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Bram Moolenaar8fbaeb12018-03-25 18:20:17 +02001*terminal.txt* For Vim version 8.0. Last change: 2018 Mar 25
Bram Moolenaare4f25e42017-07-07 11:54:15 +02002
3
4 VIM REFERENCE MANUAL by Bram Moolenaar
5
6
7Terminal window support *terminal*
8
9
Bram Moolenaarb6e0ec62017-07-23 22:12:20 +020010The terminal feature is optional, use this to check if your Vim has it: >
11 echo has('terminal')
12If the result is "1" you have it.
13
Bram Moolenaare4f25e42017-07-07 11:54:15 +020014
Bram Moolenaarda650582018-02-20 15:51:40 +0100151. Basic use |terminal-use|
16 Typing |terminal-typing|
17 Size and color |terminal-size-color|
18 Syntax |:terminal|
19 Resizing |terminal-resizing|
20 Terminal Modes |Terminal-mode|
21 Cursor style |terminal-cursor-style|
22 Special keys |terminal-special-keys|
Bram Moolenaarb5b75622018-03-09 22:22:21 +010023 Session |terminal-session|
Bram Moolenaarda650582018-02-20 15:51:40 +010024 Unix |terminal-unix|
25 MS-Windows |terminal-ms-windows|
Bram Moolenaar8fbaeb12018-03-25 18:20:17 +0200262. Terminal communication |terminal-communication|
27 Vim to job: term_sendkeys() |terminal-to-job|
28 Job to Vim: JSON API |terminal-api|
29 Using the client-server feature |terminal-client-server|
303. Remote testing |terminal-testing|
314. Diffing screen dumps |terminal-diff|
Bram Moolenaarda650582018-02-20 15:51:40 +010032 Writing a screen dump test for Vim |terminal-dumptest|
33 Creating a screen dump |terminal-screendump|
34 Comparing screen dumps |terminal-diffscreendump|
Bram Moolenaar8fbaeb12018-03-25 18:20:17 +0200355. Debugging |terminal-debug|
Bram Moolenaarda650582018-02-20 15:51:40 +010036 Starting |termdebug-starting|
37 Example session |termdebug-example|
38 Stepping through code |termdebug-stepping|
39 Inspecting variables |termdebug-variables|
40 Other commands |termdebug-commands|
41 Communication |termdebug-communication|
42 Customizing |termdebug-customizing|
Bram Moolenaare4f25e42017-07-07 11:54:15 +020043
44{Vi does not have any of these commands}
Bram Moolenaarc572da52017-08-27 16:52:01 +020045{only available when compiled with the |+terminal| feature}
Bram Moolenaarc572da52017-08-27 16:52:01 +020046The terminal feature requires the |+multi_byte|, |+job| and |+channel| features.
Bram Moolenaare4f25e42017-07-07 11:54:15 +020047
48==============================================================================
491. Basic use *terminal-use*
50
51This feature is for running a terminal emulator in a Vim window. A job can be
52started connected to the terminal emulator. For example, to run a shell: >
53 :term bash
54
Bram Moolenaare09ba7b2017-09-09 22:19:47 +020055Or to run build command: >
56 :term make myprogram
Bram Moolenaare4f25e42017-07-07 11:54:15 +020057
58The job runs asynchronously from Vim, the window will be updated to show
Bram Moolenaare09ba7b2017-09-09 22:19:47 +020059output from the job, also while editing in another window.
Bram Moolenaare4f25e42017-07-07 11:54:15 +020060
Bram Moolenaar423802d2017-07-30 16:52:24 +020061
Bram Moolenaar1f28b4c2017-07-28 13:48:34 +020062Typing ~
Bram Moolenaar69fbc9e2017-09-14 20:37:57 +020063 *terminal-typing*
Bram Moolenaardd693ce2017-08-10 23:15:19 +020064When the keyboard focus is in the terminal window, typed keys will be sent to
Bram Moolenaar1f28b4c2017-07-28 13:48:34 +020065the job. This uses a pty when possible. You can click outside of the
66terminal window to move keyboard focus elsewhere.
Bram Moolenaare4f25e42017-07-07 11:54:15 +020067
Bram Moolenaar423802d2017-07-30 16:52:24 +020068CTRL-W can be used to navigate between windows and other CTRL-W commands, e.g.:
Bram Moolenaar60e73f22017-11-12 18:02:06 +010069 CTRL-W CTRL-W move focus to the next window
Bram Moolenaar423802d2017-07-30 16:52:24 +020070 CTRL-W : enter an Ex command
71See |CTRL-W| for more commands.
Bram Moolenaare4f25e42017-07-07 11:54:15 +020072
Bram Moolenaar423802d2017-07-30 16:52:24 +020073Special in the terminal window: *CTRL-W_.* *CTRL-W_N*
74 CTRL-W . send a CTRL-W to the job in the terminal
Bram Moolenaardd693ce2017-08-10 23:15:19 +020075 CTRL-W N go to Terminal-Normal mode, see |Terminal-mode|
76 CTRL-\ CTRL-N go to Terminal-Normal mode, see |Terminal-mode|
Bram Moolenaarf55e4c82017-08-01 20:44:53 +020077 CTRL-W " {reg} paste register {reg} *CTRL-W_quote*
78 Also works with the = register to insert the result of
79 evaluating an expression.
Bram Moolenaar8e539c52017-08-18 22:57:06 +020080 CTRL-W CTRL-C ends the job, see below |t_CTRL-W_CTRL-C|
Bram Moolenaar423802d2017-07-30 16:52:24 +020081
82See option 'termkey' for specifying another key instead of CTRL-W that
83will work like CTRL-W. However, typing 'termkey' twice sends 'termkey' to
84the job. For example:
85 'termkey' CTRL-W move focus to the next window
86 'termkey' : enter an Ex command
87 'termkey' 'termkey' send 'termkey' to the job in the terminal
88 'termkey' . send a CTRL-W to the job in the terminal
Bram Moolenaar60e73f22017-11-12 18:02:06 +010089 'termkey' N go to terminal Normal mode, see below
Bram Moolenaar423802d2017-07-30 16:52:24 +020090 'termkey' CTRL-N same as CTRL-W N
Bram Moolenaar8e539c52017-08-18 22:57:06 +020091 'termkey' CTRL-C same as |t_CTRL-W_CTRL-C|
Bram Moolenaar69198192017-08-05 14:10:48 +020092 *t_CTRL-\_CTRL-N*
Bram Moolenaardd693ce2017-08-10 23:15:19 +020093The special key combination CTRL-\ CTRL-N can be used to switch to Normal
94mode, just like this works in any other mode.
Bram Moolenaar8e539c52017-08-18 22:57:06 +020095 *t_CTRL-W_CTRL-C*
96CTRL-W CTRL-C can be typed to forcefully end the job. On MS-Windows a
97CTRL-BREAK will also kill the job.
98
99If you type CTRL-C the effect depends on what the pty has been configured to
100do. For simple commands this causes a SIGINT to be sent to the job, which
101would end it. Other commands may ignore the SIGINT or handle the CTRL-C
102themselves (like Vim does).
Bram Moolenaar423802d2017-07-30 16:52:24 +0200103
Bram Moolenaar69fbc9e2017-09-14 20:37:57 +0200104To change the keys you type use terminal mode mappings, see |:tmap|.
105These are defined like any mapping, but apply only when typing keys that are
Bram Moolenaar98ef2332018-03-18 14:44:37 +0100106sent to the job running in the terminal. For example, to make F1 switch
Bram Moolenaar24a98a02017-09-27 22:23:55 +0200107to Terminal-Normal mode: >
Bram Moolenaar98ef2332018-03-18 14:44:37 +0100108 tnoremap <F1> <C-W>N
109You can use Esc, but you need to make sure it won't cause other keys to
110break: >
Bram Moolenaar24a98a02017-09-27 22:23:55 +0200111 tnoremap <Esc> <C-W>N
Bram Moolenaar98ef2332018-03-18 14:44:37 +0100112 set notimeout ttimeout timeoutlen=100
113
Bram Moolenaar01164a62017-11-02 22:58:42 +0100114< *options-in-terminal*
Bram Moolenaar24a98a02017-09-27 22:23:55 +0200115After opening the terminal window and setting 'buftype' to "terminal" the
116BufWinEnter autocommand event is triggered. This makes it possible to set
117options specifically for the window and buffer. Example: >
118 au BufWinEnter * if &buftype == 'terminal' | setlocal bufhidden=hide | endif
Bram Moolenaar69fbc9e2017-09-14 20:37:57 +0200119
Bram Moolenaar52dbb5e2017-11-21 18:11:27 +0100120Mouse events (click and drag) are passed to the terminal. Mouse move events
121are only passed when Vim itself is receiving them. For a terminal that is
122when 'balloonevalterm' is enabled.
123
Bram Moolenaar1f28b4c2017-07-28 13:48:34 +0200124
Bram Moolenaar8e539c52017-08-18 22:57:06 +0200125Size and color ~
Bram Moolenaar7f2e9d72017-11-11 20:58:53 +0100126 *terminal-size-color*
Bram Moolenaar74675a62017-07-15 13:53:23 +0200127See option 'termsize' for controlling the size of the terminal window.
128(TODO: scrolling when the terminal is larger than the window)
Bram Moolenaare4f25e42017-07-07 11:54:15 +0200129
Bram Moolenaar38baa3e2017-09-14 16:10:38 +0200130The job running in the terminal can change the colors. The default foreground
131and background colors are taken from Vim, the Normal highlight group.
132
133For a color terminal the 'background' option is used to decide whether the
134terminal window will start with a white or black background.
135
Bram Moolenaardf980db2017-12-24 13:22:00 +0100136To use a different color the Terminal highlight group can be used, for
137example: >
Bram Moolenaar38baa3e2017-09-14 16:10:38 +0200138 hi Terminal ctermbg=lightgrey ctermfg=blue guibg=lightgrey guifg=blue
Bram Moolenaar8e539c52017-08-18 22:57:06 +0200139
Bram Moolenaar423802d2017-07-30 16:52:24 +0200140
Bram Moolenaare4f25e42017-07-07 11:54:15 +0200141Syntax ~
Bram Moolenaar8a773062017-07-24 22:29:21 +0200142
Bram Moolenaardd693ce2017-08-10 23:15:19 +0200143:[range]ter[minal] [options] [command] *:ter* *:terminal*
Bram Moolenaar8a773062017-07-24 22:29:21 +0200144 Open a new terminal window.
Bram Moolenaare4f25e42017-07-07 11:54:15 +0200145
146 If [command] is provided run it as a job and connect
147 the input and output to the terminal.
148 If [command] is not given the 'shell' option is used.
Bram Moolenaarc572da52017-08-27 16:52:01 +0200149 if [command] is NONE no job is started, the pty of the
150 terminal can be used by a command like gdb.
Bram Moolenaare4f25e42017-07-07 11:54:15 +0200151
Bram Moolenaar1dd98332018-03-16 22:54:53 +0100152 If [command] is missing the default behavior is to
153 close the terminal when the shell exits. This can be
154 changed with the ++noclose argument.
155 If [command] is present the default behavior is to
156 keep the terminal open in Terminal-Normal mode. This
157 can be changed with the ++close argument.
158
Bram Moolenaare4f25e42017-07-07 11:54:15 +0200159 A new buffer will be created, using [command] or
Bram Moolenaarf55e4c82017-08-01 20:44:53 +0200160 'shell' as the name, prefixed with a "!". If a buffer
161 by this name already exists a number is added in
Bram Moolenaardd693ce2017-08-10 23:15:19 +0200162 parentheses. E.g. if "gdb" exists the second terminal
Bram Moolenaarf55e4c82017-08-01 20:44:53 +0200163 buffer will use "!gdb (1)".
Bram Moolenaare4f25e42017-07-07 11:54:15 +0200164
Bram Moolenaarb2412082017-08-20 18:09:14 +0200165 If [range] is given the specified lines are used as
166 input for the job. It will not be possible to type
Bram Moolenaare09ba7b2017-09-09 22:19:47 +0200167 keys in the terminal window. For MS-Windows see the
168 ++eof argument below.
Bram Moolenaardd693ce2017-08-10 23:15:19 +0200169
Bram Moolenaardd693ce2017-08-10 23:15:19 +0200170 *term++close* *term++open*
171 Supported [options] are:
172 ++close The terminal window will close
173 automatically when the job terminates.
Bram Moolenaar1dd98332018-03-16 22:54:53 +0100174 ++noclose The terminal window will NOT close
175 automatically when the job terminates.
Bram Moolenaardd693ce2017-08-10 23:15:19 +0200176 ++open When the job terminates and no window
Bram Moolenaar8cad9302017-08-12 14:32:32 +0200177 shows it, a window will be opened.
Bram Moolenaardd693ce2017-08-10 23:15:19 +0200178 Note that this can be interruptive.
Bram Moolenaar1dd98332018-03-16 22:54:53 +0100179 The last of ++close, ++noclose and ++open
180 matters and rules out earlier arguments.
181
Bram Moolenaar8cad9302017-08-12 14:32:32 +0200182 ++curwin Open the terminal in the current
183 window, do not split the current
184 window. Fails if the current buffer
185 cannot be |abandon|ed.
186 ++hidden Open the terminal in a hidden buffer,
187 no window will be used.
Bram Moolenaarb5b75622018-03-09 22:22:21 +0100188 ++norestore Do not include this terminal window
189 in a session file.
Bram Moolenaar25cdd9c2018-03-10 20:28:12 +0100190 ++kill={how} When trying to close the terminal
191 window kill the job with {how}. See
192 |term_setkill()| for the values.
Bram Moolenaarb2412082017-08-20 18:09:14 +0200193 ++rows={height} Use {height} for the terminal window
Bram Moolenaar40962ec2018-01-28 22:47:25 +0100194 height. If the terminal uses the full
195 Vim height (no window above or below
196 th terminal window) the command line
197 height will be reduced as needed.
Bram Moolenaarb2412082017-08-20 18:09:14 +0200198 ++cols={width} Use {width} for the terminal window
Bram Moolenaar40962ec2018-01-28 22:47:25 +0100199 width. If the terminal uses the full
200 Vim width (no window left or right of
201 the terminal window) this value is
202 ignored.
Bram Moolenaare09ba7b2017-09-09 22:19:47 +0200203 ++eof={text} when using [range]: text to send after
204 the last line was written. Cannot
205 contain white space. A CR is
206 appended. For MS-Windows the default
207 is to send CTRL-D.
Bram Moolenaaref68e4f2017-09-02 16:28:36 +0200208 E.g. for a shell use "++eof=exit" and
209 for Python "++eof=exit()". Special
210 codes can be used like with `:map`,
211 e.g. "<C-Z>" for CTRL-Z.
Bram Moolenaar8cad9302017-08-12 14:32:32 +0200212
213 If you want to use more options use the |term_start()|
214 function.
Bram Moolenaardd693ce2017-08-10 23:15:19 +0200215
Bram Moolenaar25cdd9c2018-03-10 20:28:12 +0100216When the buffer associated with the terminal is forcibly unloaded or wiped out
217the job is killed, similar to calling `job_stop(job, "kill")` .
218Closing the window normally results in |E947|. When a kill method was set
219with "++kill={how}" or |term_setkill()| then closing the window will use that
220way to kill or interrupt the job. For example: >
221 :term ++kill=term tail -f /tmp/log
Bram Moolenaarb6e0ec62017-07-23 22:12:20 +0200222
Bram Moolenaare561a7e2017-08-29 22:44:59 +0200223So long as the job is running the window behaves like it contains a modified
Bram Moolenaaref68e4f2017-09-02 16:28:36 +0200224buffer. Trying to close the window with `CTRL-W :quit` fails. When using
225`CTRL-W :quit!` the job is ended. The text in the window is lost. The buffer
226still exists, but getting it in a window with `:buffer` will show an empty
227buffer.
228
229Trying to close the window with `CTRL-W :close` also fails. Using
230`CTRL-W :close!` will close the window and make the buffer hidden.
Bram Moolenaare561a7e2017-08-29 22:44:59 +0200231
232You can use `CTRL-W :hide` to close the terminal window and make the buffer
233hidden, the job keeps running. The `:buffer` command can be used to turn the
234current window into a terminal window. If there are unsaved changes this
235fails, use ! to force, as usual.
Bram Moolenaar8cad9302017-08-12 14:32:32 +0200236
237To have a background job run without a window, and open the window when it's
238done, use options like this: >
239 :term ++hidden ++open make
240Note that the window will open at an unexpected moment, this will interrupt
241what you are doing.
242
Bram Moolenaar8e539c52017-08-18 22:57:06 +0200243 *E947* *E948*
Bram Moolenaar78712a72017-08-05 14:50:12 +0200244So long as the job is running, the buffer is considered modified and Vim
245cannot be quit easily, see |abandon|.
Bram Moolenaarf55e4c82017-08-01 20:44:53 +0200246
247When the job has finished and no changes were made to the buffer: closing the
248window will wipe out the buffer.
249
250Before changes can be made to a terminal buffer, the 'modifiable' option must
251be set. This is only possible when the job has finished. At the first change
252the buffer will become a normal buffer and the highlighting is removed.
253You may want to change the buffer name with |:file| to be able to write, since
254the buffer name will still be set to the command.
255
Bram Moolenaarb6e0ec62017-07-23 22:12:20 +0200256
Bram Moolenaare4f25e42017-07-07 11:54:15 +0200257Resizing ~
Bram Moolenaar7f2e9d72017-11-11 20:58:53 +0100258 *terminal-resizing*
Bram Moolenaare4f25e42017-07-07 11:54:15 +0200259The size of the terminal can be in one of three modes:
260
2611. The 'termsize' option is empty: The terminal size follows the window size.
262 The minimal size is 2 screen lines with 10 cells.
263
2642. The 'termsize' option is "rows*cols", where "rows" is the minimal number of
Bram Moolenaar8a773062017-07-24 22:29:21 +0200265 screen rows and "cols" is the minimal number of cells.
Bram Moolenaare4f25e42017-07-07 11:54:15 +0200266
2673. The 'termsize' option is "rowsXcols" (where the x is upper or lower case).
268 The terminal size is fixed to the specified number of screen lines and
269 cells. If the window is bigger there will be unused empty space.
270
271If the window is smaller than the terminal size, only part of the terminal can
272be seen (the lower-left part).
273
274The |term_getsize()| function can be used to get the current size of the
275terminal. |term_setsize()| can be used only when in the first or second mode,
276not when 'termsize' is "rowsXcols".
277
Bram Moolenaarb6e0ec62017-07-23 22:12:20 +0200278
Bram Moolenaardd693ce2017-08-10 23:15:19 +0200279Terminal-Job and Terminal-Normal mode ~
Bram Moolenaar423802d2017-07-30 16:52:24 +0200280 *Terminal-mode*
281When the job is running the contents of the terminal is under control of the
Bram Moolenaardd693ce2017-08-10 23:15:19 +0200282job. That includes the cursor position. Typed keys are sent to the job.
283The terminal contents can change at any time. This is called Terminal-Job
284mode.
Bram Moolenaar423802d2017-07-30 16:52:24 +0200285
Bram Moolenaardd693ce2017-08-10 23:15:19 +0200286Use CTRL-W N (or 'termkey' N) to switch to Terminal-Normal mode. Now the
287contents of the terminal window is under control of Vim, the job output is
288suspended. CTRL-\ CTRL-N does the same.
Bram Moolenaar69fbc9e2017-09-14 20:37:57 +0200289
Bram Moolenaar1b9645d2017-09-17 23:03:31 +0200290Terminal-Job mode is where |:tmap| mappings are applied. Keys sent by
Bram Moolenaar69fbc9e2017-09-14 20:37:57 +0200291|term_sendkeys()| are not subject to tmap, but keys from |feedkeys()| are.
292
Bram Moolenaar423802d2017-07-30 16:52:24 +0200293 *E946*
Bram Moolenaardd693ce2017-08-10 23:15:19 +0200294In Terminal-Normal mode you can move the cursor around with the usual Vim
295commands, Visually mark text, yank text, etc. But you cannot change the
296contents of the buffer. The commands that would start insert mode, such as
297'i' and 'a', return to Terminal-Job mode. The window will be updated to show
Bram Moolenaar1b9645d2017-09-17 23:03:31 +0200298the contents of the terminal. |:startinsert| is ineffective.
Bram Moolenaar423802d2017-07-30 16:52:24 +0200299
Bram Moolenaardd693ce2017-08-10 23:15:19 +0200300In Terminal-Normal mode the statusline and window title show "(Terminal)". If
301the job ends while in Terminal-Normal mode this changes to
302"(Terminal-finished)".
Bram Moolenaar423802d2017-07-30 16:52:24 +0200303
Bram Moolenaar8e539c52017-08-18 22:57:06 +0200304It is not possible to enter Insert mode from Terminal-Job mode.
305
Bram Moolenaar423802d2017-07-30 16:52:24 +0200306
Bram Moolenaarc572da52017-08-27 16:52:01 +0200307Cursor style ~
Bram Moolenaar7f2e9d72017-11-11 20:58:53 +0100308 *terminal-cursor-style*
Bram Moolenaarc572da52017-08-27 16:52:01 +0200309By default the cursor in the terminal window uses a not blinking block. The
310normal xterm escape sequences can be used to change the blinking state and the
311shape. Once focus leaves the terminal window Vim will restore the original
312cursor.
313
314An exception is when xterm is started with the "-bc" argument, or another way
315that causes the cursor to blink. This actually means that the blinking flag
316is inverted. Since Vim cannot detect this, the terminal window cursor
317blinking will also be inverted.
318
319
Bram Moolenaarb5b75622018-03-09 22:22:21 +0100320Session ~
321 *terminal-session*
322A terminal window will be restored when using a session file, if possible and
323wanted.
324
325If "terminal" was removed from 'sessionoptions' then no terminal windows will
326be restored.
327
328If the job in the terminal was finished the window will not be restored.
329
330If the terminal can be restored, the command that was used to open it will be
331used again. To change this use the |term_setrestore()| function. This can
332also be used to not restore a specific terminal by setting the command to
333"NONE".
334
335
Bram Moolenaar7f2e9d72017-11-11 20:58:53 +0100336Special keys ~
337 *terminal-special-keys*
338Since the terminal emulator simulates an xterm, only escape sequences that
339both Vim and xterm recognize will be available in the terminal window. If you
340want to pass on other escape sequences to the job running in the terminal you
341need to set up forwarding. Example: >
342 tmap <expr> <Esc>]b SendToTerm("\<Esc>]b")
Bram Moolenaar60e73f22017-11-12 18:02:06 +0100343 func SendToTerm(what)
344 call term_sendkeys('', a:what)
345 return ''
346 endfunc
Bram Moolenaarb6e0ec62017-07-23 22:12:20 +0200347
Bram Moolenaar7f2e9d72017-11-11 20:58:53 +0100348
349Unix ~
350 *terminal-unix*
Bram Moolenaarb6e0ec62017-07-23 22:12:20 +0200351On Unix a pty is used to make it possible to run all kinds of commands. You
352can even run Vim in the terminal! That's used for debugging, see below.
353
Bram Moolenaarf55e4c82017-08-01 20:44:53 +0200354Environment variables are used to pass information to the running job:
355 TERM name of the terminal, 'term'
356 ROWS number of rows in the terminal initially
357 LINES same as ROWS
358 COLUMNS number of columns in the terminal initially
359 COLORS number of colors, 't_Co' (256*256*256 in the GUI)
360 VIM_SERVERNAME v:servername
361
Bram Moolenaarb6e0ec62017-07-23 22:12:20 +0200362
363MS-Windows ~
Bram Moolenaar7f2e9d72017-11-11 20:58:53 +0100364 *terminal-ms-windows*
Bram Moolenaar8a773062017-07-24 22:29:21 +0200365On MS-Windows winpty is used to make it possible to run all kind of commands.
366Obviously, they must be commands that run in a terminal, not open their own
367window.
368
369You need the following two files from winpty:
370
371 winpty.dll
372 winpty-agent.exe
373
374You can download them from the following page:
375
376 https://github.com/rprichard/winpty
377
Bram Moolenaar8e539c52017-08-18 22:57:06 +0200378Just put the files somewhere in your PATH. You can set the 'winptydll' option
379to point to the right file, if needed. If you have both the 32-bit and 64-bit
380version, rename to winpty32.dll and winpty64.dll to match the way Vim was
381build.
Bram Moolenaarb6e0ec62017-07-23 22:12:20 +0200382
Bram Moolenaar52dbb5e2017-11-21 18:11:27 +0100383Environment variables are used to pass information to the running job:
384 VIM_SERVERNAME v:servername
385
Bram Moolenaare4f25e42017-07-07 11:54:15 +0200386==============================================================================
Bram Moolenaar8fbaeb12018-03-25 18:20:17 +02003872. Terminal communication *terminal-communication*
388
389There are several ways to communicate with the job running in a terminal:
390- Use |term_sendkeys()| to send text and escape sequences from Vim to the job.
391- Use the JSON API to send encoded commands from the job to Vim.
392- Use the |client-server| mechanism. This works on machines with an X server
393 and on MS-Windows.
394
395
396Vim to job: term_sendkeys() ~
397 *terminal-to-job*
398This allows for remote controlling the job running in the terminal. It is a
399one-way mechanism. The job can update the display to signal back to Vim.
400For example, if a shell is running in a terminal, you can do: >
401 call term_sendkeys(buf, "ls *.java\<CR>")
402
403This requires for the job to be in the right state where it will do the right
404thing when receiving the keys. For the above example, the shell must be
405waiting for a command to be typed.
406
407For a job that was written for the purpose, you can use the JSON API escape
408sequence in the other direction. E.g.: >
409 call term_sendkeys(buf, "\<Esc>]51;["response"]\x07")
410
411
412Job to Vim: JSON API ~
413 *terminal-api*
414The job can send JSON to Vim, using a special escape sequence. The JSON
415encodes a command that Vim understands. Example of such a message: >
416 <Esc>]51;["drop", "README.md"]<07>
417
418The body is always a list, making it easy to find the end: ]<07>.
419The <Esc>]51;msg<07> sequence is reserved by xterm for "Emacs shell", which is
420similar to what we are doing here.
421
422Currently supported commands:
423
424 call {funcname} {argument}
425
426 Call a user defined function with [argument]. The function is
427 called with the buffer number of the terminal and the decoded
428 argument. The user function must sanity check the argument.
429 The function can use |term_sendkeys()| to send back a reply.
430 Example in JSON: >
431 ["call", "Impression", ["play", 14]]
432< Calls a function defined like this: >
433 function Impression(bufnum, arglist)
434 if len(a:arglist) == 2
435 echo "impression " . a:arglist[0]
436 echo "count " . a:arglist[1]
437 endif
438 endfunc
439<
440 drop {filename}
441
442 Let Vim open a file, like the `:drop` command. If {filename}
443 is already open in a window, switch to that window. Otherwise
444 open a new window to edit {filename}.
445 Example in JSON: >
446 ["drop", "path/file.txt", {"ff": "dos"}]
447
448A trick to have Vim send this escape sequence: >
449 exe "set t_ts=\<Esc>]51; t_fs=\x07"
450 let &titlestring = '["call","TryThis",["hello",123]]'
451 redraw
452 set t_ts& t_fs&
453
454Rationale: Why not allow for any command or expression? Because that might
455create a security problem.
456
457
458Using the client-server feature ~
459 *terminal-client-server*
460This only works when v:servername is not empty. If needed you can set it,
461before opening the terminal, with: >
462 call remote_startserver('vim-server')
463
464$VIM_SERVERNAME is set in the terminal to pass on the server name.
465
466In the job you can then do something like: >
467 vim --servername $VIM_SERVERNAME --remote +123 some_file.c
468This will open the file "some_file.c" and put the cursor on line 123.
469
470==============================================================================
4713. Remote testing *terminal-testing*
Bram Moolenaare4f25e42017-07-07 11:54:15 +0200472
473Most Vim tests execute a script inside Vim. For some tests this does not
474work, running the test interferes with the code being tested. To avoid this
475Vim is executed in a terminal window. The test sends keystrokes to it and
476inspects the resulting screen state.
477
478Functions ~
479
Bram Moolenaar69fbc9e2017-09-14 20:37:57 +0200480term_sendkeys() send keystrokes to a terminal (not subject to tmap)
Bram Moolenaare4f25e42017-07-07 11:54:15 +0200481term_wait() wait for screen to be updated
482term_scrape() inspect terminal screen
483
484
485==============================================================================
Bram Moolenaar8fbaeb12018-03-25 18:20:17 +02004864. Diffing screen dumps *terminal-diff*
Bram Moolenaarda650582018-02-20 15:51:40 +0100487
488In some cases it can be bothersome to test that Vim displays the right
489characters on the screen. E.g. with syntax highlighting. To make this
490simpler it is possible to take a screen dump of a terminal and compare it to
491an expected screen dump.
492
493Vim uses the window size, text, color and other attributes as displayed. The
494Vim screen size, font and other properties do not matter. Therefore this
Bram Moolenaar98ef2332018-03-18 14:44:37 +0100495mechanism is portable across systems. A conventional screenshot would reflect
Bram Moolenaarda650582018-02-20 15:51:40 +0100496all differences, including font size and family.
497
498
499Writing a screen dump test for Vim ~
500 *terminal-dumptest*
501For an example see the Test_syntax_c() function in
502src/testdir/test_syntax.vim. The main parts are:
503- Write a file you want to test with. This is useful for testing syntax
504 highlighting. You can also start Vim with en empty buffer.
505- Run Vim in a terminal with a specific size. The default is 20 lines of 75
506 characters. This makes sure the dump is always this size. The function
507 RunVimInTerminal() takes care of this. Pass it the arguments for the Vim
508 command.
509- Send any commands to Vim using term_sendkeys(). For example: >
510 call term_sendkeys(buf, ":echo &lines &columns\<CR>")
511- Check that the screen is now in the expected state, using
512 VerifyScreenDump(). This expects the reference screen dump to be in the
513 src/testdir/dumps/ directory. Pass the name without ".dump". It is
514 recommended to use the name of the test function and a sequence number, so
515 that we know what test is using the file.
516- Repeat sending commands and checking the state.
517- Finally stop Vim by calling StopVimInTerminal().
518
519The first time you do this you won't have a screen dump yet. Create an empty
520file for now, e.g.: >
521 touch src/testdir/dumps/Test_function_name_01.dump
522
523The test will then fail, giving you the command to compare the reference dump
524and the failed dump, e.g.: >
525 call term_dumpdiff("Test_func.dump.failed", "dumps/Test_func.dump")
526
527Use this command in Vim, with the current directory set to src/testdir.
528Once you are satisfied with the test, move the failed dump in place of the
529reference: >
530 :!mv Test_func.dump.failed dumps/Test_func.dump
531
532
533Creating a screen dump ~
534 *terminal-screendump*
535
536To create the screen dump, run Vim (or any other program) in a terminal and
537make it show the desired state. Then use the term_dumpwrite() function to
538create a screen dump file. For example: >
539 :call term_dumpwrite(77, "mysyntax.dump")
540
541Here "77" is the buffer number of the terminal. Use `:ls!` to see it.
542
543You can view the screen dump with term_dumpload(): >
544 :call term_dumpload("mysyntax.dump")
545
546To verify that Vim still shows exactly the same screen, run Vim again with
547exactly the same way to show the desired state. Then create a screen dump
548again, using a different file name: >
549 :call term_dumpwrite(88, "test.dump")
550
551To assert that the files are exactly the same use assert_equalfile(): >
552 call assert_equalfile("mysyntax.dump", "test.dump")
553
554If there are differences then v:errors will contain the error message.
555
556
557Comparing screen dumps ~
558 *terminal-diffscreendump*
559
560assert_equalfile() does not make it easy to see what is different.
561To spot the problem use term_dumpdiff(): >
562 call term_dumpdiff("mysyntax.dump", "test.dump")
563
564This will open a window consisting of three parts:
5651. The contents of the first dump
5662. The difference between the first and second dump
5673. The contents of the second dump
568
569You can usually see what differs in the second part. Use the 'ruler' to
Bram Moolenaar98ef2332018-03-18 14:44:37 +0100570relate it to the position in the first or second dump.
Bram Moolenaarda650582018-02-20 15:51:40 +0100571
Bram Moolenaar98ef2332018-03-18 14:44:37 +0100572Alternatively, press "s" to swap the first and second dump. Do this several
Bram Moolenaarda650582018-02-20 15:51:40 +0100573times so that you can spot the difference in the context of the text.
574
575==============================================================================
Bram Moolenaar8fbaeb12018-03-25 18:20:17 +02005765. Debugging *terminal-debug*
Bram Moolenaare4f25e42017-07-07 11:54:15 +0200577
578The Terminal debugging plugin can be used to debug a program with gdb and view
Bram Moolenaare09ba7b2017-09-09 22:19:47 +0200579the source code in a Vim window. Since this is completely contained inside
580Vim this also works remotely over an ssh connection.
581
582
583Starting ~
Bram Moolenaar7f2e9d72017-11-11 20:58:53 +0100584 *termdebug-starting*
Bram Moolenaarc572da52017-08-27 16:52:01 +0200585Load the plugin with this command: >
586 packadd termdebug
Bram Moolenaare09ba7b2017-09-09 22:19:47 +0200587< *:Termdebug*
Bram Moolenaarf0b03c42017-12-17 17:17:07 +0100588To start debugging use `:Termdebug` followed by the command name, for example: >
Bram Moolenaar24a98a02017-09-27 22:23:55 +0200589 :Termdebug vim
Bram Moolenaare4f25e42017-07-07 11:54:15 +0200590
Bram Moolenaarc572da52017-08-27 16:52:01 +0200591This opens two windows:
Bram Moolenaarf0b03c42017-12-17 17:17:07 +0100592
Bram Moolenaar45d5f262017-09-10 19:14:31 +0200593gdb window A terminal window in which "gdb vim" is executed. Here you
594 can directly interact with gdb. The buffer name is "!gdb".
Bram Moolenaarf0b03c42017-12-17 17:17:07 +0100595
Bram Moolenaar45d5f262017-09-10 19:14:31 +0200596program window A terminal window for the executed program. When "run" is
597 used in gdb the program I/O will happen in this window, so
598 that it does not interfere with controlling gdb. The buffer
599 name is "gdb program".
Bram Moolenaare09ba7b2017-09-09 22:19:47 +0200600
601The current window is used to show the source code. When gdb pauses the
602source file location will be displayed, if possible. A sign is used to
Bram Moolenaar71137fe2018-03-03 20:47:21 +0100603highlight the current position, using highlight group debugPC.
Bram Moolenaare09ba7b2017-09-09 22:19:47 +0200604
605If the buffer in the current window is modified, another window will be opened
606to display the current gdb position.
607
608Focus the terminal of the executed program to interact with it. This works
609the same as any command running in a terminal window.
Bram Moolenaare4f25e42017-07-07 11:54:15 +0200610
Bram Moolenaar45d5f262017-09-10 19:14:31 +0200611When the debugger ends, typically by typing "quit" in the gdb window, the two
612opened windows are closed.
Bram Moolenaarc572da52017-08-27 16:52:01 +0200613
614
Bram Moolenaar24a98a02017-09-27 22:23:55 +0200615Example session ~
Bram Moolenaar7f2e9d72017-11-11 20:58:53 +0100616 *termdebug-example*
Bram Moolenaar24a98a02017-09-27 22:23:55 +0200617Start in the Vim "src" directory and build Vim: >
618 % make
619Start Vim: >
620 % ./vim
621Load the termdebug plugin and start debugging Vim: >
622 :packadd termdebug
623 :Termdebug vim
624You should now have three windows:
625 source - where you started, has a window toolbar with buttons
626 gdb - you can type gdb commands here
627 program - the executed program will use this window
Bram Moolenaar71137fe2018-03-03 20:47:21 +0100628
Bram Moolenaar24a98a02017-09-27 22:23:55 +0200629You can use CTRL-W CTRL-W or the mouse to move focus between windows.
630Put focus on the gdb window and type: >
631 break ex_help
632 run
633Vim will start running in the program window. Put focus there and type: >
634 :help gui
635Gdb will run into the ex_help breakpoint. The source window now shows the
636ex_cmds.c file. A ">>" marker will appear where the breakpoint was set. The
637line where the debugger stopped is highlighted. You can now step through the
638program. Let's use the mouse: click on the "Next" button in the window
639toolbar. You will see the highlighting move as the debugger executes a line
640of source code.
641
642Click "Next" a few times until the for loop is highlighted. Put the cursor on
643the end of "eap->arg", then click "Eval" in the toolbar. You will see this
644displayed:
645 "eap->arg": 0x555555e68855 "gui" ~
646This way you can inspect the value of local variables. You can also focus the
647gdb window and use a "print" command, e.g.: >
648 print *eap
Bram Moolenaar71137fe2018-03-03 20:47:21 +0100649If mouse pointer movements are working, Vim will also show a balloon when the
650mouse rests on text that can be evaluated by gdb.
Bram Moolenaar24a98a02017-09-27 22:23:55 +0200651
652Now go back to the source window and put the cursor on the first line after
653the for loop, then type: >
654 :Break
655You will see a ">>" marker appear, this indicates the new breakpoint. Now
656click "Cont" in the toolbar and the code until the breakpoint will be
657executed.
658
659You can type more advanced commands in the gdb window. For example, type: >
660 watch curbuf
661Now click "Cont" in the toolbar (or type "cont" in the gdb window). Execution
662will now continue until the value of "curbuf" changes, which is in do_ecmd().
663To remove this watchpoint again type in the gdb window: >
664 delete 3
665
666You can see the stack by typing in the gdb window: >
667 where
668Move through the stack frames, e.g. with: >
669 frame 3
670The source window will show the code, at the point where the call was made to
671a deeper level.
672
673
Bram Moolenaare09ba7b2017-09-09 22:19:47 +0200674Stepping through code ~
Bram Moolenaar7f2e9d72017-11-11 20:58:53 +0100675 *termdebug-stepping*
Bram Moolenaare09ba7b2017-09-09 22:19:47 +0200676Put focus on the gdb window to type commands there. Some common ones are:
Bram Moolenaar60e73f22017-11-12 18:02:06 +0100677- CTRL-C interrupt the program
678- next execute the current line and stop at the next line
679- step execute the current line and stop at the next statement,
680 entering functions
681- finish execute until leaving the current function
682- where show the stack
683- frame N go to the Nth stack frame
684- continue continue execution
Bram Moolenaare09ba7b2017-09-09 22:19:47 +0200685
Bram Moolenaar71137fe2018-03-03 20:47:21 +0100686In the window showing the source code these commands can be used to control gdb:
687 `:Run` [args] run the program with [args] or the previous arguments
688 `:Arguments` {args} set arguments for the next `:Run`
Bram Moolenaar60e73f22017-11-12 18:02:06 +0100689
Bram Moolenaar71137fe2018-03-03 20:47:21 +0100690 `:Break` set a breakpoint at the current line; a sign will be displayed
691 `:Clear` delete the breakpoint at the current line
Bram Moolenaar60e73f22017-11-12 18:02:06 +0100692
Bram Moolenaar71137fe2018-03-03 20:47:21 +0100693 `:Step` execute the gdb "step" command
694 `:Over` execute the gdb "next" command (`:Next` is a Vim command)
695 `:Finish` execute the gdb "finish" command
696 `:Continue` execute the gdb "continue" command
697 `:Stop` interrupt the program
Bram Moolenaar45d5f262017-09-10 19:14:31 +0200698
Bram Moolenaarf0b03c42017-12-17 17:17:07 +0100699If 'mouse' is set the plugin adds a window toolbar with these entries:
Bram Moolenaar71137fe2018-03-03 20:47:21 +0100700 Step `:Step`
701 Next `:Over`
702 Finish `:Finish`
703 Cont `:Continue`
704 Stop `:Stop`
705 Eval `:Evaluate`
Bram Moolenaarf0b03c42017-12-17 17:17:07 +0100706This way you can use the mouse to perform the most common commands. You need
707to have the 'mouse' option set to enable mouse clicks.
Bram Moolenaar1b9645d2017-09-17 23:03:31 +0200708
Bram Moolenaar71137fe2018-03-03 20:47:21 +0100709You can add the window toolbar in other windows you open with: >
710 :Winbar
711
Bram Moolenaar45d5f262017-09-10 19:14:31 +0200712
713Inspecting variables ~
Bram Moolenaar7f2e9d72017-11-11 20:58:53 +0100714 *termdebug-variables*
Bram Moolenaar71137fe2018-03-03 20:47:21 +0100715 `:Evaluate` evaluate the expression under the cursor
716 `K` same
717 `:Evaluate` {expr} evaluate {expr}
718 `:'<,'>Evaluate` evaluate the Visually selected text
Bram Moolenaar45d5f262017-09-10 19:14:31 +0200719
720This is similar to using "print" in the gdb window.
Bram Moolenaar71137fe2018-03-03 20:47:21 +0100721You can usually shorten `:Evaluate` to `:Ev`.
Bram Moolenaar45d5f262017-09-10 19:14:31 +0200722
723
724Other commands ~
Bram Moolenaar7f2e9d72017-11-11 20:58:53 +0100725 *termdebug-commands*
Bram Moolenaar45d5f262017-09-10 19:14:31 +0200726 :Gdb jump to the gdb window
727 :Program jump to the window with the running program
Bram Moolenaare09ba7b2017-09-09 22:19:47 +0200728
729
730Communication ~
Bram Moolenaar7f2e9d72017-11-11 20:58:53 +0100731 *termdebug-communication*
Bram Moolenaare09ba7b2017-09-09 22:19:47 +0200732There is another, hidden, buffer, which is used for Vim to communicate with
733gdb. The buffer name is "gdb communication". Do not delete this buffer, it
734will break the debugger.
735
736
Bram Moolenaarc572da52017-08-27 16:52:01 +0200737Customizing ~
Bram Moolenaar71137fe2018-03-03 20:47:21 +0100738
739GDB command *termdebug-customizing*
740
Bram Moolenaare09ba7b2017-09-09 22:19:47 +0200741To change the name of the gdb command, set the "termdebugger" variable before
742invoking `:Termdebug`: >
743 let termdebugger = "mygdb"
Bram Moolenaar71137fe2018-03-03 20:47:21 +0100744< *gdb-version*
Bram Moolenaare09ba7b2017-09-09 22:19:47 +0200745Only debuggers fully compatible with gdb will work. Vim uses the GDB/MI
Bram Moolenaar98ef2332018-03-18 14:44:37 +0100746interface. The "new-ui" command requires gdb version 7.12 or later. if you
747get this error:
Bram Moolenaar01164a62017-11-02 22:58:42 +0100748 Undefined command: "new-ui". Try "help".~
749Then your gdb is too old.
Bram Moolenaare09ba7b2017-09-09 22:19:47 +0200750
Bram Moolenaar71137fe2018-03-03 20:47:21 +0100751
752Colors *hl-debugPC* *hl-debugBreakpoint*
753
Bram Moolenaare09ba7b2017-09-09 22:19:47 +0200754The color of the signs can be adjusted with these highlight groups:
755- debugPC the current position
756- debugBreakpoint a breakpoint
757
758The defaults are, when 'background' is "light":
759 hi debugPC term=reverse ctermbg=lightblue guibg=lightblue
760 hi debugBreakpoint term=reverse ctermbg=red guibg=red
761
762When 'background' is "dark":
763 hi debugPC term=reverse ctermbg=darkblue guibg=darkblue
764 hi debugBreakpoint term=reverse ctermbg=red guibg=red
Bram Moolenaarc572da52017-08-27 16:52:01 +0200765
Bram Moolenaar71137fe2018-03-03 20:47:21 +0100766
767Popup menu *termdebug_popup*
768
769By default the Termdebug plugin sets 'mousemodel' to "popup_setpos" and adds
770these entries to the popup menu:
771 Set breakpoint `:Break`
772 Clear breakpoint `:Clear`
773 Evaluate `:Evaluate`
774If you don't want this then disable it with: >
775 let g:termdebug_popup = 0
776
777
778Vim window width *termdebug_wide*
779
Bram Moolenaar38baa3e2017-09-14 16:10:38 +0200780To change the width of the Vim window when debugging starts, and use a
781vertical split: >
782 let g:termdebug_wide = 163
783This will set &columns to 163 when :Termdebug is used. The value is restored
784when quitting the debugger.
Bram Moolenaar24a98a02017-09-27 22:23:55 +0200785If g:termdebug_wide is set and &Columns is already larger than
786g:termdebug_wide then a vertical split will be used without changing &columns.
787Set it to 1 to get a vertical split without every changing &columns (useful
788for when the terminal can't be resized by Vim).
Bram Moolenaar38baa3e2017-09-14 16:10:38 +0200789
Bram Moolenaare4f25e42017-07-07 11:54:15 +0200790
Bram Moolenaare4f25e42017-07-07 11:54:15 +0200791
792 vim:tw=78:ts=8:ft=help:norl: