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Bram Moolenaar91170f82006-05-05 21:15:17 +00001*eval.txt* For Vim version 7.0g. Last change: 2006 May 05
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002
3
4 VIM REFERENCE MANUAL by Bram Moolenaar
5
6
7Expression evaluation *expression* *expr* *E15* *eval*
8
9Using expressions is introduced in chapter 41 of the user manual |usr_41.txt|.
10
11Note: Expression evaluation can be disabled at compile time. If this has been
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +000012done, the features in this document are not available. See |+eval| and
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000013|no-eval-feature|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000014
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000151. Variables |variables|
16 1.1 Variable types
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +000017 1.2 Function references |Funcref|
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +000018 1.3 Lists |Lists|
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000019 1.4 Dictionaries |Dictionaries|
20 1.5 More about variables |more-variables|
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000212. Expression syntax |expression-syntax|
223. Internal variable |internal-variables|
234. Builtin Functions |functions|
245. Defining functions |user-functions|
256. Curly braces names |curly-braces-names|
267. Commands |expression-commands|
278. Exception handling |exception-handling|
289. Examples |eval-examples|
2910. No +eval feature |no-eval-feature|
3011. The sandbox |eval-sandbox|
Bram Moolenaarb71eaae2006-01-20 23:10:18 +00003112. Textlock |textlock|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000032
33{Vi does not have any of these commands}
34
35==============================================================================
361. Variables *variables*
37
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000381.1 Variable types ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +000039 *E712*
Bram Moolenaar39a58ca2005-06-27 22:42:44 +000040There are five types of variables:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000041
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000042Number A 32 bit signed number.
43 Examples: -123 0x10 0177
44
45String A NUL terminated string of 8-bit unsigned characters (bytes).
46 Examples: "ab\txx\"--" 'x-z''a,c'
47
48Funcref A reference to a function |Funcref|.
49 Example: function("strlen")
50
51List An ordered sequence of items |List|.
52 Example: [1, 2, ['a', 'b']]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000053
Bram Moolenaar39a58ca2005-06-27 22:42:44 +000054Dictionary An associative, unordered array: Each entry has a key and a
55 value. |Dictionary|
56 Example: {'blue': "#0000ff", 'red': "#ff0000"}
57
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +000058The Number and String types are converted automatically, depending on how they
59are used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000060
61Conversion from a Number to a String is by making the ASCII representation of
62the Number. Examples: >
63 Number 123 --> String "123"
64 Number 0 --> String "0"
65 Number -1 --> String "-1"
66
67Conversion from a String to a Number is done by converting the first digits
68to a number. Hexadecimal "0xf9" and Octal "017" numbers are recognized. If
69the String doesn't start with digits, the result is zero. Examples: >
70 String "456" --> Number 456
71 String "6bar" --> Number 6
72 String "foo" --> Number 0
73 String "0xf1" --> Number 241
74 String "0100" --> Number 64
75 String "-8" --> Number -8
76 String "+8" --> Number 0
77
78To force conversion from String to Number, add zero to it: >
79 :echo "0100" + 0
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +000080< 64 ~
81
82To avoid a leading zero to cause octal conversion, or for using a different
83base, use |str2nr()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000084
85For boolean operators Numbers are used. Zero is FALSE, non-zero is TRUE.
86
87Note that in the command >
88 :if "foo"
89"foo" is converted to 0, which means FALSE. To test for a non-empty string,
90use strlen(): >
91 :if strlen("foo")
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +000092< *E745* *E728* *E703* *E729* *E730* *E731*
93List, Dictionary and Funcref types are not automatically converted.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +000094
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +000095 *E706*
96You will get an error if you try to change the type of a variable. You need
97to |:unlet| it first to avoid this error. String and Number are considered
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000098equivalent though. Consider this sequence of commands: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +000099 :let l = "string"
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000100 :let l = 44 " changes type from String to Number
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000101 :let l = [1, 2, 3] " error!
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000102
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000103
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00001041.2 Function references ~
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +0000105 *Funcref* *E695* *E718*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000106A Funcref variable is obtained with the |function()| function. It can be used
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000107in an expression in the place of a function name, before the parenthesis
108around the arguments, to invoke the function it refers to. Example: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000109
110 :let Fn = function("MyFunc")
111 :echo Fn()
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000112< *E704* *E705* *E707*
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +0000113A Funcref variable must start with a capital, "s:", "w:", "t:" or "b:". You
114cannot have both a Funcref variable and a function with the same name.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000115
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000116A special case is defining a function and directly assigning its Funcref to a
117Dictionary entry. Example: >
118 :function dict.init() dict
119 : let self.val = 0
120 :endfunction
121
122The key of the Dictionary can start with a lower case letter. The actual
123function name is not used here. Also see |numbered-function|.
124
125A Funcref can also be used with the |:call| command: >
126 :call Fn()
127 :call dict.init()
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000128
129The name of the referenced function can be obtained with |string()|. >
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000130 :let func = string(Fn)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000131
132You can use |call()| to invoke a Funcref and use a list variable for the
133arguments: >
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000134 :let r = call(Fn, mylist)
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000135
136
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00001371.3 Lists ~
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +0000138 *List* *Lists* *E686*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000139A List is an ordered sequence of items. An item can be of any type. Items
140can be accessed by their index number. Items can be added and removed at any
141position in the sequence.
142
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000143
144List creation ~
145 *E696* *E697*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000146A List is created with a comma separated list of items in square brackets.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000147Examples: >
148 :let mylist = [1, two, 3, "four"]
149 :let emptylist = []
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000150
151An item can be any expression. Using a List for an item creates a
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +0000152List of Lists: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000153 :let nestlist = [[11, 12], [21, 22], [31, 32]]
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000154
155An extra comma after the last item is ignored.
156
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000157
158List index ~
159 *list-index* *E684*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000160An item in the List can be accessed by putting the index in square brackets
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000161after the List. Indexes are zero-based, thus the first item has index zero. >
162 :let item = mylist[0] " get the first item: 1
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000163 :let item = mylist[2] " get the third item: 3
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000164
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000165When the resulting item is a list this can be repeated: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000166 :let item = nestlist[0][1] " get the first list, second item: 12
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000167<
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000168A negative index is counted from the end. Index -1 refers to the last item in
169the List, -2 to the last but one item, etc. >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000170 :let last = mylist[-1] " get the last item: "four"
171
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000172To avoid an error for an invalid index use the |get()| function. When an item
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000173is not available it returns zero or the default value you specify: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000174 :echo get(mylist, idx)
175 :echo get(mylist, idx, "NONE")
176
177
178List concatenation ~
179
180Two lists can be concatenated with the "+" operator: >
181 :let longlist = mylist + [5, 6]
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000182 :let mylist += [7, 8]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000183
184To prepend or append an item turn the item into a list by putting [] around
185it. To change a list in-place see |list-modification| below.
186
187
188Sublist ~
189
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000190A part of the List can be obtained by specifying the first and last index,
191separated by a colon in square brackets: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000192 :let shortlist = mylist[2:-1] " get List [3, "four"]
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000193
194Omitting the first index is similar to zero. Omitting the last index is
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +0000195similar to -1.
Bram Moolenaar540d6e32005-01-09 21:20:18 +0000196 :let endlist = mylist[2:] " from item 2 to the end: [3, "four"]
197 :let shortlist = mylist[2:2] " List with one item: [3]
198 :let otherlist = mylist[:] " make a copy of the List
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000199
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +0000200If the first index is beyond the last item of the List or the second item is
201before the first item, the result is an empty list. There is no error
202message.
203
204If the second index is equal to or greater than the length of the list the
205length minus one is used: >
Bram Moolenaar9e54a0e2006-04-14 20:42:25 +0000206 :let mylist = [0, 1, 2, 3]
207 :echo mylist[2:8] " result: [2, 3]
208
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +0000209NOTE: mylist[s:e] means using the variable "s:e" as index. Watch out for
210using a single letter variable before the ":". Insert a space when needed:
211mylist[s : e].
212
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000213
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000214List identity ~
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000215 *list-identity*
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000216When variable "aa" is a list and you assign it to another variable "bb", both
217variables refer to the same list. Thus changing the list "aa" will also
218change "bb": >
219 :let aa = [1, 2, 3]
220 :let bb = aa
221 :call add(aa, 4)
222 :echo bb
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000223< [1, 2, 3, 4]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000224
225Making a copy of a list is done with the |copy()| function. Using [:] also
226works, as explained above. This creates a shallow copy of the list: Changing
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000227a list item in the list will also change the item in the copied list: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000228 :let aa = [[1, 'a'], 2, 3]
229 :let bb = copy(aa)
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000230 :call add(aa, 4)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000231 :let aa[0][1] = 'aaa'
232 :echo aa
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000233< [[1, aaa], 2, 3, 4] >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000234 :echo bb
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000235< [[1, aaa], 2, 3]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000236
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000237To make a completely independent list use |deepcopy()|. This also makes a
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000238copy of the values in the list, recursively. Up to a hundred levels deep.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000239
240The operator "is" can be used to check if two variables refer to the same
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000241List. "isnot" does the opposite. In contrast "==" compares if two lists have
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000242the same value. >
243 :let alist = [1, 2, 3]
244 :let blist = [1, 2, 3]
245 :echo alist is blist
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000246< 0 >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000247 :echo alist == blist
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000248< 1
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000249
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000250Note about comparing lists: Two lists are considered equal if they have the
251same length and all items compare equal, as with using "==". There is one
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000252exception: When comparing a number with a string they are considered
253different. There is no automatic type conversion, as with using "==" on
254variables. Example: >
255 echo 4 == "4"
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000256< 1 >
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000257 echo [4] == ["4"]
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000258< 0
259
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000260Thus comparing Lists is more strict than comparing numbers and strings. You
261can compare simple values this way too by putting them in a string: >
262
263 :let a = 5
264 :let b = "5"
265 echo a == b
266< 1 >
267 echo [a] == [b]
268< 0
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000269
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000270
271List unpack ~
272
273To unpack the items in a list to individual variables, put the variables in
274square brackets, like list items: >
275 :let [var1, var2] = mylist
276
277When the number of variables does not match the number of items in the list
278this produces an error. To handle any extra items from the list append ";"
279and a variable name: >
280 :let [var1, var2; rest] = mylist
281
282This works like: >
283 :let var1 = mylist[0]
284 :let var2 = mylist[1]
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000285 :let rest = mylist[2:]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000286
287Except that there is no error if there are only two items. "rest" will be an
288empty list then.
289
290
291List modification ~
292 *list-modification*
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000293To change a specific item of a list use |:let| this way: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000294 :let list[4] = "four"
295 :let listlist[0][3] = item
296
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000297To change part of a list you can specify the first and last item to be
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000298modified. The value must at least have the number of items in the range: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000299 :let list[3:5] = [3, 4, 5]
300
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000301Adding and removing items from a list is done with functions. Here are a few
302examples: >
303 :call insert(list, 'a') " prepend item 'a'
304 :call insert(list, 'a', 3) " insert item 'a' before list[3]
305 :call add(list, "new") " append String item
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000306 :call add(list, [1, 2]) " append a List as one new item
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000307 :call extend(list, [1, 2]) " extend the list with two more items
308 :let i = remove(list, 3) " remove item 3
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +0000309 :unlet list[3] " idem
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000310 :let l = remove(list, 3, -1) " remove items 3 to last item
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +0000311 :unlet list[3 : ] " idem
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000312 :call filter(list, 'v:val !~ "x"') " remove items with an 'x'
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000313
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000314Changing the order of items in a list: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000315 :call sort(list) " sort a list alphabetically
316 :call reverse(list) " reverse the order of items
317
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000318
319For loop ~
320
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000321The |:for| loop executes commands for each item in a list. A variable is set
322to each item in the list in sequence. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000323 :for item in mylist
324 : call Doit(item)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000325 :endfor
326
327This works like: >
328 :let index = 0
329 :while index < len(mylist)
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000330 : let item = mylist[index]
331 : :call Doit(item)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000332 : let index = index + 1
333 :endwhile
334
335Note that all items in the list should be of the same type, otherwise this
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000336results in error |E706|. To avoid this |:unlet| the variable at the end of
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000337the loop.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000338
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000339If all you want to do is modify each item in the list then the |map()|
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000340function will be a simpler method than a for loop.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000341
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000342Just like the |:let| command, |:for| also accepts a list of variables. This
343requires the argument to be a list of lists. >
344 :for [lnum, col] in [[1, 3], [2, 8], [3, 0]]
345 : call Doit(lnum, col)
346 :endfor
347
348This works like a |:let| command is done for each list item. Again, the types
349must remain the same to avoid an error.
350
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000351It is also possible to put remaining items in a List variable: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000352 :for [i, j; rest] in listlist
353 : call Doit(i, j)
354 : if !empty(rest)
355 : echo "remainder: " . string(rest)
356 : endif
357 :endfor
358
359
360List functions ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000361 *E714*
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000362Functions that are useful with a List: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000363 :let r = call(funcname, list) " call a function with an argument list
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000364 :if empty(list) " check if list is empty
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000365 :let l = len(list) " number of items in list
366 :let big = max(list) " maximum value in list
367 :let small = min(list) " minimum value in list
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000368 :let xs = count(list, 'x') " count nr of times 'x' appears in list
369 :let i = index(list, 'x') " index of first 'x' in list
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000370 :let lines = getline(1, 10) " get ten text lines from buffer
371 :call append('$', lines) " append text lines in buffer
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000372 :let list = split("a b c") " create list from items in a string
373 :let string = join(list, ', ') " create string from list items
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000374 :let s = string(list) " String representation of list
375 :call map(list, '">> " . v:val') " prepend ">> " to each item
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000376
Bram Moolenaar0cb032e2005-04-23 20:52:00 +0000377Don't forget that a combination of features can make things simple. For
378example, to add up all the numbers in a list: >
379 :exe 'let sum = ' . join(nrlist, '+')
380
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000381
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003821.4 Dictionaries ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000383 *Dictionaries* *Dictionary*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000384A Dictionary is an associative array: Each entry has a key and a value. The
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000385entry can be located with the key. The entries are stored without a specific
386ordering.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000387
388
389Dictionary creation ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000390 *E720* *E721* *E722* *E723*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000391A Dictionary is created with a comma separated list of entries in curly
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000392braces. Each entry has a key and a value, separated by a colon. Each key can
393only appear once. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000394 :let mydict = {1: 'one', 2: 'two', 3: 'three'}
395 :let emptydict = {}
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000396< *E713* *E716* *E717*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000397A key is always a String. You can use a Number, it will be converted to a
398String automatically. Thus the String '4' and the number 4 will find the same
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000399entry. Note that the String '04' and the Number 04 are different, since the
400Number will be converted to the String '4'.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000401
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000402A value can be any expression. Using a Dictionary for a value creates a
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000403nested Dictionary: >
404 :let nestdict = {1: {11: 'a', 12: 'b'}, 2: {21: 'c'}}
405
406An extra comma after the last entry is ignored.
407
408
409Accessing entries ~
410
411The normal way to access an entry is by putting the key in square brackets: >
412 :let val = mydict["one"]
413 :let mydict["four"] = 4
414
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000415You can add new entries to an existing Dictionary this way, unlike Lists.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000416
417For keys that consist entirely of letters, digits and underscore the following
418form can be used |expr-entry|: >
419 :let val = mydict.one
420 :let mydict.four = 4
421
422Since an entry can be any type, also a List and a Dictionary, the indexing and
423key lookup can be repeated: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000424 :echo dict.key[idx].key
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000425
426
427Dictionary to List conversion ~
428
429You may want to loop over the entries in a dictionary. For this you need to
430turn the Dictionary into a List and pass it to |:for|.
431
432Most often you want to loop over the keys, using the |keys()| function: >
433 :for key in keys(mydict)
434 : echo key . ': ' . mydict[key]
435 :endfor
436
437The List of keys is unsorted. You may want to sort them first: >
438 :for key in sort(keys(mydict))
439
440To loop over the values use the |values()| function: >
441 :for v in values(mydict)
442 : echo "value: " . v
443 :endfor
444
445If you want both the key and the value use the |items()| function. It returns
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000446a List in which each item is a List with two items, the key and the value: >
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000447 :for entry in items(mydict)
448 : echo entry[0] . ': ' . entry[1]
449 :endfor
450
451
452Dictionary identity ~
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +0000453 *dict-identity*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000454Just like Lists you need to use |copy()| and |deepcopy()| to make a copy of a
455Dictionary. Otherwise, assignment results in referring to the same
456Dictionary: >
457 :let onedict = {'a': 1, 'b': 2}
458 :let adict = onedict
459 :let adict['a'] = 11
460 :echo onedict['a']
461 11
462
Bram Moolenaarf3bd51a2005-06-14 22:11:18 +0000463Two Dictionaries compare equal if all the key-value pairs compare equal. For
464more info see |list-identity|.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000465
466
467Dictionary modification ~
468 *dict-modification*
469To change an already existing entry of a Dictionary, or to add a new entry,
470use |:let| this way: >
471 :let dict[4] = "four"
472 :let dict['one'] = item
473
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +0000474Removing an entry from a Dictionary is done with |remove()| or |:unlet|.
475Three ways to remove the entry with key "aaa" from dict: >
476 :let i = remove(dict, 'aaa')
477 :unlet dict.aaa
478 :unlet dict['aaa']
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000479
480Merging a Dictionary with another is done with |extend()|: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000481 :call extend(adict, bdict)
482This extends adict with all entries from bdict. Duplicate keys cause entries
483in adict to be overwritten. An optional third argument can change this.
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000484Note that the order of entries in a Dictionary is irrelevant, thus don't
485expect ":echo adict" to show the items from bdict after the older entries in
486adict.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000487
488Weeding out entries from a Dictionary can be done with |filter()|: >
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +0000489 :call filter(dict 'v:val =~ "x"')
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000490This removes all entries from "dict" with a value not matching 'x'.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000491
492
493Dictionary function ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000494 *Dictionary-function* *self* *E725*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000495When a function is defined with the "dict" attribute it can be used in a
496special way with a dictionary. Example: >
497 :function Mylen() dict
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000498 : return len(self.data)
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000499 :endfunction
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000500 :let mydict = {'data': [0, 1, 2, 3], 'len': function("Mylen")}
501 :echo mydict.len()
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000502
503This is like a method in object oriented programming. The entry in the
504Dictionary is a |Funcref|. The local variable "self" refers to the dictionary
505the function was invoked from.
506
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000507It is also possible to add a function without the "dict" attribute as a
508Funcref to a Dictionary, but the "self" variable is not available then.
509
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +0000510 *numbered-function* *anonymous-function*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000511To avoid the extra name for the function it can be defined and directly
512assigned to a Dictionary in this way: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000513 :let mydict = {'data': [0, 1, 2, 3]}
514 :function mydict.len() dict
515 : return len(self.data)
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000516 :endfunction
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000517 :echo mydict.len()
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000518
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000519The function will then get a number and the value of dict.len is a |Funcref|
520that references this function. The function can only be used through a
521|Funcref|. It will automatically be deleted when there is no |Funcref|
522remaining that refers to it.
523
524It is not necessary to use the "dict" attribute for a numbered function.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000525
526
527Functions for Dictionaries ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000528 *E715*
529Functions that can be used with a Dictionary: >
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000530 :if has_key(dict, 'foo') " TRUE if dict has entry with key "foo"
531 :if empty(dict) " TRUE if dict is empty
532 :let l = len(dict) " number of items in dict
533 :let big = max(dict) " maximum value in dict
534 :let small = min(dict) " minimum value in dict
535 :let xs = count(dict, 'x') " count nr of times 'x' appears in dict
536 :let s = string(dict) " String representation of dict
537 :call map(dict, '">> " . v:val') " prepend ">> " to each item
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000538
539
5401.5 More about variables ~
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000541 *more-variables*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000542If you need to know the type of a variable or expression, use the |type()|
543function.
544
545When the '!' flag is included in the 'viminfo' option, global variables that
546start with an uppercase letter, and don't contain a lowercase letter, are
547stored in the viminfo file |viminfo-file|.
548
549When the 'sessionoptions' option contains "global", global variables that
550start with an uppercase letter and contain at least one lowercase letter are
551stored in the session file |session-file|.
552
553variable name can be stored where ~
554my_var_6 not
555My_Var_6 session file
556MY_VAR_6 viminfo file
557
558
559It's possible to form a variable name with curly braces, see
560|curly-braces-names|.
561
562==============================================================================
5632. Expression syntax *expression-syntax*
564
565Expression syntax summary, from least to most significant:
566
567|expr1| expr2 ? expr1 : expr1 if-then-else
568
569|expr2| expr3 || expr3 .. logical OR
570
571|expr3| expr4 && expr4 .. logical AND
572
573|expr4| expr5 == expr5 equal
574 expr5 != expr5 not equal
575 expr5 > expr5 greater than
576 expr5 >= expr5 greater than or equal
577 expr5 < expr5 smaller than
578 expr5 <= expr5 smaller than or equal
579 expr5 =~ expr5 regexp matches
580 expr5 !~ expr5 regexp doesn't match
581
582 expr5 ==? expr5 equal, ignoring case
583 expr5 ==# expr5 equal, match case
584 etc. As above, append ? for ignoring case, # for
585 matching case
586
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000587 expr5 is expr5 same |List| instance
588 expr5 isnot expr5 different |List| instance
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000589
590|expr5| expr6 + expr6 .. number addition or list concatenation
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000591 expr6 - expr6 .. number subtraction
592 expr6 . expr6 .. string concatenation
593
594|expr6| expr7 * expr7 .. number multiplication
595 expr7 / expr7 .. number division
596 expr7 % expr7 .. number modulo
597
598|expr7| ! expr7 logical NOT
599 - expr7 unary minus
600 + expr7 unary plus
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000601
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000602
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000603|expr8| expr8[expr1] byte of a String or item of a |List|
604 expr8[expr1 : expr1] substring of a String or sublist of a |List|
605 expr8.name entry in a |Dictionary|
606 expr8(expr1, ...) function call with |Funcref| variable
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000607
608|expr9| number number constant
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +0000609 "string" string constant, backslash is special
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000610 'string' string constant, ' is doubled
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000611 [expr1, ...] |List|
612 {expr1: expr1, ...} |Dictionary|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000613 &option option value
614 (expr1) nested expression
615 variable internal variable
616 va{ria}ble internal variable with curly braces
617 $VAR environment variable
618 @r contents of register 'r'
619 function(expr1, ...) function call
620 func{ti}on(expr1, ...) function call with curly braces
621
622
623".." indicates that the operations in this level can be concatenated.
624Example: >
625 &nu || &list && &shell == "csh"
626
627All expressions within one level are parsed from left to right.
628
629
630expr1 *expr1* *E109*
631-----
632
633expr2 ? expr1 : expr1
634
635The expression before the '?' is evaluated to a number. If it evaluates to
636non-zero, the result is the value of the expression between the '?' and ':',
637otherwise the result is the value of the expression after the ':'.
638Example: >
639 :echo lnum == 1 ? "top" : lnum
640
641Since the first expression is an "expr2", it cannot contain another ?:. The
642other two expressions can, thus allow for recursive use of ?:.
643Example: >
644 :echo lnum == 1 ? "top" : lnum == 1000 ? "last" : lnum
645
646To keep this readable, using |line-continuation| is suggested: >
647 :echo lnum == 1
648 :\ ? "top"
649 :\ : lnum == 1000
650 :\ ? "last"
651 :\ : lnum
652
653
654expr2 and expr3 *expr2* *expr3*
655---------------
656
657 *expr-barbar* *expr-&&*
658The "||" and "&&" operators take one argument on each side. The arguments
659are (converted to) Numbers. The result is:
660
661 input output ~
662n1 n2 n1 || n2 n1 && n2 ~
663zero zero zero zero
664zero non-zero non-zero zero
665non-zero zero non-zero zero
666non-zero non-zero non-zero non-zero
667
668The operators can be concatenated, for example: >
669
670 &nu || &list && &shell == "csh"
671
672Note that "&&" takes precedence over "||", so this has the meaning of: >
673
674 &nu || (&list && &shell == "csh")
675
676Once the result is known, the expression "short-circuits", that is, further
677arguments are not evaluated. This is like what happens in C. For example: >
678
679 let a = 1
680 echo a || b
681
682This is valid even if there is no variable called "b" because "a" is non-zero,
683so the result must be non-zero. Similarly below: >
684
685 echo exists("b") && b == "yes"
686
687This is valid whether "b" has been defined or not. The second clause will
688only be evaluated if "b" has been defined.
689
690
691expr4 *expr4*
692-----
693
694expr5 {cmp} expr5
695
696Compare two expr5 expressions, resulting in a 0 if it evaluates to false, or 1
697if it evaluates to true.
698
699 *expr-==* *expr-!=* *expr->* *expr->=*
700 *expr-<* *expr-<=* *expr-=~* *expr-!~*
701 *expr-==#* *expr-!=#* *expr->#* *expr->=#*
702 *expr-<#* *expr-<=#* *expr-=~#* *expr-!~#*
703 *expr-==?* *expr-!=?* *expr->?* *expr->=?*
704 *expr-<?* *expr-<=?* *expr-=~?* *expr-!~?*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000705 *expr-is*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000706 use 'ignorecase' match case ignore case ~
707equal == ==# ==?
708not equal != !=# !=?
709greater than > ># >?
710greater than or equal >= >=# >=?
711smaller than < <# <?
712smaller than or equal <= <=# <=?
713regexp matches =~ =~# =~?
714regexp doesn't match !~ !~# !~?
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000715same instance is
716different instance isnot
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000717
718Examples:
719"abc" ==# "Abc" evaluates to 0
720"abc" ==? "Abc" evaluates to 1
721"abc" == "Abc" evaluates to 1 if 'ignorecase' is set, 0 otherwise
722
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000723 *E691* *E692*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000724A |List| can only be compared with a |List| and only "equal", "not equal" and
725"is" can be used. This compares the values of the list, recursively.
726Ignoring case means case is ignored when comparing item values.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000727
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000728 *E735* *E736*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000729A |Dictionary| can only be compared with a |Dictionary| and only "equal", "not
730equal" and "is" can be used. This compares the key/values of the |Dictionary|
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000731recursively. Ignoring case means case is ignored when comparing item values.
732
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000733 *E693* *E694*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000734A |Funcref| can only be compared with a |Funcref| and only "equal" and "not
735equal" can be used. Case is never ignored.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000736
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000737When using "is" or "isnot" with a |List| this checks if the expressions are
738referring to the same |List| instance. A copy of a |List| is different from
739the original |List|. When using "is" without a |List| it is equivalent to
740using "equal", using "isnot" equivalent to using "not equal". Except that a
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000741different type means the values are different. "4 == '4'" is true, "4 is '4'"
742is false.
743
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000744When comparing a String with a Number, the String is converted to a Number,
745and the comparison is done on Numbers. This means that "0 == 'x'" is TRUE,
746because 'x' converted to a Number is zero.
747
748When comparing two Strings, this is done with strcmp() or stricmp(). This
749results in the mathematical difference (comparing byte values), not
750necessarily the alphabetical difference in the local language.
751
752When using the operators with a trailing '#", or the short version and
753'ignorecase' is off, the comparing is done with strcmp().
754
755When using the operators with a trailing '?', or the short version and
756'ignorecase' is set, the comparing is done with stricmp().
757
758The "=~" and "!~" operators match the lefthand argument with the righthand
759argument, which is used as a pattern. See |pattern| for what a pattern is.
760This matching is always done like 'magic' was set and 'cpoptions' is empty, no
761matter what the actual value of 'magic' or 'cpoptions' is. This makes scripts
762portable. To avoid backslashes in the regexp pattern to be doubled, use a
763single-quote string, see |literal-string|.
764Since a string is considered to be a single line, a multi-line pattern
765(containing \n, backslash-n) will not match. However, a literal NL character
766can be matched like an ordinary character. Examples:
767 "foo\nbar" =~ "\n" evaluates to 1
768 "foo\nbar" =~ "\\n" evaluates to 0
769
770
771expr5 and expr6 *expr5* *expr6*
772---------------
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000773expr6 + expr6 .. Number addition or |List| concatenation *expr-+*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000774expr6 - expr6 .. Number subtraction *expr--*
775expr6 . expr6 .. String concatenation *expr-.*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000776
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +0000777For |Lists| only "+" is possible and then both expr6 must be a list. The
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000778result is a new list with the two lists Concatenated.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000779
780expr7 * expr7 .. number multiplication *expr-star*
781expr7 / expr7 .. number division *expr-/*
782expr7 % expr7 .. number modulo *expr-%*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000783
784For all, except ".", Strings are converted to Numbers.
785
786Note the difference between "+" and ".":
787 "123" + "456" = 579
788 "123" . "456" = "123456"
789
790When the righthand side of '/' is zero, the result is 0x7fffffff.
791When the righthand side of '%' is zero, the result is 0.
792
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000793None of these work for |Funcref|s.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000794
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000795
796expr7 *expr7*
797-----
798! expr7 logical NOT *expr-!*
799- expr7 unary minus *expr-unary--*
800+ expr7 unary plus *expr-unary-+*
801
802For '!' non-zero becomes zero, zero becomes one.
803For '-' the sign of the number is changed.
804For '+' the number is unchanged.
805
806A String will be converted to a Number first.
807
808These three can be repeated and mixed. Examples:
809 !-1 == 0
810 !!8 == 1
811 --9 == 9
812
813
814expr8 *expr8*
815-----
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000816expr8[expr1] item of String or |List| *expr-[]* *E111*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000817
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000818If expr8 is a Number or String this results in a String that contains the
819expr1'th single byte from expr8. expr8 is used as a String, expr1 as a
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000820Number. Note that this doesn't recognize multi-byte encodings.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000821
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000822Index zero gives the first character. This is like it works in C. Careful:
823text column numbers start with one! Example, to get the character under the
824cursor: >
Bram Moolenaar61660ea2006-04-07 21:40:07 +0000825 :let c = getline(".")[col(".") - 1]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000826
827If the length of the String is less than the index, the result is an empty
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000828String. A negative index always results in an empty string (reason: backwards
829compatibility). Use [-1:] to get the last byte.
830
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000831If expr8 is a |List| then it results the item at index expr1. See |list-index|
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000832for possible index values. If the index is out of range this results in an
833error. Example: >
834 :let item = mylist[-1] " get last item
835
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000836Generally, if a |List| index is equal to or higher than the length of the
837|List|, or more negative than the length of the |List|, this results in an
838error.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000839
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000840
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000841expr8[expr1a : expr1b] substring or sublist *expr-[:]*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000842
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000843If expr8 is a Number or String this results in the substring with the bytes
844from expr1a to and including expr1b. expr8 is used as a String, expr1a and
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000845expr1b are used as a Number. Note that this doesn't recognize multi-byte
846encodings.
847
848If expr1a is omitted zero is used. If expr1b is omitted the length of the
849string minus one is used.
850
851A negative number can be used to measure from the end of the string. -1 is
852the last character, -2 the last but one, etc.
853
854If an index goes out of range for the string characters are omitted. If
855expr1b is smaller than expr1a the result is an empty string.
856
857Examples: >
858 :let c = name[-1:] " last byte of a string
859 :let c = name[-2:-2] " last but one byte of a string
860 :let s = line(".")[4:] " from the fifth byte to the end
861 :let s = s[:-3] " remove last two bytes
862
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000863If expr8 is a |List| this results in a new |List| with the items indicated by
864the indexes expr1a and expr1b. This works like with a String, as explained
865just above, except that indexes out of range cause an error. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000866 :let l = mylist[:3] " first four items
867 :let l = mylist[4:4] " List with one item
868 :let l = mylist[:] " shallow copy of a List
869
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000870Using expr8[expr1] or expr8[expr1a : expr1b] on a |Funcref| results in an
871error.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000872
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000873
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000874expr8.name entry in a |Dictionary| *expr-entry*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000875
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000876If expr8 is a |Dictionary| and it is followed by a dot, then the following
877name will be used as a key in the |Dictionary|. This is just like:
878expr8[name].
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000879
880The name must consist of alphanumeric characters, just like a variable name,
881but it may start with a number. Curly braces cannot be used.
882
883There must not be white space before or after the dot.
884
885Examples: >
886 :let dict = {"one": 1, 2: "two"}
887 :echo dict.one
888 :echo dict .2
889
890Note that the dot is also used for String concatenation. To avoid confusion
891always put spaces around the dot for String concatenation.
892
893
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000894expr8(expr1, ...) |Funcref| function call
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000895
896When expr8 is a |Funcref| type variable, invoke the function it refers to.
897
898
899
900 *expr9*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000901number
902------
903number number constant *expr-number*
904
905Decimal, Hexadecimal (starting with 0x or 0X), or Octal (starting with 0).
906
907
908string *expr-string* *E114*
909------
910"string" string constant *expr-quote*
911
912Note that double quotes are used.
913
914A string constant accepts these special characters:
915\... three-digit octal number (e.g., "\316")
916\.. two-digit octal number (must be followed by non-digit)
917\. one-digit octal number (must be followed by non-digit)
918\x.. byte specified with two hex numbers (e.g., "\x1f")
919\x. byte specified with one hex number (must be followed by non-hex char)
920\X.. same as \x..
921\X. same as \x.
922\u.... character specified with up to 4 hex numbers, stored according to the
923 current value of 'encoding' (e.g., "\u02a4")
924\U.... same as \u....
925\b backspace <BS>
926\e escape <Esc>
927\f formfeed <FF>
928\n newline <NL>
929\r return <CR>
930\t tab <Tab>
931\\ backslash
932\" double quote
933\<xxx> Special key named "xxx". e.g. "\<C-W>" for CTRL-W.
934
935Note that "\000" and "\x00" force the end of the string.
936
937
938literal-string *literal-string* *E115*
939---------------
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +0000940'string' string constant *expr-'*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000941
942Note that single quotes are used.
943
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +0000944This string is taken as it is. No backslashes are removed or have a special
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000945meaning. The only exception is that two quotes stand for one quote.
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +0000946
947Single quoted strings are useful for patterns, so that backslashes do not need
948to be doubled. These two commands are equivalent: >
949 if a =~ "\\s*"
950 if a =~ '\s*'
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000951
952
953option *expr-option* *E112* *E113*
954------
955&option option value, local value if possible
956&g:option global option value
957&l:option local option value
958
959Examples: >
960 echo "tabstop is " . &tabstop
961 if &insertmode
962
963Any option name can be used here. See |options|. When using the local value
964and there is no buffer-local or window-local value, the global value is used
965anyway.
966
967
968register *expr-register*
969--------
970@r contents of register 'r'
971
972The result is the contents of the named register, as a single string.
973Newlines are inserted where required. To get the contents of the unnamed
Bram Moolenaare7566042005-06-17 22:00:15 +0000974register use @" or @@. See |registers| for an explanation of the available
975registers.
976
977When using the '=' register you get the expression itself, not what it
978evaluates to. Use |eval()| to evaluate it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000979
980
981nesting *expr-nesting* *E110*
982-------
983(expr1) nested expression
984
985
986environment variable *expr-env*
987--------------------
988$VAR environment variable
989
990The String value of any environment variable. When it is not defined, the
991result is an empty string.
992 *expr-env-expand*
993Note that there is a difference between using $VAR directly and using
994expand("$VAR"). Using it directly will only expand environment variables that
995are known inside the current Vim session. Using expand() will first try using
996the environment variables known inside the current Vim session. If that
997fails, a shell will be used to expand the variable. This can be slow, but it
998does expand all variables that the shell knows about. Example: >
999 :echo $version
1000 :echo expand("$version")
1001The first one probably doesn't echo anything, the second echoes the $version
1002variable (if your shell supports it).
1003
1004
1005internal variable *expr-variable*
1006-----------------
1007variable internal variable
1008See below |internal-variables|.
1009
1010
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00001011function call *expr-function* *E116* *E118* *E119* *E120*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001012-------------
1013function(expr1, ...) function call
1014See below |functions|.
1015
1016
1017==============================================================================
10183. Internal variable *internal-variables* *E121*
1019 *E461*
1020An internal variable name can be made up of letters, digits and '_'. But it
1021cannot start with a digit. It's also possible to use curly braces, see
1022|curly-braces-names|.
1023
1024An internal variable is created with the ":let" command |:let|.
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00001025An internal variable is explicitly destroyed with the ":unlet" command
1026|:unlet|.
1027Using a name that is not an internal variable or refers to a variable that has
1028been destroyed results in an error.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001029
1030There are several name spaces for variables. Which one is to be used is
1031specified by what is prepended:
1032
1033 (nothing) In a function: local to a function; otherwise: global
1034|buffer-variable| b: Local to the current buffer.
1035|window-variable| w: Local to the current window.
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00001036|tabpage-variable| t: Local to the current tab page.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001037|global-variable| g: Global.
1038|local-variable| l: Local to a function.
1039|script-variable| s: Local to a |:source|'ed Vim script.
1040|function-argument| a: Function argument (only inside a function).
1041|vim-variable| v: Global, predefined by Vim.
1042
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001043The scope name by itself can be used as a |Dictionary|. For example, to
1044delete all script-local variables: >
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00001045 :for k in keys(s:)
1046 : unlet s:[k]
1047 :endfor
1048<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001049 *buffer-variable* *b:var*
1050A variable name that is preceded with "b:" is local to the current buffer.
1051Thus you can have several "b:foo" variables, one for each buffer.
1052This kind of variable is deleted when the buffer is wiped out or deleted with
1053|:bdelete|.
1054
1055One local buffer variable is predefined:
1056 *b:changedtick-variable* *changetick*
1057b:changedtick The total number of changes to the current buffer. It is
1058 incremented for each change. An undo command is also a change
1059 in this case. This can be used to perform an action only when
1060 the buffer has changed. Example: >
1061 :if my_changedtick != b:changedtick
1062 : let my_changedtick = b:changedtick
1063 : call My_Update()
1064 :endif
1065<
1066 *window-variable* *w:var*
1067A variable name that is preceded with "w:" is local to the current window. It
1068is deleted when the window is closed.
1069
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00001070 *tabpage-variable* *t:var*
1071A variable name that is preceded with "t:" is local to the current tab page,
1072It is deleted when the tab page is closed. {not available when compiled
1073without the +windows feature}
1074
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001075 *global-variable* *g:var*
1076Inside functions global variables are accessed with "g:". Omitting this will
1077access a variable local to a function. But "g:" can also be used in any other
1078place if you like.
1079
1080 *local-variable* *l:var*
1081Inside functions local variables are accessed without prepending anything.
1082But you can also prepend "l:" if you like.
1083
1084 *script-variable* *s:var*
1085In a Vim script variables starting with "s:" can be used. They cannot be
1086accessed from outside of the scripts, thus are local to the script.
1087
1088They can be used in:
1089- commands executed while the script is sourced
1090- functions defined in the script
1091- autocommands defined in the script
1092- functions and autocommands defined in functions and autocommands which were
1093 defined in the script (recursively)
1094- user defined commands defined in the script
1095Thus not in:
1096- other scripts sourced from this one
1097- mappings
1098- etc.
1099
1100script variables can be used to avoid conflicts with global variable names.
1101Take this example:
1102
1103 let s:counter = 0
1104 function MyCounter()
1105 let s:counter = s:counter + 1
1106 echo s:counter
1107 endfunction
1108 command Tick call MyCounter()
1109
1110You can now invoke "Tick" from any script, and the "s:counter" variable in
1111that script will not be changed, only the "s:counter" in the script where
1112"Tick" was defined is used.
1113
1114Another example that does the same: >
1115
1116 let s:counter = 0
1117 command Tick let s:counter = s:counter + 1 | echo s:counter
1118
1119When calling a function and invoking a user-defined command, the context for
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001120script variables is set to the script where the function or command was
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001121defined.
1122
1123The script variables are also available when a function is defined inside a
1124function that is defined in a script. Example: >
1125
1126 let s:counter = 0
1127 function StartCounting(incr)
1128 if a:incr
1129 function MyCounter()
1130 let s:counter = s:counter + 1
1131 endfunction
1132 else
1133 function MyCounter()
1134 let s:counter = s:counter - 1
1135 endfunction
1136 endif
1137 endfunction
1138
1139This defines the MyCounter() function either for counting up or counting down
1140when calling StartCounting(). It doesn't matter from where StartCounting() is
1141called, the s:counter variable will be accessible in MyCounter().
1142
1143When the same script is sourced again it will use the same script variables.
1144They will remain valid as long as Vim is running. This can be used to
1145maintain a counter: >
1146
1147 if !exists("s:counter")
1148 let s:counter = 1
1149 echo "script executed for the first time"
1150 else
1151 let s:counter = s:counter + 1
1152 echo "script executed " . s:counter . " times now"
1153 endif
1154
1155Note that this means that filetype plugins don't get a different set of script
1156variables for each buffer. Use local buffer variables instead |b:var|.
1157
1158
1159Predefined Vim variables: *vim-variable* *v:var*
1160
Bram Moolenaare4efc3b2005-03-07 23:16:51 +00001161 *v:beval_col* *beval_col-variable*
1162v:beval_col The number of the column, over which the mouse pointer is.
1163 This is the byte index in the |v:beval_lnum| line.
1164 Only valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1165
1166 *v:beval_bufnr* *beval_bufnr-variable*
1167v:beval_bufnr The number of the buffer, over which the mouse pointer is. Only
1168 valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1169
1170 *v:beval_lnum* *beval_lnum-variable*
1171v:beval_lnum The number of the line, over which the mouse pointer is. Only
1172 valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1173
1174 *v:beval_text* *beval_text-variable*
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00001175v:beval_text The text under or after the mouse pointer. Usually a word as
1176 it is useful for debugging a C program. 'iskeyword' applies,
1177 but a dot and "->" before the position is included. When on a
1178 ']' the text before it is used, including the matching '[' and
Bram Moolenaare4efc3b2005-03-07 23:16:51 +00001179 word before it. When on a Visual area within one line the
1180 highlighted text is used.
1181 Only valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1182
1183 *v:beval_winnr* *beval_winnr-variable*
1184v:beval_winnr The number of the window, over which the mouse pointer is. Only
1185 valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1186
Bram Moolenaarf193fff2006-04-27 00:02:13 +00001187 *v:char* *char-variable*
1188v:char Argument for evaluating 'formatexpr'.
1189
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001190 *v:charconvert_from* *charconvert_from-variable*
1191v:charconvert_from
1192 The name of the character encoding of a file to be converted.
1193 Only valid while evaluating the 'charconvert' option.
1194
1195 *v:charconvert_to* *charconvert_to-variable*
1196v:charconvert_to
1197 The name of the character encoding of a file after conversion.
1198 Only valid while evaluating the 'charconvert' option.
1199
1200 *v:cmdarg* *cmdarg-variable*
1201v:cmdarg This variable is used for two purposes:
1202 1. The extra arguments given to a file read/write command.
1203 Currently these are "++enc=" and "++ff=". This variable is
1204 set before an autocommand event for a file read/write
1205 command is triggered. There is a leading space to make it
1206 possible to append this variable directly after the
1207 read/write command. Note: The "+cmd" argument isn't
1208 included here, because it will be executed anyway.
1209 2. When printing a PostScript file with ":hardcopy" this is
1210 the argument for the ":hardcopy" command. This can be used
1211 in 'printexpr'.
1212
1213 *v:cmdbang* *cmdbang-variable*
1214v:cmdbang Set like v:cmdarg for a file read/write command. When a "!"
1215 was used the value is 1, otherwise it is 0. Note that this
1216 can only be used in autocommands. For user commands |<bang>|
1217 can be used.
1218
1219 *v:count* *count-variable*
1220v:count The count given for the last Normal mode command. Can be used
1221 to get the count before a mapping. Read-only. Example: >
1222 :map _x :<C-U>echo "the count is " . v:count<CR>
1223< Note: The <C-U> is required to remove the line range that you
1224 get when typing ':' after a count.
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001225 Also used for evaluating the 'formatexpr' option.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001226 "count" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1227
1228 *v:count1* *count1-variable*
1229v:count1 Just like "v:count", but defaults to one when no count is
1230 used.
1231
1232 *v:ctype* *ctype-variable*
1233v:ctype The current locale setting for characters of the runtime
1234 environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the
1235 current locale encoding. Technical: it's the value of
1236 LC_CTYPE. When not using a locale the value is "C".
1237 This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language|
1238 command.
1239 See |multi-lang|.
1240
1241 *v:dying* *dying-variable*
1242v:dying Normally zero. When a deadly signal is caught it's set to
1243 one. When multiple signals are caught the number increases.
1244 Can be used in an autocommand to check if Vim didn't
1245 terminate normally. {only works on Unix}
1246 Example: >
1247 :au VimLeave * if v:dying | echo "\nAAAAaaaarrrggghhhh!!!\n" | endif
1248<
1249 *v:errmsg* *errmsg-variable*
1250v:errmsg Last given error message. It's allowed to set this variable.
1251 Example: >
1252 :let v:errmsg = ""
1253 :silent! next
1254 :if v:errmsg != ""
1255 : ... handle error
1256< "errmsg" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1257
1258 *v:exception* *exception-variable*
1259v:exception The value of the exception most recently caught and not
1260 finished. See also |v:throwpoint| and |throw-variables|.
1261 Example: >
1262 :try
1263 : throw "oops"
1264 :catch /.*/
1265 : echo "caught" v:exception
1266 :endtry
1267< Output: "caught oops".
1268
Bram Moolenaar19a09a12005-03-04 23:39:37 +00001269 *v:fcs_reason* *fcs_reason-variable*
1270v:fcs_reason The reason why the |FileChangedShell| event was triggered.
1271 Can be used in an autocommand to decide what to do and/or what
1272 to set v:fcs_choice to. Possible values:
1273 deleted file no longer exists
1274 conflict file contents, mode or timestamp was
1275 changed and buffer is modified
1276 changed file contents has changed
1277 mode mode of file changed
1278 time only file timestamp changed
1279
1280 *v:fcs_choice* *fcs_choice-variable*
1281v:fcs_choice What should happen after a |FileChangedShell| event was
1282 triggered. Can be used in an autocommand to tell Vim what to
1283 do with the affected buffer:
1284 reload Reload the buffer (does not work if
1285 the file was deleted).
1286 ask Ask the user what to do, as if there
1287 was no autocommand. Except that when
1288 only the timestamp changed nothing
1289 will happen.
1290 <empty> Nothing, the autocommand should do
1291 everything that needs to be done.
1292 The default is empty. If another (invalid) value is used then
1293 Vim behaves like it is empty, there is no warning message.
1294
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001295 *v:fname_in* *fname_in-variable*
Bram Moolenaar4e330bb2005-12-07 21:04:31 +00001296v:fname_in The name of the input file. Valid while evaluating:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001297 option used for ~
1298 'charconvert' file to be converted
1299 'diffexpr' original file
1300 'patchexpr' original file
1301 'printexpr' file to be printed
Bram Moolenaar2c7a29c2005-12-12 22:02:31 +00001302 And set to the swap file name for |SwapExists|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001303
1304 *v:fname_out* *fname_out-variable*
1305v:fname_out The name of the output file. Only valid while
1306 evaluating:
1307 option used for ~
1308 'charconvert' resulting converted file (*)
1309 'diffexpr' output of diff
1310 'patchexpr' resulting patched file
1311 (*) When doing conversion for a write command (e.g., ":w
1312 file") it will be equal to v:fname_in. When doing conversion
1313 for a read command (e.g., ":e file") it will be a temporary
1314 file and different from v:fname_in.
1315
1316 *v:fname_new* *fname_new-variable*
1317v:fname_new The name of the new version of the file. Only valid while
1318 evaluating 'diffexpr'.
1319
1320 *v:fname_diff* *fname_diff-variable*
1321v:fname_diff The name of the diff (patch) file. Only valid while
1322 evaluating 'patchexpr'.
1323
1324 *v:folddashes* *folddashes-variable*
1325v:folddashes Used for 'foldtext': dashes representing foldlevel of a closed
1326 fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001327 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001328
1329 *v:foldlevel* *foldlevel-variable*
1330v:foldlevel Used for 'foldtext': foldlevel of closed fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001331 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001332
1333 *v:foldend* *foldend-variable*
1334v:foldend Used for 'foldtext': last line of closed fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001335 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001336
1337 *v:foldstart* *foldstart-variable*
1338v:foldstart Used for 'foldtext': first line of closed fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001339 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001340
Bram Moolenaar843ee412004-06-30 16:16:41 +00001341 *v:insertmode* *insertmode-variable*
1342v:insertmode Used for the |InsertEnter| and |InsertChange| autocommand
1343 events. Values:
1344 i Insert mode
1345 r Replace mode
1346 v Virtual Replace mode
1347
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001348 *v:key* *key-variable*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001349v:key Key of the current item of a |Dictionary|. Only valid while
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001350 evaluating the expression used with |map()| and |filter()|.
1351 Read-only.
1352
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001353 *v:lang* *lang-variable*
1354v:lang The current locale setting for messages of the runtime
1355 environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the
1356 current language. Technical: it's the value of LC_MESSAGES.
1357 The value is system dependent.
1358 This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language|
1359 command.
1360 It can be different from |v:ctype| when messages are desired
1361 in a different language than what is used for character
1362 encoding. See |multi-lang|.
1363
1364 *v:lc_time* *lc_time-variable*
1365v:lc_time The current locale setting for time messages of the runtime
1366 environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the
1367 current language. Technical: it's the value of LC_TIME.
1368 This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language|
1369 command. See |multi-lang|.
1370
1371 *v:lnum* *lnum-variable*
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001372v:lnum Line number for the 'foldexpr' |fold-expr| and 'indentexpr'
Bram Moolenaar57657d82006-04-21 22:12:41 +00001373 expressions, tab page number for 'guitablabel' and
1374 'guitabtooltip'. Only valid while one of these expressions is
1375 being evaluated. Read-only when in the |sandbox|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001376
1377 *v:prevcount* *prevcount-variable*
1378v:prevcount The count given for the last but one Normal mode command.
1379 This is the v:count value of the previous command. Useful if
1380 you want to cancel Visual mode and then use the count. >
1381 :vmap % <Esc>:call MyFilter(v:prevcount)<CR>
1382< Read-only.
1383
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00001384 *v:profiling* *profiling-variable*
1385v:profiling Normally zero. Set to one after using ":profile start".
1386 See |profiling|.
1387
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001388 *v:progname* *progname-variable*
1389v:progname Contains the name (with path removed) with which Vim was
1390 invoked. Allows you to do special initialisations for "view",
1391 "evim" etc., or any other name you might symlink to Vim.
1392 Read-only.
1393
1394 *v:register* *register-variable*
1395v:register The name of the register supplied to the last normal mode
1396 command. Empty if none were supplied. |getreg()| |setreg()|
1397
Bram Moolenaar1c7715d2005-10-03 22:02:18 +00001398 *v:scrollstart* *scrollstart-variable*
1399v:scrollstart String describing the script or function that caused the
1400 screen to scroll up. It's only set when it is empty, thus the
1401 first reason is remembered. It is set to "Unknown" for a
1402 typed command.
1403 This can be used to find out why your script causes the
1404 hit-enter prompt.
1405
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001406 *v:servername* *servername-variable*
1407v:servername The resulting registered |x11-clientserver| name if any.
1408 Read-only.
1409
1410 *v:shell_error* *shell_error-variable*
1411v:shell_error Result of the last shell command. When non-zero, the last
1412 shell command had an error. When zero, there was no problem.
1413 This only works when the shell returns the error code to Vim.
1414 The value -1 is often used when the command could not be
1415 executed. Read-only.
1416 Example: >
1417 :!mv foo bar
1418 :if v:shell_error
1419 : echo 'could not rename "foo" to "bar"!'
1420 :endif
1421< "shell_error" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1422
1423 *v:statusmsg* *statusmsg-variable*
1424v:statusmsg Last given status message. It's allowed to set this variable.
1425
Bram Moolenaar4e330bb2005-12-07 21:04:31 +00001426 *v:swapname* *swapname-variable*
1427v:swapname Only valid when executing |SwapExists| autocommands: Name of
1428 the swap file found. Read-only.
1429
1430 *v:swapchoice* *swapchoice-variable*
1431v:swapchoice |SwapExists| autocommands can set this to the selected choice
1432 for handling an existing swap file:
1433 'o' Open read-only
1434 'e' Edit anyway
1435 'r' Recover
1436 'd' Delete swapfile
1437 'q' Quit
1438 'a' Abort
1439 The value should be a single-character string. An empty value
1440 results in the user being asked, as would happen when there is
1441 no SwapExists autocommand. The default is empty.
1442
Bram Moolenaarb3480382005-12-11 21:33:32 +00001443 *v:swapcommand* *swapcommand-variable*
Bram Moolenaar4770d092006-01-12 23:22:24 +00001444v:swapcommand Normal mode command to be executed after a file has been
Bram Moolenaarb3480382005-12-11 21:33:32 +00001445 opened. Can be used for a |SwapExists| autocommand to have
1446 another Vim open the file and jump to the right place. For
1447 example, when jumping to a tag the value is ":tag tagname\r".
Bram Moolenaar1f35bf92006-03-07 22:38:47 +00001448 For ":edit +cmd file" the value is ":cmd\r".
Bram Moolenaarb3480382005-12-11 21:33:32 +00001449
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001450 *v:termresponse* *termresponse-variable*
1451v:termresponse The escape sequence returned by the terminal for the |t_RV|
1452 termcap entry. It is set when Vim receives an escape sequence
1453 that starts with ESC [ or CSI and ends in a 'c', with only
1454 digits, ';' and '.' in between.
1455 When this option is set, the TermResponse autocommand event is
1456 fired, so that you can react to the response from the
1457 terminal.
1458 The response from a new xterm is: "<Esc>[ Pp ; Pv ; Pc c". Pp
1459 is the terminal type: 0 for vt100 and 1 for vt220. Pv is the
1460 patch level (since this was introduced in patch 95, it's
1461 always 95 or bigger). Pc is always zero.
1462 {only when compiled with |+termresponse| feature}
1463
1464 *v:this_session* *this_session-variable*
1465v:this_session Full filename of the last loaded or saved session file. See
1466 |:mksession|. It is allowed to set this variable. When no
1467 session file has been saved, this variable is empty.
1468 "this_session" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1469
1470 *v:throwpoint* *throwpoint-variable*
1471v:throwpoint The point where the exception most recently caught and not
1472 finished was thrown. Not set when commands are typed. See
1473 also |v:exception| and |throw-variables|.
1474 Example: >
1475 :try
1476 : throw "oops"
1477 :catch /.*/
1478 : echo "Exception from" v:throwpoint
1479 :endtry
1480< Output: "Exception from test.vim, line 2"
1481
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001482 *v:val* *val-variable*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001483v:val Value of the current item of a |List| or |Dictionary|. Only
1484 valid while evaluating the expression used with |map()| and
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001485 |filter()|. Read-only.
1486
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001487 *v:version* *version-variable*
1488v:version Version number of Vim: Major version number times 100 plus
1489 minor version number. Version 5.0 is 500. Version 5.1 (5.01)
1490 is 501. Read-only. "version" also works, for backwards
1491 compatibility.
1492 Use |has()| to check if a certain patch was included, e.g.: >
1493 if has("patch123")
1494< Note that patch numbers are specific to the version, thus both
1495 version 5.0 and 5.1 may have a patch 123, but these are
1496 completely different.
1497
1498 *v:warningmsg* *warningmsg-variable*
1499v:warningmsg Last given warning message. It's allowed to set this variable.
1500
1501==============================================================================
15024. Builtin Functions *functions*
1503
1504See |function-list| for a list grouped by what the function is used for.
1505
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00001506(Use CTRL-] on the function name to jump to the full explanation.)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001507
1508USAGE RESULT DESCRIPTION ~
1509
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001510add( {list}, {item}) List append {item} to |List| {list}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001511append( {lnum}, {string}) Number append {string} below line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00001512append( {lnum}, {list}) Number append lines {list} below line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001513argc() Number number of files in the argument list
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001514argidx() Number current index in the argument list
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001515argv( {nr}) String {nr} entry of the argument list
Bram Moolenaare2f98b92006-03-29 21:18:24 +00001516argv( ) List the argument list
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001517browse( {save}, {title}, {initdir}, {default})
1518 String put up a file requester
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001519browsedir( {title}, {initdir}) String put up a directory requester
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001520bufexists( {expr}) Number TRUE if buffer {expr} exists
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001521buflisted( {expr}) Number TRUE if buffer {expr} is listed
1522bufloaded( {expr}) Number TRUE if buffer {expr} is loaded
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001523bufname( {expr}) String Name of the buffer {expr}
1524bufnr( {expr}) Number Number of the buffer {expr}
1525bufwinnr( {expr}) Number window number of buffer {expr}
1526byte2line( {byte}) Number line number at byte count {byte}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001527byteidx( {expr}, {nr}) Number byte index of {nr}'th char in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001528call( {func}, {arglist} [, {dict}])
1529 any call {func} with arguments {arglist}
Bram Moolenaarca003e12006-03-17 23:19:38 +00001530changenr() Number current change number
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001531char2nr( {expr}) Number ASCII value of first char in {expr}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001532cindent( {lnum}) Number C indent for line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001533col( {expr}) Number column nr of cursor or mark
Bram Moolenaara94bc432006-03-10 21:42:59 +00001534complete({startcol}, {matches}) String set Insert mode completion
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00001535complete_add( {expr}) Number add completion match
1536complete_check() Number check for key typed during completion
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001537confirm( {msg} [, {choices} [, {default} [, {type}]]])
1538 Number number of choice picked by user
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001539copy( {expr}) any make a shallow copy of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001540count( {list}, {expr} [, {start} [, {ic}]])
1541 Number count how many {expr} are in {list}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001542cscope_connection( [{num} , {dbpath} [, {prepend}]])
1543 Number checks existence of cscope connection
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00001544cursor( {lnum}, {col} [, {coladd}])
1545 Number move cursor to {lnum}, {col}, {coladd}
1546cursor( {list}) Number move cursor to position in {list}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001547deepcopy( {expr}) any make a full copy of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001548delete( {fname}) Number delete file {fname}
1549did_filetype() Number TRUE if FileType autocommand event used
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001550diff_filler( {lnum}) Number diff filler lines about {lnum}
1551diff_hlID( {lnum}, {col}) Number diff highlighting at {lnum}/{col}
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00001552empty( {expr}) Number TRUE if {expr} is empty
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001553escape( {string}, {chars}) String escape {chars} in {string} with '\'
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00001554eval( {string}) any evaluate {string} into its value
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001555eventhandler( ) Number TRUE if inside an event handler
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001556executable( {expr}) Number 1 if executable {expr} exists
1557exists( {expr}) Number TRUE if {expr} exists
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001558extend({expr1}, {expr2} [, {expr3}])
1559 List/Dict insert items of {expr2} into {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001560expand( {expr}) String expand special keywords in {expr}
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +00001561feedkeys( {string} [, {mode}]) Number add key sequence to typeahead buffer
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001562filereadable( {file}) Number TRUE if {file} is a readable file
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001563filewritable( {file}) Number TRUE if {file} is a writable file
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001564filter( {expr}, {string}) List/Dict remove items from {expr} where
1565 {string} is 0
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001566finddir( {name}[, {path}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001567 String find directory {name} in {path}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001568findfile( {name}[, {path}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001569 String find file {name} in {path}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001570fnamemodify( {fname}, {mods}) String modify file name
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001571foldclosed( {lnum}) Number first line of fold at {lnum} if closed
1572foldclosedend( {lnum}) Number last line of fold at {lnum} if closed
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001573foldlevel( {lnum}) Number fold level at {lnum}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001574foldtext( ) String line displayed for closed fold
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001575foldtextresult( {lnum}) String text for closed fold at {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001576foreground( ) Number bring the Vim window to the foreground
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001577function( {name}) Funcref reference to function {name}
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001578garbagecollect() none free memory, breaking cyclic references
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001579get( {list}, {idx} [, {def}]) any get item {idx} from {list} or {def}
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001580get( {dict}, {key} [, {def}]) any get item {key} from {dict} or {def}
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00001581getbufline( {expr}, {lnum} [, {end}])
1582 List lines {lnum} to {end} of buffer {expr}
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001583getbufvar( {expr}, {varname}) any variable {varname} in buffer {expr}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001584getchar( [expr]) Number get one character from the user
1585getcharmod( ) Number modifiers for the last typed character
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001586getcmdline() String return the current command-line
1587getcmdpos() Number return cursor position in command-line
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00001588getcmdtype() String return the current command-line type
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001589getcwd() String the current working directory
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00001590getfperm( {fname}) String file permissions of file {fname}
1591getfsize( {fname}) Number size in bytes of file {fname}
Bram Moolenaard8b0cf12004-12-12 11:33:30 +00001592getfontname( [{name}]) String name of font being used
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001593getftime( {fname}) Number last modification time of file
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00001594getftype( {fname}) String description of type of file {fname}
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00001595getline( {lnum}) String line {lnum} of current buffer
1596getline( {lnum}, {end}) List lines {lnum} to {end} of current buffer
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00001597getloclist({nr}) List list of location list items
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00001598getpos( {expr}) List position of cursor, mark, etc.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00001599getqflist() List list of quickfix items
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00001600getreg( [{regname} [, 1]]) String contents of register
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001601getregtype( [{regname}]) String type of register
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00001602gettabwinvar( {tabnr}, {winnr}, {name})
1603 any {name} in {winnr} in tab page {tabnr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001604getwinposx() Number X coord in pixels of GUI Vim window
1605getwinposy() Number Y coord in pixels of GUI Vim window
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001606getwinvar( {nr}, {varname}) any variable {varname} in window {nr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001607glob( {expr}) String expand file wildcards in {expr}
1608globpath( {path}, {expr}) String do glob({expr}) for all dirs in {path}
1609has( {feature}) Number TRUE if feature {feature} supported
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001610has_key( {dict}, {key}) Number TRUE if {dict} has entry {key}
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00001611hasmapto( {what} [, {mode} [, {abbr}]])
1612 Number TRUE if mapping to {what} exists
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001613histadd( {history},{item}) String add an item to a history
1614histdel( {history} [, {item}]) String remove an item from a history
1615histget( {history} [, {index}]) String get the item {index} from a history
1616histnr( {history}) Number highest index of a history
1617hlexists( {name}) Number TRUE if highlight group {name} exists
1618hlID( {name}) Number syntax ID of highlight group {name}
1619hostname() String name of the machine Vim is running on
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001620iconv( {expr}, {from}, {to}) String convert encoding of {expr}
1621indent( {lnum}) Number indent of line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001622index( {list}, {expr} [, {start} [, {ic}]])
1623 Number index in {list} where {expr} appears
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00001624input( {prompt} [, {text} [, {completion}]])
1625 String get input from the user
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001626inputdialog( {p} [, {t} [, {c}]]) String like input() but in a GUI dialog
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001627inputlist( {textlist}) Number let the user pick from a choice list
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001628inputrestore() Number restore typeahead
1629inputsave() Number save and clear typeahead
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001630inputsecret( {prompt} [, {text}]) String like input() but hiding the text
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001631insert( {list}, {item} [, {idx}]) List insert {item} in {list} [before {idx}]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001632isdirectory( {directory}) Number TRUE if {directory} is a directory
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00001633islocked( {expr}) Number TRUE if {expr} is locked
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001634items( {dict}) List key-value pairs in {dict}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001635join( {list} [, {sep}]) String join {list} items into one String
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001636keys( {dict}) List keys in {dict}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001637len( {expr}) Number the length of {expr}
1638libcall( {lib}, {func}, {arg}) String call {func} in library {lib} with {arg}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001639libcallnr( {lib}, {func}, {arg}) Number idem, but return a Number
1640line( {expr}) Number line nr of cursor, last line or mark
1641line2byte( {lnum}) Number byte count of line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001642lispindent( {lnum}) Number Lisp indent for line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001643localtime() Number current time
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001644map( {expr}, {string}) List/Dict change each item in {expr} to {expr}
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00001645maparg( {name}[, {mode} [, {abbr}]])
1646 String rhs of mapping {name} in mode {mode}
1647mapcheck( {name}[, {mode} [, {abbr}]])
1648 String check for mappings matching {name}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001649match( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001650 Number position where {pat} matches in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00001651matcharg( {nr}) List arguments of |:match|
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001652matchend( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001653 Number position where {pat} ends in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00001654matchlist( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
1655 List match and submatches of {pat} in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001656matchstr( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
1657 String {count}'th match of {pat} in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00001658max({list}) Number maximum value of items in {list}
1659min({list}) Number minumum value of items in {list}
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00001660mkdir({name} [, {path} [, {prot}]])
1661 Number create directory {name}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001662mode() String current editing mode
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001663nextnonblank( {lnum}) Number line nr of non-blank line >= {lnum}
1664nr2char( {expr}) String single char with ASCII value {expr}
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00001665pathshorten( {expr}) String shorten directory names in a path
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001666prevnonblank( {lnum}) Number line nr of non-blank line <= {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00001667printf( {fmt}, {expr1}...) String format text
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001668pumvisible() Number whether popup menu is visible
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00001669range( {expr} [, {max} [, {stride}]])
1670 List items from {expr} to {max}
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00001671readfile({fname} [, {binary} [, {max}]])
1672 List get list of lines from file {fname}
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00001673reltime( [{start} [, {end}]]) List get time value
1674reltimestr( {time}) String turn time value into a String
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001675remote_expr( {server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
1676 String send expression
1677remote_foreground( {server}) Number bring Vim server to the foreground
1678remote_peek( {serverid} [, {retvar}])
1679 Number check for reply string
1680remote_read( {serverid}) String read reply string
1681remote_send( {server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
1682 String send key sequence
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00001683remove( {list}, {idx} [, {end}]) any remove items {idx}-{end} from {list}
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00001684remove( {dict}, {key}) any remove entry {key} from {dict}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001685rename( {from}, {to}) Number rename (move) file from {from} to {to}
1686repeat( {expr}, {count}) String repeat {expr} {count} times
1687resolve( {filename}) String get filename a shortcut points to
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001688reverse( {list}) List reverse {list} in-place
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001689search( {pattern} [, {flags}]) Number search for {pattern}
Bram Moolenaarf75a9632005-09-13 21:20:47 +00001690searchdecl({name} [, {global} [, {thisblock}]])
1691 Number search for variable declaration
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00001692searchpair( {start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip} [, {stopline}]]])
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001693 Number search for other end of start/end pair
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00001694searchpairpos( {start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip} [, {stopline}]]])
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001695 List search for other end of start/end pair
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00001696searchpos( {pattern} [, {flags} [, {stopline}]])
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001697 List search for {pattern}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001698server2client( {clientid}, {string})
1699 Number send reply string
1700serverlist() String get a list of available servers
1701setbufvar( {expr}, {varname}, {val}) set {varname} in buffer {expr} to {val}
1702setcmdpos( {pos}) Number set cursor position in command-line
1703setline( {lnum}, {line}) Number set line {lnum} to {line}
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00001704setloclist( {nr}, {list}[, {action}])
1705 Number modify location list using {list}
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001706setpos( {expr}, {list}) none set the {expr} position to {list}
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00001707setqflist( {list}[, {action}]) Number modify quickfix list using {list}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001708setreg( {n}, {v}[, {opt}]) Number set register to value and type
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00001709settabwinvar( {tabnr}, {winnr}, {varname}, {val}) set {varname} in window
1710 {winnr} in tab page {tabnr} to {val}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001711setwinvar( {nr}, {varname}, {val}) set {varname} in window {nr} to {val}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001712simplify( {filename}) String simplify filename as much as possible
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001713sort( {list} [, {func}]) List sort {list}, using {func} to compare
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00001714soundfold( {word}) String sound-fold {word}
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00001715spellbadword() String badly spelled word at cursor
Bram Moolenaarc54b8a72005-09-30 21:20:29 +00001716spellsuggest( {word} [, {max} [, {capital}]])
1717 List spelling suggestions
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00001718split( {expr} [, {pat} [, {keepempty}]])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001719 List make |List| from {pat} separated {expr}
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00001720str2nr( {expr} [, {base}]) Number convert string to number
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001721strftime( {format}[, {time}]) String time in specified format
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00001722stridx( {haystack}, {needle}[, {start}])
1723 Number index of {needle} in {haystack}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001724string( {expr}) String String representation of {expr} value
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001725strlen( {expr}) Number length of the String {expr}
1726strpart( {src}, {start}[, {len}])
1727 String {len} characters of {src} at {start}
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00001728strridx( {haystack}, {needle} [, {start}])
1729 Number last index of {needle} in {haystack}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001730strtrans( {expr}) String translate string to make it printable
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001731submatch( {nr}) String specific match in ":substitute"
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001732substitute( {expr}, {pat}, {sub}, {flags})
1733 String all {pat} in {expr} replaced with {sub}
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00001734synID( {lnum}, {col}, {trans}) Number syntax ID at {lnum} and {col}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001735synIDattr( {synID}, {what} [, {mode}])
1736 String attribute {what} of syntax ID {synID}
1737synIDtrans( {synID}) Number translated syntax ID of {synID}
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00001738system( {expr} [, {input}]) String output of shell command/filter {expr}
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00001739tabpagebuflist( [{arg}]) List list of buffer numbers in tab page
1740tabpagenr( [{arg}]) Number number of current or last tab page
1741tabpagewinnr( {tabarg}[, {arg}])
1742 Number number of current window in tab page
1743taglist( {expr}) List list of tags matching {expr}
Bram Moolenaare7eb9df2005-09-09 19:49:30 +00001744tagfiles() List tags files used
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001745tempname() String name for a temporary file
1746tolower( {expr}) String the String {expr} switched to lowercase
1747toupper( {expr}) String the String {expr} switched to uppercase
Bram Moolenaar8299df92004-07-10 09:47:34 +00001748tr( {src}, {fromstr}, {tostr}) String translate chars of {src} in {fromstr}
1749 to chars in {tostr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001750type( {name}) Number type of variable {name}
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001751values( {dict}) List values in {dict}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001752virtcol( {expr}) Number screen column of cursor or mark
1753visualmode( [expr]) String last visual mode used
1754winbufnr( {nr}) Number buffer number of window {nr}
1755wincol() Number window column of the cursor
1756winheight( {nr}) Number height of window {nr}
1757winline() Number window line of the cursor
Bram Moolenaar7e8fd632006-02-18 22:14:51 +00001758winnr( [{expr}]) Number number of current window
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001759winrestcmd() String returns command to restore window sizes
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00001760winrestview({dict}) None restore view of current window
1761winsaveview() Dict save view of current window
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001762winwidth( {nr}) Number width of window {nr}
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00001763writefile({list}, {fname} [, {binary}])
1764 Number write list of lines to file {fname}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001765
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001766add({list}, {expr}) *add()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001767 Append the item {expr} to |List| {list}. Returns the
1768 resulting |List|. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001769 :let alist = add([1, 2, 3], item)
1770 :call add(mylist, "woodstock")
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001771< Note that when {expr} is a |List| it is appended as a single
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00001772 item. Use |extend()| to concatenate |Lists|.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00001773 Use |insert()| to add an item at another position.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001774
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001775
1776append({lnum}, {expr}) *append()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001777 When {expr} is a |List|: Append each item of the |List| as a
1778 text line below line {lnum} in the current buffer.
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00001779 Otherwise append {expr} as one text line below line {lnum} in
1780 the current buffer.
1781 {lnum} can be zero to insert a line before the first one.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001782 Returns 1 for failure ({lnum} out of range or out of memory),
1783 0 for success. Example: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001784 :let failed = append(line('$'), "# THE END")
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001785 :let failed = append(0, ["Chapter 1", "the beginning"])
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001786<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001787 *argc()*
1788argc() The result is the number of files in the argument list of the
1789 current window. See |arglist|.
1790
1791 *argidx()*
1792argidx() The result is the current index in the argument list. 0 is
1793 the first file. argc() - 1 is the last one. See |arglist|.
1794
1795 *argv()*
Bram Moolenaare2f98b92006-03-29 21:18:24 +00001796argv([{nr}]) The result is the {nr}th file in the argument list of the
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001797 current window. See |arglist|. "argv(0)" is the first one.
1798 Example: >
1799 :let i = 0
1800 :while i < argc()
1801 : let f = escape(argv(i), '. ')
1802 : exe 'amenu Arg.' . f . ' :e ' . f . '<CR>'
1803 : let i = i + 1
1804 :endwhile
Bram Moolenaare2f98b92006-03-29 21:18:24 +00001805< Without the {nr} argument a |List| with the whole |arglist| is
1806 returned.
1807
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001808 *browse()*
1809browse({save}, {title}, {initdir}, {default})
1810 Put up a file requester. This only works when "has("browse")"
1811 returns non-zero (only in some GUI versions).
1812 The input fields are:
1813 {save} when non-zero, select file to write
1814 {title} title for the requester
1815 {initdir} directory to start browsing in
1816 {default} default file name
1817 When the "Cancel" button is hit, something went wrong, or
1818 browsing is not possible, an empty string is returned.
1819
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001820 *browsedir()*
1821browsedir({title}, {initdir})
1822 Put up a directory requester. This only works when
1823 "has("browse")" returns non-zero (only in some GUI versions).
1824 On systems where a directory browser is not supported a file
1825 browser is used. In that case: select a file in the directory
1826 to be used.
1827 The input fields are:
1828 {title} title for the requester
1829 {initdir} directory to start browsing in
1830 When the "Cancel" button is hit, something went wrong, or
1831 browsing is not possible, an empty string is returned.
1832
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001833bufexists({expr}) *bufexists()*
1834 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a buffer called
1835 {expr} exists.
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001836 If the {expr} argument is a number, buffer numbers are used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001837 If the {expr} argument is a string it must match a buffer name
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001838 exactly. The name can be:
1839 - Relative to the current directory.
1840 - A full path.
1841 - The name of a buffer with 'filetype' set to "nofile".
1842 - A URL name.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001843 Unlisted buffers will be found.
1844 Note that help files are listed by their short name in the
1845 output of |:buffers|, but bufexists() requires using their
1846 long name to be able to find them.
1847 Use "bufexists(0)" to test for the existence of an alternate
1848 file name.
1849 *buffer_exists()*
1850 Obsolete name: buffer_exists().
1851
1852buflisted({expr}) *buflisted()*
1853 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a buffer called
1854 {expr} exists and is listed (has the 'buflisted' option set).
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001855 The {expr} argument is used like with |bufexists()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001856
1857bufloaded({expr}) *bufloaded()*
1858 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a buffer called
1859 {expr} exists and is loaded (shown in a window or hidden).
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001860 The {expr} argument is used like with |bufexists()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001861
1862bufname({expr}) *bufname()*
1863 The result is the name of a buffer, as it is displayed by the
1864 ":ls" command.
1865 If {expr} is a Number, that buffer number's name is given.
1866 Number zero is the alternate buffer for the current window.
1867 If {expr} is a String, it is used as a |file-pattern| to match
1868 with the buffer names. This is always done like 'magic' is
1869 set and 'cpoptions' is empty. When there is more than one
1870 match an empty string is returned.
1871 "" or "%" can be used for the current buffer, "#" for the
1872 alternate buffer.
1873 A full match is preferred, otherwise a match at the start, end
1874 or middle of the buffer name is accepted.
1875 Listed buffers are found first. If there is a single match
1876 with a listed buffer, that one is returned. Next unlisted
1877 buffers are searched for.
1878 If the {expr} is a String, but you want to use it as a buffer
1879 number, force it to be a Number by adding zero to it: >
1880 :echo bufname("3" + 0)
1881< If the buffer doesn't exist, or doesn't have a name, an empty
1882 string is returned. >
1883 bufname("#") alternate buffer name
1884 bufname(3) name of buffer 3
1885 bufname("%") name of current buffer
1886 bufname("file2") name of buffer where "file2" matches.
1887< *buffer_name()*
1888 Obsolete name: buffer_name().
1889
1890 *bufnr()*
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00001891bufnr({expr} [, {create}])
1892 The result is the number of a buffer, as it is displayed by
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001893 the ":ls" command. For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()|
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00001894 above.
1895 If the buffer doesn't exist, -1 is returned. Or, if the
1896 {create} argument is present and not zero, a new, unlisted,
1897 buffer is created and its number is returned.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001898 bufnr("$") is the last buffer: >
1899 :let last_buffer = bufnr("$")
1900< The result is a Number, which is the highest buffer number
1901 of existing buffers. Note that not all buffers with a smaller
1902 number necessarily exist, because ":bwipeout" may have removed
1903 them. Use bufexists() to test for the existence of a buffer.
1904 *buffer_number()*
1905 Obsolete name: buffer_number().
1906 *last_buffer_nr()*
1907 Obsolete name for bufnr("$"): last_buffer_nr().
1908
1909bufwinnr({expr}) *bufwinnr()*
1910 The result is a Number, which is the number of the first
1911 window associated with buffer {expr}. For the use of {expr},
1912 see |bufname()| above. If buffer {expr} doesn't exist or
1913 there is no such window, -1 is returned. Example: >
1914
1915 echo "A window containing buffer 1 is " . (bufwinnr(1))
1916
1917< The number can be used with |CTRL-W_w| and ":wincmd w"
1918 |:wincmd|.
1919
1920
1921byte2line({byte}) *byte2line()*
1922 Return the line number that contains the character at byte
1923 count {byte} in the current buffer. This includes the
1924 end-of-line character, depending on the 'fileformat' option
1925 for the current buffer. The first character has byte count
1926 one.
1927 Also see |line2byte()|, |go| and |:goto|.
1928 {not available when compiled without the |+byte_offset|
1929 feature}
1930
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00001931byteidx({expr}, {nr}) *byteidx()*
1932 Return byte index of the {nr}'th character in the string
1933 {expr}. Use zero for the first character, it returns zero.
1934 This function is only useful when there are multibyte
1935 characters, otherwise the returned value is equal to {nr}.
1936 Composing characters are counted as a separate character.
1937 Example : >
1938 echo matchstr(str, ".", byteidx(str, 3))
1939< will display the fourth character. Another way to do the
1940 same: >
1941 let s = strpart(str, byteidx(str, 3))
1942 echo strpart(s, 0, byteidx(s, 1))
1943< If there are less than {nr} characters -1 is returned.
1944 If there are exactly {nr} characters the length of the string
1945 is returned.
1946
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001947call({func}, {arglist} [, {dict}]) *call()* *E699*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001948 Call function {func} with the items in |List| {arglist} as
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00001949 arguments.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001950 {func} can either be a |Funcref| or the name of a function.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00001951 a:firstline and a:lastline are set to the cursor line.
1952 Returns the return value of the called function.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001953 {dict} is for functions with the "dict" attribute. It will be
1954 used to set the local variable "self". |Dictionary-function|
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00001955
Bram Moolenaarca003e12006-03-17 23:19:38 +00001956changenr() *changenr()*
1957 Return the number of the most recent change. This is the same
1958 number as what is displayed with |:undolist| and can be used
1959 with the |:undo| command.
1960 When a change was made it is the number of that change. After
1961 redo it is the number of the redone change. After undo it is
1962 one less than the number of the undone change.
1963
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001964char2nr({expr}) *char2nr()*
1965 Return number value of the first char in {expr}. Examples: >
1966 char2nr(" ") returns 32
1967 char2nr("ABC") returns 65
1968< The current 'encoding' is used. Example for "utf-8": >
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00001969 char2nr("?") returns 225
1970 char2nr("?"[0]) returns 195
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00001971< nr2char() does the opposite.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001972
1973cindent({lnum}) *cindent()*
1974 Get the amount of indent for line {lnum} according the C
1975 indenting rules, as with 'cindent'.
1976 The indent is counted in spaces, the value of 'tabstop' is
1977 relevant. {lnum} is used just like in |getline()|.
1978 When {lnum} is invalid or Vim was not compiled the |+cindent|
1979 feature, -1 is returned.
Bram Moolenaard5cdbeb2005-10-10 20:59:28 +00001980 See |C-indenting|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001981
1982 *col()*
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00001983col({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the byte index of the column
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001984 position given with {expr}. The accepted positions are:
1985 . the cursor position
1986 $ the end of the cursor line (the result is the
1987 number of characters in the cursor line plus one)
1988 'x position of mark x (if the mark is not set, 0 is
1989 returned)
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00001990 To get the line number use |col()|. To get both use
1991 |getpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001992 For the screen column position use |virtcol()|.
1993 Note that only marks in the current file can be used.
1994 Examples: >
1995 col(".") column of cursor
1996 col("$") length of cursor line plus one
1997 col("'t") column of mark t
1998 col("'" . markname) column of mark markname
1999< The first column is 1. 0 is returned for an error.
2000 For the cursor position, when 'virtualedit' is active, the
2001 column is one higher if the cursor is after the end of the
2002 line. This can be used to obtain the column in Insert mode: >
2003 :imap <F2> <C-O>:let save_ve = &ve<CR>
2004 \<C-O>:set ve=all<CR>
2005 \<C-O>:echo col(".") . "\n" <Bar>
2006 \let &ve = save_ve<CR>
2007<
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00002008
Bram Moolenaara94bc432006-03-10 21:42:59 +00002009complete({startcol}, {matches}) *complete()* *E785*
2010 Set the matches for Insert mode completion.
2011 Can only be used in Insert mode. You need to use a mapping
2012 with an expression argument |:map-<expr>| or CTRL-R =
2013 |i_CTRL-R|. It does not work after CTRL-O.
2014 {startcol} is the byte offset in the line where the completed
2015 text start. The text up to the cursor is the original text
2016 that will be replaced by the matches. Use col('.') for an
2017 empty string. "col('.') - 1" will replace one character by a
2018 match.
2019 {matches} must be a |List|. Each |List| item is one match.
2020 See |complete-items| for the kind of items that are possible.
2021 Note that the after calling this function you need to avoid
2022 inserting anything that would completion to stop.
2023 The match can be selected with CTRL-N and CTRL-P as usual with
2024 Insert mode completion. The popup menu will appear if
2025 specified, see |ins-completion-menu|.
2026 Example: >
2027 inoremap <expr> <F5> ListMonths()
2028
2029 func! ListMonths()
2030 call complete(col('.'), ['January', 'February', 'March',
2031 \ 'April', 'May', 'June', 'July', 'August', 'September',
2032 \ 'October', 'November', 'December'])
2033 return ''
2034 endfunc
2035< This isn't very useful, but it shows how it works. Note that
2036 an empty string is returned to avoid a zero being inserted.
2037
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00002038complete_add({expr}) *complete_add()*
2039 Add {expr} to the list of matches. Only to be used by the
2040 function specified with the 'completefunc' option.
2041 Returns 0 for failure (empty string or out of memory),
2042 1 when the match was added, 2 when the match was already in
2043 the list.
Bram Moolenaar39f05632006-03-19 22:15:26 +00002044 See |complete-functions| for an explanation of {expr}. It is
2045 the same as one item in the list that 'omnifunc' would return.
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00002046
2047complete_check() *complete_check()*
2048 Check for a key typed while looking for completion matches.
2049 This is to be used when looking for matches takes some time.
2050 Returns non-zero when searching for matches is to be aborted,
2051 zero otherwise.
2052 Only to be used by the function specified with the
2053 'completefunc' option.
2054
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002055 *confirm()*
2056confirm({msg} [, {choices} [, {default} [, {type}]]])
2057 Confirm() offers the user a dialog, from which a choice can be
2058 made. It returns the number of the choice. For the first
2059 choice this is 1.
2060 Note: confirm() is only supported when compiled with dialog
2061 support, see |+dialog_con| and |+dialog_gui|.
2062 {msg} is displayed in a |dialog| with {choices} as the
2063 alternatives. When {choices} is missing or empty, "&OK" is
2064 used (and translated).
2065 {msg} is a String, use '\n' to include a newline. Only on
2066 some systems the string is wrapped when it doesn't fit.
2067 {choices} is a String, with the individual choices separated
2068 by '\n', e.g. >
2069 confirm("Save changes?", "&Yes\n&No\n&Cancel")
2070< The letter after the '&' is the shortcut key for that choice.
2071 Thus you can type 'c' to select "Cancel". The shortcut does
2072 not need to be the first letter: >
2073 confirm("file has been modified", "&Save\nSave &All")
2074< For the console, the first letter of each choice is used as
2075 the default shortcut key.
2076 The optional {default} argument is the number of the choice
2077 that is made if the user hits <CR>. Use 1 to make the first
2078 choice the default one. Use 0 to not set a default. If
2079 {default} is omitted, 1 is used.
2080 The optional {type} argument gives the type of dialog. This
2081 is only used for the icon of the Win32 GUI. It can be one of
2082 these values: "Error", "Question", "Info", "Warning" or
2083 "Generic". Only the first character is relevant. When {type}
2084 is omitted, "Generic" is used.
2085 If the user aborts the dialog by pressing <Esc>, CTRL-C,
2086 or another valid interrupt key, confirm() returns 0.
2087
2088 An example: >
2089 :let choice = confirm("What do you want?", "&Apples\n&Oranges\n&Bananas", 2)
2090 :if choice == 0
2091 : echo "make up your mind!"
2092 :elseif choice == 3
2093 : echo "tasteful"
2094 :else
2095 : echo "I prefer bananas myself."
2096 :endif
2097< In a GUI dialog, buttons are used. The layout of the buttons
2098 depends on the 'v' flag in 'guioptions'. If it is included,
2099 the buttons are always put vertically. Otherwise, confirm()
2100 tries to put the buttons in one horizontal line. If they
2101 don't fit, a vertical layout is used anyway. For some systems
2102 the horizontal layout is always used.
2103
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002104 *copy()*
2105copy({expr}) Make a copy of {expr}. For Numbers and Strings this isn't
2106 different from using {expr} directly.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002107 When {expr} is a |List| a shallow copy is created. This means
2108 that the original |List| can be changed without changing the
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002109 copy, and vise versa. But the items are identical, thus
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00002110 changing an item changes the contents of both |Lists|. Also
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002111 see |deepcopy()|.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002112
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002113count({comp}, {expr} [, {ic} [, {start}]]) *count()*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002114 Return the number of times an item with value {expr} appears
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002115 in |List| or |Dictionary| {comp}.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002116 If {start} is given then start with the item with this index.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002117 {start} can only be used with a |List|.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002118 When {ic} is given and it's non-zero then case is ignored.
2119
2120
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002121 *cscope_connection()*
2122cscope_connection([{num} , {dbpath} [, {prepend}]])
2123 Checks for the existence of a |cscope| connection. If no
2124 parameters are specified, then the function returns:
2125 0, if cscope was not available (not compiled in), or
2126 if there are no cscope connections;
2127 1, if there is at least one cscope connection.
2128
2129 If parameters are specified, then the value of {num}
2130 determines how existence of a cscope connection is checked:
2131
2132 {num} Description of existence check
2133 ----- ------------------------------
2134 0 Same as no parameters (e.g., "cscope_connection()").
2135 1 Ignore {prepend}, and use partial string matches for
2136 {dbpath}.
2137 2 Ignore {prepend}, and use exact string matches for
2138 {dbpath}.
2139 3 Use {prepend}, use partial string matches for both
2140 {dbpath} and {prepend}.
2141 4 Use {prepend}, use exact string matches for both
2142 {dbpath} and {prepend}.
2143
2144 Note: All string comparisons are case sensitive!
2145
2146 Examples. Suppose we had the following (from ":cs show"): >
2147
2148 # pid database name prepend path
2149 0 27664 cscope.out /usr/local
2150<
2151 Invocation Return Val ~
2152 ---------- ---------- >
2153 cscope_connection() 1
2154 cscope_connection(1, "out") 1
2155 cscope_connection(2, "out") 0
2156 cscope_connection(3, "out") 0
2157 cscope_connection(3, "out", "local") 1
2158 cscope_connection(4, "out") 0
2159 cscope_connection(4, "out", "local") 0
2160 cscope_connection(4, "cscope.out", "/usr/local") 1
2161<
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00002162cursor({lnum}, {col} [, {off}]) *cursor()*
2163cursor({list})
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002164 Positions the cursor at the column {col} in the line {lnum}.
Bram Moolenaar6f16eb82005-08-23 21:02:42 +00002165 The first column is one.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00002166 When there is one argument {list} this is used as a |List|
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00002167 with two or three items {lnum}, {col} and {off}. This is like
2168 the return value of |getpos()|, but without the first item.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002169 Does not change the jumplist.
2170 If {lnum} is greater than the number of lines in the buffer,
2171 the cursor will be positioned at the last line in the buffer.
2172 If {lnum} is zero, the cursor will stay in the current line.
Bram Moolenaar6f16eb82005-08-23 21:02:42 +00002173 If {col} is greater than the number of bytes in the line,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002174 the cursor will be positioned at the last character in the
2175 line.
2176 If {col} is zero, the cursor will stay in the current column.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00002177 When 'virtualedit' is used {off} specifies the offset in
2178 screen columns from the start of the character. E.g., a
2179 position within a Tab or after the last character.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002180
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002181
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00002182deepcopy({expr}[, {noref}]) *deepcopy()* *E698*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002183 Make a copy of {expr}. For Numbers and Strings this isn't
2184 different from using {expr} directly.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002185 When {expr} is a |List| a full copy is created. This means
2186 that the original |List| can be changed without changing the
2187 copy, and vise versa. When an item is a |List|, a copy for it
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002188 is made, recursively. Thus changing an item in the copy does
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002189 not change the contents of the original |List|.
2190 When {noref} is omitted or zero a contained |List| or
2191 |Dictionary| is only copied once. All references point to
2192 this single copy. With {noref} set to 1 every occurrence of a
2193 |List| or |Dictionary| results in a new copy. This also means
2194 that a cyclic reference causes deepcopy() to fail.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00002195 *E724*
2196 Nesting is possible up to 100 levels. When there is an item
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00002197 that refers back to a higher level making a deep copy with
2198 {noref} set to 1 will fail.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002199 Also see |copy()|.
2200
2201delete({fname}) *delete()*
2202 Deletes the file by the name {fname}. The result is a Number,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002203 which is 0 if the file was deleted successfully, and non-zero
2204 when the deletion failed.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002205 Use |remove()| to delete an item from a |List|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002206
2207 *did_filetype()*
2208did_filetype() Returns non-zero when autocommands are being executed and the
2209 FileType event has been triggered at least once. Can be used
2210 to avoid triggering the FileType event again in the scripts
2211 that detect the file type. |FileType|
2212 When editing another file, the counter is reset, thus this
2213 really checks if the FileType event has been triggered for the
2214 current buffer. This allows an autocommand that starts
2215 editing another buffer to set 'filetype' and load a syntax
2216 file.
2217
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00002218diff_filler({lnum}) *diff_filler()*
2219 Returns the number of filler lines above line {lnum}.
2220 These are the lines that were inserted at this point in
2221 another diff'ed window. These filler lines are shown in the
2222 display but don't exist in the buffer.
2223 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current
2224 line, "'m" mark m, etc.
2225 Returns 0 if the current window is not in diff mode.
2226
2227diff_hlID({lnum}, {col}) *diff_hlID()*
2228 Returns the highlight ID for diff mode at line {lnum} column
2229 {col} (byte index). When the current line does not have a
2230 diff change zero is returned.
2231 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current
2232 line, "'m" mark m, etc.
2233 {col} is 1 for the leftmost column, {lnum} is 1 for the first
2234 line.
2235 The highlight ID can be used with |synIDattr()| to obtain
2236 syntax information about the highlighting.
2237
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00002238empty({expr}) *empty()*
2239 Return the Number 1 if {expr} is empty, zero otherwise.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002240 A |List| or |Dictionary| is empty when it does not have any
2241 items. A Number is empty when its value is zero.
2242 For a long |List| this is much faster then comparing the
2243 length with zero.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00002244
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002245escape({string}, {chars}) *escape()*
2246 Escape the characters in {chars} that occur in {string} with a
2247 backslash. Example: >
2248 :echo escape('c:\program files\vim', ' \')
2249< results in: >
2250 c:\\program\ files\\vim
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002251
2252< *eval()*
2253eval({string}) Evaluate {string} and return the result. Especially useful to
2254 turn the result of |string()| back into the original value.
2255 This works for Numbers, Strings and composites of them.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002256 Also works for |Funcref|s that refer to existing functions.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002257
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002258eventhandler() *eventhandler()*
2259 Returns 1 when inside an event handler. That is that Vim got
2260 interrupted while waiting for the user to type a character,
2261 e.g., when dropping a file on Vim. This means interactive
2262 commands cannot be used. Otherwise zero is returned.
2263
2264executable({expr}) *executable()*
2265 This function checks if an executable with the name {expr}
2266 exists. {expr} must be the name of the program without any
Bram Moolenaarf4b8e572004-06-24 15:53:16 +00002267 arguments.
2268 executable() uses the value of $PATH and/or the normal
2269 searchpath for programs. *PATHEXT*
2270 On MS-DOS and MS-Windows the ".exe", ".bat", etc. can
2271 optionally be included. Then the extensions in $PATHEXT are
2272 tried. Thus if "foo.exe" does not exist, "foo.exe.bat" can be
2273 found. If $PATHEXT is not set then ".exe;.com;.bat;.cmd" is
2274 used. A dot by itself can be used in $PATHEXT to try using
2275 the name without an extension. When 'shell' looks like a
2276 Unix shell, then the name is also tried without adding an
2277 extension.
2278 On MS-DOS and MS-Windows it only checks if the file exists and
2279 is not a directory, not if it's really executable.
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00002280 On MS-Windows an executable in the same directory as Vim is
2281 always found. Since this directory is added to $PATH it
2282 should also work to execute it |win32-PATH|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002283 The result is a Number:
2284 1 exists
2285 0 does not exist
2286 -1 not implemented on this system
2287
2288 *exists()*
2289exists({expr}) The result is a Number, which is non-zero if {expr} is
2290 defined, zero otherwise. The {expr} argument is a string,
2291 which contains one of these:
2292 &option-name Vim option (only checks if it exists,
2293 not if it really works)
2294 +option-name Vim option that works.
2295 $ENVNAME environment variable (could also be
2296 done by comparing with an empty
2297 string)
2298 *funcname built-in function (see |functions|)
2299 or user defined function (see
2300 |user-functions|).
2301 varname internal variable (see
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00002302 |internal-variables|). Also works
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002303 for |curly-braces-names|, |Dictionary|
2304 entries, |List| items, etc. Beware
2305 that this may cause functions to be
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00002306 invoked cause an error message for an
2307 invalid expression.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002308 :cmdname Ex command: built-in command, user
2309 command or command modifier |:command|.
2310 Returns:
2311 1 for match with start of a command
2312 2 full match with a command
2313 3 matches several user commands
2314 To check for a supported command
2315 always check the return value to be 2.
Bram Moolenaar14716812006-05-04 21:54:08 +00002316 :2match The |:2match| command.
2317 :3match The |:3match| command.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002318 #event autocommand defined for this event
2319 #event#pattern autocommand defined for this event and
2320 pattern (the pattern is taken
2321 literally and compared to the
2322 autocommand patterns character by
2323 character)
Bram Moolenaara9b1e742005-12-19 22:14:58 +00002324 #group autocommand group exists
2325 #group#event autocommand defined for this group and
2326 event.
2327 #group#event#pattern
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00002328 autocommand defined for this group,
Bram Moolenaara9b1e742005-12-19 22:14:58 +00002329 event and pattern.
Bram Moolenaarf4cd3e82005-12-22 22:47:02 +00002330 ##event autocommand for this event is
2331 supported.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002332 For checking for a supported feature use |has()|.
2333
2334 Examples: >
2335 exists("&shortname")
2336 exists("$HOSTNAME")
2337 exists("*strftime")
2338 exists("*s:MyFunc")
2339 exists("bufcount")
2340 exists(":Make")
Bram Moolenaara9b1e742005-12-19 22:14:58 +00002341 exists("#CursorHold")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002342 exists("#BufReadPre#*.gz")
Bram Moolenaara9b1e742005-12-19 22:14:58 +00002343 exists("#filetypeindent")
2344 exists("#filetypeindent#FileType")
2345 exists("#filetypeindent#FileType#*")
Bram Moolenaarf4cd3e82005-12-22 22:47:02 +00002346 exists("##ColorScheme")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002347< There must be no space between the symbol (&/$/*/#) and the
2348 name.
Bram Moolenaar91170f82006-05-05 21:15:17 +00002349 There must be no extra characters after the name, although in
2350 a few cases this is ignored. That may become more strict in
2351 the future, thus don't count on it!
2352 Working example: >
2353 exists(":make")
2354< NOT working example: >
2355 exists(":make install")
Bram Moolenaar9c102382006-05-03 21:26:49 +00002356
2357< Note that the argument must be a string, not the name of the
2358 variable itself. For example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002359 exists(bufcount)
2360< This doesn't check for existence of the "bufcount" variable,
Bram Moolenaar06a89a52006-04-29 22:01:03 +00002361 but gets the value of "bufcount", and checks if that exists.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002362
2363expand({expr} [, {flag}]) *expand()*
2364 Expand wildcards and the following special keywords in {expr}.
2365 The result is a String.
2366
2367 When there are several matches, they are separated by <NL>
2368 characters. [Note: in version 5.0 a space was used, which
2369 caused problems when a file name contains a space]
2370
2371 If the expansion fails, the result is an empty string. A name
2372 for a non-existing file is not included.
2373
2374 When {expr} starts with '%', '#' or '<', the expansion is done
2375 like for the |cmdline-special| variables with their associated
2376 modifiers. Here is a short overview:
2377
2378 % current file name
2379 # alternate file name
2380 #n alternate file name n
2381 <cfile> file name under the cursor
2382 <afile> autocmd file name
2383 <abuf> autocmd buffer number (as a String!)
2384 <amatch> autocmd matched name
2385 <sfile> sourced script file name
2386 <cword> word under the cursor
2387 <cWORD> WORD under the cursor
2388 <client> the {clientid} of the last received
2389 message |server2client()|
2390 Modifiers:
2391 :p expand to full path
2392 :h head (last path component removed)
2393 :t tail (last path component only)
2394 :r root (one extension removed)
2395 :e extension only
2396
2397 Example: >
2398 :let &tags = expand("%:p:h") . "/tags"
2399< Note that when expanding a string that starts with '%', '#' or
2400 '<', any following text is ignored. This does NOT work: >
2401 :let doesntwork = expand("%:h.bak")
2402< Use this: >
2403 :let doeswork = expand("%:h") . ".bak"
2404< Also note that expanding "<cfile>" and others only returns the
2405 referenced file name without further expansion. If "<cfile>"
2406 is "~/.cshrc", you need to do another expand() to have the
2407 "~/" expanded into the path of the home directory: >
2408 :echo expand(expand("<cfile>"))
2409<
2410 There cannot be white space between the variables and the
2411 following modifier. The |fnamemodify()| function can be used
2412 to modify normal file names.
2413
2414 When using '%' or '#', and the current or alternate file name
2415 is not defined, an empty string is used. Using "%:p" in a
2416 buffer with no name, results in the current directory, with a
2417 '/' added.
2418
2419 When {expr} does not start with '%', '#' or '<', it is
2420 expanded like a file name is expanded on the command line.
2421 'suffixes' and 'wildignore' are used, unless the optional
2422 {flag} argument is given and it is non-zero. Names for
Bram Moolenaar02743632005-07-25 20:42:36 +00002423 non-existing files are included. The "**" item can be used to
2424 search in a directory tree. For example, to find all "README"
2425 files in the current directory and below: >
2426 :echo expand("**/README")
2427<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002428 Expand() can also be used to expand variables and environment
2429 variables that are only known in a shell. But this can be
2430 slow, because a shell must be started. See |expr-env-expand|.
2431 The expanded variable is still handled like a list of file
2432 names. When an environment variable cannot be expanded, it is
2433 left unchanged. Thus ":echo expand('$FOOBAR')" results in
2434 "$FOOBAR".
2435
2436 See |glob()| for finding existing files. See |system()| for
2437 getting the raw output of an external command.
2438
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002439extend({expr1}, {expr2} [, {expr3}]) *extend()*
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00002440 {expr1} and {expr2} must be both |Lists| or both
2441 |Dictionaries|.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002442
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00002443 If they are |Lists|: Append {expr2} to {expr1}.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002444 If {expr3} is given insert the items of {expr2} before item
2445 {expr3} in {expr1}. When {expr3} is zero insert before the
2446 first item. When {expr3} is equal to len({expr1}) then
2447 {expr2} is appended.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002448 Examples: >
2449 :echo sort(extend(mylist, [7, 5]))
2450 :call extend(mylist, [2, 3], 1)
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002451< Use |add()| to concatenate one item to a list. To concatenate
2452 two lists into a new list use the + operator: >
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002453 :let newlist = [1, 2, 3] + [4, 5]
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002454<
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00002455 If they are |Dictionaries|:
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002456 Add all entries from {expr2} to {expr1}.
2457 If a key exists in both {expr1} and {expr2} then {expr3} is
2458 used to decide what to do:
2459 {expr3} = "keep": keep the value of {expr1}
2460 {expr3} = "force": use the value of {expr2}
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00002461 {expr3} = "error": give an error message *E737*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002462 When {expr3} is omitted then "force" is assumed.
2463
2464 {expr1} is changed when {expr2} is not empty. If necessary
2465 make a copy of {expr1} first.
2466 {expr2} remains unchanged.
2467 Returns {expr1}.
2468
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002469
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +00002470feedkeys({string} [, {mode}]) *feedkeys()*
2471 Characters in {string} are queued for processing as if they
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00002472 come from a mapping or were typed by user. They are added to
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +00002473 the end of the typeahead buffer, thus if a mapping is still
2474 being executed these characters come after them.
2475 The function does not wait for processing of keys contained in
2476 {string}.
2477 To include special keys into {string}, use double-quotes
2478 and "\..." notation |expr-quote|. For example,
2479 feedkeys("\<CR>") simulates pressing of the Enter key. But
2480 feedkeys('\<CR>') pushes 5 characters.
2481 If {mode} is absent, keys are remapped.
2482 {mode} is a String, which can contain these character flags:
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00002483 'm' Remap keys. This is default.
2484 'n' Do not remap keys.
2485 't' Handle keys as if typed; otherwise they are handled as
2486 if coming from a mapping. This matters for undo,
2487 opening folds, etc.
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +00002488 Return value is always 0.
2489
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002490filereadable({file}) *filereadable()*
2491 The result is a Number, which is TRUE when a file with the
2492 name {file} exists, and can be read. If {file} doesn't exist,
2493 or is a directory, the result is FALSE. {file} is any
2494 expression, which is used as a String.
2495 *file_readable()*
2496 Obsolete name: file_readable().
2497
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002498
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002499filter({expr}, {string}) *filter()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002500 {expr} must be a |List| or a |Dictionary|.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002501 For each item in {expr} evaluate {string} and when the result
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002502 is zero remove the item from the |List| or |Dictionary|.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002503 Inside {string} |v:val| has the value of the current item.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002504 For a |Dictionary| |v:key| has the key of the current item.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002505 Examples: >
2506 :call filter(mylist, 'v:val !~ "OLD"')
2507< Removes the items where "OLD" appears. >
2508 :call filter(mydict, 'v:key >= 8')
2509< Removes the items with a key below 8. >
2510 :call filter(var, 0)
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002511< Removes all the items, thus clears the |List| or |Dictionary|.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00002512
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002513 Note that {string} is the result of expression and is then
2514 used as an expression again. Often it is good to use a
2515 |literal-string| to avoid having to double backslashes.
2516
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002517 The operation is done in-place. If you want a |List| or
2518 |Dictionary| to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
Bram Moolenaarafeb4fa2006-02-01 21:51:12 +00002519 :let l = filter(copy(mylist), 'v:val =~ "KEEP"')
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002520
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002521< Returns {expr}, the |List| or |Dictionary| that was filtered.
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00002522 When an error is encountered while evaluating {string} no
2523 further items in {expr} are processed.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002524
2525
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00002526finddir({name}[, {path}[, {count}]]) *finddir()*
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00002527 Find directory {name} in {path}. Returns the path of the
2528 first found match. When the found directory is below the
2529 current directory a relative path is returned. Otherwise a
2530 full path is returned.
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00002531 If {path} is omitted or empty then 'path' is used.
2532 If the optional {count} is given, find {count}'s occurrence of
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00002533 {name} in {path} instead of the first one.
Bram Moolenaar899dddf2006-03-26 21:06:50 +00002534 When {count} is negative return all the matches in a |List|.
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00002535 This is quite similar to the ex-command |:find|.
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00002536 {only available when compiled with the +file_in_path feature}
2537
2538findfile({name}[, {path}[, {count}]]) *findfile()*
2539 Just like |finddir()|, but find a file instead of a directory.
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00002540 Uses 'suffixesadd'.
2541 Example: >
2542 :echo findfile("tags.vim", ".;")
2543< Searches from the current directory upwards until it finds
2544 the file "tags.vim".
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00002545
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002546filewritable({file}) *filewritable()*
2547 The result is a Number, which is 1 when a file with the
2548 name {file} exists, and can be written. If {file} doesn't
2549 exist, or is not writable, the result is 0. If (file) is a
2550 directory, and we can write to it, the result is 2.
2551
2552fnamemodify({fname}, {mods}) *fnamemodify()*
2553 Modify file name {fname} according to {mods}. {mods} is a
2554 string of characters like it is used for file names on the
2555 command line. See |filename-modifiers|.
2556 Example: >
2557 :echo fnamemodify("main.c", ":p:h")
2558< results in: >
2559 /home/mool/vim/vim/src
2560< Note: Environment variables and "~" don't work in {fname}, use
2561 |expand()| first then.
2562
2563foldclosed({lnum}) *foldclosed()*
2564 The result is a Number. If the line {lnum} is in a closed
2565 fold, the result is the number of the first line in that fold.
2566 If the line {lnum} is not in a closed fold, -1 is returned.
2567
2568foldclosedend({lnum}) *foldclosedend()*
2569 The result is a Number. If the line {lnum} is in a closed
2570 fold, the result is the number of the last line in that fold.
2571 If the line {lnum} is not in a closed fold, -1 is returned.
2572
2573foldlevel({lnum}) *foldlevel()*
2574 The result is a Number, which is the foldlevel of line {lnum}
2575 in the current buffer. For nested folds the deepest level is
2576 returned. If there is no fold at line {lnum}, zero is
2577 returned. It doesn't matter if the folds are open or closed.
2578 When used while updating folds (from 'foldexpr') -1 is
2579 returned for lines where folds are still to be updated and the
2580 foldlevel is unknown. As a special case the level of the
2581 previous line is usually available.
2582
2583 *foldtext()*
2584foldtext() Returns a String, to be displayed for a closed fold. This is
2585 the default function used for the 'foldtext' option and should
2586 only be called from evaluating 'foldtext'. It uses the
2587 |v:foldstart|, |v:foldend| and |v:folddashes| variables.
2588 The returned string looks like this: >
2589 +-- 45 lines: abcdef
2590< The number of dashes depends on the foldlevel. The "45" is
2591 the number of lines in the fold. "abcdef" is the text in the
2592 first non-blank line of the fold. Leading white space, "//"
2593 or "/*" and the text from the 'foldmarker' and 'commentstring'
2594 options is removed.
2595 {not available when compiled without the |+folding| feature}
2596
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00002597foldtextresult({lnum}) *foldtextresult()*
2598 Returns the text that is displayed for the closed fold at line
2599 {lnum}. Evaluates 'foldtext' in the appropriate context.
2600 When there is no closed fold at {lnum} an empty string is
2601 returned.
2602 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current
2603 line, "'m" mark m, etc.
2604 Useful when exporting folded text, e.g., to HTML.
2605 {not available when compiled without the |+folding| feature}
2606
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002607 *foreground()*
2608foreground() Move the Vim window to the foreground. Useful when sent from
2609 a client to a Vim server. |remote_send()|
2610 On Win32 systems this might not work, the OS does not always
2611 allow a window to bring itself to the foreground. Use
2612 |remote_foreground()| instead.
2613 {only in the Win32, Athena, Motif and GTK GUI versions and the
2614 Win32 console version}
2615
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002616
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00002617function({name}) *function()* *E700*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002618 Return a |Funcref| variable that refers to function {name}.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002619 {name} can be a user defined function or an internal function.
2620
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002621
Bram Moolenaar39a58ca2005-06-27 22:42:44 +00002622garbagecollect() *garbagecollect()*
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00002623 Cleanup unused |Lists| and |Dictionaries| that have circular
Bram Moolenaar39a58ca2005-06-27 22:42:44 +00002624 references. There is hardly ever a need to invoke this
2625 function, as it is automatically done when Vim runs out of
2626 memory or is waiting for the user to press a key after
2627 'updatetime'. Items without circular references are always
2628 freed when they become unused.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002629 This is useful if you have deleted a very big |List| and/or
2630 |Dictionary| with circular references in a script that runs
2631 for a long time.
Bram Moolenaar39a58ca2005-06-27 22:42:44 +00002632
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00002633get({list}, {idx} [, {default}]) *get()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002634 Get item {idx} from |List| {list}. When this item is not
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002635 available return {default}. Return zero when {default} is
2636 omitted.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002637get({dict}, {key} [, {default}])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002638 Get item with key {key} from |Dictionary| {dict}. When this
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002639 item is not available return {default}. Return zero when
2640 {default} is omitted.
2641
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002642 *getbufline()*
2643getbufline({expr}, {lnum} [, {end}])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002644 Return a |List| with the lines starting from {lnum} to {end}
2645 (inclusive) in the buffer {expr}. If {end} is omitted, a
2646 |List| with only the line {lnum} is returned.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002647
2648 For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above.
2649
Bram Moolenaar661b1822005-07-28 22:36:45 +00002650 For {lnum} and {end} "$" can be used for the last line of the
2651 buffer. Otherwise a number must be used.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002652
2653 When {lnum} is smaller than 1 or bigger than the number of
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002654 lines in the buffer, an empty |List| is returned.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002655
2656 When {end} is greater than the number of lines in the buffer,
2657 it is treated as {end} is set to the number of lines in the
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002658 buffer. When {end} is before {lnum} an empty |List| is
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002659 returned.
2660
Bram Moolenaar661b1822005-07-28 22:36:45 +00002661 This function works only for loaded buffers. For unloaded and
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002662 non-existing buffers, an empty |List| is returned.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002663
2664 Example: >
2665 :let lines = getbufline(bufnr("myfile"), 1, "$")
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002666
2667getbufvar({expr}, {varname}) *getbufvar()*
2668 The result is the value of option or local buffer variable
2669 {varname} in buffer {expr}. Note that the name without "b:"
2670 must be used.
Bram Moolenaar4317d9b2005-03-18 20:25:31 +00002671 This also works for a global or buffer-local option, but it
2672 doesn't work for a global variable, window-local variable or
2673 window-local option.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002674 For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above.
2675 When the buffer or variable doesn't exist an empty string is
2676 returned, there is no error message.
2677 Examples: >
2678 :let bufmodified = getbufvar(1, "&mod")
2679 :echo "todo myvar = " . getbufvar("todo", "myvar")
2680<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002681getchar([expr]) *getchar()*
Bram Moolenaar91170f82006-05-05 21:15:17 +00002682 Get a single character from the user or input stream.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002683 If [expr] is omitted, wait until a character is available.
2684 If [expr] is 0, only get a character when one is available.
Bram Moolenaar91170f82006-05-05 21:15:17 +00002685 Return zero otherwise.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002686 If [expr] is 1, only check if a character is available, it is
Bram Moolenaar91170f82006-05-05 21:15:17 +00002687 not consumed. Return zero if no character available.
2688
2689 Without {expr} and when {expr} is 0 a whole character or
2690 special key is returned. If it is an 8-bit character, the
2691 result is a number. Use nr2char() to convert it to a String.
2692 Otherwise a String is returned with the encoded character.
2693 For a special key it's a sequence of bytes starting with 0x80
2694 (decimal: 128). The returned value is also a String when a
2695 modifier (shift, control, alt) was used that is not included
2696 in the character.
2697
2698 When {expr} is 1 only the first byte is returned. For a
2699 one-byte character it is the character itself.
2700
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002701 There is no prompt, you will somehow have to make clear to the
2702 user that a character has to be typed.
2703 There is no mapping for the character.
2704 Key codes are replaced, thus when the user presses the <Del>
2705 key you get the code for the <Del> key, not the raw character
2706 sequence. Examples: >
2707 getchar() == "\<Del>"
2708 getchar() == "\<S-Left>"
2709< This example redefines "f" to ignore case: >
2710 :nmap f :call FindChar()<CR>
2711 :function FindChar()
2712 : let c = nr2char(getchar())
2713 : while col('.') < col('$') - 1
2714 : normal l
2715 : if getline('.')[col('.') - 1] ==? c
2716 : break
2717 : endif
2718 : endwhile
2719 :endfunction
2720
2721getcharmod() *getcharmod()*
2722 The result is a Number which is the state of the modifiers for
2723 the last obtained character with getchar() or in another way.
2724 These values are added together:
2725 2 shift
2726 4 control
2727 8 alt (meta)
2728 16 mouse double click
2729 32 mouse triple click
2730 64 mouse quadruple click
2731 128 Macintosh only: command
2732 Only the modifiers that have not been included in the
2733 character itself are obtained. Thus Shift-a results in "A"
2734 with no modifier.
2735
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002736getcmdline() *getcmdline()*
2737 Return the current command-line. Only works when the command
2738 line is being edited, thus requires use of |c_CTRL-\_e| or
2739 |c_CTRL-R_=|.
2740 Example: >
2741 :cmap <F7> <C-\>eescape(getcmdline(), ' \')<CR>
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00002742< Also see |getcmdtype()|, |getcmdpos()| and |setcmdpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002743
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002744getcmdpos() *getcmdpos()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002745 Return the position of the cursor in the command line as a
2746 byte count. The first column is 1.
2747 Only works when editing the command line, thus requires use of
2748 |c_CTRL-\_e| or |c_CTRL-R_=|. Returns 0 otherwise.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00002749 Also see |getcmdtype()|, |setcmdpos()| and |getcmdline()|.
2750
2751getcmdtype() *getcmdtype()*
2752 Return the current command-line type. Possible return values
2753 are:
Bram Moolenaar1e015462005-09-25 22:16:38 +00002754 : normal Ex command
2755 > debug mode command |debug-mode|
2756 / forward search command
2757 ? backward search command
2758 @ |input()| command
2759 - |:insert| or |:append| command
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00002760 Only works when editing the command line, thus requires use of
2761 |c_CTRL-\_e| or |c_CTRL-R_=|. Returns an empty string
2762 otherwise.
2763 Also see |getcmdpos()|, |setcmdpos()| and |getcmdline()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002764
2765 *getcwd()*
2766getcwd() The result is a String, which is the name of the current
2767 working directory.
2768
2769getfsize({fname}) *getfsize()*
2770 The result is a Number, which is the size in bytes of the
2771 given file {fname}.
2772 If {fname} is a directory, 0 is returned.
2773 If the file {fname} can't be found, -1 is returned.
2774
Bram Moolenaard8b0cf12004-12-12 11:33:30 +00002775getfontname([{name}]) *getfontname()*
2776 Without an argument returns the name of the normal font being
2777 used. Like what is used for the Normal highlight group
2778 |hl-Normal|.
2779 With an argument a check is done whether {name} is a valid
2780 font name. If not then an empty string is returned.
2781 Otherwise the actual font name is returned, or {name} if the
2782 GUI does not support obtaining the real name.
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00002783 Only works when the GUI is running, thus not in your vimrc or
Bram Moolenaard8b0cf12004-12-12 11:33:30 +00002784 gvimrc file. Use the |GUIEnter| autocommand to use this
2785 function just after the GUI has started.
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00002786 Note that the GTK 2 GUI accepts any font name, thus checking
2787 for a valid name does not work.
Bram Moolenaard8b0cf12004-12-12 11:33:30 +00002788
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00002789getfperm({fname}) *getfperm()*
2790 The result is a String, which is the read, write, and execute
2791 permissions of the given file {fname}.
2792 If {fname} does not exist or its directory cannot be read, an
2793 empty string is returned.
2794 The result is of the form "rwxrwxrwx", where each group of
2795 "rwx" flags represent, in turn, the permissions of the owner
2796 of the file, the group the file belongs to, and other users.
2797 If a user does not have a given permission the flag for this
2798 is replaced with the string "-". Example: >
2799 :echo getfperm("/etc/passwd")
2800< This will hopefully (from a security point of view) display
2801 the string "rw-r--r--" or even "rw-------".
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00002802
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002803getftime({fname}) *getftime()*
2804 The result is a Number, which is the last modification time of
2805 the given file {fname}. The value is measured as seconds
2806 since 1st Jan 1970, and may be passed to strftime(). See also
2807 |localtime()| and |strftime()|.
2808 If the file {fname} can't be found -1 is returned.
2809
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00002810getftype({fname}) *getftype()*
2811 The result is a String, which is a description of the kind of
2812 file of the given file {fname}.
2813 If {fname} does not exist an empty string is returned.
2814 Here is a table over different kinds of files and their
2815 results:
2816 Normal file "file"
2817 Directory "dir"
2818 Symbolic link "link"
2819 Block device "bdev"
2820 Character device "cdev"
2821 Socket "socket"
2822 FIFO "fifo"
2823 All other "other"
2824 Example: >
2825 getftype("/home")
2826< Note that a type such as "link" will only be returned on
2827 systems that support it. On some systems only "dir" and
2828 "file" are returned.
2829
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002830 *getline()*
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002831getline({lnum} [, {end}])
2832 Without {end} the result is a String, which is line {lnum}
2833 from the current buffer. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002834 getline(1)
2835< When {lnum} is a String that doesn't start with a
2836 digit, line() is called to translate the String into a Number.
2837 To get the line under the cursor: >
2838 getline(".")
2839< When {lnum} is smaller than 1 or bigger than the number of
2840 lines in the buffer, an empty string is returned.
2841
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002842 When {end} is given the result is a |List| where each item is
2843 a line from the current buffer in the range {lnum} to {end},
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002844 including line {end}.
2845 {end} is used in the same way as {lnum}.
2846 Non-existing lines are silently omitted.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002847 When {end} is before {lnum} an empty |List| is returned.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002848 Example: >
2849 :let start = line('.')
2850 :let end = search("^$") - 1
2851 :let lines = getline(start, end)
2852
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00002853getloclist({nr}) *getloclist()*
2854 Returns a list with all the entries in the location list for
2855 window {nr}. When {nr} is zero the current window is used.
2856 For a location list window, the displayed location list is
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00002857 returned. For an invalid window number {nr}, an empty list is
2858 returned. Otherwise, same as getqflist().
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002859
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00002860getqflist() *getqflist()*
2861 Returns a list with all the current quickfix errors. Each
2862 list item is a dictionary with these entries:
2863 bufnr number of buffer that has the file name, use
2864 bufname() to get the name
2865 lnum line number in the buffer (first line is 1)
2866 col column number (first column is 1)
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00002867 vcol non-zero: "col" is visual column
2868 zero: "col" is byte index
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00002869 nr error number
2870 text description of the error
2871 type type of the error, 'E', '1', etc.
2872 valid non-zero: recognized error message
2873
Bram Moolenaare7eb9df2005-09-09 19:49:30 +00002874 When there is no error list or it's empty an empty list is
2875 returned.
2876
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00002877 Useful application: Find pattern matches in multiple files and
2878 do something with them: >
2879 :vimgrep /theword/jg *.c
2880 :for d in getqflist()
2881 : echo bufname(d.bufnr) ':' d.lnum '=' d.text
2882 :endfor
2883
2884
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00002885getreg([{regname} [, 1]]) *getreg()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002886 The result is a String, which is the contents of register
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00002887 {regname}. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002888 :let cliptext = getreg('*')
2889< getreg('=') returns the last evaluated value of the expression
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00002890 register. (For use in maps.)
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00002891 getreg('=', 1) returns the expression itself, so that it can
2892 be restored with |setreg()|. For other registers the extra
2893 argument is ignored, thus you can always give it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002894 If {regname} is not specified, |v:register| is used.
2895
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002896
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002897getregtype([{regname}]) *getregtype()*
2898 The result is a String, which is type of register {regname}.
2899 The value will be one of:
2900 "v" for |characterwise| text
2901 "V" for |linewise| text
2902 "<CTRL-V>{width}" for |blockwise-visual| text
2903 0 for an empty or unknown register
2904 <CTRL-V> is one character with value 0x16.
2905 If {regname} is not specified, |v:register| is used.
2906
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00002907gettabwinvar({tabnr}, {winnr}, {varname}) *gettabwinvar()*
2908 Get the value of an option or local window variable {varname}
2909 in window {winnr} in tab page {tabnr}.
2910 Tabs are numbered starting with one. For the current tabpage
2911 use |getwinvar()|.
2912 When {winnr} is zero the current window is used.
2913 This also works for a global option, buffer-local option and
2914 window-local option, but it doesn't work for a global variable
2915 or buffer-local variable.
2916 Note that the name without "w:" must be used.
2917 Examples: >
2918 :let list_is_on = gettabwinvar(1, 2, '&list')
2919 :echo "myvar = " . gettabwinvar(3, 1, 'myvar')
2920
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002921 *getwinposx()*
2922getwinposx() The result is a Number, which is the X coordinate in pixels of
2923 the left hand side of the GUI Vim window. The result will be
2924 -1 if the information is not available.
2925
2926 *getwinposy()*
2927getwinposy() The result is a Number, which is the Y coordinate in pixels of
2928 the top of the GUI Vim window. The result will be -1 if the
2929 information is not available.
2930
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00002931getwinvar({winnr}, {varname}) *getwinvar()*
2932 Like |gettabwinvar()| for the current tabpage.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002933 Examples: >
2934 :let list_is_on = getwinvar(2, '&list')
2935 :echo "myvar = " . getwinvar(1, 'myvar')
2936<
2937 *glob()*
2938glob({expr}) Expand the file wildcards in {expr}. The result is a String.
2939 When there are several matches, they are separated by <NL>
2940 characters.
2941 If the expansion fails, the result is an empty string.
2942 A name for a non-existing file is not included.
2943
2944 For most systems backticks can be used to get files names from
2945 any external command. Example: >
2946 :let tagfiles = glob("`find . -name tags -print`")
2947 :let &tags = substitute(tagfiles, "\n", ",", "g")
2948< The result of the program inside the backticks should be one
2949 item per line. Spaces inside an item are allowed.
2950
2951 See |expand()| for expanding special Vim variables. See
2952 |system()| for getting the raw output of an external command.
2953
2954globpath({path}, {expr}) *globpath()*
2955 Perform glob() on all directories in {path} and concatenate
2956 the results. Example: >
2957 :echo globpath(&rtp, "syntax/c.vim")
2958< {path} is a comma-separated list of directory names. Each
2959 directory name is prepended to {expr} and expanded like with
2960 glob(). A path separator is inserted when needed.
2961 To add a comma inside a directory name escape it with a
2962 backslash. Note that on MS-Windows a directory may have a
2963 trailing backslash, remove it if you put a comma after it.
2964 If the expansion fails for one of the directories, there is no
2965 error message.
2966 The 'wildignore' option applies: Names matching one of the
2967 patterns in 'wildignore' will be skipped.
2968
Bram Moolenaar02743632005-07-25 20:42:36 +00002969 The "**" item can be used to search in a directory tree.
2970 For example, to find all "README.txt" files in the directories
2971 in 'runtimepath' and below: >
2972 :echo globpath(&rtp, "**/README.txt")
2973<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002974 *has()*
2975has({feature}) The result is a Number, which is 1 if the feature {feature} is
2976 supported, zero otherwise. The {feature} argument is a
2977 string. See |feature-list| below.
2978 Also see |exists()|.
2979
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002980
2981has_key({dict}, {key}) *has_key()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002982 The result is a Number, which is 1 if |Dictionary| {dict} has
2983 an entry with key {key}. Zero otherwise.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002984
2985
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00002986hasmapto({what} [, {mode} [, {abbr}]]) *hasmapto()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002987 The result is a Number, which is 1 if there is a mapping that
2988 contains {what} in somewhere in the rhs (what it is mapped to)
2989 and this mapping exists in one of the modes indicated by
2990 {mode}.
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00002991 When {abbr} is there and it is non-zero use abbreviations
Bram Moolenaar39f05632006-03-19 22:15:26 +00002992 instead of mappings. Don't forget to specify Insert and/or
2993 Command-line mode.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002994 Both the global mappings and the mappings local to the current
2995 buffer are checked for a match.
2996 If no matching mapping is found 0 is returned.
2997 The following characters are recognized in {mode}:
2998 n Normal mode
2999 v Visual mode
3000 o Operator-pending mode
3001 i Insert mode
3002 l Language-Argument ("r", "f", "t", etc.)
3003 c Command-line mode
3004 When {mode} is omitted, "nvo" is used.
3005
3006 This function is useful to check if a mapping already exists
3007 to a function in a Vim script. Example: >
3008 :if !hasmapto('\ABCdoit')
3009 : map <Leader>d \ABCdoit
3010 :endif
3011< This installs the mapping to "\ABCdoit" only if there isn't
3012 already a mapping to "\ABCdoit".
3013
3014histadd({history}, {item}) *histadd()*
3015 Add the String {item} to the history {history} which can be
3016 one of: *hist-names*
3017 "cmd" or ":" command line history
3018 "search" or "/" search pattern history
3019 "expr" or "=" typed expression history
3020 "input" or "@" input line history
3021 If {item} does already exist in the history, it will be
3022 shifted to become the newest entry.
3023 The result is a Number: 1 if the operation was successful,
3024 otherwise 0 is returned.
3025
3026 Example: >
3027 :call histadd("input", strftime("%Y %b %d"))
3028 :let date=input("Enter date: ")
3029< This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3030
3031histdel({history} [, {item}]) *histdel()*
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003032 Clear {history}, i.e. delete all its entries. See |hist-names|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003033 for the possible values of {history}.
3034
3035 If the parameter {item} is given as String, this is seen
3036 as regular expression. All entries matching that expression
3037 will be removed from the history (if there are any).
3038 Upper/lowercase must match, unless "\c" is used |/\c|.
3039 If {item} is a Number, it will be interpreted as index, see
3040 |:history-indexing|. The respective entry will be removed
3041 if it exists.
3042
3043 The result is a Number: 1 for a successful operation,
3044 otherwise 0 is returned.
3045
3046 Examples:
3047 Clear expression register history: >
3048 :call histdel("expr")
3049<
3050 Remove all entries starting with "*" from the search history: >
3051 :call histdel("/", '^\*')
3052<
3053 The following three are equivalent: >
3054 :call histdel("search", histnr("search"))
3055 :call histdel("search", -1)
3056 :call histdel("search", '^'.histget("search", -1).'$')
3057<
3058 To delete the last search pattern and use the last-but-one for
3059 the "n" command and 'hlsearch': >
3060 :call histdel("search", -1)
3061 :let @/ = histget("search", -1)
3062
3063histget({history} [, {index}]) *histget()*
3064 The result is a String, the entry with Number {index} from
3065 {history}. See |hist-names| for the possible values of
3066 {history}, and |:history-indexing| for {index}. If there is
3067 no such entry, an empty String is returned. When {index} is
3068 omitted, the most recent item from the history is used.
3069
3070 Examples:
3071 Redo the second last search from history. >
3072 :execute '/' . histget("search", -2)
3073
3074< Define an Ex command ":H {num}" that supports re-execution of
3075 the {num}th entry from the output of |:history|. >
3076 :command -nargs=1 H execute histget("cmd", 0+<args>)
3077<
3078histnr({history}) *histnr()*
3079 The result is the Number of the current entry in {history}.
3080 See |hist-names| for the possible values of {history}.
3081 If an error occurred, -1 is returned.
3082
3083 Example: >
3084 :let inp_index = histnr("expr")
3085<
3086hlexists({name}) *hlexists()*
3087 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a highlight group
3088 called {name} exists. This is when the group has been
3089 defined in some way. Not necessarily when highlighting has
3090 been defined for it, it may also have been used for a syntax
3091 item.
3092 *highlight_exists()*
3093 Obsolete name: highlight_exists().
3094
3095 *hlID()*
3096hlID({name}) The result is a Number, which is the ID of the highlight group
3097 with name {name}. When the highlight group doesn't exist,
3098 zero is returned.
3099 This can be used to retrieve information about the highlight
3100 group. For example, to get the background color of the
3101 "Comment" group: >
3102 :echo synIDattr(synIDtrans(hlID("Comment")), "bg")
3103< *highlightID()*
3104 Obsolete name: highlightID().
3105
3106hostname() *hostname()*
3107 The result is a String, which is the name of the machine on
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003108 which Vim is currently running. Machine names greater than
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003109 256 characters long are truncated.
3110
3111iconv({expr}, {from}, {to}) *iconv()*
3112 The result is a String, which is the text {expr} converted
3113 from encoding {from} to encoding {to}.
3114 When the conversion fails an empty string is returned.
3115 The encoding names are whatever the iconv() library function
3116 can accept, see ":!man 3 iconv".
3117 Most conversions require Vim to be compiled with the |+iconv|
3118 feature. Otherwise only UTF-8 to latin1 conversion and back
3119 can be done.
3120 This can be used to display messages with special characters,
3121 no matter what 'encoding' is set to. Write the message in
3122 UTF-8 and use: >
3123 echo iconv(utf8_str, "utf-8", &enc)
3124< Note that Vim uses UTF-8 for all Unicode encodings, conversion
3125 from/to UCS-2 is automatically changed to use UTF-8. You
3126 cannot use UCS-2 in a string anyway, because of the NUL bytes.
3127 {only available when compiled with the +multi_byte feature}
3128
3129 *indent()*
3130indent({lnum}) The result is a Number, which is indent of line {lnum} in the
3131 current buffer. The indent is counted in spaces, the value
3132 of 'tabstop' is relevant. {lnum} is used just like in
3133 |getline()|.
3134 When {lnum} is invalid -1 is returned.
3135
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003136
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003137index({list}, {expr} [, {start} [, {ic}]]) *index()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003138 Return the lowest index in |List| {list} where the item has a
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003139 value equal to {expr}.
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00003140 If {start} is given then start looking at the item with index
3141 {start} (may be negative for an item relative to the end).
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003142 When {ic} is given and it is non-zero, ignore case. Otherwise
3143 case must match.
3144 -1 is returned when {expr} is not found in {list}.
3145 Example: >
3146 :let idx = index(words, "the")
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00003147 :if index(numbers, 123) >= 0
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003148
3149
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003150input({prompt} [, {text} [, {completion}]]) *input()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003151 The result is a String, which is whatever the user typed on
3152 the command-line. The parameter is either a prompt string, or
3153 a blank string (for no prompt). A '\n' can be used in the
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003154 prompt to start a new line.
3155 The highlighting set with |:echohl| is used for the prompt.
3156 The input is entered just like a command-line, with the same
3157 editing commands and mappings. There is a separate history
3158 for lines typed for input().
3159 Example: >
3160 :if input("Coffee or beer? ") == "beer"
3161 : echo "Cheers!"
3162 :endif
3163<
Bram Moolenaar1e015462005-09-25 22:16:38 +00003164 If the optional {text} is present and not empty, this is used
3165 for the default reply, as if the user typed this. Example: >
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003166 :let color = input("Color? ", "white")
3167
3168< The optional {completion} argument specifies the type of
3169 completion supported for the input. Without it completion is
3170 not performed. The supported completion types are the same as
3171 that can be supplied to a user-defined command using the
3172 "-complete=" argument. Refer to |:command-completion| for
3173 more information. Example: >
3174 let fname = input("File: ", "", "file")
3175<
3176 NOTE: This function must not be used in a startup file, for
3177 the versions that only run in GUI mode (e.g., the Win32 GUI).
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003178 Note: When input() is called from within a mapping it will
3179 consume remaining characters from that mapping, because a
3180 mapping is handled like the characters were typed.
3181 Use |inputsave()| before input() and |inputrestore()|
3182 after input() to avoid that. Another solution is to avoid
3183 that further characters follow in the mapping, e.g., by using
3184 |:execute| or |:normal|.
3185
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003186 Example with a mapping: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003187 :nmap \x :call GetFoo()<CR>:exe "/" . Foo<CR>
3188 :function GetFoo()
3189 : call inputsave()
3190 : let g:Foo = input("enter search pattern: ")
3191 : call inputrestore()
3192 :endfunction
3193
3194inputdialog({prompt} [, {text} [, {cancelreturn}]]) *inputdialog()*
3195 Like input(), but when the GUI is running and text dialogs are
3196 supported, a dialog window pops up to input the text.
3197 Example: >
3198 :let n = inputdialog("value for shiftwidth", &sw)
3199 :if n != ""
3200 : let &sw = n
3201 :endif
3202< When the dialog is cancelled {cancelreturn} is returned. When
3203 omitted an empty string is returned.
3204 Hitting <Enter> works like pressing the OK button. Hitting
3205 <Esc> works like pressing the Cancel button.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003206 NOTE: Command-line completion is not supported.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003207
Bram Moolenaar578b49e2005-09-10 19:22:57 +00003208inputlist({textlist}) *inputlist()*
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00003209 {textlist} must be a |List| of strings. This |List| is
3210 displayed, one string per line. The user will be prompted to
3211 enter a number, which is returned.
Bram Moolenaar578b49e2005-09-10 19:22:57 +00003212 The user can also select an item by clicking on it with the
3213 mouse. For the first string 0 is returned. When clicking
3214 above the first item a negative number is returned. When
3215 clicking on the prompt one more than the length of {textlist}
3216 is returned.
3217 Make sure {textlist} has less then 'lines' entries, otherwise
3218 it won't work. It's a good idea to put the entry number at
3219 the start of the string. Example: >
3220 let color = inputlist(['Select color:', '1. red',
3221 \ '2. green', '3. blue'])
3222
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003223inputrestore() *inputrestore()*
3224 Restore typeahead that was saved with a previous inputsave().
3225 Should be called the same number of times inputsave() is
3226 called. Calling it more often is harmless though.
3227 Returns 1 when there is nothing to restore, 0 otherwise.
3228
3229inputsave() *inputsave()*
3230 Preserve typeahead (also from mappings) and clear it, so that
3231 a following prompt gets input from the user. Should be
3232 followed by a matching inputrestore() after the prompt. Can
3233 be used several times, in which case there must be just as
3234 many inputrestore() calls.
3235 Returns 1 when out of memory, 0 otherwise.
3236
3237inputsecret({prompt} [, {text}]) *inputsecret()*
3238 This function acts much like the |input()| function with but
3239 two exceptions:
3240 a) the user's response will be displayed as a sequence of
3241 asterisks ("*") thereby keeping the entry secret, and
3242 b) the user's response will not be recorded on the input
3243 |history| stack.
3244 The result is a String, which is whatever the user actually
3245 typed on the command-line in response to the issued prompt.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003246 NOTE: Command-line completion is not supported.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003247
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003248insert({list}, {item} [, {idx}]) *insert()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003249 Insert {item} at the start of |List| {list}.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003250 If {idx} is specified insert {item} before the item with index
3251 {idx}. If {idx} is zero it goes before the first item, just
3252 like omitting {idx}. A negative {idx} is also possible, see
3253 |list-index|. -1 inserts just before the last item.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003254 Returns the resulting |List|. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003255 :let mylist = insert([2, 3, 5], 1)
3256 :call insert(mylist, 4, -1)
3257 :call insert(mylist, 6, len(mylist))
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003258< The last example can be done simpler with |add()|.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003259 Note that when {item} is a |List| it is inserted as a single
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00003260 item. Use |extend()| to concatenate |Lists|.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003261
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003262isdirectory({directory}) *isdirectory()*
3263 The result is a Number, which is non-zero when a directory
3264 with the name {directory} exists. If {directory} doesn't
3265 exist, or isn't a directory, the result is FALSE. {directory}
3266 is any expression, which is used as a String.
3267
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00003268islocked({expr}) *islocked()* *E786*
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00003269 The result is a Number, which is non-zero when {expr} is the
3270 name of a locked variable.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003271 {expr} must be the name of a variable, |List| item or
3272 |Dictionary| entry, not the variable itself! Example: >
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00003273 :let alist = [0, ['a', 'b'], 2, 3]
3274 :lockvar 1 alist
3275 :echo islocked('alist') " 1
3276 :echo islocked('alist[1]') " 0
3277
3278< When {expr} is a variable that does not exist you get an error
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00003279 message. Use |exists()| to check for existence.
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00003280
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00003281items({dict}) *items()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003282 Return a |List| with all the key-value pairs of {dict}. Each
3283 |List| item is a list with two items: the key of a {dict}
3284 entry and the value of this entry. The |List| is in arbitrary
3285 order.
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00003286
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003287
3288join({list} [, {sep}]) *join()*
3289 Join the items in {list} together into one String.
3290 When {sep} is specified it is put in between the items. If
3291 {sep} is omitted a single space is used.
3292 Note that {sep} is not added at the end. You might want to
3293 add it there too: >
3294 let lines = join(mylist, "\n") . "\n"
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00003295< String items are used as-is. |Lists| and |Dictionaries| are
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003296 converted into a string like with |string()|.
3297 The opposite function is |split()|.
3298
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003299keys({dict}) *keys()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003300 Return a |List| with all the keys of {dict}. The |List| is in
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003301 arbitrary order.
3302
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00003303 *len()* *E701*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003304len({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the length of the argument.
3305 When {expr} is a String or a Number the length in bytes is
3306 used, as with |strlen()|.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003307 When {expr} is a |List| the number of items in the |List| is
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003308 returned.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003309 When {expr} is a |Dictionary| the number of entries in the
3310 |Dictionary| is returned.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003311 Otherwise an error is given.
3312
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003313 *libcall()* *E364* *E368*
3314libcall({libname}, {funcname}, {argument})
3315 Call function {funcname} in the run-time library {libname}
3316 with single argument {argument}.
3317 This is useful to call functions in a library that you
3318 especially made to be used with Vim. Since only one argument
3319 is possible, calling standard library functions is rather
3320 limited.
3321 The result is the String returned by the function. If the
3322 function returns NULL, this will appear as an empty string ""
3323 to Vim.
3324 If the function returns a number, use libcallnr()!
3325 If {argument} is a number, it is passed to the function as an
3326 int; if {argument} is a string, it is passed as a
3327 null-terminated string.
3328 This function will fail in |restricted-mode|.
3329
3330 libcall() allows you to write your own 'plug-in' extensions to
3331 Vim without having to recompile the program. It is NOT a
3332 means to call system functions! If you try to do so Vim will
3333 very probably crash.
3334
3335 For Win32, the functions you write must be placed in a DLL
3336 and use the normal C calling convention (NOT Pascal which is
3337 used in Windows System DLLs). The function must take exactly
3338 one parameter, either a character pointer or a long integer,
3339 and must return a character pointer or NULL. The character
3340 pointer returned must point to memory that will remain valid
3341 after the function has returned (e.g. in static data in the
3342 DLL). If it points to allocated memory, that memory will
3343 leak away. Using a static buffer in the function should work,
3344 it's then freed when the DLL is unloaded.
3345
3346 WARNING: If the function returns a non-valid pointer, Vim may
3347 crash! This also happens if the function returns a number,
3348 because Vim thinks it's a pointer.
3349 For Win32 systems, {libname} should be the filename of the DLL
3350 without the ".DLL" suffix. A full path is only required if
3351 the DLL is not in the usual places.
3352 For Unix: When compiling your own plugins, remember that the
3353 object code must be compiled as position-independent ('PIC').
3354 {only in Win32 on some Unix versions, when the |+libcall|
3355 feature is present}
3356 Examples: >
3357 :echo libcall("libc.so", "getenv", "HOME")
3358 :echo libcallnr("/usr/lib/libc.so", "getpid", "")
3359<
3360 *libcallnr()*
3361libcallnr({libname}, {funcname}, {argument})
3362 Just like libcall(), but used for a function that returns an
3363 int instead of a string.
3364 {only in Win32 on some Unix versions, when the |+libcall|
3365 feature is present}
3366 Example (not very useful...): >
3367 :call libcallnr("libc.so", "printf", "Hello World!\n")
3368 :call libcallnr("libc.so", "sleep", 10)
3369<
3370 *line()*
3371line({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the line number of the file
3372 position given with {expr}. The accepted positions are:
3373 . the cursor position
3374 $ the last line in the current buffer
3375 'x position of mark x (if the mark is not set, 0 is
3376 returned)
Bram Moolenaarc7453f52006-02-10 23:20:28 +00003377 w0 first line visible in current window
3378 w$ last line visible in current window
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00003379 Note that a mark in another file can be used.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00003380 To get the column number use |col()|. To get both use
3381 |getpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003382 Examples: >
3383 line(".") line number of the cursor
3384 line("'t") line number of mark t
3385 line("'" . marker) line number of mark marker
3386< *last-position-jump*
3387 This autocommand jumps to the last known position in a file
3388 just after opening it, if the '" mark is set: >
3389 :au BufReadPost * if line("'\"") > 0 && line("'\"") <= line("$") | exe "normal g'\"" | endif
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00003390
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003391line2byte({lnum}) *line2byte()*
3392 Return the byte count from the start of the buffer for line
3393 {lnum}. This includes the end-of-line character, depending on
3394 the 'fileformat' option for the current buffer. The first
3395 line returns 1.
3396 This can also be used to get the byte count for the line just
3397 below the last line: >
3398 line2byte(line("$") + 1)
3399< This is the file size plus one.
3400 When {lnum} is invalid, or the |+byte_offset| feature has been
3401 disabled at compile time, -1 is returned.
3402 Also see |byte2line()|, |go| and |:goto|.
3403
3404lispindent({lnum}) *lispindent()*
3405 Get the amount of indent for line {lnum} according the lisp
3406 indenting rules, as with 'lisp'.
3407 The indent is counted in spaces, the value of 'tabstop' is
3408 relevant. {lnum} is used just like in |getline()|.
3409 When {lnum} is invalid or Vim was not compiled the
3410 |+lispindent| feature, -1 is returned.
3411
3412localtime() *localtime()*
3413 Return the current time, measured as seconds since 1st Jan
3414 1970. See also |strftime()| and |getftime()|.
3415
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003416
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003417map({expr}, {string}) *map()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003418 {expr} must be a |List| or a |Dictionary|.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003419 Replace each item in {expr} with the result of evaluating
3420 {string}.
3421 Inside {string} |v:val| has the value of the current item.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003422 For a |Dictionary| |v:key| has the key of the current item.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003423 Example: >
3424 :call map(mylist, '"> " . v:val . " <"')
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003425< This puts "> " before and " <" after each item in "mylist".
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003426
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003427 Note that {string} is the result of an expression and is then
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003428 used as an expression again. Often it is good to use a
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003429 |literal-string| to avoid having to double backslashes. You
3430 still have to double ' quotes
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003431
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003432 The operation is done in-place. If you want a |List| or
3433 |Dictionary| to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003434 :let tlist = map(copy(mylist), ' & . "\t"')
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003435
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003436< Returns {expr}, the |List| or |Dictionary| that was filtered.
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00003437 When an error is encountered while evaluating {string} no
3438 further items in {expr} are processed.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003439
3440
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00003441maparg({name}[, {mode} [, {abbr}]]) *maparg()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003442 Return the rhs of mapping {name} in mode {mode}. When there
3443 is no mapping for {name}, an empty String is returned.
Bram Moolenaard12f5c12006-01-25 22:10:52 +00003444 {mode} can be one of these strings:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003445 "n" Normal
3446 "v" Visual
3447 "o" Operator-pending
3448 "i" Insert
3449 "c" Cmd-line
3450 "l" langmap |language-mapping|
3451 "" Normal, Visual and Operator-pending
Bram Moolenaard12f5c12006-01-25 22:10:52 +00003452 When {mode} is omitted, the modes for "" are used.
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00003453 When {abbr} is there and it is non-zero use abbreviations
3454 instead of mappings.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003455 The {name} can have special key names, like in the ":map"
3456 command. The returned String has special characters
3457 translated like in the output of the ":map" command listing.
3458 The mappings local to the current buffer are checked first,
3459 then the global mappings.
Bram Moolenaara40ceaf2006-01-13 22:35:40 +00003460 This function can be used to map a key even when it's already
3461 mapped, and have it do the original mapping too. Sketch: >
3462 exe 'nnoremap <Tab> ==' . maparg('<Tab>', 'n')
3463
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003464
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00003465mapcheck({name}[, {mode} [, {abbr}]]) *mapcheck()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003466 Check if there is a mapping that matches with {name} in mode
3467 {mode}. See |maparg()| for {mode} and special names in
3468 {name}.
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00003469 When {abbr} is there and it is non-zero use abbreviations
3470 instead of mappings.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003471 A match happens with a mapping that starts with {name} and
3472 with a mapping which is equal to the start of {name}.
3473
3474 matches mapping "a" "ab" "abc" ~
3475 mapcheck("a") yes yes yes
3476 mapcheck("abc") yes yes yes
3477 mapcheck("ax") yes no no
3478 mapcheck("b") no no no
3479
3480 The difference with maparg() is that mapcheck() finds a
3481 mapping that matches with {name}, while maparg() only finds a
3482 mapping for {name} exactly.
3483 When there is no mapping that starts with {name}, an empty
3484 String is returned. If there is one, the rhs of that mapping
3485 is returned. If there are several mappings that start with
3486 {name}, the rhs of one of them is returned.
3487 The mappings local to the current buffer are checked first,
3488 then the global mappings.
3489 This function can be used to check if a mapping can be added
3490 without being ambiguous. Example: >
3491 :if mapcheck("_vv") == ""
3492 : map _vv :set guifont=7x13<CR>
3493 :endif
3494< This avoids adding the "_vv" mapping when there already is a
3495 mapping for "_v" or for "_vvv".
3496
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003497match({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *match()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003498 When {expr} is a |List| then this returns the index of the
3499 first item where {pat} matches. Each item is used as a
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00003500 String, |Lists| and |Dictionaries| are used as echoed.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003501 Otherwise, {expr} is used as a String. The result is a
3502 Number, which gives the index (byte offset) in {expr} where
3503 {pat} matches.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003504 A match at the first character or |List| item returns zero.
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003505 If there is no match -1 is returned.
3506 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003507 :echo match("testing", "ing") " results in 4
Bram Moolenaar362e1a32006-03-06 23:29:24 +00003508 :echo match([1, 'x'], '\a') " results in 1
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003509< See |string-match| for how {pat} is used.
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00003510 *strpbrk()*
3511 Vim doesn't have a strpbrk() function. But you can do: >
3512 :let sepidx = match(line, '[.,;: \t]')
3513< *strcasestr()*
3514 Vim doesn't have a strcasestr() function. But you can add
3515 "\c" to the pattern to ignore case: >
3516 :let idx = match(haystack, '\cneedle')
3517<
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003518 If {start} is given, the search starts from byte index
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003519 {start} in a String or item {start} in a |List|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003520 The result, however, is still the index counted from the
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003521 first character/item. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003522 :echo match("testing", "ing", 2)
3523< result is again "4". >
3524 :echo match("testing", "ing", 4)
3525< result is again "4". >
3526 :echo match("testing", "t", 2)
3527< result is "3".
Bram Moolenaar5e3cb7e2006-02-27 23:58:35 +00003528 For a String, if {start} > 0 then it is like the string starts
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00003529 {start} bytes later, thus "^" will match at {start}. Except
3530 when {count} is given, then it's like matches before the
3531 {start} byte are ignored (this is a bit complicated to keep it
3532 backwards compatible).
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003533 For a String, if {start} < 0, it will be set to 0. For a list
3534 the index is counted from the end.
Bram Moolenaare224ffa2006-03-01 00:01:28 +00003535 If {start} is out of range ({start} > strlen({expr}) for a
3536 String or {start} > len({expr}) for a |List|) -1 is returned.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003537
Bram Moolenaar5e3cb7e2006-02-27 23:58:35 +00003538 When {count} is given use the {count}'th match. When a match
Bram Moolenaare224ffa2006-03-01 00:01:28 +00003539 is found in a String the search for the next one starts one
Bram Moolenaar5e3cb7e2006-02-27 23:58:35 +00003540 character further. Thus this example results in 1: >
3541 echo match("testing", "..", 0, 2)
3542< In a |List| the search continues in the next item.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00003543 Note that when {count} is added the way {start} works changes,
3544 see above.
Bram Moolenaar5e3cb7e2006-02-27 23:58:35 +00003545
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003546 See |pattern| for the patterns that are accepted.
3547 The 'ignorecase' option is used to set the ignore-caseness of
3548 the pattern. 'smartcase' is NOT used. The matching is always
3549 done like 'magic' is set and 'cpoptions' is empty.
3550
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00003551
3552matcharg({nr}) *matcharg()*
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00003553 Selects the {nr} match item, as set with a |:match|,
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00003554 |:2match| or |:3match| command.
3555 Return a |List| with two elements:
3556 The name of the highlight group used
3557 The pattern used.
3558 When {nr} is not 1, 2 or 3 returns an empty |List|.
3559 When there is no match item set returns ['', ''].
3560 This is usef to save and restore a |:match|.
3561
3562
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003563matchend({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *matchend()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003564 Same as match(), but return the index of first character after
3565 the match. Example: >
3566 :echo matchend("testing", "ing")
3567< results in "7".
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00003568 *strspn()* *strcspn()*
3569 Vim doesn't have a strspn() or strcspn() function, but you can
3570 do it with matchend(): >
3571 :let span = matchend(line, '[a-zA-Z]')
3572 :let span = matchend(line, '[^a-zA-Z]')
3573< Except that -1 is returned when there are no matches.
3574
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003575 The {start}, if given, has the same meaning as for match(). >
3576 :echo matchend("testing", "ing", 2)
3577< results in "7". >
3578 :echo matchend("testing", "ing", 5)
3579< result is "-1".
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003580 When {expr} is a |List| the result is equal to match().
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003581
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003582matchlist({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *matchlist()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003583 Same as match(), but return a |List|. The first item in the
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003584 list is the matched string, same as what matchstr() would
3585 return. Following items are submatches, like "\1", "\2", etc.
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +00003586 in |:substitute|. When an optional submatch didn't match an
3587 empty string is used. Example: >
3588 echo matchlist('acd', '\(a\)\?\(b\)\?\(c\)\?\(.*\)')
3589< Results in: ['acd', 'a', '', 'c', 'd', '', '', '', '', '']
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003590 When there is no match an empty list is returned.
3591
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003592matchstr({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *matchstr()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003593 Same as match(), but return the matched string. Example: >
3594 :echo matchstr("testing", "ing")
3595< results in "ing".
3596 When there is no match "" is returned.
3597 The {start}, if given, has the same meaning as for match(). >
3598 :echo matchstr("testing", "ing", 2)
3599< results in "ing". >
3600 :echo matchstr("testing", "ing", 5)
3601< result is "".
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003602 When {expr} is a |List| then the matching item is returned.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003603 The type isn't changed, it's not necessarily a String.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003604
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00003605 *max()*
3606max({list}) Return the maximum value of all items in {list}.
3607 If {list} is not a list or one of the items in {list} cannot
3608 be used as a Number this results in an error.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003609 An empty |List| results in zero.
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00003610
3611 *min()*
3612min({list}) Return the minumum value of all items in {list}.
3613 If {list} is not a list or one of the items in {list} cannot
3614 be used as a Number this results in an error.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003615 An empty |List| results in zero.
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00003616
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00003617 *mkdir()* *E739*
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00003618mkdir({name} [, {path} [, {prot}]])
3619 Create directory {name}.
3620 If {path} is "p" then intermediate directories are created as
3621 necessary. Otherwise it must be "".
3622 If {prot} is given it is used to set the protection bits of
3623 the new directory. The default is 0755 (rwxr-xr-x: r/w for
3624 the user readable for others). Use 0700 to make it unreadable
3625 for others.
3626 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3627 Not available on all systems. To check use: >
3628 :if exists("*mkdir")
3629<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003630 *mode()*
3631mode() Return a string that indicates the current mode:
3632 n Normal
3633 v Visual by character
3634 V Visual by line
3635 CTRL-V Visual blockwise
3636 s Select by character
3637 S Select by line
3638 CTRL-S Select blockwise
3639 i Insert
3640 R Replace
3641 c Command-line
3642 r Hit-enter prompt
3643 This is useful in the 'statusline' option. In most other
3644 places it always returns "c" or "n".
3645
3646nextnonblank({lnum}) *nextnonblank()*
3647 Return the line number of the first line at or below {lnum}
3648 that is not blank. Example: >
3649 if getline(nextnonblank(1)) =~ "Java"
3650< When {lnum} is invalid or there is no non-blank line at or
3651 below it, zero is returned.
3652 See also |prevnonblank()|.
3653
3654nr2char({expr}) *nr2char()*
3655 Return a string with a single character, which has the number
3656 value {expr}. Examples: >
3657 nr2char(64) returns "@"
3658 nr2char(32) returns " "
3659< The current 'encoding' is used. Example for "utf-8": >
3660 nr2char(300) returns I with bow character
3661< Note that a NUL character in the file is specified with
3662 nr2char(10), because NULs are represented with newline
3663 characters. nr2char(0) is a real NUL and terminates the
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +00003664 string, thus results in an empty string.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003665
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00003666 *getpos()*
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00003667getpos({expr}) Get the position for {expr}. For possible values of {expr}
3668 see |line()|.
3669 The result is a |List| with four numbers:
3670 [bufnum, lnum, col, off]
3671 "bufnum" is zero, unless a mark like '0 or 'A is used, then it
3672 is the buffer number of the mark.
3673 "lnum" and "col" are the position in the buffer. The first
3674 column is 1.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00003675 The "off" number is zero, unless 'virtualedit' is used. Then
3676 it is the offset in screen columns from the start of the
3677 character. E.g., a position within a Tab or after the last
3678 character.
3679 This can be used to save and restore the cursor position: >
3680 let save_cursor = getpos(".")
3681 MoveTheCursorAround
Bram Moolenaardb552d602006-03-23 22:59:57 +00003682 call setpos('.', save_cursor)
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00003683< Also see |setpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00003684
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00003685pathshorten({expr}) *pathshorten()*
3686 Shorten directory names in the path {expr} and return the
3687 result. The tail, the file name, is kept as-is. The other
3688 components in the path are reduced to single letters. Leading
3689 '~' and '.' characters are kept. Example: >
3690 :echo pathshorten('~/.vim/autoload/myfile.vim')
3691< ~/.v/a/myfile.vim ~
3692 It doesn't matter if the path exists or not.
3693
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00003694prevnonblank({lnum}) *prevnonblank()*
3695 Return the line number of the first line at or above {lnum}
3696 that is not blank. Example: >
3697 let ind = indent(prevnonblank(v:lnum - 1))
3698< When {lnum} is invalid or there is no non-blank line at or
3699 above it, zero is returned.
3700 Also see |nextnonblank()|.
3701
3702
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003703printf({fmt}, {expr1} ...) *printf()*
3704 Return a String with {fmt}, where "%" items are replaced by
3705 the formatted form of their respective arguments. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003706 printf("%4d: E%d %.30s", lnum, errno, msg)
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003707< May result in:
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003708 " 99: E42 asdfasdfasdfasdfasdfasdfasdfas" ~
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003709
3710 Often used items are:
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00003711 %s string
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00003712 %6s string right-aligned in 6 bytes
3713 %.9s string truncated to 9 bytes
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003714 %c single byte
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003715 %d decimal number
3716 %5d decimal number padded with spaces to 5 characters
3717 %x hex number
3718 %04x hex number padded with zeros to at least 4 characters
3719 %X hex number using upper case letters
3720 %o octal number
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00003721 %% the % character itself
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003722
3723 Conversion specifications start with '%' and end with the
3724 conversion type. All other characters are copied unchanged to
3725 the result.
3726
3727 The "%" starts a conversion specification. The following
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003728 arguments appear in sequence:
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003729
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003730 % [flags] [field-width] [.precision] type
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003731
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00003732 flags
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003733 Zero or more of the following flags:
3734
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003735 # The value should be converted to an "alternate
3736 form". For c, d, and s conversions, this option
3737 has no effect. For o conversions, the precision
3738 of the number is increased to force the first
3739 character of the output string to a zero (except
3740 if a zero value is printed with an explicit
3741 precision of zero).
3742 For x and X conversions, a non-zero result has
3743 the string "0x" (or "0X" for X conversions)
3744 prepended to it.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003745
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003746 0 (zero) Zero padding. For all conversions the converted
3747 value is padded on the left with zeros rather
3748 than blanks. If a precision is given with a
3749 numeric conversion (d, o, x, and X), the 0 flag
3750 is ignored.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003751
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003752 - A negative field width flag; the converted value
3753 is to be left adjusted on the field boundary.
3754 The converted value is padded on the right with
3755 blanks, rather than on the left with blanks or
3756 zeros. A - overrides a 0 if both are given.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003757
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003758 ' ' (space) A blank should be left before a positive
3759 number produced by a signed conversion (d).
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003760
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003761 + A sign must always be placed before a number
3762 produced by a signed conversion. A + overrides
3763 a space if both are used.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003764
3765 field-width
3766 An optional decimal digit string specifying a minimum
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00003767 field width. If the converted value has fewer bytes
3768 than the field width, it will be padded with spaces on
3769 the left (or right, if the left-adjustment flag has
3770 been given) to fill out the field width.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003771
3772 .precision
3773 An optional precision, in the form of a period '.'
3774 followed by an optional digit string. If the digit
3775 string is omitted, the precision is taken as zero.
3776 This gives the minimum number of digits to appear for
3777 d, o, x, and X conversions, or the maximum number of
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00003778 bytes to be printed from a string for s conversions.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003779
3780 type
3781 A character that specifies the type of conversion to
3782 be applied, see below.
3783
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003784 A field width or precision, or both, may be indicated by an
3785 asterisk '*' instead of a digit string. In this case, a
3786 Number argument supplies the field width or precision. A
3787 negative field width is treated as a left adjustment flag
3788 followed by a positive field width; a negative precision is
3789 treated as though it were missing. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003790 :echo printf("%d: %.*s", nr, width, line)
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003791< This limits the length of the text used from "line" to
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003792 "width" bytes.
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003793
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00003794 The conversion specifiers and their meanings are:
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003795
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003796 doxX The Number argument is converted to signed decimal
3797 (d), unsigned octal (o), or unsigned hexadecimal (x
3798 and X) notation. The letters "abcdef" are used for
3799 x conversions; the letters "ABCDEF" are used for X
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003800 conversions.
3801 The precision, if any, gives the minimum number of
3802 digits that must appear; if the converted value
3803 requires fewer digits, it is padded on the left with
3804 zeros.
3805 In no case does a non-existent or small field width
3806 cause truncation of a numeric field; if the result of
3807 a conversion is wider than the field width, the field
3808 is expanded to contain the conversion result.
3809
3810 c The Number argument is converted to a byte, and the
3811 resulting character is written.
3812
3813 s The text of the String argument is used. If a
3814 precision is specified, no more bytes than the number
3815 specified are used.
3816
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003817 % A '%' is written. No argument is converted. The
3818 complete conversion specification is "%%".
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003819
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003820 Each argument can be Number or String and is converted
3821 automatically to fit the conversion specifier. Any other
3822 argument type results in an error message.
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003823
Bram Moolenaar83bab712005-08-01 21:58:57 +00003824 *E766* *E767*
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003825 The number of {exprN} arguments must exactly match the number
3826 of "%" items. If there are not sufficient or too many
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003827 arguments an error is given. Up to 18 arguments can be used.
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003828
3829
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00003830pumvisible() *pumvisible()*
3831 Returns non-zero when the popup menu is visible, zero
3832 otherwise. See |ins-completion-menu|.
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00003833 This can be used to avoid some things that would remove the
3834 popup menu.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003835
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00003836 *E726* *E727*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003837range({expr} [, {max} [, {stride}]]) *range()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003838 Returns a |List| with Numbers:
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003839 - If only {expr} is specified: [0, 1, ..., {expr} - 1]
3840 - If {max} is specified: [{expr}, {expr} + 1, ..., {max}]
3841 - If {stride} is specified: [{expr}, {expr} + {stride}, ...,
3842 {max}] (increasing {expr} with {stride} each time, not
3843 producing a value past {max}).
Bram Moolenaare7566042005-06-17 22:00:15 +00003844 When the maximum is one before the start the result is an
3845 empty list. When the maximum is more than one before the
3846 start this is an error.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003847 Examples: >
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00003848 range(4) " [0, 1, 2, 3]
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003849 range(2, 4) " [2, 3, 4]
3850 range(2, 9, 3) " [2, 5, 8]
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00003851 range(2, -2, -1) " [2, 1, 0, -1, -2]
Bram Moolenaare7566042005-06-17 22:00:15 +00003852 range(0) " []
3853 range(2, 0) " error!
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003854<
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003855 *readfile()*
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00003856readfile({fname} [, {binary} [, {max}]])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003857 Read file {fname} and return a |List|, each line of the file
3858 as an item. Lines broken at NL characters. Macintosh files
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003859 separated with CR will result in a single long line (unless a
3860 NL appears somewhere).
3861 When {binary} is equal to "b" binary mode is used:
3862 - When the last line ends in a NL an extra empty list item is
3863 added.
3864 - No CR characters are removed.
3865 Otherwise:
3866 - CR characters that appear before a NL are removed.
3867 - Whether the last line ends in a NL or not does not matter.
3868 All NUL characters are replaced with a NL character.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00003869 When {max} is given this specifies the maximum number of lines
3870 to be read. Useful if you only want to check the first ten
3871 lines of a file: >
3872 :for line in readfile(fname, '', 10)
3873 : if line =~ 'Date' | echo line | endif
3874 :endfor
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00003875< When {max} is negative -{max} lines from the end of the file
3876 are returned, or as many as there are.
3877 When {max} is zero the result is an empty list.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00003878 Note that without {max} the whole file is read into memory.
3879 Also note that there is no recognition of encoding. Read a
3880 file into a buffer if you need to.
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003881 When the file can't be opened an error message is given and
3882 the result is an empty list.
3883 Also see |writefile()|.
3884
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00003885reltime([{start} [, {end}]]) *reltime()*
3886 Return an item that represents a time value. The format of
3887 the item depends on the system. It can be passed to
3888 |reltimestr()| to convert it to a string.
3889 Without an argument it returns the current time.
3890 With one argument is returns the time passed since the time
3891 specified in the argument.
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00003892 With two arguments it returns the time passed between {start}
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00003893 and {end}.
3894 The {start} and {end} arguments must be values returned by
3895 reltime().
3896 {only available when compiled with the +reltime feature}
3897
3898reltimestr({time}) *reltimestr()*
3899 Return a String that represents the time value of {time}.
3900 This is the number of seconds, a dot and the number of
3901 microseconds. Example: >
3902 let start = reltime()
3903 call MyFunction()
3904 echo reltimestr(reltime(start))
3905< Note that overhead for the commands will be added to the time.
3906 The accuracy depends on the system.
3907 Also see |profiling|.
3908 {only available when compiled with the +reltime feature}
3909
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003910 *remote_expr()* *E449*
3911remote_expr({server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
3912 Send the {string} to {server}. The string is sent as an
3913 expression and the result is returned after evaluation.
Bram Moolenaar362e1a32006-03-06 23:29:24 +00003914 The result must be a String or a |List|. A |List| is turned
3915 into a String by joining the items with a line break in
3916 between (not at the end), like with join(expr, "\n").
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003917 If {idvar} is present, it is taken as the name of a
3918 variable and a {serverid} for later use with
3919 remote_read() is stored there.
3920 See also |clientserver| |RemoteReply|.
3921 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3922 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
3923 Note: Any errors will cause a local error message to be issued
3924 and the result will be the empty string.
3925 Examples: >
3926 :echo remote_expr("gvim", "2+2")
3927 :echo remote_expr("gvim1", "b:current_syntax")
3928<
3929
3930remote_foreground({server}) *remote_foreground()*
3931 Move the Vim server with the name {server} to the foreground.
3932 This works like: >
3933 remote_expr({server}, "foreground()")
3934< Except that on Win32 systems the client does the work, to work
3935 around the problem that the OS doesn't always allow the server
3936 to bring itself to the foreground.
Bram Moolenaar9372a112005-12-06 19:59:18 +00003937 Note: This does not restore the window if it was minimized,
3938 like foreground() does.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003939 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3940 {only in the Win32, Athena, Motif and GTK GUI versions and the
3941 Win32 console version}
3942
3943
3944remote_peek({serverid} [, {retvar}]) *remote_peek()*
3945 Returns a positive number if there are available strings
3946 from {serverid}. Copies any reply string into the variable
3947 {retvar} if specified. {retvar} must be a string with the
3948 name of a variable.
3949 Returns zero if none are available.
3950 Returns -1 if something is wrong.
3951 See also |clientserver|.
3952 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3953 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
3954 Examples: >
3955 :let repl = ""
3956 :echo "PEEK: ".remote_peek(id, "repl").": ".repl
3957
3958remote_read({serverid}) *remote_read()*
3959 Return the oldest available reply from {serverid} and consume
3960 it. It blocks until a reply is available.
3961 See also |clientserver|.
3962 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3963 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
3964 Example: >
3965 :echo remote_read(id)
3966<
3967 *remote_send()* *E241*
3968remote_send({server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
Bram Moolenaard4755bb2004-09-02 19:12:26 +00003969 Send the {string} to {server}. The string is sent as input
3970 keys and the function returns immediately. At the Vim server
3971 the keys are not mapped |:map|.
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00003972 If {idvar} is present, it is taken as the name of a variable
3973 and a {serverid} for later use with remote_read() is stored
3974 there.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003975 See also |clientserver| |RemoteReply|.
3976 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3977 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
3978 Note: Any errors will be reported in the server and may mess
3979 up the display.
3980 Examples: >
3981 :echo remote_send("gvim", ":DropAndReply ".file, "serverid").
3982 \ remote_read(serverid)
3983
3984 :autocmd NONE RemoteReply *
3985 \ echo remote_read(expand("<amatch>"))
3986 :echo remote_send("gvim", ":sleep 10 | echo ".
3987 \ 'server2client(expand("<client>"), "HELLO")<CR>')
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003988<
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003989remove({list}, {idx} [, {end}]) *remove()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003990 Without {end}: Remove the item at {idx} from |List| {list} and
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003991 return it.
3992 With {end}: Remove items from {idx} to {end} (inclusive) and
3993 return a list with these items. When {idx} points to the same
3994 item as {end} a list with one item is returned. When {end}
3995 points to an item before {idx} this is an error.
3996 See |list-index| for possible values of {idx} and {end}.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003997 Example: >
3998 :echo "last item: " . remove(mylist, -1)
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003999 :call remove(mylist, 0, 9)
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004000remove({dict}, {key})
4001 Remove the entry from {dict} with key {key}. Example: >
4002 :echo "removed " . remove(dict, "one")
4003< If there is no {key} in {dict} this is an error.
4004
4005 Use |delete()| to remove a file.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00004006
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004007rename({from}, {to}) *rename()*
4008 Rename the file by the name {from} to the name {to}. This
4009 should also work to move files across file systems. The
4010 result is a Number, which is 0 if the file was renamed
4011 successfully, and non-zero when the renaming failed.
4012 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4013
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00004014repeat({expr}, {count}) *repeat()*
4015 Repeat {expr} {count} times and return the concatenated
4016 result. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00004017 :let separator = repeat('-', 80)
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00004018< When {count} is zero or negative the result is empty.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004019 When {expr} is a |List| the result is {expr} concatenated
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004020 {count} times. Example: >
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00004021 :let longlist = repeat(['a', 'b'], 3)
4022< Results in ['a', 'b', 'a', 'b', 'a', 'b'].
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00004023
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004024
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004025resolve({filename}) *resolve()* *E655*
4026 On MS-Windows, when {filename} is a shortcut (a .lnk file),
4027 returns the path the shortcut points to in a simplified form.
4028 On Unix, repeat resolving symbolic links in all path
4029 components of {filename} and return the simplified result.
4030 To cope with link cycles, resolving of symbolic links is
4031 stopped after 100 iterations.
4032 On other systems, return the simplified {filename}.
4033 The simplification step is done as by |simplify()|.
4034 resolve() keeps a leading path component specifying the
4035 current directory (provided the result is still a relative
4036 path name) and also keeps a trailing path separator.
4037
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004038 *reverse()*
4039reverse({list}) Reverse the order of items in {list} in-place. Returns
4040 {list}.
4041 If you want a list to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
4042 :let revlist = reverse(copy(mylist))
4043
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004044search({pattern} [, {flags} [, {stopline}]]) *search()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004045 Search for regexp pattern {pattern}. The search starts at the
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +00004046 cursor position (you can use |cursor()| to set it).
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00004047
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004048 {flags} is a String, which can contain these character flags:
4049 'b' search backward instead of forward
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004050 'c' accept a match at the cursor position
4051 'e' move to the End of the match
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00004052 'n' do Not move the cursor
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004053 'p' return number of matching sub-pattern (see below)
4054 's' set the ' mark at the previous location of the cursor
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004055 'w' wrap around the end of the file
4056 'W' don't wrap around the end of the file
4057 If neither 'w' or 'W' is given, the 'wrapscan' option applies.
4058
Bram Moolenaar02743632005-07-25 20:42:36 +00004059 If the 's' flag is supplied, the ' mark is set, only if the
4060 cursor is moved. The 's' flag cannot be combined with the 'n'
4061 flag.
4062
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004063 When the {stopline} argument is given then the search stops
4064 after searching this line. This is useful to restrict the
4065 search to a range of lines. Examples: >
4066 let match = search('(', 'b', line("w0"))
4067 let end = search('END', '', line("w$"))
4068< When {stopline} is used and it is not zero this also implies
4069 that the search does not wrap around the end of the file.
4070
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00004071 If there is no match a 0 is returned and the cursor doesn't
4072 move. No error message is given.
Bram Moolenaar362e1a32006-03-06 23:29:24 +00004073 When a match has been found its line number is returned.
4074 *search()-sub-match*
4075 With the 'p' flag the returned value is one more than the
4076 first sub-match in \(\). One if none of them matched but the
4077 whole pattern did match.
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004078 To get the column number too use |searchpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004079
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004080 The cursor will be positioned at the match, unless the 'n'
4081 flag is used.
4082
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004083 Example (goes over all files in the argument list): >
4084 :let n = 1
4085 :while n <= argc() " loop over all files in arglist
4086 : exe "argument " . n
4087 : " start at the last char in the file and wrap for the
4088 : " first search to find match at start of file
4089 : normal G$
4090 : let flags = "w"
4091 : while search("foo", flags) > 0
4092 : s/foo/bar/g
4093 : let flags = "W"
4094 : endwhile
4095 : update " write the file if modified
4096 : let n = n + 1
4097 :endwhile
4098<
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004099 Example for using some flags: >
4100 :echo search('\<if\|\(else\)\|\(endif\)', 'ncpe')
4101< This will search for the keywords "if", "else", and "endif"
4102 under or after the cursor. Because of the 'p' flag, it
4103 returns 1, 2, or 3 depending on which keyword is found, or 0
4104 if the search fails. With the cursor on the first word of the
4105 line:
4106 if (foo == 0) | let foo = foo + 1 | endif ~
4107 the function returns 1. Without the 'c' flag, the function
4108 finds the "endif" and returns 3. The same thing happens
4109 without the 'e' flag if the cursor is on the "f" of "if".
4110 The 'n' flag tells the function not to move the cursor.
4111
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00004112
Bram Moolenaarf75a9632005-09-13 21:20:47 +00004113searchdecl({name} [, {global} [, {thisblock}]]) *searchdecl()*
4114 Search for the declaration of {name}.
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004115
Bram Moolenaarf75a9632005-09-13 21:20:47 +00004116 With a non-zero {global} argument it works like |gD|, find
4117 first match in the file. Otherwise it works like |gd|, find
4118 first match in the function.
4119
4120 With a non-zero {thisblock} argument matches in a {} block
4121 that ends before the cursor position are ignored. Avoids
4122 finding variable declarations only valid in another scope.
4123
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00004124 Moves the cursor to the found match.
4125 Returns zero for success, non-zero for failure.
4126 Example: >
4127 if searchdecl('myvar') == 0
4128 echo getline('.')
4129 endif
4130<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004131 *searchpair()*
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004132searchpair({start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip} [, {stopline}]]])
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004133 Search for the match of a nested start-end pair. This can be
4134 used to find the "endif" that matches an "if", while other
4135 if/endif pairs in between are ignored.
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00004136 The search starts at the cursor. The default is to search
4137 forward, include 'b' in {flags} to search backward.
4138 If a match is found, the cursor is positioned at it and the
4139 line number is returned. If no match is found 0 or -1 is
4140 returned and the cursor doesn't move. No error message is
4141 given.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004142
4143 {start}, {middle} and {end} are patterns, see |pattern|. They
4144 must not contain \( \) pairs. Use of \%( \) is allowed. When
4145 {middle} is not empty, it is found when searching from either
4146 direction, but only when not in a nested start-end pair. A
4147 typical use is: >
4148 searchpair('\<if\>', '\<else\>', '\<endif\>')
4149< By leaving {middle} empty the "else" is skipped.
4150
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004151 {flags} 'b', 'c', 'n', 's', 'w' and 'W' are used like with
4152 |search()|. Additionally:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004153 'r' Repeat until no more matches found; will find the
4154 outer pair
4155 'm' return number of Matches instead of line number with
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004156 the match; will be > 1 when 'r' is used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004157
4158 When a match for {start}, {middle} or {end} is found, the
4159 {skip} expression is evaluated with the cursor positioned on
4160 the start of the match. It should return non-zero if this
4161 match is to be skipped. E.g., because it is inside a comment
4162 or a string.
4163 When {skip} is omitted or empty, every match is accepted.
4164 When evaluating {skip} causes an error the search is aborted
4165 and -1 returned.
4166
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004167 For {stopline} see |search()|.
4168
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004169 The value of 'ignorecase' is used. 'magic' is ignored, the
4170 patterns are used like it's on.
4171
4172 The search starts exactly at the cursor. A match with
4173 {start}, {middle} or {end} at the next character, in the
4174 direction of searching, is the first one found. Example: >
4175 if 1
4176 if 2
4177 endif 2
4178 endif 1
4179< When starting at the "if 2", with the cursor on the "i", and
4180 searching forwards, the "endif 2" is found. When starting on
4181 the character just before the "if 2", the "endif 1" will be
4182 found. That's because the "if 2" will be found first, and
4183 then this is considered to be a nested if/endif from "if 2" to
4184 "endif 2".
4185 When searching backwards and {end} is more than one character,
4186 it may be useful to put "\zs" at the end of the pattern, so
4187 that when the cursor is inside a match with the end it finds
4188 the matching start.
4189
4190 Example, to find the "endif" command in a Vim script: >
4191
4192 :echo searchpair('\<if\>', '\<el\%[seif]\>', '\<en\%[dif]\>', 'W',
4193 \ 'getline(".") =~ "^\\s*\""')
4194
4195< The cursor must be at or after the "if" for which a match is
4196 to be found. Note that single-quote strings are used to avoid
4197 having to double the backslashes. The skip expression only
4198 catches comments at the start of a line, not after a command.
4199 Also, a word "en" or "if" halfway a line is considered a
4200 match.
4201 Another example, to search for the matching "{" of a "}": >
4202
4203 :echo searchpair('{', '', '}', 'bW')
4204
4205< This works when the cursor is at or before the "}" for which a
4206 match is to be found. To reject matches that syntax
4207 highlighting recognized as strings: >
4208
4209 :echo searchpair('{', '', '}', 'bW',
4210 \ 'synIDattr(synID(line("."), col("."), 0), "name") =~? "string"')
4211<
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00004212 *searchpairpos()*
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004213searchpairpos({start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip} [, {stopline}]]])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004214 Same as searchpair(), but returns a |List| with the line and
4215 column position of the match. The first element of the |List|
4216 is the line number and the second element is the byte index of
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00004217 the column position of the match. If no match is found,
4218 returns [0, 0].
4219>
4220 :let [lnum,col] = searchpairpos('{', '', '}', 'n')
4221<
4222 See |match-parens| for a bigger and more useful example.
4223
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004224searchpos({pattern} [, {flags} [, {stopline}]]) *searchpos()*
4225 Same as |search()|, but returns a |List| with the line and
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004226 column position of the match. The first element of the |List|
4227 is the line number and the second element is the byte index of
4228 the column position of the match. If no match is found,
4229 returns [0, 0].
Bram Moolenaar362e1a32006-03-06 23:29:24 +00004230 Example: >
4231 :let [lnum, col] = searchpos('mypattern', 'n')
4232
4233< When the 'p' flag is given then there is an extra item with
4234 the sub-pattern match number |search()-sub-match|. Example: >
4235 :let [lnum, col, submatch] = searchpos('\(\l\)\|\(\u\)', 'np')
4236< In this example "submatch" is 2 when a lowercase letter is
4237 found |/\l|, 3 when an uppercase letter is found |/\u|.
4238
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004239server2client( {clientid}, {string}) *server2client()*
4240 Send a reply string to {clientid}. The most recent {clientid}
4241 that sent a string can be retrieved with expand("<client>").
4242 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
4243 Note:
4244 This id has to be stored before the next command can be
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004245 received. I.e. before returning from the received command and
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004246 before calling any commands that waits for input.
4247 See also |clientserver|.
4248 Example: >
4249 :echo server2client(expand("<client>"), "HELLO")
4250<
4251serverlist() *serverlist()*
4252 Return a list of available server names, one per line.
4253 When there are no servers or the information is not available
4254 an empty string is returned. See also |clientserver|.
4255 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
4256 Example: >
4257 :echo serverlist()
4258<
4259setbufvar({expr}, {varname}, {val}) *setbufvar()*
4260 Set option or local variable {varname} in buffer {expr} to
4261 {val}.
4262 This also works for a global or local window option, but it
4263 doesn't work for a global or local window variable.
4264 For a local window option the global value is unchanged.
4265 For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above.
4266 Note that the variable name without "b:" must be used.
4267 Examples: >
4268 :call setbufvar(1, "&mod", 1)
4269 :call setbufvar("todo", "myvar", "foobar")
4270< This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4271
4272setcmdpos({pos}) *setcmdpos()*
4273 Set the cursor position in the command line to byte position
4274 {pos}. The first position is 1.
4275 Use |getcmdpos()| to obtain the current position.
4276 Only works while editing the command line, thus you must use
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004277 |c_CTRL-\_e|, |c_CTRL-R_=| or |c_CTRL-R_CTRL-R| with '='. For
4278 |c_CTRL-\_e| and |c_CTRL-R_CTRL-R| with '=' the position is
4279 set after the command line is set to the expression. For
4280 |c_CTRL-R_=| it is set after evaluating the expression but
4281 before inserting the resulting text.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004282 When the number is too big the cursor is put at the end of the
4283 line. A number smaller than one has undefined results.
4284 Returns 0 when successful, 1 when not editing the command
4285 line.
4286
4287setline({lnum}, {line}) *setline()*
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004288 Set line {lnum} of the current buffer to {line}.
4289 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|.
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004290 When {lnum} is just below the last line the {line} will be
4291 added as a new line.
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004292 If this succeeds, 0 is returned. If this fails (most likely
4293 because {lnum} is invalid) 1 is returned. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004294 :call setline(5, strftime("%c"))
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004295< When {line} is a |List| then line {lnum} and following lines
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004296 will be set to the items in the list. Example: >
4297 :call setline(5, ['aaa', 'bbb', 'ccc'])
4298< This is equivalent to: >
4299 :for [n, l] in [[5, 6, 7], ['aaa', 'bbb', 'ccc']]
4300 : call setline(n, l)
4301 :endfor
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004302< Note: The '[ and '] marks are not set.
4303
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00004304setloclist({nr}, {list} [, {action}]) *setloclist()*
4305 Create or replace or add to the location list for window {nr}.
4306 When {nr} is zero the current window is used. For a location
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00004307 list window, the displayed location list is modified. For an
4308 invalid window number {nr}, -1 is returned.
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00004309 Otherwise, same as setqflist().
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00004310
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00004311 *setpos()*
4312setpos({expr}, {list})
4313 Set the position for {expr}. Possible values:
4314 . the cursor
4315 'x mark x
4316
4317 {list} must be a |List| with four numbers:
4318 [bufnum, lnum, col, off]
4319
4320 "bufnum" is the buffer number. Zero can be used for the
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004321 current buffer. Setting the cursor is only possible for
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00004322 the current buffer. To set a mark in another buffer you can
4323 use the |bufnr()| function to turn a file name into a buffer
4324 number.
Bram Moolenaardb552d602006-03-23 22:59:57 +00004325 Does not change the jumplist.
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00004326
4327 "lnum" and "col" are the position in the buffer. The first
4328 column is 1. Use a zero "lnum" to delete a mark.
4329
4330 The "off" number is only used when 'virtualedit' is set. Then
4331 it is the offset in screen columns from the start of the
4332 character. E.g., a position within a Tab or after the last
4333 character.
4334
4335 Also see |getpos()|
4336
4337
Bram Moolenaar35c54e52005-05-20 21:25:31 +00004338setqflist({list} [, {action}]) *setqflist()*
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00004339 Create or replace or add to the quickfix list using the items
4340 in {list}. Each item in {list} is a dictionary.
4341 Non-dictionary items in {list} are ignored. Each dictionary
4342 item can contain the following entries:
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00004343
4344 filename name of a file
4345 lnum line number in the file
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00004346 pattern search pattern used to locate the error
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00004347 col column number
4348 vcol when non-zero: "col" is visual column
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004349 when zero: "col" is byte index
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00004350 nr error number
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00004351 text description of the error
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00004352 type single-character error type, 'E', 'W', etc.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00004353
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00004354 The "col", "vcol", "nr", "type" and "text" entries are
4355 optional. Either "lnum" or "pattern" entry can be used to
4356 locate a matching error line.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00004357 If the "filename" entry is not present or neither the "lnum"
4358 or "pattern" entries are present, then the item will not be
4359 handled as an error line.
4360 If both "pattern" and "lnum" are present then "pattern" will
4361 be used.
4362
Bram Moolenaar35c54e52005-05-20 21:25:31 +00004363 If {action} is set to 'a', then the items from {list} are
4364 added to the existing quickfix list. If there is no existing
4365 list, then a new list is created. If {action} is set to 'r',
4366 then the items from the current quickfix list are replaced
4367 with the items from {list}. If {action} is not present or is
4368 set to ' ', then a new list is created.
4369
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00004370 Returns zero for success, -1 for failure.
4371
4372 This function can be used to create a quickfix list
4373 independent of the 'errorformat' setting. Use a command like
4374 ":cc 1" to jump to the first position.
4375
4376
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004377 *setreg()*
4378setreg({regname}, {value} [,{options}])
4379 Set the register {regname} to {value}.
4380 If {options} contains "a" or {regname} is upper case,
4381 then the value is appended.
4382 {options} can also contains a register type specification:
4383 "c" or "v" |characterwise| mode
4384 "l" or "V" |linewise| mode
4385 "b" or "<CTRL-V>" |blockwise-visual| mode
4386 If a number immediately follows "b" or "<CTRL-V>" then this is
4387 used as the width of the selection - if it is not specified
4388 then the width of the block is set to the number of characters
4389 in the longest line (counting a <TAB> as 1 character).
4390
4391 If {options} contains no register settings, then the default
4392 is to use character mode unless {value} ends in a <NL>.
4393 Setting the '=' register is not possible.
4394 Returns zero for success, non-zero for failure.
4395
4396 Examples: >
4397 :call setreg(v:register, @*)
4398 :call setreg('*', @%, 'ac')
4399 :call setreg('a', "1\n2\n3", 'b5')
4400
4401< This example shows using the functions to save and restore a
4402 register. >
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004403 :let var_a = getreg('a', 1)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004404 :let var_amode = getregtype('a')
4405 ....
4406 :call setreg('a', var_a, var_amode)
4407
4408< You can also change the type of a register by appending
4409 nothing: >
4410 :call setreg('a', '', 'al')
4411
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00004412settabwinvar({tabnr}, {winnr}, {varname}, {val}) *settabwinvar()*
4413 Set option or local variable {varname} in window {winnr} to
4414 {val}.
4415 Tabs are numbered starting with one. For the current tabpage
4416 use |setwinvar()|.
4417 When {winnr} is zero the current window is used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004418 This also works for a global or local buffer option, but it
4419 doesn't work for a global or local buffer variable.
4420 For a local buffer option the global value is unchanged.
4421 Note that the variable name without "w:" must be used.
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00004422 Vim briefly goes to the tab page {tabnr}, this may trigger
4423 TabLeave and TabEnter autocommands.
4424 Examples: >
4425 :call settabwinvar(1, 1, "&list", 0)
4426 :call settabwinvar(3, 2, "myvar", "foobar")
4427< This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4428
4429setwinvar({nr}, {varname}, {val}) *setwinvar()*
4430 Like |settabwinvar()| for the current tab page.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004431 Examples: >
4432 :call setwinvar(1, "&list", 0)
4433 :call setwinvar(2, "myvar", "foobar")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004434
4435simplify({filename}) *simplify()*
4436 Simplify the file name as much as possible without changing
4437 the meaning. Shortcuts (on MS-Windows) or symbolic links (on
4438 Unix) are not resolved. If the first path component in
4439 {filename} designates the current directory, this will be
4440 valid for the result as well. A trailing path separator is
4441 not removed either.
4442 Example: >
4443 simplify("./dir/.././/file/") == "./file/"
4444< Note: The combination "dir/.." is only removed if "dir" is
4445 a searchable directory or does not exist. On Unix, it is also
4446 removed when "dir" is a symbolic link within the same
4447 directory. In order to resolve all the involved symbolic
4448 links before simplifying the path name, use |resolve()|.
4449
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004450
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00004451sort({list} [, {func}]) *sort()* *E702*
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004452 Sort the items in {list} in-place. Returns {list}. If you
4453 want a list to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
4454 :let sortedlist = sort(copy(mylist))
4455< Uses the string representation of each item to sort on.
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004456 Numbers sort after Strings, |Lists| after Numbers.
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004457 For sorting text in the current buffer use |:sort|.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004458 When {func} is given and it is one then case is ignored.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004459 When {func} is a |Funcref| or a function name, this function
4460 is called to compare items. The function is invoked with two
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004461 items as argument and must return zero if they are equal, 1 if
4462 the first one sorts after the second one, -1 if the first one
4463 sorts before the second one. Example: >
4464 func MyCompare(i1, i2)
4465 return a:i1 == a:i2 ? 0 : a:i1 > a:i2 ? 1 : -1
4466 endfunc
4467 let sortedlist = sort(mylist, "MyCompare")
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00004468<
4469
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00004470 *soundfold()*
4471soundfold({word})
4472 Return the sound-folded equivalent of {word}. Uses the first
4473 language in 'spellang' for the current window that supports
Bram Moolenaar42eeac32005-06-29 22:40:58 +00004474 soundfolding. 'spell' must be set. When no sound folding is
4475 possible the {word} is returned unmodified.
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00004476 This can be used for making spelling suggestions. Note that
4477 the method can be quite slow.
4478
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00004479 *spellbadword()*
Bram Moolenaar1e015462005-09-25 22:16:38 +00004480spellbadword([{sentence}])
4481 Without argument: The result is the badly spelled word under
4482 or after the cursor. The cursor is moved to the start of the
4483 bad word. When no bad word is found in the cursor line the
4484 result is an empty string and the cursor doesn't move.
4485
4486 With argument: The result is the first word in {sentence} that
4487 is badly spelled. If there are no spelling mistakes the
4488 result is an empty string.
4489
4490 The return value is a list with two items:
4491 - The badly spelled word or an empty string.
4492 - The type of the spelling error:
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004493 "bad" spelling mistake
Bram Moolenaar1e015462005-09-25 22:16:38 +00004494 "rare" rare word
4495 "local" word only valid in another region
4496 "caps" word should start with Capital
4497 Example: >
4498 echo spellbadword("the quik brown fox")
4499< ['quik', 'bad'] ~
4500
4501 The spelling information for the current window is used. The
4502 'spell' option must be set and the value of 'spelllang' is
4503 used.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00004504
4505 *spellsuggest()*
Bram Moolenaarc54b8a72005-09-30 21:20:29 +00004506spellsuggest({word} [, {max} [, {capital}]])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004507 Return a |List| with spelling suggestions to replace {word}.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00004508 When {max} is given up to this number of suggestions are
4509 returned. Otherwise up to 25 suggestions are returned.
4510
Bram Moolenaarc54b8a72005-09-30 21:20:29 +00004511 When the {capital} argument is given and it's non-zero only
4512 suggestions with a leading capital will be given. Use this
4513 after a match with 'spellcapcheck'.
4514
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00004515 {word} can be a badly spelled word followed by other text.
4516 This allows for joining two words that were split. The
Bram Moolenaarf461c8e2005-06-25 23:04:51 +00004517 suggestions also include the following text, thus you can
4518 replace a line.
4519
4520 {word} may also be a good word. Similar words will then be
Bram Moolenaarc54b8a72005-09-30 21:20:29 +00004521 returned. {word} itself is not included in the suggestions,
4522 although it may appear capitalized.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00004523
4524 The spelling information for the current window is used. The
Bram Moolenaar42eeac32005-06-29 22:40:58 +00004525 'spell' option must be set and the values of 'spelllang' and
4526 'spellsuggest' are used.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00004527
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004528
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004529split({expr} [, {pattern} [, {keepempty}]]) *split()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004530 Make a |List| out of {expr}. When {pattern} is omitted or
4531 empty each white-separated sequence of characters becomes an
4532 item.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004533 Otherwise the string is split where {pattern} matches,
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004534 removing the matched characters.
4535 When the first or last item is empty it is omitted, unless the
4536 {keepempty} argument is given and it's non-zero.
Bram Moolenaar5c06f8b2005-05-31 22:14:58 +00004537 Other empty items are kept when {pattern} matches at least one
4538 character or when {keepempty} is non-zero.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004539 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004540 :let words = split(getline('.'), '\W\+')
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004541< To split a string in individual characters: >
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004542 :for c in split(mystring, '\zs')
Bram Moolenaar0cb032e2005-04-23 20:52:00 +00004543< If you want to keep the separator you can also use '\zs': >
4544 :echo split('abc:def:ghi', ':\zs')
4545< ['abc:', 'def:', 'ghi'] ~
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004546 Splitting a table where the first element can be empty: >
4547 :let items = split(line, ':', 1)
4548< The opposite function is |join()|.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004549
4550
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00004551str2nr( {expr} [, {base}]) *str2nr()*
4552 Convert string {expr} to a number.
4553 {base} is the conversion base, it can be 8, 10 or 16.
4554 When {base} is omitted base 10 is used. This also means that
4555 a leading zero doesn't cause octal conversion to be used, as
4556 with the default String to Number conversion.
4557 When {base} is 16 a leading "0x" or "0X" is ignored. With a
4558 different base the result will be zero.
4559 Text after the number is silently ignored.
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004560
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00004561
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004562strftime({format} [, {time}]) *strftime()*
4563 The result is a String, which is a formatted date and time, as
4564 specified by the {format} string. The given {time} is used,
4565 or the current time if no time is given. The accepted
4566 {format} depends on your system, thus this is not portable!
4567 See the manual page of the C function strftime() for the
4568 format. The maximum length of the result is 80 characters.
4569 See also |localtime()| and |getftime()|.
4570 The language can be changed with the |:language| command.
4571 Examples: >
4572 :echo strftime("%c") Sun Apr 27 11:49:23 1997
4573 :echo strftime("%Y %b %d %X") 1997 Apr 27 11:53:25
4574 :echo strftime("%y%m%d %T") 970427 11:53:55
4575 :echo strftime("%H:%M") 11:55
4576 :echo strftime("%c", getftime("file.c"))
4577 Show mod time of file.c.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004578< Not available on all systems. To check use: >
4579 :if exists("*strftime")
4580
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00004581stridx({haystack}, {needle} [, {start}]) *stridx()*
4582 The result is a Number, which gives the byte index in
4583 {haystack} of the first occurrence of the String {needle}.
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00004584 If {start} is specified, the search starts at index {start}.
4585 This can be used to find a second match: >
4586 :let comma1 = stridx(line, ",")
4587 :let comma2 = stridx(line, ",", comma1 + 1)
4588< The search is done case-sensitive.
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004589 For pattern searches use |match()|.
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00004590 -1 is returned if the {needle} does not occur in {haystack}.
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00004591 See also |strridx()|.
4592 Examples: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004593 :echo stridx("An Example", "Example") 3
4594 :echo stridx("Starting point", "Start") 0
4595 :echo stridx("Starting point", "start") -1
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004596< *strstr()* *strchr()*
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00004597 stridx() works similar to the C function strstr(). When used
4598 with a single character it works similar to strchr().
4599
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00004600 *string()*
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004601string({expr}) Return {expr} converted to a String. If {expr} is a Number,
4602 String or a composition of them, then the result can be parsed
4603 back with |eval()|.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00004604 {expr} type result ~
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004605 String 'string'
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004606 Number 123
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004607 Funcref function('name')
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004608 List [item, item]
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +00004609 Dictionary {key: value, key: value}
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004610 Note that in String values the ' character is doubled.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00004611
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004612 *strlen()*
4613strlen({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the length of the String
Bram Moolenaare344bea2005-09-01 20:46:49 +00004614 {expr} in bytes.
4615 If you want to count the number of multi-byte characters (not
4616 counting composing characters) use something like this: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004617
4618 :let len = strlen(substitute(str, ".", "x", "g"))
Bram Moolenaare344bea2005-09-01 20:46:49 +00004619<
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00004620 If the argument is a Number it is first converted to a String.
4621 For other types an error is given.
4622 Also see |len()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004623
4624strpart({src}, {start}[, {len}]) *strpart()*
4625 The result is a String, which is part of {src}, starting from
Bram Moolenaar9372a112005-12-06 19:59:18 +00004626 byte {start}, with the byte length {len}.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004627 When non-existing bytes are included, this doesn't result in
4628 an error, the bytes are simply omitted.
4629 If {len} is missing, the copy continues from {start} till the
4630 end of the {src}. >
4631 strpart("abcdefg", 3, 2) == "de"
4632 strpart("abcdefg", -2, 4) == "ab"
4633 strpart("abcdefg", 5, 4) == "fg"
4634 strpart("abcdefg", 3) == "defg"
4635< Note: To get the first character, {start} must be 0. For
4636 example, to get three bytes under and after the cursor: >
Bram Moolenaar61660ea2006-04-07 21:40:07 +00004637 strpart(getline("."), col(".") - 1, 3)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004638<
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00004639strridx({haystack}, {needle} [, {start}]) *strridx()*
4640 The result is a Number, which gives the byte index in
4641 {haystack} of the last occurrence of the String {needle}.
4642 When {start} is specified, matches beyond this index are
4643 ignored. This can be used to find a match before a previous
4644 match: >
4645 :let lastcomma = strridx(line, ",")
4646 :let comma2 = strridx(line, ",", lastcomma - 1)
4647< The search is done case-sensitive.
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00004648 For pattern searches use |match()|.
4649 -1 is returned if the {needle} does not occur in {haystack}.
Bram Moolenaard4755bb2004-09-02 19:12:26 +00004650 If the {needle} is empty the length of {haystack} is returned.
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004651 See also |stridx()|. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004652 :echo strridx("an angry armadillo", "an") 3
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004653< *strrchr()*
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00004654 When used with a single character it works similar to the C
4655 function strrchr().
4656
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004657strtrans({expr}) *strtrans()*
4658 The result is a String, which is {expr} with all unprintable
4659 characters translated into printable characters |'isprint'|.
4660 Like they are shown in a window. Example: >
4661 echo strtrans(@a)
4662< This displays a newline in register a as "^@" instead of
4663 starting a new line.
4664
4665submatch({nr}) *submatch()*
4666 Only for an expression in a |:substitute| command. Returns
4667 the {nr}'th submatch of the matched text. When {nr} is 0
4668 the whole matched text is returned.
4669 Example: >
4670 :s/\d\+/\=submatch(0) + 1/
4671< This finds the first number in the line and adds one to it.
4672 A line break is included as a newline character.
4673
4674substitute({expr}, {pat}, {sub}, {flags}) *substitute()*
4675 The result is a String, which is a copy of {expr}, in which
4676 the first match of {pat} is replaced with {sub}. This works
4677 like the ":substitute" command (without any flags). But the
4678 matching with {pat} is always done like the 'magic' option is
4679 set and 'cpoptions' is empty (to make scripts portable).
4680 See |string-match| for how {pat} is used.
4681 And a "~" in {sub} is not replaced with the previous {sub}.
4682 Note that some codes in {sub} have a special meaning
4683 |sub-replace-special|. For example, to replace something with
4684 "\n" (two characters), use "\\\\n" or '\\n'.
4685 When {pat} does not match in {expr}, {expr} is returned
4686 unmodified.
4687 When {flags} is "g", all matches of {pat} in {expr} are
4688 replaced. Otherwise {flags} should be "".
4689 Example: >
4690 :let &path = substitute(&path, ",\\=[^,]*$", "", "")
4691< This removes the last component of the 'path' option. >
4692 :echo substitute("testing", ".*", "\\U\\0", "")
4693< results in "TESTING".
4694
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00004695synID({lnum}, {col}, {trans}) *synID()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004696 The result is a Number, which is the syntax ID at the position
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00004697 {lnum} and {col} in the current window.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004698 The syntax ID can be used with |synIDattr()| and
4699 |synIDtrans()| to obtain syntax information about text.
Bram Moolenaarce0842a2005-07-18 21:58:11 +00004700
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00004701 {col} is 1 for the leftmost column, {lnum} is 1 for the first
Bram Moolenaarce0842a2005-07-18 21:58:11 +00004702 line. 'synmaxcol' applies, in a longer line zero is returned.
4703
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004704 When {trans} is non-zero, transparent items are reduced to the
4705 item that they reveal. This is useful when wanting to know
4706 the effective color. When {trans} is zero, the transparent
4707 item is returned. This is useful when wanting to know which
4708 syntax item is effective (e.g. inside parens).
4709 Warning: This function can be very slow. Best speed is
4710 obtained by going through the file in forward direction.
4711
4712 Example (echoes the name of the syntax item under the cursor): >
4713 :echo synIDattr(synID(line("."), col("."), 1), "name")
4714<
4715synIDattr({synID}, {what} [, {mode}]) *synIDattr()*
4716 The result is a String, which is the {what} attribute of
4717 syntax ID {synID}. This can be used to obtain information
4718 about a syntax item.
4719 {mode} can be "gui", "cterm" or "term", to get the attributes
4720 for that mode. When {mode} is omitted, or an invalid value is
4721 used, the attributes for the currently active highlighting are
4722 used (GUI, cterm or term).
4723 Use synIDtrans() to follow linked highlight groups.
4724 {what} result
4725 "name" the name of the syntax item
4726 "fg" foreground color (GUI: color name used to set
4727 the color, cterm: color number as a string,
4728 term: empty string)
4729 "bg" background color (like "fg")
4730 "fg#" like "fg", but for the GUI and the GUI is
4731 running the name in "#RRGGBB" form
4732 "bg#" like "fg#" for "bg"
4733 "bold" "1" if bold
4734 "italic" "1" if italic
4735 "reverse" "1" if reverse
4736 "inverse" "1" if inverse (= reverse)
4737 "underline" "1" if underlined
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004738 "undercurl" "1" if undercurled
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004739
4740 Example (echoes the color of the syntax item under the
4741 cursor): >
4742 :echo synIDattr(synIDtrans(synID(line("."), col("."), 1)), "fg")
4743<
4744synIDtrans({synID}) *synIDtrans()*
4745 The result is a Number, which is the translated syntax ID of
4746 {synID}. This is the syntax group ID of what is being used to
4747 highlight the character. Highlight links given with
4748 ":highlight link" are followed.
4749
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00004750system({expr} [, {input}]) *system()* *E677*
4751 Get the output of the shell command {expr}.
4752 When {input} is given, this string is written to a file and
4753 passed as stdin to the command. The string is written as-is,
4754 you need to take care of using the correct line separators
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00004755 yourself. Pipes are not used.
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00004756 Note: newlines in {expr} may cause the command to fail. The
4757 characters in 'shellquote' and 'shellxquote' may also cause
4758 trouble.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004759 This is not to be used for interactive commands.
4760 The result is a String. Example: >
4761
4762 :let files = system("ls")
4763
4764< To make the result more system-independent, the shell output
4765 is filtered to replace <CR> with <NL> for Macintosh, and
4766 <CR><NL> with <NL> for DOS-like systems.
4767 The command executed is constructed using several options:
4768 'shell' 'shellcmdflag' 'shellxquote' {expr} 'shellredir' {tmp} 'shellxquote'
4769 ({tmp} is an automatically generated file name).
4770 For Unix and OS/2 braces are put around {expr} to allow for
4771 concatenated commands.
4772
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00004773 The command will be executed in "cooked" mode, so that a
4774 CTRL-C will interrupt the command (on Unix at least).
4775
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004776 The resulting error code can be found in |v:shell_error|.
4777 This function will fail in |restricted-mode|.
Bram Moolenaar4770d092006-01-12 23:22:24 +00004778
4779 Note that any wrong value in the options mentioned above may
4780 make the function fail. It has also been reported to fail
4781 when using a security agent application.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004782 Unlike ":!cmd" there is no automatic check for changed files.
4783 Use |:checktime| to force a check.
4784
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004785
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00004786tabpagebuflist([{arg}]) *tabpagebuflist()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004787 The result is a |List|, where each item is the number of the
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00004788 buffer associated with each window in the current tab page.
4789 {arg} specifies the number of tab page to be used. When
4790 omitted the current tab page is used.
4791 When {arg} is invalid the number zero is returned.
4792 To get a list of all buffers in all tabs use this: >
4793 tablist = []
4794 for i in range(tabpagenr('$'))
4795 call extend(tablist, tabpagebuflist(i + 1))
4796 endfor
4797< Note that a buffer may appear in more than one window.
4798
4799
4800tabpagenr([{arg}]) *tabpagenr()*
Bram Moolenaar7e8fd632006-02-18 22:14:51 +00004801 The result is a Number, which is the number of the current
4802 tab page. The first tab page has number 1.
4803 When the optional argument is "$", the number of the last tab
4804 page is returned (the tab page count).
4805 The number can be used with the |:tab| command.
4806
4807
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00004808tabpagewinnr({tabarg}, [{arg}]) *tabpagewinnr()*
4809 Like |winnr()| but for tab page {arg}.
4810 {tabarg} specifies the number of tab page to be used.
4811 {arg} is used like with |winnr()|:
4812 - When omitted the current window number is returned. This is
4813 the window which will be used when going to this tab page.
4814 - When "$" the number of windows is returned.
4815 - When "#" the previous window nr is returned.
4816 Useful examples: >
4817 tabpagewinnr(1) " current window of tab page 1
4818 tabpagewinnr(4, '$') " number of windows in tab page 4
4819< When {tabarg} is invalid zero is returned.
4820
Bram Moolenaarfa1d1402006-03-25 21:59:56 +00004821 *tagfiles()*
4822tagfiles() Returns a |List| with the file names used to search for tags
4823 for the current buffer. This is the 'tags' option expanded.
4824
4825
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004826taglist({expr}) *taglist()*
4827 Returns a list of tags matching the regular expression {expr}.
Bram Moolenaard8c00872005-07-22 21:52:15 +00004828 Each list item is a dictionary with at least the following
4829 entries:
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00004830 name Name of the tag.
4831 filename Name of the file where the tag is
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004832 defined.
4833 cmd Ex command used to locate the tag in
4834 the file.
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00004835 kind Type of the tag. The value for this
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004836 entry depends on the language specific
4837 kind values generated by the ctags
4838 tool.
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00004839 static A file specific tag. Refer to
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004840 |static-tag| for more information.
Bram Moolenaar4317d9b2005-03-18 20:25:31 +00004841 The "kind" entry is only available when using Exuberant ctags
4842 generated tags file. More entries may be present, depending
4843 on the content of the tags file: access, implementation,
4844 inherits and signature. Refer to the ctags documentation for
4845 information about these fields. For C code the fields
4846 "struct", "class" and "enum" may appear, they give the name of
4847 the entity the tag is contained in.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004848
Bram Moolenaar4317d9b2005-03-18 20:25:31 +00004849 The ex-command 'cmd' can be either an ex search pattern, a
4850 line number or a line number followed by a byte number.
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004851
4852 If there are no matching tags, then an empty list is returned.
4853
4854 To get an exact tag match, the anchors '^' and '$' should be
4855 used in {expr}. Refer to |tag-regexp| for more information
4856 about the tag search regular expression pattern.
4857
4858 Refer to |'tags'| for information about how the tags file is
4859 located by Vim. Refer to |tags-file-format| for the format of
4860 the tags file generated by the different ctags tools.
4861
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004862tempname() *tempname()* *temp-file-name*
4863 The result is a String, which is the name of a file that
4864 doesn't exist. It can be used for a temporary file. The name
4865 is different for at least 26 consecutive calls. Example: >
4866 :let tmpfile = tempname()
4867 :exe "redir > " . tmpfile
4868< For Unix, the file will be in a private directory (only
4869 accessible by the current user) to avoid security problems
4870 (e.g., a symlink attack or other people reading your file).
4871 When Vim exits the directory and all files in it are deleted.
4872 For MS-Windows forward slashes are used when the 'shellslash'
4873 option is set or when 'shellcmdflag' starts with '-'.
4874
4875tolower({expr}) *tolower()*
4876 The result is a copy of the String given, with all uppercase
4877 characters turned into lowercase (just like applying |gu| to
4878 the string).
4879
4880toupper({expr}) *toupper()*
4881 The result is a copy of the String given, with all lowercase
4882 characters turned into uppercase (just like applying |gU| to
4883 the string).
4884
Bram Moolenaar8299df92004-07-10 09:47:34 +00004885tr({src}, {fromstr}, {tostr}) *tr()*
4886 The result is a copy of the {src} string with all characters
4887 which appear in {fromstr} replaced by the character in that
4888 position in the {tostr} string. Thus the first character in
4889 {fromstr} is translated into the first character in {tostr}
4890 and so on. Exactly like the unix "tr" command.
4891 This code also deals with multibyte characters properly.
4892
4893 Examples: >
4894 echo tr("hello there", "ht", "HT")
4895< returns "Hello THere" >
4896 echo tr("<blob>", "<>", "{}")
4897< returns "{blob}"
4898
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00004899 *type()*
4900type({expr}) The result is a Number, depending on the type of {expr}:
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00004901 Number: 0
4902 String: 1
4903 Funcref: 2
4904 List: 3
4905 Dictionary: 4
4906 To avoid the magic numbers it should be used this way: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00004907 :if type(myvar) == type(0)
4908 :if type(myvar) == type("")
4909 :if type(myvar) == type(function("tr"))
4910 :if type(myvar) == type([])
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00004911 :if type(myvar) == type({})
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004912
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00004913values({dict}) *values()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004914 Return a |List| with all the values of {dict}. The |List| is
4915 in arbitrary order.
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00004916
4917
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004918virtcol({expr}) *virtcol()*
4919 The result is a Number, which is the screen column of the file
4920 position given with {expr}. That is, the last screen position
4921 occupied by the character at that position, when the screen
4922 would be of unlimited width. When there is a <Tab> at the
4923 position, the returned Number will be the column at the end of
4924 the <Tab>. For example, for a <Tab> in column 1, with 'ts'
4925 set to 8, it returns 8.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004926 For the use of {expr} see |col()|. Additionally you can use
Bram Moolenaar5c8837f2006-02-25 21:52:33 +00004927 [lnum, col]: a |List| with the line and column number. When
4928 "lnum" or "col" is out of range then virtcol() returns zero.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00004929 When 'virtualedit' is used it can be [lnum, col, off], where
4930 "off" is the offset in screen columns from the start of the
4931 character. E.g., a position within a Tab or after the last
4932 character.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004933 For the byte position use |col()|.
4934 When Virtual editing is active in the current mode, a position
4935 beyond the end of the line can be returned. |'virtualedit'|
4936 The accepted positions are:
4937 . the cursor position
4938 $ the end of the cursor line (the result is the
4939 number of displayed characters in the cursor line
4940 plus one)
4941 'x position of mark x (if the mark is not set, 0 is
4942 returned)
4943 Note that only marks in the current file can be used.
4944 Examples: >
4945 virtcol(".") with text "foo^Lbar", with cursor on the "^L", returns 5
4946 virtcol("$") with text "foo^Lbar", returns 9
4947 virtcol("'t") with text " there", with 't at 'h', returns 6
4948< The first column is 1. 0 is returned for an error.
4949
4950visualmode([expr]) *visualmode()*
4951 The result is a String, which describes the last Visual mode
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004952 used in the current buffer. Initially it returns an empty
4953 string, but once Visual mode has been used, it returns "v",
4954 "V", or "<CTRL-V>" (a single CTRL-V character) for
4955 character-wise, line-wise, or block-wise Visual mode
4956 respectively.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004957 Example: >
4958 :exe "normal " . visualmode()
4959< This enters the same Visual mode as before. It is also useful
4960 in scripts if you wish to act differently depending on the
4961 Visual mode that was used.
4962
4963 If an expression is supplied that results in a non-zero number
4964 or a non-empty string, then the Visual mode will be cleared
4965 and the old value is returned. Note that " " and "0" are also
4966 non-empty strings, thus cause the mode to be cleared.
4967
4968 *winbufnr()*
4969winbufnr({nr}) The result is a Number, which is the number of the buffer
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004970 associated with window {nr}. When {nr} is zero, the number of
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004971 the buffer in the current window is returned. When window
4972 {nr} doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
4973 Example: >
4974 :echo "The file in the current window is " . bufname(winbufnr(0))
4975<
4976 *wincol()*
4977wincol() The result is a Number, which is the virtual column of the
4978 cursor in the window. This is counting screen cells from the
4979 left side of the window. The leftmost column is one.
4980
4981winheight({nr}) *winheight()*
4982 The result is a Number, which is the height of window {nr}.
4983 When {nr} is zero, the height of the current window is
4984 returned. When window {nr} doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
4985 An existing window always has a height of zero or more.
4986 Examples: >
4987 :echo "The current window has " . winheight(0) . " lines."
4988<
4989 *winline()*
4990winline() The result is a Number, which is the screen line of the cursor
4991 in the window. This is counting screen lines from the top of
4992 the window. The first line is one.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00004993 If the cursor was moved the view on the file will be updated
4994 first, this may cause a scroll.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004995
4996 *winnr()*
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00004997winnr([{arg}]) The result is a Number, which is the number of the current
4998 window. The top window has number 1.
4999 When the optional argument is "$", the number of the
Bram Moolenaar7e8fd632006-02-18 22:14:51 +00005000 last window is returned (the window count).
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00005001 When the optional argument is "#", the number of the last
5002 accessed window is returned (where |CTRL-W_p| goes to).
5003 If there is no previous window 0 is returned.
5004 The number can be used with |CTRL-W_w| and ":wincmd w"
5005 |:wincmd|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005006
5007 *winrestcmd()*
5008winrestcmd() Returns a sequence of |:resize| commands that should restore
5009 the current window sizes. Only works properly when no windows
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00005010 are opened or closed and the current window and tab page is
5011 unchanged.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005012 Example: >
5013 :let cmd = winrestcmd()
5014 :call MessWithWindowSizes()
5015 :exe cmd
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00005016<
5017 *winrestview()*
5018winrestview({dict})
5019 Uses the |Dictionary| returned by |winsaveview()| to restore
5020 the view of the current window.
5021 If you have changed the values the result is unpredictable.
5022 If the window size changed the result won't be the same.
5023
5024 *winsaveview()*
5025winsaveview() Returns a |Dictionary| that contains information to restore
5026 the view of the current window. Use |winrestview()| to
5027 restore the view.
5028 This is useful if you have a mapping that jumps around in the
5029 buffer and you want to go back to the original view.
5030 This does not save fold information. Use the 'foldenable'
Bram Moolenaardb552d602006-03-23 22:59:57 +00005031 option to temporarily switch off folding, so that folds are
5032 not opened when moving around.
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00005033 The return value includes:
5034 lnum cursor line number
5035 col cursor column
5036 coladd cursor column offset for 'virtualedit'
5037 curswant column for vertical movement
5038 topline first line in the window
5039 topfill filler lines, only in diff mode
5040 leftcol first column displayed
5041 skipcol columns skipped
5042 Note that no option values are saved.
5043
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005044
5045winwidth({nr}) *winwidth()*
5046 The result is a Number, which is the width of window {nr}.
5047 When {nr} is zero, the width of the current window is
5048 returned. When window {nr} doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
5049 An existing window always has a width of zero or more.
5050 Examples: >
5051 :echo "The current window has " . winwidth(0) . " columns."
5052 :if winwidth(0) <= 50
5053 : exe "normal 50\<C-W>|"
5054 :endif
5055<
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00005056 *writefile()*
5057writefile({list}, {fname} [, {binary}])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005058 Write |List| {list} to file {fname}. Each list item is
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00005059 separated with a NL. Each list item must be a String or
5060 Number.
5061 When {binary} is equal to "b" binary mode is used: There will
5062 not be a NL after the last list item. An empty item at the
5063 end does cause the last line in the file to end in a NL.
5064 All NL characters are replaced with a NUL character.
5065 Inserting CR characters needs to be done before passing {list}
5066 to writefile().
5067 An existing file is overwritten, if possible.
5068 When the write fails -1 is returned, otherwise 0. There is an
5069 error message if the file can't be created or when writing
5070 fails.
5071 Also see |readfile()|.
5072 To copy a file byte for byte: >
5073 :let fl = readfile("foo", "b")
5074 :call writefile(fl, "foocopy", "b")
5075<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005076
5077 *feature-list*
5078There are three types of features:
50791. Features that are only supported when they have been enabled when Vim
5080 was compiled |+feature-list|. Example: >
5081 :if has("cindent")
50822. Features that are only supported when certain conditions have been met.
5083 Example: >
5084 :if has("gui_running")
5085< *has-patch*
50863. Included patches. First check |v:version| for the version of Vim.
5087 Then the "patch123" feature means that patch 123 has been included for
5088 this version. Example (checking version 6.2.148 or later): >
5089 :if v:version > 602 || v:version == 602 && has("patch148")
5090
5091all_builtin_terms Compiled with all builtin terminals enabled.
5092amiga Amiga version of Vim.
5093arabic Compiled with Arabic support |Arabic|.
5094arp Compiled with ARP support (Amiga).
Bram Moolenaara9b1e742005-12-19 22:14:58 +00005095autocmd Compiled with autocommand support. |autocommand|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005096balloon_eval Compiled with |balloon-eval| support.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00005097balloon_multiline GUI supports multiline balloons.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005098beos BeOS version of Vim.
5099browse Compiled with |:browse| support, and browse() will
5100 work.
5101builtin_terms Compiled with some builtin terminals.
5102byte_offset Compiled with support for 'o' in 'statusline'
5103cindent Compiled with 'cindent' support.
5104clientserver Compiled with remote invocation support |clientserver|.
5105clipboard Compiled with 'clipboard' support.
5106cmdline_compl Compiled with |cmdline-completion| support.
5107cmdline_hist Compiled with |cmdline-history| support.
5108cmdline_info Compiled with 'showcmd' and 'ruler' support.
5109comments Compiled with |'comments'| support.
5110cryptv Compiled with encryption support |encryption|.
5111cscope Compiled with |cscope| support.
5112compatible Compiled to be very Vi compatible.
5113debug Compiled with "DEBUG" defined.
5114dialog_con Compiled with console dialog support.
5115dialog_gui Compiled with GUI dialog support.
5116diff Compiled with |vimdiff| and 'diff' support.
5117digraphs Compiled with support for digraphs.
5118dnd Compiled with support for the "~ register |quote_~|.
5119dos32 32 bits DOS (DJGPP) version of Vim.
5120dos16 16 bits DOS version of Vim.
5121ebcdic Compiled on a machine with ebcdic character set.
5122emacs_tags Compiled with support for Emacs tags.
5123eval Compiled with expression evaluation support. Always
5124 true, of course!
5125ex_extra Compiled with extra Ex commands |+ex_extra|.
5126extra_search Compiled with support for |'incsearch'| and
5127 |'hlsearch'|
5128farsi Compiled with Farsi support |farsi|.
5129file_in_path Compiled with support for |gf| and |<cfile>|
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00005130filterpipe When 'shelltemp' is off pipes are used for shell
5131 read/write/filter commands
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005132find_in_path Compiled with support for include file searches
5133 |+find_in_path|.
5134fname_case Case in file names matters (for Amiga, MS-DOS, and
5135 Windows this is not present).
5136folding Compiled with |folding| support.
5137footer Compiled with GUI footer support. |gui-footer|
5138fork Compiled to use fork()/exec() instead of system().
5139gettext Compiled with message translation |multi-lang|
5140gui Compiled with GUI enabled.
5141gui_athena Compiled with Athena GUI.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005142gui_gtk Compiled with GTK+ GUI (any version).
5143gui_gtk2 Compiled with GTK+ 2 GUI (gui_gtk is also defined).
5144gui_mac Compiled with Macintosh GUI.
5145gui_motif Compiled with Motif GUI.
5146gui_photon Compiled with Photon GUI.
5147gui_win32 Compiled with MS Windows Win32 GUI.
5148gui_win32s idem, and Win32s system being used (Windows 3.1)
5149gui_running Vim is running in the GUI, or it will start soon.
5150hangul_input Compiled with Hangul input support. |hangul|
5151iconv Can use iconv() for conversion.
5152insert_expand Compiled with support for CTRL-X expansion commands in
5153 Insert mode.
5154jumplist Compiled with |jumplist| support.
5155keymap Compiled with 'keymap' support.
5156langmap Compiled with 'langmap' support.
5157libcall Compiled with |libcall()| support.
5158linebreak Compiled with 'linebreak', 'breakat' and 'showbreak'
5159 support.
5160lispindent Compiled with support for lisp indenting.
5161listcmds Compiled with commands for the buffer list |:files|
5162 and the argument list |arglist|.
5163localmap Compiled with local mappings and abbr. |:map-local|
5164mac Macintosh version of Vim.
5165macunix Macintosh version of Vim, using Unix files (OS-X).
5166menu Compiled with support for |:menu|.
5167mksession Compiled with support for |:mksession|.
5168modify_fname Compiled with file name modifiers. |filename-modifiers|
5169mouse Compiled with support mouse.
5170mouseshape Compiled with support for 'mouseshape'.
5171mouse_dec Compiled with support for Dec terminal mouse.
5172mouse_gpm Compiled with support for gpm (Linux console mouse)
5173mouse_netterm Compiled with support for netterm mouse.
5174mouse_pterm Compiled with support for qnx pterm mouse.
5175mouse_xterm Compiled with support for xterm mouse.
5176multi_byte Compiled with support for editing Korean et al.
5177multi_byte_ime Compiled with support for IME input method.
5178multi_lang Compiled with support for multiple languages.
Bram Moolenaar325b7a22004-07-05 15:58:32 +00005179mzscheme Compiled with MzScheme interface |mzscheme|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005180netbeans_intg Compiled with support for |netbeans|.
Bram Moolenaar009b2592004-10-24 19:18:58 +00005181netbeans_enabled Compiled with support for |netbeans| and it's used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005182ole Compiled with OLE automation support for Win32.
5183os2 OS/2 version of Vim.
5184osfiletype Compiled with support for osfiletypes |+osfiletype|
5185path_extra Compiled with up/downwards search in 'path' and 'tags'
5186perl Compiled with Perl interface.
5187postscript Compiled with PostScript file printing.
5188printer Compiled with |:hardcopy| support.
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00005189profile Compiled with |:profile| support.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005190python Compiled with Python interface.
5191qnx QNX version of Vim.
5192quickfix Compiled with |quickfix| support.
Bram Moolenaard68071d2006-05-02 22:08:30 +00005193reltime Compiled with |reltime()| support.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005194rightleft Compiled with 'rightleft' support.
5195ruby Compiled with Ruby interface |ruby|.
5196scrollbind Compiled with 'scrollbind' support.
5197showcmd Compiled with 'showcmd' support.
5198signs Compiled with |:sign| support.
5199smartindent Compiled with 'smartindent' support.
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00005200sniff Compiled with SNiFF interface support.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005201statusline Compiled with support for 'statusline', 'rulerformat'
5202 and special formats of 'titlestring' and 'iconstring'.
5203sun_workshop Compiled with support for Sun |workshop|.
Bram Moolenaar82cf9b62005-06-07 21:09:25 +00005204spell Compiled with spell checking support |spell|.
5205syntax Compiled with syntax highlighting support |syntax|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005206syntax_items There are active syntax highlighting items for the
5207 current buffer.
5208system Compiled to use system() instead of fork()/exec().
5209tag_binary Compiled with binary searching in tags files
5210 |tag-binary-search|.
5211tag_old_static Compiled with support for old static tags
5212 |tag-old-static|.
5213tag_any_white Compiled with support for any white characters in tags
5214 files |tag-any-white|.
5215tcl Compiled with Tcl interface.
5216terminfo Compiled with terminfo instead of termcap.
5217termresponse Compiled with support for |t_RV| and |v:termresponse|.
5218textobjects Compiled with support for |text-objects|.
5219tgetent Compiled with tgetent support, able to use a termcap
5220 or terminfo file.
5221title Compiled with window title support |'title'|.
5222toolbar Compiled with support for |gui-toolbar|.
5223unix Unix version of Vim.
5224user_commands User-defined commands.
5225viminfo Compiled with viminfo support.
5226vim_starting True while initial source'ing takes place.
5227vertsplit Compiled with vertically split windows |:vsplit|.
5228virtualedit Compiled with 'virtualedit' option.
5229visual Compiled with Visual mode.
5230visualextra Compiled with extra Visual mode commands.
5231 |blockwise-operators|.
5232vms VMS version of Vim.
5233vreplace Compiled with |gR| and |gr| commands.
5234wildignore Compiled with 'wildignore' option.
5235wildmenu Compiled with 'wildmenu' option.
5236windows Compiled with support for more than one window.
5237winaltkeys Compiled with 'winaltkeys' option.
5238win16 Win16 version of Vim (MS-Windows 3.1).
5239win32 Win32 version of Vim (MS-Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP).
5240win64 Win64 version of Vim (MS-Windows 64 bit).
5241win32unix Win32 version of Vim, using Unix files (Cygwin)
5242win95 Win32 version for MS-Windows 95/98/ME.
5243writebackup Compiled with 'writebackup' default on.
5244xfontset Compiled with X fontset support |xfontset|.
5245xim Compiled with X input method support |xim|.
5246xsmp Compiled with X session management support.
5247xsmp_interact Compiled with interactive X session management support.
5248xterm_clipboard Compiled with support for xterm clipboard.
5249xterm_save Compiled with support for saving and restoring the
5250 xterm screen.
5251x11 Compiled with X11 support.
5252
5253 *string-match*
5254Matching a pattern in a String
5255
5256A regexp pattern as explained at |pattern| is normally used to find a match in
5257the buffer lines. When a pattern is used to find a match in a String, almost
5258everything works in the same way. The difference is that a String is handled
5259like it is one line. When it contains a "\n" character, this is not seen as a
5260line break for the pattern. It can be matched with a "\n" in the pattern, or
5261with ".". Example: >
5262 :let a = "aaaa\nxxxx"
5263 :echo matchstr(a, "..\n..")
5264 aa
5265 xx
5266 :echo matchstr(a, "a.x")
5267 a
5268 x
5269
5270Don't forget that "^" will only match at the first character of the String and
5271"$" at the last character of the string. They don't match after or before a
5272"\n".
5273
5274==============================================================================
52755. Defining functions *user-functions*
5276
5277New functions can be defined. These can be called just like builtin
5278functions. The function executes a sequence of Ex commands. Normal mode
5279commands can be executed with the |:normal| command.
5280
5281The function name must start with an uppercase letter, to avoid confusion with
5282builtin functions. To prevent from using the same name in different scripts
5283avoid obvious, short names. A good habit is to start the function name with
5284the name of the script, e.g., "HTMLcolor()".
5285
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00005286It's also possible to use curly braces, see |curly-braces-names|. And the
5287|autoload| facility is useful to define a function only when it's called.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005288
5289 *local-function*
5290A function local to a script must start with "s:". A local script function
5291can only be called from within the script and from functions, user commands
5292and autocommands defined in the script. It is also possible to call the
5293function from a mappings defined in the script, but then |<SID>| must be used
5294instead of "s:" when the mapping is expanded outside of the script.
5295
5296 *:fu* *:function* *E128* *E129* *E123*
5297:fu[nction] List all functions and their arguments.
5298
5299:fu[nction] {name} List function {name}.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005300 {name} can also be a |Dictionary| entry that is a
5301 |Funcref|: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005302 :function dict.init
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00005303
5304:fu[nction] /{pattern} List functions with a name matching {pattern}.
5305 Example that lists all functions ending with "File": >
5306 :function /File$
Bram Moolenaar5b8d8fd2005-08-16 23:01:50 +00005307<
5308 *:function-verbose*
5309When 'verbose' is non-zero, listing a function will also display where it was
5310last defined. Example: >
5311
5312 :verbose function SetFileTypeSH
5313 function SetFileTypeSH(name)
5314 Last set from /usr/share/vim/vim-7.0/filetype.vim
5315<
Bram Moolenaar8aff23a2005-08-19 20:40:30 +00005316See |:verbose-cmd| for more information.
Bram Moolenaar5b8d8fd2005-08-16 23:01:50 +00005317
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00005318 *E124* *E125*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00005319:fu[nction][!] {name}([arguments]) [range] [abort] [dict]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005320 Define a new function by the name {name}. The name
5321 must be made of alphanumeric characters and '_', and
5322 must start with a capital or "s:" (see above).
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005323
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005324 {name} can also be a |Dictionary| entry that is a
5325 |Funcref|: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005326 :function dict.init(arg)
5327< "dict" must be an existing dictionary. The entry
5328 "init" is added if it didn't exist yet. Otherwise [!]
5329 is required to overwrite an existing function. The
5330 result is a |Funcref| to a numbered function. The
5331 function can only be used with a |Funcref| and will be
5332 deleted if there are no more references to it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005333 *E127* *E122*
5334 When a function by this name already exists and [!] is
5335 not used an error message is given. When [!] is used,
5336 an existing function is silently replaced. Unless it
5337 is currently being executed, that is an error.
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00005338
5339 For the {arguments} see |function-argument|.
5340
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005341 *a:firstline* *a:lastline*
5342 When the [range] argument is added, the function is
5343 expected to take care of a range itself. The range is
5344 passed as "a:firstline" and "a:lastline". If [range]
5345 is excluded, ":{range}call" will call the function for
5346 each line in the range, with the cursor on the start
5347 of each line. See |function-range-example|.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005348
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005349 When the [abort] argument is added, the function will
5350 abort as soon as an error is detected.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005351
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00005352 When the [dict] argument is added, the function must
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005353 be invoked through an entry in a |Dictionary|. The
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00005354 local variable "self" will then be set to the
5355 dictionary. See |Dictionary-function|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005356
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00005357 The last used search pattern and the redo command "."
5358 will not be changed by the function.
5359
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005360 *:endf* *:endfunction* *E126* *E193*
5361:endf[unction] The end of a function definition. Must be on a line
5362 by its own, without other commands.
5363
5364 *:delf* *:delfunction* *E130* *E131*
5365:delf[unction] {name} Delete function {name}.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005366 {name} can also be a |Dictionary| entry that is a
5367 |Funcref|: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005368 :delfunc dict.init
5369< This will remove the "init" entry from "dict". The
5370 function is deleted if there are no more references to
5371 it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005372 *:retu* *:return* *E133*
5373:retu[rn] [expr] Return from a function. When "[expr]" is given, it is
5374 evaluated and returned as the result of the function.
5375 If "[expr]" is not given, the number 0 is returned.
5376 When a function ends without an explicit ":return",
5377 the number 0 is returned.
5378 Note that there is no check for unreachable lines,
5379 thus there is no warning if commands follow ":return".
5380
5381 If the ":return" is used after a |:try| but before the
5382 matching |:finally| (if present), the commands
5383 following the ":finally" up to the matching |:endtry|
5384 are executed first. This process applies to all
5385 nested ":try"s inside the function. The function
5386 returns at the outermost ":endtry".
5387
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00005388 *function-argument* *a:var*
5389An argument can be defined by giving its name. In the function this can then
5390be used as "a:name" ("a:" for argument).
5391 *a:0* *a:1* *a:000* *E740*
5392Up to 20 arguments can be given, separated by commas. After the named
5393arguments an argument "..." can be specified, which means that more arguments
5394may optionally be following. In the function the extra arguments can be used
5395as "a:1", "a:2", etc. "a:0" is set to the number of extra arguments (which
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005396can be 0). "a:000" is set to a |List| that contains these arguments. Note
5397that "a:1" is the same as "a:000[0]".
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00005398 *E742*
5399The a: scope and the variables in it cannot be changed, they are fixed.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005400However, if a |List| or |Dictionary| is used, you can changes their contents.
5401Thus you can pass a |List| to a function and have the function add an item to
5402it. If you want to make sure the function cannot change a |List| or
5403|Dictionary| use |:lockvar|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005404
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00005405When not using "...", the number of arguments in a function call must be equal
5406to the number of named arguments. When using "...", the number of arguments
5407may be larger.
5408
5409It is also possible to define a function without any arguments. You must
5410still supply the () then. The body of the function follows in the next lines,
5411until the matching |:endfunction|. It is allowed to define another function
5412inside a function body.
5413
5414 *local-variables*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005415Inside a function variables can be used. These are local variables, which
5416will disappear when the function returns. Global variables need to be
5417accessed with "g:".
5418
5419Example: >
5420 :function Table(title, ...)
5421 : echohl Title
5422 : echo a:title
5423 : echohl None
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00005424 : echo a:0 . " items:"
5425 : for s in a:000
5426 : echon ' ' . s
5427 : endfor
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005428 :endfunction
5429
5430This function can then be called with: >
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00005431 call Table("Table", "line1", "line2")
5432 call Table("Empty Table")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005433
5434To return more than one value, pass the name of a global variable: >
5435 :function Compute(n1, n2, divname)
5436 : if a:n2 == 0
5437 : return "fail"
5438 : endif
5439 : let g:{a:divname} = a:n1 / a:n2
5440 : return "ok"
5441 :endfunction
5442
5443This function can then be called with: >
5444 :let success = Compute(13, 1324, "div")
5445 :if success == "ok"
5446 : echo div
5447 :endif
5448
5449An alternative is to return a command that can be executed. This also works
5450with local variables in a calling function. Example: >
5451 :function Foo()
5452 : execute Bar()
5453 : echo "line " . lnum . " column " . col
5454 :endfunction
5455
5456 :function Bar()
5457 : return "let lnum = " . line(".") . " | let col = " . col(".")
5458 :endfunction
5459
5460The names "lnum" and "col" could also be passed as argument to Bar(), to allow
5461the caller to set the names.
5462
Bram Moolenaar39f05632006-03-19 22:15:26 +00005463 *:cal* *:call* *E107* *E117*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005464:[range]cal[l] {name}([arguments])
5465 Call a function. The name of the function and its arguments
5466 are as specified with |:function|. Up to 20 arguments can be
5467 used.
5468 Without a range and for functions that accept a range, the
5469 function is called once. When a range is given the cursor is
5470 positioned at the start of the first line before executing the
5471 function.
5472 When a range is given and the function doesn't handle it
5473 itself, the function is executed for each line in the range,
5474 with the cursor in the first column of that line. The cursor
5475 is left at the last line (possibly moved by the last function
5476 call). The arguments are re-evaluated for each line. Thus
5477 this works:
5478 *function-range-example* >
5479 :function Mynumber(arg)
5480 : echo line(".") . " " . a:arg
5481 :endfunction
5482 :1,5call Mynumber(getline("."))
5483<
5484 The "a:firstline" and "a:lastline" are defined anyway, they
5485 can be used to do something different at the start or end of
5486 the range.
5487
5488 Example of a function that handles the range itself: >
5489
5490 :function Cont() range
5491 : execute (a:firstline + 1) . "," . a:lastline . 's/^/\t\\ '
5492 :endfunction
5493 :4,8call Cont()
5494<
5495 This function inserts the continuation character "\" in front
5496 of all the lines in the range, except the first one.
5497
5498 *E132*
5499The recursiveness of user functions is restricted with the |'maxfuncdepth'|
5500option.
5501
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005502
5503AUTOMATICALLY LOADING FUNCTIONS ~
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005504 *autoload-functions*
5505When using many or large functions, it's possible to automatically define them
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005506only when they are used. There are two methods: with an autocommand and with
5507the "autoload" directory in 'runtimepath'.
5508
5509
5510Using an autocommand ~
5511
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00005512This is introduced in the user manual, section |41.14|.
5513
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005514The autocommand is useful if you have a plugin that is a long Vim script file.
5515You can define the autocommand and quickly quit the script with |:finish|.
5516That makes Vim startup faster. The autocommand should then load the same file
5517again, setting a variable to skip the |:finish| command.
5518
5519Use the FuncUndefined autocommand event with a pattern that matches the
5520function(s) to be defined. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005521
5522 :au FuncUndefined BufNet* source ~/vim/bufnetfuncs.vim
5523
5524The file "~/vim/bufnetfuncs.vim" should then define functions that start with
5525"BufNet". Also see |FuncUndefined|.
5526
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005527
5528Using an autoload script ~
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00005529 *autoload* *E746*
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00005530This is introduced in the user manual, section |41.15|.
5531
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005532Using a script in the "autoload" directory is simpler, but requires using
5533exactly the right file name. A function that can be autoloaded has a name
5534like this: >
5535
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00005536 :call filename#funcname()
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005537
5538When such a function is called, and it is not defined yet, Vim will search the
5539"autoload" directories in 'runtimepath' for a script file called
5540"filename.vim". For example "~/.vim/autoload/filename.vim". That file should
5541then define the function like this: >
5542
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00005543 function filename#funcname()
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005544 echo "Done!"
5545 endfunction
5546
Bram Moolenaar60a795a2005-09-16 21:55:43 +00005547The file name and the name used before the # in the function must match
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005548exactly, and the defined function must have the name exactly as it will be
5549called.
5550
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00005551It is possible to use subdirectories. Every # in the function name works like
5552a path separator. Thus when calling a function: >
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005553
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00005554 :call foo#bar#func()
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005555
5556Vim will look for the file "autoload/foo/bar.vim" in 'runtimepath'.
5557
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00005558This also works when reading a variable that has not been set yet: >
5559
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00005560 :let l = foo#bar#lvar
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00005561
Bram Moolenaara5792f52005-11-23 21:25:05 +00005562However, when the autoload script was already loaded it won't be loaded again
5563for an unknown variable.
5564
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00005565When assigning a value to such a variable nothing special happens. This can
5566be used to pass settings to the autoload script before it's loaded: >
5567
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00005568 :let foo#bar#toggle = 1
5569 :call foo#bar#func()
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00005570
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00005571Note that when you make a mistake and call a function that is supposed to be
5572defined in an autoload script, but the script doesn't actually define the
5573function, the script will be sourced every time you try to call the function.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00005574And you will get an error message every time.
5575
5576Also note that if you have two script files, and one calls a function in the
5577other and vise versa, before the used function is defined, it won't work.
5578Avoid using the autoload functionality at the toplevel.
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005579
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00005580Hint: If you distribute a bunch of scripts you can pack them together with the
5581|vimball| utility. Also read the user manual |distribute-script|.
5582
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005583==============================================================================
55846. Curly braces names *curly-braces-names*
5585
5586Wherever you can use a variable, you can use a "curly braces name" variable.
5587This is a regular variable name with one or more expressions wrapped in braces
5588{} like this: >
5589 my_{adjective}_variable
5590
5591When Vim encounters this, it evaluates the expression inside the braces, puts
5592that in place of the expression, and re-interprets the whole as a variable
5593name. So in the above example, if the variable "adjective" was set to
5594"noisy", then the reference would be to "my_noisy_variable", whereas if
5595"adjective" was set to "quiet", then it would be to "my_quiet_variable".
5596
5597One application for this is to create a set of variables governed by an option
5598value. For example, the statement >
5599 echo my_{&background}_message
5600
5601would output the contents of "my_dark_message" or "my_light_message" depending
5602on the current value of 'background'.
5603
5604You can use multiple brace pairs: >
5605 echo my_{adverb}_{adjective}_message
5606..or even nest them: >
5607 echo my_{ad{end_of_word}}_message
5608where "end_of_word" is either "verb" or "jective".
5609
5610However, the expression inside the braces must evaluate to a valid single
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00005611variable name, e.g. this is invalid: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005612 :let foo='a + b'
5613 :echo c{foo}d
5614.. since the result of expansion is "ca + bd", which is not a variable name.
5615
5616 *curly-braces-function-names*
5617You can call and define functions by an evaluated name in a similar way.
5618Example: >
5619 :let func_end='whizz'
5620 :call my_func_{func_end}(parameter)
5621
5622This would call the function "my_func_whizz(parameter)".
5623
5624==============================================================================
56257. Commands *expression-commands*
5626
5627:let {var-name} = {expr1} *:let* *E18*
5628 Set internal variable {var-name} to the result of the
5629 expression {expr1}. The variable will get the type
5630 from the {expr}. If {var-name} didn't exist yet, it
5631 is created.
5632
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00005633:let {var-name}[{idx}] = {expr1} *E689*
5634 Set a list item to the result of the expression
5635 {expr1}. {var-name} must refer to a list and {idx}
5636 must be a valid index in that list. For nested list
5637 the index can be repeated.
5638 This cannot be used to add an item to a list.
5639
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005640 *E711* *E719*
5641:let {var-name}[{idx1}:{idx2}] = {expr1} *E708* *E709* *E710*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005642 Set a sequence of items in a |List| to the result of
5643 the expression {expr1}, which must be a list with the
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00005644 correct number of items.
5645 {idx1} can be omitted, zero is used instead.
5646 {idx2} can be omitted, meaning the end of the list.
5647 When the selected range of items is partly past the
5648 end of the list, items will be added.
5649
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00005650 *:let+=* *:let-=* *:let.=* *E734*
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005651:let {var} += {expr1} Like ":let {var} = {var} + {expr1}".
5652:let {var} -= {expr1} Like ":let {var} = {var} - {expr1}".
5653:let {var} .= {expr1} Like ":let {var} = {var} . {expr1}".
5654 These fail if {var} was not set yet and when the type
5655 of {var} and {expr1} don't fit the operator.
5656
5657
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005658:let ${env-name} = {expr1} *:let-environment* *:let-$*
5659 Set environment variable {env-name} to the result of
5660 the expression {expr1}. The type is always String.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005661:let ${env-name} .= {expr1}
5662 Append {expr1} to the environment variable {env-name}.
5663 If the environment variable didn't exist yet this
5664 works like "=".
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005665
5666:let @{reg-name} = {expr1} *:let-register* *:let-@*
5667 Write the result of the expression {expr1} in register
5668 {reg-name}. {reg-name} must be a single letter, and
5669 must be the name of a writable register (see
5670 |registers|). "@@" can be used for the unnamed
5671 register, "@/" for the search pattern.
5672 If the result of {expr1} ends in a <CR> or <NL>, the
5673 register will be linewise, otherwise it will be set to
5674 characterwise.
5675 This can be used to clear the last search pattern: >
5676 :let @/ = ""
5677< This is different from searching for an empty string,
5678 that would match everywhere.
5679
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005680:let @{reg-name} .= {expr1}
5681 Append {expr1} to register {reg-name}. If the
5682 register was empty it's like setting it to {expr1}.
5683
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005684:let &{option-name} = {expr1} *:let-option* *:let-star*
5685 Set option {option-name} to the result of the
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00005686 expression {expr1}. A String or Number value is
5687 always converted to the type of the option.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005688 For an option local to a window or buffer the effect
5689 is just like using the |:set| command: both the local
Bram Moolenaara5fac542005-10-12 20:58:49 +00005690 value and the global value are changed.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00005691 Example: >
5692 :let &path = &path . ',/usr/local/include'
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005693
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005694:let &{option-name} .= {expr1}
5695 For a string option: Append {expr1} to the value.
5696 Does not insert a comma like |:set+=|.
5697
5698:let &{option-name} += {expr1}
5699:let &{option-name} -= {expr1}
5700 For a number or boolean option: Add or subtract
5701 {expr1}.
5702
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005703:let &l:{option-name} = {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005704:let &l:{option-name} .= {expr1}
5705:let &l:{option-name} += {expr1}
5706:let &l:{option-name} -= {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005707 Like above, but only set the local value of an option
5708 (if there is one). Works like |:setlocal|.
5709
5710:let &g:{option-name} = {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005711:let &g:{option-name} .= {expr1}
5712:let &g:{option-name} += {expr1}
5713:let &g:{option-name} -= {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005714 Like above, but only set the global value of an option
5715 (if there is one). Works like |:setglobal|.
5716
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00005717:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] = {expr1} *:let-unpack* *E687* *E688*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005718 {expr1} must evaluate to a |List|. The first item in
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00005719 the list is assigned to {name1}, the second item to
5720 {name2}, etc.
5721 The number of names must match the number of items in
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005722 the |List|.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00005723 Each name can be one of the items of the ":let"
5724 command as mentioned above.
5725 Example: >
5726 :let [s, item] = GetItem(s)
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005727< Detail: {expr1} is evaluated first, then the
5728 assignments are done in sequence. This matters if
5729 {name2} depends on {name1}. Example: >
5730 :let x = [0, 1]
5731 :let i = 0
5732 :let [i, x[i]] = [1, 2]
5733 :echo x
5734< The result is [0, 2].
5735
5736:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] .= {expr1}
5737:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] += {expr1}
5738:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] -= {expr1}
5739 Like above, but append/add/subtract the value for each
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005740 |List| item.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00005741
5742:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] = {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005743 Like |:let-unpack| above, but the |List| may have more
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005744 items than there are names. A list of the remaining
5745 items is assigned to {lastname}. If there are no
5746 remaining items {lastname} is set to an empty list.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00005747 Example: >
5748 :let [a, b; rest] = ["aval", "bval", 3, 4]
5749<
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005750:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] .= {expr1}
5751:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] += {expr1}
5752:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] -= {expr1}
5753 Like above, but append/add/subtract the value for each
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005754 |List| item.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005755 *E106*
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005756:let {var-name} .. List the value of variable {var-name}. Multiple
Bram Moolenaardcaf10e2005-01-21 11:55:25 +00005757 variable names may be given. Special names recognized
5758 here: *E738*
Bram Moolenaarca003e12006-03-17 23:19:38 +00005759 g: global variables
5760 b: local buffer variables
5761 w: local window variables
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00005762 t: local tab page variables
Bram Moolenaarca003e12006-03-17 23:19:38 +00005763 s: script-local variables
5764 l: local function variables
Bram Moolenaardcaf10e2005-01-21 11:55:25 +00005765 v: Vim variables.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005766
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00005767:let List the values of all variables. The type of the
5768 variable is indicated before the value:
5769 <nothing> String
5770 # Number
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00005771 * Funcref
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005772
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00005773
5774:unl[et][!] {name} ... *:unlet* *:unl* *E108*
5775 Remove the internal variable {name}. Several variable
5776 names can be given, they are all removed. The name
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005777 may also be a |List| or |Dictionary| item.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005778 With [!] no error message is given for non-existing
5779 variables.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005780 One or more items from a |List| can be removed: >
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +00005781 :unlet list[3] " remove fourth item
5782 :unlet list[3:] " remove fourth item to last
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005783< One item from a |Dictionary| can be removed at a time: >
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +00005784 :unlet dict['two']
5785 :unlet dict.two
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005786
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00005787:lockv[ar][!] [depth] {name} ... *:lockvar* *:lockv*
5788 Lock the internal variable {name}. Locking means that
5789 it can no longer be changed (until it is unlocked).
5790 A locked variable can be deleted: >
5791 :lockvar v
5792 :let v = 'asdf' " fails!
5793 :unlet v
5794< *E741*
5795 If you try to change a locked variable you get an
5796 error message: "E741: Value of {name} is locked"
5797
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005798 [depth] is relevant when locking a |List| or
5799 |Dictionary|. It specifies how deep the locking goes:
5800 1 Lock the |List| or |Dictionary| itself,
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00005801 cannot add or remove items, but can
5802 still change their values.
5803 2 Also lock the values, cannot change
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005804 the items. If an item is a |List| or
5805 |Dictionary|, cannot add or remove
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00005806 items, but can still change the
5807 values.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005808 3 Like 2 but for the |List| /
5809 |Dictionary| in the |List| /
5810 |Dictionary|, one level deeper.
5811 The default [depth] is 2, thus when {name} is a |List|
5812 or |Dictionary| the values cannot be changed.
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00005813 *E743*
5814 For unlimited depth use [!] and omit [depth].
5815 However, there is a maximum depth of 100 to catch
5816 loops.
5817
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005818 Note that when two variables refer to the same |List|
5819 and you lock one of them, the |List| will also be
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00005820 locked when used through the other variable.
5821 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00005822 :let l = [0, 1, 2, 3]
5823 :let cl = l
5824 :lockvar l
5825 :let cl[1] = 99 " won't work!
5826< You may want to make a copy of a list to avoid this.
5827 See |deepcopy()|.
5828
5829
5830:unlo[ckvar][!] [depth] {name} ... *:unlockvar* *:unlo*
5831 Unlock the internal variable {name}. Does the
5832 opposite of |:lockvar|.
5833
5834
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005835:if {expr1} *:if* *:endif* *:en* *E171* *E579* *E580*
5836:en[dif] Execute the commands until the next matching ":else"
5837 or ":endif" if {expr1} evaluates to non-zero.
5838
5839 From Vim version 4.5 until 5.0, every Ex command in
5840 between the ":if" and ":endif" is ignored. These two
5841 commands were just to allow for future expansions in a
5842 backwards compatible way. Nesting was allowed. Note
5843 that any ":else" or ":elseif" was ignored, the "else"
5844 part was not executed either.
5845
5846 You can use this to remain compatible with older
5847 versions: >
5848 :if version >= 500
5849 : version-5-specific-commands
5850 :endif
5851< The commands still need to be parsed to find the
5852 "endif". Sometimes an older Vim has a problem with a
5853 new command. For example, ":silent" is recognized as
5854 a ":substitute" command. In that case ":execute" can
5855 avoid problems: >
5856 :if version >= 600
5857 : execute "silent 1,$delete"
5858 :endif
5859<
5860 NOTE: The ":append" and ":insert" commands don't work
5861 properly in between ":if" and ":endif".
5862
5863 *:else* *:el* *E581* *E583*
5864:el[se] Execute the commands until the next matching ":else"
5865 or ":endif" if they previously were not being
5866 executed.
5867
5868 *:elseif* *:elsei* *E582* *E584*
5869:elsei[f] {expr1} Short for ":else" ":if", with the addition that there
5870 is no extra ":endif".
5871
5872:wh[ile] {expr1} *:while* *:endwhile* *:wh* *:endw*
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005873 *E170* *E585* *E588* *E733*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005874:endw[hile] Repeat the commands between ":while" and ":endwhile",
5875 as long as {expr1} evaluates to non-zero.
5876 When an error is detected from a command inside the
5877 loop, execution continues after the "endwhile".
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005878 Example: >
5879 :let lnum = 1
5880 :while lnum <= line("$")
5881 :call FixLine(lnum)
5882 :let lnum = lnum + 1
5883 :endwhile
5884<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005885 NOTE: The ":append" and ":insert" commands don't work
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00005886 properly inside a ":while" and ":for" loop.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005887
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005888:for {var} in {list} *:for* *E690* *E732*
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005889:endfo[r] *:endfo* *:endfor*
5890 Repeat the commands between ":for" and ":endfor" for
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00005891 each item in {list}. Variable {var} is set to the
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00005892 value of each item.
5893 When an error is detected for a command inside the
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005894 loop, execution continues after the "endfor".
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00005895 Changing {list} inside the loop affects what items are
5896 used. Make a copy if this is unwanted: >
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00005897 :for item in copy(mylist)
5898< When not making a copy, Vim stores a reference to the
5899 next item in the list, before executing the commands
5900 with the current item. Thus the current item can be
5901 removed without effect. Removing any later item means
5902 it will not be found. Thus the following example
5903 works (an inefficient way to make a list empty): >
5904 :for item in mylist
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005905 :call remove(mylist, 0)
5906 :endfor
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00005907< Note that reordering the list (e.g., with sort() or
5908 reverse()) may have unexpected effects.
5909 Note that the type of each list item should be
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005910 identical to avoid errors for the type of {var}
5911 changing. Unlet the variable at the end of the loop
5912 to allow multiple item types.
5913
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005914:for [{var1}, {var2}, ...] in {listlist}
5915:endfo[r]
5916 Like ":for" above, but each item in {listlist} must be
5917 a list, of which each item is assigned to {var1},
5918 {var2}, etc. Example: >
5919 :for [lnum, col] in [[1, 3], [2, 5], [3, 8]]
5920 :echo getline(lnum)[col]
5921 :endfor
5922<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005923 *:continue* *:con* *E586*
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005924:con[tinue] When used inside a ":while" or ":for" loop, jumps back
5925 to the start of the loop.
5926 If it is used after a |:try| inside the loop but
5927 before the matching |:finally| (if present), the
5928 commands following the ":finally" up to the matching
5929 |:endtry| are executed first. This process applies to
5930 all nested ":try"s inside the loop. The outermost
5931 ":endtry" then jumps back to the start of the loop.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005932
5933 *:break* *:brea* *E587*
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005934:brea[k] When used inside a ":while" or ":for" loop, skips to
5935 the command after the matching ":endwhile" or
5936 ":endfor".
5937 If it is used after a |:try| inside the loop but
5938 before the matching |:finally| (if present), the
5939 commands following the ":finally" up to the matching
5940 |:endtry| are executed first. This process applies to
5941 all nested ":try"s inside the loop. The outermost
5942 ":endtry" then jumps to the command after the loop.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005943
5944:try *:try* *:endt* *:endtry* *E600* *E601* *E602*
5945:endt[ry] Change the error handling for the commands between
5946 ":try" and ":endtry" including everything being
5947 executed across ":source" commands, function calls,
5948 or autocommand invocations.
5949
5950 When an error or interrupt is detected and there is
5951 a |:finally| command following, execution continues
5952 after the ":finally". Otherwise, or when the
5953 ":endtry" is reached thereafter, the next
5954 (dynamically) surrounding ":try" is checked for
5955 a corresponding ":finally" etc. Then the script
5956 processing is terminated. (Whether a function
5957 definition has an "abort" argument does not matter.)
5958 Example: >
5959 :try | edit too much | finally | echo "cleanup" | endtry
5960 :echo "impossible" " not reached, script terminated above
5961<
5962 Moreover, an error or interrupt (dynamically) inside
5963 ":try" and ":endtry" is converted to an exception. It
5964 can be caught as if it were thrown by a |:throw|
5965 command (see |:catch|). In this case, the script
5966 processing is not terminated.
5967
5968 The value "Vim:Interrupt" is used for an interrupt
5969 exception. An error in a Vim command is converted
5970 to a value of the form "Vim({command}):{errmsg}",
5971 other errors are converted to a value of the form
5972 "Vim:{errmsg}". {command} is the full command name,
5973 and {errmsg} is the message that is displayed if the
5974 error exception is not caught, always beginning with
5975 the error number.
5976 Examples: >
5977 :try | sleep 100 | catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/ | endtry
5978 :try | edit | catch /^Vim(edit):E\d\+/ | echo "error" | endtry
5979<
5980 *:cat* *:catch* *E603* *E604* *E605*
5981:cat[ch] /{pattern}/ The following commands until the next ":catch",
5982 |:finally|, or |:endtry| that belongs to the same
5983 |:try| as the ":catch" are executed when an exception
5984 matching {pattern} is being thrown and has not yet
5985 been caught by a previous ":catch". Otherwise, these
5986 commands are skipped.
5987 When {pattern} is omitted all errors are caught.
5988 Examples: >
5989 :catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/ " catch interrupts (CTRL-C)
5990 :catch /^Vim\%((\a\+)\)\=:E/ " catch all Vim errors
5991 :catch /^Vim\%((\a\+)\)\=:/ " catch errors and interrupts
5992 :catch /^Vim(write):/ " catch all errors in :write
5993 :catch /^Vim\%((\a\+)\)\=:E123/ " catch error E123
5994 :catch /my-exception/ " catch user exception
5995 :catch /.*/ " catch everything
5996 :catch " same as /.*/
5997<
5998 Another character can be used instead of / around the
5999 {pattern}, so long as it does not have a special
6000 meaning (e.g., '|' or '"') and doesn't occur inside
6001 {pattern}.
6002 NOTE: It is not reliable to ":catch" the TEXT of
6003 an error message because it may vary in different
6004 locales.
6005
6006 *:fina* *:finally* *E606* *E607*
6007:fina[lly] The following commands until the matching |:endtry|
6008 are executed whenever the part between the matching
6009 |:try| and the ":finally" is left: either by falling
6010 through to the ":finally" or by a |:continue|,
6011 |:break|, |:finish|, or |:return|, or by an error or
6012 interrupt or exception (see |:throw|).
6013
6014 *:th* *:throw* *E608*
6015:th[row] {expr1} The {expr1} is evaluated and thrown as an exception.
6016 If the ":throw" is used after a |:try| but before the
6017 first corresponding |:catch|, commands are skipped
6018 until the first ":catch" matching {expr1} is reached.
6019 If there is no such ":catch" or if the ":throw" is
6020 used after a ":catch" but before the |:finally|, the
6021 commands following the ":finally" (if present) up to
6022 the matching |:endtry| are executed. If the ":throw"
6023 is after the ":finally", commands up to the ":endtry"
6024 are skipped. At the ":endtry", this process applies
6025 again for the next dynamically surrounding ":try"
6026 (which may be found in a calling function or sourcing
6027 script), until a matching ":catch" has been found.
6028 If the exception is not caught, the command processing
6029 is terminated.
6030 Example: >
6031 :try | throw "oops" | catch /^oo/ | echo "caught" | endtry
6032<
6033
6034 *:ec* *:echo*
6035:ec[ho] {expr1} .. Echoes each {expr1}, with a space in between. The
6036 first {expr1} starts on a new line.
6037 Also see |:comment|.
6038 Use "\n" to start a new line. Use "\r" to move the
6039 cursor to the first column.
6040 Uses the highlighting set by the |:echohl| command.
6041 Cannot be followed by a comment.
6042 Example: >
6043 :echo "the value of 'shell' is" &shell
6044< A later redraw may make the message disappear again.
6045 To avoid that a command from before the ":echo" causes
6046 a redraw afterwards (redraws are often postponed until
6047 you type something), force a redraw with the |:redraw|
6048 command. Example: >
6049 :new | redraw | echo "there is a new window"
6050<
6051 *:echon*
6052:echon {expr1} .. Echoes each {expr1}, without anything added. Also see
6053 |:comment|.
6054 Uses the highlighting set by the |:echohl| command.
6055 Cannot be followed by a comment.
6056 Example: >
6057 :echon "the value of 'shell' is " &shell
6058<
6059 Note the difference between using ":echo", which is a
6060 Vim command, and ":!echo", which is an external shell
6061 command: >
6062 :!echo % --> filename
6063< The arguments of ":!" are expanded, see |:_%|. >
6064 :!echo "%" --> filename or "filename"
6065< Like the previous example. Whether you see the double
6066 quotes or not depends on your 'shell'. >
6067 :echo % --> nothing
6068< The '%' is an illegal character in an expression. >
6069 :echo "%" --> %
6070< This just echoes the '%' character. >
6071 :echo expand("%") --> filename
6072< This calls the expand() function to expand the '%'.
6073
6074 *:echoh* *:echohl*
6075:echoh[l] {name} Use the highlight group {name} for the following
6076 |:echo|, |:echon| and |:echomsg| commands. Also used
6077 for the |input()| prompt. Example: >
6078 :echohl WarningMsg | echo "Don't panic!" | echohl None
6079< Don't forget to set the group back to "None",
6080 otherwise all following echo's will be highlighted.
6081
6082 *:echom* *:echomsg*
6083:echom[sg] {expr1} .. Echo the expression(s) as a true message, saving the
6084 message in the |message-history|.
6085 Spaces are placed between the arguments as with the
6086 |:echo| command. But unprintable characters are
6087 displayed, not interpreted.
6088 Uses the highlighting set by the |:echohl| command.
6089 Example: >
6090 :echomsg "It's a Zizzer Zazzer Zuzz, as you can plainly see."
6091<
6092 *:echoe* *:echoerr*
6093:echoe[rr] {expr1} .. Echo the expression(s) as an error message, saving the
6094 message in the |message-history|. When used in a
6095 script or function the line number will be added.
6096 Spaces are placed between the arguments as with the
6097 :echo command. When used inside a try conditional,
6098 the message is raised as an error exception instead
6099 (see |try-echoerr|).
6100 Example: >
6101 :echoerr "This script just failed!"
6102< If you just want a highlighted message use |:echohl|.
6103 And to get a beep: >
6104 :exe "normal \<Esc>"
6105<
6106 *:exe* *:execute*
6107:exe[cute] {expr1} .. Executes the string that results from the evaluation
6108 of {expr1} as an Ex command. Multiple arguments are
6109 concatenated, with a space in between. {expr1} is
6110 used as the processed command, command line editing
6111 keys are not recognized.
6112 Cannot be followed by a comment.
6113 Examples: >
6114 :execute "buffer " nextbuf
6115 :execute "normal " count . "w"
6116<
6117 ":execute" can be used to append a command to commands
6118 that don't accept a '|'. Example: >
6119 :execute '!ls' | echo "theend"
6120
6121< ":execute" is also a nice way to avoid having to type
6122 control characters in a Vim script for a ":normal"
6123 command: >
6124 :execute "normal ixxx\<Esc>"
6125< This has an <Esc> character, see |expr-string|.
6126
6127 Note: The executed string may be any command-line, but
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00006128 you cannot start or end a "while", "for" or "if"
6129 command. Thus this is illegal: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006130 :execute 'while i > 5'
6131 :execute 'echo "test" | break'
6132<
6133 It is allowed to have a "while" or "if" command
6134 completely in the executed string: >
6135 :execute 'while i < 5 | echo i | let i = i + 1 | endwhile'
6136<
6137
6138 *:comment*
6139 ":execute", ":echo" and ":echon" cannot be followed by
6140 a comment directly, because they see the '"' as the
6141 start of a string. But, you can use '|' followed by a
6142 comment. Example: >
6143 :echo "foo" | "this is a comment
6144
6145==============================================================================
61468. Exception handling *exception-handling*
6147
6148The Vim script language comprises an exception handling feature. This section
6149explains how it can be used in a Vim script.
6150
6151Exceptions may be raised by Vim on an error or on interrupt, see
6152|catch-errors| and |catch-interrupt|. You can also explicitly throw an
6153exception by using the ":throw" command, see |throw-catch|.
6154
6155
6156TRY CONDITIONALS *try-conditionals*
6157
6158Exceptions can be caught or can cause cleanup code to be executed. You can
6159use a try conditional to specify catch clauses (that catch exceptions) and/or
6160a finally clause (to be executed for cleanup).
6161 A try conditional begins with a |:try| command and ends at the matching
6162|:endtry| command. In between, you can use a |:catch| command to start
6163a catch clause, or a |:finally| command to start a finally clause. There may
6164be none or multiple catch clauses, but there is at most one finally clause,
6165which must not be followed by any catch clauses. The lines before the catch
6166clauses and the finally clause is called a try block. >
6167
6168 :try
6169 : ...
6170 : ... TRY BLOCK
6171 : ...
6172 :catch /{pattern}/
6173 : ...
6174 : ... CATCH CLAUSE
6175 : ...
6176 :catch /{pattern}/
6177 : ...
6178 : ... CATCH CLAUSE
6179 : ...
6180 :finally
6181 : ...
6182 : ... FINALLY CLAUSE
6183 : ...
6184 :endtry
6185
6186The try conditional allows to watch code for exceptions and to take the
6187appropriate actions. Exceptions from the try block may be caught. Exceptions
6188from the try block and also the catch clauses may cause cleanup actions.
6189 When no exception is thrown during execution of the try block, the control
6190is transferred to the finally clause, if present. After its execution, the
6191script continues with the line following the ":endtry".
6192 When an exception occurs during execution of the try block, the remaining
6193lines in the try block are skipped. The exception is matched against the
6194patterns specified as arguments to the ":catch" commands. The catch clause
6195after the first matching ":catch" is taken, other catch clauses are not
6196executed. The catch clause ends when the next ":catch", ":finally", or
6197":endtry" command is reached - whatever is first. Then, the finally clause
6198(if present) is executed. When the ":endtry" is reached, the script execution
6199continues in the following line as usual.
6200 When an exception that does not match any of the patterns specified by the
6201":catch" commands is thrown in the try block, the exception is not caught by
6202that try conditional and none of the catch clauses is executed. Only the
6203finally clause, if present, is taken. The exception pends during execution of
6204the finally clause. It is resumed at the ":endtry", so that commands after
6205the ":endtry" are not executed and the exception might be caught elsewhere,
6206see |try-nesting|.
6207 When during execution of a catch clause another exception is thrown, the
6208remaining lines in that catch clause are not executed. The new exception is
6209not matched against the patterns in any of the ":catch" commands of the same
6210try conditional and none of its catch clauses is taken. If there is, however,
6211a finally clause, it is executed, and the exception pends during its
6212execution. The commands following the ":endtry" are not executed. The new
6213exception might, however, be caught elsewhere, see |try-nesting|.
6214 When during execution of the finally clause (if present) an exception is
6215thrown, the remaining lines in the finally clause are skipped. If the finally
6216clause has been taken because of an exception from the try block or one of the
6217catch clauses, the original (pending) exception is discarded. The commands
6218following the ":endtry" are not executed, and the exception from the finally
6219clause is propagated and can be caught elsewhere, see |try-nesting|.
6220
6221The finally clause is also executed, when a ":break" or ":continue" for
6222a ":while" loop enclosing the complete try conditional is executed from the
6223try block or a catch clause. Or when a ":return" or ":finish" is executed
6224from the try block or a catch clause of a try conditional in a function or
6225sourced script, respectively. The ":break", ":continue", ":return", or
6226":finish" pends during execution of the finally clause and is resumed when the
6227":endtry" is reached. It is, however, discarded when an exception is thrown
6228from the finally clause.
6229 When a ":break" or ":continue" for a ":while" loop enclosing the complete
6230try conditional or when a ":return" or ":finish" is encountered in the finally
6231clause, the rest of the finally clause is skipped, and the ":break",
6232":continue", ":return" or ":finish" is executed as usual. If the finally
6233clause has been taken because of an exception or an earlier ":break",
6234":continue", ":return", or ":finish" from the try block or a catch clause,
6235this pending exception or command is discarded.
6236
6237For examples see |throw-catch| and |try-finally|.
6238
6239
6240NESTING OF TRY CONDITIONALS *try-nesting*
6241
6242Try conditionals can be nested arbitrarily. That is, a complete try
6243conditional can be put into the try block, a catch clause, or the finally
6244clause of another try conditional. If the inner try conditional does not
6245catch an exception thrown in its try block or throws a new exception from one
6246of its catch clauses or its finally clause, the outer try conditional is
6247checked according to the rules above. If the inner try conditional is in the
6248try block of the outer try conditional, its catch clauses are checked, but
6249otherwise only the finally clause is executed. It does not matter for
6250nesting, whether the inner try conditional is directly contained in the outer
6251one, or whether the outer one sources a script or calls a function containing
6252the inner try conditional.
6253
6254When none of the active try conditionals catches an exception, just their
6255finally clauses are executed. Thereafter, the script processing terminates.
6256An error message is displayed in case of an uncaught exception explicitly
6257thrown by a ":throw" command. For uncaught error and interrupt exceptions
6258implicitly raised by Vim, the error message(s) or interrupt message are shown
6259as usual.
6260
6261For examples see |throw-catch|.
6262
6263
6264EXAMINING EXCEPTION HANDLING CODE *except-examine*
6265
6266Exception handling code can get tricky. If you are in doubt what happens, set
6267'verbose' to 13 or use the ":13verbose" command modifier when sourcing your
6268script file. Then you see when an exception is thrown, discarded, caught, or
6269finished. When using a verbosity level of at least 14, things pending in
6270a finally clause are also shown. This information is also given in debug mode
6271(see |debug-scripts|).
6272
6273
6274THROWING AND CATCHING EXCEPTIONS *throw-catch*
6275
6276You can throw any number or string as an exception. Use the |:throw| command
6277and pass the value to be thrown as argument: >
6278 :throw 4711
6279 :throw "string"
6280< *throw-expression*
6281You can also specify an expression argument. The expression is then evaluated
6282first, and the result is thrown: >
6283 :throw 4705 + strlen("string")
6284 :throw strpart("strings", 0, 6)
6285
6286An exception might be thrown during evaluation of the argument of the ":throw"
6287command. Unless it is caught there, the expression evaluation is abandoned.
6288The ":throw" command then does not throw a new exception.
6289 Example: >
6290
6291 :function! Foo(arg)
6292 : try
6293 : throw a:arg
6294 : catch /foo/
6295 : endtry
6296 : return 1
6297 :endfunction
6298 :
6299 :function! Bar()
6300 : echo "in Bar"
6301 : return 4710
6302 :endfunction
6303 :
6304 :throw Foo("arrgh") + Bar()
6305
6306This throws "arrgh", and "in Bar" is not displayed since Bar() is not
6307executed. >
6308 :throw Foo("foo") + Bar()
6309however displays "in Bar" and throws 4711.
6310
6311Any other command that takes an expression as argument might also be
6312abandoned by an (uncaught) exception during the expression evaluation. The
6313exception is then propagated to the caller of the command.
6314 Example: >
6315
6316 :if Foo("arrgh")
6317 : echo "then"
6318 :else
6319 : echo "else"
6320 :endif
6321
6322Here neither of "then" or "else" is displayed.
6323
6324 *catch-order*
6325Exceptions can be caught by a try conditional with one or more |:catch|
6326commands, see |try-conditionals|. The values to be caught by each ":catch"
6327command can be specified as a pattern argument. The subsequent catch clause
6328gets executed when a matching exception is caught.
6329 Example: >
6330
6331 :function! Foo(value)
6332 : try
6333 : throw a:value
6334 : catch /^\d\+$/
6335 : echo "Number thrown"
6336 : catch /.*/
6337 : echo "String thrown"
6338 : endtry
6339 :endfunction
6340 :
6341 :call Foo(0x1267)
6342 :call Foo('string')
6343
6344The first call to Foo() displays "Number thrown", the second "String thrown".
6345An exception is matched against the ":catch" commands in the order they are
6346specified. Only the first match counts. So you should place the more
6347specific ":catch" first. The following order does not make sense: >
6348
6349 : catch /.*/
6350 : echo "String thrown"
6351 : catch /^\d\+$/
6352 : echo "Number thrown"
6353
6354The first ":catch" here matches always, so that the second catch clause is
6355never taken.
6356
6357 *throw-variables*
6358If you catch an exception by a general pattern, you may access the exact value
6359in the variable |v:exception|: >
6360
6361 : catch /^\d\+$/
6362 : echo "Number thrown. Value is" v:exception
6363
6364You may also be interested where an exception was thrown. This is stored in
6365|v:throwpoint|. Note that "v:exception" and "v:throwpoint" are valid for the
6366exception most recently caught as long it is not finished.
6367 Example: >
6368
6369 :function! Caught()
6370 : if v:exception != ""
6371 : echo 'Caught "' . v:exception . '" in ' . v:throwpoint
6372 : else
6373 : echo 'Nothing caught'
6374 : endif
6375 :endfunction
6376 :
6377 :function! Foo()
6378 : try
6379 : try
6380 : try
6381 : throw 4711
6382 : finally
6383 : call Caught()
6384 : endtry
6385 : catch /.*/
6386 : call Caught()
6387 : throw "oops"
6388 : endtry
6389 : catch /.*/
6390 : call Caught()
6391 : finally
6392 : call Caught()
6393 : endtry
6394 :endfunction
6395 :
6396 :call Foo()
6397
6398This displays >
6399
6400 Nothing caught
6401 Caught "4711" in function Foo, line 4
6402 Caught "oops" in function Foo, line 10
6403 Nothing caught
6404
6405A practical example: The following command ":LineNumber" displays the line
6406number in the script or function where it has been used: >
6407
6408 :function! LineNumber()
6409 : return substitute(v:throwpoint, '.*\D\(\d\+\).*', '\1', "")
6410 :endfunction
6411 :command! LineNumber try | throw "" | catch | echo LineNumber() | endtry
6412<
6413 *try-nested*
6414An exception that is not caught by a try conditional can be caught by
6415a surrounding try conditional: >
6416
6417 :try
6418 : try
6419 : throw "foo"
6420 : catch /foobar/
6421 : echo "foobar"
6422 : finally
6423 : echo "inner finally"
6424 : endtry
6425 :catch /foo/
6426 : echo "foo"
6427 :endtry
6428
6429The inner try conditional does not catch the exception, just its finally
6430clause is executed. The exception is then caught by the outer try
6431conditional. The example displays "inner finally" and then "foo".
6432
6433 *throw-from-catch*
6434You can catch an exception and throw a new one to be caught elsewhere from the
6435catch clause: >
6436
6437 :function! Foo()
6438 : throw "foo"
6439 :endfunction
6440 :
6441 :function! Bar()
6442 : try
6443 : call Foo()
6444 : catch /foo/
6445 : echo "Caught foo, throw bar"
6446 : throw "bar"
6447 : endtry
6448 :endfunction
6449 :
6450 :try
6451 : call Bar()
6452 :catch /.*/
6453 : echo "Caught" v:exception
6454 :endtry
6455
6456This displays "Caught foo, throw bar" and then "Caught bar".
6457
6458 *rethrow*
6459There is no real rethrow in the Vim script language, but you may throw
6460"v:exception" instead: >
6461
6462 :function! Bar()
6463 : try
6464 : call Foo()
6465 : catch /.*/
6466 : echo "Rethrow" v:exception
6467 : throw v:exception
6468 : endtry
6469 :endfunction
6470< *try-echoerr*
6471Note that this method cannot be used to "rethrow" Vim error or interrupt
6472exceptions, because it is not possible to fake Vim internal exceptions.
6473Trying so causes an error exception. You should throw your own exception
6474denoting the situation. If you want to cause a Vim error exception containing
6475the original error exception value, you can use the |:echoerr| command: >
6476
6477 :try
6478 : try
6479 : asdf
6480 : catch /.*/
6481 : echoerr v:exception
6482 : endtry
6483 :catch /.*/
6484 : echo v:exception
6485 :endtry
6486
6487This code displays
6488
6489 Vim(echoerr):Vim:E492: Not an editor command: asdf ~
6490
6491
6492CLEANUP CODE *try-finally*
6493
6494Scripts often change global settings and restore them at their end. If the
6495user however interrupts the script by pressing CTRL-C, the settings remain in
6496an inconsistent state. The same may happen to you in the development phase of
6497a script when an error occurs or you explicitly throw an exception without
6498catching it. You can solve these problems by using a try conditional with
6499a finally clause for restoring the settings. Its execution is guaranteed on
6500normal control flow, on error, on an explicit ":throw", and on interrupt.
6501(Note that errors and interrupts from inside the try conditional are converted
6502to exceptions. When not caught, they terminate the script after the finally
6503clause has been executed.)
6504Example: >
6505
6506 :try
6507 : let s:saved_ts = &ts
6508 : set ts=17
6509 :
6510 : " Do the hard work here.
6511 :
6512 :finally
6513 : let &ts = s:saved_ts
6514 : unlet s:saved_ts
6515 :endtry
6516
6517This method should be used locally whenever a function or part of a script
6518changes global settings which need to be restored on failure or normal exit of
6519that function or script part.
6520
6521 *break-finally*
6522Cleanup code works also when the try block or a catch clause is left by
6523a ":continue", ":break", ":return", or ":finish".
6524 Example: >
6525
6526 :let first = 1
6527 :while 1
6528 : try
6529 : if first
6530 : echo "first"
6531 : let first = 0
6532 : continue
6533 : else
6534 : throw "second"
6535 : endif
6536 : catch /.*/
6537 : echo v:exception
6538 : break
6539 : finally
6540 : echo "cleanup"
6541 : endtry
6542 : echo "still in while"
6543 :endwhile
6544 :echo "end"
6545
6546This displays "first", "cleanup", "second", "cleanup", and "end". >
6547
6548 :function! Foo()
6549 : try
6550 : return 4711
6551 : finally
6552 : echo "cleanup\n"
6553 : endtry
6554 : echo "Foo still active"
6555 :endfunction
6556 :
6557 :echo Foo() "returned by Foo"
6558
6559This displays "cleanup" and "4711 returned by Foo". You don't need to add an
6560extra ":return" in the finally clause. (Above all, this would override the
6561return value.)
6562
6563 *except-from-finally*
6564Using either of ":continue", ":break", ":return", ":finish", or ":throw" in
6565a finally clause is possible, but not recommended since it abandons the
6566cleanup actions for the try conditional. But, of course, interrupt and error
6567exceptions might get raised from a finally clause.
6568 Example where an error in the finally clause stops an interrupt from
6569working correctly: >
6570
6571 :try
6572 : try
6573 : echo "Press CTRL-C for interrupt"
6574 : while 1
6575 : endwhile
6576 : finally
6577 : unlet novar
6578 : endtry
6579 :catch /novar/
6580 :endtry
6581 :echo "Script still running"
6582 :sleep 1
6583
6584If you need to put commands that could fail into a finally clause, you should
6585think about catching or ignoring the errors in these commands, see
6586|catch-errors| and |ignore-errors|.
6587
6588
6589CATCHING ERRORS *catch-errors*
6590
6591If you want to catch specific errors, you just have to put the code to be
6592watched in a try block and add a catch clause for the error message. The
6593presence of the try conditional causes all errors to be converted to an
6594exception. No message is displayed and |v:errmsg| is not set then. To find
6595the right pattern for the ":catch" command, you have to know how the format of
6596the error exception is.
6597 Error exceptions have the following format: >
6598
6599 Vim({cmdname}):{errmsg}
6600or >
6601 Vim:{errmsg}
6602
6603{cmdname} is the name of the command that failed; the second form is used when
6604the command name is not known. {errmsg} is the error message usually produced
6605when the error occurs outside try conditionals. It always begins with
6606a capital "E", followed by a two or three-digit error number, a colon, and
6607a space.
6608
6609Examples:
6610
6611The command >
6612 :unlet novar
6613normally produces the error message >
6614 E108: No such variable: "novar"
6615which is converted inside try conditionals to an exception >
6616 Vim(unlet):E108: No such variable: "novar"
6617
6618The command >
6619 :dwim
6620normally produces the error message >
6621 E492: Not an editor command: dwim
6622which is converted inside try conditionals to an exception >
6623 Vim:E492: Not an editor command: dwim
6624
6625You can catch all ":unlet" errors by a >
6626 :catch /^Vim(unlet):/
6627or all errors for misspelled command names by a >
6628 :catch /^Vim:E492:/
6629
6630Some error messages may be produced by different commands: >
6631 :function nofunc
6632and >
6633 :delfunction nofunc
6634both produce the error message >
6635 E128: Function name must start with a capital: nofunc
6636which is converted inside try conditionals to an exception >
6637 Vim(function):E128: Function name must start with a capital: nofunc
6638or >
6639 Vim(delfunction):E128: Function name must start with a capital: nofunc
6640respectively. You can catch the error by its number independently on the
6641command that caused it if you use the following pattern: >
6642 :catch /^Vim(\a\+):E128:/
6643
6644Some commands like >
6645 :let x = novar
6646produce multiple error messages, here: >
6647 E121: Undefined variable: novar
6648 E15: Invalid expression: novar
6649Only the first is used for the exception value, since it is the most specific
6650one (see |except-several-errors|). So you can catch it by >
6651 :catch /^Vim(\a\+):E121:/
6652
6653You can catch all errors related to the name "nofunc" by >
6654 :catch /\<nofunc\>/
6655
6656You can catch all Vim errors in the ":write" and ":read" commands by >
6657 :catch /^Vim(\(write\|read\)):E\d\+:/
6658
6659You can catch all Vim errors by the pattern >
6660 :catch /^Vim\((\a\+)\)\=:E\d\+:/
6661<
6662 *catch-text*
6663NOTE: You should never catch the error message text itself: >
6664 :catch /No such variable/
6665only works in the english locale, but not when the user has selected
6666a different language by the |:language| command. It is however helpful to
6667cite the message text in a comment: >
6668 :catch /^Vim(\a\+):E108:/ " No such variable
6669
6670
6671IGNORING ERRORS *ignore-errors*
6672
6673You can ignore errors in a specific Vim command by catching them locally: >
6674
6675 :try
6676 : write
6677 :catch
6678 :endtry
6679
6680But you are strongly recommended NOT to use this simple form, since it could
6681catch more than you want. With the ":write" command, some autocommands could
6682be executed and cause errors not related to writing, for instance: >
6683
6684 :au BufWritePre * unlet novar
6685
6686There could even be such errors you are not responsible for as a script
6687writer: a user of your script might have defined such autocommands. You would
6688then hide the error from the user.
6689 It is much better to use >
6690
6691 :try
6692 : write
6693 :catch /^Vim(write):/
6694 :endtry
6695
6696which only catches real write errors. So catch only what you'd like to ignore
6697intentionally.
6698
6699For a single command that does not cause execution of autocommands, you could
6700even suppress the conversion of errors to exceptions by the ":silent!"
6701command: >
6702 :silent! nunmap k
6703This works also when a try conditional is active.
6704
6705
6706CATCHING INTERRUPTS *catch-interrupt*
6707
6708When there are active try conditionals, an interrupt (CTRL-C) is converted to
6709the exception "Vim:Interrupt". You can catch it like every exception. The
6710script is not terminated, then.
6711 Example: >
6712
6713 :function! TASK1()
6714 : sleep 10
6715 :endfunction
6716
6717 :function! TASK2()
6718 : sleep 20
6719 :endfunction
6720
6721 :while 1
6722 : let command = input("Type a command: ")
6723 : try
6724 : if command == ""
6725 : continue
6726 : elseif command == "END"
6727 : break
6728 : elseif command == "TASK1"
6729 : call TASK1()
6730 : elseif command == "TASK2"
6731 : call TASK2()
6732 : else
6733 : echo "\nIllegal command:" command
6734 : continue
6735 : endif
6736 : catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/
6737 : echo "\nCommand interrupted"
6738 : " Caught the interrupt. Continue with next prompt.
6739 : endtry
6740 :endwhile
6741
6742You can interrupt a task here by pressing CTRL-C; the script then asks for
6743a new command. If you press CTRL-C at the prompt, the script is terminated.
6744
6745For testing what happens when CTRL-C would be pressed on a specific line in
6746your script, use the debug mode and execute the |>quit| or |>interrupt|
6747command on that line. See |debug-scripts|.
6748
6749
6750CATCHING ALL *catch-all*
6751
6752The commands >
6753
6754 :catch /.*/
6755 :catch //
6756 :catch
6757
6758catch everything, error exceptions, interrupt exceptions and exceptions
6759explicitly thrown by the |:throw| command. This is useful at the top level of
6760a script in order to catch unexpected things.
6761 Example: >
6762
6763 :try
6764 :
6765 : " do the hard work here
6766 :
6767 :catch /MyException/
6768 :
6769 : " handle known problem
6770 :
6771 :catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/
6772 : echo "Script interrupted"
6773 :catch /.*/
6774 : echo "Internal error (" . v:exception . ")"
6775 : echo " - occurred at " . v:throwpoint
6776 :endtry
6777 :" end of script
6778
6779Note: Catching all might catch more things than you want. Thus, you are
6780strongly encouraged to catch only for problems that you can really handle by
6781specifying a pattern argument to the ":catch".
6782 Example: Catching all could make it nearly impossible to interrupt a script
6783by pressing CTRL-C: >
6784
6785 :while 1
6786 : try
6787 : sleep 1
6788 : catch
6789 : endtry
6790 :endwhile
6791
6792
6793EXCEPTIONS AND AUTOCOMMANDS *except-autocmd*
6794
6795Exceptions may be used during execution of autocommands. Example: >
6796
6797 :autocmd User x try
6798 :autocmd User x throw "Oops!"
6799 :autocmd User x catch
6800 :autocmd User x echo v:exception
6801 :autocmd User x endtry
6802 :autocmd User x throw "Arrgh!"
6803 :autocmd User x echo "Should not be displayed"
6804 :
6805 :try
6806 : doautocmd User x
6807 :catch
6808 : echo v:exception
6809 :endtry
6810
6811This displays "Oops!" and "Arrgh!".
6812
6813 *except-autocmd-Pre*
6814For some commands, autocommands get executed before the main action of the
6815command takes place. If an exception is thrown and not caught in the sequence
6816of autocommands, the sequence and the command that caused its execution are
6817abandoned and the exception is propagated to the caller of the command.
6818 Example: >
6819
6820 :autocmd BufWritePre * throw "FAIL"
6821 :autocmd BufWritePre * echo "Should not be displayed"
6822 :
6823 :try
6824 : write
6825 :catch
6826 : echo "Caught:" v:exception "from" v:throwpoint
6827 :endtry
6828
6829Here, the ":write" command does not write the file currently being edited (as
6830you can see by checking 'modified'), since the exception from the BufWritePre
6831autocommand abandons the ":write". The exception is then caught and the
6832script displays: >
6833
6834 Caught: FAIL from BufWrite Auto commands for "*"
6835<
6836 *except-autocmd-Post*
6837For some commands, autocommands get executed after the main action of the
6838command has taken place. If this main action fails and the command is inside
6839an active try conditional, the autocommands are skipped and an error exception
6840is thrown that can be caught by the caller of the command.
6841 Example: >
6842
6843 :autocmd BufWritePost * echo "File successfully written!"
6844 :
6845 :try
6846 : write /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
6847 :catch
6848 : echo v:exception
6849 :endtry
6850
6851This just displays: >
6852
6853 Vim(write):E212: Can't open file for writing (/i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e)
6854
6855If you really need to execute the autocommands even when the main action
6856fails, trigger the event from the catch clause.
6857 Example: >
6858
6859 :autocmd BufWritePre * set noreadonly
6860 :autocmd BufWritePost * set readonly
6861 :
6862 :try
6863 : write /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
6864 :catch
6865 : doautocmd BufWritePost /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
6866 :endtry
6867<
6868You can also use ":silent!": >
6869
6870 :let x = "ok"
6871 :let v:errmsg = ""
6872 :autocmd BufWritePost * if v:errmsg != ""
6873 :autocmd BufWritePost * let x = "after fail"
6874 :autocmd BufWritePost * endif
6875 :try
6876 : silent! write /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
6877 :catch
6878 :endtry
6879 :echo x
6880
6881This displays "after fail".
6882
6883If the main action of the command does not fail, exceptions from the
6884autocommands will be catchable by the caller of the command: >
6885
6886 :autocmd BufWritePost * throw ":-("
6887 :autocmd BufWritePost * echo "Should not be displayed"
6888 :
6889 :try
6890 : write
6891 :catch
6892 : echo v:exception
6893 :endtry
6894<
6895 *except-autocmd-Cmd*
6896For some commands, the normal action can be replaced by a sequence of
6897autocommands. Exceptions from that sequence will be catchable by the caller
6898of the command.
6899 Example: For the ":write" command, the caller cannot know whether the file
6900had actually been written when the exception occurred. You need to tell it in
6901some way. >
6902
6903 :if !exists("cnt")
6904 : let cnt = 0
6905 :
6906 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * if &modified
6907 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * let cnt = cnt + 1
6908 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * if cnt % 3 == 2
6909 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * throw "BufWriteCmdError"
6910 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * endif
6911 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * write | set nomodified
6912 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * if cnt % 3 == 0
6913 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * throw "BufWriteCmdError"
6914 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * endif
6915 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * echo "File successfully written!"
6916 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * endif
6917 :endif
6918 :
6919 :try
6920 : write
6921 :catch /^BufWriteCmdError$/
6922 : if &modified
6923 : echo "Error on writing (file contents not changed)"
6924 : else
6925 : echo "Error after writing"
6926 : endif
6927 :catch /^Vim(write):/
6928 : echo "Error on writing"
6929 :endtry
6930
6931When this script is sourced several times after making changes, it displays
6932first >
6933 File successfully written!
6934then >
6935 Error on writing (file contents not changed)
6936then >
6937 Error after writing
6938etc.
6939
6940 *except-autocmd-ill*
6941You cannot spread a try conditional over autocommands for different events.
6942The following code is ill-formed: >
6943
6944 :autocmd BufWritePre * try
6945 :
6946 :autocmd BufWritePost * catch
6947 :autocmd BufWritePost * echo v:exception
6948 :autocmd BufWritePost * endtry
6949 :
6950 :write
6951
6952
6953EXCEPTION HIERARCHIES AND PARAMETERIZED EXCEPTIONS *except-hier-param*
6954
6955Some programming languages allow to use hierarchies of exception classes or to
6956pass additional information with the object of an exception class. You can do
6957similar things in Vim.
6958 In order to throw an exception from a hierarchy, just throw the complete
6959class name with the components separated by a colon, for instance throw the
6960string "EXCEPT:MATHERR:OVERFLOW" for an overflow in a mathematical library.
6961 When you want to pass additional information with your exception class, add
6962it in parentheses, for instance throw the string "EXCEPT:IO:WRITEERR(myfile)"
6963for an error when writing "myfile".
6964 With the appropriate patterns in the ":catch" command, you can catch for
6965base classes or derived classes of your hierarchy. Additional information in
6966parentheses can be cut out from |v:exception| with the ":substitute" command.
6967 Example: >
6968
6969 :function! CheckRange(a, func)
6970 : if a:a < 0
6971 : throw "EXCEPT:MATHERR:RANGE(" . a:func . ")"
6972 : endif
6973 :endfunction
6974 :
6975 :function! Add(a, b)
6976 : call CheckRange(a:a, "Add")
6977 : call CheckRange(a:b, "Add")
6978 : let c = a:a + a:b
6979 : if c < 0
6980 : throw "EXCEPT:MATHERR:OVERFLOW"
6981 : endif
6982 : return c
6983 :endfunction
6984 :
6985 :function! Div(a, b)
6986 : call CheckRange(a:a, "Div")
6987 : call CheckRange(a:b, "Div")
6988 : if (a:b == 0)
6989 : throw "EXCEPT:MATHERR:ZERODIV"
6990 : endif
6991 : return a:a / a:b
6992 :endfunction
6993 :
6994 :function! Write(file)
6995 : try
6996 : execute "write" a:file
6997 : catch /^Vim(write):/
6998 : throw "EXCEPT:IO(" . getcwd() . ", " . a:file . "):WRITEERR"
6999 : endtry
7000 :endfunction
7001 :
7002 :try
7003 :
7004 : " something with arithmetics and I/O
7005 :
7006 :catch /^EXCEPT:MATHERR:RANGE/
7007 : let function = substitute(v:exception, '.*(\(\a\+\)).*', '\1', "")
7008 : echo "Range error in" function
7009 :
7010 :catch /^EXCEPT:MATHERR/ " catches OVERFLOW and ZERODIV
7011 : echo "Math error"
7012 :
7013 :catch /^EXCEPT:IO/
7014 : let dir = substitute(v:exception, '.*(\(.\+\),\s*.\+).*', '\1', "")
7015 : let file = substitute(v:exception, '.*(.\+,\s*\(.\+\)).*', '\1', "")
7016 : if file !~ '^/'
7017 : let file = dir . "/" . file
7018 : endif
7019 : echo 'I/O error for "' . file . '"'
7020 :
7021 :catch /^EXCEPT/
7022 : echo "Unspecified error"
7023 :
7024 :endtry
7025
7026The exceptions raised by Vim itself (on error or when pressing CTRL-C) use
7027a flat hierarchy: they are all in the "Vim" class. You cannot throw yourself
7028exceptions with the "Vim" prefix; they are reserved for Vim.
7029 Vim error exceptions are parameterized with the name of the command that
7030failed, if known. See |catch-errors|.
7031
7032
7033PECULIARITIES
7034 *except-compat*
7035The exception handling concept requires that the command sequence causing the
7036exception is aborted immediately and control is transferred to finally clauses
7037and/or a catch clause.
7038
7039In the Vim script language there are cases where scripts and functions
7040continue after an error: in functions without the "abort" flag or in a command
7041after ":silent!", control flow goes to the following line, and outside
7042functions, control flow goes to the line following the outermost ":endwhile"
7043or ":endif". On the other hand, errors should be catchable as exceptions
7044(thus, requiring the immediate abortion).
7045
7046This problem has been solved by converting errors to exceptions and using
7047immediate abortion (if not suppressed by ":silent!") only when a try
7048conditional is active. This is no restriction since an (error) exception can
7049be caught only from an active try conditional. If you want an immediate
7050termination without catching the error, just use a try conditional without
7051catch clause. (You can cause cleanup code being executed before termination
7052by specifying a finally clause.)
7053
7054When no try conditional is active, the usual abortion and continuation
7055behavior is used instead of immediate abortion. This ensures compatibility of
7056scripts written for Vim 6.1 and earlier.
7057
7058However, when sourcing an existing script that does not use exception handling
7059commands (or when calling one of its functions) from inside an active try
7060conditional of a new script, you might change the control flow of the existing
7061script on error. You get the immediate abortion on error and can catch the
7062error in the new script. If however the sourced script suppresses error
7063messages by using the ":silent!" command (checking for errors by testing
7064|v:errmsg| if appropriate), its execution path is not changed. The error is
7065not converted to an exception. (See |:silent|.) So the only remaining cause
7066where this happens is for scripts that don't care about errors and produce
7067error messages. You probably won't want to use such code from your new
7068scripts.
7069
7070 *except-syntax-err*
7071Syntax errors in the exception handling commands are never caught by any of
7072the ":catch" commands of the try conditional they belong to. Its finally
7073clauses, however, is executed.
7074 Example: >
7075
7076 :try
7077 : try
7078 : throw 4711
7079 : catch /\(/
7080 : echo "in catch with syntax error"
7081 : catch
7082 : echo "inner catch-all"
7083 : finally
7084 : echo "inner finally"
7085 : endtry
7086 :catch
7087 : echo 'outer catch-all caught "' . v:exception . '"'
7088 : finally
7089 : echo "outer finally"
7090 :endtry
7091
7092This displays: >
7093 inner finally
7094 outer catch-all caught "Vim(catch):E54: Unmatched \("
7095 outer finally
7096The original exception is discarded and an error exception is raised, instead.
7097
7098 *except-single-line*
7099The ":try", ":catch", ":finally", and ":endtry" commands can be put on
7100a single line, but then syntax errors may make it difficult to recognize the
7101"catch" line, thus you better avoid this.
7102 Example: >
7103 :try | unlet! foo # | catch | endtry
7104raises an error exception for the trailing characters after the ":unlet!"
7105argument, but does not see the ":catch" and ":endtry" commands, so that the
7106error exception is discarded and the "E488: Trailing characters" message gets
7107displayed.
7108
7109 *except-several-errors*
7110When several errors appear in a single command, the first error message is
7111usually the most specific one and therefor converted to the error exception.
7112 Example: >
7113 echo novar
7114causes >
7115 E121: Undefined variable: novar
7116 E15: Invalid expression: novar
7117The value of the error exception inside try conditionals is: >
7118 Vim(echo):E121: Undefined variable: novar
7119< *except-syntax-error*
7120But when a syntax error is detected after a normal error in the same command,
7121the syntax error is used for the exception being thrown.
7122 Example: >
7123 unlet novar #
7124causes >
7125 E108: No such variable: "novar"
7126 E488: Trailing characters
7127The value of the error exception inside try conditionals is: >
7128 Vim(unlet):E488: Trailing characters
7129This is done because the syntax error might change the execution path in a way
7130not intended by the user. Example: >
7131 try
7132 try | unlet novar # | catch | echo v:exception | endtry
7133 catch /.*/
7134 echo "outer catch:" v:exception
7135 endtry
7136This displays "outer catch: Vim(unlet):E488: Trailing characters", and then
7137a "E600: Missing :endtry" error message is given, see |except-single-line|.
7138
7139==============================================================================
71409. Examples *eval-examples*
7141
7142Printing in Hex ~
7143>
7144 :" The function Nr2Hex() returns the Hex string of a number.
7145 :func Nr2Hex(nr)
7146 : let n = a:nr
7147 : let r = ""
7148 : while n
7149 : let r = '0123456789ABCDEF'[n % 16] . r
7150 : let n = n / 16
7151 : endwhile
7152 : return r
7153 :endfunc
7154
7155 :" The function String2Hex() converts each character in a string to a two
7156 :" character Hex string.
7157 :func String2Hex(str)
7158 : let out = ''
7159 : let ix = 0
7160 : while ix < strlen(a:str)
7161 : let out = out . Nr2Hex(char2nr(a:str[ix]))
7162 : let ix = ix + 1
7163 : endwhile
7164 : return out
7165 :endfunc
7166
7167Example of its use: >
7168 :echo Nr2Hex(32)
7169result: "20" >
7170 :echo String2Hex("32")
7171result: "3332"
7172
7173
7174Sorting lines (by Robert Webb) ~
7175
7176Here is a Vim script to sort lines. Highlight the lines in Vim and type
7177":Sort". This doesn't call any external programs so it'll work on any
7178platform. The function Sort() actually takes the name of a comparison
7179function as its argument, like qsort() does in C. So you could supply it
7180with different comparison functions in order to sort according to date etc.
7181>
7182 :" Function for use with Sort(), to compare two strings.
7183 :func! Strcmp(str1, str2)
7184 : if (a:str1 < a:str2)
7185 : return -1
7186 : elseif (a:str1 > a:str2)
7187 : return 1
7188 : else
7189 : return 0
7190 : endif
7191 :endfunction
7192
7193 :" Sort lines. SortR() is called recursively.
7194 :func! SortR(start, end, cmp)
7195 : if (a:start >= a:end)
7196 : return
7197 : endif
7198 : let partition = a:start - 1
7199 : let middle = partition
7200 : let partStr = getline((a:start + a:end) / 2)
7201 : let i = a:start
7202 : while (i <= a:end)
7203 : let str = getline(i)
7204 : exec "let result = " . a:cmp . "(str, partStr)"
7205 : if (result <= 0)
7206 : " Need to put it before the partition. Swap lines i and partition.
7207 : let partition = partition + 1
7208 : if (result == 0)
7209 : let middle = partition
7210 : endif
7211 : if (i != partition)
7212 : let str2 = getline(partition)
7213 : call setline(i, str2)
7214 : call setline(partition, str)
7215 : endif
7216 : endif
7217 : let i = i + 1
7218 : endwhile
7219
7220 : " Now we have a pointer to the "middle" element, as far as partitioning
7221 : " goes, which could be anywhere before the partition. Make sure it is at
7222 : " the end of the partition.
7223 : if (middle != partition)
7224 : let str = getline(middle)
7225 : let str2 = getline(partition)
7226 : call setline(middle, str2)
7227 : call setline(partition, str)
7228 : endif
7229 : call SortR(a:start, partition - 1, a:cmp)
7230 : call SortR(partition + 1, a:end, a:cmp)
7231 :endfunc
7232
7233 :" To Sort a range of lines, pass the range to Sort() along with the name of a
7234 :" function that will compare two lines.
7235 :func! Sort(cmp) range
7236 : call SortR(a:firstline, a:lastline, a:cmp)
7237 :endfunc
7238
7239 :" :Sort takes a range of lines and sorts them.
7240 :command! -nargs=0 -range Sort <line1>,<line2>call Sort("Strcmp")
7241<
7242 *sscanf*
7243There is no sscanf() function in Vim. If you need to extract parts from a
7244line, you can use matchstr() and substitute() to do it. This example shows
7245how to get the file name, line number and column number out of a line like
7246"foobar.txt, 123, 45". >
7247 :" Set up the match bit
7248 :let mx='\(\f\+\),\s*\(\d\+\),\s*\(\d\+\)'
7249 :"get the part matching the whole expression
7250 :let l = matchstr(line, mx)
7251 :"get each item out of the match
7252 :let file = substitute(l, mx, '\1', '')
7253 :let lnum = substitute(l, mx, '\2', '')
7254 :let col = substitute(l, mx, '\3', '')
7255
7256The input is in the variable "line", the results in the variables "file",
7257"lnum" and "col". (idea from Michael Geddes)
7258
7259==============================================================================
726010. No +eval feature *no-eval-feature*
7261
7262When the |+eval| feature was disabled at compile time, none of the expression
7263evaluation commands are available. To prevent this from causing Vim scripts
7264to generate all kinds of errors, the ":if" and ":endif" commands are still
7265recognized, though the argument of the ":if" and everything between the ":if"
7266and the matching ":endif" is ignored. Nesting of ":if" blocks is allowed, but
7267only if the commands are at the start of the line. The ":else" command is not
7268recognized.
7269
7270Example of how to avoid executing commands when the |+eval| feature is
7271missing: >
7272
7273 :if 1
7274 : echo "Expression evaluation is compiled in"
7275 :else
7276 : echo "You will _never_ see this message"
7277 :endif
7278
7279==============================================================================
728011. The sandbox *eval-sandbox* *sandbox* *E48*
7281
7282The 'foldexpr', 'includeexpr', 'indentexpr', 'statusline' and 'foldtext'
7283options are evaluated in a sandbox. This means that you are protected from
7284these expressions having nasty side effects. This gives some safety for when
7285these options are set from a modeline. It is also used when the command from
Bram Moolenaarebefac62005-12-28 22:39:57 +00007286a tags file is executed and for CTRL-R = in the command line.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00007287The sandbox is also used for the |:sandbox| command.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007288
7289These items are not allowed in the sandbox:
7290 - changing the buffer text
7291 - defining or changing mapping, autocommands, functions, user commands
7292 - setting certain options (see |option-summary|)
7293 - executing a shell command
7294 - reading or writing a file
7295 - jumping to another buffer or editing a file
Bram Moolenaar4770d092006-01-12 23:22:24 +00007296 - executing Python, Perl, etc. commands
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00007297This is not guaranteed 100% secure, but it should block most attacks.
7298
7299 *:san* *:sandbox*
Bram Moolenaar045e82d2005-07-08 22:25:33 +00007300:san[dbox] {cmd} Execute {cmd} in the sandbox. Useful to evaluate an
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00007301 option that may have been set from a modeline, e.g.
7302 'foldexpr'.
7303
Bram Moolenaarb71eaae2006-01-20 23:10:18 +00007304 *sandbox-option*
7305A few options contain an expression. When this expression is evaluated it may
Bram Moolenaar9b2200a2006-03-20 21:55:45 +00007306have to be done in the sandbox to avoid a security risk. But the sandbox is
Bram Moolenaarb71eaae2006-01-20 23:10:18 +00007307restrictive, thus this only happens when the option was set from an insecure
7308location. Insecure in this context are:
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00007309- sourcing a .vimrc or .exrc in the current directory
Bram Moolenaarb71eaae2006-01-20 23:10:18 +00007310- while executing in the sandbox
7311- value coming from a modeline
7312
7313Note that when in the sandbox and saving an option value and restoring it, the
7314option will still be marked as it was set in the sandbox.
7315
7316==============================================================================
731712. Textlock *textlock*
7318
7319In a few situations it is not allowed to change the text in the buffer, jump
7320to another window and some other things that might confuse or break what Vim
7321is currently doing. This mostly applies to things that happen when Vim is
7322actually doing something else. For example, evaluating the 'balloonexpr' may
7323happen any moment the mouse cursor is resting at some position.
7324
7325This is not allowed when the textlock is active:
7326 - changing the buffer text
7327 - jumping to another buffer or window
7328 - editing another file
7329 - closing a window or quitting Vim
7330 - etc.
7331
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007332
7333 vim:tw=78:ts=8:ft=help:norl: