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Bram Moolenaar9372a112005-12-06 19:59:18 +00001*eval.txt* For Vim version 7.0aa. Last change: 2005 Dec 06
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002
3
4 VIM REFERENCE MANUAL by Bram Moolenaar
5
6
7Expression evaluation *expression* *expr* *E15* *eval*
8
9Using expressions is introduced in chapter 41 of the user manual |usr_41.txt|.
10
11Note: Expression evaluation can be disabled at compile time. If this has been
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +000012done, the features in this document are not available. See |+eval| and
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000013|no-eval-feature|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000014
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000151. Variables |variables|
16 1.1 Variable types
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +000017 1.2 Function references |Funcref|
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +000018 1.3 Lists |Lists|
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000019 1.4 Dictionaries |Dictionaries|
20 1.5 More about variables |more-variables|
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000212. Expression syntax |expression-syntax|
223. Internal variable |internal-variables|
234. Builtin Functions |functions|
245. Defining functions |user-functions|
256. Curly braces names |curly-braces-names|
267. Commands |expression-commands|
278. Exception handling |exception-handling|
289. Examples |eval-examples|
2910. No +eval feature |no-eval-feature|
3011. The sandbox |eval-sandbox|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000031
32{Vi does not have any of these commands}
33
34==============================================================================
351. Variables *variables*
36
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000371.1 Variable types ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +000038 *E712*
Bram Moolenaar39a58ca2005-06-27 22:42:44 +000039There are five types of variables:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000040
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000041Number A 32 bit signed number.
42 Examples: -123 0x10 0177
43
44String A NUL terminated string of 8-bit unsigned characters (bytes).
45 Examples: "ab\txx\"--" 'x-z''a,c'
46
47Funcref A reference to a function |Funcref|.
48 Example: function("strlen")
49
50List An ordered sequence of items |List|.
51 Example: [1, 2, ['a', 'b']]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000052
Bram Moolenaar39a58ca2005-06-27 22:42:44 +000053Dictionary An associative, unordered array: Each entry has a key and a
54 value. |Dictionary|
55 Example: {'blue': "#0000ff", 'red': "#ff0000"}
56
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +000057The Number and String types are converted automatically, depending on how they
58are used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000059
60Conversion from a Number to a String is by making the ASCII representation of
61the Number. Examples: >
62 Number 123 --> String "123"
63 Number 0 --> String "0"
64 Number -1 --> String "-1"
65
66Conversion from a String to a Number is done by converting the first digits
67to a number. Hexadecimal "0xf9" and Octal "017" numbers are recognized. If
68the String doesn't start with digits, the result is zero. Examples: >
69 String "456" --> Number 456
70 String "6bar" --> Number 6
71 String "foo" --> Number 0
72 String "0xf1" --> Number 241
73 String "0100" --> Number 64
74 String "-8" --> Number -8
75 String "+8" --> Number 0
76
77To force conversion from String to Number, add zero to it: >
78 :echo "0100" + 0
79
80For boolean operators Numbers are used. Zero is FALSE, non-zero is TRUE.
81
82Note that in the command >
83 :if "foo"
84"foo" is converted to 0, which means FALSE. To test for a non-empty string,
85use strlen(): >
86 :if strlen("foo")
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +000087< *E745* *E728* *E703* *E729* *E730* *E731*
88List, Dictionary and Funcref types are not automatically converted.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +000089
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +000090 *E706*
91You will get an error if you try to change the type of a variable. You need
92to |:unlet| it first to avoid this error. String and Number are considered
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000093equivalent though. Consider this sequence of commands: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +000094 :let l = "string"
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +000095 :let l = 44 " changes type from String to Number
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +000096 :let l = [1, 2, 3] " error!
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +000097
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +000098
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000991.2 Function references ~
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +0000100 *Funcref* *E695* *E718*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000101A Funcref variable is obtained with the |function()| function. It can be used
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000102in an expression in the place of a function name, before the parenthesis
103around the arguments, to invoke the function it refers to. Example: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000104
105 :let Fn = function("MyFunc")
106 :echo Fn()
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000107< *E704* *E705* *E707*
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000108A Funcref variable must start with a capital, "s:", "w:" or "b:". You cannot
109have both a Funcref variable and a function with the same name.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000110
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000111A special case is defining a function and directly assigning its Funcref to a
112Dictionary entry. Example: >
113 :function dict.init() dict
114 : let self.val = 0
115 :endfunction
116
117The key of the Dictionary can start with a lower case letter. The actual
118function name is not used here. Also see |numbered-function|.
119
120A Funcref can also be used with the |:call| command: >
121 :call Fn()
122 :call dict.init()
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000123
124The name of the referenced function can be obtained with |string()|. >
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000125 :let func = string(Fn)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000126
127You can use |call()| to invoke a Funcref and use a list variable for the
128arguments: >
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000129 :let r = call(Fn, mylist)
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000130
131
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00001321.3 Lists ~
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +0000133 *List* *Lists* *E686*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000134A List is an ordered sequence of items. An item can be of any type. Items
135can be accessed by their index number. Items can be added and removed at any
136position in the sequence.
137
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000138
139List creation ~
140 *E696* *E697*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000141A List is created with a comma separated list of items in square brackets.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000142Examples: >
143 :let mylist = [1, two, 3, "four"]
144 :let emptylist = []
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000145
146An item can be any expression. Using a List for an item creates a
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000147nested List: >
148 :let nestlist = [[11, 12], [21, 22], [31, 32]]
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000149
150An extra comma after the last item is ignored.
151
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000152
153List index ~
154 *list-index* *E684*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000155An item in the List can be accessed by putting the index in square brackets
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000156after the List. Indexes are zero-based, thus the first item has index zero. >
157 :let item = mylist[0] " get the first item: 1
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000158 :let item = mylist[2] " get the third item: 3
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000159
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000160When the resulting item is a list this can be repeated: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000161 :let item = nestlist[0][1] " get the first list, second item: 12
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000162<
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000163A negative index is counted from the end. Index -1 refers to the last item in
164the List, -2 to the last but one item, etc. >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000165 :let last = mylist[-1] " get the last item: "four"
166
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000167To avoid an error for an invalid index use the |get()| function. When an item
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000168is not available it returns zero or the default value you specify: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000169 :echo get(mylist, idx)
170 :echo get(mylist, idx, "NONE")
171
172
173List concatenation ~
174
175Two lists can be concatenated with the "+" operator: >
176 :let longlist = mylist + [5, 6]
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000177 :let mylist += [7, 8]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000178
179To prepend or append an item turn the item into a list by putting [] around
180it. To change a list in-place see |list-modification| below.
181
182
183Sublist ~
184
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000185A part of the List can be obtained by specifying the first and last index,
186separated by a colon in square brackets: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000187 :let shortlist = mylist[2:-1] " get List [3, "four"]
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000188
189Omitting the first index is similar to zero. Omitting the last index is
190similar to -1. The difference is that there is no error if the items are not
191available. >
Bram Moolenaar540d6e32005-01-09 21:20:18 +0000192 :let endlist = mylist[2:] " from item 2 to the end: [3, "four"]
193 :let shortlist = mylist[2:2] " List with one item: [3]
194 :let otherlist = mylist[:] " make a copy of the List
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000195
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000196The second index can be just before the first index. In that case the result
197is an empty list. If the second index is lower, this results in an error. >
198 :echo mylist[2:1] " result: []
199 :echo mylist[2:0] " error!
200
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +0000201NOTE: mylist[s:e] means using the variable "s:e" as index. Watch out for
202using a single letter variable before the ":". Insert a space when needed:
203mylist[s : e].
204
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000205
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000206List identity ~
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000207 *list-identity*
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000208When variable "aa" is a list and you assign it to another variable "bb", both
209variables refer to the same list. Thus changing the list "aa" will also
210change "bb": >
211 :let aa = [1, 2, 3]
212 :let bb = aa
213 :call add(aa, 4)
214 :echo bb
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000215< [1, 2, 3, 4]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000216
217Making a copy of a list is done with the |copy()| function. Using [:] also
218works, as explained above. This creates a shallow copy of the list: Changing
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000219a list item in the list will also change the item in the copied list: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000220 :let aa = [[1, 'a'], 2, 3]
221 :let bb = copy(aa)
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000222 :call add(aa, 4)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000223 :let aa[0][1] = 'aaa'
224 :echo aa
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000225< [[1, aaa], 2, 3, 4] >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000226 :echo bb
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000227< [[1, aaa], 2, 3]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000228
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000229To make a completely independent list use |deepcopy()|. This also makes a
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000230copy of the values in the list, recursively. Up to a hundred levels deep.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000231
232The operator "is" can be used to check if two variables refer to the same
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000233List. "isnot" does the opposite. In contrast "==" compares if two lists have
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000234the same value. >
235 :let alist = [1, 2, 3]
236 :let blist = [1, 2, 3]
237 :echo alist is blist
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000238< 0 >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000239 :echo alist == blist
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000240< 1
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000241
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000242Note about comparing lists: Two lists are considered equal if they have the
243same length and all items compare equal, as with using "==". There is one
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000244exception: When comparing a number with a string they are considered
245different. There is no automatic type conversion, as with using "==" on
246variables. Example: >
247 echo 4 == "4"
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000248< 1 >
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000249 echo [4] == ["4"]
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000250< 0
251
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000252Thus comparing Lists is more strict than comparing numbers and strings. You
253can compare simple values this way too by putting them in a string: >
254
255 :let a = 5
256 :let b = "5"
257 echo a == b
258< 1 >
259 echo [a] == [b]
260< 0
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000261
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000262
263List unpack ~
264
265To unpack the items in a list to individual variables, put the variables in
266square brackets, like list items: >
267 :let [var1, var2] = mylist
268
269When the number of variables does not match the number of items in the list
270this produces an error. To handle any extra items from the list append ";"
271and a variable name: >
272 :let [var1, var2; rest] = mylist
273
274This works like: >
275 :let var1 = mylist[0]
276 :let var2 = mylist[1]
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000277 :let rest = mylist[2:]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000278
279Except that there is no error if there are only two items. "rest" will be an
280empty list then.
281
282
283List modification ~
284 *list-modification*
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000285To change a specific item of a list use |:let| this way: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000286 :let list[4] = "four"
287 :let listlist[0][3] = item
288
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000289To change part of a list you can specify the first and last item to be
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000290modified. The value must at least have the number of items in the range: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000291 :let list[3:5] = [3, 4, 5]
292
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000293Adding and removing items from a list is done with functions. Here are a few
294examples: >
295 :call insert(list, 'a') " prepend item 'a'
296 :call insert(list, 'a', 3) " insert item 'a' before list[3]
297 :call add(list, "new") " append String item
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000298 :call add(list, [1, 2]) " append a List as one new item
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000299 :call extend(list, [1, 2]) " extend the list with two more items
300 :let i = remove(list, 3) " remove item 3
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +0000301 :unlet list[3] " idem
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000302 :let l = remove(list, 3, -1) " remove items 3 to last item
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +0000303 :unlet list[3 : ] " idem
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000304 :call filter(list, 'v:val !~ "x"') " remove items with an 'x'
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000305
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000306Changing the order of items in a list: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000307 :call sort(list) " sort a list alphabetically
308 :call reverse(list) " reverse the order of items
309
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000310
311For loop ~
312
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000313The |:for| loop executes commands for each item in a list. A variable is set
314to each item in the list in sequence. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000315 :for item in mylist
316 : call Doit(item)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000317 :endfor
318
319This works like: >
320 :let index = 0
321 :while index < len(mylist)
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000322 : let item = mylist[index]
323 : :call Doit(item)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000324 : let index = index + 1
325 :endwhile
326
327Note that all items in the list should be of the same type, otherwise this
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000328results in error |E706|. To avoid this |:unlet| the variable at the end of
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000329the loop.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000330
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000331If all you want to do is modify each item in the list then the |map()|
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000332function will be a simpler method than a for loop.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000333
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000334Just like the |:let| command, |:for| also accepts a list of variables. This
335requires the argument to be a list of lists. >
336 :for [lnum, col] in [[1, 3], [2, 8], [3, 0]]
337 : call Doit(lnum, col)
338 :endfor
339
340This works like a |:let| command is done for each list item. Again, the types
341must remain the same to avoid an error.
342
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000343It is also possible to put remaining items in a List variable: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000344 :for [i, j; rest] in listlist
345 : call Doit(i, j)
346 : if !empty(rest)
347 : echo "remainder: " . string(rest)
348 : endif
349 :endfor
350
351
352List functions ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000353 *E714*
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000354Functions that are useful with a List: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000355 :let r = call(funcname, list) " call a function with an argument list
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000356 :if empty(list) " check if list is empty
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000357 :let l = len(list) " number of items in list
358 :let big = max(list) " maximum value in list
359 :let small = min(list) " minimum value in list
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000360 :let xs = count(list, 'x') " count nr of times 'x' appears in list
361 :let i = index(list, 'x') " index of first 'x' in list
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000362 :let lines = getline(1, 10) " get ten text lines from buffer
363 :call append('$', lines) " append text lines in buffer
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000364 :let list = split("a b c") " create list from items in a string
365 :let string = join(list, ', ') " create string from list items
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000366 :let s = string(list) " String representation of list
367 :call map(list, '">> " . v:val') " prepend ">> " to each item
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000368
Bram Moolenaar0cb032e2005-04-23 20:52:00 +0000369Don't forget that a combination of features can make things simple. For
370example, to add up all the numbers in a list: >
371 :exe 'let sum = ' . join(nrlist, '+')
372
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000373
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003741.4 Dictionaries ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000375 *Dictionaries* *Dictionary*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000376A Dictionary is an associative array: Each entry has a key and a value. The
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000377entry can be located with the key. The entries are stored without a specific
378ordering.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000379
380
381Dictionary creation ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000382 *E720* *E721* *E722* *E723*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000383A Dictionary is created with a comma separated list of entries in curly
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000384braces. Each entry has a key and a value, separated by a colon. Each key can
385only appear once. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000386 :let mydict = {1: 'one', 2: 'two', 3: 'three'}
387 :let emptydict = {}
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000388< *E713* *E716* *E717*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000389A key is always a String. You can use a Number, it will be converted to a
390String automatically. Thus the String '4' and the number 4 will find the same
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000391entry. Note that the String '04' and the Number 04 are different, since the
392Number will be converted to the String '4'.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000393
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000394A value can be any expression. Using a Dictionary for a value creates a
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000395nested Dictionary: >
396 :let nestdict = {1: {11: 'a', 12: 'b'}, 2: {21: 'c'}}
397
398An extra comma after the last entry is ignored.
399
400
401Accessing entries ~
402
403The normal way to access an entry is by putting the key in square brackets: >
404 :let val = mydict["one"]
405 :let mydict["four"] = 4
406
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000407You can add new entries to an existing Dictionary this way, unlike Lists.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000408
409For keys that consist entirely of letters, digits and underscore the following
410form can be used |expr-entry|: >
411 :let val = mydict.one
412 :let mydict.four = 4
413
414Since an entry can be any type, also a List and a Dictionary, the indexing and
415key lookup can be repeated: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000416 :echo dict.key[idx].key
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000417
418
419Dictionary to List conversion ~
420
421You may want to loop over the entries in a dictionary. For this you need to
422turn the Dictionary into a List and pass it to |:for|.
423
424Most often you want to loop over the keys, using the |keys()| function: >
425 :for key in keys(mydict)
426 : echo key . ': ' . mydict[key]
427 :endfor
428
429The List of keys is unsorted. You may want to sort them first: >
430 :for key in sort(keys(mydict))
431
432To loop over the values use the |values()| function: >
433 :for v in values(mydict)
434 : echo "value: " . v
435 :endfor
436
437If you want both the key and the value use the |items()| function. It returns
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000438a List in which each item is a List with two items, the key and the value: >
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000439 :for entry in items(mydict)
440 : echo entry[0] . ': ' . entry[1]
441 :endfor
442
443
444Dictionary identity ~
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +0000445 *dict-identity*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000446Just like Lists you need to use |copy()| and |deepcopy()| to make a copy of a
447Dictionary. Otherwise, assignment results in referring to the same
448Dictionary: >
449 :let onedict = {'a': 1, 'b': 2}
450 :let adict = onedict
451 :let adict['a'] = 11
452 :echo onedict['a']
453 11
454
Bram Moolenaarf3bd51a2005-06-14 22:11:18 +0000455Two Dictionaries compare equal if all the key-value pairs compare equal. For
456more info see |list-identity|.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000457
458
459Dictionary modification ~
460 *dict-modification*
461To change an already existing entry of a Dictionary, or to add a new entry,
462use |:let| this way: >
463 :let dict[4] = "four"
464 :let dict['one'] = item
465
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +0000466Removing an entry from a Dictionary is done with |remove()| or |:unlet|.
467Three ways to remove the entry with key "aaa" from dict: >
468 :let i = remove(dict, 'aaa')
469 :unlet dict.aaa
470 :unlet dict['aaa']
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000471
472Merging a Dictionary with another is done with |extend()|: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000473 :call extend(adict, bdict)
474This extends adict with all entries from bdict. Duplicate keys cause entries
475in adict to be overwritten. An optional third argument can change this.
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000476Note that the order of entries in a Dictionary is irrelevant, thus don't
477expect ":echo adict" to show the items from bdict after the older entries in
478adict.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000479
480Weeding out entries from a Dictionary can be done with |filter()|: >
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +0000481 :call filter(dict 'v:val =~ "x"')
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000482This removes all entries from "dict" with a value not matching 'x'.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000483
484
485Dictionary function ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000486 *Dictionary-function* *self* *E725*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000487When a function is defined with the "dict" attribute it can be used in a
488special way with a dictionary. Example: >
489 :function Mylen() dict
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000490 : return len(self.data)
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000491 :endfunction
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000492 :let mydict = {'data': [0, 1, 2, 3], 'len': function("Mylen")}
493 :echo mydict.len()
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000494
495This is like a method in object oriented programming. The entry in the
496Dictionary is a |Funcref|. The local variable "self" refers to the dictionary
497the function was invoked from.
498
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000499It is also possible to add a function without the "dict" attribute as a
500Funcref to a Dictionary, but the "self" variable is not available then.
501
502 *numbered-function*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000503To avoid the extra name for the function it can be defined and directly
504assigned to a Dictionary in this way: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000505 :let mydict = {'data': [0, 1, 2, 3]}
506 :function mydict.len() dict
507 : return len(self.data)
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000508 :endfunction
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000509 :echo mydict.len()
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000510
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000511The function will then get a number and the value of dict.len is a |Funcref|
512that references this function. The function can only be used through a
513|Funcref|. It will automatically be deleted when there is no |Funcref|
514remaining that refers to it.
515
516It is not necessary to use the "dict" attribute for a numbered function.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000517
518
519Functions for Dictionaries ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000520 *E715*
521Functions that can be used with a Dictionary: >
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000522 :if has_key(dict, 'foo') " TRUE if dict has entry with key "foo"
523 :if empty(dict) " TRUE if dict is empty
524 :let l = len(dict) " number of items in dict
525 :let big = max(dict) " maximum value in dict
526 :let small = min(dict) " minimum value in dict
527 :let xs = count(dict, 'x') " count nr of times 'x' appears in dict
528 :let s = string(dict) " String representation of dict
529 :call map(dict, '">> " . v:val') " prepend ">> " to each item
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000530
531
5321.5 More about variables ~
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000533 *more-variables*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000534If you need to know the type of a variable or expression, use the |type()|
535function.
536
537When the '!' flag is included in the 'viminfo' option, global variables that
538start with an uppercase letter, and don't contain a lowercase letter, are
539stored in the viminfo file |viminfo-file|.
540
541When the 'sessionoptions' option contains "global", global variables that
542start with an uppercase letter and contain at least one lowercase letter are
543stored in the session file |session-file|.
544
545variable name can be stored where ~
546my_var_6 not
547My_Var_6 session file
548MY_VAR_6 viminfo file
549
550
551It's possible to form a variable name with curly braces, see
552|curly-braces-names|.
553
554==============================================================================
5552. Expression syntax *expression-syntax*
556
557Expression syntax summary, from least to most significant:
558
559|expr1| expr2 ? expr1 : expr1 if-then-else
560
561|expr2| expr3 || expr3 .. logical OR
562
563|expr3| expr4 && expr4 .. logical AND
564
565|expr4| expr5 == expr5 equal
566 expr5 != expr5 not equal
567 expr5 > expr5 greater than
568 expr5 >= expr5 greater than or equal
569 expr5 < expr5 smaller than
570 expr5 <= expr5 smaller than or equal
571 expr5 =~ expr5 regexp matches
572 expr5 !~ expr5 regexp doesn't match
573
574 expr5 ==? expr5 equal, ignoring case
575 expr5 ==# expr5 equal, match case
576 etc. As above, append ? for ignoring case, # for
577 matching case
578
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000579 expr5 is expr5 same List instance
580 expr5 isnot expr5 different List instance
581
582|expr5| expr6 + expr6 .. number addition or list concatenation
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000583 expr6 - expr6 .. number subtraction
584 expr6 . expr6 .. string concatenation
585
586|expr6| expr7 * expr7 .. number multiplication
587 expr7 / expr7 .. number division
588 expr7 % expr7 .. number modulo
589
590|expr7| ! expr7 logical NOT
591 - expr7 unary minus
592 + expr7 unary plus
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000593
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000594
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000595|expr8| expr8[expr1] byte of a String or item of a List
596 expr8[expr1 : expr1] substring of a String or sublist of a List
597 expr8.name entry in a Dictionary
598 expr8(expr1, ...) function call with Funcref variable
599
600|expr9| number number constant
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +0000601 "string" string constant, backslash is special
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000602 'string' string constant, ' is doubled
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000603 [expr1, ...] List
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000604 {expr1: expr1, ...} Dictionary
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000605 &option option value
606 (expr1) nested expression
607 variable internal variable
608 va{ria}ble internal variable with curly braces
609 $VAR environment variable
610 @r contents of register 'r'
611 function(expr1, ...) function call
612 func{ti}on(expr1, ...) function call with curly braces
613
614
615".." indicates that the operations in this level can be concatenated.
616Example: >
617 &nu || &list && &shell == "csh"
618
619All expressions within one level are parsed from left to right.
620
621
622expr1 *expr1* *E109*
623-----
624
625expr2 ? expr1 : expr1
626
627The expression before the '?' is evaluated to a number. If it evaluates to
628non-zero, the result is the value of the expression between the '?' and ':',
629otherwise the result is the value of the expression after the ':'.
630Example: >
631 :echo lnum == 1 ? "top" : lnum
632
633Since the first expression is an "expr2", it cannot contain another ?:. The
634other two expressions can, thus allow for recursive use of ?:.
635Example: >
636 :echo lnum == 1 ? "top" : lnum == 1000 ? "last" : lnum
637
638To keep this readable, using |line-continuation| is suggested: >
639 :echo lnum == 1
640 :\ ? "top"
641 :\ : lnum == 1000
642 :\ ? "last"
643 :\ : lnum
644
645
646expr2 and expr3 *expr2* *expr3*
647---------------
648
649 *expr-barbar* *expr-&&*
650The "||" and "&&" operators take one argument on each side. The arguments
651are (converted to) Numbers. The result is:
652
653 input output ~
654n1 n2 n1 || n2 n1 && n2 ~
655zero zero zero zero
656zero non-zero non-zero zero
657non-zero zero non-zero zero
658non-zero non-zero non-zero non-zero
659
660The operators can be concatenated, for example: >
661
662 &nu || &list && &shell == "csh"
663
664Note that "&&" takes precedence over "||", so this has the meaning of: >
665
666 &nu || (&list && &shell == "csh")
667
668Once the result is known, the expression "short-circuits", that is, further
669arguments are not evaluated. This is like what happens in C. For example: >
670
671 let a = 1
672 echo a || b
673
674This is valid even if there is no variable called "b" because "a" is non-zero,
675so the result must be non-zero. Similarly below: >
676
677 echo exists("b") && b == "yes"
678
679This is valid whether "b" has been defined or not. The second clause will
680only be evaluated if "b" has been defined.
681
682
683expr4 *expr4*
684-----
685
686expr5 {cmp} expr5
687
688Compare two expr5 expressions, resulting in a 0 if it evaluates to false, or 1
689if it evaluates to true.
690
691 *expr-==* *expr-!=* *expr->* *expr->=*
692 *expr-<* *expr-<=* *expr-=~* *expr-!~*
693 *expr-==#* *expr-!=#* *expr->#* *expr->=#*
694 *expr-<#* *expr-<=#* *expr-=~#* *expr-!~#*
695 *expr-==?* *expr-!=?* *expr->?* *expr->=?*
696 *expr-<?* *expr-<=?* *expr-=~?* *expr-!~?*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000697 *expr-is*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000698 use 'ignorecase' match case ignore case ~
699equal == ==# ==?
700not equal != !=# !=?
701greater than > ># >?
702greater than or equal >= >=# >=?
703smaller than < <# <?
704smaller than or equal <= <=# <=?
705regexp matches =~ =~# =~?
706regexp doesn't match !~ !~# !~?
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000707same instance is
708different instance isnot
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000709
710Examples:
711"abc" ==# "Abc" evaluates to 0
712"abc" ==? "Abc" evaluates to 1
713"abc" == "Abc" evaluates to 1 if 'ignorecase' is set, 0 otherwise
714
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000715 *E691* *E692*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000716A List can only be compared with a List and only "equal", "not equal" and "is"
717can be used. This compares the values of the list, recursively. Ignoring
718case means case is ignored when comparing item values.
719
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000720 *E735* *E736*
721A Dictionary can only be compared with a Dictionary and only "equal", "not
722equal" and "is" can be used. This compares the key/values of the Dictionary,
723recursively. Ignoring case means case is ignored when comparing item values.
724
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000725 *E693* *E694*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000726A Funcref can only be compared with a Funcref and only "equal" and "not equal"
727can be used. Case is never ignored.
728
729When using "is" or "isnot" with a List this checks if the expressions are
730referring to the same List instance. A copy of a List is different from the
731original List. When using "is" without a List it is equivalent to using
732"equal", using "isnot" equivalent to using "not equal". Except that a
733different type means the values are different. "4 == '4'" is true, "4 is '4'"
734is false.
735
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000736When comparing a String with a Number, the String is converted to a Number,
737and the comparison is done on Numbers. This means that "0 == 'x'" is TRUE,
738because 'x' converted to a Number is zero.
739
740When comparing two Strings, this is done with strcmp() or stricmp(). This
741results in the mathematical difference (comparing byte values), not
742necessarily the alphabetical difference in the local language.
743
744When using the operators with a trailing '#", or the short version and
745'ignorecase' is off, the comparing is done with strcmp().
746
747When using the operators with a trailing '?', or the short version and
748'ignorecase' is set, the comparing is done with stricmp().
749
750The "=~" and "!~" operators match the lefthand argument with the righthand
751argument, which is used as a pattern. See |pattern| for what a pattern is.
752This matching is always done like 'magic' was set and 'cpoptions' is empty, no
753matter what the actual value of 'magic' or 'cpoptions' is. This makes scripts
754portable. To avoid backslashes in the regexp pattern to be doubled, use a
755single-quote string, see |literal-string|.
756Since a string is considered to be a single line, a multi-line pattern
757(containing \n, backslash-n) will not match. However, a literal NL character
758can be matched like an ordinary character. Examples:
759 "foo\nbar" =~ "\n" evaluates to 1
760 "foo\nbar" =~ "\\n" evaluates to 0
761
762
763expr5 and expr6 *expr5* *expr6*
764---------------
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000765expr6 + expr6 .. Number addition or List concatenation *expr-+*
766expr6 - expr6 .. Number subtraction *expr--*
767expr6 . expr6 .. String concatenation *expr-.*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000768
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000769For Lists only "+" is possible and then both expr6 must be a list. The result
770is a new list with the two lists Concatenated.
771
772expr7 * expr7 .. number multiplication *expr-star*
773expr7 / expr7 .. number division *expr-/*
774expr7 % expr7 .. number modulo *expr-%*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000775
776For all, except ".", Strings are converted to Numbers.
777
778Note the difference between "+" and ".":
779 "123" + "456" = 579
780 "123" . "456" = "123456"
781
782When the righthand side of '/' is zero, the result is 0x7fffffff.
783When the righthand side of '%' is zero, the result is 0.
784
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000785None of these work for Funcrefs.
786
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000787
788expr7 *expr7*
789-----
790! expr7 logical NOT *expr-!*
791- expr7 unary minus *expr-unary--*
792+ expr7 unary plus *expr-unary-+*
793
794For '!' non-zero becomes zero, zero becomes one.
795For '-' the sign of the number is changed.
796For '+' the number is unchanged.
797
798A String will be converted to a Number first.
799
800These three can be repeated and mixed. Examples:
801 !-1 == 0
802 !!8 == 1
803 --9 == 9
804
805
806expr8 *expr8*
807-----
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000808expr8[expr1] item of String or List *expr-[]* *E111*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000809
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000810If expr8 is a Number or String this results in a String that contains the
811expr1'th single byte from expr8. expr8 is used as a String, expr1 as a
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000812Number. Note that this doesn't recognize multi-byte encodings.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000813
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000814Index zero gives the first character. This is like it works in C. Careful:
815text column numbers start with one! Example, to get the character under the
816cursor: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000817 :let c = getline(line("."))[col(".") - 1]
818
819If the length of the String is less than the index, the result is an empty
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000820String. A negative index always results in an empty string (reason: backwards
821compatibility). Use [-1:] to get the last byte.
822
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000823If expr8 is a List then it results the item at index expr1. See |list-index|
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000824for possible index values. If the index is out of range this results in an
825error. Example: >
826 :let item = mylist[-1] " get last item
827
828Generally, if a List index is equal to or higher than the length of the List,
829or more negative than the length of the List, this results in an error.
830
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000831
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000832expr8[expr1a : expr1b] substring or sublist *expr-[:]*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000833
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000834If expr8 is a Number or String this results in the substring with the bytes
835from expr1a to and including expr1b. expr8 is used as a String, expr1a and
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000836expr1b are used as a Number. Note that this doesn't recognize multi-byte
837encodings.
838
839If expr1a is omitted zero is used. If expr1b is omitted the length of the
840string minus one is used.
841
842A negative number can be used to measure from the end of the string. -1 is
843the last character, -2 the last but one, etc.
844
845If an index goes out of range for the string characters are omitted. If
846expr1b is smaller than expr1a the result is an empty string.
847
848Examples: >
849 :let c = name[-1:] " last byte of a string
850 :let c = name[-2:-2] " last but one byte of a string
851 :let s = line(".")[4:] " from the fifth byte to the end
852 :let s = s[:-3] " remove last two bytes
853
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000854If expr8 is a List this results in a new List with the items indicated by the
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000855indexes expr1a and expr1b. This works like with a String, as explained just
856above, except that indexes out of range cause an error. Examples: >
857 :let l = mylist[:3] " first four items
858 :let l = mylist[4:4] " List with one item
859 :let l = mylist[:] " shallow copy of a List
860
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000861Using expr8[expr1] or expr8[expr1a : expr1b] on a Funcref results in an error.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000862
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000863
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000864expr8.name entry in a Dictionary *expr-entry*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000865
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000866If expr8 is a Dictionary and it is followed by a dot, then the following name
867will be used as a key in the Dictionary. This is just like: expr8[name].
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000868
869The name must consist of alphanumeric characters, just like a variable name,
870but it may start with a number. Curly braces cannot be used.
871
872There must not be white space before or after the dot.
873
874Examples: >
875 :let dict = {"one": 1, 2: "two"}
876 :echo dict.one
877 :echo dict .2
878
879Note that the dot is also used for String concatenation. To avoid confusion
880always put spaces around the dot for String concatenation.
881
882
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000883expr8(expr1, ...) Funcref function call
884
885When expr8 is a |Funcref| type variable, invoke the function it refers to.
886
887
888
889 *expr9*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000890number
891------
892number number constant *expr-number*
893
894Decimal, Hexadecimal (starting with 0x or 0X), or Octal (starting with 0).
895
896
897string *expr-string* *E114*
898------
899"string" string constant *expr-quote*
900
901Note that double quotes are used.
902
903A string constant accepts these special characters:
904\... three-digit octal number (e.g., "\316")
905\.. two-digit octal number (must be followed by non-digit)
906\. one-digit octal number (must be followed by non-digit)
907\x.. byte specified with two hex numbers (e.g., "\x1f")
908\x. byte specified with one hex number (must be followed by non-hex char)
909\X.. same as \x..
910\X. same as \x.
911\u.... character specified with up to 4 hex numbers, stored according to the
912 current value of 'encoding' (e.g., "\u02a4")
913\U.... same as \u....
914\b backspace <BS>
915\e escape <Esc>
916\f formfeed <FF>
917\n newline <NL>
918\r return <CR>
919\t tab <Tab>
920\\ backslash
921\" double quote
922\<xxx> Special key named "xxx". e.g. "\<C-W>" for CTRL-W.
923
924Note that "\000" and "\x00" force the end of the string.
925
926
927literal-string *literal-string* *E115*
928---------------
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +0000929'string' string constant *expr-'*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000930
931Note that single quotes are used.
932
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +0000933This string is taken as it is. No backslashes are removed or have a special
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000934meaning. The only exception is that two quotes stand for one quote.
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +0000935
936Single quoted strings are useful for patterns, so that backslashes do not need
937to be doubled. These two commands are equivalent: >
938 if a =~ "\\s*"
939 if a =~ '\s*'
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000940
941
942option *expr-option* *E112* *E113*
943------
944&option option value, local value if possible
945&g:option global option value
946&l:option local option value
947
948Examples: >
949 echo "tabstop is " . &tabstop
950 if &insertmode
951
952Any option name can be used here. See |options|. When using the local value
953and there is no buffer-local or window-local value, the global value is used
954anyway.
955
956
957register *expr-register*
958--------
959@r contents of register 'r'
960
961The result is the contents of the named register, as a single string.
962Newlines are inserted where required. To get the contents of the unnamed
Bram Moolenaare7566042005-06-17 22:00:15 +0000963register use @" or @@. See |registers| for an explanation of the available
964registers.
965
966When using the '=' register you get the expression itself, not what it
967evaluates to. Use |eval()| to evaluate it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000968
969
970nesting *expr-nesting* *E110*
971-------
972(expr1) nested expression
973
974
975environment variable *expr-env*
976--------------------
977$VAR environment variable
978
979The String value of any environment variable. When it is not defined, the
980result is an empty string.
981 *expr-env-expand*
982Note that there is a difference between using $VAR directly and using
983expand("$VAR"). Using it directly will only expand environment variables that
984are known inside the current Vim session. Using expand() will first try using
985the environment variables known inside the current Vim session. If that
986fails, a shell will be used to expand the variable. This can be slow, but it
987does expand all variables that the shell knows about. Example: >
988 :echo $version
989 :echo expand("$version")
990The first one probably doesn't echo anything, the second echoes the $version
991variable (if your shell supports it).
992
993
994internal variable *expr-variable*
995-----------------
996variable internal variable
997See below |internal-variables|.
998
999
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00001000function call *expr-function* *E116* *E118* *E119* *E120*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001001-------------
1002function(expr1, ...) function call
1003See below |functions|.
1004
1005
1006==============================================================================
10073. Internal variable *internal-variables* *E121*
1008 *E461*
1009An internal variable name can be made up of letters, digits and '_'. But it
1010cannot start with a digit. It's also possible to use curly braces, see
1011|curly-braces-names|.
1012
1013An internal variable is created with the ":let" command |:let|.
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00001014An internal variable is explicitly destroyed with the ":unlet" command
1015|:unlet|.
1016Using a name that is not an internal variable or refers to a variable that has
1017been destroyed results in an error.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001018
1019There are several name spaces for variables. Which one is to be used is
1020specified by what is prepended:
1021
1022 (nothing) In a function: local to a function; otherwise: global
1023|buffer-variable| b: Local to the current buffer.
1024|window-variable| w: Local to the current window.
1025|global-variable| g: Global.
1026|local-variable| l: Local to a function.
1027|script-variable| s: Local to a |:source|'ed Vim script.
1028|function-argument| a: Function argument (only inside a function).
1029|vim-variable| v: Global, predefined by Vim.
1030
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00001031The scope name by itself can be used as a Dictionary. For example, to delete
1032all script-local variables: >
1033 :for k in keys(s:)
1034 : unlet s:[k]
1035 :endfor
1036<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001037 *buffer-variable* *b:var*
1038A variable name that is preceded with "b:" is local to the current buffer.
1039Thus you can have several "b:foo" variables, one for each buffer.
1040This kind of variable is deleted when the buffer is wiped out or deleted with
1041|:bdelete|.
1042
1043One local buffer variable is predefined:
1044 *b:changedtick-variable* *changetick*
1045b:changedtick The total number of changes to the current buffer. It is
1046 incremented for each change. An undo command is also a change
1047 in this case. This can be used to perform an action only when
1048 the buffer has changed. Example: >
1049 :if my_changedtick != b:changedtick
1050 : let my_changedtick = b:changedtick
1051 : call My_Update()
1052 :endif
1053<
1054 *window-variable* *w:var*
1055A variable name that is preceded with "w:" is local to the current window. It
1056is deleted when the window is closed.
1057
1058 *global-variable* *g:var*
1059Inside functions global variables are accessed with "g:". Omitting this will
1060access a variable local to a function. But "g:" can also be used in any other
1061place if you like.
1062
1063 *local-variable* *l:var*
1064Inside functions local variables are accessed without prepending anything.
1065But you can also prepend "l:" if you like.
1066
1067 *script-variable* *s:var*
1068In a Vim script variables starting with "s:" can be used. They cannot be
1069accessed from outside of the scripts, thus are local to the script.
1070
1071They can be used in:
1072- commands executed while the script is sourced
1073- functions defined in the script
1074- autocommands defined in the script
1075- functions and autocommands defined in functions and autocommands which were
1076 defined in the script (recursively)
1077- user defined commands defined in the script
1078Thus not in:
1079- other scripts sourced from this one
1080- mappings
1081- etc.
1082
1083script variables can be used to avoid conflicts with global variable names.
1084Take this example:
1085
1086 let s:counter = 0
1087 function MyCounter()
1088 let s:counter = s:counter + 1
1089 echo s:counter
1090 endfunction
1091 command Tick call MyCounter()
1092
1093You can now invoke "Tick" from any script, and the "s:counter" variable in
1094that script will not be changed, only the "s:counter" in the script where
1095"Tick" was defined is used.
1096
1097Another example that does the same: >
1098
1099 let s:counter = 0
1100 command Tick let s:counter = s:counter + 1 | echo s:counter
1101
1102When calling a function and invoking a user-defined command, the context for
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001103script variables is set to the script where the function or command was
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001104defined.
1105
1106The script variables are also available when a function is defined inside a
1107function that is defined in a script. Example: >
1108
1109 let s:counter = 0
1110 function StartCounting(incr)
1111 if a:incr
1112 function MyCounter()
1113 let s:counter = s:counter + 1
1114 endfunction
1115 else
1116 function MyCounter()
1117 let s:counter = s:counter - 1
1118 endfunction
1119 endif
1120 endfunction
1121
1122This defines the MyCounter() function either for counting up or counting down
1123when calling StartCounting(). It doesn't matter from where StartCounting() is
1124called, the s:counter variable will be accessible in MyCounter().
1125
1126When the same script is sourced again it will use the same script variables.
1127They will remain valid as long as Vim is running. This can be used to
1128maintain a counter: >
1129
1130 if !exists("s:counter")
1131 let s:counter = 1
1132 echo "script executed for the first time"
1133 else
1134 let s:counter = s:counter + 1
1135 echo "script executed " . s:counter . " times now"
1136 endif
1137
1138Note that this means that filetype plugins don't get a different set of script
1139variables for each buffer. Use local buffer variables instead |b:var|.
1140
1141
1142Predefined Vim variables: *vim-variable* *v:var*
1143
Bram Moolenaare4efc3b2005-03-07 23:16:51 +00001144 *v:beval_col* *beval_col-variable*
1145v:beval_col The number of the column, over which the mouse pointer is.
1146 This is the byte index in the |v:beval_lnum| line.
1147 Only valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1148
1149 *v:beval_bufnr* *beval_bufnr-variable*
1150v:beval_bufnr The number of the buffer, over which the mouse pointer is. Only
1151 valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1152
1153 *v:beval_lnum* *beval_lnum-variable*
1154v:beval_lnum The number of the line, over which the mouse pointer is. Only
1155 valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1156
1157 *v:beval_text* *beval_text-variable*
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00001158v:beval_text The text under or after the mouse pointer. Usually a word as
1159 it is useful for debugging a C program. 'iskeyword' applies,
1160 but a dot and "->" before the position is included. When on a
1161 ']' the text before it is used, including the matching '[' and
Bram Moolenaare4efc3b2005-03-07 23:16:51 +00001162 word before it. When on a Visual area within one line the
1163 highlighted text is used.
1164 Only valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1165
1166 *v:beval_winnr* *beval_winnr-variable*
1167v:beval_winnr The number of the window, over which the mouse pointer is. Only
1168 valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1169
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001170 *v:charconvert_from* *charconvert_from-variable*
1171v:charconvert_from
1172 The name of the character encoding of a file to be converted.
1173 Only valid while evaluating the 'charconvert' option.
1174
1175 *v:charconvert_to* *charconvert_to-variable*
1176v:charconvert_to
1177 The name of the character encoding of a file after conversion.
1178 Only valid while evaluating the 'charconvert' option.
1179
1180 *v:cmdarg* *cmdarg-variable*
1181v:cmdarg This variable is used for two purposes:
1182 1. The extra arguments given to a file read/write command.
1183 Currently these are "++enc=" and "++ff=". This variable is
1184 set before an autocommand event for a file read/write
1185 command is triggered. There is a leading space to make it
1186 possible to append this variable directly after the
1187 read/write command. Note: The "+cmd" argument isn't
1188 included here, because it will be executed anyway.
1189 2. When printing a PostScript file with ":hardcopy" this is
1190 the argument for the ":hardcopy" command. This can be used
1191 in 'printexpr'.
1192
1193 *v:cmdbang* *cmdbang-variable*
1194v:cmdbang Set like v:cmdarg for a file read/write command. When a "!"
1195 was used the value is 1, otherwise it is 0. Note that this
1196 can only be used in autocommands. For user commands |<bang>|
1197 can be used.
1198
1199 *v:count* *count-variable*
1200v:count The count given for the last Normal mode command. Can be used
1201 to get the count before a mapping. Read-only. Example: >
1202 :map _x :<C-U>echo "the count is " . v:count<CR>
1203< Note: The <C-U> is required to remove the line range that you
1204 get when typing ':' after a count.
1205 "count" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1206
1207 *v:count1* *count1-variable*
1208v:count1 Just like "v:count", but defaults to one when no count is
1209 used.
1210
1211 *v:ctype* *ctype-variable*
1212v:ctype The current locale setting for characters of the runtime
1213 environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the
1214 current locale encoding. Technical: it's the value of
1215 LC_CTYPE. When not using a locale the value is "C".
1216 This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language|
1217 command.
1218 See |multi-lang|.
1219
1220 *v:dying* *dying-variable*
1221v:dying Normally zero. When a deadly signal is caught it's set to
1222 one. When multiple signals are caught the number increases.
1223 Can be used in an autocommand to check if Vim didn't
1224 terminate normally. {only works on Unix}
1225 Example: >
1226 :au VimLeave * if v:dying | echo "\nAAAAaaaarrrggghhhh!!!\n" | endif
1227<
1228 *v:errmsg* *errmsg-variable*
1229v:errmsg Last given error message. It's allowed to set this variable.
1230 Example: >
1231 :let v:errmsg = ""
1232 :silent! next
1233 :if v:errmsg != ""
1234 : ... handle error
1235< "errmsg" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1236
1237 *v:exception* *exception-variable*
1238v:exception The value of the exception most recently caught and not
1239 finished. See also |v:throwpoint| and |throw-variables|.
1240 Example: >
1241 :try
1242 : throw "oops"
1243 :catch /.*/
1244 : echo "caught" v:exception
1245 :endtry
1246< Output: "caught oops".
1247
Bram Moolenaar19a09a12005-03-04 23:39:37 +00001248 *v:fcs_reason* *fcs_reason-variable*
1249v:fcs_reason The reason why the |FileChangedShell| event was triggered.
1250 Can be used in an autocommand to decide what to do and/or what
1251 to set v:fcs_choice to. Possible values:
1252 deleted file no longer exists
1253 conflict file contents, mode or timestamp was
1254 changed and buffer is modified
1255 changed file contents has changed
1256 mode mode of file changed
1257 time only file timestamp changed
1258
1259 *v:fcs_choice* *fcs_choice-variable*
1260v:fcs_choice What should happen after a |FileChangedShell| event was
1261 triggered. Can be used in an autocommand to tell Vim what to
1262 do with the affected buffer:
1263 reload Reload the buffer (does not work if
1264 the file was deleted).
1265 ask Ask the user what to do, as if there
1266 was no autocommand. Except that when
1267 only the timestamp changed nothing
1268 will happen.
1269 <empty> Nothing, the autocommand should do
1270 everything that needs to be done.
1271 The default is empty. If another (invalid) value is used then
1272 Vim behaves like it is empty, there is no warning message.
1273
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001274 *v:fname_in* *fname_in-variable*
1275v:fname_in The name of the input file. Only valid while evaluating:
1276 option used for ~
1277 'charconvert' file to be converted
1278 'diffexpr' original file
1279 'patchexpr' original file
1280 'printexpr' file to be printed
1281
1282 *v:fname_out* *fname_out-variable*
1283v:fname_out The name of the output file. Only valid while
1284 evaluating:
1285 option used for ~
1286 'charconvert' resulting converted file (*)
1287 'diffexpr' output of diff
1288 'patchexpr' resulting patched file
1289 (*) When doing conversion for a write command (e.g., ":w
1290 file") it will be equal to v:fname_in. When doing conversion
1291 for a read command (e.g., ":e file") it will be a temporary
1292 file and different from v:fname_in.
1293
1294 *v:fname_new* *fname_new-variable*
1295v:fname_new The name of the new version of the file. Only valid while
1296 evaluating 'diffexpr'.
1297
1298 *v:fname_diff* *fname_diff-variable*
1299v:fname_diff The name of the diff (patch) file. Only valid while
1300 evaluating 'patchexpr'.
1301
1302 *v:folddashes* *folddashes-variable*
1303v:folddashes Used for 'foldtext': dashes representing foldlevel of a closed
1304 fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001305 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001306
1307 *v:foldlevel* *foldlevel-variable*
1308v:foldlevel Used for 'foldtext': foldlevel of closed fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001309 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001310
1311 *v:foldend* *foldend-variable*
1312v:foldend Used for 'foldtext': last line of closed fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001313 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001314
1315 *v:foldstart* *foldstart-variable*
1316v:foldstart Used for 'foldtext': first line of closed fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001317 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001318
Bram Moolenaar843ee412004-06-30 16:16:41 +00001319 *v:insertmode* *insertmode-variable*
1320v:insertmode Used for the |InsertEnter| and |InsertChange| autocommand
1321 events. Values:
1322 i Insert mode
1323 r Replace mode
1324 v Virtual Replace mode
1325
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001326 *v:key* *key-variable*
1327v:key Key of the current item of a Dictionary. Only valid while
1328 evaluating the expression used with |map()| and |filter()|.
1329 Read-only.
1330
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001331 *v:lang* *lang-variable*
1332v:lang The current locale setting for messages of the runtime
1333 environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the
1334 current language. Technical: it's the value of LC_MESSAGES.
1335 The value is system dependent.
1336 This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language|
1337 command.
1338 It can be different from |v:ctype| when messages are desired
1339 in a different language than what is used for character
1340 encoding. See |multi-lang|.
1341
1342 *v:lc_time* *lc_time-variable*
1343v:lc_time The current locale setting for time messages of the runtime
1344 environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the
1345 current language. Technical: it's the value of LC_TIME.
1346 This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language|
1347 command. See |multi-lang|.
1348
1349 *v:lnum* *lnum-variable*
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001350v:lnum Line number for the 'foldexpr' |fold-expr| and 'indentexpr'
1351 expressions. Only valid while one of these expressions is
1352 being evaluated. Read-only when in the |sandbox|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001353
1354 *v:prevcount* *prevcount-variable*
1355v:prevcount The count given for the last but one Normal mode command.
1356 This is the v:count value of the previous command. Useful if
1357 you want to cancel Visual mode and then use the count. >
1358 :vmap % <Esc>:call MyFilter(v:prevcount)<CR>
1359< Read-only.
1360
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00001361 *v:profiling* *profiling-variable*
1362v:profiling Normally zero. Set to one after using ":profile start".
1363 See |profiling|.
1364
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001365 *v:progname* *progname-variable*
1366v:progname Contains the name (with path removed) with which Vim was
1367 invoked. Allows you to do special initialisations for "view",
1368 "evim" etc., or any other name you might symlink to Vim.
1369 Read-only.
1370
1371 *v:register* *register-variable*
1372v:register The name of the register supplied to the last normal mode
1373 command. Empty if none were supplied. |getreg()| |setreg()|
1374
Bram Moolenaar1c7715d2005-10-03 22:02:18 +00001375 *v:scrollstart* *scrollstart-variable*
1376v:scrollstart String describing the script or function that caused the
1377 screen to scroll up. It's only set when it is empty, thus the
1378 first reason is remembered. It is set to "Unknown" for a
1379 typed command.
1380 This can be used to find out why your script causes the
1381 hit-enter prompt.
1382
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001383 *v:servername* *servername-variable*
1384v:servername The resulting registered |x11-clientserver| name if any.
1385 Read-only.
1386
1387 *v:shell_error* *shell_error-variable*
1388v:shell_error Result of the last shell command. When non-zero, the last
1389 shell command had an error. When zero, there was no problem.
1390 This only works when the shell returns the error code to Vim.
1391 The value -1 is often used when the command could not be
1392 executed. Read-only.
1393 Example: >
1394 :!mv foo bar
1395 :if v:shell_error
1396 : echo 'could not rename "foo" to "bar"!'
1397 :endif
1398< "shell_error" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1399
1400 *v:statusmsg* *statusmsg-variable*
1401v:statusmsg Last given status message. It's allowed to set this variable.
1402
1403 *v:termresponse* *termresponse-variable*
1404v:termresponse The escape sequence returned by the terminal for the |t_RV|
1405 termcap entry. It is set when Vim receives an escape sequence
1406 that starts with ESC [ or CSI and ends in a 'c', with only
1407 digits, ';' and '.' in between.
1408 When this option is set, the TermResponse autocommand event is
1409 fired, so that you can react to the response from the
1410 terminal.
1411 The response from a new xterm is: "<Esc>[ Pp ; Pv ; Pc c". Pp
1412 is the terminal type: 0 for vt100 and 1 for vt220. Pv is the
1413 patch level (since this was introduced in patch 95, it's
1414 always 95 or bigger). Pc is always zero.
1415 {only when compiled with |+termresponse| feature}
1416
1417 *v:this_session* *this_session-variable*
1418v:this_session Full filename of the last loaded or saved session file. See
1419 |:mksession|. It is allowed to set this variable. When no
1420 session file has been saved, this variable is empty.
1421 "this_session" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1422
1423 *v:throwpoint* *throwpoint-variable*
1424v:throwpoint The point where the exception most recently caught and not
1425 finished was thrown. Not set when commands are typed. See
1426 also |v:exception| and |throw-variables|.
1427 Example: >
1428 :try
1429 : throw "oops"
1430 :catch /.*/
1431 : echo "Exception from" v:throwpoint
1432 :endtry
1433< Output: "Exception from test.vim, line 2"
1434
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001435 *v:val* *val-variable*
1436v:val Value of the current item of a List or Dictionary. Only valid
1437 while evaluating the expression used with |map()| and
1438 |filter()|. Read-only.
1439
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001440 *v:version* *version-variable*
1441v:version Version number of Vim: Major version number times 100 plus
1442 minor version number. Version 5.0 is 500. Version 5.1 (5.01)
1443 is 501. Read-only. "version" also works, for backwards
1444 compatibility.
1445 Use |has()| to check if a certain patch was included, e.g.: >
1446 if has("patch123")
1447< Note that patch numbers are specific to the version, thus both
1448 version 5.0 and 5.1 may have a patch 123, but these are
1449 completely different.
1450
1451 *v:warningmsg* *warningmsg-variable*
1452v:warningmsg Last given warning message. It's allowed to set this variable.
1453
1454==============================================================================
14554. Builtin Functions *functions*
1456
1457See |function-list| for a list grouped by what the function is used for.
1458
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00001459(Use CTRL-] on the function name to jump to the full explanation.)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001460
1461USAGE RESULT DESCRIPTION ~
1462
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001463add( {list}, {item}) List append {item} to List {list}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001464append( {lnum}, {string}) Number append {string} below line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00001465append( {lnum}, {list}) Number append lines {list} below line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001466argc() Number number of files in the argument list
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001467argidx() Number current index in the argument list
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001468argv( {nr}) String {nr} entry of the argument list
1469browse( {save}, {title}, {initdir}, {default})
1470 String put up a file requester
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001471browsedir( {title}, {initdir}) String put up a directory requester
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001472bufexists( {expr}) Number TRUE if buffer {expr} exists
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001473buflisted( {expr}) Number TRUE if buffer {expr} is listed
1474bufloaded( {expr}) Number TRUE if buffer {expr} is loaded
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001475bufname( {expr}) String Name of the buffer {expr}
1476bufnr( {expr}) Number Number of the buffer {expr}
1477bufwinnr( {expr}) Number window number of buffer {expr}
1478byte2line( {byte}) Number line number at byte count {byte}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001479byteidx( {expr}, {nr}) Number byte index of {nr}'th char in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001480call( {func}, {arglist} [, {dict}])
1481 any call {func} with arguments {arglist}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001482char2nr( {expr}) Number ASCII value of first char in {expr}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001483cindent( {lnum}) Number C indent for line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001484col( {expr}) Number column nr of cursor or mark
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00001485complete_add( {expr}) Number add completion match
1486complete_check() Number check for key typed during completion
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001487confirm( {msg} [, {choices} [, {default} [, {type}]]])
1488 Number number of choice picked by user
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001489copy( {expr}) any make a shallow copy of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001490count( {list}, {expr} [, {start} [, {ic}]])
1491 Number count how many {expr} are in {list}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001492cscope_connection( [{num} , {dbpath} [, {prepend}]])
1493 Number checks existence of cscope connection
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001494cursor( {lnum}, {col}) Number position cursor at {lnum}, {col}
1495deepcopy( {expr}) any make a full copy of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001496delete( {fname}) Number delete file {fname}
1497did_filetype() Number TRUE if FileType autocommand event used
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001498diff_filler( {lnum}) Number diff filler lines about {lnum}
1499diff_hlID( {lnum}, {col}) Number diff highlighting at {lnum}/{col}
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00001500empty( {expr}) Number TRUE if {expr} is empty
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001501escape( {string}, {chars}) String escape {chars} in {string} with '\'
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00001502eval( {string}) any evaluate {string} into its value
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001503eventhandler( ) Number TRUE if inside an event handler
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001504executable( {expr}) Number 1 if executable {expr} exists
1505exists( {expr}) Number TRUE if {expr} exists
1506expand( {expr}) String expand special keywords in {expr}
1507filereadable( {file}) Number TRUE if {file} is a readable file
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001508filter( {expr}, {string}) List/Dict remove items from {expr} where
1509 {string} is 0
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001510finddir( {name}[, {path}[, {count}]])
1511 String Find directory {name} in {path}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001512findfile( {name}[, {path}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001513 String Find file {name} in {path}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001514filewritable( {file}) Number TRUE if {file} is a writable file
1515fnamemodify( {fname}, {mods}) String modify file name
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001516foldclosed( {lnum}) Number first line of fold at {lnum} if closed
1517foldclosedend( {lnum}) Number last line of fold at {lnum} if closed
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001518foldlevel( {lnum}) Number fold level at {lnum}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001519foldtext( ) String line displayed for closed fold
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001520foreground( ) Number bring the Vim window to the foreground
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001521function( {name}) Funcref reference to function {name}
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001522get( {list}, {idx} [, {def}]) any get item {idx} from {list} or {def}
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001523get( {dict}, {key} [, {def}]) any get item {key} from {dict} or {def}
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00001524getbufline( {expr}, {lnum} [, {end}])
1525 List lines {lnum} to {end} of buffer {expr}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001526getchar( [expr]) Number get one character from the user
1527getcharmod( ) Number modifiers for the last typed character
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001528getbufvar( {expr}, {varname}) variable {varname} in buffer {expr}
1529getcmdline() String return the current command-line
1530getcmdpos() Number return cursor position in command-line
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00001531getcmdtype() String return the current command-line type
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001532getcwd() String the current working directory
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00001533getfperm( {fname}) String file permissions of file {fname}
1534getfsize( {fname}) Number size in bytes of file {fname}
Bram Moolenaard8b0cf12004-12-12 11:33:30 +00001535getfontname( [{name}]) String name of font being used
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001536getftime( {fname}) Number last modification time of file
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00001537getftype( {fname}) String description of type of file {fname}
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00001538getline( {lnum}) String line {lnum} of current buffer
1539getline( {lnum}, {end}) List lines {lnum} to {end} of current buffer
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00001540getqflist() List list of quickfix items
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00001541getreg( [{regname} [, 1]]) String contents of register
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001542getregtype( [{regname}]) String type of register
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001543getwinposx() Number X coord in pixels of GUI Vim window
1544getwinposy() Number Y coord in pixels of GUI Vim window
1545getwinvar( {nr}, {varname}) variable {varname} in window {nr}
1546glob( {expr}) String expand file wildcards in {expr}
1547globpath( {path}, {expr}) String do glob({expr}) for all dirs in {path}
1548has( {feature}) Number TRUE if feature {feature} supported
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001549has_key( {dict}, {key}) Number TRUE if {dict} has entry {key}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001550hasmapto( {what} [, {mode}]) Number TRUE if mapping to {what} exists
1551histadd( {history},{item}) String add an item to a history
1552histdel( {history} [, {item}]) String remove an item from a history
1553histget( {history} [, {index}]) String get the item {index} from a history
1554histnr( {history}) Number highest index of a history
1555hlexists( {name}) Number TRUE if highlight group {name} exists
1556hlID( {name}) Number syntax ID of highlight group {name}
1557hostname() String name of the machine Vim is running on
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001558iconv( {expr}, {from}, {to}) String convert encoding of {expr}
1559indent( {lnum}) Number indent of line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001560index( {list}, {expr} [, {start} [, {ic}]])
1561 Number index in {list} where {expr} appears
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00001562input( {prompt} [, {text} [, {completion}]])
1563 String get input from the user
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001564inputdialog( {p} [, {t} [, {c}]]) String like input() but in a GUI dialog
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001565inputrestore() Number restore typeahead
1566inputsave() Number save and clear typeahead
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001567inputsecret( {prompt} [, {text}]) String like input() but hiding the text
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001568insert( {list}, {item} [, {idx}]) List insert {item} in {list} [before {idx}]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001569isdirectory( {directory}) Number TRUE if {directory} is a directory
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00001570islocked( {expr}) Number TRUE if {expr} is locked
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00001571items( {dict}) List List of key-value pairs in {dict}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001572join( {list} [, {sep}]) String join {list} items into one String
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00001573keys( {dict}) List List of keys in {dict}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001574len( {expr}) Number the length of {expr}
1575libcall( {lib}, {func}, {arg}) String call {func} in library {lib} with {arg}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001576libcallnr( {lib}, {func}, {arg}) Number idem, but return a Number
1577line( {expr}) Number line nr of cursor, last line or mark
1578line2byte( {lnum}) Number byte count of line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001579lispindent( {lnum}) Number Lisp indent for line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001580localtime() Number current time
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001581map( {expr}, {string}) List/Dict change each item in {expr} to {expr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001582maparg( {name}[, {mode}]) String rhs of mapping {name} in mode {mode}
1583mapcheck( {name}[, {mode}]) String check for mappings matching {name}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001584match( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001585 Number position where {pat} matches in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001586matchend( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001587 Number position where {pat} ends in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00001588matchlist( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
1589 List match and submatches of {pat} in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001590matchstr( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
1591 String {count}'th match of {pat} in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00001592max({list}) Number maximum value of items in {list}
1593min({list}) Number minumum value of items in {list}
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00001594mkdir({name} [, {path} [, {prot}]])
1595 Number create directory {name}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001596mode() String current editing mode
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001597nextnonblank( {lnum}) Number line nr of non-blank line >= {lnum}
1598nr2char( {expr}) String single char with ASCII value {expr}
1599prevnonblank( {lnum}) Number line nr of non-blank line <= {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00001600printf( {fmt}, {expr1}...) String format text
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00001601range( {expr} [, {max} [, {stride}]])
1602 List items from {expr} to {max}
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00001603readfile({fname} [, {binary} [, {max}]])
1604 List get list of lines from file {fname}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001605remote_expr( {server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
1606 String send expression
1607remote_foreground( {server}) Number bring Vim server to the foreground
1608remote_peek( {serverid} [, {retvar}])
1609 Number check for reply string
1610remote_read( {serverid}) String read reply string
1611remote_send( {server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
1612 String send key sequence
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00001613remove( {list}, {idx} [, {end}]) any remove items {idx}-{end} from {list}
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00001614remove( {dict}, {key}) any remove entry {key} from {dict}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001615rename( {from}, {to}) Number rename (move) file from {from} to {to}
1616repeat( {expr}, {count}) String repeat {expr} {count} times
1617resolve( {filename}) String get filename a shortcut points to
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001618reverse( {list}) List reverse {list} in-place
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001619search( {pattern} [, {flags}]) Number search for {pattern}
Bram Moolenaarf75a9632005-09-13 21:20:47 +00001620searchdecl({name} [, {global} [, {thisblock}]])
1621 Number search for variable declaration
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001622searchpair( {start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip}]])
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001623 Number search for other end of start/end pair
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001624server2client( {clientid}, {string})
1625 Number send reply string
1626serverlist() String get a list of available servers
1627setbufvar( {expr}, {varname}, {val}) set {varname} in buffer {expr} to {val}
1628setcmdpos( {pos}) Number set cursor position in command-line
1629setline( {lnum}, {line}) Number set line {lnum} to {line}
Bram Moolenaar35c54e52005-05-20 21:25:31 +00001630setqflist( {list}[, {action}]) Number set list of quickfix items using {list}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001631setreg( {n}, {v}[, {opt}]) Number set register to value and type
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001632setwinvar( {nr}, {varname}, {val}) set {varname} in window {nr} to {val}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001633simplify( {filename}) String simplify filename as much as possible
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001634sort( {list} [, {func}]) List sort {list}, using {func} to compare
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00001635soundfold( {word}) String sound-fold {word}
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00001636spellbadword() String badly spelled word at cursor
Bram Moolenaarc54b8a72005-09-30 21:20:29 +00001637spellsuggest( {word} [, {max} [, {capital}]])
1638 List spelling suggestions
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00001639split( {expr} [, {pat} [, {keepempty}]])
1640 List make List from {pat} separated {expr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001641strftime( {format}[, {time}]) String time in specified format
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00001642stridx( {haystack}, {needle}[, {start}])
1643 Number index of {needle} in {haystack}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001644string( {expr}) String String representation of {expr} value
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001645strlen( {expr}) Number length of the String {expr}
1646strpart( {src}, {start}[, {len}])
1647 String {len} characters of {src} at {start}
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00001648strridx( {haystack}, {needle} [, {start}])
1649 Number last index of {needle} in {haystack}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001650strtrans( {expr}) String translate string to make it printable
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001651submatch( {nr}) String specific match in ":substitute"
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001652substitute( {expr}, {pat}, {sub}, {flags})
1653 String all {pat} in {expr} replaced with {sub}
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00001654synID( {lnum}, {col}, {trans}) Number syntax ID at {lnum} and {col}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001655synIDattr( {synID}, {what} [, {mode}])
1656 String attribute {what} of syntax ID {synID}
1657synIDtrans( {synID}) Number translated syntax ID of {synID}
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00001658system( {expr} [, {input}]) String output of shell command/filter {expr}
Bram Moolenaare7eb9df2005-09-09 19:49:30 +00001659taglist( {expr}) List list of tags matching {expr}
1660tagfiles() List tags files used
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001661tempname() String name for a temporary file
1662tolower( {expr}) String the String {expr} switched to lowercase
1663toupper( {expr}) String the String {expr} switched to uppercase
Bram Moolenaar8299df92004-07-10 09:47:34 +00001664tr( {src}, {fromstr}, {tostr}) String translate chars of {src} in {fromstr}
1665 to chars in {tostr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001666type( {name}) Number type of variable {name}
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00001667values( {dict}) List List of values in {dict}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001668virtcol( {expr}) Number screen column of cursor or mark
1669visualmode( [expr]) String last visual mode used
1670winbufnr( {nr}) Number buffer number of window {nr}
1671wincol() Number window column of the cursor
1672winheight( {nr}) Number height of window {nr}
1673winline() Number window line of the cursor
1674winnr() Number number of current window
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001675winrestcmd() String returns command to restore window sizes
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001676winwidth( {nr}) Number width of window {nr}
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00001677writefile({list}, {fname} [, {binary}])
1678 Number write list of lines to file {fname}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001679
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001680add({list}, {expr}) *add()*
1681 Append the item {expr} to List {list}. Returns the resulting
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00001682 List. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001683 :let alist = add([1, 2, 3], item)
1684 :call add(mylist, "woodstock")
1685< Note that when {expr} is a List it is appended as a single
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001686 item. Use |extend()| to concatenate Lists.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00001687 Use |insert()| to add an item at another position.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001688
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001689
1690append({lnum}, {expr}) *append()*
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00001691 When {expr} is a List: Append each item of the List as a text
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001692 line below line {lnum} in the current buffer.
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00001693 Otherwise append {expr} as one text line below line {lnum} in
1694 the current buffer.
1695 {lnum} can be zero to insert a line before the first one.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001696 Returns 1 for failure ({lnum} out of range or out of memory),
1697 0 for success. Example: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001698 :let failed = append(line('$'), "# THE END")
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001699 :let failed = append(0, ["Chapter 1", "the beginning"])
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001700<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001701 *argc()*
1702argc() The result is the number of files in the argument list of the
1703 current window. See |arglist|.
1704
1705 *argidx()*
1706argidx() The result is the current index in the argument list. 0 is
1707 the first file. argc() - 1 is the last one. See |arglist|.
1708
1709 *argv()*
1710argv({nr}) The result is the {nr}th file in the argument list of the
1711 current window. See |arglist|. "argv(0)" is the first one.
1712 Example: >
1713 :let i = 0
1714 :while i < argc()
1715 : let f = escape(argv(i), '. ')
1716 : exe 'amenu Arg.' . f . ' :e ' . f . '<CR>'
1717 : let i = i + 1
1718 :endwhile
1719<
1720 *browse()*
1721browse({save}, {title}, {initdir}, {default})
1722 Put up a file requester. This only works when "has("browse")"
1723 returns non-zero (only in some GUI versions).
1724 The input fields are:
1725 {save} when non-zero, select file to write
1726 {title} title for the requester
1727 {initdir} directory to start browsing in
1728 {default} default file name
1729 When the "Cancel" button is hit, something went wrong, or
1730 browsing is not possible, an empty string is returned.
1731
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001732 *browsedir()*
1733browsedir({title}, {initdir})
1734 Put up a directory requester. This only works when
1735 "has("browse")" returns non-zero (only in some GUI versions).
1736 On systems where a directory browser is not supported a file
1737 browser is used. In that case: select a file in the directory
1738 to be used.
1739 The input fields are:
1740 {title} title for the requester
1741 {initdir} directory to start browsing in
1742 When the "Cancel" button is hit, something went wrong, or
1743 browsing is not possible, an empty string is returned.
1744
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001745bufexists({expr}) *bufexists()*
1746 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a buffer called
1747 {expr} exists.
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001748 If the {expr} argument is a number, buffer numbers are used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001749 If the {expr} argument is a string it must match a buffer name
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001750 exactly. The name can be:
1751 - Relative to the current directory.
1752 - A full path.
1753 - The name of a buffer with 'filetype' set to "nofile".
1754 - A URL name.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001755 Unlisted buffers will be found.
1756 Note that help files are listed by their short name in the
1757 output of |:buffers|, but bufexists() requires using their
1758 long name to be able to find them.
1759 Use "bufexists(0)" to test for the existence of an alternate
1760 file name.
1761 *buffer_exists()*
1762 Obsolete name: buffer_exists().
1763
1764buflisted({expr}) *buflisted()*
1765 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a buffer called
1766 {expr} exists and is listed (has the 'buflisted' option set).
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001767 The {expr} argument is used like with |bufexists()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001768
1769bufloaded({expr}) *bufloaded()*
1770 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a buffer called
1771 {expr} exists and is loaded (shown in a window or hidden).
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001772 The {expr} argument is used like with |bufexists()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001773
1774bufname({expr}) *bufname()*
1775 The result is the name of a buffer, as it is displayed by the
1776 ":ls" command.
1777 If {expr} is a Number, that buffer number's name is given.
1778 Number zero is the alternate buffer for the current window.
1779 If {expr} is a String, it is used as a |file-pattern| to match
1780 with the buffer names. This is always done like 'magic' is
1781 set and 'cpoptions' is empty. When there is more than one
1782 match an empty string is returned.
1783 "" or "%" can be used for the current buffer, "#" for the
1784 alternate buffer.
1785 A full match is preferred, otherwise a match at the start, end
1786 or middle of the buffer name is accepted.
1787 Listed buffers are found first. If there is a single match
1788 with a listed buffer, that one is returned. Next unlisted
1789 buffers are searched for.
1790 If the {expr} is a String, but you want to use it as a buffer
1791 number, force it to be a Number by adding zero to it: >
1792 :echo bufname("3" + 0)
1793< If the buffer doesn't exist, or doesn't have a name, an empty
1794 string is returned. >
1795 bufname("#") alternate buffer name
1796 bufname(3) name of buffer 3
1797 bufname("%") name of current buffer
1798 bufname("file2") name of buffer where "file2" matches.
1799< *buffer_name()*
1800 Obsolete name: buffer_name().
1801
1802 *bufnr()*
1803bufnr({expr}) The result is the number of a buffer, as it is displayed by
1804 the ":ls" command. For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()|
1805 above. If the buffer doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
1806 bufnr("$") is the last buffer: >
1807 :let last_buffer = bufnr("$")
1808< The result is a Number, which is the highest buffer number
1809 of existing buffers. Note that not all buffers with a smaller
1810 number necessarily exist, because ":bwipeout" may have removed
1811 them. Use bufexists() to test for the existence of a buffer.
1812 *buffer_number()*
1813 Obsolete name: buffer_number().
1814 *last_buffer_nr()*
1815 Obsolete name for bufnr("$"): last_buffer_nr().
1816
1817bufwinnr({expr}) *bufwinnr()*
1818 The result is a Number, which is the number of the first
1819 window associated with buffer {expr}. For the use of {expr},
1820 see |bufname()| above. If buffer {expr} doesn't exist or
1821 there is no such window, -1 is returned. Example: >
1822
1823 echo "A window containing buffer 1 is " . (bufwinnr(1))
1824
1825< The number can be used with |CTRL-W_w| and ":wincmd w"
1826 |:wincmd|.
1827
1828
1829byte2line({byte}) *byte2line()*
1830 Return the line number that contains the character at byte
1831 count {byte} in the current buffer. This includes the
1832 end-of-line character, depending on the 'fileformat' option
1833 for the current buffer. The first character has byte count
1834 one.
1835 Also see |line2byte()|, |go| and |:goto|.
1836 {not available when compiled without the |+byte_offset|
1837 feature}
1838
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00001839byteidx({expr}, {nr}) *byteidx()*
1840 Return byte index of the {nr}'th character in the string
1841 {expr}. Use zero for the first character, it returns zero.
1842 This function is only useful when there are multibyte
1843 characters, otherwise the returned value is equal to {nr}.
1844 Composing characters are counted as a separate character.
1845 Example : >
1846 echo matchstr(str, ".", byteidx(str, 3))
1847< will display the fourth character. Another way to do the
1848 same: >
1849 let s = strpart(str, byteidx(str, 3))
1850 echo strpart(s, 0, byteidx(s, 1))
1851< If there are less than {nr} characters -1 is returned.
1852 If there are exactly {nr} characters the length of the string
1853 is returned.
1854
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001855call({func}, {arglist} [, {dict}]) *call()* *E699*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00001856 Call function {func} with the items in List {arglist} as
1857 arguments.
1858 {func} can either be a Funcref or the name of a function.
1859 a:firstline and a:lastline are set to the cursor line.
1860 Returns the return value of the called function.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001861 {dict} is for functions with the "dict" attribute. It will be
1862 used to set the local variable "self". |Dictionary-function|
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00001863
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001864char2nr({expr}) *char2nr()*
1865 Return number value of the first char in {expr}. Examples: >
1866 char2nr(" ") returns 32
1867 char2nr("ABC") returns 65
1868< The current 'encoding' is used. Example for "utf-8": >
1869 char2nr("á") returns 225
1870 char2nr("á"[0]) returns 195
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00001871< nr2char() does the opposite.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001872
1873cindent({lnum}) *cindent()*
1874 Get the amount of indent for line {lnum} according the C
1875 indenting rules, as with 'cindent'.
1876 The indent is counted in spaces, the value of 'tabstop' is
1877 relevant. {lnum} is used just like in |getline()|.
1878 When {lnum} is invalid or Vim was not compiled the |+cindent|
1879 feature, -1 is returned.
Bram Moolenaard5cdbeb2005-10-10 20:59:28 +00001880 See |C-indenting|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001881
1882 *col()*
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00001883col({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the byte index of the column
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001884 position given with {expr}. The accepted positions are:
1885 . the cursor position
1886 $ the end of the cursor line (the result is the
1887 number of characters in the cursor line plus one)
1888 'x position of mark x (if the mark is not set, 0 is
1889 returned)
1890 For the screen column position use |virtcol()|.
1891 Note that only marks in the current file can be used.
1892 Examples: >
1893 col(".") column of cursor
1894 col("$") length of cursor line plus one
1895 col("'t") column of mark t
1896 col("'" . markname) column of mark markname
1897< The first column is 1. 0 is returned for an error.
1898 For the cursor position, when 'virtualedit' is active, the
1899 column is one higher if the cursor is after the end of the
1900 line. This can be used to obtain the column in Insert mode: >
1901 :imap <F2> <C-O>:let save_ve = &ve<CR>
1902 \<C-O>:set ve=all<CR>
1903 \<C-O>:echo col(".") . "\n" <Bar>
1904 \let &ve = save_ve<CR>
1905<
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00001906
1907complete_add({expr}) *complete_add()*
1908 Add {expr} to the list of matches. Only to be used by the
1909 function specified with the 'completefunc' option.
1910 Returns 0 for failure (empty string or out of memory),
1911 1 when the match was added, 2 when the match was already in
1912 the list.
1913
1914complete_check() *complete_check()*
1915 Check for a key typed while looking for completion matches.
1916 This is to be used when looking for matches takes some time.
1917 Returns non-zero when searching for matches is to be aborted,
1918 zero otherwise.
1919 Only to be used by the function specified with the
1920 'completefunc' option.
1921
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001922 *confirm()*
1923confirm({msg} [, {choices} [, {default} [, {type}]]])
1924 Confirm() offers the user a dialog, from which a choice can be
1925 made. It returns the number of the choice. For the first
1926 choice this is 1.
1927 Note: confirm() is only supported when compiled with dialog
1928 support, see |+dialog_con| and |+dialog_gui|.
1929 {msg} is displayed in a |dialog| with {choices} as the
1930 alternatives. When {choices} is missing or empty, "&OK" is
1931 used (and translated).
1932 {msg} is a String, use '\n' to include a newline. Only on
1933 some systems the string is wrapped when it doesn't fit.
1934 {choices} is a String, with the individual choices separated
1935 by '\n', e.g. >
1936 confirm("Save changes?", "&Yes\n&No\n&Cancel")
1937< The letter after the '&' is the shortcut key for that choice.
1938 Thus you can type 'c' to select "Cancel". The shortcut does
1939 not need to be the first letter: >
1940 confirm("file has been modified", "&Save\nSave &All")
1941< For the console, the first letter of each choice is used as
1942 the default shortcut key.
1943 The optional {default} argument is the number of the choice
1944 that is made if the user hits <CR>. Use 1 to make the first
1945 choice the default one. Use 0 to not set a default. If
1946 {default} is omitted, 1 is used.
1947 The optional {type} argument gives the type of dialog. This
1948 is only used for the icon of the Win32 GUI. It can be one of
1949 these values: "Error", "Question", "Info", "Warning" or
1950 "Generic". Only the first character is relevant. When {type}
1951 is omitted, "Generic" is used.
1952 If the user aborts the dialog by pressing <Esc>, CTRL-C,
1953 or another valid interrupt key, confirm() returns 0.
1954
1955 An example: >
1956 :let choice = confirm("What do you want?", "&Apples\n&Oranges\n&Bananas", 2)
1957 :if choice == 0
1958 : echo "make up your mind!"
1959 :elseif choice == 3
1960 : echo "tasteful"
1961 :else
1962 : echo "I prefer bananas myself."
1963 :endif
1964< In a GUI dialog, buttons are used. The layout of the buttons
1965 depends on the 'v' flag in 'guioptions'. If it is included,
1966 the buttons are always put vertically. Otherwise, confirm()
1967 tries to put the buttons in one horizontal line. If they
1968 don't fit, a vertical layout is used anyway. For some systems
1969 the horizontal layout is always used.
1970
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001971 *copy()*
1972copy({expr}) Make a copy of {expr}. For Numbers and Strings this isn't
1973 different from using {expr} directly.
1974 When {expr} is a List a shallow copy is created. This means
1975 that the original List can be changed without changing the
1976 copy, and vise versa. But the items are identical, thus
1977 changing an item changes the contents of both Lists. Also see
1978 |deepcopy()|.
1979
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001980count({comp}, {expr} [, {ic} [, {start}]]) *count()*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00001981 Return the number of times an item with value {expr} appears
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001982 in List or Dictionary {comp}.
1983 If {start} is given then start with the item with this index.
1984 {start} can only be used with a List.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00001985 When {ic} is given and it's non-zero then case is ignored.
1986
1987
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001988 *cscope_connection()*
1989cscope_connection([{num} , {dbpath} [, {prepend}]])
1990 Checks for the existence of a |cscope| connection. If no
1991 parameters are specified, then the function returns:
1992 0, if cscope was not available (not compiled in), or
1993 if there are no cscope connections;
1994 1, if there is at least one cscope connection.
1995
1996 If parameters are specified, then the value of {num}
1997 determines how existence of a cscope connection is checked:
1998
1999 {num} Description of existence check
2000 ----- ------------------------------
2001 0 Same as no parameters (e.g., "cscope_connection()").
2002 1 Ignore {prepend}, and use partial string matches for
2003 {dbpath}.
2004 2 Ignore {prepend}, and use exact string matches for
2005 {dbpath}.
2006 3 Use {prepend}, use partial string matches for both
2007 {dbpath} and {prepend}.
2008 4 Use {prepend}, use exact string matches for both
2009 {dbpath} and {prepend}.
2010
2011 Note: All string comparisons are case sensitive!
2012
2013 Examples. Suppose we had the following (from ":cs show"): >
2014
2015 # pid database name prepend path
2016 0 27664 cscope.out /usr/local
2017<
2018 Invocation Return Val ~
2019 ---------- ---------- >
2020 cscope_connection() 1
2021 cscope_connection(1, "out") 1
2022 cscope_connection(2, "out") 0
2023 cscope_connection(3, "out") 0
2024 cscope_connection(3, "out", "local") 1
2025 cscope_connection(4, "out") 0
2026 cscope_connection(4, "out", "local") 0
2027 cscope_connection(4, "cscope.out", "/usr/local") 1
2028<
2029cursor({lnum}, {col}) *cursor()*
2030 Positions the cursor at the column {col} in the line {lnum}.
Bram Moolenaar6f16eb82005-08-23 21:02:42 +00002031 The first column is one.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002032 Does not change the jumplist.
2033 If {lnum} is greater than the number of lines in the buffer,
2034 the cursor will be positioned at the last line in the buffer.
2035 If {lnum} is zero, the cursor will stay in the current line.
Bram Moolenaar6f16eb82005-08-23 21:02:42 +00002036 If {col} is greater than the number of bytes in the line,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002037 the cursor will be positioned at the last character in the
2038 line.
2039 If {col} is zero, the cursor will stay in the current column.
2040
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002041
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00002042deepcopy({expr}[, {noref}]) *deepcopy()* *E698*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002043 Make a copy of {expr}. For Numbers and Strings this isn't
2044 different from using {expr} directly.
2045 When {expr} is a List a full copy is created. This means
2046 that the original List can be changed without changing the
2047 copy, and vise versa. When an item is a List, a copy for it
2048 is made, recursively. Thus changing an item in the copy does
2049 not change the contents of the original List.
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00002050 When {noref} is omitted or zero a contained List or Dictionary
2051 is only copied once. All references point to this single
2052 copy. With {noref} set to 1 every occurrence of a List or
2053 Dictionary results in a new copy. This also means that a
2054 cyclic reference causes deepcopy() to fail.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00002055 *E724*
2056 Nesting is possible up to 100 levels. When there is an item
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00002057 that refers back to a higher level making a deep copy with
2058 {noref} set to 1 will fail.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002059 Also see |copy()|.
2060
2061delete({fname}) *delete()*
2062 Deletes the file by the name {fname}. The result is a Number,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002063 which is 0 if the file was deleted successfully, and non-zero
2064 when the deletion failed.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002065 Use |remove()| to delete an item from a List.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002066
2067 *did_filetype()*
2068did_filetype() Returns non-zero when autocommands are being executed and the
2069 FileType event has been triggered at least once. Can be used
2070 to avoid triggering the FileType event again in the scripts
2071 that detect the file type. |FileType|
2072 When editing another file, the counter is reset, thus this
2073 really checks if the FileType event has been triggered for the
2074 current buffer. This allows an autocommand that starts
2075 editing another buffer to set 'filetype' and load a syntax
2076 file.
2077
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00002078diff_filler({lnum}) *diff_filler()*
2079 Returns the number of filler lines above line {lnum}.
2080 These are the lines that were inserted at this point in
2081 another diff'ed window. These filler lines are shown in the
2082 display but don't exist in the buffer.
2083 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current
2084 line, "'m" mark m, etc.
2085 Returns 0 if the current window is not in diff mode.
2086
2087diff_hlID({lnum}, {col}) *diff_hlID()*
2088 Returns the highlight ID for diff mode at line {lnum} column
2089 {col} (byte index). When the current line does not have a
2090 diff change zero is returned.
2091 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current
2092 line, "'m" mark m, etc.
2093 {col} is 1 for the leftmost column, {lnum} is 1 for the first
2094 line.
2095 The highlight ID can be used with |synIDattr()| to obtain
2096 syntax information about the highlighting.
2097
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00002098empty({expr}) *empty()*
2099 Return the Number 1 if {expr} is empty, zero otherwise.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002100 A List or Dictionary is empty when it does not have any items.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00002101 A Number is empty when its value is zero.
2102 For a long List this is much faster then comparing the length
2103 with zero.
2104
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002105escape({string}, {chars}) *escape()*
2106 Escape the characters in {chars} that occur in {string} with a
2107 backslash. Example: >
2108 :echo escape('c:\program files\vim', ' \')
2109< results in: >
2110 c:\\program\ files\\vim
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002111
2112< *eval()*
2113eval({string}) Evaluate {string} and return the result. Especially useful to
2114 turn the result of |string()| back into the original value.
2115 This works for Numbers, Strings and composites of them.
2116 Also works for Funcrefs that refer to existing functions.
2117
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002118eventhandler() *eventhandler()*
2119 Returns 1 when inside an event handler. That is that Vim got
2120 interrupted while waiting for the user to type a character,
2121 e.g., when dropping a file on Vim. This means interactive
2122 commands cannot be used. Otherwise zero is returned.
2123
2124executable({expr}) *executable()*
2125 This function checks if an executable with the name {expr}
2126 exists. {expr} must be the name of the program without any
Bram Moolenaarf4b8e572004-06-24 15:53:16 +00002127 arguments.
2128 executable() uses the value of $PATH and/or the normal
2129 searchpath for programs. *PATHEXT*
2130 On MS-DOS and MS-Windows the ".exe", ".bat", etc. can
2131 optionally be included. Then the extensions in $PATHEXT are
2132 tried. Thus if "foo.exe" does not exist, "foo.exe.bat" can be
2133 found. If $PATHEXT is not set then ".exe;.com;.bat;.cmd" is
2134 used. A dot by itself can be used in $PATHEXT to try using
2135 the name without an extension. When 'shell' looks like a
2136 Unix shell, then the name is also tried without adding an
2137 extension.
2138 On MS-DOS and MS-Windows it only checks if the file exists and
2139 is not a directory, not if it's really executable.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002140 The result is a Number:
2141 1 exists
2142 0 does not exist
2143 -1 not implemented on this system
2144
2145 *exists()*
2146exists({expr}) The result is a Number, which is non-zero if {expr} is
2147 defined, zero otherwise. The {expr} argument is a string,
2148 which contains one of these:
2149 &option-name Vim option (only checks if it exists,
2150 not if it really works)
2151 +option-name Vim option that works.
2152 $ENVNAME environment variable (could also be
2153 done by comparing with an empty
2154 string)
2155 *funcname built-in function (see |functions|)
2156 or user defined function (see
2157 |user-functions|).
2158 varname internal variable (see
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00002159 |internal-variables|). Also works
2160 for |curly-braces-names|, Dictionary
2161 entries, List items, etc. Beware that
2162 this may cause functions to be
2163 invoked cause an error message for an
2164 invalid expression.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002165 :cmdname Ex command: built-in command, user
2166 command or command modifier |:command|.
2167 Returns:
2168 1 for match with start of a command
2169 2 full match with a command
2170 3 matches several user commands
2171 To check for a supported command
2172 always check the return value to be 2.
2173 #event autocommand defined for this event
2174 #event#pattern autocommand defined for this event and
2175 pattern (the pattern is taken
2176 literally and compared to the
2177 autocommand patterns character by
2178 character)
2179 For checking for a supported feature use |has()|.
2180
2181 Examples: >
2182 exists("&shortname")
2183 exists("$HOSTNAME")
2184 exists("*strftime")
2185 exists("*s:MyFunc")
2186 exists("bufcount")
2187 exists(":Make")
2188 exists("#CursorHold");
2189 exists("#BufReadPre#*.gz")
2190< There must be no space between the symbol (&/$/*/#) and the
2191 name.
2192 Note that the argument must be a string, not the name of the
2193 variable itself! For example: >
2194 exists(bufcount)
2195< This doesn't check for existence of the "bufcount" variable,
2196 but gets the contents of "bufcount", and checks if that
2197 exists.
2198
2199expand({expr} [, {flag}]) *expand()*
2200 Expand wildcards and the following special keywords in {expr}.
2201 The result is a String.
2202
2203 When there are several matches, they are separated by <NL>
2204 characters. [Note: in version 5.0 a space was used, which
2205 caused problems when a file name contains a space]
2206
2207 If the expansion fails, the result is an empty string. A name
2208 for a non-existing file is not included.
2209
2210 When {expr} starts with '%', '#' or '<', the expansion is done
2211 like for the |cmdline-special| variables with their associated
2212 modifiers. Here is a short overview:
2213
2214 % current file name
2215 # alternate file name
2216 #n alternate file name n
2217 <cfile> file name under the cursor
2218 <afile> autocmd file name
2219 <abuf> autocmd buffer number (as a String!)
2220 <amatch> autocmd matched name
2221 <sfile> sourced script file name
2222 <cword> word under the cursor
2223 <cWORD> WORD under the cursor
2224 <client> the {clientid} of the last received
2225 message |server2client()|
2226 Modifiers:
2227 :p expand to full path
2228 :h head (last path component removed)
2229 :t tail (last path component only)
2230 :r root (one extension removed)
2231 :e extension only
2232
2233 Example: >
2234 :let &tags = expand("%:p:h") . "/tags"
2235< Note that when expanding a string that starts with '%', '#' or
2236 '<', any following text is ignored. This does NOT work: >
2237 :let doesntwork = expand("%:h.bak")
2238< Use this: >
2239 :let doeswork = expand("%:h") . ".bak"
2240< Also note that expanding "<cfile>" and others only returns the
2241 referenced file name without further expansion. If "<cfile>"
2242 is "~/.cshrc", you need to do another expand() to have the
2243 "~/" expanded into the path of the home directory: >
2244 :echo expand(expand("<cfile>"))
2245<
2246 There cannot be white space between the variables and the
2247 following modifier. The |fnamemodify()| function can be used
2248 to modify normal file names.
2249
2250 When using '%' or '#', and the current or alternate file name
2251 is not defined, an empty string is used. Using "%:p" in a
2252 buffer with no name, results in the current directory, with a
2253 '/' added.
2254
2255 When {expr} does not start with '%', '#' or '<', it is
2256 expanded like a file name is expanded on the command line.
2257 'suffixes' and 'wildignore' are used, unless the optional
2258 {flag} argument is given and it is non-zero. Names for
Bram Moolenaar02743632005-07-25 20:42:36 +00002259 non-existing files are included. The "**" item can be used to
2260 search in a directory tree. For example, to find all "README"
2261 files in the current directory and below: >
2262 :echo expand("**/README")
2263<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002264 Expand() can also be used to expand variables and environment
2265 variables that are only known in a shell. But this can be
2266 slow, because a shell must be started. See |expr-env-expand|.
2267 The expanded variable is still handled like a list of file
2268 names. When an environment variable cannot be expanded, it is
2269 left unchanged. Thus ":echo expand('$FOOBAR')" results in
2270 "$FOOBAR".
2271
2272 See |glob()| for finding existing files. See |system()| for
2273 getting the raw output of an external command.
2274
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002275extend({expr1}, {expr2} [, {expr3}]) *extend()*
2276 {expr1} and {expr2} must be both Lists or both Dictionaries.
2277
2278 If they are Lists: Append {expr2} to {expr1}.
2279 If {expr3} is given insert the items of {expr2} before item
2280 {expr3} in {expr1}. When {expr3} is zero insert before the
2281 first item. When {expr3} is equal to len({expr1}) then
2282 {expr2} is appended.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002283 Examples: >
2284 :echo sort(extend(mylist, [7, 5]))
2285 :call extend(mylist, [2, 3], 1)
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002286< Use |add()| to concatenate one item to a list. To concatenate
2287 two lists into a new list use the + operator: >
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002288 :let newlist = [1, 2, 3] + [4, 5]
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002289<
2290 If they are Dictionaries:
2291 Add all entries from {expr2} to {expr1}.
2292 If a key exists in both {expr1} and {expr2} then {expr3} is
2293 used to decide what to do:
2294 {expr3} = "keep": keep the value of {expr1}
2295 {expr3} = "force": use the value of {expr2}
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +00002296 {expr3} = "error": give an error message *E737*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002297 When {expr3} is omitted then "force" is assumed.
2298
2299 {expr1} is changed when {expr2} is not empty. If necessary
2300 make a copy of {expr1} first.
2301 {expr2} remains unchanged.
2302 Returns {expr1}.
2303
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002304
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002305filereadable({file}) *filereadable()*
2306 The result is a Number, which is TRUE when a file with the
2307 name {file} exists, and can be read. If {file} doesn't exist,
2308 or is a directory, the result is FALSE. {file} is any
2309 expression, which is used as a String.
2310 *file_readable()*
2311 Obsolete name: file_readable().
2312
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002313
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002314filter({expr}, {string}) *filter()*
2315 {expr} must be a List or a Dictionary.
2316 For each item in {expr} evaluate {string} and when the result
2317 is zero remove the item from the List or Dictionary.
2318 Inside {string} |v:val| has the value of the current item.
2319 For a Dictionary |v:key| has the key of the current item.
2320 Examples: >
2321 :call filter(mylist, 'v:val !~ "OLD"')
2322< Removes the items where "OLD" appears. >
2323 :call filter(mydict, 'v:key >= 8')
2324< Removes the items with a key below 8. >
2325 :call filter(var, 0)
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00002326< Removes all the items, thus clears the List or Dictionary.
2327
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002328 Note that {string} is the result of expression and is then
2329 used as an expression again. Often it is good to use a
2330 |literal-string| to avoid having to double backslashes.
2331
2332 The operation is done in-place. If you want a List or
2333 Dictionary to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00002334 :let l = filter(copy(mylist), '& =~ "KEEP"')
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002335
2336< Returns {expr}, the List or Dictionary that was filtered.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002337
2338
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00002339finddir({name}[, {path}[, {count}]]) *finddir()*
2340 Find directory {name} in {path}.
2341 If {path} is omitted or empty then 'path' is used.
2342 If the optional {count} is given, find {count}'s occurrence of
2343 {name} in {path}.
2344 This is quite similar to the ex-command |:find|.
2345 When the found directory is below the current directory a
2346 relative path is returned. Otherwise a full path is returned.
2347 Example: >
2348 :echo findfile("tags.vim", ".;")
2349< Searches from the current directory upwards until it finds
2350 the file "tags.vim".
2351 {only available when compiled with the +file_in_path feature}
2352
2353findfile({name}[, {path}[, {count}]]) *findfile()*
2354 Just like |finddir()|, but find a file instead of a directory.
2355
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002356filewritable({file}) *filewritable()*
2357 The result is a Number, which is 1 when a file with the
2358 name {file} exists, and can be written. If {file} doesn't
2359 exist, or is not writable, the result is 0. If (file) is a
2360 directory, and we can write to it, the result is 2.
2361
2362fnamemodify({fname}, {mods}) *fnamemodify()*
2363 Modify file name {fname} according to {mods}. {mods} is a
2364 string of characters like it is used for file names on the
2365 command line. See |filename-modifiers|.
2366 Example: >
2367 :echo fnamemodify("main.c", ":p:h")
2368< results in: >
2369 /home/mool/vim/vim/src
2370< Note: Environment variables and "~" don't work in {fname}, use
2371 |expand()| first then.
2372
2373foldclosed({lnum}) *foldclosed()*
2374 The result is a Number. If the line {lnum} is in a closed
2375 fold, the result is the number of the first line in that fold.
2376 If the line {lnum} is not in a closed fold, -1 is returned.
2377
2378foldclosedend({lnum}) *foldclosedend()*
2379 The result is a Number. If the line {lnum} is in a closed
2380 fold, the result is the number of the last line in that fold.
2381 If the line {lnum} is not in a closed fold, -1 is returned.
2382
2383foldlevel({lnum}) *foldlevel()*
2384 The result is a Number, which is the foldlevel of line {lnum}
2385 in the current buffer. For nested folds the deepest level is
2386 returned. If there is no fold at line {lnum}, zero is
2387 returned. It doesn't matter if the folds are open or closed.
2388 When used while updating folds (from 'foldexpr') -1 is
2389 returned for lines where folds are still to be updated and the
2390 foldlevel is unknown. As a special case the level of the
2391 previous line is usually available.
2392
2393 *foldtext()*
2394foldtext() Returns a String, to be displayed for a closed fold. This is
2395 the default function used for the 'foldtext' option and should
2396 only be called from evaluating 'foldtext'. It uses the
2397 |v:foldstart|, |v:foldend| and |v:folddashes| variables.
2398 The returned string looks like this: >
2399 +-- 45 lines: abcdef
2400< The number of dashes depends on the foldlevel. The "45" is
2401 the number of lines in the fold. "abcdef" is the text in the
2402 first non-blank line of the fold. Leading white space, "//"
2403 or "/*" and the text from the 'foldmarker' and 'commentstring'
2404 options is removed.
2405 {not available when compiled without the |+folding| feature}
2406
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00002407foldtextresult({lnum}) *foldtextresult()*
2408 Returns the text that is displayed for the closed fold at line
2409 {lnum}. Evaluates 'foldtext' in the appropriate context.
2410 When there is no closed fold at {lnum} an empty string is
2411 returned.
2412 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current
2413 line, "'m" mark m, etc.
2414 Useful when exporting folded text, e.g., to HTML.
2415 {not available when compiled without the |+folding| feature}
2416
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002417 *foreground()*
2418foreground() Move the Vim window to the foreground. Useful when sent from
2419 a client to a Vim server. |remote_send()|
2420 On Win32 systems this might not work, the OS does not always
2421 allow a window to bring itself to the foreground. Use
2422 |remote_foreground()| instead.
2423 {only in the Win32, Athena, Motif and GTK GUI versions and the
2424 Win32 console version}
2425
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002426
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00002427function({name}) *function()* *E700*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002428 Return a Funcref variable that refers to function {name}.
2429 {name} can be a user defined function or an internal function.
2430
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002431
Bram Moolenaar39a58ca2005-06-27 22:42:44 +00002432garbagecollect() *garbagecollect()*
2433 Cleanup unused Lists and Dictionaries that have circular
2434 references. There is hardly ever a need to invoke this
2435 function, as it is automatically done when Vim runs out of
2436 memory or is waiting for the user to press a key after
2437 'updatetime'. Items without circular references are always
2438 freed when they become unused.
2439 This is useful if you have deleted a very big List and/or
2440 Dictionary with circular references in a script that runs for
2441 a long time.
2442
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00002443get({list}, {idx} [, {default}]) *get()*
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002444 Get item {idx} from List {list}. When this item is not
2445 available return {default}. Return zero when {default} is
2446 omitted.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002447get({dict}, {key} [, {default}])
2448 Get item with key {key} from Dictionary {dict}. When this
2449 item is not available return {default}. Return zero when
2450 {default} is omitted.
2451
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002452 *getbufline()*
2453getbufline({expr}, {lnum} [, {end}])
Bram Moolenaar661b1822005-07-28 22:36:45 +00002454 Return a List with the lines starting from {lnum} to {end}
2455 (inclusive) in the buffer {expr}. If {end} is omitted, a List
2456 with only the line {lnum} is returned.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002457
2458 For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above.
2459
Bram Moolenaar661b1822005-07-28 22:36:45 +00002460 For {lnum} and {end} "$" can be used for the last line of the
2461 buffer. Otherwise a number must be used.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002462
2463 When {lnum} is smaller than 1 or bigger than the number of
2464 lines in the buffer, an empty List is returned.
2465
2466 When {end} is greater than the number of lines in the buffer,
2467 it is treated as {end} is set to the number of lines in the
Bram Moolenaar661b1822005-07-28 22:36:45 +00002468 buffer. When {end} is before {lnum} an empty List is
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002469 returned.
2470
Bram Moolenaar661b1822005-07-28 22:36:45 +00002471 This function works only for loaded buffers. For unloaded and
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002472 non-existing buffers, an empty List is returned.
2473
2474 Example: >
2475 :let lines = getbufline(bufnr("myfile"), 1, "$")
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002476
2477getbufvar({expr}, {varname}) *getbufvar()*
2478 The result is the value of option or local buffer variable
2479 {varname} in buffer {expr}. Note that the name without "b:"
2480 must be used.
Bram Moolenaar4317d9b2005-03-18 20:25:31 +00002481 This also works for a global or buffer-local option, but it
2482 doesn't work for a global variable, window-local variable or
2483 window-local option.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002484 For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above.
2485 When the buffer or variable doesn't exist an empty string is
2486 returned, there is no error message.
2487 Examples: >
2488 :let bufmodified = getbufvar(1, "&mod")
2489 :echo "todo myvar = " . getbufvar("todo", "myvar")
2490<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002491getchar([expr]) *getchar()*
2492 Get a single character from the user. If it is an 8-bit
2493 character, the result is a number. Otherwise a String is
2494 returned with the encoded character. For a special key it's a
2495 sequence of bytes starting with 0x80 (decimal: 128).
2496 If [expr] is omitted, wait until a character is available.
2497 If [expr] is 0, only get a character when one is available.
2498 If [expr] is 1, only check if a character is available, it is
2499 not consumed. If a normal character is
2500 available, it is returned, otherwise a
2501 non-zero value is returned.
2502 If a normal character available, it is returned as a Number.
2503 Use nr2char() to convert it to a String.
2504 The returned value is zero if no character is available.
2505 The returned value is a string of characters for special keys
2506 and when a modifier (shift, control, alt) was used.
2507 There is no prompt, you will somehow have to make clear to the
2508 user that a character has to be typed.
2509 There is no mapping for the character.
2510 Key codes are replaced, thus when the user presses the <Del>
2511 key you get the code for the <Del> key, not the raw character
2512 sequence. Examples: >
2513 getchar() == "\<Del>"
2514 getchar() == "\<S-Left>"
2515< This example redefines "f" to ignore case: >
2516 :nmap f :call FindChar()<CR>
2517 :function FindChar()
2518 : let c = nr2char(getchar())
2519 : while col('.') < col('$') - 1
2520 : normal l
2521 : if getline('.')[col('.') - 1] ==? c
2522 : break
2523 : endif
2524 : endwhile
2525 :endfunction
2526
2527getcharmod() *getcharmod()*
2528 The result is a Number which is the state of the modifiers for
2529 the last obtained character with getchar() or in another way.
2530 These values are added together:
2531 2 shift
2532 4 control
2533 8 alt (meta)
2534 16 mouse double click
2535 32 mouse triple click
2536 64 mouse quadruple click
2537 128 Macintosh only: command
2538 Only the modifiers that have not been included in the
2539 character itself are obtained. Thus Shift-a results in "A"
2540 with no modifier.
2541
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002542getcmdline() *getcmdline()*
2543 Return the current command-line. Only works when the command
2544 line is being edited, thus requires use of |c_CTRL-\_e| or
2545 |c_CTRL-R_=|.
2546 Example: >
2547 :cmap <F7> <C-\>eescape(getcmdline(), ' \')<CR>
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00002548< Also see |getcmdtype()|, |getcmdpos()| and |setcmdpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002549
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002550getcmdpos() *getcmdpos()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002551 Return the position of the cursor in the command line as a
2552 byte count. The first column is 1.
2553 Only works when editing the command line, thus requires use of
2554 |c_CTRL-\_e| or |c_CTRL-R_=|. Returns 0 otherwise.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00002555 Also see |getcmdtype()|, |setcmdpos()| and |getcmdline()|.
2556
2557getcmdtype() *getcmdtype()*
2558 Return the current command-line type. Possible return values
2559 are:
Bram Moolenaar1e015462005-09-25 22:16:38 +00002560 : normal Ex command
2561 > debug mode command |debug-mode|
2562 / forward search command
2563 ? backward search command
2564 @ |input()| command
2565 - |:insert| or |:append| command
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00002566 Only works when editing the command line, thus requires use of
2567 |c_CTRL-\_e| or |c_CTRL-R_=|. Returns an empty string
2568 otherwise.
2569 Also see |getcmdpos()|, |setcmdpos()| and |getcmdline()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002570
2571 *getcwd()*
2572getcwd() The result is a String, which is the name of the current
2573 working directory.
2574
2575getfsize({fname}) *getfsize()*
2576 The result is a Number, which is the size in bytes of the
2577 given file {fname}.
2578 If {fname} is a directory, 0 is returned.
2579 If the file {fname} can't be found, -1 is returned.
2580
Bram Moolenaard8b0cf12004-12-12 11:33:30 +00002581getfontname([{name}]) *getfontname()*
2582 Without an argument returns the name of the normal font being
2583 used. Like what is used for the Normal highlight group
2584 |hl-Normal|.
2585 With an argument a check is done whether {name} is a valid
2586 font name. If not then an empty string is returned.
2587 Otherwise the actual font name is returned, or {name} if the
2588 GUI does not support obtaining the real name.
2589 Only works when the GUI is running, thus not you your vimrc or
2590 Note that the GTK 2 GUI accepts any font name, thus checking
2591 for a valid name does not work.
2592 gvimrc file. Use the |GUIEnter| autocommand to use this
2593 function just after the GUI has started.
2594
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00002595getfperm({fname}) *getfperm()*
2596 The result is a String, which is the read, write, and execute
2597 permissions of the given file {fname}.
2598 If {fname} does not exist or its directory cannot be read, an
2599 empty string is returned.
2600 The result is of the form "rwxrwxrwx", where each group of
2601 "rwx" flags represent, in turn, the permissions of the owner
2602 of the file, the group the file belongs to, and other users.
2603 If a user does not have a given permission the flag for this
2604 is replaced with the string "-". Example: >
2605 :echo getfperm("/etc/passwd")
2606< This will hopefully (from a security point of view) display
2607 the string "rw-r--r--" or even "rw-------".
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00002608
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002609getftime({fname}) *getftime()*
2610 The result is a Number, which is the last modification time of
2611 the given file {fname}. The value is measured as seconds
2612 since 1st Jan 1970, and may be passed to strftime(). See also
2613 |localtime()| and |strftime()|.
2614 If the file {fname} can't be found -1 is returned.
2615
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00002616getftype({fname}) *getftype()*
2617 The result is a String, which is a description of the kind of
2618 file of the given file {fname}.
2619 If {fname} does not exist an empty string is returned.
2620 Here is a table over different kinds of files and their
2621 results:
2622 Normal file "file"
2623 Directory "dir"
2624 Symbolic link "link"
2625 Block device "bdev"
2626 Character device "cdev"
2627 Socket "socket"
2628 FIFO "fifo"
2629 All other "other"
2630 Example: >
2631 getftype("/home")
2632< Note that a type such as "link" will only be returned on
2633 systems that support it. On some systems only "dir" and
2634 "file" are returned.
2635
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002636 *getline()*
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002637getline({lnum} [, {end}])
2638 Without {end} the result is a String, which is line {lnum}
2639 from the current buffer. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002640 getline(1)
2641< When {lnum} is a String that doesn't start with a
2642 digit, line() is called to translate the String into a Number.
2643 To get the line under the cursor: >
2644 getline(".")
2645< When {lnum} is smaller than 1 or bigger than the number of
2646 lines in the buffer, an empty string is returned.
2647
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002648 When {end} is given the result is a List where each item is a
2649 line from the current buffer in the range {lnum} to {end},
2650 including line {end}.
2651 {end} is used in the same way as {lnum}.
2652 Non-existing lines are silently omitted.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002653 When {end} is before {lnum} an empty List is returned.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002654 Example: >
2655 :let start = line('.')
2656 :let end = search("^$") - 1
2657 :let lines = getline(start, end)
2658
2659
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00002660getqflist() *getqflist()*
2661 Returns a list with all the current quickfix errors. Each
2662 list item is a dictionary with these entries:
2663 bufnr number of buffer that has the file name, use
2664 bufname() to get the name
2665 lnum line number in the buffer (first line is 1)
2666 col column number (first column is 1)
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00002667 vcol non-zero: "col" is visual column
2668 zero: "col" is byte index
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00002669 nr error number
2670 text description of the error
2671 type type of the error, 'E', '1', etc.
2672 valid non-zero: recognized error message
2673
Bram Moolenaare7eb9df2005-09-09 19:49:30 +00002674 When there is no error list or it's empty an empty list is
2675 returned.
2676
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00002677 Useful application: Find pattern matches in multiple files and
2678 do something with them: >
2679 :vimgrep /theword/jg *.c
2680 :for d in getqflist()
2681 : echo bufname(d.bufnr) ':' d.lnum '=' d.text
2682 :endfor
2683
2684
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00002685getreg([{regname} [, 1]]) *getreg()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002686 The result is a String, which is the contents of register
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00002687 {regname}. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002688 :let cliptext = getreg('*')
2689< getreg('=') returns the last evaluated value of the expression
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00002690 register. (For use in maps.)
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00002691 getreg('=', 1) returns the expression itself, so that it can
2692 be restored with |setreg()|. For other registers the extra
2693 argument is ignored, thus you can always give it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002694 If {regname} is not specified, |v:register| is used.
2695
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002696
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002697getregtype([{regname}]) *getregtype()*
2698 The result is a String, which is type of register {regname}.
2699 The value will be one of:
2700 "v" for |characterwise| text
2701 "V" for |linewise| text
2702 "<CTRL-V>{width}" for |blockwise-visual| text
2703 0 for an empty or unknown register
2704 <CTRL-V> is one character with value 0x16.
2705 If {regname} is not specified, |v:register| is used.
2706
2707 *getwinposx()*
2708getwinposx() The result is a Number, which is the X coordinate in pixels of
2709 the left hand side of the GUI Vim window. The result will be
2710 -1 if the information is not available.
2711
2712 *getwinposy()*
2713getwinposy() The result is a Number, which is the Y coordinate in pixels of
2714 the top of the GUI Vim window. The result will be -1 if the
2715 information is not available.
2716
2717getwinvar({nr}, {varname}) *getwinvar()*
2718 The result is the value of option or local window variable
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +00002719 {varname} in window {nr}. When {nr} is zero the current
2720 window is used.
Bram Moolenaar4317d9b2005-03-18 20:25:31 +00002721 This also works for a global option, buffer-local option and
2722 window-local option, but it doesn't work for a global variable
2723 or buffer-local variable.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002724 Note that the name without "w:" must be used.
2725 Examples: >
2726 :let list_is_on = getwinvar(2, '&list')
2727 :echo "myvar = " . getwinvar(1, 'myvar')
2728<
2729 *glob()*
2730glob({expr}) Expand the file wildcards in {expr}. The result is a String.
2731 When there are several matches, they are separated by <NL>
2732 characters.
2733 If the expansion fails, the result is an empty string.
2734 A name for a non-existing file is not included.
2735
2736 For most systems backticks can be used to get files names from
2737 any external command. Example: >
2738 :let tagfiles = glob("`find . -name tags -print`")
2739 :let &tags = substitute(tagfiles, "\n", ",", "g")
2740< The result of the program inside the backticks should be one
2741 item per line. Spaces inside an item are allowed.
2742
2743 See |expand()| for expanding special Vim variables. See
2744 |system()| for getting the raw output of an external command.
2745
2746globpath({path}, {expr}) *globpath()*
2747 Perform glob() on all directories in {path} and concatenate
2748 the results. Example: >
2749 :echo globpath(&rtp, "syntax/c.vim")
2750< {path} is a comma-separated list of directory names. Each
2751 directory name is prepended to {expr} and expanded like with
2752 glob(). A path separator is inserted when needed.
2753 To add a comma inside a directory name escape it with a
2754 backslash. Note that on MS-Windows a directory may have a
2755 trailing backslash, remove it if you put a comma after it.
2756 If the expansion fails for one of the directories, there is no
2757 error message.
2758 The 'wildignore' option applies: Names matching one of the
2759 patterns in 'wildignore' will be skipped.
2760
Bram Moolenaar02743632005-07-25 20:42:36 +00002761 The "**" item can be used to search in a directory tree.
2762 For example, to find all "README.txt" files in the directories
2763 in 'runtimepath' and below: >
2764 :echo globpath(&rtp, "**/README.txt")
2765<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002766 *has()*
2767has({feature}) The result is a Number, which is 1 if the feature {feature} is
2768 supported, zero otherwise. The {feature} argument is a
2769 string. See |feature-list| below.
2770 Also see |exists()|.
2771
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002772
2773has_key({dict}, {key}) *has_key()*
2774 The result is a Number, which is 1 if Dictionary {dict} has an
2775 entry with key {key}. Zero otherwise.
2776
2777
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002778hasmapto({what} [, {mode}]) *hasmapto()*
2779 The result is a Number, which is 1 if there is a mapping that
2780 contains {what} in somewhere in the rhs (what it is mapped to)
2781 and this mapping exists in one of the modes indicated by
2782 {mode}.
2783 Both the global mappings and the mappings local to the current
2784 buffer are checked for a match.
2785 If no matching mapping is found 0 is returned.
2786 The following characters are recognized in {mode}:
2787 n Normal mode
2788 v Visual mode
2789 o Operator-pending mode
2790 i Insert mode
2791 l Language-Argument ("r", "f", "t", etc.)
2792 c Command-line mode
2793 When {mode} is omitted, "nvo" is used.
2794
2795 This function is useful to check if a mapping already exists
2796 to a function in a Vim script. Example: >
2797 :if !hasmapto('\ABCdoit')
2798 : map <Leader>d \ABCdoit
2799 :endif
2800< This installs the mapping to "\ABCdoit" only if there isn't
2801 already a mapping to "\ABCdoit".
2802
2803histadd({history}, {item}) *histadd()*
2804 Add the String {item} to the history {history} which can be
2805 one of: *hist-names*
2806 "cmd" or ":" command line history
2807 "search" or "/" search pattern history
2808 "expr" or "=" typed expression history
2809 "input" or "@" input line history
2810 If {item} does already exist in the history, it will be
2811 shifted to become the newest entry.
2812 The result is a Number: 1 if the operation was successful,
2813 otherwise 0 is returned.
2814
2815 Example: >
2816 :call histadd("input", strftime("%Y %b %d"))
2817 :let date=input("Enter date: ")
2818< This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
2819
2820histdel({history} [, {item}]) *histdel()*
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00002821 Clear {history}, i.e. delete all its entries. See |hist-names|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002822 for the possible values of {history}.
2823
2824 If the parameter {item} is given as String, this is seen
2825 as regular expression. All entries matching that expression
2826 will be removed from the history (if there are any).
2827 Upper/lowercase must match, unless "\c" is used |/\c|.
2828 If {item} is a Number, it will be interpreted as index, see
2829 |:history-indexing|. The respective entry will be removed
2830 if it exists.
2831
2832 The result is a Number: 1 for a successful operation,
2833 otherwise 0 is returned.
2834
2835 Examples:
2836 Clear expression register history: >
2837 :call histdel("expr")
2838<
2839 Remove all entries starting with "*" from the search history: >
2840 :call histdel("/", '^\*')
2841<
2842 The following three are equivalent: >
2843 :call histdel("search", histnr("search"))
2844 :call histdel("search", -1)
2845 :call histdel("search", '^'.histget("search", -1).'$')
2846<
2847 To delete the last search pattern and use the last-but-one for
2848 the "n" command and 'hlsearch': >
2849 :call histdel("search", -1)
2850 :let @/ = histget("search", -1)
2851
2852histget({history} [, {index}]) *histget()*
2853 The result is a String, the entry with Number {index} from
2854 {history}. See |hist-names| for the possible values of
2855 {history}, and |:history-indexing| for {index}. If there is
2856 no such entry, an empty String is returned. When {index} is
2857 omitted, the most recent item from the history is used.
2858
2859 Examples:
2860 Redo the second last search from history. >
2861 :execute '/' . histget("search", -2)
2862
2863< Define an Ex command ":H {num}" that supports re-execution of
2864 the {num}th entry from the output of |:history|. >
2865 :command -nargs=1 H execute histget("cmd", 0+<args>)
2866<
2867histnr({history}) *histnr()*
2868 The result is the Number of the current entry in {history}.
2869 See |hist-names| for the possible values of {history}.
2870 If an error occurred, -1 is returned.
2871
2872 Example: >
2873 :let inp_index = histnr("expr")
2874<
2875hlexists({name}) *hlexists()*
2876 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a highlight group
2877 called {name} exists. This is when the group has been
2878 defined in some way. Not necessarily when highlighting has
2879 been defined for it, it may also have been used for a syntax
2880 item.
2881 *highlight_exists()*
2882 Obsolete name: highlight_exists().
2883
2884 *hlID()*
2885hlID({name}) The result is a Number, which is the ID of the highlight group
2886 with name {name}. When the highlight group doesn't exist,
2887 zero is returned.
2888 This can be used to retrieve information about the highlight
2889 group. For example, to get the background color of the
2890 "Comment" group: >
2891 :echo synIDattr(synIDtrans(hlID("Comment")), "bg")
2892< *highlightID()*
2893 Obsolete name: highlightID().
2894
2895hostname() *hostname()*
2896 The result is a String, which is the name of the machine on
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00002897 which Vim is currently running. Machine names greater than
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002898 256 characters long are truncated.
2899
2900iconv({expr}, {from}, {to}) *iconv()*
2901 The result is a String, which is the text {expr} converted
2902 from encoding {from} to encoding {to}.
2903 When the conversion fails an empty string is returned.
2904 The encoding names are whatever the iconv() library function
2905 can accept, see ":!man 3 iconv".
2906 Most conversions require Vim to be compiled with the |+iconv|
2907 feature. Otherwise only UTF-8 to latin1 conversion and back
2908 can be done.
2909 This can be used to display messages with special characters,
2910 no matter what 'encoding' is set to. Write the message in
2911 UTF-8 and use: >
2912 echo iconv(utf8_str, "utf-8", &enc)
2913< Note that Vim uses UTF-8 for all Unicode encodings, conversion
2914 from/to UCS-2 is automatically changed to use UTF-8. You
2915 cannot use UCS-2 in a string anyway, because of the NUL bytes.
2916 {only available when compiled with the +multi_byte feature}
2917
2918 *indent()*
2919indent({lnum}) The result is a Number, which is indent of line {lnum} in the
2920 current buffer. The indent is counted in spaces, the value
2921 of 'tabstop' is relevant. {lnum} is used just like in
2922 |getline()|.
2923 When {lnum} is invalid -1 is returned.
2924
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002925
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002926index({list}, {expr} [, {start} [, {ic}]]) *index()*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002927 Return the lowest index in List {list} where the item has a
2928 value equal to {expr}.
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00002929 If {start} is given then start looking at the item with index
2930 {start} (may be negative for an item relative to the end).
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002931 When {ic} is given and it is non-zero, ignore case. Otherwise
2932 case must match.
2933 -1 is returned when {expr} is not found in {list}.
2934 Example: >
2935 :let idx = index(words, "the")
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00002936 :if index(numbers, 123) >= 0
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002937
2938
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00002939input({prompt} [, {text} [, {completion}]]) *input()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002940 The result is a String, which is whatever the user typed on
2941 the command-line. The parameter is either a prompt string, or
2942 a blank string (for no prompt). A '\n' can be used in the
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00002943 prompt to start a new line.
2944 The highlighting set with |:echohl| is used for the prompt.
2945 The input is entered just like a command-line, with the same
2946 editing commands and mappings. There is a separate history
2947 for lines typed for input().
2948 Example: >
2949 :if input("Coffee or beer? ") == "beer"
2950 : echo "Cheers!"
2951 :endif
2952<
Bram Moolenaar1e015462005-09-25 22:16:38 +00002953 If the optional {text} is present and not empty, this is used
2954 for the default reply, as if the user typed this. Example: >
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00002955 :let color = input("Color? ", "white")
2956
2957< The optional {completion} argument specifies the type of
2958 completion supported for the input. Without it completion is
2959 not performed. The supported completion types are the same as
2960 that can be supplied to a user-defined command using the
2961 "-complete=" argument. Refer to |:command-completion| for
2962 more information. Example: >
2963 let fname = input("File: ", "", "file")
2964<
2965 NOTE: This function must not be used in a startup file, for
2966 the versions that only run in GUI mode (e.g., the Win32 GUI).
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002967 Note: When input() is called from within a mapping it will
2968 consume remaining characters from that mapping, because a
2969 mapping is handled like the characters were typed.
2970 Use |inputsave()| before input() and |inputrestore()|
2971 after input() to avoid that. Another solution is to avoid
2972 that further characters follow in the mapping, e.g., by using
2973 |:execute| or |:normal|.
2974
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00002975 Example with a mapping: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002976 :nmap \x :call GetFoo()<CR>:exe "/" . Foo<CR>
2977 :function GetFoo()
2978 : call inputsave()
2979 : let g:Foo = input("enter search pattern: ")
2980 : call inputrestore()
2981 :endfunction
2982
2983inputdialog({prompt} [, {text} [, {cancelreturn}]]) *inputdialog()*
2984 Like input(), but when the GUI is running and text dialogs are
2985 supported, a dialog window pops up to input the text.
2986 Example: >
2987 :let n = inputdialog("value for shiftwidth", &sw)
2988 :if n != ""
2989 : let &sw = n
2990 :endif
2991< When the dialog is cancelled {cancelreturn} is returned. When
2992 omitted an empty string is returned.
2993 Hitting <Enter> works like pressing the OK button. Hitting
2994 <Esc> works like pressing the Cancel button.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00002995 NOTE: Command-line completion is not supported.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002996
Bram Moolenaar578b49e2005-09-10 19:22:57 +00002997inputlist({textlist}) *inputlist()*
2998 {textlist} must be a list of strings. This list is displayed,
2999 one string per line. The user will be prompted to enter a
3000 number, which is returned.
3001 The user can also select an item by clicking on it with the
3002 mouse. For the first string 0 is returned. When clicking
3003 above the first item a negative number is returned. When
3004 clicking on the prompt one more than the length of {textlist}
3005 is returned.
3006 Make sure {textlist} has less then 'lines' entries, otherwise
3007 it won't work. It's a good idea to put the entry number at
3008 the start of the string. Example: >
3009 let color = inputlist(['Select color:', '1. red',
3010 \ '2. green', '3. blue'])
3011
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003012inputrestore() *inputrestore()*
3013 Restore typeahead that was saved with a previous inputsave().
3014 Should be called the same number of times inputsave() is
3015 called. Calling it more often is harmless though.
3016 Returns 1 when there is nothing to restore, 0 otherwise.
3017
3018inputsave() *inputsave()*
3019 Preserve typeahead (also from mappings) and clear it, so that
3020 a following prompt gets input from the user. Should be
3021 followed by a matching inputrestore() after the prompt. Can
3022 be used several times, in which case there must be just as
3023 many inputrestore() calls.
3024 Returns 1 when out of memory, 0 otherwise.
3025
3026inputsecret({prompt} [, {text}]) *inputsecret()*
3027 This function acts much like the |input()| function with but
3028 two exceptions:
3029 a) the user's response will be displayed as a sequence of
3030 asterisks ("*") thereby keeping the entry secret, and
3031 b) the user's response will not be recorded on the input
3032 |history| stack.
3033 The result is a String, which is whatever the user actually
3034 typed on the command-line in response to the issued prompt.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003035 NOTE: Command-line completion is not supported.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003036
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003037insert({list}, {item} [, {idx}]) *insert()*
3038 Insert {item} at the start of List {list}.
3039 If {idx} is specified insert {item} before the item with index
3040 {idx}. If {idx} is zero it goes before the first item, just
3041 like omitting {idx}. A negative {idx} is also possible, see
3042 |list-index|. -1 inserts just before the last item.
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003043 Returns the resulting List. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003044 :let mylist = insert([2, 3, 5], 1)
3045 :call insert(mylist, 4, -1)
3046 :call insert(mylist, 6, len(mylist))
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003047< The last example can be done simpler with |add()|.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003048 Note that when {item} is a List it is inserted as a single
3049 item. Use |extend()| to concatenate Lists.
3050
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003051isdirectory({directory}) *isdirectory()*
3052 The result is a Number, which is non-zero when a directory
3053 with the name {directory} exists. If {directory} doesn't
3054 exist, or isn't a directory, the result is FALSE. {directory}
3055 is any expression, which is used as a String.
3056
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00003057islocked({expr}) *islocked()*
3058 The result is a Number, which is non-zero when {expr} is the
3059 name of a locked variable.
3060 {expr} must be the name of a variable, List item or Dictionary
3061 entry, not the variable itself! Example: >
3062 :let alist = [0, ['a', 'b'], 2, 3]
3063 :lockvar 1 alist
3064 :echo islocked('alist') " 1
3065 :echo islocked('alist[1]') " 0
3066
3067< When {expr} is a variable that does not exist you get an error
3068 message. Use |exists()| to check for existance.
3069
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00003070items({dict}) *items()*
3071 Return a List with all the key-value pairs of {dict}. Each
3072 List item is a list with two items: the key of a {dict} entry
3073 and the value of this entry. The List is in arbitrary order.
3074
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003075
3076join({list} [, {sep}]) *join()*
3077 Join the items in {list} together into one String.
3078 When {sep} is specified it is put in between the items. If
3079 {sep} is omitted a single space is used.
3080 Note that {sep} is not added at the end. You might want to
3081 add it there too: >
3082 let lines = join(mylist, "\n") . "\n"
3083< String items are used as-is. Lists and Dictionaries are
3084 converted into a string like with |string()|.
3085 The opposite function is |split()|.
3086
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003087keys({dict}) *keys()*
3088 Return a List with all the keys of {dict}. The List is in
3089 arbitrary order.
3090
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00003091 *len()* *E701*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003092len({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the length of the argument.
3093 When {expr} is a String or a Number the length in bytes is
3094 used, as with |strlen()|.
3095 When {expr} is a List the number of items in the List is
3096 returned.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003097 When {expr} is a Dictionary the number of entries in the
3098 Dictionary is returned.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003099 Otherwise an error is given.
3100
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003101 *libcall()* *E364* *E368*
3102libcall({libname}, {funcname}, {argument})
3103 Call function {funcname} in the run-time library {libname}
3104 with single argument {argument}.
3105 This is useful to call functions in a library that you
3106 especially made to be used with Vim. Since only one argument
3107 is possible, calling standard library functions is rather
3108 limited.
3109 The result is the String returned by the function. If the
3110 function returns NULL, this will appear as an empty string ""
3111 to Vim.
3112 If the function returns a number, use libcallnr()!
3113 If {argument} is a number, it is passed to the function as an
3114 int; if {argument} is a string, it is passed as a
3115 null-terminated string.
3116 This function will fail in |restricted-mode|.
3117
3118 libcall() allows you to write your own 'plug-in' extensions to
3119 Vim without having to recompile the program. It is NOT a
3120 means to call system functions! If you try to do so Vim will
3121 very probably crash.
3122
3123 For Win32, the functions you write must be placed in a DLL
3124 and use the normal C calling convention (NOT Pascal which is
3125 used in Windows System DLLs). The function must take exactly
3126 one parameter, either a character pointer or a long integer,
3127 and must return a character pointer or NULL. The character
3128 pointer returned must point to memory that will remain valid
3129 after the function has returned (e.g. in static data in the
3130 DLL). If it points to allocated memory, that memory will
3131 leak away. Using a static buffer in the function should work,
3132 it's then freed when the DLL is unloaded.
3133
3134 WARNING: If the function returns a non-valid pointer, Vim may
3135 crash! This also happens if the function returns a number,
3136 because Vim thinks it's a pointer.
3137 For Win32 systems, {libname} should be the filename of the DLL
3138 without the ".DLL" suffix. A full path is only required if
3139 the DLL is not in the usual places.
3140 For Unix: When compiling your own plugins, remember that the
3141 object code must be compiled as position-independent ('PIC').
3142 {only in Win32 on some Unix versions, when the |+libcall|
3143 feature is present}
3144 Examples: >
3145 :echo libcall("libc.so", "getenv", "HOME")
3146 :echo libcallnr("/usr/lib/libc.so", "getpid", "")
3147<
3148 *libcallnr()*
3149libcallnr({libname}, {funcname}, {argument})
3150 Just like libcall(), but used for a function that returns an
3151 int instead of a string.
3152 {only in Win32 on some Unix versions, when the |+libcall|
3153 feature is present}
3154 Example (not very useful...): >
3155 :call libcallnr("libc.so", "printf", "Hello World!\n")
3156 :call libcallnr("libc.so", "sleep", 10)
3157<
3158 *line()*
3159line({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the line number of the file
3160 position given with {expr}. The accepted positions are:
3161 . the cursor position
3162 $ the last line in the current buffer
3163 'x position of mark x (if the mark is not set, 0 is
3164 returned)
3165 Note that only marks in the current file can be used.
3166 Examples: >
3167 line(".") line number of the cursor
3168 line("'t") line number of mark t
3169 line("'" . marker) line number of mark marker
3170< *last-position-jump*
3171 This autocommand jumps to the last known position in a file
3172 just after opening it, if the '" mark is set: >
3173 :au BufReadPost * if line("'\"") > 0 && line("'\"") <= line("$") | exe "normal g'\"" | endif
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00003174
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003175line2byte({lnum}) *line2byte()*
3176 Return the byte count from the start of the buffer for line
3177 {lnum}. This includes the end-of-line character, depending on
3178 the 'fileformat' option for the current buffer. The first
3179 line returns 1.
3180 This can also be used to get the byte count for the line just
3181 below the last line: >
3182 line2byte(line("$") + 1)
3183< This is the file size plus one.
3184 When {lnum} is invalid, or the |+byte_offset| feature has been
3185 disabled at compile time, -1 is returned.
3186 Also see |byte2line()|, |go| and |:goto|.
3187
3188lispindent({lnum}) *lispindent()*
3189 Get the amount of indent for line {lnum} according the lisp
3190 indenting rules, as with 'lisp'.
3191 The indent is counted in spaces, the value of 'tabstop' is
3192 relevant. {lnum} is used just like in |getline()|.
3193 When {lnum} is invalid or Vim was not compiled the
3194 |+lispindent| feature, -1 is returned.
3195
3196localtime() *localtime()*
3197 Return the current time, measured as seconds since 1st Jan
3198 1970. See also |strftime()| and |getftime()|.
3199
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003200
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003201map({expr}, {string}) *map()*
3202 {expr} must be a List or a Dictionary.
3203 Replace each item in {expr} with the result of evaluating
3204 {string}.
3205 Inside {string} |v:val| has the value of the current item.
3206 For a Dictionary |v:key| has the key of the current item.
3207 Example: >
3208 :call map(mylist, '"> " . v:val . " <"')
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003209< This puts "> " before and " <" after each item in "mylist".
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003210
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003211 Note that {string} is the result of an expression and is then
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003212 used as an expression again. Often it is good to use a
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003213 |literal-string| to avoid having to double backslashes. You
3214 still have to double ' quotes
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003215
3216 The operation is done in-place. If you want a List or
3217 Dictionary to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003218 :let tlist = map(copy(mylist), ' & . "\t"')
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003219
3220< Returns {expr}, the List or Dictionary that was filtered.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003221
3222
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003223maparg({name}[, {mode}]) *maparg()*
3224 Return the rhs of mapping {name} in mode {mode}. When there
3225 is no mapping for {name}, an empty String is returned.
3226 These characters can be used for {mode}:
3227 "n" Normal
3228 "v" Visual
3229 "o" Operator-pending
3230 "i" Insert
3231 "c" Cmd-line
3232 "l" langmap |language-mapping|
3233 "" Normal, Visual and Operator-pending
3234 When {mode} is omitted, the modes from "" are used.
3235 The {name} can have special key names, like in the ":map"
3236 command. The returned String has special characters
3237 translated like in the output of the ":map" command listing.
3238 The mappings local to the current buffer are checked first,
3239 then the global mappings.
3240
3241mapcheck({name}[, {mode}]) *mapcheck()*
3242 Check if there is a mapping that matches with {name} in mode
3243 {mode}. See |maparg()| for {mode} and special names in
3244 {name}.
3245 A match happens with a mapping that starts with {name} and
3246 with a mapping which is equal to the start of {name}.
3247
3248 matches mapping "a" "ab" "abc" ~
3249 mapcheck("a") yes yes yes
3250 mapcheck("abc") yes yes yes
3251 mapcheck("ax") yes no no
3252 mapcheck("b") no no no
3253
3254 The difference with maparg() is that mapcheck() finds a
3255 mapping that matches with {name}, while maparg() only finds a
3256 mapping for {name} exactly.
3257 When there is no mapping that starts with {name}, an empty
3258 String is returned. If there is one, the rhs of that mapping
3259 is returned. If there are several mappings that start with
3260 {name}, the rhs of one of them is returned.
3261 The mappings local to the current buffer are checked first,
3262 then the global mappings.
3263 This function can be used to check if a mapping can be added
3264 without being ambiguous. Example: >
3265 :if mapcheck("_vv") == ""
3266 : map _vv :set guifont=7x13<CR>
3267 :endif
3268< This avoids adding the "_vv" mapping when there already is a
3269 mapping for "_v" or for "_vvv".
3270
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003271match({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *match()*
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003272 When {expr} is a List then this returns the index of the first
3273 item where {pat} matches. Each item is used as a String,
3274 Lists and Dictionaries are used as echoed.
3275 Otherwise, {expr} is used as a String. The result is a
3276 Number, which gives the index (byte offset) in {expr} where
3277 {pat} matches.
3278 A match at the first character or List item returns zero.
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003279 If there is no match -1 is returned.
3280 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003281 :echo match("testing", "ing") " results in 4
3282 :echo match([1, 'x'], '\a') " results in 2
3283< See |string-match| for how {pat} is used.
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00003284 *strpbrk()*
3285 Vim doesn't have a strpbrk() function. But you can do: >
3286 :let sepidx = match(line, '[.,;: \t]')
3287< *strcasestr()*
3288 Vim doesn't have a strcasestr() function. But you can add
3289 "\c" to the pattern to ignore case: >
3290 :let idx = match(haystack, '\cneedle')
3291<
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003292 When {count} is given use the {count}'th match. When a match
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003293 is found in a String the search for the next one starts on
3294 character further. Thus this example results in 1: >
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003295 echo match("testing", "..", 0, 2)
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003296< In a List the search continues in the next item.
3297
3298 If {start} is given, the search starts from byte index
3299 {start} in a String or item {start} in a List.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003300 The result, however, is still the index counted from the
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003301 first character/item. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003302 :echo match("testing", "ing", 2)
3303< result is again "4". >
3304 :echo match("testing", "ing", 4)
3305< result is again "4". >
3306 :echo match("testing", "t", 2)
3307< result is "3".
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003308 For a String, if {start} < 0, it will be set to 0. For a list
3309 the index is counted from the end.
3310 If {start} is out of range (> strlen({expr} for a String or
3311 > len({expr} for a List) -1 is returned.
3312
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003313 See |pattern| for the patterns that are accepted.
3314 The 'ignorecase' option is used to set the ignore-caseness of
3315 the pattern. 'smartcase' is NOT used. The matching is always
3316 done like 'magic' is set and 'cpoptions' is empty.
3317
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003318matchend({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *matchend()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003319 Same as match(), but return the index of first character after
3320 the match. Example: >
3321 :echo matchend("testing", "ing")
3322< results in "7".
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00003323 *strspn()* *strcspn()*
3324 Vim doesn't have a strspn() or strcspn() function, but you can
3325 do it with matchend(): >
3326 :let span = matchend(line, '[a-zA-Z]')
3327 :let span = matchend(line, '[^a-zA-Z]')
3328< Except that -1 is returned when there are no matches.
3329
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003330 The {start}, if given, has the same meaning as for match(). >
3331 :echo matchend("testing", "ing", 2)
3332< results in "7". >
3333 :echo matchend("testing", "ing", 5)
3334< result is "-1".
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003335 When {expr} is a List the result is equal to match().
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003336
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003337matchlist({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *matchlist()*
3338 Same as match(), but return a List. The first item in the
3339 list is the matched string, same as what matchstr() would
3340 return. Following items are submatches, like "\1", "\2", etc.
3341 in |:substitute|.
3342 When there is no match an empty list is returned.
3343
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003344matchstr({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *matchstr()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003345 Same as match(), but return the matched string. Example: >
3346 :echo matchstr("testing", "ing")
3347< results in "ing".
3348 When there is no match "" is returned.
3349 The {start}, if given, has the same meaning as for match(). >
3350 :echo matchstr("testing", "ing", 2)
3351< results in "ing". >
3352 :echo matchstr("testing", "ing", 5)
3353< result is "".
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003354 When {expr} is a List then the matching item is returned.
3355 The type isn't changed, it's not necessarily a String.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003356
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00003357 *max()*
3358max({list}) Return the maximum value of all items in {list}.
3359 If {list} is not a list or one of the items in {list} cannot
3360 be used as a Number this results in an error.
3361 An empty List results in zero.
3362
3363 *min()*
3364min({list}) Return the minumum value of all items in {list}.
3365 If {list} is not a list or one of the items in {list} cannot
3366 be used as a Number this results in an error.
3367 An empty List results in zero.
3368
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00003369 *mkdir()* *E749*
3370mkdir({name} [, {path} [, {prot}]])
3371 Create directory {name}.
3372 If {path} is "p" then intermediate directories are created as
3373 necessary. Otherwise it must be "".
3374 If {prot} is given it is used to set the protection bits of
3375 the new directory. The default is 0755 (rwxr-xr-x: r/w for
3376 the user readable for others). Use 0700 to make it unreadable
3377 for others.
3378 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3379 Not available on all systems. To check use: >
3380 :if exists("*mkdir")
3381<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003382 *mode()*
3383mode() Return a string that indicates the current mode:
3384 n Normal
3385 v Visual by character
3386 V Visual by line
3387 CTRL-V Visual blockwise
3388 s Select by character
3389 S Select by line
3390 CTRL-S Select blockwise
3391 i Insert
3392 R Replace
3393 c Command-line
3394 r Hit-enter prompt
3395 This is useful in the 'statusline' option. In most other
3396 places it always returns "c" or "n".
3397
3398nextnonblank({lnum}) *nextnonblank()*
3399 Return the line number of the first line at or below {lnum}
3400 that is not blank. Example: >
3401 if getline(nextnonblank(1)) =~ "Java"
3402< When {lnum} is invalid or there is no non-blank line at or
3403 below it, zero is returned.
3404 See also |prevnonblank()|.
3405
3406nr2char({expr}) *nr2char()*
3407 Return a string with a single character, which has the number
3408 value {expr}. Examples: >
3409 nr2char(64) returns "@"
3410 nr2char(32) returns " "
3411< The current 'encoding' is used. Example for "utf-8": >
3412 nr2char(300) returns I with bow character
3413< Note that a NUL character in the file is specified with
3414 nr2char(10), because NULs are represented with newline
3415 characters. nr2char(0) is a real NUL and terminates the
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +00003416 string, thus results in an empty string.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003417
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003418printf({fmt}, {expr1} ...) *printf()*
3419 Return a String with {fmt}, where "%" items are replaced by
3420 the formatted form of their respective arguments. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003421 printf("%4d: E%d %.30s", lnum, errno, msg)
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003422< May result in:
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003423 " 99: E42 asdfasdfasdfasdfasdfasdfasdfas" ~
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003424
3425 Often used items are:
3426 %s string
3427 %6s string right-aligned in 6 characters
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003428 %c single byte
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003429 %d decimal number
3430 %5d decimal number padded with spaces to 5 characters
3431 %x hex number
3432 %04x hex number padded with zeros to at least 4 characters
3433 %X hex number using upper case letters
3434 %o octal number
3435 %% the % character
3436
3437 Conversion specifications start with '%' and end with the
3438 conversion type. All other characters are copied unchanged to
3439 the result.
3440
3441 The "%" starts a conversion specification. The following
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003442 arguments appear in sequence:
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003443
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003444 % [flags] [field-width] [.precision] type
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003445
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003446 flags
3447 Zero or more of the following flags:
3448
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003449 # The value should be converted to an "alternate
3450 form". For c, d, and s conversions, this option
3451 has no effect. For o conversions, the precision
3452 of the number is increased to force the first
3453 character of the output string to a zero (except
3454 if a zero value is printed with an explicit
3455 precision of zero).
3456 For x and X conversions, a non-zero result has
3457 the string "0x" (or "0X" for X conversions)
3458 prepended to it.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003459
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003460 0 (zero) Zero padding. For all conversions the converted
3461 value is padded on the left with zeros rather
3462 than blanks. If a precision is given with a
3463 numeric conversion (d, o, x, and X), the 0 flag
3464 is ignored.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003465
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003466 - A negative field width flag; the converted value
3467 is to be left adjusted on the field boundary.
3468 The converted value is padded on the right with
3469 blanks, rather than on the left with blanks or
3470 zeros. A - overrides a 0 if both are given.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003471
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003472 ' ' (space) A blank should be left before a positive
3473 number produced by a signed conversion (d).
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003474
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003475 + A sign must always be placed before a number
3476 produced by a signed conversion. A + overrides
3477 a space if both are used.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003478
3479 field-width
3480 An optional decimal digit string specifying a minimum
3481 field width. If the converted value has fewer
3482 characters than the field width, it will be padded
3483 with spaces on the left (or right, if the
3484 left-adjustment flag has been given) to fill out the
3485 field width.
3486
3487 .precision
3488 An optional precision, in the form of a period '.'
3489 followed by an optional digit string. If the digit
3490 string is omitted, the precision is taken as zero.
3491 This gives the minimum number of digits to appear for
3492 d, o, x, and X conversions, or the maximum number of
3493 characters to be printed from a string for s
3494 conversions.
3495
3496 type
3497 A character that specifies the type of conversion to
3498 be applied, see below.
3499
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003500 A field width or precision, or both, may be indicated by an
3501 asterisk '*' instead of a digit string. In this case, a
3502 Number argument supplies the field width or precision. A
3503 negative field width is treated as a left adjustment flag
3504 followed by a positive field width; a negative precision is
3505 treated as though it were missing. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003506 :echo printf("%d: %.*s", nr, width, line)
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003507< This limits the length of the text used from "line" to
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003508 "width" bytes.
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003509
3510 The conversion specifiers and their meanings are:
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003511
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003512 doxX The Number argument is converted to signed decimal
3513 (d), unsigned octal (o), or unsigned hexadecimal (x
3514 and X) notation. The letters "abcdef" are used for
3515 x conversions; the letters "ABCDEF" are used for X
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003516 conversions.
3517 The precision, if any, gives the minimum number of
3518 digits that must appear; if the converted value
3519 requires fewer digits, it is padded on the left with
3520 zeros.
3521 In no case does a non-existent or small field width
3522 cause truncation of a numeric field; if the result of
3523 a conversion is wider than the field width, the field
3524 is expanded to contain the conversion result.
3525
3526 c The Number argument is converted to a byte, and the
3527 resulting character is written.
3528
3529 s The text of the String argument is used. If a
3530 precision is specified, no more bytes than the number
3531 specified are used.
3532
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003533 % A '%' is written. No argument is converted. The
3534 complete conversion specification is "%%".
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003535
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003536 Each argument can be Number or String and is converted
3537 automatically to fit the conversion specifier. Any other
3538 argument type results in an error message.
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003539
Bram Moolenaar83bab712005-08-01 21:58:57 +00003540 *E766* *E767*
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003541 The number of {exprN} arguments must exactly match the number
3542 of "%" items. If there are not sufficient or too many
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003543 arguments an error is given. Up to 18 arguments can be used.
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003544
3545
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003546prevnonblank({lnum}) *prevnonblank()*
3547 Return the line number of the first line at or above {lnum}
3548 that is not blank. Example: >
3549 let ind = indent(prevnonblank(v:lnum - 1))
3550< When {lnum} is invalid or there is no non-blank line at or
3551 above it, zero is returned.
3552 Also see |nextnonblank()|.
3553
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00003554 *E726* *E727*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003555range({expr} [, {max} [, {stride}]]) *range()*
3556 Returns a List with Numbers:
3557 - If only {expr} is specified: [0, 1, ..., {expr} - 1]
3558 - If {max} is specified: [{expr}, {expr} + 1, ..., {max}]
3559 - If {stride} is specified: [{expr}, {expr} + {stride}, ...,
3560 {max}] (increasing {expr} with {stride} each time, not
3561 producing a value past {max}).
Bram Moolenaare7566042005-06-17 22:00:15 +00003562 When the maximum is one before the start the result is an
3563 empty list. When the maximum is more than one before the
3564 start this is an error.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003565 Examples: >
3566 range(4) " [0, 1, 2, 3]
3567 range(2, 4) " [2, 3, 4]
3568 range(2, 9, 3) " [2, 5, 8]
3569 range(2, -2, -1) " [2, 1, 0, -1, -2]
Bram Moolenaare7566042005-06-17 22:00:15 +00003570 range(0) " []
3571 range(2, 0) " error!
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003572<
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003573 *readfile()*
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00003574readfile({fname} [, {binary} [, {max}]])
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003575 Read file {fname} and return a List, each line of the file as
3576 an item. Lines broken at NL characters. Macintosh files
3577 separated with CR will result in a single long line (unless a
3578 NL appears somewhere).
3579 When {binary} is equal to "b" binary mode is used:
3580 - When the last line ends in a NL an extra empty list item is
3581 added.
3582 - No CR characters are removed.
3583 Otherwise:
3584 - CR characters that appear before a NL are removed.
3585 - Whether the last line ends in a NL or not does not matter.
3586 All NUL characters are replaced with a NL character.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00003587 When {max} is given this specifies the maximum number of lines
3588 to be read. Useful if you only want to check the first ten
3589 lines of a file: >
3590 :for line in readfile(fname, '', 10)
3591 : if line =~ 'Date' | echo line | endif
3592 :endfor
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00003593< When {max} is negative -{max} lines from the end of the file
3594 are returned, or as many as there are.
3595 When {max} is zero the result is an empty list.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00003596 Note that without {max} the whole file is read into memory.
3597 Also note that there is no recognition of encoding. Read a
3598 file into a buffer if you need to.
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003599 When the file can't be opened an error message is given and
3600 the result is an empty list.
3601 Also see |writefile()|.
3602
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003603 *remote_expr()* *E449*
3604remote_expr({server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
3605 Send the {string} to {server}. The string is sent as an
3606 expression and the result is returned after evaluation.
3607 If {idvar} is present, it is taken as the name of a
3608 variable and a {serverid} for later use with
3609 remote_read() is stored there.
3610 See also |clientserver| |RemoteReply|.
3611 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3612 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
3613 Note: Any errors will cause a local error message to be issued
3614 and the result will be the empty string.
3615 Examples: >
3616 :echo remote_expr("gvim", "2+2")
3617 :echo remote_expr("gvim1", "b:current_syntax")
3618<
3619
3620remote_foreground({server}) *remote_foreground()*
3621 Move the Vim server with the name {server} to the foreground.
3622 This works like: >
3623 remote_expr({server}, "foreground()")
3624< Except that on Win32 systems the client does the work, to work
3625 around the problem that the OS doesn't always allow the server
3626 to bring itself to the foreground.
Bram Moolenaar9372a112005-12-06 19:59:18 +00003627 Note: This does not restore the window if it was minimized,
3628 like foreground() does.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003629 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3630 {only in the Win32, Athena, Motif and GTK GUI versions and the
3631 Win32 console version}
3632
3633
3634remote_peek({serverid} [, {retvar}]) *remote_peek()*
3635 Returns a positive number if there are available strings
3636 from {serverid}. Copies any reply string into the variable
3637 {retvar} if specified. {retvar} must be a string with the
3638 name of a variable.
3639 Returns zero if none are available.
3640 Returns -1 if something is wrong.
3641 See also |clientserver|.
3642 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3643 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
3644 Examples: >
3645 :let repl = ""
3646 :echo "PEEK: ".remote_peek(id, "repl").": ".repl
3647
3648remote_read({serverid}) *remote_read()*
3649 Return the oldest available reply from {serverid} and consume
3650 it. It blocks until a reply is available.
3651 See also |clientserver|.
3652 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3653 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
3654 Example: >
3655 :echo remote_read(id)
3656<
3657 *remote_send()* *E241*
3658remote_send({server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
Bram Moolenaard4755bb2004-09-02 19:12:26 +00003659 Send the {string} to {server}. The string is sent as input
3660 keys and the function returns immediately. At the Vim server
3661 the keys are not mapped |:map|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003662 If {idvar} is present, it is taken as the name of a
3663 variable and a {serverid} for later use with
3664 remote_read() is stored there.
3665 See also |clientserver| |RemoteReply|.
3666 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3667 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
3668 Note: Any errors will be reported in the server and may mess
3669 up the display.
3670 Examples: >
3671 :echo remote_send("gvim", ":DropAndReply ".file, "serverid").
3672 \ remote_read(serverid)
3673
3674 :autocmd NONE RemoteReply *
3675 \ echo remote_read(expand("<amatch>"))
3676 :echo remote_send("gvim", ":sleep 10 | echo ".
3677 \ 'server2client(expand("<client>"), "HELLO")<CR>')
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003678<
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003679remove({list}, {idx} [, {end}]) *remove()*
3680 Without {end}: Remove the item at {idx} from List {list} and
3681 return it.
3682 With {end}: Remove items from {idx} to {end} (inclusive) and
3683 return a list with these items. When {idx} points to the same
3684 item as {end} a list with one item is returned. When {end}
3685 points to an item before {idx} this is an error.
3686 See |list-index| for possible values of {idx} and {end}.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003687 Example: >
3688 :echo "last item: " . remove(mylist, -1)
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003689 :call remove(mylist, 0, 9)
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003690remove({dict}, {key})
3691 Remove the entry from {dict} with key {key}. Example: >
3692 :echo "removed " . remove(dict, "one")
3693< If there is no {key} in {dict} this is an error.
3694
3695 Use |delete()| to remove a file.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003696
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003697rename({from}, {to}) *rename()*
3698 Rename the file by the name {from} to the name {to}. This
3699 should also work to move files across file systems. The
3700 result is a Number, which is 0 if the file was renamed
3701 successfully, and non-zero when the renaming failed.
3702 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3703
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00003704repeat({expr}, {count}) *repeat()*
3705 Repeat {expr} {count} times and return the concatenated
3706 result. Example: >
3707 :let seperator = repeat('-', 80)
3708< When {count} is zero or negative the result is empty.
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00003709 When {expr} is a List the result is {expr} concatenated
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003710 {count} times. Example: >
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003711 :let longlist = repeat(['a', 'b'], 3)
3712< Results in ['a', 'b', 'a', 'b', 'a', 'b'].
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00003713
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003714
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003715resolve({filename}) *resolve()* *E655*
3716 On MS-Windows, when {filename} is a shortcut (a .lnk file),
3717 returns the path the shortcut points to in a simplified form.
3718 On Unix, repeat resolving symbolic links in all path
3719 components of {filename} and return the simplified result.
3720 To cope with link cycles, resolving of symbolic links is
3721 stopped after 100 iterations.
3722 On other systems, return the simplified {filename}.
3723 The simplification step is done as by |simplify()|.
3724 resolve() keeps a leading path component specifying the
3725 current directory (provided the result is still a relative
3726 path name) and also keeps a trailing path separator.
3727
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003728 *reverse()*
3729reverse({list}) Reverse the order of items in {list} in-place. Returns
3730 {list}.
3731 If you want a list to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
3732 :let revlist = reverse(copy(mylist))
3733
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003734search({pattern} [, {flags}]) *search()*
3735 Search for regexp pattern {pattern}. The search starts at the
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +00003736 cursor position (you can use |cursor()| to set it).
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003737 {flags} is a String, which can contain these character flags:
3738 'b' search backward instead of forward
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00003739 'n' do Not move the cursor
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003740 'w' wrap around the end of the file
3741 'W' don't wrap around the end of the file
Bram Moolenaar02743632005-07-25 20:42:36 +00003742 's' set the ' mark at the previous location of the
3743 cursor.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003744 If neither 'w' or 'W' is given, the 'wrapscan' option applies.
3745
Bram Moolenaar02743632005-07-25 20:42:36 +00003746 If the 's' flag is supplied, the ' mark is set, only if the
3747 cursor is moved. The 's' flag cannot be combined with the 'n'
3748 flag.
3749
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00003750 When a match has been found its line number is returned.
3751 The cursor will be positioned at the match, unless the 'n'
3752 flag is used).
3753 If there is no match a 0 is returned and the cursor doesn't
3754 move. No error message is given.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003755
3756 Example (goes over all files in the argument list): >
3757 :let n = 1
3758 :while n <= argc() " loop over all files in arglist
3759 : exe "argument " . n
3760 : " start at the last char in the file and wrap for the
3761 : " first search to find match at start of file
3762 : normal G$
3763 : let flags = "w"
3764 : while search("foo", flags) > 0
3765 : s/foo/bar/g
3766 : let flags = "W"
3767 : endwhile
3768 : update " write the file if modified
3769 : let n = n + 1
3770 :endwhile
3771<
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00003772
Bram Moolenaarf75a9632005-09-13 21:20:47 +00003773searchdecl({name} [, {global} [, {thisblock}]]) *searchdecl()*
3774 Search for the declaration of {name}.
3775
3776 With a non-zero {global} argument it works like |gD|, find
3777 first match in the file. Otherwise it works like |gd|, find
3778 first match in the function.
3779
3780 With a non-zero {thisblock} argument matches in a {} block
3781 that ends before the cursor position are ignored. Avoids
3782 finding variable declarations only valid in another scope.
3783
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00003784 Moves the cursor to the found match.
3785 Returns zero for success, non-zero for failure.
3786 Example: >
3787 if searchdecl('myvar') == 0
3788 echo getline('.')
3789 endif
3790<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003791 *searchpair()*
3792searchpair({start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip}]])
3793 Search for the match of a nested start-end pair. This can be
3794 used to find the "endif" that matches an "if", while other
3795 if/endif pairs in between are ignored.
3796 The search starts at the cursor. If a match is found, the
3797 cursor is positioned at it and the line number is returned.
3798 If no match is found 0 or -1 is returned and the cursor
3799 doesn't move. No error message is given.
3800
3801 {start}, {middle} and {end} are patterns, see |pattern|. They
3802 must not contain \( \) pairs. Use of \%( \) is allowed. When
3803 {middle} is not empty, it is found when searching from either
3804 direction, but only when not in a nested start-end pair. A
3805 typical use is: >
3806 searchpair('\<if\>', '\<else\>', '\<endif\>')
3807< By leaving {middle} empty the "else" is skipped.
3808
3809 {flags} are used like with |search()|. Additionally:
3810 'n' do Not move the cursor
3811 'r' Repeat until no more matches found; will find the
3812 outer pair
3813 'm' return number of Matches instead of line number with
3814 the match; will only be > 1 when 'r' is used.
3815
3816 When a match for {start}, {middle} or {end} is found, the
3817 {skip} expression is evaluated with the cursor positioned on
3818 the start of the match. It should return non-zero if this
3819 match is to be skipped. E.g., because it is inside a comment
3820 or a string.
3821 When {skip} is omitted or empty, every match is accepted.
3822 When evaluating {skip} causes an error the search is aborted
3823 and -1 returned.
3824
3825 The value of 'ignorecase' is used. 'magic' is ignored, the
3826 patterns are used like it's on.
3827
3828 The search starts exactly at the cursor. A match with
3829 {start}, {middle} or {end} at the next character, in the
3830 direction of searching, is the first one found. Example: >
3831 if 1
3832 if 2
3833 endif 2
3834 endif 1
3835< When starting at the "if 2", with the cursor on the "i", and
3836 searching forwards, the "endif 2" is found. When starting on
3837 the character just before the "if 2", the "endif 1" will be
3838 found. That's because the "if 2" will be found first, and
3839 then this is considered to be a nested if/endif from "if 2" to
3840 "endif 2".
3841 When searching backwards and {end} is more than one character,
3842 it may be useful to put "\zs" at the end of the pattern, so
3843 that when the cursor is inside a match with the end it finds
3844 the matching start.
3845
3846 Example, to find the "endif" command in a Vim script: >
3847
3848 :echo searchpair('\<if\>', '\<el\%[seif]\>', '\<en\%[dif]\>', 'W',
3849 \ 'getline(".") =~ "^\\s*\""')
3850
3851< The cursor must be at or after the "if" for which a match is
3852 to be found. Note that single-quote strings are used to avoid
3853 having to double the backslashes. The skip expression only
3854 catches comments at the start of a line, not after a command.
3855 Also, a word "en" or "if" halfway a line is considered a
3856 match.
3857 Another example, to search for the matching "{" of a "}": >
3858
3859 :echo searchpair('{', '', '}', 'bW')
3860
3861< This works when the cursor is at or before the "}" for which a
3862 match is to be found. To reject matches that syntax
3863 highlighting recognized as strings: >
3864
3865 :echo searchpair('{', '', '}', 'bW',
3866 \ 'synIDattr(synID(line("."), col("."), 0), "name") =~? "string"')
3867<
3868server2client( {clientid}, {string}) *server2client()*
3869 Send a reply string to {clientid}. The most recent {clientid}
3870 that sent a string can be retrieved with expand("<client>").
3871 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
3872 Note:
3873 This id has to be stored before the next command can be
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003874 received. I.e. before returning from the received command and
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003875 before calling any commands that waits for input.
3876 See also |clientserver|.
3877 Example: >
3878 :echo server2client(expand("<client>"), "HELLO")
3879<
3880serverlist() *serverlist()*
3881 Return a list of available server names, one per line.
3882 When there are no servers or the information is not available
3883 an empty string is returned. See also |clientserver|.
3884 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
3885 Example: >
3886 :echo serverlist()
3887<
3888setbufvar({expr}, {varname}, {val}) *setbufvar()*
3889 Set option or local variable {varname} in buffer {expr} to
3890 {val}.
3891 This also works for a global or local window option, but it
3892 doesn't work for a global or local window variable.
3893 For a local window option the global value is unchanged.
3894 For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above.
3895 Note that the variable name without "b:" must be used.
3896 Examples: >
3897 :call setbufvar(1, "&mod", 1)
3898 :call setbufvar("todo", "myvar", "foobar")
3899< This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3900
3901setcmdpos({pos}) *setcmdpos()*
3902 Set the cursor position in the command line to byte position
3903 {pos}. The first position is 1.
3904 Use |getcmdpos()| to obtain the current position.
3905 Only works while editing the command line, thus you must use
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003906 |c_CTRL-\_e|, |c_CTRL-R_=| or |c_CTRL-R_CTRL-R| with '='. For
3907 |c_CTRL-\_e| and |c_CTRL-R_CTRL-R| with '=' the position is
3908 set after the command line is set to the expression. For
3909 |c_CTRL-R_=| it is set after evaluating the expression but
3910 before inserting the resulting text.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003911 When the number is too big the cursor is put at the end of the
3912 line. A number smaller than one has undefined results.
3913 Returns 0 when successful, 1 when not editing the command
3914 line.
3915
3916setline({lnum}, {line}) *setline()*
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003917 Set line {lnum} of the current buffer to {line}.
3918 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|.
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00003919 When {lnum} is just below the last line the {line} will be
3920 added as a new line.
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003921 If this succeeds, 0 is returned. If this fails (most likely
3922 because {lnum} is invalid) 1 is returned. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003923 :call setline(5, strftime("%c"))
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00003924< When {line} is a List then line {lnum} and following lines
3925 will be set to the items in the list. Example: >
3926 :call setline(5, ['aaa', 'bbb', 'ccc'])
3927< This is equivalent to: >
3928 :for [n, l] in [[5, 6, 7], ['aaa', 'bbb', 'ccc']]
3929 : call setline(n, l)
3930 :endfor
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003931< Note: The '[ and '] marks are not set.
3932
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003933
Bram Moolenaar35c54e52005-05-20 21:25:31 +00003934setqflist({list} [, {action}]) *setqflist()*
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003935 Creates a quickfix list using the items in {list}. Each item
3936 in {list} is a dictionary. Non-dictionary items in {list} are
3937 ignored. Each dictionary item can contain the following
3938 entries:
3939
3940 filename name of a file
3941 lnum line number in the file
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003942 pattern search pattern used to locate the error
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00003943 col column number
3944 vcol when non-zero: "col" is visual column
3945 when zero: "col" is byte index
3946 nr error number
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003947 text description of the error
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00003948 type single-character error type, 'E', 'W', etc.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003949
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00003950 The "col", "vcol", "nr", "type" and "text" entries are
3951 optional. Either "lnum" or "pattern" entry can be used to
3952 locate a matching error line.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003953 If the "filename" entry is not present or neither the "lnum"
3954 or "pattern" entries are present, then the item will not be
3955 handled as an error line.
3956 If both "pattern" and "lnum" are present then "pattern" will
3957 be used.
3958
Bram Moolenaar35c54e52005-05-20 21:25:31 +00003959 If {action} is set to 'a', then the items from {list} are
3960 added to the existing quickfix list. If there is no existing
3961 list, then a new list is created. If {action} is set to 'r',
3962 then the items from the current quickfix list are replaced
3963 with the items from {list}. If {action} is not present or is
3964 set to ' ', then a new list is created.
3965
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003966 Returns zero for success, -1 for failure.
3967
3968 This function can be used to create a quickfix list
3969 independent of the 'errorformat' setting. Use a command like
3970 ":cc 1" to jump to the first position.
3971
3972
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003973 *setreg()*
3974setreg({regname}, {value} [,{options}])
3975 Set the register {regname} to {value}.
3976 If {options} contains "a" or {regname} is upper case,
3977 then the value is appended.
3978 {options} can also contains a register type specification:
3979 "c" or "v" |characterwise| mode
3980 "l" or "V" |linewise| mode
3981 "b" or "<CTRL-V>" |blockwise-visual| mode
3982 If a number immediately follows "b" or "<CTRL-V>" then this is
3983 used as the width of the selection - if it is not specified
3984 then the width of the block is set to the number of characters
3985 in the longest line (counting a <TAB> as 1 character).
3986
3987 If {options} contains no register settings, then the default
3988 is to use character mode unless {value} ends in a <NL>.
3989 Setting the '=' register is not possible.
3990 Returns zero for success, non-zero for failure.
3991
3992 Examples: >
3993 :call setreg(v:register, @*)
3994 :call setreg('*', @%, 'ac')
3995 :call setreg('a', "1\n2\n3", 'b5')
3996
3997< This example shows using the functions to save and restore a
3998 register. >
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00003999 :let var_a = getreg('a', 1)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004000 :let var_amode = getregtype('a')
4001 ....
4002 :call setreg('a', var_a, var_amode)
4003
4004< You can also change the type of a register by appending
4005 nothing: >
4006 :call setreg('a', '', 'al')
4007
4008setwinvar({nr}, {varname}, {val}) *setwinvar()*
4009 Set option or local variable {varname} in window {nr} to
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +00004010 {val}. When {nr} is zero the current window is used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004011 This also works for a global or local buffer option, but it
4012 doesn't work for a global or local buffer variable.
4013 For a local buffer option the global value is unchanged.
4014 Note that the variable name without "w:" must be used.
4015 Examples: >
4016 :call setwinvar(1, "&list", 0)
4017 :call setwinvar(2, "myvar", "foobar")
4018< This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4019
4020simplify({filename}) *simplify()*
4021 Simplify the file name as much as possible without changing
4022 the meaning. Shortcuts (on MS-Windows) or symbolic links (on
4023 Unix) are not resolved. If the first path component in
4024 {filename} designates the current directory, this will be
4025 valid for the result as well. A trailing path separator is
4026 not removed either.
4027 Example: >
4028 simplify("./dir/.././/file/") == "./file/"
4029< Note: The combination "dir/.." is only removed if "dir" is
4030 a searchable directory or does not exist. On Unix, it is also
4031 removed when "dir" is a symbolic link within the same
4032 directory. In order to resolve all the involved symbolic
4033 links before simplifying the path name, use |resolve()|.
4034
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004035
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00004036sort({list} [, {func}]) *sort()* *E702*
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004037 Sort the items in {list} in-place. Returns {list}. If you
4038 want a list to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
4039 :let sortedlist = sort(copy(mylist))
4040< Uses the string representation of each item to sort on.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004041 Numbers sort after Strings, Lists after Numbers.
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004042 For sorting text in the current buffer use |:sort|.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004043 When {func} is given and it is one then case is ignored.
4044 When {func} is a Funcref or a function name, this function is
4045 called to compare items. The function is invoked with two
4046 items as argument and must return zero if they are equal, 1 if
4047 the first one sorts after the second one, -1 if the first one
4048 sorts before the second one. Example: >
4049 func MyCompare(i1, i2)
4050 return a:i1 == a:i2 ? 0 : a:i1 > a:i2 ? 1 : -1
4051 endfunc
4052 let sortedlist = sort(mylist, "MyCompare")
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00004053<
4054
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00004055 *soundfold()*
4056soundfold({word})
4057 Return the sound-folded equivalent of {word}. Uses the first
4058 language in 'spellang' for the current window that supports
Bram Moolenaar42eeac32005-06-29 22:40:58 +00004059 soundfolding. 'spell' must be set. When no sound folding is
4060 possible the {word} is returned unmodified.
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00004061 This can be used for making spelling suggestions. Note that
4062 the method can be quite slow.
4063
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00004064 *spellbadword()*
Bram Moolenaar1e015462005-09-25 22:16:38 +00004065spellbadword([{sentence}])
4066 Without argument: The result is the badly spelled word under
4067 or after the cursor. The cursor is moved to the start of the
4068 bad word. When no bad word is found in the cursor line the
4069 result is an empty string and the cursor doesn't move.
4070
4071 With argument: The result is the first word in {sentence} that
4072 is badly spelled. If there are no spelling mistakes the
4073 result is an empty string.
4074
4075 The return value is a list with two items:
4076 - The badly spelled word or an empty string.
4077 - The type of the spelling error:
4078 "bad" spelling mistake
4079 "rare" rare word
4080 "local" word only valid in another region
4081 "caps" word should start with Capital
4082 Example: >
4083 echo spellbadword("the quik brown fox")
4084< ['quik', 'bad'] ~
4085
4086 The spelling information for the current window is used. The
4087 'spell' option must be set and the value of 'spelllang' is
4088 used.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00004089
4090 *spellsuggest()*
Bram Moolenaarc54b8a72005-09-30 21:20:29 +00004091spellsuggest({word} [, {max} [, {capital}]])
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00004092 Return a List with spelling suggestions to replace {word}.
4093 When {max} is given up to this number of suggestions are
4094 returned. Otherwise up to 25 suggestions are returned.
4095
Bram Moolenaarc54b8a72005-09-30 21:20:29 +00004096 When the {capital} argument is given and it's non-zero only
4097 suggestions with a leading capital will be given. Use this
4098 after a match with 'spellcapcheck'.
4099
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00004100 {word} can be a badly spelled word followed by other text.
4101 This allows for joining two words that were split. The
Bram Moolenaarf461c8e2005-06-25 23:04:51 +00004102 suggestions also include the following text, thus you can
4103 replace a line.
4104
4105 {word} may also be a good word. Similar words will then be
Bram Moolenaarc54b8a72005-09-30 21:20:29 +00004106 returned. {word} itself is not included in the suggestions,
4107 although it may appear capitalized.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00004108
4109 The spelling information for the current window is used. The
Bram Moolenaar42eeac32005-06-29 22:40:58 +00004110 'spell' option must be set and the values of 'spelllang' and
4111 'spellsuggest' are used.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00004112
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004113
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004114split({expr} [, {pattern} [, {keepempty}]]) *split()*
4115 Make a List out of {expr}. When {pattern} is omitted or empty
4116 each white-separated sequence of characters becomes an item.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004117 Otherwise the string is split where {pattern} matches,
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004118 removing the matched characters.
4119 When the first or last item is empty it is omitted, unless the
4120 {keepempty} argument is given and it's non-zero.
Bram Moolenaar5c06f8b2005-05-31 22:14:58 +00004121 Other empty items are kept when {pattern} matches at least one
4122 character or when {keepempty} is non-zero.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004123 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004124 :let words = split(getline('.'), '\W\+')
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004125< To split a string in individual characters: >
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004126 :for c in split(mystring, '\zs')
Bram Moolenaar0cb032e2005-04-23 20:52:00 +00004127< If you want to keep the separator you can also use '\zs': >
4128 :echo split('abc:def:ghi', ':\zs')
4129< ['abc:', 'def:', 'ghi'] ~
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004130 Splitting a table where the first element can be empty: >
4131 :let items = split(line, ':', 1)
4132< The opposite function is |join()|.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004133
4134
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004135strftime({format} [, {time}]) *strftime()*
4136 The result is a String, which is a formatted date and time, as
4137 specified by the {format} string. The given {time} is used,
4138 or the current time if no time is given. The accepted
4139 {format} depends on your system, thus this is not portable!
4140 See the manual page of the C function strftime() for the
4141 format. The maximum length of the result is 80 characters.
4142 See also |localtime()| and |getftime()|.
4143 The language can be changed with the |:language| command.
4144 Examples: >
4145 :echo strftime("%c") Sun Apr 27 11:49:23 1997
4146 :echo strftime("%Y %b %d %X") 1997 Apr 27 11:53:25
4147 :echo strftime("%y%m%d %T") 970427 11:53:55
4148 :echo strftime("%H:%M") 11:55
4149 :echo strftime("%c", getftime("file.c"))
4150 Show mod time of file.c.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004151< Not available on all systems. To check use: >
4152 :if exists("*strftime")
4153
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00004154stridx({haystack}, {needle} [, {start}]) *stridx()*
4155 The result is a Number, which gives the byte index in
4156 {haystack} of the first occurrence of the String {needle}.
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00004157 If {start} is specified, the search starts at index {start}.
4158 This can be used to find a second match: >
4159 :let comma1 = stridx(line, ",")
4160 :let comma2 = stridx(line, ",", comma1 + 1)
4161< The search is done case-sensitive.
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004162 For pattern searches use |match()|.
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00004163 -1 is returned if the {needle} does not occur in {haystack}.
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00004164 See also |strridx()|.
4165 Examples: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004166 :echo stridx("An Example", "Example") 3
4167 :echo stridx("Starting point", "Start") 0
4168 :echo stridx("Starting point", "start") -1
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00004169< *strstr()* *strchr()*
4170 stridx() works similar to the C function strstr(). When used
4171 with a single character it works similar to strchr().
4172
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00004173 *string()*
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004174string({expr}) Return {expr} converted to a String. If {expr} is a Number,
4175 String or a composition of them, then the result can be parsed
4176 back with |eval()|.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00004177 {expr} type result ~
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004178 String 'string'
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004179 Number 123
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004180 Funcref function('name')
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004181 List [item, item]
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +00004182 Dictionary {key: value, key: value}
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004183 Note that in String values the ' character is doubled.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00004184
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004185 *strlen()*
4186strlen({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the length of the String
Bram Moolenaare344bea2005-09-01 20:46:49 +00004187 {expr} in bytes.
4188 If you want to count the number of multi-byte characters (not
4189 counting composing characters) use something like this: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004190
4191 :let len = strlen(substitute(str, ".", "x", "g"))
Bram Moolenaare344bea2005-09-01 20:46:49 +00004192<
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00004193 If the argument is a Number it is first converted to a String.
4194 For other types an error is given.
4195 Also see |len()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004196
4197strpart({src}, {start}[, {len}]) *strpart()*
4198 The result is a String, which is part of {src}, starting from
Bram Moolenaar9372a112005-12-06 19:59:18 +00004199 byte {start}, with the byte length {len}.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004200 When non-existing bytes are included, this doesn't result in
4201 an error, the bytes are simply omitted.
4202 If {len} is missing, the copy continues from {start} till the
4203 end of the {src}. >
4204 strpart("abcdefg", 3, 2) == "de"
4205 strpart("abcdefg", -2, 4) == "ab"
4206 strpart("abcdefg", 5, 4) == "fg"
4207 strpart("abcdefg", 3) == "defg"
4208< Note: To get the first character, {start} must be 0. For
4209 example, to get three bytes under and after the cursor: >
4210 strpart(getline(line(".")), col(".") - 1, 3)
4211<
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00004212strridx({haystack}, {needle} [, {start}]) *strridx()*
4213 The result is a Number, which gives the byte index in
4214 {haystack} of the last occurrence of the String {needle}.
4215 When {start} is specified, matches beyond this index are
4216 ignored. This can be used to find a match before a previous
4217 match: >
4218 :let lastcomma = strridx(line, ",")
4219 :let comma2 = strridx(line, ",", lastcomma - 1)
4220< The search is done case-sensitive.
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00004221 For pattern searches use |match()|.
4222 -1 is returned if the {needle} does not occur in {haystack}.
Bram Moolenaard4755bb2004-09-02 19:12:26 +00004223 If the {needle} is empty the length of {haystack} is returned.
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004224 See also |stridx()|. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004225 :echo strridx("an angry armadillo", "an") 3
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00004226< *strrchr()*
4227 When used with a single character it works similar to the C
4228 function strrchr().
4229
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004230strtrans({expr}) *strtrans()*
4231 The result is a String, which is {expr} with all unprintable
4232 characters translated into printable characters |'isprint'|.
4233 Like they are shown in a window. Example: >
4234 echo strtrans(@a)
4235< This displays a newline in register a as "^@" instead of
4236 starting a new line.
4237
4238submatch({nr}) *submatch()*
4239 Only for an expression in a |:substitute| command. Returns
4240 the {nr}'th submatch of the matched text. When {nr} is 0
4241 the whole matched text is returned.
4242 Example: >
4243 :s/\d\+/\=submatch(0) + 1/
4244< This finds the first number in the line and adds one to it.
4245 A line break is included as a newline character.
4246
4247substitute({expr}, {pat}, {sub}, {flags}) *substitute()*
4248 The result is a String, which is a copy of {expr}, in which
4249 the first match of {pat} is replaced with {sub}. This works
4250 like the ":substitute" command (without any flags). But the
4251 matching with {pat} is always done like the 'magic' option is
4252 set and 'cpoptions' is empty (to make scripts portable).
4253 See |string-match| for how {pat} is used.
4254 And a "~" in {sub} is not replaced with the previous {sub}.
4255 Note that some codes in {sub} have a special meaning
4256 |sub-replace-special|. For example, to replace something with
4257 "\n" (two characters), use "\\\\n" or '\\n'.
4258 When {pat} does not match in {expr}, {expr} is returned
4259 unmodified.
4260 When {flags} is "g", all matches of {pat} in {expr} are
4261 replaced. Otherwise {flags} should be "".
4262 Example: >
4263 :let &path = substitute(&path, ",\\=[^,]*$", "", "")
4264< This removes the last component of the 'path' option. >
4265 :echo substitute("testing", ".*", "\\U\\0", "")
4266< results in "TESTING".
4267
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00004268synID({lnum}, {col}, {trans}) *synID()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004269 The result is a Number, which is the syntax ID at the position
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00004270 {lnum} and {col} in the current window.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004271 The syntax ID can be used with |synIDattr()| and
4272 |synIDtrans()| to obtain syntax information about text.
Bram Moolenaarce0842a2005-07-18 21:58:11 +00004273
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00004274 {col} is 1 for the leftmost column, {lnum} is 1 for the first
Bram Moolenaarce0842a2005-07-18 21:58:11 +00004275 line. 'synmaxcol' applies, in a longer line zero is returned.
4276
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004277 When {trans} is non-zero, transparent items are reduced to the
4278 item that they reveal. This is useful when wanting to know
4279 the effective color. When {trans} is zero, the transparent
4280 item is returned. This is useful when wanting to know which
4281 syntax item is effective (e.g. inside parens).
4282 Warning: This function can be very slow. Best speed is
4283 obtained by going through the file in forward direction.
4284
4285 Example (echoes the name of the syntax item under the cursor): >
4286 :echo synIDattr(synID(line("."), col("."), 1), "name")
4287<
4288synIDattr({synID}, {what} [, {mode}]) *synIDattr()*
4289 The result is a String, which is the {what} attribute of
4290 syntax ID {synID}. This can be used to obtain information
4291 about a syntax item.
4292 {mode} can be "gui", "cterm" or "term", to get the attributes
4293 for that mode. When {mode} is omitted, or an invalid value is
4294 used, the attributes for the currently active highlighting are
4295 used (GUI, cterm or term).
4296 Use synIDtrans() to follow linked highlight groups.
4297 {what} result
4298 "name" the name of the syntax item
4299 "fg" foreground color (GUI: color name used to set
4300 the color, cterm: color number as a string,
4301 term: empty string)
4302 "bg" background color (like "fg")
4303 "fg#" like "fg", but for the GUI and the GUI is
4304 running the name in "#RRGGBB" form
4305 "bg#" like "fg#" for "bg"
4306 "bold" "1" if bold
4307 "italic" "1" if italic
4308 "reverse" "1" if reverse
4309 "inverse" "1" if inverse (= reverse)
4310 "underline" "1" if underlined
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004311 "undercurl" "1" if undercurled
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004312
4313 Example (echoes the color of the syntax item under the
4314 cursor): >
4315 :echo synIDattr(synIDtrans(synID(line("."), col("."), 1)), "fg")
4316<
4317synIDtrans({synID}) *synIDtrans()*
4318 The result is a Number, which is the translated syntax ID of
4319 {synID}. This is the syntax group ID of what is being used to
4320 highlight the character. Highlight links given with
4321 ":highlight link" are followed.
4322
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00004323system({expr} [, {input}]) *system()* *E677*
4324 Get the output of the shell command {expr}.
4325 When {input} is given, this string is written to a file and
4326 passed as stdin to the command. The string is written as-is,
4327 you need to take care of using the correct line separators
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00004328 yourself. Pipes are not used.
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00004329 Note: newlines in {expr} may cause the command to fail. The
4330 characters in 'shellquote' and 'shellxquote' may also cause
4331 trouble.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004332 This is not to be used for interactive commands.
4333 The result is a String. Example: >
4334
4335 :let files = system("ls")
4336
4337< To make the result more system-independent, the shell output
4338 is filtered to replace <CR> with <NL> for Macintosh, and
4339 <CR><NL> with <NL> for DOS-like systems.
4340 The command executed is constructed using several options:
4341 'shell' 'shellcmdflag' 'shellxquote' {expr} 'shellredir' {tmp} 'shellxquote'
4342 ({tmp} is an automatically generated file name).
4343 For Unix and OS/2 braces are put around {expr} to allow for
4344 concatenated commands.
4345
4346 The resulting error code can be found in |v:shell_error|.
4347 This function will fail in |restricted-mode|.
4348 Unlike ":!cmd" there is no automatic check for changed files.
4349 Use |:checktime| to force a check.
4350
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004351
4352taglist({expr}) *taglist()*
4353 Returns a list of tags matching the regular expression {expr}.
Bram Moolenaard8c00872005-07-22 21:52:15 +00004354 Each list item is a dictionary with at least the following
4355 entries:
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004356 name name of the tag.
4357 filename name of the file where the tag is
4358 defined.
4359 cmd Ex command used to locate the tag in
4360 the file.
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004361 kind type of the tag. The value for this
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004362 entry depends on the language specific
4363 kind values generated by the ctags
4364 tool.
4365 static a file specific tag. Refer to
4366 |static-tag| for more information.
Bram Moolenaar4317d9b2005-03-18 20:25:31 +00004367 The "kind" entry is only available when using Exuberant ctags
4368 generated tags file. More entries may be present, depending
4369 on the content of the tags file: access, implementation,
4370 inherits and signature. Refer to the ctags documentation for
4371 information about these fields. For C code the fields
4372 "struct", "class" and "enum" may appear, they give the name of
4373 the entity the tag is contained in.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004374
Bram Moolenaar4317d9b2005-03-18 20:25:31 +00004375 The ex-command 'cmd' can be either an ex search pattern, a
4376 line number or a line number followed by a byte number.
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004377
4378 If there are no matching tags, then an empty list is returned.
4379
4380 To get an exact tag match, the anchors '^' and '$' should be
4381 used in {expr}. Refer to |tag-regexp| for more information
4382 about the tag search regular expression pattern.
4383
4384 Refer to |'tags'| for information about how the tags file is
4385 located by Vim. Refer to |tags-file-format| for the format of
4386 the tags file generated by the different ctags tools.
4387
Bram Moolenaar578b49e2005-09-10 19:22:57 +00004388 *tagfiles()*
Bram Moolenaare7eb9df2005-09-09 19:49:30 +00004389tagfiles() Returns a List with the file names used to search for tags for
4390 the current buffer. This is the 'tags' option expanded.
4391
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004392
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004393tempname() *tempname()* *temp-file-name*
4394 The result is a String, which is the name of a file that
4395 doesn't exist. It can be used for a temporary file. The name
4396 is different for at least 26 consecutive calls. Example: >
4397 :let tmpfile = tempname()
4398 :exe "redir > " . tmpfile
4399< For Unix, the file will be in a private directory (only
4400 accessible by the current user) to avoid security problems
4401 (e.g., a symlink attack or other people reading your file).
4402 When Vim exits the directory and all files in it are deleted.
4403 For MS-Windows forward slashes are used when the 'shellslash'
4404 option is set or when 'shellcmdflag' starts with '-'.
4405
4406tolower({expr}) *tolower()*
4407 The result is a copy of the String given, with all uppercase
4408 characters turned into lowercase (just like applying |gu| to
4409 the string).
4410
4411toupper({expr}) *toupper()*
4412 The result is a copy of the String given, with all lowercase
4413 characters turned into uppercase (just like applying |gU| to
4414 the string).
4415
Bram Moolenaar8299df92004-07-10 09:47:34 +00004416tr({src}, {fromstr}, {tostr}) *tr()*
4417 The result is a copy of the {src} string with all characters
4418 which appear in {fromstr} replaced by the character in that
4419 position in the {tostr} string. Thus the first character in
4420 {fromstr} is translated into the first character in {tostr}
4421 and so on. Exactly like the unix "tr" command.
4422 This code also deals with multibyte characters properly.
4423
4424 Examples: >
4425 echo tr("hello there", "ht", "HT")
4426< returns "Hello THere" >
4427 echo tr("<blob>", "<>", "{}")
4428< returns "{blob}"
4429
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00004430 *type()*
4431type({expr}) The result is a Number, depending on the type of {expr}:
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00004432 Number: 0
4433 String: 1
4434 Funcref: 2
4435 List: 3
4436 Dictionary: 4
4437 To avoid the magic numbers it should be used this way: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00004438 :if type(myvar) == type(0)
4439 :if type(myvar) == type("")
4440 :if type(myvar) == type(function("tr"))
4441 :if type(myvar) == type([])
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00004442 :if type(myvar) == type({})
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004443
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00004444values({dict}) *values()*
4445 Return a List with all the values of {dict}. The List is in
4446 arbitrary order.
4447
4448
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004449virtcol({expr}) *virtcol()*
4450 The result is a Number, which is the screen column of the file
4451 position given with {expr}. That is, the last screen position
4452 occupied by the character at that position, when the screen
4453 would be of unlimited width. When there is a <Tab> at the
4454 position, the returned Number will be the column at the end of
4455 the <Tab>. For example, for a <Tab> in column 1, with 'ts'
4456 set to 8, it returns 8.
4457 For the byte position use |col()|.
4458 When Virtual editing is active in the current mode, a position
4459 beyond the end of the line can be returned. |'virtualedit'|
4460 The accepted positions are:
4461 . the cursor position
4462 $ the end of the cursor line (the result is the
4463 number of displayed characters in the cursor line
4464 plus one)
4465 'x position of mark x (if the mark is not set, 0 is
4466 returned)
4467 Note that only marks in the current file can be used.
4468 Examples: >
4469 virtcol(".") with text "foo^Lbar", with cursor on the "^L", returns 5
4470 virtcol("$") with text "foo^Lbar", returns 9
4471 virtcol("'t") with text " there", with 't at 'h', returns 6
4472< The first column is 1. 0 is returned for an error.
4473
4474visualmode([expr]) *visualmode()*
4475 The result is a String, which describes the last Visual mode
4476 used. Initially it returns an empty string, but once Visual
4477 mode has been used, it returns "v", "V", or "<CTRL-V>" (a
4478 single CTRL-V character) for character-wise, line-wise, or
4479 block-wise Visual mode respectively.
4480 Example: >
4481 :exe "normal " . visualmode()
4482< This enters the same Visual mode as before. It is also useful
4483 in scripts if you wish to act differently depending on the
4484 Visual mode that was used.
4485
4486 If an expression is supplied that results in a non-zero number
4487 or a non-empty string, then the Visual mode will be cleared
4488 and the old value is returned. Note that " " and "0" are also
4489 non-empty strings, thus cause the mode to be cleared.
4490
4491 *winbufnr()*
4492winbufnr({nr}) The result is a Number, which is the number of the buffer
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004493 associated with window {nr}. When {nr} is zero, the number of
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004494 the buffer in the current window is returned. When window
4495 {nr} doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
4496 Example: >
4497 :echo "The file in the current window is " . bufname(winbufnr(0))
4498<
4499 *wincol()*
4500wincol() The result is a Number, which is the virtual column of the
4501 cursor in the window. This is counting screen cells from the
4502 left side of the window. The leftmost column is one.
4503
4504winheight({nr}) *winheight()*
4505 The result is a Number, which is the height of window {nr}.
4506 When {nr} is zero, the height of the current window is
4507 returned. When window {nr} doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
4508 An existing window always has a height of zero or more.
4509 Examples: >
4510 :echo "The current window has " . winheight(0) . " lines."
4511<
4512 *winline()*
4513winline() The result is a Number, which is the screen line of the cursor
4514 in the window. This is counting screen lines from the top of
4515 the window. The first line is one.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00004516 If the cursor was moved the view on the file will be updated
4517 first, this may cause a scroll.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004518
4519 *winnr()*
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00004520winnr([{arg}]) The result is a Number, which is the number of the current
4521 window. The top window has number 1.
4522 When the optional argument is "$", the number of the
4523 last window is returnd (the window count).
4524 When the optional argument is "#", the number of the last
4525 accessed window is returned (where |CTRL-W_p| goes to).
4526 If there is no previous window 0 is returned.
4527 The number can be used with |CTRL-W_w| and ":wincmd w"
4528 |:wincmd|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004529
4530 *winrestcmd()*
4531winrestcmd() Returns a sequence of |:resize| commands that should restore
4532 the current window sizes. Only works properly when no windows
4533 are opened or closed and the current window is unchanged.
4534 Example: >
4535 :let cmd = winrestcmd()
4536 :call MessWithWindowSizes()
4537 :exe cmd
4538
4539winwidth({nr}) *winwidth()*
4540 The result is a Number, which is the width of window {nr}.
4541 When {nr} is zero, the width of the current window is
4542 returned. When window {nr} doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
4543 An existing window always has a width of zero or more.
4544 Examples: >
4545 :echo "The current window has " . winwidth(0) . " columns."
4546 :if winwidth(0) <= 50
4547 : exe "normal 50\<C-W>|"
4548 :endif
4549<
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00004550 *writefile()*
4551writefile({list}, {fname} [, {binary}])
4552 Write List {list} to file {fname}. Each list item is
4553 separated with a NL. Each list item must be a String or
4554 Number.
4555 When {binary} is equal to "b" binary mode is used: There will
4556 not be a NL after the last list item. An empty item at the
4557 end does cause the last line in the file to end in a NL.
4558 All NL characters are replaced with a NUL character.
4559 Inserting CR characters needs to be done before passing {list}
4560 to writefile().
4561 An existing file is overwritten, if possible.
4562 When the write fails -1 is returned, otherwise 0. There is an
4563 error message if the file can't be created or when writing
4564 fails.
4565 Also see |readfile()|.
4566 To copy a file byte for byte: >
4567 :let fl = readfile("foo", "b")
4568 :call writefile(fl, "foocopy", "b")
4569<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004570
4571 *feature-list*
4572There are three types of features:
45731. Features that are only supported when they have been enabled when Vim
4574 was compiled |+feature-list|. Example: >
4575 :if has("cindent")
45762. Features that are only supported when certain conditions have been met.
4577 Example: >
4578 :if has("gui_running")
4579< *has-patch*
45803. Included patches. First check |v:version| for the version of Vim.
4581 Then the "patch123" feature means that patch 123 has been included for
4582 this version. Example (checking version 6.2.148 or later): >
4583 :if v:version > 602 || v:version == 602 && has("patch148")
4584
4585all_builtin_terms Compiled with all builtin terminals enabled.
4586amiga Amiga version of Vim.
4587arabic Compiled with Arabic support |Arabic|.
4588arp Compiled with ARP support (Amiga).
4589autocmd Compiled with autocommands support.
4590balloon_eval Compiled with |balloon-eval| support.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00004591balloon_multiline GUI supports multiline balloons.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004592beos BeOS version of Vim.
4593browse Compiled with |:browse| support, and browse() will
4594 work.
4595builtin_terms Compiled with some builtin terminals.
4596byte_offset Compiled with support for 'o' in 'statusline'
4597cindent Compiled with 'cindent' support.
4598clientserver Compiled with remote invocation support |clientserver|.
4599clipboard Compiled with 'clipboard' support.
4600cmdline_compl Compiled with |cmdline-completion| support.
4601cmdline_hist Compiled with |cmdline-history| support.
4602cmdline_info Compiled with 'showcmd' and 'ruler' support.
4603comments Compiled with |'comments'| support.
4604cryptv Compiled with encryption support |encryption|.
4605cscope Compiled with |cscope| support.
4606compatible Compiled to be very Vi compatible.
4607debug Compiled with "DEBUG" defined.
4608dialog_con Compiled with console dialog support.
4609dialog_gui Compiled with GUI dialog support.
4610diff Compiled with |vimdiff| and 'diff' support.
4611digraphs Compiled with support for digraphs.
4612dnd Compiled with support for the "~ register |quote_~|.
4613dos32 32 bits DOS (DJGPP) version of Vim.
4614dos16 16 bits DOS version of Vim.
4615ebcdic Compiled on a machine with ebcdic character set.
4616emacs_tags Compiled with support for Emacs tags.
4617eval Compiled with expression evaluation support. Always
4618 true, of course!
4619ex_extra Compiled with extra Ex commands |+ex_extra|.
4620extra_search Compiled with support for |'incsearch'| and
4621 |'hlsearch'|
4622farsi Compiled with Farsi support |farsi|.
4623file_in_path Compiled with support for |gf| and |<cfile>|
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004624filterpipe When 'shelltemp' is off pipes are used for shell
4625 read/write/filter commands
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004626find_in_path Compiled with support for include file searches
4627 |+find_in_path|.
4628fname_case Case in file names matters (for Amiga, MS-DOS, and
4629 Windows this is not present).
4630folding Compiled with |folding| support.
4631footer Compiled with GUI footer support. |gui-footer|
4632fork Compiled to use fork()/exec() instead of system().
4633gettext Compiled with message translation |multi-lang|
4634gui Compiled with GUI enabled.
4635gui_athena Compiled with Athena GUI.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004636gui_gtk Compiled with GTK+ GUI (any version).
4637gui_gtk2 Compiled with GTK+ 2 GUI (gui_gtk is also defined).
Bram Moolenaar843ee412004-06-30 16:16:41 +00004638gui_kde Compiled with KDE GUI |KVim|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004639gui_mac Compiled with Macintosh GUI.
4640gui_motif Compiled with Motif GUI.
4641gui_photon Compiled with Photon GUI.
4642gui_win32 Compiled with MS Windows Win32 GUI.
4643gui_win32s idem, and Win32s system being used (Windows 3.1)
4644gui_running Vim is running in the GUI, or it will start soon.
4645hangul_input Compiled with Hangul input support. |hangul|
4646iconv Can use iconv() for conversion.
4647insert_expand Compiled with support for CTRL-X expansion commands in
4648 Insert mode.
4649jumplist Compiled with |jumplist| support.
4650keymap Compiled with 'keymap' support.
4651langmap Compiled with 'langmap' support.
4652libcall Compiled with |libcall()| support.
4653linebreak Compiled with 'linebreak', 'breakat' and 'showbreak'
4654 support.
4655lispindent Compiled with support for lisp indenting.
4656listcmds Compiled with commands for the buffer list |:files|
4657 and the argument list |arglist|.
4658localmap Compiled with local mappings and abbr. |:map-local|
4659mac Macintosh version of Vim.
4660macunix Macintosh version of Vim, using Unix files (OS-X).
4661menu Compiled with support for |:menu|.
4662mksession Compiled with support for |:mksession|.
4663modify_fname Compiled with file name modifiers. |filename-modifiers|
4664mouse Compiled with support mouse.
4665mouseshape Compiled with support for 'mouseshape'.
4666mouse_dec Compiled with support for Dec terminal mouse.
4667mouse_gpm Compiled with support for gpm (Linux console mouse)
4668mouse_netterm Compiled with support for netterm mouse.
4669mouse_pterm Compiled with support for qnx pterm mouse.
4670mouse_xterm Compiled with support for xterm mouse.
4671multi_byte Compiled with support for editing Korean et al.
4672multi_byte_ime Compiled with support for IME input method.
4673multi_lang Compiled with support for multiple languages.
Bram Moolenaar325b7a22004-07-05 15:58:32 +00004674mzscheme Compiled with MzScheme interface |mzscheme|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004675netbeans_intg Compiled with support for |netbeans|.
Bram Moolenaar009b2592004-10-24 19:18:58 +00004676netbeans_enabled Compiled with support for |netbeans| and it's used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004677ole Compiled with OLE automation support for Win32.
4678os2 OS/2 version of Vim.
4679osfiletype Compiled with support for osfiletypes |+osfiletype|
4680path_extra Compiled with up/downwards search in 'path' and 'tags'
4681perl Compiled with Perl interface.
4682postscript Compiled with PostScript file printing.
4683printer Compiled with |:hardcopy| support.
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00004684profile Compiled with |:profile| support.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004685python Compiled with Python interface.
4686qnx QNX version of Vim.
4687quickfix Compiled with |quickfix| support.
4688rightleft Compiled with 'rightleft' support.
4689ruby Compiled with Ruby interface |ruby|.
4690scrollbind Compiled with 'scrollbind' support.
4691showcmd Compiled with 'showcmd' support.
4692signs Compiled with |:sign| support.
4693smartindent Compiled with 'smartindent' support.
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00004694sniff Compiled with SNiFF interface support.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004695statusline Compiled with support for 'statusline', 'rulerformat'
4696 and special formats of 'titlestring' and 'iconstring'.
4697sun_workshop Compiled with support for Sun |workshop|.
Bram Moolenaar82cf9b62005-06-07 21:09:25 +00004698spell Compiled with spell checking support |spell|.
4699syntax Compiled with syntax highlighting support |syntax|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004700syntax_items There are active syntax highlighting items for the
4701 current buffer.
4702system Compiled to use system() instead of fork()/exec().
4703tag_binary Compiled with binary searching in tags files
4704 |tag-binary-search|.
4705tag_old_static Compiled with support for old static tags
4706 |tag-old-static|.
4707tag_any_white Compiled with support for any white characters in tags
4708 files |tag-any-white|.
4709tcl Compiled with Tcl interface.
4710terminfo Compiled with terminfo instead of termcap.
4711termresponse Compiled with support for |t_RV| and |v:termresponse|.
4712textobjects Compiled with support for |text-objects|.
4713tgetent Compiled with tgetent support, able to use a termcap
4714 or terminfo file.
4715title Compiled with window title support |'title'|.
4716toolbar Compiled with support for |gui-toolbar|.
4717unix Unix version of Vim.
4718user_commands User-defined commands.
4719viminfo Compiled with viminfo support.
4720vim_starting True while initial source'ing takes place.
4721vertsplit Compiled with vertically split windows |:vsplit|.
4722virtualedit Compiled with 'virtualedit' option.
4723visual Compiled with Visual mode.
4724visualextra Compiled with extra Visual mode commands.
4725 |blockwise-operators|.
4726vms VMS version of Vim.
4727vreplace Compiled with |gR| and |gr| commands.
4728wildignore Compiled with 'wildignore' option.
4729wildmenu Compiled with 'wildmenu' option.
4730windows Compiled with support for more than one window.
4731winaltkeys Compiled with 'winaltkeys' option.
4732win16 Win16 version of Vim (MS-Windows 3.1).
4733win32 Win32 version of Vim (MS-Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP).
4734win64 Win64 version of Vim (MS-Windows 64 bit).
4735win32unix Win32 version of Vim, using Unix files (Cygwin)
4736win95 Win32 version for MS-Windows 95/98/ME.
4737writebackup Compiled with 'writebackup' default on.
4738xfontset Compiled with X fontset support |xfontset|.
4739xim Compiled with X input method support |xim|.
4740xsmp Compiled with X session management support.
4741xsmp_interact Compiled with interactive X session management support.
4742xterm_clipboard Compiled with support for xterm clipboard.
4743xterm_save Compiled with support for saving and restoring the
4744 xterm screen.
4745x11 Compiled with X11 support.
4746
4747 *string-match*
4748Matching a pattern in a String
4749
4750A regexp pattern as explained at |pattern| is normally used to find a match in
4751the buffer lines. When a pattern is used to find a match in a String, almost
4752everything works in the same way. The difference is that a String is handled
4753like it is one line. When it contains a "\n" character, this is not seen as a
4754line break for the pattern. It can be matched with a "\n" in the pattern, or
4755with ".". Example: >
4756 :let a = "aaaa\nxxxx"
4757 :echo matchstr(a, "..\n..")
4758 aa
4759 xx
4760 :echo matchstr(a, "a.x")
4761 a
4762 x
4763
4764Don't forget that "^" will only match at the first character of the String and
4765"$" at the last character of the string. They don't match after or before a
4766"\n".
4767
4768==============================================================================
47695. Defining functions *user-functions*
4770
4771New functions can be defined. These can be called just like builtin
4772functions. The function executes a sequence of Ex commands. Normal mode
4773commands can be executed with the |:normal| command.
4774
4775The function name must start with an uppercase letter, to avoid confusion with
4776builtin functions. To prevent from using the same name in different scripts
4777avoid obvious, short names. A good habit is to start the function name with
4778the name of the script, e.g., "HTMLcolor()".
4779
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00004780It's also possible to use curly braces, see |curly-braces-names|. And the
4781|autoload| facility is useful to define a function only when it's called.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004782
4783 *local-function*
4784A function local to a script must start with "s:". A local script function
4785can only be called from within the script and from functions, user commands
4786and autocommands defined in the script. It is also possible to call the
4787function from a mappings defined in the script, but then |<SID>| must be used
4788instead of "s:" when the mapping is expanded outside of the script.
4789
4790 *:fu* *:function* *E128* *E129* *E123*
4791:fu[nction] List all functions and their arguments.
4792
4793:fu[nction] {name} List function {name}.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004794 {name} can also be a Dictionary entry that is a
4795 Funcref: >
4796 :function dict.init
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00004797
4798:fu[nction] /{pattern} List functions with a name matching {pattern}.
4799 Example that lists all functions ending with "File": >
4800 :function /File$
Bram Moolenaar5b8d8fd2005-08-16 23:01:50 +00004801<
4802 *:function-verbose*
4803When 'verbose' is non-zero, listing a function will also display where it was
4804last defined. Example: >
4805
4806 :verbose function SetFileTypeSH
4807 function SetFileTypeSH(name)
4808 Last set from /usr/share/vim/vim-7.0/filetype.vim
4809<
Bram Moolenaar8aff23a2005-08-19 20:40:30 +00004810See |:verbose-cmd| for more information.
Bram Moolenaar5b8d8fd2005-08-16 23:01:50 +00004811
4812 *E124* *E125*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00004813:fu[nction][!] {name}([arguments]) [range] [abort] [dict]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004814 Define a new function by the name {name}. The name
4815 must be made of alphanumeric characters and '_', and
4816 must start with a capital or "s:" (see above).
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004817
4818 {name} can also be a Dictionary entry that is a
4819 Funcref: >
4820 :function dict.init(arg)
4821< "dict" must be an existing dictionary. The entry
4822 "init" is added if it didn't exist yet. Otherwise [!]
4823 is required to overwrite an existing function. The
4824 result is a |Funcref| to a numbered function. The
4825 function can only be used with a |Funcref| and will be
4826 deleted if there are no more references to it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004827 *E127* *E122*
4828 When a function by this name already exists and [!] is
4829 not used an error message is given. When [!] is used,
4830 an existing function is silently replaced. Unless it
4831 is currently being executed, that is an error.
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00004832
4833 For the {arguments} see |function-argument|.
4834
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004835 *a:firstline* *a:lastline*
4836 When the [range] argument is added, the function is
4837 expected to take care of a range itself. The range is
4838 passed as "a:firstline" and "a:lastline". If [range]
4839 is excluded, ":{range}call" will call the function for
4840 each line in the range, with the cursor on the start
4841 of each line. See |function-range-example|.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004842
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004843 When the [abort] argument is added, the function will
4844 abort as soon as an error is detected.
4845 The last used search pattern and the redo command "."
4846 will not be changed by the function.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004847
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00004848 When the [dict] argument is added, the function must
4849 be invoked through an entry in a Dictionary. The
4850 local variable "self" will then be set to the
4851 dictionary. See |Dictionary-function|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004852
4853 *:endf* *:endfunction* *E126* *E193*
4854:endf[unction] The end of a function definition. Must be on a line
4855 by its own, without other commands.
4856
4857 *:delf* *:delfunction* *E130* *E131*
4858:delf[unction] {name} Delete function {name}.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004859 {name} can also be a Dictionary entry that is a
4860 Funcref: >
4861 :delfunc dict.init
4862< This will remove the "init" entry from "dict". The
4863 function is deleted if there are no more references to
4864 it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004865 *:retu* *:return* *E133*
4866:retu[rn] [expr] Return from a function. When "[expr]" is given, it is
4867 evaluated and returned as the result of the function.
4868 If "[expr]" is not given, the number 0 is returned.
4869 When a function ends without an explicit ":return",
4870 the number 0 is returned.
4871 Note that there is no check for unreachable lines,
4872 thus there is no warning if commands follow ":return".
4873
4874 If the ":return" is used after a |:try| but before the
4875 matching |:finally| (if present), the commands
4876 following the ":finally" up to the matching |:endtry|
4877 are executed first. This process applies to all
4878 nested ":try"s inside the function. The function
4879 returns at the outermost ":endtry".
4880
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00004881 *function-argument* *a:var*
4882An argument can be defined by giving its name. In the function this can then
4883be used as "a:name" ("a:" for argument).
4884 *a:0* *a:1* *a:000* *E740*
4885Up to 20 arguments can be given, separated by commas. After the named
4886arguments an argument "..." can be specified, which means that more arguments
4887may optionally be following. In the function the extra arguments can be used
4888as "a:1", "a:2", etc. "a:0" is set to the number of extra arguments (which
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00004889can be 0). "a:000" is set to a List that contains these arguments. Note that
4890"a:1" is the same as "a:000[0]".
4891 *E742*
4892The a: scope and the variables in it cannot be changed, they are fixed.
4893However, if a List or Dictionary is used, you can changes their contents.
4894Thus you can pass a List to a function and have the function add an item to
4895it. If you want to make sure the function cannot change a List or Dictionary
4896use |:lockvar|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004897
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00004898When not using "...", the number of arguments in a function call must be equal
4899to the number of named arguments. When using "...", the number of arguments
4900may be larger.
4901
4902It is also possible to define a function without any arguments. You must
4903still supply the () then. The body of the function follows in the next lines,
4904until the matching |:endfunction|. It is allowed to define another function
4905inside a function body.
4906
4907 *local-variables*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004908Inside a function variables can be used. These are local variables, which
4909will disappear when the function returns. Global variables need to be
4910accessed with "g:".
4911
4912Example: >
4913 :function Table(title, ...)
4914 : echohl Title
4915 : echo a:title
4916 : echohl None
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00004917 : echo a:0 . " items:"
4918 : for s in a:000
4919 : echon ' ' . s
4920 : endfor
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004921 :endfunction
4922
4923This function can then be called with: >
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00004924 call Table("Table", "line1", "line2")
4925 call Table("Empty Table")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004926
4927To return more than one value, pass the name of a global variable: >
4928 :function Compute(n1, n2, divname)
4929 : if a:n2 == 0
4930 : return "fail"
4931 : endif
4932 : let g:{a:divname} = a:n1 / a:n2
4933 : return "ok"
4934 :endfunction
4935
4936This function can then be called with: >
4937 :let success = Compute(13, 1324, "div")
4938 :if success == "ok"
4939 : echo div
4940 :endif
4941
4942An alternative is to return a command that can be executed. This also works
4943with local variables in a calling function. Example: >
4944 :function Foo()
4945 : execute Bar()
4946 : echo "line " . lnum . " column " . col
4947 :endfunction
4948
4949 :function Bar()
4950 : return "let lnum = " . line(".") . " | let col = " . col(".")
4951 :endfunction
4952
4953The names "lnum" and "col" could also be passed as argument to Bar(), to allow
4954the caller to set the names.
4955
4956 *:cal* *:call* *E107*
4957:[range]cal[l] {name}([arguments])
4958 Call a function. The name of the function and its arguments
4959 are as specified with |:function|. Up to 20 arguments can be
4960 used.
4961 Without a range and for functions that accept a range, the
4962 function is called once. When a range is given the cursor is
4963 positioned at the start of the first line before executing the
4964 function.
4965 When a range is given and the function doesn't handle it
4966 itself, the function is executed for each line in the range,
4967 with the cursor in the first column of that line. The cursor
4968 is left at the last line (possibly moved by the last function
4969 call). The arguments are re-evaluated for each line. Thus
4970 this works:
4971 *function-range-example* >
4972 :function Mynumber(arg)
4973 : echo line(".") . " " . a:arg
4974 :endfunction
4975 :1,5call Mynumber(getline("."))
4976<
4977 The "a:firstline" and "a:lastline" are defined anyway, they
4978 can be used to do something different at the start or end of
4979 the range.
4980
4981 Example of a function that handles the range itself: >
4982
4983 :function Cont() range
4984 : execute (a:firstline + 1) . "," . a:lastline . 's/^/\t\\ '
4985 :endfunction
4986 :4,8call Cont()
4987<
4988 This function inserts the continuation character "\" in front
4989 of all the lines in the range, except the first one.
4990
4991 *E132*
4992The recursiveness of user functions is restricted with the |'maxfuncdepth'|
4993option.
4994
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00004995
4996AUTOMATICALLY LOADING FUNCTIONS ~
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004997 *autoload-functions*
4998When using many or large functions, it's possible to automatically define them
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00004999only when they are used. There are two methods: with an autocommand and with
5000the "autoload" directory in 'runtimepath'.
5001
5002
5003Using an autocommand ~
5004
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00005005This is introduced in the user manual, section |41.14|.
5006
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005007The autocommand is useful if you have a plugin that is a long Vim script file.
5008You can define the autocommand and quickly quit the script with |:finish|.
5009That makes Vim startup faster. The autocommand should then load the same file
5010again, setting a variable to skip the |:finish| command.
5011
5012Use the FuncUndefined autocommand event with a pattern that matches the
5013function(s) to be defined. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005014
5015 :au FuncUndefined BufNet* source ~/vim/bufnetfuncs.vim
5016
5017The file "~/vim/bufnetfuncs.vim" should then define functions that start with
5018"BufNet". Also see |FuncUndefined|.
5019
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005020
5021Using an autoload script ~
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00005022 *autoload* *E746*
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00005023This is introduced in the user manual, section |41.15|.
5024
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005025Using a script in the "autoload" directory is simpler, but requires using
5026exactly the right file name. A function that can be autoloaded has a name
5027like this: >
5028
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00005029 :call filename#funcname()
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005030
5031When such a function is called, and it is not defined yet, Vim will search the
5032"autoload" directories in 'runtimepath' for a script file called
5033"filename.vim". For example "~/.vim/autoload/filename.vim". That file should
5034then define the function like this: >
5035
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00005036 function filename#funcname()
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005037 echo "Done!"
5038 endfunction
5039
Bram Moolenaar60a795a2005-09-16 21:55:43 +00005040The file name and the name used before the # in the function must match
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005041exactly, and the defined function must have the name exactly as it will be
5042called.
5043
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00005044It is possible to use subdirectories. Every # in the function name works like
5045a path separator. Thus when calling a function: >
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005046
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00005047 :call foo#bar#func()
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005048
5049Vim will look for the file "autoload/foo/bar.vim" in 'runtimepath'.
5050
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00005051This also works when reading a variable that has not been set yet: >
5052
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00005053 :let l = foo#bar#lvar
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00005054
Bram Moolenaara5792f52005-11-23 21:25:05 +00005055However, when the autoload script was already loaded it won't be loaded again
5056for an unknown variable.
5057
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00005058When assigning a value to such a variable nothing special happens. This can
5059be used to pass settings to the autoload script before it's loaded: >
5060
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00005061 :let foo#bar#toggle = 1
5062 :call foo#bar#func()
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00005063
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00005064Note that when you make a mistake and call a function that is supposed to be
5065defined in an autoload script, but the script doesn't actually define the
5066function, the script will be sourced every time you try to call the function.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00005067And you will get an error message every time.
5068
5069Also note that if you have two script files, and one calls a function in the
5070other and vise versa, before the used function is defined, it won't work.
5071Avoid using the autoload functionality at the toplevel.
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005072
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005073==============================================================================
50746. Curly braces names *curly-braces-names*
5075
5076Wherever you can use a variable, you can use a "curly braces name" variable.
5077This is a regular variable name with one or more expressions wrapped in braces
5078{} like this: >
5079 my_{adjective}_variable
5080
5081When Vim encounters this, it evaluates the expression inside the braces, puts
5082that in place of the expression, and re-interprets the whole as a variable
5083name. So in the above example, if the variable "adjective" was set to
5084"noisy", then the reference would be to "my_noisy_variable", whereas if
5085"adjective" was set to "quiet", then it would be to "my_quiet_variable".
5086
5087One application for this is to create a set of variables governed by an option
5088value. For example, the statement >
5089 echo my_{&background}_message
5090
5091would output the contents of "my_dark_message" or "my_light_message" depending
5092on the current value of 'background'.
5093
5094You can use multiple brace pairs: >
5095 echo my_{adverb}_{adjective}_message
5096..or even nest them: >
5097 echo my_{ad{end_of_word}}_message
5098where "end_of_word" is either "verb" or "jective".
5099
5100However, the expression inside the braces must evaluate to a valid single
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00005101variable name, e.g. this is invalid: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005102 :let foo='a + b'
5103 :echo c{foo}d
5104.. since the result of expansion is "ca + bd", which is not a variable name.
5105
5106 *curly-braces-function-names*
5107You can call and define functions by an evaluated name in a similar way.
5108Example: >
5109 :let func_end='whizz'
5110 :call my_func_{func_end}(parameter)
5111
5112This would call the function "my_func_whizz(parameter)".
5113
5114==============================================================================
51157. Commands *expression-commands*
5116
5117:let {var-name} = {expr1} *:let* *E18*
5118 Set internal variable {var-name} to the result of the
5119 expression {expr1}. The variable will get the type
5120 from the {expr}. If {var-name} didn't exist yet, it
5121 is created.
5122
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00005123:let {var-name}[{idx}] = {expr1} *E689*
5124 Set a list item to the result of the expression
5125 {expr1}. {var-name} must refer to a list and {idx}
5126 must be a valid index in that list. For nested list
5127 the index can be repeated.
5128 This cannot be used to add an item to a list.
5129
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005130 *E711* *E719*
5131:let {var-name}[{idx1}:{idx2}] = {expr1} *E708* *E709* *E710*
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00005132 Set a sequence of items in a List to the result of the
5133 expression {expr1}, which must be a list with the
5134 correct number of items.
5135 {idx1} can be omitted, zero is used instead.
5136 {idx2} can be omitted, meaning the end of the list.
5137 When the selected range of items is partly past the
5138 end of the list, items will be added.
5139
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00005140 *:let+=* *:let-=* *:let.=* *E734*
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005141:let {var} += {expr1} Like ":let {var} = {var} + {expr1}".
5142:let {var} -= {expr1} Like ":let {var} = {var} - {expr1}".
5143:let {var} .= {expr1} Like ":let {var} = {var} . {expr1}".
5144 These fail if {var} was not set yet and when the type
5145 of {var} and {expr1} don't fit the operator.
5146
5147
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005148:let ${env-name} = {expr1} *:let-environment* *:let-$*
5149 Set environment variable {env-name} to the result of
5150 the expression {expr1}. The type is always String.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005151:let ${env-name} .= {expr1}
5152 Append {expr1} to the environment variable {env-name}.
5153 If the environment variable didn't exist yet this
5154 works like "=".
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005155
5156:let @{reg-name} = {expr1} *:let-register* *:let-@*
5157 Write the result of the expression {expr1} in register
5158 {reg-name}. {reg-name} must be a single letter, and
5159 must be the name of a writable register (see
5160 |registers|). "@@" can be used for the unnamed
5161 register, "@/" for the search pattern.
5162 If the result of {expr1} ends in a <CR> or <NL>, the
5163 register will be linewise, otherwise it will be set to
5164 characterwise.
5165 This can be used to clear the last search pattern: >
5166 :let @/ = ""
5167< This is different from searching for an empty string,
5168 that would match everywhere.
5169
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005170:let @{reg-name} .= {expr1}
5171 Append {expr1} to register {reg-name}. If the
5172 register was empty it's like setting it to {expr1}.
5173
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005174:let &{option-name} = {expr1} *:let-option* *:let-star*
5175 Set option {option-name} to the result of the
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00005176 expression {expr1}. A String or Number value is
5177 always converted to the type of the option.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005178 For an option local to a window or buffer the effect
5179 is just like using the |:set| command: both the local
Bram Moolenaara5fac542005-10-12 20:58:49 +00005180 value and the global value are changed.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00005181 Example: >
5182 :let &path = &path . ',/usr/local/include'
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005183
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005184:let &{option-name} .= {expr1}
5185 For a string option: Append {expr1} to the value.
5186 Does not insert a comma like |:set+=|.
5187
5188:let &{option-name} += {expr1}
5189:let &{option-name} -= {expr1}
5190 For a number or boolean option: Add or subtract
5191 {expr1}.
5192
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005193:let &l:{option-name} = {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005194:let &l:{option-name} .= {expr1}
5195:let &l:{option-name} += {expr1}
5196:let &l:{option-name} -= {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005197 Like above, but only set the local value of an option
5198 (if there is one). Works like |:setlocal|.
5199
5200:let &g:{option-name} = {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005201:let &g:{option-name} .= {expr1}
5202:let &g:{option-name} += {expr1}
5203:let &g:{option-name} -= {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005204 Like above, but only set the global value of an option
5205 (if there is one). Works like |:setglobal|.
5206
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00005207:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] = {expr1} *:let-unpack* *E687* *E688*
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00005208 {expr1} must evaluate to a List. The first item in
5209 the list is assigned to {name1}, the second item to
5210 {name2}, etc.
5211 The number of names must match the number of items in
5212 the List.
5213 Each name can be one of the items of the ":let"
5214 command as mentioned above.
5215 Example: >
5216 :let [s, item] = GetItem(s)
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005217< Detail: {expr1} is evaluated first, then the
5218 assignments are done in sequence. This matters if
5219 {name2} depends on {name1}. Example: >
5220 :let x = [0, 1]
5221 :let i = 0
5222 :let [i, x[i]] = [1, 2]
5223 :echo x
5224< The result is [0, 2].
5225
5226:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] .= {expr1}
5227:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] += {expr1}
5228:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] -= {expr1}
5229 Like above, but append/add/subtract the value for each
5230 List item.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00005231
5232:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] = {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00005233 Like |:let-unpack| above, but the List may have more
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005234 items than there are names. A list of the remaining
5235 items is assigned to {lastname}. If there are no
5236 remaining items {lastname} is set to an empty list.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00005237 Example: >
5238 :let [a, b; rest] = ["aval", "bval", 3, 4]
5239<
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005240:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] .= {expr1}
5241:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] += {expr1}
5242:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] -= {expr1}
5243 Like above, but append/add/subtract the value for each
5244 List item.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005245 *E106*
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005246:let {var-name} .. List the value of variable {var-name}. Multiple
Bram Moolenaardcaf10e2005-01-21 11:55:25 +00005247 variable names may be given. Special names recognized
5248 here: *E738*
5249 g: global variables.
5250 b: local buffer variables.
5251 w: local window variables.
5252 v: Vim variables.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005253
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00005254:let List the values of all variables. The type of the
5255 variable is indicated before the value:
5256 <nothing> String
5257 # Number
5258 * Funcref
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005259
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00005260
5261:unl[et][!] {name} ... *:unlet* *:unl* *E108*
5262 Remove the internal variable {name}. Several variable
5263 names can be given, they are all removed. The name
5264 may also be a List or Dictionary item.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005265 With [!] no error message is given for non-existing
5266 variables.
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +00005267 One or more items from a List can be removed: >
5268 :unlet list[3] " remove fourth item
5269 :unlet list[3:] " remove fourth item to last
5270< One item from a Dictionary can be removed at a time: >
5271 :unlet dict['two']
5272 :unlet dict.two
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005273
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00005274:lockv[ar][!] [depth] {name} ... *:lockvar* *:lockv*
5275 Lock the internal variable {name}. Locking means that
5276 it can no longer be changed (until it is unlocked).
5277 A locked variable can be deleted: >
5278 :lockvar v
5279 :let v = 'asdf' " fails!
5280 :unlet v
5281< *E741*
5282 If you try to change a locked variable you get an
5283 error message: "E741: Value of {name} is locked"
5284
5285 [depth] is relevant when locking a List or Dictionary.
5286 It specifies how deep the locking goes:
5287 1 Lock the List or Dictionary itself,
5288 cannot add or remove items, but can
5289 still change their values.
5290 2 Also lock the values, cannot change
5291 the items. If an item is a List or
5292 Dictionary, cannot add or remove
5293 items, but can still change the
5294 values.
5295 3 Like 2 but for the List/Dictionary in
5296 the List/Dictionary, one level deeper.
5297 The default [depth] is 2, thus when {name} is a List
5298 or Dictionary the values cannot be changed.
5299 *E743*
5300 For unlimited depth use [!] and omit [depth].
5301 However, there is a maximum depth of 100 to catch
5302 loops.
5303
5304 Note that when two variables refer to the same List
5305 and you lock one of them, the List will also be locked
5306 when used through the other variable. Example: >
5307 :let l = [0, 1, 2, 3]
5308 :let cl = l
5309 :lockvar l
5310 :let cl[1] = 99 " won't work!
5311< You may want to make a copy of a list to avoid this.
5312 See |deepcopy()|.
5313
5314
5315:unlo[ckvar][!] [depth] {name} ... *:unlockvar* *:unlo*
5316 Unlock the internal variable {name}. Does the
5317 opposite of |:lockvar|.
5318
5319
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005320:if {expr1} *:if* *:endif* *:en* *E171* *E579* *E580*
5321:en[dif] Execute the commands until the next matching ":else"
5322 or ":endif" if {expr1} evaluates to non-zero.
5323
5324 From Vim version 4.5 until 5.0, every Ex command in
5325 between the ":if" and ":endif" is ignored. These two
5326 commands were just to allow for future expansions in a
5327 backwards compatible way. Nesting was allowed. Note
5328 that any ":else" or ":elseif" was ignored, the "else"
5329 part was not executed either.
5330
5331 You can use this to remain compatible with older
5332 versions: >
5333 :if version >= 500
5334 : version-5-specific-commands
5335 :endif
5336< The commands still need to be parsed to find the
5337 "endif". Sometimes an older Vim has a problem with a
5338 new command. For example, ":silent" is recognized as
5339 a ":substitute" command. In that case ":execute" can
5340 avoid problems: >
5341 :if version >= 600
5342 : execute "silent 1,$delete"
5343 :endif
5344<
5345 NOTE: The ":append" and ":insert" commands don't work
5346 properly in between ":if" and ":endif".
5347
5348 *:else* *:el* *E581* *E583*
5349:el[se] Execute the commands until the next matching ":else"
5350 or ":endif" if they previously were not being
5351 executed.
5352
5353 *:elseif* *:elsei* *E582* *E584*
5354:elsei[f] {expr1} Short for ":else" ":if", with the addition that there
5355 is no extra ":endif".
5356
5357:wh[ile] {expr1} *:while* *:endwhile* *:wh* *:endw*
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005358 *E170* *E585* *E588* *E733*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005359:endw[hile] Repeat the commands between ":while" and ":endwhile",
5360 as long as {expr1} evaluates to non-zero.
5361 When an error is detected from a command inside the
5362 loop, execution continues after the "endwhile".
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005363 Example: >
5364 :let lnum = 1
5365 :while lnum <= line("$")
5366 :call FixLine(lnum)
5367 :let lnum = lnum + 1
5368 :endwhile
5369<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005370 NOTE: The ":append" and ":insert" commands don't work
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00005371 properly inside a ":while" and ":for" loop.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005372
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005373:for {var} in {list} *:for* *E690* *E732*
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005374:endfo[r] *:endfo* *:endfor*
5375 Repeat the commands between ":for" and ":endfor" for
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00005376 each item in {list}. Variable {var} is set to the
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00005377 value of each item.
5378 When an error is detected for a command inside the
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005379 loop, execution continues after the "endfor".
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00005380 Changing {list} inside the loop affects what items are
5381 used. Make a copy if this is unwanted: >
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00005382 :for item in copy(mylist)
5383< When not making a copy, Vim stores a reference to the
5384 next item in the list, before executing the commands
5385 with the current item. Thus the current item can be
5386 removed without effect. Removing any later item means
5387 it will not be found. Thus the following example
5388 works (an inefficient way to make a list empty): >
5389 :for item in mylist
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005390 :call remove(mylist, 0)
5391 :endfor
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00005392< Note that reordering the list (e.g., with sort() or
5393 reverse()) may have unexpected effects.
5394 Note that the type of each list item should be
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005395 identical to avoid errors for the type of {var}
5396 changing. Unlet the variable at the end of the loop
5397 to allow multiple item types.
5398
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005399:for [{var1}, {var2}, ...] in {listlist}
5400:endfo[r]
5401 Like ":for" above, but each item in {listlist} must be
5402 a list, of which each item is assigned to {var1},
5403 {var2}, etc. Example: >
5404 :for [lnum, col] in [[1, 3], [2, 5], [3, 8]]
5405 :echo getline(lnum)[col]
5406 :endfor
5407<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005408 *:continue* *:con* *E586*
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005409:con[tinue] When used inside a ":while" or ":for" loop, jumps back
5410 to the start of the loop.
5411 If it is used after a |:try| inside the loop but
5412 before the matching |:finally| (if present), the
5413 commands following the ":finally" up to the matching
5414 |:endtry| are executed first. This process applies to
5415 all nested ":try"s inside the loop. The outermost
5416 ":endtry" then jumps back to the start of the loop.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005417
5418 *:break* *:brea* *E587*
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005419:brea[k] When used inside a ":while" or ":for" loop, skips to
5420 the command after the matching ":endwhile" or
5421 ":endfor".
5422 If it is used after a |:try| inside the loop but
5423 before the matching |:finally| (if present), the
5424 commands following the ":finally" up to the matching
5425 |:endtry| are executed first. This process applies to
5426 all nested ":try"s inside the loop. The outermost
5427 ":endtry" then jumps to the command after the loop.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005428
5429:try *:try* *:endt* *:endtry* *E600* *E601* *E602*
5430:endt[ry] Change the error handling for the commands between
5431 ":try" and ":endtry" including everything being
5432 executed across ":source" commands, function calls,
5433 or autocommand invocations.
5434
5435 When an error or interrupt is detected and there is
5436 a |:finally| command following, execution continues
5437 after the ":finally". Otherwise, or when the
5438 ":endtry" is reached thereafter, the next
5439 (dynamically) surrounding ":try" is checked for
5440 a corresponding ":finally" etc. Then the script
5441 processing is terminated. (Whether a function
5442 definition has an "abort" argument does not matter.)
5443 Example: >
5444 :try | edit too much | finally | echo "cleanup" | endtry
5445 :echo "impossible" " not reached, script terminated above
5446<
5447 Moreover, an error or interrupt (dynamically) inside
5448 ":try" and ":endtry" is converted to an exception. It
5449 can be caught as if it were thrown by a |:throw|
5450 command (see |:catch|). In this case, the script
5451 processing is not terminated.
5452
5453 The value "Vim:Interrupt" is used for an interrupt
5454 exception. An error in a Vim command is converted
5455 to a value of the form "Vim({command}):{errmsg}",
5456 other errors are converted to a value of the form
5457 "Vim:{errmsg}". {command} is the full command name,
5458 and {errmsg} is the message that is displayed if the
5459 error exception is not caught, always beginning with
5460 the error number.
5461 Examples: >
5462 :try | sleep 100 | catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/ | endtry
5463 :try | edit | catch /^Vim(edit):E\d\+/ | echo "error" | endtry
5464<
5465 *:cat* *:catch* *E603* *E604* *E605*
5466:cat[ch] /{pattern}/ The following commands until the next ":catch",
5467 |:finally|, or |:endtry| that belongs to the same
5468 |:try| as the ":catch" are executed when an exception
5469 matching {pattern} is being thrown and has not yet
5470 been caught by a previous ":catch". Otherwise, these
5471 commands are skipped.
5472 When {pattern} is omitted all errors are caught.
5473 Examples: >
5474 :catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/ " catch interrupts (CTRL-C)
5475 :catch /^Vim\%((\a\+)\)\=:E/ " catch all Vim errors
5476 :catch /^Vim\%((\a\+)\)\=:/ " catch errors and interrupts
5477 :catch /^Vim(write):/ " catch all errors in :write
5478 :catch /^Vim\%((\a\+)\)\=:E123/ " catch error E123
5479 :catch /my-exception/ " catch user exception
5480 :catch /.*/ " catch everything
5481 :catch " same as /.*/
5482<
5483 Another character can be used instead of / around the
5484 {pattern}, so long as it does not have a special
5485 meaning (e.g., '|' or '"') and doesn't occur inside
5486 {pattern}.
5487 NOTE: It is not reliable to ":catch" the TEXT of
5488 an error message because it may vary in different
5489 locales.
5490
5491 *:fina* *:finally* *E606* *E607*
5492:fina[lly] The following commands until the matching |:endtry|
5493 are executed whenever the part between the matching
5494 |:try| and the ":finally" is left: either by falling
5495 through to the ":finally" or by a |:continue|,
5496 |:break|, |:finish|, or |:return|, or by an error or
5497 interrupt or exception (see |:throw|).
5498
5499 *:th* *:throw* *E608*
5500:th[row] {expr1} The {expr1} is evaluated and thrown as an exception.
5501 If the ":throw" is used after a |:try| but before the
5502 first corresponding |:catch|, commands are skipped
5503 until the first ":catch" matching {expr1} is reached.
5504 If there is no such ":catch" or if the ":throw" is
5505 used after a ":catch" but before the |:finally|, the
5506 commands following the ":finally" (if present) up to
5507 the matching |:endtry| are executed. If the ":throw"
5508 is after the ":finally", commands up to the ":endtry"
5509 are skipped. At the ":endtry", this process applies
5510 again for the next dynamically surrounding ":try"
5511 (which may be found in a calling function or sourcing
5512 script), until a matching ":catch" has been found.
5513 If the exception is not caught, the command processing
5514 is terminated.
5515 Example: >
5516 :try | throw "oops" | catch /^oo/ | echo "caught" | endtry
5517<
5518
5519 *:ec* *:echo*
5520:ec[ho] {expr1} .. Echoes each {expr1}, with a space in between. The
5521 first {expr1} starts on a new line.
5522 Also see |:comment|.
5523 Use "\n" to start a new line. Use "\r" to move the
5524 cursor to the first column.
5525 Uses the highlighting set by the |:echohl| command.
5526 Cannot be followed by a comment.
5527 Example: >
5528 :echo "the value of 'shell' is" &shell
5529< A later redraw may make the message disappear again.
5530 To avoid that a command from before the ":echo" causes
5531 a redraw afterwards (redraws are often postponed until
5532 you type something), force a redraw with the |:redraw|
5533 command. Example: >
5534 :new | redraw | echo "there is a new window"
5535<
5536 *:echon*
5537:echon {expr1} .. Echoes each {expr1}, without anything added. Also see
5538 |:comment|.
5539 Uses the highlighting set by the |:echohl| command.
5540 Cannot be followed by a comment.
5541 Example: >
5542 :echon "the value of 'shell' is " &shell
5543<
5544 Note the difference between using ":echo", which is a
5545 Vim command, and ":!echo", which is an external shell
5546 command: >
5547 :!echo % --> filename
5548< The arguments of ":!" are expanded, see |:_%|. >
5549 :!echo "%" --> filename or "filename"
5550< Like the previous example. Whether you see the double
5551 quotes or not depends on your 'shell'. >
5552 :echo % --> nothing
5553< The '%' is an illegal character in an expression. >
5554 :echo "%" --> %
5555< This just echoes the '%' character. >
5556 :echo expand("%") --> filename
5557< This calls the expand() function to expand the '%'.
5558
5559 *:echoh* *:echohl*
5560:echoh[l] {name} Use the highlight group {name} for the following
5561 |:echo|, |:echon| and |:echomsg| commands. Also used
5562 for the |input()| prompt. Example: >
5563 :echohl WarningMsg | echo "Don't panic!" | echohl None
5564< Don't forget to set the group back to "None",
5565 otherwise all following echo's will be highlighted.
5566
5567 *:echom* *:echomsg*
5568:echom[sg] {expr1} .. Echo the expression(s) as a true message, saving the
5569 message in the |message-history|.
5570 Spaces are placed between the arguments as with the
5571 |:echo| command. But unprintable characters are
5572 displayed, not interpreted.
5573 Uses the highlighting set by the |:echohl| command.
5574 Example: >
5575 :echomsg "It's a Zizzer Zazzer Zuzz, as you can plainly see."
5576<
5577 *:echoe* *:echoerr*
5578:echoe[rr] {expr1} .. Echo the expression(s) as an error message, saving the
5579 message in the |message-history|. When used in a
5580 script or function the line number will be added.
5581 Spaces are placed between the arguments as with the
5582 :echo command. When used inside a try conditional,
5583 the message is raised as an error exception instead
5584 (see |try-echoerr|).
5585 Example: >
5586 :echoerr "This script just failed!"
5587< If you just want a highlighted message use |:echohl|.
5588 And to get a beep: >
5589 :exe "normal \<Esc>"
5590<
5591 *:exe* *:execute*
5592:exe[cute] {expr1} .. Executes the string that results from the evaluation
5593 of {expr1} as an Ex command. Multiple arguments are
5594 concatenated, with a space in between. {expr1} is
5595 used as the processed command, command line editing
5596 keys are not recognized.
5597 Cannot be followed by a comment.
5598 Examples: >
5599 :execute "buffer " nextbuf
5600 :execute "normal " count . "w"
5601<
5602 ":execute" can be used to append a command to commands
5603 that don't accept a '|'. Example: >
5604 :execute '!ls' | echo "theend"
5605
5606< ":execute" is also a nice way to avoid having to type
5607 control characters in a Vim script for a ":normal"
5608 command: >
5609 :execute "normal ixxx\<Esc>"
5610< This has an <Esc> character, see |expr-string|.
5611
5612 Note: The executed string may be any command-line, but
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00005613 you cannot start or end a "while", "for" or "if"
5614 command. Thus this is illegal: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005615 :execute 'while i > 5'
5616 :execute 'echo "test" | break'
5617<
5618 It is allowed to have a "while" or "if" command
5619 completely in the executed string: >
5620 :execute 'while i < 5 | echo i | let i = i + 1 | endwhile'
5621<
5622
5623 *:comment*
5624 ":execute", ":echo" and ":echon" cannot be followed by
5625 a comment directly, because they see the '"' as the
5626 start of a string. But, you can use '|' followed by a
5627 comment. Example: >
5628 :echo "foo" | "this is a comment
5629
5630==============================================================================
56318. Exception handling *exception-handling*
5632
5633The Vim script language comprises an exception handling feature. This section
5634explains how it can be used in a Vim script.
5635
5636Exceptions may be raised by Vim on an error or on interrupt, see
5637|catch-errors| and |catch-interrupt|. You can also explicitly throw an
5638exception by using the ":throw" command, see |throw-catch|.
5639
5640
5641TRY CONDITIONALS *try-conditionals*
5642
5643Exceptions can be caught or can cause cleanup code to be executed. You can
5644use a try conditional to specify catch clauses (that catch exceptions) and/or
5645a finally clause (to be executed for cleanup).
5646 A try conditional begins with a |:try| command and ends at the matching
5647|:endtry| command. In between, you can use a |:catch| command to start
5648a catch clause, or a |:finally| command to start a finally clause. There may
5649be none or multiple catch clauses, but there is at most one finally clause,
5650which must not be followed by any catch clauses. The lines before the catch
5651clauses and the finally clause is called a try block. >
5652
5653 :try
5654 : ...
5655 : ... TRY BLOCK
5656 : ...
5657 :catch /{pattern}/
5658 : ...
5659 : ... CATCH CLAUSE
5660 : ...
5661 :catch /{pattern}/
5662 : ...
5663 : ... CATCH CLAUSE
5664 : ...
5665 :finally
5666 : ...
5667 : ... FINALLY CLAUSE
5668 : ...
5669 :endtry
5670
5671The try conditional allows to watch code for exceptions and to take the
5672appropriate actions. Exceptions from the try block may be caught. Exceptions
5673from the try block and also the catch clauses may cause cleanup actions.
5674 When no exception is thrown during execution of the try block, the control
5675is transferred to the finally clause, if present. After its execution, the
5676script continues with the line following the ":endtry".
5677 When an exception occurs during execution of the try block, the remaining
5678lines in the try block are skipped. The exception is matched against the
5679patterns specified as arguments to the ":catch" commands. The catch clause
5680after the first matching ":catch" is taken, other catch clauses are not
5681executed. The catch clause ends when the next ":catch", ":finally", or
5682":endtry" command is reached - whatever is first. Then, the finally clause
5683(if present) is executed. When the ":endtry" is reached, the script execution
5684continues in the following line as usual.
5685 When an exception that does not match any of the patterns specified by the
5686":catch" commands is thrown in the try block, the exception is not caught by
5687that try conditional and none of the catch clauses is executed. Only the
5688finally clause, if present, is taken. The exception pends during execution of
5689the finally clause. It is resumed at the ":endtry", so that commands after
5690the ":endtry" are not executed and the exception might be caught elsewhere,
5691see |try-nesting|.
5692 When during execution of a catch clause another exception is thrown, the
5693remaining lines in that catch clause are not executed. The new exception is
5694not matched against the patterns in any of the ":catch" commands of the same
5695try conditional and none of its catch clauses is taken. If there is, however,
5696a finally clause, it is executed, and the exception pends during its
5697execution. The commands following the ":endtry" are not executed. The new
5698exception might, however, be caught elsewhere, see |try-nesting|.
5699 When during execution of the finally clause (if present) an exception is
5700thrown, the remaining lines in the finally clause are skipped. If the finally
5701clause has been taken because of an exception from the try block or one of the
5702catch clauses, the original (pending) exception is discarded. The commands
5703following the ":endtry" are not executed, and the exception from the finally
5704clause is propagated and can be caught elsewhere, see |try-nesting|.
5705
5706The finally clause is also executed, when a ":break" or ":continue" for
5707a ":while" loop enclosing the complete try conditional is executed from the
5708try block or a catch clause. Or when a ":return" or ":finish" is executed
5709from the try block or a catch clause of a try conditional in a function or
5710sourced script, respectively. The ":break", ":continue", ":return", or
5711":finish" pends during execution of the finally clause and is resumed when the
5712":endtry" is reached. It is, however, discarded when an exception is thrown
5713from the finally clause.
5714 When a ":break" or ":continue" for a ":while" loop enclosing the complete
5715try conditional or when a ":return" or ":finish" is encountered in the finally
5716clause, the rest of the finally clause is skipped, and the ":break",
5717":continue", ":return" or ":finish" is executed as usual. If the finally
5718clause has been taken because of an exception or an earlier ":break",
5719":continue", ":return", or ":finish" from the try block or a catch clause,
5720this pending exception or command is discarded.
5721
5722For examples see |throw-catch| and |try-finally|.
5723
5724
5725NESTING OF TRY CONDITIONALS *try-nesting*
5726
5727Try conditionals can be nested arbitrarily. That is, a complete try
5728conditional can be put into the try block, a catch clause, or the finally
5729clause of another try conditional. If the inner try conditional does not
5730catch an exception thrown in its try block or throws a new exception from one
5731of its catch clauses or its finally clause, the outer try conditional is
5732checked according to the rules above. If the inner try conditional is in the
5733try block of the outer try conditional, its catch clauses are checked, but
5734otherwise only the finally clause is executed. It does not matter for
5735nesting, whether the inner try conditional is directly contained in the outer
5736one, or whether the outer one sources a script or calls a function containing
5737the inner try conditional.
5738
5739When none of the active try conditionals catches an exception, just their
5740finally clauses are executed. Thereafter, the script processing terminates.
5741An error message is displayed in case of an uncaught exception explicitly
5742thrown by a ":throw" command. For uncaught error and interrupt exceptions
5743implicitly raised by Vim, the error message(s) or interrupt message are shown
5744as usual.
5745
5746For examples see |throw-catch|.
5747
5748
5749EXAMINING EXCEPTION HANDLING CODE *except-examine*
5750
5751Exception handling code can get tricky. If you are in doubt what happens, set
5752'verbose' to 13 or use the ":13verbose" command modifier when sourcing your
5753script file. Then you see when an exception is thrown, discarded, caught, or
5754finished. When using a verbosity level of at least 14, things pending in
5755a finally clause are also shown. This information is also given in debug mode
5756(see |debug-scripts|).
5757
5758
5759THROWING AND CATCHING EXCEPTIONS *throw-catch*
5760
5761You can throw any number or string as an exception. Use the |:throw| command
5762and pass the value to be thrown as argument: >
5763 :throw 4711
5764 :throw "string"
5765< *throw-expression*
5766You can also specify an expression argument. The expression is then evaluated
5767first, and the result is thrown: >
5768 :throw 4705 + strlen("string")
5769 :throw strpart("strings", 0, 6)
5770
5771An exception might be thrown during evaluation of the argument of the ":throw"
5772command. Unless it is caught there, the expression evaluation is abandoned.
5773The ":throw" command then does not throw a new exception.
5774 Example: >
5775
5776 :function! Foo(arg)
5777 : try
5778 : throw a:arg
5779 : catch /foo/
5780 : endtry
5781 : return 1
5782 :endfunction
5783 :
5784 :function! Bar()
5785 : echo "in Bar"
5786 : return 4710
5787 :endfunction
5788 :
5789 :throw Foo("arrgh") + Bar()
5790
5791This throws "arrgh", and "in Bar" is not displayed since Bar() is not
5792executed. >
5793 :throw Foo("foo") + Bar()
5794however displays "in Bar" and throws 4711.
5795
5796Any other command that takes an expression as argument might also be
5797abandoned by an (uncaught) exception during the expression evaluation. The
5798exception is then propagated to the caller of the command.
5799 Example: >
5800
5801 :if Foo("arrgh")
5802 : echo "then"
5803 :else
5804 : echo "else"
5805 :endif
5806
5807Here neither of "then" or "else" is displayed.
5808
5809 *catch-order*
5810Exceptions can be caught by a try conditional with one or more |:catch|
5811commands, see |try-conditionals|. The values to be caught by each ":catch"
5812command can be specified as a pattern argument. The subsequent catch clause
5813gets executed when a matching exception is caught.
5814 Example: >
5815
5816 :function! Foo(value)
5817 : try
5818 : throw a:value
5819 : catch /^\d\+$/
5820 : echo "Number thrown"
5821 : catch /.*/
5822 : echo "String thrown"
5823 : endtry
5824 :endfunction
5825 :
5826 :call Foo(0x1267)
5827 :call Foo('string')
5828
5829The first call to Foo() displays "Number thrown", the second "String thrown".
5830An exception is matched against the ":catch" commands in the order they are
5831specified. Only the first match counts. So you should place the more
5832specific ":catch" first. The following order does not make sense: >
5833
5834 : catch /.*/
5835 : echo "String thrown"
5836 : catch /^\d\+$/
5837 : echo "Number thrown"
5838
5839The first ":catch" here matches always, so that the second catch clause is
5840never taken.
5841
5842 *throw-variables*
5843If you catch an exception by a general pattern, you may access the exact value
5844in the variable |v:exception|: >
5845
5846 : catch /^\d\+$/
5847 : echo "Number thrown. Value is" v:exception
5848
5849You may also be interested where an exception was thrown. This is stored in
5850|v:throwpoint|. Note that "v:exception" and "v:throwpoint" are valid for the
5851exception most recently caught as long it is not finished.
5852 Example: >
5853
5854 :function! Caught()
5855 : if v:exception != ""
5856 : echo 'Caught "' . v:exception . '" in ' . v:throwpoint
5857 : else
5858 : echo 'Nothing caught'
5859 : endif
5860 :endfunction
5861 :
5862 :function! Foo()
5863 : try
5864 : try
5865 : try
5866 : throw 4711
5867 : finally
5868 : call Caught()
5869 : endtry
5870 : catch /.*/
5871 : call Caught()
5872 : throw "oops"
5873 : endtry
5874 : catch /.*/
5875 : call Caught()
5876 : finally
5877 : call Caught()
5878 : endtry
5879 :endfunction
5880 :
5881 :call Foo()
5882
5883This displays >
5884
5885 Nothing caught
5886 Caught "4711" in function Foo, line 4
5887 Caught "oops" in function Foo, line 10
5888 Nothing caught
5889
5890A practical example: The following command ":LineNumber" displays the line
5891number in the script or function where it has been used: >
5892
5893 :function! LineNumber()
5894 : return substitute(v:throwpoint, '.*\D\(\d\+\).*', '\1', "")
5895 :endfunction
5896 :command! LineNumber try | throw "" | catch | echo LineNumber() | endtry
5897<
5898 *try-nested*
5899An exception that is not caught by a try conditional can be caught by
5900a surrounding try conditional: >
5901
5902 :try
5903 : try
5904 : throw "foo"
5905 : catch /foobar/
5906 : echo "foobar"
5907 : finally
5908 : echo "inner finally"
5909 : endtry
5910 :catch /foo/
5911 : echo "foo"
5912 :endtry
5913
5914The inner try conditional does not catch the exception, just its finally
5915clause is executed. The exception is then caught by the outer try
5916conditional. The example displays "inner finally" and then "foo".
5917
5918 *throw-from-catch*
5919You can catch an exception and throw a new one to be caught elsewhere from the
5920catch clause: >
5921
5922 :function! Foo()
5923 : throw "foo"
5924 :endfunction
5925 :
5926 :function! Bar()
5927 : try
5928 : call Foo()
5929 : catch /foo/
5930 : echo "Caught foo, throw bar"
5931 : throw "bar"
5932 : endtry
5933 :endfunction
5934 :
5935 :try
5936 : call Bar()
5937 :catch /.*/
5938 : echo "Caught" v:exception
5939 :endtry
5940
5941This displays "Caught foo, throw bar" and then "Caught bar".
5942
5943 *rethrow*
5944There is no real rethrow in the Vim script language, but you may throw
5945"v:exception" instead: >
5946
5947 :function! Bar()
5948 : try
5949 : call Foo()
5950 : catch /.*/
5951 : echo "Rethrow" v:exception
5952 : throw v:exception
5953 : endtry
5954 :endfunction
5955< *try-echoerr*
5956Note that this method cannot be used to "rethrow" Vim error or interrupt
5957exceptions, because it is not possible to fake Vim internal exceptions.
5958Trying so causes an error exception. You should throw your own exception
5959denoting the situation. If you want to cause a Vim error exception containing
5960the original error exception value, you can use the |:echoerr| command: >
5961
5962 :try
5963 : try
5964 : asdf
5965 : catch /.*/
5966 : echoerr v:exception
5967 : endtry
5968 :catch /.*/
5969 : echo v:exception
5970 :endtry
5971
5972This code displays
5973
5974 Vim(echoerr):Vim:E492: Not an editor command: asdf ~
5975
5976
5977CLEANUP CODE *try-finally*
5978
5979Scripts often change global settings and restore them at their end. If the
5980user however interrupts the script by pressing CTRL-C, the settings remain in
5981an inconsistent state. The same may happen to you in the development phase of
5982a script when an error occurs or you explicitly throw an exception without
5983catching it. You can solve these problems by using a try conditional with
5984a finally clause for restoring the settings. Its execution is guaranteed on
5985normal control flow, on error, on an explicit ":throw", and on interrupt.
5986(Note that errors and interrupts from inside the try conditional are converted
5987to exceptions. When not caught, they terminate the script after the finally
5988clause has been executed.)
5989Example: >
5990
5991 :try
5992 : let s:saved_ts = &ts
5993 : set ts=17
5994 :
5995 : " Do the hard work here.
5996 :
5997 :finally
5998 : let &ts = s:saved_ts
5999 : unlet s:saved_ts
6000 :endtry
6001
6002This method should be used locally whenever a function or part of a script
6003changes global settings which need to be restored on failure or normal exit of
6004that function or script part.
6005
6006 *break-finally*
6007Cleanup code works also when the try block or a catch clause is left by
6008a ":continue", ":break", ":return", or ":finish".
6009 Example: >
6010
6011 :let first = 1
6012 :while 1
6013 : try
6014 : if first
6015 : echo "first"
6016 : let first = 0
6017 : continue
6018 : else
6019 : throw "second"
6020 : endif
6021 : catch /.*/
6022 : echo v:exception
6023 : break
6024 : finally
6025 : echo "cleanup"
6026 : endtry
6027 : echo "still in while"
6028 :endwhile
6029 :echo "end"
6030
6031This displays "first", "cleanup", "second", "cleanup", and "end". >
6032
6033 :function! Foo()
6034 : try
6035 : return 4711
6036 : finally
6037 : echo "cleanup\n"
6038 : endtry
6039 : echo "Foo still active"
6040 :endfunction
6041 :
6042 :echo Foo() "returned by Foo"
6043
6044This displays "cleanup" and "4711 returned by Foo". You don't need to add an
6045extra ":return" in the finally clause. (Above all, this would override the
6046return value.)
6047
6048 *except-from-finally*
6049Using either of ":continue", ":break", ":return", ":finish", or ":throw" in
6050a finally clause is possible, but not recommended since it abandons the
6051cleanup actions for the try conditional. But, of course, interrupt and error
6052exceptions might get raised from a finally clause.
6053 Example where an error in the finally clause stops an interrupt from
6054working correctly: >
6055
6056 :try
6057 : try
6058 : echo "Press CTRL-C for interrupt"
6059 : while 1
6060 : endwhile
6061 : finally
6062 : unlet novar
6063 : endtry
6064 :catch /novar/
6065 :endtry
6066 :echo "Script still running"
6067 :sleep 1
6068
6069If you need to put commands that could fail into a finally clause, you should
6070think about catching or ignoring the errors in these commands, see
6071|catch-errors| and |ignore-errors|.
6072
6073
6074CATCHING ERRORS *catch-errors*
6075
6076If you want to catch specific errors, you just have to put the code to be
6077watched in a try block and add a catch clause for the error message. The
6078presence of the try conditional causes all errors to be converted to an
6079exception. No message is displayed and |v:errmsg| is not set then. To find
6080the right pattern for the ":catch" command, you have to know how the format of
6081the error exception is.
6082 Error exceptions have the following format: >
6083
6084 Vim({cmdname}):{errmsg}
6085or >
6086 Vim:{errmsg}
6087
6088{cmdname} is the name of the command that failed; the second form is used when
6089the command name is not known. {errmsg} is the error message usually produced
6090when the error occurs outside try conditionals. It always begins with
6091a capital "E", followed by a two or three-digit error number, a colon, and
6092a space.
6093
6094Examples:
6095
6096The command >
6097 :unlet novar
6098normally produces the error message >
6099 E108: No such variable: "novar"
6100which is converted inside try conditionals to an exception >
6101 Vim(unlet):E108: No such variable: "novar"
6102
6103The command >
6104 :dwim
6105normally produces the error message >
6106 E492: Not an editor command: dwim
6107which is converted inside try conditionals to an exception >
6108 Vim:E492: Not an editor command: dwim
6109
6110You can catch all ":unlet" errors by a >
6111 :catch /^Vim(unlet):/
6112or all errors for misspelled command names by a >
6113 :catch /^Vim:E492:/
6114
6115Some error messages may be produced by different commands: >
6116 :function nofunc
6117and >
6118 :delfunction nofunc
6119both produce the error message >
6120 E128: Function name must start with a capital: nofunc
6121which is converted inside try conditionals to an exception >
6122 Vim(function):E128: Function name must start with a capital: nofunc
6123or >
6124 Vim(delfunction):E128: Function name must start with a capital: nofunc
6125respectively. You can catch the error by its number independently on the
6126command that caused it if you use the following pattern: >
6127 :catch /^Vim(\a\+):E128:/
6128
6129Some commands like >
6130 :let x = novar
6131produce multiple error messages, here: >
6132 E121: Undefined variable: novar
6133 E15: Invalid expression: novar
6134Only the first is used for the exception value, since it is the most specific
6135one (see |except-several-errors|). So you can catch it by >
6136 :catch /^Vim(\a\+):E121:/
6137
6138You can catch all errors related to the name "nofunc" by >
6139 :catch /\<nofunc\>/
6140
6141You can catch all Vim errors in the ":write" and ":read" commands by >
6142 :catch /^Vim(\(write\|read\)):E\d\+:/
6143
6144You can catch all Vim errors by the pattern >
6145 :catch /^Vim\((\a\+)\)\=:E\d\+:/
6146<
6147 *catch-text*
6148NOTE: You should never catch the error message text itself: >
6149 :catch /No such variable/
6150only works in the english locale, but not when the user has selected
6151a different language by the |:language| command. It is however helpful to
6152cite the message text in a comment: >
6153 :catch /^Vim(\a\+):E108:/ " No such variable
6154
6155
6156IGNORING ERRORS *ignore-errors*
6157
6158You can ignore errors in a specific Vim command by catching them locally: >
6159
6160 :try
6161 : write
6162 :catch
6163 :endtry
6164
6165But you are strongly recommended NOT to use this simple form, since it could
6166catch more than you want. With the ":write" command, some autocommands could
6167be executed and cause errors not related to writing, for instance: >
6168
6169 :au BufWritePre * unlet novar
6170
6171There could even be such errors you are not responsible for as a script
6172writer: a user of your script might have defined such autocommands. You would
6173then hide the error from the user.
6174 It is much better to use >
6175
6176 :try
6177 : write
6178 :catch /^Vim(write):/
6179 :endtry
6180
6181which only catches real write errors. So catch only what you'd like to ignore
6182intentionally.
6183
6184For a single command that does not cause execution of autocommands, you could
6185even suppress the conversion of errors to exceptions by the ":silent!"
6186command: >
6187 :silent! nunmap k
6188This works also when a try conditional is active.
6189
6190
6191CATCHING INTERRUPTS *catch-interrupt*
6192
6193When there are active try conditionals, an interrupt (CTRL-C) is converted to
6194the exception "Vim:Interrupt". You can catch it like every exception. The
6195script is not terminated, then.
6196 Example: >
6197
6198 :function! TASK1()
6199 : sleep 10
6200 :endfunction
6201
6202 :function! TASK2()
6203 : sleep 20
6204 :endfunction
6205
6206 :while 1
6207 : let command = input("Type a command: ")
6208 : try
6209 : if command == ""
6210 : continue
6211 : elseif command == "END"
6212 : break
6213 : elseif command == "TASK1"
6214 : call TASK1()
6215 : elseif command == "TASK2"
6216 : call TASK2()
6217 : else
6218 : echo "\nIllegal command:" command
6219 : continue
6220 : endif
6221 : catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/
6222 : echo "\nCommand interrupted"
6223 : " Caught the interrupt. Continue with next prompt.
6224 : endtry
6225 :endwhile
6226
6227You can interrupt a task here by pressing CTRL-C; the script then asks for
6228a new command. If you press CTRL-C at the prompt, the script is terminated.
6229
6230For testing what happens when CTRL-C would be pressed on a specific line in
6231your script, use the debug mode and execute the |>quit| or |>interrupt|
6232command on that line. See |debug-scripts|.
6233
6234
6235CATCHING ALL *catch-all*
6236
6237The commands >
6238
6239 :catch /.*/
6240 :catch //
6241 :catch
6242
6243catch everything, error exceptions, interrupt exceptions and exceptions
6244explicitly thrown by the |:throw| command. This is useful at the top level of
6245a script in order to catch unexpected things.
6246 Example: >
6247
6248 :try
6249 :
6250 : " do the hard work here
6251 :
6252 :catch /MyException/
6253 :
6254 : " handle known problem
6255 :
6256 :catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/
6257 : echo "Script interrupted"
6258 :catch /.*/
6259 : echo "Internal error (" . v:exception . ")"
6260 : echo " - occurred at " . v:throwpoint
6261 :endtry
6262 :" end of script
6263
6264Note: Catching all might catch more things than you want. Thus, you are
6265strongly encouraged to catch only for problems that you can really handle by
6266specifying a pattern argument to the ":catch".
6267 Example: Catching all could make it nearly impossible to interrupt a script
6268by pressing CTRL-C: >
6269
6270 :while 1
6271 : try
6272 : sleep 1
6273 : catch
6274 : endtry
6275 :endwhile
6276
6277
6278EXCEPTIONS AND AUTOCOMMANDS *except-autocmd*
6279
6280Exceptions may be used during execution of autocommands. Example: >
6281
6282 :autocmd User x try
6283 :autocmd User x throw "Oops!"
6284 :autocmd User x catch
6285 :autocmd User x echo v:exception
6286 :autocmd User x endtry
6287 :autocmd User x throw "Arrgh!"
6288 :autocmd User x echo "Should not be displayed"
6289 :
6290 :try
6291 : doautocmd User x
6292 :catch
6293 : echo v:exception
6294 :endtry
6295
6296This displays "Oops!" and "Arrgh!".
6297
6298 *except-autocmd-Pre*
6299For some commands, autocommands get executed before the main action of the
6300command takes place. If an exception is thrown and not caught in the sequence
6301of autocommands, the sequence and the command that caused its execution are
6302abandoned and the exception is propagated to the caller of the command.
6303 Example: >
6304
6305 :autocmd BufWritePre * throw "FAIL"
6306 :autocmd BufWritePre * echo "Should not be displayed"
6307 :
6308 :try
6309 : write
6310 :catch
6311 : echo "Caught:" v:exception "from" v:throwpoint
6312 :endtry
6313
6314Here, the ":write" command does not write the file currently being edited (as
6315you can see by checking 'modified'), since the exception from the BufWritePre
6316autocommand abandons the ":write". The exception is then caught and the
6317script displays: >
6318
6319 Caught: FAIL from BufWrite Auto commands for "*"
6320<
6321 *except-autocmd-Post*
6322For some commands, autocommands get executed after the main action of the
6323command has taken place. If this main action fails and the command is inside
6324an active try conditional, the autocommands are skipped and an error exception
6325is thrown that can be caught by the caller of the command.
6326 Example: >
6327
6328 :autocmd BufWritePost * echo "File successfully written!"
6329 :
6330 :try
6331 : write /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
6332 :catch
6333 : echo v:exception
6334 :endtry
6335
6336This just displays: >
6337
6338 Vim(write):E212: Can't open file for writing (/i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e)
6339
6340If you really need to execute the autocommands even when the main action
6341fails, trigger the event from the catch clause.
6342 Example: >
6343
6344 :autocmd BufWritePre * set noreadonly
6345 :autocmd BufWritePost * set readonly
6346 :
6347 :try
6348 : write /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
6349 :catch
6350 : doautocmd BufWritePost /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
6351 :endtry
6352<
6353You can also use ":silent!": >
6354
6355 :let x = "ok"
6356 :let v:errmsg = ""
6357 :autocmd BufWritePost * if v:errmsg != ""
6358 :autocmd BufWritePost * let x = "after fail"
6359 :autocmd BufWritePost * endif
6360 :try
6361 : silent! write /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
6362 :catch
6363 :endtry
6364 :echo x
6365
6366This displays "after fail".
6367
6368If the main action of the command does not fail, exceptions from the
6369autocommands will be catchable by the caller of the command: >
6370
6371 :autocmd BufWritePost * throw ":-("
6372 :autocmd BufWritePost * echo "Should not be displayed"
6373 :
6374 :try
6375 : write
6376 :catch
6377 : echo v:exception
6378 :endtry
6379<
6380 *except-autocmd-Cmd*
6381For some commands, the normal action can be replaced by a sequence of
6382autocommands. Exceptions from that sequence will be catchable by the caller
6383of the command.
6384 Example: For the ":write" command, the caller cannot know whether the file
6385had actually been written when the exception occurred. You need to tell it in
6386some way. >
6387
6388 :if !exists("cnt")
6389 : let cnt = 0
6390 :
6391 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * if &modified
6392 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * let cnt = cnt + 1
6393 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * if cnt % 3 == 2
6394 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * throw "BufWriteCmdError"
6395 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * endif
6396 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * write | set nomodified
6397 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * if cnt % 3 == 0
6398 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * throw "BufWriteCmdError"
6399 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * endif
6400 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * echo "File successfully written!"
6401 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * endif
6402 :endif
6403 :
6404 :try
6405 : write
6406 :catch /^BufWriteCmdError$/
6407 : if &modified
6408 : echo "Error on writing (file contents not changed)"
6409 : else
6410 : echo "Error after writing"
6411 : endif
6412 :catch /^Vim(write):/
6413 : echo "Error on writing"
6414 :endtry
6415
6416When this script is sourced several times after making changes, it displays
6417first >
6418 File successfully written!
6419then >
6420 Error on writing (file contents not changed)
6421then >
6422 Error after writing
6423etc.
6424
6425 *except-autocmd-ill*
6426You cannot spread a try conditional over autocommands for different events.
6427The following code is ill-formed: >
6428
6429 :autocmd BufWritePre * try
6430 :
6431 :autocmd BufWritePost * catch
6432 :autocmd BufWritePost * echo v:exception
6433 :autocmd BufWritePost * endtry
6434 :
6435 :write
6436
6437
6438EXCEPTION HIERARCHIES AND PARAMETERIZED EXCEPTIONS *except-hier-param*
6439
6440Some programming languages allow to use hierarchies of exception classes or to
6441pass additional information with the object of an exception class. You can do
6442similar things in Vim.
6443 In order to throw an exception from a hierarchy, just throw the complete
6444class name with the components separated by a colon, for instance throw the
6445string "EXCEPT:MATHERR:OVERFLOW" for an overflow in a mathematical library.
6446 When you want to pass additional information with your exception class, add
6447it in parentheses, for instance throw the string "EXCEPT:IO:WRITEERR(myfile)"
6448for an error when writing "myfile".
6449 With the appropriate patterns in the ":catch" command, you can catch for
6450base classes or derived classes of your hierarchy. Additional information in
6451parentheses can be cut out from |v:exception| with the ":substitute" command.
6452 Example: >
6453
6454 :function! CheckRange(a, func)
6455 : if a:a < 0
6456 : throw "EXCEPT:MATHERR:RANGE(" . a:func . ")"
6457 : endif
6458 :endfunction
6459 :
6460 :function! Add(a, b)
6461 : call CheckRange(a:a, "Add")
6462 : call CheckRange(a:b, "Add")
6463 : let c = a:a + a:b
6464 : if c < 0
6465 : throw "EXCEPT:MATHERR:OVERFLOW"
6466 : endif
6467 : return c
6468 :endfunction
6469 :
6470 :function! Div(a, b)
6471 : call CheckRange(a:a, "Div")
6472 : call CheckRange(a:b, "Div")
6473 : if (a:b == 0)
6474 : throw "EXCEPT:MATHERR:ZERODIV"
6475 : endif
6476 : return a:a / a:b
6477 :endfunction
6478 :
6479 :function! Write(file)
6480 : try
6481 : execute "write" a:file
6482 : catch /^Vim(write):/
6483 : throw "EXCEPT:IO(" . getcwd() . ", " . a:file . "):WRITEERR"
6484 : endtry
6485 :endfunction
6486 :
6487 :try
6488 :
6489 : " something with arithmetics and I/O
6490 :
6491 :catch /^EXCEPT:MATHERR:RANGE/
6492 : let function = substitute(v:exception, '.*(\(\a\+\)).*', '\1', "")
6493 : echo "Range error in" function
6494 :
6495 :catch /^EXCEPT:MATHERR/ " catches OVERFLOW and ZERODIV
6496 : echo "Math error"
6497 :
6498 :catch /^EXCEPT:IO/
6499 : let dir = substitute(v:exception, '.*(\(.\+\),\s*.\+).*', '\1', "")
6500 : let file = substitute(v:exception, '.*(.\+,\s*\(.\+\)).*', '\1', "")
6501 : if file !~ '^/'
6502 : let file = dir . "/" . file
6503 : endif
6504 : echo 'I/O error for "' . file . '"'
6505 :
6506 :catch /^EXCEPT/
6507 : echo "Unspecified error"
6508 :
6509 :endtry
6510
6511The exceptions raised by Vim itself (on error or when pressing CTRL-C) use
6512a flat hierarchy: they are all in the "Vim" class. You cannot throw yourself
6513exceptions with the "Vim" prefix; they are reserved for Vim.
6514 Vim error exceptions are parameterized with the name of the command that
6515failed, if known. See |catch-errors|.
6516
6517
6518PECULIARITIES
6519 *except-compat*
6520The exception handling concept requires that the command sequence causing the
6521exception is aborted immediately and control is transferred to finally clauses
6522and/or a catch clause.
6523
6524In the Vim script language there are cases where scripts and functions
6525continue after an error: in functions without the "abort" flag or in a command
6526after ":silent!", control flow goes to the following line, and outside
6527functions, control flow goes to the line following the outermost ":endwhile"
6528or ":endif". On the other hand, errors should be catchable as exceptions
6529(thus, requiring the immediate abortion).
6530
6531This problem has been solved by converting errors to exceptions and using
6532immediate abortion (if not suppressed by ":silent!") only when a try
6533conditional is active. This is no restriction since an (error) exception can
6534be caught only from an active try conditional. If you want an immediate
6535termination without catching the error, just use a try conditional without
6536catch clause. (You can cause cleanup code being executed before termination
6537by specifying a finally clause.)
6538
6539When no try conditional is active, the usual abortion and continuation
6540behavior is used instead of immediate abortion. This ensures compatibility of
6541scripts written for Vim 6.1 and earlier.
6542
6543However, when sourcing an existing script that does not use exception handling
6544commands (or when calling one of its functions) from inside an active try
6545conditional of a new script, you might change the control flow of the existing
6546script on error. You get the immediate abortion on error and can catch the
6547error in the new script. If however the sourced script suppresses error
6548messages by using the ":silent!" command (checking for errors by testing
6549|v:errmsg| if appropriate), its execution path is not changed. The error is
6550not converted to an exception. (See |:silent|.) So the only remaining cause
6551where this happens is for scripts that don't care about errors and produce
6552error messages. You probably won't want to use such code from your new
6553scripts.
6554
6555 *except-syntax-err*
6556Syntax errors in the exception handling commands are never caught by any of
6557the ":catch" commands of the try conditional they belong to. Its finally
6558clauses, however, is executed.
6559 Example: >
6560
6561 :try
6562 : try
6563 : throw 4711
6564 : catch /\(/
6565 : echo "in catch with syntax error"
6566 : catch
6567 : echo "inner catch-all"
6568 : finally
6569 : echo "inner finally"
6570 : endtry
6571 :catch
6572 : echo 'outer catch-all caught "' . v:exception . '"'
6573 : finally
6574 : echo "outer finally"
6575 :endtry
6576
6577This displays: >
6578 inner finally
6579 outer catch-all caught "Vim(catch):E54: Unmatched \("
6580 outer finally
6581The original exception is discarded and an error exception is raised, instead.
6582
6583 *except-single-line*
6584The ":try", ":catch", ":finally", and ":endtry" commands can be put on
6585a single line, but then syntax errors may make it difficult to recognize the
6586"catch" line, thus you better avoid this.
6587 Example: >
6588 :try | unlet! foo # | catch | endtry
6589raises an error exception for the trailing characters after the ":unlet!"
6590argument, but does not see the ":catch" and ":endtry" commands, so that the
6591error exception is discarded and the "E488: Trailing characters" message gets
6592displayed.
6593
6594 *except-several-errors*
6595When several errors appear in a single command, the first error message is
6596usually the most specific one and therefor converted to the error exception.
6597 Example: >
6598 echo novar
6599causes >
6600 E121: Undefined variable: novar
6601 E15: Invalid expression: novar
6602The value of the error exception inside try conditionals is: >
6603 Vim(echo):E121: Undefined variable: novar
6604< *except-syntax-error*
6605But when a syntax error is detected after a normal error in the same command,
6606the syntax error is used for the exception being thrown.
6607 Example: >
6608 unlet novar #
6609causes >
6610 E108: No such variable: "novar"
6611 E488: Trailing characters
6612The value of the error exception inside try conditionals is: >
6613 Vim(unlet):E488: Trailing characters
6614This is done because the syntax error might change the execution path in a way
6615not intended by the user. Example: >
6616 try
6617 try | unlet novar # | catch | echo v:exception | endtry
6618 catch /.*/
6619 echo "outer catch:" v:exception
6620 endtry
6621This displays "outer catch: Vim(unlet):E488: Trailing characters", and then
6622a "E600: Missing :endtry" error message is given, see |except-single-line|.
6623
6624==============================================================================
66259. Examples *eval-examples*
6626
6627Printing in Hex ~
6628>
6629 :" The function Nr2Hex() returns the Hex string of a number.
6630 :func Nr2Hex(nr)
6631 : let n = a:nr
6632 : let r = ""
6633 : while n
6634 : let r = '0123456789ABCDEF'[n % 16] . r
6635 : let n = n / 16
6636 : endwhile
6637 : return r
6638 :endfunc
6639
6640 :" The function String2Hex() converts each character in a string to a two
6641 :" character Hex string.
6642 :func String2Hex(str)
6643 : let out = ''
6644 : let ix = 0
6645 : while ix < strlen(a:str)
6646 : let out = out . Nr2Hex(char2nr(a:str[ix]))
6647 : let ix = ix + 1
6648 : endwhile
6649 : return out
6650 :endfunc
6651
6652Example of its use: >
6653 :echo Nr2Hex(32)
6654result: "20" >
6655 :echo String2Hex("32")
6656result: "3332"
6657
6658
6659Sorting lines (by Robert Webb) ~
6660
6661Here is a Vim script to sort lines. Highlight the lines in Vim and type
6662":Sort". This doesn't call any external programs so it'll work on any
6663platform. The function Sort() actually takes the name of a comparison
6664function as its argument, like qsort() does in C. So you could supply it
6665with different comparison functions in order to sort according to date etc.
6666>
6667 :" Function for use with Sort(), to compare two strings.
6668 :func! Strcmp(str1, str2)
6669 : if (a:str1 < a:str2)
6670 : return -1
6671 : elseif (a:str1 > a:str2)
6672 : return 1
6673 : else
6674 : return 0
6675 : endif
6676 :endfunction
6677
6678 :" Sort lines. SortR() is called recursively.
6679 :func! SortR(start, end, cmp)
6680 : if (a:start >= a:end)
6681 : return
6682 : endif
6683 : let partition = a:start - 1
6684 : let middle = partition
6685 : let partStr = getline((a:start + a:end) / 2)
6686 : let i = a:start
6687 : while (i <= a:end)
6688 : let str = getline(i)
6689 : exec "let result = " . a:cmp . "(str, partStr)"
6690 : if (result <= 0)
6691 : " Need to put it before the partition. Swap lines i and partition.
6692 : let partition = partition + 1
6693 : if (result == 0)
6694 : let middle = partition
6695 : endif
6696 : if (i != partition)
6697 : let str2 = getline(partition)
6698 : call setline(i, str2)
6699 : call setline(partition, str)
6700 : endif
6701 : endif
6702 : let i = i + 1
6703 : endwhile
6704
6705 : " Now we have a pointer to the "middle" element, as far as partitioning
6706 : " goes, which could be anywhere before the partition. Make sure it is at
6707 : " the end of the partition.
6708 : if (middle != partition)
6709 : let str = getline(middle)
6710 : let str2 = getline(partition)
6711 : call setline(middle, str2)
6712 : call setline(partition, str)
6713 : endif
6714 : call SortR(a:start, partition - 1, a:cmp)
6715 : call SortR(partition + 1, a:end, a:cmp)
6716 :endfunc
6717
6718 :" To Sort a range of lines, pass the range to Sort() along with the name of a
6719 :" function that will compare two lines.
6720 :func! Sort(cmp) range
6721 : call SortR(a:firstline, a:lastline, a:cmp)
6722 :endfunc
6723
6724 :" :Sort takes a range of lines and sorts them.
6725 :command! -nargs=0 -range Sort <line1>,<line2>call Sort("Strcmp")
6726<
6727 *sscanf*
6728There is no sscanf() function in Vim. If you need to extract parts from a
6729line, you can use matchstr() and substitute() to do it. This example shows
6730how to get the file name, line number and column number out of a line like
6731"foobar.txt, 123, 45". >
6732 :" Set up the match bit
6733 :let mx='\(\f\+\),\s*\(\d\+\),\s*\(\d\+\)'
6734 :"get the part matching the whole expression
6735 :let l = matchstr(line, mx)
6736 :"get each item out of the match
6737 :let file = substitute(l, mx, '\1', '')
6738 :let lnum = substitute(l, mx, '\2', '')
6739 :let col = substitute(l, mx, '\3', '')
6740
6741The input is in the variable "line", the results in the variables "file",
6742"lnum" and "col". (idea from Michael Geddes)
6743
6744==============================================================================
674510. No +eval feature *no-eval-feature*
6746
6747When the |+eval| feature was disabled at compile time, none of the expression
6748evaluation commands are available. To prevent this from causing Vim scripts
6749to generate all kinds of errors, the ":if" and ":endif" commands are still
6750recognized, though the argument of the ":if" and everything between the ":if"
6751and the matching ":endif" is ignored. Nesting of ":if" blocks is allowed, but
6752only if the commands are at the start of the line. The ":else" command is not
6753recognized.
6754
6755Example of how to avoid executing commands when the |+eval| feature is
6756missing: >
6757
6758 :if 1
6759 : echo "Expression evaluation is compiled in"
6760 :else
6761 : echo "You will _never_ see this message"
6762 :endif
6763
6764==============================================================================
676511. The sandbox *eval-sandbox* *sandbox* *E48*
6766
6767The 'foldexpr', 'includeexpr', 'indentexpr', 'statusline' and 'foldtext'
6768options are evaluated in a sandbox. This means that you are protected from
6769these expressions having nasty side effects. This gives some safety for when
6770these options are set from a modeline. It is also used when the command from
6771a tags file is executed.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00006772The sandbox is also used for the |:sandbox| command.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006773
6774These items are not allowed in the sandbox:
6775 - changing the buffer text
6776 - defining or changing mapping, autocommands, functions, user commands
6777 - setting certain options (see |option-summary|)
6778 - executing a shell command
6779 - reading or writing a file
6780 - jumping to another buffer or editing a file
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00006781This is not guaranteed 100% secure, but it should block most attacks.
6782
6783 *:san* *:sandbox*
Bram Moolenaar045e82d2005-07-08 22:25:33 +00006784:san[dbox] {cmd} Execute {cmd} in the sandbox. Useful to evaluate an
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00006785 option that may have been set from a modeline, e.g.
6786 'foldexpr'.
6787
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006788
6789 vim:tw=78:ts=8:ft=help:norl: