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Bram Moolenaar219b8702006-11-01 14:32:36 +00001*eval.txt* For Vim version 7.0. Last change: 2006 Nov 01
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002
3
4 VIM REFERENCE MANUAL by Bram Moolenaar
5
6
7Expression evaluation *expression* *expr* *E15* *eval*
8
9Using expressions is introduced in chapter 41 of the user manual |usr_41.txt|.
10
11Note: Expression evaluation can be disabled at compile time. If this has been
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +000012done, the features in this document are not available. See |+eval| and
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000013|no-eval-feature|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000014
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000151. Variables |variables|
16 1.1 Variable types
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +000017 1.2 Function references |Funcref|
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +000018 1.3 Lists |Lists|
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000019 1.4 Dictionaries |Dictionaries|
20 1.5 More about variables |more-variables|
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000212. Expression syntax |expression-syntax|
223. Internal variable |internal-variables|
234. Builtin Functions |functions|
245. Defining functions |user-functions|
256. Curly braces names |curly-braces-names|
267. Commands |expression-commands|
278. Exception handling |exception-handling|
289. Examples |eval-examples|
2910. No +eval feature |no-eval-feature|
3011. The sandbox |eval-sandbox|
Bram Moolenaarb71eaae2006-01-20 23:10:18 +00003112. Textlock |textlock|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000032
33{Vi does not have any of these commands}
34
35==============================================================================
361. Variables *variables*
37
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000381.1 Variable types ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +000039 *E712*
Bram Moolenaar39a58ca2005-06-27 22:42:44 +000040There are five types of variables:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000041
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000042Number A 32 bit signed number.
43 Examples: -123 0x10 0177
44
45String A NUL terminated string of 8-bit unsigned characters (bytes).
46 Examples: "ab\txx\"--" 'x-z''a,c'
47
48Funcref A reference to a function |Funcref|.
49 Example: function("strlen")
50
51List An ordered sequence of items |List|.
52 Example: [1, 2, ['a', 'b']]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000053
Bram Moolenaar39a58ca2005-06-27 22:42:44 +000054Dictionary An associative, unordered array: Each entry has a key and a
55 value. |Dictionary|
56 Example: {'blue': "#0000ff", 'red': "#ff0000"}
57
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +000058The Number and String types are converted automatically, depending on how they
59are used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000060
61Conversion from a Number to a String is by making the ASCII representation of
62the Number. Examples: >
63 Number 123 --> String "123"
64 Number 0 --> String "0"
65 Number -1 --> String "-1"
66
67Conversion from a String to a Number is done by converting the first digits
68to a number. Hexadecimal "0xf9" and Octal "017" numbers are recognized. If
69the String doesn't start with digits, the result is zero. Examples: >
70 String "456" --> Number 456
71 String "6bar" --> Number 6
72 String "foo" --> Number 0
73 String "0xf1" --> Number 241
74 String "0100" --> Number 64
75 String "-8" --> Number -8
76 String "+8" --> Number 0
77
78To force conversion from String to Number, add zero to it: >
79 :echo "0100" + 0
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +000080< 64 ~
81
82To avoid a leading zero to cause octal conversion, or for using a different
83base, use |str2nr()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000084
85For boolean operators Numbers are used. Zero is FALSE, non-zero is TRUE.
86
87Note that in the command >
88 :if "foo"
89"foo" is converted to 0, which means FALSE. To test for a non-empty string,
90use strlen(): >
91 :if strlen("foo")
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +000092< *E745* *E728* *E703* *E729* *E730* *E731*
93List, Dictionary and Funcref types are not automatically converted.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +000094
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +000095 *E706*
96You will get an error if you try to change the type of a variable. You need
97to |:unlet| it first to avoid this error. String and Number are considered
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000098equivalent though. Consider this sequence of commands: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +000099 :let l = "string"
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000100 :let l = 44 " changes type from String to Number
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000101 :let l = [1, 2, 3] " error!
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000102
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000103
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00001041.2 Function references ~
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +0000105 *Funcref* *E695* *E718*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000106A Funcref variable is obtained with the |function()| function. It can be used
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000107in an expression in the place of a function name, before the parenthesis
108around the arguments, to invoke the function it refers to. Example: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000109
110 :let Fn = function("MyFunc")
111 :echo Fn()
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000112< *E704* *E705* *E707*
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +0000113A Funcref variable must start with a capital, "s:", "w:", "t:" or "b:". You
114cannot have both a Funcref variable and a function with the same name.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000115
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000116A special case is defining a function and directly assigning its Funcref to a
117Dictionary entry. Example: >
118 :function dict.init() dict
119 : let self.val = 0
120 :endfunction
121
122The key of the Dictionary can start with a lower case letter. The actual
123function name is not used here. Also see |numbered-function|.
124
125A Funcref can also be used with the |:call| command: >
126 :call Fn()
127 :call dict.init()
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000128
129The name of the referenced function can be obtained with |string()|. >
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000130 :let func = string(Fn)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000131
132You can use |call()| to invoke a Funcref and use a list variable for the
133arguments: >
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000134 :let r = call(Fn, mylist)
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000135
136
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00001371.3 Lists ~
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +0000138 *List* *Lists* *E686*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000139A List is an ordered sequence of items. An item can be of any type. Items
140can be accessed by their index number. Items can be added and removed at any
141position in the sequence.
142
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000143
144List creation ~
145 *E696* *E697*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000146A List is created with a comma separated list of items in square brackets.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000147Examples: >
148 :let mylist = [1, two, 3, "four"]
149 :let emptylist = []
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000150
151An item can be any expression. Using a List for an item creates a
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +0000152List of Lists: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000153 :let nestlist = [[11, 12], [21, 22], [31, 32]]
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000154
155An extra comma after the last item is ignored.
156
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000157
158List index ~
159 *list-index* *E684*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000160An item in the List can be accessed by putting the index in square brackets
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000161after the List. Indexes are zero-based, thus the first item has index zero. >
162 :let item = mylist[0] " get the first item: 1
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000163 :let item = mylist[2] " get the third item: 3
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000164
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000165When the resulting item is a list this can be repeated: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000166 :let item = nestlist[0][1] " get the first list, second item: 12
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000167<
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000168A negative index is counted from the end. Index -1 refers to the last item in
169the List, -2 to the last but one item, etc. >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000170 :let last = mylist[-1] " get the last item: "four"
171
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000172To avoid an error for an invalid index use the |get()| function. When an item
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000173is not available it returns zero or the default value you specify: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000174 :echo get(mylist, idx)
175 :echo get(mylist, idx, "NONE")
176
177
178List concatenation ~
179
180Two lists can be concatenated with the "+" operator: >
181 :let longlist = mylist + [5, 6]
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000182 :let mylist += [7, 8]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000183
184To prepend or append an item turn the item into a list by putting [] around
185it. To change a list in-place see |list-modification| below.
186
187
188Sublist ~
189
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000190A part of the List can be obtained by specifying the first and last index,
191separated by a colon in square brackets: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000192 :let shortlist = mylist[2:-1] " get List [3, "four"]
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000193
194Omitting the first index is similar to zero. Omitting the last index is
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +0000195similar to -1.
Bram Moolenaar540d6e32005-01-09 21:20:18 +0000196 :let endlist = mylist[2:] " from item 2 to the end: [3, "four"]
197 :let shortlist = mylist[2:2] " List with one item: [3]
198 :let otherlist = mylist[:] " make a copy of the List
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000199
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +0000200If the first index is beyond the last item of the List or the second item is
201before the first item, the result is an empty list. There is no error
202message.
203
204If the second index is equal to or greater than the length of the list the
205length minus one is used: >
Bram Moolenaar9e54a0e2006-04-14 20:42:25 +0000206 :let mylist = [0, 1, 2, 3]
207 :echo mylist[2:8] " result: [2, 3]
208
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +0000209NOTE: mylist[s:e] means using the variable "s:e" as index. Watch out for
210using a single letter variable before the ":". Insert a space when needed:
211mylist[s : e].
212
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000213
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000214List identity ~
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000215 *list-identity*
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000216When variable "aa" is a list and you assign it to another variable "bb", both
217variables refer to the same list. Thus changing the list "aa" will also
218change "bb": >
219 :let aa = [1, 2, 3]
220 :let bb = aa
221 :call add(aa, 4)
222 :echo bb
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000223< [1, 2, 3, 4]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000224
225Making a copy of a list is done with the |copy()| function. Using [:] also
226works, as explained above. This creates a shallow copy of the list: Changing
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000227a list item in the list will also change the item in the copied list: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000228 :let aa = [[1, 'a'], 2, 3]
229 :let bb = copy(aa)
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000230 :call add(aa, 4)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000231 :let aa[0][1] = 'aaa'
232 :echo aa
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000233< [[1, aaa], 2, 3, 4] >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000234 :echo bb
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000235< [[1, aaa], 2, 3]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000236
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000237To make a completely independent list use |deepcopy()|. This also makes a
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000238copy of the values in the list, recursively. Up to a hundred levels deep.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000239
240The operator "is" can be used to check if two variables refer to the same
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000241List. "isnot" does the opposite. In contrast "==" compares if two lists have
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000242the same value. >
243 :let alist = [1, 2, 3]
244 :let blist = [1, 2, 3]
245 :echo alist is blist
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000246< 0 >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000247 :echo alist == blist
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000248< 1
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000249
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000250Note about comparing lists: Two lists are considered equal if they have the
251same length and all items compare equal, as with using "==". There is one
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000252exception: When comparing a number with a string they are considered
253different. There is no automatic type conversion, as with using "==" on
254variables. Example: >
255 echo 4 == "4"
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000256< 1 >
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000257 echo [4] == ["4"]
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000258< 0
259
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000260Thus comparing Lists is more strict than comparing numbers and strings. You
261can compare simple values this way too by putting them in a string: >
262
263 :let a = 5
264 :let b = "5"
265 echo a == b
266< 1 >
267 echo [a] == [b]
268< 0
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000269
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000270
271List unpack ~
272
273To unpack the items in a list to individual variables, put the variables in
274square brackets, like list items: >
275 :let [var1, var2] = mylist
276
277When the number of variables does not match the number of items in the list
278this produces an error. To handle any extra items from the list append ";"
279and a variable name: >
280 :let [var1, var2; rest] = mylist
281
282This works like: >
283 :let var1 = mylist[0]
284 :let var2 = mylist[1]
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000285 :let rest = mylist[2:]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000286
287Except that there is no error if there are only two items. "rest" will be an
288empty list then.
289
290
291List modification ~
292 *list-modification*
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000293To change a specific item of a list use |:let| this way: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000294 :let list[4] = "four"
295 :let listlist[0][3] = item
296
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000297To change part of a list you can specify the first and last item to be
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000298modified. The value must at least have the number of items in the range: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000299 :let list[3:5] = [3, 4, 5]
300
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000301Adding and removing items from a list is done with functions. Here are a few
302examples: >
303 :call insert(list, 'a') " prepend item 'a'
304 :call insert(list, 'a', 3) " insert item 'a' before list[3]
305 :call add(list, "new") " append String item
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000306 :call add(list, [1, 2]) " append a List as one new item
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000307 :call extend(list, [1, 2]) " extend the list with two more items
308 :let i = remove(list, 3) " remove item 3
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +0000309 :unlet list[3] " idem
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000310 :let l = remove(list, 3, -1) " remove items 3 to last item
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +0000311 :unlet list[3 : ] " idem
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000312 :call filter(list, 'v:val !~ "x"') " remove items with an 'x'
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000313
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000314Changing the order of items in a list: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000315 :call sort(list) " sort a list alphabetically
316 :call reverse(list) " reverse the order of items
317
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000318
319For loop ~
320
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000321The |:for| loop executes commands for each item in a list. A variable is set
322to each item in the list in sequence. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000323 :for item in mylist
324 : call Doit(item)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000325 :endfor
326
327This works like: >
328 :let index = 0
329 :while index < len(mylist)
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000330 : let item = mylist[index]
331 : :call Doit(item)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000332 : let index = index + 1
333 :endwhile
334
335Note that all items in the list should be of the same type, otherwise this
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000336results in error |E706|. To avoid this |:unlet| the variable at the end of
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000337the loop.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000338
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000339If all you want to do is modify each item in the list then the |map()|
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000340function will be a simpler method than a for loop.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000341
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000342Just like the |:let| command, |:for| also accepts a list of variables. This
343requires the argument to be a list of lists. >
344 :for [lnum, col] in [[1, 3], [2, 8], [3, 0]]
345 : call Doit(lnum, col)
346 :endfor
347
348This works like a |:let| command is done for each list item. Again, the types
349must remain the same to avoid an error.
350
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000351It is also possible to put remaining items in a List variable: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000352 :for [i, j; rest] in listlist
353 : call Doit(i, j)
354 : if !empty(rest)
355 : echo "remainder: " . string(rest)
356 : endif
357 :endfor
358
359
360List functions ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000361 *E714*
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000362Functions that are useful with a List: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000363 :let r = call(funcname, list) " call a function with an argument list
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000364 :if empty(list) " check if list is empty
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000365 :let l = len(list) " number of items in list
366 :let big = max(list) " maximum value in list
367 :let small = min(list) " minimum value in list
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000368 :let xs = count(list, 'x') " count nr of times 'x' appears in list
369 :let i = index(list, 'x') " index of first 'x' in list
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000370 :let lines = getline(1, 10) " get ten text lines from buffer
371 :call append('$', lines) " append text lines in buffer
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000372 :let list = split("a b c") " create list from items in a string
373 :let string = join(list, ', ') " create string from list items
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000374 :let s = string(list) " String representation of list
375 :call map(list, '">> " . v:val') " prepend ">> " to each item
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000376
Bram Moolenaar0cb032e2005-04-23 20:52:00 +0000377Don't forget that a combination of features can make things simple. For
378example, to add up all the numbers in a list: >
379 :exe 'let sum = ' . join(nrlist, '+')
380
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000381
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003821.4 Dictionaries ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000383 *Dictionaries* *Dictionary*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000384A Dictionary is an associative array: Each entry has a key and a value. The
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000385entry can be located with the key. The entries are stored without a specific
386ordering.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000387
388
389Dictionary creation ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000390 *E720* *E721* *E722* *E723*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000391A Dictionary is created with a comma separated list of entries in curly
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000392braces. Each entry has a key and a value, separated by a colon. Each key can
393only appear once. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000394 :let mydict = {1: 'one', 2: 'two', 3: 'three'}
395 :let emptydict = {}
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000396< *E713* *E716* *E717*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000397A key is always a String. You can use a Number, it will be converted to a
398String automatically. Thus the String '4' and the number 4 will find the same
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000399entry. Note that the String '04' and the Number 04 are different, since the
400Number will be converted to the String '4'.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000401
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000402A value can be any expression. Using a Dictionary for a value creates a
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000403nested Dictionary: >
404 :let nestdict = {1: {11: 'a', 12: 'b'}, 2: {21: 'c'}}
405
406An extra comma after the last entry is ignored.
407
408
409Accessing entries ~
410
411The normal way to access an entry is by putting the key in square brackets: >
412 :let val = mydict["one"]
413 :let mydict["four"] = 4
414
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000415You can add new entries to an existing Dictionary this way, unlike Lists.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000416
417For keys that consist entirely of letters, digits and underscore the following
418form can be used |expr-entry|: >
419 :let val = mydict.one
420 :let mydict.four = 4
421
422Since an entry can be any type, also a List and a Dictionary, the indexing and
423key lookup can be repeated: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000424 :echo dict.key[idx].key
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000425
426
427Dictionary to List conversion ~
428
429You may want to loop over the entries in a dictionary. For this you need to
430turn the Dictionary into a List and pass it to |:for|.
431
432Most often you want to loop over the keys, using the |keys()| function: >
433 :for key in keys(mydict)
434 : echo key . ': ' . mydict[key]
435 :endfor
436
437The List of keys is unsorted. You may want to sort them first: >
438 :for key in sort(keys(mydict))
439
440To loop over the values use the |values()| function: >
441 :for v in values(mydict)
442 : echo "value: " . v
443 :endfor
444
445If you want both the key and the value use the |items()| function. It returns
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000446a List in which each item is a List with two items, the key and the value: >
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000447 :for entry in items(mydict)
448 : echo entry[0] . ': ' . entry[1]
449 :endfor
450
451
452Dictionary identity ~
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +0000453 *dict-identity*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000454Just like Lists you need to use |copy()| and |deepcopy()| to make a copy of a
455Dictionary. Otherwise, assignment results in referring to the same
456Dictionary: >
457 :let onedict = {'a': 1, 'b': 2}
458 :let adict = onedict
459 :let adict['a'] = 11
460 :echo onedict['a']
461 11
462
Bram Moolenaarf3bd51a2005-06-14 22:11:18 +0000463Two Dictionaries compare equal if all the key-value pairs compare equal. For
464more info see |list-identity|.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000465
466
467Dictionary modification ~
468 *dict-modification*
469To change an already existing entry of a Dictionary, or to add a new entry,
470use |:let| this way: >
471 :let dict[4] = "four"
472 :let dict['one'] = item
473
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +0000474Removing an entry from a Dictionary is done with |remove()| or |:unlet|.
475Three ways to remove the entry with key "aaa" from dict: >
476 :let i = remove(dict, 'aaa')
477 :unlet dict.aaa
478 :unlet dict['aaa']
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000479
480Merging a Dictionary with another is done with |extend()|: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000481 :call extend(adict, bdict)
482This extends adict with all entries from bdict. Duplicate keys cause entries
483in adict to be overwritten. An optional third argument can change this.
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000484Note that the order of entries in a Dictionary is irrelevant, thus don't
485expect ":echo adict" to show the items from bdict after the older entries in
486adict.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000487
488Weeding out entries from a Dictionary can be done with |filter()|: >
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +0000489 :call filter(dict 'v:val =~ "x"')
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000490This removes all entries from "dict" with a value not matching 'x'.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000491
492
493Dictionary function ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000494 *Dictionary-function* *self* *E725*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000495When a function is defined with the "dict" attribute it can be used in a
496special way with a dictionary. Example: >
497 :function Mylen() dict
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000498 : return len(self.data)
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000499 :endfunction
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000500 :let mydict = {'data': [0, 1, 2, 3], 'len': function("Mylen")}
501 :echo mydict.len()
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000502
503This is like a method in object oriented programming. The entry in the
504Dictionary is a |Funcref|. The local variable "self" refers to the dictionary
505the function was invoked from.
506
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000507It is also possible to add a function without the "dict" attribute as a
508Funcref to a Dictionary, but the "self" variable is not available then.
509
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +0000510 *numbered-function* *anonymous-function*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000511To avoid the extra name for the function it can be defined and directly
512assigned to a Dictionary in this way: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000513 :let mydict = {'data': [0, 1, 2, 3]}
514 :function mydict.len() dict
515 : return len(self.data)
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000516 :endfunction
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000517 :echo mydict.len()
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000518
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000519The function will then get a number and the value of dict.len is a |Funcref|
520that references this function. The function can only be used through a
521|Funcref|. It will automatically be deleted when there is no |Funcref|
522remaining that refers to it.
523
524It is not necessary to use the "dict" attribute for a numbered function.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000525
526
527Functions for Dictionaries ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000528 *E715*
529Functions that can be used with a Dictionary: >
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000530 :if has_key(dict, 'foo') " TRUE if dict has entry with key "foo"
531 :if empty(dict) " TRUE if dict is empty
532 :let l = len(dict) " number of items in dict
533 :let big = max(dict) " maximum value in dict
534 :let small = min(dict) " minimum value in dict
535 :let xs = count(dict, 'x') " count nr of times 'x' appears in dict
536 :let s = string(dict) " String representation of dict
537 :call map(dict, '">> " . v:val') " prepend ">> " to each item
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000538
539
5401.5 More about variables ~
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000541 *more-variables*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000542If you need to know the type of a variable or expression, use the |type()|
543function.
544
545When the '!' flag is included in the 'viminfo' option, global variables that
546start with an uppercase letter, and don't contain a lowercase letter, are
547stored in the viminfo file |viminfo-file|.
548
549When the 'sessionoptions' option contains "global", global variables that
550start with an uppercase letter and contain at least one lowercase letter are
551stored in the session file |session-file|.
552
553variable name can be stored where ~
554my_var_6 not
555My_Var_6 session file
556MY_VAR_6 viminfo file
557
558
559It's possible to form a variable name with curly braces, see
560|curly-braces-names|.
561
562==============================================================================
5632. Expression syntax *expression-syntax*
564
565Expression syntax summary, from least to most significant:
566
567|expr1| expr2 ? expr1 : expr1 if-then-else
568
569|expr2| expr3 || expr3 .. logical OR
570
571|expr3| expr4 && expr4 .. logical AND
572
573|expr4| expr5 == expr5 equal
574 expr5 != expr5 not equal
575 expr5 > expr5 greater than
576 expr5 >= expr5 greater than or equal
577 expr5 < expr5 smaller than
578 expr5 <= expr5 smaller than or equal
579 expr5 =~ expr5 regexp matches
580 expr5 !~ expr5 regexp doesn't match
581
582 expr5 ==? expr5 equal, ignoring case
583 expr5 ==# expr5 equal, match case
584 etc. As above, append ? for ignoring case, # for
585 matching case
586
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000587 expr5 is expr5 same |List| instance
588 expr5 isnot expr5 different |List| instance
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000589
590|expr5| expr6 + expr6 .. number addition or list concatenation
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000591 expr6 - expr6 .. number subtraction
592 expr6 . expr6 .. string concatenation
593
594|expr6| expr7 * expr7 .. number multiplication
595 expr7 / expr7 .. number division
596 expr7 % expr7 .. number modulo
597
598|expr7| ! expr7 logical NOT
599 - expr7 unary minus
600 + expr7 unary plus
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000601
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000602
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000603|expr8| expr8[expr1] byte of a String or item of a |List|
604 expr8[expr1 : expr1] substring of a String or sublist of a |List|
605 expr8.name entry in a |Dictionary|
606 expr8(expr1, ...) function call with |Funcref| variable
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000607
608|expr9| number number constant
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +0000609 "string" string constant, backslash is special
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000610 'string' string constant, ' is doubled
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000611 [expr1, ...] |List|
612 {expr1: expr1, ...} |Dictionary|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000613 &option option value
614 (expr1) nested expression
615 variable internal variable
616 va{ria}ble internal variable with curly braces
617 $VAR environment variable
618 @r contents of register 'r'
619 function(expr1, ...) function call
620 func{ti}on(expr1, ...) function call with curly braces
621
622
623".." indicates that the operations in this level can be concatenated.
624Example: >
625 &nu || &list && &shell == "csh"
626
627All expressions within one level are parsed from left to right.
628
629
630expr1 *expr1* *E109*
631-----
632
633expr2 ? expr1 : expr1
634
635The expression before the '?' is evaluated to a number. If it evaluates to
636non-zero, the result is the value of the expression between the '?' and ':',
637otherwise the result is the value of the expression after the ':'.
638Example: >
639 :echo lnum == 1 ? "top" : lnum
640
641Since the first expression is an "expr2", it cannot contain another ?:. The
642other two expressions can, thus allow for recursive use of ?:.
643Example: >
644 :echo lnum == 1 ? "top" : lnum == 1000 ? "last" : lnum
645
646To keep this readable, using |line-continuation| is suggested: >
647 :echo lnum == 1
648 :\ ? "top"
649 :\ : lnum == 1000
650 :\ ? "last"
651 :\ : lnum
652
653
654expr2 and expr3 *expr2* *expr3*
655---------------
656
657 *expr-barbar* *expr-&&*
658The "||" and "&&" operators take one argument on each side. The arguments
659are (converted to) Numbers. The result is:
660
661 input output ~
662n1 n2 n1 || n2 n1 && n2 ~
663zero zero zero zero
664zero non-zero non-zero zero
665non-zero zero non-zero zero
666non-zero non-zero non-zero non-zero
667
668The operators can be concatenated, for example: >
669
670 &nu || &list && &shell == "csh"
671
672Note that "&&" takes precedence over "||", so this has the meaning of: >
673
674 &nu || (&list && &shell == "csh")
675
676Once the result is known, the expression "short-circuits", that is, further
677arguments are not evaluated. This is like what happens in C. For example: >
678
679 let a = 1
680 echo a || b
681
682This is valid even if there is no variable called "b" because "a" is non-zero,
683so the result must be non-zero. Similarly below: >
684
685 echo exists("b") && b == "yes"
686
687This is valid whether "b" has been defined or not. The second clause will
688only be evaluated if "b" has been defined.
689
690
691expr4 *expr4*
692-----
693
694expr5 {cmp} expr5
695
696Compare two expr5 expressions, resulting in a 0 if it evaluates to false, or 1
697if it evaluates to true.
698
699 *expr-==* *expr-!=* *expr->* *expr->=*
700 *expr-<* *expr-<=* *expr-=~* *expr-!~*
701 *expr-==#* *expr-!=#* *expr->#* *expr->=#*
702 *expr-<#* *expr-<=#* *expr-=~#* *expr-!~#*
703 *expr-==?* *expr-!=?* *expr->?* *expr->=?*
704 *expr-<?* *expr-<=?* *expr-=~?* *expr-!~?*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000705 *expr-is*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000706 use 'ignorecase' match case ignore case ~
707equal == ==# ==?
708not equal != !=# !=?
709greater than > ># >?
710greater than or equal >= >=# >=?
711smaller than < <# <?
712smaller than or equal <= <=# <=?
713regexp matches =~ =~# =~?
714regexp doesn't match !~ !~# !~?
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000715same instance is
716different instance isnot
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000717
718Examples:
719"abc" ==# "Abc" evaluates to 0
720"abc" ==? "Abc" evaluates to 1
721"abc" == "Abc" evaluates to 1 if 'ignorecase' is set, 0 otherwise
722
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000723 *E691* *E692*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000724A |List| can only be compared with a |List| and only "equal", "not equal" and
725"is" can be used. This compares the values of the list, recursively.
726Ignoring case means case is ignored when comparing item values.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000727
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000728 *E735* *E736*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000729A |Dictionary| can only be compared with a |Dictionary| and only "equal", "not
730equal" and "is" can be used. This compares the key/values of the |Dictionary|
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000731recursively. Ignoring case means case is ignored when comparing item values.
732
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000733 *E693* *E694*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000734A |Funcref| can only be compared with a |Funcref| and only "equal" and "not
735equal" can be used. Case is never ignored.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000736
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000737When using "is" or "isnot" with a |List| this checks if the expressions are
738referring to the same |List| instance. A copy of a |List| is different from
739the original |List|. When using "is" without a |List| it is equivalent to
740using "equal", using "isnot" equivalent to using "not equal". Except that a
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000741different type means the values are different. "4 == '4'" is true, "4 is '4'"
742is false.
743
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000744When comparing a String with a Number, the String is converted to a Number,
745and the comparison is done on Numbers. This means that "0 == 'x'" is TRUE,
746because 'x' converted to a Number is zero.
747
748When comparing two Strings, this is done with strcmp() or stricmp(). This
749results in the mathematical difference (comparing byte values), not
750necessarily the alphabetical difference in the local language.
751
752When using the operators with a trailing '#", or the short version and
753'ignorecase' is off, the comparing is done with strcmp().
754
755When using the operators with a trailing '?', or the short version and
756'ignorecase' is set, the comparing is done with stricmp().
757
758The "=~" and "!~" operators match the lefthand argument with the righthand
759argument, which is used as a pattern. See |pattern| for what a pattern is.
760This matching is always done like 'magic' was set and 'cpoptions' is empty, no
761matter what the actual value of 'magic' or 'cpoptions' is. This makes scripts
762portable. To avoid backslashes in the regexp pattern to be doubled, use a
763single-quote string, see |literal-string|.
764Since a string is considered to be a single line, a multi-line pattern
765(containing \n, backslash-n) will not match. However, a literal NL character
766can be matched like an ordinary character. Examples:
767 "foo\nbar" =~ "\n" evaluates to 1
768 "foo\nbar" =~ "\\n" evaluates to 0
769
770
771expr5 and expr6 *expr5* *expr6*
772---------------
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000773expr6 + expr6 .. Number addition or |List| concatenation *expr-+*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000774expr6 - expr6 .. Number subtraction *expr--*
775expr6 . expr6 .. String concatenation *expr-.*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000776
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +0000777For |Lists| only "+" is possible and then both expr6 must be a list. The
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000778result is a new list with the two lists Concatenated.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000779
780expr7 * expr7 .. number multiplication *expr-star*
781expr7 / expr7 .. number division *expr-/*
782expr7 % expr7 .. number modulo *expr-%*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000783
784For all, except ".", Strings are converted to Numbers.
785
786Note the difference between "+" and ".":
787 "123" + "456" = 579
788 "123" . "456" = "123456"
789
790When the righthand side of '/' is zero, the result is 0x7fffffff.
791When the righthand side of '%' is zero, the result is 0.
792
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000793None of these work for |Funcref|s.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000794
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000795
796expr7 *expr7*
797-----
798! expr7 logical NOT *expr-!*
799- expr7 unary minus *expr-unary--*
800+ expr7 unary plus *expr-unary-+*
801
802For '!' non-zero becomes zero, zero becomes one.
803For '-' the sign of the number is changed.
804For '+' the number is unchanged.
805
806A String will be converted to a Number first.
807
808These three can be repeated and mixed. Examples:
809 !-1 == 0
810 !!8 == 1
811 --9 == 9
812
813
814expr8 *expr8*
815-----
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000816expr8[expr1] item of String or |List| *expr-[]* *E111*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000817
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000818If expr8 is a Number or String this results in a String that contains the
819expr1'th single byte from expr8. expr8 is used as a String, expr1 as a
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000820Number. Note that this doesn't recognize multi-byte encodings.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000821
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000822Index zero gives the first character. This is like it works in C. Careful:
823text column numbers start with one! Example, to get the character under the
824cursor: >
Bram Moolenaar61660ea2006-04-07 21:40:07 +0000825 :let c = getline(".")[col(".") - 1]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000826
827If the length of the String is less than the index, the result is an empty
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000828String. A negative index always results in an empty string (reason: backwards
829compatibility). Use [-1:] to get the last byte.
830
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000831If expr8 is a |List| then it results the item at index expr1. See |list-index|
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000832for possible index values. If the index is out of range this results in an
833error. Example: >
834 :let item = mylist[-1] " get last item
835
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000836Generally, if a |List| index is equal to or higher than the length of the
837|List|, or more negative than the length of the |List|, this results in an
838error.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000839
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000840
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000841expr8[expr1a : expr1b] substring or sublist *expr-[:]*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000842
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000843If expr8 is a Number or String this results in the substring with the bytes
844from expr1a to and including expr1b. expr8 is used as a String, expr1a and
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000845expr1b are used as a Number. Note that this doesn't recognize multi-byte
846encodings.
847
848If expr1a is omitted zero is used. If expr1b is omitted the length of the
849string minus one is used.
850
851A negative number can be used to measure from the end of the string. -1 is
852the last character, -2 the last but one, etc.
853
854If an index goes out of range for the string characters are omitted. If
855expr1b is smaller than expr1a the result is an empty string.
856
857Examples: >
858 :let c = name[-1:] " last byte of a string
859 :let c = name[-2:-2] " last but one byte of a string
860 :let s = line(".")[4:] " from the fifth byte to the end
861 :let s = s[:-3] " remove last two bytes
862
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000863If expr8 is a |List| this results in a new |List| with the items indicated by
864the indexes expr1a and expr1b. This works like with a String, as explained
865just above, except that indexes out of range cause an error. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000866 :let l = mylist[:3] " first four items
867 :let l = mylist[4:4] " List with one item
868 :let l = mylist[:] " shallow copy of a List
869
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000870Using expr8[expr1] or expr8[expr1a : expr1b] on a |Funcref| results in an
871error.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000872
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000873
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000874expr8.name entry in a |Dictionary| *expr-entry*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000875
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000876If expr8 is a |Dictionary| and it is followed by a dot, then the following
877name will be used as a key in the |Dictionary|. This is just like:
878expr8[name].
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000879
880The name must consist of alphanumeric characters, just like a variable name,
881but it may start with a number. Curly braces cannot be used.
882
883There must not be white space before or after the dot.
884
885Examples: >
886 :let dict = {"one": 1, 2: "two"}
887 :echo dict.one
888 :echo dict .2
889
890Note that the dot is also used for String concatenation. To avoid confusion
891always put spaces around the dot for String concatenation.
892
893
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000894expr8(expr1, ...) |Funcref| function call
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000895
896When expr8 is a |Funcref| type variable, invoke the function it refers to.
897
898
899
900 *expr9*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000901number
902------
903number number constant *expr-number*
904
905Decimal, Hexadecimal (starting with 0x or 0X), or Octal (starting with 0).
906
907
908string *expr-string* *E114*
909------
910"string" string constant *expr-quote*
911
912Note that double quotes are used.
913
914A string constant accepts these special characters:
915\... three-digit octal number (e.g., "\316")
916\.. two-digit octal number (must be followed by non-digit)
917\. one-digit octal number (must be followed by non-digit)
918\x.. byte specified with two hex numbers (e.g., "\x1f")
919\x. byte specified with one hex number (must be followed by non-hex char)
920\X.. same as \x..
921\X. same as \x.
922\u.... character specified with up to 4 hex numbers, stored according to the
923 current value of 'encoding' (e.g., "\u02a4")
924\U.... same as \u....
925\b backspace <BS>
926\e escape <Esc>
927\f formfeed <FF>
928\n newline <NL>
929\r return <CR>
930\t tab <Tab>
931\\ backslash
932\" double quote
933\<xxx> Special key named "xxx". e.g. "\<C-W>" for CTRL-W.
934
935Note that "\000" and "\x00" force the end of the string.
936
937
938literal-string *literal-string* *E115*
939---------------
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +0000940'string' string constant *expr-'*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000941
942Note that single quotes are used.
943
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +0000944This string is taken as it is. No backslashes are removed or have a special
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000945meaning. The only exception is that two quotes stand for one quote.
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +0000946
947Single quoted strings are useful for patterns, so that backslashes do not need
948to be doubled. These two commands are equivalent: >
949 if a =~ "\\s*"
950 if a =~ '\s*'
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000951
952
953option *expr-option* *E112* *E113*
954------
955&option option value, local value if possible
956&g:option global option value
957&l:option local option value
958
959Examples: >
960 echo "tabstop is " . &tabstop
961 if &insertmode
962
963Any option name can be used here. See |options|. When using the local value
964and there is no buffer-local or window-local value, the global value is used
965anyway.
966
967
968register *expr-register*
969--------
970@r contents of register 'r'
971
972The result is the contents of the named register, as a single string.
973Newlines are inserted where required. To get the contents of the unnamed
Bram Moolenaare7566042005-06-17 22:00:15 +0000974register use @" or @@. See |registers| for an explanation of the available
975registers.
976
977When using the '=' register you get the expression itself, not what it
978evaluates to. Use |eval()| to evaluate it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000979
980
981nesting *expr-nesting* *E110*
982-------
983(expr1) nested expression
984
985
986environment variable *expr-env*
987--------------------
988$VAR environment variable
989
990The String value of any environment variable. When it is not defined, the
991result is an empty string.
992 *expr-env-expand*
993Note that there is a difference between using $VAR directly and using
994expand("$VAR"). Using it directly will only expand environment variables that
995are known inside the current Vim session. Using expand() will first try using
996the environment variables known inside the current Vim session. If that
997fails, a shell will be used to expand the variable. This can be slow, but it
998does expand all variables that the shell knows about. Example: >
999 :echo $version
1000 :echo expand("$version")
1001The first one probably doesn't echo anything, the second echoes the $version
1002variable (if your shell supports it).
1003
1004
1005internal variable *expr-variable*
1006-----------------
1007variable internal variable
1008See below |internal-variables|.
1009
1010
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00001011function call *expr-function* *E116* *E118* *E119* *E120*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001012-------------
1013function(expr1, ...) function call
1014See below |functions|.
1015
1016
1017==============================================================================
10183. Internal variable *internal-variables* *E121*
1019 *E461*
1020An internal variable name can be made up of letters, digits and '_'. But it
1021cannot start with a digit. It's also possible to use curly braces, see
1022|curly-braces-names|.
1023
1024An internal variable is created with the ":let" command |:let|.
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00001025An internal variable is explicitly destroyed with the ":unlet" command
1026|:unlet|.
1027Using a name that is not an internal variable or refers to a variable that has
1028been destroyed results in an error.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001029
1030There are several name spaces for variables. Which one is to be used is
1031specified by what is prepended:
1032
1033 (nothing) In a function: local to a function; otherwise: global
1034|buffer-variable| b: Local to the current buffer.
1035|window-variable| w: Local to the current window.
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00001036|tabpage-variable| t: Local to the current tab page.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001037|global-variable| g: Global.
1038|local-variable| l: Local to a function.
1039|script-variable| s: Local to a |:source|'ed Vim script.
1040|function-argument| a: Function argument (only inside a function).
1041|vim-variable| v: Global, predefined by Vim.
1042
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001043The scope name by itself can be used as a |Dictionary|. For example, to
1044delete all script-local variables: >
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00001045 :for k in keys(s:)
1046 : unlet s:[k]
1047 :endfor
1048<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001049 *buffer-variable* *b:var*
1050A variable name that is preceded with "b:" is local to the current buffer.
1051Thus you can have several "b:foo" variables, one for each buffer.
1052This kind of variable is deleted when the buffer is wiped out or deleted with
1053|:bdelete|.
1054
1055One local buffer variable is predefined:
1056 *b:changedtick-variable* *changetick*
1057b:changedtick The total number of changes to the current buffer. It is
1058 incremented for each change. An undo command is also a change
1059 in this case. This can be used to perform an action only when
1060 the buffer has changed. Example: >
1061 :if my_changedtick != b:changedtick
1062 : let my_changedtick = b:changedtick
1063 : call My_Update()
1064 :endif
1065<
1066 *window-variable* *w:var*
1067A variable name that is preceded with "w:" is local to the current window. It
1068is deleted when the window is closed.
1069
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00001070 *tabpage-variable* *t:var*
1071A variable name that is preceded with "t:" is local to the current tab page,
1072It is deleted when the tab page is closed. {not available when compiled
1073without the +windows feature}
1074
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001075 *global-variable* *g:var*
1076Inside functions global variables are accessed with "g:". Omitting this will
1077access a variable local to a function. But "g:" can also be used in any other
1078place if you like.
1079
1080 *local-variable* *l:var*
1081Inside functions local variables are accessed without prepending anything.
1082But you can also prepend "l:" if you like.
1083
1084 *script-variable* *s:var*
1085In a Vim script variables starting with "s:" can be used. They cannot be
1086accessed from outside of the scripts, thus are local to the script.
1087
1088They can be used in:
1089- commands executed while the script is sourced
1090- functions defined in the script
1091- autocommands defined in the script
1092- functions and autocommands defined in functions and autocommands which were
1093 defined in the script (recursively)
1094- user defined commands defined in the script
1095Thus not in:
1096- other scripts sourced from this one
1097- mappings
1098- etc.
1099
1100script variables can be used to avoid conflicts with global variable names.
1101Take this example:
1102
1103 let s:counter = 0
1104 function MyCounter()
1105 let s:counter = s:counter + 1
1106 echo s:counter
1107 endfunction
1108 command Tick call MyCounter()
1109
1110You can now invoke "Tick" from any script, and the "s:counter" variable in
1111that script will not be changed, only the "s:counter" in the script where
1112"Tick" was defined is used.
1113
1114Another example that does the same: >
1115
1116 let s:counter = 0
1117 command Tick let s:counter = s:counter + 1 | echo s:counter
1118
1119When calling a function and invoking a user-defined command, the context for
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001120script variables is set to the script where the function or command was
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001121defined.
1122
1123The script variables are also available when a function is defined inside a
1124function that is defined in a script. Example: >
1125
1126 let s:counter = 0
1127 function StartCounting(incr)
1128 if a:incr
1129 function MyCounter()
1130 let s:counter = s:counter + 1
1131 endfunction
1132 else
1133 function MyCounter()
1134 let s:counter = s:counter - 1
1135 endfunction
1136 endif
1137 endfunction
1138
1139This defines the MyCounter() function either for counting up or counting down
1140when calling StartCounting(). It doesn't matter from where StartCounting() is
1141called, the s:counter variable will be accessible in MyCounter().
1142
1143When the same script is sourced again it will use the same script variables.
1144They will remain valid as long as Vim is running. This can be used to
1145maintain a counter: >
1146
1147 if !exists("s:counter")
1148 let s:counter = 1
1149 echo "script executed for the first time"
1150 else
1151 let s:counter = s:counter + 1
1152 echo "script executed " . s:counter . " times now"
1153 endif
1154
1155Note that this means that filetype plugins don't get a different set of script
1156variables for each buffer. Use local buffer variables instead |b:var|.
1157
1158
1159Predefined Vim variables: *vim-variable* *v:var*
1160
Bram Moolenaare4efc3b2005-03-07 23:16:51 +00001161 *v:beval_col* *beval_col-variable*
1162v:beval_col The number of the column, over which the mouse pointer is.
1163 This is the byte index in the |v:beval_lnum| line.
1164 Only valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1165
1166 *v:beval_bufnr* *beval_bufnr-variable*
1167v:beval_bufnr The number of the buffer, over which the mouse pointer is. Only
1168 valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1169
1170 *v:beval_lnum* *beval_lnum-variable*
1171v:beval_lnum The number of the line, over which the mouse pointer is. Only
1172 valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1173
1174 *v:beval_text* *beval_text-variable*
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00001175v:beval_text The text under or after the mouse pointer. Usually a word as
1176 it is useful for debugging a C program. 'iskeyword' applies,
1177 but a dot and "->" before the position is included. When on a
1178 ']' the text before it is used, including the matching '[' and
Bram Moolenaare4efc3b2005-03-07 23:16:51 +00001179 word before it. When on a Visual area within one line the
1180 highlighted text is used.
1181 Only valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1182
1183 *v:beval_winnr* *beval_winnr-variable*
1184v:beval_winnr The number of the window, over which the mouse pointer is. Only
1185 valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1186
Bram Moolenaarf193fff2006-04-27 00:02:13 +00001187 *v:char* *char-variable*
1188v:char Argument for evaluating 'formatexpr'.
1189
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001190 *v:charconvert_from* *charconvert_from-variable*
1191v:charconvert_from
1192 The name of the character encoding of a file to be converted.
1193 Only valid while evaluating the 'charconvert' option.
1194
1195 *v:charconvert_to* *charconvert_to-variable*
1196v:charconvert_to
1197 The name of the character encoding of a file after conversion.
1198 Only valid while evaluating the 'charconvert' option.
1199
1200 *v:cmdarg* *cmdarg-variable*
1201v:cmdarg This variable is used for two purposes:
1202 1. The extra arguments given to a file read/write command.
1203 Currently these are "++enc=" and "++ff=". This variable is
1204 set before an autocommand event for a file read/write
1205 command is triggered. There is a leading space to make it
1206 possible to append this variable directly after the
1207 read/write command. Note: The "+cmd" argument isn't
1208 included here, because it will be executed anyway.
1209 2. When printing a PostScript file with ":hardcopy" this is
1210 the argument for the ":hardcopy" command. This can be used
1211 in 'printexpr'.
1212
1213 *v:cmdbang* *cmdbang-variable*
1214v:cmdbang Set like v:cmdarg for a file read/write command. When a "!"
1215 was used the value is 1, otherwise it is 0. Note that this
1216 can only be used in autocommands. For user commands |<bang>|
1217 can be used.
1218
1219 *v:count* *count-variable*
1220v:count The count given for the last Normal mode command. Can be used
1221 to get the count before a mapping. Read-only. Example: >
1222 :map _x :<C-U>echo "the count is " . v:count<CR>
1223< Note: The <C-U> is required to remove the line range that you
1224 get when typing ':' after a count.
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001225 Also used for evaluating the 'formatexpr' option.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001226 "count" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1227
1228 *v:count1* *count1-variable*
1229v:count1 Just like "v:count", but defaults to one when no count is
1230 used.
1231
1232 *v:ctype* *ctype-variable*
1233v:ctype The current locale setting for characters of the runtime
1234 environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the
1235 current locale encoding. Technical: it's the value of
1236 LC_CTYPE. When not using a locale the value is "C".
1237 This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language|
1238 command.
1239 See |multi-lang|.
1240
1241 *v:dying* *dying-variable*
1242v:dying Normally zero. When a deadly signal is caught it's set to
1243 one. When multiple signals are caught the number increases.
1244 Can be used in an autocommand to check if Vim didn't
1245 terminate normally. {only works on Unix}
1246 Example: >
1247 :au VimLeave * if v:dying | echo "\nAAAAaaaarrrggghhhh!!!\n" | endif
1248<
1249 *v:errmsg* *errmsg-variable*
1250v:errmsg Last given error message. It's allowed to set this variable.
1251 Example: >
1252 :let v:errmsg = ""
1253 :silent! next
1254 :if v:errmsg != ""
1255 : ... handle error
1256< "errmsg" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1257
1258 *v:exception* *exception-variable*
1259v:exception The value of the exception most recently caught and not
1260 finished. See also |v:throwpoint| and |throw-variables|.
1261 Example: >
1262 :try
1263 : throw "oops"
1264 :catch /.*/
1265 : echo "caught" v:exception
1266 :endtry
1267< Output: "caught oops".
1268
Bram Moolenaar19a09a12005-03-04 23:39:37 +00001269 *v:fcs_reason* *fcs_reason-variable*
1270v:fcs_reason The reason why the |FileChangedShell| event was triggered.
1271 Can be used in an autocommand to decide what to do and/or what
1272 to set v:fcs_choice to. Possible values:
1273 deleted file no longer exists
1274 conflict file contents, mode or timestamp was
1275 changed and buffer is modified
1276 changed file contents has changed
1277 mode mode of file changed
1278 time only file timestamp changed
1279
1280 *v:fcs_choice* *fcs_choice-variable*
1281v:fcs_choice What should happen after a |FileChangedShell| event was
1282 triggered. Can be used in an autocommand to tell Vim what to
1283 do with the affected buffer:
1284 reload Reload the buffer (does not work if
1285 the file was deleted).
1286 ask Ask the user what to do, as if there
1287 was no autocommand. Except that when
1288 only the timestamp changed nothing
1289 will happen.
1290 <empty> Nothing, the autocommand should do
1291 everything that needs to be done.
1292 The default is empty. If another (invalid) value is used then
1293 Vim behaves like it is empty, there is no warning message.
1294
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001295 *v:fname_in* *fname_in-variable*
Bram Moolenaar4e330bb2005-12-07 21:04:31 +00001296v:fname_in The name of the input file. Valid while evaluating:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001297 option used for ~
1298 'charconvert' file to be converted
1299 'diffexpr' original file
1300 'patchexpr' original file
1301 'printexpr' file to be printed
Bram Moolenaar2c7a29c2005-12-12 22:02:31 +00001302 And set to the swap file name for |SwapExists|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001303
1304 *v:fname_out* *fname_out-variable*
1305v:fname_out The name of the output file. Only valid while
1306 evaluating:
1307 option used for ~
1308 'charconvert' resulting converted file (*)
1309 'diffexpr' output of diff
1310 'patchexpr' resulting patched file
1311 (*) When doing conversion for a write command (e.g., ":w
1312 file") it will be equal to v:fname_in. When doing conversion
1313 for a read command (e.g., ":e file") it will be a temporary
1314 file and different from v:fname_in.
1315
1316 *v:fname_new* *fname_new-variable*
1317v:fname_new The name of the new version of the file. Only valid while
1318 evaluating 'diffexpr'.
1319
1320 *v:fname_diff* *fname_diff-variable*
1321v:fname_diff The name of the diff (patch) file. Only valid while
1322 evaluating 'patchexpr'.
1323
1324 *v:folddashes* *folddashes-variable*
1325v:folddashes Used for 'foldtext': dashes representing foldlevel of a closed
1326 fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001327 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001328
1329 *v:foldlevel* *foldlevel-variable*
1330v:foldlevel Used for 'foldtext': foldlevel of closed fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001331 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001332
1333 *v:foldend* *foldend-variable*
1334v:foldend Used for 'foldtext': last line of closed fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001335 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001336
1337 *v:foldstart* *foldstart-variable*
1338v:foldstart Used for 'foldtext': first line of closed fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001339 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001340
Bram Moolenaar843ee412004-06-30 16:16:41 +00001341 *v:insertmode* *insertmode-variable*
1342v:insertmode Used for the |InsertEnter| and |InsertChange| autocommand
1343 events. Values:
1344 i Insert mode
1345 r Replace mode
1346 v Virtual Replace mode
1347
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001348 *v:key* *key-variable*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001349v:key Key of the current item of a |Dictionary|. Only valid while
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001350 evaluating the expression used with |map()| and |filter()|.
1351 Read-only.
1352
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001353 *v:lang* *lang-variable*
1354v:lang The current locale setting for messages of the runtime
1355 environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the
1356 current language. Technical: it's the value of LC_MESSAGES.
1357 The value is system dependent.
1358 This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language|
1359 command.
1360 It can be different from |v:ctype| when messages are desired
1361 in a different language than what is used for character
1362 encoding. See |multi-lang|.
1363
1364 *v:lc_time* *lc_time-variable*
1365v:lc_time The current locale setting for time messages of the runtime
1366 environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the
1367 current language. Technical: it's the value of LC_TIME.
1368 This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language|
1369 command. See |multi-lang|.
1370
1371 *v:lnum* *lnum-variable*
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001372v:lnum Line number for the 'foldexpr' |fold-expr| and 'indentexpr'
Bram Moolenaar57657d82006-04-21 22:12:41 +00001373 expressions, tab page number for 'guitablabel' and
1374 'guitabtooltip'. Only valid while one of these expressions is
1375 being evaluated. Read-only when in the |sandbox|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001376
Bram Moolenaar219b8702006-11-01 14:32:36 +00001377 *v:mouse_win* *mouse_win-variable*
1378v:mouse_win Window number for a mouse click obtained with |getchar()|.
1379 First window has number 1, like with |winnr()|. The value is
1380 zero when there was no mouse button click.
1381
1382 *v:mouse_lnum* *mouse_lnum-variable*
1383v:mouse_lnum Line number for a mouse click obtained with |getchar()|.
1384 This is the text line number, not the screen line number. The
1385 value is zero when there was no mouse button click.
1386
1387 *v:mouse_col* *mouse_col-variable*
1388v:mouse_col Column number for a mouse click obtained with |getchar()|.
1389 This is the screen column number, like with |virtcol()|. The
1390 value is zero when there was no mouse button click.
1391
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001392 *v:prevcount* *prevcount-variable*
1393v:prevcount The count given for the last but one Normal mode command.
1394 This is the v:count value of the previous command. Useful if
1395 you want to cancel Visual mode and then use the count. >
1396 :vmap % <Esc>:call MyFilter(v:prevcount)<CR>
1397< Read-only.
1398
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00001399 *v:profiling* *profiling-variable*
1400v:profiling Normally zero. Set to one after using ":profile start".
1401 See |profiling|.
1402
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001403 *v:progname* *progname-variable*
1404v:progname Contains the name (with path removed) with which Vim was
1405 invoked. Allows you to do special initialisations for "view",
1406 "evim" etc., or any other name you might symlink to Vim.
1407 Read-only.
1408
1409 *v:register* *register-variable*
1410v:register The name of the register supplied to the last normal mode
1411 command. Empty if none were supplied. |getreg()| |setreg()|
1412
Bram Moolenaar1c7715d2005-10-03 22:02:18 +00001413 *v:scrollstart* *scrollstart-variable*
1414v:scrollstart String describing the script or function that caused the
1415 screen to scroll up. It's only set when it is empty, thus the
1416 first reason is remembered. It is set to "Unknown" for a
1417 typed command.
1418 This can be used to find out why your script causes the
1419 hit-enter prompt.
1420
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001421 *v:servername* *servername-variable*
1422v:servername The resulting registered |x11-clientserver| name if any.
1423 Read-only.
1424
1425 *v:shell_error* *shell_error-variable*
1426v:shell_error Result of the last shell command. When non-zero, the last
1427 shell command had an error. When zero, there was no problem.
1428 This only works when the shell returns the error code to Vim.
1429 The value -1 is often used when the command could not be
1430 executed. Read-only.
1431 Example: >
1432 :!mv foo bar
1433 :if v:shell_error
1434 : echo 'could not rename "foo" to "bar"!'
1435 :endif
1436< "shell_error" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1437
1438 *v:statusmsg* *statusmsg-variable*
1439v:statusmsg Last given status message. It's allowed to set this variable.
1440
Bram Moolenaar4e330bb2005-12-07 21:04:31 +00001441 *v:swapname* *swapname-variable*
1442v:swapname Only valid when executing |SwapExists| autocommands: Name of
1443 the swap file found. Read-only.
1444
1445 *v:swapchoice* *swapchoice-variable*
1446v:swapchoice |SwapExists| autocommands can set this to the selected choice
1447 for handling an existing swap file:
1448 'o' Open read-only
1449 'e' Edit anyway
1450 'r' Recover
1451 'd' Delete swapfile
1452 'q' Quit
1453 'a' Abort
1454 The value should be a single-character string. An empty value
1455 results in the user being asked, as would happen when there is
1456 no SwapExists autocommand. The default is empty.
1457
Bram Moolenaarb3480382005-12-11 21:33:32 +00001458 *v:swapcommand* *swapcommand-variable*
Bram Moolenaar4770d092006-01-12 23:22:24 +00001459v:swapcommand Normal mode command to be executed after a file has been
Bram Moolenaarb3480382005-12-11 21:33:32 +00001460 opened. Can be used for a |SwapExists| autocommand to have
1461 another Vim open the file and jump to the right place. For
1462 example, when jumping to a tag the value is ":tag tagname\r".
Bram Moolenaar1f35bf92006-03-07 22:38:47 +00001463 For ":edit +cmd file" the value is ":cmd\r".
Bram Moolenaarb3480382005-12-11 21:33:32 +00001464
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001465 *v:termresponse* *termresponse-variable*
1466v:termresponse The escape sequence returned by the terminal for the |t_RV|
1467 termcap entry. It is set when Vim receives an escape sequence
1468 that starts with ESC [ or CSI and ends in a 'c', with only
1469 digits, ';' and '.' in between.
1470 When this option is set, the TermResponse autocommand event is
1471 fired, so that you can react to the response from the
1472 terminal.
1473 The response from a new xterm is: "<Esc>[ Pp ; Pv ; Pc c". Pp
1474 is the terminal type: 0 for vt100 and 1 for vt220. Pv is the
1475 patch level (since this was introduced in patch 95, it's
1476 always 95 or bigger). Pc is always zero.
1477 {only when compiled with |+termresponse| feature}
1478
1479 *v:this_session* *this_session-variable*
1480v:this_session Full filename of the last loaded or saved session file. See
1481 |:mksession|. It is allowed to set this variable. When no
1482 session file has been saved, this variable is empty.
1483 "this_session" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1484
1485 *v:throwpoint* *throwpoint-variable*
1486v:throwpoint The point where the exception most recently caught and not
1487 finished was thrown. Not set when commands are typed. See
1488 also |v:exception| and |throw-variables|.
1489 Example: >
1490 :try
1491 : throw "oops"
1492 :catch /.*/
1493 : echo "Exception from" v:throwpoint
1494 :endtry
1495< Output: "Exception from test.vim, line 2"
1496
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001497 *v:val* *val-variable*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001498v:val Value of the current item of a |List| or |Dictionary|. Only
1499 valid while evaluating the expression used with |map()| and
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001500 |filter()|. Read-only.
1501
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001502 *v:version* *version-variable*
1503v:version Version number of Vim: Major version number times 100 plus
1504 minor version number. Version 5.0 is 500. Version 5.1 (5.01)
1505 is 501. Read-only. "version" also works, for backwards
1506 compatibility.
1507 Use |has()| to check if a certain patch was included, e.g.: >
1508 if has("patch123")
1509< Note that patch numbers are specific to the version, thus both
1510 version 5.0 and 5.1 may have a patch 123, but these are
1511 completely different.
1512
1513 *v:warningmsg* *warningmsg-variable*
1514v:warningmsg Last given warning message. It's allowed to set this variable.
1515
1516==============================================================================
15174. Builtin Functions *functions*
1518
1519See |function-list| for a list grouped by what the function is used for.
1520
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00001521(Use CTRL-] on the function name to jump to the full explanation.)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001522
1523USAGE RESULT DESCRIPTION ~
1524
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001525add( {list}, {item}) List append {item} to |List| {list}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001526append( {lnum}, {string}) Number append {string} below line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00001527append( {lnum}, {list}) Number append lines {list} below line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001528argc() Number number of files in the argument list
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001529argidx() Number current index in the argument list
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001530argv( {nr}) String {nr} entry of the argument list
Bram Moolenaare2f98b92006-03-29 21:18:24 +00001531argv( ) List the argument list
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001532browse( {save}, {title}, {initdir}, {default})
1533 String put up a file requester
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001534browsedir( {title}, {initdir}) String put up a directory requester
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001535bufexists( {expr}) Number TRUE if buffer {expr} exists
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001536buflisted( {expr}) Number TRUE if buffer {expr} is listed
1537bufloaded( {expr}) Number TRUE if buffer {expr} is loaded
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001538bufname( {expr}) String Name of the buffer {expr}
1539bufnr( {expr}) Number Number of the buffer {expr}
1540bufwinnr( {expr}) Number window number of buffer {expr}
1541byte2line( {byte}) Number line number at byte count {byte}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001542byteidx( {expr}, {nr}) Number byte index of {nr}'th char in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001543call( {func}, {arglist} [, {dict}])
1544 any call {func} with arguments {arglist}
Bram Moolenaarca003e12006-03-17 23:19:38 +00001545changenr() Number current change number
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001546char2nr( {expr}) Number ASCII value of first char in {expr}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001547cindent( {lnum}) Number C indent for line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001548col( {expr}) Number column nr of cursor or mark
Bram Moolenaara94bc432006-03-10 21:42:59 +00001549complete({startcol}, {matches}) String set Insert mode completion
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00001550complete_add( {expr}) Number add completion match
1551complete_check() Number check for key typed during completion
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001552confirm( {msg} [, {choices} [, {default} [, {type}]]])
1553 Number number of choice picked by user
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001554copy( {expr}) any make a shallow copy of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001555count( {list}, {expr} [, {start} [, {ic}]])
1556 Number count how many {expr} are in {list}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001557cscope_connection( [{num} , {dbpath} [, {prepend}]])
1558 Number checks existence of cscope connection
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00001559cursor( {lnum}, {col} [, {coladd}])
1560 Number move cursor to {lnum}, {col}, {coladd}
1561cursor( {list}) Number move cursor to position in {list}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001562deepcopy( {expr}) any make a full copy of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001563delete( {fname}) Number delete file {fname}
1564did_filetype() Number TRUE if FileType autocommand event used
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001565diff_filler( {lnum}) Number diff filler lines about {lnum}
1566diff_hlID( {lnum}, {col}) Number diff highlighting at {lnum}/{col}
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00001567empty( {expr}) Number TRUE if {expr} is empty
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001568escape( {string}, {chars}) String escape {chars} in {string} with '\'
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00001569eval( {string}) any evaluate {string} into its value
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001570eventhandler( ) Number TRUE if inside an event handler
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001571executable( {expr}) Number 1 if executable {expr} exists
1572exists( {expr}) Number TRUE if {expr} exists
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001573extend({expr1}, {expr2} [, {expr3}])
1574 List/Dict insert items of {expr2} into {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001575expand( {expr}) String expand special keywords in {expr}
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +00001576feedkeys( {string} [, {mode}]) Number add key sequence to typeahead buffer
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001577filereadable( {file}) Number TRUE if {file} is a readable file
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001578filewritable( {file}) Number TRUE if {file} is a writable file
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001579filter( {expr}, {string}) List/Dict remove items from {expr} where
1580 {string} is 0
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001581finddir( {name}[, {path}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001582 String find directory {name} in {path}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001583findfile( {name}[, {path}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001584 String find file {name} in {path}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001585fnamemodify( {fname}, {mods}) String modify file name
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001586foldclosed( {lnum}) Number first line of fold at {lnum} if closed
1587foldclosedend( {lnum}) Number last line of fold at {lnum} if closed
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001588foldlevel( {lnum}) Number fold level at {lnum}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001589foldtext( ) String line displayed for closed fold
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001590foldtextresult( {lnum}) String text for closed fold at {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001591foreground( ) Number bring the Vim window to the foreground
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001592function( {name}) Funcref reference to function {name}
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001593garbagecollect() none free memory, breaking cyclic references
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001594get( {list}, {idx} [, {def}]) any get item {idx} from {list} or {def}
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001595get( {dict}, {key} [, {def}]) any get item {key} from {dict} or {def}
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00001596getbufline( {expr}, {lnum} [, {end}])
1597 List lines {lnum} to {end} of buffer {expr}
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001598getbufvar( {expr}, {varname}) any variable {varname} in buffer {expr}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001599getchar( [expr]) Number get one character from the user
1600getcharmod( ) Number modifiers for the last typed character
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001601getcmdline() String return the current command-line
1602getcmdpos() Number return cursor position in command-line
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00001603getcmdtype() String return the current command-line type
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001604getcwd() String the current working directory
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00001605getfperm( {fname}) String file permissions of file {fname}
1606getfsize( {fname}) Number size in bytes of file {fname}
Bram Moolenaard8b0cf12004-12-12 11:33:30 +00001607getfontname( [{name}]) String name of font being used
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001608getftime( {fname}) Number last modification time of file
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00001609getftype( {fname}) String description of type of file {fname}
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00001610getline( {lnum}) String line {lnum} of current buffer
1611getline( {lnum}, {end}) List lines {lnum} to {end} of current buffer
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00001612getloclist({nr}) List list of location list items
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00001613getpos( {expr}) List position of cursor, mark, etc.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00001614getqflist() List list of quickfix items
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00001615getreg( [{regname} [, 1]]) String contents of register
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001616getregtype( [{regname}]) String type of register
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00001617gettabwinvar( {tabnr}, {winnr}, {name})
1618 any {name} in {winnr} in tab page {tabnr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001619getwinposx() Number X coord in pixels of GUI Vim window
1620getwinposy() Number Y coord in pixels of GUI Vim window
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001621getwinvar( {nr}, {varname}) any variable {varname} in window {nr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001622glob( {expr}) String expand file wildcards in {expr}
1623globpath( {path}, {expr}) String do glob({expr}) for all dirs in {path}
1624has( {feature}) Number TRUE if feature {feature} supported
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001625has_key( {dict}, {key}) Number TRUE if {dict} has entry {key}
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00001626hasmapto( {what} [, {mode} [, {abbr}]])
1627 Number TRUE if mapping to {what} exists
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001628histadd( {history},{item}) String add an item to a history
1629histdel( {history} [, {item}]) String remove an item from a history
1630histget( {history} [, {index}]) String get the item {index} from a history
1631histnr( {history}) Number highest index of a history
1632hlexists( {name}) Number TRUE if highlight group {name} exists
1633hlID( {name}) Number syntax ID of highlight group {name}
1634hostname() String name of the machine Vim is running on
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001635iconv( {expr}, {from}, {to}) String convert encoding of {expr}
1636indent( {lnum}) Number indent of line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001637index( {list}, {expr} [, {start} [, {ic}]])
1638 Number index in {list} where {expr} appears
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00001639input( {prompt} [, {text} [, {completion}]])
1640 String get input from the user
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001641inputdialog( {p} [, {t} [, {c}]]) String like input() but in a GUI dialog
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001642inputlist( {textlist}) Number let the user pick from a choice list
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001643inputrestore() Number restore typeahead
1644inputsave() Number save and clear typeahead
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001645inputsecret( {prompt} [, {text}]) String like input() but hiding the text
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001646insert( {list}, {item} [, {idx}]) List insert {item} in {list} [before {idx}]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001647isdirectory( {directory}) Number TRUE if {directory} is a directory
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00001648islocked( {expr}) Number TRUE if {expr} is locked
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001649items( {dict}) List key-value pairs in {dict}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001650join( {list} [, {sep}]) String join {list} items into one String
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001651keys( {dict}) List keys in {dict}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001652len( {expr}) Number the length of {expr}
1653libcall( {lib}, {func}, {arg}) String call {func} in library {lib} with {arg}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001654libcallnr( {lib}, {func}, {arg}) Number idem, but return a Number
1655line( {expr}) Number line nr of cursor, last line or mark
1656line2byte( {lnum}) Number byte count of line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001657lispindent( {lnum}) Number Lisp indent for line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001658localtime() Number current time
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001659map( {expr}, {string}) List/Dict change each item in {expr} to {expr}
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00001660maparg( {name}[, {mode} [, {abbr}]])
1661 String rhs of mapping {name} in mode {mode}
1662mapcheck( {name}[, {mode} [, {abbr}]])
1663 String check for mappings matching {name}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001664match( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001665 Number position where {pat} matches in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00001666matcharg( {nr}) List arguments of |:match|
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001667matchend( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001668 Number position where {pat} ends in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00001669matchlist( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
1670 List match and submatches of {pat} in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001671matchstr( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
1672 String {count}'th match of {pat} in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00001673max({list}) Number maximum value of items in {list}
1674min({list}) Number minumum value of items in {list}
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00001675mkdir({name} [, {path} [, {prot}]])
1676 Number create directory {name}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001677mode() String current editing mode
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001678nextnonblank( {lnum}) Number line nr of non-blank line >= {lnum}
1679nr2char( {expr}) String single char with ASCII value {expr}
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00001680pathshorten( {expr}) String shorten directory names in a path
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001681prevnonblank( {lnum}) Number line nr of non-blank line <= {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00001682printf( {fmt}, {expr1}...) String format text
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001683pumvisible() Number whether popup menu is visible
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00001684range( {expr} [, {max} [, {stride}]])
1685 List items from {expr} to {max}
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00001686readfile({fname} [, {binary} [, {max}]])
1687 List get list of lines from file {fname}
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00001688reltime( [{start} [, {end}]]) List get time value
1689reltimestr( {time}) String turn time value into a String
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001690remote_expr( {server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
1691 String send expression
1692remote_foreground( {server}) Number bring Vim server to the foreground
1693remote_peek( {serverid} [, {retvar}])
1694 Number check for reply string
1695remote_read( {serverid}) String read reply string
1696remote_send( {server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
1697 String send key sequence
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00001698remove( {list}, {idx} [, {end}]) any remove items {idx}-{end} from {list}
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00001699remove( {dict}, {key}) any remove entry {key} from {dict}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001700rename( {from}, {to}) Number rename (move) file from {from} to {to}
1701repeat( {expr}, {count}) String repeat {expr} {count} times
1702resolve( {filename}) String get filename a shortcut points to
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001703reverse( {list}) List reverse {list} in-place
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001704search( {pattern} [, {flags}]) Number search for {pattern}
Bram Moolenaarf75a9632005-09-13 21:20:47 +00001705searchdecl({name} [, {global} [, {thisblock}]])
1706 Number search for variable declaration
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00001707searchpair( {start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip} [, {stopline}]]])
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001708 Number search for other end of start/end pair
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00001709searchpairpos( {start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip} [, {stopline}]]])
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001710 List search for other end of start/end pair
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00001711searchpos( {pattern} [, {flags} [, {stopline}]])
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001712 List search for {pattern}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001713server2client( {clientid}, {string})
1714 Number send reply string
1715serverlist() String get a list of available servers
1716setbufvar( {expr}, {varname}, {val}) set {varname} in buffer {expr} to {val}
1717setcmdpos( {pos}) Number set cursor position in command-line
1718setline( {lnum}, {line}) Number set line {lnum} to {line}
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00001719setloclist( {nr}, {list}[, {action}])
1720 Number modify location list using {list}
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001721setpos( {expr}, {list}) none set the {expr} position to {list}
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00001722setqflist( {list}[, {action}]) Number modify quickfix list using {list}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001723setreg( {n}, {v}[, {opt}]) Number set register to value and type
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00001724settabwinvar( {tabnr}, {winnr}, {varname}, {val}) set {varname} in window
1725 {winnr} in tab page {tabnr} to {val}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001726setwinvar( {nr}, {varname}, {val}) set {varname} in window {nr} to {val}
Bram Moolenaar60a495f2006-10-03 12:44:42 +00001727shellescape( {string}) String escape {string} for use as shell
1728 command argument
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001729simplify( {filename}) String simplify filename as much as possible
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001730sort( {list} [, {func}]) List sort {list}, using {func} to compare
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00001731soundfold( {word}) String sound-fold {word}
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00001732spellbadword() String badly spelled word at cursor
Bram Moolenaarc54b8a72005-09-30 21:20:29 +00001733spellsuggest( {word} [, {max} [, {capital}]])
1734 List spelling suggestions
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00001735split( {expr} [, {pat} [, {keepempty}]])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001736 List make |List| from {pat} separated {expr}
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00001737str2nr( {expr} [, {base}]) Number convert string to number
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001738strftime( {format}[, {time}]) String time in specified format
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00001739stridx( {haystack}, {needle}[, {start}])
1740 Number index of {needle} in {haystack}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001741string( {expr}) String String representation of {expr} value
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001742strlen( {expr}) Number length of the String {expr}
1743strpart( {src}, {start}[, {len}])
1744 String {len} characters of {src} at {start}
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00001745strridx( {haystack}, {needle} [, {start}])
1746 Number last index of {needle} in {haystack}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001747strtrans( {expr}) String translate string to make it printable
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001748submatch( {nr}) String specific match in ":substitute"
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001749substitute( {expr}, {pat}, {sub}, {flags})
1750 String all {pat} in {expr} replaced with {sub}
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00001751synID( {lnum}, {col}, {trans}) Number syntax ID at {lnum} and {col}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001752synIDattr( {synID}, {what} [, {mode}])
1753 String attribute {what} of syntax ID {synID}
1754synIDtrans( {synID}) Number translated syntax ID of {synID}
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00001755system( {expr} [, {input}]) String output of shell command/filter {expr}
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00001756tabpagebuflist( [{arg}]) List list of buffer numbers in tab page
1757tabpagenr( [{arg}]) Number number of current or last tab page
1758tabpagewinnr( {tabarg}[, {arg}])
1759 Number number of current window in tab page
1760taglist( {expr}) List list of tags matching {expr}
Bram Moolenaare7eb9df2005-09-09 19:49:30 +00001761tagfiles() List tags files used
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001762tempname() String name for a temporary file
1763tolower( {expr}) String the String {expr} switched to lowercase
1764toupper( {expr}) String the String {expr} switched to uppercase
Bram Moolenaar8299df92004-07-10 09:47:34 +00001765tr( {src}, {fromstr}, {tostr}) String translate chars of {src} in {fromstr}
1766 to chars in {tostr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001767type( {name}) Number type of variable {name}
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001768values( {dict}) List values in {dict}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001769virtcol( {expr}) Number screen column of cursor or mark
1770visualmode( [expr]) String last visual mode used
1771winbufnr( {nr}) Number buffer number of window {nr}
1772wincol() Number window column of the cursor
1773winheight( {nr}) Number height of window {nr}
1774winline() Number window line of the cursor
Bram Moolenaar7e8fd632006-02-18 22:14:51 +00001775winnr( [{expr}]) Number number of current window
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001776winrestcmd() String returns command to restore window sizes
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00001777winrestview({dict}) None restore view of current window
1778winsaveview() Dict save view of current window
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001779winwidth( {nr}) Number width of window {nr}
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00001780writefile({list}, {fname} [, {binary}])
1781 Number write list of lines to file {fname}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001782
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001783add({list}, {expr}) *add()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001784 Append the item {expr} to |List| {list}. Returns the
1785 resulting |List|. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001786 :let alist = add([1, 2, 3], item)
1787 :call add(mylist, "woodstock")
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001788< Note that when {expr} is a |List| it is appended as a single
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00001789 item. Use |extend()| to concatenate |Lists|.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00001790 Use |insert()| to add an item at another position.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001791
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001792
1793append({lnum}, {expr}) *append()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001794 When {expr} is a |List|: Append each item of the |List| as a
1795 text line below line {lnum} in the current buffer.
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00001796 Otherwise append {expr} as one text line below line {lnum} in
1797 the current buffer.
1798 {lnum} can be zero to insert a line before the first one.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001799 Returns 1 for failure ({lnum} out of range or out of memory),
1800 0 for success. Example: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001801 :let failed = append(line('$'), "# THE END")
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001802 :let failed = append(0, ["Chapter 1", "the beginning"])
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001803<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001804 *argc()*
1805argc() The result is the number of files in the argument list of the
1806 current window. See |arglist|.
1807
1808 *argidx()*
1809argidx() The result is the current index in the argument list. 0 is
1810 the first file. argc() - 1 is the last one. See |arglist|.
1811
1812 *argv()*
Bram Moolenaare2f98b92006-03-29 21:18:24 +00001813argv([{nr}]) The result is the {nr}th file in the argument list of the
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001814 current window. See |arglist|. "argv(0)" is the first one.
1815 Example: >
1816 :let i = 0
1817 :while i < argc()
1818 : let f = escape(argv(i), '. ')
1819 : exe 'amenu Arg.' . f . ' :e ' . f . '<CR>'
1820 : let i = i + 1
1821 :endwhile
Bram Moolenaare2f98b92006-03-29 21:18:24 +00001822< Without the {nr} argument a |List| with the whole |arglist| is
1823 returned.
1824
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001825 *browse()*
1826browse({save}, {title}, {initdir}, {default})
1827 Put up a file requester. This only works when "has("browse")"
1828 returns non-zero (only in some GUI versions).
1829 The input fields are:
1830 {save} when non-zero, select file to write
1831 {title} title for the requester
1832 {initdir} directory to start browsing in
1833 {default} default file name
1834 When the "Cancel" button is hit, something went wrong, or
1835 browsing is not possible, an empty string is returned.
1836
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001837 *browsedir()*
1838browsedir({title}, {initdir})
1839 Put up a directory requester. This only works when
1840 "has("browse")" returns non-zero (only in some GUI versions).
1841 On systems where a directory browser is not supported a file
1842 browser is used. In that case: select a file in the directory
1843 to be used.
1844 The input fields are:
1845 {title} title for the requester
1846 {initdir} directory to start browsing in
1847 When the "Cancel" button is hit, something went wrong, or
1848 browsing is not possible, an empty string is returned.
1849
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001850bufexists({expr}) *bufexists()*
1851 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a buffer called
1852 {expr} exists.
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001853 If the {expr} argument is a number, buffer numbers are used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001854 If the {expr} argument is a string it must match a buffer name
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001855 exactly. The name can be:
1856 - Relative to the current directory.
1857 - A full path.
1858 - The name of a buffer with 'filetype' set to "nofile".
1859 - A URL name.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001860 Unlisted buffers will be found.
1861 Note that help files are listed by their short name in the
1862 output of |:buffers|, but bufexists() requires using their
1863 long name to be able to find them.
1864 Use "bufexists(0)" to test for the existence of an alternate
1865 file name.
1866 *buffer_exists()*
1867 Obsolete name: buffer_exists().
1868
1869buflisted({expr}) *buflisted()*
1870 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a buffer called
1871 {expr} exists and is listed (has the 'buflisted' option set).
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001872 The {expr} argument is used like with |bufexists()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001873
1874bufloaded({expr}) *bufloaded()*
1875 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a buffer called
1876 {expr} exists and is loaded (shown in a window or hidden).
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001877 The {expr} argument is used like with |bufexists()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001878
1879bufname({expr}) *bufname()*
1880 The result is the name of a buffer, as it is displayed by the
1881 ":ls" command.
1882 If {expr} is a Number, that buffer number's name is given.
1883 Number zero is the alternate buffer for the current window.
1884 If {expr} is a String, it is used as a |file-pattern| to match
1885 with the buffer names. This is always done like 'magic' is
1886 set and 'cpoptions' is empty. When there is more than one
1887 match an empty string is returned.
1888 "" or "%" can be used for the current buffer, "#" for the
1889 alternate buffer.
1890 A full match is preferred, otherwise a match at the start, end
1891 or middle of the buffer name is accepted.
1892 Listed buffers are found first. If there is a single match
1893 with a listed buffer, that one is returned. Next unlisted
1894 buffers are searched for.
1895 If the {expr} is a String, but you want to use it as a buffer
1896 number, force it to be a Number by adding zero to it: >
1897 :echo bufname("3" + 0)
1898< If the buffer doesn't exist, or doesn't have a name, an empty
1899 string is returned. >
1900 bufname("#") alternate buffer name
1901 bufname(3) name of buffer 3
1902 bufname("%") name of current buffer
1903 bufname("file2") name of buffer where "file2" matches.
1904< *buffer_name()*
1905 Obsolete name: buffer_name().
1906
1907 *bufnr()*
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00001908bufnr({expr} [, {create}])
1909 The result is the number of a buffer, as it is displayed by
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001910 the ":ls" command. For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()|
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00001911 above.
1912 If the buffer doesn't exist, -1 is returned. Or, if the
1913 {create} argument is present and not zero, a new, unlisted,
1914 buffer is created and its number is returned.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001915 bufnr("$") is the last buffer: >
1916 :let last_buffer = bufnr("$")
1917< The result is a Number, which is the highest buffer number
1918 of existing buffers. Note that not all buffers with a smaller
1919 number necessarily exist, because ":bwipeout" may have removed
1920 them. Use bufexists() to test for the existence of a buffer.
1921 *buffer_number()*
1922 Obsolete name: buffer_number().
1923 *last_buffer_nr()*
1924 Obsolete name for bufnr("$"): last_buffer_nr().
1925
1926bufwinnr({expr}) *bufwinnr()*
1927 The result is a Number, which is the number of the first
1928 window associated with buffer {expr}. For the use of {expr},
1929 see |bufname()| above. If buffer {expr} doesn't exist or
1930 there is no such window, -1 is returned. Example: >
1931
1932 echo "A window containing buffer 1 is " . (bufwinnr(1))
1933
1934< The number can be used with |CTRL-W_w| and ":wincmd w"
1935 |:wincmd|.
1936
1937
1938byte2line({byte}) *byte2line()*
1939 Return the line number that contains the character at byte
1940 count {byte} in the current buffer. This includes the
1941 end-of-line character, depending on the 'fileformat' option
1942 for the current buffer. The first character has byte count
1943 one.
1944 Also see |line2byte()|, |go| and |:goto|.
1945 {not available when compiled without the |+byte_offset|
1946 feature}
1947
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00001948byteidx({expr}, {nr}) *byteidx()*
1949 Return byte index of the {nr}'th character in the string
1950 {expr}. Use zero for the first character, it returns zero.
1951 This function is only useful when there are multibyte
1952 characters, otherwise the returned value is equal to {nr}.
1953 Composing characters are counted as a separate character.
1954 Example : >
1955 echo matchstr(str, ".", byteidx(str, 3))
1956< will display the fourth character. Another way to do the
1957 same: >
1958 let s = strpart(str, byteidx(str, 3))
1959 echo strpart(s, 0, byteidx(s, 1))
1960< If there are less than {nr} characters -1 is returned.
1961 If there are exactly {nr} characters the length of the string
1962 is returned.
1963
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001964call({func}, {arglist} [, {dict}]) *call()* *E699*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001965 Call function {func} with the items in |List| {arglist} as
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00001966 arguments.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001967 {func} can either be a |Funcref| or the name of a function.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00001968 a:firstline and a:lastline are set to the cursor line.
1969 Returns the return value of the called function.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001970 {dict} is for functions with the "dict" attribute. It will be
1971 used to set the local variable "self". |Dictionary-function|
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00001972
Bram Moolenaarca003e12006-03-17 23:19:38 +00001973changenr() *changenr()*
1974 Return the number of the most recent change. This is the same
1975 number as what is displayed with |:undolist| and can be used
1976 with the |:undo| command.
1977 When a change was made it is the number of that change. After
1978 redo it is the number of the redone change. After undo it is
1979 one less than the number of the undone change.
1980
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001981char2nr({expr}) *char2nr()*
1982 Return number value of the first char in {expr}. Examples: >
1983 char2nr(" ") returns 32
1984 char2nr("ABC") returns 65
1985< The current 'encoding' is used. Example for "utf-8": >
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00001986 char2nr("?") returns 225
1987 char2nr("?"[0]) returns 195
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00001988< nr2char() does the opposite.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001989
1990cindent({lnum}) *cindent()*
1991 Get the amount of indent for line {lnum} according the C
1992 indenting rules, as with 'cindent'.
1993 The indent is counted in spaces, the value of 'tabstop' is
1994 relevant. {lnum} is used just like in |getline()|.
1995 When {lnum} is invalid or Vim was not compiled the |+cindent|
1996 feature, -1 is returned.
Bram Moolenaard5cdbeb2005-10-10 20:59:28 +00001997 See |C-indenting|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001998
1999 *col()*
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00002000col({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the byte index of the column
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002001 position given with {expr}. The accepted positions are:
2002 . the cursor position
2003 $ the end of the cursor line (the result is the
2004 number of characters in the cursor line plus one)
2005 'x position of mark x (if the mark is not set, 0 is
2006 returned)
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00002007 To get the line number use |col()|. To get both use
2008 |getpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002009 For the screen column position use |virtcol()|.
2010 Note that only marks in the current file can be used.
2011 Examples: >
2012 col(".") column of cursor
2013 col("$") length of cursor line plus one
2014 col("'t") column of mark t
2015 col("'" . markname) column of mark markname
2016< The first column is 1. 0 is returned for an error.
2017 For the cursor position, when 'virtualedit' is active, the
2018 column is one higher if the cursor is after the end of the
2019 line. This can be used to obtain the column in Insert mode: >
2020 :imap <F2> <C-O>:let save_ve = &ve<CR>
2021 \<C-O>:set ve=all<CR>
2022 \<C-O>:echo col(".") . "\n" <Bar>
2023 \let &ve = save_ve<CR>
2024<
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00002025
Bram Moolenaara94bc432006-03-10 21:42:59 +00002026complete({startcol}, {matches}) *complete()* *E785*
2027 Set the matches for Insert mode completion.
2028 Can only be used in Insert mode. You need to use a mapping
2029 with an expression argument |:map-<expr>| or CTRL-R =
2030 |i_CTRL-R|. It does not work after CTRL-O.
2031 {startcol} is the byte offset in the line where the completed
2032 text start. The text up to the cursor is the original text
2033 that will be replaced by the matches. Use col('.') for an
2034 empty string. "col('.') - 1" will replace one character by a
2035 match.
2036 {matches} must be a |List|. Each |List| item is one match.
2037 See |complete-items| for the kind of items that are possible.
2038 Note that the after calling this function you need to avoid
2039 inserting anything that would completion to stop.
2040 The match can be selected with CTRL-N and CTRL-P as usual with
2041 Insert mode completion. The popup menu will appear if
2042 specified, see |ins-completion-menu|.
2043 Example: >
2044 inoremap <expr> <F5> ListMonths()
2045
2046 func! ListMonths()
2047 call complete(col('.'), ['January', 'February', 'March',
2048 \ 'April', 'May', 'June', 'July', 'August', 'September',
2049 \ 'October', 'November', 'December'])
2050 return ''
2051 endfunc
2052< This isn't very useful, but it shows how it works. Note that
2053 an empty string is returned to avoid a zero being inserted.
2054
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00002055complete_add({expr}) *complete_add()*
2056 Add {expr} to the list of matches. Only to be used by the
2057 function specified with the 'completefunc' option.
2058 Returns 0 for failure (empty string or out of memory),
2059 1 when the match was added, 2 when the match was already in
2060 the list.
Bram Moolenaar39f05632006-03-19 22:15:26 +00002061 See |complete-functions| for an explanation of {expr}. It is
2062 the same as one item in the list that 'omnifunc' would return.
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00002063
2064complete_check() *complete_check()*
2065 Check for a key typed while looking for completion matches.
2066 This is to be used when looking for matches takes some time.
2067 Returns non-zero when searching for matches is to be aborted,
2068 zero otherwise.
2069 Only to be used by the function specified with the
2070 'completefunc' option.
2071
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002072 *confirm()*
2073confirm({msg} [, {choices} [, {default} [, {type}]]])
2074 Confirm() offers the user a dialog, from which a choice can be
2075 made. It returns the number of the choice. For the first
2076 choice this is 1.
2077 Note: confirm() is only supported when compiled with dialog
2078 support, see |+dialog_con| and |+dialog_gui|.
2079 {msg} is displayed in a |dialog| with {choices} as the
2080 alternatives. When {choices} is missing or empty, "&OK" is
2081 used (and translated).
2082 {msg} is a String, use '\n' to include a newline. Only on
2083 some systems the string is wrapped when it doesn't fit.
2084 {choices} is a String, with the individual choices separated
2085 by '\n', e.g. >
2086 confirm("Save changes?", "&Yes\n&No\n&Cancel")
2087< The letter after the '&' is the shortcut key for that choice.
2088 Thus you can type 'c' to select "Cancel". The shortcut does
2089 not need to be the first letter: >
2090 confirm("file has been modified", "&Save\nSave &All")
2091< For the console, the first letter of each choice is used as
2092 the default shortcut key.
2093 The optional {default} argument is the number of the choice
2094 that is made if the user hits <CR>. Use 1 to make the first
2095 choice the default one. Use 0 to not set a default. If
2096 {default} is omitted, 1 is used.
2097 The optional {type} argument gives the type of dialog. This
2098 is only used for the icon of the Win32 GUI. It can be one of
2099 these values: "Error", "Question", "Info", "Warning" or
2100 "Generic". Only the first character is relevant. When {type}
2101 is omitted, "Generic" is used.
2102 If the user aborts the dialog by pressing <Esc>, CTRL-C,
2103 or another valid interrupt key, confirm() returns 0.
2104
2105 An example: >
2106 :let choice = confirm("What do you want?", "&Apples\n&Oranges\n&Bananas", 2)
2107 :if choice == 0
2108 : echo "make up your mind!"
2109 :elseif choice == 3
2110 : echo "tasteful"
2111 :else
2112 : echo "I prefer bananas myself."
2113 :endif
2114< In a GUI dialog, buttons are used. The layout of the buttons
2115 depends on the 'v' flag in 'guioptions'. If it is included,
2116 the buttons are always put vertically. Otherwise, confirm()
2117 tries to put the buttons in one horizontal line. If they
2118 don't fit, a vertical layout is used anyway. For some systems
2119 the horizontal layout is always used.
2120
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002121 *copy()*
2122copy({expr}) Make a copy of {expr}. For Numbers and Strings this isn't
2123 different from using {expr} directly.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002124 When {expr} is a |List| a shallow copy is created. This means
2125 that the original |List| can be changed without changing the
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002126 copy, and vise versa. But the items are identical, thus
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00002127 changing an item changes the contents of both |Lists|. Also
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002128 see |deepcopy()|.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002129
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002130count({comp}, {expr} [, {ic} [, {start}]]) *count()*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002131 Return the number of times an item with value {expr} appears
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002132 in |List| or |Dictionary| {comp}.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002133 If {start} is given then start with the item with this index.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002134 {start} can only be used with a |List|.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002135 When {ic} is given and it's non-zero then case is ignored.
2136
2137
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002138 *cscope_connection()*
2139cscope_connection([{num} , {dbpath} [, {prepend}]])
2140 Checks for the existence of a |cscope| connection. If no
2141 parameters are specified, then the function returns:
2142 0, if cscope was not available (not compiled in), or
2143 if there are no cscope connections;
2144 1, if there is at least one cscope connection.
2145
2146 If parameters are specified, then the value of {num}
2147 determines how existence of a cscope connection is checked:
2148
2149 {num} Description of existence check
2150 ----- ------------------------------
2151 0 Same as no parameters (e.g., "cscope_connection()").
2152 1 Ignore {prepend}, and use partial string matches for
2153 {dbpath}.
2154 2 Ignore {prepend}, and use exact string matches for
2155 {dbpath}.
2156 3 Use {prepend}, use partial string matches for both
2157 {dbpath} and {prepend}.
2158 4 Use {prepend}, use exact string matches for both
2159 {dbpath} and {prepend}.
2160
2161 Note: All string comparisons are case sensitive!
2162
2163 Examples. Suppose we had the following (from ":cs show"): >
2164
2165 # pid database name prepend path
2166 0 27664 cscope.out /usr/local
2167<
2168 Invocation Return Val ~
2169 ---------- ---------- >
2170 cscope_connection() 1
2171 cscope_connection(1, "out") 1
2172 cscope_connection(2, "out") 0
2173 cscope_connection(3, "out") 0
2174 cscope_connection(3, "out", "local") 1
2175 cscope_connection(4, "out") 0
2176 cscope_connection(4, "out", "local") 0
2177 cscope_connection(4, "cscope.out", "/usr/local") 1
2178<
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00002179cursor({lnum}, {col} [, {off}]) *cursor()*
2180cursor({list})
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002181 Positions the cursor at the column {col} in the line {lnum}.
Bram Moolenaar6f16eb82005-08-23 21:02:42 +00002182 The first column is one.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00002183 When there is one argument {list} this is used as a |List|
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00002184 with two or three items {lnum}, {col} and {off}. This is like
2185 the return value of |getpos()|, but without the first item.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002186 Does not change the jumplist.
2187 If {lnum} is greater than the number of lines in the buffer,
2188 the cursor will be positioned at the last line in the buffer.
2189 If {lnum} is zero, the cursor will stay in the current line.
Bram Moolenaar6f16eb82005-08-23 21:02:42 +00002190 If {col} is greater than the number of bytes in the line,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002191 the cursor will be positioned at the last character in the
2192 line.
2193 If {col} is zero, the cursor will stay in the current column.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00002194 When 'virtualedit' is used {off} specifies the offset in
2195 screen columns from the start of the character. E.g., a
2196 position within a Tab or after the last character.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002197
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002198
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00002199deepcopy({expr}[, {noref}]) *deepcopy()* *E698*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002200 Make a copy of {expr}. For Numbers and Strings this isn't
2201 different from using {expr} directly.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002202 When {expr} is a |List| a full copy is created. This means
2203 that the original |List| can be changed without changing the
2204 copy, and vise versa. When an item is a |List|, a copy for it
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002205 is made, recursively. Thus changing an item in the copy does
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002206 not change the contents of the original |List|.
2207 When {noref} is omitted or zero a contained |List| or
2208 |Dictionary| is only copied once. All references point to
2209 this single copy. With {noref} set to 1 every occurrence of a
2210 |List| or |Dictionary| results in a new copy. This also means
2211 that a cyclic reference causes deepcopy() to fail.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00002212 *E724*
2213 Nesting is possible up to 100 levels. When there is an item
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00002214 that refers back to a higher level making a deep copy with
2215 {noref} set to 1 will fail.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002216 Also see |copy()|.
2217
2218delete({fname}) *delete()*
2219 Deletes the file by the name {fname}. The result is a Number,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002220 which is 0 if the file was deleted successfully, and non-zero
2221 when the deletion failed.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002222 Use |remove()| to delete an item from a |List|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002223
2224 *did_filetype()*
2225did_filetype() Returns non-zero when autocommands are being executed and the
2226 FileType event has been triggered at least once. Can be used
2227 to avoid triggering the FileType event again in the scripts
2228 that detect the file type. |FileType|
2229 When editing another file, the counter is reset, thus this
2230 really checks if the FileType event has been triggered for the
2231 current buffer. This allows an autocommand that starts
2232 editing another buffer to set 'filetype' and load a syntax
2233 file.
2234
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00002235diff_filler({lnum}) *diff_filler()*
2236 Returns the number of filler lines above line {lnum}.
2237 These are the lines that were inserted at this point in
2238 another diff'ed window. These filler lines are shown in the
2239 display but don't exist in the buffer.
2240 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current
2241 line, "'m" mark m, etc.
2242 Returns 0 if the current window is not in diff mode.
2243
2244diff_hlID({lnum}, {col}) *diff_hlID()*
2245 Returns the highlight ID for diff mode at line {lnum} column
2246 {col} (byte index). When the current line does not have a
2247 diff change zero is returned.
2248 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current
2249 line, "'m" mark m, etc.
2250 {col} is 1 for the leftmost column, {lnum} is 1 for the first
2251 line.
2252 The highlight ID can be used with |synIDattr()| to obtain
2253 syntax information about the highlighting.
2254
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00002255empty({expr}) *empty()*
2256 Return the Number 1 if {expr} is empty, zero otherwise.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002257 A |List| or |Dictionary| is empty when it does not have any
2258 items. A Number is empty when its value is zero.
2259 For a long |List| this is much faster then comparing the
2260 length with zero.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00002261
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002262escape({string}, {chars}) *escape()*
2263 Escape the characters in {chars} that occur in {string} with a
2264 backslash. Example: >
2265 :echo escape('c:\program files\vim', ' \')
2266< results in: >
2267 c:\\program\ files\\vim
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002268
2269< *eval()*
2270eval({string}) Evaluate {string} and return the result. Especially useful to
2271 turn the result of |string()| back into the original value.
2272 This works for Numbers, Strings and composites of them.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002273 Also works for |Funcref|s that refer to existing functions.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002274
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002275eventhandler() *eventhandler()*
2276 Returns 1 when inside an event handler. That is that Vim got
2277 interrupted while waiting for the user to type a character,
2278 e.g., when dropping a file on Vim. This means interactive
2279 commands cannot be used. Otherwise zero is returned.
2280
2281executable({expr}) *executable()*
2282 This function checks if an executable with the name {expr}
2283 exists. {expr} must be the name of the program without any
Bram Moolenaarf4b8e572004-06-24 15:53:16 +00002284 arguments.
2285 executable() uses the value of $PATH and/or the normal
2286 searchpath for programs. *PATHEXT*
2287 On MS-DOS and MS-Windows the ".exe", ".bat", etc. can
2288 optionally be included. Then the extensions in $PATHEXT are
2289 tried. Thus if "foo.exe" does not exist, "foo.exe.bat" can be
2290 found. If $PATHEXT is not set then ".exe;.com;.bat;.cmd" is
2291 used. A dot by itself can be used in $PATHEXT to try using
2292 the name without an extension. When 'shell' looks like a
2293 Unix shell, then the name is also tried without adding an
2294 extension.
2295 On MS-DOS and MS-Windows it only checks if the file exists and
2296 is not a directory, not if it's really executable.
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00002297 On MS-Windows an executable in the same directory as Vim is
2298 always found. Since this directory is added to $PATH it
2299 should also work to execute it |win32-PATH|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002300 The result is a Number:
2301 1 exists
2302 0 does not exist
2303 -1 not implemented on this system
2304
2305 *exists()*
2306exists({expr}) The result is a Number, which is non-zero if {expr} is
2307 defined, zero otherwise. The {expr} argument is a string,
2308 which contains one of these:
2309 &option-name Vim option (only checks if it exists,
2310 not if it really works)
2311 +option-name Vim option that works.
2312 $ENVNAME environment variable (could also be
2313 done by comparing with an empty
2314 string)
2315 *funcname built-in function (see |functions|)
2316 or user defined function (see
2317 |user-functions|).
2318 varname internal variable (see
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00002319 |internal-variables|). Also works
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002320 for |curly-braces-names|, |Dictionary|
2321 entries, |List| items, etc. Beware
2322 that this may cause functions to be
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00002323 invoked cause an error message for an
2324 invalid expression.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002325 :cmdname Ex command: built-in command, user
2326 command or command modifier |:command|.
2327 Returns:
2328 1 for match with start of a command
2329 2 full match with a command
2330 3 matches several user commands
2331 To check for a supported command
2332 always check the return value to be 2.
Bram Moolenaar14716812006-05-04 21:54:08 +00002333 :2match The |:2match| command.
2334 :3match The |:3match| command.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002335 #event autocommand defined for this event
2336 #event#pattern autocommand defined for this event and
2337 pattern (the pattern is taken
2338 literally and compared to the
2339 autocommand patterns character by
2340 character)
Bram Moolenaara9b1e742005-12-19 22:14:58 +00002341 #group autocommand group exists
2342 #group#event autocommand defined for this group and
2343 event.
2344 #group#event#pattern
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00002345 autocommand defined for this group,
Bram Moolenaara9b1e742005-12-19 22:14:58 +00002346 event and pattern.
Bram Moolenaarf4cd3e82005-12-22 22:47:02 +00002347 ##event autocommand for this event is
2348 supported.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002349 For checking for a supported feature use |has()|.
2350
2351 Examples: >
2352 exists("&shortname")
2353 exists("$HOSTNAME")
2354 exists("*strftime")
2355 exists("*s:MyFunc")
2356 exists("bufcount")
2357 exists(":Make")
Bram Moolenaara9b1e742005-12-19 22:14:58 +00002358 exists("#CursorHold")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002359 exists("#BufReadPre#*.gz")
Bram Moolenaara9b1e742005-12-19 22:14:58 +00002360 exists("#filetypeindent")
2361 exists("#filetypeindent#FileType")
2362 exists("#filetypeindent#FileType#*")
Bram Moolenaarf4cd3e82005-12-22 22:47:02 +00002363 exists("##ColorScheme")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002364< There must be no space between the symbol (&/$/*/#) and the
2365 name.
Bram Moolenaar91170f82006-05-05 21:15:17 +00002366 There must be no extra characters after the name, although in
2367 a few cases this is ignored. That may become more strict in
2368 the future, thus don't count on it!
2369 Working example: >
2370 exists(":make")
2371< NOT working example: >
2372 exists(":make install")
Bram Moolenaar9c102382006-05-03 21:26:49 +00002373
2374< Note that the argument must be a string, not the name of the
2375 variable itself. For example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002376 exists(bufcount)
2377< This doesn't check for existence of the "bufcount" variable,
Bram Moolenaar06a89a52006-04-29 22:01:03 +00002378 but gets the value of "bufcount", and checks if that exists.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002379
2380expand({expr} [, {flag}]) *expand()*
2381 Expand wildcards and the following special keywords in {expr}.
2382 The result is a String.
2383
2384 When there are several matches, they are separated by <NL>
2385 characters. [Note: in version 5.0 a space was used, which
2386 caused problems when a file name contains a space]
2387
2388 If the expansion fails, the result is an empty string. A name
2389 for a non-existing file is not included.
2390
2391 When {expr} starts with '%', '#' or '<', the expansion is done
2392 like for the |cmdline-special| variables with their associated
2393 modifiers. Here is a short overview:
2394
2395 % current file name
2396 # alternate file name
2397 #n alternate file name n
2398 <cfile> file name under the cursor
2399 <afile> autocmd file name
2400 <abuf> autocmd buffer number (as a String!)
2401 <amatch> autocmd matched name
2402 <sfile> sourced script file name
2403 <cword> word under the cursor
2404 <cWORD> WORD under the cursor
2405 <client> the {clientid} of the last received
2406 message |server2client()|
2407 Modifiers:
2408 :p expand to full path
2409 :h head (last path component removed)
2410 :t tail (last path component only)
2411 :r root (one extension removed)
2412 :e extension only
2413
2414 Example: >
2415 :let &tags = expand("%:p:h") . "/tags"
2416< Note that when expanding a string that starts with '%', '#' or
2417 '<', any following text is ignored. This does NOT work: >
2418 :let doesntwork = expand("%:h.bak")
2419< Use this: >
2420 :let doeswork = expand("%:h") . ".bak"
2421< Also note that expanding "<cfile>" and others only returns the
2422 referenced file name without further expansion. If "<cfile>"
2423 is "~/.cshrc", you need to do another expand() to have the
2424 "~/" expanded into the path of the home directory: >
2425 :echo expand(expand("<cfile>"))
2426<
2427 There cannot be white space between the variables and the
2428 following modifier. The |fnamemodify()| function can be used
2429 to modify normal file names.
2430
2431 When using '%' or '#', and the current or alternate file name
2432 is not defined, an empty string is used. Using "%:p" in a
2433 buffer with no name, results in the current directory, with a
2434 '/' added.
2435
2436 When {expr} does not start with '%', '#' or '<', it is
2437 expanded like a file name is expanded on the command line.
2438 'suffixes' and 'wildignore' are used, unless the optional
2439 {flag} argument is given and it is non-zero. Names for
Bram Moolenaar02743632005-07-25 20:42:36 +00002440 non-existing files are included. The "**" item can be used to
2441 search in a directory tree. For example, to find all "README"
2442 files in the current directory and below: >
2443 :echo expand("**/README")
2444<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002445 Expand() can also be used to expand variables and environment
2446 variables that are only known in a shell. But this can be
2447 slow, because a shell must be started. See |expr-env-expand|.
2448 The expanded variable is still handled like a list of file
2449 names. When an environment variable cannot be expanded, it is
2450 left unchanged. Thus ":echo expand('$FOOBAR')" results in
2451 "$FOOBAR".
2452
2453 See |glob()| for finding existing files. See |system()| for
2454 getting the raw output of an external command.
2455
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002456extend({expr1}, {expr2} [, {expr3}]) *extend()*
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00002457 {expr1} and {expr2} must be both |Lists| or both
2458 |Dictionaries|.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002459
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00002460 If they are |Lists|: Append {expr2} to {expr1}.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002461 If {expr3} is given insert the items of {expr2} before item
2462 {expr3} in {expr1}. When {expr3} is zero insert before the
2463 first item. When {expr3} is equal to len({expr1}) then
2464 {expr2} is appended.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002465 Examples: >
2466 :echo sort(extend(mylist, [7, 5]))
2467 :call extend(mylist, [2, 3], 1)
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002468< Use |add()| to concatenate one item to a list. To concatenate
2469 two lists into a new list use the + operator: >
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002470 :let newlist = [1, 2, 3] + [4, 5]
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002471<
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00002472 If they are |Dictionaries|:
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002473 Add all entries from {expr2} to {expr1}.
2474 If a key exists in both {expr1} and {expr2} then {expr3} is
2475 used to decide what to do:
2476 {expr3} = "keep": keep the value of {expr1}
2477 {expr3} = "force": use the value of {expr2}
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00002478 {expr3} = "error": give an error message *E737*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002479 When {expr3} is omitted then "force" is assumed.
2480
2481 {expr1} is changed when {expr2} is not empty. If necessary
2482 make a copy of {expr1} first.
2483 {expr2} remains unchanged.
2484 Returns {expr1}.
2485
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002486
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +00002487feedkeys({string} [, {mode}]) *feedkeys()*
2488 Characters in {string} are queued for processing as if they
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00002489 come from a mapping or were typed by user. They are added to
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +00002490 the end of the typeahead buffer, thus if a mapping is still
2491 being executed these characters come after them.
2492 The function does not wait for processing of keys contained in
2493 {string}.
2494 To include special keys into {string}, use double-quotes
2495 and "\..." notation |expr-quote|. For example,
2496 feedkeys("\<CR>") simulates pressing of the Enter key. But
2497 feedkeys('\<CR>') pushes 5 characters.
2498 If {mode} is absent, keys are remapped.
2499 {mode} is a String, which can contain these character flags:
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00002500 'm' Remap keys. This is default.
2501 'n' Do not remap keys.
2502 't' Handle keys as if typed; otherwise they are handled as
2503 if coming from a mapping. This matters for undo,
2504 opening folds, etc.
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +00002505 Return value is always 0.
2506
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002507filereadable({file}) *filereadable()*
2508 The result is a Number, which is TRUE when a file with the
2509 name {file} exists, and can be read. If {file} doesn't exist,
2510 or is a directory, the result is FALSE. {file} is any
2511 expression, which is used as a String.
2512 *file_readable()*
2513 Obsolete name: file_readable().
2514
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002515
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002516filter({expr}, {string}) *filter()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002517 {expr} must be a |List| or a |Dictionary|.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002518 For each item in {expr} evaluate {string} and when the result
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002519 is zero remove the item from the |List| or |Dictionary|.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002520 Inside {string} |v:val| has the value of the current item.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002521 For a |Dictionary| |v:key| has the key of the current item.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002522 Examples: >
2523 :call filter(mylist, 'v:val !~ "OLD"')
2524< Removes the items where "OLD" appears. >
2525 :call filter(mydict, 'v:key >= 8')
2526< Removes the items with a key below 8. >
2527 :call filter(var, 0)
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002528< Removes all the items, thus clears the |List| or |Dictionary|.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00002529
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002530 Note that {string} is the result of expression and is then
2531 used as an expression again. Often it is good to use a
2532 |literal-string| to avoid having to double backslashes.
2533
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002534 The operation is done in-place. If you want a |List| or
2535 |Dictionary| to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
Bram Moolenaarafeb4fa2006-02-01 21:51:12 +00002536 :let l = filter(copy(mylist), 'v:val =~ "KEEP"')
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002537
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002538< Returns {expr}, the |List| or |Dictionary| that was filtered.
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00002539 When an error is encountered while evaluating {string} no
2540 further items in {expr} are processed.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002541
2542
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00002543finddir({name}[, {path}[, {count}]]) *finddir()*
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00002544 Find directory {name} in {path}. Returns the path of the
2545 first found match. When the found directory is below the
2546 current directory a relative path is returned. Otherwise a
2547 full path is returned.
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00002548 If {path} is omitted or empty then 'path' is used.
2549 If the optional {count} is given, find {count}'s occurrence of
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00002550 {name} in {path} instead of the first one.
Bram Moolenaar899dddf2006-03-26 21:06:50 +00002551 When {count} is negative return all the matches in a |List|.
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00002552 This is quite similar to the ex-command |:find|.
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00002553 {only available when compiled with the +file_in_path feature}
2554
2555findfile({name}[, {path}[, {count}]]) *findfile()*
2556 Just like |finddir()|, but find a file instead of a directory.
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00002557 Uses 'suffixesadd'.
2558 Example: >
2559 :echo findfile("tags.vim", ".;")
2560< Searches from the current directory upwards until it finds
2561 the file "tags.vim".
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00002562
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002563filewritable({file}) *filewritable()*
2564 The result is a Number, which is 1 when a file with the
2565 name {file} exists, and can be written. If {file} doesn't
2566 exist, or is not writable, the result is 0. If (file) is a
2567 directory, and we can write to it, the result is 2.
2568
2569fnamemodify({fname}, {mods}) *fnamemodify()*
2570 Modify file name {fname} according to {mods}. {mods} is a
2571 string of characters like it is used for file names on the
2572 command line. See |filename-modifiers|.
2573 Example: >
2574 :echo fnamemodify("main.c", ":p:h")
2575< results in: >
2576 /home/mool/vim/vim/src
2577< Note: Environment variables and "~" don't work in {fname}, use
2578 |expand()| first then.
2579
2580foldclosed({lnum}) *foldclosed()*
2581 The result is a Number. If the line {lnum} is in a closed
2582 fold, the result is the number of the first line in that fold.
2583 If the line {lnum} is not in a closed fold, -1 is returned.
2584
2585foldclosedend({lnum}) *foldclosedend()*
2586 The result is a Number. If the line {lnum} is in a closed
2587 fold, the result is the number of the last line in that fold.
2588 If the line {lnum} is not in a closed fold, -1 is returned.
2589
2590foldlevel({lnum}) *foldlevel()*
2591 The result is a Number, which is the foldlevel of line {lnum}
2592 in the current buffer. For nested folds the deepest level is
2593 returned. If there is no fold at line {lnum}, zero is
2594 returned. It doesn't matter if the folds are open or closed.
2595 When used while updating folds (from 'foldexpr') -1 is
2596 returned for lines where folds are still to be updated and the
2597 foldlevel is unknown. As a special case the level of the
2598 previous line is usually available.
2599
2600 *foldtext()*
2601foldtext() Returns a String, to be displayed for a closed fold. This is
2602 the default function used for the 'foldtext' option and should
2603 only be called from evaluating 'foldtext'. It uses the
2604 |v:foldstart|, |v:foldend| and |v:folddashes| variables.
2605 The returned string looks like this: >
2606 +-- 45 lines: abcdef
2607< The number of dashes depends on the foldlevel. The "45" is
2608 the number of lines in the fold. "abcdef" is the text in the
2609 first non-blank line of the fold. Leading white space, "//"
2610 or "/*" and the text from the 'foldmarker' and 'commentstring'
2611 options is removed.
2612 {not available when compiled without the |+folding| feature}
2613
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00002614foldtextresult({lnum}) *foldtextresult()*
2615 Returns the text that is displayed for the closed fold at line
2616 {lnum}. Evaluates 'foldtext' in the appropriate context.
2617 When there is no closed fold at {lnum} an empty string is
2618 returned.
2619 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current
2620 line, "'m" mark m, etc.
2621 Useful when exporting folded text, e.g., to HTML.
2622 {not available when compiled without the |+folding| feature}
2623
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002624 *foreground()*
2625foreground() Move the Vim window to the foreground. Useful when sent from
2626 a client to a Vim server. |remote_send()|
2627 On Win32 systems this might not work, the OS does not always
2628 allow a window to bring itself to the foreground. Use
2629 |remote_foreground()| instead.
2630 {only in the Win32, Athena, Motif and GTK GUI versions and the
2631 Win32 console version}
2632
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002633
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00002634function({name}) *function()* *E700*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002635 Return a |Funcref| variable that refers to function {name}.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002636 {name} can be a user defined function or an internal function.
2637
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002638
Bram Moolenaar39a58ca2005-06-27 22:42:44 +00002639garbagecollect() *garbagecollect()*
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00002640 Cleanup unused |Lists| and |Dictionaries| that have circular
Bram Moolenaar39a58ca2005-06-27 22:42:44 +00002641 references. There is hardly ever a need to invoke this
2642 function, as it is automatically done when Vim runs out of
2643 memory or is waiting for the user to press a key after
2644 'updatetime'. Items without circular references are always
2645 freed when they become unused.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002646 This is useful if you have deleted a very big |List| and/or
2647 |Dictionary| with circular references in a script that runs
2648 for a long time.
Bram Moolenaar39a58ca2005-06-27 22:42:44 +00002649
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00002650get({list}, {idx} [, {default}]) *get()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002651 Get item {idx} from |List| {list}. When this item is not
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002652 available return {default}. Return zero when {default} is
2653 omitted.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002654get({dict}, {key} [, {default}])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002655 Get item with key {key} from |Dictionary| {dict}. When this
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002656 item is not available return {default}. Return zero when
2657 {default} is omitted.
2658
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002659 *getbufline()*
2660getbufline({expr}, {lnum} [, {end}])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002661 Return a |List| with the lines starting from {lnum} to {end}
2662 (inclusive) in the buffer {expr}. If {end} is omitted, a
2663 |List| with only the line {lnum} is returned.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002664
2665 For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above.
2666
Bram Moolenaar661b1822005-07-28 22:36:45 +00002667 For {lnum} and {end} "$" can be used for the last line of the
2668 buffer. Otherwise a number must be used.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002669
2670 When {lnum} is smaller than 1 or bigger than the number of
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002671 lines in the buffer, an empty |List| is returned.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002672
2673 When {end} is greater than the number of lines in the buffer,
2674 it is treated as {end} is set to the number of lines in the
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002675 buffer. When {end} is before {lnum} an empty |List| is
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002676 returned.
2677
Bram Moolenaar661b1822005-07-28 22:36:45 +00002678 This function works only for loaded buffers. For unloaded and
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002679 non-existing buffers, an empty |List| is returned.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002680
2681 Example: >
2682 :let lines = getbufline(bufnr("myfile"), 1, "$")
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002683
2684getbufvar({expr}, {varname}) *getbufvar()*
2685 The result is the value of option or local buffer variable
2686 {varname} in buffer {expr}. Note that the name without "b:"
2687 must be used.
Bram Moolenaar4317d9b2005-03-18 20:25:31 +00002688 This also works for a global or buffer-local option, but it
2689 doesn't work for a global variable, window-local variable or
2690 window-local option.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002691 For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above.
2692 When the buffer or variable doesn't exist an empty string is
2693 returned, there is no error message.
2694 Examples: >
2695 :let bufmodified = getbufvar(1, "&mod")
2696 :echo "todo myvar = " . getbufvar("todo", "myvar")
2697<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002698getchar([expr]) *getchar()*
Bram Moolenaar91170f82006-05-05 21:15:17 +00002699 Get a single character from the user or input stream.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002700 If [expr] is omitted, wait until a character is available.
2701 If [expr] is 0, only get a character when one is available.
Bram Moolenaar91170f82006-05-05 21:15:17 +00002702 Return zero otherwise.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002703 If [expr] is 1, only check if a character is available, it is
Bram Moolenaar91170f82006-05-05 21:15:17 +00002704 not consumed. Return zero if no character available.
2705
2706 Without {expr} and when {expr} is 0 a whole character or
2707 special key is returned. If it is an 8-bit character, the
2708 result is a number. Use nr2char() to convert it to a String.
2709 Otherwise a String is returned with the encoded character.
2710 For a special key it's a sequence of bytes starting with 0x80
Bram Moolenaar56a907a2006-05-06 21:44:30 +00002711 (decimal: 128). This is the same value as the string
2712 "\<Key>", e.g., "\<Left>". The returned value is also a
2713 String when a modifier (shift, control, alt) was used that is
2714 not included in the character.
Bram Moolenaar91170f82006-05-05 21:15:17 +00002715
2716 When {expr} is 1 only the first byte is returned. For a
Bram Moolenaar56a907a2006-05-06 21:44:30 +00002717 one-byte character it is the character itself as a number.
2718 Use nr2char() to convert it to a String.
Bram Moolenaar91170f82006-05-05 21:15:17 +00002719
Bram Moolenaar219b8702006-11-01 14:32:36 +00002720 When the user clicks a mouse button, the mouse event will be
2721 returned. The position can then be found in |v:mouse_col|,
2722 |v:mouse_lnum| and |v:mouse_win|. This example positions the
2723 mouse as it would normally happen: >
2724 let c = getchar()
2725 if c == "\<LeftMouse>" && v:mouse_win > 0
2726 exe v:mouse_win . "wincmd w"
2727 exe v:mouse_lnum
2728 exe "normal " . v:mouse_col . "|"
2729 endif
2730<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002731 There is no prompt, you will somehow have to make clear to the
2732 user that a character has to be typed.
2733 There is no mapping for the character.
2734 Key codes are replaced, thus when the user presses the <Del>
2735 key you get the code for the <Del> key, not the raw character
2736 sequence. Examples: >
2737 getchar() == "\<Del>"
2738 getchar() == "\<S-Left>"
2739< This example redefines "f" to ignore case: >
2740 :nmap f :call FindChar()<CR>
2741 :function FindChar()
2742 : let c = nr2char(getchar())
2743 : while col('.') < col('$') - 1
2744 : normal l
2745 : if getline('.')[col('.') - 1] ==? c
2746 : break
2747 : endif
2748 : endwhile
2749 :endfunction
2750
2751getcharmod() *getcharmod()*
2752 The result is a Number which is the state of the modifiers for
2753 the last obtained character with getchar() or in another way.
2754 These values are added together:
2755 2 shift
2756 4 control
2757 8 alt (meta)
2758 16 mouse double click
2759 32 mouse triple click
2760 64 mouse quadruple click
2761 128 Macintosh only: command
2762 Only the modifiers that have not been included in the
2763 character itself are obtained. Thus Shift-a results in "A"
2764 with no modifier.
2765
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002766getcmdline() *getcmdline()*
2767 Return the current command-line. Only works when the command
2768 line is being edited, thus requires use of |c_CTRL-\_e| or
2769 |c_CTRL-R_=|.
2770 Example: >
2771 :cmap <F7> <C-\>eescape(getcmdline(), ' \')<CR>
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00002772< Also see |getcmdtype()|, |getcmdpos()| and |setcmdpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002773
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002774getcmdpos() *getcmdpos()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002775 Return the position of the cursor in the command line as a
2776 byte count. The first column is 1.
2777 Only works when editing the command line, thus requires use of
2778 |c_CTRL-\_e| or |c_CTRL-R_=|. Returns 0 otherwise.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00002779 Also see |getcmdtype()|, |setcmdpos()| and |getcmdline()|.
2780
2781getcmdtype() *getcmdtype()*
2782 Return the current command-line type. Possible return values
2783 are:
Bram Moolenaar1e015462005-09-25 22:16:38 +00002784 : normal Ex command
2785 > debug mode command |debug-mode|
2786 / forward search command
2787 ? backward search command
2788 @ |input()| command
2789 - |:insert| or |:append| command
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00002790 Only works when editing the command line, thus requires use of
2791 |c_CTRL-\_e| or |c_CTRL-R_=|. Returns an empty string
2792 otherwise.
2793 Also see |getcmdpos()|, |setcmdpos()| and |getcmdline()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002794
2795 *getcwd()*
2796getcwd() The result is a String, which is the name of the current
2797 working directory.
2798
2799getfsize({fname}) *getfsize()*
2800 The result is a Number, which is the size in bytes of the
2801 given file {fname}.
2802 If {fname} is a directory, 0 is returned.
2803 If the file {fname} can't be found, -1 is returned.
2804
Bram Moolenaard8b0cf12004-12-12 11:33:30 +00002805getfontname([{name}]) *getfontname()*
2806 Without an argument returns the name of the normal font being
2807 used. Like what is used for the Normal highlight group
2808 |hl-Normal|.
2809 With an argument a check is done whether {name} is a valid
2810 font name. If not then an empty string is returned.
2811 Otherwise the actual font name is returned, or {name} if the
2812 GUI does not support obtaining the real name.
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00002813 Only works when the GUI is running, thus not in your vimrc or
Bram Moolenaard8b0cf12004-12-12 11:33:30 +00002814 gvimrc file. Use the |GUIEnter| autocommand to use this
2815 function just after the GUI has started.
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00002816 Note that the GTK 2 GUI accepts any font name, thus checking
2817 for a valid name does not work.
Bram Moolenaard8b0cf12004-12-12 11:33:30 +00002818
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00002819getfperm({fname}) *getfperm()*
2820 The result is a String, which is the read, write, and execute
2821 permissions of the given file {fname}.
2822 If {fname} does not exist or its directory cannot be read, an
2823 empty string is returned.
2824 The result is of the form "rwxrwxrwx", where each group of
2825 "rwx" flags represent, in turn, the permissions of the owner
2826 of the file, the group the file belongs to, and other users.
2827 If a user does not have a given permission the flag for this
2828 is replaced with the string "-". Example: >
2829 :echo getfperm("/etc/passwd")
2830< This will hopefully (from a security point of view) display
2831 the string "rw-r--r--" or even "rw-------".
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00002832
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002833getftime({fname}) *getftime()*
2834 The result is a Number, which is the last modification time of
2835 the given file {fname}. The value is measured as seconds
2836 since 1st Jan 1970, and may be passed to strftime(). See also
2837 |localtime()| and |strftime()|.
2838 If the file {fname} can't be found -1 is returned.
2839
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00002840getftype({fname}) *getftype()*
2841 The result is a String, which is a description of the kind of
2842 file of the given file {fname}.
2843 If {fname} does not exist an empty string is returned.
2844 Here is a table over different kinds of files and their
2845 results:
2846 Normal file "file"
2847 Directory "dir"
2848 Symbolic link "link"
2849 Block device "bdev"
2850 Character device "cdev"
2851 Socket "socket"
2852 FIFO "fifo"
2853 All other "other"
2854 Example: >
2855 getftype("/home")
2856< Note that a type such as "link" will only be returned on
2857 systems that support it. On some systems only "dir" and
2858 "file" are returned.
2859
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002860 *getline()*
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002861getline({lnum} [, {end}])
2862 Without {end} the result is a String, which is line {lnum}
2863 from the current buffer. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002864 getline(1)
2865< When {lnum} is a String that doesn't start with a
2866 digit, line() is called to translate the String into a Number.
2867 To get the line under the cursor: >
2868 getline(".")
2869< When {lnum} is smaller than 1 or bigger than the number of
2870 lines in the buffer, an empty string is returned.
2871
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002872 When {end} is given the result is a |List| where each item is
2873 a line from the current buffer in the range {lnum} to {end},
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002874 including line {end}.
2875 {end} is used in the same way as {lnum}.
2876 Non-existing lines are silently omitted.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002877 When {end} is before {lnum} an empty |List| is returned.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002878 Example: >
2879 :let start = line('.')
2880 :let end = search("^$") - 1
2881 :let lines = getline(start, end)
2882
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00002883getloclist({nr}) *getloclist()*
2884 Returns a list with all the entries in the location list for
2885 window {nr}. When {nr} is zero the current window is used.
2886 For a location list window, the displayed location list is
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00002887 returned. For an invalid window number {nr}, an empty list is
2888 returned. Otherwise, same as getqflist().
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002889
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00002890getqflist() *getqflist()*
2891 Returns a list with all the current quickfix errors. Each
2892 list item is a dictionary with these entries:
2893 bufnr number of buffer that has the file name, use
2894 bufname() to get the name
2895 lnum line number in the buffer (first line is 1)
2896 col column number (first column is 1)
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00002897 vcol non-zero: "col" is visual column
2898 zero: "col" is byte index
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00002899 nr error number
2900 text description of the error
2901 type type of the error, 'E', '1', etc.
2902 valid non-zero: recognized error message
2903
Bram Moolenaare7eb9df2005-09-09 19:49:30 +00002904 When there is no error list or it's empty an empty list is
2905 returned.
2906
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00002907 Useful application: Find pattern matches in multiple files and
2908 do something with them: >
2909 :vimgrep /theword/jg *.c
2910 :for d in getqflist()
2911 : echo bufname(d.bufnr) ':' d.lnum '=' d.text
2912 :endfor
2913
2914
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00002915getreg([{regname} [, 1]]) *getreg()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002916 The result is a String, which is the contents of register
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00002917 {regname}. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002918 :let cliptext = getreg('*')
2919< getreg('=') returns the last evaluated value of the expression
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00002920 register. (For use in maps.)
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00002921 getreg('=', 1) returns the expression itself, so that it can
2922 be restored with |setreg()|. For other registers the extra
2923 argument is ignored, thus you can always give it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002924 If {regname} is not specified, |v:register| is used.
2925
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002926
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002927getregtype([{regname}]) *getregtype()*
2928 The result is a String, which is type of register {regname}.
2929 The value will be one of:
2930 "v" for |characterwise| text
2931 "V" for |linewise| text
2932 "<CTRL-V>{width}" for |blockwise-visual| text
2933 0 for an empty or unknown register
2934 <CTRL-V> is one character with value 0x16.
2935 If {regname} is not specified, |v:register| is used.
2936
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00002937gettabwinvar({tabnr}, {winnr}, {varname}) *gettabwinvar()*
2938 Get the value of an option or local window variable {varname}
2939 in window {winnr} in tab page {tabnr}.
2940 Tabs are numbered starting with one. For the current tabpage
2941 use |getwinvar()|.
2942 When {winnr} is zero the current window is used.
2943 This also works for a global option, buffer-local option and
2944 window-local option, but it doesn't work for a global variable
2945 or buffer-local variable.
2946 Note that the name without "w:" must be used.
2947 Examples: >
2948 :let list_is_on = gettabwinvar(1, 2, '&list')
2949 :echo "myvar = " . gettabwinvar(3, 1, 'myvar')
2950
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002951 *getwinposx()*
2952getwinposx() The result is a Number, which is the X coordinate in pixels of
2953 the left hand side of the GUI Vim window. The result will be
2954 -1 if the information is not available.
2955
2956 *getwinposy()*
2957getwinposy() The result is a Number, which is the Y coordinate in pixels of
2958 the top of the GUI Vim window. The result will be -1 if the
2959 information is not available.
2960
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00002961getwinvar({winnr}, {varname}) *getwinvar()*
2962 Like |gettabwinvar()| for the current tabpage.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002963 Examples: >
2964 :let list_is_on = getwinvar(2, '&list')
2965 :echo "myvar = " . getwinvar(1, 'myvar')
2966<
2967 *glob()*
2968glob({expr}) Expand the file wildcards in {expr}. The result is a String.
2969 When there are several matches, they are separated by <NL>
2970 characters.
2971 If the expansion fails, the result is an empty string.
2972 A name for a non-existing file is not included.
2973
2974 For most systems backticks can be used to get files names from
2975 any external command. Example: >
2976 :let tagfiles = glob("`find . -name tags -print`")
2977 :let &tags = substitute(tagfiles, "\n", ",", "g")
2978< The result of the program inside the backticks should be one
2979 item per line. Spaces inside an item are allowed.
2980
2981 See |expand()| for expanding special Vim variables. See
2982 |system()| for getting the raw output of an external command.
2983
2984globpath({path}, {expr}) *globpath()*
2985 Perform glob() on all directories in {path} and concatenate
2986 the results. Example: >
2987 :echo globpath(&rtp, "syntax/c.vim")
2988< {path} is a comma-separated list of directory names. Each
2989 directory name is prepended to {expr} and expanded like with
2990 glob(). A path separator is inserted when needed.
2991 To add a comma inside a directory name escape it with a
2992 backslash. Note that on MS-Windows a directory may have a
2993 trailing backslash, remove it if you put a comma after it.
2994 If the expansion fails for one of the directories, there is no
2995 error message.
2996 The 'wildignore' option applies: Names matching one of the
2997 patterns in 'wildignore' will be skipped.
2998
Bram Moolenaar02743632005-07-25 20:42:36 +00002999 The "**" item can be used to search in a directory tree.
3000 For example, to find all "README.txt" files in the directories
3001 in 'runtimepath' and below: >
3002 :echo globpath(&rtp, "**/README.txt")
3003<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003004 *has()*
3005has({feature}) The result is a Number, which is 1 if the feature {feature} is
3006 supported, zero otherwise. The {feature} argument is a
3007 string. See |feature-list| below.
3008 Also see |exists()|.
3009
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003010
3011has_key({dict}, {key}) *has_key()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003012 The result is a Number, which is 1 if |Dictionary| {dict} has
3013 an entry with key {key}. Zero otherwise.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003014
3015
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00003016hasmapto({what} [, {mode} [, {abbr}]]) *hasmapto()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003017 The result is a Number, which is 1 if there is a mapping that
3018 contains {what} in somewhere in the rhs (what it is mapped to)
3019 and this mapping exists in one of the modes indicated by
3020 {mode}.
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00003021 When {abbr} is there and it is non-zero use abbreviations
Bram Moolenaar39f05632006-03-19 22:15:26 +00003022 instead of mappings. Don't forget to specify Insert and/or
3023 Command-line mode.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003024 Both the global mappings and the mappings local to the current
3025 buffer are checked for a match.
3026 If no matching mapping is found 0 is returned.
3027 The following characters are recognized in {mode}:
3028 n Normal mode
3029 v Visual mode
3030 o Operator-pending mode
3031 i Insert mode
3032 l Language-Argument ("r", "f", "t", etc.)
3033 c Command-line mode
3034 When {mode} is omitted, "nvo" is used.
3035
3036 This function is useful to check if a mapping already exists
3037 to a function in a Vim script. Example: >
3038 :if !hasmapto('\ABCdoit')
3039 : map <Leader>d \ABCdoit
3040 :endif
3041< This installs the mapping to "\ABCdoit" only if there isn't
3042 already a mapping to "\ABCdoit".
3043
3044histadd({history}, {item}) *histadd()*
3045 Add the String {item} to the history {history} which can be
3046 one of: *hist-names*
3047 "cmd" or ":" command line history
3048 "search" or "/" search pattern history
3049 "expr" or "=" typed expression history
3050 "input" or "@" input line history
3051 If {item} does already exist in the history, it will be
3052 shifted to become the newest entry.
3053 The result is a Number: 1 if the operation was successful,
3054 otherwise 0 is returned.
3055
3056 Example: >
3057 :call histadd("input", strftime("%Y %b %d"))
3058 :let date=input("Enter date: ")
3059< This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3060
3061histdel({history} [, {item}]) *histdel()*
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003062 Clear {history}, i.e. delete all its entries. See |hist-names|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003063 for the possible values of {history}.
3064
3065 If the parameter {item} is given as String, this is seen
3066 as regular expression. All entries matching that expression
3067 will be removed from the history (if there are any).
3068 Upper/lowercase must match, unless "\c" is used |/\c|.
3069 If {item} is a Number, it will be interpreted as index, see
3070 |:history-indexing|. The respective entry will be removed
3071 if it exists.
3072
3073 The result is a Number: 1 for a successful operation,
3074 otherwise 0 is returned.
3075
3076 Examples:
3077 Clear expression register history: >
3078 :call histdel("expr")
3079<
3080 Remove all entries starting with "*" from the search history: >
3081 :call histdel("/", '^\*')
3082<
3083 The following three are equivalent: >
3084 :call histdel("search", histnr("search"))
3085 :call histdel("search", -1)
3086 :call histdel("search", '^'.histget("search", -1).'$')
3087<
3088 To delete the last search pattern and use the last-but-one for
3089 the "n" command and 'hlsearch': >
3090 :call histdel("search", -1)
3091 :let @/ = histget("search", -1)
3092
3093histget({history} [, {index}]) *histget()*
3094 The result is a String, the entry with Number {index} from
3095 {history}. See |hist-names| for the possible values of
3096 {history}, and |:history-indexing| for {index}. If there is
3097 no such entry, an empty String is returned. When {index} is
3098 omitted, the most recent item from the history is used.
3099
3100 Examples:
3101 Redo the second last search from history. >
3102 :execute '/' . histget("search", -2)
3103
3104< Define an Ex command ":H {num}" that supports re-execution of
3105 the {num}th entry from the output of |:history|. >
3106 :command -nargs=1 H execute histget("cmd", 0+<args>)
3107<
3108histnr({history}) *histnr()*
3109 The result is the Number of the current entry in {history}.
3110 See |hist-names| for the possible values of {history}.
3111 If an error occurred, -1 is returned.
3112
3113 Example: >
3114 :let inp_index = histnr("expr")
3115<
3116hlexists({name}) *hlexists()*
3117 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a highlight group
3118 called {name} exists. This is when the group has been
3119 defined in some way. Not necessarily when highlighting has
3120 been defined for it, it may also have been used for a syntax
3121 item.
3122 *highlight_exists()*
3123 Obsolete name: highlight_exists().
3124
3125 *hlID()*
3126hlID({name}) The result is a Number, which is the ID of the highlight group
3127 with name {name}. When the highlight group doesn't exist,
3128 zero is returned.
3129 This can be used to retrieve information about the highlight
3130 group. For example, to get the background color of the
3131 "Comment" group: >
3132 :echo synIDattr(synIDtrans(hlID("Comment")), "bg")
3133< *highlightID()*
3134 Obsolete name: highlightID().
3135
3136hostname() *hostname()*
3137 The result is a String, which is the name of the machine on
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003138 which Vim is currently running. Machine names greater than
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003139 256 characters long are truncated.
3140
3141iconv({expr}, {from}, {to}) *iconv()*
3142 The result is a String, which is the text {expr} converted
3143 from encoding {from} to encoding {to}.
3144 When the conversion fails an empty string is returned.
3145 The encoding names are whatever the iconv() library function
3146 can accept, see ":!man 3 iconv".
3147 Most conversions require Vim to be compiled with the |+iconv|
3148 feature. Otherwise only UTF-8 to latin1 conversion and back
3149 can be done.
3150 This can be used to display messages with special characters,
3151 no matter what 'encoding' is set to. Write the message in
3152 UTF-8 and use: >
3153 echo iconv(utf8_str, "utf-8", &enc)
3154< Note that Vim uses UTF-8 for all Unicode encodings, conversion
3155 from/to UCS-2 is automatically changed to use UTF-8. You
3156 cannot use UCS-2 in a string anyway, because of the NUL bytes.
3157 {only available when compiled with the +multi_byte feature}
3158
3159 *indent()*
3160indent({lnum}) The result is a Number, which is indent of line {lnum} in the
3161 current buffer. The indent is counted in spaces, the value
3162 of 'tabstop' is relevant. {lnum} is used just like in
3163 |getline()|.
3164 When {lnum} is invalid -1 is returned.
3165
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003166
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003167index({list}, {expr} [, {start} [, {ic}]]) *index()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003168 Return the lowest index in |List| {list} where the item has a
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003169 value equal to {expr}.
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00003170 If {start} is given then start looking at the item with index
3171 {start} (may be negative for an item relative to the end).
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003172 When {ic} is given and it is non-zero, ignore case. Otherwise
3173 case must match.
3174 -1 is returned when {expr} is not found in {list}.
3175 Example: >
3176 :let idx = index(words, "the")
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00003177 :if index(numbers, 123) >= 0
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003178
3179
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003180input({prompt} [, {text} [, {completion}]]) *input()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003181 The result is a String, which is whatever the user typed on
3182 the command-line. The parameter is either a prompt string, or
3183 a blank string (for no prompt). A '\n' can be used in the
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003184 prompt to start a new line.
3185 The highlighting set with |:echohl| is used for the prompt.
3186 The input is entered just like a command-line, with the same
3187 editing commands and mappings. There is a separate history
3188 for lines typed for input().
3189 Example: >
3190 :if input("Coffee or beer? ") == "beer"
3191 : echo "Cheers!"
3192 :endif
3193<
Bram Moolenaar1e015462005-09-25 22:16:38 +00003194 If the optional {text} is present and not empty, this is used
3195 for the default reply, as if the user typed this. Example: >
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003196 :let color = input("Color? ", "white")
3197
3198< The optional {completion} argument specifies the type of
3199 completion supported for the input. Without it completion is
3200 not performed. The supported completion types are the same as
3201 that can be supplied to a user-defined command using the
3202 "-complete=" argument. Refer to |:command-completion| for
3203 more information. Example: >
3204 let fname = input("File: ", "", "file")
3205<
3206 NOTE: This function must not be used in a startup file, for
3207 the versions that only run in GUI mode (e.g., the Win32 GUI).
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003208 Note: When input() is called from within a mapping it will
3209 consume remaining characters from that mapping, because a
3210 mapping is handled like the characters were typed.
3211 Use |inputsave()| before input() and |inputrestore()|
3212 after input() to avoid that. Another solution is to avoid
3213 that further characters follow in the mapping, e.g., by using
3214 |:execute| or |:normal|.
3215
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003216 Example with a mapping: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003217 :nmap \x :call GetFoo()<CR>:exe "/" . Foo<CR>
3218 :function GetFoo()
3219 : call inputsave()
3220 : let g:Foo = input("enter search pattern: ")
3221 : call inputrestore()
3222 :endfunction
3223
3224inputdialog({prompt} [, {text} [, {cancelreturn}]]) *inputdialog()*
3225 Like input(), but when the GUI is running and text dialogs are
3226 supported, a dialog window pops up to input the text.
3227 Example: >
3228 :let n = inputdialog("value for shiftwidth", &sw)
3229 :if n != ""
3230 : let &sw = n
3231 :endif
3232< When the dialog is cancelled {cancelreturn} is returned. When
3233 omitted an empty string is returned.
3234 Hitting <Enter> works like pressing the OK button. Hitting
3235 <Esc> works like pressing the Cancel button.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003236 NOTE: Command-line completion is not supported.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003237
Bram Moolenaar578b49e2005-09-10 19:22:57 +00003238inputlist({textlist}) *inputlist()*
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00003239 {textlist} must be a |List| of strings. This |List| is
3240 displayed, one string per line. The user will be prompted to
3241 enter a number, which is returned.
Bram Moolenaar578b49e2005-09-10 19:22:57 +00003242 The user can also select an item by clicking on it with the
3243 mouse. For the first string 0 is returned. When clicking
3244 above the first item a negative number is returned. When
3245 clicking on the prompt one more than the length of {textlist}
3246 is returned.
3247 Make sure {textlist} has less then 'lines' entries, otherwise
3248 it won't work. It's a good idea to put the entry number at
3249 the start of the string. Example: >
3250 let color = inputlist(['Select color:', '1. red',
3251 \ '2. green', '3. blue'])
3252
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003253inputrestore() *inputrestore()*
3254 Restore typeahead that was saved with a previous inputsave().
3255 Should be called the same number of times inputsave() is
3256 called. Calling it more often is harmless though.
3257 Returns 1 when there is nothing to restore, 0 otherwise.
3258
3259inputsave() *inputsave()*
3260 Preserve typeahead (also from mappings) and clear it, so that
3261 a following prompt gets input from the user. Should be
3262 followed by a matching inputrestore() after the prompt. Can
3263 be used several times, in which case there must be just as
3264 many inputrestore() calls.
3265 Returns 1 when out of memory, 0 otherwise.
3266
3267inputsecret({prompt} [, {text}]) *inputsecret()*
3268 This function acts much like the |input()| function with but
3269 two exceptions:
3270 a) the user's response will be displayed as a sequence of
3271 asterisks ("*") thereby keeping the entry secret, and
3272 b) the user's response will not be recorded on the input
3273 |history| stack.
3274 The result is a String, which is whatever the user actually
3275 typed on the command-line in response to the issued prompt.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003276 NOTE: Command-line completion is not supported.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003277
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003278insert({list}, {item} [, {idx}]) *insert()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003279 Insert {item} at the start of |List| {list}.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003280 If {idx} is specified insert {item} before the item with index
3281 {idx}. If {idx} is zero it goes before the first item, just
3282 like omitting {idx}. A negative {idx} is also possible, see
3283 |list-index|. -1 inserts just before the last item.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003284 Returns the resulting |List|. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003285 :let mylist = insert([2, 3, 5], 1)
3286 :call insert(mylist, 4, -1)
3287 :call insert(mylist, 6, len(mylist))
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003288< The last example can be done simpler with |add()|.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003289 Note that when {item} is a |List| it is inserted as a single
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00003290 item. Use |extend()| to concatenate |Lists|.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003291
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003292isdirectory({directory}) *isdirectory()*
3293 The result is a Number, which is non-zero when a directory
3294 with the name {directory} exists. If {directory} doesn't
3295 exist, or isn't a directory, the result is FALSE. {directory}
3296 is any expression, which is used as a String.
3297
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00003298islocked({expr}) *islocked()* *E786*
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00003299 The result is a Number, which is non-zero when {expr} is the
3300 name of a locked variable.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003301 {expr} must be the name of a variable, |List| item or
3302 |Dictionary| entry, not the variable itself! Example: >
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00003303 :let alist = [0, ['a', 'b'], 2, 3]
3304 :lockvar 1 alist
3305 :echo islocked('alist') " 1
3306 :echo islocked('alist[1]') " 0
3307
3308< When {expr} is a variable that does not exist you get an error
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00003309 message. Use |exists()| to check for existence.
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00003310
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00003311items({dict}) *items()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003312 Return a |List| with all the key-value pairs of {dict}. Each
3313 |List| item is a list with two items: the key of a {dict}
3314 entry and the value of this entry. The |List| is in arbitrary
3315 order.
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00003316
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003317
3318join({list} [, {sep}]) *join()*
3319 Join the items in {list} together into one String.
3320 When {sep} is specified it is put in between the items. If
3321 {sep} is omitted a single space is used.
3322 Note that {sep} is not added at the end. You might want to
3323 add it there too: >
3324 let lines = join(mylist, "\n") . "\n"
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00003325< String items are used as-is. |Lists| and |Dictionaries| are
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003326 converted into a string like with |string()|.
3327 The opposite function is |split()|.
3328
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003329keys({dict}) *keys()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003330 Return a |List| with all the keys of {dict}. The |List| is in
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003331 arbitrary order.
3332
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00003333 *len()* *E701*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003334len({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the length of the argument.
3335 When {expr} is a String or a Number the length in bytes is
3336 used, as with |strlen()|.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003337 When {expr} is a |List| the number of items in the |List| is
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003338 returned.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003339 When {expr} is a |Dictionary| the number of entries in the
3340 |Dictionary| is returned.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003341 Otherwise an error is given.
3342
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003343 *libcall()* *E364* *E368*
3344libcall({libname}, {funcname}, {argument})
3345 Call function {funcname} in the run-time library {libname}
3346 with single argument {argument}.
3347 This is useful to call functions in a library that you
3348 especially made to be used with Vim. Since only one argument
3349 is possible, calling standard library functions is rather
3350 limited.
3351 The result is the String returned by the function. If the
3352 function returns NULL, this will appear as an empty string ""
3353 to Vim.
3354 If the function returns a number, use libcallnr()!
3355 If {argument} is a number, it is passed to the function as an
3356 int; if {argument} is a string, it is passed as a
3357 null-terminated string.
3358 This function will fail in |restricted-mode|.
3359
3360 libcall() allows you to write your own 'plug-in' extensions to
3361 Vim without having to recompile the program. It is NOT a
3362 means to call system functions! If you try to do so Vim will
3363 very probably crash.
3364
3365 For Win32, the functions you write must be placed in a DLL
3366 and use the normal C calling convention (NOT Pascal which is
3367 used in Windows System DLLs). The function must take exactly
3368 one parameter, either a character pointer or a long integer,
3369 and must return a character pointer or NULL. The character
3370 pointer returned must point to memory that will remain valid
3371 after the function has returned (e.g. in static data in the
3372 DLL). If it points to allocated memory, that memory will
3373 leak away. Using a static buffer in the function should work,
3374 it's then freed when the DLL is unloaded.
3375
3376 WARNING: If the function returns a non-valid pointer, Vim may
3377 crash! This also happens if the function returns a number,
3378 because Vim thinks it's a pointer.
3379 For Win32 systems, {libname} should be the filename of the DLL
3380 without the ".DLL" suffix. A full path is only required if
3381 the DLL is not in the usual places.
3382 For Unix: When compiling your own plugins, remember that the
3383 object code must be compiled as position-independent ('PIC').
3384 {only in Win32 on some Unix versions, when the |+libcall|
3385 feature is present}
3386 Examples: >
3387 :echo libcall("libc.so", "getenv", "HOME")
3388 :echo libcallnr("/usr/lib/libc.so", "getpid", "")
3389<
3390 *libcallnr()*
3391libcallnr({libname}, {funcname}, {argument})
3392 Just like libcall(), but used for a function that returns an
3393 int instead of a string.
3394 {only in Win32 on some Unix versions, when the |+libcall|
3395 feature is present}
3396 Example (not very useful...): >
3397 :call libcallnr("libc.so", "printf", "Hello World!\n")
3398 :call libcallnr("libc.so", "sleep", 10)
3399<
3400 *line()*
3401line({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the line number of the file
3402 position given with {expr}. The accepted positions are:
3403 . the cursor position
3404 $ the last line in the current buffer
3405 'x position of mark x (if the mark is not set, 0 is
3406 returned)
Bram Moolenaarc7453f52006-02-10 23:20:28 +00003407 w0 first line visible in current window
3408 w$ last line visible in current window
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00003409 Note that a mark in another file can be used.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00003410 To get the column number use |col()|. To get both use
3411 |getpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003412 Examples: >
3413 line(".") line number of the cursor
3414 line("'t") line number of mark t
3415 line("'" . marker) line number of mark marker
3416< *last-position-jump*
3417 This autocommand jumps to the last known position in a file
3418 just after opening it, if the '" mark is set: >
3419 :au BufReadPost * if line("'\"") > 0 && line("'\"") <= line("$") | exe "normal g'\"" | endif
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00003420
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003421line2byte({lnum}) *line2byte()*
3422 Return the byte count from the start of the buffer for line
3423 {lnum}. This includes the end-of-line character, depending on
3424 the 'fileformat' option for the current buffer. The first
3425 line returns 1.
3426 This can also be used to get the byte count for the line just
3427 below the last line: >
3428 line2byte(line("$") + 1)
3429< This is the file size plus one.
3430 When {lnum} is invalid, or the |+byte_offset| feature has been
3431 disabled at compile time, -1 is returned.
3432 Also see |byte2line()|, |go| and |:goto|.
3433
3434lispindent({lnum}) *lispindent()*
3435 Get the amount of indent for line {lnum} according the lisp
3436 indenting rules, as with 'lisp'.
3437 The indent is counted in spaces, the value of 'tabstop' is
3438 relevant. {lnum} is used just like in |getline()|.
3439 When {lnum} is invalid or Vim was not compiled the
3440 |+lispindent| feature, -1 is returned.
3441
3442localtime() *localtime()*
3443 Return the current time, measured as seconds since 1st Jan
3444 1970. See also |strftime()| and |getftime()|.
3445
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003446
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003447map({expr}, {string}) *map()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003448 {expr} must be a |List| or a |Dictionary|.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003449 Replace each item in {expr} with the result of evaluating
3450 {string}.
3451 Inside {string} |v:val| has the value of the current item.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003452 For a |Dictionary| |v:key| has the key of the current item.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003453 Example: >
3454 :call map(mylist, '"> " . v:val . " <"')
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003455< This puts "> " before and " <" after each item in "mylist".
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003456
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003457 Note that {string} is the result of an expression and is then
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003458 used as an expression again. Often it is good to use a
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003459 |literal-string| to avoid having to double backslashes. You
3460 still have to double ' quotes
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003461
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003462 The operation is done in-place. If you want a |List| or
3463 |Dictionary| to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003464 :let tlist = map(copy(mylist), ' & . "\t"')
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003465
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003466< Returns {expr}, the |List| or |Dictionary| that was filtered.
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00003467 When an error is encountered while evaluating {string} no
3468 further items in {expr} are processed.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003469
3470
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00003471maparg({name}[, {mode} [, {abbr}]]) *maparg()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003472 Return the rhs of mapping {name} in mode {mode}. When there
3473 is no mapping for {name}, an empty String is returned.
Bram Moolenaard12f5c12006-01-25 22:10:52 +00003474 {mode} can be one of these strings:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003475 "n" Normal
3476 "v" Visual
3477 "o" Operator-pending
3478 "i" Insert
3479 "c" Cmd-line
3480 "l" langmap |language-mapping|
3481 "" Normal, Visual and Operator-pending
Bram Moolenaard12f5c12006-01-25 22:10:52 +00003482 When {mode} is omitted, the modes for "" are used.
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00003483 When {abbr} is there and it is non-zero use abbreviations
3484 instead of mappings.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003485 The {name} can have special key names, like in the ":map"
3486 command. The returned String has special characters
3487 translated like in the output of the ":map" command listing.
3488 The mappings local to the current buffer are checked first,
3489 then the global mappings.
Bram Moolenaara40ceaf2006-01-13 22:35:40 +00003490 This function can be used to map a key even when it's already
3491 mapped, and have it do the original mapping too. Sketch: >
3492 exe 'nnoremap <Tab> ==' . maparg('<Tab>', 'n')
3493
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003494
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00003495mapcheck({name}[, {mode} [, {abbr}]]) *mapcheck()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003496 Check if there is a mapping that matches with {name} in mode
3497 {mode}. See |maparg()| for {mode} and special names in
3498 {name}.
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00003499 When {abbr} is there and it is non-zero use abbreviations
3500 instead of mappings.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003501 A match happens with a mapping that starts with {name} and
3502 with a mapping which is equal to the start of {name}.
3503
3504 matches mapping "a" "ab" "abc" ~
3505 mapcheck("a") yes yes yes
3506 mapcheck("abc") yes yes yes
3507 mapcheck("ax") yes no no
3508 mapcheck("b") no no no
3509
3510 The difference with maparg() is that mapcheck() finds a
3511 mapping that matches with {name}, while maparg() only finds a
3512 mapping for {name} exactly.
3513 When there is no mapping that starts with {name}, an empty
3514 String is returned. If there is one, the rhs of that mapping
3515 is returned. If there are several mappings that start with
3516 {name}, the rhs of one of them is returned.
3517 The mappings local to the current buffer are checked first,
3518 then the global mappings.
3519 This function can be used to check if a mapping can be added
3520 without being ambiguous. Example: >
3521 :if mapcheck("_vv") == ""
3522 : map _vv :set guifont=7x13<CR>
3523 :endif
3524< This avoids adding the "_vv" mapping when there already is a
3525 mapping for "_v" or for "_vvv".
3526
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003527match({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *match()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003528 When {expr} is a |List| then this returns the index of the
3529 first item where {pat} matches. Each item is used as a
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00003530 String, |Lists| and |Dictionaries| are used as echoed.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003531 Otherwise, {expr} is used as a String. The result is a
3532 Number, which gives the index (byte offset) in {expr} where
3533 {pat} matches.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003534 A match at the first character or |List| item returns zero.
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003535 If there is no match -1 is returned.
3536 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003537 :echo match("testing", "ing") " results in 4
Bram Moolenaar362e1a32006-03-06 23:29:24 +00003538 :echo match([1, 'x'], '\a') " results in 1
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003539< See |string-match| for how {pat} is used.
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00003540 *strpbrk()*
3541 Vim doesn't have a strpbrk() function. But you can do: >
3542 :let sepidx = match(line, '[.,;: \t]')
3543< *strcasestr()*
3544 Vim doesn't have a strcasestr() function. But you can add
3545 "\c" to the pattern to ignore case: >
3546 :let idx = match(haystack, '\cneedle')
3547<
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003548 If {start} is given, the search starts from byte index
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003549 {start} in a String or item {start} in a |List|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003550 The result, however, is still the index counted from the
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003551 first character/item. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003552 :echo match("testing", "ing", 2)
3553< result is again "4". >
3554 :echo match("testing", "ing", 4)
3555< result is again "4". >
3556 :echo match("testing", "t", 2)
3557< result is "3".
Bram Moolenaar5e3cb7e2006-02-27 23:58:35 +00003558 For a String, if {start} > 0 then it is like the string starts
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00003559 {start} bytes later, thus "^" will match at {start}. Except
3560 when {count} is given, then it's like matches before the
3561 {start} byte are ignored (this is a bit complicated to keep it
3562 backwards compatible).
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003563 For a String, if {start} < 0, it will be set to 0. For a list
3564 the index is counted from the end.
Bram Moolenaare224ffa2006-03-01 00:01:28 +00003565 If {start} is out of range ({start} > strlen({expr}) for a
3566 String or {start} > len({expr}) for a |List|) -1 is returned.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003567
Bram Moolenaar5e3cb7e2006-02-27 23:58:35 +00003568 When {count} is given use the {count}'th match. When a match
Bram Moolenaare224ffa2006-03-01 00:01:28 +00003569 is found in a String the search for the next one starts one
Bram Moolenaar5e3cb7e2006-02-27 23:58:35 +00003570 character further. Thus this example results in 1: >
3571 echo match("testing", "..", 0, 2)
3572< In a |List| the search continues in the next item.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00003573 Note that when {count} is added the way {start} works changes,
3574 see above.
Bram Moolenaar5e3cb7e2006-02-27 23:58:35 +00003575
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003576 See |pattern| for the patterns that are accepted.
3577 The 'ignorecase' option is used to set the ignore-caseness of
3578 the pattern. 'smartcase' is NOT used. The matching is always
3579 done like 'magic' is set and 'cpoptions' is empty.
3580
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00003581
3582matcharg({nr}) *matcharg()*
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00003583 Selects the {nr} match item, as set with a |:match|,
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00003584 |:2match| or |:3match| command.
3585 Return a |List| with two elements:
3586 The name of the highlight group used
3587 The pattern used.
3588 When {nr} is not 1, 2 or 3 returns an empty |List|.
3589 When there is no match item set returns ['', ''].
3590 This is usef to save and restore a |:match|.
3591
3592
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003593matchend({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *matchend()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003594 Same as match(), but return the index of first character after
3595 the match. Example: >
3596 :echo matchend("testing", "ing")
3597< results in "7".
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00003598 *strspn()* *strcspn()*
3599 Vim doesn't have a strspn() or strcspn() function, but you can
3600 do it with matchend(): >
3601 :let span = matchend(line, '[a-zA-Z]')
3602 :let span = matchend(line, '[^a-zA-Z]')
3603< Except that -1 is returned when there are no matches.
3604
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003605 The {start}, if given, has the same meaning as for match(). >
3606 :echo matchend("testing", "ing", 2)
3607< results in "7". >
3608 :echo matchend("testing", "ing", 5)
3609< result is "-1".
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003610 When {expr} is a |List| the result is equal to match().
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003611
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003612matchlist({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *matchlist()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003613 Same as match(), but return a |List|. The first item in the
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003614 list is the matched string, same as what matchstr() would
3615 return. Following items are submatches, like "\1", "\2", etc.
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +00003616 in |:substitute|. When an optional submatch didn't match an
3617 empty string is used. Example: >
3618 echo matchlist('acd', '\(a\)\?\(b\)\?\(c\)\?\(.*\)')
3619< Results in: ['acd', 'a', '', 'c', 'd', '', '', '', '', '']
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003620 When there is no match an empty list is returned.
3621
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003622matchstr({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *matchstr()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003623 Same as match(), but return the matched string. Example: >
3624 :echo matchstr("testing", "ing")
3625< results in "ing".
3626 When there is no match "" is returned.
3627 The {start}, if given, has the same meaning as for match(). >
3628 :echo matchstr("testing", "ing", 2)
3629< results in "ing". >
3630 :echo matchstr("testing", "ing", 5)
3631< result is "".
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003632 When {expr} is a |List| then the matching item is returned.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003633 The type isn't changed, it's not necessarily a String.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003634
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00003635 *max()*
3636max({list}) Return the maximum value of all items in {list}.
3637 If {list} is not a list or one of the items in {list} cannot
3638 be used as a Number this results in an error.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003639 An empty |List| results in zero.
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00003640
3641 *min()*
3642min({list}) Return the minumum value of all items in {list}.
3643 If {list} is not a list or one of the items in {list} cannot
3644 be used as a Number this results in an error.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003645 An empty |List| results in zero.
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00003646
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00003647 *mkdir()* *E739*
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00003648mkdir({name} [, {path} [, {prot}]])
3649 Create directory {name}.
3650 If {path} is "p" then intermediate directories are created as
3651 necessary. Otherwise it must be "".
3652 If {prot} is given it is used to set the protection bits of
3653 the new directory. The default is 0755 (rwxr-xr-x: r/w for
3654 the user readable for others). Use 0700 to make it unreadable
3655 for others.
3656 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3657 Not available on all systems. To check use: >
3658 :if exists("*mkdir")
3659<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003660 *mode()*
3661mode() Return a string that indicates the current mode:
3662 n Normal
3663 v Visual by character
3664 V Visual by line
3665 CTRL-V Visual blockwise
3666 s Select by character
3667 S Select by line
3668 CTRL-S Select blockwise
3669 i Insert
3670 R Replace
3671 c Command-line
3672 r Hit-enter prompt
3673 This is useful in the 'statusline' option. In most other
3674 places it always returns "c" or "n".
3675
3676nextnonblank({lnum}) *nextnonblank()*
3677 Return the line number of the first line at or below {lnum}
3678 that is not blank. Example: >
3679 if getline(nextnonblank(1)) =~ "Java"
3680< When {lnum} is invalid or there is no non-blank line at or
3681 below it, zero is returned.
3682 See also |prevnonblank()|.
3683
3684nr2char({expr}) *nr2char()*
3685 Return a string with a single character, which has the number
3686 value {expr}. Examples: >
3687 nr2char(64) returns "@"
3688 nr2char(32) returns " "
3689< The current 'encoding' is used. Example for "utf-8": >
3690 nr2char(300) returns I with bow character
3691< Note that a NUL character in the file is specified with
3692 nr2char(10), because NULs are represented with newline
3693 characters. nr2char(0) is a real NUL and terminates the
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +00003694 string, thus results in an empty string.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003695
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00003696 *getpos()*
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00003697getpos({expr}) Get the position for {expr}. For possible values of {expr}
3698 see |line()|.
3699 The result is a |List| with four numbers:
3700 [bufnum, lnum, col, off]
3701 "bufnum" is zero, unless a mark like '0 or 'A is used, then it
3702 is the buffer number of the mark.
3703 "lnum" and "col" are the position in the buffer. The first
3704 column is 1.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00003705 The "off" number is zero, unless 'virtualedit' is used. Then
3706 it is the offset in screen columns from the start of the
3707 character. E.g., a position within a Tab or after the last
3708 character.
3709 This can be used to save and restore the cursor position: >
3710 let save_cursor = getpos(".")
3711 MoveTheCursorAround
Bram Moolenaardb552d602006-03-23 22:59:57 +00003712 call setpos('.', save_cursor)
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00003713< Also see |setpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00003714
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00003715pathshorten({expr}) *pathshorten()*
3716 Shorten directory names in the path {expr} and return the
3717 result. The tail, the file name, is kept as-is. The other
3718 components in the path are reduced to single letters. Leading
3719 '~' and '.' characters are kept. Example: >
3720 :echo pathshorten('~/.vim/autoload/myfile.vim')
3721< ~/.v/a/myfile.vim ~
3722 It doesn't matter if the path exists or not.
3723
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00003724prevnonblank({lnum}) *prevnonblank()*
3725 Return the line number of the first line at or above {lnum}
3726 that is not blank. Example: >
3727 let ind = indent(prevnonblank(v:lnum - 1))
3728< When {lnum} is invalid or there is no non-blank line at or
3729 above it, zero is returned.
3730 Also see |nextnonblank()|.
3731
3732
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003733printf({fmt}, {expr1} ...) *printf()*
3734 Return a String with {fmt}, where "%" items are replaced by
3735 the formatted form of their respective arguments. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003736 printf("%4d: E%d %.30s", lnum, errno, msg)
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003737< May result in:
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003738 " 99: E42 asdfasdfasdfasdfasdfasdfasdfas" ~
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003739
3740 Often used items are:
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00003741 %s string
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00003742 %6s string right-aligned in 6 bytes
3743 %.9s string truncated to 9 bytes
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003744 %c single byte
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003745 %d decimal number
3746 %5d decimal number padded with spaces to 5 characters
3747 %x hex number
3748 %04x hex number padded with zeros to at least 4 characters
3749 %X hex number using upper case letters
3750 %o octal number
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00003751 %% the % character itself
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003752
3753 Conversion specifications start with '%' and end with the
3754 conversion type. All other characters are copied unchanged to
3755 the result.
3756
3757 The "%" starts a conversion specification. The following
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003758 arguments appear in sequence:
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003759
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003760 % [flags] [field-width] [.precision] type
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003761
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00003762 flags
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003763 Zero or more of the following flags:
3764
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003765 # The value should be converted to an "alternate
3766 form". For c, d, and s conversions, this option
3767 has no effect. For o conversions, the precision
3768 of the number is increased to force the first
3769 character of the output string to a zero (except
3770 if a zero value is printed with an explicit
3771 precision of zero).
3772 For x and X conversions, a non-zero result has
3773 the string "0x" (or "0X" for X conversions)
3774 prepended to it.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003775
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003776 0 (zero) Zero padding. For all conversions the converted
3777 value is padded on the left with zeros rather
3778 than blanks. If a precision is given with a
3779 numeric conversion (d, o, x, and X), the 0 flag
3780 is ignored.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003781
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003782 - A negative field width flag; the converted value
3783 is to be left adjusted on the field boundary.
3784 The converted value is padded on the right with
3785 blanks, rather than on the left with blanks or
3786 zeros. A - overrides a 0 if both are given.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003787
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003788 ' ' (space) A blank should be left before a positive
3789 number produced by a signed conversion (d).
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003790
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003791 + A sign must always be placed before a number
3792 produced by a signed conversion. A + overrides
3793 a space if both are used.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003794
3795 field-width
3796 An optional decimal digit string specifying a minimum
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00003797 field width. If the converted value has fewer bytes
3798 than the field width, it will be padded with spaces on
3799 the left (or right, if the left-adjustment flag has
3800 been given) to fill out the field width.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003801
3802 .precision
3803 An optional precision, in the form of a period '.'
3804 followed by an optional digit string. If the digit
3805 string is omitted, the precision is taken as zero.
3806 This gives the minimum number of digits to appear for
3807 d, o, x, and X conversions, or the maximum number of
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00003808 bytes to be printed from a string for s conversions.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003809
3810 type
3811 A character that specifies the type of conversion to
3812 be applied, see below.
3813
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003814 A field width or precision, or both, may be indicated by an
3815 asterisk '*' instead of a digit string. In this case, a
3816 Number argument supplies the field width or precision. A
3817 negative field width is treated as a left adjustment flag
3818 followed by a positive field width; a negative precision is
3819 treated as though it were missing. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003820 :echo printf("%d: %.*s", nr, width, line)
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003821< This limits the length of the text used from "line" to
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003822 "width" bytes.
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003823
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00003824 The conversion specifiers and their meanings are:
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003825
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003826 doxX The Number argument is converted to signed decimal
3827 (d), unsigned octal (o), or unsigned hexadecimal (x
3828 and X) notation. The letters "abcdef" are used for
3829 x conversions; the letters "ABCDEF" are used for X
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003830 conversions.
3831 The precision, if any, gives the minimum number of
3832 digits that must appear; if the converted value
3833 requires fewer digits, it is padded on the left with
3834 zeros.
3835 In no case does a non-existent or small field width
3836 cause truncation of a numeric field; if the result of
3837 a conversion is wider than the field width, the field
3838 is expanded to contain the conversion result.
3839
3840 c The Number argument is converted to a byte, and the
3841 resulting character is written.
3842
3843 s The text of the String argument is used. If a
3844 precision is specified, no more bytes than the number
3845 specified are used.
3846
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003847 % A '%' is written. No argument is converted. The
3848 complete conversion specification is "%%".
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003849
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003850 Each argument can be Number or String and is converted
3851 automatically to fit the conversion specifier. Any other
3852 argument type results in an error message.
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003853
Bram Moolenaar83bab712005-08-01 21:58:57 +00003854 *E766* *E767*
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003855 The number of {exprN} arguments must exactly match the number
3856 of "%" items. If there are not sufficient or too many
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003857 arguments an error is given. Up to 18 arguments can be used.
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003858
3859
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00003860pumvisible() *pumvisible()*
3861 Returns non-zero when the popup menu is visible, zero
3862 otherwise. See |ins-completion-menu|.
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00003863 This can be used to avoid some things that would remove the
3864 popup menu.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003865
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00003866 *E726* *E727*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003867range({expr} [, {max} [, {stride}]]) *range()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003868 Returns a |List| with Numbers:
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003869 - If only {expr} is specified: [0, 1, ..., {expr} - 1]
3870 - If {max} is specified: [{expr}, {expr} + 1, ..., {max}]
3871 - If {stride} is specified: [{expr}, {expr} + {stride}, ...,
3872 {max}] (increasing {expr} with {stride} each time, not
3873 producing a value past {max}).
Bram Moolenaare7566042005-06-17 22:00:15 +00003874 When the maximum is one before the start the result is an
3875 empty list. When the maximum is more than one before the
3876 start this is an error.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003877 Examples: >
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00003878 range(4) " [0, 1, 2, 3]
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003879 range(2, 4) " [2, 3, 4]
3880 range(2, 9, 3) " [2, 5, 8]
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00003881 range(2, -2, -1) " [2, 1, 0, -1, -2]
Bram Moolenaare7566042005-06-17 22:00:15 +00003882 range(0) " []
3883 range(2, 0) " error!
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003884<
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003885 *readfile()*
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00003886readfile({fname} [, {binary} [, {max}]])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003887 Read file {fname} and return a |List|, each line of the file
3888 as an item. Lines broken at NL characters. Macintosh files
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003889 separated with CR will result in a single long line (unless a
3890 NL appears somewhere).
3891 When {binary} is equal to "b" binary mode is used:
3892 - When the last line ends in a NL an extra empty list item is
3893 added.
3894 - No CR characters are removed.
3895 Otherwise:
3896 - CR characters that appear before a NL are removed.
3897 - Whether the last line ends in a NL or not does not matter.
3898 All NUL characters are replaced with a NL character.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00003899 When {max} is given this specifies the maximum number of lines
3900 to be read. Useful if you only want to check the first ten
3901 lines of a file: >
3902 :for line in readfile(fname, '', 10)
3903 : if line =~ 'Date' | echo line | endif
3904 :endfor
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00003905< When {max} is negative -{max} lines from the end of the file
3906 are returned, or as many as there are.
3907 When {max} is zero the result is an empty list.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00003908 Note that without {max} the whole file is read into memory.
3909 Also note that there is no recognition of encoding. Read a
3910 file into a buffer if you need to.
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003911 When the file can't be opened an error message is given and
3912 the result is an empty list.
3913 Also see |writefile()|.
3914
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00003915reltime([{start} [, {end}]]) *reltime()*
3916 Return an item that represents a time value. The format of
3917 the item depends on the system. It can be passed to
3918 |reltimestr()| to convert it to a string.
3919 Without an argument it returns the current time.
3920 With one argument is returns the time passed since the time
3921 specified in the argument.
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00003922 With two arguments it returns the time passed between {start}
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00003923 and {end}.
3924 The {start} and {end} arguments must be values returned by
3925 reltime().
3926 {only available when compiled with the +reltime feature}
3927
3928reltimestr({time}) *reltimestr()*
3929 Return a String that represents the time value of {time}.
3930 This is the number of seconds, a dot and the number of
3931 microseconds. Example: >
3932 let start = reltime()
3933 call MyFunction()
3934 echo reltimestr(reltime(start))
3935< Note that overhead for the commands will be added to the time.
3936 The accuracy depends on the system.
3937 Also see |profiling|.
3938 {only available when compiled with the +reltime feature}
3939
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003940 *remote_expr()* *E449*
3941remote_expr({server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
3942 Send the {string} to {server}. The string is sent as an
3943 expression and the result is returned after evaluation.
Bram Moolenaar362e1a32006-03-06 23:29:24 +00003944 The result must be a String or a |List|. A |List| is turned
3945 into a String by joining the items with a line break in
3946 between (not at the end), like with join(expr, "\n").
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003947 If {idvar} is present, it is taken as the name of a
3948 variable and a {serverid} for later use with
3949 remote_read() is stored there.
3950 See also |clientserver| |RemoteReply|.
3951 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3952 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
3953 Note: Any errors will cause a local error message to be issued
3954 and the result will be the empty string.
3955 Examples: >
3956 :echo remote_expr("gvim", "2+2")
3957 :echo remote_expr("gvim1", "b:current_syntax")
3958<
3959
3960remote_foreground({server}) *remote_foreground()*
3961 Move the Vim server with the name {server} to the foreground.
3962 This works like: >
3963 remote_expr({server}, "foreground()")
3964< Except that on Win32 systems the client does the work, to work
3965 around the problem that the OS doesn't always allow the server
3966 to bring itself to the foreground.
Bram Moolenaar9372a112005-12-06 19:59:18 +00003967 Note: This does not restore the window if it was minimized,
3968 like foreground() does.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003969 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3970 {only in the Win32, Athena, Motif and GTK GUI versions and the
3971 Win32 console version}
3972
3973
3974remote_peek({serverid} [, {retvar}]) *remote_peek()*
3975 Returns a positive number if there are available strings
3976 from {serverid}. Copies any reply string into the variable
3977 {retvar} if specified. {retvar} must be a string with the
3978 name of a variable.
3979 Returns zero if none are available.
3980 Returns -1 if something is wrong.
3981 See also |clientserver|.
3982 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3983 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
3984 Examples: >
3985 :let repl = ""
3986 :echo "PEEK: ".remote_peek(id, "repl").": ".repl
3987
3988remote_read({serverid}) *remote_read()*
3989 Return the oldest available reply from {serverid} and consume
3990 it. It blocks until a reply is available.
3991 See also |clientserver|.
3992 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3993 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
3994 Example: >
3995 :echo remote_read(id)
3996<
3997 *remote_send()* *E241*
3998remote_send({server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
Bram Moolenaard4755bb2004-09-02 19:12:26 +00003999 Send the {string} to {server}. The string is sent as input
4000 keys and the function returns immediately. At the Vim server
4001 the keys are not mapped |:map|.
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00004002 If {idvar} is present, it is taken as the name of a variable
4003 and a {serverid} for later use with remote_read() is stored
4004 there.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004005 See also |clientserver| |RemoteReply|.
4006 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4007 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
4008 Note: Any errors will be reported in the server and may mess
4009 up the display.
4010 Examples: >
4011 :echo remote_send("gvim", ":DropAndReply ".file, "serverid").
4012 \ remote_read(serverid)
4013
4014 :autocmd NONE RemoteReply *
4015 \ echo remote_read(expand("<amatch>"))
4016 :echo remote_send("gvim", ":sleep 10 | echo ".
4017 \ 'server2client(expand("<client>"), "HELLO")<CR>')
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004018<
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00004019remove({list}, {idx} [, {end}]) *remove()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004020 Without {end}: Remove the item at {idx} from |List| {list} and
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00004021 return it.
4022 With {end}: Remove items from {idx} to {end} (inclusive) and
4023 return a list with these items. When {idx} points to the same
4024 item as {end} a list with one item is returned. When {end}
4025 points to an item before {idx} this is an error.
4026 See |list-index| for possible values of {idx} and {end}.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00004027 Example: >
4028 :echo "last item: " . remove(mylist, -1)
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00004029 :call remove(mylist, 0, 9)
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004030remove({dict}, {key})
4031 Remove the entry from {dict} with key {key}. Example: >
4032 :echo "removed " . remove(dict, "one")
4033< If there is no {key} in {dict} this is an error.
4034
4035 Use |delete()| to remove a file.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00004036
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004037rename({from}, {to}) *rename()*
4038 Rename the file by the name {from} to the name {to}. This
4039 should also work to move files across file systems. The
4040 result is a Number, which is 0 if the file was renamed
4041 successfully, and non-zero when the renaming failed.
4042 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4043
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00004044repeat({expr}, {count}) *repeat()*
4045 Repeat {expr} {count} times and return the concatenated
4046 result. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00004047 :let separator = repeat('-', 80)
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00004048< When {count} is zero or negative the result is empty.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004049 When {expr} is a |List| the result is {expr} concatenated
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004050 {count} times. Example: >
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00004051 :let longlist = repeat(['a', 'b'], 3)
4052< Results in ['a', 'b', 'a', 'b', 'a', 'b'].
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00004053
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004054
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004055resolve({filename}) *resolve()* *E655*
4056 On MS-Windows, when {filename} is a shortcut (a .lnk file),
4057 returns the path the shortcut points to in a simplified form.
4058 On Unix, repeat resolving symbolic links in all path
4059 components of {filename} and return the simplified result.
4060 To cope with link cycles, resolving of symbolic links is
4061 stopped after 100 iterations.
4062 On other systems, return the simplified {filename}.
4063 The simplification step is done as by |simplify()|.
4064 resolve() keeps a leading path component specifying the
4065 current directory (provided the result is still a relative
4066 path name) and also keeps a trailing path separator.
4067
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004068 *reverse()*
4069reverse({list}) Reverse the order of items in {list} in-place. Returns
4070 {list}.
4071 If you want a list to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
4072 :let revlist = reverse(copy(mylist))
4073
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004074search({pattern} [, {flags} [, {stopline}]]) *search()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004075 Search for regexp pattern {pattern}. The search starts at the
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +00004076 cursor position (you can use |cursor()| to set it).
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00004077
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004078 {flags} is a String, which can contain these character flags:
4079 'b' search backward instead of forward
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004080 'c' accept a match at the cursor position
4081 'e' move to the End of the match
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00004082 'n' do Not move the cursor
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004083 'p' return number of matching sub-pattern (see below)
4084 's' set the ' mark at the previous location of the cursor
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004085 'w' wrap around the end of the file
4086 'W' don't wrap around the end of the file
4087 If neither 'w' or 'W' is given, the 'wrapscan' option applies.
4088
Bram Moolenaar02743632005-07-25 20:42:36 +00004089 If the 's' flag is supplied, the ' mark is set, only if the
4090 cursor is moved. The 's' flag cannot be combined with the 'n'
4091 flag.
4092
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004093 When the {stopline} argument is given then the search stops
4094 after searching this line. This is useful to restrict the
4095 search to a range of lines. Examples: >
4096 let match = search('(', 'b', line("w0"))
4097 let end = search('END', '', line("w$"))
4098< When {stopline} is used and it is not zero this also implies
4099 that the search does not wrap around the end of the file.
4100
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00004101 If there is no match a 0 is returned and the cursor doesn't
4102 move. No error message is given.
Bram Moolenaar362e1a32006-03-06 23:29:24 +00004103 When a match has been found its line number is returned.
4104 *search()-sub-match*
4105 With the 'p' flag the returned value is one more than the
4106 first sub-match in \(\). One if none of them matched but the
4107 whole pattern did match.
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004108 To get the column number too use |searchpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004109
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004110 The cursor will be positioned at the match, unless the 'n'
4111 flag is used.
4112
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004113 Example (goes over all files in the argument list): >
4114 :let n = 1
4115 :while n <= argc() " loop over all files in arglist
4116 : exe "argument " . n
4117 : " start at the last char in the file and wrap for the
4118 : " first search to find match at start of file
4119 : normal G$
4120 : let flags = "w"
4121 : while search("foo", flags) > 0
4122 : s/foo/bar/g
4123 : let flags = "W"
4124 : endwhile
4125 : update " write the file if modified
4126 : let n = n + 1
4127 :endwhile
4128<
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004129 Example for using some flags: >
4130 :echo search('\<if\|\(else\)\|\(endif\)', 'ncpe')
4131< This will search for the keywords "if", "else", and "endif"
4132 under or after the cursor. Because of the 'p' flag, it
4133 returns 1, 2, or 3 depending on which keyword is found, or 0
4134 if the search fails. With the cursor on the first word of the
4135 line:
4136 if (foo == 0) | let foo = foo + 1 | endif ~
4137 the function returns 1. Without the 'c' flag, the function
4138 finds the "endif" and returns 3. The same thing happens
4139 without the 'e' flag if the cursor is on the "f" of "if".
4140 The 'n' flag tells the function not to move the cursor.
4141
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00004142
Bram Moolenaarf75a9632005-09-13 21:20:47 +00004143searchdecl({name} [, {global} [, {thisblock}]]) *searchdecl()*
4144 Search for the declaration of {name}.
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004145
Bram Moolenaarf75a9632005-09-13 21:20:47 +00004146 With a non-zero {global} argument it works like |gD|, find
4147 first match in the file. Otherwise it works like |gd|, find
4148 first match in the function.
4149
4150 With a non-zero {thisblock} argument matches in a {} block
4151 that ends before the cursor position are ignored. Avoids
4152 finding variable declarations only valid in another scope.
4153
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00004154 Moves the cursor to the found match.
4155 Returns zero for success, non-zero for failure.
4156 Example: >
4157 if searchdecl('myvar') == 0
4158 echo getline('.')
4159 endif
4160<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004161 *searchpair()*
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004162searchpair({start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip} [, {stopline}]]])
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004163 Search for the match of a nested start-end pair. This can be
4164 used to find the "endif" that matches an "if", while other
4165 if/endif pairs in between are ignored.
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00004166 The search starts at the cursor. The default is to search
4167 forward, include 'b' in {flags} to search backward.
4168 If a match is found, the cursor is positioned at it and the
4169 line number is returned. If no match is found 0 or -1 is
4170 returned and the cursor doesn't move. No error message is
4171 given.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004172
4173 {start}, {middle} and {end} are patterns, see |pattern|. They
4174 must not contain \( \) pairs. Use of \%( \) is allowed. When
4175 {middle} is not empty, it is found when searching from either
4176 direction, but only when not in a nested start-end pair. A
4177 typical use is: >
4178 searchpair('\<if\>', '\<else\>', '\<endif\>')
4179< By leaving {middle} empty the "else" is skipped.
4180
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004181 {flags} 'b', 'c', 'n', 's', 'w' and 'W' are used like with
4182 |search()|. Additionally:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004183 'r' Repeat until no more matches found; will find the
4184 outer pair
4185 'm' return number of Matches instead of line number with
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004186 the match; will be > 1 when 'r' is used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004187
4188 When a match for {start}, {middle} or {end} is found, the
4189 {skip} expression is evaluated with the cursor positioned on
4190 the start of the match. It should return non-zero if this
4191 match is to be skipped. E.g., because it is inside a comment
4192 or a string.
4193 When {skip} is omitted or empty, every match is accepted.
4194 When evaluating {skip} causes an error the search is aborted
4195 and -1 returned.
4196
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004197 For {stopline} see |search()|.
4198
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004199 The value of 'ignorecase' is used. 'magic' is ignored, the
4200 patterns are used like it's on.
4201
4202 The search starts exactly at the cursor. A match with
4203 {start}, {middle} or {end} at the next character, in the
4204 direction of searching, is the first one found. Example: >
4205 if 1
4206 if 2
4207 endif 2
4208 endif 1
4209< When starting at the "if 2", with the cursor on the "i", and
4210 searching forwards, the "endif 2" is found. When starting on
4211 the character just before the "if 2", the "endif 1" will be
4212 found. That's because the "if 2" will be found first, and
4213 then this is considered to be a nested if/endif from "if 2" to
4214 "endif 2".
4215 When searching backwards and {end} is more than one character,
4216 it may be useful to put "\zs" at the end of the pattern, so
4217 that when the cursor is inside a match with the end it finds
4218 the matching start.
4219
4220 Example, to find the "endif" command in a Vim script: >
4221
4222 :echo searchpair('\<if\>', '\<el\%[seif]\>', '\<en\%[dif]\>', 'W',
4223 \ 'getline(".") =~ "^\\s*\""')
4224
4225< The cursor must be at or after the "if" for which a match is
4226 to be found. Note that single-quote strings are used to avoid
4227 having to double the backslashes. The skip expression only
4228 catches comments at the start of a line, not after a command.
4229 Also, a word "en" or "if" halfway a line is considered a
4230 match.
4231 Another example, to search for the matching "{" of a "}": >
4232
4233 :echo searchpair('{', '', '}', 'bW')
4234
4235< This works when the cursor is at or before the "}" for which a
4236 match is to be found. To reject matches that syntax
4237 highlighting recognized as strings: >
4238
4239 :echo searchpair('{', '', '}', 'bW',
4240 \ 'synIDattr(synID(line("."), col("."), 0), "name") =~? "string"')
4241<
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00004242 *searchpairpos()*
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004243searchpairpos({start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip} [, {stopline}]]])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004244 Same as searchpair(), but returns a |List| with the line and
4245 column position of the match. The first element of the |List|
4246 is the line number and the second element is the byte index of
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00004247 the column position of the match. If no match is found,
4248 returns [0, 0].
4249>
4250 :let [lnum,col] = searchpairpos('{', '', '}', 'n')
4251<
4252 See |match-parens| for a bigger and more useful example.
4253
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004254searchpos({pattern} [, {flags} [, {stopline}]]) *searchpos()*
4255 Same as |search()|, but returns a |List| with the line and
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004256 column position of the match. The first element of the |List|
4257 is the line number and the second element is the byte index of
4258 the column position of the match. If no match is found,
4259 returns [0, 0].
Bram Moolenaar362e1a32006-03-06 23:29:24 +00004260 Example: >
4261 :let [lnum, col] = searchpos('mypattern', 'n')
4262
4263< When the 'p' flag is given then there is an extra item with
4264 the sub-pattern match number |search()-sub-match|. Example: >
4265 :let [lnum, col, submatch] = searchpos('\(\l\)\|\(\u\)', 'np')
4266< In this example "submatch" is 2 when a lowercase letter is
4267 found |/\l|, 3 when an uppercase letter is found |/\u|.
4268
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004269server2client( {clientid}, {string}) *server2client()*
4270 Send a reply string to {clientid}. The most recent {clientid}
4271 that sent a string can be retrieved with expand("<client>").
4272 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
4273 Note:
4274 This id has to be stored before the next command can be
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004275 received. I.e. before returning from the received command and
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004276 before calling any commands that waits for input.
4277 See also |clientserver|.
4278 Example: >
4279 :echo server2client(expand("<client>"), "HELLO")
4280<
4281serverlist() *serverlist()*
4282 Return a list of available server names, one per line.
4283 When there are no servers or the information is not available
4284 an empty string is returned. See also |clientserver|.
4285 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
4286 Example: >
4287 :echo serverlist()
4288<
4289setbufvar({expr}, {varname}, {val}) *setbufvar()*
4290 Set option or local variable {varname} in buffer {expr} to
4291 {val}.
4292 This also works for a global or local window option, but it
4293 doesn't work for a global or local window variable.
4294 For a local window option the global value is unchanged.
4295 For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above.
4296 Note that the variable name without "b:" must be used.
4297 Examples: >
4298 :call setbufvar(1, "&mod", 1)
4299 :call setbufvar("todo", "myvar", "foobar")
4300< This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4301
4302setcmdpos({pos}) *setcmdpos()*
4303 Set the cursor position in the command line to byte position
4304 {pos}. The first position is 1.
4305 Use |getcmdpos()| to obtain the current position.
4306 Only works while editing the command line, thus you must use
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004307 |c_CTRL-\_e|, |c_CTRL-R_=| or |c_CTRL-R_CTRL-R| with '='. For
4308 |c_CTRL-\_e| and |c_CTRL-R_CTRL-R| with '=' the position is
4309 set after the command line is set to the expression. For
4310 |c_CTRL-R_=| it is set after evaluating the expression but
4311 before inserting the resulting text.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004312 When the number is too big the cursor is put at the end of the
4313 line. A number smaller than one has undefined results.
4314 Returns 0 when successful, 1 when not editing the command
4315 line.
4316
4317setline({lnum}, {line}) *setline()*
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004318 Set line {lnum} of the current buffer to {line}.
4319 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|.
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004320 When {lnum} is just below the last line the {line} will be
4321 added as a new line.
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004322 If this succeeds, 0 is returned. If this fails (most likely
4323 because {lnum} is invalid) 1 is returned. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004324 :call setline(5, strftime("%c"))
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004325< When {line} is a |List| then line {lnum} and following lines
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004326 will be set to the items in the list. Example: >
4327 :call setline(5, ['aaa', 'bbb', 'ccc'])
4328< This is equivalent to: >
4329 :for [n, l] in [[5, 6, 7], ['aaa', 'bbb', 'ccc']]
4330 : call setline(n, l)
4331 :endfor
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004332< Note: The '[ and '] marks are not set.
4333
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00004334setloclist({nr}, {list} [, {action}]) *setloclist()*
4335 Create or replace or add to the location list for window {nr}.
4336 When {nr} is zero the current window is used. For a location
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00004337 list window, the displayed location list is modified. For an
4338 invalid window number {nr}, -1 is returned.
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00004339 Otherwise, same as setqflist().
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00004340
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00004341 *setpos()*
4342setpos({expr}, {list})
4343 Set the position for {expr}. Possible values:
4344 . the cursor
4345 'x mark x
4346
4347 {list} must be a |List| with four numbers:
4348 [bufnum, lnum, col, off]
4349
4350 "bufnum" is the buffer number. Zero can be used for the
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004351 current buffer. Setting the cursor is only possible for
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00004352 the current buffer. To set a mark in another buffer you can
4353 use the |bufnr()| function to turn a file name into a buffer
4354 number.
Bram Moolenaardb552d602006-03-23 22:59:57 +00004355 Does not change the jumplist.
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00004356
4357 "lnum" and "col" are the position in the buffer. The first
4358 column is 1. Use a zero "lnum" to delete a mark.
4359
4360 The "off" number is only used when 'virtualedit' is set. Then
4361 it is the offset in screen columns from the start of the
4362 character. E.g., a position within a Tab or after the last
4363 character.
4364
4365 Also see |getpos()|
4366
4367
Bram Moolenaar35c54e52005-05-20 21:25:31 +00004368setqflist({list} [, {action}]) *setqflist()*
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00004369 Create or replace or add to the quickfix list using the items
4370 in {list}. Each item in {list} is a dictionary.
4371 Non-dictionary items in {list} are ignored. Each dictionary
4372 item can contain the following entries:
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00004373
4374 filename name of a file
4375 lnum line number in the file
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00004376 pattern search pattern used to locate the error
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00004377 col column number
4378 vcol when non-zero: "col" is visual column
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004379 when zero: "col" is byte index
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00004380 nr error number
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00004381 text description of the error
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00004382 type single-character error type, 'E', 'W', etc.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00004383
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00004384 The "col", "vcol", "nr", "type" and "text" entries are
4385 optional. Either "lnum" or "pattern" entry can be used to
4386 locate a matching error line.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00004387 If the "filename" entry is not present or neither the "lnum"
4388 or "pattern" entries are present, then the item will not be
4389 handled as an error line.
4390 If both "pattern" and "lnum" are present then "pattern" will
4391 be used.
4392
Bram Moolenaar35c54e52005-05-20 21:25:31 +00004393 If {action} is set to 'a', then the items from {list} are
4394 added to the existing quickfix list. If there is no existing
4395 list, then a new list is created. If {action} is set to 'r',
4396 then the items from the current quickfix list are replaced
4397 with the items from {list}. If {action} is not present or is
4398 set to ' ', then a new list is created.
4399
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00004400 Returns zero for success, -1 for failure.
4401
4402 This function can be used to create a quickfix list
4403 independent of the 'errorformat' setting. Use a command like
4404 ":cc 1" to jump to the first position.
4405
4406
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004407 *setreg()*
4408setreg({regname}, {value} [,{options}])
4409 Set the register {regname} to {value}.
4410 If {options} contains "a" or {regname} is upper case,
4411 then the value is appended.
4412 {options} can also contains a register type specification:
4413 "c" or "v" |characterwise| mode
4414 "l" or "V" |linewise| mode
4415 "b" or "<CTRL-V>" |blockwise-visual| mode
4416 If a number immediately follows "b" or "<CTRL-V>" then this is
4417 used as the width of the selection - if it is not specified
4418 then the width of the block is set to the number of characters
4419 in the longest line (counting a <TAB> as 1 character).
4420
4421 If {options} contains no register settings, then the default
4422 is to use character mode unless {value} ends in a <NL>.
4423 Setting the '=' register is not possible.
4424 Returns zero for success, non-zero for failure.
4425
4426 Examples: >
4427 :call setreg(v:register, @*)
4428 :call setreg('*', @%, 'ac')
4429 :call setreg('a', "1\n2\n3", 'b5')
4430
4431< This example shows using the functions to save and restore a
4432 register. >
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004433 :let var_a = getreg('a', 1)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004434 :let var_amode = getregtype('a')
4435 ....
4436 :call setreg('a', var_a, var_amode)
4437
4438< You can also change the type of a register by appending
4439 nothing: >
4440 :call setreg('a', '', 'al')
4441
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00004442settabwinvar({tabnr}, {winnr}, {varname}, {val}) *settabwinvar()*
4443 Set option or local variable {varname} in window {winnr} to
4444 {val}.
4445 Tabs are numbered starting with one. For the current tabpage
4446 use |setwinvar()|.
4447 When {winnr} is zero the current window is used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004448 This also works for a global or local buffer option, but it
4449 doesn't work for a global or local buffer variable.
4450 For a local buffer option the global value is unchanged.
4451 Note that the variable name without "w:" must be used.
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00004452 Vim briefly goes to the tab page {tabnr}, this may trigger
4453 TabLeave and TabEnter autocommands.
4454 Examples: >
4455 :call settabwinvar(1, 1, "&list", 0)
4456 :call settabwinvar(3, 2, "myvar", "foobar")
4457< This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4458
4459setwinvar({nr}, {varname}, {val}) *setwinvar()*
4460 Like |settabwinvar()| for the current tab page.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004461 Examples: >
4462 :call setwinvar(1, "&list", 0)
4463 :call setwinvar(2, "myvar", "foobar")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004464
Bram Moolenaar60a495f2006-10-03 12:44:42 +00004465shellescape({string}) *shellescape()*
4466 Escape {string} for use as shell command argument.
4467 On MS-Windows and MS-DOS, when 'shellslash' is not set, it
4468 will enclose {string} double quotes and double all double
4469 quotes within {string}.
4470 For other systems, it will enclose {string} in single quotes
4471 and replace all "'" with "'\''".
4472 Example: >
4473 :echo shellescape('c:\program files\vim')
4474< results in:
4475 "c:\program files\vim" ~
4476 Example usage: >
4477 :call system("chmod +x -- " . shellescape(expand("%")))
4478
4479
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004480simplify({filename}) *simplify()*
4481 Simplify the file name as much as possible without changing
4482 the meaning. Shortcuts (on MS-Windows) or symbolic links (on
4483 Unix) are not resolved. If the first path component in
4484 {filename} designates the current directory, this will be
4485 valid for the result as well. A trailing path separator is
4486 not removed either.
4487 Example: >
4488 simplify("./dir/.././/file/") == "./file/"
4489< Note: The combination "dir/.." is only removed if "dir" is
4490 a searchable directory or does not exist. On Unix, it is also
4491 removed when "dir" is a symbolic link within the same
4492 directory. In order to resolve all the involved symbolic
4493 links before simplifying the path name, use |resolve()|.
4494
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004495
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00004496sort({list} [, {func}]) *sort()* *E702*
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004497 Sort the items in {list} in-place. Returns {list}. If you
4498 want a list to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
4499 :let sortedlist = sort(copy(mylist))
4500< Uses the string representation of each item to sort on.
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004501 Numbers sort after Strings, |Lists| after Numbers.
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004502 For sorting text in the current buffer use |:sort|.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004503 When {func} is given and it is one then case is ignored.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004504 When {func} is a |Funcref| or a function name, this function
4505 is called to compare items. The function is invoked with two
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004506 items as argument and must return zero if they are equal, 1 if
4507 the first one sorts after the second one, -1 if the first one
4508 sorts before the second one. Example: >
4509 func MyCompare(i1, i2)
4510 return a:i1 == a:i2 ? 0 : a:i1 > a:i2 ? 1 : -1
4511 endfunc
4512 let sortedlist = sort(mylist, "MyCompare")
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00004513<
4514
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00004515 *soundfold()*
4516soundfold({word})
4517 Return the sound-folded equivalent of {word}. Uses the first
4518 language in 'spellang' for the current window that supports
Bram Moolenaar42eeac32005-06-29 22:40:58 +00004519 soundfolding. 'spell' must be set. When no sound folding is
4520 possible the {word} is returned unmodified.
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00004521 This can be used for making spelling suggestions. Note that
4522 the method can be quite slow.
4523
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00004524 *spellbadword()*
Bram Moolenaar1e015462005-09-25 22:16:38 +00004525spellbadword([{sentence}])
4526 Without argument: The result is the badly spelled word under
4527 or after the cursor. The cursor is moved to the start of the
4528 bad word. When no bad word is found in the cursor line the
4529 result is an empty string and the cursor doesn't move.
4530
4531 With argument: The result is the first word in {sentence} that
4532 is badly spelled. If there are no spelling mistakes the
4533 result is an empty string.
4534
4535 The return value is a list with two items:
4536 - The badly spelled word or an empty string.
4537 - The type of the spelling error:
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004538 "bad" spelling mistake
Bram Moolenaar1e015462005-09-25 22:16:38 +00004539 "rare" rare word
4540 "local" word only valid in another region
4541 "caps" word should start with Capital
4542 Example: >
4543 echo spellbadword("the quik brown fox")
4544< ['quik', 'bad'] ~
4545
4546 The spelling information for the current window is used. The
4547 'spell' option must be set and the value of 'spelllang' is
4548 used.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00004549
4550 *spellsuggest()*
Bram Moolenaarc54b8a72005-09-30 21:20:29 +00004551spellsuggest({word} [, {max} [, {capital}]])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004552 Return a |List| with spelling suggestions to replace {word}.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00004553 When {max} is given up to this number of suggestions are
4554 returned. Otherwise up to 25 suggestions are returned.
4555
Bram Moolenaarc54b8a72005-09-30 21:20:29 +00004556 When the {capital} argument is given and it's non-zero only
4557 suggestions with a leading capital will be given. Use this
4558 after a match with 'spellcapcheck'.
4559
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00004560 {word} can be a badly spelled word followed by other text.
4561 This allows for joining two words that were split. The
Bram Moolenaarf461c8e2005-06-25 23:04:51 +00004562 suggestions also include the following text, thus you can
4563 replace a line.
4564
4565 {word} may also be a good word. Similar words will then be
Bram Moolenaarc54b8a72005-09-30 21:20:29 +00004566 returned. {word} itself is not included in the suggestions,
4567 although it may appear capitalized.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00004568
4569 The spelling information for the current window is used. The
Bram Moolenaar42eeac32005-06-29 22:40:58 +00004570 'spell' option must be set and the values of 'spelllang' and
4571 'spellsuggest' are used.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00004572
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004573
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004574split({expr} [, {pattern} [, {keepempty}]]) *split()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004575 Make a |List| out of {expr}. When {pattern} is omitted or
4576 empty each white-separated sequence of characters becomes an
4577 item.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004578 Otherwise the string is split where {pattern} matches,
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004579 removing the matched characters.
4580 When the first or last item is empty it is omitted, unless the
4581 {keepempty} argument is given and it's non-zero.
Bram Moolenaar5c06f8b2005-05-31 22:14:58 +00004582 Other empty items are kept when {pattern} matches at least one
4583 character or when {keepempty} is non-zero.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004584 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004585 :let words = split(getline('.'), '\W\+')
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004586< To split a string in individual characters: >
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004587 :for c in split(mystring, '\zs')
Bram Moolenaar0cb032e2005-04-23 20:52:00 +00004588< If you want to keep the separator you can also use '\zs': >
4589 :echo split('abc:def:ghi', ':\zs')
4590< ['abc:', 'def:', 'ghi'] ~
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004591 Splitting a table where the first element can be empty: >
4592 :let items = split(line, ':', 1)
4593< The opposite function is |join()|.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004594
4595
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00004596str2nr( {expr} [, {base}]) *str2nr()*
4597 Convert string {expr} to a number.
4598 {base} is the conversion base, it can be 8, 10 or 16.
4599 When {base} is omitted base 10 is used. This also means that
4600 a leading zero doesn't cause octal conversion to be used, as
4601 with the default String to Number conversion.
4602 When {base} is 16 a leading "0x" or "0X" is ignored. With a
4603 different base the result will be zero.
4604 Text after the number is silently ignored.
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004605
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00004606
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004607strftime({format} [, {time}]) *strftime()*
4608 The result is a String, which is a formatted date and time, as
4609 specified by the {format} string. The given {time} is used,
4610 or the current time if no time is given. The accepted
4611 {format} depends on your system, thus this is not portable!
4612 See the manual page of the C function strftime() for the
4613 format. The maximum length of the result is 80 characters.
4614 See also |localtime()| and |getftime()|.
4615 The language can be changed with the |:language| command.
4616 Examples: >
4617 :echo strftime("%c") Sun Apr 27 11:49:23 1997
4618 :echo strftime("%Y %b %d %X") 1997 Apr 27 11:53:25
4619 :echo strftime("%y%m%d %T") 970427 11:53:55
4620 :echo strftime("%H:%M") 11:55
4621 :echo strftime("%c", getftime("file.c"))
4622 Show mod time of file.c.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004623< Not available on all systems. To check use: >
4624 :if exists("*strftime")
4625
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00004626stridx({haystack}, {needle} [, {start}]) *stridx()*
4627 The result is a Number, which gives the byte index in
4628 {haystack} of the first occurrence of the String {needle}.
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00004629 If {start} is specified, the search starts at index {start}.
4630 This can be used to find a second match: >
4631 :let comma1 = stridx(line, ",")
4632 :let comma2 = stridx(line, ",", comma1 + 1)
4633< The search is done case-sensitive.
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004634 For pattern searches use |match()|.
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00004635 -1 is returned if the {needle} does not occur in {haystack}.
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00004636 See also |strridx()|.
4637 Examples: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004638 :echo stridx("An Example", "Example") 3
4639 :echo stridx("Starting point", "Start") 0
4640 :echo stridx("Starting point", "start") -1
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004641< *strstr()* *strchr()*
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00004642 stridx() works similar to the C function strstr(). When used
4643 with a single character it works similar to strchr().
4644
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00004645 *string()*
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004646string({expr}) Return {expr} converted to a String. If {expr} is a Number,
4647 String or a composition of them, then the result can be parsed
4648 back with |eval()|.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00004649 {expr} type result ~
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004650 String 'string'
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004651 Number 123
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004652 Funcref function('name')
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004653 List [item, item]
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +00004654 Dictionary {key: value, key: value}
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004655 Note that in String values the ' character is doubled.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00004656
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004657 *strlen()*
4658strlen({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the length of the String
Bram Moolenaare344bea2005-09-01 20:46:49 +00004659 {expr} in bytes.
4660 If you want to count the number of multi-byte characters (not
4661 counting composing characters) use something like this: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004662
4663 :let len = strlen(substitute(str, ".", "x", "g"))
Bram Moolenaare344bea2005-09-01 20:46:49 +00004664<
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00004665 If the argument is a Number it is first converted to a String.
4666 For other types an error is given.
4667 Also see |len()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004668
4669strpart({src}, {start}[, {len}]) *strpart()*
4670 The result is a String, which is part of {src}, starting from
Bram Moolenaar9372a112005-12-06 19:59:18 +00004671 byte {start}, with the byte length {len}.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004672 When non-existing bytes are included, this doesn't result in
4673 an error, the bytes are simply omitted.
4674 If {len} is missing, the copy continues from {start} till the
4675 end of the {src}. >
4676 strpart("abcdefg", 3, 2) == "de"
4677 strpart("abcdefg", -2, 4) == "ab"
4678 strpart("abcdefg", 5, 4) == "fg"
4679 strpart("abcdefg", 3) == "defg"
4680< Note: To get the first character, {start} must be 0. For
4681 example, to get three bytes under and after the cursor: >
Bram Moolenaar61660ea2006-04-07 21:40:07 +00004682 strpart(getline("."), col(".") - 1, 3)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004683<
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00004684strridx({haystack}, {needle} [, {start}]) *strridx()*
4685 The result is a Number, which gives the byte index in
4686 {haystack} of the last occurrence of the String {needle}.
4687 When {start} is specified, matches beyond this index are
4688 ignored. This can be used to find a match before a previous
4689 match: >
4690 :let lastcomma = strridx(line, ",")
4691 :let comma2 = strridx(line, ",", lastcomma - 1)
4692< The search is done case-sensitive.
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00004693 For pattern searches use |match()|.
4694 -1 is returned if the {needle} does not occur in {haystack}.
Bram Moolenaard4755bb2004-09-02 19:12:26 +00004695 If the {needle} is empty the length of {haystack} is returned.
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004696 See also |stridx()|. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004697 :echo strridx("an angry armadillo", "an") 3
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004698< *strrchr()*
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00004699 When used with a single character it works similar to the C
4700 function strrchr().
4701
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004702strtrans({expr}) *strtrans()*
4703 The result is a String, which is {expr} with all unprintable
4704 characters translated into printable characters |'isprint'|.
4705 Like they are shown in a window. Example: >
4706 echo strtrans(@a)
4707< This displays a newline in register a as "^@" instead of
4708 starting a new line.
4709
4710submatch({nr}) *submatch()*
4711 Only for an expression in a |:substitute| command. Returns
4712 the {nr}'th submatch of the matched text. When {nr} is 0
4713 the whole matched text is returned.
4714 Example: >
4715 :s/\d\+/\=submatch(0) + 1/
4716< This finds the first number in the line and adds one to it.
4717 A line break is included as a newline character.
4718
4719substitute({expr}, {pat}, {sub}, {flags}) *substitute()*
4720 The result is a String, which is a copy of {expr}, in which
4721 the first match of {pat} is replaced with {sub}. This works
4722 like the ":substitute" command (without any flags). But the
4723 matching with {pat} is always done like the 'magic' option is
4724 set and 'cpoptions' is empty (to make scripts portable).
Bram Moolenaar56a907a2006-05-06 21:44:30 +00004725 'ignorecase' is still relevant.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004726 See |string-match| for how {pat} is used.
4727 And a "~" in {sub} is not replaced with the previous {sub}.
4728 Note that some codes in {sub} have a special meaning
4729 |sub-replace-special|. For example, to replace something with
4730 "\n" (two characters), use "\\\\n" or '\\n'.
4731 When {pat} does not match in {expr}, {expr} is returned
4732 unmodified.
4733 When {flags} is "g", all matches of {pat} in {expr} are
4734 replaced. Otherwise {flags} should be "".
4735 Example: >
4736 :let &path = substitute(&path, ",\\=[^,]*$", "", "")
4737< This removes the last component of the 'path' option. >
4738 :echo substitute("testing", ".*", "\\U\\0", "")
4739< results in "TESTING".
4740
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00004741synID({lnum}, {col}, {trans}) *synID()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004742 The result is a Number, which is the syntax ID at the position
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00004743 {lnum} and {col} in the current window.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004744 The syntax ID can be used with |synIDattr()| and
4745 |synIDtrans()| to obtain syntax information about text.
Bram Moolenaarce0842a2005-07-18 21:58:11 +00004746
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00004747 {col} is 1 for the leftmost column, {lnum} is 1 for the first
Bram Moolenaarce0842a2005-07-18 21:58:11 +00004748 line. 'synmaxcol' applies, in a longer line zero is returned.
4749
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004750 When {trans} is non-zero, transparent items are reduced to the
4751 item that they reveal. This is useful when wanting to know
4752 the effective color. When {trans} is zero, the transparent
4753 item is returned. This is useful when wanting to know which
4754 syntax item is effective (e.g. inside parens).
4755 Warning: This function can be very slow. Best speed is
4756 obtained by going through the file in forward direction.
4757
4758 Example (echoes the name of the syntax item under the cursor): >
4759 :echo synIDattr(synID(line("."), col("."), 1), "name")
4760<
4761synIDattr({synID}, {what} [, {mode}]) *synIDattr()*
4762 The result is a String, which is the {what} attribute of
4763 syntax ID {synID}. This can be used to obtain information
4764 about a syntax item.
4765 {mode} can be "gui", "cterm" or "term", to get the attributes
4766 for that mode. When {mode} is omitted, or an invalid value is
4767 used, the attributes for the currently active highlighting are
4768 used (GUI, cterm or term).
4769 Use synIDtrans() to follow linked highlight groups.
4770 {what} result
4771 "name" the name of the syntax item
4772 "fg" foreground color (GUI: color name used to set
4773 the color, cterm: color number as a string,
4774 term: empty string)
4775 "bg" background color (like "fg")
4776 "fg#" like "fg", but for the GUI and the GUI is
4777 running the name in "#RRGGBB" form
4778 "bg#" like "fg#" for "bg"
4779 "bold" "1" if bold
4780 "italic" "1" if italic
4781 "reverse" "1" if reverse
4782 "inverse" "1" if inverse (= reverse)
4783 "underline" "1" if underlined
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004784 "undercurl" "1" if undercurled
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004785
4786 Example (echoes the color of the syntax item under the
4787 cursor): >
4788 :echo synIDattr(synIDtrans(synID(line("."), col("."), 1)), "fg")
4789<
4790synIDtrans({synID}) *synIDtrans()*
4791 The result is a Number, which is the translated syntax ID of
4792 {synID}. This is the syntax group ID of what is being used to
4793 highlight the character. Highlight links given with
4794 ":highlight link" are followed.
4795
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00004796system({expr} [, {input}]) *system()* *E677*
4797 Get the output of the shell command {expr}.
4798 When {input} is given, this string is written to a file and
4799 passed as stdin to the command. The string is written as-is,
4800 you need to take care of using the correct line separators
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00004801 yourself. Pipes are not used.
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00004802 Note: newlines in {expr} may cause the command to fail. The
4803 characters in 'shellquote' and 'shellxquote' may also cause
4804 trouble.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004805 This is not to be used for interactive commands.
4806 The result is a String. Example: >
4807
4808 :let files = system("ls")
4809
4810< To make the result more system-independent, the shell output
4811 is filtered to replace <CR> with <NL> for Macintosh, and
4812 <CR><NL> with <NL> for DOS-like systems.
4813 The command executed is constructed using several options:
4814 'shell' 'shellcmdflag' 'shellxquote' {expr} 'shellredir' {tmp} 'shellxquote'
4815 ({tmp} is an automatically generated file name).
4816 For Unix and OS/2 braces are put around {expr} to allow for
4817 concatenated commands.
4818
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00004819 The command will be executed in "cooked" mode, so that a
4820 CTRL-C will interrupt the command (on Unix at least).
4821
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004822 The resulting error code can be found in |v:shell_error|.
4823 This function will fail in |restricted-mode|.
Bram Moolenaar4770d092006-01-12 23:22:24 +00004824
4825 Note that any wrong value in the options mentioned above may
4826 make the function fail. It has also been reported to fail
4827 when using a security agent application.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004828 Unlike ":!cmd" there is no automatic check for changed files.
4829 Use |:checktime| to force a check.
4830
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004831
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00004832tabpagebuflist([{arg}]) *tabpagebuflist()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004833 The result is a |List|, where each item is the number of the
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00004834 buffer associated with each window in the current tab page.
4835 {arg} specifies the number of tab page to be used. When
4836 omitted the current tab page is used.
4837 When {arg} is invalid the number zero is returned.
4838 To get a list of all buffers in all tabs use this: >
4839 tablist = []
4840 for i in range(tabpagenr('$'))
4841 call extend(tablist, tabpagebuflist(i + 1))
4842 endfor
4843< Note that a buffer may appear in more than one window.
4844
4845
4846tabpagenr([{arg}]) *tabpagenr()*
Bram Moolenaar7e8fd632006-02-18 22:14:51 +00004847 The result is a Number, which is the number of the current
4848 tab page. The first tab page has number 1.
4849 When the optional argument is "$", the number of the last tab
4850 page is returned (the tab page count).
4851 The number can be used with the |:tab| command.
4852
4853
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00004854tabpagewinnr({tabarg}, [{arg}]) *tabpagewinnr()*
4855 Like |winnr()| but for tab page {arg}.
4856 {tabarg} specifies the number of tab page to be used.
4857 {arg} is used like with |winnr()|:
4858 - When omitted the current window number is returned. This is
4859 the window which will be used when going to this tab page.
4860 - When "$" the number of windows is returned.
4861 - When "#" the previous window nr is returned.
4862 Useful examples: >
4863 tabpagewinnr(1) " current window of tab page 1
4864 tabpagewinnr(4, '$') " number of windows in tab page 4
4865< When {tabarg} is invalid zero is returned.
4866
Bram Moolenaarfa1d1402006-03-25 21:59:56 +00004867 *tagfiles()*
4868tagfiles() Returns a |List| with the file names used to search for tags
4869 for the current buffer. This is the 'tags' option expanded.
4870
4871
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004872taglist({expr}) *taglist()*
4873 Returns a list of tags matching the regular expression {expr}.
Bram Moolenaard8c00872005-07-22 21:52:15 +00004874 Each list item is a dictionary with at least the following
4875 entries:
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00004876 name Name of the tag.
4877 filename Name of the file where the tag is
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004878 defined.
4879 cmd Ex command used to locate the tag in
4880 the file.
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00004881 kind Type of the tag. The value for this
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004882 entry depends on the language specific
4883 kind values generated by the ctags
4884 tool.
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00004885 static A file specific tag. Refer to
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004886 |static-tag| for more information.
Bram Moolenaar4317d9b2005-03-18 20:25:31 +00004887 The "kind" entry is only available when using Exuberant ctags
4888 generated tags file. More entries may be present, depending
4889 on the content of the tags file: access, implementation,
4890 inherits and signature. Refer to the ctags documentation for
4891 information about these fields. For C code the fields
4892 "struct", "class" and "enum" may appear, they give the name of
4893 the entity the tag is contained in.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004894
Bram Moolenaar4317d9b2005-03-18 20:25:31 +00004895 The ex-command 'cmd' can be either an ex search pattern, a
4896 line number or a line number followed by a byte number.
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004897
4898 If there are no matching tags, then an empty list is returned.
4899
4900 To get an exact tag match, the anchors '^' and '$' should be
4901 used in {expr}. Refer to |tag-regexp| for more information
4902 about the tag search regular expression pattern.
4903
4904 Refer to |'tags'| for information about how the tags file is
4905 located by Vim. Refer to |tags-file-format| for the format of
4906 the tags file generated by the different ctags tools.
4907
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004908tempname() *tempname()* *temp-file-name*
4909 The result is a String, which is the name of a file that
4910 doesn't exist. It can be used for a temporary file. The name
4911 is different for at least 26 consecutive calls. Example: >
4912 :let tmpfile = tempname()
4913 :exe "redir > " . tmpfile
4914< For Unix, the file will be in a private directory (only
4915 accessible by the current user) to avoid security problems
4916 (e.g., a symlink attack or other people reading your file).
4917 When Vim exits the directory and all files in it are deleted.
4918 For MS-Windows forward slashes are used when the 'shellslash'
4919 option is set or when 'shellcmdflag' starts with '-'.
4920
4921tolower({expr}) *tolower()*
4922 The result is a copy of the String given, with all uppercase
4923 characters turned into lowercase (just like applying |gu| to
4924 the string).
4925
4926toupper({expr}) *toupper()*
4927 The result is a copy of the String given, with all lowercase
4928 characters turned into uppercase (just like applying |gU| to
4929 the string).
4930
Bram Moolenaar8299df92004-07-10 09:47:34 +00004931tr({src}, {fromstr}, {tostr}) *tr()*
4932 The result is a copy of the {src} string with all characters
4933 which appear in {fromstr} replaced by the character in that
4934 position in the {tostr} string. Thus the first character in
4935 {fromstr} is translated into the first character in {tostr}
4936 and so on. Exactly like the unix "tr" command.
4937 This code also deals with multibyte characters properly.
4938
4939 Examples: >
4940 echo tr("hello there", "ht", "HT")
4941< returns "Hello THere" >
4942 echo tr("<blob>", "<>", "{}")
4943< returns "{blob}"
4944
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00004945 *type()*
4946type({expr}) The result is a Number, depending on the type of {expr}:
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00004947 Number: 0
4948 String: 1
4949 Funcref: 2
4950 List: 3
4951 Dictionary: 4
4952 To avoid the magic numbers it should be used this way: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00004953 :if type(myvar) == type(0)
4954 :if type(myvar) == type("")
4955 :if type(myvar) == type(function("tr"))
4956 :if type(myvar) == type([])
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00004957 :if type(myvar) == type({})
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004958
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00004959values({dict}) *values()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004960 Return a |List| with all the values of {dict}. The |List| is
4961 in arbitrary order.
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00004962
4963
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004964virtcol({expr}) *virtcol()*
4965 The result is a Number, which is the screen column of the file
4966 position given with {expr}. That is, the last screen position
4967 occupied by the character at that position, when the screen
4968 would be of unlimited width. When there is a <Tab> at the
4969 position, the returned Number will be the column at the end of
4970 the <Tab>. For example, for a <Tab> in column 1, with 'ts'
4971 set to 8, it returns 8.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004972 For the use of {expr} see |col()|. Additionally you can use
Bram Moolenaar5c8837f2006-02-25 21:52:33 +00004973 [lnum, col]: a |List| with the line and column number. When
4974 "lnum" or "col" is out of range then virtcol() returns zero.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00004975 When 'virtualedit' is used it can be [lnum, col, off], where
4976 "off" is the offset in screen columns from the start of the
4977 character. E.g., a position within a Tab or after the last
4978 character.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004979 For the byte position use |col()|.
4980 When Virtual editing is active in the current mode, a position
4981 beyond the end of the line can be returned. |'virtualedit'|
4982 The accepted positions are:
4983 . the cursor position
4984 $ the end of the cursor line (the result is the
4985 number of displayed characters in the cursor line
4986 plus one)
4987 'x position of mark x (if the mark is not set, 0 is
4988 returned)
4989 Note that only marks in the current file can be used.
4990 Examples: >
4991 virtcol(".") with text "foo^Lbar", with cursor on the "^L", returns 5
4992 virtcol("$") with text "foo^Lbar", returns 9
4993 virtcol("'t") with text " there", with 't at 'h', returns 6
4994< The first column is 1. 0 is returned for an error.
4995
4996visualmode([expr]) *visualmode()*
4997 The result is a String, which describes the last Visual mode
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004998 used in the current buffer. Initially it returns an empty
4999 string, but once Visual mode has been used, it returns "v",
5000 "V", or "<CTRL-V>" (a single CTRL-V character) for
5001 character-wise, line-wise, or block-wise Visual mode
5002 respectively.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005003 Example: >
5004 :exe "normal " . visualmode()
5005< This enters the same Visual mode as before. It is also useful
5006 in scripts if you wish to act differently depending on the
5007 Visual mode that was used.
5008
5009 If an expression is supplied that results in a non-zero number
5010 or a non-empty string, then the Visual mode will be cleared
5011 and the old value is returned. Note that " " and "0" are also
5012 non-empty strings, thus cause the mode to be cleared.
5013
5014 *winbufnr()*
5015winbufnr({nr}) The result is a Number, which is the number of the buffer
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00005016 associated with window {nr}. When {nr} is zero, the number of
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005017 the buffer in the current window is returned. When window
5018 {nr} doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
5019 Example: >
5020 :echo "The file in the current window is " . bufname(winbufnr(0))
5021<
5022 *wincol()*
5023wincol() The result is a Number, which is the virtual column of the
5024 cursor in the window. This is counting screen cells from the
5025 left side of the window. The leftmost column is one.
5026
5027winheight({nr}) *winheight()*
5028 The result is a Number, which is the height of window {nr}.
5029 When {nr} is zero, the height of the current window is
5030 returned. When window {nr} doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
5031 An existing window always has a height of zero or more.
5032 Examples: >
5033 :echo "The current window has " . winheight(0) . " lines."
5034<
5035 *winline()*
5036winline() The result is a Number, which is the screen line of the cursor
5037 in the window. This is counting screen lines from the top of
5038 the window. The first line is one.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00005039 If the cursor was moved the view on the file will be updated
5040 first, this may cause a scroll.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005041
5042 *winnr()*
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00005043winnr([{arg}]) The result is a Number, which is the number of the current
5044 window. The top window has number 1.
5045 When the optional argument is "$", the number of the
Bram Moolenaar7e8fd632006-02-18 22:14:51 +00005046 last window is returned (the window count).
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00005047 When the optional argument is "#", the number of the last
5048 accessed window is returned (where |CTRL-W_p| goes to).
5049 If there is no previous window 0 is returned.
5050 The number can be used with |CTRL-W_w| and ":wincmd w"
5051 |:wincmd|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005052
5053 *winrestcmd()*
5054winrestcmd() Returns a sequence of |:resize| commands that should restore
5055 the current window sizes. Only works properly when no windows
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00005056 are opened or closed and the current window and tab page is
5057 unchanged.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005058 Example: >
5059 :let cmd = winrestcmd()
5060 :call MessWithWindowSizes()
5061 :exe cmd
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00005062<
5063 *winrestview()*
5064winrestview({dict})
5065 Uses the |Dictionary| returned by |winsaveview()| to restore
5066 the view of the current window.
5067 If you have changed the values the result is unpredictable.
5068 If the window size changed the result won't be the same.
5069
5070 *winsaveview()*
5071winsaveview() Returns a |Dictionary| that contains information to restore
5072 the view of the current window. Use |winrestview()| to
5073 restore the view.
5074 This is useful if you have a mapping that jumps around in the
5075 buffer and you want to go back to the original view.
5076 This does not save fold information. Use the 'foldenable'
Bram Moolenaardb552d602006-03-23 22:59:57 +00005077 option to temporarily switch off folding, so that folds are
5078 not opened when moving around.
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00005079 The return value includes:
5080 lnum cursor line number
5081 col cursor column
5082 coladd cursor column offset for 'virtualedit'
5083 curswant column for vertical movement
5084 topline first line in the window
5085 topfill filler lines, only in diff mode
5086 leftcol first column displayed
5087 skipcol columns skipped
5088 Note that no option values are saved.
5089
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005090
5091winwidth({nr}) *winwidth()*
5092 The result is a Number, which is the width of window {nr}.
5093 When {nr} is zero, the width of the current window is
5094 returned. When window {nr} doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
5095 An existing window always has a width of zero or more.
5096 Examples: >
5097 :echo "The current window has " . winwidth(0) . " columns."
5098 :if winwidth(0) <= 50
5099 : exe "normal 50\<C-W>|"
5100 :endif
5101<
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00005102 *writefile()*
5103writefile({list}, {fname} [, {binary}])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005104 Write |List| {list} to file {fname}. Each list item is
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00005105 separated with a NL. Each list item must be a String or
5106 Number.
5107 When {binary} is equal to "b" binary mode is used: There will
5108 not be a NL after the last list item. An empty item at the
5109 end does cause the last line in the file to end in a NL.
5110 All NL characters are replaced with a NUL character.
5111 Inserting CR characters needs to be done before passing {list}
5112 to writefile().
5113 An existing file is overwritten, if possible.
5114 When the write fails -1 is returned, otherwise 0. There is an
5115 error message if the file can't be created or when writing
5116 fails.
5117 Also see |readfile()|.
5118 To copy a file byte for byte: >
5119 :let fl = readfile("foo", "b")
5120 :call writefile(fl, "foocopy", "b")
5121<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005122
5123 *feature-list*
5124There are three types of features:
51251. Features that are only supported when they have been enabled when Vim
5126 was compiled |+feature-list|. Example: >
5127 :if has("cindent")
51282. Features that are only supported when certain conditions have been met.
5129 Example: >
5130 :if has("gui_running")
5131< *has-patch*
51323. Included patches. First check |v:version| for the version of Vim.
5133 Then the "patch123" feature means that patch 123 has been included for
5134 this version. Example (checking version 6.2.148 or later): >
5135 :if v:version > 602 || v:version == 602 && has("patch148")
5136
5137all_builtin_terms Compiled with all builtin terminals enabled.
5138amiga Amiga version of Vim.
5139arabic Compiled with Arabic support |Arabic|.
5140arp Compiled with ARP support (Amiga).
Bram Moolenaara9b1e742005-12-19 22:14:58 +00005141autocmd Compiled with autocommand support. |autocommand|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005142balloon_eval Compiled with |balloon-eval| support.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00005143balloon_multiline GUI supports multiline balloons.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005144beos BeOS version of Vim.
5145browse Compiled with |:browse| support, and browse() will
5146 work.
5147builtin_terms Compiled with some builtin terminals.
5148byte_offset Compiled with support for 'o' in 'statusline'
5149cindent Compiled with 'cindent' support.
5150clientserver Compiled with remote invocation support |clientserver|.
5151clipboard Compiled with 'clipboard' support.
5152cmdline_compl Compiled with |cmdline-completion| support.
5153cmdline_hist Compiled with |cmdline-history| support.
5154cmdline_info Compiled with 'showcmd' and 'ruler' support.
5155comments Compiled with |'comments'| support.
5156cryptv Compiled with encryption support |encryption|.
5157cscope Compiled with |cscope| support.
5158compatible Compiled to be very Vi compatible.
5159debug Compiled with "DEBUG" defined.
5160dialog_con Compiled with console dialog support.
5161dialog_gui Compiled with GUI dialog support.
5162diff Compiled with |vimdiff| and 'diff' support.
5163digraphs Compiled with support for digraphs.
5164dnd Compiled with support for the "~ register |quote_~|.
5165dos32 32 bits DOS (DJGPP) version of Vim.
5166dos16 16 bits DOS version of Vim.
5167ebcdic Compiled on a machine with ebcdic character set.
5168emacs_tags Compiled with support for Emacs tags.
5169eval Compiled with expression evaluation support. Always
5170 true, of course!
5171ex_extra Compiled with extra Ex commands |+ex_extra|.
5172extra_search Compiled with support for |'incsearch'| and
5173 |'hlsearch'|
5174farsi Compiled with Farsi support |farsi|.
5175file_in_path Compiled with support for |gf| and |<cfile>|
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00005176filterpipe When 'shelltemp' is off pipes are used for shell
5177 read/write/filter commands
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005178find_in_path Compiled with support for include file searches
5179 |+find_in_path|.
5180fname_case Case in file names matters (for Amiga, MS-DOS, and
5181 Windows this is not present).
5182folding Compiled with |folding| support.
5183footer Compiled with GUI footer support. |gui-footer|
5184fork Compiled to use fork()/exec() instead of system().
5185gettext Compiled with message translation |multi-lang|
5186gui Compiled with GUI enabled.
5187gui_athena Compiled with Athena GUI.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005188gui_gtk Compiled with GTK+ GUI (any version).
5189gui_gtk2 Compiled with GTK+ 2 GUI (gui_gtk is also defined).
5190gui_mac Compiled with Macintosh GUI.
5191gui_motif Compiled with Motif GUI.
5192gui_photon Compiled with Photon GUI.
5193gui_win32 Compiled with MS Windows Win32 GUI.
5194gui_win32s idem, and Win32s system being used (Windows 3.1)
5195gui_running Vim is running in the GUI, or it will start soon.
5196hangul_input Compiled with Hangul input support. |hangul|
5197iconv Can use iconv() for conversion.
5198insert_expand Compiled with support for CTRL-X expansion commands in
5199 Insert mode.
5200jumplist Compiled with |jumplist| support.
5201keymap Compiled with 'keymap' support.
5202langmap Compiled with 'langmap' support.
5203libcall Compiled with |libcall()| support.
5204linebreak Compiled with 'linebreak', 'breakat' and 'showbreak'
5205 support.
5206lispindent Compiled with support for lisp indenting.
5207listcmds Compiled with commands for the buffer list |:files|
5208 and the argument list |arglist|.
5209localmap Compiled with local mappings and abbr. |:map-local|
5210mac Macintosh version of Vim.
5211macunix Macintosh version of Vim, using Unix files (OS-X).
5212menu Compiled with support for |:menu|.
5213mksession Compiled with support for |:mksession|.
5214modify_fname Compiled with file name modifiers. |filename-modifiers|
5215mouse Compiled with support mouse.
5216mouseshape Compiled with support for 'mouseshape'.
5217mouse_dec Compiled with support for Dec terminal mouse.
5218mouse_gpm Compiled with support for gpm (Linux console mouse)
5219mouse_netterm Compiled with support for netterm mouse.
5220mouse_pterm Compiled with support for qnx pterm mouse.
5221mouse_xterm Compiled with support for xterm mouse.
5222multi_byte Compiled with support for editing Korean et al.
5223multi_byte_ime Compiled with support for IME input method.
5224multi_lang Compiled with support for multiple languages.
Bram Moolenaar325b7a22004-07-05 15:58:32 +00005225mzscheme Compiled with MzScheme interface |mzscheme|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005226netbeans_intg Compiled with support for |netbeans|.
Bram Moolenaar009b2592004-10-24 19:18:58 +00005227netbeans_enabled Compiled with support for |netbeans| and it's used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005228ole Compiled with OLE automation support for Win32.
5229os2 OS/2 version of Vim.
5230osfiletype Compiled with support for osfiletypes |+osfiletype|
5231path_extra Compiled with up/downwards search in 'path' and 'tags'
5232perl Compiled with Perl interface.
5233postscript Compiled with PostScript file printing.
5234printer Compiled with |:hardcopy| support.
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00005235profile Compiled with |:profile| support.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005236python Compiled with Python interface.
5237qnx QNX version of Vim.
5238quickfix Compiled with |quickfix| support.
Bram Moolenaard68071d2006-05-02 22:08:30 +00005239reltime Compiled with |reltime()| support.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005240rightleft Compiled with 'rightleft' support.
5241ruby Compiled with Ruby interface |ruby|.
5242scrollbind Compiled with 'scrollbind' support.
5243showcmd Compiled with 'showcmd' support.
5244signs Compiled with |:sign| support.
5245smartindent Compiled with 'smartindent' support.
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00005246sniff Compiled with SNiFF interface support.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005247statusline Compiled with support for 'statusline', 'rulerformat'
5248 and special formats of 'titlestring' and 'iconstring'.
5249sun_workshop Compiled with support for Sun |workshop|.
Bram Moolenaar82cf9b62005-06-07 21:09:25 +00005250spell Compiled with spell checking support |spell|.
5251syntax Compiled with syntax highlighting support |syntax|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005252syntax_items There are active syntax highlighting items for the
5253 current buffer.
5254system Compiled to use system() instead of fork()/exec().
5255tag_binary Compiled with binary searching in tags files
5256 |tag-binary-search|.
5257tag_old_static Compiled with support for old static tags
5258 |tag-old-static|.
5259tag_any_white Compiled with support for any white characters in tags
5260 files |tag-any-white|.
5261tcl Compiled with Tcl interface.
5262terminfo Compiled with terminfo instead of termcap.
5263termresponse Compiled with support for |t_RV| and |v:termresponse|.
5264textobjects Compiled with support for |text-objects|.
5265tgetent Compiled with tgetent support, able to use a termcap
5266 or terminfo file.
5267title Compiled with window title support |'title'|.
5268toolbar Compiled with support for |gui-toolbar|.
5269unix Unix version of Vim.
5270user_commands User-defined commands.
5271viminfo Compiled with viminfo support.
5272vim_starting True while initial source'ing takes place.
5273vertsplit Compiled with vertically split windows |:vsplit|.
5274virtualedit Compiled with 'virtualedit' option.
5275visual Compiled with Visual mode.
5276visualextra Compiled with extra Visual mode commands.
5277 |blockwise-operators|.
5278vms VMS version of Vim.
5279vreplace Compiled with |gR| and |gr| commands.
5280wildignore Compiled with 'wildignore' option.
5281wildmenu Compiled with 'wildmenu' option.
5282windows Compiled with support for more than one window.
5283winaltkeys Compiled with 'winaltkeys' option.
5284win16 Win16 version of Vim (MS-Windows 3.1).
5285win32 Win32 version of Vim (MS-Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP).
5286win64 Win64 version of Vim (MS-Windows 64 bit).
5287win32unix Win32 version of Vim, using Unix files (Cygwin)
5288win95 Win32 version for MS-Windows 95/98/ME.
5289writebackup Compiled with 'writebackup' default on.
5290xfontset Compiled with X fontset support |xfontset|.
5291xim Compiled with X input method support |xim|.
5292xsmp Compiled with X session management support.
5293xsmp_interact Compiled with interactive X session management support.
5294xterm_clipboard Compiled with support for xterm clipboard.
5295xterm_save Compiled with support for saving and restoring the
5296 xterm screen.
5297x11 Compiled with X11 support.
5298
5299 *string-match*
5300Matching a pattern in a String
5301
5302A regexp pattern as explained at |pattern| is normally used to find a match in
5303the buffer lines. When a pattern is used to find a match in a String, almost
5304everything works in the same way. The difference is that a String is handled
5305like it is one line. When it contains a "\n" character, this is not seen as a
5306line break for the pattern. It can be matched with a "\n" in the pattern, or
5307with ".". Example: >
5308 :let a = "aaaa\nxxxx"
5309 :echo matchstr(a, "..\n..")
5310 aa
5311 xx
5312 :echo matchstr(a, "a.x")
5313 a
5314 x
5315
5316Don't forget that "^" will only match at the first character of the String and
5317"$" at the last character of the string. They don't match after or before a
5318"\n".
5319
5320==============================================================================
53215. Defining functions *user-functions*
5322
5323New functions can be defined. These can be called just like builtin
5324functions. The function executes a sequence of Ex commands. Normal mode
5325commands can be executed with the |:normal| command.
5326
5327The function name must start with an uppercase letter, to avoid confusion with
5328builtin functions. To prevent from using the same name in different scripts
5329avoid obvious, short names. A good habit is to start the function name with
5330the name of the script, e.g., "HTMLcolor()".
5331
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00005332It's also possible to use curly braces, see |curly-braces-names|. And the
5333|autoload| facility is useful to define a function only when it's called.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005334
5335 *local-function*
5336A function local to a script must start with "s:". A local script function
5337can only be called from within the script and from functions, user commands
5338and autocommands defined in the script. It is also possible to call the
5339function from a mappings defined in the script, but then |<SID>| must be used
5340instead of "s:" when the mapping is expanded outside of the script.
5341
5342 *:fu* *:function* *E128* *E129* *E123*
5343:fu[nction] List all functions and their arguments.
5344
5345:fu[nction] {name} List function {name}.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005346 {name} can also be a |Dictionary| entry that is a
5347 |Funcref|: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005348 :function dict.init
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00005349
5350:fu[nction] /{pattern} List functions with a name matching {pattern}.
5351 Example that lists all functions ending with "File": >
5352 :function /File$
Bram Moolenaar5b8d8fd2005-08-16 23:01:50 +00005353<
5354 *:function-verbose*
5355When 'verbose' is non-zero, listing a function will also display where it was
5356last defined. Example: >
5357
5358 :verbose function SetFileTypeSH
5359 function SetFileTypeSH(name)
5360 Last set from /usr/share/vim/vim-7.0/filetype.vim
5361<
Bram Moolenaar8aff23a2005-08-19 20:40:30 +00005362See |:verbose-cmd| for more information.
Bram Moolenaar5b8d8fd2005-08-16 23:01:50 +00005363
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00005364 *E124* *E125*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00005365:fu[nction][!] {name}([arguments]) [range] [abort] [dict]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005366 Define a new function by the name {name}. The name
5367 must be made of alphanumeric characters and '_', and
5368 must start with a capital or "s:" (see above).
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005369
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005370 {name} can also be a |Dictionary| entry that is a
5371 |Funcref|: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005372 :function dict.init(arg)
5373< "dict" must be an existing dictionary. The entry
5374 "init" is added if it didn't exist yet. Otherwise [!]
5375 is required to overwrite an existing function. The
5376 result is a |Funcref| to a numbered function. The
5377 function can only be used with a |Funcref| and will be
5378 deleted if there are no more references to it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005379 *E127* *E122*
5380 When a function by this name already exists and [!] is
5381 not used an error message is given. When [!] is used,
5382 an existing function is silently replaced. Unless it
5383 is currently being executed, that is an error.
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00005384
5385 For the {arguments} see |function-argument|.
5386
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005387 *a:firstline* *a:lastline*
5388 When the [range] argument is added, the function is
5389 expected to take care of a range itself. The range is
5390 passed as "a:firstline" and "a:lastline". If [range]
5391 is excluded, ":{range}call" will call the function for
5392 each line in the range, with the cursor on the start
5393 of each line. See |function-range-example|.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005394
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005395 When the [abort] argument is added, the function will
5396 abort as soon as an error is detected.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005397
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00005398 When the [dict] argument is added, the function must
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005399 be invoked through an entry in a |Dictionary|. The
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00005400 local variable "self" will then be set to the
5401 dictionary. See |Dictionary-function|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005402
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00005403 The last used search pattern and the redo command "."
5404 will not be changed by the function.
5405
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005406 *:endf* *:endfunction* *E126* *E193*
5407:endf[unction] The end of a function definition. Must be on a line
5408 by its own, without other commands.
5409
5410 *:delf* *:delfunction* *E130* *E131*
5411:delf[unction] {name} Delete function {name}.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005412 {name} can also be a |Dictionary| entry that is a
5413 |Funcref|: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005414 :delfunc dict.init
5415< This will remove the "init" entry from "dict". The
5416 function is deleted if there are no more references to
5417 it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005418 *:retu* *:return* *E133*
5419:retu[rn] [expr] Return from a function. When "[expr]" is given, it is
5420 evaluated and returned as the result of the function.
5421 If "[expr]" is not given, the number 0 is returned.
5422 When a function ends without an explicit ":return",
5423 the number 0 is returned.
5424 Note that there is no check for unreachable lines,
5425 thus there is no warning if commands follow ":return".
5426
5427 If the ":return" is used after a |:try| but before the
5428 matching |:finally| (if present), the commands
5429 following the ":finally" up to the matching |:endtry|
5430 are executed first. This process applies to all
5431 nested ":try"s inside the function. The function
5432 returns at the outermost ":endtry".
5433
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00005434 *function-argument* *a:var*
5435An argument can be defined by giving its name. In the function this can then
5436be used as "a:name" ("a:" for argument).
5437 *a:0* *a:1* *a:000* *E740*
5438Up to 20 arguments can be given, separated by commas. After the named
5439arguments an argument "..." can be specified, which means that more arguments
5440may optionally be following. In the function the extra arguments can be used
5441as "a:1", "a:2", etc. "a:0" is set to the number of extra arguments (which
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005442can be 0). "a:000" is set to a |List| that contains these arguments. Note
5443that "a:1" is the same as "a:000[0]".
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00005444 *E742*
5445The a: scope and the variables in it cannot be changed, they are fixed.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005446However, if a |List| or |Dictionary| is used, you can changes their contents.
5447Thus you can pass a |List| to a function and have the function add an item to
5448it. If you want to make sure the function cannot change a |List| or
5449|Dictionary| use |:lockvar|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005450
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00005451When not using "...", the number of arguments in a function call must be equal
5452to the number of named arguments. When using "...", the number of arguments
5453may be larger.
5454
5455It is also possible to define a function without any arguments. You must
5456still supply the () then. The body of the function follows in the next lines,
5457until the matching |:endfunction|. It is allowed to define another function
5458inside a function body.
5459
5460 *local-variables*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005461Inside a function variables can be used. These are local variables, which
5462will disappear when the function returns. Global variables need to be
5463accessed with "g:".
5464
5465Example: >
5466 :function Table(title, ...)
5467 : echohl Title
5468 : echo a:title
5469 : echohl None
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00005470 : echo a:0 . " items:"
5471 : for s in a:000
5472 : echon ' ' . s
5473 : endfor
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005474 :endfunction
5475
5476This function can then be called with: >
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00005477 call Table("Table", "line1", "line2")
5478 call Table("Empty Table")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005479
5480To return more than one value, pass the name of a global variable: >
5481 :function Compute(n1, n2, divname)
5482 : if a:n2 == 0
5483 : return "fail"
5484 : endif
5485 : let g:{a:divname} = a:n1 / a:n2
5486 : return "ok"
5487 :endfunction
5488
5489This function can then be called with: >
5490 :let success = Compute(13, 1324, "div")
5491 :if success == "ok"
5492 : echo div
5493 :endif
5494
5495An alternative is to return a command that can be executed. This also works
5496with local variables in a calling function. Example: >
5497 :function Foo()
5498 : execute Bar()
5499 : echo "line " . lnum . " column " . col
5500 :endfunction
5501
5502 :function Bar()
5503 : return "let lnum = " . line(".") . " | let col = " . col(".")
5504 :endfunction
5505
5506The names "lnum" and "col" could also be passed as argument to Bar(), to allow
5507the caller to set the names.
5508
Bram Moolenaar39f05632006-03-19 22:15:26 +00005509 *:cal* *:call* *E107* *E117*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005510:[range]cal[l] {name}([arguments])
5511 Call a function. The name of the function and its arguments
5512 are as specified with |:function|. Up to 20 arguments can be
5513 used.
5514 Without a range and for functions that accept a range, the
5515 function is called once. When a range is given the cursor is
5516 positioned at the start of the first line before executing the
5517 function.
5518 When a range is given and the function doesn't handle it
5519 itself, the function is executed for each line in the range,
5520 with the cursor in the first column of that line. The cursor
5521 is left at the last line (possibly moved by the last function
5522 call). The arguments are re-evaluated for each line. Thus
5523 this works:
5524 *function-range-example* >
5525 :function Mynumber(arg)
5526 : echo line(".") . " " . a:arg
5527 :endfunction
5528 :1,5call Mynumber(getline("."))
5529<
5530 The "a:firstline" and "a:lastline" are defined anyway, they
5531 can be used to do something different at the start or end of
5532 the range.
5533
5534 Example of a function that handles the range itself: >
5535
5536 :function Cont() range
5537 : execute (a:firstline + 1) . "," . a:lastline . 's/^/\t\\ '
5538 :endfunction
5539 :4,8call Cont()
5540<
5541 This function inserts the continuation character "\" in front
5542 of all the lines in the range, except the first one.
5543
5544 *E132*
5545The recursiveness of user functions is restricted with the |'maxfuncdepth'|
5546option.
5547
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005548
5549AUTOMATICALLY LOADING FUNCTIONS ~
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005550 *autoload-functions*
5551When using many or large functions, it's possible to automatically define them
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005552only when they are used. There are two methods: with an autocommand and with
5553the "autoload" directory in 'runtimepath'.
5554
5555
5556Using an autocommand ~
5557
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00005558This is introduced in the user manual, section |41.14|.
5559
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005560The autocommand is useful if you have a plugin that is a long Vim script file.
5561You can define the autocommand and quickly quit the script with |:finish|.
5562That makes Vim startup faster. The autocommand should then load the same file
5563again, setting a variable to skip the |:finish| command.
5564
5565Use the FuncUndefined autocommand event with a pattern that matches the
5566function(s) to be defined. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005567
5568 :au FuncUndefined BufNet* source ~/vim/bufnetfuncs.vim
5569
5570The file "~/vim/bufnetfuncs.vim" should then define functions that start with
5571"BufNet". Also see |FuncUndefined|.
5572
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005573
5574Using an autoload script ~
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00005575 *autoload* *E746*
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00005576This is introduced in the user manual, section |41.15|.
5577
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005578Using a script in the "autoload" directory is simpler, but requires using
5579exactly the right file name. A function that can be autoloaded has a name
5580like this: >
5581
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00005582 :call filename#funcname()
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005583
5584When such a function is called, and it is not defined yet, Vim will search the
5585"autoload" directories in 'runtimepath' for a script file called
5586"filename.vim". For example "~/.vim/autoload/filename.vim". That file should
5587then define the function like this: >
5588
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00005589 function filename#funcname()
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005590 echo "Done!"
5591 endfunction
5592
Bram Moolenaar60a795a2005-09-16 21:55:43 +00005593The file name and the name used before the # in the function must match
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005594exactly, and the defined function must have the name exactly as it will be
5595called.
5596
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00005597It is possible to use subdirectories. Every # in the function name works like
5598a path separator. Thus when calling a function: >
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005599
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00005600 :call foo#bar#func()
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005601
5602Vim will look for the file "autoload/foo/bar.vim" in 'runtimepath'.
5603
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00005604This also works when reading a variable that has not been set yet: >
5605
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00005606 :let l = foo#bar#lvar
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00005607
Bram Moolenaara5792f52005-11-23 21:25:05 +00005608However, when the autoload script was already loaded it won't be loaded again
5609for an unknown variable.
5610
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00005611When assigning a value to such a variable nothing special happens. This can
5612be used to pass settings to the autoload script before it's loaded: >
5613
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00005614 :let foo#bar#toggle = 1
5615 :call foo#bar#func()
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00005616
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00005617Note that when you make a mistake and call a function that is supposed to be
5618defined in an autoload script, but the script doesn't actually define the
5619function, the script will be sourced every time you try to call the function.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00005620And you will get an error message every time.
5621
5622Also note that if you have two script files, and one calls a function in the
5623other and vise versa, before the used function is defined, it won't work.
5624Avoid using the autoload functionality at the toplevel.
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005625
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00005626Hint: If you distribute a bunch of scripts you can pack them together with the
5627|vimball| utility. Also read the user manual |distribute-script|.
5628
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005629==============================================================================
56306. Curly braces names *curly-braces-names*
5631
5632Wherever you can use a variable, you can use a "curly braces name" variable.
5633This is a regular variable name with one or more expressions wrapped in braces
5634{} like this: >
5635 my_{adjective}_variable
5636
5637When Vim encounters this, it evaluates the expression inside the braces, puts
5638that in place of the expression, and re-interprets the whole as a variable
5639name. So in the above example, if the variable "adjective" was set to
5640"noisy", then the reference would be to "my_noisy_variable", whereas if
5641"adjective" was set to "quiet", then it would be to "my_quiet_variable".
5642
5643One application for this is to create a set of variables governed by an option
5644value. For example, the statement >
5645 echo my_{&background}_message
5646
5647would output the contents of "my_dark_message" or "my_light_message" depending
5648on the current value of 'background'.
5649
5650You can use multiple brace pairs: >
5651 echo my_{adverb}_{adjective}_message
5652..or even nest them: >
5653 echo my_{ad{end_of_word}}_message
5654where "end_of_word" is either "verb" or "jective".
5655
5656However, the expression inside the braces must evaluate to a valid single
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00005657variable name, e.g. this is invalid: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005658 :let foo='a + b'
5659 :echo c{foo}d
5660.. since the result of expansion is "ca + bd", which is not a variable name.
5661
5662 *curly-braces-function-names*
5663You can call and define functions by an evaluated name in a similar way.
5664Example: >
5665 :let func_end='whizz'
5666 :call my_func_{func_end}(parameter)
5667
5668This would call the function "my_func_whizz(parameter)".
5669
5670==============================================================================
56717. Commands *expression-commands*
5672
5673:let {var-name} = {expr1} *:let* *E18*
5674 Set internal variable {var-name} to the result of the
5675 expression {expr1}. The variable will get the type
5676 from the {expr}. If {var-name} didn't exist yet, it
5677 is created.
5678
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00005679:let {var-name}[{idx}] = {expr1} *E689*
5680 Set a list item to the result of the expression
5681 {expr1}. {var-name} must refer to a list and {idx}
5682 must be a valid index in that list. For nested list
5683 the index can be repeated.
5684 This cannot be used to add an item to a list.
5685
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005686 *E711* *E719*
5687:let {var-name}[{idx1}:{idx2}] = {expr1} *E708* *E709* *E710*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005688 Set a sequence of items in a |List| to the result of
5689 the expression {expr1}, which must be a list with the
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00005690 correct number of items.
5691 {idx1} can be omitted, zero is used instead.
5692 {idx2} can be omitted, meaning the end of the list.
5693 When the selected range of items is partly past the
5694 end of the list, items will be added.
5695
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00005696 *:let+=* *:let-=* *:let.=* *E734*
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005697:let {var} += {expr1} Like ":let {var} = {var} + {expr1}".
5698:let {var} -= {expr1} Like ":let {var} = {var} - {expr1}".
5699:let {var} .= {expr1} Like ":let {var} = {var} . {expr1}".
5700 These fail if {var} was not set yet and when the type
5701 of {var} and {expr1} don't fit the operator.
5702
5703
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005704:let ${env-name} = {expr1} *:let-environment* *:let-$*
5705 Set environment variable {env-name} to the result of
5706 the expression {expr1}. The type is always String.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005707:let ${env-name} .= {expr1}
5708 Append {expr1} to the environment variable {env-name}.
5709 If the environment variable didn't exist yet this
5710 works like "=".
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005711
5712:let @{reg-name} = {expr1} *:let-register* *:let-@*
5713 Write the result of the expression {expr1} in register
5714 {reg-name}. {reg-name} must be a single letter, and
5715 must be the name of a writable register (see
5716 |registers|). "@@" can be used for the unnamed
5717 register, "@/" for the search pattern.
5718 If the result of {expr1} ends in a <CR> or <NL>, the
5719 register will be linewise, otherwise it will be set to
5720 characterwise.
5721 This can be used to clear the last search pattern: >
5722 :let @/ = ""
5723< This is different from searching for an empty string,
5724 that would match everywhere.
5725
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005726:let @{reg-name} .= {expr1}
5727 Append {expr1} to register {reg-name}. If the
5728 register was empty it's like setting it to {expr1}.
5729
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005730:let &{option-name} = {expr1} *:let-option* *:let-star*
5731 Set option {option-name} to the result of the
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00005732 expression {expr1}. A String or Number value is
5733 always converted to the type of the option.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005734 For an option local to a window or buffer the effect
5735 is just like using the |:set| command: both the local
Bram Moolenaara5fac542005-10-12 20:58:49 +00005736 value and the global value are changed.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00005737 Example: >
5738 :let &path = &path . ',/usr/local/include'
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005739
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005740:let &{option-name} .= {expr1}
5741 For a string option: Append {expr1} to the value.
5742 Does not insert a comma like |:set+=|.
5743
5744:let &{option-name} += {expr1}
5745:let &{option-name} -= {expr1}
5746 For a number or boolean option: Add or subtract
5747 {expr1}.
5748
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005749:let &l:{option-name} = {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005750:let &l:{option-name} .= {expr1}
5751:let &l:{option-name} += {expr1}
5752:let &l:{option-name} -= {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005753 Like above, but only set the local value of an option
5754 (if there is one). Works like |:setlocal|.
5755
5756:let &g:{option-name} = {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005757:let &g:{option-name} .= {expr1}
5758:let &g:{option-name} += {expr1}
5759:let &g:{option-name} -= {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005760 Like above, but only set the global value of an option
5761 (if there is one). Works like |:setglobal|.
5762
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00005763:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] = {expr1} *:let-unpack* *E687* *E688*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005764 {expr1} must evaluate to a |List|. The first item in
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00005765 the list is assigned to {name1}, the second item to
5766 {name2}, etc.
5767 The number of names must match the number of items in
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005768 the |List|.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00005769 Each name can be one of the items of the ":let"
5770 command as mentioned above.
5771 Example: >
5772 :let [s, item] = GetItem(s)
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005773< Detail: {expr1} is evaluated first, then the
5774 assignments are done in sequence. This matters if
5775 {name2} depends on {name1}. Example: >
5776 :let x = [0, 1]
5777 :let i = 0
5778 :let [i, x[i]] = [1, 2]
5779 :echo x
5780< The result is [0, 2].
5781
5782:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] .= {expr1}
5783:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] += {expr1}
5784:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] -= {expr1}
5785 Like above, but append/add/subtract the value for each
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005786 |List| item.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00005787
5788:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] = {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005789 Like |:let-unpack| above, but the |List| may have more
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005790 items than there are names. A list of the remaining
5791 items is assigned to {lastname}. If there are no
5792 remaining items {lastname} is set to an empty list.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00005793 Example: >
5794 :let [a, b; rest] = ["aval", "bval", 3, 4]
5795<
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005796:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] .= {expr1}
5797:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] += {expr1}
5798:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] -= {expr1}
5799 Like above, but append/add/subtract the value for each
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005800 |List| item.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005801 *E106*
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005802:let {var-name} .. List the value of variable {var-name}. Multiple
Bram Moolenaardcaf10e2005-01-21 11:55:25 +00005803 variable names may be given. Special names recognized
5804 here: *E738*
Bram Moolenaarca003e12006-03-17 23:19:38 +00005805 g: global variables
5806 b: local buffer variables
5807 w: local window variables
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00005808 t: local tab page variables
Bram Moolenaarca003e12006-03-17 23:19:38 +00005809 s: script-local variables
5810 l: local function variables
Bram Moolenaardcaf10e2005-01-21 11:55:25 +00005811 v: Vim variables.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005812
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00005813:let List the values of all variables. The type of the
5814 variable is indicated before the value:
5815 <nothing> String
5816 # Number
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00005817 * Funcref
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005818
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00005819
5820:unl[et][!] {name} ... *:unlet* *:unl* *E108*
5821 Remove the internal variable {name}. Several variable
5822 names can be given, they are all removed. The name
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005823 may also be a |List| or |Dictionary| item.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005824 With [!] no error message is given for non-existing
5825 variables.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005826 One or more items from a |List| can be removed: >
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +00005827 :unlet list[3] " remove fourth item
5828 :unlet list[3:] " remove fourth item to last
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005829< One item from a |Dictionary| can be removed at a time: >
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +00005830 :unlet dict['two']
5831 :unlet dict.two
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005832
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00005833:lockv[ar][!] [depth] {name} ... *:lockvar* *:lockv*
5834 Lock the internal variable {name}. Locking means that
5835 it can no longer be changed (until it is unlocked).
5836 A locked variable can be deleted: >
5837 :lockvar v
5838 :let v = 'asdf' " fails!
5839 :unlet v
5840< *E741*
5841 If you try to change a locked variable you get an
5842 error message: "E741: Value of {name} is locked"
5843
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005844 [depth] is relevant when locking a |List| or
5845 |Dictionary|. It specifies how deep the locking goes:
5846 1 Lock the |List| or |Dictionary| itself,
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00005847 cannot add or remove items, but can
5848 still change their values.
5849 2 Also lock the values, cannot change
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005850 the items. If an item is a |List| or
5851 |Dictionary|, cannot add or remove
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00005852 items, but can still change the
5853 values.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005854 3 Like 2 but for the |List| /
5855 |Dictionary| in the |List| /
5856 |Dictionary|, one level deeper.
5857 The default [depth] is 2, thus when {name} is a |List|
5858 or |Dictionary| the values cannot be changed.
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00005859 *E743*
5860 For unlimited depth use [!] and omit [depth].
5861 However, there is a maximum depth of 100 to catch
5862 loops.
5863
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005864 Note that when two variables refer to the same |List|
5865 and you lock one of them, the |List| will also be
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00005866 locked when used through the other variable.
5867 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00005868 :let l = [0, 1, 2, 3]
5869 :let cl = l
5870 :lockvar l
5871 :let cl[1] = 99 " won't work!
5872< You may want to make a copy of a list to avoid this.
5873 See |deepcopy()|.
5874
5875
5876:unlo[ckvar][!] [depth] {name} ... *:unlockvar* *:unlo*
5877 Unlock the internal variable {name}. Does the
5878 opposite of |:lockvar|.
5879
5880
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005881:if {expr1} *:if* *:endif* *:en* *E171* *E579* *E580*
5882:en[dif] Execute the commands until the next matching ":else"
5883 or ":endif" if {expr1} evaluates to non-zero.
5884
5885 From Vim version 4.5 until 5.0, every Ex command in
5886 between the ":if" and ":endif" is ignored. These two
5887 commands were just to allow for future expansions in a
5888 backwards compatible way. Nesting was allowed. Note
5889 that any ":else" or ":elseif" was ignored, the "else"
5890 part was not executed either.
5891
5892 You can use this to remain compatible with older
5893 versions: >
5894 :if version >= 500
5895 : version-5-specific-commands
5896 :endif
5897< The commands still need to be parsed to find the
5898 "endif". Sometimes an older Vim has a problem with a
5899 new command. For example, ":silent" is recognized as
5900 a ":substitute" command. In that case ":execute" can
5901 avoid problems: >
5902 :if version >= 600
5903 : execute "silent 1,$delete"
5904 :endif
5905<
5906 NOTE: The ":append" and ":insert" commands don't work
5907 properly in between ":if" and ":endif".
5908
5909 *:else* *:el* *E581* *E583*
5910:el[se] Execute the commands until the next matching ":else"
5911 or ":endif" if they previously were not being
5912 executed.
5913
5914 *:elseif* *:elsei* *E582* *E584*
5915:elsei[f] {expr1} Short for ":else" ":if", with the addition that there
5916 is no extra ":endif".
5917
5918:wh[ile] {expr1} *:while* *:endwhile* *:wh* *:endw*
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005919 *E170* *E585* *E588* *E733*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005920:endw[hile] Repeat the commands between ":while" and ":endwhile",
5921 as long as {expr1} evaluates to non-zero.
5922 When an error is detected from a command inside the
5923 loop, execution continues after the "endwhile".
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005924 Example: >
5925 :let lnum = 1
5926 :while lnum <= line("$")
5927 :call FixLine(lnum)
5928 :let lnum = lnum + 1
5929 :endwhile
5930<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005931 NOTE: The ":append" and ":insert" commands don't work
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00005932 properly inside a ":while" and ":for" loop.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005933
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005934:for {var} in {list} *:for* *E690* *E732*
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005935:endfo[r] *:endfo* *:endfor*
5936 Repeat the commands between ":for" and ":endfor" for
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00005937 each item in {list}. Variable {var} is set to the
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00005938 value of each item.
5939 When an error is detected for a command inside the
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005940 loop, execution continues after the "endfor".
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00005941 Changing {list} inside the loop affects what items are
5942 used. Make a copy if this is unwanted: >
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00005943 :for item in copy(mylist)
5944< When not making a copy, Vim stores a reference to the
5945 next item in the list, before executing the commands
5946 with the current item. Thus the current item can be
5947 removed without effect. Removing any later item means
5948 it will not be found. Thus the following example
5949 works (an inefficient way to make a list empty): >
5950 :for item in mylist
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005951 :call remove(mylist, 0)
5952 :endfor
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00005953< Note that reordering the list (e.g., with sort() or
5954 reverse()) may have unexpected effects.
5955 Note that the type of each list item should be
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005956 identical to avoid errors for the type of {var}
5957 changing. Unlet the variable at the end of the loop
5958 to allow multiple item types.
5959
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005960:for [{var1}, {var2}, ...] in {listlist}
5961:endfo[r]
5962 Like ":for" above, but each item in {listlist} must be
5963 a list, of which each item is assigned to {var1},
5964 {var2}, etc. Example: >
5965 :for [lnum, col] in [[1, 3], [2, 5], [3, 8]]
5966 :echo getline(lnum)[col]
5967 :endfor
5968<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005969 *:continue* *:con* *E586*
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005970:con[tinue] When used inside a ":while" or ":for" loop, jumps back
5971 to the start of the loop.
5972 If it is used after a |:try| inside the loop but
5973 before the matching |:finally| (if present), the
5974 commands following the ":finally" up to the matching
5975 |:endtry| are executed first. This process applies to
5976 all nested ":try"s inside the loop. The outermost
5977 ":endtry" then jumps back to the start of the loop.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005978
5979 *:break* *:brea* *E587*
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005980:brea[k] When used inside a ":while" or ":for" loop, skips to
5981 the command after the matching ":endwhile" or
5982 ":endfor".
5983 If it is used after a |:try| inside the loop but
5984 before the matching |:finally| (if present), the
5985 commands following the ":finally" up to the matching
5986 |:endtry| are executed first. This process applies to
5987 all nested ":try"s inside the loop. The outermost
5988 ":endtry" then jumps to the command after the loop.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005989
5990:try *:try* *:endt* *:endtry* *E600* *E601* *E602*
5991:endt[ry] Change the error handling for the commands between
5992 ":try" and ":endtry" including everything being
5993 executed across ":source" commands, function calls,
5994 or autocommand invocations.
5995
5996 When an error or interrupt is detected and there is
5997 a |:finally| command following, execution continues
5998 after the ":finally". Otherwise, or when the
5999 ":endtry" is reached thereafter, the next
6000 (dynamically) surrounding ":try" is checked for
6001 a corresponding ":finally" etc. Then the script
6002 processing is terminated. (Whether a function
6003 definition has an "abort" argument does not matter.)
6004 Example: >
6005 :try | edit too much | finally | echo "cleanup" | endtry
6006 :echo "impossible" " not reached, script terminated above
6007<
6008 Moreover, an error or interrupt (dynamically) inside
6009 ":try" and ":endtry" is converted to an exception. It
6010 can be caught as if it were thrown by a |:throw|
6011 command (see |:catch|). In this case, the script
6012 processing is not terminated.
6013
6014 The value "Vim:Interrupt" is used for an interrupt
6015 exception. An error in a Vim command is converted
6016 to a value of the form "Vim({command}):{errmsg}",
6017 other errors are converted to a value of the form
6018 "Vim:{errmsg}". {command} is the full command name,
6019 and {errmsg} is the message that is displayed if the
6020 error exception is not caught, always beginning with
6021 the error number.
6022 Examples: >
6023 :try | sleep 100 | catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/ | endtry
6024 :try | edit | catch /^Vim(edit):E\d\+/ | echo "error" | endtry
6025<
6026 *:cat* *:catch* *E603* *E604* *E605*
6027:cat[ch] /{pattern}/ The following commands until the next ":catch",
6028 |:finally|, or |:endtry| that belongs to the same
6029 |:try| as the ":catch" are executed when an exception
6030 matching {pattern} is being thrown and has not yet
6031 been caught by a previous ":catch". Otherwise, these
6032 commands are skipped.
6033 When {pattern} is omitted all errors are caught.
6034 Examples: >
6035 :catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/ " catch interrupts (CTRL-C)
6036 :catch /^Vim\%((\a\+)\)\=:E/ " catch all Vim errors
6037 :catch /^Vim\%((\a\+)\)\=:/ " catch errors and interrupts
6038 :catch /^Vim(write):/ " catch all errors in :write
6039 :catch /^Vim\%((\a\+)\)\=:E123/ " catch error E123
6040 :catch /my-exception/ " catch user exception
6041 :catch /.*/ " catch everything
6042 :catch " same as /.*/
6043<
6044 Another character can be used instead of / around the
6045 {pattern}, so long as it does not have a special
6046 meaning (e.g., '|' or '"') and doesn't occur inside
6047 {pattern}.
6048 NOTE: It is not reliable to ":catch" the TEXT of
6049 an error message because it may vary in different
6050 locales.
6051
6052 *:fina* *:finally* *E606* *E607*
6053:fina[lly] The following commands until the matching |:endtry|
6054 are executed whenever the part between the matching
6055 |:try| and the ":finally" is left: either by falling
6056 through to the ":finally" or by a |:continue|,
6057 |:break|, |:finish|, or |:return|, or by an error or
6058 interrupt or exception (see |:throw|).
6059
6060 *:th* *:throw* *E608*
6061:th[row] {expr1} The {expr1} is evaluated and thrown as an exception.
6062 If the ":throw" is used after a |:try| but before the
6063 first corresponding |:catch|, commands are skipped
6064 until the first ":catch" matching {expr1} is reached.
6065 If there is no such ":catch" or if the ":throw" is
6066 used after a ":catch" but before the |:finally|, the
6067 commands following the ":finally" (if present) up to
6068 the matching |:endtry| are executed. If the ":throw"
6069 is after the ":finally", commands up to the ":endtry"
6070 are skipped. At the ":endtry", this process applies
6071 again for the next dynamically surrounding ":try"
6072 (which may be found in a calling function or sourcing
6073 script), until a matching ":catch" has been found.
6074 If the exception is not caught, the command processing
6075 is terminated.
6076 Example: >
6077 :try | throw "oops" | catch /^oo/ | echo "caught" | endtry
6078<
6079
6080 *:ec* *:echo*
6081:ec[ho] {expr1} .. Echoes each {expr1}, with a space in between. The
6082 first {expr1} starts on a new line.
6083 Also see |:comment|.
6084 Use "\n" to start a new line. Use "\r" to move the
6085 cursor to the first column.
6086 Uses the highlighting set by the |:echohl| command.
6087 Cannot be followed by a comment.
6088 Example: >
6089 :echo "the value of 'shell' is" &shell
6090< A later redraw may make the message disappear again.
6091 To avoid that a command from before the ":echo" causes
6092 a redraw afterwards (redraws are often postponed until
6093 you type something), force a redraw with the |:redraw|
6094 command. Example: >
6095 :new | redraw | echo "there is a new window"
6096<
6097 *:echon*
6098:echon {expr1} .. Echoes each {expr1}, without anything added. Also see
6099 |:comment|.
6100 Uses the highlighting set by the |:echohl| command.
6101 Cannot be followed by a comment.
6102 Example: >
6103 :echon "the value of 'shell' is " &shell
6104<
6105 Note the difference between using ":echo", which is a
6106 Vim command, and ":!echo", which is an external shell
6107 command: >
6108 :!echo % --> filename
6109< The arguments of ":!" are expanded, see |:_%|. >
6110 :!echo "%" --> filename or "filename"
6111< Like the previous example. Whether you see the double
6112 quotes or not depends on your 'shell'. >
6113 :echo % --> nothing
6114< The '%' is an illegal character in an expression. >
6115 :echo "%" --> %
6116< This just echoes the '%' character. >
6117 :echo expand("%") --> filename
6118< This calls the expand() function to expand the '%'.
6119
6120 *:echoh* *:echohl*
6121:echoh[l] {name} Use the highlight group {name} for the following
6122 |:echo|, |:echon| and |:echomsg| commands. Also used
6123 for the |input()| prompt. Example: >
6124 :echohl WarningMsg | echo "Don't panic!" | echohl None
6125< Don't forget to set the group back to "None",
6126 otherwise all following echo's will be highlighted.
6127
6128 *:echom* *:echomsg*
6129:echom[sg] {expr1} .. Echo the expression(s) as a true message, saving the
6130 message in the |message-history|.
6131 Spaces are placed between the arguments as with the
6132 |:echo| command. But unprintable characters are
6133 displayed, not interpreted.
6134 Uses the highlighting set by the |:echohl| command.
6135 Example: >
6136 :echomsg "It's a Zizzer Zazzer Zuzz, as you can plainly see."
6137<
6138 *:echoe* *:echoerr*
6139:echoe[rr] {expr1} .. Echo the expression(s) as an error message, saving the
6140 message in the |message-history|. When used in a
6141 script or function the line number will be added.
6142 Spaces are placed between the arguments as with the
6143 :echo command. When used inside a try conditional,
6144 the message is raised as an error exception instead
6145 (see |try-echoerr|).
6146 Example: >
6147 :echoerr "This script just failed!"
6148< If you just want a highlighted message use |:echohl|.
6149 And to get a beep: >
6150 :exe "normal \<Esc>"
6151<
6152 *:exe* *:execute*
6153:exe[cute] {expr1} .. Executes the string that results from the evaluation
6154 of {expr1} as an Ex command. Multiple arguments are
6155 concatenated, with a space in between. {expr1} is
6156 used as the processed command, command line editing
6157 keys are not recognized.
6158 Cannot be followed by a comment.
6159 Examples: >
6160 :execute "buffer " nextbuf
6161 :execute "normal " count . "w"
6162<
6163 ":execute" can be used to append a command to commands
6164 that don't accept a '|'. Example: >
6165 :execute '!ls' | echo "theend"
6166
6167< ":execute" is also a nice way to avoid having to type
6168 control characters in a Vim script for a ":normal"
6169 command: >
6170 :execute "normal ixxx\<Esc>"
6171< This has an <Esc> character, see |expr-string|.
6172
6173 Note: The executed string may be any command-line, but
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00006174 you cannot start or end a "while", "for" or "if"
6175 command. Thus this is illegal: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006176 :execute 'while i > 5'
6177 :execute 'echo "test" | break'
6178<
6179 It is allowed to have a "while" or "if" command
6180 completely in the executed string: >
6181 :execute 'while i < 5 | echo i | let i = i + 1 | endwhile'
6182<
6183
6184 *:comment*
6185 ":execute", ":echo" and ":echon" cannot be followed by
6186 a comment directly, because they see the '"' as the
6187 start of a string. But, you can use '|' followed by a
6188 comment. Example: >
6189 :echo "foo" | "this is a comment
6190
6191==============================================================================
61928. Exception handling *exception-handling*
6193
6194The Vim script language comprises an exception handling feature. This section
6195explains how it can be used in a Vim script.
6196
6197Exceptions may be raised by Vim on an error or on interrupt, see
6198|catch-errors| and |catch-interrupt|. You can also explicitly throw an
6199exception by using the ":throw" command, see |throw-catch|.
6200
6201
6202TRY CONDITIONALS *try-conditionals*
6203
6204Exceptions can be caught or can cause cleanup code to be executed. You can
6205use a try conditional to specify catch clauses (that catch exceptions) and/or
6206a finally clause (to be executed for cleanup).
6207 A try conditional begins with a |:try| command and ends at the matching
6208|:endtry| command. In between, you can use a |:catch| command to start
6209a catch clause, or a |:finally| command to start a finally clause. There may
6210be none or multiple catch clauses, but there is at most one finally clause,
6211which must not be followed by any catch clauses. The lines before the catch
6212clauses and the finally clause is called a try block. >
6213
6214 :try
6215 : ...
6216 : ... TRY BLOCK
6217 : ...
6218 :catch /{pattern}/
6219 : ...
6220 : ... CATCH CLAUSE
6221 : ...
6222 :catch /{pattern}/
6223 : ...
6224 : ... CATCH CLAUSE
6225 : ...
6226 :finally
6227 : ...
6228 : ... FINALLY CLAUSE
6229 : ...
6230 :endtry
6231
6232The try conditional allows to watch code for exceptions and to take the
6233appropriate actions. Exceptions from the try block may be caught. Exceptions
6234from the try block and also the catch clauses may cause cleanup actions.
6235 When no exception is thrown during execution of the try block, the control
6236is transferred to the finally clause, if present. After its execution, the
6237script continues with the line following the ":endtry".
6238 When an exception occurs during execution of the try block, the remaining
6239lines in the try block are skipped. The exception is matched against the
6240patterns specified as arguments to the ":catch" commands. The catch clause
6241after the first matching ":catch" is taken, other catch clauses are not
6242executed. The catch clause ends when the next ":catch", ":finally", or
6243":endtry" command is reached - whatever is first. Then, the finally clause
6244(if present) is executed. When the ":endtry" is reached, the script execution
6245continues in the following line as usual.
6246 When an exception that does not match any of the patterns specified by the
6247":catch" commands is thrown in the try block, the exception is not caught by
6248that try conditional and none of the catch clauses is executed. Only the
6249finally clause, if present, is taken. The exception pends during execution of
6250the finally clause. It is resumed at the ":endtry", so that commands after
6251the ":endtry" are not executed and the exception might be caught elsewhere,
6252see |try-nesting|.
6253 When during execution of a catch clause another exception is thrown, the
6254remaining lines in that catch clause are not executed. The new exception is
6255not matched against the patterns in any of the ":catch" commands of the same
6256try conditional and none of its catch clauses is taken. If there is, however,
6257a finally clause, it is executed, and the exception pends during its
6258execution. The commands following the ":endtry" are not executed. The new
6259exception might, however, be caught elsewhere, see |try-nesting|.
6260 When during execution of the finally clause (if present) an exception is
6261thrown, the remaining lines in the finally clause are skipped. If the finally
6262clause has been taken because of an exception from the try block or one of the
6263catch clauses, the original (pending) exception is discarded. The commands
6264following the ":endtry" are not executed, and the exception from the finally
6265clause is propagated and can be caught elsewhere, see |try-nesting|.
6266
6267The finally clause is also executed, when a ":break" or ":continue" for
6268a ":while" loop enclosing the complete try conditional is executed from the
6269try block or a catch clause. Or when a ":return" or ":finish" is executed
6270from the try block or a catch clause of a try conditional in a function or
6271sourced script, respectively. The ":break", ":continue", ":return", or
6272":finish" pends during execution of the finally clause and is resumed when the
6273":endtry" is reached. It is, however, discarded when an exception is thrown
6274from the finally clause.
6275 When a ":break" or ":continue" for a ":while" loop enclosing the complete
6276try conditional or when a ":return" or ":finish" is encountered in the finally
6277clause, the rest of the finally clause is skipped, and the ":break",
6278":continue", ":return" or ":finish" is executed as usual. If the finally
6279clause has been taken because of an exception or an earlier ":break",
6280":continue", ":return", or ":finish" from the try block or a catch clause,
6281this pending exception or command is discarded.
6282
6283For examples see |throw-catch| and |try-finally|.
6284
6285
6286NESTING OF TRY CONDITIONALS *try-nesting*
6287
6288Try conditionals can be nested arbitrarily. That is, a complete try
6289conditional can be put into the try block, a catch clause, or the finally
6290clause of another try conditional. If the inner try conditional does not
6291catch an exception thrown in its try block or throws a new exception from one
6292of its catch clauses or its finally clause, the outer try conditional is
6293checked according to the rules above. If the inner try conditional is in the
6294try block of the outer try conditional, its catch clauses are checked, but
6295otherwise only the finally clause is executed. It does not matter for
6296nesting, whether the inner try conditional is directly contained in the outer
6297one, or whether the outer one sources a script or calls a function containing
6298the inner try conditional.
6299
6300When none of the active try conditionals catches an exception, just their
6301finally clauses are executed. Thereafter, the script processing terminates.
6302An error message is displayed in case of an uncaught exception explicitly
6303thrown by a ":throw" command. For uncaught error and interrupt exceptions
6304implicitly raised by Vim, the error message(s) or interrupt message are shown
6305as usual.
6306
6307For examples see |throw-catch|.
6308
6309
6310EXAMINING EXCEPTION HANDLING CODE *except-examine*
6311
6312Exception handling code can get tricky. If you are in doubt what happens, set
6313'verbose' to 13 or use the ":13verbose" command modifier when sourcing your
6314script file. Then you see when an exception is thrown, discarded, caught, or
6315finished. When using a verbosity level of at least 14, things pending in
6316a finally clause are also shown. This information is also given in debug mode
6317(see |debug-scripts|).
6318
6319
6320THROWING AND CATCHING EXCEPTIONS *throw-catch*
6321
6322You can throw any number or string as an exception. Use the |:throw| command
6323and pass the value to be thrown as argument: >
6324 :throw 4711
6325 :throw "string"
6326< *throw-expression*
6327You can also specify an expression argument. The expression is then evaluated
6328first, and the result is thrown: >
6329 :throw 4705 + strlen("string")
6330 :throw strpart("strings", 0, 6)
6331
6332An exception might be thrown during evaluation of the argument of the ":throw"
6333command. Unless it is caught there, the expression evaluation is abandoned.
6334The ":throw" command then does not throw a new exception.
6335 Example: >
6336
6337 :function! Foo(arg)
6338 : try
6339 : throw a:arg
6340 : catch /foo/
6341 : endtry
6342 : return 1
6343 :endfunction
6344 :
6345 :function! Bar()
6346 : echo "in Bar"
6347 : return 4710
6348 :endfunction
6349 :
6350 :throw Foo("arrgh") + Bar()
6351
6352This throws "arrgh", and "in Bar" is not displayed since Bar() is not
6353executed. >
6354 :throw Foo("foo") + Bar()
6355however displays "in Bar" and throws 4711.
6356
6357Any other command that takes an expression as argument might also be
6358abandoned by an (uncaught) exception during the expression evaluation. The
6359exception is then propagated to the caller of the command.
6360 Example: >
6361
6362 :if Foo("arrgh")
6363 : echo "then"
6364 :else
6365 : echo "else"
6366 :endif
6367
6368Here neither of "then" or "else" is displayed.
6369
6370 *catch-order*
6371Exceptions can be caught by a try conditional with one or more |:catch|
6372commands, see |try-conditionals|. The values to be caught by each ":catch"
6373command can be specified as a pattern argument. The subsequent catch clause
6374gets executed when a matching exception is caught.
6375 Example: >
6376
6377 :function! Foo(value)
6378 : try
6379 : throw a:value
6380 : catch /^\d\+$/
6381 : echo "Number thrown"
6382 : catch /.*/
6383 : echo "String thrown"
6384 : endtry
6385 :endfunction
6386 :
6387 :call Foo(0x1267)
6388 :call Foo('string')
6389
6390The first call to Foo() displays "Number thrown", the second "String thrown".
6391An exception is matched against the ":catch" commands in the order they are
6392specified. Only the first match counts. So you should place the more
6393specific ":catch" first. The following order does not make sense: >
6394
6395 : catch /.*/
6396 : echo "String thrown"
6397 : catch /^\d\+$/
6398 : echo "Number thrown"
6399
6400The first ":catch" here matches always, so that the second catch clause is
6401never taken.
6402
6403 *throw-variables*
6404If you catch an exception by a general pattern, you may access the exact value
6405in the variable |v:exception|: >
6406
6407 : catch /^\d\+$/
6408 : echo "Number thrown. Value is" v:exception
6409
6410You may also be interested where an exception was thrown. This is stored in
6411|v:throwpoint|. Note that "v:exception" and "v:throwpoint" are valid for the
6412exception most recently caught as long it is not finished.
6413 Example: >
6414
6415 :function! Caught()
6416 : if v:exception != ""
6417 : echo 'Caught "' . v:exception . '" in ' . v:throwpoint
6418 : else
6419 : echo 'Nothing caught'
6420 : endif
6421 :endfunction
6422 :
6423 :function! Foo()
6424 : try
6425 : try
6426 : try
6427 : throw 4711
6428 : finally
6429 : call Caught()
6430 : endtry
6431 : catch /.*/
6432 : call Caught()
6433 : throw "oops"
6434 : endtry
6435 : catch /.*/
6436 : call Caught()
6437 : finally
6438 : call Caught()
6439 : endtry
6440 :endfunction
6441 :
6442 :call Foo()
6443
6444This displays >
6445
6446 Nothing caught
6447 Caught "4711" in function Foo, line 4
6448 Caught "oops" in function Foo, line 10
6449 Nothing caught
6450
6451A practical example: The following command ":LineNumber" displays the line
6452number in the script or function where it has been used: >
6453
6454 :function! LineNumber()
6455 : return substitute(v:throwpoint, '.*\D\(\d\+\).*', '\1', "")
6456 :endfunction
6457 :command! LineNumber try | throw "" | catch | echo LineNumber() | endtry
6458<
6459 *try-nested*
6460An exception that is not caught by a try conditional can be caught by
6461a surrounding try conditional: >
6462
6463 :try
6464 : try
6465 : throw "foo"
6466 : catch /foobar/
6467 : echo "foobar"
6468 : finally
6469 : echo "inner finally"
6470 : endtry
6471 :catch /foo/
6472 : echo "foo"
6473 :endtry
6474
6475The inner try conditional does not catch the exception, just its finally
6476clause is executed. The exception is then caught by the outer try
6477conditional. The example displays "inner finally" and then "foo".
6478
6479 *throw-from-catch*
6480You can catch an exception and throw a new one to be caught elsewhere from the
6481catch clause: >
6482
6483 :function! Foo()
6484 : throw "foo"
6485 :endfunction
6486 :
6487 :function! Bar()
6488 : try
6489 : call Foo()
6490 : catch /foo/
6491 : echo "Caught foo, throw bar"
6492 : throw "bar"
6493 : endtry
6494 :endfunction
6495 :
6496 :try
6497 : call Bar()
6498 :catch /.*/
6499 : echo "Caught" v:exception
6500 :endtry
6501
6502This displays "Caught foo, throw bar" and then "Caught bar".
6503
6504 *rethrow*
6505There is no real rethrow in the Vim script language, but you may throw
6506"v:exception" instead: >
6507
6508 :function! Bar()
6509 : try
6510 : call Foo()
6511 : catch /.*/
6512 : echo "Rethrow" v:exception
6513 : throw v:exception
6514 : endtry
6515 :endfunction
6516< *try-echoerr*
6517Note that this method cannot be used to "rethrow" Vim error or interrupt
6518exceptions, because it is not possible to fake Vim internal exceptions.
6519Trying so causes an error exception. You should throw your own exception
6520denoting the situation. If you want to cause a Vim error exception containing
6521the original error exception value, you can use the |:echoerr| command: >
6522
6523 :try
6524 : try
6525 : asdf
6526 : catch /.*/
6527 : echoerr v:exception
6528 : endtry
6529 :catch /.*/
6530 : echo v:exception
6531 :endtry
6532
6533This code displays
6534
6535 Vim(echoerr):Vim:E492: Not an editor command: asdf ~
6536
6537
6538CLEANUP CODE *try-finally*
6539
6540Scripts often change global settings and restore them at their end. If the
6541user however interrupts the script by pressing CTRL-C, the settings remain in
6542an inconsistent state. The same may happen to you in the development phase of
6543a script when an error occurs or you explicitly throw an exception without
6544catching it. You can solve these problems by using a try conditional with
6545a finally clause for restoring the settings. Its execution is guaranteed on
6546normal control flow, on error, on an explicit ":throw", and on interrupt.
6547(Note that errors and interrupts from inside the try conditional are converted
6548to exceptions. When not caught, they terminate the script after the finally
6549clause has been executed.)
6550Example: >
6551
6552 :try
6553 : let s:saved_ts = &ts
6554 : set ts=17
6555 :
6556 : " Do the hard work here.
6557 :
6558 :finally
6559 : let &ts = s:saved_ts
6560 : unlet s:saved_ts
6561 :endtry
6562
6563This method should be used locally whenever a function or part of a script
6564changes global settings which need to be restored on failure or normal exit of
6565that function or script part.
6566
6567 *break-finally*
6568Cleanup code works also when the try block or a catch clause is left by
6569a ":continue", ":break", ":return", or ":finish".
6570 Example: >
6571
6572 :let first = 1
6573 :while 1
6574 : try
6575 : if first
6576 : echo "first"
6577 : let first = 0
6578 : continue
6579 : else
6580 : throw "second"
6581 : endif
6582 : catch /.*/
6583 : echo v:exception
6584 : break
6585 : finally
6586 : echo "cleanup"
6587 : endtry
6588 : echo "still in while"
6589 :endwhile
6590 :echo "end"
6591
6592This displays "first", "cleanup", "second", "cleanup", and "end". >
6593
6594 :function! Foo()
6595 : try
6596 : return 4711
6597 : finally
6598 : echo "cleanup\n"
6599 : endtry
6600 : echo "Foo still active"
6601 :endfunction
6602 :
6603 :echo Foo() "returned by Foo"
6604
6605This displays "cleanup" and "4711 returned by Foo". You don't need to add an
6606extra ":return" in the finally clause. (Above all, this would override the
6607return value.)
6608
6609 *except-from-finally*
6610Using either of ":continue", ":break", ":return", ":finish", or ":throw" in
6611a finally clause is possible, but not recommended since it abandons the
6612cleanup actions for the try conditional. But, of course, interrupt and error
6613exceptions might get raised from a finally clause.
6614 Example where an error in the finally clause stops an interrupt from
6615working correctly: >
6616
6617 :try
6618 : try
6619 : echo "Press CTRL-C for interrupt"
6620 : while 1
6621 : endwhile
6622 : finally
6623 : unlet novar
6624 : endtry
6625 :catch /novar/
6626 :endtry
6627 :echo "Script still running"
6628 :sleep 1
6629
6630If you need to put commands that could fail into a finally clause, you should
6631think about catching or ignoring the errors in these commands, see
6632|catch-errors| and |ignore-errors|.
6633
6634
6635CATCHING ERRORS *catch-errors*
6636
6637If you want to catch specific errors, you just have to put the code to be
6638watched in a try block and add a catch clause for the error message. The
6639presence of the try conditional causes all errors to be converted to an
6640exception. No message is displayed and |v:errmsg| is not set then. To find
6641the right pattern for the ":catch" command, you have to know how the format of
6642the error exception is.
6643 Error exceptions have the following format: >
6644
6645 Vim({cmdname}):{errmsg}
6646or >
6647 Vim:{errmsg}
6648
6649{cmdname} is the name of the command that failed; the second form is used when
6650the command name is not known. {errmsg} is the error message usually produced
6651when the error occurs outside try conditionals. It always begins with
6652a capital "E", followed by a two or three-digit error number, a colon, and
6653a space.
6654
6655Examples:
6656
6657The command >
6658 :unlet novar
6659normally produces the error message >
6660 E108: No such variable: "novar"
6661which is converted inside try conditionals to an exception >
6662 Vim(unlet):E108: No such variable: "novar"
6663
6664The command >
6665 :dwim
6666normally produces the error message >
6667 E492: Not an editor command: dwim
6668which is converted inside try conditionals to an exception >
6669 Vim:E492: Not an editor command: dwim
6670
6671You can catch all ":unlet" errors by a >
6672 :catch /^Vim(unlet):/
6673or all errors for misspelled command names by a >
6674 :catch /^Vim:E492:/
6675
6676Some error messages may be produced by different commands: >
6677 :function nofunc
6678and >
6679 :delfunction nofunc
6680both produce the error message >
6681 E128: Function name must start with a capital: nofunc
6682which is converted inside try conditionals to an exception >
6683 Vim(function):E128: Function name must start with a capital: nofunc
6684or >
6685 Vim(delfunction):E128: Function name must start with a capital: nofunc
6686respectively. You can catch the error by its number independently on the
6687command that caused it if you use the following pattern: >
6688 :catch /^Vim(\a\+):E128:/
6689
6690Some commands like >
6691 :let x = novar
6692produce multiple error messages, here: >
6693 E121: Undefined variable: novar
6694 E15: Invalid expression: novar
6695Only the first is used for the exception value, since it is the most specific
6696one (see |except-several-errors|). So you can catch it by >
6697 :catch /^Vim(\a\+):E121:/
6698
6699You can catch all errors related to the name "nofunc" by >
6700 :catch /\<nofunc\>/
6701
6702You can catch all Vim errors in the ":write" and ":read" commands by >
6703 :catch /^Vim(\(write\|read\)):E\d\+:/
6704
6705You can catch all Vim errors by the pattern >
6706 :catch /^Vim\((\a\+)\)\=:E\d\+:/
6707<
6708 *catch-text*
6709NOTE: You should never catch the error message text itself: >
6710 :catch /No such variable/
6711only works in the english locale, but not when the user has selected
6712a different language by the |:language| command. It is however helpful to
6713cite the message text in a comment: >
6714 :catch /^Vim(\a\+):E108:/ " No such variable
6715
6716
6717IGNORING ERRORS *ignore-errors*
6718
6719You can ignore errors in a specific Vim command by catching them locally: >
6720
6721 :try
6722 : write
6723 :catch
6724 :endtry
6725
6726But you are strongly recommended NOT to use this simple form, since it could
6727catch more than you want. With the ":write" command, some autocommands could
6728be executed and cause errors not related to writing, for instance: >
6729
6730 :au BufWritePre * unlet novar
6731
6732There could even be such errors you are not responsible for as a script
6733writer: a user of your script might have defined such autocommands. You would
6734then hide the error from the user.
6735 It is much better to use >
6736
6737 :try
6738 : write
6739 :catch /^Vim(write):/
6740 :endtry
6741
6742which only catches real write errors. So catch only what you'd like to ignore
6743intentionally.
6744
6745For a single command that does not cause execution of autocommands, you could
6746even suppress the conversion of errors to exceptions by the ":silent!"
6747command: >
6748 :silent! nunmap k
6749This works also when a try conditional is active.
6750
6751
6752CATCHING INTERRUPTS *catch-interrupt*
6753
6754When there are active try conditionals, an interrupt (CTRL-C) is converted to
6755the exception "Vim:Interrupt". You can catch it like every exception. The
6756script is not terminated, then.
6757 Example: >
6758
6759 :function! TASK1()
6760 : sleep 10
6761 :endfunction
6762
6763 :function! TASK2()
6764 : sleep 20
6765 :endfunction
6766
6767 :while 1
6768 : let command = input("Type a command: ")
6769 : try
6770 : if command == ""
6771 : continue
6772 : elseif command == "END"
6773 : break
6774 : elseif command == "TASK1"
6775 : call TASK1()
6776 : elseif command == "TASK2"
6777 : call TASK2()
6778 : else
6779 : echo "\nIllegal command:" command
6780 : continue
6781 : endif
6782 : catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/
6783 : echo "\nCommand interrupted"
6784 : " Caught the interrupt. Continue with next prompt.
6785 : endtry
6786 :endwhile
6787
6788You can interrupt a task here by pressing CTRL-C; the script then asks for
6789a new command. If you press CTRL-C at the prompt, the script is terminated.
6790
6791For testing what happens when CTRL-C would be pressed on a specific line in
6792your script, use the debug mode and execute the |>quit| or |>interrupt|
6793command on that line. See |debug-scripts|.
6794
6795
6796CATCHING ALL *catch-all*
6797
6798The commands >
6799
6800 :catch /.*/
6801 :catch //
6802 :catch
6803
6804catch everything, error exceptions, interrupt exceptions and exceptions
6805explicitly thrown by the |:throw| command. This is useful at the top level of
6806a script in order to catch unexpected things.
6807 Example: >
6808
6809 :try
6810 :
6811 : " do the hard work here
6812 :
6813 :catch /MyException/
6814 :
6815 : " handle known problem
6816 :
6817 :catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/
6818 : echo "Script interrupted"
6819 :catch /.*/
6820 : echo "Internal error (" . v:exception . ")"
6821 : echo " - occurred at " . v:throwpoint
6822 :endtry
6823 :" end of script
6824
6825Note: Catching all might catch more things than you want. Thus, you are
6826strongly encouraged to catch only for problems that you can really handle by
6827specifying a pattern argument to the ":catch".
6828 Example: Catching all could make it nearly impossible to interrupt a script
6829by pressing CTRL-C: >
6830
6831 :while 1
6832 : try
6833 : sleep 1
6834 : catch
6835 : endtry
6836 :endwhile
6837
6838
6839EXCEPTIONS AND AUTOCOMMANDS *except-autocmd*
6840
6841Exceptions may be used during execution of autocommands. Example: >
6842
6843 :autocmd User x try
6844 :autocmd User x throw "Oops!"
6845 :autocmd User x catch
6846 :autocmd User x echo v:exception
6847 :autocmd User x endtry
6848 :autocmd User x throw "Arrgh!"
6849 :autocmd User x echo "Should not be displayed"
6850 :
6851 :try
6852 : doautocmd User x
6853 :catch
6854 : echo v:exception
6855 :endtry
6856
6857This displays "Oops!" and "Arrgh!".
6858
6859 *except-autocmd-Pre*
6860For some commands, autocommands get executed before the main action of the
6861command takes place. If an exception is thrown and not caught in the sequence
6862of autocommands, the sequence and the command that caused its execution are
6863abandoned and the exception is propagated to the caller of the command.
6864 Example: >
6865
6866 :autocmd BufWritePre * throw "FAIL"
6867 :autocmd BufWritePre * echo "Should not be displayed"
6868 :
6869 :try
6870 : write
6871 :catch
6872 : echo "Caught:" v:exception "from" v:throwpoint
6873 :endtry
6874
6875Here, the ":write" command does not write the file currently being edited (as
6876you can see by checking 'modified'), since the exception from the BufWritePre
6877autocommand abandons the ":write". The exception is then caught and the
6878script displays: >
6879
6880 Caught: FAIL from BufWrite Auto commands for "*"
6881<
6882 *except-autocmd-Post*
6883For some commands, autocommands get executed after the main action of the
6884command has taken place. If this main action fails and the command is inside
6885an active try conditional, the autocommands are skipped and an error exception
6886is thrown that can be caught by the caller of the command.
6887 Example: >
6888
6889 :autocmd BufWritePost * echo "File successfully written!"
6890 :
6891 :try
6892 : write /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
6893 :catch
6894 : echo v:exception
6895 :endtry
6896
6897This just displays: >
6898
6899 Vim(write):E212: Can't open file for writing (/i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e)
6900
6901If you really need to execute the autocommands even when the main action
6902fails, trigger the event from the catch clause.
6903 Example: >
6904
6905 :autocmd BufWritePre * set noreadonly
6906 :autocmd BufWritePost * set readonly
6907 :
6908 :try
6909 : write /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
6910 :catch
6911 : doautocmd BufWritePost /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
6912 :endtry
6913<
6914You can also use ":silent!": >
6915
6916 :let x = "ok"
6917 :let v:errmsg = ""
6918 :autocmd BufWritePost * if v:errmsg != ""
6919 :autocmd BufWritePost * let x = "after fail"
6920 :autocmd BufWritePost * endif
6921 :try
6922 : silent! write /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
6923 :catch
6924 :endtry
6925 :echo x
6926
6927This displays "after fail".
6928
6929If the main action of the command does not fail, exceptions from the
6930autocommands will be catchable by the caller of the command: >
6931
6932 :autocmd BufWritePost * throw ":-("
6933 :autocmd BufWritePost * echo "Should not be displayed"
6934 :
6935 :try
6936 : write
6937 :catch
6938 : echo v:exception
6939 :endtry
6940<
6941 *except-autocmd-Cmd*
6942For some commands, the normal action can be replaced by a sequence of
6943autocommands. Exceptions from that sequence will be catchable by the caller
6944of the command.
6945 Example: For the ":write" command, the caller cannot know whether the file
6946had actually been written when the exception occurred. You need to tell it in
6947some way. >
6948
6949 :if !exists("cnt")
6950 : let cnt = 0
6951 :
6952 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * if &modified
6953 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * let cnt = cnt + 1
6954 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * if cnt % 3 == 2
6955 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * throw "BufWriteCmdError"
6956 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * endif
6957 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * write | set nomodified
6958 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * if cnt % 3 == 0
6959 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * throw "BufWriteCmdError"
6960 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * endif
6961 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * echo "File successfully written!"
6962 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * endif
6963 :endif
6964 :
6965 :try
6966 : write
6967 :catch /^BufWriteCmdError$/
6968 : if &modified
6969 : echo "Error on writing (file contents not changed)"
6970 : else
6971 : echo "Error after writing"
6972 : endif
6973 :catch /^Vim(write):/
6974 : echo "Error on writing"
6975 :endtry
6976
6977When this script is sourced several times after making changes, it displays
6978first >
6979 File successfully written!
6980then >
6981 Error on writing (file contents not changed)
6982then >
6983 Error after writing
6984etc.
6985
6986 *except-autocmd-ill*
6987You cannot spread a try conditional over autocommands for different events.
6988The following code is ill-formed: >
6989
6990 :autocmd BufWritePre * try
6991 :
6992 :autocmd BufWritePost * catch
6993 :autocmd BufWritePost * echo v:exception
6994 :autocmd BufWritePost * endtry
6995 :
6996 :write
6997
6998
6999EXCEPTION HIERARCHIES AND PARAMETERIZED EXCEPTIONS *except-hier-param*
7000
7001Some programming languages allow to use hierarchies of exception classes or to
7002pass additional information with the object of an exception class. You can do
7003similar things in Vim.
7004 In order to throw an exception from a hierarchy, just throw the complete
7005class name with the components separated by a colon, for instance throw the
7006string "EXCEPT:MATHERR:OVERFLOW" for an overflow in a mathematical library.
7007 When you want to pass additional information with your exception class, add
7008it in parentheses, for instance throw the string "EXCEPT:IO:WRITEERR(myfile)"
7009for an error when writing "myfile".
7010 With the appropriate patterns in the ":catch" command, you can catch for
7011base classes or derived classes of your hierarchy. Additional information in
7012parentheses can be cut out from |v:exception| with the ":substitute" command.
7013 Example: >
7014
7015 :function! CheckRange(a, func)
7016 : if a:a < 0
7017 : throw "EXCEPT:MATHERR:RANGE(" . a:func . ")"
7018 : endif
7019 :endfunction
7020 :
7021 :function! Add(a, b)
7022 : call CheckRange(a:a, "Add")
7023 : call CheckRange(a:b, "Add")
7024 : let c = a:a + a:b
7025 : if c < 0
7026 : throw "EXCEPT:MATHERR:OVERFLOW"
7027 : endif
7028 : return c
7029 :endfunction
7030 :
7031 :function! Div(a, b)
7032 : call CheckRange(a:a, "Div")
7033 : call CheckRange(a:b, "Div")
7034 : if (a:b == 0)
7035 : throw "EXCEPT:MATHERR:ZERODIV"
7036 : endif
7037 : return a:a / a:b
7038 :endfunction
7039 :
7040 :function! Write(file)
7041 : try
7042 : execute "write" a:file
7043 : catch /^Vim(write):/
7044 : throw "EXCEPT:IO(" . getcwd() . ", " . a:file . "):WRITEERR"
7045 : endtry
7046 :endfunction
7047 :
7048 :try
7049 :
7050 : " something with arithmetics and I/O
7051 :
7052 :catch /^EXCEPT:MATHERR:RANGE/
7053 : let function = substitute(v:exception, '.*(\(\a\+\)).*', '\1', "")
7054 : echo "Range error in" function
7055 :
7056 :catch /^EXCEPT:MATHERR/ " catches OVERFLOW and ZERODIV
7057 : echo "Math error"
7058 :
7059 :catch /^EXCEPT:IO/
7060 : let dir = substitute(v:exception, '.*(\(.\+\),\s*.\+).*', '\1', "")
7061 : let file = substitute(v:exception, '.*(.\+,\s*\(.\+\)).*', '\1', "")
7062 : if file !~ '^/'
7063 : let file = dir . "/" . file
7064 : endif
7065 : echo 'I/O error for "' . file . '"'
7066 :
7067 :catch /^EXCEPT/
7068 : echo "Unspecified error"
7069 :
7070 :endtry
7071
7072The exceptions raised by Vim itself (on error or when pressing CTRL-C) use
7073a flat hierarchy: they are all in the "Vim" class. You cannot throw yourself
7074exceptions with the "Vim" prefix; they are reserved for Vim.
7075 Vim error exceptions are parameterized with the name of the command that
7076failed, if known. See |catch-errors|.
7077
7078
7079PECULIARITIES
7080 *except-compat*
7081The exception handling concept requires that the command sequence causing the
7082exception is aborted immediately and control is transferred to finally clauses
7083and/or a catch clause.
7084
7085In the Vim script language there are cases where scripts and functions
7086continue after an error: in functions without the "abort" flag or in a command
7087after ":silent!", control flow goes to the following line, and outside
7088functions, control flow goes to the line following the outermost ":endwhile"
7089or ":endif". On the other hand, errors should be catchable as exceptions
7090(thus, requiring the immediate abortion).
7091
7092This problem has been solved by converting errors to exceptions and using
7093immediate abortion (if not suppressed by ":silent!") only when a try
7094conditional is active. This is no restriction since an (error) exception can
7095be caught only from an active try conditional. If you want an immediate
7096termination without catching the error, just use a try conditional without
7097catch clause. (You can cause cleanup code being executed before termination
7098by specifying a finally clause.)
7099
7100When no try conditional is active, the usual abortion and continuation
7101behavior is used instead of immediate abortion. This ensures compatibility of
7102scripts written for Vim 6.1 and earlier.
7103
7104However, when sourcing an existing script that does not use exception handling
7105commands (or when calling one of its functions) from inside an active try
7106conditional of a new script, you might change the control flow of the existing
7107script on error. You get the immediate abortion on error and can catch the
7108error in the new script. If however the sourced script suppresses error
7109messages by using the ":silent!" command (checking for errors by testing
7110|v:errmsg| if appropriate), its execution path is not changed. The error is
7111not converted to an exception. (See |:silent|.) So the only remaining cause
7112where this happens is for scripts that don't care about errors and produce
7113error messages. You probably won't want to use such code from your new
7114scripts.
7115
7116 *except-syntax-err*
7117Syntax errors in the exception handling commands are never caught by any of
7118the ":catch" commands of the try conditional they belong to. Its finally
7119clauses, however, is executed.
7120 Example: >
7121
7122 :try
7123 : try
7124 : throw 4711
7125 : catch /\(/
7126 : echo "in catch with syntax error"
7127 : catch
7128 : echo "inner catch-all"
7129 : finally
7130 : echo "inner finally"
7131 : endtry
7132 :catch
7133 : echo 'outer catch-all caught "' . v:exception . '"'
7134 : finally
7135 : echo "outer finally"
7136 :endtry
7137
7138This displays: >
7139 inner finally
7140 outer catch-all caught "Vim(catch):E54: Unmatched \("
7141 outer finally
7142The original exception is discarded and an error exception is raised, instead.
7143
7144 *except-single-line*
7145The ":try", ":catch", ":finally", and ":endtry" commands can be put on
7146a single line, but then syntax errors may make it difficult to recognize the
7147"catch" line, thus you better avoid this.
7148 Example: >
7149 :try | unlet! foo # | catch | endtry
7150raises an error exception for the trailing characters after the ":unlet!"
7151argument, but does not see the ":catch" and ":endtry" commands, so that the
7152error exception is discarded and the "E488: Trailing characters" message gets
7153displayed.
7154
7155 *except-several-errors*
7156When several errors appear in a single command, the first error message is
7157usually the most specific one and therefor converted to the error exception.
7158 Example: >
7159 echo novar
7160causes >
7161 E121: Undefined variable: novar
7162 E15: Invalid expression: novar
7163The value of the error exception inside try conditionals is: >
7164 Vim(echo):E121: Undefined variable: novar
7165< *except-syntax-error*
7166But when a syntax error is detected after a normal error in the same command,
7167the syntax error is used for the exception being thrown.
7168 Example: >
7169 unlet novar #
7170causes >
7171 E108: No such variable: "novar"
7172 E488: Trailing characters
7173The value of the error exception inside try conditionals is: >
7174 Vim(unlet):E488: Trailing characters
7175This is done because the syntax error might change the execution path in a way
7176not intended by the user. Example: >
7177 try
7178 try | unlet novar # | catch | echo v:exception | endtry
7179 catch /.*/
7180 echo "outer catch:" v:exception
7181 endtry
7182This displays "outer catch: Vim(unlet):E488: Trailing characters", and then
7183a "E600: Missing :endtry" error message is given, see |except-single-line|.
7184
7185==============================================================================
71869. Examples *eval-examples*
7187
7188Printing in Hex ~
7189>
7190 :" The function Nr2Hex() returns the Hex string of a number.
7191 :func Nr2Hex(nr)
7192 : let n = a:nr
7193 : let r = ""
7194 : while n
7195 : let r = '0123456789ABCDEF'[n % 16] . r
7196 : let n = n / 16
7197 : endwhile
7198 : return r
7199 :endfunc
7200
7201 :" The function String2Hex() converts each character in a string to a two
7202 :" character Hex string.
7203 :func String2Hex(str)
7204 : let out = ''
7205 : let ix = 0
7206 : while ix < strlen(a:str)
7207 : let out = out . Nr2Hex(char2nr(a:str[ix]))
7208 : let ix = ix + 1
7209 : endwhile
7210 : return out
7211 :endfunc
7212
7213Example of its use: >
7214 :echo Nr2Hex(32)
7215result: "20" >
7216 :echo String2Hex("32")
7217result: "3332"
7218
7219
7220Sorting lines (by Robert Webb) ~
7221
7222Here is a Vim script to sort lines. Highlight the lines in Vim and type
7223":Sort". This doesn't call any external programs so it'll work on any
7224platform. The function Sort() actually takes the name of a comparison
7225function as its argument, like qsort() does in C. So you could supply it
7226with different comparison functions in order to sort according to date etc.
7227>
7228 :" Function for use with Sort(), to compare two strings.
7229 :func! Strcmp(str1, str2)
7230 : if (a:str1 < a:str2)
7231 : return -1
7232 : elseif (a:str1 > a:str2)
7233 : return 1
7234 : else
7235 : return 0
7236 : endif
7237 :endfunction
7238
7239 :" Sort lines. SortR() is called recursively.
7240 :func! SortR(start, end, cmp)
7241 : if (a:start >= a:end)
7242 : return
7243 : endif
7244 : let partition = a:start - 1
7245 : let middle = partition
7246 : let partStr = getline((a:start + a:end) / 2)
7247 : let i = a:start
7248 : while (i <= a:end)
7249 : let str = getline(i)
7250 : exec "let result = " . a:cmp . "(str, partStr)"
7251 : if (result <= 0)
7252 : " Need to put it before the partition. Swap lines i and partition.
7253 : let partition = partition + 1
7254 : if (result == 0)
7255 : let middle = partition
7256 : endif
7257 : if (i != partition)
7258 : let str2 = getline(partition)
7259 : call setline(i, str2)
7260 : call setline(partition, str)
7261 : endif
7262 : endif
7263 : let i = i + 1
7264 : endwhile
7265
7266 : " Now we have a pointer to the "middle" element, as far as partitioning
7267 : " goes, which could be anywhere before the partition. Make sure it is at
7268 : " the end of the partition.
7269 : if (middle != partition)
7270 : let str = getline(middle)
7271 : let str2 = getline(partition)
7272 : call setline(middle, str2)
7273 : call setline(partition, str)
7274 : endif
7275 : call SortR(a:start, partition - 1, a:cmp)
7276 : call SortR(partition + 1, a:end, a:cmp)
7277 :endfunc
7278
7279 :" To Sort a range of lines, pass the range to Sort() along with the name of a
7280 :" function that will compare two lines.
7281 :func! Sort(cmp) range
7282 : call SortR(a:firstline, a:lastline, a:cmp)
7283 :endfunc
7284
7285 :" :Sort takes a range of lines and sorts them.
7286 :command! -nargs=0 -range Sort <line1>,<line2>call Sort("Strcmp")
7287<
7288 *sscanf*
7289There is no sscanf() function in Vim. If you need to extract parts from a
7290line, you can use matchstr() and substitute() to do it. This example shows
7291how to get the file name, line number and column number out of a line like
7292"foobar.txt, 123, 45". >
7293 :" Set up the match bit
7294 :let mx='\(\f\+\),\s*\(\d\+\),\s*\(\d\+\)'
7295 :"get the part matching the whole expression
7296 :let l = matchstr(line, mx)
7297 :"get each item out of the match
7298 :let file = substitute(l, mx, '\1', '')
7299 :let lnum = substitute(l, mx, '\2', '')
7300 :let col = substitute(l, mx, '\3', '')
7301
7302The input is in the variable "line", the results in the variables "file",
7303"lnum" and "col". (idea from Michael Geddes)
7304
7305==============================================================================
730610. No +eval feature *no-eval-feature*
7307
7308When the |+eval| feature was disabled at compile time, none of the expression
7309evaluation commands are available. To prevent this from causing Vim scripts
7310to generate all kinds of errors, the ":if" and ":endif" commands are still
7311recognized, though the argument of the ":if" and everything between the ":if"
7312and the matching ":endif" is ignored. Nesting of ":if" blocks is allowed, but
7313only if the commands are at the start of the line. The ":else" command is not
7314recognized.
7315
7316Example of how to avoid executing commands when the |+eval| feature is
7317missing: >
7318
7319 :if 1
7320 : echo "Expression evaluation is compiled in"
7321 :else
7322 : echo "You will _never_ see this message"
7323 :endif
7324
7325==============================================================================
732611. The sandbox *eval-sandbox* *sandbox* *E48*
7327
7328The 'foldexpr', 'includeexpr', 'indentexpr', 'statusline' and 'foldtext'
7329options are evaluated in a sandbox. This means that you are protected from
7330these expressions having nasty side effects. This gives some safety for when
7331these options are set from a modeline. It is also used when the command from
Bram Moolenaarebefac62005-12-28 22:39:57 +00007332a tags file is executed and for CTRL-R = in the command line.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00007333The sandbox is also used for the |:sandbox| command.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007334
7335These items are not allowed in the sandbox:
7336 - changing the buffer text
7337 - defining or changing mapping, autocommands, functions, user commands
7338 - setting certain options (see |option-summary|)
7339 - executing a shell command
7340 - reading or writing a file
7341 - jumping to another buffer or editing a file
Bram Moolenaar4770d092006-01-12 23:22:24 +00007342 - executing Python, Perl, etc. commands
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00007343This is not guaranteed 100% secure, but it should block most attacks.
7344
7345 *:san* *:sandbox*
Bram Moolenaar045e82d2005-07-08 22:25:33 +00007346:san[dbox] {cmd} Execute {cmd} in the sandbox. Useful to evaluate an
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00007347 option that may have been set from a modeline, e.g.
7348 'foldexpr'.
7349
Bram Moolenaarb71eaae2006-01-20 23:10:18 +00007350 *sandbox-option*
7351A few options contain an expression. When this expression is evaluated it may
Bram Moolenaar9b2200a2006-03-20 21:55:45 +00007352have to be done in the sandbox to avoid a security risk. But the sandbox is
Bram Moolenaarb71eaae2006-01-20 23:10:18 +00007353restrictive, thus this only happens when the option was set from an insecure
7354location. Insecure in this context are:
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00007355- sourcing a .vimrc or .exrc in the current directory
Bram Moolenaarb71eaae2006-01-20 23:10:18 +00007356- while executing in the sandbox
7357- value coming from a modeline
7358
7359Note that when in the sandbox and saving an option value and restoring it, the
7360option will still be marked as it was set in the sandbox.
7361
7362==============================================================================
736312. Textlock *textlock*
7364
7365In a few situations it is not allowed to change the text in the buffer, jump
7366to another window and some other things that might confuse or break what Vim
7367is currently doing. This mostly applies to things that happen when Vim is
7368actually doing something else. For example, evaluating the 'balloonexpr' may
7369happen any moment the mouse cursor is resting at some position.
7370
7371This is not allowed when the textlock is active:
7372 - changing the buffer text
7373 - jumping to another buffer or window
7374 - editing another file
7375 - closing a window or quitting Vim
7376 - etc.
7377
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007378
7379 vim:tw=78:ts=8:ft=help:norl: