string. See |feature-list| below.
3539 Also see |exists()|.
3540
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003541
3542has_key({dict}, {key}) *has_key()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003543 The result is a Number, which is 1 if |Dictionary| {dict} has
3544 an entry with key {key}. Zero otherwise.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003545
Bram Moolenaard267b9c2007-04-26 15:06:45 +00003546haslocaldir() *haslocaldir()*
3547 The result is a Number, which is 1 when the current
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003548 window has set a local path via |:lcd|, and 0 otherwise.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003549
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00003550hasmapto({what} [, {mode} [, {abbr}]]) *hasmapto()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003551 The result is a Number, which is 1 if there is a mapping that
3552 contains {what} in somewhere in the rhs (what it is mapped to)
3553 and this mapping exists in one of the modes indicated by
3554 {mode}.
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00003555 When {abbr} is there and it is non-zero use abbreviations
Bram Moolenaar39f05632006-03-19 22:15:26 +00003556 instead of mappings. Don't forget to specify Insert and/or
3557 Command-line mode.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003558 Both the global mappings and the mappings local to the current
3559 buffer are checked for a match.
3560 If no matching mapping is found 0 is returned.
3561 The following characters are recognized in {mode}:
3562 n Normal mode
3563 v Visual mode
3564 o Operator-pending mode
3565 i Insert mode
3566 l Language-Argument ("r", "f", "t", etc.)
3567 c Command-line mode
3568 When {mode} is omitted, "nvo" is used.
3569
3570 This function is useful to check if a mapping already exists
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003571 to a function in a Vim script. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003572 :if !hasmapto('\ABCdoit')
3573 : map <Leader>d \ABCdoit
3574 :endif
3575< This installs the mapping to "\ABCdoit" only if there isn't
3576 already a mapping to "\ABCdoit".
3577
3578histadd({history}, {item}) *histadd()*
3579 Add the String {item} to the history {history} which can be
3580 one of: *hist-names*
3581 "cmd" or ":" command line history
3582 "search" or "/" search pattern history
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003583 "expr" or "=" typed expression history
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003584 "input" or "@" input line history
Bram Moolenaar30b65812012-07-12 22:01:11 +02003585 "debug" or ">" debug command history
3586 The {history} string does not need to be the whole name, one
3587 character is sufficient.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003588 If {item} does already exist in the history, it will be
3589 shifted to become the newest entry.
3590 The result is a Number: 1 if the operation was successful,
3591 otherwise 0 is returned.
3592
3593 Example: >
3594 :call histadd("input", strftime("%Y %b %d"))
3595 :let date=input("Enter date: ")
3596< This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3597
3598histdel({history} [, {item}]) *histdel()*
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003599 Clear {history}, i.e. delete all its entries. See |hist-names|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003600 for the possible values of {history}.
3601
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00003602 If the parameter {item} evaluates to a String, it is used as a
3603 regular expression. All entries matching that expression will
3604 be removed from the history (if there are any).
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003605 Upper/lowercase must match, unless "\c" is used |/\c|.
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00003606 If {item} evaluates to a Number, it will be interpreted as
3607 an index, see |:history-indexing|. The respective entry will
3608 be removed if it exists.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003609
3610 The result is a Number: 1 for a successful operation,
3611 otherwise 0 is returned.
3612
3613 Examples:
3614 Clear expression register history: >
3615 :call histdel("expr")
3616<
3617 Remove all entries starting with "*" from the search history: >
3618 :call histdel("/", '^\*')
3619<
3620 The following three are equivalent: >
3621 :call histdel("search", histnr("search"))
3622 :call histdel("search", -1)
3623 :call histdel("search", '^'.histget("search", -1).'$')
3624<
3625 To delete the last search pattern and use the last-but-one for
3626 the "n" command and 'hlsearch': >
3627 :call histdel("search", -1)
3628 :let @/ = histget("search", -1)
3629
3630histget({history} [, {index}]) *histget()*
3631 The result is a String, the entry with Number {index} from
3632 {history}. See |hist-names| for the possible values of
3633 {history}, and |:history-indexing| for {index}. If there is
3634 no such entry, an empty String is returned. When {index} is
3635 omitted, the most recent item from the history is used.
3636
3637 Examples:
3638 Redo the second last search from history. >
3639 :execute '/' . histget("search", -2)
3640
3641< Define an Ex command ":H {num}" that supports re-execution of
3642 the {num}th entry from the output of |:history|. >
3643 :command -nargs=1 H execute histget("cmd", 0+<args>)
3644<
3645histnr({history}) *histnr()*
3646 The result is the Number of the current entry in {history}.
3647 See |hist-names| for the possible values of {history}.
3648 If an error occurred, -1 is returned.
3649
3650 Example: >
3651 :let inp_index = histnr("expr")
3652<
3653hlexists({name}) *hlexists()*
3654 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a highlight group
3655 called {name} exists. This is when the group has been
3656 defined in some way. Not necessarily when highlighting has
3657 been defined for it, it may also have been used for a syntax
3658 item.
3659 *highlight_exists()*
3660 Obsolete name: highlight_exists().
3661
3662 *hlID()*
3663hlID({name}) The result is a Number, which is the ID of the highlight group
3664 with name {name}. When the highlight group doesn't exist,
3665 zero is returned.
3666 This can be used to retrieve information about the highlight
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003667 group. For example, to get the background color of the
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003668 "Comment" group: >
3669 :echo synIDattr(synIDtrans(hlID("Comment")), "bg")
3670< *highlightID()*
3671 Obsolete name: highlightID().
3672
3673hostname() *hostname()*
3674 The result is a String, which is the name of the machine on
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003675 which Vim is currently running. Machine names greater than
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003676 256 characters long are truncated.
3677
3678iconv({expr}, {from}, {to}) *iconv()*
3679 The result is a String, which is the text {expr} converted
3680 from encoding {from} to encoding {to}.
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01003681 When the conversion completely fails an empty string is
3682 returned. When some characters could not be converted they
3683 are replaced with "?".
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003684 The encoding names are whatever the iconv() library function
3685 can accept, see ":!man 3 iconv".
3686 Most conversions require Vim to be compiled with the |+iconv|
3687 feature. Otherwise only UTF-8 to latin1 conversion and back
3688 can be done.
3689 This can be used to display messages with special characters,
3690 no matter what 'encoding' is set to. Write the message in
3691 UTF-8 and use: >
3692 echo iconv(utf8_str, "utf-8", &enc)
3693< Note that Vim uses UTF-8 for all Unicode encodings, conversion
3694 from/to UCS-2 is automatically changed to use UTF-8. You
3695 cannot use UCS-2 in a string anyway, because of the NUL bytes.
Bram Moolenaardb84e452010-08-15 13:50:43 +02003696 {only available when compiled with the |+multi_byte| feature}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003697
3698 *indent()*
3699indent({lnum}) The result is a Number, which is indent of line {lnum} in the
3700 current buffer. The indent is counted in spaces, the value
3701 of 'tabstop' is relevant. {lnum} is used just like in
3702 |getline()|.
3703 When {lnum} is invalid -1 is returned.
3704
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003705
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003706index({list}, {expr} [, {start} [, {ic}]]) *index()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003707 Return the lowest index in |List| {list} where the item has a
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01003708 value equal to {expr}. There is no automatic conversion, so
3709 the String "4" is different from the Number 4. And the number
3710 4 is different from the Float 4.0. The value of 'ignorecase'
3711 is not used here, case always matters.
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00003712 If {start} is given then start looking at the item with index
3713 {start} (may be negative for an item relative to the end).
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003714 When {ic} is given and it is non-zero, ignore case. Otherwise
3715 case must match.
3716 -1 is returned when {expr} is not found in {list}.
3717 Example: >
3718 :let idx = index(words, "the")
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00003719 :if index(numbers, 123) >= 0
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003720
3721
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003722input({prompt} [, {text} [, {completion}]]) *input()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003723 The result is a String, which is whatever the user typed on
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01003724 the command-line. The {prompt} argument is either a prompt
3725 string, or a blank string (for no prompt). A '\n' can be used
3726 in the prompt to start a new line.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003727 The highlighting set with |:echohl| is used for the prompt.
3728 The input is entered just like a command-line, with the same
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003729 editing commands and mappings. There is a separate history
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003730 for lines typed for input().
3731 Example: >
3732 :if input("Coffee or beer? ") == "beer"
3733 : echo "Cheers!"
3734 :endif
3735<
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01003736 If the optional {text} argument is present and not empty, this
3737 is used for the default reply, as if the user typed this.
3738 Example: >
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003739 :let color = input("Color? ", "white")
3740
3741< The optional {completion} argument specifies the type of
3742 completion supported for the input. Without it completion is
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003743 not performed. The supported completion types are the same as
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003744 that can be supplied to a user-defined command using the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003745 "-complete=" argument. Refer to |:command-completion| for
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003746 more information. Example: >
3747 let fname = input("File: ", "", "file")
3748<
3749 NOTE: This function must not be used in a startup file, for
3750 the versions that only run in GUI mode (e.g., the Win32 GUI).
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003751 Note: When input() is called from within a mapping it will
3752 consume remaining characters from that mapping, because a
3753 mapping is handled like the characters were typed.
3754 Use |inputsave()| before input() and |inputrestore()|
3755 after input() to avoid that. Another solution is to avoid
3756 that further characters follow in the mapping, e.g., by using
3757 |:execute| or |:normal|.
3758
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003759 Example with a mapping: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003760 :nmap \x :call GetFoo()<CR>:exe "/" . Foo<CR>
3761 :function GetFoo()
3762 : call inputsave()
3763 : let g:Foo = input("enter search pattern: ")
3764 : call inputrestore()
3765 :endfunction
3766
3767inputdialog({prompt} [, {text} [, {cancelreturn}]]) *inputdialog()*
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01003768 Like |input()|, but when the GUI is running and text dialogs
3769 are supported, a dialog window pops up to input the text.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003770 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar2d17fa32012-10-21 00:45:18 +02003771 :let n = inputdialog("value for shiftwidth", shiftwidth())
3772 :if n != ""
3773 : let &sw = n
3774 :endif
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003775< When the dialog is cancelled {cancelreturn} is returned. When
3776 omitted an empty string is returned.
3777 Hitting <Enter> works like pressing the OK button. Hitting
3778 <Esc> works like pressing the Cancel button.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003779 NOTE: Command-line completion is not supported.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003780
Bram Moolenaar578b49e2005-09-10 19:22:57 +00003781inputlist({textlist}) *inputlist()*
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00003782 {textlist} must be a |List| of strings. This |List| is
3783 displayed, one string per line. The user will be prompted to
3784 enter a number, which is returned.
Bram Moolenaar578b49e2005-09-10 19:22:57 +00003785 The user can also select an item by clicking on it with the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003786 mouse. For the first string 0 is returned. When clicking
Bram Moolenaar578b49e2005-09-10 19:22:57 +00003787 above the first item a negative number is returned. When
3788 clicking on the prompt one more than the length of {textlist}
3789 is returned.
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01003790 Make sure {textlist} has less than 'lines' entries, otherwise
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003791 it won't work. It's a good idea to put the entry number at
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00003792 the start of the string. And put a prompt in the first item.
3793 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar578b49e2005-09-10 19:22:57 +00003794 let color = inputlist(['Select color:', '1. red',
3795 \ '2. green', '3. blue'])
3796
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003797inputrestore() *inputrestore()*
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01003798 Restore typeahead that was saved with a previous |inputsave()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003799 Should be called the same number of times inputsave() is
3800 called. Calling it more often is harmless though.
3801 Returns 1 when there is nothing to restore, 0 otherwise.
3802
3803inputsave() *inputsave()*
3804 Preserve typeahead (also from mappings) and clear it, so that
3805 a following prompt gets input from the user. Should be
3806 followed by a matching inputrestore() after the prompt. Can
3807 be used several times, in which case there must be just as
3808 many inputrestore() calls.
3809 Returns 1 when out of memory, 0 otherwise.
3810
3811inputsecret({prompt} [, {text}]) *inputsecret()*
3812 This function acts much like the |input()| function with but
3813 two exceptions:
3814 a) the user's response will be displayed as a sequence of
3815 asterisks ("*") thereby keeping the entry secret, and
3816 b) the user's response will not be recorded on the input
3817 |history| stack.
3818 The result is a String, which is whatever the user actually
3819 typed on the command-line in response to the issued prompt.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003820 NOTE: Command-line completion is not supported.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003821
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003822insert({list}, {item} [, {idx}]) *insert()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003823 Insert {item} at the start of |List| {list}.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003824 If {idx} is specified insert {item} before the item with index
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003825 {idx}. If {idx} is zero it goes before the first item, just
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003826 like omitting {idx}. A negative {idx} is also possible, see
3827 |list-index|. -1 inserts just before the last item.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003828 Returns the resulting |List|. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003829 :let mylist = insert([2, 3, 5], 1)
3830 :call insert(mylist, 4, -1)
3831 :call insert(mylist, 6, len(mylist))
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003832< The last example can be done simpler with |add()|.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003833 Note that when {item} is a |List| it is inserted as a single
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00003834 item. Use |extend()| to concatenate |Lists|.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003835
Bram Moolenaard6e256c2011-12-14 15:32:50 +01003836invert({expr}) *invert()*
3837 Bitwise invert. The argument is converted to a number. A
3838 List, Dict or Float argument causes an error. Example: >
3839 :let bits = invert(bits)
3840
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003841isdirectory({directory}) *isdirectory()*
3842 The result is a Number, which is non-zero when a directory
3843 with the name {directory} exists. If {directory} doesn't
3844 exist, or isn't a directory, the result is FALSE. {directory}
3845 is any expression, which is used as a String.
3846
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00003847islocked({expr}) *islocked()* *E786*
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00003848 The result is a Number, which is non-zero when {expr} is the
3849 name of a locked variable.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003850 {expr} must be the name of a variable, |List| item or
3851 |Dictionary| entry, not the variable itself! Example: >
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00003852 :let alist = [0, ['a', 'b'], 2, 3]
3853 :lockvar 1 alist
3854 :echo islocked('alist') " 1
3855 :echo islocked('alist[1]') " 0
3856
3857< When {expr} is a variable that does not exist you get an error
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00003858 message. Use |exists()| to check for existence.
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00003859
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00003860items({dict}) *items()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003861 Return a |List| with all the key-value pairs of {dict}. Each
3862 |List| item is a list with two items: the key of a {dict}
3863 entry and the value of this entry. The |List| is in arbitrary
3864 order.
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00003865
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003866
3867join({list} [, {sep}]) *join()*
3868 Join the items in {list} together into one String.
3869 When {sep} is specified it is put in between the items. If
3870 {sep} is omitted a single space is used.
3871 Note that {sep} is not added at the end. You might want to
3872 add it there too: >
3873 let lines = join(mylist, "\n") . "\n"
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00003874< String items are used as-is. |Lists| and |Dictionaries| are
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003875 converted into a string like with |string()|.
3876 The opposite function is |split()|.
3877
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003878keys({dict}) *keys()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003879 Return a |List| with all the keys of {dict}. The |List| is in
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003880 arbitrary order.
3881
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00003882 *len()* *E701*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003883len({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the length of the argument.
3884 When {expr} is a String or a Number the length in bytes is
3885 used, as with |strlen()|.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003886 When {expr} is a |List| the number of items in the |List| is
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003887 returned.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003888 When {expr} is a |Dictionary| the number of entries in the
3889 |Dictionary| is returned.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003890 Otherwise an error is given.
3891
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003892 *libcall()* *E364* *E368*
3893libcall({libname}, {funcname}, {argument})
3894 Call function {funcname} in the run-time library {libname}
3895 with single argument {argument}.
3896 This is useful to call functions in a library that you
3897 especially made to be used with Vim. Since only one argument
3898 is possible, calling standard library functions is rather
3899 limited.
3900 The result is the String returned by the function. If the
3901 function returns NULL, this will appear as an empty string ""
3902 to Vim.
3903 If the function returns a number, use libcallnr()!
3904 If {argument} is a number, it is passed to the function as an
3905 int; if {argument} is a string, it is passed as a
3906 null-terminated string.
3907 This function will fail in |restricted-mode|.
3908
3909 libcall() allows you to write your own 'plug-in' extensions to
3910 Vim without having to recompile the program. It is NOT a
3911 means to call system functions! If you try to do so Vim will
3912 very probably crash.
3913
3914 For Win32, the functions you write must be placed in a DLL
3915 and use the normal C calling convention (NOT Pascal which is
3916 used in Windows System DLLs). The function must take exactly
3917 one parameter, either a character pointer or a long integer,
3918 and must return a character pointer or NULL. The character
3919 pointer returned must point to memory that will remain valid
3920 after the function has returned (e.g. in static data in the
3921 DLL). If it points to allocated memory, that memory will
3922 leak away. Using a static buffer in the function should work,
3923 it's then freed when the DLL is unloaded.
3924
3925 WARNING: If the function returns a non-valid pointer, Vim may
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003926 crash! This also happens if the function returns a number,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003927 because Vim thinks it's a pointer.
3928 For Win32 systems, {libname} should be the filename of the DLL
3929 without the ".DLL" suffix. A full path is only required if
3930 the DLL is not in the usual places.
3931 For Unix: When compiling your own plugins, remember that the
3932 object code must be compiled as position-independent ('PIC').
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01003933 {only in Win32 and some Unix versions, when the |+libcall|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003934 feature is present}
3935 Examples: >
3936 :echo libcall("libc.so", "getenv", "HOME")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003937<
3938 *libcallnr()*
3939libcallnr({libname}, {funcname}, {argument})
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01003940 Just like |libcall()|, but used for a function that returns an
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003941 int instead of a string.
3942 {only in Win32 on some Unix versions, when the |+libcall|
3943 feature is present}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003944 Examples: >
3945 :echo libcallnr("/usr/lib/libc.so", "getpid", "")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003946 :call libcallnr("libc.so", "printf", "Hello World!\n")
3947 :call libcallnr("libc.so", "sleep", 10)
3948<
3949 *line()*
3950line({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the line number of the file
3951 position given with {expr}. The accepted positions are:
3952 . the cursor position
3953 $ the last line in the current buffer
3954 'x position of mark x (if the mark is not set, 0 is
3955 returned)
Bram Moolenaarc7453f52006-02-10 23:20:28 +00003956 w0 first line visible in current window
3957 w$ last line visible in current window
Bram Moolenaar9ecd0232008-06-20 15:31:51 +00003958 v In Visual mode: the start of the Visual area (the
3959 cursor is the end). When not in Visual mode
3960 returns the cursor position. Differs from |'<| in
3961 that it's updated right away.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00003962 Note that a mark in another file can be used. The line number
3963 then applies to another buffer.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00003964 To get the column number use |col()|. To get both use
3965 |getpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003966 Examples: >
3967 line(".") line number of the cursor
3968 line("'t") line number of mark t
3969 line("'" . marker) line number of mark marker
3970< *last-position-jump*
3971 This autocommand jumps to the last known position in a file
3972 just after opening it, if the '" mark is set: >
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01003973 :au BufReadPost * if line("'\"") > 1 && line("'\"") <= line("$") | exe "normal! g`\"" | endif
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00003974
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003975line2byte({lnum}) *line2byte()*
3976 Return the byte count from the start of the buffer for line
3977 {lnum}. This includes the end-of-line character, depending on
3978 the 'fileformat' option for the current buffer. The first
Bram Moolenaarb6b046b2011-12-30 13:11:27 +01003979 line returns 1. 'encoding' matters, 'fileencoding' is ignored.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003980 This can also be used to get the byte count for the line just
3981 below the last line: >
3982 line2byte(line("$") + 1)
Bram Moolenaarb6b046b2011-12-30 13:11:27 +01003983< This is the buffer size plus one. If 'fileencoding' is empty
3984 it is the file size plus one.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003985 When {lnum} is invalid, or the |+byte_offset| feature has been
3986 disabled at compile time, -1 is returned.
3987 Also see |byte2line()|, |go| and |:goto|.
3988
3989lispindent({lnum}) *lispindent()*
3990 Get the amount of indent for line {lnum} according the lisp
3991 indenting rules, as with 'lisp'.
3992 The indent is counted in spaces, the value of 'tabstop' is
3993 relevant. {lnum} is used just like in |getline()|.
3994 When {lnum} is invalid or Vim was not compiled the
3995 |+lispindent| feature, -1 is returned.
3996
3997localtime() *localtime()*
3998 Return the current time, measured as seconds since 1st Jan
3999 1970. See also |strftime()| and |getftime()|.
4000
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004001
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02004002log({expr}) *log()*
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02004003 Return the natural logarithm (base e) of {expr} as a |Float|.
4004 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number| in the range
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02004005 (0, inf].
4006 Examples: >
4007 :echo log(10)
4008< 2.302585 >
4009 :echo log(exp(5))
4010< 5.0
Bram Moolenaardb84e452010-08-15 13:50:43 +02004011 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02004012
4013
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004014log10({expr}) *log10()*
4015 Return the logarithm of Float {expr} to base 10 as a |Float|.
4016 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
4017 Examples: >
4018 :echo log10(1000)
4019< 3.0 >
4020 :echo log10(0.01)
4021< -2.0
4022 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
4023
Bram Moolenaard38b0552012-04-25 19:07:41 +02004024luaeval({expr}[, {expr}]) *luaeval()*
4025 Evaluate Lua expression {expr} and return its result converted
4026 to Vim data structures. Second {expr} may hold additional
4027 argument accessible as _A inside first {expr}.
4028 Strings are returned as they are.
4029 Boolean objects are converted to numbers.
4030 Numbers are converted to |Float| values if vim was compiled
4031 with |+float| and to numbers otherwise.
4032 Dictionaries and lists obtained by vim.eval() are returned
4033 as-is.
4034 Other objects are returned as zero without any errors.
4035 See |lua-luaeval| for more details.
4036 {only available when compiled with the |+lua| feature}
4037
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00004038map({expr}, {string}) *map()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004039 {expr} must be a |List| or a |Dictionary|.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00004040 Replace each item in {expr} with the result of evaluating
4041 {string}.
4042 Inside {string} |v:val| has the value of the current item.
Bram Moolenaar627b1d32009-11-17 11:20:35 +00004043 For a |Dictionary| |v:key| has the key of the current item
4044 and for a |List| |v:key| has the index of the current item.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00004045 Example: >
4046 :call map(mylist, '"> " . v:val . " <"')
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004047< This puts "> " before and " <" after each item in "mylist".
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00004048
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00004049 Note that {string} is the result of an expression and is then
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00004050 used as an expression again. Often it is good to use a
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00004051 |literal-string| to avoid having to double backslashes. You
4052 still have to double ' quotes
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00004053
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004054 The operation is done in-place. If you want a |List| or
4055 |Dictionary| to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
Bram Moolenaar30b65812012-07-12 22:01:11 +02004056 :let tlist = map(copy(mylist), ' v:val . "\t"')
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00004057
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004058< Returns {expr}, the |List| or |Dictionary| that was filtered.
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00004059 When an error is encountered while evaluating {string} no
4060 further items in {expr} are processed.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004061
4062
Bram Moolenaarbd743252010-10-20 21:23:33 +02004063maparg({name}[, {mode} [, {abbr} [, {dict}]]]) *maparg()*
4064 When {dict} is omitted or zero: Return the rhs of mapping
4065 {name} in mode {mode}. The returned String has special
4066 characters translated like in the output of the ":map" command
4067 listing.
4068
4069 When there is no mapping for {name}, an empty String is
4070 returned.
4071
4072 The {name} can have special key names, like in the ":map"
4073 command.
4074
Bram Moolenaard12f5c12006-01-25 22:10:52 +00004075 {mode} can be one of these strings:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004076 "n" Normal
Bram Moolenaarbd743252010-10-20 21:23:33 +02004077 "v" Visual (including Select)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004078 "o" Operator-pending
4079 "i" Insert
4080 "c" Cmd-line
Bram Moolenaarbd743252010-10-20 21:23:33 +02004081 "s" Select
4082 "x" Visual
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004083 "l" langmap |language-mapping|
4084 "" Normal, Visual and Operator-pending
Bram Moolenaard12f5c12006-01-25 22:10:52 +00004085 When {mode} is omitted, the modes for "" are used.
Bram Moolenaarbd743252010-10-20 21:23:33 +02004086
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00004087 When {abbr} is there and it is non-zero use abbreviations
4088 instead of mappings.
Bram Moolenaarbd743252010-10-20 21:23:33 +02004089
4090 When {dict} is there and it is non-zero return a dictionary
4091 containing all the information of the mapping with the
4092 following items:
4093 "lhs" The {lhs} of the mapping.
4094 "rhs" The {rhs} of the mapping as typed.
4095 "silent" 1 for a |:map-silent| mapping, else 0.
Bram Moolenaar05365702010-10-27 18:34:44 +02004096 "noremap" 1 if the {rhs} of the mapping is not remappable.
Bram Moolenaarbd743252010-10-20 21:23:33 +02004097 "expr" 1 for an expression mapping (|:map-<expr>|).
4098 "buffer" 1 for a buffer local mapping (|:map-local|).
4099 "mode" Modes for which the mapping is defined. In
4100 addition to the modes mentioned above, these
4101 characters will be used:
4102 " " Normal, Visual and Operator-pending
4103 "!" Insert and Commandline mode
Bram Moolenaar166af9b2010-11-16 20:34:40 +01004104 (|mapmode-ic|)
Bram Moolenaar05365702010-10-27 18:34:44 +02004105 "sid" The script local ID, used for <sid> mappings
4106 (|<SID>|).
Bram Moolenaarbd743252010-10-20 21:23:33 +02004107
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004108 The mappings local to the current buffer are checked first,
4109 then the global mappings.
Bram Moolenaara40ceaf2006-01-13 22:35:40 +00004110 This function can be used to map a key even when it's already
4111 mapped, and have it do the original mapping too. Sketch: >
4112 exe 'nnoremap <Tab> ==' . maparg('<Tab>', 'n')
4113
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004114
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00004115mapcheck({name}[, {mode} [, {abbr}]]) *mapcheck()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004116 Check if there is a mapping that matches with {name} in mode
4117 {mode}. See |maparg()| for {mode} and special names in
4118 {name}.
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00004119 When {abbr} is there and it is non-zero use abbreviations
4120 instead of mappings.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004121 A match happens with a mapping that starts with {name} and
4122 with a mapping which is equal to the start of {name}.
4123
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004124 matches mapping "a" "ab" "abc" ~
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004125 mapcheck("a") yes yes yes
4126 mapcheck("abc") yes yes yes
4127 mapcheck("ax") yes no no
4128 mapcheck("b") no no no
4129
4130 The difference with maparg() is that mapcheck() finds a
4131 mapping that matches with {name}, while maparg() only finds a
4132 mapping for {name} exactly.
4133 When there is no mapping that starts with {name}, an empty
4134 String is returned. If there is one, the rhs of that mapping
4135 is returned. If there are several mappings that start with
4136 {name}, the rhs of one of them is returned.
4137 The mappings local to the current buffer are checked first,
4138 then the global mappings.
4139 This function can be used to check if a mapping can be added
4140 without being ambiguous. Example: >
4141 :if mapcheck("_vv") == ""
4142 : map _vv :set guifont=7x13<CR>
4143 :endif
4144< This avoids adding the "_vv" mapping when there already is a
4145 mapping for "_v" or for "_vvv".
4146
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00004147match({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *match()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004148 When {expr} is a |List| then this returns the index of the
4149 first item where {pat} matches. Each item is used as a
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004150 String, |Lists| and |Dictionaries| are used as echoed.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004151 Otherwise, {expr} is used as a String. The result is a
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004152 Number, which gives the index (byte offset) in {expr} where
4153 {pat} matches.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004154 A match at the first character or |List| item returns zero.
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00004155 If there is no match -1 is returned.
Bram Moolenaar20f90cf2011-05-19 12:22:51 +02004156 For getting submatches see |matchlist()|.
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00004157 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004158 :echo match("testing", "ing") " results in 4
Bram Moolenaar362e1a32006-03-06 23:29:24 +00004159 :echo match([1, 'x'], '\a') " results in 1
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004160< See |string-match| for how {pat} is used.
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00004161 *strpbrk()*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004162 Vim doesn't have a strpbrk() function. But you can do: >
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00004163 :let sepidx = match(line, '[.,;: \t]')
4164< *strcasestr()*
4165 Vim doesn't have a strcasestr() function. But you can add
4166 "\c" to the pattern to ignore case: >
4167 :let idx = match(haystack, '\cneedle')
4168<
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004169 If {start} is given, the search starts from byte index
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004170 {start} in a String or item {start} in a |List|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004171 The result, however, is still the index counted from the
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004172 first character/item. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004173 :echo match("testing", "ing", 2)
4174< result is again "4". >
4175 :echo match("testing", "ing", 4)
4176< result is again "4". >
4177 :echo match("testing", "t", 2)
4178< result is "3".
Bram Moolenaar5e3cb7e2006-02-27 23:58:35 +00004179 For a String, if {start} > 0 then it is like the string starts
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00004180 {start} bytes later, thus "^" will match at {start}. Except
4181 when {count} is given, then it's like matches before the
4182 {start} byte are ignored (this is a bit complicated to keep it
4183 backwards compatible).
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004184 For a String, if {start} < 0, it will be set to 0. For a list
4185 the index is counted from the end.
Bram Moolenaare224ffa2006-03-01 00:01:28 +00004186 If {start} is out of range ({start} > strlen({expr}) for a
4187 String or {start} > len({expr}) for a |List|) -1 is returned.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004188
Bram Moolenaar5e3cb7e2006-02-27 23:58:35 +00004189 When {count} is given use the {count}'th match. When a match
Bram Moolenaare224ffa2006-03-01 00:01:28 +00004190 is found in a String the search for the next one starts one
Bram Moolenaar5e3cb7e2006-02-27 23:58:35 +00004191 character further. Thus this example results in 1: >
4192 echo match("testing", "..", 0, 2)
4193< In a |List| the search continues in the next item.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00004194 Note that when {count} is added the way {start} works changes,
4195 see above.
Bram Moolenaar5e3cb7e2006-02-27 23:58:35 +00004196
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004197 See |pattern| for the patterns that are accepted.
4198 The 'ignorecase' option is used to set the ignore-caseness of
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004199 the pattern. 'smartcase' is NOT used. The matching is always
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004200 done like 'magic' is set and 'cpoptions' is empty.
4201
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00004202 *matchadd()* *E798* *E799* *E801*
4203matchadd({group}, {pattern}[, {priority}[, {id}]])
4204 Defines a pattern to be highlighted in the current window (a
4205 "match"). It will be highlighted with {group}. Returns an
4206 identification number (ID), which can be used to delete the
4207 match using |matchdelete()|.
4208
4209 The optional {priority} argument assigns a priority to the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004210 match. A match with a high priority will have its
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00004211 highlighting overrule that of a match with a lower priority.
4212 A priority is specified as an integer (negative numbers are no
4213 exception). If the {priority} argument is not specified, the
4214 default priority is 10. The priority of 'hlsearch' is zero,
4215 hence all matches with a priority greater than zero will
4216 overrule it. Syntax highlighting (see 'syntax') is a separate
4217 mechanism, and regardless of the chosen priority a match will
4218 always overrule syntax highlighting.
4219
4220 The optional {id} argument allows the request for a specific
4221 match ID. If a specified ID is already taken, an error
4222 message will appear and the match will not be added. An ID
4223 is specified as a positive integer (zero excluded). IDs 1, 2
4224 and 3 are reserved for |:match|, |:2match| and |:3match|,
4225 respectively. If the {id} argument is not specified,
4226 |matchadd()| automatically chooses a free ID.
4227
4228 The number of matches is not limited, as it is the case with
4229 the |:match| commands.
4230
4231 Example: >
4232 :highlight MyGroup ctermbg=green guibg=green
4233 :let m = matchadd("MyGroup", "TODO")
4234< Deletion of the pattern: >
4235 :call matchdelete(m)
4236
4237< A list of matches defined by |matchadd()| and |:match| are
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004238 available from |getmatches()|. All matches can be deleted in
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00004239 one operation by |clearmatches()|.
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00004240
4241matcharg({nr}) *matcharg()*
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004242 Selects the {nr} match item, as set with a |:match|,
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00004243 |:2match| or |:3match| command.
4244 Return a |List| with two elements:
4245 The name of the highlight group used
4246 The pattern used.
4247 When {nr} is not 1, 2 or 3 returns an empty |List|.
4248 When there is no match item set returns ['', ''].
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00004249 This is useful to save and restore a |:match|.
4250 Highlighting matches using the |:match| commands are limited
4251 to three matches. |matchadd()| does not have this limitation.
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00004252
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00004253matchdelete({id}) *matchdelete()* *E802* *E803*
4254 Deletes a match with ID {id} previously defined by |matchadd()|
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004255 or one of the |:match| commands. Returns 0 if successful,
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00004256 otherwise -1. See example for |matchadd()|. All matches can
4257 be deleted in one operation by |clearmatches()|.
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00004258
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00004259matchend({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *matchend()*
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01004260 Same as |match()|, but return the index of first character
4261 after the match. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004262 :echo matchend("testing", "ing")
4263< results in "7".
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00004264 *strspn()* *strcspn()*
4265 Vim doesn't have a strspn() or strcspn() function, but you can
4266 do it with matchend(): >
4267 :let span = matchend(line, '[a-zA-Z]')
4268 :let span = matchend(line, '[^a-zA-Z]')
4269< Except that -1 is returned when there are no matches.
4270
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01004271 The {start}, if given, has the same meaning as for |match()|. >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004272 :echo matchend("testing", "ing", 2)
4273< results in "7". >
4274 :echo matchend("testing", "ing", 5)
4275< result is "-1".
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01004276 When {expr} is a |List| the result is equal to |match()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004277
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00004278matchlist({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *matchlist()*
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01004279 Same as |match()|, but return a |List|. The first item in the
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00004280 list is the matched string, same as what matchstr() would
4281 return. Following items are submatches, like "\1", "\2", etc.
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +00004282 in |:substitute|. When an optional submatch didn't match an
4283 empty string is used. Example: >
4284 echo matchlist('acd', '\(a\)\?\(b\)\?\(c\)\?\(.*\)')
4285< Results in: ['acd', 'a', '', 'c', 'd', '', '', '', '', '']
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00004286 When there is no match an empty list is returned.
4287
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00004288matchstr({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *matchstr()*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004289 Same as |match()|, but return the matched string. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004290 :echo matchstr("testing", "ing")
4291< results in "ing".
4292 When there is no match "" is returned.
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01004293 The {start}, if given, has the same meaning as for |match()|. >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004294 :echo matchstr("testing", "ing", 2)
4295< results in "ing". >
4296 :echo matchstr("testing", "ing", 5)
4297< result is "".
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004298 When {expr} is a |List| then the matching item is returned.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004299 The type isn't changed, it's not necessarily a String.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004300
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00004301 *max()*
4302max({list}) Return the maximum value of all items in {list}.
4303 If {list} is not a list or one of the items in {list} cannot
4304 be used as a Number this results in an error.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004305 An empty |List| results in zero.
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00004306
4307 *min()*
Bram Moolenaar79166c42007-05-10 18:29:51 +00004308min({list}) Return the minimum value of all items in {list}.
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00004309 If {list} is not a list or one of the items in {list} cannot
4310 be used as a Number this results in an error.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004311 An empty |List| results in zero.
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00004312
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00004313 *mkdir()* *E739*
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004314mkdir({name} [, {path} [, {prot}]])
4315 Create directory {name}.
4316 If {path} is "p" then intermediate directories are created as
4317 necessary. Otherwise it must be "".
4318 If {prot} is given it is used to set the protection bits of
4319 the new directory. The default is 0755 (rwxr-xr-x: r/w for
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004320 the user readable for others). Use 0700 to make it unreadable
Bram Moolenaared39e1d2008-08-09 17:55:22 +00004321 for others. This is only used for the last part of {name}.
4322 Thus if you create /tmp/foo/bar then /tmp/foo will be created
4323 with 0755.
4324 Example: >
4325 :call mkdir($HOME . "/tmp/foo/bar", "p", 0700)
4326< This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004327 Not available on all systems. To check use: >
4328 :if exists("*mkdir")
4329<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004330 *mode()*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004331mode([expr]) Return a string that indicates the current mode.
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00004332 If [expr] is supplied and it evaluates to a non-zero Number or
4333 a non-empty String (|non-zero-arg|), then the full mode is
4334 returned, otherwise only the first letter is returned. Note
4335 that " " and "0" are also non-empty strings.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004336
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004337 n Normal
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004338 no Operator-pending
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004339 v Visual by character
4340 V Visual by line
4341 CTRL-V Visual blockwise
4342 s Select by character
4343 S Select by line
4344 CTRL-S Select blockwise
4345 i Insert
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004346 R Replace |R|
4347 Rv Virtual Replace |gR|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004348 c Command-line
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004349 cv Vim Ex mode |gQ|
4350 ce Normal Ex mode |Q|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004351 r Hit-enter prompt
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004352 rm The -- more -- prompt
4353 r? A |:confirm| query of some sort
4354 ! Shell or external command is executing
4355 This is useful in the 'statusline' option or when used
4356 with |remote_expr()| In most other places it always returns
4357 "c" or "n".
4358 Also see |visualmode()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004359
Bram Moolenaar7e506b62010-01-19 15:55:06 +01004360mzeval({expr}) *mzeval()*
4361 Evaluate MzScheme expression {expr} and return its result
Bram Moolenaard38b0552012-04-25 19:07:41 +02004362 converted to Vim data structures.
Bram Moolenaar7e506b62010-01-19 15:55:06 +01004363 Numbers and strings are returned as they are.
4364 Pairs (including lists and improper lists) and vectors are
4365 returned as Vim |Lists|.
4366 Hash tables are represented as Vim |Dictionary| type with keys
4367 converted to strings.
4368 All other types are converted to string with display function.
4369 Examples: >
4370 :mz (define l (list 1 2 3))
4371 :mz (define h (make-hash)) (hash-set! h "list" l)
4372 :echo mzeval("l")
4373 :echo mzeval("h")
4374<
4375 {only available when compiled with the |+mzscheme| feature}
4376
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004377nextnonblank({lnum}) *nextnonblank()*
4378 Return the line number of the first line at or below {lnum}
4379 that is not blank. Example: >
4380 if getline(nextnonblank(1)) =~ "Java"
4381< When {lnum} is invalid or there is no non-blank line at or
4382 below it, zero is returned.
4383 See also |prevnonblank()|.
4384
Bram Moolenaard35d7842013-01-23 17:17:10 +01004385nr2char({expr}[, {utf8}]) *nr2char()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004386 Return a string with a single character, which has the number
4387 value {expr}. Examples: >
4388 nr2char(64) returns "@"
4389 nr2char(32) returns " "
Bram Moolenaard35d7842013-01-23 17:17:10 +01004390< When {utf8} is omitted or zero, the current 'encoding' is used.
4391 Example for "utf-8": >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004392 nr2char(300) returns I with bow character
Bram Moolenaard35d7842013-01-23 17:17:10 +01004393< With {utf8} set to 1, always return utf-8 characters.
4394 Note that a NUL character in the file is specified with
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004395 nr2char(10), because NULs are represented with newline
4396 characters. nr2char(0) is a real NUL and terminates the
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +00004397 string, thus results in an empty string.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004398
Bram Moolenaar18081e32008-02-20 19:11:07 +00004399 *getpid()*
4400getpid() Return a Number which is the process ID of the Vim process.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004401 On Unix and MS-Windows this is a unique number, until Vim
4402 exits. On MS-DOS it's always zero.
Bram Moolenaar18081e32008-02-20 19:11:07 +00004403
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00004404 *getpos()*
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00004405getpos({expr}) Get the position for {expr}. For possible values of {expr}
4406 see |line()|.
4407 The result is a |List| with four numbers:
4408 [bufnum, lnum, col, off]
4409 "bufnum" is zero, unless a mark like '0 or 'A is used, then it
4410 is the buffer number of the mark.
4411 "lnum" and "col" are the position in the buffer. The first
4412 column is 1.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00004413 The "off" number is zero, unless 'virtualedit' is used. Then
4414 it is the offset in screen columns from the start of the
Bram Moolenaard46bbc72007-05-12 14:38:41 +00004415 character. E.g., a position within a <Tab> or after the last
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00004416 character.
4417 This can be used to save and restore the cursor position: >
4418 let save_cursor = getpos(".")
4419 MoveTheCursorAround
Bram Moolenaardb552d602006-03-23 22:59:57 +00004420 call setpos('.', save_cursor)
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00004421< Also see |setpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00004422
Bram Moolenaard6e256c2011-12-14 15:32:50 +01004423or({expr}, {expr}) *or()*
4424 Bitwise OR on the two arguments. The arguments are converted
4425 to a number. A List, Dict or Float argument causes an error.
4426 Example: >
4427 :let bits = or(bits, 0x80)
4428
4429
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00004430pathshorten({expr}) *pathshorten()*
4431 Shorten directory names in the path {expr} and return the
4432 result. The tail, the file name, is kept as-is. The other
4433 components in the path are reduced to single letters. Leading
4434 '~' and '.' characters are kept. Example: >
4435 :echo pathshorten('~/.vim/autoload/myfile.vim')
4436< ~/.v/a/myfile.vim ~
4437 It doesn't matter if the path exists or not.
4438
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004439pow({x}, {y}) *pow()*
4440 Return the power of {x} to the exponent {y} as a |Float|.
4441 {x} and {y} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
4442 Examples: >
4443 :echo pow(3, 3)
4444< 27.0 >
4445 :echo pow(2, 16)
4446< 65536.0 >
4447 :echo pow(32, 0.20)
4448< 2.0
4449 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
4450
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00004451prevnonblank({lnum}) *prevnonblank()*
4452 Return the line number of the first line at or above {lnum}
4453 that is not blank. Example: >
4454 let ind = indent(prevnonblank(v:lnum - 1))
4455< When {lnum} is invalid or there is no non-blank line at or
4456 above it, zero is returned.
4457 Also see |nextnonblank()|.
4458
4459
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004460printf({fmt}, {expr1} ...) *printf()*
4461 Return a String with {fmt}, where "%" items are replaced by
4462 the formatted form of their respective arguments. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004463 printf("%4d: E%d %.30s", lnum, errno, msg)
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004464< May result in:
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004465 " 99: E42 asdfasdfasdfasdfasdfasdfasdfas" ~
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004466
4467 Often used items are:
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004468 %s string
Bram Moolenaar3ab72c52012-11-14 18:10:56 +01004469 %6S string right-aligned in 6 display cells
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00004470 %6s string right-aligned in 6 bytes
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004471 %.9s string truncated to 9 bytes
4472 %c single byte
4473 %d decimal number
4474 %5d decimal number padded with spaces to 5 characters
4475 %x hex number
4476 %04x hex number padded with zeros to at least 4 characters
4477 %X hex number using upper case letters
4478 %o octal number
4479 %f floating point number in the form 123.456
4480 %e floating point number in the form 1.234e3
4481 %E floating point number in the form 1.234E3
4482 %g floating point number, as %f or %e depending on value
4483 %G floating point number, as %f or %E depending on value
4484 %% the % character itself
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004485
4486 Conversion specifications start with '%' and end with the
4487 conversion type. All other characters are copied unchanged to
4488 the result.
4489
4490 The "%" starts a conversion specification. The following
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004491 arguments appear in sequence:
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004492
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004493 % [flags] [field-width] [.precision] type
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004494
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004495 flags
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004496 Zero or more of the following flags:
4497
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004498 # The value should be converted to an "alternate
4499 form". For c, d, and s conversions, this option
4500 has no effect. For o conversions, the precision
4501 of the number is increased to force the first
4502 character of the output string to a zero (except
4503 if a zero value is printed with an explicit
4504 precision of zero).
4505 For x and X conversions, a non-zero result has
4506 the string "0x" (or "0X" for X conversions)
4507 prepended to it.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004508
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004509 0 (zero) Zero padding. For all conversions the converted
4510 value is padded on the left with zeros rather
4511 than blanks. If a precision is given with a
4512 numeric conversion (d, o, x, and X), the 0 flag
4513 is ignored.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004514
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004515 - A negative field width flag; the converted value
4516 is to be left adjusted on the field boundary.
4517 The converted value is padded on the right with
4518 blanks, rather than on the left with blanks or
4519 zeros. A - overrides a 0 if both are given.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004520
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004521 ' ' (space) A blank should be left before a positive
4522 number produced by a signed conversion (d).
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004523
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004524 + A sign must always be placed before a number
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004525 produced by a signed conversion. A + overrides
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004526 a space if both are used.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004527
4528 field-width
4529 An optional decimal digit string specifying a minimum
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00004530 field width. If the converted value has fewer bytes
4531 than the field width, it will be padded with spaces on
4532 the left (or right, if the left-adjustment flag has
4533 been given) to fill out the field width.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004534
4535 .precision
4536 An optional precision, in the form of a period '.'
4537 followed by an optional digit string. If the digit
4538 string is omitted, the precision is taken as zero.
4539 This gives the minimum number of digits to appear for
4540 d, o, x, and X conversions, or the maximum number of
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00004541 bytes to be printed from a string for s conversions.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004542 For floating point it is the number of digits after
4543 the decimal point.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004544
4545 type
4546 A character that specifies the type of conversion to
4547 be applied, see below.
4548
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004549 A field width or precision, or both, may be indicated by an
4550 asterisk '*' instead of a digit string. In this case, a
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004551 Number argument supplies the field width or precision. A
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004552 negative field width is treated as a left adjustment flag
4553 followed by a positive field width; a negative precision is
4554 treated as though it were missing. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004555 :echo printf("%d: %.*s", nr, width, line)
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004556< This limits the length of the text used from "line" to
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004557 "width" bytes.
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004558
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004559 The conversion specifiers and their meanings are:
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004560
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004561 *printf-d* *printf-o* *printf-x* *printf-X*
4562 doxX The Number argument is converted to signed decimal
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004563 (d), unsigned octal (o), or unsigned hexadecimal (x
4564 and X) notation. The letters "abcdef" are used for
4565 x conversions; the letters "ABCDEF" are used for X
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004566 conversions.
4567 The precision, if any, gives the minimum number of
4568 digits that must appear; if the converted value
4569 requires fewer digits, it is padded on the left with
4570 zeros.
4571 In no case does a non-existent or small field width
4572 cause truncation of a numeric field; if the result of
4573 a conversion is wider than the field width, the field
4574 is expanded to contain the conversion result.
4575
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004576 *printf-c*
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004577 c The Number argument is converted to a byte, and the
4578 resulting character is written.
4579
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004580 *printf-s*
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004581 s The text of the String argument is used. If a
4582 precision is specified, no more bytes than the number
4583 specified are used.
Bram Moolenaar3ab72c52012-11-14 18:10:56 +01004584 S The text of the String argument is used. If a
4585 precision is specified, no more display cells than the
4586 number specified are used. Without the |+multi_byte|
4587 feature works just like 's'.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004588
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004589 *printf-f* *E807*
4590 f The Float argument is converted into a string of the
4591 form 123.456. The precision specifies the number of
4592 digits after the decimal point. When the precision is
4593 zero the decimal point is omitted. When the precision
4594 is not specified 6 is used. A really big number
4595 (out of range or dividing by zero) results in "inf".
4596 "0.0 / 0.0" results in "nan".
4597 Example: >
4598 echo printf("%.2f", 12.115)
4599< 12.12
4600 Note that roundoff depends on the system libraries.
4601 Use |round()| when in doubt.
4602
4603 *printf-e* *printf-E*
4604 e E The Float argument is converted into a string of the
4605 form 1.234e+03 or 1.234E+03 when using 'E'. The
4606 precision specifies the number of digits after the
4607 decimal point, like with 'f'.
4608
4609 *printf-g* *printf-G*
4610 g G The Float argument is converted like with 'f' if the
4611 value is between 0.001 (inclusive) and 10000000.0
4612 (exclusive). Otherwise 'e' is used for 'g' and 'E'
4613 for 'G'. When no precision is specified superfluous
4614 zeroes and '+' signs are removed, except for the zero
4615 immediately after the decimal point. Thus 10000000.0
4616 results in 1.0e7.
4617
4618 *printf-%*
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004619 % A '%' is written. No argument is converted. The
4620 complete conversion specification is "%%".
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004621
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00004622 When a Number argument is expected a String argument is also
4623 accepted and automatically converted.
4624 When a Float or String argument is expected a Number argument
4625 is also accepted and automatically converted.
4626 Any other argument type results in an error message.
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004627
Bram Moolenaar83bab712005-08-01 21:58:57 +00004628 *E766* *E767*
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004629 The number of {exprN} arguments must exactly match the number
4630 of "%" items. If there are not sufficient or too many
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004631 arguments an error is given. Up to 18 arguments can be used.
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004632
4633
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00004634pumvisible() *pumvisible()*
4635 Returns non-zero when the popup menu is visible, zero
4636 otherwise. See |ins-completion-menu|.
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004637 This can be used to avoid some things that would remove the
4638 popup menu.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004639
Bram Moolenaar30b65812012-07-12 22:01:11 +02004640 *E860* *E861*
4641py3eval({expr}) *py3eval()*
4642 Evaluate Python expression {expr} and return its result
4643 converted to Vim data structures.
4644 Numbers and strings are returned as they are (strings are
4645 copied though, unicode strings are additionally converted to
4646 'encoding').
4647 Lists are represented as Vim |List| type.
4648 Dictionaries are represented as Vim |Dictionary| type with
4649 keys converted to strings.
4650 {only available when compiled with the |+python3| feature}
4651
4652 *E858* *E859*
4653pyeval({expr}) *pyeval()*
4654 Evaluate Python expression {expr} and return its result
4655 converted to Vim data structures.
4656 Numbers and strings are returned as they are (strings are
4657 copied though).
4658 Lists are represented as Vim |List| type.
Bram Moolenaard09acef2012-09-21 14:54:30 +02004659 Dictionaries are represented as Vim |Dictionary| type,
4660 non-string keys result in error.
Bram Moolenaar30b65812012-07-12 22:01:11 +02004661 {only available when compiled with the |+python| feature}
4662
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004663 *E726* *E727*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004664range({expr} [, {max} [, {stride}]]) *range()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004665 Returns a |List| with Numbers:
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004666 - If only {expr} is specified: [0, 1, ..., {expr} - 1]
4667 - If {max} is specified: [{expr}, {expr} + 1, ..., {max}]
4668 - If {stride} is specified: [{expr}, {expr} + {stride}, ...,
4669 {max}] (increasing {expr} with {stride} each time, not
4670 producing a value past {max}).
Bram Moolenaare7566042005-06-17 22:00:15 +00004671 When the maximum is one before the start the result is an
4672 empty list. When the maximum is more than one before the
4673 start this is an error.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004674 Examples: >
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004675 range(4) " [0, 1, 2, 3]
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004676 range(2, 4) " [2, 3, 4]
4677 range(2, 9, 3) " [2, 5, 8]
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004678 range(2, -2, -1) " [2, 1, 0, -1, -2]
Bram Moolenaare7566042005-06-17 22:00:15 +00004679 range(0) " []
4680 range(2, 0) " error!
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004681<
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00004682 *readfile()*
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004683readfile({fname} [, {binary} [, {max}]])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004684 Read file {fname} and return a |List|, each line of the file
4685 as an item. Lines broken at NL characters. Macintosh files
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00004686 separated with CR will result in a single long line (unless a
4687 NL appears somewhere).
Bram Moolenaar06583f12010-08-07 20:30:49 +02004688 All NUL characters are replaced with a NL character.
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00004689 When {binary} is equal to "b" binary mode is used:
4690 - When the last line ends in a NL an extra empty list item is
4691 added.
4692 - No CR characters are removed.
4693 Otherwise:
4694 - CR characters that appear before a NL are removed.
4695 - Whether the last line ends in a NL or not does not matter.
Bram Moolenaar06583f12010-08-07 20:30:49 +02004696 - When 'encoding' is Unicode any UTF-8 byte order mark is
4697 removed from the text.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004698 When {max} is given this specifies the maximum number of lines
4699 to be read. Useful if you only want to check the first ten
4700 lines of a file: >
4701 :for line in readfile(fname, '', 10)
4702 : if line =~ 'Date' | echo line | endif
4703 :endfor
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00004704< When {max} is negative -{max} lines from the end of the file
4705 are returned, or as many as there are.
4706 When {max} is zero the result is an empty list.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004707 Note that without {max} the whole file is read into memory.
4708 Also note that there is no recognition of encoding. Read a
4709 file into a buffer if you need to.
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00004710 When the file can't be opened an error message is given and
4711 the result is an empty list.
4712 Also see |writefile()|.
4713
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00004714reltime([{start} [, {end}]]) *reltime()*
4715 Return an item that represents a time value. The format of
4716 the item depends on the system. It can be passed to
4717 |reltimestr()| to convert it to a string.
4718 Without an argument it returns the current time.
4719 With one argument is returns the time passed since the time
4720 specified in the argument.
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00004721 With two arguments it returns the time passed between {start}
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00004722 and {end}.
4723 The {start} and {end} arguments must be values returned by
4724 reltime().
Bram Moolenaardb84e452010-08-15 13:50:43 +02004725 {only available when compiled with the |+reltime| feature}
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00004726
4727reltimestr({time}) *reltimestr()*
4728 Return a String that represents the time value of {time}.
4729 This is the number of seconds, a dot and the number of
4730 microseconds. Example: >
4731 let start = reltime()
4732 call MyFunction()
4733 echo reltimestr(reltime(start))
4734< Note that overhead for the commands will be added to the time.
4735 The accuracy depends on the system.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00004736 Leading spaces are used to make the string align nicely. You
4737 can use split() to remove it. >
4738 echo split(reltimestr(reltime(start)))[0]
4739< Also see |profiling|.
Bram Moolenaardb84e452010-08-15 13:50:43 +02004740 {only available when compiled with the |+reltime| feature}
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00004741
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004742 *remote_expr()* *E449*
4743remote_expr({server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004744 Send the {string} to {server}. The string is sent as an
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004745 expression and the result is returned after evaluation.
Bram Moolenaar362e1a32006-03-06 23:29:24 +00004746 The result must be a String or a |List|. A |List| is turned
4747 into a String by joining the items with a line break in
4748 between (not at the end), like with join(expr, "\n").
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004749 If {idvar} is present, it is taken as the name of a
4750 variable and a {serverid} for later use with
4751 remote_read() is stored there.
4752 See also |clientserver| |RemoteReply|.
4753 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4754 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
4755 Note: Any errors will cause a local error message to be issued
4756 and the result will be the empty string.
4757 Examples: >
4758 :echo remote_expr("gvim", "2+2")
4759 :echo remote_expr("gvim1", "b:current_syntax")
4760<
4761
4762remote_foreground({server}) *remote_foreground()*
4763 Move the Vim server with the name {server} to the foreground.
4764 This works like: >
4765 remote_expr({server}, "foreground()")
4766< Except that on Win32 systems the client does the work, to work
4767 around the problem that the OS doesn't always allow the server
4768 to bring itself to the foreground.
Bram Moolenaar9372a112005-12-06 19:59:18 +00004769 Note: This does not restore the window if it was minimized,
4770 like foreground() does.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004771 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4772 {only in the Win32, Athena, Motif and GTK GUI versions and the
4773 Win32 console version}
4774
4775
4776remote_peek({serverid} [, {retvar}]) *remote_peek()*
4777 Returns a positive number if there are available strings
4778 from {serverid}. Copies any reply string into the variable
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004779 {retvar} if specified. {retvar} must be a string with the
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004780 name of a variable.
4781 Returns zero if none are available.
4782 Returns -1 if something is wrong.
4783 See also |clientserver|.
4784 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4785 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
4786 Examples: >
4787 :let repl = ""
4788 :echo "PEEK: ".remote_peek(id, "repl").": ".repl
4789
4790remote_read({serverid}) *remote_read()*
4791 Return the oldest available reply from {serverid} and consume
4792 it. It blocks until a reply is available.
4793 See also |clientserver|.
4794 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4795 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
4796 Example: >
4797 :echo remote_read(id)
4798<
4799 *remote_send()* *E241*
4800remote_send({server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004801 Send the {string} to {server}. The string is sent as input
Bram Moolenaard4755bb2004-09-02 19:12:26 +00004802 keys and the function returns immediately. At the Vim server
4803 the keys are not mapped |:map|.
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00004804 If {idvar} is present, it is taken as the name of a variable
4805 and a {serverid} for later use with remote_read() is stored
4806 there.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004807 See also |clientserver| |RemoteReply|.
4808 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4809 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
4810 Note: Any errors will be reported in the server and may mess
4811 up the display.
4812 Examples: >
4813 :echo remote_send("gvim", ":DropAndReply ".file, "serverid").
4814 \ remote_read(serverid)
4815
4816 :autocmd NONE RemoteReply *
4817 \ echo remote_read(expand("<amatch>"))
4818 :echo remote_send("gvim", ":sleep 10 | echo ".
4819 \ 'server2client(expand("<client>"), "HELLO")<CR>')
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004820<
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00004821remove({list}, {idx} [, {end}]) *remove()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004822 Without {end}: Remove the item at {idx} from |List| {list} and
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01004823 return the item.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00004824 With {end}: Remove items from {idx} to {end} (inclusive) and
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01004825 return a List with these items. When {idx} points to the same
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00004826 item as {end} a list with one item is returned. When {end}
4827 points to an item before {idx} this is an error.
4828 See |list-index| for possible values of {idx} and {end}.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00004829 Example: >
4830 :echo "last item: " . remove(mylist, -1)
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00004831 :call remove(mylist, 0, 9)
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004832remove({dict}, {key})
4833 Remove the entry from {dict} with key {key}. Example: >
4834 :echo "removed " . remove(dict, "one")
4835< If there is no {key} in {dict} this is an error.
4836
4837 Use |delete()| to remove a file.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00004838
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004839rename({from}, {to}) *rename()*
4840 Rename the file by the name {from} to the name {to}. This
4841 should also work to move files across file systems. The
4842 result is a Number, which is 0 if the file was renamed
4843 successfully, and non-zero when the renaming failed.
Bram Moolenaar798b30b2009-04-22 10:56:16 +00004844 NOTE: If {to} exists it is overwritten without warning.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004845 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4846
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00004847repeat({expr}, {count}) *repeat()*
4848 Repeat {expr} {count} times and return the concatenated
4849 result. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00004850 :let separator = repeat('-', 80)
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00004851< When {count} is zero or negative the result is empty.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004852 When {expr} is a |List| the result is {expr} concatenated
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004853 {count} times. Example: >
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00004854 :let longlist = repeat(['a', 'b'], 3)
4855< Results in ['a', 'b', 'a', 'b', 'a', 'b'].
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00004856
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004857
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004858resolve({filename}) *resolve()* *E655*
4859 On MS-Windows, when {filename} is a shortcut (a .lnk file),
4860 returns the path the shortcut points to in a simplified form.
4861 On Unix, repeat resolving symbolic links in all path
4862 components of {filename} and return the simplified result.
4863 To cope with link cycles, resolving of symbolic links is
4864 stopped after 100 iterations.
4865 On other systems, return the simplified {filename}.
4866 The simplification step is done as by |simplify()|.
4867 resolve() keeps a leading path component specifying the
4868 current directory (provided the result is still a relative
4869 path name) and also keeps a trailing path separator.
4870
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004871 *reverse()*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004872reverse({list}) Reverse the order of items in {list} in-place. Returns
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004873 {list}.
4874 If you want a list to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
4875 :let revlist = reverse(copy(mylist))
4876
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004877round({expr}) *round()*
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00004878 Round off {expr} to the nearest integral value and return it
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004879 as a |Float|. If {expr} lies halfway between two integral
4880 values, then use the larger one (away from zero).
4881 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
4882 Examples: >
4883 echo round(0.456)
4884< 0.0 >
4885 echo round(4.5)
4886< 5.0 >
4887 echo round(-4.5)
4888< -5.0
4889 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
Bram Moolenaar34feacb2012-12-05 19:01:43 +01004890
4891screencol() *screencol()*
4892 The result is a Number, which is the current screen column of
4893 the cursor. The leftmost column has number 1.
4894 This function is mainly used for testing.
4895
4896 Note: Always returns the current screen column, thus if used
4897 in a command (e.g. ":echo screencol()") it will return the
4898 column inside the command line, which is 1 when the command is
4899 executed. To get the cursor position in the file use one of
4900 the following mappings: >
4901 nnoremap <expr> GG ":echom ".screencol()."\n"
4902 nnoremap <silent> GG :echom screencol()<CR>
4903<
4904screenrow() *screenrow()*
4905 The result is a Number, which is the current screen row of the
4906 cursor. The top line has number one.
4907 This function is mainly used for testing.
4908
4909 Note: Same restrictions as with |screencol()|.
4910
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00004911search({pattern} [, {flags} [, {stopline} [, {timeout}]]]) *search()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004912 Search for regexp pattern {pattern}. The search starts at the
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +00004913 cursor position (you can use |cursor()| to set it).
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00004914
Bram Moolenaar2df58b42012-11-28 18:21:11 +01004915 When a match has been found its line number is returned.
Bram Moolenaarb8ff1fb2012-02-04 21:59:01 +01004916 If there is no match a 0 is returned and the cursor doesn't
4917 move. No error message is given.
Bram Moolenaarb8ff1fb2012-02-04 21:59:01 +01004918
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004919 {flags} is a String, which can contain these character flags:
4920 'b' search backward instead of forward
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004921 'c' accept a match at the cursor position
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004922 'e' move to the End of the match
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00004923 'n' do Not move the cursor
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004924 'p' return number of matching sub-pattern (see below)
4925 's' set the ' mark at the previous location of the cursor
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004926 'w' wrap around the end of the file
4927 'W' don't wrap around the end of the file
4928 If neither 'w' or 'W' is given, the 'wrapscan' option applies.
4929
Bram Moolenaar02743632005-07-25 20:42:36 +00004930 If the 's' flag is supplied, the ' mark is set, only if the
4931 cursor is moved. The 's' flag cannot be combined with the 'n'
4932 flag.
4933
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00004934 'ignorecase', 'smartcase' and 'magic' are used.
4935
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004936 When the {stopline} argument is given then the search stops
4937 after searching this line. This is useful to restrict the
4938 search to a range of lines. Examples: >
4939 let match = search('(', 'b', line("w0"))
4940 let end = search('END', '', line("w$"))
4941< When {stopline} is used and it is not zero this also implies
4942 that the search does not wrap around the end of the file.
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00004943 A zero value is equal to not giving the argument.
4944
4945 When the {timeout} argument is given the search stops when
Bram Moolenaar1aeaf8c2012-05-18 13:46:39 +02004946 more than this many milliseconds have passed. Thus when
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00004947 {timeout} is 500 the search stops after half a second.
4948 The value must not be negative. A zero value is like not
4949 giving the argument.
Bram Moolenaardb84e452010-08-15 13:50:43 +02004950 {only available when compiled with the |+reltime| feature}
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004951
Bram Moolenaar362e1a32006-03-06 23:29:24 +00004952 *search()-sub-match*
4953 With the 'p' flag the returned value is one more than the
4954 first sub-match in \(\). One if none of them matched but the
4955 whole pattern did match.
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004956 To get the column number too use |searchpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004957
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004958 The cursor will be positioned at the match, unless the 'n'
4959 flag is used.
4960
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004961 Example (goes over all files in the argument list): >
4962 :let n = 1
4963 :while n <= argc() " loop over all files in arglist
4964 : exe "argument " . n
4965 : " start at the last char in the file and wrap for the
4966 : " first search to find match at start of file
4967 : normal G$
4968 : let flags = "w"
4969 : while search("foo", flags) > 0
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004970 : s/foo/bar/g
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004971 : let flags = "W"
4972 : endwhile
4973 : update " write the file if modified
4974 : let n = n + 1
4975 :endwhile
4976<
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004977 Example for using some flags: >
4978 :echo search('\<if\|\(else\)\|\(endif\)', 'ncpe')
4979< This will search for the keywords "if", "else", and "endif"
4980 under or after the cursor. Because of the 'p' flag, it
4981 returns 1, 2, or 3 depending on which keyword is found, or 0
4982 if the search fails. With the cursor on the first word of the
4983 line:
4984 if (foo == 0) | let foo = foo + 1 | endif ~
4985 the function returns 1. Without the 'c' flag, the function
4986 finds the "endif" and returns 3. The same thing happens
4987 without the 'e' flag if the cursor is on the "f" of "if".
4988 The 'n' flag tells the function not to move the cursor.
4989
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00004990
Bram Moolenaarf75a9632005-09-13 21:20:47 +00004991searchdecl({name} [, {global} [, {thisblock}]]) *searchdecl()*
4992 Search for the declaration of {name}.
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004993
Bram Moolenaarf75a9632005-09-13 21:20:47 +00004994 With a non-zero {global} argument it works like |gD|, find
4995 first match in the file. Otherwise it works like |gd|, find
4996 first match in the function.
4997
4998 With a non-zero {thisblock} argument matches in a {} block
4999 that ends before the cursor position are ignored. Avoids
5000 finding variable declarations only valid in another scope.
5001
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00005002 Moves the cursor to the found match.
5003 Returns zero for success, non-zero for failure.
5004 Example: >
5005 if searchdecl('myvar') == 0
5006 echo getline('.')
5007 endif
5008<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005009 *searchpair()*
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00005010searchpair({start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip}
5011 [, {stopline} [, {timeout}]]]])
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005012 Search for the match of a nested start-end pair. This can be
5013 used to find the "endif" that matches an "if", while other
5014 if/endif pairs in between are ignored.
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00005015 The search starts at the cursor. The default is to search
5016 forward, include 'b' in {flags} to search backward.
5017 If a match is found, the cursor is positioned at it and the
5018 line number is returned. If no match is found 0 or -1 is
5019 returned and the cursor doesn't move. No error message is
5020 given.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005021
5022 {start}, {middle} and {end} are patterns, see |pattern|. They
5023 must not contain \( \) pairs. Use of \%( \) is allowed. When
5024 {middle} is not empty, it is found when searching from either
5025 direction, but only when not in a nested start-end pair. A
5026 typical use is: >
5027 searchpair('\<if\>', '\<else\>', '\<endif\>')
5028< By leaving {middle} empty the "else" is skipped.
5029
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00005030 {flags} 'b', 'c', 'n', 's', 'w' and 'W' are used like with
5031 |search()|. Additionally:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005032 'r' Repeat until no more matches found; will find the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005033 outer pair. Implies the 'W' flag.
5034 'm' Return number of matches instead of line number with
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00005035 the match; will be > 1 when 'r' is used.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005036 Note: it's nearly always a good idea to use the 'W' flag, to
5037 avoid wrapping around the end of the file.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005038
5039 When a match for {start}, {middle} or {end} is found, the
5040 {skip} expression is evaluated with the cursor positioned on
5041 the start of the match. It should return non-zero if this
5042 match is to be skipped. E.g., because it is inside a comment
5043 or a string.
5044 When {skip} is omitted or empty, every match is accepted.
5045 When evaluating {skip} causes an error the search is aborted
5046 and -1 returned.
5047
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00005048 For {stopline} and {timeout} see |search()|.
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00005049
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005050 The value of 'ignorecase' is used. 'magic' is ignored, the
5051 patterns are used like it's on.
5052
5053 The search starts exactly at the cursor. A match with
5054 {start}, {middle} or {end} at the next character, in the
5055 direction of searching, is the first one found. Example: >
5056 if 1
5057 if 2
5058 endif 2
5059 endif 1
5060< When starting at the "if 2", with the cursor on the "i", and
5061 searching forwards, the "endif 2" is found. When starting on
5062 the character just before the "if 2", the "endif 1" will be
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005063 found. That's because the "if 2" will be found first, and
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005064 then this is considered to be a nested if/endif from "if 2" to
5065 "endif 2".
5066 When searching backwards and {end} is more than one character,
5067 it may be useful to put "\zs" at the end of the pattern, so
5068 that when the cursor is inside a match with the end it finds
5069 the matching start.
5070
5071 Example, to find the "endif" command in a Vim script: >
5072
5073 :echo searchpair('\<if\>', '\<el\%[seif]\>', '\<en\%[dif]\>', 'W',
5074 \ 'getline(".") =~ "^\\s*\""')
5075
5076< The cursor must be at or after the "if" for which a match is
5077 to be found. Note that single-quote strings are used to avoid
5078 having to double the backslashes. The skip expression only
5079 catches comments at the start of a line, not after a command.
5080 Also, a word "en" or "if" halfway a line is considered a
5081 match.
5082 Another example, to search for the matching "{" of a "}": >
5083
5084 :echo searchpair('{', '', '}', 'bW')
5085
5086< This works when the cursor is at or before the "}" for which a
5087 match is to be found. To reject matches that syntax
5088 highlighting recognized as strings: >
5089
5090 :echo searchpair('{', '', '}', 'bW',
5091 \ 'synIDattr(synID(line("."), col("."), 0), "name") =~? "string"')
5092<
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00005093 *searchpairpos()*
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00005094searchpairpos({start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip}
5095 [, {stopline} [, {timeout}]]]])
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01005096 Same as |searchpair()|, but returns a |List| with the line and
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005097 column position of the match. The first element of the |List|
5098 is the line number and the second element is the byte index of
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00005099 the column position of the match. If no match is found,
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02005100 returns [0, 0]. >
5101
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00005102 :let [lnum,col] = searchpairpos('{', '', '}', 'n')
5103<
5104 See |match-parens| for a bigger and more useful example.
5105
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00005106searchpos({pattern} [, {flags} [, {stopline} [, {timeout}]]]) *searchpos()*
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00005107 Same as |search()|, but returns a |List| with the line and
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005108 column position of the match. The first element of the |List|
5109 is the line number and the second element is the byte index of
5110 the column position of the match. If no match is found,
5111 returns [0, 0].
Bram Moolenaar362e1a32006-03-06 23:29:24 +00005112 Example: >
5113 :let [lnum, col] = searchpos('mypattern', 'n')
5114
5115< When the 'p' flag is given then there is an extra item with
5116 the sub-pattern match number |search()-sub-match|. Example: >
5117 :let [lnum, col, submatch] = searchpos('\(\l\)\|\(\u\)', 'np')
5118< In this example "submatch" is 2 when a lowercase letter is
5119 found |/\l|, 3 when an uppercase letter is found |/\u|.
5120
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005121server2client( {clientid}, {string}) *server2client()*
5122 Send a reply string to {clientid}. The most recent {clientid}
5123 that sent a string can be retrieved with expand("<client>").
5124 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
5125 Note:
5126 This id has to be stored before the next command can be
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00005127 received. I.e. before returning from the received command and
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005128 before calling any commands that waits for input.
5129 See also |clientserver|.
5130 Example: >
5131 :echo server2client(expand("<client>"), "HELLO")
5132<
5133serverlist() *serverlist()*
5134 Return a list of available server names, one per line.
5135 When there are no servers or the information is not available
5136 an empty string is returned. See also |clientserver|.
5137 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
5138 Example: >
5139 :echo serverlist()
5140<
5141setbufvar({expr}, {varname}, {val}) *setbufvar()*
5142 Set option or local variable {varname} in buffer {expr} to
5143 {val}.
5144 This also works for a global or local window option, but it
5145 doesn't work for a global or local window variable.
5146 For a local window option the global value is unchanged.
5147 For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above.
5148 Note that the variable name without "b:" must be used.
5149 Examples: >
5150 :call setbufvar(1, "&mod", 1)
5151 :call setbufvar("todo", "myvar", "foobar")
5152< This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
5153
5154setcmdpos({pos}) *setcmdpos()*
5155 Set the cursor position in the command line to byte position
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005156 {pos}. The first position is 1.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005157 Use |getcmdpos()| to obtain the current position.
5158 Only works while editing the command line, thus you must use
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00005159 |c_CTRL-\_e|, |c_CTRL-R_=| or |c_CTRL-R_CTRL-R| with '='. For
5160 |c_CTRL-\_e| and |c_CTRL-R_CTRL-R| with '=' the position is
5161 set after the command line is set to the expression. For
5162 |c_CTRL-R_=| it is set after evaluating the expression but
5163 before inserting the resulting text.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005164 When the number is too big the cursor is put at the end of the
5165 line. A number smaller than one has undefined results.
5166 Returns 0 when successful, 1 when not editing the command
5167 line.
5168
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005169setline({lnum}, {text}) *setline()*
Bram Moolenaarb8ff1fb2012-02-04 21:59:01 +01005170 Set line {lnum} of the current buffer to {text}. To insert
5171 lines use |append()|.
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00005172 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005173 When {lnum} is just below the last line the {text} will be
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00005174 added as a new line.
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00005175 If this succeeds, 0 is returned. If this fails (most likely
5176 because {lnum} is invalid) 1 is returned. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005177 :call setline(5, strftime("%c"))
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005178< When {text} is a |List| then line {lnum} and following lines
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00005179 will be set to the items in the list. Example: >
5180 :call setline(5, ['aaa', 'bbb', 'ccc'])
5181< This is equivalent to: >
Bram Moolenaar53bfca22012-04-13 23:04:47 +02005182 :for [n, l] in [[5, 'aaa'], [6, 'bbb'], [7, 'ccc']]
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00005183 : call setline(n, l)
5184 :endfor
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005185< Note: The '[ and '] marks are not set.
5186
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00005187setloclist({nr}, {list} [, {action}]) *setloclist()*
5188 Create or replace or add to the location list for window {nr}.
5189 When {nr} is zero the current window is used. For a location
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00005190 list window, the displayed location list is modified. For an
5191 invalid window number {nr}, -1 is returned.
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00005192 Otherwise, same as |setqflist()|.
5193 Also see |location-list|.
5194
5195setmatches({list}) *setmatches()*
5196 Restores a list of matches saved by |getmatches()|. Returns 0
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005197 if successful, otherwise -1. All current matches are cleared
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00005198 before the list is restored. See example for |getmatches()|.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00005199
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00005200 *setpos()*
5201setpos({expr}, {list})
5202 Set the position for {expr}. Possible values:
5203 . the cursor
5204 'x mark x
5205
5206 {list} must be a |List| with four numbers:
5207 [bufnum, lnum, col, off]
5208
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005209 "bufnum" is the buffer number. Zero can be used for the
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00005210 current buffer. Setting the cursor is only possible for
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00005211 the current buffer. To set a mark in another buffer you can
5212 use the |bufnr()| function to turn a file name into a buffer
5213 number.
Bram Moolenaardb552d602006-03-23 22:59:57 +00005214 Does not change the jumplist.
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00005215
5216 "lnum" and "col" are the position in the buffer. The first
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01005217 column is 1. Use a zero "lnum" to delete a mark. If "col" is
5218 smaller than 1 then 1 is used.
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00005219
5220 The "off" number is only used when 'virtualedit' is set. Then
5221 it is the offset in screen columns from the start of the
Bram Moolenaard46bbc72007-05-12 14:38:41 +00005222 character. E.g., a position within a <Tab> or after the last
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00005223 character.
5224
Bram Moolenaar08250432008-02-13 11:42:46 +00005225 Returns 0 when the position could be set, -1 otherwise.
5226 An error message is given if {expr} is invalid.
5227
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00005228 Also see |getpos()|
5229
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00005230 This does not restore the preferred column for moving
5231 vertically. See |winrestview()| for that.
5232
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00005233
Bram Moolenaar35c54e52005-05-20 21:25:31 +00005234setqflist({list} [, {action}]) *setqflist()*
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00005235 Create or replace or add to the quickfix list using the items
5236 in {list}. Each item in {list} is a dictionary.
5237 Non-dictionary items in {list} are ignored. Each dictionary
5238 item can contain the following entries:
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00005239
Bram Moolenaar48b66fb2007-02-04 01:58:18 +00005240 bufnr buffer number; must be the number of a valid
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005241 buffer
Bram Moolenaar48b66fb2007-02-04 01:58:18 +00005242 filename name of a file; only used when "bufnr" is not
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005243 present or it is invalid.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00005244 lnum line number in the file
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00005245 pattern search pattern used to locate the error
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00005246 col column number
5247 vcol when non-zero: "col" is visual column
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00005248 when zero: "col" is byte index
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00005249 nr error number
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00005250 text description of the error
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00005251 type single-character error type, 'E', 'W', etc.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00005252
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00005253 The "col", "vcol", "nr", "type" and "text" entries are
5254 optional. Either "lnum" or "pattern" entry can be used to
5255 locate a matching error line.
Bram Moolenaar48b66fb2007-02-04 01:58:18 +00005256 If the "filename" and "bufnr" entries are not present or
5257 neither the "lnum" or "pattern" entries are present, then the
5258 item will not be handled as an error line.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00005259 If both "pattern" and "lnum" are present then "pattern" will
5260 be used.
Bram Moolenaar00a927d2010-05-14 23:24:24 +02005261 If you supply an empty {list}, the quickfix list will be
5262 cleared.
Bram Moolenaar48b66fb2007-02-04 01:58:18 +00005263 Note that the list is not exactly the same as what
5264 |getqflist()| returns.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00005265
Bram Moolenaar35c54e52005-05-20 21:25:31 +00005266 If {action} is set to 'a', then the items from {list} are
5267 added to the existing quickfix list. If there is no existing
5268 list, then a new list is created. If {action} is set to 'r',
5269 then the items from the current quickfix list are replaced
5270 with the items from {list}. If {action} is not present or is
5271 set to ' ', then a new list is created.
5272
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00005273 Returns zero for success, -1 for failure.
5274
5275 This function can be used to create a quickfix list
5276 independent of the 'errorformat' setting. Use a command like
5277 ":cc 1" to jump to the first position.
5278
5279
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005280 *setreg()*
5281setreg({regname}, {value} [,{options}])
5282 Set the register {regname} to {value}.
5283 If {options} contains "a" or {regname} is upper case,
5284 then the value is appended.
Bram Moolenaarc6485bc2010-07-28 17:02:55 +02005285 {options} can also contain a register type specification:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005286 "c" or "v" |characterwise| mode
5287 "l" or "V" |linewise| mode
5288 "b" or "<CTRL-V>" |blockwise-visual| mode
5289 If a number immediately follows "b" or "<CTRL-V>" then this is
5290 used as the width of the selection - if it is not specified
5291 then the width of the block is set to the number of characters
Bram Moolenaard46bbc72007-05-12 14:38:41 +00005292 in the longest line (counting a <Tab> as 1 character).
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005293
5294 If {options} contains no register settings, then the default
5295 is to use character mode unless {value} ends in a <NL>.
Bram Moolenaard09acef2012-09-21 14:54:30 +02005296 Setting the '=' register is not possible, but you can use >
5297 :let @= = var_expr
5298< Returns zero for success, non-zero for failure.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005299
5300 Examples: >
5301 :call setreg(v:register, @*)
5302 :call setreg('*', @%, 'ac')
5303 :call setreg('a', "1\n2\n3", 'b5')
5304
5305< This example shows using the functions to save and restore a
5306 register. >
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00005307 :let var_a = getreg('a', 1)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005308 :let var_amode = getregtype('a')
5309 ....
5310 :call setreg('a', var_a, var_amode)
5311
5312< You can also change the type of a register by appending
5313 nothing: >
5314 :call setreg('a', '', 'al')
5315
Bram Moolenaar06b5d512010-05-22 15:37:44 +02005316settabvar({tabnr}, {varname}, {val}) *settabvar()*
5317 Set tab-local variable {varname} to {val} in tab page {tabnr}.
5318 |t:var|
5319 Note that the variable name without "t:" must be used.
5320 Tabs are numbered starting with one.
5321 Vim briefly goes to the tab page {tabnr}, this may trigger
5322 TabLeave and TabEnter autocommands.
5323 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
5324
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00005325settabwinvar({tabnr}, {winnr}, {varname}, {val}) *settabwinvar()*
5326 Set option or local variable {varname} in window {winnr} to
5327 {val}.
5328 Tabs are numbered starting with one. For the current tabpage
5329 use |setwinvar()|.
5330 When {winnr} is zero the current window is used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005331 This also works for a global or local buffer option, but it
5332 doesn't work for a global or local buffer variable.
5333 For a local buffer option the global value is unchanged.
5334 Note that the variable name without "w:" must be used.
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00005335 Vim briefly goes to the tab page {tabnr}, this may trigger
5336 TabLeave and TabEnter autocommands.
5337 Examples: >
5338 :call settabwinvar(1, 1, "&list", 0)
5339 :call settabwinvar(3, 2, "myvar", "foobar")
5340< This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
5341
5342setwinvar({nr}, {varname}, {val}) *setwinvar()*
5343 Like |settabwinvar()| for the current tab page.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005344 Examples: >
5345 :call setwinvar(1, "&list", 0)
5346 :call setwinvar(2, "myvar", "foobar")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005347
Bram Moolenaaraf9aeb92013-02-13 17:35:04 +01005348sha256({string}) *sha256()*
5349 Returns a String with 64 hex charactes, which is the SHA256
5350 checksum of {string}.
5351 {only available when compiled with the |+cryptv| feature}
5352
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00005353shellescape({string} [, {special}]) *shellescape()*
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01005354 Escape {string} for use as a shell command argument.
Bram Moolenaar60a495f2006-10-03 12:44:42 +00005355 On MS-Windows and MS-DOS, when 'shellslash' is not set, it
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00005356 will enclose {string} in double quotes and double all double
Bram Moolenaar60a495f2006-10-03 12:44:42 +00005357 quotes within {string}.
5358 For other systems, it will enclose {string} in single quotes
5359 and replace all "'" with "'\''".
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00005360 When the {special} argument is present and it's a non-zero
5361 Number or a non-empty String (|non-zero-arg|), then special
Bram Moolenaare37d50a2008-08-06 17:06:04 +00005362 items such as "!", "%", "#" and "<cword>" will be preceded by
5363 a backslash. This backslash will be removed again by the |:!|
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00005364 command.
Bram Moolenaare37d50a2008-08-06 17:06:04 +00005365 The "!" character will be escaped (again with a |non-zero-arg|
5366 {special}) when 'shell' contains "csh" in the tail. That is
5367 because for csh and tcsh "!" is used for history replacement
5368 even when inside single quotes.
5369 The <NL> character is also escaped. With a |non-zero-arg|
5370 {special} and 'shell' containing "csh" in the tail it's
5371 escaped a second time.
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00005372 Example of use with a |:!| command: >
5373 :exe '!dir ' . shellescape(expand('<cfile>'), 1)
5374< This results in a directory listing for the file under the
5375 cursor. Example of use with |system()|: >
5376 :call system("chmod +w -- " . shellescape(expand("%")))
Bram Moolenaar60a495f2006-10-03 12:44:42 +00005377
5378
Bram Moolenaar2d17fa32012-10-21 00:45:18 +02005379shiftwidth() *shiftwidth()*
5380 Returns the effective value of 'shiftwidth'. This is the
5381 'shiftwidth' value unless it is zero, in which case it is the
5382 'tabstop' value. To be backwards compatible in indent
5383 plugins, use this: >
5384 if exists('*shiftwidth')
5385 func s:sw()
5386 return shiftwidth()
5387 endfunc
5388 else
5389 func s:sw()
5390 return &sw
5391 endfunc
5392 endif
5393< And then use s:sw() instead of &sw.
5394
5395
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005396simplify({filename}) *simplify()*
5397 Simplify the file name as much as possible without changing
5398 the meaning. Shortcuts (on MS-Windows) or symbolic links (on
5399 Unix) are not resolved. If the first path component in
5400 {filename} designates the current directory, this will be
5401 valid for the result as well. A trailing path separator is
5402 not removed either.
5403 Example: >
5404 simplify("./dir/.././/file/") == "./file/"
5405< Note: The combination "dir/.." is only removed if "dir" is
5406 a searchable directory or does not exist. On Unix, it is also
5407 removed when "dir" is a symbolic link within the same
5408 directory. In order to resolve all the involved symbolic
5409 links before simplifying the path name, use |resolve()|.
5410
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00005411
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005412sin({expr}) *sin()*
5413 Return the sine of {expr}, measured in radians, as a |Float|.
5414 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
5415 Examples: >
5416 :echo sin(100)
5417< -0.506366 >
5418 :echo sin(-4.01)
5419< 0.763301
5420 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
5421
5422
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02005423sinh({expr}) *sinh()*
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02005424 Return the hyperbolic sine of {expr} as a |Float| in the range
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02005425 [-inf, inf].
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02005426 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02005427 Examples: >
5428 :echo sinh(0.5)
5429< 0.521095 >
5430 :echo sinh(-0.9)
5431< -1.026517
Bram Moolenaardb84e452010-08-15 13:50:43 +02005432 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02005433
5434
Bram Moolenaar5f894962011-06-19 02:55:37 +02005435sort({list} [, {func} [, {dict}]]) *sort()* *E702*
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00005436 Sort the items in {list} in-place. Returns {list}. If you
5437 want a list to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
5438 :let sortedlist = sort(copy(mylist))
5439< Uses the string representation of each item to sort on.
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00005440 Numbers sort after Strings, |Lists| after Numbers.
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00005441 For sorting text in the current buffer use |:sort|.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00005442 When {func} is given and it is one then case is ignored.
Bram Moolenaar5f894962011-06-19 02:55:37 +02005443 {dict} is for functions with the "dict" attribute. It will be
5444 used to set the local variable "self". |Dictionary-function|
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005445 When {func} is a |Funcref| or a function name, this function
5446 is called to compare items. The function is invoked with two
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01005447 items as argument and must return zero if they are equal, 1 or
5448 bigger if the first one sorts after the second one, -1 or
5449 smaller if the first one sorts before the second one.
5450 Example: >
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00005451 func MyCompare(i1, i2)
5452 return a:i1 == a:i2 ? 0 : a:i1 > a:i2 ? 1 : -1
5453 endfunc
5454 let sortedlist = sort(mylist, "MyCompare")
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01005455< A shorter compare version for this specific simple case, which
5456 ignores overflow: >
5457 func MyCompare(i1, i2)
5458 return a:i1 - a:i2
5459 endfunc
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00005460<
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00005461 *soundfold()*
5462soundfold({word})
5463 Return the sound-folded equivalent of {word}. Uses the first
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005464 language in 'spelllang' for the current window that supports
Bram Moolenaar42eeac32005-06-29 22:40:58 +00005465 soundfolding. 'spell' must be set. When no sound folding is
5466 possible the {word} is returned unmodified.
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00005467 This can be used for making spelling suggestions. Note that
5468 the method can be quite slow.
5469
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00005470 *spellbadword()*
Bram Moolenaar1e015462005-09-25 22:16:38 +00005471spellbadword([{sentence}])
5472 Without argument: The result is the badly spelled word under
5473 or after the cursor. The cursor is moved to the start of the
5474 bad word. When no bad word is found in the cursor line the
5475 result is an empty string and the cursor doesn't move.
5476
5477 With argument: The result is the first word in {sentence} that
5478 is badly spelled. If there are no spelling mistakes the
5479 result is an empty string.
5480
5481 The return value is a list with two items:
5482 - The badly spelled word or an empty string.
5483 - The type of the spelling error:
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00005484 "bad" spelling mistake
Bram Moolenaar1e015462005-09-25 22:16:38 +00005485 "rare" rare word
5486 "local" word only valid in another region
5487 "caps" word should start with Capital
5488 Example: >
5489 echo spellbadword("the quik brown fox")
5490< ['quik', 'bad'] ~
5491
5492 The spelling information for the current window is used. The
5493 'spell' option must be set and the value of 'spelllang' is
5494 used.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00005495
5496 *spellsuggest()*
Bram Moolenaarc54b8a72005-09-30 21:20:29 +00005497spellsuggest({word} [, {max} [, {capital}]])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005498 Return a |List| with spelling suggestions to replace {word}.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00005499 When {max} is given up to this number of suggestions are
5500 returned. Otherwise up to 25 suggestions are returned.
5501
Bram Moolenaarc54b8a72005-09-30 21:20:29 +00005502 When the {capital} argument is given and it's non-zero only
5503 suggestions with a leading capital will be given. Use this
5504 after a match with 'spellcapcheck'.
5505
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00005506 {word} can be a badly spelled word followed by other text.
5507 This allows for joining two words that were split. The
Bram Moolenaarf461c8e2005-06-25 23:04:51 +00005508 suggestions also include the following text, thus you can
5509 replace a line.
5510
5511 {word} may also be a good word. Similar words will then be
Bram Moolenaarc54b8a72005-09-30 21:20:29 +00005512 returned. {word} itself is not included in the suggestions,
5513 although it may appear capitalized.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00005514
5515 The spelling information for the current window is used. The
Bram Moolenaar42eeac32005-06-29 22:40:58 +00005516 'spell' option must be set and the values of 'spelllang' and
5517 'spellsuggest' are used.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00005518
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00005519
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00005520split({expr} [, {pattern} [, {keepempty}]]) *split()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005521 Make a |List| out of {expr}. When {pattern} is omitted or
5522 empty each white-separated sequence of characters becomes an
5523 item.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00005524 Otherwise the string is split where {pattern} matches,
Bram Moolenaar97d62492012-11-15 21:28:22 +01005525 removing the matched characters. 'ignorecase' is not used
5526 here, add \c to ignore case. |/\c|
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00005527 When the first or last item is empty it is omitted, unless the
5528 {keepempty} argument is given and it's non-zero.
Bram Moolenaar5c06f8b2005-05-31 22:14:58 +00005529 Other empty items are kept when {pattern} matches at least one
5530 character or when {keepempty} is non-zero.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00005531 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00005532 :let words = split(getline('.'), '\W\+')
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00005533< To split a string in individual characters: >
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00005534 :for c in split(mystring, '\zs')
Bram Moolenaar0cb032e2005-04-23 20:52:00 +00005535< If you want to keep the separator you can also use '\zs': >
5536 :echo split('abc:def:ghi', ':\zs')
5537< ['abc:', 'def:', 'ghi'] ~
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00005538 Splitting a table where the first element can be empty: >
5539 :let items = split(line, ':', 1)
5540< The opposite function is |join()|.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00005541
5542
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005543sqrt({expr}) *sqrt()*
5544 Return the non-negative square root of Float {expr} as a
5545 |Float|.
5546 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|. When {expr}
5547 is negative the result is NaN (Not a Number).
5548 Examples: >
5549 :echo sqrt(100)
5550< 10.0 >
5551 :echo sqrt(-4.01)
5552< nan
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00005553 "nan" may be different, it depends on system libraries.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005554 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
5555
5556
5557str2float( {expr}) *str2float()*
5558 Convert String {expr} to a Float. This mostly works the same
5559 as when using a floating point number in an expression, see
5560 |floating-point-format|. But it's a bit more permissive.
5561 E.g., "1e40" is accepted, while in an expression you need to
5562 write "1.0e40".
5563 Text after the number is silently ignored.
5564 The decimal point is always '.', no matter what the locale is
5565 set to. A comma ends the number: "12,345.67" is converted to
5566 12.0. You can strip out thousands separators with
5567 |substitute()|: >
5568 let f = str2float(substitute(text, ',', '', 'g'))
5569< {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
5570
5571
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00005572str2nr( {expr} [, {base}]) *str2nr()*
5573 Convert string {expr} to a number.
5574 {base} is the conversion base, it can be 8, 10 or 16.
5575 When {base} is omitted base 10 is used. This also means that
5576 a leading zero doesn't cause octal conversion to be used, as
5577 with the default String to Number conversion.
5578 When {base} is 16 a leading "0x" or "0X" is ignored. With a
5579 different base the result will be zero.
5580 Text after the number is silently ignored.
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00005581
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00005582
Bram Moolenaar72597a52010-07-18 15:31:08 +02005583strchars({expr}) *strchars()*
5584 The result is a Number, which is the number of characters
5585 String {expr} occupies. Composing characters are counted
5586 separately.
Bram Moolenaardc536092010-07-18 15:45:49 +02005587 Also see |strlen()|, |strdisplaywidth()| and |strwidth()|.
5588
5589strdisplaywidth({expr}[, {col}]) *strdisplaywidth()*
5590 The result is a Number, which is the number of display cells
5591 String {expr} occupies on the screen.
5592 When {col} is omitted zero is used. Otherwise it is the
5593 screen column where to start. This matters for Tab
5594 characters.
Bram Moolenaar4d32c2d2010-07-18 22:10:01 +02005595 The option settings of the current window are used. This
5596 matters for anything that's displayed differently, such as
5597 'tabstop' and 'display'.
Bram Moolenaardc536092010-07-18 15:45:49 +02005598 When {expr} contains characters with East Asian Width Class
5599 Ambiguous, this function's return value depends on 'ambiwidth'.
5600 Also see |strlen()|, |strwidth()| and |strchars()|.
Bram Moolenaar72597a52010-07-18 15:31:08 +02005601
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005602strftime({format} [, {time}]) *strftime()*
5603 The result is a String, which is a formatted date and time, as
5604 specified by the {format} string. The given {time} is used,
5605 or the current time if no time is given. The accepted
5606 {format} depends on your system, thus this is not portable!
5607 See the manual page of the C function strftime() for the
5608 format. The maximum length of the result is 80 characters.
5609 See also |localtime()| and |getftime()|.
5610 The language can be changed with the |:language| command.
5611 Examples: >
5612 :echo strftime("%c") Sun Apr 27 11:49:23 1997
5613 :echo strftime("%Y %b %d %X") 1997 Apr 27 11:53:25
5614 :echo strftime("%y%m%d %T") 970427 11:53:55
5615 :echo strftime("%H:%M") 11:55
5616 :echo strftime("%c", getftime("file.c"))
5617 Show mod time of file.c.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00005618< Not available on all systems. To check use: >
5619 :if exists("*strftime")
5620
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00005621stridx({haystack}, {needle} [, {start}]) *stridx()*
5622 The result is a Number, which gives the byte index in
5623 {haystack} of the first occurrence of the String {needle}.
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00005624 If {start} is specified, the search starts at index {start}.
5625 This can be used to find a second match: >
Bram Moolenaar81af9252010-12-10 20:35:50 +01005626 :let colon1 = stridx(line, ":")
5627 :let colon2 = stridx(line, ":", colon1 + 1)
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00005628< The search is done case-sensitive.
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00005629 For pattern searches use |match()|.
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00005630 -1 is returned if the {needle} does not occur in {haystack}.
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00005631 See also |strridx()|.
5632 Examples: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005633 :echo stridx("An Example", "Example") 3
5634 :echo stridx("Starting point", "Start") 0
5635 :echo stridx("Starting point", "start") -1
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00005636< *strstr()* *strchr()*
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00005637 stridx() works similar to the C function strstr(). When used
5638 with a single character it works similar to strchr().
5639
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00005640 *string()*
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00005641string({expr}) Return {expr} converted to a String. If {expr} is a Number,
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005642 Float, String or a composition of them, then the result can be
5643 parsed back with |eval()|.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00005644 {expr} type result ~
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00005645 String 'string'
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00005646 Number 123
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005647 Float 123.123456 or 1.123456e8
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00005648 Funcref function('name')
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00005649 List [item, item]
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +00005650 Dictionary {key: value, key: value}
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00005651 Note that in String values the ' character is doubled.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00005652 Also see |strtrans()|.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00005653
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005654 *strlen()*
5655strlen({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the length of the String
Bram Moolenaare344bea2005-09-01 20:46:49 +00005656 {expr} in bytes.
5657 If you want to count the number of multi-byte characters (not
5658 counting composing characters) use something like this: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005659
5660 :let len = strlen(substitute(str, ".", "x", "g"))
Bram Moolenaare344bea2005-09-01 20:46:49 +00005661<
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00005662 If the argument is a Number it is first converted to a String.
5663 For other types an error is given.
Bram Moolenaardc536092010-07-18 15:45:49 +02005664 Also see |len()|, |strchars()|, |strdisplaywidth()| and
5665 |strwidth()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005666
5667strpart({src}, {start}[, {len}]) *strpart()*
5668 The result is a String, which is part of {src}, starting from
Bram Moolenaar9372a112005-12-06 19:59:18 +00005669 byte {start}, with the byte length {len}.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005670 When non-existing bytes are included, this doesn't result in
5671 an error, the bytes are simply omitted.
5672 If {len} is missing, the copy continues from {start} till the
5673 end of the {src}. >
5674 strpart("abcdefg", 3, 2) == "de"
5675 strpart("abcdefg", -2, 4) == "ab"
5676 strpart("abcdefg", 5, 4) == "fg"
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005677 strpart("abcdefg", 3) == "defg"
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005678< Note: To get the first character, {start} must be 0. For
5679 example, to get three bytes under and after the cursor: >
Bram Moolenaar61660ea2006-04-07 21:40:07 +00005680 strpart(getline("."), col(".") - 1, 3)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005681<
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00005682strridx({haystack}, {needle} [, {start}]) *strridx()*
5683 The result is a Number, which gives the byte index in
5684 {haystack} of the last occurrence of the String {needle}.
5685 When {start} is specified, matches beyond this index are
5686 ignored. This can be used to find a match before a previous
5687 match: >
5688 :let lastcomma = strridx(line, ",")
5689 :let comma2 = strridx(line, ",", lastcomma - 1)
5690< The search is done case-sensitive.
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00005691 For pattern searches use |match()|.
5692 -1 is returned if the {needle} does not occur in {haystack}.
Bram Moolenaard4755bb2004-09-02 19:12:26 +00005693 If the {needle} is empty the length of {haystack} is returned.
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00005694 See also |stridx()|. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005695 :echo strridx("an angry armadillo", "an") 3
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00005696< *strrchr()*
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00005697 When used with a single character it works similar to the C
5698 function strrchr().
5699
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005700strtrans({expr}) *strtrans()*
5701 The result is a String, which is {expr} with all unprintable
5702 characters translated into printable characters |'isprint'|.
5703 Like they are shown in a window. Example: >
5704 echo strtrans(@a)
5705< This displays a newline in register a as "^@" instead of
5706 starting a new line.
5707
Bram Moolenaar72597a52010-07-18 15:31:08 +02005708strwidth({expr}) *strwidth()*
5709 The result is a Number, which is the number of display cells
5710 String {expr} occupies. A Tab character is counted as one
Bram Moolenaardc536092010-07-18 15:45:49 +02005711 cell, alternatively use |strdisplaywidth()|.
Bram Moolenaar72597a52010-07-18 15:31:08 +02005712 When {expr} contains characters with East Asian Width Class
5713 Ambiguous, this function's return value depends on 'ambiwidth'.
Bram Moolenaardc536092010-07-18 15:45:49 +02005714 Also see |strlen()|, |strdisplaywidth()| and |strchars()|.
Bram Moolenaar72597a52010-07-18 15:31:08 +02005715
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005716submatch({nr}) *submatch()*
Bram Moolenaar251e1912011-06-19 05:09:16 +02005717 Only for an expression in a |:substitute| command or
5718 substitute() function.
5719 Returns the {nr}'th submatch of the matched text. When {nr}
5720 is 0 the whole matched text is returned.
5721 Also see |sub-replace-expression|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005722 Example: >
5723 :s/\d\+/\=submatch(0) + 1/
5724< This finds the first number in the line and adds one to it.
5725 A line break is included as a newline character.
5726
5727substitute({expr}, {pat}, {sub}, {flags}) *substitute()*
5728 The result is a String, which is a copy of {expr}, in which
Bram Moolenaar251e1912011-06-19 05:09:16 +02005729 the first match of {pat} is replaced with {sub}.
5730 When {flags} is "g", all matches of {pat} in {expr} are
5731 replaced. Otherwise {flags} should be "".
5732
5733 This works like the ":substitute" command (without any flags).
5734 But the matching with {pat} is always done like the 'magic'
5735 option is set and 'cpoptions' is empty (to make scripts
Bram Moolenaar2df58b42012-11-28 18:21:11 +01005736 portable). 'ignorecase' is still relevant, use |/\c| or |/\C|
5737 if you want to ignore or match case and ignore 'ignorecase'.
5738 'smartcase' is not used. See |string-match| for how {pat} is
5739 used.
Bram Moolenaar251e1912011-06-19 05:09:16 +02005740
5741 A "~" in {sub} is not replaced with the previous {sub}.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005742 Note that some codes in {sub} have a special meaning
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005743 |sub-replace-special|. For example, to replace something with
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005744 "\n" (two characters), use "\\\\n" or '\\n'.
Bram Moolenaar251e1912011-06-19 05:09:16 +02005745
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005746 When {pat} does not match in {expr}, {expr} is returned
5747 unmodified.
Bram Moolenaar251e1912011-06-19 05:09:16 +02005748
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005749 Example: >
5750 :let &path = substitute(&path, ",\\=[^,]*$", "", "")
5751< This removes the last component of the 'path' option. >
5752 :echo substitute("testing", ".*", "\\U\\0", "")
5753< results in "TESTING".
Bram Moolenaar251e1912011-06-19 05:09:16 +02005754
5755 When {sub} starts with "\=", the remainder is interpreted as
5756 an expression. See |sub-replace-expression|. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar20f90cf2011-05-19 12:22:51 +02005757 :echo substitute(s, '%\(\x\x\)',
5758 \ '\=nr2char("0x" . submatch(1))', 'g')
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005759
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00005760synID({lnum}, {col}, {trans}) *synID()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005761 The result is a Number, which is the syntax ID at the position
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00005762 {lnum} and {col} in the current window.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005763 The syntax ID can be used with |synIDattr()| and
5764 |synIDtrans()| to obtain syntax information about text.
Bram Moolenaarce0842a2005-07-18 21:58:11 +00005765
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00005766 {col} is 1 for the leftmost column, {lnum} is 1 for the first
Bram Moolenaarce0842a2005-07-18 21:58:11 +00005767 line. 'synmaxcol' applies, in a longer line zero is returned.
5768
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005769 When {trans} is non-zero, transparent items are reduced to the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005770 item that they reveal. This is useful when wanting to know
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005771 the effective color. When {trans} is zero, the transparent
5772 item is returned. This is useful when wanting to know which
5773 syntax item is effective (e.g. inside parens).
5774 Warning: This function can be very slow. Best speed is
5775 obtained by going through the file in forward direction.
5776
5777 Example (echoes the name of the syntax item under the cursor): >
5778 :echo synIDattr(synID(line("."), col("."), 1), "name")
5779<
Bram Moolenaar7510fe72010-07-25 12:46:44 +02005780
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005781synIDattr({synID}, {what} [, {mode}]) *synIDattr()*
5782 The result is a String, which is the {what} attribute of
5783 syntax ID {synID}. This can be used to obtain information
5784 about a syntax item.
5785 {mode} can be "gui", "cterm" or "term", to get the attributes
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005786 for that mode. When {mode} is omitted, or an invalid value is
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005787 used, the attributes for the currently active highlighting are
5788 used (GUI, cterm or term).
5789 Use synIDtrans() to follow linked highlight groups.
5790 {what} result
5791 "name" the name of the syntax item
5792 "fg" foreground color (GUI: color name used to set
5793 the color, cterm: color number as a string,
5794 term: empty string)
Bram Moolenaar6f507d62008-11-28 10:16:05 +00005795 "bg" background color (as with "fg")
Bram Moolenaar12682fd2010-03-10 13:43:49 +01005796 "font" font name (only available in the GUI)
5797 |highlight-font|
Bram Moolenaar6f507d62008-11-28 10:16:05 +00005798 "sp" special color (as with "fg") |highlight-guisp|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005799 "fg#" like "fg", but for the GUI and the GUI is
5800 running the name in "#RRGGBB" form
5801 "bg#" like "fg#" for "bg"
Bram Moolenaar6f507d62008-11-28 10:16:05 +00005802 "sp#" like "fg#" for "sp"
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005803 "bold" "1" if bold
5804 "italic" "1" if italic
5805 "reverse" "1" if reverse
5806 "inverse" "1" if inverse (= reverse)
Bram Moolenaar12682fd2010-03-10 13:43:49 +01005807 "standout" "1" if standout
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005808 "underline" "1" if underlined
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00005809 "undercurl" "1" if undercurled
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005810
5811 Example (echoes the color of the syntax item under the
5812 cursor): >
5813 :echo synIDattr(synIDtrans(synID(line("."), col("."), 1)), "fg")
5814<
5815synIDtrans({synID}) *synIDtrans()*
5816 The result is a Number, which is the translated syntax ID of
5817 {synID}. This is the syntax group ID of what is being used to
5818 highlight the character. Highlight links given with
5819 ":highlight link" are followed.
5820
Bram Moolenaar483c5d82010-10-20 18:45:33 +02005821synconcealed({lnum}, {col}) *synconcealed()*
5822 The result is a List. The first item in the list is 0 if the
5823 character at the position {lnum} and {col} is not part of a
5824 concealable region, 1 if it is. The second item in the list is
5825 a string. If the first item is 1, the second item contains the
5826 text which will be displayed in place of the concealed text,
5827 depending on the current setting of 'conceallevel'. The third
5828 and final item in the list is a unique number representing the
5829 specific syntax region matched. This allows detection of the
5830 beginning of a new concealable region if there are two
5831 consecutive regions with the same replacement character.
5832 For an example use see $VIMRUNTIME/syntax/2html.vim .
5833
5834
Bram Moolenaar9d188ab2008-01-10 21:24:39 +00005835synstack({lnum}, {col}) *synstack()*
5836 Return a |List|, which is the stack of syntax items at the
5837 position {lnum} and {col} in the current window. Each item in
5838 the List is an ID like what |synID()| returns.
Bram Moolenaar9d188ab2008-01-10 21:24:39 +00005839 The first item in the List is the outer region, following are
5840 items contained in that one. The last one is what |synID()|
5841 returns, unless not the whole item is highlighted or it is a
5842 transparent item.
5843 This function is useful for debugging a syntax file.
5844 Example that shows the syntax stack under the cursor: >
5845 for id in synstack(line("."), col("."))
5846 echo synIDattr(id, "name")
5847 endfor
Bram Moolenaar0bc380a2010-07-10 13:52:13 +02005848< When the position specified with {lnum} and {col} is invalid
5849 nothing is returned. The position just after the last
5850 character in a line and the first column in an empty line are
5851 valid positions.
Bram Moolenaar9d188ab2008-01-10 21:24:39 +00005852
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00005853system({expr} [, {input}]) *system()* *E677*
5854 Get the output of the shell command {expr}.
5855 When {input} is given, this string is written to a file and
5856 passed as stdin to the command. The string is written as-is,
5857 you need to take care of using the correct line separators
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00005858 yourself. Pipes are not used.
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00005859 Note: Use |shellescape()| to escape special characters in a
5860 command argument. Newlines in {expr} may cause the command to
5861 fail. The characters in 'shellquote' and 'shellxquote' may
5862 also cause trouble.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005863 This is not to be used for interactive commands.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005864
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00005865 The result is a String. Example: >
5866 :let files = system("ls " . shellescape(expand('%:h')))
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005867
5868< To make the result more system-independent, the shell output
5869 is filtered to replace <CR> with <NL> for Macintosh, and
5870 <CR><NL> with <NL> for DOS-like systems.
5871 The command executed is constructed using several options:
5872 'shell' 'shellcmdflag' 'shellxquote' {expr} 'shellredir' {tmp} 'shellxquote'
5873 ({tmp} is an automatically generated file name).
5874 For Unix and OS/2 braces are put around {expr} to allow for
5875 concatenated commands.
5876
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00005877 The command will be executed in "cooked" mode, so that a
5878 CTRL-C will interrupt the command (on Unix at least).
5879
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005880 The resulting error code can be found in |v:shell_error|.
5881 This function will fail in |restricted-mode|.
Bram Moolenaar4770d092006-01-12 23:22:24 +00005882
5883 Note that any wrong value in the options mentioned above may
5884 make the function fail. It has also been reported to fail
5885 when using a security agent application.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005886 Unlike ":!cmd" there is no automatic check for changed files.
5887 Use |:checktime| to force a check.
5888
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00005889
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00005890tabpagebuflist([{arg}]) *tabpagebuflist()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005891 The result is a |List|, where each item is the number of the
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00005892 buffer associated with each window in the current tab page.
5893 {arg} specifies the number of tab page to be used. When
5894 omitted the current tab page is used.
5895 When {arg} is invalid the number zero is returned.
5896 To get a list of all buffers in all tabs use this: >
Bram Moolenaar61d35bd2012-03-28 20:51:51 +02005897 let buflist = []
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00005898 for i in range(tabpagenr('$'))
Bram Moolenaar61d35bd2012-03-28 20:51:51 +02005899 call extend(buflist, tabpagebuflist(i + 1))
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00005900 endfor
5901< Note that a buffer may appear in more than one window.
5902
5903
5904tabpagenr([{arg}]) *tabpagenr()*
Bram Moolenaar7e8fd632006-02-18 22:14:51 +00005905 The result is a Number, which is the number of the current
5906 tab page. The first tab page has number 1.
5907 When the optional argument is "$", the number of the last tab
5908 page is returned (the tab page count).
5909 The number can be used with the |:tab| command.
5910
5911
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00005912tabpagewinnr({tabarg}, [{arg}]) *tabpagewinnr()*
Bram Moolenaard04f4402010-08-15 13:30:34 +02005913 Like |winnr()| but for tab page {tabarg}.
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00005914 {tabarg} specifies the number of tab page to be used.
5915 {arg} is used like with |winnr()|:
5916 - When omitted the current window number is returned. This is
5917 the window which will be used when going to this tab page.
5918 - When "$" the number of windows is returned.
5919 - When "#" the previous window nr is returned.
5920 Useful examples: >
5921 tabpagewinnr(1) " current window of tab page 1
5922 tabpagewinnr(4, '$') " number of windows in tab page 4
5923< When {tabarg} is invalid zero is returned.
5924
Bram Moolenaarfa1d1402006-03-25 21:59:56 +00005925 *tagfiles()*
5926tagfiles() Returns a |List| with the file names used to search for tags
5927 for the current buffer. This is the 'tags' option expanded.
5928
5929
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00005930taglist({expr}) *taglist()*
5931 Returns a list of tags matching the regular expression {expr}.
Bram Moolenaard8c00872005-07-22 21:52:15 +00005932 Each list item is a dictionary with at least the following
5933 entries:
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00005934 name Name of the tag.
5935 filename Name of the file where the tag is
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00005936 defined. It is either relative to the
5937 current directory or a full path.
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00005938 cmd Ex command used to locate the tag in
5939 the file.
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00005940 kind Type of the tag. The value for this
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00005941 entry depends on the language specific
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00005942 kind values. Only available when
5943 using a tags file generated by
5944 Exuberant ctags or hdrtag.
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00005945 static A file specific tag. Refer to
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00005946 |static-tag| for more information.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00005947 More entries may be present, depending on the content of the
5948 tags file: access, implementation, inherits and signature.
5949 Refer to the ctags documentation for information about these
5950 fields. For C code the fields "struct", "class" and "enum"
5951 may appear, they give the name of the entity the tag is
5952 contained in.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00005953
Bram Moolenaar4317d9b2005-03-18 20:25:31 +00005954 The ex-command 'cmd' can be either an ex search pattern, a
5955 line number or a line number followed by a byte number.
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00005956
5957 If there are no matching tags, then an empty list is returned.
5958
5959 To get an exact tag match, the anchors '^' and '$' should be
Bram Moolenaara3e6bc92013-01-30 14:18:00 +01005960 used in {expr}. This also make the function work faster.
5961 Refer to |tag-regexp| for more information about the tag
5962 search regular expression pattern.
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00005963
5964 Refer to |'tags'| for information about how the tags file is
5965 located by Vim. Refer to |tags-file-format| for the format of
5966 the tags file generated by the different ctags tools.
5967
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005968tempname() *tempname()* *temp-file-name*
5969 The result is a String, which is the name of a file that
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005970 doesn't exist. It can be used for a temporary file. The name
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005971 is different for at least 26 consecutive calls. Example: >
5972 :let tmpfile = tempname()
5973 :exe "redir > " . tmpfile
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01005974< For Unix, the file will be in a private directory |tempfile|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005975 For MS-Windows forward slashes are used when the 'shellslash'
5976 option is set or when 'shellcmdflag' starts with '-'.
5977
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02005978
5979tan({expr}) *tan()*
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02005980 Return the tangent of {expr}, measured in radians, as a |Float|
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02005981 in the range [-inf, inf].
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02005982 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02005983 Examples: >
5984 :echo tan(10)
5985< 0.648361 >
5986 :echo tan(-4.01)
5987< -1.181502
Bram Moolenaardb84e452010-08-15 13:50:43 +02005988 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02005989
5990
5991tanh({expr}) *tanh()*
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02005992 Return the hyperbolic tangent of {expr} as a |Float| in the
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02005993 range [-1, 1].
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02005994 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02005995 Examples: >
5996 :echo tanh(0.5)
5997< 0.462117 >
5998 :echo tanh(-1)
5999< -0.761594
Bram Moolenaardb84e452010-08-15 13:50:43 +02006000 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02006001
6002
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006003tolower({expr}) *tolower()*
6004 The result is a copy of the String given, with all uppercase
6005 characters turned into lowercase (just like applying |gu| to
6006 the string).
6007
6008toupper({expr}) *toupper()*
6009 The result is a copy of the String given, with all lowercase
6010 characters turned into uppercase (just like applying |gU| to
6011 the string).
6012
Bram Moolenaar8299df92004-07-10 09:47:34 +00006013tr({src}, {fromstr}, {tostr}) *tr()*
6014 The result is a copy of the {src} string with all characters
6015 which appear in {fromstr} replaced by the character in that
6016 position in the {tostr} string. Thus the first character in
6017 {fromstr} is translated into the first character in {tostr}
6018 and so on. Exactly like the unix "tr" command.
6019 This code also deals with multibyte characters properly.
6020
6021 Examples: >
6022 echo tr("hello there", "ht", "HT")
6023< returns "Hello THere" >
6024 echo tr("<blob>", "<>", "{}")
6025< returns "{blob}"
6026
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006027trunc({expr}) *trunc()*
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00006028 Return the largest integral value with magnitude less than or
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006029 equal to {expr} as a |Float| (truncate towards zero).
6030 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
6031 Examples: >
6032 echo trunc(1.456)
6033< 1.0 >
6034 echo trunc(-5.456)
6035< -5.0 >
6036 echo trunc(4.0)
6037< 4.0
6038 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
6039
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00006040 *type()*
6041type({expr}) The result is a Number, depending on the type of {expr}:
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00006042 Number: 0
6043 String: 1
6044 Funcref: 2
6045 List: 3
6046 Dictionary: 4
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006047 Float: 5
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00006048 To avoid the magic numbers it should be used this way: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00006049 :if type(myvar) == type(0)
6050 :if type(myvar) == type("")
6051 :if type(myvar) == type(function("tr"))
6052 :if type(myvar) == type([])
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00006053 :if type(myvar) == type({})
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006054 :if type(myvar) == type(0.0)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006055
Bram Moolenaara17d4c12010-05-30 18:30:36 +02006056undofile({name}) *undofile()*
6057 Return the name of the undo file that would be used for a file
6058 with name {name} when writing. This uses the 'undodir'
6059 option, finding directories that exist. It does not check if
Bram Moolenaar860cae12010-06-05 23:22:07 +02006060 the undo file exists.
Bram Moolenaar945e2db2010-06-05 17:43:32 +02006061 {name} is always expanded to the full path, since that is what
6062 is used internally.
Bram Moolenaar80716072012-05-01 21:14:34 +02006063 If {name} is empty undofile() returns an empty string, since a
6064 buffer without a file name will not write an undo file.
Bram Moolenaara17d4c12010-05-30 18:30:36 +02006065 Useful in combination with |:wundo| and |:rundo|.
6066 When compiled without the +persistent_undo option this always
6067 returns an empty string.
6068
Bram Moolenaara800b422010-06-27 01:15:55 +02006069undotree() *undotree()*
6070 Return the current state of the undo tree in a dictionary with
6071 the following items:
6072 "seq_last" The highest undo sequence number used.
6073 "seq_cur" The sequence number of the current position in
6074 the undo tree. This differs from "seq_last"
6075 when some changes were undone.
6076 "time_cur" Time last used for |:earlier| and related
6077 commands. Use |strftime()| to convert to
6078 something readable.
6079 "save_last" Number of the last file write. Zero when no
6080 write yet.
Bram Moolenaar730cde92010-06-27 05:18:54 +02006081 "save_cur" Number of the current position in the undo
6082 tree.
Bram Moolenaara800b422010-06-27 01:15:55 +02006083 "synced" Non-zero when the last undo block was synced.
6084 This happens when waiting from input from the
6085 user. See |undo-blocks|.
6086 "entries" A list of dictionaries with information about
6087 undo blocks.
6088
6089 The first item in the "entries" list is the oldest undo item.
6090 Each List item is a Dictionary with these items:
6091 "seq" Undo sequence number. Same as what appears in
6092 |:undolist|.
6093 "time" Timestamp when the change happened. Use
6094 |strftime()| to convert to something readable.
6095 "newhead" Only appears in the item that is the last one
6096 that was added. This marks the last change
6097 and where further changes will be added.
6098 "curhead" Only appears in the item that is the last one
6099 that was undone. This marks the current
6100 position in the undo tree, the block that will
6101 be used by a redo command. When nothing was
6102 undone after the last change this item will
6103 not appear anywhere.
6104 "save" Only appears on the last block before a file
6105 write. The number is the write count. The
6106 first write has number 1, the last one the
6107 "save_last" mentioned above.
6108 "alt" Alternate entry. This is again a List of undo
6109 blocks. Each item may again have an "alt"
6110 item.
6111
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00006112values({dict}) *values()*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006113 Return a |List| with all the values of {dict}. The |List| is
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006114 in arbitrary order.
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00006115
6116
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006117virtcol({expr}) *virtcol()*
6118 The result is a Number, which is the screen column of the file
6119 position given with {expr}. That is, the last screen position
6120 occupied by the character at that position, when the screen
6121 would be of unlimited width. When there is a <Tab> at the
6122 position, the returned Number will be the column at the end of
6123 the <Tab>. For example, for a <Tab> in column 1, with 'ts'
Bram Moolenaar61d35bd2012-03-28 20:51:51 +02006124 set to 8, it returns 8. |conceal| is ignored.
Bram Moolenaar477933c2007-07-17 14:32:23 +00006125 For the byte position use |col()|.
6126 For the use of {expr} see |col()|.
6127 When 'virtualedit' is used {expr} can be [lnum, col, off], where
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00006128 "off" is the offset in screen columns from the start of the
Bram Moolenaard46bbc72007-05-12 14:38:41 +00006129 character. E.g., a position within a <Tab> or after the last
Bram Moolenaar97293012011-07-18 19:40:27 +02006130 character. When "off" is omitted zero is used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006131 When Virtual editing is active in the current mode, a position
6132 beyond the end of the line can be returned. |'virtualedit'|
6133 The accepted positions are:
6134 . the cursor position
6135 $ the end of the cursor line (the result is the
6136 number of displayed characters in the cursor line
6137 plus one)
6138 'x position of mark x (if the mark is not set, 0 is
6139 returned)
6140 Note that only marks in the current file can be used.
6141 Examples: >
6142 virtcol(".") with text "foo^Lbar", with cursor on the "^L", returns 5
6143 virtcol("$") with text "foo^Lbar", returns 9
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006144 virtcol("'t") with text " there", with 't at 'h', returns 6
6145< The first column is 1. 0 is returned for an error.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006146 A more advanced example that echoes the maximum length of
6147 all lines: >
6148 echo max(map(range(1, line('$')), "virtcol([v:val, '$'])"))
6149
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006150
6151visualmode([expr]) *visualmode()*
6152 The result is a String, which describes the last Visual mode
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00006153 used in the current buffer. Initially it returns an empty
6154 string, but once Visual mode has been used, it returns "v",
6155 "V", or "<CTRL-V>" (a single CTRL-V character) for
6156 character-wise, line-wise, or block-wise Visual mode
6157 respectively.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006158 Example: >
6159 :exe "normal " . visualmode()
6160< This enters the same Visual mode as before. It is also useful
6161 in scripts if you wish to act differently depending on the
6162 Visual mode that was used.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006163 If Visual mode is active, use |mode()| to get the Visual mode
6164 (e.g., in a |:vmap|).
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00006165 *non-zero-arg*
6166 If [expr] is supplied and it evaluates to a non-zero Number or
6167 a non-empty String, then the Visual mode will be cleared and
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006168 the old value is returned. Note that " " and "0" are also
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00006169 non-empty strings, thus cause the mode to be cleared. A List,
6170 Dictionary or Float is not a Number or String, thus does not
6171 cause the mode to be cleared.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006172
Bram Moolenaar8738fc12013-02-20 17:59:11 +01006173wildmenumode() *wildmenumode()*
6174 Returns non-zero when the wildmenu is active and zero
6175 otherwise. See 'wildmenu' and 'wildmode'.
6176 This can be used in mappings to handle the 'wildcharm' option
6177 gracefully. (Makes only sense with |mapmode-c| mappings).
6178
6179 For example to make <c-j> work like <down> in wildmode, use: >
6180 :cnoremap <expr> <C-j> wildmenumode() ? "\<Down>\<Tab>" : "\<c-j>"
6181<
6182 (Note, this needs the 'wildcharm' option set appropriately).
6183
6184
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006185 *winbufnr()*
6186winbufnr({nr}) The result is a Number, which is the number of the buffer
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00006187 associated with window {nr}. When {nr} is zero, the number of
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006188 the buffer in the current window is returned. When window
6189 {nr} doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
6190 Example: >
6191 :echo "The file in the current window is " . bufname(winbufnr(0))
6192<
6193 *wincol()*
6194wincol() The result is a Number, which is the virtual column of the
6195 cursor in the window. This is counting screen cells from the
6196 left side of the window. The leftmost column is one.
6197
6198winheight({nr}) *winheight()*
6199 The result is a Number, which is the height of window {nr}.
6200 When {nr} is zero, the height of the current window is
6201 returned. When window {nr} doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
6202 An existing window always has a height of zero or more.
6203 Examples: >
6204 :echo "The current window has " . winheight(0) . " lines."
6205<
6206 *winline()*
6207winline() The result is a Number, which is the screen line of the cursor
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006208 in the window. This is counting screen lines from the top of
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006209 the window. The first line is one.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00006210 If the cursor was moved the view on the file will be updated
6211 first, this may cause a scroll.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006212
6213 *winnr()*
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00006214winnr([{arg}]) The result is a Number, which is the number of the current
6215 window. The top window has number 1.
6216 When the optional argument is "$", the number of the
Bram Moolenaar2df58b42012-11-28 18:21:11 +01006217 last window is returned (the window count). >
6218 let window_count = winnr('$')
6219< When the optional argument is "#", the number of the last
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00006220 accessed window is returned (where |CTRL-W_p| goes to).
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006221 If there is no previous window or it is in another tab page 0
6222 is returned.
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00006223 The number can be used with |CTRL-W_w| and ":wincmd w"
6224 |:wincmd|.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006225 Also see |tabpagewinnr()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006226
6227 *winrestcmd()*
6228winrestcmd() Returns a sequence of |:resize| commands that should restore
6229 the current window sizes. Only works properly when no windows
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00006230 are opened or closed and the current window and tab page is
6231 unchanged.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006232 Example: >
6233 :let cmd = winrestcmd()
6234 :call MessWithWindowSizes()
6235 :exe cmd
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00006236<
6237 *winrestview()*
6238winrestview({dict})
6239 Uses the |Dictionary| returned by |winsaveview()| to restore
6240 the view of the current window.
6241 If you have changed the values the result is unpredictable.
6242 If the window size changed the result won't be the same.
6243
6244 *winsaveview()*
6245winsaveview() Returns a |Dictionary| that contains information to restore
6246 the view of the current window. Use |winrestview()| to
6247 restore the view.
6248 This is useful if you have a mapping that jumps around in the
6249 buffer and you want to go back to the original view.
6250 This does not save fold information. Use the 'foldenable'
Bram Moolenaardb552d602006-03-23 22:59:57 +00006251 option to temporarily switch off folding, so that folds are
6252 not opened when moving around.
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00006253 The return value includes:
6254 lnum cursor line number
6255 col cursor column
6256 coladd cursor column offset for 'virtualedit'
6257 curswant column for vertical movement
6258 topline first line in the window
6259 topfill filler lines, only in diff mode
6260 leftcol first column displayed
6261 skipcol columns skipped
6262 Note that no option values are saved.
6263
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006264
6265winwidth({nr}) *winwidth()*
6266 The result is a Number, which is the width of window {nr}.
6267 When {nr} is zero, the width of the current window is
6268 returned. When window {nr} doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
6269 An existing window always has a width of zero or more.
6270 Examples: >
6271 :echo "The current window has " . winwidth(0) . " columns."
6272 :if winwidth(0) <= 50
6273 : exe "normal 50\<C-W>|"
6274 :endif
6275<
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00006276 *writefile()*
6277writefile({list}, {fname} [, {binary}])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006278 Write |List| {list} to file {fname}. Each list item is
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00006279 separated with a NL. Each list item must be a String or
6280 Number.
6281 When {binary} is equal to "b" binary mode is used: There will
6282 not be a NL after the last list item. An empty item at the
6283 end does cause the last line in the file to end in a NL.
6284 All NL characters are replaced with a NUL character.
6285 Inserting CR characters needs to be done before passing {list}
6286 to writefile().
6287 An existing file is overwritten, if possible.
6288 When the write fails -1 is returned, otherwise 0. There is an
6289 error message if the file can't be created or when writing
6290 fails.
6291 Also see |readfile()|.
6292 To copy a file byte for byte: >
6293 :let fl = readfile("foo", "b")
6294 :call writefile(fl, "foocopy", "b")
Bram Moolenaard6e256c2011-12-14 15:32:50 +01006295
6296
6297xor({expr}, {expr}) *xor()*
6298 Bitwise XOR on the two arguments. The arguments are converted
6299 to a number. A List, Dict or Float argument causes an error.
6300 Example: >
6301 :let bits = xor(bits, 0x80)
Bram Moolenaar6ee8d892012-01-10 14:55:01 +01006302<
Bram Moolenaard6e256c2011-12-14 15:32:50 +01006303
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006304
6305 *feature-list*
6306There are three types of features:
63071. Features that are only supported when they have been enabled when Vim
6308 was compiled |+feature-list|. Example: >
6309 :if has("cindent")
63102. Features that are only supported when certain conditions have been met.
6311 Example: >
6312 :if has("gui_running")
6313< *has-patch*
63143. Included patches. First check |v:version| for the version of Vim.
6315 Then the "patch123" feature means that patch 123 has been included for
6316 this version. Example (checking version 6.2.148 or later): >
6317 :if v:version > 602 || v:version == 602 && has("patch148")
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006318< Note that it's possible for patch 147 to be omitted even though 148 is
6319 included.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006320
6321all_builtin_terms Compiled with all builtin terminals enabled.
6322amiga Amiga version of Vim.
6323arabic Compiled with Arabic support |Arabic|.
6324arp Compiled with ARP support (Amiga).
Bram Moolenaara9b1e742005-12-19 22:14:58 +00006325autocmd Compiled with autocommand support. |autocommand|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006326balloon_eval Compiled with |balloon-eval| support.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00006327balloon_multiline GUI supports multiline balloons.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006328beos BeOS version of Vim.
6329browse Compiled with |:browse| support, and browse() will
6330 work.
Bram Moolenaar30b65812012-07-12 22:01:11 +02006331browsefilter Compiled with support for |browsefilter|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006332builtin_terms Compiled with some builtin terminals.
6333byte_offset Compiled with support for 'o' in 'statusline'
6334cindent Compiled with 'cindent' support.
6335clientserver Compiled with remote invocation support |clientserver|.
6336clipboard Compiled with 'clipboard' support.
6337cmdline_compl Compiled with |cmdline-completion| support.
6338cmdline_hist Compiled with |cmdline-history| support.
6339cmdline_info Compiled with 'showcmd' and 'ruler' support.
6340comments Compiled with |'comments'| support.
Bram Moolenaar2a8a3ec2011-01-08 16:06:37 +01006341compatible Compiled to be very Vi compatible.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006342cryptv Compiled with encryption support |encryption|.
6343cscope Compiled with |cscope| support.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006344debug Compiled with "DEBUG" defined.
6345dialog_con Compiled with console dialog support.
6346dialog_gui Compiled with GUI dialog support.
6347diff Compiled with |vimdiff| and 'diff' support.
6348digraphs Compiled with support for digraphs.
6349dnd Compiled with support for the "~ register |quote_~|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006350dos16 16 bits DOS version of Vim.
Bram Moolenaar2a8a3ec2011-01-08 16:06:37 +01006351dos32 32 bits DOS (DJGPP) version of Vim.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006352ebcdic Compiled on a machine with ebcdic character set.
6353emacs_tags Compiled with support for Emacs tags.
6354eval Compiled with expression evaluation support. Always
6355 true, of course!
6356ex_extra Compiled with extra Ex commands |+ex_extra|.
6357extra_search Compiled with support for |'incsearch'| and
6358 |'hlsearch'|
6359farsi Compiled with Farsi support |farsi|.
6360file_in_path Compiled with support for |gf| and |<cfile>|
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00006361filterpipe When 'shelltemp' is off pipes are used for shell
6362 read/write/filter commands
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006363find_in_path Compiled with support for include file searches
6364 |+find_in_path|.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006365float Compiled with support for |Float|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006366fname_case Case in file names matters (for Amiga, MS-DOS, and
6367 Windows this is not present).
6368folding Compiled with |folding| support.
6369footer Compiled with GUI footer support. |gui-footer|
6370fork Compiled to use fork()/exec() instead of system().
6371gettext Compiled with message translation |multi-lang|
6372gui Compiled with GUI enabled.
6373gui_athena Compiled with Athena GUI.
Bram Moolenaar2a8a3ec2011-01-08 16:06:37 +01006374gui_gnome Compiled with Gnome support (gui_gtk is also defined).
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006375gui_gtk Compiled with GTK+ GUI (any version).
6376gui_gtk2 Compiled with GTK+ 2 GUI (gui_gtk is also defined).
6377gui_mac Compiled with Macintosh GUI.
6378gui_motif Compiled with Motif GUI.
6379gui_photon Compiled with Photon GUI.
Bram Moolenaar2a8a3ec2011-01-08 16:06:37 +01006380gui_running Vim is running in the GUI, or it will start soon.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006381gui_win32 Compiled with MS Windows Win32 GUI.
6382gui_win32s idem, and Win32s system being used (Windows 3.1)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006383hangul_input Compiled with Hangul input support. |hangul|
6384iconv Can use iconv() for conversion.
6385insert_expand Compiled with support for CTRL-X expansion commands in
6386 Insert mode.
6387jumplist Compiled with |jumplist| support.
6388keymap Compiled with 'keymap' support.
6389langmap Compiled with 'langmap' support.
6390libcall Compiled with |libcall()| support.
6391linebreak Compiled with 'linebreak', 'breakat' and 'showbreak'
6392 support.
6393lispindent Compiled with support for lisp indenting.
6394listcmds Compiled with commands for the buffer list |:files|
6395 and the argument list |arglist|.
6396localmap Compiled with local mappings and abbr. |:map-local|
Bram Moolenaar0ba04292010-07-14 23:23:17 +02006397lua Compiled with Lua interface |Lua|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006398mac Macintosh version of Vim.
6399macunix Macintosh version of Vim, using Unix files (OS-X).
6400menu Compiled with support for |:menu|.
6401mksession Compiled with support for |:mksession|.
6402modify_fname Compiled with file name modifiers. |filename-modifiers|
6403mouse Compiled with support mouse.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006404mouse_dec Compiled with support for Dec terminal mouse.
6405mouse_gpm Compiled with support for gpm (Linux console mouse)
6406mouse_netterm Compiled with support for netterm mouse.
6407mouse_pterm Compiled with support for qnx pterm mouse.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006408mouse_sysmouse Compiled with support for sysmouse (*BSD console mouse)
Bram Moolenaar9b451252012-08-15 17:43:31 +02006409mouse_sgr Compiled with support for sgr mouse.
Bram Moolenaarf1568ec2011-12-14 21:17:39 +01006410mouse_urxvt Compiled with support for urxvt mouse.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006411mouse_xterm Compiled with support for xterm mouse.
Bram Moolenaar2a8a3ec2011-01-08 16:06:37 +01006412mouseshape Compiled with support for 'mouseshape'.
Bram Moolenaar42022d52008-12-09 09:57:49 +00006413multi_byte Compiled with support for 'encoding'
6414multi_byte_encoding 'encoding' is set to a multi-byte encoding.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006415multi_byte_ime Compiled with support for IME input method.
6416multi_lang Compiled with support for multiple languages.
Bram Moolenaar325b7a22004-07-05 15:58:32 +00006417mzscheme Compiled with MzScheme interface |mzscheme|.
Bram Moolenaarb26e6322010-05-22 21:34:09 +02006418netbeans_enabled Compiled with support for |netbeans| and connected.
Bram Moolenaar2a8a3ec2011-01-08 16:06:37 +01006419netbeans_intg Compiled with support for |netbeans|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006420ole Compiled with OLE automation support for Win32.
6421os2 OS/2 version of Vim.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006422path_extra Compiled with up/downwards search in 'path' and 'tags'
6423perl Compiled with Perl interface.
Bram Moolenaar55debbe2010-05-23 23:34:36 +02006424persistent_undo Compiled with support for persistent undo history.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006425postscript Compiled with PostScript file printing.
6426printer Compiled with |:hardcopy| support.
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00006427profile Compiled with |:profile| support.
Bram Moolenaar446beb42011-05-10 17:18:44 +02006428python Compiled with Python 2.x interface. |has-python|
6429python3 Compiled with Python 3.x interface. |has-python|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006430qnx QNX version of Vim.
6431quickfix Compiled with |quickfix| support.
Bram Moolenaard68071d2006-05-02 22:08:30 +00006432reltime Compiled with |reltime()| support.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006433rightleft Compiled with 'rightleft' support.
6434ruby Compiled with Ruby interface |ruby|.
6435scrollbind Compiled with 'scrollbind' support.
6436showcmd Compiled with 'showcmd' support.
6437signs Compiled with |:sign| support.
6438smartindent Compiled with 'smartindent' support.
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00006439sniff Compiled with SNiFF interface support.
Bram Moolenaar2a8a3ec2011-01-08 16:06:37 +01006440spell Compiled with spell checking support |spell|.
Bram Moolenaaref94eec2009-11-11 13:22:11 +00006441startuptime Compiled with |--startuptime| support.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006442statusline Compiled with support for 'statusline', 'rulerformat'
6443 and special formats of 'titlestring' and 'iconstring'.
6444sun_workshop Compiled with support for Sun |workshop|.
Bram Moolenaar82cf9b62005-06-07 21:09:25 +00006445syntax Compiled with syntax highlighting support |syntax|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006446syntax_items There are active syntax highlighting items for the
6447 current buffer.
6448system Compiled to use system() instead of fork()/exec().
6449tag_binary Compiled with binary searching in tags files
6450 |tag-binary-search|.
6451tag_old_static Compiled with support for old static tags
6452 |tag-old-static|.
6453tag_any_white Compiled with support for any white characters in tags
6454 files |tag-any-white|.
6455tcl Compiled with Tcl interface.
6456terminfo Compiled with terminfo instead of termcap.
6457termresponse Compiled with support for |t_RV| and |v:termresponse|.
6458textobjects Compiled with support for |text-objects|.
6459tgetent Compiled with tgetent support, able to use a termcap
6460 or terminfo file.
6461title Compiled with window title support |'title'|.
6462toolbar Compiled with support for |gui-toolbar|.
6463unix Unix version of Vim.
6464user_commands User-defined commands.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006465vertsplit Compiled with vertically split windows |:vsplit|.
Bram Moolenaar2a8a3ec2011-01-08 16:06:37 +01006466vim_starting True while initial source'ing takes place. |startup|
6467viminfo Compiled with viminfo support.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006468virtualedit Compiled with 'virtualedit' option.
6469visual Compiled with Visual mode.
6470visualextra Compiled with extra Visual mode commands.
6471 |blockwise-operators|.
6472vms VMS version of Vim.
6473vreplace Compiled with |gR| and |gr| commands.
6474wildignore Compiled with 'wildignore' option.
6475wildmenu Compiled with 'wildmenu' option.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006476win16 Win16 version of Vim (MS-Windows 3.1).
Bram Moolenaard58e9292011-02-09 17:07:58 +01006477win32 Win32 version of Vim (MS-Windows 95 and later, 32 or
6478 64 bits)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006479win32unix Win32 version of Vim, using Unix files (Cygwin)
Bram Moolenaar2a8a3ec2011-01-08 16:06:37 +01006480win64 Win64 version of Vim (MS-Windows 64 bit).
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006481win95 Win32 version for MS-Windows 95/98/ME.
Bram Moolenaar2a8a3ec2011-01-08 16:06:37 +01006482winaltkeys Compiled with 'winaltkeys' option.
6483windows Compiled with support for more than one window.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006484writebackup Compiled with 'writebackup' default on.
6485xfontset Compiled with X fontset support |xfontset|.
6486xim Compiled with X input method support |xim|.
Bram Moolenaar6ee8d892012-01-10 14:55:01 +01006487xpm_w32 Compiled with pixmap support for Win32.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006488xsmp Compiled with X session management support.
6489xsmp_interact Compiled with interactive X session management support.
6490xterm_clipboard Compiled with support for xterm clipboard.
6491xterm_save Compiled with support for saving and restoring the
6492 xterm screen.
6493x11 Compiled with X11 support.
6494
6495 *string-match*
6496Matching a pattern in a String
6497
6498A regexp pattern as explained at |pattern| is normally used to find a match in
6499the buffer lines. When a pattern is used to find a match in a String, almost
6500everything works in the same way. The difference is that a String is handled
6501like it is one line. When it contains a "\n" character, this is not seen as a
6502line break for the pattern. It can be matched with a "\n" in the pattern, or
6503with ".". Example: >
6504 :let a = "aaaa\nxxxx"
6505 :echo matchstr(a, "..\n..")
6506 aa
6507 xx
6508 :echo matchstr(a, "a.x")
6509 a
6510 x
6511
6512Don't forget that "^" will only match at the first character of the String and
6513"$" at the last character of the string. They don't match after or before a
6514"\n".
6515
6516==============================================================================
65175. Defining functions *user-functions*
6518
6519New functions can be defined. These can be called just like builtin
6520functions. The function executes a sequence of Ex commands. Normal mode
6521commands can be executed with the |:normal| command.
6522
6523The function name must start with an uppercase letter, to avoid confusion with
6524builtin functions. To prevent from using the same name in different scripts
6525avoid obvious, short names. A good habit is to start the function name with
6526the name of the script, e.g., "HTMLcolor()".
6527
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00006528It's also possible to use curly braces, see |curly-braces-names|. And the
6529|autoload| facility is useful to define a function only when it's called.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006530
6531 *local-function*
6532A function local to a script must start with "s:". A local script function
6533can only be called from within the script and from functions, user commands
6534and autocommands defined in the script. It is also possible to call the
Bram Moolenaare37d50a2008-08-06 17:06:04 +00006535function from a mapping defined in the script, but then |<SID>| must be used
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006536instead of "s:" when the mapping is expanded outside of the script.
6537
6538 *:fu* *:function* *E128* *E129* *E123*
6539:fu[nction] List all functions and their arguments.
6540
6541:fu[nction] {name} List function {name}.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006542 {name} can also be a |Dictionary| entry that is a
6543 |Funcref|: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006544 :function dict.init
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00006545
6546:fu[nction] /{pattern} List functions with a name matching {pattern}.
6547 Example that lists all functions ending with "File": >
6548 :function /File$
Bram Moolenaar5b8d8fd2005-08-16 23:01:50 +00006549<
6550 *:function-verbose*
6551When 'verbose' is non-zero, listing a function will also display where it was
6552last defined. Example: >
6553
6554 :verbose function SetFileTypeSH
6555 function SetFileTypeSH(name)
6556 Last set from /usr/share/vim/vim-7.0/filetype.vim
6557<
Bram Moolenaar8aff23a2005-08-19 20:40:30 +00006558See |:verbose-cmd| for more information.
Bram Moolenaar5b8d8fd2005-08-16 23:01:50 +00006559
Bram Moolenaar15146672011-10-20 22:22:38 +02006560 *E124* *E125* *E853*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00006561:fu[nction][!] {name}([arguments]) [range] [abort] [dict]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006562 Define a new function by the name {name}. The name
6563 must be made of alphanumeric characters and '_', and
6564 must start with a capital or "s:" (see above).
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006565
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006566 {name} can also be a |Dictionary| entry that is a
6567 |Funcref|: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006568 :function dict.init(arg)
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006569< "dict" must be an existing dictionary. The entry
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006570 "init" is added if it didn't exist yet. Otherwise [!]
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006571 is required to overwrite an existing function. The
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006572 result is a |Funcref| to a numbered function. The
6573 function can only be used with a |Funcref| and will be
6574 deleted if there are no more references to it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006575 *E127* *E122*
6576 When a function by this name already exists and [!] is
6577 not used an error message is given. When [!] is used,
6578 an existing function is silently replaced. Unless it
6579 is currently being executed, that is an error.
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00006580
6581 For the {arguments} see |function-argument|.
6582
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006583 *a:firstline* *a:lastline*
6584 When the [range] argument is added, the function is
6585 expected to take care of a range itself. The range is
6586 passed as "a:firstline" and "a:lastline". If [range]
6587 is excluded, ":{range}call" will call the function for
6588 each line in the range, with the cursor on the start
6589 of each line. See |function-range-example|.
Bram Moolenaar2df58b42012-11-28 18:21:11 +01006590 The cursor is still moved to the first line of the
6591 range, as is the case with all Ex commands.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006592
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006593 When the [abort] argument is added, the function will
6594 abort as soon as an error is detected.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006595
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00006596 When the [dict] argument is added, the function must
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006597 be invoked through an entry in a |Dictionary|. The
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00006598 local variable "self" will then be set to the
6599 dictionary. See |Dictionary-function|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006600
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006601 *function-search-undo*
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00006602 The last used search pattern and the redo command "."
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006603 will not be changed by the function. This also
6604 implies that the effect of |:nohlsearch| is undone
6605 when the function returns.
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00006606
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006607 *:endf* *:endfunction* *E126* *E193*
6608:endf[unction] The end of a function definition. Must be on a line
6609 by its own, without other commands.
6610
6611 *:delf* *:delfunction* *E130* *E131*
6612:delf[unction] {name} Delete function {name}.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006613 {name} can also be a |Dictionary| entry that is a
6614 |Funcref|: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006615 :delfunc dict.init
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006616< This will remove the "init" entry from "dict". The
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006617 function is deleted if there are no more references to
6618 it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006619 *:retu* *:return* *E133*
6620:retu[rn] [expr] Return from a function. When "[expr]" is given, it is
6621 evaluated and returned as the result of the function.
6622 If "[expr]" is not given, the number 0 is returned.
6623 When a function ends without an explicit ":return",
6624 the number 0 is returned.
6625 Note that there is no check for unreachable lines,
6626 thus there is no warning if commands follow ":return".
6627
6628 If the ":return" is used after a |:try| but before the
6629 matching |:finally| (if present), the commands
6630 following the ":finally" up to the matching |:endtry|
6631 are executed first. This process applies to all
6632 nested ":try"s inside the function. The function
6633 returns at the outermost ":endtry".
6634
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00006635 *function-argument* *a:var*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006636An argument can be defined by giving its name. In the function this can then
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00006637be used as "a:name" ("a:" for argument).
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006638 *a:0* *a:1* *a:000* *E740* *...*
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00006639Up to 20 arguments can be given, separated by commas. After the named
6640arguments an argument "..." can be specified, which means that more arguments
6641may optionally be following. In the function the extra arguments can be used
6642as "a:1", "a:2", etc. "a:0" is set to the number of extra arguments (which
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006643can be 0). "a:000" is set to a |List| that contains these arguments. Note
6644that "a:1" is the same as "a:000[0]".
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00006645 *E742*
6646The a: scope and the variables in it cannot be changed, they are fixed.
Bram Moolenaare37d50a2008-08-06 17:06:04 +00006647However, if a |List| or |Dictionary| is used, you can change their contents.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006648Thus you can pass a |List| to a function and have the function add an item to
6649it. If you want to make sure the function cannot change a |List| or
6650|Dictionary| use |:lockvar|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006651
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00006652When not using "...", the number of arguments in a function call must be equal
6653to the number of named arguments. When using "...", the number of arguments
6654may be larger.
6655
6656It is also possible to define a function without any arguments. You must
6657still supply the () then. The body of the function follows in the next lines,
6658until the matching |:endfunction|. It is allowed to define another function
6659inside a function body.
6660
6661 *local-variables*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006662Inside a function variables can be used. These are local variables, which
6663will disappear when the function returns. Global variables need to be
6664accessed with "g:".
6665
6666Example: >
6667 :function Table(title, ...)
6668 : echohl Title
6669 : echo a:title
6670 : echohl None
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00006671 : echo a:0 . " items:"
6672 : for s in a:000
6673 : echon ' ' . s
6674 : endfor
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006675 :endfunction
6676
6677This function can then be called with: >
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00006678 call Table("Table", "line1", "line2")
6679 call Table("Empty Table")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006680
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006681To return more than one value, return a |List|: >
6682 :function Compute(n1, n2)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006683 : if a:n2 == 0
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006684 : return ["fail", 0]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006685 : endif
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006686 : return ["ok", a:n1 / a:n2]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006687 :endfunction
6688
6689This function can then be called with: >
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006690 :let [success, div] = Compute(102, 6)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006691 :if success == "ok"
6692 : echo div
6693 :endif
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006694<
Bram Moolenaar39f05632006-03-19 22:15:26 +00006695 *:cal* *:call* *E107* *E117*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006696:[range]cal[l] {name}([arguments])
6697 Call a function. The name of the function and its arguments
6698 are as specified with |:function|. Up to 20 arguments can be
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006699 used. The returned value is discarded.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006700 Without a range and for functions that accept a range, the
6701 function is called once. When a range is given the cursor is
6702 positioned at the start of the first line before executing the
6703 function.
6704 When a range is given and the function doesn't handle it
6705 itself, the function is executed for each line in the range,
6706 with the cursor in the first column of that line. The cursor
6707 is left at the last line (possibly moved by the last function
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006708 call). The arguments are re-evaluated for each line. Thus
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006709 this works:
6710 *function-range-example* >
6711 :function Mynumber(arg)
6712 : echo line(".") . " " . a:arg
6713 :endfunction
6714 :1,5call Mynumber(getline("."))
6715<
6716 The "a:firstline" and "a:lastline" are defined anyway, they
6717 can be used to do something different at the start or end of
6718 the range.
6719
6720 Example of a function that handles the range itself: >
6721
6722 :function Cont() range
6723 : execute (a:firstline + 1) . "," . a:lastline . 's/^/\t\\ '
6724 :endfunction
6725 :4,8call Cont()
6726<
6727 This function inserts the continuation character "\" in front
6728 of all the lines in the range, except the first one.
6729
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006730 When the function returns a composite value it can be further
6731 dereferenced, but the range will not be used then. Example: >
6732 :4,8call GetDict().method()
6733< Here GetDict() gets the range but method() does not.
6734
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006735 *E132*
6736The recursiveness of user functions is restricted with the |'maxfuncdepth'|
6737option.
6738
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006739
6740AUTOMATICALLY LOADING FUNCTIONS ~
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006741 *autoload-functions*
6742When using many or large functions, it's possible to automatically define them
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006743only when they are used. There are two methods: with an autocommand and with
6744the "autoload" directory in 'runtimepath'.
6745
6746
6747Using an autocommand ~
6748
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00006749This is introduced in the user manual, section |41.14|.
6750
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006751The autocommand is useful if you have a plugin that is a long Vim script file.
6752You can define the autocommand and quickly quit the script with |:finish|.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006753That makes Vim startup faster. The autocommand should then load the same file
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006754again, setting a variable to skip the |:finish| command.
6755
6756Use the FuncUndefined autocommand event with a pattern that matches the
6757function(s) to be defined. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006758
6759 :au FuncUndefined BufNet* source ~/vim/bufnetfuncs.vim
6760
6761The file "~/vim/bufnetfuncs.vim" should then define functions that start with
6762"BufNet". Also see |FuncUndefined|.
6763
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006764
6765Using an autoload script ~
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00006766 *autoload* *E746*
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00006767This is introduced in the user manual, section |41.15|.
6768
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006769Using a script in the "autoload" directory is simpler, but requires using
6770exactly the right file name. A function that can be autoloaded has a name
6771like this: >
6772
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00006773 :call filename#funcname()
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006774
6775When such a function is called, and it is not defined yet, Vim will search the
6776"autoload" directories in 'runtimepath' for a script file called
6777"filename.vim". For example "~/.vim/autoload/filename.vim". That file should
6778then define the function like this: >
6779
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00006780 function filename#funcname()
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006781 echo "Done!"
6782 endfunction
6783
Bram Moolenaar60a795a2005-09-16 21:55:43 +00006784The file name and the name used before the # in the function must match
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006785exactly, and the defined function must have the name exactly as it will be
6786called.
6787
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00006788It is possible to use subdirectories. Every # in the function name works like
6789a path separator. Thus when calling a function: >
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006790
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00006791 :call foo#bar#func()
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006792
6793Vim will look for the file "autoload/foo/bar.vim" in 'runtimepath'.
6794
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00006795This also works when reading a variable that has not been set yet: >
6796
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00006797 :let l = foo#bar#lvar
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00006798
Bram Moolenaara5792f52005-11-23 21:25:05 +00006799However, when the autoload script was already loaded it won't be loaded again
6800for an unknown variable.
6801
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00006802When assigning a value to such a variable nothing special happens. This can
6803be used to pass settings to the autoload script before it's loaded: >
6804
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00006805 :let foo#bar#toggle = 1
6806 :call foo#bar#func()
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00006807
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00006808Note that when you make a mistake and call a function that is supposed to be
6809defined in an autoload script, but the script doesn't actually define the
6810function, the script will be sourced every time you try to call the function.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00006811And you will get an error message every time.
6812
6813Also note that if you have two script files, and one calls a function in the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006814other and vice versa, before the used function is defined, it won't work.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00006815Avoid using the autoload functionality at the toplevel.
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006816
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00006817Hint: If you distribute a bunch of scripts you can pack them together with the
6818|vimball| utility. Also read the user manual |distribute-script|.
6819
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006820==============================================================================
68216. Curly braces names *curly-braces-names*
6822
Bram Moolenaar84f72352012-03-11 15:57:40 +01006823In most places where you can use a variable, you can use a "curly braces name"
6824variable. This is a regular variable name with one or more expressions
6825wrapped in braces {} like this: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006826 my_{adjective}_variable
6827
6828When Vim encounters this, it evaluates the expression inside the braces, puts
6829that in place of the expression, and re-interprets the whole as a variable
6830name. So in the above example, if the variable "adjective" was set to
6831"noisy", then the reference would be to "my_noisy_variable", whereas if
6832"adjective" was set to "quiet", then it would be to "my_quiet_variable".
6833
6834One application for this is to create a set of variables governed by an option
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006835value. For example, the statement >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006836 echo my_{&background}_message
6837
6838would output the contents of "my_dark_message" or "my_light_message" depending
6839on the current value of 'background'.
6840
6841You can use multiple brace pairs: >
6842 echo my_{adverb}_{adjective}_message
6843..or even nest them: >
6844 echo my_{ad{end_of_word}}_message
6845where "end_of_word" is either "verb" or "jective".
6846
6847However, the expression inside the braces must evaluate to a valid single
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00006848variable name, e.g. this is invalid: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006849 :let foo='a + b'
6850 :echo c{foo}d
6851.. since the result of expansion is "ca + bd", which is not a variable name.
6852
6853 *curly-braces-function-names*
6854You can call and define functions by an evaluated name in a similar way.
6855Example: >
6856 :let func_end='whizz'
6857 :call my_func_{func_end}(parameter)
6858
6859This would call the function "my_func_whizz(parameter)".
6860
Bram Moolenaar84f72352012-03-11 15:57:40 +01006861This does NOT work: >
6862 :let i = 3
6863 :let @{i} = '' " error
6864 :echo @{i} " error
6865
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006866==============================================================================
68677. Commands *expression-commands*
6868
6869:let {var-name} = {expr1} *:let* *E18*
6870 Set internal variable {var-name} to the result of the
6871 expression {expr1}. The variable will get the type
6872 from the {expr}. If {var-name} didn't exist yet, it
6873 is created.
6874
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00006875:let {var-name}[{idx}] = {expr1} *E689*
6876 Set a list item to the result of the expression
6877 {expr1}. {var-name} must refer to a list and {idx}
6878 must be a valid index in that list. For nested list
6879 the index can be repeated.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006880 This cannot be used to add an item to a |List|.
6881 This cannot be used to set a byte in a String. You
6882 can do that like this: >
6883 :let var = var[0:2] . 'X' . var[4:]
6884<
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006885 *E711* *E719*
6886:let {var-name}[{idx1}:{idx2}] = {expr1} *E708* *E709* *E710*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006887 Set a sequence of items in a |List| to the result of
6888 the expression {expr1}, which must be a list with the
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00006889 correct number of items.
6890 {idx1} can be omitted, zero is used instead.
6891 {idx2} can be omitted, meaning the end of the list.
6892 When the selected range of items is partly past the
6893 end of the list, items will be added.
6894
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00006895 *:let+=* *:let-=* *:let.=* *E734*
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006896:let {var} += {expr1} Like ":let {var} = {var} + {expr1}".
6897:let {var} -= {expr1} Like ":let {var} = {var} - {expr1}".
6898:let {var} .= {expr1} Like ":let {var} = {var} . {expr1}".
6899 These fail if {var} was not set yet and when the type
6900 of {var} and {expr1} don't fit the operator.
6901
6902
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006903:let ${env-name} = {expr1} *:let-environment* *:let-$*
6904 Set environment variable {env-name} to the result of
6905 the expression {expr1}. The type is always String.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006906:let ${env-name} .= {expr1}
6907 Append {expr1} to the environment variable {env-name}.
6908 If the environment variable didn't exist yet this
6909 works like "=".
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006910
6911:let @{reg-name} = {expr1} *:let-register* *:let-@*
6912 Write the result of the expression {expr1} in register
6913 {reg-name}. {reg-name} must be a single letter, and
6914 must be the name of a writable register (see
6915 |registers|). "@@" can be used for the unnamed
6916 register, "@/" for the search pattern.
6917 If the result of {expr1} ends in a <CR> or <NL>, the
6918 register will be linewise, otherwise it will be set to
6919 characterwise.
6920 This can be used to clear the last search pattern: >
6921 :let @/ = ""
6922< This is different from searching for an empty string,
6923 that would match everywhere.
6924
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006925:let @{reg-name} .= {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006926 Append {expr1} to register {reg-name}. If the
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006927 register was empty it's like setting it to {expr1}.
6928
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006929:let &{option-name} = {expr1} *:let-option* *:let-&*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006930 Set option {option-name} to the result of the
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00006931 expression {expr1}. A String or Number value is
6932 always converted to the type of the option.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006933 For an option local to a window or buffer the effect
6934 is just like using the |:set| command: both the local
Bram Moolenaara5fac542005-10-12 20:58:49 +00006935 value and the global value are changed.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00006936 Example: >
6937 :let &path = &path . ',/usr/local/include'
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006938
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006939:let &{option-name} .= {expr1}
6940 For a string option: Append {expr1} to the value.
6941 Does not insert a comma like |:set+=|.
6942
6943:let &{option-name} += {expr1}
6944:let &{option-name} -= {expr1}
6945 For a number or boolean option: Add or subtract
6946 {expr1}.
6947
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006948:let &l:{option-name} = {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006949:let &l:{option-name} .= {expr1}
6950:let &l:{option-name} += {expr1}
6951:let &l:{option-name} -= {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006952 Like above, but only set the local value of an option
6953 (if there is one). Works like |:setlocal|.
6954
6955:let &g:{option-name} = {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006956:let &g:{option-name} .= {expr1}
6957:let &g:{option-name} += {expr1}
6958:let &g:{option-name} -= {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006959 Like above, but only set the global value of an option
6960 (if there is one). Works like |:setglobal|.
6961
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00006962:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] = {expr1} *:let-unpack* *E687* *E688*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006963 {expr1} must evaluate to a |List|. The first item in
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00006964 the list is assigned to {name1}, the second item to
6965 {name2}, etc.
6966 The number of names must match the number of items in
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006967 the |List|.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00006968 Each name can be one of the items of the ":let"
6969 command as mentioned above.
6970 Example: >
6971 :let [s, item] = GetItem(s)
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006972< Detail: {expr1} is evaluated first, then the
6973 assignments are done in sequence. This matters if
6974 {name2} depends on {name1}. Example: >
6975 :let x = [0, 1]
6976 :let i = 0
6977 :let [i, x[i]] = [1, 2]
6978 :echo x
6979< The result is [0, 2].
6980
6981:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] .= {expr1}
6982:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] += {expr1}
6983:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] -= {expr1}
6984 Like above, but append/add/subtract the value for each
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006985 |List| item.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00006986
6987:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] = {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006988 Like |:let-unpack| above, but the |List| may have more
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006989 items than there are names. A list of the remaining
6990 items is assigned to {lastname}. If there are no
6991 remaining items {lastname} is set to an empty list.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00006992 Example: >
6993 :let [a, b; rest] = ["aval", "bval", 3, 4]
6994<
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006995:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] .= {expr1}
6996:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] += {expr1}
6997:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] -= {expr1}
6998 Like above, but append/add/subtract the value for each
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006999 |List| item.
Bram Moolenaar4a748032010-09-30 21:47:56 +02007000
7001 *E121*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007002:let {var-name} .. List the value of variable {var-name}. Multiple
Bram Moolenaardcaf10e2005-01-21 11:55:25 +00007003 variable names may be given. Special names recognized
7004 here: *E738*
Bram Moolenaarca003e12006-03-17 23:19:38 +00007005 g: global variables
7006 b: local buffer variables
7007 w: local window variables
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00007008 t: local tab page variables
Bram Moolenaarca003e12006-03-17 23:19:38 +00007009 s: script-local variables
7010 l: local function variables
Bram Moolenaardcaf10e2005-01-21 11:55:25 +00007011 v: Vim variables.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007012
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00007013:let List the values of all variables. The type of the
7014 variable is indicated before the value:
7015 <nothing> String
7016 # Number
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00007017 * Funcref
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007018
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00007019
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00007020:unl[et][!] {name} ... *:unlet* *:unl* *E108* *E795*
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00007021 Remove the internal variable {name}. Several variable
7022 names can be given, they are all removed. The name
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00007023 may also be a |List| or |Dictionary| item.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007024 With [!] no error message is given for non-existing
7025 variables.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00007026 One or more items from a |List| can be removed: >
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +00007027 :unlet list[3] " remove fourth item
7028 :unlet list[3:] " remove fourth item to last
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00007029< One item from a |Dictionary| can be removed at a time: >
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +00007030 :unlet dict['two']
7031 :unlet dict.two
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00007032< This is especially useful to clean up used global
7033 variables and script-local variables (these are not
7034 deleted when the script ends). Function-local
7035 variables are automatically deleted when the function
7036 ends.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007037
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00007038:lockv[ar][!] [depth] {name} ... *:lockvar* *:lockv*
7039 Lock the internal variable {name}. Locking means that
7040 it can no longer be changed (until it is unlocked).
7041 A locked variable can be deleted: >
7042 :lockvar v
7043 :let v = 'asdf' " fails!
7044 :unlet v
7045< *E741*
7046 If you try to change a locked variable you get an
7047 error message: "E741: Value of {name} is locked"
7048
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00007049 [depth] is relevant when locking a |List| or
7050 |Dictionary|. It specifies how deep the locking goes:
7051 1 Lock the |List| or |Dictionary| itself,
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00007052 cannot add or remove items, but can
7053 still change their values.
7054 2 Also lock the values, cannot change
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00007055 the items. If an item is a |List| or
7056 |Dictionary|, cannot add or remove
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00007057 items, but can still change the
7058 values.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00007059 3 Like 2 but for the |List| /
7060 |Dictionary| in the |List| /
7061 |Dictionary|, one level deeper.
7062 The default [depth] is 2, thus when {name} is a |List|
7063 or |Dictionary| the values cannot be changed.
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00007064 *E743*
7065 For unlimited depth use [!] and omit [depth].
7066 However, there is a maximum depth of 100 to catch
7067 loops.
7068
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00007069 Note that when two variables refer to the same |List|
7070 and you lock one of them, the |List| will also be
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00007071 locked when used through the other variable.
7072 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00007073 :let l = [0, 1, 2, 3]
7074 :let cl = l
7075 :lockvar l
7076 :let cl[1] = 99 " won't work!
7077< You may want to make a copy of a list to avoid this.
7078 See |deepcopy()|.
7079
7080
7081:unlo[ckvar][!] [depth] {name} ... *:unlockvar* *:unlo*
7082 Unlock the internal variable {name}. Does the
7083 opposite of |:lockvar|.
7084
7085
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007086:if {expr1} *:if* *:endif* *:en* *E171* *E579* *E580*
7087:en[dif] Execute the commands until the next matching ":else"
7088 or ":endif" if {expr1} evaluates to non-zero.
7089
7090 From Vim version 4.5 until 5.0, every Ex command in
7091 between the ":if" and ":endif" is ignored. These two
7092 commands were just to allow for future expansions in a
7093 backwards compatible way. Nesting was allowed. Note
7094 that any ":else" or ":elseif" was ignored, the "else"
7095 part was not executed either.
7096
7097 You can use this to remain compatible with older
7098 versions: >
7099 :if version >= 500
7100 : version-5-specific-commands
7101 :endif
7102< The commands still need to be parsed to find the
7103 "endif". Sometimes an older Vim has a problem with a
7104 new command. For example, ":silent" is recognized as
7105 a ":substitute" command. In that case ":execute" can
7106 avoid problems: >
7107 :if version >= 600
7108 : execute "silent 1,$delete"
7109 :endif
7110<
7111 NOTE: The ":append" and ":insert" commands don't work
7112 properly in between ":if" and ":endif".
7113
7114 *:else* *:el* *E581* *E583*
7115:el[se] Execute the commands until the next matching ":else"
7116 or ":endif" if they previously were not being
7117 executed.
7118
7119 *:elseif* *:elsei* *E582* *E584*
7120:elsei[f] {expr1} Short for ":else" ":if", with the addition that there
7121 is no extra ":endif".
7122
7123:wh[ile] {expr1} *:while* *:endwhile* *:wh* *:endw*
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00007124 *E170* *E585* *E588* *E733*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007125:endw[hile] Repeat the commands between ":while" and ":endwhile",
7126 as long as {expr1} evaluates to non-zero.
7127 When an error is detected from a command inside the
7128 loop, execution continues after the "endwhile".
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00007129 Example: >
7130 :let lnum = 1
7131 :while lnum <= line("$")
7132 :call FixLine(lnum)
7133 :let lnum = lnum + 1
7134 :endwhile
7135<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007136 NOTE: The ":append" and ":insert" commands don't work
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00007137 properly inside a ":while" and ":for" loop.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007138
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00007139:for {var} in {list} *:for* *E690* *E732*
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00007140:endfo[r] *:endfo* *:endfor*
7141 Repeat the commands between ":for" and ":endfor" for
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00007142 each item in {list}. Variable {var} is set to the
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00007143 value of each item.
7144 When an error is detected for a command inside the
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00007145 loop, execution continues after the "endfor".
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00007146 Changing {list} inside the loop affects what items are
7147 used. Make a copy if this is unwanted: >
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00007148 :for item in copy(mylist)
7149< When not making a copy, Vim stores a reference to the
7150 next item in the list, before executing the commands
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007151 with the current item. Thus the current item can be
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00007152 removed without effect. Removing any later item means
7153 it will not be found. Thus the following example
7154 works (an inefficient way to make a list empty): >
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01007155 for item in mylist
7156 call remove(mylist, 0)
7157 endfor
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00007158< Note that reordering the list (e.g., with sort() or
7159 reverse()) may have unexpected effects.
7160 Note that the type of each list item should be
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00007161 identical to avoid errors for the type of {var}
7162 changing. Unlet the variable at the end of the loop
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01007163 to allow multiple item types: >
7164 for item in ["foo", ["bar"]]
7165 echo item
7166 unlet item " E706 without this
7167 endfor
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00007168
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00007169:for [{var1}, {var2}, ...] in {listlist}
7170:endfo[r]
7171 Like ":for" above, but each item in {listlist} must be
7172 a list, of which each item is assigned to {var1},
7173 {var2}, etc. Example: >
7174 :for [lnum, col] in [[1, 3], [2, 5], [3, 8]]
7175 :echo getline(lnum)[col]
7176 :endfor
7177<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007178 *:continue* *:con* *E586*
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00007179:con[tinue] When used inside a ":while" or ":for" loop, jumps back
7180 to the start of the loop.
7181 If it is used after a |:try| inside the loop but
7182 before the matching |:finally| (if present), the
7183 commands following the ":finally" up to the matching
7184 |:endtry| are executed first. This process applies to
7185 all nested ":try"s inside the loop. The outermost
7186 ":endtry" then jumps back to the start of the loop.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007187
7188 *:break* *:brea* *E587*
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00007189:brea[k] When used inside a ":while" or ":for" loop, skips to
7190 the command after the matching ":endwhile" or
7191 ":endfor".
7192 If it is used after a |:try| inside the loop but
7193 before the matching |:finally| (if present), the
7194 commands following the ":finally" up to the matching
7195 |:endtry| are executed first. This process applies to
7196 all nested ":try"s inside the loop. The outermost
7197 ":endtry" then jumps to the command after the loop.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007198
7199:try *:try* *:endt* *:endtry* *E600* *E601* *E602*
7200:endt[ry] Change the error handling for the commands between
7201 ":try" and ":endtry" including everything being
7202 executed across ":source" commands, function calls,
7203 or autocommand invocations.
7204
7205 When an error or interrupt is detected and there is
7206 a |:finally| command following, execution continues
7207 after the ":finally". Otherwise, or when the
7208 ":endtry" is reached thereafter, the next
7209 (dynamically) surrounding ":try" is checked for
7210 a corresponding ":finally" etc. Then the script
7211 processing is terminated. (Whether a function
7212 definition has an "abort" argument does not matter.)
7213 Example: >
7214 :try | edit too much | finally | echo "cleanup" | endtry
7215 :echo "impossible" " not reached, script terminated above
7216<
7217 Moreover, an error or interrupt (dynamically) inside
7218 ":try" and ":endtry" is converted to an exception. It
7219 can be caught as if it were thrown by a |:throw|
7220 command (see |:catch|). In this case, the script
7221 processing is not terminated.
7222
7223 The value "Vim:Interrupt" is used for an interrupt
7224 exception. An error in a Vim command is converted
7225 to a value of the form "Vim({command}):{errmsg}",
7226 other errors are converted to a value of the form
7227 "Vim:{errmsg}". {command} is the full command name,
7228 and {errmsg} is the message that is displayed if the
7229 error exception is not caught, always beginning with
7230 the error number.
7231 Examples: >
7232 :try | sleep 100 | catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/ | endtry
7233 :try | edit | catch /^Vim(edit):E\d\+/ | echo "error" | endtry
7234<
7235 *:cat* *:catch* *E603* *E604* *E605*
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01007236:cat[ch] /{pattern}/ The following commands until the next |:catch|,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007237 |:finally|, or |:endtry| that belongs to the same
7238 |:try| as the ":catch" are executed when an exception
7239 matching {pattern} is being thrown and has not yet
7240 been caught by a previous ":catch". Otherwise, these
7241 commands are skipped.
7242 When {pattern} is omitted all errors are caught.
7243 Examples: >
7244 :catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/ " catch interrupts (CTRL-C)
7245 :catch /^Vim\%((\a\+)\)\=:E/ " catch all Vim errors
7246 :catch /^Vim\%((\a\+)\)\=:/ " catch errors and interrupts
7247 :catch /^Vim(write):/ " catch all errors in :write
7248 :catch /^Vim\%((\a\+)\)\=:E123/ " catch error E123
7249 :catch /my-exception/ " catch user exception
7250 :catch /.*/ " catch everything
7251 :catch " same as /.*/
7252<
7253 Another character can be used instead of / around the
7254 {pattern}, so long as it does not have a special
7255 meaning (e.g., '|' or '"') and doesn't occur inside
7256 {pattern}.
7257 NOTE: It is not reliable to ":catch" the TEXT of
7258 an error message because it may vary in different
7259 locales.
7260
7261 *:fina* *:finally* *E606* *E607*
7262:fina[lly] The following commands until the matching |:endtry|
7263 are executed whenever the part between the matching
7264 |:try| and the ":finally" is left: either by falling
7265 through to the ":finally" or by a |:continue|,
7266 |:break|, |:finish|, or |:return|, or by an error or
7267 interrupt or exception (see |:throw|).
7268
7269 *:th* *:throw* *E608*
7270:th[row] {expr1} The {expr1} is evaluated and thrown as an exception.
7271 If the ":throw" is used after a |:try| but before the
7272 first corresponding |:catch|, commands are skipped
7273 until the first ":catch" matching {expr1} is reached.
7274 If there is no such ":catch" or if the ":throw" is
7275 used after a ":catch" but before the |:finally|, the
7276 commands following the ":finally" (if present) up to
7277 the matching |:endtry| are executed. If the ":throw"
7278 is after the ":finally", commands up to the ":endtry"
7279 are skipped. At the ":endtry", this process applies
7280 again for the next dynamically surrounding ":try"
7281 (which may be found in a calling function or sourcing
7282 script), until a matching ":catch" has been found.
7283 If the exception is not caught, the command processing
7284 is terminated.
7285 Example: >
7286 :try | throw "oops" | catch /^oo/ | echo "caught" | endtry
Bram Moolenaar662db672011-03-22 14:05:35 +01007287< Note that "catch" may need to be on a separate line
7288 for when an error causes the parsing to skip the whole
7289 line and not see the "|" that separates the commands.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007290
7291 *:ec* *:echo*
7292:ec[ho] {expr1} .. Echoes each {expr1}, with a space in between. The
7293 first {expr1} starts on a new line.
7294 Also see |:comment|.
7295 Use "\n" to start a new line. Use "\r" to move the
7296 cursor to the first column.
7297 Uses the highlighting set by the |:echohl| command.
7298 Cannot be followed by a comment.
7299 Example: >
7300 :echo "the value of 'shell' is" &shell
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00007301< *:echo-redraw*
7302 A later redraw may make the message disappear again.
7303 And since Vim mostly postpones redrawing until it's
7304 finished with a sequence of commands this happens
7305 quite often. To avoid that a command from before the
7306 ":echo" causes a redraw afterwards (redraws are often
7307 postponed until you type something), force a redraw
7308 with the |:redraw| command. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007309 :new | redraw | echo "there is a new window"
7310<
7311 *:echon*
7312:echon {expr1} .. Echoes each {expr1}, without anything added. Also see
7313 |:comment|.
7314 Uses the highlighting set by the |:echohl| command.
7315 Cannot be followed by a comment.
7316 Example: >
7317 :echon "the value of 'shell' is " &shell
7318<
7319 Note the difference between using ":echo", which is a
7320 Vim command, and ":!echo", which is an external shell
7321 command: >
7322 :!echo % --> filename
7323< The arguments of ":!" are expanded, see |:_%|. >
7324 :!echo "%" --> filename or "filename"
7325< Like the previous example. Whether you see the double
7326 quotes or not depends on your 'shell'. >
7327 :echo % --> nothing
7328< The '%' is an illegal character in an expression. >
7329 :echo "%" --> %
7330< This just echoes the '%' character. >
7331 :echo expand("%") --> filename
7332< This calls the expand() function to expand the '%'.
7333
7334 *:echoh* *:echohl*
7335:echoh[l] {name} Use the highlight group {name} for the following
7336 |:echo|, |:echon| and |:echomsg| commands. Also used
7337 for the |input()| prompt. Example: >
7338 :echohl WarningMsg | echo "Don't panic!" | echohl None
7339< Don't forget to set the group back to "None",
7340 otherwise all following echo's will be highlighted.
7341
7342 *:echom* *:echomsg*
7343:echom[sg] {expr1} .. Echo the expression(s) as a true message, saving the
7344 message in the |message-history|.
7345 Spaces are placed between the arguments as with the
7346 |:echo| command. But unprintable characters are
7347 displayed, not interpreted.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00007348 The parsing works slightly different from |:echo|,
7349 more like |:execute|. All the expressions are first
7350 evaluated and concatenated before echoing anything.
7351 The expressions must evaluate to a Number or String, a
7352 Dictionary or List causes an error.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007353 Uses the highlighting set by the |:echohl| command.
7354 Example: >
7355 :echomsg "It's a Zizzer Zazzer Zuzz, as you can plainly see."
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00007356< See |:echo-redraw| to avoid the message disappearing
7357 when the screen is redrawn.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007358 *:echoe* *:echoerr*
7359:echoe[rr] {expr1} .. Echo the expression(s) as an error message, saving the
7360 message in the |message-history|. When used in a
7361 script or function the line number will be added.
7362 Spaces are placed between the arguments as with the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007363 :echo command. When used inside a try conditional,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007364 the message is raised as an error exception instead
7365 (see |try-echoerr|).
7366 Example: >
7367 :echoerr "This script just failed!"
7368< If you just want a highlighted message use |:echohl|.
7369 And to get a beep: >
7370 :exe "normal \<Esc>"
7371<
7372 *:exe* *:execute*
7373:exe[cute] {expr1} .. Executes the string that results from the evaluation
Bram Moolenaar00a927d2010-05-14 23:24:24 +02007374 of {expr1} as an Ex command.
7375 Multiple arguments are concatenated, with a space in
7376 between. To avoid the extra space use the "."
7377 operator to concatenate strings into one argument.
7378 {expr1} is used as the processed command, command line
7379 editing keys are not recognized.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007380 Cannot be followed by a comment.
7381 Examples: >
Bram Moolenaar00a927d2010-05-14 23:24:24 +02007382 :execute "buffer" nextbuf
7383 :execute "normal" count . "w"
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007384<
7385 ":execute" can be used to append a command to commands
7386 that don't accept a '|'. Example: >
7387 :execute '!ls' | echo "theend"
7388
7389< ":execute" is also a nice way to avoid having to type
7390 control characters in a Vim script for a ":normal"
7391 command: >
7392 :execute "normal ixxx\<Esc>"
7393< This has an <Esc> character, see |expr-string|.
7394
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007395 Be careful to correctly escape special characters in
7396 file names. The |fnameescape()| function can be used
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00007397 for Vim commands, |shellescape()| for |:!| commands.
7398 Examples: >
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007399 :execute "e " . fnameescape(filename)
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00007400 :execute "!ls " . shellescape(expand('%:h'), 1)
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007401<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007402 Note: The executed string may be any command-line, but
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00007403 you cannot start or end a "while", "for" or "if"
7404 command. Thus this is illegal: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007405 :execute 'while i > 5'
7406 :execute 'echo "test" | break'
7407<
7408 It is allowed to have a "while" or "if" command
7409 completely in the executed string: >
7410 :execute 'while i < 5 | echo i | let i = i + 1 | endwhile'
7411<
7412
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01007413 *:exe-comment*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007414 ":execute", ":echo" and ":echon" cannot be followed by
7415 a comment directly, because they see the '"' as the
7416 start of a string. But, you can use '|' followed by a
7417 comment. Example: >
7418 :echo "foo" | "this is a comment
7419
7420==============================================================================
74218. Exception handling *exception-handling*
7422
7423The Vim script language comprises an exception handling feature. This section
7424explains how it can be used in a Vim script.
7425
7426Exceptions may be raised by Vim on an error or on interrupt, see
7427|catch-errors| and |catch-interrupt|. You can also explicitly throw an
7428exception by using the ":throw" command, see |throw-catch|.
7429
7430
7431TRY CONDITIONALS *try-conditionals*
7432
7433Exceptions can be caught or can cause cleanup code to be executed. You can
7434use a try conditional to specify catch clauses (that catch exceptions) and/or
7435a finally clause (to be executed for cleanup).
7436 A try conditional begins with a |:try| command and ends at the matching
7437|:endtry| command. In between, you can use a |:catch| command to start
7438a catch clause, or a |:finally| command to start a finally clause. There may
7439be none or multiple catch clauses, but there is at most one finally clause,
7440which must not be followed by any catch clauses. The lines before the catch
7441clauses and the finally clause is called a try block. >
7442
7443 :try
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007444 : ...
7445 : ... TRY BLOCK
7446 : ...
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007447 :catch /{pattern}/
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007448 : ...
7449 : ... CATCH CLAUSE
7450 : ...
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007451 :catch /{pattern}/
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007452 : ...
7453 : ... CATCH CLAUSE
7454 : ...
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007455 :finally
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007456 : ...
7457 : ... FINALLY CLAUSE
7458 : ...
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007459 :endtry
7460
7461The try conditional allows to watch code for exceptions and to take the
7462appropriate actions. Exceptions from the try block may be caught. Exceptions
7463from the try block and also the catch clauses may cause cleanup actions.
7464 When no exception is thrown during execution of the try block, the control
7465is transferred to the finally clause, if present. After its execution, the
7466script continues with the line following the ":endtry".
7467 When an exception occurs during execution of the try block, the remaining
7468lines in the try block are skipped. The exception is matched against the
7469patterns specified as arguments to the ":catch" commands. The catch clause
7470after the first matching ":catch" is taken, other catch clauses are not
7471executed. The catch clause ends when the next ":catch", ":finally", or
7472":endtry" command is reached - whatever is first. Then, the finally clause
7473(if present) is executed. When the ":endtry" is reached, the script execution
7474continues in the following line as usual.
7475 When an exception that does not match any of the patterns specified by the
7476":catch" commands is thrown in the try block, the exception is not caught by
7477that try conditional and none of the catch clauses is executed. Only the
7478finally clause, if present, is taken. The exception pends during execution of
7479the finally clause. It is resumed at the ":endtry", so that commands after
7480the ":endtry" are not executed and the exception might be caught elsewhere,
7481see |try-nesting|.
7482 When during execution of a catch clause another exception is thrown, the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007483remaining lines in that catch clause are not executed. The new exception is
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007484not matched against the patterns in any of the ":catch" commands of the same
7485try conditional and none of its catch clauses is taken. If there is, however,
7486a finally clause, it is executed, and the exception pends during its
7487execution. The commands following the ":endtry" are not executed. The new
7488exception might, however, be caught elsewhere, see |try-nesting|.
7489 When during execution of the finally clause (if present) an exception is
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007490thrown, the remaining lines in the finally clause are skipped. If the finally
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007491clause has been taken because of an exception from the try block or one of the
7492catch clauses, the original (pending) exception is discarded. The commands
7493following the ":endtry" are not executed, and the exception from the finally
7494clause is propagated and can be caught elsewhere, see |try-nesting|.
7495
7496The finally clause is also executed, when a ":break" or ":continue" for
7497a ":while" loop enclosing the complete try conditional is executed from the
7498try block or a catch clause. Or when a ":return" or ":finish" is executed
7499from the try block or a catch clause of a try conditional in a function or
7500sourced script, respectively. The ":break", ":continue", ":return", or
7501":finish" pends during execution of the finally clause and is resumed when the
7502":endtry" is reached. It is, however, discarded when an exception is thrown
7503from the finally clause.
7504 When a ":break" or ":continue" for a ":while" loop enclosing the complete
7505try conditional or when a ":return" or ":finish" is encountered in the finally
7506clause, the rest of the finally clause is skipped, and the ":break",
7507":continue", ":return" or ":finish" is executed as usual. If the finally
7508clause has been taken because of an exception or an earlier ":break",
7509":continue", ":return", or ":finish" from the try block or a catch clause,
7510this pending exception or command is discarded.
7511
7512For examples see |throw-catch| and |try-finally|.
7513
7514
7515NESTING OF TRY CONDITIONALS *try-nesting*
7516
7517Try conditionals can be nested arbitrarily. That is, a complete try
7518conditional can be put into the try block, a catch clause, or the finally
7519clause of another try conditional. If the inner try conditional does not
7520catch an exception thrown in its try block or throws a new exception from one
7521of its catch clauses or its finally clause, the outer try conditional is
7522checked according to the rules above. If the inner try conditional is in the
7523try block of the outer try conditional, its catch clauses are checked, but
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007524otherwise only the finally clause is executed. It does not matter for
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007525nesting, whether the inner try conditional is directly contained in the outer
7526one, or whether the outer one sources a script or calls a function containing
7527the inner try conditional.
7528
7529When none of the active try conditionals catches an exception, just their
7530finally clauses are executed. Thereafter, the script processing terminates.
7531An error message is displayed in case of an uncaught exception explicitly
7532thrown by a ":throw" command. For uncaught error and interrupt exceptions
7533implicitly raised by Vim, the error message(s) or interrupt message are shown
7534as usual.
7535
7536For examples see |throw-catch|.
7537
7538
7539EXAMINING EXCEPTION HANDLING CODE *except-examine*
7540
7541Exception handling code can get tricky. If you are in doubt what happens, set
7542'verbose' to 13 or use the ":13verbose" command modifier when sourcing your
7543script file. Then you see when an exception is thrown, discarded, caught, or
7544finished. When using a verbosity level of at least 14, things pending in
7545a finally clause are also shown. This information is also given in debug mode
7546(see |debug-scripts|).
7547
7548
7549THROWING AND CATCHING EXCEPTIONS *throw-catch*
7550
7551You can throw any number or string as an exception. Use the |:throw| command
7552and pass the value to be thrown as argument: >
7553 :throw 4711
7554 :throw "string"
7555< *throw-expression*
7556You can also specify an expression argument. The expression is then evaluated
7557first, and the result is thrown: >
7558 :throw 4705 + strlen("string")
7559 :throw strpart("strings", 0, 6)
7560
7561An exception might be thrown during evaluation of the argument of the ":throw"
7562command. Unless it is caught there, the expression evaluation is abandoned.
7563The ":throw" command then does not throw a new exception.
7564 Example: >
7565
7566 :function! Foo(arg)
7567 : try
7568 : throw a:arg
7569 : catch /foo/
7570 : endtry
7571 : return 1
7572 :endfunction
7573 :
7574 :function! Bar()
7575 : echo "in Bar"
7576 : return 4710
7577 :endfunction
7578 :
7579 :throw Foo("arrgh") + Bar()
7580
7581This throws "arrgh", and "in Bar" is not displayed since Bar() is not
7582executed. >
7583 :throw Foo("foo") + Bar()
7584however displays "in Bar" and throws 4711.
7585
7586Any other command that takes an expression as argument might also be
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007587abandoned by an (uncaught) exception during the expression evaluation. The
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007588exception is then propagated to the caller of the command.
7589 Example: >
7590
7591 :if Foo("arrgh")
7592 : echo "then"
7593 :else
7594 : echo "else"
7595 :endif
7596
7597Here neither of "then" or "else" is displayed.
7598
7599 *catch-order*
7600Exceptions can be caught by a try conditional with one or more |:catch|
7601commands, see |try-conditionals|. The values to be caught by each ":catch"
7602command can be specified as a pattern argument. The subsequent catch clause
7603gets executed when a matching exception is caught.
7604 Example: >
7605
7606 :function! Foo(value)
7607 : try
7608 : throw a:value
7609 : catch /^\d\+$/
7610 : echo "Number thrown"
7611 : catch /.*/
7612 : echo "String thrown"
7613 : endtry
7614 :endfunction
7615 :
7616 :call Foo(0x1267)
7617 :call Foo('string')
7618
7619The first call to Foo() displays "Number thrown", the second "String thrown".
7620An exception is matched against the ":catch" commands in the order they are
7621specified. Only the first match counts. So you should place the more
7622specific ":catch" first. The following order does not make sense: >
7623
7624 : catch /.*/
7625 : echo "String thrown"
7626 : catch /^\d\+$/
7627 : echo "Number thrown"
7628
7629The first ":catch" here matches always, so that the second catch clause is
7630never taken.
7631
7632 *throw-variables*
7633If you catch an exception by a general pattern, you may access the exact value
7634in the variable |v:exception|: >
7635
7636 : catch /^\d\+$/
7637 : echo "Number thrown. Value is" v:exception
7638
7639You may also be interested where an exception was thrown. This is stored in
7640|v:throwpoint|. Note that "v:exception" and "v:throwpoint" are valid for the
7641exception most recently caught as long it is not finished.
7642 Example: >
7643
7644 :function! Caught()
7645 : if v:exception != ""
7646 : echo 'Caught "' . v:exception . '" in ' . v:throwpoint
7647 : else
7648 : echo 'Nothing caught'
7649 : endif
7650 :endfunction
7651 :
7652 :function! Foo()
7653 : try
7654 : try
7655 : try
7656 : throw 4711
7657 : finally
7658 : call Caught()
7659 : endtry
7660 : catch /.*/
7661 : call Caught()
7662 : throw "oops"
7663 : endtry
7664 : catch /.*/
7665 : call Caught()
7666 : finally
7667 : call Caught()
7668 : endtry
7669 :endfunction
7670 :
7671 :call Foo()
7672
7673This displays >
7674
7675 Nothing caught
7676 Caught "4711" in function Foo, line 4
7677 Caught "oops" in function Foo, line 10
7678 Nothing caught
7679
7680A practical example: The following command ":LineNumber" displays the line
7681number in the script or function where it has been used: >
7682
7683 :function! LineNumber()
7684 : return substitute(v:throwpoint, '.*\D\(\d\+\).*', '\1', "")
7685 :endfunction
7686 :command! LineNumber try | throw "" | catch | echo LineNumber() | endtry
7687<
7688 *try-nested*
7689An exception that is not caught by a try conditional can be caught by
7690a surrounding try conditional: >
7691
7692 :try
7693 : try
7694 : throw "foo"
7695 : catch /foobar/
7696 : echo "foobar"
7697 : finally
7698 : echo "inner finally"
7699 : endtry
7700 :catch /foo/
7701 : echo "foo"
7702 :endtry
7703
7704The inner try conditional does not catch the exception, just its finally
7705clause is executed. The exception is then caught by the outer try
7706conditional. The example displays "inner finally" and then "foo".
7707
7708 *throw-from-catch*
7709You can catch an exception and throw a new one to be caught elsewhere from the
7710catch clause: >
7711
7712 :function! Foo()
7713 : throw "foo"
7714 :endfunction
7715 :
7716 :function! Bar()
7717 : try
7718 : call Foo()
7719 : catch /foo/
7720 : echo "Caught foo, throw bar"
7721 : throw "bar"
7722 : endtry
7723 :endfunction
7724 :
7725 :try
7726 : call Bar()
7727 :catch /.*/
7728 : echo "Caught" v:exception
7729 :endtry
7730
7731This displays "Caught foo, throw bar" and then "Caught bar".
7732
7733 *rethrow*
7734There is no real rethrow in the Vim script language, but you may throw
7735"v:exception" instead: >
7736
7737 :function! Bar()
7738 : try
7739 : call Foo()
7740 : catch /.*/
7741 : echo "Rethrow" v:exception
7742 : throw v:exception
7743 : endtry
7744 :endfunction
7745< *try-echoerr*
7746Note that this method cannot be used to "rethrow" Vim error or interrupt
7747exceptions, because it is not possible to fake Vim internal exceptions.
7748Trying so causes an error exception. You should throw your own exception
7749denoting the situation. If you want to cause a Vim error exception containing
7750the original error exception value, you can use the |:echoerr| command: >
7751
7752 :try
7753 : try
7754 : asdf
7755 : catch /.*/
7756 : echoerr v:exception
7757 : endtry
7758 :catch /.*/
7759 : echo v:exception
7760 :endtry
7761
7762This code displays
7763
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007764 Vim(echoerr):Vim:E492: Not an editor command: asdf ~
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007765
7766
7767CLEANUP CODE *try-finally*
7768
7769Scripts often change global settings and restore them at their end. If the
7770user however interrupts the script by pressing CTRL-C, the settings remain in
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007771an inconsistent state. The same may happen to you in the development phase of
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007772a script when an error occurs or you explicitly throw an exception without
7773catching it. You can solve these problems by using a try conditional with
7774a finally clause for restoring the settings. Its execution is guaranteed on
7775normal control flow, on error, on an explicit ":throw", and on interrupt.
7776(Note that errors and interrupts from inside the try conditional are converted
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007777to exceptions. When not caught, they terminate the script after the finally
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007778clause has been executed.)
7779Example: >
7780
7781 :try
7782 : let s:saved_ts = &ts
7783 : set ts=17
7784 :
7785 : " Do the hard work here.
7786 :
7787 :finally
7788 : let &ts = s:saved_ts
7789 : unlet s:saved_ts
7790 :endtry
7791
7792This method should be used locally whenever a function or part of a script
7793changes global settings which need to be restored on failure or normal exit of
7794that function or script part.
7795
7796 *break-finally*
7797Cleanup code works also when the try block or a catch clause is left by
7798a ":continue", ":break", ":return", or ":finish".
7799 Example: >
7800
7801 :let first = 1
7802 :while 1
7803 : try
7804 : if first
7805 : echo "first"
7806 : let first = 0
7807 : continue
7808 : else
7809 : throw "second"
7810 : endif
7811 : catch /.*/
7812 : echo v:exception
7813 : break
7814 : finally
7815 : echo "cleanup"
7816 : endtry
7817 : echo "still in while"
7818 :endwhile
7819 :echo "end"
7820
7821This displays "first", "cleanup", "second", "cleanup", and "end". >
7822
7823 :function! Foo()
7824 : try
7825 : return 4711
7826 : finally
7827 : echo "cleanup\n"
7828 : endtry
7829 : echo "Foo still active"
7830 :endfunction
7831 :
7832 :echo Foo() "returned by Foo"
7833
7834This displays "cleanup" and "4711 returned by Foo". You don't need to add an
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007835extra ":return" in the finally clause. (Above all, this would override the
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007836return value.)
7837
7838 *except-from-finally*
7839Using either of ":continue", ":break", ":return", ":finish", or ":throw" in
7840a finally clause is possible, but not recommended since it abandons the
7841cleanup actions for the try conditional. But, of course, interrupt and error
7842exceptions might get raised from a finally clause.
7843 Example where an error in the finally clause stops an interrupt from
7844working correctly: >
7845
7846 :try
7847 : try
7848 : echo "Press CTRL-C for interrupt"
7849 : while 1
7850 : endwhile
7851 : finally
7852 : unlet novar
7853 : endtry
7854 :catch /novar/
7855 :endtry
7856 :echo "Script still running"
7857 :sleep 1
7858
7859If you need to put commands that could fail into a finally clause, you should
7860think about catching or ignoring the errors in these commands, see
7861|catch-errors| and |ignore-errors|.
7862
7863
7864CATCHING ERRORS *catch-errors*
7865
7866If you want to catch specific errors, you just have to put the code to be
7867watched in a try block and add a catch clause for the error message. The
7868presence of the try conditional causes all errors to be converted to an
7869exception. No message is displayed and |v:errmsg| is not set then. To find
7870the right pattern for the ":catch" command, you have to know how the format of
7871the error exception is.
7872 Error exceptions have the following format: >
7873
7874 Vim({cmdname}):{errmsg}
7875or >
7876 Vim:{errmsg}
7877
7878{cmdname} is the name of the command that failed; the second form is used when
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007879the command name is not known. {errmsg} is the error message usually produced
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007880when the error occurs outside try conditionals. It always begins with
7881a capital "E", followed by a two or three-digit error number, a colon, and
7882a space.
7883
7884Examples:
7885
7886The command >
7887 :unlet novar
7888normally produces the error message >
7889 E108: No such variable: "novar"
7890which is converted inside try conditionals to an exception >
7891 Vim(unlet):E108: No such variable: "novar"
7892
7893The command >
7894 :dwim
7895normally produces the error message >
7896 E492: Not an editor command: dwim
7897which is converted inside try conditionals to an exception >
7898 Vim:E492: Not an editor command: dwim
7899
7900You can catch all ":unlet" errors by a >
7901 :catch /^Vim(unlet):/
7902or all errors for misspelled command names by a >
7903 :catch /^Vim:E492:/
7904
7905Some error messages may be produced by different commands: >
7906 :function nofunc
7907and >
7908 :delfunction nofunc
7909both produce the error message >
7910 E128: Function name must start with a capital: nofunc
7911which is converted inside try conditionals to an exception >
7912 Vim(function):E128: Function name must start with a capital: nofunc
7913or >
7914 Vim(delfunction):E128: Function name must start with a capital: nofunc
7915respectively. You can catch the error by its number independently on the
7916command that caused it if you use the following pattern: >
7917 :catch /^Vim(\a\+):E128:/
7918
7919Some commands like >
7920 :let x = novar
7921produce multiple error messages, here: >
7922 E121: Undefined variable: novar
7923 E15: Invalid expression: novar
7924Only the first is used for the exception value, since it is the most specific
7925one (see |except-several-errors|). So you can catch it by >
7926 :catch /^Vim(\a\+):E121:/
7927
7928You can catch all errors related to the name "nofunc" by >
7929 :catch /\<nofunc\>/
7930
7931You can catch all Vim errors in the ":write" and ":read" commands by >
7932 :catch /^Vim(\(write\|read\)):E\d\+:/
7933
7934You can catch all Vim errors by the pattern >
7935 :catch /^Vim\((\a\+)\)\=:E\d\+:/
7936<
7937 *catch-text*
7938NOTE: You should never catch the error message text itself: >
7939 :catch /No such variable/
7940only works in the english locale, but not when the user has selected
7941a different language by the |:language| command. It is however helpful to
7942cite the message text in a comment: >
7943 :catch /^Vim(\a\+):E108:/ " No such variable
7944
7945
7946IGNORING ERRORS *ignore-errors*
7947
7948You can ignore errors in a specific Vim command by catching them locally: >
7949
7950 :try
7951 : write
7952 :catch
7953 :endtry
7954
7955But you are strongly recommended NOT to use this simple form, since it could
7956catch more than you want. With the ":write" command, some autocommands could
7957be executed and cause errors not related to writing, for instance: >
7958
7959 :au BufWritePre * unlet novar
7960
7961There could even be such errors you are not responsible for as a script
7962writer: a user of your script might have defined such autocommands. You would
7963then hide the error from the user.
7964 It is much better to use >
7965
7966 :try
7967 : write
7968 :catch /^Vim(write):/
7969 :endtry
7970
7971which only catches real write errors. So catch only what you'd like to ignore
7972intentionally.
7973
7974For a single command that does not cause execution of autocommands, you could
7975even suppress the conversion of errors to exceptions by the ":silent!"
7976command: >
7977 :silent! nunmap k
7978This works also when a try conditional is active.
7979
7980
7981CATCHING INTERRUPTS *catch-interrupt*
7982
7983When there are active try conditionals, an interrupt (CTRL-C) is converted to
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007984the exception "Vim:Interrupt". You can catch it like every exception. The
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007985script is not terminated, then.
7986 Example: >
7987
7988 :function! TASK1()
7989 : sleep 10
7990 :endfunction
7991
7992 :function! TASK2()
7993 : sleep 20
7994 :endfunction
7995
7996 :while 1
7997 : let command = input("Type a command: ")
7998 : try
7999 : if command == ""
8000 : continue
8001 : elseif command == "END"
8002 : break
8003 : elseif command == "TASK1"
8004 : call TASK1()
8005 : elseif command == "TASK2"
8006 : call TASK2()
8007 : else
8008 : echo "\nIllegal command:" command
8009 : continue
8010 : endif
8011 : catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/
8012 : echo "\nCommand interrupted"
8013 : " Caught the interrupt. Continue with next prompt.
8014 : endtry
8015 :endwhile
8016
8017You can interrupt a task here by pressing CTRL-C; the script then asks for
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00008018a new command. If you press CTRL-C at the prompt, the script is terminated.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008019
8020For testing what happens when CTRL-C would be pressed on a specific line in
8021your script, use the debug mode and execute the |>quit| or |>interrupt|
8022command on that line. See |debug-scripts|.
8023
8024
8025CATCHING ALL *catch-all*
8026
8027The commands >
8028
8029 :catch /.*/
8030 :catch //
8031 :catch
8032
8033catch everything, error exceptions, interrupt exceptions and exceptions
8034explicitly thrown by the |:throw| command. This is useful at the top level of
8035a script in order to catch unexpected things.
8036 Example: >
8037
8038 :try
8039 :
8040 : " do the hard work here
8041 :
8042 :catch /MyException/
8043 :
8044 : " handle known problem
8045 :
8046 :catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/
8047 : echo "Script interrupted"
8048 :catch /.*/
8049 : echo "Internal error (" . v:exception . ")"
8050 : echo " - occurred at " . v:throwpoint
8051 :endtry
8052 :" end of script
8053
8054Note: Catching all might catch more things than you want. Thus, you are
8055strongly encouraged to catch only for problems that you can really handle by
8056specifying a pattern argument to the ":catch".
8057 Example: Catching all could make it nearly impossible to interrupt a script
8058by pressing CTRL-C: >
8059
8060 :while 1
8061 : try
8062 : sleep 1
8063 : catch
8064 : endtry
8065 :endwhile
8066
8067
8068EXCEPTIONS AND AUTOCOMMANDS *except-autocmd*
8069
8070Exceptions may be used during execution of autocommands. Example: >
8071
8072 :autocmd User x try
8073 :autocmd User x throw "Oops!"
8074 :autocmd User x catch
8075 :autocmd User x echo v:exception
8076 :autocmd User x endtry
8077 :autocmd User x throw "Arrgh!"
8078 :autocmd User x echo "Should not be displayed"
8079 :
8080 :try
8081 : doautocmd User x
8082 :catch
8083 : echo v:exception
8084 :endtry
8085
8086This displays "Oops!" and "Arrgh!".
8087
8088 *except-autocmd-Pre*
8089For some commands, autocommands get executed before the main action of the
8090command takes place. If an exception is thrown and not caught in the sequence
8091of autocommands, the sequence and the command that caused its execution are
8092abandoned and the exception is propagated to the caller of the command.
8093 Example: >
8094
8095 :autocmd BufWritePre * throw "FAIL"
8096 :autocmd BufWritePre * echo "Should not be displayed"
8097 :
8098 :try
8099 : write
8100 :catch
8101 : echo "Caught:" v:exception "from" v:throwpoint
8102 :endtry
8103
8104Here, the ":write" command does not write the file currently being edited (as
8105you can see by checking 'modified'), since the exception from the BufWritePre
8106autocommand abandons the ":write". The exception is then caught and the
8107script displays: >
8108
8109 Caught: FAIL from BufWrite Auto commands for "*"
8110<
8111 *except-autocmd-Post*
8112For some commands, autocommands get executed after the main action of the
8113command has taken place. If this main action fails and the command is inside
8114an active try conditional, the autocommands are skipped and an error exception
8115is thrown that can be caught by the caller of the command.
8116 Example: >
8117
8118 :autocmd BufWritePost * echo "File successfully written!"
8119 :
8120 :try
8121 : write /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
8122 :catch
8123 : echo v:exception
8124 :endtry
8125
8126This just displays: >
8127
8128 Vim(write):E212: Can't open file for writing (/i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e)
8129
8130If you really need to execute the autocommands even when the main action
8131fails, trigger the event from the catch clause.
8132 Example: >
8133
8134 :autocmd BufWritePre * set noreadonly
8135 :autocmd BufWritePost * set readonly
8136 :
8137 :try
8138 : write /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
8139 :catch
8140 : doautocmd BufWritePost /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
8141 :endtry
8142<
8143You can also use ":silent!": >
8144
8145 :let x = "ok"
8146 :let v:errmsg = ""
8147 :autocmd BufWritePost * if v:errmsg != ""
8148 :autocmd BufWritePost * let x = "after fail"
8149 :autocmd BufWritePost * endif
8150 :try
8151 : silent! write /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
8152 :catch
8153 :endtry
8154 :echo x
8155
8156This displays "after fail".
8157
8158If the main action of the command does not fail, exceptions from the
8159autocommands will be catchable by the caller of the command: >
8160
8161 :autocmd BufWritePost * throw ":-("
8162 :autocmd BufWritePost * echo "Should not be displayed"
8163 :
8164 :try
8165 : write
8166 :catch
8167 : echo v:exception
8168 :endtry
8169<
8170 *except-autocmd-Cmd*
8171For some commands, the normal action can be replaced by a sequence of
8172autocommands. Exceptions from that sequence will be catchable by the caller
8173of the command.
8174 Example: For the ":write" command, the caller cannot know whether the file
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00008175had actually been written when the exception occurred. You need to tell it in
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008176some way. >
8177
8178 :if !exists("cnt")
8179 : let cnt = 0
8180 :
8181 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * if &modified
8182 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * let cnt = cnt + 1
8183 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * if cnt % 3 == 2
8184 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * throw "BufWriteCmdError"
8185 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * endif
8186 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * write | set nomodified
8187 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * if cnt % 3 == 0
8188 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * throw "BufWriteCmdError"
8189 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * endif
8190 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * echo "File successfully written!"
8191 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * endif
8192 :endif
8193 :
8194 :try
8195 : write
8196 :catch /^BufWriteCmdError$/
8197 : if &modified
8198 : echo "Error on writing (file contents not changed)"
8199 : else
8200 : echo "Error after writing"
8201 : endif
8202 :catch /^Vim(write):/
8203 : echo "Error on writing"
8204 :endtry
8205
8206When this script is sourced several times after making changes, it displays
8207first >
8208 File successfully written!
8209then >
8210 Error on writing (file contents not changed)
8211then >
8212 Error after writing
8213etc.
8214
8215 *except-autocmd-ill*
8216You cannot spread a try conditional over autocommands for different events.
8217The following code is ill-formed: >
8218
8219 :autocmd BufWritePre * try
8220 :
8221 :autocmd BufWritePost * catch
8222 :autocmd BufWritePost * echo v:exception
8223 :autocmd BufWritePost * endtry
8224 :
8225 :write
8226
8227
8228EXCEPTION HIERARCHIES AND PARAMETERIZED EXCEPTIONS *except-hier-param*
8229
8230Some programming languages allow to use hierarchies of exception classes or to
8231pass additional information with the object of an exception class. You can do
8232similar things in Vim.
8233 In order to throw an exception from a hierarchy, just throw the complete
8234class name with the components separated by a colon, for instance throw the
8235string "EXCEPT:MATHERR:OVERFLOW" for an overflow in a mathematical library.
8236 When you want to pass additional information with your exception class, add
8237it in parentheses, for instance throw the string "EXCEPT:IO:WRITEERR(myfile)"
8238for an error when writing "myfile".
8239 With the appropriate patterns in the ":catch" command, you can catch for
8240base classes or derived classes of your hierarchy. Additional information in
8241parentheses can be cut out from |v:exception| with the ":substitute" command.
8242 Example: >
8243
8244 :function! CheckRange(a, func)
8245 : if a:a < 0
8246 : throw "EXCEPT:MATHERR:RANGE(" . a:func . ")"
8247 : endif
8248 :endfunction
8249 :
8250 :function! Add(a, b)
8251 : call CheckRange(a:a, "Add")
8252 : call CheckRange(a:b, "Add")
8253 : let c = a:a + a:b
8254 : if c < 0
8255 : throw "EXCEPT:MATHERR:OVERFLOW"
8256 : endif
8257 : return c
8258 :endfunction
8259 :
8260 :function! Div(a, b)
8261 : call CheckRange(a:a, "Div")
8262 : call CheckRange(a:b, "Div")
8263 : if (a:b == 0)
8264 : throw "EXCEPT:MATHERR:ZERODIV"
8265 : endif
8266 : return a:a / a:b
8267 :endfunction
8268 :
8269 :function! Write(file)
8270 : try
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00008271 : execute "write" fnameescape(a:file)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008272 : catch /^Vim(write):/
8273 : throw "EXCEPT:IO(" . getcwd() . ", " . a:file . "):WRITEERR"
8274 : endtry
8275 :endfunction
8276 :
8277 :try
8278 :
8279 : " something with arithmetics and I/O
8280 :
8281 :catch /^EXCEPT:MATHERR:RANGE/
8282 : let function = substitute(v:exception, '.*(\(\a\+\)).*', '\1', "")
8283 : echo "Range error in" function
8284 :
8285 :catch /^EXCEPT:MATHERR/ " catches OVERFLOW and ZERODIV
8286 : echo "Math error"
8287 :
8288 :catch /^EXCEPT:IO/
8289 : let dir = substitute(v:exception, '.*(\(.\+\),\s*.\+).*', '\1', "")
8290 : let file = substitute(v:exception, '.*(.\+,\s*\(.\+\)).*', '\1', "")
8291 : if file !~ '^/'
8292 : let file = dir . "/" . file
8293 : endif
8294 : echo 'I/O error for "' . file . '"'
8295 :
8296 :catch /^EXCEPT/
8297 : echo "Unspecified error"
8298 :
8299 :endtry
8300
8301The exceptions raised by Vim itself (on error or when pressing CTRL-C) use
8302a flat hierarchy: they are all in the "Vim" class. You cannot throw yourself
8303exceptions with the "Vim" prefix; they are reserved for Vim.
8304 Vim error exceptions are parameterized with the name of the command that
8305failed, if known. See |catch-errors|.
8306
8307
8308PECULIARITIES
8309 *except-compat*
8310The exception handling concept requires that the command sequence causing the
8311exception is aborted immediately and control is transferred to finally clauses
8312and/or a catch clause.
8313
8314In the Vim script language there are cases where scripts and functions
8315continue after an error: in functions without the "abort" flag or in a command
8316after ":silent!", control flow goes to the following line, and outside
8317functions, control flow goes to the line following the outermost ":endwhile"
8318or ":endif". On the other hand, errors should be catchable as exceptions
8319(thus, requiring the immediate abortion).
8320
8321This problem has been solved by converting errors to exceptions and using
8322immediate abortion (if not suppressed by ":silent!") only when a try
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00008323conditional is active. This is no restriction since an (error) exception can
8324be caught only from an active try conditional. If you want an immediate
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008325termination without catching the error, just use a try conditional without
8326catch clause. (You can cause cleanup code being executed before termination
8327by specifying a finally clause.)
8328
8329When no try conditional is active, the usual abortion and continuation
8330behavior is used instead of immediate abortion. This ensures compatibility of
8331scripts written for Vim 6.1 and earlier.
8332
8333However, when sourcing an existing script that does not use exception handling
8334commands (or when calling one of its functions) from inside an active try
8335conditional of a new script, you might change the control flow of the existing
8336script on error. You get the immediate abortion on error and can catch the
8337error in the new script. If however the sourced script suppresses error
8338messages by using the ":silent!" command (checking for errors by testing
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00008339|v:errmsg| if appropriate), its execution path is not changed. The error is
8340not converted to an exception. (See |:silent|.) So the only remaining cause
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008341where this happens is for scripts that don't care about errors and produce
8342error messages. You probably won't want to use such code from your new
8343scripts.
8344
8345 *except-syntax-err*
8346Syntax errors in the exception handling commands are never caught by any of
8347the ":catch" commands of the try conditional they belong to. Its finally
8348clauses, however, is executed.
8349 Example: >
8350
8351 :try
8352 : try
8353 : throw 4711
8354 : catch /\(/
8355 : echo "in catch with syntax error"
8356 : catch
8357 : echo "inner catch-all"
8358 : finally
8359 : echo "inner finally"
8360 : endtry
8361 :catch
8362 : echo 'outer catch-all caught "' . v:exception . '"'
8363 : finally
8364 : echo "outer finally"
8365 :endtry
8366
8367This displays: >
8368 inner finally
8369 outer catch-all caught "Vim(catch):E54: Unmatched \("
8370 outer finally
8371The original exception is discarded and an error exception is raised, instead.
8372
8373 *except-single-line*
8374The ":try", ":catch", ":finally", and ":endtry" commands can be put on
8375a single line, but then syntax errors may make it difficult to recognize the
8376"catch" line, thus you better avoid this.
8377 Example: >
8378 :try | unlet! foo # | catch | endtry
8379raises an error exception for the trailing characters after the ":unlet!"
8380argument, but does not see the ":catch" and ":endtry" commands, so that the
8381error exception is discarded and the "E488: Trailing characters" message gets
8382displayed.
8383
8384 *except-several-errors*
8385When several errors appear in a single command, the first error message is
8386usually the most specific one and therefor converted to the error exception.
8387 Example: >
8388 echo novar
8389causes >
8390 E121: Undefined variable: novar
8391 E15: Invalid expression: novar
8392The value of the error exception inside try conditionals is: >
8393 Vim(echo):E121: Undefined variable: novar
8394< *except-syntax-error*
8395But when a syntax error is detected after a normal error in the same command,
8396the syntax error is used for the exception being thrown.
8397 Example: >
8398 unlet novar #
8399causes >
8400 E108: No such variable: "novar"
8401 E488: Trailing characters
8402The value of the error exception inside try conditionals is: >
8403 Vim(unlet):E488: Trailing characters
8404This is done because the syntax error might change the execution path in a way
8405not intended by the user. Example: >
8406 try
8407 try | unlet novar # | catch | echo v:exception | endtry
8408 catch /.*/
8409 echo "outer catch:" v:exception
8410 endtry
8411This displays "outer catch: Vim(unlet):E488: Trailing characters", and then
8412a "E600: Missing :endtry" error message is given, see |except-single-line|.
8413
8414==============================================================================
84159. Examples *eval-examples*
8416
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008417Printing in Binary ~
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008418>
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01008419 :" The function Nr2Bin() returns the binary string representation of a number.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008420 :func Nr2Bin(nr)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008421 : let n = a:nr
8422 : let r = ""
8423 : while n
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008424 : let r = '01'[n % 2] . r
8425 : let n = n / 2
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008426 : endwhile
8427 : return r
8428 :endfunc
8429
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008430 :" The function String2Bin() converts each character in a string to a
8431 :" binary string, separated with dashes.
8432 :func String2Bin(str)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008433 : let out = ''
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008434 : for ix in range(strlen(a:str))
8435 : let out = out . '-' . Nr2Bin(char2nr(a:str[ix]))
8436 : endfor
8437 : return out[1:]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008438 :endfunc
8439
8440Example of its use: >
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008441 :echo Nr2Bin(32)
8442result: "100000" >
8443 :echo String2Bin("32")
8444result: "110011-110010"
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008445
8446
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008447Sorting lines ~
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008448
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008449This example sorts lines with a specific compare function. >
8450
8451 :func SortBuffer()
8452 : let lines = getline(1, '$')
8453 : call sort(lines, function("Strcmp"))
8454 : call setline(1, lines)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008455 :endfunction
8456
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008457As a one-liner: >
8458 :call setline(1, sort(getline(1, '$'), function("Strcmp")))
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008459
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008460
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008461scanf() replacement ~
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008462 *sscanf*
8463There is no sscanf() function in Vim. If you need to extract parts from a
8464line, you can use matchstr() and substitute() to do it. This example shows
8465how to get the file name, line number and column number out of a line like
8466"foobar.txt, 123, 45". >
8467 :" Set up the match bit
8468 :let mx='\(\f\+\),\s*\(\d\+\),\s*\(\d\+\)'
8469 :"get the part matching the whole expression
8470 :let l = matchstr(line, mx)
8471 :"get each item out of the match
8472 :let file = substitute(l, mx, '\1', '')
8473 :let lnum = substitute(l, mx, '\2', '')
8474 :let col = substitute(l, mx, '\3', '')
8475
8476The input is in the variable "line", the results in the variables "file",
8477"lnum" and "col". (idea from Michael Geddes)
8478
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008479
8480getting the scriptnames in a Dictionary ~
8481 *scriptnames-dictionary*
8482The |:scriptnames| command can be used to get a list of all script files that
8483have been sourced. There is no equivalent function or variable for this
8484(because it's rarely needed). In case you need to manipulate the list this
8485code can be used: >
8486 " Get the output of ":scriptnames" in the scriptnames_output variable.
8487 let scriptnames_output = ''
8488 redir => scriptnames_output
8489 silent scriptnames
8490 redir END
8491
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00008492 " Split the output into lines and parse each line. Add an entry to the
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008493 " "scripts" dictionary.
8494 let scripts = {}
8495 for line in split(scriptnames_output, "\n")
8496 " Only do non-blank lines.
8497 if line =~ '\S'
8498 " Get the first number in the line.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00008499 let nr = matchstr(line, '\d\+')
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008500 " Get the file name, remove the script number " 123: ".
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00008501 let name = substitute(line, '.\+:\s*', '', '')
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008502 " Add an item to the Dictionary
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00008503 let scripts[nr] = name
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008504 endif
8505 endfor
8506 unlet scriptnames_output
8507
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008508==============================================================================
850910. No +eval feature *no-eval-feature*
8510
8511When the |+eval| feature was disabled at compile time, none of the expression
8512evaluation commands are available. To prevent this from causing Vim scripts
8513to generate all kinds of errors, the ":if" and ":endif" commands are still
8514recognized, though the argument of the ":if" and everything between the ":if"
8515and the matching ":endif" is ignored. Nesting of ":if" blocks is allowed, but
8516only if the commands are at the start of the line. The ":else" command is not
8517recognized.
8518
8519Example of how to avoid executing commands when the |+eval| feature is
8520missing: >
8521
8522 :if 1
8523 : echo "Expression evaluation is compiled in"
8524 :else
8525 : echo "You will _never_ see this message"
8526 :endif
8527
8528==============================================================================
852911. The sandbox *eval-sandbox* *sandbox* *E48*
8530
Bram Moolenaar368373e2010-07-19 20:46:22 +02008531The 'foldexpr', 'formatexpr', 'includeexpr', 'indentexpr', 'statusline' and
8532'foldtext' options may be evaluated in a sandbox. This means that you are
8533protected from these expressions having nasty side effects. This gives some
8534safety for when these options are set from a modeline. It is also used when
8535the command from a tags file is executed and for CTRL-R = in the command line.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00008536The sandbox is also used for the |:sandbox| command.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008537
8538These items are not allowed in the sandbox:
8539 - changing the buffer text
8540 - defining or changing mapping, autocommands, functions, user commands
8541 - setting certain options (see |option-summary|)
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008542 - setting certain v: variables (see |v:var|) *E794*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008543 - executing a shell command
8544 - reading or writing a file
8545 - jumping to another buffer or editing a file
Bram Moolenaar4770d092006-01-12 23:22:24 +00008546 - executing Python, Perl, etc. commands
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00008547This is not guaranteed 100% secure, but it should block most attacks.
8548
8549 *:san* *:sandbox*
Bram Moolenaar045e82d2005-07-08 22:25:33 +00008550:san[dbox] {cmd} Execute {cmd} in the sandbox. Useful to evaluate an
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00008551 option that may have been set from a modeline, e.g.
8552 'foldexpr'.
8553
Bram Moolenaarb71eaae2006-01-20 23:10:18 +00008554 *sandbox-option*
8555A few options contain an expression. When this expression is evaluated it may
Bram Moolenaar9b2200a2006-03-20 21:55:45 +00008556have to be done in the sandbox to avoid a security risk. But the sandbox is
Bram Moolenaarb71eaae2006-01-20 23:10:18 +00008557restrictive, thus this only happens when the option was set from an insecure
8558location. Insecure in this context are:
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00008559- sourcing a .vimrc or .exrc in the current directory
Bram Moolenaarb71eaae2006-01-20 23:10:18 +00008560- while executing in the sandbox
8561- value coming from a modeline
8562
8563Note that when in the sandbox and saving an option value and restoring it, the
8564option will still be marked as it was set in the sandbox.
8565
8566==============================================================================
856712. Textlock *textlock*
8568
8569In a few situations it is not allowed to change the text in the buffer, jump
8570to another window and some other things that might confuse or break what Vim
8571is currently doing. This mostly applies to things that happen when Vim is
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00008572actually doing something else. For example, evaluating the 'balloonexpr' may
Bram Moolenaarb71eaae2006-01-20 23:10:18 +00008573happen any moment the mouse cursor is resting at some position.
8574
8575This is not allowed when the textlock is active:
8576 - changing the buffer text
8577 - jumping to another buffer or window
8578 - editing another file
8579 - closing a window or quitting Vim
8580 - etc.
8581
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008582
8583 vim:tw=78:ts=8:ft=help:norl: