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Bram Moolenaarf461c8e2005-06-25 23:04:51 +00001*eval.txt* For Vim version 7.0aa. Last change: 2005 Jun 25
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002
3
4 VIM REFERENCE MANUAL by Bram Moolenaar
5
6
7Expression evaluation *expression* *expr* *E15* *eval*
8
9Using expressions is introduced in chapter 41 of the user manual |usr_41.txt|.
10
11Note: Expression evaluation can be disabled at compile time. If this has been
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +000012done, the features in this document are not available. See |+eval| and
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000013|no-eval-feature|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000014
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000151. Variables |variables|
16 1.1 Variable types
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +000017 1.2 Function references |Funcref|
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +000018 1.3 Lists |Lists|
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000019 1.4 Dictionaries |Dictionaries|
20 1.5 More about variables |more-variables|
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000212. Expression syntax |expression-syntax|
223. Internal variable |internal-variables|
234. Builtin Functions |functions|
245. Defining functions |user-functions|
256. Curly braces names |curly-braces-names|
267. Commands |expression-commands|
278. Exception handling |exception-handling|
289. Examples |eval-examples|
2910. No +eval feature |no-eval-feature|
3011. The sandbox |eval-sandbox|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000031
32{Vi does not have any of these commands}
33
34==============================================================================
351. Variables *variables*
36
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000371.1 Variable types ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +000038 *E712*
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +000039There are four types of variables:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000040
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000041Number A 32 bit signed number.
42 Examples: -123 0x10 0177
43
44String A NUL terminated string of 8-bit unsigned characters (bytes).
45 Examples: "ab\txx\"--" 'x-z''a,c'
46
47Funcref A reference to a function |Funcref|.
48 Example: function("strlen")
49
50List An ordered sequence of items |List|.
51 Example: [1, 2, ['a', 'b']]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000052
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +000053The Number and String types are converted automatically, depending on how they
54are used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000055
56Conversion from a Number to a String is by making the ASCII representation of
57the Number. Examples: >
58 Number 123 --> String "123"
59 Number 0 --> String "0"
60 Number -1 --> String "-1"
61
62Conversion from a String to a Number is done by converting the first digits
63to a number. Hexadecimal "0xf9" and Octal "017" numbers are recognized. If
64the String doesn't start with digits, the result is zero. Examples: >
65 String "456" --> Number 456
66 String "6bar" --> Number 6
67 String "foo" --> Number 0
68 String "0xf1" --> Number 241
69 String "0100" --> Number 64
70 String "-8" --> Number -8
71 String "+8" --> Number 0
72
73To force conversion from String to Number, add zero to it: >
74 :echo "0100" + 0
75
76For boolean operators Numbers are used. Zero is FALSE, non-zero is TRUE.
77
78Note that in the command >
79 :if "foo"
80"foo" is converted to 0, which means FALSE. To test for a non-empty string,
81use strlen(): >
82 :if strlen("foo")
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +000083< *E745* *E728* *E703* *E729* *E730* *E731*
84List, Dictionary and Funcref types are not automatically converted.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +000085
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +000086 *E706*
87You will get an error if you try to change the type of a variable. You need
88to |:unlet| it first to avoid this error. String and Number are considered
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000089equivalent though. Consider this sequence of commands: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +000090 :let l = "string"
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +000091 :let l = 44 " changes type from String to Number
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +000092 :let l = [1, 2, 3] " error!
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +000093
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +000094
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000951.2 Function references ~
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +000096 *Funcref* *E695* *E718*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +000097A Funcref variable is obtained with the |function()| function. It can be used
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +000098in an expression in the place of a function name, before the parenthesis
99around the arguments, to invoke the function it refers to. Example: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000100
101 :let Fn = function("MyFunc")
102 :echo Fn()
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000103< *E704* *E705* *E707*
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000104A Funcref variable must start with a capital, "s:", "w:" or "b:". You cannot
105have both a Funcref variable and a function with the same name.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000106
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000107A special case is defining a function and directly assigning its Funcref to a
108Dictionary entry. Example: >
109 :function dict.init() dict
110 : let self.val = 0
111 :endfunction
112
113The key of the Dictionary can start with a lower case letter. The actual
114function name is not used here. Also see |numbered-function|.
115
116A Funcref can also be used with the |:call| command: >
117 :call Fn()
118 :call dict.init()
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000119
120The name of the referenced function can be obtained with |string()|. >
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000121 :let func = string(Fn)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000122
123You can use |call()| to invoke a Funcref and use a list variable for the
124arguments: >
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000125 :let r = call(Fn, mylist)
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000126
127
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00001281.3 Lists ~
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +0000129 *List* *Lists* *E686*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000130A List is an ordered sequence of items. An item can be of any type. Items
131can be accessed by their index number. Items can be added and removed at any
132position in the sequence.
133
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000134
135List creation ~
136 *E696* *E697*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000137A List is created with a comma separated list of items in square brackets.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000138Examples: >
139 :let mylist = [1, two, 3, "four"]
140 :let emptylist = []
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000141
142An item can be any expression. Using a List for an item creates a
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000143nested List: >
144 :let nestlist = [[11, 12], [21, 22], [31, 32]]
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000145
146An extra comma after the last item is ignored.
147
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000148
149List index ~
150 *list-index* *E684*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000151An item in the List can be accessed by putting the index in square brackets
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000152after the List. Indexes are zero-based, thus the first item has index zero. >
153 :let item = mylist[0] " get the first item: 1
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000154 :let item = mylist[2] " get the third item: 3
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000155
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000156When the resulting item is a list this can be repeated: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000157 :let item = nestlist[0][1] " get the first list, second item: 12
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000158<
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000159A negative index is counted from the end. Index -1 refers to the last item in
160the List, -2 to the last but one item, etc. >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000161 :let last = mylist[-1] " get the last item: "four"
162
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000163To avoid an error for an invalid index use the |get()| function. When an item
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000164is not available it returns zero or the default value you specify: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000165 :echo get(mylist, idx)
166 :echo get(mylist, idx, "NONE")
167
168
169List concatenation ~
170
171Two lists can be concatenated with the "+" operator: >
172 :let longlist = mylist + [5, 6]
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000173 :let mylist += [7, 8]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000174
175To prepend or append an item turn the item into a list by putting [] around
176it. To change a list in-place see |list-modification| below.
177
178
179Sublist ~
180
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000181A part of the List can be obtained by specifying the first and last index,
182separated by a colon in square brackets: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000183 :let shortlist = mylist[2:-1] " get List [3, "four"]
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000184
185Omitting the first index is similar to zero. Omitting the last index is
186similar to -1. The difference is that there is no error if the items are not
187available. >
Bram Moolenaar540d6e32005-01-09 21:20:18 +0000188 :let endlist = mylist[2:] " from item 2 to the end: [3, "four"]
189 :let shortlist = mylist[2:2] " List with one item: [3]
190 :let otherlist = mylist[:] " make a copy of the List
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000191
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000192The second index can be just before the first index. In that case the result
193is an empty list. If the second index is lower, this results in an error. >
194 :echo mylist[2:1] " result: []
195 :echo mylist[2:0] " error!
196
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +0000197NOTE: mylist[s:e] means using the variable "s:e" as index. Watch out for
198using a single letter variable before the ":". Insert a space when needed:
199mylist[s : e].
200
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000201
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000202List identity ~
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000203 *list-identity*
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000204When variable "aa" is a list and you assign it to another variable "bb", both
205variables refer to the same list. Thus changing the list "aa" will also
206change "bb": >
207 :let aa = [1, 2, 3]
208 :let bb = aa
209 :call add(aa, 4)
210 :echo bb
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000211< [1, 2, 3, 4]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000212
213Making a copy of a list is done with the |copy()| function. Using [:] also
214works, as explained above. This creates a shallow copy of the list: Changing
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000215a list item in the list will also change the item in the copied list: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000216 :let aa = [[1, 'a'], 2, 3]
217 :let bb = copy(aa)
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000218 :call add(aa, 4)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000219 :let aa[0][1] = 'aaa'
220 :echo aa
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000221< [[1, aaa], 2, 3, 4] >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000222 :echo bb
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000223< [[1, aaa], 2, 3]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000224
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000225To make a completely independent list use |deepcopy()|. This also makes a
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000226copy of the values in the list, recursively. Up to a hundred levels deep.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000227
228The operator "is" can be used to check if two variables refer to the same
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000229List. "isnot" does the opposite. In contrast "==" compares if two lists have
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000230the same value. >
231 :let alist = [1, 2, 3]
232 :let blist = [1, 2, 3]
233 :echo alist is blist
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000234< 0 >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000235 :echo alist == blist
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000236< 1
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000237
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000238Note about comparing lists: Two lists are considered equal if they have the
239same length and all items compare equal, as with using "==". There is one
240exception: When comparing a number with a string and the string contains extra
241characters beside the number they are not equal. Example: >
242 echo 4 == "4x"
243< 1 >
244 echo [4] == ["4x"]
245< 0
246
247This is to fix the odd behavior of == that can't be changed for backward
248compatibility reasons.
249
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000250
251List unpack ~
252
253To unpack the items in a list to individual variables, put the variables in
254square brackets, like list items: >
255 :let [var1, var2] = mylist
256
257When the number of variables does not match the number of items in the list
258this produces an error. To handle any extra items from the list append ";"
259and a variable name: >
260 :let [var1, var2; rest] = mylist
261
262This works like: >
263 :let var1 = mylist[0]
264 :let var2 = mylist[1]
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000265 :let rest = mylist[2:]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000266
267Except that there is no error if there are only two items. "rest" will be an
268empty list then.
269
270
271List modification ~
272 *list-modification*
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000273To change a specific item of a list use |:let| this way: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000274 :let list[4] = "four"
275 :let listlist[0][3] = item
276
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000277To change part of a list you can specify the first and last item to be
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000278modified. The value must at least have the number of items in the range: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000279 :let list[3:5] = [3, 4, 5]
280
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000281Adding and removing items from a list is done with functions. Here are a few
282examples: >
283 :call insert(list, 'a') " prepend item 'a'
284 :call insert(list, 'a', 3) " insert item 'a' before list[3]
285 :call add(list, "new") " append String item
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000286 :call add(list, [1, 2]) " append a List as one new item
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000287 :call extend(list, [1, 2]) " extend the list with two more items
288 :let i = remove(list, 3) " remove item 3
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +0000289 :unlet list[3] " idem
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000290 :let l = remove(list, 3, -1) " remove items 3 to last item
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +0000291 :unlet list[3 : ] " idem
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000292 :call filter(list, 'v:val !~ "x"') " remove items with an 'x'
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000293
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000294Changing the order of items in a list: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000295 :call sort(list) " sort a list alphabetically
296 :call reverse(list) " reverse the order of items
297
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000298
299For loop ~
300
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000301The |:for| loop executes commands for each item in a list. A variable is set
302to each item in the list in sequence. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000303 :for item in mylist
304 : call Doit(item)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000305 :endfor
306
307This works like: >
308 :let index = 0
309 :while index < len(mylist)
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000310 : let item = mylist[index]
311 : :call Doit(item)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000312 : let index = index + 1
313 :endwhile
314
315Note that all items in the list should be of the same type, otherwise this
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000316results in error |E706|. To avoid this |:unlet| the variable at the end of
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000317the loop.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000318
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000319If all you want to do is modify each item in the list then the |map()|
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000320function will be a simpler method than a for loop.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000321
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000322Just like the |:let| command, |:for| also accepts a list of variables. This
323requires the argument to be a list of lists. >
324 :for [lnum, col] in [[1, 3], [2, 8], [3, 0]]
325 : call Doit(lnum, col)
326 :endfor
327
328This works like a |:let| command is done for each list item. Again, the types
329must remain the same to avoid an error.
330
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000331It is also possible to put remaining items in a List variable: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000332 :for [i, j; rest] in listlist
333 : call Doit(i, j)
334 : if !empty(rest)
335 : echo "remainder: " . string(rest)
336 : endif
337 :endfor
338
339
340List functions ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000341 *E714*
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000342Functions that are useful with a List: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000343 :let r = call(funcname, list) " call a function with an argument list
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000344 :if empty(list) " check if list is empty
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000345 :let l = len(list) " number of items in list
346 :let big = max(list) " maximum value in list
347 :let small = min(list) " minimum value in list
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000348 :let xs = count(list, 'x') " count nr of times 'x' appears in list
349 :let i = index(list, 'x') " index of first 'x' in list
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000350 :let lines = getline(1, 10) " get ten text lines from buffer
351 :call append('$', lines) " append text lines in buffer
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000352 :let list = split("a b c") " create list from items in a string
353 :let string = join(list, ', ') " create string from list items
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000354 :let s = string(list) " String representation of list
355 :call map(list, '">> " . v:val') " prepend ">> " to each item
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000356
Bram Moolenaar0cb032e2005-04-23 20:52:00 +0000357Don't forget that a combination of features can make things simple. For
358example, to add up all the numbers in a list: >
359 :exe 'let sum = ' . join(nrlist, '+')
360
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000361
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003621.4 Dictionaries ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000363 *Dictionaries* *Dictionary*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000364A Dictionary is an associative array: Each entry has a key and a value. The
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000365entry can be located with the key. The entries are stored without a specific
366ordering.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000367
368
369Dictionary creation ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000370 *E720* *E721* *E722* *E723*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000371A Dictionary is created with a comma separated list of entries in curly
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000372braces. Each entry has a key and a value, separated by a colon. Each key can
373only appear once. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000374 :let mydict = {1: 'one', 2: 'two', 3: 'three'}
375 :let emptydict = {}
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000376< *E713* *E716* *E717*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000377A key is always a String. You can use a Number, it will be converted to a
378String automatically. Thus the String '4' and the number 4 will find the same
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000379entry. Note that the String '04' and the Number 04 are different, since the
380Number will be converted to the String '4'.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000381
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000382A value can be any expression. Using a Dictionary for a value creates a
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000383nested Dictionary: >
384 :let nestdict = {1: {11: 'a', 12: 'b'}, 2: {21: 'c'}}
385
386An extra comma after the last entry is ignored.
387
388
389Accessing entries ~
390
391The normal way to access an entry is by putting the key in square brackets: >
392 :let val = mydict["one"]
393 :let mydict["four"] = 4
394
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000395You can add new entries to an existing Dictionary this way, unlike Lists.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000396
397For keys that consist entirely of letters, digits and underscore the following
398form can be used |expr-entry|: >
399 :let val = mydict.one
400 :let mydict.four = 4
401
402Since an entry can be any type, also a List and a Dictionary, the indexing and
403key lookup can be repeated: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000404 :echo dict.key[idx].key
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000405
406
407Dictionary to List conversion ~
408
409You may want to loop over the entries in a dictionary. For this you need to
410turn the Dictionary into a List and pass it to |:for|.
411
412Most often you want to loop over the keys, using the |keys()| function: >
413 :for key in keys(mydict)
414 : echo key . ': ' . mydict[key]
415 :endfor
416
417The List of keys is unsorted. You may want to sort them first: >
418 :for key in sort(keys(mydict))
419
420To loop over the values use the |values()| function: >
421 :for v in values(mydict)
422 : echo "value: " . v
423 :endfor
424
425If you want both the key and the value use the |items()| function. It returns
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000426a List in which each item is a List with two items, the key and the value: >
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000427 :for entry in items(mydict)
428 : echo entry[0] . ': ' . entry[1]
429 :endfor
430
431
432Dictionary identity ~
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +0000433 *dict-identity*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000434Just like Lists you need to use |copy()| and |deepcopy()| to make a copy of a
435Dictionary. Otherwise, assignment results in referring to the same
436Dictionary: >
437 :let onedict = {'a': 1, 'b': 2}
438 :let adict = onedict
439 :let adict['a'] = 11
440 :echo onedict['a']
441 11
442
Bram Moolenaarf3bd51a2005-06-14 22:11:18 +0000443Two Dictionaries compare equal if all the key-value pairs compare equal. For
444more info see |list-identity|.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000445
446
447Dictionary modification ~
448 *dict-modification*
449To change an already existing entry of a Dictionary, or to add a new entry,
450use |:let| this way: >
451 :let dict[4] = "four"
452 :let dict['one'] = item
453
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +0000454Removing an entry from a Dictionary is done with |remove()| or |:unlet|.
455Three ways to remove the entry with key "aaa" from dict: >
456 :let i = remove(dict, 'aaa')
457 :unlet dict.aaa
458 :unlet dict['aaa']
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000459
460Merging a Dictionary with another is done with |extend()|: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000461 :call extend(adict, bdict)
462This extends adict with all entries from bdict. Duplicate keys cause entries
463in adict to be overwritten. An optional third argument can change this.
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000464Note that the order of entries in a Dictionary is irrelevant, thus don't
465expect ":echo adict" to show the items from bdict after the older entries in
466adict.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000467
468Weeding out entries from a Dictionary can be done with |filter()|: >
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +0000469 :call filter(dict 'v:val =~ "x"')
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000470This removes all entries from "dict" with a value not matching 'x'.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000471
472
473Dictionary function ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000474 *Dictionary-function* *self* *E725*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000475When a function is defined with the "dict" attribute it can be used in a
476special way with a dictionary. Example: >
477 :function Mylen() dict
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000478 : return len(self.data)
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000479 :endfunction
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000480 :let mydict = {'data': [0, 1, 2, 3], 'len': function("Mylen")}
481 :echo mydict.len()
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000482
483This is like a method in object oriented programming. The entry in the
484Dictionary is a |Funcref|. The local variable "self" refers to the dictionary
485the function was invoked from.
486
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000487It is also possible to add a function without the "dict" attribute as a
488Funcref to a Dictionary, but the "self" variable is not available then.
489
490 *numbered-function*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000491To avoid the extra name for the function it can be defined and directly
492assigned to a Dictionary in this way: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000493 :let mydict = {'data': [0, 1, 2, 3]}
494 :function mydict.len() dict
495 : return len(self.data)
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000496 :endfunction
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000497 :echo mydict.len()
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000498
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000499The function will then get a number and the value of dict.len is a |Funcref|
500that references this function. The function can only be used through a
501|Funcref|. It will automatically be deleted when there is no |Funcref|
502remaining that refers to it.
503
504It is not necessary to use the "dict" attribute for a numbered function.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000505
506
507Functions for Dictionaries ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000508 *E715*
509Functions that can be used with a Dictionary: >
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000510 :if has_key(dict, 'foo') " TRUE if dict has entry with key "foo"
511 :if empty(dict) " TRUE if dict is empty
512 :let l = len(dict) " number of items in dict
513 :let big = max(dict) " maximum value in dict
514 :let small = min(dict) " minimum value in dict
515 :let xs = count(dict, 'x') " count nr of times 'x' appears in dict
516 :let s = string(dict) " String representation of dict
517 :call map(dict, '">> " . v:val') " prepend ">> " to each item
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000518
519
5201.5 More about variables ~
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000521 *more-variables*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000522If you need to know the type of a variable or expression, use the |type()|
523function.
524
525When the '!' flag is included in the 'viminfo' option, global variables that
526start with an uppercase letter, and don't contain a lowercase letter, are
527stored in the viminfo file |viminfo-file|.
528
529When the 'sessionoptions' option contains "global", global variables that
530start with an uppercase letter and contain at least one lowercase letter are
531stored in the session file |session-file|.
532
533variable name can be stored where ~
534my_var_6 not
535My_Var_6 session file
536MY_VAR_6 viminfo file
537
538
539It's possible to form a variable name with curly braces, see
540|curly-braces-names|.
541
542==============================================================================
5432. Expression syntax *expression-syntax*
544
545Expression syntax summary, from least to most significant:
546
547|expr1| expr2 ? expr1 : expr1 if-then-else
548
549|expr2| expr3 || expr3 .. logical OR
550
551|expr3| expr4 && expr4 .. logical AND
552
553|expr4| expr5 == expr5 equal
554 expr5 != expr5 not equal
555 expr5 > expr5 greater than
556 expr5 >= expr5 greater than or equal
557 expr5 < expr5 smaller than
558 expr5 <= expr5 smaller than or equal
559 expr5 =~ expr5 regexp matches
560 expr5 !~ expr5 regexp doesn't match
561
562 expr5 ==? expr5 equal, ignoring case
563 expr5 ==# expr5 equal, match case
564 etc. As above, append ? for ignoring case, # for
565 matching case
566
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000567 expr5 is expr5 same List instance
568 expr5 isnot expr5 different List instance
569
570|expr5| expr6 + expr6 .. number addition or list concatenation
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000571 expr6 - expr6 .. number subtraction
572 expr6 . expr6 .. string concatenation
573
574|expr6| expr7 * expr7 .. number multiplication
575 expr7 / expr7 .. number division
576 expr7 % expr7 .. number modulo
577
578|expr7| ! expr7 logical NOT
579 - expr7 unary minus
580 + expr7 unary plus
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000581
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000582
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000583|expr8| expr8[expr1] byte of a String or item of a List
584 expr8[expr1 : expr1] substring of a String or sublist of a List
585 expr8.name entry in a Dictionary
586 expr8(expr1, ...) function call with Funcref variable
587
588|expr9| number number constant
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +0000589 "string" string constant, backslash is special
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000590 'string' string constant, ' is doubled
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000591 [expr1, ...] List
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000592 {expr1: expr1, ...} Dictionary
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000593 &option option value
594 (expr1) nested expression
595 variable internal variable
596 va{ria}ble internal variable with curly braces
597 $VAR environment variable
598 @r contents of register 'r'
599 function(expr1, ...) function call
600 func{ti}on(expr1, ...) function call with curly braces
601
602
603".." indicates that the operations in this level can be concatenated.
604Example: >
605 &nu || &list && &shell == "csh"
606
607All expressions within one level are parsed from left to right.
608
609
610expr1 *expr1* *E109*
611-----
612
613expr2 ? expr1 : expr1
614
615The expression before the '?' is evaluated to a number. If it evaluates to
616non-zero, the result is the value of the expression between the '?' and ':',
617otherwise the result is the value of the expression after the ':'.
618Example: >
619 :echo lnum == 1 ? "top" : lnum
620
621Since the first expression is an "expr2", it cannot contain another ?:. The
622other two expressions can, thus allow for recursive use of ?:.
623Example: >
624 :echo lnum == 1 ? "top" : lnum == 1000 ? "last" : lnum
625
626To keep this readable, using |line-continuation| is suggested: >
627 :echo lnum == 1
628 :\ ? "top"
629 :\ : lnum == 1000
630 :\ ? "last"
631 :\ : lnum
632
633
634expr2 and expr3 *expr2* *expr3*
635---------------
636
637 *expr-barbar* *expr-&&*
638The "||" and "&&" operators take one argument on each side. The arguments
639are (converted to) Numbers. The result is:
640
641 input output ~
642n1 n2 n1 || n2 n1 && n2 ~
643zero zero zero zero
644zero non-zero non-zero zero
645non-zero zero non-zero zero
646non-zero non-zero non-zero non-zero
647
648The operators can be concatenated, for example: >
649
650 &nu || &list && &shell == "csh"
651
652Note that "&&" takes precedence over "||", so this has the meaning of: >
653
654 &nu || (&list && &shell == "csh")
655
656Once the result is known, the expression "short-circuits", that is, further
657arguments are not evaluated. This is like what happens in C. For example: >
658
659 let a = 1
660 echo a || b
661
662This is valid even if there is no variable called "b" because "a" is non-zero,
663so the result must be non-zero. Similarly below: >
664
665 echo exists("b") && b == "yes"
666
667This is valid whether "b" has been defined or not. The second clause will
668only be evaluated if "b" has been defined.
669
670
671expr4 *expr4*
672-----
673
674expr5 {cmp} expr5
675
676Compare two expr5 expressions, resulting in a 0 if it evaluates to false, or 1
677if it evaluates to true.
678
679 *expr-==* *expr-!=* *expr->* *expr->=*
680 *expr-<* *expr-<=* *expr-=~* *expr-!~*
681 *expr-==#* *expr-!=#* *expr->#* *expr->=#*
682 *expr-<#* *expr-<=#* *expr-=~#* *expr-!~#*
683 *expr-==?* *expr-!=?* *expr->?* *expr->=?*
684 *expr-<?* *expr-<=?* *expr-=~?* *expr-!~?*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000685 *expr-is*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000686 use 'ignorecase' match case ignore case ~
687equal == ==# ==?
688not equal != !=# !=?
689greater than > ># >?
690greater than or equal >= >=# >=?
691smaller than < <# <?
692smaller than or equal <= <=# <=?
693regexp matches =~ =~# =~?
694regexp doesn't match !~ !~# !~?
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000695same instance is
696different instance isnot
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000697
698Examples:
699"abc" ==# "Abc" evaluates to 0
700"abc" ==? "Abc" evaluates to 1
701"abc" == "Abc" evaluates to 1 if 'ignorecase' is set, 0 otherwise
702
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000703 *E691* *E692*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000704A List can only be compared with a List and only "equal", "not equal" and "is"
705can be used. This compares the values of the list, recursively. Ignoring
706case means case is ignored when comparing item values.
707
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000708 *E735* *E736*
709A Dictionary can only be compared with a Dictionary and only "equal", "not
710equal" and "is" can be used. This compares the key/values of the Dictionary,
711recursively. Ignoring case means case is ignored when comparing item values.
712
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000713 *E693* *E694*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000714A Funcref can only be compared with a Funcref and only "equal" and "not equal"
715can be used. Case is never ignored.
716
717When using "is" or "isnot" with a List this checks if the expressions are
718referring to the same List instance. A copy of a List is different from the
719original List. When using "is" without a List it is equivalent to using
720"equal", using "isnot" equivalent to using "not equal". Except that a
721different type means the values are different. "4 == '4'" is true, "4 is '4'"
722is false.
723
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000724When comparing a String with a Number, the String is converted to a Number,
725and the comparison is done on Numbers. This means that "0 == 'x'" is TRUE,
726because 'x' converted to a Number is zero.
727
728When comparing two Strings, this is done with strcmp() or stricmp(). This
729results in the mathematical difference (comparing byte values), not
730necessarily the alphabetical difference in the local language.
731
732When using the operators with a trailing '#", or the short version and
733'ignorecase' is off, the comparing is done with strcmp().
734
735When using the operators with a trailing '?', or the short version and
736'ignorecase' is set, the comparing is done with stricmp().
737
738The "=~" and "!~" operators match the lefthand argument with the righthand
739argument, which is used as a pattern. See |pattern| for what a pattern is.
740This matching is always done like 'magic' was set and 'cpoptions' is empty, no
741matter what the actual value of 'magic' or 'cpoptions' is. This makes scripts
742portable. To avoid backslashes in the regexp pattern to be doubled, use a
743single-quote string, see |literal-string|.
744Since a string is considered to be a single line, a multi-line pattern
745(containing \n, backslash-n) will not match. However, a literal NL character
746can be matched like an ordinary character. Examples:
747 "foo\nbar" =~ "\n" evaluates to 1
748 "foo\nbar" =~ "\\n" evaluates to 0
749
750
751expr5 and expr6 *expr5* *expr6*
752---------------
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000753expr6 + expr6 .. Number addition or List concatenation *expr-+*
754expr6 - expr6 .. Number subtraction *expr--*
755expr6 . expr6 .. String concatenation *expr-.*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000756
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000757For Lists only "+" is possible and then both expr6 must be a list. The result
758is a new list with the two lists Concatenated.
759
760expr7 * expr7 .. number multiplication *expr-star*
761expr7 / expr7 .. number division *expr-/*
762expr7 % expr7 .. number modulo *expr-%*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000763
764For all, except ".", Strings are converted to Numbers.
765
766Note the difference between "+" and ".":
767 "123" + "456" = 579
768 "123" . "456" = "123456"
769
770When the righthand side of '/' is zero, the result is 0x7fffffff.
771When the righthand side of '%' is zero, the result is 0.
772
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000773None of these work for Funcrefs.
774
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000775
776expr7 *expr7*
777-----
778! expr7 logical NOT *expr-!*
779- expr7 unary minus *expr-unary--*
780+ expr7 unary plus *expr-unary-+*
781
782For '!' non-zero becomes zero, zero becomes one.
783For '-' the sign of the number is changed.
784For '+' the number is unchanged.
785
786A String will be converted to a Number first.
787
788These three can be repeated and mixed. Examples:
789 !-1 == 0
790 !!8 == 1
791 --9 == 9
792
793
794expr8 *expr8*
795-----
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000796expr8[expr1] item of String or List *expr-[]* *E111*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000797
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000798If expr8 is a Number or String this results in a String that contains the
799expr1'th single byte from expr8. expr8 is used as a String, expr1 as a
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000800Number. Note that this doesn't recognize multi-byte encodings.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000801
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000802Index zero gives the first character. This is like it works in C. Careful:
803text column numbers start with one! Example, to get the character under the
804cursor: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000805 :let c = getline(line("."))[col(".") - 1]
806
807If the length of the String is less than the index, the result is an empty
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000808String. A negative index always results in an empty string (reason: backwards
809compatibility). Use [-1:] to get the last byte.
810
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000811If expr8 is a List then it results the item at index expr1. See |list-index|
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000812for possible index values. If the index is out of range this results in an
813error. Example: >
814 :let item = mylist[-1] " get last item
815
816Generally, if a List index is equal to or higher than the length of the List,
817or more negative than the length of the List, this results in an error.
818
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000819
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000820expr8[expr1a : expr1b] substring or sublist *expr-[:]*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000821
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000822If expr8 is a Number or String this results in the substring with the bytes
823from expr1a to and including expr1b. expr8 is used as a String, expr1a and
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000824expr1b are used as a Number. Note that this doesn't recognize multi-byte
825encodings.
826
827If expr1a is omitted zero is used. If expr1b is omitted the length of the
828string minus one is used.
829
830A negative number can be used to measure from the end of the string. -1 is
831the last character, -2 the last but one, etc.
832
833If an index goes out of range for the string characters are omitted. If
834expr1b is smaller than expr1a the result is an empty string.
835
836Examples: >
837 :let c = name[-1:] " last byte of a string
838 :let c = name[-2:-2] " last but one byte of a string
839 :let s = line(".")[4:] " from the fifth byte to the end
840 :let s = s[:-3] " remove last two bytes
841
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000842If expr8 is a List this results in a new List with the items indicated by the
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000843indexes expr1a and expr1b. This works like with a String, as explained just
844above, except that indexes out of range cause an error. Examples: >
845 :let l = mylist[:3] " first four items
846 :let l = mylist[4:4] " List with one item
847 :let l = mylist[:] " shallow copy of a List
848
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000849Using expr8[expr1] or expr8[expr1a : expr1b] on a Funcref results in an error.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000850
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000851
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000852expr8.name entry in a Dictionary *expr-entry*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000853
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000854If expr8 is a Dictionary and it is followed by a dot, then the following name
855will be used as a key in the Dictionary. This is just like: expr8[name].
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000856
857The name must consist of alphanumeric characters, just like a variable name,
858but it may start with a number. Curly braces cannot be used.
859
860There must not be white space before or after the dot.
861
862Examples: >
863 :let dict = {"one": 1, 2: "two"}
864 :echo dict.one
865 :echo dict .2
866
867Note that the dot is also used for String concatenation. To avoid confusion
868always put spaces around the dot for String concatenation.
869
870
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000871expr8(expr1, ...) Funcref function call
872
873When expr8 is a |Funcref| type variable, invoke the function it refers to.
874
875
876
877 *expr9*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000878number
879------
880number number constant *expr-number*
881
882Decimal, Hexadecimal (starting with 0x or 0X), or Octal (starting with 0).
883
884
885string *expr-string* *E114*
886------
887"string" string constant *expr-quote*
888
889Note that double quotes are used.
890
891A string constant accepts these special characters:
892\... three-digit octal number (e.g., "\316")
893\.. two-digit octal number (must be followed by non-digit)
894\. one-digit octal number (must be followed by non-digit)
895\x.. byte specified with two hex numbers (e.g., "\x1f")
896\x. byte specified with one hex number (must be followed by non-hex char)
897\X.. same as \x..
898\X. same as \x.
899\u.... character specified with up to 4 hex numbers, stored according to the
900 current value of 'encoding' (e.g., "\u02a4")
901\U.... same as \u....
902\b backspace <BS>
903\e escape <Esc>
904\f formfeed <FF>
905\n newline <NL>
906\r return <CR>
907\t tab <Tab>
908\\ backslash
909\" double quote
910\<xxx> Special key named "xxx". e.g. "\<C-W>" for CTRL-W.
911
912Note that "\000" and "\x00" force the end of the string.
913
914
915literal-string *literal-string* *E115*
916---------------
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +0000917'string' string constant *expr-'*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000918
919Note that single quotes are used.
920
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +0000921This string is taken as it is. No backslashes are removed or have a special
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000922meaning. The only exception is that two quotes stand for one quote.
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +0000923
924Single quoted strings are useful for patterns, so that backslashes do not need
925to be doubled. These two commands are equivalent: >
926 if a =~ "\\s*"
927 if a =~ '\s*'
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000928
929
930option *expr-option* *E112* *E113*
931------
932&option option value, local value if possible
933&g:option global option value
934&l:option local option value
935
936Examples: >
937 echo "tabstop is " . &tabstop
938 if &insertmode
939
940Any option name can be used here. See |options|. When using the local value
941and there is no buffer-local or window-local value, the global value is used
942anyway.
943
944
945register *expr-register*
946--------
947@r contents of register 'r'
948
949The result is the contents of the named register, as a single string.
950Newlines are inserted where required. To get the contents of the unnamed
Bram Moolenaare7566042005-06-17 22:00:15 +0000951register use @" or @@. See |registers| for an explanation of the available
952registers.
953
954When using the '=' register you get the expression itself, not what it
955evaluates to. Use |eval()| to evaluate it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000956
957
958nesting *expr-nesting* *E110*
959-------
960(expr1) nested expression
961
962
963environment variable *expr-env*
964--------------------
965$VAR environment variable
966
967The String value of any environment variable. When it is not defined, the
968result is an empty string.
969 *expr-env-expand*
970Note that there is a difference between using $VAR directly and using
971expand("$VAR"). Using it directly will only expand environment variables that
972are known inside the current Vim session. Using expand() will first try using
973the environment variables known inside the current Vim session. If that
974fails, a shell will be used to expand the variable. This can be slow, but it
975does expand all variables that the shell knows about. Example: >
976 :echo $version
977 :echo expand("$version")
978The first one probably doesn't echo anything, the second echoes the $version
979variable (if your shell supports it).
980
981
982internal variable *expr-variable*
983-----------------
984variable internal variable
985See below |internal-variables|.
986
987
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +0000988function call *expr-function* *E116* *E118* *E119* *E120*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000989-------------
990function(expr1, ...) function call
991See below |functions|.
992
993
994==============================================================================
9953. Internal variable *internal-variables* *E121*
996 *E461*
997An internal variable name can be made up of letters, digits and '_'. But it
998cannot start with a digit. It's also possible to use curly braces, see
999|curly-braces-names|.
1000
1001An internal variable is created with the ":let" command |:let|.
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00001002An internal variable is explicitly destroyed with the ":unlet" command
1003|:unlet|.
1004Using a name that is not an internal variable or refers to a variable that has
1005been destroyed results in an error.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001006
1007There are several name spaces for variables. Which one is to be used is
1008specified by what is prepended:
1009
1010 (nothing) In a function: local to a function; otherwise: global
1011|buffer-variable| b: Local to the current buffer.
1012|window-variable| w: Local to the current window.
1013|global-variable| g: Global.
1014|local-variable| l: Local to a function.
1015|script-variable| s: Local to a |:source|'ed Vim script.
1016|function-argument| a: Function argument (only inside a function).
1017|vim-variable| v: Global, predefined by Vim.
1018
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00001019The scope name by itself can be used as a Dictionary. For example, to delete
1020all script-local variables: >
1021 :for k in keys(s:)
1022 : unlet s:[k]
1023 :endfor
1024<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001025 *buffer-variable* *b:var*
1026A variable name that is preceded with "b:" is local to the current buffer.
1027Thus you can have several "b:foo" variables, one for each buffer.
1028This kind of variable is deleted when the buffer is wiped out or deleted with
1029|:bdelete|.
1030
1031One local buffer variable is predefined:
1032 *b:changedtick-variable* *changetick*
1033b:changedtick The total number of changes to the current buffer. It is
1034 incremented for each change. An undo command is also a change
1035 in this case. This can be used to perform an action only when
1036 the buffer has changed. Example: >
1037 :if my_changedtick != b:changedtick
1038 : let my_changedtick = b:changedtick
1039 : call My_Update()
1040 :endif
1041<
1042 *window-variable* *w:var*
1043A variable name that is preceded with "w:" is local to the current window. It
1044is deleted when the window is closed.
1045
1046 *global-variable* *g:var*
1047Inside functions global variables are accessed with "g:". Omitting this will
1048access a variable local to a function. But "g:" can also be used in any other
1049place if you like.
1050
1051 *local-variable* *l:var*
1052Inside functions local variables are accessed without prepending anything.
1053But you can also prepend "l:" if you like.
1054
1055 *script-variable* *s:var*
1056In a Vim script variables starting with "s:" can be used. They cannot be
1057accessed from outside of the scripts, thus are local to the script.
1058
1059They can be used in:
1060- commands executed while the script is sourced
1061- functions defined in the script
1062- autocommands defined in the script
1063- functions and autocommands defined in functions and autocommands which were
1064 defined in the script (recursively)
1065- user defined commands defined in the script
1066Thus not in:
1067- other scripts sourced from this one
1068- mappings
1069- etc.
1070
1071script variables can be used to avoid conflicts with global variable names.
1072Take this example:
1073
1074 let s:counter = 0
1075 function MyCounter()
1076 let s:counter = s:counter + 1
1077 echo s:counter
1078 endfunction
1079 command Tick call MyCounter()
1080
1081You can now invoke "Tick" from any script, and the "s:counter" variable in
1082that script will not be changed, only the "s:counter" in the script where
1083"Tick" was defined is used.
1084
1085Another example that does the same: >
1086
1087 let s:counter = 0
1088 command Tick let s:counter = s:counter + 1 | echo s:counter
1089
1090When calling a function and invoking a user-defined command, the context for
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001091script variables is set to the script where the function or command was
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001092defined.
1093
1094The script variables are also available when a function is defined inside a
1095function that is defined in a script. Example: >
1096
1097 let s:counter = 0
1098 function StartCounting(incr)
1099 if a:incr
1100 function MyCounter()
1101 let s:counter = s:counter + 1
1102 endfunction
1103 else
1104 function MyCounter()
1105 let s:counter = s:counter - 1
1106 endfunction
1107 endif
1108 endfunction
1109
1110This defines the MyCounter() function either for counting up or counting down
1111when calling StartCounting(). It doesn't matter from where StartCounting() is
1112called, the s:counter variable will be accessible in MyCounter().
1113
1114When the same script is sourced again it will use the same script variables.
1115They will remain valid as long as Vim is running. This can be used to
1116maintain a counter: >
1117
1118 if !exists("s:counter")
1119 let s:counter = 1
1120 echo "script executed for the first time"
1121 else
1122 let s:counter = s:counter + 1
1123 echo "script executed " . s:counter . " times now"
1124 endif
1125
1126Note that this means that filetype plugins don't get a different set of script
1127variables for each buffer. Use local buffer variables instead |b:var|.
1128
1129
1130Predefined Vim variables: *vim-variable* *v:var*
1131
Bram Moolenaare4efc3b2005-03-07 23:16:51 +00001132 *v:beval_col* *beval_col-variable*
1133v:beval_col The number of the column, over which the mouse pointer is.
1134 This is the byte index in the |v:beval_lnum| line.
1135 Only valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1136
1137 *v:beval_bufnr* *beval_bufnr-variable*
1138v:beval_bufnr The number of the buffer, over which the mouse pointer is. Only
1139 valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1140
1141 *v:beval_lnum* *beval_lnum-variable*
1142v:beval_lnum The number of the line, over which the mouse pointer is. Only
1143 valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1144
1145 *v:beval_text* *beval_text-variable*
1146v:beval_text The text under or after the mouse pointer. Usually a word as it is
1147 useful for debugging a C program. 'iskeyword' applies, but a
1148 dot and "->" before the position is included. When on a ']'
1149 the text before it is used, including the matching '[' and
1150 word before it. When on a Visual area within one line the
1151 highlighted text is used.
1152 Only valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1153
1154 *v:beval_winnr* *beval_winnr-variable*
1155v:beval_winnr The number of the window, over which the mouse pointer is. Only
1156 valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1157
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001158 *v:charconvert_from* *charconvert_from-variable*
1159v:charconvert_from
1160 The name of the character encoding of a file to be converted.
1161 Only valid while evaluating the 'charconvert' option.
1162
1163 *v:charconvert_to* *charconvert_to-variable*
1164v:charconvert_to
1165 The name of the character encoding of a file after conversion.
1166 Only valid while evaluating the 'charconvert' option.
1167
1168 *v:cmdarg* *cmdarg-variable*
1169v:cmdarg This variable is used for two purposes:
1170 1. The extra arguments given to a file read/write command.
1171 Currently these are "++enc=" and "++ff=". This variable is
1172 set before an autocommand event for a file read/write
1173 command is triggered. There is a leading space to make it
1174 possible to append this variable directly after the
1175 read/write command. Note: The "+cmd" argument isn't
1176 included here, because it will be executed anyway.
1177 2. When printing a PostScript file with ":hardcopy" this is
1178 the argument for the ":hardcopy" command. This can be used
1179 in 'printexpr'.
1180
1181 *v:cmdbang* *cmdbang-variable*
1182v:cmdbang Set like v:cmdarg for a file read/write command. When a "!"
1183 was used the value is 1, otherwise it is 0. Note that this
1184 can only be used in autocommands. For user commands |<bang>|
1185 can be used.
1186
1187 *v:count* *count-variable*
1188v:count The count given for the last Normal mode command. Can be used
1189 to get the count before a mapping. Read-only. Example: >
1190 :map _x :<C-U>echo "the count is " . v:count<CR>
1191< Note: The <C-U> is required to remove the line range that you
1192 get when typing ':' after a count.
1193 "count" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1194
1195 *v:count1* *count1-variable*
1196v:count1 Just like "v:count", but defaults to one when no count is
1197 used.
1198
1199 *v:ctype* *ctype-variable*
1200v:ctype The current locale setting for characters of the runtime
1201 environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the
1202 current locale encoding. Technical: it's the value of
1203 LC_CTYPE. When not using a locale the value is "C".
1204 This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language|
1205 command.
1206 See |multi-lang|.
1207
1208 *v:dying* *dying-variable*
1209v:dying Normally zero. When a deadly signal is caught it's set to
1210 one. When multiple signals are caught the number increases.
1211 Can be used in an autocommand to check if Vim didn't
1212 terminate normally. {only works on Unix}
1213 Example: >
1214 :au VimLeave * if v:dying | echo "\nAAAAaaaarrrggghhhh!!!\n" | endif
1215<
1216 *v:errmsg* *errmsg-variable*
1217v:errmsg Last given error message. It's allowed to set this variable.
1218 Example: >
1219 :let v:errmsg = ""
1220 :silent! next
1221 :if v:errmsg != ""
1222 : ... handle error
1223< "errmsg" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1224
1225 *v:exception* *exception-variable*
1226v:exception The value of the exception most recently caught and not
1227 finished. See also |v:throwpoint| and |throw-variables|.
1228 Example: >
1229 :try
1230 : throw "oops"
1231 :catch /.*/
1232 : echo "caught" v:exception
1233 :endtry
1234< Output: "caught oops".
1235
Bram Moolenaar19a09a12005-03-04 23:39:37 +00001236 *v:fcs_reason* *fcs_reason-variable*
1237v:fcs_reason The reason why the |FileChangedShell| event was triggered.
1238 Can be used in an autocommand to decide what to do and/or what
1239 to set v:fcs_choice to. Possible values:
1240 deleted file no longer exists
1241 conflict file contents, mode or timestamp was
1242 changed and buffer is modified
1243 changed file contents has changed
1244 mode mode of file changed
1245 time only file timestamp changed
1246
1247 *v:fcs_choice* *fcs_choice-variable*
1248v:fcs_choice What should happen after a |FileChangedShell| event was
1249 triggered. Can be used in an autocommand to tell Vim what to
1250 do with the affected buffer:
1251 reload Reload the buffer (does not work if
1252 the file was deleted).
1253 ask Ask the user what to do, as if there
1254 was no autocommand. Except that when
1255 only the timestamp changed nothing
1256 will happen.
1257 <empty> Nothing, the autocommand should do
1258 everything that needs to be done.
1259 The default is empty. If another (invalid) value is used then
1260 Vim behaves like it is empty, there is no warning message.
1261
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001262 *v:fname_in* *fname_in-variable*
1263v:fname_in The name of the input file. Only valid while evaluating:
1264 option used for ~
1265 'charconvert' file to be converted
1266 'diffexpr' original file
1267 'patchexpr' original file
1268 'printexpr' file to be printed
1269
1270 *v:fname_out* *fname_out-variable*
1271v:fname_out The name of the output file. Only valid while
1272 evaluating:
1273 option used for ~
1274 'charconvert' resulting converted file (*)
1275 'diffexpr' output of diff
1276 'patchexpr' resulting patched file
1277 (*) When doing conversion for a write command (e.g., ":w
1278 file") it will be equal to v:fname_in. When doing conversion
1279 for a read command (e.g., ":e file") it will be a temporary
1280 file and different from v:fname_in.
1281
1282 *v:fname_new* *fname_new-variable*
1283v:fname_new The name of the new version of the file. Only valid while
1284 evaluating 'diffexpr'.
1285
1286 *v:fname_diff* *fname_diff-variable*
1287v:fname_diff The name of the diff (patch) file. Only valid while
1288 evaluating 'patchexpr'.
1289
1290 *v:folddashes* *folddashes-variable*
1291v:folddashes Used for 'foldtext': dashes representing foldlevel of a closed
1292 fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001293 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001294
1295 *v:foldlevel* *foldlevel-variable*
1296v:foldlevel Used for 'foldtext': foldlevel of closed fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001297 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001298
1299 *v:foldend* *foldend-variable*
1300v:foldend Used for 'foldtext': last line of closed fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001301 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001302
1303 *v:foldstart* *foldstart-variable*
1304v:foldstart Used for 'foldtext': first line of closed fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001305 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001306
Bram Moolenaar843ee412004-06-30 16:16:41 +00001307 *v:insertmode* *insertmode-variable*
1308v:insertmode Used for the |InsertEnter| and |InsertChange| autocommand
1309 events. Values:
1310 i Insert mode
1311 r Replace mode
1312 v Virtual Replace mode
1313
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001314 *v:key* *key-variable*
1315v:key Key of the current item of a Dictionary. Only valid while
1316 evaluating the expression used with |map()| and |filter()|.
1317 Read-only.
1318
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001319 *v:lang* *lang-variable*
1320v:lang The current locale setting for messages of the runtime
1321 environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the
1322 current language. Technical: it's the value of LC_MESSAGES.
1323 The value is system dependent.
1324 This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language|
1325 command.
1326 It can be different from |v:ctype| when messages are desired
1327 in a different language than what is used for character
1328 encoding. See |multi-lang|.
1329
1330 *v:lc_time* *lc_time-variable*
1331v:lc_time The current locale setting for time messages of the runtime
1332 environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the
1333 current language. Technical: it's the value of LC_TIME.
1334 This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language|
1335 command. See |multi-lang|.
1336
1337 *v:lnum* *lnum-variable*
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001338v:lnum Line number for the 'foldexpr' |fold-expr| and 'indentexpr'
1339 expressions. Only valid while one of these expressions is
1340 being evaluated. Read-only when in the |sandbox|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001341
1342 *v:prevcount* *prevcount-variable*
1343v:prevcount The count given for the last but one Normal mode command.
1344 This is the v:count value of the previous command. Useful if
1345 you want to cancel Visual mode and then use the count. >
1346 :vmap % <Esc>:call MyFilter(v:prevcount)<CR>
1347< Read-only.
1348
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00001349 *v:profiling* *profiling-variable*
1350v:profiling Normally zero. Set to one after using ":profile start".
1351 See |profiling|.
1352
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001353 *v:progname* *progname-variable*
1354v:progname Contains the name (with path removed) with which Vim was
1355 invoked. Allows you to do special initialisations for "view",
1356 "evim" etc., or any other name you might symlink to Vim.
1357 Read-only.
1358
1359 *v:register* *register-variable*
1360v:register The name of the register supplied to the last normal mode
1361 command. Empty if none were supplied. |getreg()| |setreg()|
1362
1363 *v:servername* *servername-variable*
1364v:servername The resulting registered |x11-clientserver| name if any.
1365 Read-only.
1366
1367 *v:shell_error* *shell_error-variable*
1368v:shell_error Result of the last shell command. When non-zero, the last
1369 shell command had an error. When zero, there was no problem.
1370 This only works when the shell returns the error code to Vim.
1371 The value -1 is often used when the command could not be
1372 executed. Read-only.
1373 Example: >
1374 :!mv foo bar
1375 :if v:shell_error
1376 : echo 'could not rename "foo" to "bar"!'
1377 :endif
1378< "shell_error" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1379
1380 *v:statusmsg* *statusmsg-variable*
1381v:statusmsg Last given status message. It's allowed to set this variable.
1382
1383 *v:termresponse* *termresponse-variable*
1384v:termresponse The escape sequence returned by the terminal for the |t_RV|
1385 termcap entry. It is set when Vim receives an escape sequence
1386 that starts with ESC [ or CSI and ends in a 'c', with only
1387 digits, ';' and '.' in between.
1388 When this option is set, the TermResponse autocommand event is
1389 fired, so that you can react to the response from the
1390 terminal.
1391 The response from a new xterm is: "<Esc>[ Pp ; Pv ; Pc c". Pp
1392 is the terminal type: 0 for vt100 and 1 for vt220. Pv is the
1393 patch level (since this was introduced in patch 95, it's
1394 always 95 or bigger). Pc is always zero.
1395 {only when compiled with |+termresponse| feature}
1396
1397 *v:this_session* *this_session-variable*
1398v:this_session Full filename of the last loaded or saved session file. See
1399 |:mksession|. It is allowed to set this variable. When no
1400 session file has been saved, this variable is empty.
1401 "this_session" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1402
1403 *v:throwpoint* *throwpoint-variable*
1404v:throwpoint The point where the exception most recently caught and not
1405 finished was thrown. Not set when commands are typed. See
1406 also |v:exception| and |throw-variables|.
1407 Example: >
1408 :try
1409 : throw "oops"
1410 :catch /.*/
1411 : echo "Exception from" v:throwpoint
1412 :endtry
1413< Output: "Exception from test.vim, line 2"
1414
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001415 *v:val* *val-variable*
1416v:val Value of the current item of a List or Dictionary. Only valid
1417 while evaluating the expression used with |map()| and
1418 |filter()|. Read-only.
1419
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001420 *v:version* *version-variable*
1421v:version Version number of Vim: Major version number times 100 plus
1422 minor version number. Version 5.0 is 500. Version 5.1 (5.01)
1423 is 501. Read-only. "version" also works, for backwards
1424 compatibility.
1425 Use |has()| to check if a certain patch was included, e.g.: >
1426 if has("patch123")
1427< Note that patch numbers are specific to the version, thus both
1428 version 5.0 and 5.1 may have a patch 123, but these are
1429 completely different.
1430
1431 *v:warningmsg* *warningmsg-variable*
1432v:warningmsg Last given warning message. It's allowed to set this variable.
1433
1434==============================================================================
14354. Builtin Functions *functions*
1436
1437See |function-list| for a list grouped by what the function is used for.
1438
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00001439(Use CTRL-] on the function name to jump to the full explanation.)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001440
1441USAGE RESULT DESCRIPTION ~
1442
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001443add( {list}, {item}) List append {item} to List {list}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001444append( {lnum}, {string}) Number append {string} below line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00001445append( {lnum}, {list}) Number append lines {list} below line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001446argc() Number number of files in the argument list
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001447argidx() Number current index in the argument list
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001448argv( {nr}) String {nr} entry of the argument list
1449browse( {save}, {title}, {initdir}, {default})
1450 String put up a file requester
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001451browsedir( {title}, {initdir}) String put up a directory requester
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001452bufexists( {expr}) Number TRUE if buffer {expr} exists
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001453buflisted( {expr}) Number TRUE if buffer {expr} is listed
1454bufloaded( {expr}) Number TRUE if buffer {expr} is loaded
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001455bufname( {expr}) String Name of the buffer {expr}
1456bufnr( {expr}) Number Number of the buffer {expr}
1457bufwinnr( {expr}) Number window number of buffer {expr}
1458byte2line( {byte}) Number line number at byte count {byte}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001459byteidx( {expr}, {nr}) Number byte index of {nr}'th char in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001460call( {func}, {arglist} [, {dict}])
1461 any call {func} with arguments {arglist}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001462char2nr( {expr}) Number ASCII value of first char in {expr}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001463cindent( {lnum}) Number C indent for line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001464col( {expr}) Number column nr of cursor or mark
1465confirm( {msg} [, {choices} [, {default} [, {type}]]])
1466 Number number of choice picked by user
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001467copy( {expr}) any make a shallow copy of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001468count( {list}, {expr} [, {start} [, {ic}]])
1469 Number count how many {expr} are in {list}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001470cscope_connection( [{num} , {dbpath} [, {prepend}]])
1471 Number checks existence of cscope connection
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001472cursor( {lnum}, {col}) Number position cursor at {lnum}, {col}
1473deepcopy( {expr}) any make a full copy of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001474delete( {fname}) Number delete file {fname}
1475did_filetype() Number TRUE if FileType autocommand event used
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001476diff_filler( {lnum}) Number diff filler lines about {lnum}
1477diff_hlID( {lnum}, {col}) Number diff highlighting at {lnum}/{col}
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00001478empty( {expr}) Number TRUE if {expr} is empty
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001479escape( {string}, {chars}) String escape {chars} in {string} with '\'
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00001480eval( {string}) any evaluate {string} into its value
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001481eventhandler( ) Number TRUE if inside an event handler
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001482executable( {expr}) Number 1 if executable {expr} exists
1483exists( {expr}) Number TRUE if {expr} exists
1484expand( {expr}) String expand special keywords in {expr}
1485filereadable( {file}) Number TRUE if {file} is a readable file
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001486filter( {expr}, {string}) List/Dict remove items from {expr} where
1487 {string} is 0
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001488finddir( {name}[, {path}[, {count}]])
1489 String Find directory {name} in {path}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001490findfile( {name}[, {path}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001491 String Find file {name} in {path}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001492filewritable( {file}) Number TRUE if {file} is a writable file
1493fnamemodify( {fname}, {mods}) String modify file name
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001494foldclosed( {lnum}) Number first line of fold at {lnum} if closed
1495foldclosedend( {lnum}) Number last line of fold at {lnum} if closed
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001496foldlevel( {lnum}) Number fold level at {lnum}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001497foldtext( ) String line displayed for closed fold
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001498foreground( ) Number bring the Vim window to the foreground
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001499function( {name}) Funcref reference to function {name}
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001500get( {list}, {idx} [, {def}]) any get item {idx} from {list} or {def}
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001501get( {dict}, {key} [, {def}]) any get item {key} from {dict} or {def}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001502getchar( [expr]) Number get one character from the user
1503getcharmod( ) Number modifiers for the last typed character
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001504getbufvar( {expr}, {varname}) variable {varname} in buffer {expr}
1505getcmdline() String return the current command-line
1506getcmdpos() Number return cursor position in command-line
1507getcwd() String the current working directory
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00001508getfperm( {fname}) String file permissions of file {fname}
1509getfsize( {fname}) Number size in bytes of file {fname}
Bram Moolenaard8b0cf12004-12-12 11:33:30 +00001510getfontname( [{name}]) String name of font being used
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001511getftime( {fname}) Number last modification time of file
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00001512getftype( {fname}) String description of type of file {fname}
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00001513getline( {lnum}) String line {lnum} of current buffer
1514getline( {lnum}, {end}) List lines {lnum} to {end} of current buffer
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00001515getqflist() List list of quickfix items
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00001516getreg( [{regname} [, 1]]) String contents of register
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001517getregtype( [{regname}]) String type of register
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001518getwinposx() Number X coord in pixels of GUI Vim window
1519getwinposy() Number Y coord in pixels of GUI Vim window
1520getwinvar( {nr}, {varname}) variable {varname} in window {nr}
1521glob( {expr}) String expand file wildcards in {expr}
1522globpath( {path}, {expr}) String do glob({expr}) for all dirs in {path}
1523has( {feature}) Number TRUE if feature {feature} supported
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001524has_key( {dict}, {key}) Number TRUE if {dict} has entry {key}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001525hasmapto( {what} [, {mode}]) Number TRUE if mapping to {what} exists
1526histadd( {history},{item}) String add an item to a history
1527histdel( {history} [, {item}]) String remove an item from a history
1528histget( {history} [, {index}]) String get the item {index} from a history
1529histnr( {history}) Number highest index of a history
1530hlexists( {name}) Number TRUE if highlight group {name} exists
1531hlID( {name}) Number syntax ID of highlight group {name}
1532hostname() String name of the machine Vim is running on
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001533iconv( {expr}, {from}, {to}) String convert encoding of {expr}
1534indent( {lnum}) Number indent of line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001535index( {list}, {expr} [, {start} [, {ic}]])
1536 Number index in {list} where {expr} appears
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001537input( {prompt} [, {text}]) String get input from the user
1538inputdialog( {p} [, {t} [, {c}]]) String like input() but in a GUI dialog
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001539inputrestore() Number restore typeahead
1540inputsave() Number save and clear typeahead
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001541inputsecret( {prompt} [, {text}]) String like input() but hiding the text
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001542insert( {list}, {item} [, {idx}]) List insert {item} in {list} [before {idx}]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001543isdirectory( {directory}) Number TRUE if {directory} is a directory
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00001544islocked( {expr}) Number TRUE if {expr} is locked
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00001545items( {dict}) List List of key-value pairs in {dict}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001546join( {list} [, {sep}]) String join {list} items into one String
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00001547keys( {dict}) List List of keys in {dict}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001548len( {expr}) Number the length of {expr}
1549libcall( {lib}, {func}, {arg}) String call {func} in library {lib} with {arg}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001550libcallnr( {lib}, {func}, {arg}) Number idem, but return a Number
1551line( {expr}) Number line nr of cursor, last line or mark
1552line2byte( {lnum}) Number byte count of line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001553lispindent( {lnum}) Number Lisp indent for line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001554localtime() Number current time
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001555map( {expr}, {string}) List/Dict change each item in {expr} to {expr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001556maparg( {name}[, {mode}]) String rhs of mapping {name} in mode {mode}
1557mapcheck( {name}[, {mode}]) String check for mappings matching {name}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001558match( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001559 Number position where {pat} matches in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001560matchend( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001561 Number position where {pat} ends in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00001562matchlist( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
1563 List match and submatches of {pat} in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001564matchstr( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
1565 String {count}'th match of {pat} in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00001566max({list}) Number maximum value of items in {list}
1567min({list}) Number minumum value of items in {list}
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00001568mkdir({name} [, {path} [, {prot}]])
1569 Number create directory {name}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001570mode() String current editing mode
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001571nextnonblank( {lnum}) Number line nr of non-blank line >= {lnum}
1572nr2char( {expr}) String single char with ASCII value {expr}
1573prevnonblank( {lnum}) Number line nr of non-blank line <= {lnum}
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00001574range( {expr} [, {max} [, {stride}]])
1575 List items from {expr} to {max}
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00001576readfile({fname} [, {binary} [, {max}]])
1577 List get list of lines from file {fname}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001578remote_expr( {server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
1579 String send expression
1580remote_foreground( {server}) Number bring Vim server to the foreground
1581remote_peek( {serverid} [, {retvar}])
1582 Number check for reply string
1583remote_read( {serverid}) String read reply string
1584remote_send( {server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
1585 String send key sequence
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00001586remove( {list}, {idx} [, {end}]) any remove items {idx}-{end} from {list}
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00001587remove( {dict}, {key}) any remove entry {key} from {dict}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001588rename( {from}, {to}) Number rename (move) file from {from} to {to}
1589repeat( {expr}, {count}) String repeat {expr} {count} times
1590resolve( {filename}) String get filename a shortcut points to
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001591reverse( {list}) List reverse {list} in-place
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001592search( {pattern} [, {flags}]) Number search for {pattern}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001593searchpair( {start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip}]])
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001594 Number search for other end of start/end pair
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001595server2client( {clientid}, {string})
1596 Number send reply string
1597serverlist() String get a list of available servers
1598setbufvar( {expr}, {varname}, {val}) set {varname} in buffer {expr} to {val}
1599setcmdpos( {pos}) Number set cursor position in command-line
1600setline( {lnum}, {line}) Number set line {lnum} to {line}
Bram Moolenaar35c54e52005-05-20 21:25:31 +00001601setqflist( {list}[, {action}]) Number set list of quickfix items using {list}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001602setreg( {n}, {v}[, {opt}]) Number set register to value and type
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001603setwinvar( {nr}, {varname}, {val}) set {varname} in window {nr} to {val}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001604simplify( {filename}) String simplify filename as much as possible
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001605sort( {list} [, {func}]) List sort {list}, using {func} to compare
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00001606spellbadword() String badly spelled word at cursor
1607spellsuggest({word} [, {max}]) List spelling suggestions
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00001608split( {expr} [, {pat} [, {keepempty}]])
1609 List make List from {pat} separated {expr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001610strftime( {format}[, {time}]) String time in specified format
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00001611stridx( {haystack}, {needle}[, {start}])
1612 Number index of {needle} in {haystack}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001613string( {expr}) String String representation of {expr} value
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001614strlen( {expr}) Number length of the String {expr}
1615strpart( {src}, {start}[, {len}])
1616 String {len} characters of {src} at {start}
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00001617strridx( {haystack}, {needle} [, {start}])
1618 Number last index of {needle} in {haystack}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001619strtrans( {expr}) String translate string to make it printable
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001620submatch( {nr}) String specific match in ":substitute"
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001621substitute( {expr}, {pat}, {sub}, {flags})
1622 String all {pat} in {expr} replaced with {sub}
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00001623synID( {lnum}, {col}, {trans}) Number syntax ID at {lnum} and {col}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001624synIDattr( {synID}, {what} [, {mode}])
1625 String attribute {what} of syntax ID {synID}
1626synIDtrans( {synID}) Number translated syntax ID of {synID}
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00001627system( {expr} [, {input}]) String output of shell command/filter {expr}
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00001628taglist({expr}) List list of tags matching {expr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001629tempname() String name for a temporary file
1630tolower( {expr}) String the String {expr} switched to lowercase
1631toupper( {expr}) String the String {expr} switched to uppercase
Bram Moolenaar8299df92004-07-10 09:47:34 +00001632tr( {src}, {fromstr}, {tostr}) String translate chars of {src} in {fromstr}
1633 to chars in {tostr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001634type( {name}) Number type of variable {name}
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00001635values( {dict}) List List of values in {dict}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001636virtcol( {expr}) Number screen column of cursor or mark
1637visualmode( [expr]) String last visual mode used
1638winbufnr( {nr}) Number buffer number of window {nr}
1639wincol() Number window column of the cursor
1640winheight( {nr}) Number height of window {nr}
1641winline() Number window line of the cursor
1642winnr() Number number of current window
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001643winrestcmd() String returns command to restore window sizes
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001644winwidth( {nr}) Number width of window {nr}
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00001645writefile({list}, {fname} [, {binary}])
1646 Number write list of lines to file {fname}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001647
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001648add({list}, {expr}) *add()*
1649 Append the item {expr} to List {list}. Returns the resulting
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00001650 List. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001651 :let alist = add([1, 2, 3], item)
1652 :call add(mylist, "woodstock")
1653< Note that when {expr} is a List it is appended as a single
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001654 item. Use |extend()| to concatenate Lists.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00001655 Use |insert()| to add an item at another position.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001656
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001657
1658append({lnum}, {expr}) *append()*
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00001659 When {expr} is a List: Append each item of the List as a text
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001660 line below line {lnum} in the current buffer.
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00001661 Otherwise append {expr} as one text line below line {lnum} in
1662 the current buffer.
1663 {lnum} can be zero to insert a line before the first one.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001664 Returns 1 for failure ({lnum} out of range or out of memory),
1665 0 for success. Example: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001666 :let failed = append(line('$'), "# THE END")
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001667 :let failed = append(0, ["Chapter 1", "the beginning"])
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001668<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001669 *argc()*
1670argc() The result is the number of files in the argument list of the
1671 current window. See |arglist|.
1672
1673 *argidx()*
1674argidx() The result is the current index in the argument list. 0 is
1675 the first file. argc() - 1 is the last one. See |arglist|.
1676
1677 *argv()*
1678argv({nr}) The result is the {nr}th file in the argument list of the
1679 current window. See |arglist|. "argv(0)" is the first one.
1680 Example: >
1681 :let i = 0
1682 :while i < argc()
1683 : let f = escape(argv(i), '. ')
1684 : exe 'amenu Arg.' . f . ' :e ' . f . '<CR>'
1685 : let i = i + 1
1686 :endwhile
1687<
1688 *browse()*
1689browse({save}, {title}, {initdir}, {default})
1690 Put up a file requester. This only works when "has("browse")"
1691 returns non-zero (only in some GUI versions).
1692 The input fields are:
1693 {save} when non-zero, select file to write
1694 {title} title for the requester
1695 {initdir} directory to start browsing in
1696 {default} default file name
1697 When the "Cancel" button is hit, something went wrong, or
1698 browsing is not possible, an empty string is returned.
1699
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001700 *browsedir()*
1701browsedir({title}, {initdir})
1702 Put up a directory requester. This only works when
1703 "has("browse")" returns non-zero (only in some GUI versions).
1704 On systems where a directory browser is not supported a file
1705 browser is used. In that case: select a file in the directory
1706 to be used.
1707 The input fields are:
1708 {title} title for the requester
1709 {initdir} directory to start browsing in
1710 When the "Cancel" button is hit, something went wrong, or
1711 browsing is not possible, an empty string is returned.
1712
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001713bufexists({expr}) *bufexists()*
1714 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a buffer called
1715 {expr} exists.
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001716 If the {expr} argument is a number, buffer numbers are used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001717 If the {expr} argument is a string it must match a buffer name
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001718 exactly. The name can be:
1719 - Relative to the current directory.
1720 - A full path.
1721 - The name of a buffer with 'filetype' set to "nofile".
1722 - A URL name.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001723 Unlisted buffers will be found.
1724 Note that help files are listed by their short name in the
1725 output of |:buffers|, but bufexists() requires using their
1726 long name to be able to find them.
1727 Use "bufexists(0)" to test for the existence of an alternate
1728 file name.
1729 *buffer_exists()*
1730 Obsolete name: buffer_exists().
1731
1732buflisted({expr}) *buflisted()*
1733 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a buffer called
1734 {expr} exists and is listed (has the 'buflisted' option set).
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001735 The {expr} argument is used like with |bufexists()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001736
1737bufloaded({expr}) *bufloaded()*
1738 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a buffer called
1739 {expr} exists and is loaded (shown in a window or hidden).
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001740 The {expr} argument is used like with |bufexists()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001741
1742bufname({expr}) *bufname()*
1743 The result is the name of a buffer, as it is displayed by the
1744 ":ls" command.
1745 If {expr} is a Number, that buffer number's name is given.
1746 Number zero is the alternate buffer for the current window.
1747 If {expr} is a String, it is used as a |file-pattern| to match
1748 with the buffer names. This is always done like 'magic' is
1749 set and 'cpoptions' is empty. When there is more than one
1750 match an empty string is returned.
1751 "" or "%" can be used for the current buffer, "#" for the
1752 alternate buffer.
1753 A full match is preferred, otherwise a match at the start, end
1754 or middle of the buffer name is accepted.
1755 Listed buffers are found first. If there is a single match
1756 with a listed buffer, that one is returned. Next unlisted
1757 buffers are searched for.
1758 If the {expr} is a String, but you want to use it as a buffer
1759 number, force it to be a Number by adding zero to it: >
1760 :echo bufname("3" + 0)
1761< If the buffer doesn't exist, or doesn't have a name, an empty
1762 string is returned. >
1763 bufname("#") alternate buffer name
1764 bufname(3) name of buffer 3
1765 bufname("%") name of current buffer
1766 bufname("file2") name of buffer where "file2" matches.
1767< *buffer_name()*
1768 Obsolete name: buffer_name().
1769
1770 *bufnr()*
1771bufnr({expr}) The result is the number of a buffer, as it is displayed by
1772 the ":ls" command. For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()|
1773 above. If the buffer doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
1774 bufnr("$") is the last buffer: >
1775 :let last_buffer = bufnr("$")
1776< The result is a Number, which is the highest buffer number
1777 of existing buffers. Note that not all buffers with a smaller
1778 number necessarily exist, because ":bwipeout" may have removed
1779 them. Use bufexists() to test for the existence of a buffer.
1780 *buffer_number()*
1781 Obsolete name: buffer_number().
1782 *last_buffer_nr()*
1783 Obsolete name for bufnr("$"): last_buffer_nr().
1784
1785bufwinnr({expr}) *bufwinnr()*
1786 The result is a Number, which is the number of the first
1787 window associated with buffer {expr}. For the use of {expr},
1788 see |bufname()| above. If buffer {expr} doesn't exist or
1789 there is no such window, -1 is returned. Example: >
1790
1791 echo "A window containing buffer 1 is " . (bufwinnr(1))
1792
1793< The number can be used with |CTRL-W_w| and ":wincmd w"
1794 |:wincmd|.
1795
1796
1797byte2line({byte}) *byte2line()*
1798 Return the line number that contains the character at byte
1799 count {byte} in the current buffer. This includes the
1800 end-of-line character, depending on the 'fileformat' option
1801 for the current buffer. The first character has byte count
1802 one.
1803 Also see |line2byte()|, |go| and |:goto|.
1804 {not available when compiled without the |+byte_offset|
1805 feature}
1806
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00001807byteidx({expr}, {nr}) *byteidx()*
1808 Return byte index of the {nr}'th character in the string
1809 {expr}. Use zero for the first character, it returns zero.
1810 This function is only useful when there are multibyte
1811 characters, otherwise the returned value is equal to {nr}.
1812 Composing characters are counted as a separate character.
1813 Example : >
1814 echo matchstr(str, ".", byteidx(str, 3))
1815< will display the fourth character. Another way to do the
1816 same: >
1817 let s = strpart(str, byteidx(str, 3))
1818 echo strpart(s, 0, byteidx(s, 1))
1819< If there are less than {nr} characters -1 is returned.
1820 If there are exactly {nr} characters the length of the string
1821 is returned.
1822
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001823call({func}, {arglist} [, {dict}]) *call()* *E699*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00001824 Call function {func} with the items in List {arglist} as
1825 arguments.
1826 {func} can either be a Funcref or the name of a function.
1827 a:firstline and a:lastline are set to the cursor line.
1828 Returns the return value of the called function.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001829 {dict} is for functions with the "dict" attribute. It will be
1830 used to set the local variable "self". |Dictionary-function|
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00001831
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001832char2nr({expr}) *char2nr()*
1833 Return number value of the first char in {expr}. Examples: >
1834 char2nr(" ") returns 32
1835 char2nr("ABC") returns 65
1836< The current 'encoding' is used. Example for "utf-8": >
1837 char2nr("á") returns 225
1838 char2nr("á"[0]) returns 195
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00001839< nr2char() does the opposite.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001840
1841cindent({lnum}) *cindent()*
1842 Get the amount of indent for line {lnum} according the C
1843 indenting rules, as with 'cindent'.
1844 The indent is counted in spaces, the value of 'tabstop' is
1845 relevant. {lnum} is used just like in |getline()|.
1846 When {lnum} is invalid or Vim was not compiled the |+cindent|
1847 feature, -1 is returned.
1848
1849 *col()*
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00001850col({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the byte index of the column
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001851 position given with {expr}. The accepted positions are:
1852 . the cursor position
1853 $ the end of the cursor line (the result is the
1854 number of characters in the cursor line plus one)
1855 'x position of mark x (if the mark is not set, 0 is
1856 returned)
1857 For the screen column position use |virtcol()|.
1858 Note that only marks in the current file can be used.
1859 Examples: >
1860 col(".") column of cursor
1861 col("$") length of cursor line plus one
1862 col("'t") column of mark t
1863 col("'" . markname) column of mark markname
1864< The first column is 1. 0 is returned for an error.
1865 For the cursor position, when 'virtualedit' is active, the
1866 column is one higher if the cursor is after the end of the
1867 line. This can be used to obtain the column in Insert mode: >
1868 :imap <F2> <C-O>:let save_ve = &ve<CR>
1869 \<C-O>:set ve=all<CR>
1870 \<C-O>:echo col(".") . "\n" <Bar>
1871 \let &ve = save_ve<CR>
1872<
1873 *confirm()*
1874confirm({msg} [, {choices} [, {default} [, {type}]]])
1875 Confirm() offers the user a dialog, from which a choice can be
1876 made. It returns the number of the choice. For the first
1877 choice this is 1.
1878 Note: confirm() is only supported when compiled with dialog
1879 support, see |+dialog_con| and |+dialog_gui|.
1880 {msg} is displayed in a |dialog| with {choices} as the
1881 alternatives. When {choices} is missing or empty, "&OK" is
1882 used (and translated).
1883 {msg} is a String, use '\n' to include a newline. Only on
1884 some systems the string is wrapped when it doesn't fit.
1885 {choices} is a String, with the individual choices separated
1886 by '\n', e.g. >
1887 confirm("Save changes?", "&Yes\n&No\n&Cancel")
1888< The letter after the '&' is the shortcut key for that choice.
1889 Thus you can type 'c' to select "Cancel". The shortcut does
1890 not need to be the first letter: >
1891 confirm("file has been modified", "&Save\nSave &All")
1892< For the console, the first letter of each choice is used as
1893 the default shortcut key.
1894 The optional {default} argument is the number of the choice
1895 that is made if the user hits <CR>. Use 1 to make the first
1896 choice the default one. Use 0 to not set a default. If
1897 {default} is omitted, 1 is used.
1898 The optional {type} argument gives the type of dialog. This
1899 is only used for the icon of the Win32 GUI. It can be one of
1900 these values: "Error", "Question", "Info", "Warning" or
1901 "Generic". Only the first character is relevant. When {type}
1902 is omitted, "Generic" is used.
1903 If the user aborts the dialog by pressing <Esc>, CTRL-C,
1904 or another valid interrupt key, confirm() returns 0.
1905
1906 An example: >
1907 :let choice = confirm("What do you want?", "&Apples\n&Oranges\n&Bananas", 2)
1908 :if choice == 0
1909 : echo "make up your mind!"
1910 :elseif choice == 3
1911 : echo "tasteful"
1912 :else
1913 : echo "I prefer bananas myself."
1914 :endif
1915< In a GUI dialog, buttons are used. The layout of the buttons
1916 depends on the 'v' flag in 'guioptions'. If it is included,
1917 the buttons are always put vertically. Otherwise, confirm()
1918 tries to put the buttons in one horizontal line. If they
1919 don't fit, a vertical layout is used anyway. For some systems
1920 the horizontal layout is always used.
1921
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001922 *copy()*
1923copy({expr}) Make a copy of {expr}. For Numbers and Strings this isn't
1924 different from using {expr} directly.
1925 When {expr} is a List a shallow copy is created. This means
1926 that the original List can be changed without changing the
1927 copy, and vise versa. But the items are identical, thus
1928 changing an item changes the contents of both Lists. Also see
1929 |deepcopy()|.
1930
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001931count({comp}, {expr} [, {ic} [, {start}]]) *count()*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00001932 Return the number of times an item with value {expr} appears
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001933 in List or Dictionary {comp}.
1934 If {start} is given then start with the item with this index.
1935 {start} can only be used with a List.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00001936 When {ic} is given and it's non-zero then case is ignored.
1937
1938
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001939 *cscope_connection()*
1940cscope_connection([{num} , {dbpath} [, {prepend}]])
1941 Checks for the existence of a |cscope| connection. If no
1942 parameters are specified, then the function returns:
1943 0, if cscope was not available (not compiled in), or
1944 if there are no cscope connections;
1945 1, if there is at least one cscope connection.
1946
1947 If parameters are specified, then the value of {num}
1948 determines how existence of a cscope connection is checked:
1949
1950 {num} Description of existence check
1951 ----- ------------------------------
1952 0 Same as no parameters (e.g., "cscope_connection()").
1953 1 Ignore {prepend}, and use partial string matches for
1954 {dbpath}.
1955 2 Ignore {prepend}, and use exact string matches for
1956 {dbpath}.
1957 3 Use {prepend}, use partial string matches for both
1958 {dbpath} and {prepend}.
1959 4 Use {prepend}, use exact string matches for both
1960 {dbpath} and {prepend}.
1961
1962 Note: All string comparisons are case sensitive!
1963
1964 Examples. Suppose we had the following (from ":cs show"): >
1965
1966 # pid database name prepend path
1967 0 27664 cscope.out /usr/local
1968<
1969 Invocation Return Val ~
1970 ---------- ---------- >
1971 cscope_connection() 1
1972 cscope_connection(1, "out") 1
1973 cscope_connection(2, "out") 0
1974 cscope_connection(3, "out") 0
1975 cscope_connection(3, "out", "local") 1
1976 cscope_connection(4, "out") 0
1977 cscope_connection(4, "out", "local") 0
1978 cscope_connection(4, "cscope.out", "/usr/local") 1
1979<
1980cursor({lnum}, {col}) *cursor()*
1981 Positions the cursor at the column {col} in the line {lnum}.
1982 Does not change the jumplist.
1983 If {lnum} is greater than the number of lines in the buffer,
1984 the cursor will be positioned at the last line in the buffer.
1985 If {lnum} is zero, the cursor will stay in the current line.
1986 If {col} is greater than the number of characters in the line,
1987 the cursor will be positioned at the last character in the
1988 line.
1989 If {col} is zero, the cursor will stay in the current column.
1990
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001991
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00001992deepcopy({expr}[, {noref}]) *deepcopy()* *E698*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001993 Make a copy of {expr}. For Numbers and Strings this isn't
1994 different from using {expr} directly.
1995 When {expr} is a List a full copy is created. This means
1996 that the original List can be changed without changing the
1997 copy, and vise versa. When an item is a List, a copy for it
1998 is made, recursively. Thus changing an item in the copy does
1999 not change the contents of the original List.
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00002000 When {noref} is omitted or zero a contained List or Dictionary
2001 is only copied once. All references point to this single
2002 copy. With {noref} set to 1 every occurrence of a List or
2003 Dictionary results in a new copy. This also means that a
2004 cyclic reference causes deepcopy() to fail.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00002005 *E724*
2006 Nesting is possible up to 100 levels. When there is an item
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00002007 that refers back to a higher level making a deep copy with
2008 {noref} set to 1 will fail.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002009 Also see |copy()|.
2010
2011delete({fname}) *delete()*
2012 Deletes the file by the name {fname}. The result is a Number,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002013 which is 0 if the file was deleted successfully, and non-zero
2014 when the deletion failed.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002015 Use |remove()| to delete an item from a List.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002016
2017 *did_filetype()*
2018did_filetype() Returns non-zero when autocommands are being executed and the
2019 FileType event has been triggered at least once. Can be used
2020 to avoid triggering the FileType event again in the scripts
2021 that detect the file type. |FileType|
2022 When editing another file, the counter is reset, thus this
2023 really checks if the FileType event has been triggered for the
2024 current buffer. This allows an autocommand that starts
2025 editing another buffer to set 'filetype' and load a syntax
2026 file.
2027
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00002028diff_filler({lnum}) *diff_filler()*
2029 Returns the number of filler lines above line {lnum}.
2030 These are the lines that were inserted at this point in
2031 another diff'ed window. These filler lines are shown in the
2032 display but don't exist in the buffer.
2033 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current
2034 line, "'m" mark m, etc.
2035 Returns 0 if the current window is not in diff mode.
2036
2037diff_hlID({lnum}, {col}) *diff_hlID()*
2038 Returns the highlight ID for diff mode at line {lnum} column
2039 {col} (byte index). When the current line does not have a
2040 diff change zero is returned.
2041 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current
2042 line, "'m" mark m, etc.
2043 {col} is 1 for the leftmost column, {lnum} is 1 for the first
2044 line.
2045 The highlight ID can be used with |synIDattr()| to obtain
2046 syntax information about the highlighting.
2047
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00002048empty({expr}) *empty()*
2049 Return the Number 1 if {expr} is empty, zero otherwise.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002050 A List or Dictionary is empty when it does not have any items.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00002051 A Number is empty when its value is zero.
2052 For a long List this is much faster then comparing the length
2053 with zero.
2054
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002055escape({string}, {chars}) *escape()*
2056 Escape the characters in {chars} that occur in {string} with a
2057 backslash. Example: >
2058 :echo escape('c:\program files\vim', ' \')
2059< results in: >
2060 c:\\program\ files\\vim
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002061
2062< *eval()*
2063eval({string}) Evaluate {string} and return the result. Especially useful to
2064 turn the result of |string()| back into the original value.
2065 This works for Numbers, Strings and composites of them.
2066 Also works for Funcrefs that refer to existing functions.
2067
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002068eventhandler() *eventhandler()*
2069 Returns 1 when inside an event handler. That is that Vim got
2070 interrupted while waiting for the user to type a character,
2071 e.g., when dropping a file on Vim. This means interactive
2072 commands cannot be used. Otherwise zero is returned.
2073
2074executable({expr}) *executable()*
2075 This function checks if an executable with the name {expr}
2076 exists. {expr} must be the name of the program without any
Bram Moolenaarf4b8e572004-06-24 15:53:16 +00002077 arguments.
2078 executable() uses the value of $PATH and/or the normal
2079 searchpath for programs. *PATHEXT*
2080 On MS-DOS and MS-Windows the ".exe", ".bat", etc. can
2081 optionally be included. Then the extensions in $PATHEXT are
2082 tried. Thus if "foo.exe" does not exist, "foo.exe.bat" can be
2083 found. If $PATHEXT is not set then ".exe;.com;.bat;.cmd" is
2084 used. A dot by itself can be used in $PATHEXT to try using
2085 the name without an extension. When 'shell' looks like a
2086 Unix shell, then the name is also tried without adding an
2087 extension.
2088 On MS-DOS and MS-Windows it only checks if the file exists and
2089 is not a directory, not if it's really executable.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002090 The result is a Number:
2091 1 exists
2092 0 does not exist
2093 -1 not implemented on this system
2094
2095 *exists()*
2096exists({expr}) The result is a Number, which is non-zero if {expr} is
2097 defined, zero otherwise. The {expr} argument is a string,
2098 which contains one of these:
2099 &option-name Vim option (only checks if it exists,
2100 not if it really works)
2101 +option-name Vim option that works.
2102 $ENVNAME environment variable (could also be
2103 done by comparing with an empty
2104 string)
2105 *funcname built-in function (see |functions|)
2106 or user defined function (see
2107 |user-functions|).
2108 varname internal variable (see
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00002109 |internal-variables|). Also works
2110 for |curly-braces-names|, Dictionary
2111 entries, List items, etc. Beware that
2112 this may cause functions to be
2113 invoked cause an error message for an
2114 invalid expression.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002115 :cmdname Ex command: built-in command, user
2116 command or command modifier |:command|.
2117 Returns:
2118 1 for match with start of a command
2119 2 full match with a command
2120 3 matches several user commands
2121 To check for a supported command
2122 always check the return value to be 2.
2123 #event autocommand defined for this event
2124 #event#pattern autocommand defined for this event and
2125 pattern (the pattern is taken
2126 literally and compared to the
2127 autocommand patterns character by
2128 character)
2129 For checking for a supported feature use |has()|.
2130
2131 Examples: >
2132 exists("&shortname")
2133 exists("$HOSTNAME")
2134 exists("*strftime")
2135 exists("*s:MyFunc")
2136 exists("bufcount")
2137 exists(":Make")
2138 exists("#CursorHold");
2139 exists("#BufReadPre#*.gz")
2140< There must be no space between the symbol (&/$/*/#) and the
2141 name.
2142 Note that the argument must be a string, not the name of the
2143 variable itself! For example: >
2144 exists(bufcount)
2145< This doesn't check for existence of the "bufcount" variable,
2146 but gets the contents of "bufcount", and checks if that
2147 exists.
2148
2149expand({expr} [, {flag}]) *expand()*
2150 Expand wildcards and the following special keywords in {expr}.
2151 The result is a String.
2152
2153 When there are several matches, they are separated by <NL>
2154 characters. [Note: in version 5.0 a space was used, which
2155 caused problems when a file name contains a space]
2156
2157 If the expansion fails, the result is an empty string. A name
2158 for a non-existing file is not included.
2159
2160 When {expr} starts with '%', '#' or '<', the expansion is done
2161 like for the |cmdline-special| variables with their associated
2162 modifiers. Here is a short overview:
2163
2164 % current file name
2165 # alternate file name
2166 #n alternate file name n
2167 <cfile> file name under the cursor
2168 <afile> autocmd file name
2169 <abuf> autocmd buffer number (as a String!)
2170 <amatch> autocmd matched name
2171 <sfile> sourced script file name
2172 <cword> word under the cursor
2173 <cWORD> WORD under the cursor
2174 <client> the {clientid} of the last received
2175 message |server2client()|
2176 Modifiers:
2177 :p expand to full path
2178 :h head (last path component removed)
2179 :t tail (last path component only)
2180 :r root (one extension removed)
2181 :e extension only
2182
2183 Example: >
2184 :let &tags = expand("%:p:h") . "/tags"
2185< Note that when expanding a string that starts with '%', '#' or
2186 '<', any following text is ignored. This does NOT work: >
2187 :let doesntwork = expand("%:h.bak")
2188< Use this: >
2189 :let doeswork = expand("%:h") . ".bak"
2190< Also note that expanding "<cfile>" and others only returns the
2191 referenced file name without further expansion. If "<cfile>"
2192 is "~/.cshrc", you need to do another expand() to have the
2193 "~/" expanded into the path of the home directory: >
2194 :echo expand(expand("<cfile>"))
2195<
2196 There cannot be white space between the variables and the
2197 following modifier. The |fnamemodify()| function can be used
2198 to modify normal file names.
2199
2200 When using '%' or '#', and the current or alternate file name
2201 is not defined, an empty string is used. Using "%:p" in a
2202 buffer with no name, results in the current directory, with a
2203 '/' added.
2204
2205 When {expr} does not start with '%', '#' or '<', it is
2206 expanded like a file name is expanded on the command line.
2207 'suffixes' and 'wildignore' are used, unless the optional
2208 {flag} argument is given and it is non-zero. Names for
2209 non-existing files are included.
2210
2211 Expand() can also be used to expand variables and environment
2212 variables that are only known in a shell. But this can be
2213 slow, because a shell must be started. See |expr-env-expand|.
2214 The expanded variable is still handled like a list of file
2215 names. When an environment variable cannot be expanded, it is
2216 left unchanged. Thus ":echo expand('$FOOBAR')" results in
2217 "$FOOBAR".
2218
2219 See |glob()| for finding existing files. See |system()| for
2220 getting the raw output of an external command.
2221
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002222extend({expr1}, {expr2} [, {expr3}]) *extend()*
2223 {expr1} and {expr2} must be both Lists or both Dictionaries.
2224
2225 If they are Lists: Append {expr2} to {expr1}.
2226 If {expr3} is given insert the items of {expr2} before item
2227 {expr3} in {expr1}. When {expr3} is zero insert before the
2228 first item. When {expr3} is equal to len({expr1}) then
2229 {expr2} is appended.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002230 Examples: >
2231 :echo sort(extend(mylist, [7, 5]))
2232 :call extend(mylist, [2, 3], 1)
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002233< Use |add()| to concatenate one item to a list. To concatenate
2234 two lists into a new list use the + operator: >
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002235 :let newlist = [1, 2, 3] + [4, 5]
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002236<
2237 If they are Dictionaries:
2238 Add all entries from {expr2} to {expr1}.
2239 If a key exists in both {expr1} and {expr2} then {expr3} is
2240 used to decide what to do:
2241 {expr3} = "keep": keep the value of {expr1}
2242 {expr3} = "force": use the value of {expr2}
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +00002243 {expr3} = "error": give an error message *E737*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002244 When {expr3} is omitted then "force" is assumed.
2245
2246 {expr1} is changed when {expr2} is not empty. If necessary
2247 make a copy of {expr1} first.
2248 {expr2} remains unchanged.
2249 Returns {expr1}.
2250
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002251
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002252filereadable({file}) *filereadable()*
2253 The result is a Number, which is TRUE when a file with the
2254 name {file} exists, and can be read. If {file} doesn't exist,
2255 or is a directory, the result is FALSE. {file} is any
2256 expression, which is used as a String.
2257 *file_readable()*
2258 Obsolete name: file_readable().
2259
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002260
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002261filter({expr}, {string}) *filter()*
2262 {expr} must be a List or a Dictionary.
2263 For each item in {expr} evaluate {string} and when the result
2264 is zero remove the item from the List or Dictionary.
2265 Inside {string} |v:val| has the value of the current item.
2266 For a Dictionary |v:key| has the key of the current item.
2267 Examples: >
2268 :call filter(mylist, 'v:val !~ "OLD"')
2269< Removes the items where "OLD" appears. >
2270 :call filter(mydict, 'v:key >= 8')
2271< Removes the items with a key below 8. >
2272 :call filter(var, 0)
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00002273< Removes all the items, thus clears the List or Dictionary.
2274
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002275 Note that {string} is the result of expression and is then
2276 used as an expression again. Often it is good to use a
2277 |literal-string| to avoid having to double backslashes.
2278
2279 The operation is done in-place. If you want a List or
2280 Dictionary to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00002281 :let l = filter(copy(mylist), '& =~ "KEEP"')
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002282
2283< Returns {expr}, the List or Dictionary that was filtered.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002284
2285
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00002286finddir({name}[, {path}[, {count}]]) *finddir()*
2287 Find directory {name} in {path}.
2288 If {path} is omitted or empty then 'path' is used.
2289 If the optional {count} is given, find {count}'s occurrence of
2290 {name} in {path}.
2291 This is quite similar to the ex-command |:find|.
2292 When the found directory is below the current directory a
2293 relative path is returned. Otherwise a full path is returned.
2294 Example: >
2295 :echo findfile("tags.vim", ".;")
2296< Searches from the current directory upwards until it finds
2297 the file "tags.vim".
2298 {only available when compiled with the +file_in_path feature}
2299
2300findfile({name}[, {path}[, {count}]]) *findfile()*
2301 Just like |finddir()|, but find a file instead of a directory.
2302
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002303filewritable({file}) *filewritable()*
2304 The result is a Number, which is 1 when a file with the
2305 name {file} exists, and can be written. If {file} doesn't
2306 exist, or is not writable, the result is 0. If (file) is a
2307 directory, and we can write to it, the result is 2.
2308
2309fnamemodify({fname}, {mods}) *fnamemodify()*
2310 Modify file name {fname} according to {mods}. {mods} is a
2311 string of characters like it is used for file names on the
2312 command line. See |filename-modifiers|.
2313 Example: >
2314 :echo fnamemodify("main.c", ":p:h")
2315< results in: >
2316 /home/mool/vim/vim/src
2317< Note: Environment variables and "~" don't work in {fname}, use
2318 |expand()| first then.
2319
2320foldclosed({lnum}) *foldclosed()*
2321 The result is a Number. If the line {lnum} is in a closed
2322 fold, the result is the number of the first line in that fold.
2323 If the line {lnum} is not in a closed fold, -1 is returned.
2324
2325foldclosedend({lnum}) *foldclosedend()*
2326 The result is a Number. If the line {lnum} is in a closed
2327 fold, the result is the number of the last line in that fold.
2328 If the line {lnum} is not in a closed fold, -1 is returned.
2329
2330foldlevel({lnum}) *foldlevel()*
2331 The result is a Number, which is the foldlevel of line {lnum}
2332 in the current buffer. For nested folds the deepest level is
2333 returned. If there is no fold at line {lnum}, zero is
2334 returned. It doesn't matter if the folds are open or closed.
2335 When used while updating folds (from 'foldexpr') -1 is
2336 returned for lines where folds are still to be updated and the
2337 foldlevel is unknown. As a special case the level of the
2338 previous line is usually available.
2339
2340 *foldtext()*
2341foldtext() Returns a String, to be displayed for a closed fold. This is
2342 the default function used for the 'foldtext' option and should
2343 only be called from evaluating 'foldtext'. It uses the
2344 |v:foldstart|, |v:foldend| and |v:folddashes| variables.
2345 The returned string looks like this: >
2346 +-- 45 lines: abcdef
2347< The number of dashes depends on the foldlevel. The "45" is
2348 the number of lines in the fold. "abcdef" is the text in the
2349 first non-blank line of the fold. Leading white space, "//"
2350 or "/*" and the text from the 'foldmarker' and 'commentstring'
2351 options is removed.
2352 {not available when compiled without the |+folding| feature}
2353
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00002354foldtextresult({lnum}) *foldtextresult()*
2355 Returns the text that is displayed for the closed fold at line
2356 {lnum}. Evaluates 'foldtext' in the appropriate context.
2357 When there is no closed fold at {lnum} an empty string is
2358 returned.
2359 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current
2360 line, "'m" mark m, etc.
2361 Useful when exporting folded text, e.g., to HTML.
2362 {not available when compiled without the |+folding| feature}
2363
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002364 *foreground()*
2365foreground() Move the Vim window to the foreground. Useful when sent from
2366 a client to a Vim server. |remote_send()|
2367 On Win32 systems this might not work, the OS does not always
2368 allow a window to bring itself to the foreground. Use
2369 |remote_foreground()| instead.
2370 {only in the Win32, Athena, Motif and GTK GUI versions and the
2371 Win32 console version}
2372
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002373
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00002374function({name}) *function()* *E700*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002375 Return a Funcref variable that refers to function {name}.
2376 {name} can be a user defined function or an internal function.
2377
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002378
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00002379get({list}, {idx} [, {default}]) *get()*
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002380 Get item {idx} from List {list}. When this item is not
2381 available return {default}. Return zero when {default} is
2382 omitted.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002383get({dict}, {key} [, {default}])
2384 Get item with key {key} from Dictionary {dict}. When this
2385 item is not available return {default}. Return zero when
2386 {default} is omitted.
2387
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002388
2389getbufvar({expr}, {varname}) *getbufvar()*
2390 The result is the value of option or local buffer variable
2391 {varname} in buffer {expr}. Note that the name without "b:"
2392 must be used.
Bram Moolenaar4317d9b2005-03-18 20:25:31 +00002393 This also works for a global or buffer-local option, but it
2394 doesn't work for a global variable, window-local variable or
2395 window-local option.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002396 For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above.
2397 When the buffer or variable doesn't exist an empty string is
2398 returned, there is no error message.
2399 Examples: >
2400 :let bufmodified = getbufvar(1, "&mod")
2401 :echo "todo myvar = " . getbufvar("todo", "myvar")
2402<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002403getchar([expr]) *getchar()*
2404 Get a single character from the user. If it is an 8-bit
2405 character, the result is a number. Otherwise a String is
2406 returned with the encoded character. For a special key it's a
2407 sequence of bytes starting with 0x80 (decimal: 128).
2408 If [expr] is omitted, wait until a character is available.
2409 If [expr] is 0, only get a character when one is available.
2410 If [expr] is 1, only check if a character is available, it is
2411 not consumed. If a normal character is
2412 available, it is returned, otherwise a
2413 non-zero value is returned.
2414 If a normal character available, it is returned as a Number.
2415 Use nr2char() to convert it to a String.
2416 The returned value is zero if no character is available.
2417 The returned value is a string of characters for special keys
2418 and when a modifier (shift, control, alt) was used.
2419 There is no prompt, you will somehow have to make clear to the
2420 user that a character has to be typed.
2421 There is no mapping for the character.
2422 Key codes are replaced, thus when the user presses the <Del>
2423 key you get the code for the <Del> key, not the raw character
2424 sequence. Examples: >
2425 getchar() == "\<Del>"
2426 getchar() == "\<S-Left>"
2427< This example redefines "f" to ignore case: >
2428 :nmap f :call FindChar()<CR>
2429 :function FindChar()
2430 : let c = nr2char(getchar())
2431 : while col('.') < col('$') - 1
2432 : normal l
2433 : if getline('.')[col('.') - 1] ==? c
2434 : break
2435 : endif
2436 : endwhile
2437 :endfunction
2438
2439getcharmod() *getcharmod()*
2440 The result is a Number which is the state of the modifiers for
2441 the last obtained character with getchar() or in another way.
2442 These values are added together:
2443 2 shift
2444 4 control
2445 8 alt (meta)
2446 16 mouse double click
2447 32 mouse triple click
2448 64 mouse quadruple click
2449 128 Macintosh only: command
2450 Only the modifiers that have not been included in the
2451 character itself are obtained. Thus Shift-a results in "A"
2452 with no modifier.
2453
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002454getcmdline() *getcmdline()*
2455 Return the current command-line. Only works when the command
2456 line is being edited, thus requires use of |c_CTRL-\_e| or
2457 |c_CTRL-R_=|.
2458 Example: >
2459 :cmap <F7> <C-\>eescape(getcmdline(), ' \')<CR>
2460< Also see |getcmdpos()| and |setcmdpos()|.
2461
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002462getcmdpos() *getcmdpos()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002463 Return the position of the cursor in the command line as a
2464 byte count. The first column is 1.
2465 Only works when editing the command line, thus requires use of
2466 |c_CTRL-\_e| or |c_CTRL-R_=|. Returns 0 otherwise.
2467 Also see |setcmdpos()| and |getcmdline()|.
2468
2469 *getcwd()*
2470getcwd() The result is a String, which is the name of the current
2471 working directory.
2472
2473getfsize({fname}) *getfsize()*
2474 The result is a Number, which is the size in bytes of the
2475 given file {fname}.
2476 If {fname} is a directory, 0 is returned.
2477 If the file {fname} can't be found, -1 is returned.
2478
Bram Moolenaard8b0cf12004-12-12 11:33:30 +00002479getfontname([{name}]) *getfontname()*
2480 Without an argument returns the name of the normal font being
2481 used. Like what is used for the Normal highlight group
2482 |hl-Normal|.
2483 With an argument a check is done whether {name} is a valid
2484 font name. If not then an empty string is returned.
2485 Otherwise the actual font name is returned, or {name} if the
2486 GUI does not support obtaining the real name.
2487 Only works when the GUI is running, thus not you your vimrc or
2488 Note that the GTK 2 GUI accepts any font name, thus checking
2489 for a valid name does not work.
2490 gvimrc file. Use the |GUIEnter| autocommand to use this
2491 function just after the GUI has started.
2492
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00002493getfperm({fname}) *getfperm()*
2494 The result is a String, which is the read, write, and execute
2495 permissions of the given file {fname}.
2496 If {fname} does not exist or its directory cannot be read, an
2497 empty string is returned.
2498 The result is of the form "rwxrwxrwx", where each group of
2499 "rwx" flags represent, in turn, the permissions of the owner
2500 of the file, the group the file belongs to, and other users.
2501 If a user does not have a given permission the flag for this
2502 is replaced with the string "-". Example: >
2503 :echo getfperm("/etc/passwd")
2504< This will hopefully (from a security point of view) display
2505 the string "rw-r--r--" or even "rw-------".
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00002506
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002507getftime({fname}) *getftime()*
2508 The result is a Number, which is the last modification time of
2509 the given file {fname}. The value is measured as seconds
2510 since 1st Jan 1970, and may be passed to strftime(). See also
2511 |localtime()| and |strftime()|.
2512 If the file {fname} can't be found -1 is returned.
2513
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00002514getftype({fname}) *getftype()*
2515 The result is a String, which is a description of the kind of
2516 file of the given file {fname}.
2517 If {fname} does not exist an empty string is returned.
2518 Here is a table over different kinds of files and their
2519 results:
2520 Normal file "file"
2521 Directory "dir"
2522 Symbolic link "link"
2523 Block device "bdev"
2524 Character device "cdev"
2525 Socket "socket"
2526 FIFO "fifo"
2527 All other "other"
2528 Example: >
2529 getftype("/home")
2530< Note that a type such as "link" will only be returned on
2531 systems that support it. On some systems only "dir" and
2532 "file" are returned.
2533
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002534 *getline()*
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002535getline({lnum} [, {end}])
2536 Without {end} the result is a String, which is line {lnum}
2537 from the current buffer. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002538 getline(1)
2539< When {lnum} is a String that doesn't start with a
2540 digit, line() is called to translate the String into a Number.
2541 To get the line under the cursor: >
2542 getline(".")
2543< When {lnum} is smaller than 1 or bigger than the number of
2544 lines in the buffer, an empty string is returned.
2545
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002546 When {end} is given the result is a List where each item is a
2547 line from the current buffer in the range {lnum} to {end},
2548 including line {end}.
2549 {end} is used in the same way as {lnum}.
2550 Non-existing lines are silently omitted.
2551 When {end} is before {lnum} an error is given.
2552 Example: >
2553 :let start = line('.')
2554 :let end = search("^$") - 1
2555 :let lines = getline(start, end)
2556
2557
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00002558getqflist() *getqflist()*
2559 Returns a list with all the current quickfix errors. Each
2560 list item is a dictionary with these entries:
2561 bufnr number of buffer that has the file name, use
2562 bufname() to get the name
2563 lnum line number in the buffer (first line is 1)
2564 col column number (first column is 1)
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00002565 vcol non-zero: "col" is visual column
2566 zero: "col" is byte index
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00002567 nr error number
2568 text description of the error
2569 type type of the error, 'E', '1', etc.
2570 valid non-zero: recognized error message
2571
2572 Useful application: Find pattern matches in multiple files and
2573 do something with them: >
2574 :vimgrep /theword/jg *.c
2575 :for d in getqflist()
2576 : echo bufname(d.bufnr) ':' d.lnum '=' d.text
2577 :endfor
2578
2579
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00002580getreg([{regname} [, 1]]) *getreg()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002581 The result is a String, which is the contents of register
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00002582 {regname}. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002583 :let cliptext = getreg('*')
2584< getreg('=') returns the last evaluated value of the expression
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00002585 register. (For use in maps.)
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00002586 getreg('=', 1) returns the expression itself, so that it can
2587 be restored with |setreg()|. For other registers the extra
2588 argument is ignored, thus you can always give it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002589 If {regname} is not specified, |v:register| is used.
2590
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002591
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002592getregtype([{regname}]) *getregtype()*
2593 The result is a String, which is type of register {regname}.
2594 The value will be one of:
2595 "v" for |characterwise| text
2596 "V" for |linewise| text
2597 "<CTRL-V>{width}" for |blockwise-visual| text
2598 0 for an empty or unknown register
2599 <CTRL-V> is one character with value 0x16.
2600 If {regname} is not specified, |v:register| is used.
2601
2602 *getwinposx()*
2603getwinposx() The result is a Number, which is the X coordinate in pixels of
2604 the left hand side of the GUI Vim window. The result will be
2605 -1 if the information is not available.
2606
2607 *getwinposy()*
2608getwinposy() The result is a Number, which is the Y coordinate in pixels of
2609 the top of the GUI Vim window. The result will be -1 if the
2610 information is not available.
2611
2612getwinvar({nr}, {varname}) *getwinvar()*
2613 The result is the value of option or local window variable
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +00002614 {varname} in window {nr}. When {nr} is zero the current
2615 window is used.
Bram Moolenaar4317d9b2005-03-18 20:25:31 +00002616 This also works for a global option, buffer-local option and
2617 window-local option, but it doesn't work for a global variable
2618 or buffer-local variable.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002619 Note that the name without "w:" must be used.
2620 Examples: >
2621 :let list_is_on = getwinvar(2, '&list')
2622 :echo "myvar = " . getwinvar(1, 'myvar')
2623<
2624 *glob()*
2625glob({expr}) Expand the file wildcards in {expr}. The result is a String.
2626 When there are several matches, they are separated by <NL>
2627 characters.
2628 If the expansion fails, the result is an empty string.
2629 A name for a non-existing file is not included.
2630
2631 For most systems backticks can be used to get files names from
2632 any external command. Example: >
2633 :let tagfiles = glob("`find . -name tags -print`")
2634 :let &tags = substitute(tagfiles, "\n", ",", "g")
2635< The result of the program inside the backticks should be one
2636 item per line. Spaces inside an item are allowed.
2637
2638 See |expand()| for expanding special Vim variables. See
2639 |system()| for getting the raw output of an external command.
2640
2641globpath({path}, {expr}) *globpath()*
2642 Perform glob() on all directories in {path} and concatenate
2643 the results. Example: >
2644 :echo globpath(&rtp, "syntax/c.vim")
2645< {path} is a comma-separated list of directory names. Each
2646 directory name is prepended to {expr} and expanded like with
2647 glob(). A path separator is inserted when needed.
2648 To add a comma inside a directory name escape it with a
2649 backslash. Note that on MS-Windows a directory may have a
2650 trailing backslash, remove it if you put a comma after it.
2651 If the expansion fails for one of the directories, there is no
2652 error message.
2653 The 'wildignore' option applies: Names matching one of the
2654 patterns in 'wildignore' will be skipped.
2655
2656 *has()*
2657has({feature}) The result is a Number, which is 1 if the feature {feature} is
2658 supported, zero otherwise. The {feature} argument is a
2659 string. See |feature-list| below.
2660 Also see |exists()|.
2661
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002662
2663has_key({dict}, {key}) *has_key()*
2664 The result is a Number, which is 1 if Dictionary {dict} has an
2665 entry with key {key}. Zero otherwise.
2666
2667
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002668hasmapto({what} [, {mode}]) *hasmapto()*
2669 The result is a Number, which is 1 if there is a mapping that
2670 contains {what} in somewhere in the rhs (what it is mapped to)
2671 and this mapping exists in one of the modes indicated by
2672 {mode}.
2673 Both the global mappings and the mappings local to the current
2674 buffer are checked for a match.
2675 If no matching mapping is found 0 is returned.
2676 The following characters are recognized in {mode}:
2677 n Normal mode
2678 v Visual mode
2679 o Operator-pending mode
2680 i Insert mode
2681 l Language-Argument ("r", "f", "t", etc.)
2682 c Command-line mode
2683 When {mode} is omitted, "nvo" is used.
2684
2685 This function is useful to check if a mapping already exists
2686 to a function in a Vim script. Example: >
2687 :if !hasmapto('\ABCdoit')
2688 : map <Leader>d \ABCdoit
2689 :endif
2690< This installs the mapping to "\ABCdoit" only if there isn't
2691 already a mapping to "\ABCdoit".
2692
2693histadd({history}, {item}) *histadd()*
2694 Add the String {item} to the history {history} which can be
2695 one of: *hist-names*
2696 "cmd" or ":" command line history
2697 "search" or "/" search pattern history
2698 "expr" or "=" typed expression history
2699 "input" or "@" input line history
2700 If {item} does already exist in the history, it will be
2701 shifted to become the newest entry.
2702 The result is a Number: 1 if the operation was successful,
2703 otherwise 0 is returned.
2704
2705 Example: >
2706 :call histadd("input", strftime("%Y %b %d"))
2707 :let date=input("Enter date: ")
2708< This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
2709
2710histdel({history} [, {item}]) *histdel()*
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00002711 Clear {history}, i.e. delete all its entries. See |hist-names|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002712 for the possible values of {history}.
2713
2714 If the parameter {item} is given as String, this is seen
2715 as regular expression. All entries matching that expression
2716 will be removed from the history (if there are any).
2717 Upper/lowercase must match, unless "\c" is used |/\c|.
2718 If {item} is a Number, it will be interpreted as index, see
2719 |:history-indexing|. The respective entry will be removed
2720 if it exists.
2721
2722 The result is a Number: 1 for a successful operation,
2723 otherwise 0 is returned.
2724
2725 Examples:
2726 Clear expression register history: >
2727 :call histdel("expr")
2728<
2729 Remove all entries starting with "*" from the search history: >
2730 :call histdel("/", '^\*')
2731<
2732 The following three are equivalent: >
2733 :call histdel("search", histnr("search"))
2734 :call histdel("search", -1)
2735 :call histdel("search", '^'.histget("search", -1).'$')
2736<
2737 To delete the last search pattern and use the last-but-one for
2738 the "n" command and 'hlsearch': >
2739 :call histdel("search", -1)
2740 :let @/ = histget("search", -1)
2741
2742histget({history} [, {index}]) *histget()*
2743 The result is a String, the entry with Number {index} from
2744 {history}. See |hist-names| for the possible values of
2745 {history}, and |:history-indexing| for {index}. If there is
2746 no such entry, an empty String is returned. When {index} is
2747 omitted, the most recent item from the history is used.
2748
2749 Examples:
2750 Redo the second last search from history. >
2751 :execute '/' . histget("search", -2)
2752
2753< Define an Ex command ":H {num}" that supports re-execution of
2754 the {num}th entry from the output of |:history|. >
2755 :command -nargs=1 H execute histget("cmd", 0+<args>)
2756<
2757histnr({history}) *histnr()*
2758 The result is the Number of the current entry in {history}.
2759 See |hist-names| for the possible values of {history}.
2760 If an error occurred, -1 is returned.
2761
2762 Example: >
2763 :let inp_index = histnr("expr")
2764<
2765hlexists({name}) *hlexists()*
2766 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a highlight group
2767 called {name} exists. This is when the group has been
2768 defined in some way. Not necessarily when highlighting has
2769 been defined for it, it may also have been used for a syntax
2770 item.
2771 *highlight_exists()*
2772 Obsolete name: highlight_exists().
2773
2774 *hlID()*
2775hlID({name}) The result is a Number, which is the ID of the highlight group
2776 with name {name}. When the highlight group doesn't exist,
2777 zero is returned.
2778 This can be used to retrieve information about the highlight
2779 group. For example, to get the background color of the
2780 "Comment" group: >
2781 :echo synIDattr(synIDtrans(hlID("Comment")), "bg")
2782< *highlightID()*
2783 Obsolete name: highlightID().
2784
2785hostname() *hostname()*
2786 The result is a String, which is the name of the machine on
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00002787 which Vim is currently running. Machine names greater than
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002788 256 characters long are truncated.
2789
2790iconv({expr}, {from}, {to}) *iconv()*
2791 The result is a String, which is the text {expr} converted
2792 from encoding {from} to encoding {to}.
2793 When the conversion fails an empty string is returned.
2794 The encoding names are whatever the iconv() library function
2795 can accept, see ":!man 3 iconv".
2796 Most conversions require Vim to be compiled with the |+iconv|
2797 feature. Otherwise only UTF-8 to latin1 conversion and back
2798 can be done.
2799 This can be used to display messages with special characters,
2800 no matter what 'encoding' is set to. Write the message in
2801 UTF-8 and use: >
2802 echo iconv(utf8_str, "utf-8", &enc)
2803< Note that Vim uses UTF-8 for all Unicode encodings, conversion
2804 from/to UCS-2 is automatically changed to use UTF-8. You
2805 cannot use UCS-2 in a string anyway, because of the NUL bytes.
2806 {only available when compiled with the +multi_byte feature}
2807
2808 *indent()*
2809indent({lnum}) The result is a Number, which is indent of line {lnum} in the
2810 current buffer. The indent is counted in spaces, the value
2811 of 'tabstop' is relevant. {lnum} is used just like in
2812 |getline()|.
2813 When {lnum} is invalid -1 is returned.
2814
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002815
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002816index({list}, {expr} [, {start} [, {ic}]]) *index()*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002817 Return the lowest index in List {list} where the item has a
2818 value equal to {expr}.
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00002819 If {start} is given then start looking at the item with index
2820 {start} (may be negative for an item relative to the end).
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002821 When {ic} is given and it is non-zero, ignore case. Otherwise
2822 case must match.
2823 -1 is returned when {expr} is not found in {list}.
2824 Example: >
2825 :let idx = index(words, "the")
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00002826 :if index(numbers, 123) >= 0
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002827
2828
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002829input({prompt} [, {text}]) *input()*
2830 The result is a String, which is whatever the user typed on
2831 the command-line. The parameter is either a prompt string, or
2832 a blank string (for no prompt). A '\n' can be used in the
2833 prompt to start a new line. The highlighting set with
2834 |:echohl| is used for the prompt. The input is entered just
2835 like a command-line, with the same editing commands and
2836 mappings. There is a separate history for lines typed for
2837 input().
2838 If the optional {text} is present, this is used for the
2839 default reply, as if the user typed this.
2840 NOTE: This must not be used in a startup file, for the
2841 versions that only run in GUI mode (e.g., the Win32 GUI).
2842 Note: When input() is called from within a mapping it will
2843 consume remaining characters from that mapping, because a
2844 mapping is handled like the characters were typed.
2845 Use |inputsave()| before input() and |inputrestore()|
2846 after input() to avoid that. Another solution is to avoid
2847 that further characters follow in the mapping, e.g., by using
2848 |:execute| or |:normal|.
2849
2850 Example: >
2851 :if input("Coffee or beer? ") == "beer"
2852 : echo "Cheers!"
2853 :endif
2854< Example with default text: >
2855 :let color = input("Color? ", "white")
2856< Example with a mapping: >
2857 :nmap \x :call GetFoo()<CR>:exe "/" . Foo<CR>
2858 :function GetFoo()
2859 : call inputsave()
2860 : let g:Foo = input("enter search pattern: ")
2861 : call inputrestore()
2862 :endfunction
2863
2864inputdialog({prompt} [, {text} [, {cancelreturn}]]) *inputdialog()*
2865 Like input(), but when the GUI is running and text dialogs are
2866 supported, a dialog window pops up to input the text.
2867 Example: >
2868 :let n = inputdialog("value for shiftwidth", &sw)
2869 :if n != ""
2870 : let &sw = n
2871 :endif
2872< When the dialog is cancelled {cancelreturn} is returned. When
2873 omitted an empty string is returned.
2874 Hitting <Enter> works like pressing the OK button. Hitting
2875 <Esc> works like pressing the Cancel button.
2876
2877inputrestore() *inputrestore()*
2878 Restore typeahead that was saved with a previous inputsave().
2879 Should be called the same number of times inputsave() is
2880 called. Calling it more often is harmless though.
2881 Returns 1 when there is nothing to restore, 0 otherwise.
2882
2883inputsave() *inputsave()*
2884 Preserve typeahead (also from mappings) and clear it, so that
2885 a following prompt gets input from the user. Should be
2886 followed by a matching inputrestore() after the prompt. Can
2887 be used several times, in which case there must be just as
2888 many inputrestore() calls.
2889 Returns 1 when out of memory, 0 otherwise.
2890
2891inputsecret({prompt} [, {text}]) *inputsecret()*
2892 This function acts much like the |input()| function with but
2893 two exceptions:
2894 a) the user's response will be displayed as a sequence of
2895 asterisks ("*") thereby keeping the entry secret, and
2896 b) the user's response will not be recorded on the input
2897 |history| stack.
2898 The result is a String, which is whatever the user actually
2899 typed on the command-line in response to the issued prompt.
2900
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002901insert({list}, {item} [, {idx}]) *insert()*
2902 Insert {item} at the start of List {list}.
2903 If {idx} is specified insert {item} before the item with index
2904 {idx}. If {idx} is zero it goes before the first item, just
2905 like omitting {idx}. A negative {idx} is also possible, see
2906 |list-index|. -1 inserts just before the last item.
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00002907 Returns the resulting List. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002908 :let mylist = insert([2, 3, 5], 1)
2909 :call insert(mylist, 4, -1)
2910 :call insert(mylist, 6, len(mylist))
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002911< The last example can be done simpler with |add()|.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002912 Note that when {item} is a List it is inserted as a single
2913 item. Use |extend()| to concatenate Lists.
2914
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002915isdirectory({directory}) *isdirectory()*
2916 The result is a Number, which is non-zero when a directory
2917 with the name {directory} exists. If {directory} doesn't
2918 exist, or isn't a directory, the result is FALSE. {directory}
2919 is any expression, which is used as a String.
2920
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00002921islocked({expr}) *islocked()*
2922 The result is a Number, which is non-zero when {expr} is the
2923 name of a locked variable.
2924 {expr} must be the name of a variable, List item or Dictionary
2925 entry, not the variable itself! Example: >
2926 :let alist = [0, ['a', 'b'], 2, 3]
2927 :lockvar 1 alist
2928 :echo islocked('alist') " 1
2929 :echo islocked('alist[1]') " 0
2930
2931< When {expr} is a variable that does not exist you get an error
2932 message. Use |exists()| to check for existance.
2933
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00002934items({dict}) *items()*
2935 Return a List with all the key-value pairs of {dict}. Each
2936 List item is a list with two items: the key of a {dict} entry
2937 and the value of this entry. The List is in arbitrary order.
2938
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002939
2940join({list} [, {sep}]) *join()*
2941 Join the items in {list} together into one String.
2942 When {sep} is specified it is put in between the items. If
2943 {sep} is omitted a single space is used.
2944 Note that {sep} is not added at the end. You might want to
2945 add it there too: >
2946 let lines = join(mylist, "\n") . "\n"
2947< String items are used as-is. Lists and Dictionaries are
2948 converted into a string like with |string()|.
2949 The opposite function is |split()|.
2950
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00002951keys({dict}) *keys()*
2952 Return a List with all the keys of {dict}. The List is in
2953 arbitrary order.
2954
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00002955 *len()* *E701*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002956len({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the length of the argument.
2957 When {expr} is a String or a Number the length in bytes is
2958 used, as with |strlen()|.
2959 When {expr} is a List the number of items in the List is
2960 returned.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002961 When {expr} is a Dictionary the number of entries in the
2962 Dictionary is returned.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002963 Otherwise an error is given.
2964
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002965 *libcall()* *E364* *E368*
2966libcall({libname}, {funcname}, {argument})
2967 Call function {funcname} in the run-time library {libname}
2968 with single argument {argument}.
2969 This is useful to call functions in a library that you
2970 especially made to be used with Vim. Since only one argument
2971 is possible, calling standard library functions is rather
2972 limited.
2973 The result is the String returned by the function. If the
2974 function returns NULL, this will appear as an empty string ""
2975 to Vim.
2976 If the function returns a number, use libcallnr()!
2977 If {argument} is a number, it is passed to the function as an
2978 int; if {argument} is a string, it is passed as a
2979 null-terminated string.
2980 This function will fail in |restricted-mode|.
2981
2982 libcall() allows you to write your own 'plug-in' extensions to
2983 Vim without having to recompile the program. It is NOT a
2984 means to call system functions! If you try to do so Vim will
2985 very probably crash.
2986
2987 For Win32, the functions you write must be placed in a DLL
2988 and use the normal C calling convention (NOT Pascal which is
2989 used in Windows System DLLs). The function must take exactly
2990 one parameter, either a character pointer or a long integer,
2991 and must return a character pointer or NULL. The character
2992 pointer returned must point to memory that will remain valid
2993 after the function has returned (e.g. in static data in the
2994 DLL). If it points to allocated memory, that memory will
2995 leak away. Using a static buffer in the function should work,
2996 it's then freed when the DLL is unloaded.
2997
2998 WARNING: If the function returns a non-valid pointer, Vim may
2999 crash! This also happens if the function returns a number,
3000 because Vim thinks it's a pointer.
3001 For Win32 systems, {libname} should be the filename of the DLL
3002 without the ".DLL" suffix. A full path is only required if
3003 the DLL is not in the usual places.
3004 For Unix: When compiling your own plugins, remember that the
3005 object code must be compiled as position-independent ('PIC').
3006 {only in Win32 on some Unix versions, when the |+libcall|
3007 feature is present}
3008 Examples: >
3009 :echo libcall("libc.so", "getenv", "HOME")
3010 :echo libcallnr("/usr/lib/libc.so", "getpid", "")
3011<
3012 *libcallnr()*
3013libcallnr({libname}, {funcname}, {argument})
3014 Just like libcall(), but used for a function that returns an
3015 int instead of a string.
3016 {only in Win32 on some Unix versions, when the |+libcall|
3017 feature is present}
3018 Example (not very useful...): >
3019 :call libcallnr("libc.so", "printf", "Hello World!\n")
3020 :call libcallnr("libc.so", "sleep", 10)
3021<
3022 *line()*
3023line({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the line number of the file
3024 position given with {expr}. The accepted positions are:
3025 . the cursor position
3026 $ the last line in the current buffer
3027 'x position of mark x (if the mark is not set, 0 is
3028 returned)
3029 Note that only marks in the current file can be used.
3030 Examples: >
3031 line(".") line number of the cursor
3032 line("'t") line number of mark t
3033 line("'" . marker) line number of mark marker
3034< *last-position-jump*
3035 This autocommand jumps to the last known position in a file
3036 just after opening it, if the '" mark is set: >
3037 :au BufReadPost * if line("'\"") > 0 && line("'\"") <= line("$") | exe "normal g'\"" | endif
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00003038
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003039line2byte({lnum}) *line2byte()*
3040 Return the byte count from the start of the buffer for line
3041 {lnum}. This includes the end-of-line character, depending on
3042 the 'fileformat' option for the current buffer. The first
3043 line returns 1.
3044 This can also be used to get the byte count for the line just
3045 below the last line: >
3046 line2byte(line("$") + 1)
3047< This is the file size plus one.
3048 When {lnum} is invalid, or the |+byte_offset| feature has been
3049 disabled at compile time, -1 is returned.
3050 Also see |byte2line()|, |go| and |:goto|.
3051
3052lispindent({lnum}) *lispindent()*
3053 Get the amount of indent for line {lnum} according the lisp
3054 indenting rules, as with 'lisp'.
3055 The indent is counted in spaces, the value of 'tabstop' is
3056 relevant. {lnum} is used just like in |getline()|.
3057 When {lnum} is invalid or Vim was not compiled the
3058 |+lispindent| feature, -1 is returned.
3059
3060localtime() *localtime()*
3061 Return the current time, measured as seconds since 1st Jan
3062 1970. See also |strftime()| and |getftime()|.
3063
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003064
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003065map({expr}, {string}) *map()*
3066 {expr} must be a List or a Dictionary.
3067 Replace each item in {expr} with the result of evaluating
3068 {string}.
3069 Inside {string} |v:val| has the value of the current item.
3070 For a Dictionary |v:key| has the key of the current item.
3071 Example: >
3072 :call map(mylist, '"> " . v:val . " <"')
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003073< This puts "> " before and " <" after each item in "mylist".
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003074
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003075 Note that {string} is the result of an expression and is then
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003076 used as an expression again. Often it is good to use a
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003077 |literal-string| to avoid having to double backslashes. You
3078 still have to double ' quotes
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003079
3080 The operation is done in-place. If you want a List or
3081 Dictionary to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003082 :let tlist = map(copy(mylist), ' & . "\t"')
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003083
3084< Returns {expr}, the List or Dictionary that was filtered.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003085
3086
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003087maparg({name}[, {mode}]) *maparg()*
3088 Return the rhs of mapping {name} in mode {mode}. When there
3089 is no mapping for {name}, an empty String is returned.
3090 These characters can be used for {mode}:
3091 "n" Normal
3092 "v" Visual
3093 "o" Operator-pending
3094 "i" Insert
3095 "c" Cmd-line
3096 "l" langmap |language-mapping|
3097 "" Normal, Visual and Operator-pending
3098 When {mode} is omitted, the modes from "" are used.
3099 The {name} can have special key names, like in the ":map"
3100 command. The returned String has special characters
3101 translated like in the output of the ":map" command listing.
3102 The mappings local to the current buffer are checked first,
3103 then the global mappings.
3104
3105mapcheck({name}[, {mode}]) *mapcheck()*
3106 Check if there is a mapping that matches with {name} in mode
3107 {mode}. See |maparg()| for {mode} and special names in
3108 {name}.
3109 A match happens with a mapping that starts with {name} and
3110 with a mapping which is equal to the start of {name}.
3111
3112 matches mapping "a" "ab" "abc" ~
3113 mapcheck("a") yes yes yes
3114 mapcheck("abc") yes yes yes
3115 mapcheck("ax") yes no no
3116 mapcheck("b") no no no
3117
3118 The difference with maparg() is that mapcheck() finds a
3119 mapping that matches with {name}, while maparg() only finds a
3120 mapping for {name} exactly.
3121 When there is no mapping that starts with {name}, an empty
3122 String is returned. If there is one, the rhs of that mapping
3123 is returned. If there are several mappings that start with
3124 {name}, the rhs of one of them is returned.
3125 The mappings local to the current buffer are checked first,
3126 then the global mappings.
3127 This function can be used to check if a mapping can be added
3128 without being ambiguous. Example: >
3129 :if mapcheck("_vv") == ""
3130 : map _vv :set guifont=7x13<CR>
3131 :endif
3132< This avoids adding the "_vv" mapping when there already is a
3133 mapping for "_v" or for "_vvv".
3134
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003135match({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *match()*
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003136 When {expr} is a List then this returns the index of the first
3137 item where {pat} matches. Each item is used as a String,
3138 Lists and Dictionaries are used as echoed.
3139 Otherwise, {expr} is used as a String. The result is a
3140 Number, which gives the index (byte offset) in {expr} where
3141 {pat} matches.
3142 A match at the first character or List item returns zero.
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003143 If there is no match -1 is returned.
3144 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003145 :echo match("testing", "ing") " results in 4
3146 :echo match([1, 'x'], '\a') " results in 2
3147< See |string-match| for how {pat} is used.
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00003148 *strpbrk()*
3149 Vim doesn't have a strpbrk() function. But you can do: >
3150 :let sepidx = match(line, '[.,;: \t]')
3151< *strcasestr()*
3152 Vim doesn't have a strcasestr() function. But you can add
3153 "\c" to the pattern to ignore case: >
3154 :let idx = match(haystack, '\cneedle')
3155<
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003156 When {count} is given use the {count}'th match. When a match
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003157 is found in a String the search for the next one starts on
3158 character further. Thus this example results in 1: >
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003159 echo match("testing", "..", 0, 2)
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003160< In a List the search continues in the next item.
3161
3162 If {start} is given, the search starts from byte index
3163 {start} in a String or item {start} in a List.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003164 The result, however, is still the index counted from the
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003165 first character/item. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003166 :echo match("testing", "ing", 2)
3167< result is again "4". >
3168 :echo match("testing", "ing", 4)
3169< result is again "4". >
3170 :echo match("testing", "t", 2)
3171< result is "3".
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003172 For a String, if {start} < 0, it will be set to 0. For a list
3173 the index is counted from the end.
3174 If {start} is out of range (> strlen({expr} for a String or
3175 > len({expr} for a List) -1 is returned.
3176
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003177 See |pattern| for the patterns that are accepted.
3178 The 'ignorecase' option is used to set the ignore-caseness of
3179 the pattern. 'smartcase' is NOT used. The matching is always
3180 done like 'magic' is set and 'cpoptions' is empty.
3181
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003182matchend({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *matchend()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003183 Same as match(), but return the index of first character after
3184 the match. Example: >
3185 :echo matchend("testing", "ing")
3186< results in "7".
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00003187 *strspn()* *strcspn()*
3188 Vim doesn't have a strspn() or strcspn() function, but you can
3189 do it with matchend(): >
3190 :let span = matchend(line, '[a-zA-Z]')
3191 :let span = matchend(line, '[^a-zA-Z]')
3192< Except that -1 is returned when there are no matches.
3193
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003194 The {start}, if given, has the same meaning as for match(). >
3195 :echo matchend("testing", "ing", 2)
3196< results in "7". >
3197 :echo matchend("testing", "ing", 5)
3198< result is "-1".
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003199 When {expr} is a List the result is equal to match().
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003200
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003201matchlist({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *matchlist()*
3202 Same as match(), but return a List. The first item in the
3203 list is the matched string, same as what matchstr() would
3204 return. Following items are submatches, like "\1", "\2", etc.
3205 in |:substitute|.
3206 When there is no match an empty list is returned.
3207
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003208matchstr({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *matchstr()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003209 Same as match(), but return the matched string. Example: >
3210 :echo matchstr("testing", "ing")
3211< results in "ing".
3212 When there is no match "" is returned.
3213 The {start}, if given, has the same meaning as for match(). >
3214 :echo matchstr("testing", "ing", 2)
3215< results in "ing". >
3216 :echo matchstr("testing", "ing", 5)
3217< result is "".
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003218 When {expr} is a List then the matching item is returned.
3219 The type isn't changed, it's not necessarily a String.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003220
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00003221 *max()*
3222max({list}) Return the maximum value of all items in {list}.
3223 If {list} is not a list or one of the items in {list} cannot
3224 be used as a Number this results in an error.
3225 An empty List results in zero.
3226
3227 *min()*
3228min({list}) Return the minumum value of all items in {list}.
3229 If {list} is not a list or one of the items in {list} cannot
3230 be used as a Number this results in an error.
3231 An empty List results in zero.
3232
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00003233 *mkdir()* *E749*
3234mkdir({name} [, {path} [, {prot}]])
3235 Create directory {name}.
3236 If {path} is "p" then intermediate directories are created as
3237 necessary. Otherwise it must be "".
3238 If {prot} is given it is used to set the protection bits of
3239 the new directory. The default is 0755 (rwxr-xr-x: r/w for
3240 the user readable for others). Use 0700 to make it unreadable
3241 for others.
3242 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3243 Not available on all systems. To check use: >
3244 :if exists("*mkdir")
3245<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003246 *mode()*
3247mode() Return a string that indicates the current mode:
3248 n Normal
3249 v Visual by character
3250 V Visual by line
3251 CTRL-V Visual blockwise
3252 s Select by character
3253 S Select by line
3254 CTRL-S Select blockwise
3255 i Insert
3256 R Replace
3257 c Command-line
3258 r Hit-enter prompt
3259 This is useful in the 'statusline' option. In most other
3260 places it always returns "c" or "n".
3261
3262nextnonblank({lnum}) *nextnonblank()*
3263 Return the line number of the first line at or below {lnum}
3264 that is not blank. Example: >
3265 if getline(nextnonblank(1)) =~ "Java"
3266< When {lnum} is invalid or there is no non-blank line at or
3267 below it, zero is returned.
3268 See also |prevnonblank()|.
3269
3270nr2char({expr}) *nr2char()*
3271 Return a string with a single character, which has the number
3272 value {expr}. Examples: >
3273 nr2char(64) returns "@"
3274 nr2char(32) returns " "
3275< The current 'encoding' is used. Example for "utf-8": >
3276 nr2char(300) returns I with bow character
3277< Note that a NUL character in the file is specified with
3278 nr2char(10), because NULs are represented with newline
3279 characters. nr2char(0) is a real NUL and terminates the
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +00003280 string, thus results in an empty string.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003281
3282prevnonblank({lnum}) *prevnonblank()*
3283 Return the line number of the first line at or above {lnum}
3284 that is not blank. Example: >
3285 let ind = indent(prevnonblank(v:lnum - 1))
3286< When {lnum} is invalid or there is no non-blank line at or
3287 above it, zero is returned.
3288 Also see |nextnonblank()|.
3289
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00003290 *E726* *E727*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003291range({expr} [, {max} [, {stride}]]) *range()*
3292 Returns a List with Numbers:
3293 - If only {expr} is specified: [0, 1, ..., {expr} - 1]
3294 - If {max} is specified: [{expr}, {expr} + 1, ..., {max}]
3295 - If {stride} is specified: [{expr}, {expr} + {stride}, ...,
3296 {max}] (increasing {expr} with {stride} each time, not
3297 producing a value past {max}).
Bram Moolenaare7566042005-06-17 22:00:15 +00003298 When the maximum is one before the start the result is an
3299 empty list. When the maximum is more than one before the
3300 start this is an error.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003301 Examples: >
3302 range(4) " [0, 1, 2, 3]
3303 range(2, 4) " [2, 3, 4]
3304 range(2, 9, 3) " [2, 5, 8]
3305 range(2, -2, -1) " [2, 1, 0, -1, -2]
Bram Moolenaare7566042005-06-17 22:00:15 +00003306 range(0) " []
3307 range(2, 0) " error!
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003308<
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003309 *readfile()*
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00003310readfile({fname} [, {binary} [, {max}]])
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003311 Read file {fname} and return a List, each line of the file as
3312 an item. Lines broken at NL characters. Macintosh files
3313 separated with CR will result in a single long line (unless a
3314 NL appears somewhere).
3315 When {binary} is equal to "b" binary mode is used:
3316 - When the last line ends in a NL an extra empty list item is
3317 added.
3318 - No CR characters are removed.
3319 Otherwise:
3320 - CR characters that appear before a NL are removed.
3321 - Whether the last line ends in a NL or not does not matter.
3322 All NUL characters are replaced with a NL character.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00003323 When {max} is given this specifies the maximum number of lines
3324 to be read. Useful if you only want to check the first ten
3325 lines of a file: >
3326 :for line in readfile(fname, '', 10)
3327 : if line =~ 'Date' | echo line | endif
3328 :endfor
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00003329< When {max} is negative -{max} lines from the end of the file
3330 are returned, or as many as there are.
3331 When {max} is zero the result is an empty list.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00003332 Note that without {max} the whole file is read into memory.
3333 Also note that there is no recognition of encoding. Read a
3334 file into a buffer if you need to.
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003335 When the file can't be opened an error message is given and
3336 the result is an empty list.
3337 Also see |writefile()|.
3338
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003339 *remote_expr()* *E449*
3340remote_expr({server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
3341 Send the {string} to {server}. The string is sent as an
3342 expression and the result is returned after evaluation.
3343 If {idvar} is present, it is taken as the name of a
3344 variable and a {serverid} for later use with
3345 remote_read() is stored there.
3346 See also |clientserver| |RemoteReply|.
3347 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3348 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
3349 Note: Any errors will cause a local error message to be issued
3350 and the result will be the empty string.
3351 Examples: >
3352 :echo remote_expr("gvim", "2+2")
3353 :echo remote_expr("gvim1", "b:current_syntax")
3354<
3355
3356remote_foreground({server}) *remote_foreground()*
3357 Move the Vim server with the name {server} to the foreground.
3358 This works like: >
3359 remote_expr({server}, "foreground()")
3360< Except that on Win32 systems the client does the work, to work
3361 around the problem that the OS doesn't always allow the server
3362 to bring itself to the foreground.
3363 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3364 {only in the Win32, Athena, Motif and GTK GUI versions and the
3365 Win32 console version}
3366
3367
3368remote_peek({serverid} [, {retvar}]) *remote_peek()*
3369 Returns a positive number if there are available strings
3370 from {serverid}. Copies any reply string into the variable
3371 {retvar} if specified. {retvar} must be a string with the
3372 name of a variable.
3373 Returns zero if none are available.
3374 Returns -1 if something is wrong.
3375 See also |clientserver|.
3376 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3377 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
3378 Examples: >
3379 :let repl = ""
3380 :echo "PEEK: ".remote_peek(id, "repl").": ".repl
3381
3382remote_read({serverid}) *remote_read()*
3383 Return the oldest available reply from {serverid} and consume
3384 it. It blocks until a reply is available.
3385 See also |clientserver|.
3386 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3387 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
3388 Example: >
3389 :echo remote_read(id)
3390<
3391 *remote_send()* *E241*
3392remote_send({server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
Bram Moolenaard4755bb2004-09-02 19:12:26 +00003393 Send the {string} to {server}. The string is sent as input
3394 keys and the function returns immediately. At the Vim server
3395 the keys are not mapped |:map|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003396 If {idvar} is present, it is taken as the name of a
3397 variable and a {serverid} for later use with
3398 remote_read() is stored there.
3399 See also |clientserver| |RemoteReply|.
3400 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3401 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
3402 Note: Any errors will be reported in the server and may mess
3403 up the display.
3404 Examples: >
3405 :echo remote_send("gvim", ":DropAndReply ".file, "serverid").
3406 \ remote_read(serverid)
3407
3408 :autocmd NONE RemoteReply *
3409 \ echo remote_read(expand("<amatch>"))
3410 :echo remote_send("gvim", ":sleep 10 | echo ".
3411 \ 'server2client(expand("<client>"), "HELLO")<CR>')
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003412<
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003413remove({list}, {idx} [, {end}]) *remove()*
3414 Without {end}: Remove the item at {idx} from List {list} and
3415 return it.
3416 With {end}: Remove items from {idx} to {end} (inclusive) and
3417 return a list with these items. When {idx} points to the same
3418 item as {end} a list with one item is returned. When {end}
3419 points to an item before {idx} this is an error.
3420 See |list-index| for possible values of {idx} and {end}.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003421 Example: >
3422 :echo "last item: " . remove(mylist, -1)
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003423 :call remove(mylist, 0, 9)
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003424remove({dict}, {key})
3425 Remove the entry from {dict} with key {key}. Example: >
3426 :echo "removed " . remove(dict, "one")
3427< If there is no {key} in {dict} this is an error.
3428
3429 Use |delete()| to remove a file.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003430
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003431rename({from}, {to}) *rename()*
3432 Rename the file by the name {from} to the name {to}. This
3433 should also work to move files across file systems. The
3434 result is a Number, which is 0 if the file was renamed
3435 successfully, and non-zero when the renaming failed.
3436 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3437
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00003438repeat({expr}, {count}) *repeat()*
3439 Repeat {expr} {count} times and return the concatenated
3440 result. Example: >
3441 :let seperator = repeat('-', 80)
3442< When {count} is zero or negative the result is empty.
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00003443 When {expr} is a List the result is {expr} concatenated
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003444 {count} times. Example: >
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003445 :let longlist = repeat(['a', 'b'], 3)
3446< Results in ['a', 'b', 'a', 'b', 'a', 'b'].
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00003447
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003448
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003449resolve({filename}) *resolve()* *E655*
3450 On MS-Windows, when {filename} is a shortcut (a .lnk file),
3451 returns the path the shortcut points to in a simplified form.
3452 On Unix, repeat resolving symbolic links in all path
3453 components of {filename} and return the simplified result.
3454 To cope with link cycles, resolving of symbolic links is
3455 stopped after 100 iterations.
3456 On other systems, return the simplified {filename}.
3457 The simplification step is done as by |simplify()|.
3458 resolve() keeps a leading path component specifying the
3459 current directory (provided the result is still a relative
3460 path name) and also keeps a trailing path separator.
3461
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003462 *reverse()*
3463reverse({list}) Reverse the order of items in {list} in-place. Returns
3464 {list}.
3465 If you want a list to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
3466 :let revlist = reverse(copy(mylist))
3467
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003468search({pattern} [, {flags}]) *search()*
3469 Search for regexp pattern {pattern}. The search starts at the
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +00003470 cursor position (you can use |cursor()| to set it).
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003471 {flags} is a String, which can contain these character flags:
3472 'b' search backward instead of forward
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00003473 'n' do Not move the cursor
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003474 'w' wrap around the end of the file
3475 'W' don't wrap around the end of the file
3476 If neither 'w' or 'W' is given, the 'wrapscan' option applies.
3477
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00003478 When a match has been found its line number is returned.
3479 The cursor will be positioned at the match, unless the 'n'
3480 flag is used).
3481 If there is no match a 0 is returned and the cursor doesn't
3482 move. No error message is given.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003483
3484 Example (goes over all files in the argument list): >
3485 :let n = 1
3486 :while n <= argc() " loop over all files in arglist
3487 : exe "argument " . n
3488 : " start at the last char in the file and wrap for the
3489 : " first search to find match at start of file
3490 : normal G$
3491 : let flags = "w"
3492 : while search("foo", flags) > 0
3493 : s/foo/bar/g
3494 : let flags = "W"
3495 : endwhile
3496 : update " write the file if modified
3497 : let n = n + 1
3498 :endwhile
3499<
3500 *searchpair()*
3501searchpair({start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip}]])
3502 Search for the match of a nested start-end pair. This can be
3503 used to find the "endif" that matches an "if", while other
3504 if/endif pairs in between are ignored.
3505 The search starts at the cursor. If a match is found, the
3506 cursor is positioned at it and the line number is returned.
3507 If no match is found 0 or -1 is returned and the cursor
3508 doesn't move. No error message is given.
3509
3510 {start}, {middle} and {end} are patterns, see |pattern|. They
3511 must not contain \( \) pairs. Use of \%( \) is allowed. When
3512 {middle} is not empty, it is found when searching from either
3513 direction, but only when not in a nested start-end pair. A
3514 typical use is: >
3515 searchpair('\<if\>', '\<else\>', '\<endif\>')
3516< By leaving {middle} empty the "else" is skipped.
3517
3518 {flags} are used like with |search()|. Additionally:
3519 'n' do Not move the cursor
3520 'r' Repeat until no more matches found; will find the
3521 outer pair
3522 'm' return number of Matches instead of line number with
3523 the match; will only be > 1 when 'r' is used.
3524
3525 When a match for {start}, {middle} or {end} is found, the
3526 {skip} expression is evaluated with the cursor positioned on
3527 the start of the match. It should return non-zero if this
3528 match is to be skipped. E.g., because it is inside a comment
3529 or a string.
3530 When {skip} is omitted or empty, every match is accepted.
3531 When evaluating {skip} causes an error the search is aborted
3532 and -1 returned.
3533
3534 The value of 'ignorecase' is used. 'magic' is ignored, the
3535 patterns are used like it's on.
3536
3537 The search starts exactly at the cursor. A match with
3538 {start}, {middle} or {end} at the next character, in the
3539 direction of searching, is the first one found. Example: >
3540 if 1
3541 if 2
3542 endif 2
3543 endif 1
3544< When starting at the "if 2", with the cursor on the "i", and
3545 searching forwards, the "endif 2" is found. When starting on
3546 the character just before the "if 2", the "endif 1" will be
3547 found. That's because the "if 2" will be found first, and
3548 then this is considered to be a nested if/endif from "if 2" to
3549 "endif 2".
3550 When searching backwards and {end} is more than one character,
3551 it may be useful to put "\zs" at the end of the pattern, so
3552 that when the cursor is inside a match with the end it finds
3553 the matching start.
3554
3555 Example, to find the "endif" command in a Vim script: >
3556
3557 :echo searchpair('\<if\>', '\<el\%[seif]\>', '\<en\%[dif]\>', 'W',
3558 \ 'getline(".") =~ "^\\s*\""')
3559
3560< The cursor must be at or after the "if" for which a match is
3561 to be found. Note that single-quote strings are used to avoid
3562 having to double the backslashes. The skip expression only
3563 catches comments at the start of a line, not after a command.
3564 Also, a word "en" or "if" halfway a line is considered a
3565 match.
3566 Another example, to search for the matching "{" of a "}": >
3567
3568 :echo searchpair('{', '', '}', 'bW')
3569
3570< This works when the cursor is at or before the "}" for which a
3571 match is to be found. To reject matches that syntax
3572 highlighting recognized as strings: >
3573
3574 :echo searchpair('{', '', '}', 'bW',
3575 \ 'synIDattr(synID(line("."), col("."), 0), "name") =~? "string"')
3576<
3577server2client( {clientid}, {string}) *server2client()*
3578 Send a reply string to {clientid}. The most recent {clientid}
3579 that sent a string can be retrieved with expand("<client>").
3580 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
3581 Note:
3582 This id has to be stored before the next command can be
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003583 received. I.e. before returning from the received command and
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003584 before calling any commands that waits for input.
3585 See also |clientserver|.
3586 Example: >
3587 :echo server2client(expand("<client>"), "HELLO")
3588<
3589serverlist() *serverlist()*
3590 Return a list of available server names, one per line.
3591 When there are no servers or the information is not available
3592 an empty string is returned. See also |clientserver|.
3593 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
3594 Example: >
3595 :echo serverlist()
3596<
3597setbufvar({expr}, {varname}, {val}) *setbufvar()*
3598 Set option or local variable {varname} in buffer {expr} to
3599 {val}.
3600 This also works for a global or local window option, but it
3601 doesn't work for a global or local window variable.
3602 For a local window option the global value is unchanged.
3603 For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above.
3604 Note that the variable name without "b:" must be used.
3605 Examples: >
3606 :call setbufvar(1, "&mod", 1)
3607 :call setbufvar("todo", "myvar", "foobar")
3608< This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3609
3610setcmdpos({pos}) *setcmdpos()*
3611 Set the cursor position in the command line to byte position
3612 {pos}. The first position is 1.
3613 Use |getcmdpos()| to obtain the current position.
3614 Only works while editing the command line, thus you must use
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003615 |c_CTRL-\_e|, |c_CTRL-R_=| or |c_CTRL-R_CTRL-R| with '='. For
3616 |c_CTRL-\_e| and |c_CTRL-R_CTRL-R| with '=' the position is
3617 set after the command line is set to the expression. For
3618 |c_CTRL-R_=| it is set after evaluating the expression but
3619 before inserting the resulting text.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003620 When the number is too big the cursor is put at the end of the
3621 line. A number smaller than one has undefined results.
3622 Returns 0 when successful, 1 when not editing the command
3623 line.
3624
3625setline({lnum}, {line}) *setline()*
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003626 Set line {lnum} of the current buffer to {line}.
3627 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|.
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00003628 When {lnum} is just below the last line the {line} will be
3629 added as a new line.
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003630 If this succeeds, 0 is returned. If this fails (most likely
3631 because {lnum} is invalid) 1 is returned. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003632 :call setline(5, strftime("%c"))
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00003633< When {line} is a List then line {lnum} and following lines
3634 will be set to the items in the list. Example: >
3635 :call setline(5, ['aaa', 'bbb', 'ccc'])
3636< This is equivalent to: >
3637 :for [n, l] in [[5, 6, 7], ['aaa', 'bbb', 'ccc']]
3638 : call setline(n, l)
3639 :endfor
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003640< Note: The '[ and '] marks are not set.
3641
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003642
Bram Moolenaar35c54e52005-05-20 21:25:31 +00003643setqflist({list} [, {action}]) *setqflist()*
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003644 Creates a quickfix list using the items in {list}. Each item
3645 in {list} is a dictionary. Non-dictionary items in {list} are
3646 ignored. Each dictionary item can contain the following
3647 entries:
3648
3649 filename name of a file
3650 lnum line number in the file
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003651 pattern search pattern used to locate the error
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00003652 col column number
3653 vcol when non-zero: "col" is visual column
3654 when zero: "col" is byte index
3655 nr error number
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003656 text description of the error
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00003657 type single-character error type, 'E', 'W', etc.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003658
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00003659 The "col", "vcol", "nr", "type" and "text" entries are
3660 optional. Either "lnum" or "pattern" entry can be used to
3661 locate a matching error line.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003662 If the "filename" entry is not present or neither the "lnum"
3663 or "pattern" entries are present, then the item will not be
3664 handled as an error line.
3665 If both "pattern" and "lnum" are present then "pattern" will
3666 be used.
3667
Bram Moolenaar35c54e52005-05-20 21:25:31 +00003668 If {action} is set to 'a', then the items from {list} are
3669 added to the existing quickfix list. If there is no existing
3670 list, then a new list is created. If {action} is set to 'r',
3671 then the items from the current quickfix list are replaced
3672 with the items from {list}. If {action} is not present or is
3673 set to ' ', then a new list is created.
3674
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003675 Returns zero for success, -1 for failure.
3676
3677 This function can be used to create a quickfix list
3678 independent of the 'errorformat' setting. Use a command like
3679 ":cc 1" to jump to the first position.
3680
3681
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003682 *setreg()*
3683setreg({regname}, {value} [,{options}])
3684 Set the register {regname} to {value}.
3685 If {options} contains "a" or {regname} is upper case,
3686 then the value is appended.
3687 {options} can also contains a register type specification:
3688 "c" or "v" |characterwise| mode
3689 "l" or "V" |linewise| mode
3690 "b" or "<CTRL-V>" |blockwise-visual| mode
3691 If a number immediately follows "b" or "<CTRL-V>" then this is
3692 used as the width of the selection - if it is not specified
3693 then the width of the block is set to the number of characters
3694 in the longest line (counting a <TAB> as 1 character).
3695
3696 If {options} contains no register settings, then the default
3697 is to use character mode unless {value} ends in a <NL>.
3698 Setting the '=' register is not possible.
3699 Returns zero for success, non-zero for failure.
3700
3701 Examples: >
3702 :call setreg(v:register, @*)
3703 :call setreg('*', @%, 'ac')
3704 :call setreg('a', "1\n2\n3", 'b5')
3705
3706< This example shows using the functions to save and restore a
3707 register. >
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00003708 :let var_a = getreg('a', 1)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003709 :let var_amode = getregtype('a')
3710 ....
3711 :call setreg('a', var_a, var_amode)
3712
3713< You can also change the type of a register by appending
3714 nothing: >
3715 :call setreg('a', '', 'al')
3716
3717setwinvar({nr}, {varname}, {val}) *setwinvar()*
3718 Set option or local variable {varname} in window {nr} to
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +00003719 {val}. When {nr} is zero the current window is used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003720 This also works for a global or local buffer option, but it
3721 doesn't work for a global or local buffer variable.
3722 For a local buffer option the global value is unchanged.
3723 Note that the variable name without "w:" must be used.
3724 Examples: >
3725 :call setwinvar(1, "&list", 0)
3726 :call setwinvar(2, "myvar", "foobar")
3727< This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3728
3729simplify({filename}) *simplify()*
3730 Simplify the file name as much as possible without changing
3731 the meaning. Shortcuts (on MS-Windows) or symbolic links (on
3732 Unix) are not resolved. If the first path component in
3733 {filename} designates the current directory, this will be
3734 valid for the result as well. A trailing path separator is
3735 not removed either.
3736 Example: >
3737 simplify("./dir/.././/file/") == "./file/"
3738< Note: The combination "dir/.." is only removed if "dir" is
3739 a searchable directory or does not exist. On Unix, it is also
3740 removed when "dir" is a symbolic link within the same
3741 directory. In order to resolve all the involved symbolic
3742 links before simplifying the path name, use |resolve()|.
3743
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003744
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00003745sort({list} [, {func}]) *sort()* *E702*
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003746 Sort the items in {list} in-place. Returns {list}. If you
3747 want a list to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
3748 :let sortedlist = sort(copy(mylist))
3749< Uses the string representation of each item to sort on.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003750 Numbers sort after Strings, Lists after Numbers.
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00003751 For sorting text in the current buffer use |:sort|.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003752 When {func} is given and it is one then case is ignored.
3753 When {func} is a Funcref or a function name, this function is
3754 called to compare items. The function is invoked with two
3755 items as argument and must return zero if they are equal, 1 if
3756 the first one sorts after the second one, -1 if the first one
3757 sorts before the second one. Example: >
3758 func MyCompare(i1, i2)
3759 return a:i1 == a:i2 ? 0 : a:i1 > a:i2 ? 1 : -1
3760 endfunc
3761 let sortedlist = sort(mylist, "MyCompare")
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00003762<
3763
3764 *spellbadword()*
3765spellbadword() Return the badly spelled word under or after the cursor.
3766 The cursor is advanced to the start of the bad word.
3767 When no bad word is found in the cursor line an empty String
3768 is returned and the cursor doesn't move.
3769
3770 *spellsuggest()*
3771spellsuggest({word} [, {max}])
3772 Return a List with spelling suggestions to replace {word}.
3773 When {max} is given up to this number of suggestions are
3774 returned. Otherwise up to 25 suggestions are returned.
3775
3776 {word} can be a badly spelled word followed by other text.
3777 This allows for joining two words that were split. The
Bram Moolenaarf461c8e2005-06-25 23:04:51 +00003778 suggestions also include the following text, thus you can
3779 replace a line.
3780
3781 {word} may also be a good word. Similar words will then be
3782 returned. {word} itself is also included, most likely as the
3783 first entry, thus this can be used to check spelling.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00003784
3785 The spelling information for the current window is used. The
Bram Moolenaarf461c8e2005-06-25 23:04:51 +00003786 'spell' option must be set and the value of 'spelllang' is
3787 used.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00003788
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003789
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00003790split({expr} [, {pattern} [, {keepempty}]]) *split()*
3791 Make a List out of {expr}. When {pattern} is omitted or empty
3792 each white-separated sequence of characters becomes an item.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003793 Otherwise the string is split where {pattern} matches,
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00003794 removing the matched characters.
3795 When the first or last item is empty it is omitted, unless the
3796 {keepempty} argument is given and it's non-zero.
Bram Moolenaar5c06f8b2005-05-31 22:14:58 +00003797 Other empty items are kept when {pattern} matches at least one
3798 character or when {keepempty} is non-zero.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003799 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003800 :let words = split(getline('.'), '\W\+')
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00003801< To split a string in individual characters: >
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003802 :for c in split(mystring, '\zs')
Bram Moolenaar0cb032e2005-04-23 20:52:00 +00003803< If you want to keep the separator you can also use '\zs': >
3804 :echo split('abc:def:ghi', ':\zs')
3805< ['abc:', 'def:', 'ghi'] ~
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00003806 Splitting a table where the first element can be empty: >
3807 :let items = split(line, ':', 1)
3808< The opposite function is |join()|.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003809
3810
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003811strftime({format} [, {time}]) *strftime()*
3812 The result is a String, which is a formatted date and time, as
3813 specified by the {format} string. The given {time} is used,
3814 or the current time if no time is given. The accepted
3815 {format} depends on your system, thus this is not portable!
3816 See the manual page of the C function strftime() for the
3817 format. The maximum length of the result is 80 characters.
3818 See also |localtime()| and |getftime()|.
3819 The language can be changed with the |:language| command.
3820 Examples: >
3821 :echo strftime("%c") Sun Apr 27 11:49:23 1997
3822 :echo strftime("%Y %b %d %X") 1997 Apr 27 11:53:25
3823 :echo strftime("%y%m%d %T") 970427 11:53:55
3824 :echo strftime("%H:%M") 11:55
3825 :echo strftime("%c", getftime("file.c"))
3826 Show mod time of file.c.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003827< Not available on all systems. To check use: >
3828 :if exists("*strftime")
3829
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00003830stridx({haystack}, {needle} [, {start}]) *stridx()*
3831 The result is a Number, which gives the byte index in
3832 {haystack} of the first occurrence of the String {needle}.
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00003833 If {start} is specified, the search starts at index {start}.
3834 This can be used to find a second match: >
3835 :let comma1 = stridx(line, ",")
3836 :let comma2 = stridx(line, ",", comma1 + 1)
3837< The search is done case-sensitive.
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00003838 For pattern searches use |match()|.
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00003839 -1 is returned if the {needle} does not occur in {haystack}.
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00003840 See also |strridx()|.
3841 Examples: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003842 :echo stridx("An Example", "Example") 3
3843 :echo stridx("Starting point", "Start") 0
3844 :echo stridx("Starting point", "start") -1
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00003845< *strstr()* *strchr()*
3846 stridx() works similar to the C function strstr(). When used
3847 with a single character it works similar to strchr().
3848
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003849 *string()*
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003850string({expr}) Return {expr} converted to a String. If {expr} is a Number,
3851 String or a composition of them, then the result can be parsed
3852 back with |eval()|.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003853 {expr} type result ~
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003854 String 'string'
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003855 Number 123
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003856 Funcref function('name')
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003857 List [item, item]
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +00003858 Dictionary {key: value, key: value}
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003859 Note that in String values the ' character is doubled.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003860
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003861 *strlen()*
3862strlen({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the length of the String
3863 {expr} in bytes. If you want to count the number of
3864 multi-byte characters use something like this: >
3865
3866 :let len = strlen(substitute(str, ".", "x", "g"))
3867
3868< Composing characters are not counted.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003869 If the argument is a Number it is first converted to a String.
3870 For other types an error is given.
3871 Also see |len()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003872
3873strpart({src}, {start}[, {len}]) *strpart()*
3874 The result is a String, which is part of {src}, starting from
3875 byte {start}, with the length {len}.
3876 When non-existing bytes are included, this doesn't result in
3877 an error, the bytes are simply omitted.
3878 If {len} is missing, the copy continues from {start} till the
3879 end of the {src}. >
3880 strpart("abcdefg", 3, 2) == "de"
3881 strpart("abcdefg", -2, 4) == "ab"
3882 strpart("abcdefg", 5, 4) == "fg"
3883 strpart("abcdefg", 3) == "defg"
3884< Note: To get the first character, {start} must be 0. For
3885 example, to get three bytes under and after the cursor: >
3886 strpart(getline(line(".")), col(".") - 1, 3)
3887<
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00003888strridx({haystack}, {needle} [, {start}]) *strridx()*
3889 The result is a Number, which gives the byte index in
3890 {haystack} of the last occurrence of the String {needle}.
3891 When {start} is specified, matches beyond this index are
3892 ignored. This can be used to find a match before a previous
3893 match: >
3894 :let lastcomma = strridx(line, ",")
3895 :let comma2 = strridx(line, ",", lastcomma - 1)
3896< The search is done case-sensitive.
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00003897 For pattern searches use |match()|.
3898 -1 is returned if the {needle} does not occur in {haystack}.
Bram Moolenaard4755bb2004-09-02 19:12:26 +00003899 If the {needle} is empty the length of {haystack} is returned.
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003900 See also |stridx()|. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003901 :echo strridx("an angry armadillo", "an") 3
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00003902< *strrchr()*
3903 When used with a single character it works similar to the C
3904 function strrchr().
3905
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003906strtrans({expr}) *strtrans()*
3907 The result is a String, which is {expr} with all unprintable
3908 characters translated into printable characters |'isprint'|.
3909 Like they are shown in a window. Example: >
3910 echo strtrans(@a)
3911< This displays a newline in register a as "^@" instead of
3912 starting a new line.
3913
3914submatch({nr}) *submatch()*
3915 Only for an expression in a |:substitute| command. Returns
3916 the {nr}'th submatch of the matched text. When {nr} is 0
3917 the whole matched text is returned.
3918 Example: >
3919 :s/\d\+/\=submatch(0) + 1/
3920< This finds the first number in the line and adds one to it.
3921 A line break is included as a newline character.
3922
3923substitute({expr}, {pat}, {sub}, {flags}) *substitute()*
3924 The result is a String, which is a copy of {expr}, in which
3925 the first match of {pat} is replaced with {sub}. This works
3926 like the ":substitute" command (without any flags). But the
3927 matching with {pat} is always done like the 'magic' option is
3928 set and 'cpoptions' is empty (to make scripts portable).
3929 See |string-match| for how {pat} is used.
3930 And a "~" in {sub} is not replaced with the previous {sub}.
3931 Note that some codes in {sub} have a special meaning
3932 |sub-replace-special|. For example, to replace something with
3933 "\n" (two characters), use "\\\\n" or '\\n'.
3934 When {pat} does not match in {expr}, {expr} is returned
3935 unmodified.
3936 When {flags} is "g", all matches of {pat} in {expr} are
3937 replaced. Otherwise {flags} should be "".
3938 Example: >
3939 :let &path = substitute(&path, ",\\=[^,]*$", "", "")
3940< This removes the last component of the 'path' option. >
3941 :echo substitute("testing", ".*", "\\U\\0", "")
3942< results in "TESTING".
3943
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00003944synID({lnum}, {col}, {trans}) *synID()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003945 The result is a Number, which is the syntax ID at the position
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00003946 {lnum} and {col} in the current window.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003947 The syntax ID can be used with |synIDattr()| and
3948 |synIDtrans()| to obtain syntax information about text.
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00003949 {col} is 1 for the leftmost column, {lnum} is 1 for the first
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003950 line.
3951 When {trans} is non-zero, transparent items are reduced to the
3952 item that they reveal. This is useful when wanting to know
3953 the effective color. When {trans} is zero, the transparent
3954 item is returned. This is useful when wanting to know which
3955 syntax item is effective (e.g. inside parens).
3956 Warning: This function can be very slow. Best speed is
3957 obtained by going through the file in forward direction.
3958
3959 Example (echoes the name of the syntax item under the cursor): >
3960 :echo synIDattr(synID(line("."), col("."), 1), "name")
3961<
3962synIDattr({synID}, {what} [, {mode}]) *synIDattr()*
3963 The result is a String, which is the {what} attribute of
3964 syntax ID {synID}. This can be used to obtain information
3965 about a syntax item.
3966 {mode} can be "gui", "cterm" or "term", to get the attributes
3967 for that mode. When {mode} is omitted, or an invalid value is
3968 used, the attributes for the currently active highlighting are
3969 used (GUI, cterm or term).
3970 Use synIDtrans() to follow linked highlight groups.
3971 {what} result
3972 "name" the name of the syntax item
3973 "fg" foreground color (GUI: color name used to set
3974 the color, cterm: color number as a string,
3975 term: empty string)
3976 "bg" background color (like "fg")
3977 "fg#" like "fg", but for the GUI and the GUI is
3978 running the name in "#RRGGBB" form
3979 "bg#" like "fg#" for "bg"
3980 "bold" "1" if bold
3981 "italic" "1" if italic
3982 "reverse" "1" if reverse
3983 "inverse" "1" if inverse (= reverse)
3984 "underline" "1" if underlined
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00003985 "undercurl" "1" if undercurled
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003986
3987 Example (echoes the color of the syntax item under the
3988 cursor): >
3989 :echo synIDattr(synIDtrans(synID(line("."), col("."), 1)), "fg")
3990<
3991synIDtrans({synID}) *synIDtrans()*
3992 The result is a Number, which is the translated syntax ID of
3993 {synID}. This is the syntax group ID of what is being used to
3994 highlight the character. Highlight links given with
3995 ":highlight link" are followed.
3996
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00003997system({expr} [, {input}]) *system()* *E677*
3998 Get the output of the shell command {expr}.
3999 When {input} is given, this string is written to a file and
4000 passed as stdin to the command. The string is written as-is,
4001 you need to take care of using the correct line separators
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00004002 yourself. Pipes are not used.
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00004003 Note: newlines in {expr} may cause the command to fail. The
4004 characters in 'shellquote' and 'shellxquote' may also cause
4005 trouble.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004006 This is not to be used for interactive commands.
4007 The result is a String. Example: >
4008
4009 :let files = system("ls")
4010
4011< To make the result more system-independent, the shell output
4012 is filtered to replace <CR> with <NL> for Macintosh, and
4013 <CR><NL> with <NL> for DOS-like systems.
4014 The command executed is constructed using several options:
4015 'shell' 'shellcmdflag' 'shellxquote' {expr} 'shellredir' {tmp} 'shellxquote'
4016 ({tmp} is an automatically generated file name).
4017 For Unix and OS/2 braces are put around {expr} to allow for
4018 concatenated commands.
4019
4020 The resulting error code can be found in |v:shell_error|.
4021 This function will fail in |restricted-mode|.
4022 Unlike ":!cmd" there is no automatic check for changed files.
4023 Use |:checktime| to force a check.
4024
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004025
4026taglist({expr}) *taglist()*
4027 Returns a list of tags matching the regular expression {expr}.
4028 Each list item is a dictionary with the following entries:
4029 name name of the tag.
4030 filename name of the file where the tag is
4031 defined.
4032 cmd Ex command used to locate the tag in
4033 the file.
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004034 kind type of the tag. The value for this
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004035 entry depends on the language specific
4036 kind values generated by the ctags
4037 tool.
4038 static a file specific tag. Refer to
4039 |static-tag| for more information.
Bram Moolenaar4317d9b2005-03-18 20:25:31 +00004040 The "kind" entry is only available when using Exuberant ctags
4041 generated tags file. More entries may be present, depending
4042 on the content of the tags file: access, implementation,
4043 inherits and signature. Refer to the ctags documentation for
4044 information about these fields. For C code the fields
4045 "struct", "class" and "enum" may appear, they give the name of
4046 the entity the tag is contained in.
4047
4048 The ex-command 'cmd' can be either an ex search pattern, a
4049 line number or a line number followed by a byte number.
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004050
4051 If there are no matching tags, then an empty list is returned.
4052
4053 To get an exact tag match, the anchors '^' and '$' should be
4054 used in {expr}. Refer to |tag-regexp| for more information
4055 about the tag search regular expression pattern.
4056
4057 Refer to |'tags'| for information about how the tags file is
4058 located by Vim. Refer to |tags-file-format| for the format of
4059 the tags file generated by the different ctags tools.
4060
4061
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004062tempname() *tempname()* *temp-file-name*
4063 The result is a String, which is the name of a file that
4064 doesn't exist. It can be used for a temporary file. The name
4065 is different for at least 26 consecutive calls. Example: >
4066 :let tmpfile = tempname()
4067 :exe "redir > " . tmpfile
4068< For Unix, the file will be in a private directory (only
4069 accessible by the current user) to avoid security problems
4070 (e.g., a symlink attack or other people reading your file).
4071 When Vim exits the directory and all files in it are deleted.
4072 For MS-Windows forward slashes are used when the 'shellslash'
4073 option is set or when 'shellcmdflag' starts with '-'.
4074
4075tolower({expr}) *tolower()*
4076 The result is a copy of the String given, with all uppercase
4077 characters turned into lowercase (just like applying |gu| to
4078 the string).
4079
4080toupper({expr}) *toupper()*
4081 The result is a copy of the String given, with all lowercase
4082 characters turned into uppercase (just like applying |gU| to
4083 the string).
4084
Bram Moolenaar8299df92004-07-10 09:47:34 +00004085tr({src}, {fromstr}, {tostr}) *tr()*
4086 The result is a copy of the {src} string with all characters
4087 which appear in {fromstr} replaced by the character in that
4088 position in the {tostr} string. Thus the first character in
4089 {fromstr} is translated into the first character in {tostr}
4090 and so on. Exactly like the unix "tr" command.
4091 This code also deals with multibyte characters properly.
4092
4093 Examples: >
4094 echo tr("hello there", "ht", "HT")
4095< returns "Hello THere" >
4096 echo tr("<blob>", "<>", "{}")
4097< returns "{blob}"
4098
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00004099 *type()*
4100type({expr}) The result is a Number, depending on the type of {expr}:
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00004101 Number: 0
4102 String: 1
4103 Funcref: 2
4104 List: 3
4105 Dictionary: 4
4106 To avoid the magic numbers it should be used this way: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00004107 :if type(myvar) == type(0)
4108 :if type(myvar) == type("")
4109 :if type(myvar) == type(function("tr"))
4110 :if type(myvar) == type([])
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00004111 :if type(myvar) == type({})
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004112
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00004113values({dict}) *values()*
4114 Return a List with all the values of {dict}. The List is in
4115 arbitrary order.
4116
4117
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004118virtcol({expr}) *virtcol()*
4119 The result is a Number, which is the screen column of the file
4120 position given with {expr}. That is, the last screen position
4121 occupied by the character at that position, when the screen
4122 would be of unlimited width. When there is a <Tab> at the
4123 position, the returned Number will be the column at the end of
4124 the <Tab>. For example, for a <Tab> in column 1, with 'ts'
4125 set to 8, it returns 8.
4126 For the byte position use |col()|.
4127 When Virtual editing is active in the current mode, a position
4128 beyond the end of the line can be returned. |'virtualedit'|
4129 The accepted positions are:
4130 . the cursor position
4131 $ the end of the cursor line (the result is the
4132 number of displayed characters in the cursor line
4133 plus one)
4134 'x position of mark x (if the mark is not set, 0 is
4135 returned)
4136 Note that only marks in the current file can be used.
4137 Examples: >
4138 virtcol(".") with text "foo^Lbar", with cursor on the "^L", returns 5
4139 virtcol("$") with text "foo^Lbar", returns 9
4140 virtcol("'t") with text " there", with 't at 'h', returns 6
4141< The first column is 1. 0 is returned for an error.
4142
4143visualmode([expr]) *visualmode()*
4144 The result is a String, which describes the last Visual mode
4145 used. Initially it returns an empty string, but once Visual
4146 mode has been used, it returns "v", "V", or "<CTRL-V>" (a
4147 single CTRL-V character) for character-wise, line-wise, or
4148 block-wise Visual mode respectively.
4149 Example: >
4150 :exe "normal " . visualmode()
4151< This enters the same Visual mode as before. It is also useful
4152 in scripts if you wish to act differently depending on the
4153 Visual mode that was used.
4154
4155 If an expression is supplied that results in a non-zero number
4156 or a non-empty string, then the Visual mode will be cleared
4157 and the old value is returned. Note that " " and "0" are also
4158 non-empty strings, thus cause the mode to be cleared.
4159
4160 *winbufnr()*
4161winbufnr({nr}) The result is a Number, which is the number of the buffer
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004162 associated with window {nr}. When {nr} is zero, the number of
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004163 the buffer in the current window is returned. When window
4164 {nr} doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
4165 Example: >
4166 :echo "The file in the current window is " . bufname(winbufnr(0))
4167<
4168 *wincol()*
4169wincol() The result is a Number, which is the virtual column of the
4170 cursor in the window. This is counting screen cells from the
4171 left side of the window. The leftmost column is one.
4172
4173winheight({nr}) *winheight()*
4174 The result is a Number, which is the height of window {nr}.
4175 When {nr} is zero, the height of the current window is
4176 returned. When window {nr} doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
4177 An existing window always has a height of zero or more.
4178 Examples: >
4179 :echo "The current window has " . winheight(0) . " lines."
4180<
4181 *winline()*
4182winline() The result is a Number, which is the screen line of the cursor
4183 in the window. This is counting screen lines from the top of
4184 the window. The first line is one.
4185
4186 *winnr()*
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00004187winnr([{arg}]) The result is a Number, which is the number of the current
4188 window. The top window has number 1.
4189 When the optional argument is "$", the number of the
4190 last window is returnd (the window count).
4191 When the optional argument is "#", the number of the last
4192 accessed window is returned (where |CTRL-W_p| goes to).
4193 If there is no previous window 0 is returned.
4194 The number can be used with |CTRL-W_w| and ":wincmd w"
4195 |:wincmd|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004196
4197 *winrestcmd()*
4198winrestcmd() Returns a sequence of |:resize| commands that should restore
4199 the current window sizes. Only works properly when no windows
4200 are opened or closed and the current window is unchanged.
4201 Example: >
4202 :let cmd = winrestcmd()
4203 :call MessWithWindowSizes()
4204 :exe cmd
4205
4206winwidth({nr}) *winwidth()*
4207 The result is a Number, which is the width of window {nr}.
4208 When {nr} is zero, the width of the current window is
4209 returned. When window {nr} doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
4210 An existing window always has a width of zero or more.
4211 Examples: >
4212 :echo "The current window has " . winwidth(0) . " columns."
4213 :if winwidth(0) <= 50
4214 : exe "normal 50\<C-W>|"
4215 :endif
4216<
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00004217 *writefile()*
4218writefile({list}, {fname} [, {binary}])
4219 Write List {list} to file {fname}. Each list item is
4220 separated with a NL. Each list item must be a String or
4221 Number.
4222 When {binary} is equal to "b" binary mode is used: There will
4223 not be a NL after the last list item. An empty item at the
4224 end does cause the last line in the file to end in a NL.
4225 All NL characters are replaced with a NUL character.
4226 Inserting CR characters needs to be done before passing {list}
4227 to writefile().
4228 An existing file is overwritten, if possible.
4229 When the write fails -1 is returned, otherwise 0. There is an
4230 error message if the file can't be created or when writing
4231 fails.
4232 Also see |readfile()|.
4233 To copy a file byte for byte: >
4234 :let fl = readfile("foo", "b")
4235 :call writefile(fl, "foocopy", "b")
4236<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004237
4238 *feature-list*
4239There are three types of features:
42401. Features that are only supported when they have been enabled when Vim
4241 was compiled |+feature-list|. Example: >
4242 :if has("cindent")
42432. Features that are only supported when certain conditions have been met.
4244 Example: >
4245 :if has("gui_running")
4246< *has-patch*
42473. Included patches. First check |v:version| for the version of Vim.
4248 Then the "patch123" feature means that patch 123 has been included for
4249 this version. Example (checking version 6.2.148 or later): >
4250 :if v:version > 602 || v:version == 602 && has("patch148")
4251
4252all_builtin_terms Compiled with all builtin terminals enabled.
4253amiga Amiga version of Vim.
4254arabic Compiled with Arabic support |Arabic|.
4255arp Compiled with ARP support (Amiga).
4256autocmd Compiled with autocommands support.
4257balloon_eval Compiled with |balloon-eval| support.
4258beos BeOS version of Vim.
4259browse Compiled with |:browse| support, and browse() will
4260 work.
4261builtin_terms Compiled with some builtin terminals.
4262byte_offset Compiled with support for 'o' in 'statusline'
4263cindent Compiled with 'cindent' support.
4264clientserver Compiled with remote invocation support |clientserver|.
4265clipboard Compiled with 'clipboard' support.
4266cmdline_compl Compiled with |cmdline-completion| support.
4267cmdline_hist Compiled with |cmdline-history| support.
4268cmdline_info Compiled with 'showcmd' and 'ruler' support.
4269comments Compiled with |'comments'| support.
4270cryptv Compiled with encryption support |encryption|.
4271cscope Compiled with |cscope| support.
4272compatible Compiled to be very Vi compatible.
4273debug Compiled with "DEBUG" defined.
4274dialog_con Compiled with console dialog support.
4275dialog_gui Compiled with GUI dialog support.
4276diff Compiled with |vimdiff| and 'diff' support.
4277digraphs Compiled with support for digraphs.
4278dnd Compiled with support for the "~ register |quote_~|.
4279dos32 32 bits DOS (DJGPP) version of Vim.
4280dos16 16 bits DOS version of Vim.
4281ebcdic Compiled on a machine with ebcdic character set.
4282emacs_tags Compiled with support for Emacs tags.
4283eval Compiled with expression evaluation support. Always
4284 true, of course!
4285ex_extra Compiled with extra Ex commands |+ex_extra|.
4286extra_search Compiled with support for |'incsearch'| and
4287 |'hlsearch'|
4288farsi Compiled with Farsi support |farsi|.
4289file_in_path Compiled with support for |gf| and |<cfile>|
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004290filterpipe When 'shelltemp' is off pipes are used for shell
4291 read/write/filter commands
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004292find_in_path Compiled with support for include file searches
4293 |+find_in_path|.
4294fname_case Case in file names matters (for Amiga, MS-DOS, and
4295 Windows this is not present).
4296folding Compiled with |folding| support.
4297footer Compiled with GUI footer support. |gui-footer|
4298fork Compiled to use fork()/exec() instead of system().
4299gettext Compiled with message translation |multi-lang|
4300gui Compiled with GUI enabled.
4301gui_athena Compiled with Athena GUI.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004302gui_gtk Compiled with GTK+ GUI (any version).
4303gui_gtk2 Compiled with GTK+ 2 GUI (gui_gtk is also defined).
Bram Moolenaar843ee412004-06-30 16:16:41 +00004304gui_kde Compiled with KDE GUI |KVim|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004305gui_mac Compiled with Macintosh GUI.
4306gui_motif Compiled with Motif GUI.
4307gui_photon Compiled with Photon GUI.
4308gui_win32 Compiled with MS Windows Win32 GUI.
4309gui_win32s idem, and Win32s system being used (Windows 3.1)
4310gui_running Vim is running in the GUI, or it will start soon.
4311hangul_input Compiled with Hangul input support. |hangul|
4312iconv Can use iconv() for conversion.
4313insert_expand Compiled with support for CTRL-X expansion commands in
4314 Insert mode.
4315jumplist Compiled with |jumplist| support.
4316keymap Compiled with 'keymap' support.
4317langmap Compiled with 'langmap' support.
4318libcall Compiled with |libcall()| support.
4319linebreak Compiled with 'linebreak', 'breakat' and 'showbreak'
4320 support.
4321lispindent Compiled with support for lisp indenting.
4322listcmds Compiled with commands for the buffer list |:files|
4323 and the argument list |arglist|.
4324localmap Compiled with local mappings and abbr. |:map-local|
4325mac Macintosh version of Vim.
4326macunix Macintosh version of Vim, using Unix files (OS-X).
4327menu Compiled with support for |:menu|.
4328mksession Compiled with support for |:mksession|.
4329modify_fname Compiled with file name modifiers. |filename-modifiers|
4330mouse Compiled with support mouse.
4331mouseshape Compiled with support for 'mouseshape'.
4332mouse_dec Compiled with support for Dec terminal mouse.
4333mouse_gpm Compiled with support for gpm (Linux console mouse)
4334mouse_netterm Compiled with support for netterm mouse.
4335mouse_pterm Compiled with support for qnx pterm mouse.
4336mouse_xterm Compiled with support for xterm mouse.
4337multi_byte Compiled with support for editing Korean et al.
4338multi_byte_ime Compiled with support for IME input method.
4339multi_lang Compiled with support for multiple languages.
Bram Moolenaar325b7a22004-07-05 15:58:32 +00004340mzscheme Compiled with MzScheme interface |mzscheme|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004341netbeans_intg Compiled with support for |netbeans|.
Bram Moolenaar009b2592004-10-24 19:18:58 +00004342netbeans_enabled Compiled with support for |netbeans| and it's used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004343ole Compiled with OLE automation support for Win32.
4344os2 OS/2 version of Vim.
4345osfiletype Compiled with support for osfiletypes |+osfiletype|
4346path_extra Compiled with up/downwards search in 'path' and 'tags'
4347perl Compiled with Perl interface.
4348postscript Compiled with PostScript file printing.
4349printer Compiled with |:hardcopy| support.
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00004350profile Compiled with |:profile| support.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004351python Compiled with Python interface.
4352qnx QNX version of Vim.
4353quickfix Compiled with |quickfix| support.
4354rightleft Compiled with 'rightleft' support.
4355ruby Compiled with Ruby interface |ruby|.
4356scrollbind Compiled with 'scrollbind' support.
4357showcmd Compiled with 'showcmd' support.
4358signs Compiled with |:sign| support.
4359smartindent Compiled with 'smartindent' support.
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00004360sniff Compiled with SNiFF interface support.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004361statusline Compiled with support for 'statusline', 'rulerformat'
4362 and special formats of 'titlestring' and 'iconstring'.
4363sun_workshop Compiled with support for Sun |workshop|.
Bram Moolenaar82cf9b62005-06-07 21:09:25 +00004364spell Compiled with spell checking support |spell|.
4365syntax Compiled with syntax highlighting support |syntax|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004366syntax_items There are active syntax highlighting items for the
4367 current buffer.
4368system Compiled to use system() instead of fork()/exec().
4369tag_binary Compiled with binary searching in tags files
4370 |tag-binary-search|.
4371tag_old_static Compiled with support for old static tags
4372 |tag-old-static|.
4373tag_any_white Compiled with support for any white characters in tags
4374 files |tag-any-white|.
4375tcl Compiled with Tcl interface.
4376terminfo Compiled with terminfo instead of termcap.
4377termresponse Compiled with support for |t_RV| and |v:termresponse|.
4378textobjects Compiled with support for |text-objects|.
4379tgetent Compiled with tgetent support, able to use a termcap
4380 or terminfo file.
4381title Compiled with window title support |'title'|.
4382toolbar Compiled with support for |gui-toolbar|.
4383unix Unix version of Vim.
4384user_commands User-defined commands.
4385viminfo Compiled with viminfo support.
4386vim_starting True while initial source'ing takes place.
4387vertsplit Compiled with vertically split windows |:vsplit|.
4388virtualedit Compiled with 'virtualedit' option.
4389visual Compiled with Visual mode.
4390visualextra Compiled with extra Visual mode commands.
4391 |blockwise-operators|.
4392vms VMS version of Vim.
4393vreplace Compiled with |gR| and |gr| commands.
4394wildignore Compiled with 'wildignore' option.
4395wildmenu Compiled with 'wildmenu' option.
4396windows Compiled with support for more than one window.
4397winaltkeys Compiled with 'winaltkeys' option.
4398win16 Win16 version of Vim (MS-Windows 3.1).
4399win32 Win32 version of Vim (MS-Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP).
4400win64 Win64 version of Vim (MS-Windows 64 bit).
4401win32unix Win32 version of Vim, using Unix files (Cygwin)
4402win95 Win32 version for MS-Windows 95/98/ME.
4403writebackup Compiled with 'writebackup' default on.
4404xfontset Compiled with X fontset support |xfontset|.
4405xim Compiled with X input method support |xim|.
4406xsmp Compiled with X session management support.
4407xsmp_interact Compiled with interactive X session management support.
4408xterm_clipboard Compiled with support for xterm clipboard.
4409xterm_save Compiled with support for saving and restoring the
4410 xterm screen.
4411x11 Compiled with X11 support.
4412
4413 *string-match*
4414Matching a pattern in a String
4415
4416A regexp pattern as explained at |pattern| is normally used to find a match in
4417the buffer lines. When a pattern is used to find a match in a String, almost
4418everything works in the same way. The difference is that a String is handled
4419like it is one line. When it contains a "\n" character, this is not seen as a
4420line break for the pattern. It can be matched with a "\n" in the pattern, or
4421with ".". Example: >
4422 :let a = "aaaa\nxxxx"
4423 :echo matchstr(a, "..\n..")
4424 aa
4425 xx
4426 :echo matchstr(a, "a.x")
4427 a
4428 x
4429
4430Don't forget that "^" will only match at the first character of the String and
4431"$" at the last character of the string. They don't match after or before a
4432"\n".
4433
4434==============================================================================
44355. Defining functions *user-functions*
4436
4437New functions can be defined. These can be called just like builtin
4438functions. The function executes a sequence of Ex commands. Normal mode
4439commands can be executed with the |:normal| command.
4440
4441The function name must start with an uppercase letter, to avoid confusion with
4442builtin functions. To prevent from using the same name in different scripts
4443avoid obvious, short names. A good habit is to start the function name with
4444the name of the script, e.g., "HTMLcolor()".
4445
4446It's also possible to use curly braces, see |curly-braces-names|.
4447
4448 *local-function*
4449A function local to a script must start with "s:". A local script function
4450can only be called from within the script and from functions, user commands
4451and autocommands defined in the script. It is also possible to call the
4452function from a mappings defined in the script, but then |<SID>| must be used
4453instead of "s:" when the mapping is expanded outside of the script.
4454
4455 *:fu* *:function* *E128* *E129* *E123*
4456:fu[nction] List all functions and their arguments.
4457
4458:fu[nction] {name} List function {name}.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004459 {name} can also be a Dictionary entry that is a
4460 Funcref: >
4461 :function dict.init
4462< *E124* *E125*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00004463:fu[nction][!] {name}([arguments]) [range] [abort] [dict]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004464 Define a new function by the name {name}. The name
4465 must be made of alphanumeric characters and '_', and
4466 must start with a capital or "s:" (see above).
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004467
4468 {name} can also be a Dictionary entry that is a
4469 Funcref: >
4470 :function dict.init(arg)
4471< "dict" must be an existing dictionary. The entry
4472 "init" is added if it didn't exist yet. Otherwise [!]
4473 is required to overwrite an existing function. The
4474 result is a |Funcref| to a numbered function. The
4475 function can only be used with a |Funcref| and will be
4476 deleted if there are no more references to it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004477 *E127* *E122*
4478 When a function by this name already exists and [!] is
4479 not used an error message is given. When [!] is used,
4480 an existing function is silently replaced. Unless it
4481 is currently being executed, that is an error.
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00004482
4483 For the {arguments} see |function-argument|.
4484
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004485 *a:firstline* *a:lastline*
4486 When the [range] argument is added, the function is
4487 expected to take care of a range itself. The range is
4488 passed as "a:firstline" and "a:lastline". If [range]
4489 is excluded, ":{range}call" will call the function for
4490 each line in the range, with the cursor on the start
4491 of each line. See |function-range-example|.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004492
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004493 When the [abort] argument is added, the function will
4494 abort as soon as an error is detected.
4495 The last used search pattern and the redo command "."
4496 will not be changed by the function.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004497
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00004498 When the [dict] argument is added, the function must
4499 be invoked through an entry in a Dictionary. The
4500 local variable "self" will then be set to the
4501 dictionary. See |Dictionary-function|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004502
4503 *:endf* *:endfunction* *E126* *E193*
4504:endf[unction] The end of a function definition. Must be on a line
4505 by its own, without other commands.
4506
4507 *:delf* *:delfunction* *E130* *E131*
4508:delf[unction] {name} Delete function {name}.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004509 {name} can also be a Dictionary entry that is a
4510 Funcref: >
4511 :delfunc dict.init
4512< This will remove the "init" entry from "dict". The
4513 function is deleted if there are no more references to
4514 it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004515 *:retu* *:return* *E133*
4516:retu[rn] [expr] Return from a function. When "[expr]" is given, it is
4517 evaluated and returned as the result of the function.
4518 If "[expr]" is not given, the number 0 is returned.
4519 When a function ends without an explicit ":return",
4520 the number 0 is returned.
4521 Note that there is no check for unreachable lines,
4522 thus there is no warning if commands follow ":return".
4523
4524 If the ":return" is used after a |:try| but before the
4525 matching |:finally| (if present), the commands
4526 following the ":finally" up to the matching |:endtry|
4527 are executed first. This process applies to all
4528 nested ":try"s inside the function. The function
4529 returns at the outermost ":endtry".
4530
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00004531 *function-argument* *a:var*
4532An argument can be defined by giving its name. In the function this can then
4533be used as "a:name" ("a:" for argument).
4534 *a:0* *a:1* *a:000* *E740*
4535Up to 20 arguments can be given, separated by commas. After the named
4536arguments an argument "..." can be specified, which means that more arguments
4537may optionally be following. In the function the extra arguments can be used
4538as "a:1", "a:2", etc. "a:0" is set to the number of extra arguments (which
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00004539can be 0). "a:000" is set to a List that contains these arguments. Note that
4540"a:1" is the same as "a:000[0]".
4541 *E742*
4542The a: scope and the variables in it cannot be changed, they are fixed.
4543However, if a List or Dictionary is used, you can changes their contents.
4544Thus you can pass a List to a function and have the function add an item to
4545it. If you want to make sure the function cannot change a List or Dictionary
4546use |:lockvar|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004547
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00004548When not using "...", the number of arguments in a function call must be equal
4549to the number of named arguments. When using "...", the number of arguments
4550may be larger.
4551
4552It is also possible to define a function without any arguments. You must
4553still supply the () then. The body of the function follows in the next lines,
4554until the matching |:endfunction|. It is allowed to define another function
4555inside a function body.
4556
4557 *local-variables*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004558Inside a function variables can be used. These are local variables, which
4559will disappear when the function returns. Global variables need to be
4560accessed with "g:".
4561
4562Example: >
4563 :function Table(title, ...)
4564 : echohl Title
4565 : echo a:title
4566 : echohl None
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00004567 : echo a:0 . " items:"
4568 : for s in a:000
4569 : echon ' ' . s
4570 : endfor
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004571 :endfunction
4572
4573This function can then be called with: >
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00004574 call Table("Table", "line1", "line2")
4575 call Table("Empty Table")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004576
4577To return more than one value, pass the name of a global variable: >
4578 :function Compute(n1, n2, divname)
4579 : if a:n2 == 0
4580 : return "fail"
4581 : endif
4582 : let g:{a:divname} = a:n1 / a:n2
4583 : return "ok"
4584 :endfunction
4585
4586This function can then be called with: >
4587 :let success = Compute(13, 1324, "div")
4588 :if success == "ok"
4589 : echo div
4590 :endif
4591
4592An alternative is to return a command that can be executed. This also works
4593with local variables in a calling function. Example: >
4594 :function Foo()
4595 : execute Bar()
4596 : echo "line " . lnum . " column " . col
4597 :endfunction
4598
4599 :function Bar()
4600 : return "let lnum = " . line(".") . " | let col = " . col(".")
4601 :endfunction
4602
4603The names "lnum" and "col" could also be passed as argument to Bar(), to allow
4604the caller to set the names.
4605
4606 *:cal* *:call* *E107*
4607:[range]cal[l] {name}([arguments])
4608 Call a function. The name of the function and its arguments
4609 are as specified with |:function|. Up to 20 arguments can be
4610 used.
4611 Without a range and for functions that accept a range, the
4612 function is called once. When a range is given the cursor is
4613 positioned at the start of the first line before executing the
4614 function.
4615 When a range is given and the function doesn't handle it
4616 itself, the function is executed for each line in the range,
4617 with the cursor in the first column of that line. The cursor
4618 is left at the last line (possibly moved by the last function
4619 call). The arguments are re-evaluated for each line. Thus
4620 this works:
4621 *function-range-example* >
4622 :function Mynumber(arg)
4623 : echo line(".") . " " . a:arg
4624 :endfunction
4625 :1,5call Mynumber(getline("."))
4626<
4627 The "a:firstline" and "a:lastline" are defined anyway, they
4628 can be used to do something different at the start or end of
4629 the range.
4630
4631 Example of a function that handles the range itself: >
4632
4633 :function Cont() range
4634 : execute (a:firstline + 1) . "," . a:lastline . 's/^/\t\\ '
4635 :endfunction
4636 :4,8call Cont()
4637<
4638 This function inserts the continuation character "\" in front
4639 of all the lines in the range, except the first one.
4640
4641 *E132*
4642The recursiveness of user functions is restricted with the |'maxfuncdepth'|
4643option.
4644
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00004645
4646AUTOMATICALLY LOADING FUNCTIONS ~
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004647 *autoload-functions*
4648When using many or large functions, it's possible to automatically define them
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00004649only when they are used. There are two methods: with an autocommand and with
4650the "autoload" directory in 'runtimepath'.
4651
4652
4653Using an autocommand ~
4654
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00004655This is introduced in the user manual, section |41.14|.
4656
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00004657The autocommand is useful if you have a plugin that is a long Vim script file.
4658You can define the autocommand and quickly quit the script with |:finish|.
4659That makes Vim startup faster. The autocommand should then load the same file
4660again, setting a variable to skip the |:finish| command.
4661
4662Use the FuncUndefined autocommand event with a pattern that matches the
4663function(s) to be defined. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004664
4665 :au FuncUndefined BufNet* source ~/vim/bufnetfuncs.vim
4666
4667The file "~/vim/bufnetfuncs.vim" should then define functions that start with
4668"BufNet". Also see |FuncUndefined|.
4669
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00004670
4671Using an autoload script ~
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004672 *autoload* *E746*
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00004673This is introduced in the user manual, section |41.15|.
4674
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00004675Using a script in the "autoload" directory is simpler, but requires using
4676exactly the right file name. A function that can be autoloaded has a name
4677like this: >
4678
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00004679 :call filename#funcname()
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00004680
4681When such a function is called, and it is not defined yet, Vim will search the
4682"autoload" directories in 'runtimepath' for a script file called
4683"filename.vim". For example "~/.vim/autoload/filename.vim". That file should
4684then define the function like this: >
4685
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00004686 function filename#funcname()
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00004687 echo "Done!"
4688 endfunction
4689
4690The file name and the name used before the colon in the function must match
4691exactly, and the defined function must have the name exactly as it will be
4692called.
4693
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00004694It is possible to use subdirectories. Every # in the function name works like
4695a path separator. Thus when calling a function: >
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00004696
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00004697 :call foo#bar#func()
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00004698
4699Vim will look for the file "autoload/foo/bar.vim" in 'runtimepath'.
4700
4701The name before the first colon must be at least two characters long,
4702otherwise it looks like a scope, such as "s:".
4703
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004704This also works when reading a variable that has not been set yet: >
4705
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00004706 :let l = foo#bar#lvar
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004707
4708When assigning a value to such a variable nothing special happens. This can
4709be used to pass settings to the autoload script before it's loaded: >
4710
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00004711 :let foo#bar#toggle = 1
4712 :call foo#bar#func()
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004713
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00004714Note that when you make a mistake and call a function that is supposed to be
4715defined in an autoload script, but the script doesn't actually define the
4716function, the script will be sourced every time you try to call the function.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004717And you will get an error message every time.
4718
4719Also note that if you have two script files, and one calls a function in the
4720other and vise versa, before the used function is defined, it won't work.
4721Avoid using the autoload functionality at the toplevel.
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00004722
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004723==============================================================================
47246. Curly braces names *curly-braces-names*
4725
4726Wherever you can use a variable, you can use a "curly braces name" variable.
4727This is a regular variable name with one or more expressions wrapped in braces
4728{} like this: >
4729 my_{adjective}_variable
4730
4731When Vim encounters this, it evaluates the expression inside the braces, puts
4732that in place of the expression, and re-interprets the whole as a variable
4733name. So in the above example, if the variable "adjective" was set to
4734"noisy", then the reference would be to "my_noisy_variable", whereas if
4735"adjective" was set to "quiet", then it would be to "my_quiet_variable".
4736
4737One application for this is to create a set of variables governed by an option
4738value. For example, the statement >
4739 echo my_{&background}_message
4740
4741would output the contents of "my_dark_message" or "my_light_message" depending
4742on the current value of 'background'.
4743
4744You can use multiple brace pairs: >
4745 echo my_{adverb}_{adjective}_message
4746..or even nest them: >
4747 echo my_{ad{end_of_word}}_message
4748where "end_of_word" is either "verb" or "jective".
4749
4750However, the expression inside the braces must evaluate to a valid single
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004751variable name, e.g. this is invalid: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004752 :let foo='a + b'
4753 :echo c{foo}d
4754.. since the result of expansion is "ca + bd", which is not a variable name.
4755
4756 *curly-braces-function-names*
4757You can call and define functions by an evaluated name in a similar way.
4758Example: >
4759 :let func_end='whizz'
4760 :call my_func_{func_end}(parameter)
4761
4762This would call the function "my_func_whizz(parameter)".
4763
4764==============================================================================
47657. Commands *expression-commands*
4766
4767:let {var-name} = {expr1} *:let* *E18*
4768 Set internal variable {var-name} to the result of the
4769 expression {expr1}. The variable will get the type
4770 from the {expr}. If {var-name} didn't exist yet, it
4771 is created.
4772
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00004773:let {var-name}[{idx}] = {expr1} *E689*
4774 Set a list item to the result of the expression
4775 {expr1}. {var-name} must refer to a list and {idx}
4776 must be a valid index in that list. For nested list
4777 the index can be repeated.
4778 This cannot be used to add an item to a list.
4779
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004780 *E711* *E719*
4781:let {var-name}[{idx1}:{idx2}] = {expr1} *E708* *E709* *E710*
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00004782 Set a sequence of items in a List to the result of the
4783 expression {expr1}, which must be a list with the
4784 correct number of items.
4785 {idx1} can be omitted, zero is used instead.
4786 {idx2} can be omitted, meaning the end of the list.
4787 When the selected range of items is partly past the
4788 end of the list, items will be added.
4789
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00004790 *:let+=* *:let-=* *:let.=* *E734*
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004791:let {var} += {expr1} Like ":let {var} = {var} + {expr1}".
4792:let {var} -= {expr1} Like ":let {var} = {var} - {expr1}".
4793:let {var} .= {expr1} Like ":let {var} = {var} . {expr1}".
4794 These fail if {var} was not set yet and when the type
4795 of {var} and {expr1} don't fit the operator.
4796
4797
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004798:let ${env-name} = {expr1} *:let-environment* *:let-$*
4799 Set environment variable {env-name} to the result of
4800 the expression {expr1}. The type is always String.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004801:let ${env-name} .= {expr1}
4802 Append {expr1} to the environment variable {env-name}.
4803 If the environment variable didn't exist yet this
4804 works like "=".
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004805
4806:let @{reg-name} = {expr1} *:let-register* *:let-@*
4807 Write the result of the expression {expr1} in register
4808 {reg-name}. {reg-name} must be a single letter, and
4809 must be the name of a writable register (see
4810 |registers|). "@@" can be used for the unnamed
4811 register, "@/" for the search pattern.
4812 If the result of {expr1} ends in a <CR> or <NL>, the
4813 register will be linewise, otherwise it will be set to
4814 characterwise.
4815 This can be used to clear the last search pattern: >
4816 :let @/ = ""
4817< This is different from searching for an empty string,
4818 that would match everywhere.
4819
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004820:let @{reg-name} .= {expr1}
4821 Append {expr1} to register {reg-name}. If the
4822 register was empty it's like setting it to {expr1}.
4823
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004824:let &{option-name} = {expr1} *:let-option* *:let-star*
4825 Set option {option-name} to the result of the
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00004826 expression {expr1}. A String or Number value is
4827 always converted to the type of the option.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004828 For an option local to a window or buffer the effect
4829 is just like using the |:set| command: both the local
4830 value and the global value is changed.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00004831 Example: >
4832 :let &path = &path . ',/usr/local/include'
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004833
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004834:let &{option-name} .= {expr1}
4835 For a string option: Append {expr1} to the value.
4836 Does not insert a comma like |:set+=|.
4837
4838:let &{option-name} += {expr1}
4839:let &{option-name} -= {expr1}
4840 For a number or boolean option: Add or subtract
4841 {expr1}.
4842
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004843:let &l:{option-name} = {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004844:let &l:{option-name} .= {expr1}
4845:let &l:{option-name} += {expr1}
4846:let &l:{option-name} -= {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004847 Like above, but only set the local value of an option
4848 (if there is one). Works like |:setlocal|.
4849
4850:let &g:{option-name} = {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004851:let &g:{option-name} .= {expr1}
4852:let &g:{option-name} += {expr1}
4853:let &g:{option-name} -= {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004854 Like above, but only set the global value of an option
4855 (if there is one). Works like |:setglobal|.
4856
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00004857:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] = {expr1} *:let-unpack* *E687* *E688*
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00004858 {expr1} must evaluate to a List. The first item in
4859 the list is assigned to {name1}, the second item to
4860 {name2}, etc.
4861 The number of names must match the number of items in
4862 the List.
4863 Each name can be one of the items of the ":let"
4864 command as mentioned above.
4865 Example: >
4866 :let [s, item] = GetItem(s)
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004867< Detail: {expr1} is evaluated first, then the
4868 assignments are done in sequence. This matters if
4869 {name2} depends on {name1}. Example: >
4870 :let x = [0, 1]
4871 :let i = 0
4872 :let [i, x[i]] = [1, 2]
4873 :echo x
4874< The result is [0, 2].
4875
4876:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] .= {expr1}
4877:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] += {expr1}
4878:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] -= {expr1}
4879 Like above, but append/add/subtract the value for each
4880 List item.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00004881
4882:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] = {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00004883 Like |:let-unpack| above, but the List may have more
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004884 items than there are names. A list of the remaining
4885 items is assigned to {lastname}. If there are no
4886 remaining items {lastname} is set to an empty list.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00004887 Example: >
4888 :let [a, b; rest] = ["aval", "bval", 3, 4]
4889<
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004890:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] .= {expr1}
4891:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] += {expr1}
4892:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] -= {expr1}
4893 Like above, but append/add/subtract the value for each
4894 List item.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004895 *E106*
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004896:let {var-name} .. List the value of variable {var-name}. Multiple
Bram Moolenaardcaf10e2005-01-21 11:55:25 +00004897 variable names may be given. Special names recognized
4898 here: *E738*
4899 g: global variables.
4900 b: local buffer variables.
4901 w: local window variables.
4902 v: Vim variables.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004903
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00004904:let List the values of all variables. The type of the
4905 variable is indicated before the value:
4906 <nothing> String
4907 # Number
4908 * Funcref
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004909
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00004910
4911:unl[et][!] {name} ... *:unlet* *:unl* *E108*
4912 Remove the internal variable {name}. Several variable
4913 names can be given, they are all removed. The name
4914 may also be a List or Dictionary item.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004915 With [!] no error message is given for non-existing
4916 variables.
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +00004917 One or more items from a List can be removed: >
4918 :unlet list[3] " remove fourth item
4919 :unlet list[3:] " remove fourth item to last
4920< One item from a Dictionary can be removed at a time: >
4921 :unlet dict['two']
4922 :unlet dict.two
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004923
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00004924:lockv[ar][!] [depth] {name} ... *:lockvar* *:lockv*
4925 Lock the internal variable {name}. Locking means that
4926 it can no longer be changed (until it is unlocked).
4927 A locked variable can be deleted: >
4928 :lockvar v
4929 :let v = 'asdf' " fails!
4930 :unlet v
4931< *E741*
4932 If you try to change a locked variable you get an
4933 error message: "E741: Value of {name} is locked"
4934
4935 [depth] is relevant when locking a List or Dictionary.
4936 It specifies how deep the locking goes:
4937 1 Lock the List or Dictionary itself,
4938 cannot add or remove items, but can
4939 still change their values.
4940 2 Also lock the values, cannot change
4941 the items. If an item is a List or
4942 Dictionary, cannot add or remove
4943 items, but can still change the
4944 values.
4945 3 Like 2 but for the List/Dictionary in
4946 the List/Dictionary, one level deeper.
4947 The default [depth] is 2, thus when {name} is a List
4948 or Dictionary the values cannot be changed.
4949 *E743*
4950 For unlimited depth use [!] and omit [depth].
4951 However, there is a maximum depth of 100 to catch
4952 loops.
4953
4954 Note that when two variables refer to the same List
4955 and you lock one of them, the List will also be locked
4956 when used through the other variable. Example: >
4957 :let l = [0, 1, 2, 3]
4958 :let cl = l
4959 :lockvar l
4960 :let cl[1] = 99 " won't work!
4961< You may want to make a copy of a list to avoid this.
4962 See |deepcopy()|.
4963
4964
4965:unlo[ckvar][!] [depth] {name} ... *:unlockvar* *:unlo*
4966 Unlock the internal variable {name}. Does the
4967 opposite of |:lockvar|.
4968
4969
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004970:if {expr1} *:if* *:endif* *:en* *E171* *E579* *E580*
4971:en[dif] Execute the commands until the next matching ":else"
4972 or ":endif" if {expr1} evaluates to non-zero.
4973
4974 From Vim version 4.5 until 5.0, every Ex command in
4975 between the ":if" and ":endif" is ignored. These two
4976 commands were just to allow for future expansions in a
4977 backwards compatible way. Nesting was allowed. Note
4978 that any ":else" or ":elseif" was ignored, the "else"
4979 part was not executed either.
4980
4981 You can use this to remain compatible with older
4982 versions: >
4983 :if version >= 500
4984 : version-5-specific-commands
4985 :endif
4986< The commands still need to be parsed to find the
4987 "endif". Sometimes an older Vim has a problem with a
4988 new command. For example, ":silent" is recognized as
4989 a ":substitute" command. In that case ":execute" can
4990 avoid problems: >
4991 :if version >= 600
4992 : execute "silent 1,$delete"
4993 :endif
4994<
4995 NOTE: The ":append" and ":insert" commands don't work
4996 properly in between ":if" and ":endif".
4997
4998 *:else* *:el* *E581* *E583*
4999:el[se] Execute the commands until the next matching ":else"
5000 or ":endif" if they previously were not being
5001 executed.
5002
5003 *:elseif* *:elsei* *E582* *E584*
5004:elsei[f] {expr1} Short for ":else" ":if", with the addition that there
5005 is no extra ":endif".
5006
5007:wh[ile] {expr1} *:while* *:endwhile* *:wh* *:endw*
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005008 *E170* *E585* *E588* *E733*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005009:endw[hile] Repeat the commands between ":while" and ":endwhile",
5010 as long as {expr1} evaluates to non-zero.
5011 When an error is detected from a command inside the
5012 loop, execution continues after the "endwhile".
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005013 Example: >
5014 :let lnum = 1
5015 :while lnum <= line("$")
5016 :call FixLine(lnum)
5017 :let lnum = lnum + 1
5018 :endwhile
5019<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005020 NOTE: The ":append" and ":insert" commands don't work
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00005021 properly inside a ":while" and ":for" loop.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005022
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005023:for {var} in {list} *:for* *E690* *E732*
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005024:endfo[r] *:endfo* *:endfor*
5025 Repeat the commands between ":for" and ":endfor" for
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00005026 each item in {list}. Variable {var} is set to the
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00005027 value of each item.
5028 When an error is detected for a command inside the
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005029 loop, execution continues after the "endfor".
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00005030 Changing {list} affects what items are used. Make a
5031 copy if this is unwanted: >
5032 :for item in copy(mylist)
5033< When not making a copy, Vim stores a reference to the
5034 next item in the list, before executing the commands
5035 with the current item. Thus the current item can be
5036 removed without effect. Removing any later item means
5037 it will not be found. Thus the following example
5038 works (an inefficient way to make a list empty): >
5039 :for item in mylist
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005040 :call remove(mylist, 0)
5041 :endfor
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00005042< Note that reordering the list (e.g., with sort() or
5043 reverse()) may have unexpected effects.
5044 Note that the type of each list item should be
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005045 identical to avoid errors for the type of {var}
5046 changing. Unlet the variable at the end of the loop
5047 to allow multiple item types.
5048
5049:for {var} in {string}
5050:endfo[r] Like ":for" above, but use each character in {string}
5051 as a list item.
5052 Composing characters are used as separate characters.
5053 A Number is first converted to a String.
5054
5055:for [{var1}, {var2}, ...] in {listlist}
5056:endfo[r]
5057 Like ":for" above, but each item in {listlist} must be
5058 a list, of which each item is assigned to {var1},
5059 {var2}, etc. Example: >
5060 :for [lnum, col] in [[1, 3], [2, 5], [3, 8]]
5061 :echo getline(lnum)[col]
5062 :endfor
5063<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005064 *:continue* *:con* *E586*
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005065:con[tinue] When used inside a ":while" or ":for" loop, jumps back
5066 to the start of the loop.
5067 If it is used after a |:try| inside the loop but
5068 before the matching |:finally| (if present), the
5069 commands following the ":finally" up to the matching
5070 |:endtry| are executed first. This process applies to
5071 all nested ":try"s inside the loop. The outermost
5072 ":endtry" then jumps back to the start of the loop.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005073
5074 *:break* *:brea* *E587*
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005075:brea[k] When used inside a ":while" or ":for" loop, skips to
5076 the command after the matching ":endwhile" or
5077 ":endfor".
5078 If it is used after a |:try| inside the loop but
5079 before the matching |:finally| (if present), the
5080 commands following the ":finally" up to the matching
5081 |:endtry| are executed first. This process applies to
5082 all nested ":try"s inside the loop. The outermost
5083 ":endtry" then jumps to the command after the loop.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005084
5085:try *:try* *:endt* *:endtry* *E600* *E601* *E602*
5086:endt[ry] Change the error handling for the commands between
5087 ":try" and ":endtry" including everything being
5088 executed across ":source" commands, function calls,
5089 or autocommand invocations.
5090
5091 When an error or interrupt is detected and there is
5092 a |:finally| command following, execution continues
5093 after the ":finally". Otherwise, or when the
5094 ":endtry" is reached thereafter, the next
5095 (dynamically) surrounding ":try" is checked for
5096 a corresponding ":finally" etc. Then the script
5097 processing is terminated. (Whether a function
5098 definition has an "abort" argument does not matter.)
5099 Example: >
5100 :try | edit too much | finally | echo "cleanup" | endtry
5101 :echo "impossible" " not reached, script terminated above
5102<
5103 Moreover, an error or interrupt (dynamically) inside
5104 ":try" and ":endtry" is converted to an exception. It
5105 can be caught as if it were thrown by a |:throw|
5106 command (see |:catch|). In this case, the script
5107 processing is not terminated.
5108
5109 The value "Vim:Interrupt" is used for an interrupt
5110 exception. An error in a Vim command is converted
5111 to a value of the form "Vim({command}):{errmsg}",
5112 other errors are converted to a value of the form
5113 "Vim:{errmsg}". {command} is the full command name,
5114 and {errmsg} is the message that is displayed if the
5115 error exception is not caught, always beginning with
5116 the error number.
5117 Examples: >
5118 :try | sleep 100 | catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/ | endtry
5119 :try | edit | catch /^Vim(edit):E\d\+/ | echo "error" | endtry
5120<
5121 *:cat* *:catch* *E603* *E604* *E605*
5122:cat[ch] /{pattern}/ The following commands until the next ":catch",
5123 |:finally|, or |:endtry| that belongs to the same
5124 |:try| as the ":catch" are executed when an exception
5125 matching {pattern} is being thrown and has not yet
5126 been caught by a previous ":catch". Otherwise, these
5127 commands are skipped.
5128 When {pattern} is omitted all errors are caught.
5129 Examples: >
5130 :catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/ " catch interrupts (CTRL-C)
5131 :catch /^Vim\%((\a\+)\)\=:E/ " catch all Vim errors
5132 :catch /^Vim\%((\a\+)\)\=:/ " catch errors and interrupts
5133 :catch /^Vim(write):/ " catch all errors in :write
5134 :catch /^Vim\%((\a\+)\)\=:E123/ " catch error E123
5135 :catch /my-exception/ " catch user exception
5136 :catch /.*/ " catch everything
5137 :catch " same as /.*/
5138<
5139 Another character can be used instead of / around the
5140 {pattern}, so long as it does not have a special
5141 meaning (e.g., '|' or '"') and doesn't occur inside
5142 {pattern}.
5143 NOTE: It is not reliable to ":catch" the TEXT of
5144 an error message because it may vary in different
5145 locales.
5146
5147 *:fina* *:finally* *E606* *E607*
5148:fina[lly] The following commands until the matching |:endtry|
5149 are executed whenever the part between the matching
5150 |:try| and the ":finally" is left: either by falling
5151 through to the ":finally" or by a |:continue|,
5152 |:break|, |:finish|, or |:return|, or by an error or
5153 interrupt or exception (see |:throw|).
5154
5155 *:th* *:throw* *E608*
5156:th[row] {expr1} The {expr1} is evaluated and thrown as an exception.
5157 If the ":throw" is used after a |:try| but before the
5158 first corresponding |:catch|, commands are skipped
5159 until the first ":catch" matching {expr1} is reached.
5160 If there is no such ":catch" or if the ":throw" is
5161 used after a ":catch" but before the |:finally|, the
5162 commands following the ":finally" (if present) up to
5163 the matching |:endtry| are executed. If the ":throw"
5164 is after the ":finally", commands up to the ":endtry"
5165 are skipped. At the ":endtry", this process applies
5166 again for the next dynamically surrounding ":try"
5167 (which may be found in a calling function or sourcing
5168 script), until a matching ":catch" has been found.
5169 If the exception is not caught, the command processing
5170 is terminated.
5171 Example: >
5172 :try | throw "oops" | catch /^oo/ | echo "caught" | endtry
5173<
5174
5175 *:ec* *:echo*
5176:ec[ho] {expr1} .. Echoes each {expr1}, with a space in between. The
5177 first {expr1} starts on a new line.
5178 Also see |:comment|.
5179 Use "\n" to start a new line. Use "\r" to move the
5180 cursor to the first column.
5181 Uses the highlighting set by the |:echohl| command.
5182 Cannot be followed by a comment.
5183 Example: >
5184 :echo "the value of 'shell' is" &shell
5185< A later redraw may make the message disappear again.
5186 To avoid that a command from before the ":echo" causes
5187 a redraw afterwards (redraws are often postponed until
5188 you type something), force a redraw with the |:redraw|
5189 command. Example: >
5190 :new | redraw | echo "there is a new window"
5191<
5192 *:echon*
5193:echon {expr1} .. Echoes each {expr1}, without anything added. Also see
5194 |:comment|.
5195 Uses the highlighting set by the |:echohl| command.
5196 Cannot be followed by a comment.
5197 Example: >
5198 :echon "the value of 'shell' is " &shell
5199<
5200 Note the difference between using ":echo", which is a
5201 Vim command, and ":!echo", which is an external shell
5202 command: >
5203 :!echo % --> filename
5204< The arguments of ":!" are expanded, see |:_%|. >
5205 :!echo "%" --> filename or "filename"
5206< Like the previous example. Whether you see the double
5207 quotes or not depends on your 'shell'. >
5208 :echo % --> nothing
5209< The '%' is an illegal character in an expression. >
5210 :echo "%" --> %
5211< This just echoes the '%' character. >
5212 :echo expand("%") --> filename
5213< This calls the expand() function to expand the '%'.
5214
5215 *:echoh* *:echohl*
5216:echoh[l] {name} Use the highlight group {name} for the following
5217 |:echo|, |:echon| and |:echomsg| commands. Also used
5218 for the |input()| prompt. Example: >
5219 :echohl WarningMsg | echo "Don't panic!" | echohl None
5220< Don't forget to set the group back to "None",
5221 otherwise all following echo's will be highlighted.
5222
5223 *:echom* *:echomsg*
5224:echom[sg] {expr1} .. Echo the expression(s) as a true message, saving the
5225 message in the |message-history|.
5226 Spaces are placed between the arguments as with the
5227 |:echo| command. But unprintable characters are
5228 displayed, not interpreted.
5229 Uses the highlighting set by the |:echohl| command.
5230 Example: >
5231 :echomsg "It's a Zizzer Zazzer Zuzz, as you can plainly see."
5232<
5233 *:echoe* *:echoerr*
5234:echoe[rr] {expr1} .. Echo the expression(s) as an error message, saving the
5235 message in the |message-history|. When used in a
5236 script or function the line number will be added.
5237 Spaces are placed between the arguments as with the
5238 :echo command. When used inside a try conditional,
5239 the message is raised as an error exception instead
5240 (see |try-echoerr|).
5241 Example: >
5242 :echoerr "This script just failed!"
5243< If you just want a highlighted message use |:echohl|.
5244 And to get a beep: >
5245 :exe "normal \<Esc>"
5246<
5247 *:exe* *:execute*
5248:exe[cute] {expr1} .. Executes the string that results from the evaluation
5249 of {expr1} as an Ex command. Multiple arguments are
5250 concatenated, with a space in between. {expr1} is
5251 used as the processed command, command line editing
5252 keys are not recognized.
5253 Cannot be followed by a comment.
5254 Examples: >
5255 :execute "buffer " nextbuf
5256 :execute "normal " count . "w"
5257<
5258 ":execute" can be used to append a command to commands
5259 that don't accept a '|'. Example: >
5260 :execute '!ls' | echo "theend"
5261
5262< ":execute" is also a nice way to avoid having to type
5263 control characters in a Vim script for a ":normal"
5264 command: >
5265 :execute "normal ixxx\<Esc>"
5266< This has an <Esc> character, see |expr-string|.
5267
5268 Note: The executed string may be any command-line, but
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00005269 you cannot start or end a "while", "for" or "if"
5270 command. Thus this is illegal: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005271 :execute 'while i > 5'
5272 :execute 'echo "test" | break'
5273<
5274 It is allowed to have a "while" or "if" command
5275 completely in the executed string: >
5276 :execute 'while i < 5 | echo i | let i = i + 1 | endwhile'
5277<
5278
5279 *:comment*
5280 ":execute", ":echo" and ":echon" cannot be followed by
5281 a comment directly, because they see the '"' as the
5282 start of a string. But, you can use '|' followed by a
5283 comment. Example: >
5284 :echo "foo" | "this is a comment
5285
5286==============================================================================
52878. Exception handling *exception-handling*
5288
5289The Vim script language comprises an exception handling feature. This section
5290explains how it can be used in a Vim script.
5291
5292Exceptions may be raised by Vim on an error or on interrupt, see
5293|catch-errors| and |catch-interrupt|. You can also explicitly throw an
5294exception by using the ":throw" command, see |throw-catch|.
5295
5296
5297TRY CONDITIONALS *try-conditionals*
5298
5299Exceptions can be caught or can cause cleanup code to be executed. You can
5300use a try conditional to specify catch clauses (that catch exceptions) and/or
5301a finally clause (to be executed for cleanup).
5302 A try conditional begins with a |:try| command and ends at the matching
5303|:endtry| command. In between, you can use a |:catch| command to start
5304a catch clause, or a |:finally| command to start a finally clause. There may
5305be none or multiple catch clauses, but there is at most one finally clause,
5306which must not be followed by any catch clauses. The lines before the catch
5307clauses and the finally clause is called a try block. >
5308
5309 :try
5310 : ...
5311 : ... TRY BLOCK
5312 : ...
5313 :catch /{pattern}/
5314 : ...
5315 : ... CATCH CLAUSE
5316 : ...
5317 :catch /{pattern}/
5318 : ...
5319 : ... CATCH CLAUSE
5320 : ...
5321 :finally
5322 : ...
5323 : ... FINALLY CLAUSE
5324 : ...
5325 :endtry
5326
5327The try conditional allows to watch code for exceptions and to take the
5328appropriate actions. Exceptions from the try block may be caught. Exceptions
5329from the try block and also the catch clauses may cause cleanup actions.
5330 When no exception is thrown during execution of the try block, the control
5331is transferred to the finally clause, if present. After its execution, the
5332script continues with the line following the ":endtry".
5333 When an exception occurs during execution of the try block, the remaining
5334lines in the try block are skipped. The exception is matched against the
5335patterns specified as arguments to the ":catch" commands. The catch clause
5336after the first matching ":catch" is taken, other catch clauses are not
5337executed. The catch clause ends when the next ":catch", ":finally", or
5338":endtry" command is reached - whatever is first. Then, the finally clause
5339(if present) is executed. When the ":endtry" is reached, the script execution
5340continues in the following line as usual.
5341 When an exception that does not match any of the patterns specified by the
5342":catch" commands is thrown in the try block, the exception is not caught by
5343that try conditional and none of the catch clauses is executed. Only the
5344finally clause, if present, is taken. The exception pends during execution of
5345the finally clause. It is resumed at the ":endtry", so that commands after
5346the ":endtry" are not executed and the exception might be caught elsewhere,
5347see |try-nesting|.
5348 When during execution of a catch clause another exception is thrown, the
5349remaining lines in that catch clause are not executed. The new exception is
5350not matched against the patterns in any of the ":catch" commands of the same
5351try conditional and none of its catch clauses is taken. If there is, however,
5352a finally clause, it is executed, and the exception pends during its
5353execution. The commands following the ":endtry" are not executed. The new
5354exception might, however, be caught elsewhere, see |try-nesting|.
5355 When during execution of the finally clause (if present) an exception is
5356thrown, the remaining lines in the finally clause are skipped. If the finally
5357clause has been taken because of an exception from the try block or one of the
5358catch clauses, the original (pending) exception is discarded. The commands
5359following the ":endtry" are not executed, and the exception from the finally
5360clause is propagated and can be caught elsewhere, see |try-nesting|.
5361
5362The finally clause is also executed, when a ":break" or ":continue" for
5363a ":while" loop enclosing the complete try conditional is executed from the
5364try block or a catch clause. Or when a ":return" or ":finish" is executed
5365from the try block or a catch clause of a try conditional in a function or
5366sourced script, respectively. The ":break", ":continue", ":return", or
5367":finish" pends during execution of the finally clause and is resumed when the
5368":endtry" is reached. It is, however, discarded when an exception is thrown
5369from the finally clause.
5370 When a ":break" or ":continue" for a ":while" loop enclosing the complete
5371try conditional or when a ":return" or ":finish" is encountered in the finally
5372clause, the rest of the finally clause is skipped, and the ":break",
5373":continue", ":return" or ":finish" is executed as usual. If the finally
5374clause has been taken because of an exception or an earlier ":break",
5375":continue", ":return", or ":finish" from the try block or a catch clause,
5376this pending exception or command is discarded.
5377
5378For examples see |throw-catch| and |try-finally|.
5379
5380
5381NESTING OF TRY CONDITIONALS *try-nesting*
5382
5383Try conditionals can be nested arbitrarily. That is, a complete try
5384conditional can be put into the try block, a catch clause, or the finally
5385clause of another try conditional. If the inner try conditional does not
5386catch an exception thrown in its try block or throws a new exception from one
5387of its catch clauses or its finally clause, the outer try conditional is
5388checked according to the rules above. If the inner try conditional is in the
5389try block of the outer try conditional, its catch clauses are checked, but
5390otherwise only the finally clause is executed. It does not matter for
5391nesting, whether the inner try conditional is directly contained in the outer
5392one, or whether the outer one sources a script or calls a function containing
5393the inner try conditional.
5394
5395When none of the active try conditionals catches an exception, just their
5396finally clauses are executed. Thereafter, the script processing terminates.
5397An error message is displayed in case of an uncaught exception explicitly
5398thrown by a ":throw" command. For uncaught error and interrupt exceptions
5399implicitly raised by Vim, the error message(s) or interrupt message are shown
5400as usual.
5401
5402For examples see |throw-catch|.
5403
5404
5405EXAMINING EXCEPTION HANDLING CODE *except-examine*
5406
5407Exception handling code can get tricky. If you are in doubt what happens, set
5408'verbose' to 13 or use the ":13verbose" command modifier when sourcing your
5409script file. Then you see when an exception is thrown, discarded, caught, or
5410finished. When using a verbosity level of at least 14, things pending in
5411a finally clause are also shown. This information is also given in debug mode
5412(see |debug-scripts|).
5413
5414
5415THROWING AND CATCHING EXCEPTIONS *throw-catch*
5416
5417You can throw any number or string as an exception. Use the |:throw| command
5418and pass the value to be thrown as argument: >
5419 :throw 4711
5420 :throw "string"
5421< *throw-expression*
5422You can also specify an expression argument. The expression is then evaluated
5423first, and the result is thrown: >
5424 :throw 4705 + strlen("string")
5425 :throw strpart("strings", 0, 6)
5426
5427An exception might be thrown during evaluation of the argument of the ":throw"
5428command. Unless it is caught there, the expression evaluation is abandoned.
5429The ":throw" command then does not throw a new exception.
5430 Example: >
5431
5432 :function! Foo(arg)
5433 : try
5434 : throw a:arg
5435 : catch /foo/
5436 : endtry
5437 : return 1
5438 :endfunction
5439 :
5440 :function! Bar()
5441 : echo "in Bar"
5442 : return 4710
5443 :endfunction
5444 :
5445 :throw Foo("arrgh") + Bar()
5446
5447This throws "arrgh", and "in Bar" is not displayed since Bar() is not
5448executed. >
5449 :throw Foo("foo") + Bar()
5450however displays "in Bar" and throws 4711.
5451
5452Any other command that takes an expression as argument might also be
5453abandoned by an (uncaught) exception during the expression evaluation. The
5454exception is then propagated to the caller of the command.
5455 Example: >
5456
5457 :if Foo("arrgh")
5458 : echo "then"
5459 :else
5460 : echo "else"
5461 :endif
5462
5463Here neither of "then" or "else" is displayed.
5464
5465 *catch-order*
5466Exceptions can be caught by a try conditional with one or more |:catch|
5467commands, see |try-conditionals|. The values to be caught by each ":catch"
5468command can be specified as a pattern argument. The subsequent catch clause
5469gets executed when a matching exception is caught.
5470 Example: >
5471
5472 :function! Foo(value)
5473 : try
5474 : throw a:value
5475 : catch /^\d\+$/
5476 : echo "Number thrown"
5477 : catch /.*/
5478 : echo "String thrown"
5479 : endtry
5480 :endfunction
5481 :
5482 :call Foo(0x1267)
5483 :call Foo('string')
5484
5485The first call to Foo() displays "Number thrown", the second "String thrown".
5486An exception is matched against the ":catch" commands in the order they are
5487specified. Only the first match counts. So you should place the more
5488specific ":catch" first. The following order does not make sense: >
5489
5490 : catch /.*/
5491 : echo "String thrown"
5492 : catch /^\d\+$/
5493 : echo "Number thrown"
5494
5495The first ":catch" here matches always, so that the second catch clause is
5496never taken.
5497
5498 *throw-variables*
5499If you catch an exception by a general pattern, you may access the exact value
5500in the variable |v:exception|: >
5501
5502 : catch /^\d\+$/
5503 : echo "Number thrown. Value is" v:exception
5504
5505You may also be interested where an exception was thrown. This is stored in
5506|v:throwpoint|. Note that "v:exception" and "v:throwpoint" are valid for the
5507exception most recently caught as long it is not finished.
5508 Example: >
5509
5510 :function! Caught()
5511 : if v:exception != ""
5512 : echo 'Caught "' . v:exception . '" in ' . v:throwpoint
5513 : else
5514 : echo 'Nothing caught'
5515 : endif
5516 :endfunction
5517 :
5518 :function! Foo()
5519 : try
5520 : try
5521 : try
5522 : throw 4711
5523 : finally
5524 : call Caught()
5525 : endtry
5526 : catch /.*/
5527 : call Caught()
5528 : throw "oops"
5529 : endtry
5530 : catch /.*/
5531 : call Caught()
5532 : finally
5533 : call Caught()
5534 : endtry
5535 :endfunction
5536 :
5537 :call Foo()
5538
5539This displays >
5540
5541 Nothing caught
5542 Caught "4711" in function Foo, line 4
5543 Caught "oops" in function Foo, line 10
5544 Nothing caught
5545
5546A practical example: The following command ":LineNumber" displays the line
5547number in the script or function where it has been used: >
5548
5549 :function! LineNumber()
5550 : return substitute(v:throwpoint, '.*\D\(\d\+\).*', '\1', "")
5551 :endfunction
5552 :command! LineNumber try | throw "" | catch | echo LineNumber() | endtry
5553<
5554 *try-nested*
5555An exception that is not caught by a try conditional can be caught by
5556a surrounding try conditional: >
5557
5558 :try
5559 : try
5560 : throw "foo"
5561 : catch /foobar/
5562 : echo "foobar"
5563 : finally
5564 : echo "inner finally"
5565 : endtry
5566 :catch /foo/
5567 : echo "foo"
5568 :endtry
5569
5570The inner try conditional does not catch the exception, just its finally
5571clause is executed. The exception is then caught by the outer try
5572conditional. The example displays "inner finally" and then "foo".
5573
5574 *throw-from-catch*
5575You can catch an exception and throw a new one to be caught elsewhere from the
5576catch clause: >
5577
5578 :function! Foo()
5579 : throw "foo"
5580 :endfunction
5581 :
5582 :function! Bar()
5583 : try
5584 : call Foo()
5585 : catch /foo/
5586 : echo "Caught foo, throw bar"
5587 : throw "bar"
5588 : endtry
5589 :endfunction
5590 :
5591 :try
5592 : call Bar()
5593 :catch /.*/
5594 : echo "Caught" v:exception
5595 :endtry
5596
5597This displays "Caught foo, throw bar" and then "Caught bar".
5598
5599 *rethrow*
5600There is no real rethrow in the Vim script language, but you may throw
5601"v:exception" instead: >
5602
5603 :function! Bar()
5604 : try
5605 : call Foo()
5606 : catch /.*/
5607 : echo "Rethrow" v:exception
5608 : throw v:exception
5609 : endtry
5610 :endfunction
5611< *try-echoerr*
5612Note that this method cannot be used to "rethrow" Vim error or interrupt
5613exceptions, because it is not possible to fake Vim internal exceptions.
5614Trying so causes an error exception. You should throw your own exception
5615denoting the situation. If you want to cause a Vim error exception containing
5616the original error exception value, you can use the |:echoerr| command: >
5617
5618 :try
5619 : try
5620 : asdf
5621 : catch /.*/
5622 : echoerr v:exception
5623 : endtry
5624 :catch /.*/
5625 : echo v:exception
5626 :endtry
5627
5628This code displays
5629
5630 Vim(echoerr):Vim:E492: Not an editor command: asdf ~
5631
5632
5633CLEANUP CODE *try-finally*
5634
5635Scripts often change global settings and restore them at their end. If the
5636user however interrupts the script by pressing CTRL-C, the settings remain in
5637an inconsistent state. The same may happen to you in the development phase of
5638a script when an error occurs or you explicitly throw an exception without
5639catching it. You can solve these problems by using a try conditional with
5640a finally clause for restoring the settings. Its execution is guaranteed on
5641normal control flow, on error, on an explicit ":throw", and on interrupt.
5642(Note that errors and interrupts from inside the try conditional are converted
5643to exceptions. When not caught, they terminate the script after the finally
5644clause has been executed.)
5645Example: >
5646
5647 :try
5648 : let s:saved_ts = &ts
5649 : set ts=17
5650 :
5651 : " Do the hard work here.
5652 :
5653 :finally
5654 : let &ts = s:saved_ts
5655 : unlet s:saved_ts
5656 :endtry
5657
5658This method should be used locally whenever a function or part of a script
5659changes global settings which need to be restored on failure or normal exit of
5660that function or script part.
5661
5662 *break-finally*
5663Cleanup code works also when the try block or a catch clause is left by
5664a ":continue", ":break", ":return", or ":finish".
5665 Example: >
5666
5667 :let first = 1
5668 :while 1
5669 : try
5670 : if first
5671 : echo "first"
5672 : let first = 0
5673 : continue
5674 : else
5675 : throw "second"
5676 : endif
5677 : catch /.*/
5678 : echo v:exception
5679 : break
5680 : finally
5681 : echo "cleanup"
5682 : endtry
5683 : echo "still in while"
5684 :endwhile
5685 :echo "end"
5686
5687This displays "first", "cleanup", "second", "cleanup", and "end". >
5688
5689 :function! Foo()
5690 : try
5691 : return 4711
5692 : finally
5693 : echo "cleanup\n"
5694 : endtry
5695 : echo "Foo still active"
5696 :endfunction
5697 :
5698 :echo Foo() "returned by Foo"
5699
5700This displays "cleanup" and "4711 returned by Foo". You don't need to add an
5701extra ":return" in the finally clause. (Above all, this would override the
5702return value.)
5703
5704 *except-from-finally*
5705Using either of ":continue", ":break", ":return", ":finish", or ":throw" in
5706a finally clause is possible, but not recommended since it abandons the
5707cleanup actions for the try conditional. But, of course, interrupt and error
5708exceptions might get raised from a finally clause.
5709 Example where an error in the finally clause stops an interrupt from
5710working correctly: >
5711
5712 :try
5713 : try
5714 : echo "Press CTRL-C for interrupt"
5715 : while 1
5716 : endwhile
5717 : finally
5718 : unlet novar
5719 : endtry
5720 :catch /novar/
5721 :endtry
5722 :echo "Script still running"
5723 :sleep 1
5724
5725If you need to put commands that could fail into a finally clause, you should
5726think about catching or ignoring the errors in these commands, see
5727|catch-errors| and |ignore-errors|.
5728
5729
5730CATCHING ERRORS *catch-errors*
5731
5732If you want to catch specific errors, you just have to put the code to be
5733watched in a try block and add a catch clause for the error message. The
5734presence of the try conditional causes all errors to be converted to an
5735exception. No message is displayed and |v:errmsg| is not set then. To find
5736the right pattern for the ":catch" command, you have to know how the format of
5737the error exception is.
5738 Error exceptions have the following format: >
5739
5740 Vim({cmdname}):{errmsg}
5741or >
5742 Vim:{errmsg}
5743
5744{cmdname} is the name of the command that failed; the second form is used when
5745the command name is not known. {errmsg} is the error message usually produced
5746when the error occurs outside try conditionals. It always begins with
5747a capital "E", followed by a two or three-digit error number, a colon, and
5748a space.
5749
5750Examples:
5751
5752The command >
5753 :unlet novar
5754normally produces the error message >
5755 E108: No such variable: "novar"
5756which is converted inside try conditionals to an exception >
5757 Vim(unlet):E108: No such variable: "novar"
5758
5759The command >
5760 :dwim
5761normally produces the error message >
5762 E492: Not an editor command: dwim
5763which is converted inside try conditionals to an exception >
5764 Vim:E492: Not an editor command: dwim
5765
5766You can catch all ":unlet" errors by a >
5767 :catch /^Vim(unlet):/
5768or all errors for misspelled command names by a >
5769 :catch /^Vim:E492:/
5770
5771Some error messages may be produced by different commands: >
5772 :function nofunc
5773and >
5774 :delfunction nofunc
5775both produce the error message >
5776 E128: Function name must start with a capital: nofunc
5777which is converted inside try conditionals to an exception >
5778 Vim(function):E128: Function name must start with a capital: nofunc
5779or >
5780 Vim(delfunction):E128: Function name must start with a capital: nofunc
5781respectively. You can catch the error by its number independently on the
5782command that caused it if you use the following pattern: >
5783 :catch /^Vim(\a\+):E128:/
5784
5785Some commands like >
5786 :let x = novar
5787produce multiple error messages, here: >
5788 E121: Undefined variable: novar
5789 E15: Invalid expression: novar
5790Only the first is used for the exception value, since it is the most specific
5791one (see |except-several-errors|). So you can catch it by >
5792 :catch /^Vim(\a\+):E121:/
5793
5794You can catch all errors related to the name "nofunc" by >
5795 :catch /\<nofunc\>/
5796
5797You can catch all Vim errors in the ":write" and ":read" commands by >
5798 :catch /^Vim(\(write\|read\)):E\d\+:/
5799
5800You can catch all Vim errors by the pattern >
5801 :catch /^Vim\((\a\+)\)\=:E\d\+:/
5802<
5803 *catch-text*
5804NOTE: You should never catch the error message text itself: >
5805 :catch /No such variable/
5806only works in the english locale, but not when the user has selected
5807a different language by the |:language| command. It is however helpful to
5808cite the message text in a comment: >
5809 :catch /^Vim(\a\+):E108:/ " No such variable
5810
5811
5812IGNORING ERRORS *ignore-errors*
5813
5814You can ignore errors in a specific Vim command by catching them locally: >
5815
5816 :try
5817 : write
5818 :catch
5819 :endtry
5820
5821But you are strongly recommended NOT to use this simple form, since it could
5822catch more than you want. With the ":write" command, some autocommands could
5823be executed and cause errors not related to writing, for instance: >
5824
5825 :au BufWritePre * unlet novar
5826
5827There could even be such errors you are not responsible for as a script
5828writer: a user of your script might have defined such autocommands. You would
5829then hide the error from the user.
5830 It is much better to use >
5831
5832 :try
5833 : write
5834 :catch /^Vim(write):/
5835 :endtry
5836
5837which only catches real write errors. So catch only what you'd like to ignore
5838intentionally.
5839
5840For a single command that does not cause execution of autocommands, you could
5841even suppress the conversion of errors to exceptions by the ":silent!"
5842command: >
5843 :silent! nunmap k
5844This works also when a try conditional is active.
5845
5846
5847CATCHING INTERRUPTS *catch-interrupt*
5848
5849When there are active try conditionals, an interrupt (CTRL-C) is converted to
5850the exception "Vim:Interrupt". You can catch it like every exception. The
5851script is not terminated, then.
5852 Example: >
5853
5854 :function! TASK1()
5855 : sleep 10
5856 :endfunction
5857
5858 :function! TASK2()
5859 : sleep 20
5860 :endfunction
5861
5862 :while 1
5863 : let command = input("Type a command: ")
5864 : try
5865 : if command == ""
5866 : continue
5867 : elseif command == "END"
5868 : break
5869 : elseif command == "TASK1"
5870 : call TASK1()
5871 : elseif command == "TASK2"
5872 : call TASK2()
5873 : else
5874 : echo "\nIllegal command:" command
5875 : continue
5876 : endif
5877 : catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/
5878 : echo "\nCommand interrupted"
5879 : " Caught the interrupt. Continue with next prompt.
5880 : endtry
5881 :endwhile
5882
5883You can interrupt a task here by pressing CTRL-C; the script then asks for
5884a new command. If you press CTRL-C at the prompt, the script is terminated.
5885
5886For testing what happens when CTRL-C would be pressed on a specific line in
5887your script, use the debug mode and execute the |>quit| or |>interrupt|
5888command on that line. See |debug-scripts|.
5889
5890
5891CATCHING ALL *catch-all*
5892
5893The commands >
5894
5895 :catch /.*/
5896 :catch //
5897 :catch
5898
5899catch everything, error exceptions, interrupt exceptions and exceptions
5900explicitly thrown by the |:throw| command. This is useful at the top level of
5901a script in order to catch unexpected things.
5902 Example: >
5903
5904 :try
5905 :
5906 : " do the hard work here
5907 :
5908 :catch /MyException/
5909 :
5910 : " handle known problem
5911 :
5912 :catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/
5913 : echo "Script interrupted"
5914 :catch /.*/
5915 : echo "Internal error (" . v:exception . ")"
5916 : echo " - occurred at " . v:throwpoint
5917 :endtry
5918 :" end of script
5919
5920Note: Catching all might catch more things than you want. Thus, you are
5921strongly encouraged to catch only for problems that you can really handle by
5922specifying a pattern argument to the ":catch".
5923 Example: Catching all could make it nearly impossible to interrupt a script
5924by pressing CTRL-C: >
5925
5926 :while 1
5927 : try
5928 : sleep 1
5929 : catch
5930 : endtry
5931 :endwhile
5932
5933
5934EXCEPTIONS AND AUTOCOMMANDS *except-autocmd*
5935
5936Exceptions may be used during execution of autocommands. Example: >
5937
5938 :autocmd User x try
5939 :autocmd User x throw "Oops!"
5940 :autocmd User x catch
5941 :autocmd User x echo v:exception
5942 :autocmd User x endtry
5943 :autocmd User x throw "Arrgh!"
5944 :autocmd User x echo "Should not be displayed"
5945 :
5946 :try
5947 : doautocmd User x
5948 :catch
5949 : echo v:exception
5950 :endtry
5951
5952This displays "Oops!" and "Arrgh!".
5953
5954 *except-autocmd-Pre*
5955For some commands, autocommands get executed before the main action of the
5956command takes place. If an exception is thrown and not caught in the sequence
5957of autocommands, the sequence and the command that caused its execution are
5958abandoned and the exception is propagated to the caller of the command.
5959 Example: >
5960
5961 :autocmd BufWritePre * throw "FAIL"
5962 :autocmd BufWritePre * echo "Should not be displayed"
5963 :
5964 :try
5965 : write
5966 :catch
5967 : echo "Caught:" v:exception "from" v:throwpoint
5968 :endtry
5969
5970Here, the ":write" command does not write the file currently being edited (as
5971you can see by checking 'modified'), since the exception from the BufWritePre
5972autocommand abandons the ":write". The exception is then caught and the
5973script displays: >
5974
5975 Caught: FAIL from BufWrite Auto commands for "*"
5976<
5977 *except-autocmd-Post*
5978For some commands, autocommands get executed after the main action of the
5979command has taken place. If this main action fails and the command is inside
5980an active try conditional, the autocommands are skipped and an error exception
5981is thrown that can be caught by the caller of the command.
5982 Example: >
5983
5984 :autocmd BufWritePost * echo "File successfully written!"
5985 :
5986 :try
5987 : write /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
5988 :catch
5989 : echo v:exception
5990 :endtry
5991
5992This just displays: >
5993
5994 Vim(write):E212: Can't open file for writing (/i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e)
5995
5996If you really need to execute the autocommands even when the main action
5997fails, trigger the event from the catch clause.
5998 Example: >
5999
6000 :autocmd BufWritePre * set noreadonly
6001 :autocmd BufWritePost * set readonly
6002 :
6003 :try
6004 : write /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
6005 :catch
6006 : doautocmd BufWritePost /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
6007 :endtry
6008<
6009You can also use ":silent!": >
6010
6011 :let x = "ok"
6012 :let v:errmsg = ""
6013 :autocmd BufWritePost * if v:errmsg != ""
6014 :autocmd BufWritePost * let x = "after fail"
6015 :autocmd BufWritePost * endif
6016 :try
6017 : silent! write /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
6018 :catch
6019 :endtry
6020 :echo x
6021
6022This displays "after fail".
6023
6024If the main action of the command does not fail, exceptions from the
6025autocommands will be catchable by the caller of the command: >
6026
6027 :autocmd BufWritePost * throw ":-("
6028 :autocmd BufWritePost * echo "Should not be displayed"
6029 :
6030 :try
6031 : write
6032 :catch
6033 : echo v:exception
6034 :endtry
6035<
6036 *except-autocmd-Cmd*
6037For some commands, the normal action can be replaced by a sequence of
6038autocommands. Exceptions from that sequence will be catchable by the caller
6039of the command.
6040 Example: For the ":write" command, the caller cannot know whether the file
6041had actually been written when the exception occurred. You need to tell it in
6042some way. >
6043
6044 :if !exists("cnt")
6045 : let cnt = 0
6046 :
6047 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * if &modified
6048 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * let cnt = cnt + 1
6049 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * if cnt % 3 == 2
6050 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * throw "BufWriteCmdError"
6051 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * endif
6052 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * write | set nomodified
6053 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * if cnt % 3 == 0
6054 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * throw "BufWriteCmdError"
6055 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * endif
6056 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * echo "File successfully written!"
6057 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * endif
6058 :endif
6059 :
6060 :try
6061 : write
6062 :catch /^BufWriteCmdError$/
6063 : if &modified
6064 : echo "Error on writing (file contents not changed)"
6065 : else
6066 : echo "Error after writing"
6067 : endif
6068 :catch /^Vim(write):/
6069 : echo "Error on writing"
6070 :endtry
6071
6072When this script is sourced several times after making changes, it displays
6073first >
6074 File successfully written!
6075then >
6076 Error on writing (file contents not changed)
6077then >
6078 Error after writing
6079etc.
6080
6081 *except-autocmd-ill*
6082You cannot spread a try conditional over autocommands for different events.
6083The following code is ill-formed: >
6084
6085 :autocmd BufWritePre * try
6086 :
6087 :autocmd BufWritePost * catch
6088 :autocmd BufWritePost * echo v:exception
6089 :autocmd BufWritePost * endtry
6090 :
6091 :write
6092
6093
6094EXCEPTION HIERARCHIES AND PARAMETERIZED EXCEPTIONS *except-hier-param*
6095
6096Some programming languages allow to use hierarchies of exception classes or to
6097pass additional information with the object of an exception class. You can do
6098similar things in Vim.
6099 In order to throw an exception from a hierarchy, just throw the complete
6100class name with the components separated by a colon, for instance throw the
6101string "EXCEPT:MATHERR:OVERFLOW" for an overflow in a mathematical library.
6102 When you want to pass additional information with your exception class, add
6103it in parentheses, for instance throw the string "EXCEPT:IO:WRITEERR(myfile)"
6104for an error when writing "myfile".
6105 With the appropriate patterns in the ":catch" command, you can catch for
6106base classes or derived classes of your hierarchy. Additional information in
6107parentheses can be cut out from |v:exception| with the ":substitute" command.
6108 Example: >
6109
6110 :function! CheckRange(a, func)
6111 : if a:a < 0
6112 : throw "EXCEPT:MATHERR:RANGE(" . a:func . ")"
6113 : endif
6114 :endfunction
6115 :
6116 :function! Add(a, b)
6117 : call CheckRange(a:a, "Add")
6118 : call CheckRange(a:b, "Add")
6119 : let c = a:a + a:b
6120 : if c < 0
6121 : throw "EXCEPT:MATHERR:OVERFLOW"
6122 : endif
6123 : return c
6124 :endfunction
6125 :
6126 :function! Div(a, b)
6127 : call CheckRange(a:a, "Div")
6128 : call CheckRange(a:b, "Div")
6129 : if (a:b == 0)
6130 : throw "EXCEPT:MATHERR:ZERODIV"
6131 : endif
6132 : return a:a / a:b
6133 :endfunction
6134 :
6135 :function! Write(file)
6136 : try
6137 : execute "write" a:file
6138 : catch /^Vim(write):/
6139 : throw "EXCEPT:IO(" . getcwd() . ", " . a:file . "):WRITEERR"
6140 : endtry
6141 :endfunction
6142 :
6143 :try
6144 :
6145 : " something with arithmetics and I/O
6146 :
6147 :catch /^EXCEPT:MATHERR:RANGE/
6148 : let function = substitute(v:exception, '.*(\(\a\+\)).*', '\1', "")
6149 : echo "Range error in" function
6150 :
6151 :catch /^EXCEPT:MATHERR/ " catches OVERFLOW and ZERODIV
6152 : echo "Math error"
6153 :
6154 :catch /^EXCEPT:IO/
6155 : let dir = substitute(v:exception, '.*(\(.\+\),\s*.\+).*', '\1', "")
6156 : let file = substitute(v:exception, '.*(.\+,\s*\(.\+\)).*', '\1', "")
6157 : if file !~ '^/'
6158 : let file = dir . "/" . file
6159 : endif
6160 : echo 'I/O error for "' . file . '"'
6161 :
6162 :catch /^EXCEPT/
6163 : echo "Unspecified error"
6164 :
6165 :endtry
6166
6167The exceptions raised by Vim itself (on error or when pressing CTRL-C) use
6168a flat hierarchy: they are all in the "Vim" class. You cannot throw yourself
6169exceptions with the "Vim" prefix; they are reserved for Vim.
6170 Vim error exceptions are parameterized with the name of the command that
6171failed, if known. See |catch-errors|.
6172
6173
6174PECULIARITIES
6175 *except-compat*
6176The exception handling concept requires that the command sequence causing the
6177exception is aborted immediately and control is transferred to finally clauses
6178and/or a catch clause.
6179
6180In the Vim script language there are cases where scripts and functions
6181continue after an error: in functions without the "abort" flag or in a command
6182after ":silent!", control flow goes to the following line, and outside
6183functions, control flow goes to the line following the outermost ":endwhile"
6184or ":endif". On the other hand, errors should be catchable as exceptions
6185(thus, requiring the immediate abortion).
6186
6187This problem has been solved by converting errors to exceptions and using
6188immediate abortion (if not suppressed by ":silent!") only when a try
6189conditional is active. This is no restriction since an (error) exception can
6190be caught only from an active try conditional. If you want an immediate
6191termination without catching the error, just use a try conditional without
6192catch clause. (You can cause cleanup code being executed before termination
6193by specifying a finally clause.)
6194
6195When no try conditional is active, the usual abortion and continuation
6196behavior is used instead of immediate abortion. This ensures compatibility of
6197scripts written for Vim 6.1 and earlier.
6198
6199However, when sourcing an existing script that does not use exception handling
6200commands (or when calling one of its functions) from inside an active try
6201conditional of a new script, you might change the control flow of the existing
6202script on error. You get the immediate abortion on error and can catch the
6203error in the new script. If however the sourced script suppresses error
6204messages by using the ":silent!" command (checking for errors by testing
6205|v:errmsg| if appropriate), its execution path is not changed. The error is
6206not converted to an exception. (See |:silent|.) So the only remaining cause
6207where this happens is for scripts that don't care about errors and produce
6208error messages. You probably won't want to use such code from your new
6209scripts.
6210
6211 *except-syntax-err*
6212Syntax errors in the exception handling commands are never caught by any of
6213the ":catch" commands of the try conditional they belong to. Its finally
6214clauses, however, is executed.
6215 Example: >
6216
6217 :try
6218 : try
6219 : throw 4711
6220 : catch /\(/
6221 : echo "in catch with syntax error"
6222 : catch
6223 : echo "inner catch-all"
6224 : finally
6225 : echo "inner finally"
6226 : endtry
6227 :catch
6228 : echo 'outer catch-all caught "' . v:exception . '"'
6229 : finally
6230 : echo "outer finally"
6231 :endtry
6232
6233This displays: >
6234 inner finally
6235 outer catch-all caught "Vim(catch):E54: Unmatched \("
6236 outer finally
6237The original exception is discarded and an error exception is raised, instead.
6238
6239 *except-single-line*
6240The ":try", ":catch", ":finally", and ":endtry" commands can be put on
6241a single line, but then syntax errors may make it difficult to recognize the
6242"catch" line, thus you better avoid this.
6243 Example: >
6244 :try | unlet! foo # | catch | endtry
6245raises an error exception for the trailing characters after the ":unlet!"
6246argument, but does not see the ":catch" and ":endtry" commands, so that the
6247error exception is discarded and the "E488: Trailing characters" message gets
6248displayed.
6249
6250 *except-several-errors*
6251When several errors appear in a single command, the first error message is
6252usually the most specific one and therefor converted to the error exception.
6253 Example: >
6254 echo novar
6255causes >
6256 E121: Undefined variable: novar
6257 E15: Invalid expression: novar
6258The value of the error exception inside try conditionals is: >
6259 Vim(echo):E121: Undefined variable: novar
6260< *except-syntax-error*
6261But when a syntax error is detected after a normal error in the same command,
6262the syntax error is used for the exception being thrown.
6263 Example: >
6264 unlet novar #
6265causes >
6266 E108: No such variable: "novar"
6267 E488: Trailing characters
6268The value of the error exception inside try conditionals is: >
6269 Vim(unlet):E488: Trailing characters
6270This is done because the syntax error might change the execution path in a way
6271not intended by the user. Example: >
6272 try
6273 try | unlet novar # | catch | echo v:exception | endtry
6274 catch /.*/
6275 echo "outer catch:" v:exception
6276 endtry
6277This displays "outer catch: Vim(unlet):E488: Trailing characters", and then
6278a "E600: Missing :endtry" error message is given, see |except-single-line|.
6279
6280==============================================================================
62819. Examples *eval-examples*
6282
6283Printing in Hex ~
6284>
6285 :" The function Nr2Hex() returns the Hex string of a number.
6286 :func Nr2Hex(nr)
6287 : let n = a:nr
6288 : let r = ""
6289 : while n
6290 : let r = '0123456789ABCDEF'[n % 16] . r
6291 : let n = n / 16
6292 : endwhile
6293 : return r
6294 :endfunc
6295
6296 :" The function String2Hex() converts each character in a string to a two
6297 :" character Hex string.
6298 :func String2Hex(str)
6299 : let out = ''
6300 : let ix = 0
6301 : while ix < strlen(a:str)
6302 : let out = out . Nr2Hex(char2nr(a:str[ix]))
6303 : let ix = ix + 1
6304 : endwhile
6305 : return out
6306 :endfunc
6307
6308Example of its use: >
6309 :echo Nr2Hex(32)
6310result: "20" >
6311 :echo String2Hex("32")
6312result: "3332"
6313
6314
6315Sorting lines (by Robert Webb) ~
6316
6317Here is a Vim script to sort lines. Highlight the lines in Vim and type
6318":Sort". This doesn't call any external programs so it'll work on any
6319platform. The function Sort() actually takes the name of a comparison
6320function as its argument, like qsort() does in C. So you could supply it
6321with different comparison functions in order to sort according to date etc.
6322>
6323 :" Function for use with Sort(), to compare two strings.
6324 :func! Strcmp(str1, str2)
6325 : if (a:str1 < a:str2)
6326 : return -1
6327 : elseif (a:str1 > a:str2)
6328 : return 1
6329 : else
6330 : return 0
6331 : endif
6332 :endfunction
6333
6334 :" Sort lines. SortR() is called recursively.
6335 :func! SortR(start, end, cmp)
6336 : if (a:start >= a:end)
6337 : return
6338 : endif
6339 : let partition = a:start - 1
6340 : let middle = partition
6341 : let partStr = getline((a:start + a:end) / 2)
6342 : let i = a:start
6343 : while (i <= a:end)
6344 : let str = getline(i)
6345 : exec "let result = " . a:cmp . "(str, partStr)"
6346 : if (result <= 0)
6347 : " Need to put it before the partition. Swap lines i and partition.
6348 : let partition = partition + 1
6349 : if (result == 0)
6350 : let middle = partition
6351 : endif
6352 : if (i != partition)
6353 : let str2 = getline(partition)
6354 : call setline(i, str2)
6355 : call setline(partition, str)
6356 : endif
6357 : endif
6358 : let i = i + 1
6359 : endwhile
6360
6361 : " Now we have a pointer to the "middle" element, as far as partitioning
6362 : " goes, which could be anywhere before the partition. Make sure it is at
6363 : " the end of the partition.
6364 : if (middle != partition)
6365 : let str = getline(middle)
6366 : let str2 = getline(partition)
6367 : call setline(middle, str2)
6368 : call setline(partition, str)
6369 : endif
6370 : call SortR(a:start, partition - 1, a:cmp)
6371 : call SortR(partition + 1, a:end, a:cmp)
6372 :endfunc
6373
6374 :" To Sort a range of lines, pass the range to Sort() along with the name of a
6375 :" function that will compare two lines.
6376 :func! Sort(cmp) range
6377 : call SortR(a:firstline, a:lastline, a:cmp)
6378 :endfunc
6379
6380 :" :Sort takes a range of lines and sorts them.
6381 :command! -nargs=0 -range Sort <line1>,<line2>call Sort("Strcmp")
6382<
6383 *sscanf*
6384There is no sscanf() function in Vim. If you need to extract parts from a
6385line, you can use matchstr() and substitute() to do it. This example shows
6386how to get the file name, line number and column number out of a line like
6387"foobar.txt, 123, 45". >
6388 :" Set up the match bit
6389 :let mx='\(\f\+\),\s*\(\d\+\),\s*\(\d\+\)'
6390 :"get the part matching the whole expression
6391 :let l = matchstr(line, mx)
6392 :"get each item out of the match
6393 :let file = substitute(l, mx, '\1', '')
6394 :let lnum = substitute(l, mx, '\2', '')
6395 :let col = substitute(l, mx, '\3', '')
6396
6397The input is in the variable "line", the results in the variables "file",
6398"lnum" and "col". (idea from Michael Geddes)
6399
6400==============================================================================
640110. No +eval feature *no-eval-feature*
6402
6403When the |+eval| feature was disabled at compile time, none of the expression
6404evaluation commands are available. To prevent this from causing Vim scripts
6405to generate all kinds of errors, the ":if" and ":endif" commands are still
6406recognized, though the argument of the ":if" and everything between the ":if"
6407and the matching ":endif" is ignored. Nesting of ":if" blocks is allowed, but
6408only if the commands are at the start of the line. The ":else" command is not
6409recognized.
6410
6411Example of how to avoid executing commands when the |+eval| feature is
6412missing: >
6413
6414 :if 1
6415 : echo "Expression evaluation is compiled in"
6416 :else
6417 : echo "You will _never_ see this message"
6418 :endif
6419
6420==============================================================================
642111. The sandbox *eval-sandbox* *sandbox* *E48*
6422
6423The 'foldexpr', 'includeexpr', 'indentexpr', 'statusline' and 'foldtext'
6424options are evaluated in a sandbox. This means that you are protected from
6425these expressions having nasty side effects. This gives some safety for when
6426these options are set from a modeline. It is also used when the command from
6427a tags file is executed.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00006428The sandbox is also used for the |:sandbox| command.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006429
6430These items are not allowed in the sandbox:
6431 - changing the buffer text
6432 - defining or changing mapping, autocommands, functions, user commands
6433 - setting certain options (see |option-summary|)
6434 - executing a shell command
6435 - reading or writing a file
6436 - jumping to another buffer or editing a file
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00006437This is not guaranteed 100% secure, but it should block most attacks.
6438
6439 *:san* *:sandbox*
6440:sandbox {cmd} Execute {cmd} in the sandbox. Useful to evaluate an
6441 option that may have been set from a modeline, e.g.
6442 'foldexpr'.
6443
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006444
6445 vim:tw=78:ts=8:ft=help:norl: