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Bram Moolenaar2f0936c2022-01-08 21:51:59 +00001*map.txt* For Vim version 8.2. Last change: 2022 Jan 03
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002
3
4 VIM REFERENCE MANUAL by Bram Moolenaar
5
6
7Key mapping, abbreviations and user-defined commands.
8
Bram Moolenaar2f0936c2022-01-08 21:51:59 +00009This subject is introduced in sections |05.4|, |24.7| and |40.1| of the user
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000010manual.
11
121. Key mapping |key-mapping|
Bram Moolenaar5b962cf2005-12-12 21:58:40 +000013 1.1 MAP COMMANDS |:map-commands|
14 1.2 Special arguments |:map-arguments|
15 1.3 Mapping and modes |:map-modes|
16 1.4 Listing mappings |map-listing|
17 1.5 Mapping special keys |:map-special-keys|
18 1.6 Special characters |:map-special-chars|
19 1.7 What keys to map |map-which-keys|
20 1.8 Examples |map-examples|
21 1.9 Using mappings |map-typing|
22 1.10 Mapping alt-keys |:map-alt-keys|
Bram Moolenaar4b570182019-10-20 19:53:22 +020023 1.11 Mapping in modifyOtherKeys mode |modifyOtherKeys|
24 1.12 Mapping an operator |:map-operator|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000252. Abbreviations |abbreviations|
263. Local mappings and functions |script-local|
274. User-defined commands |user-commands|
28
29==============================================================================
301. Key mapping *key-mapping* *mapping* *macro*
31
32Key mapping is used to change the meaning of typed keys. The most common use
Bram Moolenaar24a98a02017-09-27 22:23:55 +020033is to define a sequence of commands for a function key. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000034
35 :map <F2> a<C-R>=strftime("%c")<CR><Esc>
36
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +000037This appends the current date and time after the cursor (in <> notation |<>|).
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000038
Bram Moolenaar5b962cf2005-12-12 21:58:40 +000039
401.1 MAP COMMANDS *:map-commands*
41
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000042There are commands to enter new mappings, remove mappings and list mappings.
43See |map-overview| for the various forms of "map" and their relationships with
44modes.
45
46{lhs} means left-hand-side *{lhs}*
47{rhs} means right-hand-side *{rhs}*
48
Bram Moolenaar06b5db92006-02-10 23:11:56 +000049:map {lhs} {rhs} |mapmode-nvo| *:map*
50:nm[ap] {lhs} {rhs} |mapmode-n| *:nm* *:nmap*
51:vm[ap] {lhs} {rhs} |mapmode-v| *:vm* *:vmap*
Bram Moolenaar371d5402006-03-20 21:47:49 +000052:xm[ap] {lhs} {rhs} |mapmode-x| *:xm* *:xmap*
Bram Moolenaar531da592013-05-06 05:58:55 +020053:smap {lhs} {rhs} |mapmode-s| *:smap*
Bram Moolenaar06b5db92006-02-10 23:11:56 +000054:om[ap] {lhs} {rhs} |mapmode-o| *:om* *:omap*
55:map! {lhs} {rhs} |mapmode-ic| *:map!*
56:im[ap] {lhs} {rhs} |mapmode-i| *:im* *:imap*
Bram Moolenaar61da1bf2019-06-06 12:14:49 +020057:lm[ap] {lhs} {rhs} |mapmode-l| *:lm* *:lma* *:lmap*
Bram Moolenaar06b5db92006-02-10 23:11:56 +000058:cm[ap] {lhs} {rhs} |mapmode-c| *:cm* *:cmap*
Bram Moolenaar37c64c72017-09-19 22:06:03 +020059:tma[p] {lhs} {rhs} |mapmode-t| *:tma* *:tmap*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000060 Map the key sequence {lhs} to {rhs} for the modes
61 where the map command applies. The result, including
62 {rhs}, is then further scanned for mappings. This
63 allows for nested and recursive use of mappings.
Bram Moolenaar519cc552021-11-16 19:18:26 +000064 Note: Trailing spaces are included in the {rhs},
65 because space is a valid Normal mode command.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000066
Bram Moolenaar822ff862014-06-12 21:46:14 +020067 *:nore* *:norem*
68:no[remap] {lhs} {rhs} |mapmode-nvo| *:no* *:noremap* *:nor*
69:nn[oremap] {lhs} {rhs} |mapmode-n| *:nn* *:nnoremap*
70:vn[oremap] {lhs} {rhs} |mapmode-v| *:vn* *:vnoremap*
71:xn[oremap] {lhs} {rhs} |mapmode-x| *:xn* *:xnoremap*
Bram Moolenaar61da1bf2019-06-06 12:14:49 +020072:snor[emap] {lhs} {rhs} |mapmode-s| *:snor* *:snore* *:snoremap*
Bram Moolenaar822ff862014-06-12 21:46:14 +020073:ono[remap] {lhs} {rhs} |mapmode-o| *:ono* *:onoremap*
74:no[remap]! {lhs} {rhs} |mapmode-ic| *:no!* *:noremap!*
Bram Moolenaar61da1bf2019-06-06 12:14:49 +020075:ino[remap] {lhs} {rhs} |mapmode-i| *:ino* *:inor* *:inoremap*
Bram Moolenaar822ff862014-06-12 21:46:14 +020076:ln[oremap] {lhs} {rhs} |mapmode-l| *:ln* *:lnoremap*
Bram Moolenaar61da1bf2019-06-06 12:14:49 +020077:cno[remap] {lhs} {rhs} |mapmode-c| *:cno* *:cnor* *:cnoremap*
Bram Moolenaar69fbc9e2017-09-14 20:37:57 +020078:tno[remap] {lhs} {rhs} |mapmode-t| *:tno* *:tnoremap*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000079 Map the key sequence {lhs} to {rhs} for the modes
80 where the map command applies. Disallow mapping of
81 {rhs}, to avoid nested and recursive mappings. Often
Bram Moolenaar25c9c682019-05-05 18:13:34 +020082 used to redefine a command.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000083
84
Bram Moolenaar06b5db92006-02-10 23:11:56 +000085:unm[ap] {lhs} |mapmode-nvo| *:unm* *:unmap*
86:nun[map] {lhs} |mapmode-n| *:nun* *:nunmap*
87:vu[nmap] {lhs} |mapmode-v| *:vu* *:vunmap*
Bram Moolenaar371d5402006-03-20 21:47:49 +000088:xu[nmap] {lhs} |mapmode-x| *:xu* *:xunmap*
89:sunm[ap] {lhs} |mapmode-s| *:sunm* *:sunmap*
Bram Moolenaar06b5db92006-02-10 23:11:56 +000090:ou[nmap] {lhs} |mapmode-o| *:ou* *:ounmap*
91:unm[ap]! {lhs} |mapmode-ic| *:unm!* *:unmap!*
92:iu[nmap] {lhs} |mapmode-i| *:iu* *:iunmap*
93:lu[nmap] {lhs} |mapmode-l| *:lu* *:lunmap*
Bram Moolenaar61da1bf2019-06-06 12:14:49 +020094:cu[nmap] {lhs} |mapmode-c| *:cu* *:cun* *:cunmap*
Bram Moolenaar37c64c72017-09-19 22:06:03 +020095:tunma[p] {lhs} |mapmode-t| *:tunma* *:tunmap*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000096 Remove the mapping of {lhs} for the modes where the
97 map command applies. The mapping may remain defined
98 for other modes where it applies.
Bram Moolenaar88a42052021-11-21 21:13:36 +000099 It also works when {lhs} matches the {rhs} of a
Bram Moolenaar2f0936c2022-01-08 21:51:59 +0000100 mapping. This is for when an abbreviation applied.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000101 Note: Trailing spaces are included in the {lhs}. This
102 unmap does NOT work: >
103 :map @@ foo
104 :unmap @@ | print
105
Bram Moolenaar06b5db92006-02-10 23:11:56 +0000106:mapc[lear] |mapmode-nvo| *:mapc* *:mapclear*
107:nmapc[lear] |mapmode-n| *:nmapc* *:nmapclear*
108:vmapc[lear] |mapmode-v| *:vmapc* *:vmapclear*
Bram Moolenaar371d5402006-03-20 21:47:49 +0000109:xmapc[lear] |mapmode-x| *:xmapc* *:xmapclear*
110:smapc[lear] |mapmode-s| *:smapc* *:smapclear*
Bram Moolenaar06b5db92006-02-10 23:11:56 +0000111:omapc[lear] |mapmode-o| *:omapc* *:omapclear*
112:mapc[lear]! |mapmode-ic| *:mapc!* *:mapclear!*
113:imapc[lear] |mapmode-i| *:imapc* *:imapclear*
114:lmapc[lear] |mapmode-l| *:lmapc* *:lmapclear*
115:cmapc[lear] |mapmode-c| *:cmapc* *:cmapclear*
Bram Moolenaar69fbc9e2017-09-14 20:37:57 +0200116:tmapc[lear] |mapmode-t| *:tmapc* *:tmapclear*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000117 Remove ALL mappings for the modes where the map
Bram Moolenaar25c9c682019-05-05 18:13:34 +0200118 command applies.
Bram Moolenaar251e1912011-06-19 05:09:16 +0200119 Use the <buffer> argument to remove buffer-local
120 mappings |:map-<buffer>|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000121 Warning: This also removes the default mappings.
122
Bram Moolenaar06b5db92006-02-10 23:11:56 +0000123:map |mapmode-nvo|
124:nm[ap] |mapmode-n|
125:vm[ap] |mapmode-v|
Bram Moolenaar371d5402006-03-20 21:47:49 +0000126:xm[ap] |mapmode-x|
127:sm[ap] |mapmode-s|
Bram Moolenaar06b5db92006-02-10 23:11:56 +0000128:om[ap] |mapmode-o|
129:map! |mapmode-ic|
130:im[ap] |mapmode-i|
131:lm[ap] |mapmode-l|
132:cm[ap] |mapmode-c|
Bram Moolenaar37c64c72017-09-19 22:06:03 +0200133:tma[p] |mapmode-t|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000134 List all key mappings for the modes where the map
135 command applies. Note that ":map" and ":map!" are
136 used most often, because they include the other modes.
137
Bram Moolenaar06b5db92006-02-10 23:11:56 +0000138:map {lhs} |mapmode-nvo| *:map_l*
139:nm[ap] {lhs} |mapmode-n| *:nmap_l*
140:vm[ap] {lhs} |mapmode-v| *:vmap_l*
Bram Moolenaar371d5402006-03-20 21:47:49 +0000141:xm[ap] {lhs} |mapmode-x| *:xmap_l*
142:sm[ap] {lhs} |mapmode-s| *:smap_l*
Bram Moolenaar06b5db92006-02-10 23:11:56 +0000143:om[ap] {lhs} |mapmode-o| *:omap_l*
144:map! {lhs} |mapmode-ic| *:map_l!*
145:im[ap] {lhs} |mapmode-i| *:imap_l*
146:lm[ap] {lhs} |mapmode-l| *:lmap_l*
147:cm[ap] {lhs} |mapmode-c| *:cmap_l*
Bram Moolenaar37c64c72017-09-19 22:06:03 +0200148:tma[p] {lhs} |mapmode-t| *:tmap_l*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000149 List the key mappings for the key sequences starting
150 with {lhs} in the modes where the map command applies.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000151
152These commands are used to map a key or key sequence to a string of
153characters. You can use this to put command sequences under function keys,
154translate one key into another, etc. See |:mkexrc| for how to save and
155restore the current mappings.
156
Bram Moolenaar5b962cf2005-12-12 21:58:40 +0000157 *map-ambiguous*
158When two mappings start with the same sequence of characters, they are
159ambiguous. Example: >
160 :imap aa foo
161 :imap aaa bar
162When Vim has read "aa", it will need to get another character to be able to
163decide if "aa" or "aaa" should be mapped. This means that after typing "aa"
164that mapping won't get expanded yet, Vim is waiting for another character.
165If you type a space, then "foo" will get inserted, plus the space. If you
166type "a", then "bar" will get inserted.
Bram Moolenaar5b962cf2005-12-12 21:58:40 +0000167
168
1691.2 SPECIAL ARGUMENTS *:map-arguments*
170
Bram Moolenaar72179e12013-06-29 13:58:31 +0200171"<buffer>", "<nowait>", "<silent>", "<special>", "<script>", "<expr>" and
172"<unique>" can be used in any order. They must appear right after the
173command, before any other arguments.
Bram Moolenaar4e427192006-03-10 21:34:27 +0000174
Bram Moolenaar0e6adf82021-12-16 14:41:10 +0000175 *:map-local* *:map-<buffer>* *:map-buffer* *E224* *E225*
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +0000176If the first argument to one of these commands is "<buffer>" the mapping will
177be effective in the current buffer only. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000178 :map <buffer> ,w /[.,;]<CR>
179Then you can map ",w" to something else in another buffer: >
180 :map <buffer> ,w /[#&!]<CR>
Bram Moolenaar72179e12013-06-29 13:58:31 +0200181The local buffer mappings are used before the global ones. See <nowait> below
182to make a short local mapping not taking effect when a longer global one
183exists.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000184The "<buffer>" argument can also be used to clear mappings: >
185 :unmap <buffer> ,w
186 :mapclear <buffer>
187Local mappings are also cleared when a buffer is deleted, but not when it is
188unloaded. Just like local option values.
Bram Moolenaarec7944a2013-06-12 21:29:15 +0200189Also see |map-precedence|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000190
Bram Moolenaar72179e12013-06-29 13:58:31 +0200191 *:map-<nowait>* *:map-nowait*
192When defining a buffer-local mapping for "," there may be a global mapping
193that starts with ",". Then you need to type another character for Vim to know
194whether to use the "," mapping or the longer one. To avoid this add the
195<nowait> argument. Then the mapping will be used when it matches, Vim does
196not wait for more characters to be typed. However, if the characters were
Bram Moolenaar6aa8cea2017-06-05 14:44:35 +0200197already typed they are used.
Bram Moolenaar207f0092020-08-30 17:20:20 +0200198Note that this works when the <nowait> mapping fully matches and is found
199before any partial matches. This works when:
200- There is only one matching buffer-local mapping, since these are always
201 found before global mappings.
Bram Moolenaar1c6737b2020-09-07 22:18:52 +0200202- There is another buffer-local mapping that partly matches, but it is
Bram Moolenaar207f0092020-08-30 17:20:20 +0200203 defined earlier (last defined mapping is found first).
Bram Moolenaar72179e12013-06-29 13:58:31 +0200204
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000205 *:map-<silent>* *:map-silent*
206To define a mapping which will not be echoed on the command line, add
207"<silent>" as the first argument. Example: >
208 :map <silent> ,h /Header<CR>
209The search string will not be echoed when using this mapping. Messages from
210the executed command are still given though. To shut them up too, add a
211":silent" in the executed command: >
212 :map <silent> ,h :exe ":silent normal /Header\r"<CR>
213Prompts will still be given, e.g., for inputdialog().
214Using "<silent>" for an abbreviation is possible, but will cause redrawing of
215the command line to fail.
216
Bram Moolenaar9c102382006-05-03 21:26:49 +0000217 *:map-<special>* *:map-special*
218Define a mapping with <> notation for special keys, even though the "<" flag
219may appear in 'cpoptions'. This is useful if the side effect of setting
220'cpoptions' is not desired. Example: >
221 :map <special> <F12> /Header<CR>
222<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000223 *:map-<script>* *:map-script*
224If the first argument to one of these commands is "<script>" and it is used to
225define a new mapping or abbreviation, the mapping will only remap characters
226in the {rhs} using mappings that were defined local to a script, starting with
227"<SID>". This can be used to avoid that mappings from outside a script
228interfere (e.g., when CTRL-V is remapped in mswin.vim), but do use other
229mappings defined in the script.
230Note: ":map <script>" and ":noremap <script>" do the same thing. The
231"<script>" overrules the command name. Using ":noremap <script>" is
232preferred, because it's clearer that remapping is (mostly) disabled.
233
Bram Moolenaar0e6adf82021-12-16 14:41:10 +0000234 *:map-<unique>* *:map-unique* *E226* *E227*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000235If the first argument to one of these commands is "<unique>" and it is used to
236define a new mapping or abbreviation, the command will fail if the mapping or
237abbreviation already exists. Example: >
238 :map <unique> ,w /[#&!]<CR>
239When defining a local mapping, there will also be a check if a global map
240already exists which is equal.
241Example of what will fail: >
242 :map ,w /[#&!]<CR>
243 :map <buffer> <unique> ,w /[.,;]<CR>
Bram Moolenaara40ceaf2006-01-13 22:35:40 +0000244If you want to map a key and then have it do what it was originally mapped to,
245have a look at |maparg()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000246
Bram Moolenaar4e427192006-03-10 21:34:27 +0000247 *:map-<expr>* *:map-expression*
248If the first argument to one of these commands is "<expr>" and it is used to
249define a new mapping or abbreviation, the argument is an expression. The
250expression is evaluated to obtain the {rhs} that is used. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar4c295022021-05-02 17:19:11 +0200251 :inoremap <expr> . <SID>InsertDot()
252The result of the s:InsertDot() function will be inserted. It could check the
Bram Moolenaar4e427192006-03-10 21:34:27 +0000253text before the cursor and start omni completion when some condition is met.
Bram Moolenaar4c295022021-05-02 17:19:11 +0200254Using a script-local function is preferred, to avoid polluting the global
255namespace. Use <SID> in the RHS so that the script that the mapping was
256defined in can be found.
Bram Moolenaar4e427192006-03-10 21:34:27 +0000257
Bram Moolenaarda9591e2009-09-30 13:17:02 +0000258For abbreviations |v:char| is set to the character that was typed to trigger
259the abbreviation. You can use this to decide how to expand the {lhs}. You
Bram Moolenaar5302d9e2011-09-14 17:55:08 +0200260should not either insert or change the v:char.
Bram Moolenaarda9591e2009-09-30 13:17:02 +0000261
Bram Moolenaar4f4d51a2020-10-11 13:57:40 +0200262In case you want the mapping to not do anything, you can have the expression
263evaluate to an empty string. If something changed that requires Vim to
264go through the main loop (e.g. to update the display), return "\<Ignore>".
265This is similar to "nothing" but makes Vim return from the loop that waits for
266input. Example: >
267 func s:OpenPopup()
268 call popup_create(... arguments ...)
269 return "\<Ignore>"
270 endfunc
Bram Moolenaar4c295022021-05-02 17:19:11 +0200271 nnoremap <expr> <F3> <SID>OpenPopup()
Bram Moolenaar4f4d51a2020-10-11 13:57:40 +0200272
Bram Moolenaar18b7d862021-03-17 13:28:05 +0100273Also, keep in mind that the expression may be evaluated when looking for
274typeahead, before the previous command has been executed. For example: >
275 func StoreColumn()
276 let g:column = col('.')
277 return 'x'
278 endfunc
279 nnoremap <expr> x StoreColumn()
280 nmap ! f!x
Bram Moolenaardad44732021-03-31 20:07:33 +0200281You will notice that g:column has the value from before executing "f!",
282because "x" is evaluated before "f!" is executed.
Bram Moolenaar18b7d862021-03-17 13:28:05 +0100283This can be solved by inserting <Ignore> before the character that is
284expression-mapped: >
285 nmap ! f!<Ignore>x
286
Bram Moolenaar4e427192006-03-10 21:34:27 +0000287Be very careful about side effects! The expression is evaluated while
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +0000288obtaining characters, you may very well make the command dysfunctional.
289For this reason the following is blocked:
Bram Moolenaar5c5b0942007-05-06 12:07:59 +0000290- Changing the buffer text |textlock|.
291- Editing another buffer.
292- The |:normal| command.
293- Moving the cursor is allowed, but it is restored afterwards.
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +0000294If you want the mapping to do any of these let the returned characters do
Bram Moolenaar957cf672020-11-12 14:21:06 +0100295that, or use a |<Cmd>| mapping instead.
Bram Moolenaar4e427192006-03-10 21:34:27 +0000296
Bram Moolenaar15146672011-10-20 22:22:38 +0200297You can use getchar(), it consumes typeahead if there is any. E.g., if you
298have these mappings: >
299 inoremap <expr> <C-L> nr2char(getchar())
300 inoremap <expr> <C-L>x "foo"
301If you now type CTRL-L nothing happens yet, Vim needs the next character to
302decide what mapping to use. If you type 'x' the second mapping is used and
Bram Moolenaarf1568ec2011-12-14 21:17:39 +0100303"foo" is inserted. If you type any other key the first mapping is used,
304getchar() gets the typed key and returns it.
Bram Moolenaar15146672011-10-20 22:22:38 +0200305
Bram Moolenaar4e427192006-03-10 21:34:27 +0000306Here is an example that inserts a list number that increases: >
307 let counter = 0
308 inoremap <expr> <C-L> ListItem()
309 inoremap <expr> <C-R> ListReset()
310
311 func ListItem()
312 let g:counter += 1
313 return g:counter . '. '
314 endfunc
315
316 func ListReset()
317 let g:counter = 0
318 return ''
319 endfunc
320
Bram Moolenaard9967712006-03-11 21:18:15 +0000321CTRL-L inserts the next number, CTRL-R resets the count. CTRL-R returns an
Bram Moolenaar4e427192006-03-10 21:34:27 +0000322empty string, so that nothing is inserted.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000323
Bram Moolenaar1c6737b2020-09-07 22:18:52 +0200324Note that using 0x80 as a single byte before other text does not work, it will
325be seen as a special key.
Bram Moolenaar8424a622006-04-19 21:23:36 +0000326
Bram Moolenaar957cf672020-11-12 14:21:06 +0100327 *<Cmd>* *:map-cmd*
328The special text <Cmd> begins a "command mapping", it executes the command
329directly without changing modes. Where you might use ":...<CR>" in the
330{rhs} of a mapping, you can instead use "<Cmd>...<CR>".
331Example: >
332 noremap x <Cmd>echo mode(1)<CR>
333<
334This is more flexible than `:<C-U>` in Visual and Operator-pending mode, or
335`<C-O>:` in Insert mode, because the commands are executed directly in the
336current mode, instead of always going to Normal mode. Visual mode is
337preserved, so tricks with |gv| are not needed. Commands can be invoked
338directly in Command-line mode (which would otherwise require timer hacks).
339Example of using <Cmd> halfway Insert mode: >
340 nnoremap <F3> aText <Cmd>echo mode(1)<CR> Added<Esc>
341
342Unlike <expr> mappings, there are no special restrictions on the <Cmd>
Bram Moolenaar4466ad62020-11-21 13:16:30 +0100343command: it is executed as if an (unrestricted) |autocommand| was invoked.
Bram Moolenaar957cf672020-11-12 14:21:06 +0100344
345Note:
346- Because <Cmd> avoids mode-changes it does not trigger |CmdlineEnter| and
347 |CmdlineLeave| events, because no user interaction is expected.
348- For the same reason, |keycodes| like <C-R><C-W> are interpreted as plain,
349 unmapped keys.
Bram Moolenaar4466ad62020-11-21 13:16:30 +0100350- The command is not echo'ed, no need for <silent>.
Bram Moolenaar88a42052021-11-21 21:13:36 +0000351- The {rhs} is not subject to abbreviations nor to other mappings, even if the
352 mapping is recursive.
Bram Moolenaar4466ad62020-11-21 13:16:30 +0100353- In Visual mode you can use `line('v')` and `col('v')` to get one end of the
354 Visual area, the cursor is at the other end.
Bram Moolenaar957cf672020-11-12 14:21:06 +0100355- In Select mode, |:map| and |:vmap| command mappings are executed in
356 Visual mode. Use |:smap| to handle Select mode differently.
357
Bram Moolenaara4d131d2021-12-27 21:33:07 +0000358 *E1255* *E1136*
Bram Moolenaar957cf672020-11-12 14:21:06 +0100359<Cmd> commands must terminate, that is, they must be followed by <CR> in the
360{rhs} of the mapping definition. |Command-line| mode is never entered.
361
362 *E1137*
363<Cmd> commands can have only normal characters and cannot contain special
364characters like function keys.
365
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000366
Bram Moolenaar5b962cf2005-12-12 21:58:40 +00003671.3 MAPPING AND MODES *:map-modes*
Bram Moolenaara7241f52008-06-24 20:39:31 +0000368 *mapmode-nvo* *mapmode-n* *mapmode-v* *mapmode-o*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000369
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +0100370There are six sets of mappings
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000371- For Normal mode: When typing commands.
372- For Visual mode: When typing commands while the Visual area is highlighted.
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +0100373- For Select mode: like Visual mode but typing text replaces the selection.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000374- For Operator-pending mode: When an operator is pending (after "d", "y", "c",
Bram Moolenaara7241f52008-06-24 20:39:31 +0000375 etc.). See below: |omap-info|.
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +0000376- For Insert mode. These are also used in Replace mode.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000377- For Command-line mode: When entering a ":" or "/" command.
378
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000379Special case: While typing a count for a command in Normal mode, mapping zero
380is disabled. This makes it possible to map zero without making it impossible
381to type a count with a zero.
382
383 *map-overview* *map-modes*
Bram Moolenaare968e362014-05-13 20:23:24 +0200384Overview of which map command works in which mode. More details below.
385 COMMANDS MODES ~
386:map :noremap :unmap Normal, Visual, Select, Operator-pending
387:nmap :nnoremap :nunmap Normal
388:vmap :vnoremap :vunmap Visual and Select
389:smap :snoremap :sunmap Select
390:xmap :xnoremap :xunmap Visual
391:omap :onoremap :ounmap Operator-pending
392:map! :noremap! :unmap! Insert and Command-line
393:imap :inoremap :iunmap Insert
394:lmap :lnoremap :lunmap Insert, Command-line, Lang-Arg
395:cmap :cnoremap :cunmap Command-line
Bram Moolenaar69fbc9e2017-09-14 20:37:57 +0200396:tmap :tnoremap :tunmap Terminal-Job
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000397
Bram Moolenaar3ec32172021-05-16 12:39:47 +0200398Same information in a table:
399 *map-table*
400 Mode | Norm | Ins | Cmd | Vis | Sel | Opr | Term | Lang | ~
401Command +------+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+------+------+ ~
402[nore]map | yes | - | - | yes | yes | yes | - | - |
403n[nore]map | yes | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
404[nore]map! | - | yes | yes | - | - | - | - | - |
405i[nore]map | - | yes | - | - | - | - | - | - |
406c[nore]map | - | - | yes | - | - | - | - | - |
407v[nore]map | - | - | - | yes | yes | - | - | - |
408x[nore]map | - | - | - | yes | - | - | - | - |
409s[nore]map | - | - | - | - | yes | - | - | - |
410o[nore]map | - | - | - | - | - | yes | - | - |
411t[nore]map | - | - | - | - | - | - | yes | - |
412l[nore]map | - | yes | yes | - | - | - | - | yes |
413
Bram Moolenaare968e362014-05-13 20:23:24 +0200414
415 COMMANDS MODES ~
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +0000416 Normal Visual+Select Operator-pending ~
417:map :noremap :unmap :mapclear yes yes yes
418:nmap :nnoremap :nunmap :nmapclear yes - -
419:vmap :vnoremap :vunmap :vmapclear - yes -
420:omap :onoremap :ounmap :omapclear - - yes
Bram Moolenaar371d5402006-03-20 21:47:49 +0000421
Bram Moolenaar4c3f5362006-04-11 21:38:50 +0000422:nunmap can also be used outside of a monastery.
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +0000423 *mapmode-x* *mapmode-s*
Bram Moolenaar371d5402006-03-20 21:47:49 +0000424Some commands work both in Visual and Select mode, some in only one. Note
425that quite often "Visual" is mentioned where both Visual and Select mode
426apply. |Select-mode-mapping|
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +0100427NOTE: Mapping a printable character in Select mode may confuse the user. It's
428better to explicitly use :xmap and :smap for printable characters. Or use
429:sunmap after defining the mapping.
Bram Moolenaar371d5402006-03-20 21:47:49 +0000430
Bram Moolenaare968e362014-05-13 20:23:24 +0200431 COMMANDS MODES ~
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +0000432 Visual Select ~
433:vmap :vnoremap :vunmap :vmapclear yes yes
434:xmap :xnoremap :xunmap :xmapclear yes -
435:smap :snoremap :sunmap :smapclear - yes
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000436
Bram Moolenaar06b5db92006-02-10 23:11:56 +0000437 *mapmode-ic* *mapmode-i* *mapmode-c* *mapmode-l*
Bram Moolenaar371d5402006-03-20 21:47:49 +0000438Some commands work both in Insert mode and Command-line mode, some not:
439
Bram Moolenaare968e362014-05-13 20:23:24 +0200440 COMMANDS MODES ~
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000441 Insert Command-line Lang-Arg ~
442:map! :noremap! :unmap! :mapclear! yes yes -
443:imap :inoremap :iunmap :imapclear yes - -
444:cmap :cnoremap :cunmap :cmapclear - yes -
445:lmap :lnoremap :lunmap :lmapclear yes* yes* yes*
446
Bram Moolenaar5ef1c6a2019-11-10 22:09:11 +0100447* If 'iminsert' is 1, see |language-mapping| below.
448
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000449The original Vi did not have separate mappings for
450Normal/Visual/Operator-pending mode and for Insert/Command-line mode.
451Therefore the ":map" and ":map!" commands enter and display mappings for
452several modes. In Vim you can use the ":nmap", ":vmap", ":omap", ":cmap" and
453":imap" commands to enter mappings for each mode separately.
454
Bram Moolenaar69fbc9e2017-09-14 20:37:57 +0200455 *mapmode-t*
456The terminal mappings are used in a terminal window, when typing keys for the
457job running in the terminal. See |terminal-typing|.
458
Bram Moolenaara7241f52008-06-24 20:39:31 +0000459 *omap-info*
460Operator-pending mappings can be used to define a movement command that can be
Bram Moolenaar95bafa22018-10-02 13:26:25 +0200461used with any operator. Simple example: >
462 :omap { w
463makes "y{" work like "yw" and "d{" like "dw".
Bram Moolenaara7241f52008-06-24 20:39:31 +0000464
465To ignore the starting cursor position and select different text, you can have
466the omap start Visual mode to select the text to be operated upon. Example
467that operates on a function name in the current line: >
468 onoremap <silent> F :<C-U>normal! 0f(hviw<CR>
469The CTRL-U (<C-U>) is used to remove the range that Vim may insert. The
470Normal mode commands find the first '(' character and select the first word
471before it. That usually is the function name.
472
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000473To enter a mapping for Normal and Visual mode, but not Operator-pending mode,
Bram Moolenaar95bafa22018-10-02 13:26:25 +0200474first define it for all three modes, then unmap it for
475Operator-pending mode: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000476 :map xx something-difficult
477 :ounmap xx
Bram Moolenaar95bafa22018-10-02 13:26:25 +0200478
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000479Likewise for a mapping for Visual and Operator-pending mode or Normal and
480Operator-pending mode.
481
482 *language-mapping*
483":lmap" defines a mapping that applies to:
484- Insert mode
485- Command-line mode
486- when entering a search pattern
487- the argument of the commands that accept a text character, such as "r" and
488 "f"
489- for the input() line
490Generally: Whenever a character is to be typed that is part of the text in the
491buffer, not a Vim command character. "Lang-Arg" isn't really another mode,
492it's just used here for this situation.
493 The simplest way to load a set of related language mappings is by using the
494'keymap' option. See |45.5|.
495 In Insert mode and in Command-line mode the mappings can be disabled with
Bram Moolenaar7cba6c02013-09-05 22:13:31 +0200496the CTRL-^ command |i_CTRL-^| |c_CTRL-^|. These commands change the value of
Bram Moolenaar3b1db362013-08-10 15:00:24 +0200497the 'iminsert' option. When starting to enter a normal command line (not a
498search pattern) the mappings are disabled until a CTRL-^ is typed. The state
499last used is remembered for Insert mode and Search patterns separately. The
500state for Insert mode is also used when typing a character as an argument to
501command like "f" or "t".
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000502 Language mappings will never be applied to already mapped characters. They
503are only used for typed characters. This assumes that the language mapping
504was already done when typing the mapping.
505
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000506
Bram Moolenaar5b962cf2005-12-12 21:58:40 +00005071.4 LISTING MAPPINGS *map-listing*
508
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000509When listing mappings the characters in the first two columns are:
510
511 CHAR MODE ~
Bram Moolenaar5c5b0942007-05-06 12:07:59 +0000512 <Space> Normal, Visual, Select and Operator-pending
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000513 n Normal
Bram Moolenaar5c5b0942007-05-06 12:07:59 +0000514 v Visual and Select
515 s Select
516 x Visual
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000517 o Operator-pending
518 ! Insert and Command-line
519 i Insert
520 l ":lmap" mappings for Insert, Command-line and Lang-Arg
521 c Command-line
Bram Moolenaar63c4e8a2017-09-17 20:32:20 +0200522 t Terminal-Job
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000523
524Just before the {rhs} a special character can appear:
525 * indicates that it is not remappable
526 & indicates that only script-local mappings are remappable
527 @ indicates a buffer-local mapping
528
529Everything from the first non-blank after {lhs} up to the end of the line
530(or '|') is considered to be part of {rhs}. This allows the {rhs} to end
531with a space.
532
533Note: When using mappings for Visual mode, you can use the "'<" mark, which
534is the start of the last selected Visual area in the current buffer |'<|.
535
Bram Moolenaar818078d2016-08-27 21:58:42 +0200536The |:filter| command can be used to select what mappings to list. The
537pattern is matched against the {lhs} and {rhs} in the raw form.
538
Bram Moolenaarae5bce12005-08-15 21:41:48 +0000539 *:map-verbose*
540When 'verbose' is non-zero, listing a key map will also display where it was
541last defined. Example: >
542
543 :verbose map <C-W>*
544 n <C-W>* * <C-W><C-S>*
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +0000545 Last set from /home/abcd/.vimrc
Bram Moolenaarae5bce12005-08-15 21:41:48 +0000546
Bram Moolenaar5195e452005-08-19 20:32:47 +0000547See |:verbose-cmd| for more information.
Bram Moolenaarae5bce12005-08-15 21:41:48 +0000548
Bram Moolenaar5b962cf2005-12-12 21:58:40 +0000549
5501.5 MAPPING SPECIAL KEYS *:map-special-keys*
551
552There are three ways to map a special key:
5531. The Vi-compatible method: Map the key code. Often this is a sequence that
554 starts with <Esc>. To enter a mapping like this you type ":map " and then
555 you have to type CTRL-V before hitting the function key. Note that when
556 the key code for the key is in the termcap (the t_ options), it will
557 automatically be translated into the internal code and become the second
558 way of mapping (unless the 'k' flag is included in 'cpoptions').
5592. The second method is to use the internal code for the function key. To
560 enter such a mapping type CTRL-K and then hit the function key, or use
561 the form "#1", "#2", .. "#9", "#0", "<Up>", "<S-Down>", "<S-F7>", etc.
562 (see table of keys |key-notation|, all keys from <Up> can be used). The
563 first ten function keys can be defined in two ways: Just the number, like
564 "#2", and with "<F>", like "<F2>". Both stand for function key 2. "#0"
565 refers to function key 10, defined with option 't_f10', which may be
566 function key zero on some keyboards. The <> form cannot be used when
567 'cpoptions' includes the '<' flag.
5683. Use the termcap entry, with the form <t_xx>, where "xx" is the name of the
569 termcap entry. Any string entry can be used. For example: >
570 :map <t_F3> G
571< Maps function key 13 to "G". This does not work if 'cpoptions' includes
572 the '<' flag.
573
574The advantage of the second and third method is that the mapping will work on
575different terminals without modification (the function key will be
576translated into the same internal code or the actual key code, no matter what
577terminal you are using. The termcap must be correct for this to work, and you
578must use the same mappings).
579
580DETAIL: Vim first checks if a sequence from the keyboard is mapped. If it
581isn't the terminal key codes are tried (see |terminal-options|). If a
582terminal code is found it is replaced with the internal code. Then the check
583for a mapping is done again (so you can map an internal code to something
584else). What is written into the script file depends on what is recognized.
585If the terminal key code was recognized as a mapping the key code itself is
586written to the script file. If it was recognized as a terminal code the
587internal code is written to the script file.
588
589
5901.6 SPECIAL CHARACTERS *:map-special-chars*
Bram Moolenaar345efa02016-01-15 20:57:49 +0100591 *map_backslash* *map-backslash*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000592Note that only CTRL-V is mentioned here as a special character for mappings
593and abbreviations. When 'cpoptions' does not contain 'B', a backslash can
594also be used like CTRL-V. The <> notation can be fully used then |<>|. But
595you cannot use "<C-V>" like CTRL-V to escape the special meaning of what
596follows.
597
598To map a backslash, or use a backslash literally in the {rhs}, the special
599sequence "<Bslash>" can be used. This avoids the need to double backslashes
600when using nested mappings.
601
Bram Moolenaar345efa02016-01-15 20:57:49 +0100602 *map_CTRL-C* *map-CTRL-C*
Bram Moolenaar1e015462005-09-25 22:16:38 +0000603Using CTRL-C in the {lhs} is possible, but it will only work when Vim is
604waiting for a key, not when Vim is busy with something. When Vim is busy
605CTRL-C interrupts/breaks the command.
606When using the GUI version on MS-Windows CTRL-C can be mapped to allow a Copy
607command to the clipboard. Use CTRL-Break to interrupt Vim.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000608
Bram Moolenaar345efa02016-01-15 20:57:49 +0100609 *map_space_in_lhs* *map-space_in_lhs*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000610To include a space in {lhs} precede it with a CTRL-V (type two CTRL-Vs for
611each space).
Bram Moolenaar345efa02016-01-15 20:57:49 +0100612 *map_space_in_rhs* *map-space_in_rhs*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000613If you want a {rhs} that starts with a space, use "<Space>". To be fully Vi
614compatible (but unreadable) don't use the |<>| notation, precede {rhs} with a
615single CTRL-V (you have to type CTRL-V two times).
Bram Moolenaar345efa02016-01-15 20:57:49 +0100616 *map_empty_rhs* *map-empty-rhs*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000617You can create an empty {rhs} by typing nothing after a single CTRL-V (you
618have to type CTRL-V two times). Unfortunately, you cannot do this in a vimrc
619file.
620 *<Nop>*
Bram Moolenaar446beb42011-05-10 17:18:44 +0200621An easier way to get a mapping that doesn't produce anything, is to use
622"<Nop>" for the {rhs}. This only works when the |<>| notation is enabled.
623For example, to make sure that function key 8 does nothing at all: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000624 :map <F8> <Nop>
625 :map! <F8> <Nop>
626<
Bram Moolenaar5b962cf2005-12-12 21:58:40 +0000627 *map-multibyte*
628It is possible to map multibyte characters, but only the whole character. You
629cannot map the first byte only. This was done to prevent problems in this
630scenario: >
631 :set encoding=latin1
632 :imap <M-C> foo
633 :set encoding=utf-8
634The mapping for <M-C> is defined with the latin1 encoding, resulting in a 0xc3
Bram Moolenaar85eee132018-05-06 17:57:30 +0200635byte. If you type the character á (0xe1 <M-a>) in UTF-8 encoding this is the
Bram Moolenaar446beb42011-05-10 17:18:44 +0200636two bytes 0xc3 0xa1. You don't want the 0xc3 byte to be mapped then or
Bram Moolenaar85eee132018-05-06 17:57:30 +0200637otherwise it would be impossible to type the á character.
Bram Moolenaar5b962cf2005-12-12 21:58:40 +0000638
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000639 *<Leader>* *mapleader*
640To define a mapping which uses the "mapleader" variable, the special string
641"<Leader>" can be used. It is replaced with the string value of "mapleader".
642If "mapleader" is not set or empty, a backslash is used instead. Example: >
643 :map <Leader>A oanother line<Esc>
644Works like: >
645 :map \A oanother line<Esc>
646But after: >
647 :let mapleader = ","
648It works like: >
649 :map ,A oanother line<Esc>
650
651Note that the value of "mapleader" is used at the moment the mapping is
652defined. Changing "mapleader" after that has no effect for already defined
653mappings.
654
655 *<LocalLeader>* *maplocalleader*
Bram Moolenaara7241f52008-06-24 20:39:31 +0000656<LocalLeader> is just like <Leader>, except that it uses "maplocalleader"
657instead of "mapleader". <LocalLeader> is to be used for mappings which are
658local to a buffer. Example: >
Bram Moolenaarb8ff1fb2012-02-04 21:59:01 +0100659 :map <buffer> <LocalLeader>A oanother line<Esc>
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000660<
661In a global plugin <Leader> should be used and in a filetype plugin
662<LocalLeader>. "mapleader" and "maplocalleader" can be equal. Although, if
663you make them different, there is a smaller chance of mappings from global
664plugins to clash with mappings for filetype plugins. For example, you could
665keep "mapleader" at the default backslash, and set "maplocalleader" to an
666underscore.
667
668 *map-<SID>*
669In a script the special key name "<SID>" can be used to define a mapping
670that's local to the script. See |<SID>| for details.
671
672 *<Plug>*
673The special key name "<Plug>" can be used for an internal mapping, which is
674not to be matched with any key sequence. This is useful in plugins
675|using-<Plug>|.
676
677 *<Char>* *<Char->*
678To map a character by its decimal, octal or hexadecimal number the <Char>
679construct can be used:
680 <Char-123> character 123
681 <Char-033> character 27
682 <Char-0x7f> character 127
Bram Moolenaar5302d9e2011-09-14 17:55:08 +0200683 <S-Char-114> character 114 ('r') shifted ('R')
Bram Moolenaar207f0092020-08-30 17:20:20 +0200684This is useful to specify a (multibyte) character in a 'keymap' file.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000685Upper and lowercase differences are ignored.
686
687 *map-comments*
688It is not possible to put a comment after these commands, because the '"'
Bram Moolenaar036986f2017-03-16 17:41:02 +0100689character is considered to be part of the {lhs} or {rhs}. However, one can
690use |", since this starts a new, empty command with a comment.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000691
Bram Moolenaar345efa02016-01-15 20:57:49 +0100692 *map_bar* *map-bar*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000693Since the '|' character is used to separate a map command from the next
694command, you will have to do something special to include a '|' in {rhs}.
695There are three methods:
696 use works when example ~
697 <Bar> '<' is not in 'cpoptions' :map _l :!ls <Bar> more^M
698 \| 'b' is not in 'cpoptions' :map _l :!ls \| more^M
699 ^V| always, in Vim and Vi :map _l :!ls ^V| more^M
700
701(here ^V stands for CTRL-V; to get one CTRL-V you have to type it twice; you
702cannot use the <> notation "<C-V>" here).
703
704All three work when you use the default setting for 'cpoptions'.
705
706When 'b' is present in 'cpoptions', "\|" will be recognized as a mapping
707ending in a '\' and then another command. This is Vi compatible, but
708illogical when compared to other commands.
709
Bram Moolenaar345efa02016-01-15 20:57:49 +0100710 *map_return* *map-return*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000711When you have a mapping that contains an Ex command, you need to put a line
712terminator after it to have it executed. The use of <CR> is recommended for
713this (see |<>|). Example: >
Bram Moolenaar251835e2014-02-24 02:51:51 +0100714 :map _ls :!ls -l %:S<CR>:echo "the end"<CR>
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000715
716To avoid mapping of the characters you type in insert or Command-line mode,
717type a CTRL-V first. The mapping in Insert mode is disabled if the 'paste'
718option is on.
Bram Moolenaare2db6952013-07-24 19:53:36 +0200719 *map-error*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000720Note that when an error is encountered (that causes an error message or beep)
721the rest of the mapping is not executed. This is Vi-compatible.
722
723Note that the second character (argument) of the commands @zZtTfF[]rm'`"v
724and CTRL-X is not mapped. This was done to be able to use all the named
725registers and marks, even when the command with the same name has been
726mapped.
727
Bram Moolenaar5b962cf2005-12-12 21:58:40 +0000728
7291.7 WHAT KEYS TO MAP *map-which-keys*
730
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000731If you are going to map something, you will need to choose which key(s) to use
732for the {lhs}. You will have to avoid keys that are used for Vim commands,
733otherwise you would not be able to use those commands anymore. Here are a few
734suggestions:
735- Function keys <F2>, <F3>, etc.. Also the shifted function keys <S-F1>,
736 <S-F2>, etc. Note that <F1> is already used for the help command.
Bram Moolenaarf91787c2010-07-17 12:47:16 +0200737- Meta-keys (with the ALT key pressed). Depending on your keyboard accented
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +0100738 characters may be used as well. |:map-alt-keys|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000739- Use the '_' or ',' character and then any other character. The "_" and ","
740 commands do exist in Vim (see |_| and |,|), but you probably never use them.
741- Use a key that is a synonym for another command. For example: CTRL-P and
742 CTRL-N. Use an extra character to allow more mappings.
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +0100743- The key defined by <Leader> and one or more other keys. This is especially
744 useful in scripts. |mapleader|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000745
746See the file "index" for keys that are not used and thus can be mapped without
747losing any builtin function. You can also use ":help {key}^D" to find out if
748a key is used for some command. ({key} is the specific key you want to find
749out about, ^D is CTRL-D).
750
Bram Moolenaar5b962cf2005-12-12 21:58:40 +0000751
7521.8 EXAMPLES *map-examples*
753
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000754A few examples (given as you type them, for "<CR>" you type four characters;
755the '<' flag must not be present in 'cpoptions' for this to work). >
756
757 :map <F3> o#include
758 :map <M-g> /foo<CR>cwbar<Esc>
759 :map _x d/END/e<CR>
760 :map! qq quadrillion questions
Bram Moolenaar5c5b0942007-05-06 12:07:59 +0000761
762
763Multiplying a count
764
765When you type a count before triggering a mapping, it's like the count was
766typed before the {lhs}. For example, with this mapping: >
767 :map <F4> 3w
768Typing 2<F4> will result in "23w". Thus not moving 2 * 3 words but 23 words.
769If you want to multiply counts use the expression register: >
770 :map <F4> @='3w'<CR>
771The part between quotes is the expression being executed. |@=|
772
Bram Moolenaar5b962cf2005-12-12 21:58:40 +0000773
7741.9 USING MAPPINGS *map-typing*
775
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000776Vim will compare what you type with the start of a mapped sequence. If there
777is an incomplete match, it will get more characters until there either is a
778complete match or until there is no match at all. Example: If you map! "qq",
779the first 'q' will not appear on the screen until you type another
780character. This is because Vim cannot know if the next character will be a
781'q' or not. If the 'timeout' option is on (which is the default) Vim will
782only wait for one second (or as long as specified with the 'timeoutlen'
783option). After that it assumes that the 'q' is to be interpreted as such. If
784you type slowly, or your system is slow, reset the 'timeout' option. Then you
785might want to set the 'ttimeout' option.
786
Bram Moolenaar37c64c72017-09-19 22:06:03 +0200787 *map-precedence*
Bram Moolenaarec7944a2013-06-12 21:29:15 +0200788Buffer-local mappings (defined using |:map-<buffer>|) take precedence over
789global mappings. When a buffer-local mapping is the same as a global mapping,
790Vim will use the buffer-local mapping. In addition, Vim will use a complete
Bram Moolenaar14b69452013-06-29 23:05:20 +0200791mapping immediately if it was defined with <nowait>, even if a longer mapping
792has the same prefix. For example, given the following two mappings: >
793 :map <buffer> <nowait> \a :echo "Local \a"<CR>
794 :map \abc :echo "Global \abc"<CR>
795When typing \a the buffer-local mapping will be used immediately. Vim will
796not wait for more characters to see if the user might be typing \abc.
Bram Moolenaarec7944a2013-06-12 21:29:15 +0200797
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000798 *map-keys-fails*
Bram Moolenaarcdbac1e2005-12-11 21:27:22 +0000799There are situations where key codes might not be recognized:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000800- Vim can only read part of the key code. Mostly this is only the first
801 character. This happens on some Unix versions in an xterm.
802- The key code is after character(s) that are mapped. E.g., "<F1><F1>" or
803 "g<F1>".
Bram Moolenaarcdbac1e2005-12-11 21:27:22 +0000804
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000805The result is that the key code is not recognized in this situation, and the
Bram Moolenaarcdbac1e2005-12-11 21:27:22 +0000806mapping fails. There are two actions needed to avoid this problem:
807
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000808- Remove the 'K' flag from 'cpoptions'. This will make Vim wait for the rest
809 of the characters of the function key.
810- When using <F1> to <F4> the actual key code generated may correspond to
811 <xF1> to <xF4>. There are mappings from <xF1> to <F1>, <xF2> to <F2>, etc.,
812 but these are not recognized after another half a mapping. Make sure the
813 key codes for <F1> to <F4> are correct: >
814 :set <F1>=<type CTRL-V><type F1>
815< Type the <F1> as four characters. The part after the "=" must be done with
816 the actual keys, not the literal text.
817Another solution is to use the actual key code in the mapping for the second
818special key: >
819 :map <F1><Esc>OP :echo "yes"<CR>
820Don't type a real <Esc>, Vim will recognize the key code and replace it with
821<F1> anyway.
822
Bram Moolenaarcdbac1e2005-12-11 21:27:22 +0000823Another problem may be that when keeping ALT or Meta pressed the terminal
824prepends ESC instead of setting the 8th bit. See |:map-alt-keys|.
825
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000826 *recursive_mapping*
827If you include the {lhs} in the {rhs} you have a recursive mapping. When
828{lhs} is typed, it will be replaced with {rhs}. When the {lhs} which is
829included in {rhs} is encountered it will be replaced with {rhs}, and so on.
830This makes it possible to repeat a command an infinite number of times. The
831only problem is that the only way to stop this is by causing an error. The
832macros to solve a maze uses this, look there for an example. There is one
833exception: If the {rhs} starts with {lhs}, the first character is not mapped
834again (this is Vi compatible).
835For example: >
836 :map ab abcd
837will execute the "a" command and insert "bcd" in the text. The "ab" in the
838{rhs} will not be mapped again.
839
840If you want to exchange the meaning of two keys you should use the :noremap
841command. For example: >
842 :noremap k j
843 :noremap j k
844This will exchange the cursor up and down commands.
845
846With the normal :map command, when the 'remap' option is on, mapping takes
847place until the text is found not to be a part of a {lhs}. For example, if
848you use: >
849 :map x y
850 :map y x
851Vim will replace x with y, and then y with x, etc. When this has happened
852'maxmapdepth' times (default 1000), Vim will give the error message
853"recursive mapping".
854
855 *:map-undo*
856If you include an undo command inside a mapped sequence, this will bring the
857text back in the state before executing the macro. This is compatible with
858the original Vi, as long as there is only one undo command in the mapped
859sequence (having two undo commands in a mapped sequence did not make sense
860in the original Vi, you would get back the text before the first undo).
861
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000862
Bram Moolenaar5b962cf2005-12-12 21:58:40 +00008631.10 MAPPING ALT-KEYS *:map-alt-keys*
Bram Moolenaarcdbac1e2005-12-11 21:27:22 +0000864
865In the GUI Vim handles the Alt key itself, thus mapping keys with ALT should
866always work. But in a terminal Vim gets a sequence of bytes and has to figure
867out whether ALT was pressed or not.
868
Bram Moolenaar4b570182019-10-20 19:53:22 +0200869If the terminal supports the modifyOtherKeys mode and it has been enabled,
870then Vim can recognize more key combinations, see |modifyOtherKeys| below.
871
Bram Moolenaarcdbac1e2005-12-11 21:27:22 +0000872By default Vim assumes that pressing the ALT key sets the 8th bit of a typed
Bram Moolenaar97d29a12005-12-17 22:02:57 +0000873character. Most decent terminals can work that way, such as xterm, aterm and
Bram Moolenaarcdbac1e2005-12-11 21:27:22 +0000874rxvt. If your <A-k> mappings don't work it might be that the terminal is
875prefixing the character with an ESC character. But you can just as well type
876ESC before a character, thus Vim doesn't know what happened (except for
877checking the delay between characters, which is not reliable).
878
879As of this writing, some mainstream terminals like gnome-terminal and konsole
880use the ESC prefix. There doesn't appear a way to have them use the 8th bit
Bram Moolenaar97d29a12005-12-17 22:02:57 +0000881instead. Xterm should work well by default. Aterm and rxvt should work well
882when started with the "--meta8" argument. You can also tweak resources like
883"metaSendsEscape", "eightBitInput" and "eightBitOutput".
Bram Moolenaarcdbac1e2005-12-11 21:27:22 +0000884
885On the Linux console, this behavior can be toggled with the "setmetamode"
886command. Bear in mind that not using an ESC prefix could get you in trouble
887with other programs. You should make sure that bash has the "convert-meta"
888option set to "on" in order for your Meta keybindings to still work on it
889(it's the default readline behavior, unless changed by specific system
890configuration). For that, you can add the line: >
891
892 set convert-meta on
893
894to your ~/.inputrc file. If you're creating the file, you might want to use: >
895
896 $include /etc/inputrc
897
898as the first line, if that file exists on your system, to keep global options.
899This may cause a problem for entering special characters, such as the umlaut.
900Then you should use CTRL-V before that character.
901
902Bear in mind that convert-meta has been reported to have troubles when used in
903UTF-8 locales. On terminals like xterm, the "metaSendsEscape" resource can be
904toggled on the fly through the "Main Options" menu, by pressing Ctrl-LeftClick
905on the terminal; that's a good last resource in case you want to send ESC when
Bram Moolenaar6aa8cea2017-06-05 14:44:35 +0200906using other applications but not when inside Vim.
Bram Moolenaarcdbac1e2005-12-11 21:27:22 +0000907
Bram Moolenaar5b962cf2005-12-12 21:58:40 +0000908
Bram Moolenaar4b570182019-10-20 19:53:22 +02009091.11 MAPPING IN modifyOtherKeys mode *modifyOtherKeys*
910
911Xterm and a few other terminals can be put in a mode where keys with modifiers
912are sent with a special escape code. Vim recognizes these codes and can then
913make a difference between CTRL-H and Backspace, even when Backspace sends the
914character 8. And many more special keys.
915
916For xterm modifyOtherKeys is enabled in the builtin termcap entry. If this is
917not used you can enable modifyOtherKeys with these lines in your vimrc: >
918 let &t_TI = "\<Esc>[>4;2m"
919 let &t_TE = "\<Esc>[>4;m"
920
921In case the modifyOtherKeys mode causes problems you can disable it: >
922 let &t_TI = ""
923 let &t_TE = ""
924It does not take effect immediately. To have this work without restarting Vim
Bram Moolenaar5ef1c6a2019-11-10 22:09:11 +0100925execute a shell command, e.g.: `!ls` Or put the lines in your |vimrc|.
926
927When modifyOtherKeys is enabled you can map <C-[> and <C-S-{>: >
928 imap <C-[> [[[
Bram Moolenaar9a033d72020-10-07 17:29:48 +0200929 imap <C-{> {{{
930Without modifyOtherKeys <C-[> and <C-{> are indistinguishable from Esc.
931Note that <C-{> is used and not <C-S-[> or <C-S-{>. This works on most
932keyboards. Similarly, <C-}> is used instead of <C-S-]> or <C-S-}> and
933<C-|> instead of <C-S-\> or <C-S-|>. Note that '|' has a special meaning in a
934mapping, see |map-bar|.
935
936WARNING: if you map <C-[> you may very well break any key codes that start
937with Esc. Make sure it comes AFTER other mappings.
Bram Moolenaar4b570182019-10-20 19:53:22 +0200938
Bram Moolenaar2547aa92020-07-26 17:00:44 +0200939A known side effect is that in Insert mode the raw escape sequence is inserted
940after the CTRL-V key. This can be used to check whether modifyOtherKeys is
941enabled: In Insert mode type CTRL-SHIFT-V CTRL-V, if you get one byte then
942modifyOtherKeys is off, if you get <1b>27;5;118~ then it is on.
Bram Moolenaar4b570182019-10-20 19:53:22 +0200943
Bram Moolenaar5ef1c6a2019-11-10 22:09:11 +0100944When the 'esckeys' option is off, then modifyOtherKeys will be disabled in
945Insert mode to avoid every key with a modifier causing Insert mode to end.
946
Bram Moolenaar4b570182019-10-20 19:53:22 +0200947
9481.12 MAPPING AN OPERATOR *:map-operator*
Bram Moolenaar5b962cf2005-12-12 21:58:40 +0000949
950An operator is used before a {motion} command. To define your own operator
Bram Moolenaar1b884a02020-12-10 21:11:27 +0100951you must create a mapping that first sets the 'operatorfunc' option and then
Bram Moolenaar5b962cf2005-12-12 21:58:40 +0000952invoke the |g@| operator. After the user types the {motion} command the
953specified function will be called.
954
Bram Moolenaara40ceaf2006-01-13 22:35:40 +0000955 *g@* *E774* *E775*
Bram Moolenaar5b962cf2005-12-12 21:58:40 +0000956g@{motion} Call the function set by the 'operatorfunc' option.
957 The '[ mark is positioned at the start of the text
958 moved over by {motion}, the '] mark on the last
959 character of the text.
960 The function is called with one String argument:
961 "line" {motion} was |linewise|
962 "char" {motion} was |characterwise|
Bram Moolenaarf91787c2010-07-17 12:47:16 +0200963 "block" {motion} was |blockwise-visual|
Bram Moolenaarfa3b7232021-12-24 13:18:38 +0000964 The type can be forced, see |forced-motion|.
Bram Moolenaardb84e452010-08-15 13:50:43 +0200965 {not available when compiled without the |+eval|
Bram Moolenaar5b962cf2005-12-12 21:58:40 +0000966 feature}
967
968Here is an example that counts the number of spaces with <F4>: >
969
Bram Moolenaar1c6737b2020-09-07 22:18:52 +0200970 nnoremap <expr> <F4> CountSpaces()
971 xnoremap <expr> <F4> CountSpaces()
972 " doubling <F4> works on a line
973 nnoremap <expr> <F4><F4> CountSpaces() .. '_'
Bram Moolenaar5b962cf2005-12-12 21:58:40 +0000974
Bram Moolenaarfa3b7232021-12-24 13:18:38 +0000975 function CountSpaces(context = {}, type = '') abort
Bram Moolenaar1c6737b2020-09-07 22:18:52 +0200976 if a:type == ''
Bram Moolenaarfa3b7232021-12-24 13:18:38 +0000977 let context = #{
978 \ dot_command: v:false,
979 \ extend_block: '',
980 \ virtualedit: [&l:virtualedit, &g:virtualedit],
981 \ }
982 let &operatorfunc = function('CountSpaces', [context])
Bram Moolenaar0e6adf82021-12-16 14:41:10 +0000983 set virtualedit=block
Bram Moolenaar1c6737b2020-09-07 22:18:52 +0200984 return 'g@'
Bram Moolenaar0e6adf82021-12-16 14:41:10 +0000985 endif
Bram Moolenaar1c6737b2020-09-07 22:18:52 +0200986
Bram Moolenaarfa3b7232021-12-24 13:18:38 +0000987 let save = #{
988 \ clipboard: &clipboard,
989 \ selection: &selection,
990 \ virtualedit: [&l:virtualedit, &g:virtualedit],
991 \ register: getreginfo('"'),
992 \ visual_marks: [getpos("'<"), getpos("'>")],
993 \ }
Bram Moolenaar5b962cf2005-12-12 21:58:40 +0000994
Bram Moolenaar1c6737b2020-09-07 22:18:52 +0200995 try
Bram Moolenaar0e6adf82021-12-16 14:41:10 +0000996 set clipboard= selection=inclusive virtualedit=
Bram Moolenaarfa3b7232021-12-24 13:18:38 +0000997 let commands = #{
998 \ line: "'[V']",
999 \ char: "`[v`]",
1000 \ block: "`[\<C-V>`]",
1001 \ }[a:type]
1002 let [_, _, col, off] = getpos("']")
1003 if off != 0
1004 let vcol = getline("'[")->strpart(0, col + off)->strdisplaywidth()
1005 if vcol >= [line("'["), '$']->virtcol() - 1
1006 let a:context.extend_block = '$'
1007 else
1008 let a:context.extend_block = vcol .. '|'
1009 endif
1010 endif
1011 if a:context.extend_block != ''
1012 let commands ..= 'oO' .. a:context.extend_block
Bram Moolenaar0e6adf82021-12-16 14:41:10 +00001013 endif
1014 let commands ..= 'y'
1015 execute 'silent noautocmd keepjumps normal! ' .. commands
1016 echomsg getreg('"')->count(' ')
Bram Moolenaar1c6737b2020-09-07 22:18:52 +02001017 finally
Bram Moolenaarfa3b7232021-12-24 13:18:38 +00001018 call setreg('"', save.register)
1019 call setpos("'<", save.visual_marks[0])
1020 call setpos("'>", save.visual_marks[1])
1021 let &clipboard = save.clipboard
1022 let &selection = save.selection
1023 let [&l:virtualedit, &g:virtualedit] = get(a:context.dot_command ? save : a:context, 'virtualedit')
1024 let a:context.dot_command = v:true
Bram Moolenaar1c6737b2020-09-07 22:18:52 +02001025 endtry
Bram Moolenaar5b962cf2005-12-12 21:58:40 +00001026 endfunction
1027
Bram Moolenaar1c6737b2020-09-07 22:18:52 +02001028An <expr> mapping is used to be able to fetch any prefixed count and register.
1029This also avoids using a command line, which would trigger CmdlineEnter and
1030CmdlineLeave autocommands.
1031
Bram Moolenaar5b962cf2005-12-12 21:58:40 +00001032Note that the 'selection' option is temporarily set to "inclusive" to be able
1033to yank exactly the right text by using Visual mode from the '[ to the ']
1034mark.
1035
Bram Moolenaar1c6737b2020-09-07 22:18:52 +02001036Also note that the 'clipboard' option is temporarily emptied to avoid
1037clobbering the `"*` or `"+` registers, if its value contains the item `unnamed`
1038or `unnamedplus`.
Bram Moolenaar5b962cf2005-12-12 21:58:40 +00001039
Bram Moolenaar079ba762021-10-23 12:08:41 +01001040The `mode()` function will return the state as it will be after applying the
1041operator.
1042
Yegappan Lakshmanan777175b2021-11-18 22:08:57 +00001043Here is an example for using a lambda function to create a normal-mode
1044operator to add quotes around text in the current line: >
1045
1046 nnoremap <F4> <Cmd>let &opfunc='{t ->
1047 \ getline(".")
1048 \ ->split("\\zs")
1049 \ ->insert("\"", col("'']"))
1050 \ ->insert("\"", col("''[") - 1)
1051 \ ->join("")
1052 \ ->setline(".")}'<CR>g@
1053
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001054==============================================================================
10552. Abbreviations *abbreviations* *Abbreviations*
1056
1057Abbreviations are used in Insert mode, Replace mode and Command-line mode.
1058If you enter a word that is an abbreviation, it is replaced with the word it
1059stands for. This can be used to save typing for often used long words. And
1060you can use it to automatically correct obvious spelling errors.
1061Examples:
1062
Bram Moolenaarc1762cc2007-05-10 16:56:30 +00001063 :iab ms Microsoft
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001064 :iab tihs this
1065
1066There are three types of abbreviations:
1067
1068full-id The "full-id" type consists entirely of keyword characters (letters
1069 and characters from 'iskeyword' option). This is the most common
1070 abbreviation.
1071
1072 Examples: "foo", "g3", "-1"
1073
1074end-id The "end-id" type ends in a keyword character, but all the other
1075 characters are not keyword characters.
1076
1077 Examples: "#i", "..f", "$/7"
1078
1079non-id The "non-id" type ends in a non-keyword character, the other
Bram Moolenaar34162142007-05-12 13:12:19 +00001080 characters may be of any type, excluding space and tab. {this type
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001081 is not supported by Vi}
1082
1083 Examples: "def#", "4/7$"
1084
1085Examples of strings that cannot be abbreviations: "a.b", "#def", "a b", "_$r"
1086
1087An abbreviation is only recognized when you type a non-keyword character.
1088This can also be the <Esc> that ends insert mode or the <CR> that ends a
1089command. The non-keyword character which ends the abbreviation is inserted
1090after the expanded abbreviation. An exception to this is the character <C-]>,
1091which is used to expand an abbreviation without inserting any extra
1092characters.
1093
1094Example: >
1095 :ab hh hello
1096< "hh<Space>" is expanded to "hello<Space>"
1097 "hh<C-]>" is expanded to "hello"
1098
1099The characters before the cursor must match the abbreviation. Each type has
1100an additional rule:
1101
1102full-id In front of the match is a non-keyword character, or this is where
1103 the line or insertion starts. Exception: When the abbreviation is
1104 only one character, it is not recognized if there is a non-keyword
Bram Moolenaareb3dc872018-05-13 22:34:24 +02001105 character in front of it, other than a space or a tab. However, for
1106 the command line "'<,'>" (or any other marks) is ignored, as if the
1107 command line starts after it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001108
Bram Moolenaar34162142007-05-12 13:12:19 +00001109end-id In front of the match is a keyword character, or a space or a tab,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001110 or this is where the line or insertion starts.
1111
Bram Moolenaar34162142007-05-12 13:12:19 +00001112non-id In front of the match is a space, tab or the start of the line or
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001113 the insertion.
1114
1115Examples: ({CURSOR} is where you type a non-keyword character) >
1116 :ab foo four old otters
1117< " foo{CURSOR}" is expanded to " four old otters"
1118 " foobar{CURSOR}" is not expanded
1119 "barfoo{CURSOR}" is not expanded
1120>
1121 :ab #i #include
1122< "#i{CURSOR}" is expanded to "#include"
1123 ">#i{CURSOR}" is not expanded
1124>
Bram Moolenaar81695252004-12-29 20:58:21 +00001125 :ab ;; <endofline>
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001126< "test;;" is not expanded
1127 "test ;;" is expanded to "test <endofline>"
1128
Bram Moolenaar7d76c802014-10-15 22:51:52 +02001129To avoid the abbreviation in Insert mode: Type CTRL-V before the character
1130that would trigger the abbreviation. E.g. CTRL-V <Space>. Or type part of
1131the abbreviation, exit insert mode with <Esc>, re-enter insert mode with "a"
1132and type the rest.
1133
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001134To avoid the abbreviation in Command-line mode: Type CTRL-V twice somewhere in
1135the abbreviation to avoid it to be replaced. A CTRL-V in front of a normal
1136character is mostly ignored otherwise.
1137
1138It is possible to move the cursor after an abbreviation: >
1139 :iab if if ()<Left>
1140This does not work if 'cpoptions' includes the '<' flag. |<>|
1141
1142You can even do more complicated things. For example, to consume the space
1143typed after an abbreviation: >
1144 func Eatchar(pat)
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001145 let c = nr2char(getchar(0))
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001146 return (c =~ a:pat) ? '' : c
1147 endfunc
1148 iabbr <silent> if if ()<Left><C-R>=Eatchar('\s')<CR>
1149
1150There are no default abbreviations.
1151
1152Abbreviations are never recursive. You can use ":ab f f-o-o" without any
1153problem. But abbreviations can be mapped. {some versions of Vi support
1154recursive abbreviations, for no apparent reason}
1155
1156Abbreviations are disabled if the 'paste' option is on.
1157
1158 *:abbreviate-local* *:abbreviate-<buffer>*
1159Just like mappings, abbreviations can be local to a buffer. This is mostly
1160used in a |filetype-plugin| file. Example for a C plugin file: >
1161 :abb <buffer> FF for (i = 0; i < ; ++i)
1162<
1163 *:ab* *:abbreviate*
1164:ab[breviate] list all abbreviations. The character in the first
1165 column indicates the mode where the abbreviation is
1166 used: 'i' for insert mode, 'c' for Command-line
1167 mode, '!' for both. These are the same as for
1168 mappings, see |map-listing|.
1169
Bram Moolenaare344bea2005-09-01 20:46:49 +00001170 *:abbreviate-verbose*
1171When 'verbose' is non-zero, listing an abbreviation will also display where it
1172was last defined. Example: >
1173
1174 :verbose abbreviate
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00001175 ! teh the
Bram Moolenaare344bea2005-09-01 20:46:49 +00001176 Last set from /home/abcd/vim/abbr.vim
1177
1178See |:verbose-cmd| for more information.
1179
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001180:ab[breviate] {lhs} list the abbreviations that start with {lhs}
1181 You may need to insert a CTRL-V (type it twice) to
1182 avoid that a typed {lhs} is expanded, since
1183 command-line abbreviations apply here.
1184
Bram Moolenaar251e1912011-06-19 05:09:16 +02001185:ab[breviate] [<expr>] [<buffer>] {lhs} {rhs}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001186 add abbreviation for {lhs} to {rhs}. If {lhs} already
1187 existed it is replaced with the new {rhs}. {rhs} may
1188 contain spaces.
Bram Moolenaarfc1421e2006-04-20 22:17:20 +00001189 See |:map-<expr>| for the optional <expr> argument.
Bram Moolenaar251e1912011-06-19 05:09:16 +02001190 See |:map-<buffer>| for the optional <buffer> argument.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001191
1192 *:una* *:unabbreviate*
Bram Moolenaar95a9dd12019-12-19 22:12:03 +01001193:una[bbreviate] [<buffer>] {lhs}
1194 Remove abbreviation for {lhs} from the list. If none
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001195 is found, remove abbreviations in which {lhs} matches
1196 with the {rhs}. This is done so that you can even
1197 remove abbreviations after expansion. To avoid
1198 expansion insert a CTRL-V (type it twice).
1199
1200 *:norea* *:noreabbrev*
Bram Moolenaar251e1912011-06-19 05:09:16 +02001201:norea[bbrev] [<expr>] [<buffer>] [lhs] [rhs]
Bram Moolenaar25c9c682019-05-05 18:13:34 +02001202 Same as ":ab", but no remapping for this {rhs}.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001203
Bram Moolenaar61da1bf2019-06-06 12:14:49 +02001204 *:ca* *:cab* *:cabbrev*
Bram Moolenaar251e1912011-06-19 05:09:16 +02001205:ca[bbrev] [<expr>] [<buffer>] [lhs] [rhs]
Bram Moolenaar25c9c682019-05-05 18:13:34 +02001206 Same as ":ab", but for Command-line mode only.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001207
1208 *:cuna* *:cunabbrev*
Bram Moolenaar95a9dd12019-12-19 22:12:03 +01001209:cuna[bbrev] [<buffer>] {lhs}
1210 Same as ":una", but for Command-line mode only.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001211
1212 *:cnorea* *:cnoreabbrev*
Bram Moolenaar251e1912011-06-19 05:09:16 +02001213:cnorea[bbrev] [<expr>] [<buffer>] [lhs] [rhs]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001214 same as ":ab", but for Command-line mode only and no
Bram Moolenaar25c9c682019-05-05 18:13:34 +02001215 remapping for this {rhs}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001216
1217 *:ia* *:iabbrev*
Bram Moolenaar251e1912011-06-19 05:09:16 +02001218:ia[bbrev] [<expr>] [<buffer>] [lhs] [rhs]
Bram Moolenaar25c9c682019-05-05 18:13:34 +02001219 Same as ":ab", but for Insert mode only.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001220
1221 *:iuna* *:iunabbrev*
Bram Moolenaar95a9dd12019-12-19 22:12:03 +01001222:iuna[bbrev] [<buffer>] {lhs}
1223 Same as ":una", but for insert mode only.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001224
1225 *:inorea* *:inoreabbrev*
Bram Moolenaar251e1912011-06-19 05:09:16 +02001226:inorea[bbrev] [<expr>] [<buffer>] [lhs] [rhs]
Bram Moolenaar25c9c682019-05-05 18:13:34 +02001227 Same as ":ab", but for Insert mode only and no
1228 remapping for this {rhs}.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001229
1230 *:abc* *:abclear*
Bram Moolenaar25c9c682019-05-05 18:13:34 +02001231:abc[lear] [<buffer>] Remove all abbreviations.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001232
1233 *:iabc* *:iabclear*
Bram Moolenaar25c9c682019-05-05 18:13:34 +02001234:iabc[lear] [<buffer>] Remove all abbreviations for Insert mode.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001235
1236 *:cabc* *:cabclear*
Bram Moolenaar25c9c682019-05-05 18:13:34 +02001237:cabc[lear] [<buffer>] Remove all abbreviations for Command-line mode.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001238
1239 *using_CTRL-V*
1240It is possible to use special characters in the rhs of an abbreviation.
1241CTRL-V has to be used to avoid the special meaning of most non printable
1242characters. How many CTRL-Vs need to be typed depends on how you enter the
1243abbreviation. This also applies to mappings. Let's use an example here.
1244
1245Suppose you want to abbreviate "esc" to enter an <Esc> character. When you
1246type the ":ab" command in Vim, you have to enter this: (here ^V is a CTRL-V
1247and ^[ is <Esc>)
1248
1249You type: ab esc ^V^V^V^V^V^[
1250
1251 All keyboard input is subjected to ^V quote interpretation, so
1252 the first, third, and fifth ^V characters simply allow the second,
1253 and fourth ^Vs, and the ^[, to be entered into the command-line.
1254
1255You see: ab esc ^V^V^[
1256
1257 The command-line contains two actual ^Vs before the ^[. This is
1258 how it should appear in your .exrc file, if you choose to go that
1259 route. The first ^V is there to quote the second ^V; the :ab
1260 command uses ^V as its own quote character, so you can include quoted
Bram Moolenaar81695252004-12-29 20:58:21 +00001261 whitespace or the | character in the abbreviation. The :ab command
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001262 doesn't do anything special with the ^[ character, so it doesn't need
1263 to be quoted. (Although quoting isn't harmful; that's why typing 7
1264 [but not 8!] ^Vs works.)
1265
1266Stored as: esc ^V^[
1267
1268 After parsing, the abbreviation's short form ("esc") and long form
1269 (the two characters "^V^[") are stored in the abbreviation table.
1270 If you give the :ab command with no arguments, this is how the
1271 abbreviation will be displayed.
1272
1273 Later, when the abbreviation is expanded because the user typed in
1274 the word "esc", the long form is subjected to the same type of
1275 ^V interpretation as keyboard input. So the ^V protects the ^[
Bram Moolenaar81695252004-12-29 20:58:21 +00001276 character from being interpreted as the "exit Insert mode" character.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001277 Instead, the ^[ is inserted into the text.
1278
1279Expands to: ^[
1280
1281[example given by Steve Kirkendall]
1282
1283==============================================================================
12843. Local mappings and functions *script-local*
1285
1286When using several Vim script files, there is the danger that mappings and
1287functions used in one script use the same name as in other scripts. To avoid
1288this, they can be made local to the script.
1289
1290 *<SID>* *<SNR>* *E81*
1291The string "<SID>" can be used in a mapping or menu. This requires that the
1292'<' flag is not present in 'cpoptions'.
1293 When executing the map command, Vim will replace "<SID>" with the special
1294key code <SNR>, followed by a number that's unique for the script, and an
1295underscore. Example: >
1296 :map <SID>Add
1297could define a mapping "<SNR>23_Add".
1298
1299When defining a function in a script, "s:" can be prepended to the name to
1300make it local to the script. But when a mapping is executed from outside of
1301the script, it doesn't know in which script the function was defined. To
1302avoid this problem, use "<SID>" instead of "s:". The same translation is done
1303as for mappings. This makes it possible to define a call to the function in
Bram Moolenaar81695252004-12-29 20:58:21 +00001304a mapping.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001305
1306When a local function is executed, it runs in the context of the script it was
1307defined in. This means that new functions and mappings it defines can also
1308use "s:" or "<SID>" and it will use the same unique number as when the
1309function itself was defined. Also, the "s:var" local script variables can be
1310used.
1311
1312When executing an autocommand or a user command, it will run in the context of
1313the script it was defined in. This makes it possible that the command calls a
1314local function or uses a local mapping.
1315
Bram Moolenaar90944302020-08-01 20:45:11 +02001316In case the value is used in a context where <SID> cannot be correctly
1317expanded, use the expand() function: >
1318 let &includexpr = expand('<SID>') .. 'My_includeexpr()'
1319
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001320Otherwise, using "<SID>" outside of a script context is an error.
1321
1322If you need to get the script number to use in a complicated script, you can
Bram Moolenaar4770d092006-01-12 23:22:24 +00001323use this function: >
Bram Moolenaar4466ad62020-11-21 13:16:30 +01001324 func s:ScriptNumber()
1325 return matchstr(expand('<SID>'), '<SNR>\zs\d\+\ze_')
1326 endfunc
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001327
1328The "<SNR>" will be shown when listing functions and mappings. This is useful
1329to find out what they are defined to.
1330
1331The |:scriptnames| command can be used to see which scripts have been sourced
1332and what their <SNR> number is.
1333
Bram Moolenaar25c9c682019-05-05 18:13:34 +02001334This is all {not available when compiled without the |+eval| feature}.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001335
1336==============================================================================
13374. User-defined commands *user-commands*
1338
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00001339It is possible to define your own Ex commands. A user-defined command can act
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001340just like a built-in command (it can have a range or arguments, arguments can
1341be completed as filenames or buffer names, etc), except that when the command
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001342is executed, it is transformed into a normal Ex command and then executed.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001343
1344For starters: See section |40.2| in the user manual.
1345
Bram Moolenaar166af9b2010-11-16 20:34:40 +01001346 *E183* *E841* *user-cmd-ambiguous*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001347All user defined commands must start with an uppercase letter, to avoid
Bram Moolenaar166af9b2010-11-16 20:34:40 +01001348confusion with builtin commands. Exceptions are these builtin commands:
1349 :Next
1350 :X
1351They cannot be used for a user defined command. ":Print" is also an existing
1352command, but it is deprecated and can be overruled.
1353
1354The other characters of the user command can be uppercase letters, lowercase
1355letters or digits. When using digits, note that other commands that take a
1356numeric argument may become ambiguous. For example, the command ":Cc2" could
1357be the user command ":Cc2" without an argument, or the command ":Cc" with
1358argument "2". It is advised to put a space between the command name and the
1359argument to avoid these problems.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001360
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00001361When using a user-defined command, the command can be abbreviated. However, if
1362an abbreviation is not unique, an error will be issued. Furthermore, a
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001363built-in command will always take precedence.
1364
1365Example: >
1366 :command Rename ...
1367 :command Renumber ...
1368 :Rena " Means "Rename"
1369 :Renu " Means "Renumber"
1370 :Ren " Error - ambiguous
1371 :command Paste ...
1372 :P " The built-in :Print
1373
1374It is recommended that full names for user-defined commands are used in
1375scripts.
1376
1377:com[mand] *:com* *:command*
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00001378 List all user-defined commands. When listing commands,
Bram Moolenaara561a412019-04-25 21:27:58 +02001379 the characters in the first columns are:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001380 ! Command has the -bang attribute
1381 " Command has the -register attribute
Bram Moolenaara561a412019-04-25 21:27:58 +02001382 | Command has the -bar attribute
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001383 b Command is local to current buffer
1384 (see below for details on attributes)
Bram Moolenaar818078d2016-08-27 21:58:42 +02001385 The list can be filtered on command name with
1386 |:filter|, e.g., to list all commands with "Pyth" in
1387 the name: >
1388 filter Pyth command
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001389
1390:com[mand] {cmd} List the user-defined commands that start with {cmd}
1391
Bram Moolenaar5b8d8fd2005-08-16 23:01:50 +00001392 *:command-verbose*
1393When 'verbose' is non-zero, listing a command will also display where it was
1394last defined. Example: >
1395
1396 :verbose command TOhtml
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00001397< Name Args Range Complete Definition ~
1398 TOhtml 0 % :call Convert2HTML(<line1>, <line2>) ~
1399 Last set from /usr/share/vim/vim-7.0/plugin/tohtml.vim ~
1400
Bram Moolenaar5195e452005-08-19 20:32:47 +00001401See |:verbose-cmd| for more information.
Bram Moolenaar5b8d8fd2005-08-16 23:01:50 +00001402
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001403 *E174* *E182*
Bram Moolenaar1b884a02020-12-10 21:11:27 +01001404:com[mand][!] [{attr}...] {cmd} {repl}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001405 Define a user command. The name of the command is
Bram Moolenaar1b884a02020-12-10 21:11:27 +01001406 {cmd} and its replacement text is {repl}. The
1407 command's attributes (see below) are {attr}. If the
1408 command already exists, an error is reported, unless a
1409 ! is specified, in which case the command is
1410 redefined. There is one exception: When sourcing a
1411 script again, a command that was previously defined in
1412 that script will be silently replaced.
Bram Moolenaar55d46912018-12-08 16:03:28 +01001413
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001414
1415:delc[ommand] {cmd} *:delc* *:delcommand* *E184*
1416 Delete the user-defined command {cmd}.
1417
Bram Moolenaarbdcba242021-09-12 20:58:02 +02001418:delc[ommand] -buffer {cmd} *E1237*
1419 Delete the user-defined command {cmd} that was defined
1420 for the current buffer.
1421
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001422:comc[lear] *:comc* *:comclear*
1423 Delete all user-defined commands.
1424
Bram Moolenaar55d46912018-12-08 16:03:28 +01001425
1426Command attributes ~
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001427
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001428User-defined commands are treated by Vim just like any other Ex commands. They
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00001429can have arguments, or have a range specified. Arguments are subject to
1430completion as filenames, buffers, etc. Exactly how this works depends upon the
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001431command's attributes, which are specified when the command is defined.
1432
1433There are a number of attributes, split into four categories: argument
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00001434handling, completion behavior, range handling, and special cases. The
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001435attributes are described below, by category.
1436
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001437
Bram Moolenaar55d46912018-12-08 16:03:28 +01001438Argument handling ~
1439 *E175* *E176* *:command-nargs*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001440By default, a user defined command will take no arguments (and an error is
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00001441reported if any are supplied). However, it is possible to specify that the
1442command can take arguments, using the -nargs attribute. Valid cases are:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001443
1444 -nargs=0 No arguments are allowed (the default)
Bram Moolenaar9d87a372018-12-18 21:41:50 +01001445 -nargs=1 Exactly one argument is required, it includes spaces
Bram Moolenaar446beb42011-05-10 17:18:44 +02001446 -nargs=* Any number of arguments are allowed (0, 1, or many),
1447 separated by white space
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001448 -nargs=? 0 or 1 arguments are allowed
1449 -nargs=+ Arguments must be supplied, but any number are allowed
1450
Bram Moolenaar34162142007-05-12 13:12:19 +00001451Arguments are considered to be separated by (unescaped) spaces or tabs in this
Bram Moolenaar446beb42011-05-10 17:18:44 +02001452context, except when there is one argument, then the white space is part of
1453the argument.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001454
1455Note that arguments are used as text, not as expressions. Specifically,
1456"s:var" will use the script-local variable in the script where the command was
1457defined, not where it is invoked! Example:
1458 script1.vim: >
1459 :let s:error = "None"
1460 :command -nargs=1 Error echoerr <args>
1461< script2.vim: >
1462 :source script1.vim
1463 :let s:error = "Wrong!"
1464 :Error s:error
Bram Moolenaara7241f52008-06-24 20:39:31 +00001465Executing script2.vim will result in "None" being echoed. Not what you
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001466intended! Calling a function may be an alternative.
1467
Bram Moolenaar55d46912018-12-08 16:03:28 +01001468
1469Completion behavior ~
Bram Moolenaar9d87a372018-12-18 21:41:50 +01001470 *:command-completion* *E179* *E180* *E181*
Bram Moolenaar55d46912018-12-08 16:03:28 +01001471 *:command-complete*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001472By default, the arguments of user defined commands do not undergo completion.
1473However, by specifying one or the other of the following attributes, argument
1474completion can be enabled:
1475
Bram Moolenaarcd43eff2018-03-29 15:55:38 +02001476 -complete=arglist file names in argument list
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001477 -complete=augroup autocmd groups
1478 -complete=buffer buffer names
Bram Moolenaar5ae636b2012-04-30 18:48:53 +02001479 -complete=behave :behave suboptions
Bram Moolenaare9edd7f2011-07-20 16:37:24 +02001480 -complete=color color schemes
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001481 -complete=command Ex command (and arguments)
Bram Moolenaare9edd7f2011-07-20 16:37:24 +02001482 -complete=compiler compilers
Bram Moolenaar4a748032010-09-30 21:47:56 +02001483 -complete=cscope |:cscope| suboptions
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001484 -complete=dir directory names
1485 -complete=environment environment variable names
1486 -complete=event autocommand events
1487 -complete=expression Vim expression
1488 -complete=file file and directory names
Bram Moolenaare9edd7f2011-07-20 16:37:24 +02001489 -complete=file_in_path file and directory names in |'path'|
Bram Moolenaara26559b2010-07-31 14:59:19 +02001490 -complete=filetype filetype names |'filetype'|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001491 -complete=function function name
1492 -complete=help help subjects
1493 -complete=highlight highlight groups
Bram Moolenaar5ae636b2012-04-30 18:48:53 +02001494 -complete=history :history suboptions
Bram Moolenaare9edd7f2011-07-20 16:37:24 +02001495 -complete=locale locale names (as output of locale -a)
Bram Moolenaarcae92dc2017-08-06 15:22:15 +02001496 -complete=mapclear buffer argument
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001497 -complete=mapping mapping name
1498 -complete=menu menus
Bram Moolenaar9e507ca2016-10-15 15:39:39 +02001499 -complete=messages |:messages| suboptions
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001500 -complete=option options
Bram Moolenaar063b9d12016-07-09 20:21:48 +02001501 -complete=packadd optional package |pack-add| names
Bram Moolenaara26559b2010-07-31 14:59:19 +02001502 -complete=shellcmd Shell command
Bram Moolenaar4a748032010-09-30 21:47:56 +02001503 -complete=sign |:sign| suboptions
Bram Moolenaara26559b2010-07-31 14:59:19 +02001504 -complete=syntax syntax file names |'syntax'|
Bram Moolenaarcd9c4622013-06-08 15:24:48 +02001505 -complete=syntime |:syntime| suboptions
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001506 -complete=tag tags
1507 -complete=tag_listfiles tags, file names are shown when CTRL-D is hit
Bram Moolenaar24305862012-08-15 14:05:05 +02001508 -complete=user user names
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001509 -complete=var user variables
1510 -complete=custom,{func} custom completion, defined via {func}
Bram Moolenaara466c992005-07-09 21:03:22 +00001511 -complete=customlist,{func} custom completion, defined via {func}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001512
Bram Moolenaar3a991dd2014-10-02 01:41:41 +02001513Note: That some completion methods might expand environment variables.
1514
Bram Moolenaara5792f52005-11-23 21:25:05 +00001515
Bram Moolenaar55d46912018-12-08 16:03:28 +01001516Custom completion ~
1517 *:command-completion-custom*
1518 *:command-completion-customlist* *E467* *E468*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001519It is possible to define customized completion schemes via the "custom,{func}"
Bram Moolenaara466c992005-07-09 21:03:22 +00001520or the "customlist,{func}" completion argument. The {func} part should be a
Bram Moolenaara7241f52008-06-24 20:39:31 +00001521function with the following signature: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001522
1523 :function {func}(ArgLead, CmdLine, CursorPos)
1524
Bram Moolenaara466c992005-07-09 21:03:22 +00001525The function need not use all these arguments. The function should provide the
1526completion candidates as the return value.
1527
1528For the "custom" argument, the function should return the completion
1529candidates one per line in a newline separated string.
1530
1531For the "customlist" argument, the function should return the completion
Bram Moolenaara5792f52005-11-23 21:25:05 +00001532candidates as a Vim List. Non-string items in the list are ignored.
Bram Moolenaara466c992005-07-09 21:03:22 +00001533
1534The function arguments are:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001535 ArgLead the leading portion of the argument currently being
1536 completed on
1537 CmdLine the entire command line
Bram Moolenaara5792f52005-11-23 21:25:05 +00001538 CursorPos the cursor position in it (byte index)
Bram Moolenaara466c992005-07-09 21:03:22 +00001539The function may use these for determining context. For the "custom"
1540argument, it is not necessary to filter candidates against the (implicit
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001541pattern in) ArgLead. Vim will filter the candidates with its regexp engine
Bram Moolenaara466c992005-07-09 21:03:22 +00001542after function return, and this is probably more efficient in most cases. For
1543the "customlist" argument, Vim will not filter the returned completion
1544candidates and the user supplied function should filter the candidates.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001545
1546The following example lists user names to a Finger command >
1547 :com -complete=custom,ListUsers -nargs=1 Finger !finger <args>
1548 :fun ListUsers(A,L,P)
1549 : return system("cut -d: -f1 /etc/passwd")
1550 :endfun
1551
Bram Moolenaara466c992005-07-09 21:03:22 +00001552The following example completes filenames from the directories specified in
1553the 'path' option: >
1554 :com -nargs=1 -bang -complete=customlist,EditFileComplete
1555 \ EditFile edit<bang> <args>
1556 :fun EditFileComplete(A,L,P)
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001557 : return split(globpath(&path, a:A), "\n")
Bram Moolenaara466c992005-07-09 21:03:22 +00001558 :endfun
1559<
Bram Moolenaar5ac3b1a2010-07-27 22:50:36 +02001560This example does not work for file names with spaces!
1561
Bram Moolenaara5792f52005-11-23 21:25:05 +00001562
Bram Moolenaar55d46912018-12-08 16:03:28 +01001563Range handling ~
1564 *E177* *E178* *:command-range* *:command-count*
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00001565By default, user-defined commands do not accept a line number range. However,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001566it is possible to specify that the command does take a range (the -range
1567attribute), or that it takes an arbitrary count value, either in the line
1568number position (-range=N, like the |:split| command) or as a "count"
Bram Moolenaar5c5b0942007-05-06 12:07:59 +00001569argument (-count=N, like the |:Next| command). The count will then be
1570available in the argument with |<count>|.
1571
1572Possible attributes are:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001573
1574 -range Range allowed, default is current line
1575 -range=% Range allowed, default is whole file (1,$)
1576 -range=N A count (default N) which is specified in the line
Bram Moolenaar8e5af3e2011-04-28 19:02:44 +02001577 number position (like |:split|); allows for zero line
1578 number.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001579 -count=N A count (default N) which is specified either in the line
Bram Moolenaar32e7b2d2005-02-27 22:36:47 +00001580 number position, or as an initial argument (like |:Next|).
Bram Moolenaar25c9c682019-05-05 18:13:34 +02001581 -count acts like -count=0
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001582
1583Note that -range=N and -count=N are mutually exclusive - only one should be
1584specified.
1585
Bram Moolenaaraa3b15d2016-04-21 08:53:19 +02001586 *:command-addr*
Bram Moolenaarf1d6ccf2014-12-08 04:16:44 +01001587It is possible that the special characters in the range like ., $ or % which
1588by default correspond to the current line, last line and the whole buffer,
1589relate to arguments, (loaded) buffers, windows or tab pages.
1590
Bram Moolenaara561a412019-04-25 21:27:58 +02001591Possible values are (second column is the short name used in listing):
Bram Moolenaar25c9c682019-05-05 18:13:34 +02001592 -addr=lines Range of lines (this is the default for -range)
Bram Moolenaara561a412019-04-25 21:27:58 +02001593 -addr=arguments arg Range for arguments
1594 -addr=buffers buf Range for buffers (also not loaded buffers)
1595 -addr=loaded_buffers load Range for loaded buffers
1596 -addr=windows win Range for windows
1597 -addr=tabs tab Range for tab pages
1598 -addr=quickfix qf Range for quickfix entries
Bram Moolenaar25c9c682019-05-05 18:13:34 +02001599 -addr=other ? other kind of range; can use ".", "$" and "%"
1600 as with "lines" (this is the default for
1601 -count)
Bram Moolenaarf1d6ccf2014-12-08 04:16:44 +01001602
Bram Moolenaar55d46912018-12-08 16:03:28 +01001603
1604Special cases ~
1605 *:command-bang* *:command-bar*
Bram Moolenaar5c5b0942007-05-06 12:07:59 +00001606 *:command-register* *:command-buffer*
Bram Moolenaar519cc552021-11-16 19:18:26 +00001607 *:command-keepscript*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001608There are some special cases as well:
1609
1610 -bang The command can take a ! modifier (like :q or :w)
1611 -bar The command can be followed by a "|" and another command.
1612 A "|" inside the command argument is not allowed then.
1613 Also checks for a " to start a comment.
1614 -register The first argument to the command can be an optional
1615 register name (like :del, :put, :yank).
1616 -buffer The command will only be available in the current buffer.
Bram Moolenaar58ef8a32021-11-12 11:25:11 +00001617 -keepscript Do not use the location of where the user command was
1618 defined for verbose messages, use the location of where
1619 the user command was invoked.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001620
1621In the cases of the -count and -register attributes, if the optional argument
1622is supplied, it is removed from the argument list and is available to the
1623replacement text separately.
Bram Moolenaar7cba6c02013-09-05 22:13:31 +02001624Note that these arguments can be abbreviated, but that is a deprecated
1625feature. Use the full name for new scripts.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001626
Bram Moolenaar55d46912018-12-08 16:03:28 +01001627
1628Replacement text ~
Bram Moolenaar73b8b0a2021-08-01 14:52:32 +02001629 *:command-repl*
Bram Moolenaar5d7c2df2021-07-27 21:17:32 +02001630The {repl} argument is normally one long string, possibly with "|" separated
1631commands. A special case is when the argument is "{", then the following
1632lines, up to a line starting with "}" are used and |Vim9| syntax applies.
1633Example: >
1634 :command MyCommand {
1635 echo 'hello'
1636 g:calledMyCommand = true
1637 }
Bram Moolenaar63b91732021-08-05 20:40:03 +02001638< *E1231*
1639There must be white space before the "{". No nesting is supported, inline
1640functions cannot be used. Commands where a "|" may appear in the argument,
1641such as commands with an expression argument, cannot be followed by a "|" and
1642another command.
Bram Moolenaar5d7c2df2021-07-27 21:17:32 +02001643
Bram Moolenaar1b884a02020-12-10 21:11:27 +01001644The replacement text {repl} for a user defined command is scanned for special
1645escape sequences, using <...> notation. Escape sequences are replaced with
1646values from the entered command line, and all other text is copied unchanged.
1647The resulting string is executed as an Ex command. To avoid the replacement
1648use <lt> in place of the initial <. Thus to include "<bang>" literally use
Bram Moolenaar371d5402006-03-20 21:47:49 +00001649"<lt>bang>".
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001650
1651The valid escape sequences are
1652
1653 *<line1>*
1654 <line1> The starting line of the command range.
1655 *<line2>*
1656 <line2> The final line of the command range.
Bram Moolenaarc168bd42017-09-10 17:34:35 +02001657 *<range>*
1658 <range> The number of items in the command range: 0, 1 or 2
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001659 *<count>*
1660 <count> Any count supplied (as described for the '-range'
1661 and '-count' attributes).
1662 *<bang>*
1663 <bang> (See the '-bang' attribute) Expands to a ! if the
1664 command was executed with a ! modifier, otherwise
1665 expands to nothing.
Bram Moolenaar1d59aa12020-09-19 18:50:13 +02001666 *<mods>* *<q-mods>* *:command-modifiers*
Bram Moolenaar63a60de2016-06-04 22:08:55 +02001667 <mods> The command modifiers, if specified. Otherwise, expands to
Bram Moolenaarc95a3022016-06-12 23:01:46 +02001668 nothing. Supported modifiers are |:aboveleft|, |:belowright|,
1669 |:botright|, |:browse|, |:confirm|, |:hide|, |:keepalt|,
Bram Moolenaarbc8801c2016-08-02 21:04:33 +02001670 |:keepjumps|, |:keepmarks|, |:keeppatterns|, |:leftabove|,
1671 |:lockmarks|, |:noswapfile| |:rightbelow|, |:silent|, |:tab|,
1672 |:topleft|, |:verbose|, and |:vertical|.
1673 Note that these are not yet supported: |:noautocmd|,
1674 |:sandbox| and |:unsilent|.
Bram Moolenaar63a60de2016-06-04 22:08:55 +02001675 Examples: >
1676 command! -nargs=+ -complete=file MyEdit
1677 \ for f in expand(<q-args>, 0, 1) |
1678 \ exe '<mods> split ' . f |
1679 \ endfor
1680
1681 function! SpecialEdit(files, mods)
1682 for f in expand(a:files, 0, 1)
1683 exe a:mods . ' split ' . f
1684 endfor
1685 endfunction
1686 command! -nargs=+ -complete=file Sedit
1687 \ call SpecialEdit(<q-args>, <q-mods>)
1688<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001689 *<reg>* *<register>*
1690 <reg> (See the '-register' attribute) The optional register,
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00001691 if specified. Otherwise, expands to nothing. <register>
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001692 is a synonym for this.
1693 *<args>*
1694 <args> The command arguments, exactly as supplied (but as
1695 noted above, any count or register can consume some
1696 of the arguments, which are then not part of <args>).
1697 <lt> A single '<' (Less-Than) character. This is needed if you
1698 want to get a literal copy of one of these escape sequences
1699 into the expansion - for example, to get <bang>, use
1700 <lt>bang>.
1701
1702 *<q-args>*
1703If the first two characters of an escape sequence are "q-" (for example,
1704<q-args>) then the value is quoted in such a way as to make it a valid value
1705for use in an expression. This uses the argument as one single value.
Bram Moolenaar51485f02005-06-04 21:55:20 +00001706When there is no argument <q-args> is an empty string.
Bram Moolenaar552f8a12007-03-08 17:12:08 +00001707 *<f-args>*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001708To allow commands to pass their arguments on to a user-defined function, there
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00001709is a special form <f-args> ("function args"). This splits the command
Bram Moolenaar34162142007-05-12 13:12:19 +00001710arguments at spaces and tabs, quotes each argument individually, and the
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001711<f-args> sequence is replaced by the comma-separated list of quoted arguments.
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00001712See the Mycmd example below. If no arguments are given <f-args> is removed.
Bram Moolenaar552f8a12007-03-08 17:12:08 +00001713 To embed whitespace into an argument of <f-args>, prepend a backslash.
1714<f-args> replaces every pair of backslashes (\\) with one backslash. A
1715backslash followed by a character other than white space or a backslash
1716remains unmodified. Overview:
1717
1718 command <f-args> ~
1719 XX ab 'ab'
1720 XX a\b 'a\b'
1721 XX a\ b 'a b'
1722 XX a\ b 'a ', 'b'
1723 XX a\\b 'a\b'
1724 XX a\\ b 'a\', 'b'
1725 XX a\\\b 'a\\b'
1726 XX a\\\ b 'a\ b'
1727 XX a\\\\b 'a\\b'
1728 XX a\\\\ b 'a\\', 'b'
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001729
1730Examples >
1731
1732 " Delete everything after here to the end
1733 :com Ddel +,$d
1734
1735 " Rename the current buffer
1736 :com -nargs=1 -bang -complete=file Ren f <args>|w<bang>
1737
1738 " Replace a range with the contents of a file
1739 " (Enter this all as one line)
1740 :com -range -nargs=1 -complete=file
1741 Replace <line1>-pu_|<line1>,<line2>d|r <args>|<line1>d
1742
1743 " Count the number of lines in the range
Bram Moolenaar81695252004-12-29 20:58:21 +00001744 :com! -range -nargs=0 Lines echo <line2> - <line1> + 1 "lines"
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001745
1746 " Call a user function (example of <f-args>)
1747 :com -nargs=* Mycmd call Myfunc(<f-args>)
1748
1749When executed as: >
1750 :Mycmd arg1 arg2
1751This will invoke: >
1752 :call Myfunc("arg1","arg2")
1753
1754 :" A more substantial example
1755 :function Allargs(command)
Bram Moolenaara7241f52008-06-24 20:39:31 +00001756 : let i = 0
1757 : while i < argc()
1758 : if filereadable(argv(i))
1759 : execute "e " . argv(i)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001760 : execute a:command
1761 : endif
1762 : let i = i + 1
1763 : endwhile
1764 :endfunction
1765 :command -nargs=+ -complete=command Allargs call Allargs(<q-args>)
1766
1767The command Allargs takes any Vim command(s) as argument and executes it on all
1768files in the argument list. Usage example (note use of the "e" flag to ignore
1769errors and the "update" command to write modified buffers): >
1770 :Allargs %s/foo/bar/ge|update
1771This will invoke: >
1772 :call Allargs("%s/foo/bar/ge|update")
1773<
Bram Moolenaar1b884a02020-12-10 21:11:27 +01001774If the command is defined in Vim9 script (a script that starts with
1775`:vim9script` and in a `:def` function) then {repl} will be executed as in Vim9
1776script. Thus this depends on where the command is defined, not where it is
1777used.
1778
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001779When defining a user command in a script, it will be able to call functions
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001780local to the script and use mappings local to the script. When the user
1781invokes the user command, it will run in the context of the script it was
1782defined in. This matters if |<SID>| is used in a command.
1783
Bram Moolenaar91f84f62018-07-29 15:07:52 +02001784 vim:tw=78:ts=8:noet:ft=help:norl: