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Bram Moolenaare7eb9df2005-09-09 19:49:30 +00001*eval.txt* For Vim version 7.0aa. Last change: 2005 Sep 09
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002
3
4 VIM REFERENCE MANUAL by Bram Moolenaar
5
6
7Expression evaluation *expression* *expr* *E15* *eval*
8
9Using expressions is introduced in chapter 41 of the user manual |usr_41.txt|.
10
11Note: Expression evaluation can be disabled at compile time. If this has been
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +000012done, the features in this document are not available. See |+eval| and
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000013|no-eval-feature|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000014
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000151. Variables |variables|
16 1.1 Variable types
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +000017 1.2 Function references |Funcref|
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +000018 1.3 Lists |Lists|
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000019 1.4 Dictionaries |Dictionaries|
20 1.5 More about variables |more-variables|
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000212. Expression syntax |expression-syntax|
223. Internal variable |internal-variables|
234. Builtin Functions |functions|
245. Defining functions |user-functions|
256. Curly braces names |curly-braces-names|
267. Commands |expression-commands|
278. Exception handling |exception-handling|
289. Examples |eval-examples|
2910. No +eval feature |no-eval-feature|
3011. The sandbox |eval-sandbox|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000031
32{Vi does not have any of these commands}
33
34==============================================================================
351. Variables *variables*
36
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000371.1 Variable types ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +000038 *E712*
Bram Moolenaar39a58ca2005-06-27 22:42:44 +000039There are five types of variables:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000040
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000041Number A 32 bit signed number.
42 Examples: -123 0x10 0177
43
44String A NUL terminated string of 8-bit unsigned characters (bytes).
45 Examples: "ab\txx\"--" 'x-z''a,c'
46
47Funcref A reference to a function |Funcref|.
48 Example: function("strlen")
49
50List An ordered sequence of items |List|.
51 Example: [1, 2, ['a', 'b']]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000052
Bram Moolenaar39a58ca2005-06-27 22:42:44 +000053Dictionary An associative, unordered array: Each entry has a key and a
54 value. |Dictionary|
55 Example: {'blue': "#0000ff", 'red': "#ff0000"}
56
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +000057The Number and String types are converted automatically, depending on how they
58are used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000059
60Conversion from a Number to a String is by making the ASCII representation of
61the Number. Examples: >
62 Number 123 --> String "123"
63 Number 0 --> String "0"
64 Number -1 --> String "-1"
65
66Conversion from a String to a Number is done by converting the first digits
67to a number. Hexadecimal "0xf9" and Octal "017" numbers are recognized. If
68the String doesn't start with digits, the result is zero. Examples: >
69 String "456" --> Number 456
70 String "6bar" --> Number 6
71 String "foo" --> Number 0
72 String "0xf1" --> Number 241
73 String "0100" --> Number 64
74 String "-8" --> Number -8
75 String "+8" --> Number 0
76
77To force conversion from String to Number, add zero to it: >
78 :echo "0100" + 0
79
80For boolean operators Numbers are used. Zero is FALSE, non-zero is TRUE.
81
82Note that in the command >
83 :if "foo"
84"foo" is converted to 0, which means FALSE. To test for a non-empty string,
85use strlen(): >
86 :if strlen("foo")
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +000087< *E745* *E728* *E703* *E729* *E730* *E731*
88List, Dictionary and Funcref types are not automatically converted.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +000089
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +000090 *E706*
91You will get an error if you try to change the type of a variable. You need
92to |:unlet| it first to avoid this error. String and Number are considered
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000093equivalent though. Consider this sequence of commands: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +000094 :let l = "string"
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +000095 :let l = 44 " changes type from String to Number
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +000096 :let l = [1, 2, 3] " error!
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +000097
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +000098
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000991.2 Function references ~
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +0000100 *Funcref* *E695* *E718*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000101A Funcref variable is obtained with the |function()| function. It can be used
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000102in an expression in the place of a function name, before the parenthesis
103around the arguments, to invoke the function it refers to. Example: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000104
105 :let Fn = function("MyFunc")
106 :echo Fn()
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000107< *E704* *E705* *E707*
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000108A Funcref variable must start with a capital, "s:", "w:" or "b:". You cannot
109have both a Funcref variable and a function with the same name.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000110
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000111A special case is defining a function and directly assigning its Funcref to a
112Dictionary entry. Example: >
113 :function dict.init() dict
114 : let self.val = 0
115 :endfunction
116
117The key of the Dictionary can start with a lower case letter. The actual
118function name is not used here. Also see |numbered-function|.
119
120A Funcref can also be used with the |:call| command: >
121 :call Fn()
122 :call dict.init()
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000123
124The name of the referenced function can be obtained with |string()|. >
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000125 :let func = string(Fn)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000126
127You can use |call()| to invoke a Funcref and use a list variable for the
128arguments: >
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000129 :let r = call(Fn, mylist)
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000130
131
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00001321.3 Lists ~
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +0000133 *List* *Lists* *E686*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000134A List is an ordered sequence of items. An item can be of any type. Items
135can be accessed by their index number. Items can be added and removed at any
136position in the sequence.
137
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000138
139List creation ~
140 *E696* *E697*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000141A List is created with a comma separated list of items in square brackets.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000142Examples: >
143 :let mylist = [1, two, 3, "four"]
144 :let emptylist = []
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000145
146An item can be any expression. Using a List for an item creates a
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000147nested List: >
148 :let nestlist = [[11, 12], [21, 22], [31, 32]]
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000149
150An extra comma after the last item is ignored.
151
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000152
153List index ~
154 *list-index* *E684*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000155An item in the List can be accessed by putting the index in square brackets
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000156after the List. Indexes are zero-based, thus the first item has index zero. >
157 :let item = mylist[0] " get the first item: 1
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000158 :let item = mylist[2] " get the third item: 3
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000159
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000160When the resulting item is a list this can be repeated: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000161 :let item = nestlist[0][1] " get the first list, second item: 12
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000162<
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000163A negative index is counted from the end. Index -1 refers to the last item in
164the List, -2 to the last but one item, etc. >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000165 :let last = mylist[-1] " get the last item: "four"
166
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000167To avoid an error for an invalid index use the |get()| function. When an item
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000168is not available it returns zero or the default value you specify: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000169 :echo get(mylist, idx)
170 :echo get(mylist, idx, "NONE")
171
172
173List concatenation ~
174
175Two lists can be concatenated with the "+" operator: >
176 :let longlist = mylist + [5, 6]
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000177 :let mylist += [7, 8]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000178
179To prepend or append an item turn the item into a list by putting [] around
180it. To change a list in-place see |list-modification| below.
181
182
183Sublist ~
184
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000185A part of the List can be obtained by specifying the first and last index,
186separated by a colon in square brackets: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000187 :let shortlist = mylist[2:-1] " get List [3, "four"]
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000188
189Omitting the first index is similar to zero. Omitting the last index is
190similar to -1. The difference is that there is no error if the items are not
191available. >
Bram Moolenaar540d6e32005-01-09 21:20:18 +0000192 :let endlist = mylist[2:] " from item 2 to the end: [3, "four"]
193 :let shortlist = mylist[2:2] " List with one item: [3]
194 :let otherlist = mylist[:] " make a copy of the List
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000195
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000196The second index can be just before the first index. In that case the result
197is an empty list. If the second index is lower, this results in an error. >
198 :echo mylist[2:1] " result: []
199 :echo mylist[2:0] " error!
200
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +0000201NOTE: mylist[s:e] means using the variable "s:e" as index. Watch out for
202using a single letter variable before the ":". Insert a space when needed:
203mylist[s : e].
204
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000205
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000206List identity ~
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000207 *list-identity*
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000208When variable "aa" is a list and you assign it to another variable "bb", both
209variables refer to the same list. Thus changing the list "aa" will also
210change "bb": >
211 :let aa = [1, 2, 3]
212 :let bb = aa
213 :call add(aa, 4)
214 :echo bb
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000215< [1, 2, 3, 4]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000216
217Making a copy of a list is done with the |copy()| function. Using [:] also
218works, as explained above. This creates a shallow copy of the list: Changing
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000219a list item in the list will also change the item in the copied list: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000220 :let aa = [[1, 'a'], 2, 3]
221 :let bb = copy(aa)
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000222 :call add(aa, 4)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000223 :let aa[0][1] = 'aaa'
224 :echo aa
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000225< [[1, aaa], 2, 3, 4] >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000226 :echo bb
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000227< [[1, aaa], 2, 3]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000228
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000229To make a completely independent list use |deepcopy()|. This also makes a
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000230copy of the values in the list, recursively. Up to a hundred levels deep.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000231
232The operator "is" can be used to check if two variables refer to the same
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000233List. "isnot" does the opposite. In contrast "==" compares if two lists have
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000234the same value. >
235 :let alist = [1, 2, 3]
236 :let blist = [1, 2, 3]
237 :echo alist is blist
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000238< 0 >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000239 :echo alist == blist
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000240< 1
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000241
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000242Note about comparing lists: Two lists are considered equal if they have the
243same length and all items compare equal, as with using "==". There is one
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000244exception: When comparing a number with a string they are considered
245different. There is no automatic type conversion, as with using "==" on
246variables. Example: >
247 echo 4 == "4"
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000248< 1 >
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000249 echo [4] == ["4"]
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000250< 0
251
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000252Thus comparing Lists is more strict than comparing numbers and strings. You
253can compare simple values this way too by putting them in a string: >
254
255 :let a = 5
256 :let b = "5"
257 echo a == b
258< 1 >
259 echo [a] == [b]
260< 0
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000261
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000262
263List unpack ~
264
265To unpack the items in a list to individual variables, put the variables in
266square brackets, like list items: >
267 :let [var1, var2] = mylist
268
269When the number of variables does not match the number of items in the list
270this produces an error. To handle any extra items from the list append ";"
271and a variable name: >
272 :let [var1, var2; rest] = mylist
273
274This works like: >
275 :let var1 = mylist[0]
276 :let var2 = mylist[1]
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000277 :let rest = mylist[2:]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000278
279Except that there is no error if there are only two items. "rest" will be an
280empty list then.
281
282
283List modification ~
284 *list-modification*
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000285To change a specific item of a list use |:let| this way: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000286 :let list[4] = "four"
287 :let listlist[0][3] = item
288
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000289To change part of a list you can specify the first and last item to be
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000290modified. The value must at least have the number of items in the range: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000291 :let list[3:5] = [3, 4, 5]
292
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000293Adding and removing items from a list is done with functions. Here are a few
294examples: >
295 :call insert(list, 'a') " prepend item 'a'
296 :call insert(list, 'a', 3) " insert item 'a' before list[3]
297 :call add(list, "new") " append String item
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000298 :call add(list, [1, 2]) " append a List as one new item
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000299 :call extend(list, [1, 2]) " extend the list with two more items
300 :let i = remove(list, 3) " remove item 3
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +0000301 :unlet list[3] " idem
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000302 :let l = remove(list, 3, -1) " remove items 3 to last item
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +0000303 :unlet list[3 : ] " idem
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000304 :call filter(list, 'v:val !~ "x"') " remove items with an 'x'
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000305
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000306Changing the order of items in a list: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000307 :call sort(list) " sort a list alphabetically
308 :call reverse(list) " reverse the order of items
309
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000310
311For loop ~
312
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000313The |:for| loop executes commands for each item in a list. A variable is set
314to each item in the list in sequence. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000315 :for item in mylist
316 : call Doit(item)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000317 :endfor
318
319This works like: >
320 :let index = 0
321 :while index < len(mylist)
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000322 : let item = mylist[index]
323 : :call Doit(item)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000324 : let index = index + 1
325 :endwhile
326
327Note that all items in the list should be of the same type, otherwise this
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000328results in error |E706|. To avoid this |:unlet| the variable at the end of
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000329the loop.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000330
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000331If all you want to do is modify each item in the list then the |map()|
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000332function will be a simpler method than a for loop.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000333
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000334Just like the |:let| command, |:for| also accepts a list of variables. This
335requires the argument to be a list of lists. >
336 :for [lnum, col] in [[1, 3], [2, 8], [3, 0]]
337 : call Doit(lnum, col)
338 :endfor
339
340This works like a |:let| command is done for each list item. Again, the types
341must remain the same to avoid an error.
342
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000343It is also possible to put remaining items in a List variable: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000344 :for [i, j; rest] in listlist
345 : call Doit(i, j)
346 : if !empty(rest)
347 : echo "remainder: " . string(rest)
348 : endif
349 :endfor
350
351
352List functions ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000353 *E714*
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000354Functions that are useful with a List: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000355 :let r = call(funcname, list) " call a function with an argument list
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000356 :if empty(list) " check if list is empty
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000357 :let l = len(list) " number of items in list
358 :let big = max(list) " maximum value in list
359 :let small = min(list) " minimum value in list
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000360 :let xs = count(list, 'x') " count nr of times 'x' appears in list
361 :let i = index(list, 'x') " index of first 'x' in list
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000362 :let lines = getline(1, 10) " get ten text lines from buffer
363 :call append('$', lines) " append text lines in buffer
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000364 :let list = split("a b c") " create list from items in a string
365 :let string = join(list, ', ') " create string from list items
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000366 :let s = string(list) " String representation of list
367 :call map(list, '">> " . v:val') " prepend ">> " to each item
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000368
Bram Moolenaar0cb032e2005-04-23 20:52:00 +0000369Don't forget that a combination of features can make things simple. For
370example, to add up all the numbers in a list: >
371 :exe 'let sum = ' . join(nrlist, '+')
372
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000373
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003741.4 Dictionaries ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000375 *Dictionaries* *Dictionary*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000376A Dictionary is an associative array: Each entry has a key and a value. The
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000377entry can be located with the key. The entries are stored without a specific
378ordering.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000379
380
381Dictionary creation ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000382 *E720* *E721* *E722* *E723*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000383A Dictionary is created with a comma separated list of entries in curly
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000384braces. Each entry has a key and a value, separated by a colon. Each key can
385only appear once. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000386 :let mydict = {1: 'one', 2: 'two', 3: 'three'}
387 :let emptydict = {}
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000388< *E713* *E716* *E717*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000389A key is always a String. You can use a Number, it will be converted to a
390String automatically. Thus the String '4' and the number 4 will find the same
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000391entry. Note that the String '04' and the Number 04 are different, since the
392Number will be converted to the String '4'.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000393
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000394A value can be any expression. Using a Dictionary for a value creates a
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000395nested Dictionary: >
396 :let nestdict = {1: {11: 'a', 12: 'b'}, 2: {21: 'c'}}
397
398An extra comma after the last entry is ignored.
399
400
401Accessing entries ~
402
403The normal way to access an entry is by putting the key in square brackets: >
404 :let val = mydict["one"]
405 :let mydict["four"] = 4
406
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000407You can add new entries to an existing Dictionary this way, unlike Lists.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000408
409For keys that consist entirely of letters, digits and underscore the following
410form can be used |expr-entry|: >
411 :let val = mydict.one
412 :let mydict.four = 4
413
414Since an entry can be any type, also a List and a Dictionary, the indexing and
415key lookup can be repeated: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000416 :echo dict.key[idx].key
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000417
418
419Dictionary to List conversion ~
420
421You may want to loop over the entries in a dictionary. For this you need to
422turn the Dictionary into a List and pass it to |:for|.
423
424Most often you want to loop over the keys, using the |keys()| function: >
425 :for key in keys(mydict)
426 : echo key . ': ' . mydict[key]
427 :endfor
428
429The List of keys is unsorted. You may want to sort them first: >
430 :for key in sort(keys(mydict))
431
432To loop over the values use the |values()| function: >
433 :for v in values(mydict)
434 : echo "value: " . v
435 :endfor
436
437If you want both the key and the value use the |items()| function. It returns
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000438a List in which each item is a List with two items, the key and the value: >
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000439 :for entry in items(mydict)
440 : echo entry[0] . ': ' . entry[1]
441 :endfor
442
443
444Dictionary identity ~
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +0000445 *dict-identity*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000446Just like Lists you need to use |copy()| and |deepcopy()| to make a copy of a
447Dictionary. Otherwise, assignment results in referring to the same
448Dictionary: >
449 :let onedict = {'a': 1, 'b': 2}
450 :let adict = onedict
451 :let adict['a'] = 11
452 :echo onedict['a']
453 11
454
Bram Moolenaarf3bd51a2005-06-14 22:11:18 +0000455Two Dictionaries compare equal if all the key-value pairs compare equal. For
456more info see |list-identity|.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000457
458
459Dictionary modification ~
460 *dict-modification*
461To change an already existing entry of a Dictionary, or to add a new entry,
462use |:let| this way: >
463 :let dict[4] = "four"
464 :let dict['one'] = item
465
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +0000466Removing an entry from a Dictionary is done with |remove()| or |:unlet|.
467Three ways to remove the entry with key "aaa" from dict: >
468 :let i = remove(dict, 'aaa')
469 :unlet dict.aaa
470 :unlet dict['aaa']
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000471
472Merging a Dictionary with another is done with |extend()|: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000473 :call extend(adict, bdict)
474This extends adict with all entries from bdict. Duplicate keys cause entries
475in adict to be overwritten. An optional third argument can change this.
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000476Note that the order of entries in a Dictionary is irrelevant, thus don't
477expect ":echo adict" to show the items from bdict after the older entries in
478adict.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000479
480Weeding out entries from a Dictionary can be done with |filter()|: >
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +0000481 :call filter(dict 'v:val =~ "x"')
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000482This removes all entries from "dict" with a value not matching 'x'.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000483
484
485Dictionary function ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000486 *Dictionary-function* *self* *E725*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000487When a function is defined with the "dict" attribute it can be used in a
488special way with a dictionary. Example: >
489 :function Mylen() dict
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000490 : return len(self.data)
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000491 :endfunction
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000492 :let mydict = {'data': [0, 1, 2, 3], 'len': function("Mylen")}
493 :echo mydict.len()
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000494
495This is like a method in object oriented programming. The entry in the
496Dictionary is a |Funcref|. The local variable "self" refers to the dictionary
497the function was invoked from.
498
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000499It is also possible to add a function without the "dict" attribute as a
500Funcref to a Dictionary, but the "self" variable is not available then.
501
502 *numbered-function*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000503To avoid the extra name for the function it can be defined and directly
504assigned to a Dictionary in this way: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000505 :let mydict = {'data': [0, 1, 2, 3]}
506 :function mydict.len() dict
507 : return len(self.data)
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000508 :endfunction
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000509 :echo mydict.len()
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000510
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000511The function will then get a number and the value of dict.len is a |Funcref|
512that references this function. The function can only be used through a
513|Funcref|. It will automatically be deleted when there is no |Funcref|
514remaining that refers to it.
515
516It is not necessary to use the "dict" attribute for a numbered function.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000517
518
519Functions for Dictionaries ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000520 *E715*
521Functions that can be used with a Dictionary: >
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000522 :if has_key(dict, 'foo') " TRUE if dict has entry with key "foo"
523 :if empty(dict) " TRUE if dict is empty
524 :let l = len(dict) " number of items in dict
525 :let big = max(dict) " maximum value in dict
526 :let small = min(dict) " minimum value in dict
527 :let xs = count(dict, 'x') " count nr of times 'x' appears in dict
528 :let s = string(dict) " String representation of dict
529 :call map(dict, '">> " . v:val') " prepend ">> " to each item
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000530
531
5321.5 More about variables ~
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000533 *more-variables*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000534If you need to know the type of a variable or expression, use the |type()|
535function.
536
537When the '!' flag is included in the 'viminfo' option, global variables that
538start with an uppercase letter, and don't contain a lowercase letter, are
539stored in the viminfo file |viminfo-file|.
540
541When the 'sessionoptions' option contains "global", global variables that
542start with an uppercase letter and contain at least one lowercase letter are
543stored in the session file |session-file|.
544
545variable name can be stored where ~
546my_var_6 not
547My_Var_6 session file
548MY_VAR_6 viminfo file
549
550
551It's possible to form a variable name with curly braces, see
552|curly-braces-names|.
553
554==============================================================================
5552. Expression syntax *expression-syntax*
556
557Expression syntax summary, from least to most significant:
558
559|expr1| expr2 ? expr1 : expr1 if-then-else
560
561|expr2| expr3 || expr3 .. logical OR
562
563|expr3| expr4 && expr4 .. logical AND
564
565|expr4| expr5 == expr5 equal
566 expr5 != expr5 not equal
567 expr5 > expr5 greater than
568 expr5 >= expr5 greater than or equal
569 expr5 < expr5 smaller than
570 expr5 <= expr5 smaller than or equal
571 expr5 =~ expr5 regexp matches
572 expr5 !~ expr5 regexp doesn't match
573
574 expr5 ==? expr5 equal, ignoring case
575 expr5 ==# expr5 equal, match case
576 etc. As above, append ? for ignoring case, # for
577 matching case
578
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000579 expr5 is expr5 same List instance
580 expr5 isnot expr5 different List instance
581
582|expr5| expr6 + expr6 .. number addition or list concatenation
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000583 expr6 - expr6 .. number subtraction
584 expr6 . expr6 .. string concatenation
585
586|expr6| expr7 * expr7 .. number multiplication
587 expr7 / expr7 .. number division
588 expr7 % expr7 .. number modulo
589
590|expr7| ! expr7 logical NOT
591 - expr7 unary minus
592 + expr7 unary plus
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000593
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000594
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000595|expr8| expr8[expr1] byte of a String or item of a List
596 expr8[expr1 : expr1] substring of a String or sublist of a List
597 expr8.name entry in a Dictionary
598 expr8(expr1, ...) function call with Funcref variable
599
600|expr9| number number constant
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +0000601 "string" string constant, backslash is special
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000602 'string' string constant, ' is doubled
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000603 [expr1, ...] List
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000604 {expr1: expr1, ...} Dictionary
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000605 &option option value
606 (expr1) nested expression
607 variable internal variable
608 va{ria}ble internal variable with curly braces
609 $VAR environment variable
610 @r contents of register 'r'
611 function(expr1, ...) function call
612 func{ti}on(expr1, ...) function call with curly braces
613
614
615".." indicates that the operations in this level can be concatenated.
616Example: >
617 &nu || &list && &shell == "csh"
618
619All expressions within one level are parsed from left to right.
620
621
622expr1 *expr1* *E109*
623-----
624
625expr2 ? expr1 : expr1
626
627The expression before the '?' is evaluated to a number. If it evaluates to
628non-zero, the result is the value of the expression between the '?' and ':',
629otherwise the result is the value of the expression after the ':'.
630Example: >
631 :echo lnum == 1 ? "top" : lnum
632
633Since the first expression is an "expr2", it cannot contain another ?:. The
634other two expressions can, thus allow for recursive use of ?:.
635Example: >
636 :echo lnum == 1 ? "top" : lnum == 1000 ? "last" : lnum
637
638To keep this readable, using |line-continuation| is suggested: >
639 :echo lnum == 1
640 :\ ? "top"
641 :\ : lnum == 1000
642 :\ ? "last"
643 :\ : lnum
644
645
646expr2 and expr3 *expr2* *expr3*
647---------------
648
649 *expr-barbar* *expr-&&*
650The "||" and "&&" operators take one argument on each side. The arguments
651are (converted to) Numbers. The result is:
652
653 input output ~
654n1 n2 n1 || n2 n1 && n2 ~
655zero zero zero zero
656zero non-zero non-zero zero
657non-zero zero non-zero zero
658non-zero non-zero non-zero non-zero
659
660The operators can be concatenated, for example: >
661
662 &nu || &list && &shell == "csh"
663
664Note that "&&" takes precedence over "||", so this has the meaning of: >
665
666 &nu || (&list && &shell == "csh")
667
668Once the result is known, the expression "short-circuits", that is, further
669arguments are not evaluated. This is like what happens in C. For example: >
670
671 let a = 1
672 echo a || b
673
674This is valid even if there is no variable called "b" because "a" is non-zero,
675so the result must be non-zero. Similarly below: >
676
677 echo exists("b") && b == "yes"
678
679This is valid whether "b" has been defined or not. The second clause will
680only be evaluated if "b" has been defined.
681
682
683expr4 *expr4*
684-----
685
686expr5 {cmp} expr5
687
688Compare two expr5 expressions, resulting in a 0 if it evaluates to false, or 1
689if it evaluates to true.
690
691 *expr-==* *expr-!=* *expr->* *expr->=*
692 *expr-<* *expr-<=* *expr-=~* *expr-!~*
693 *expr-==#* *expr-!=#* *expr->#* *expr->=#*
694 *expr-<#* *expr-<=#* *expr-=~#* *expr-!~#*
695 *expr-==?* *expr-!=?* *expr->?* *expr->=?*
696 *expr-<?* *expr-<=?* *expr-=~?* *expr-!~?*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000697 *expr-is*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000698 use 'ignorecase' match case ignore case ~
699equal == ==# ==?
700not equal != !=# !=?
701greater than > ># >?
702greater than or equal >= >=# >=?
703smaller than < <# <?
704smaller than or equal <= <=# <=?
705regexp matches =~ =~# =~?
706regexp doesn't match !~ !~# !~?
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000707same instance is
708different instance isnot
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000709
710Examples:
711"abc" ==# "Abc" evaluates to 0
712"abc" ==? "Abc" evaluates to 1
713"abc" == "Abc" evaluates to 1 if 'ignorecase' is set, 0 otherwise
714
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000715 *E691* *E692*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000716A List can only be compared with a List and only "equal", "not equal" and "is"
717can be used. This compares the values of the list, recursively. Ignoring
718case means case is ignored when comparing item values.
719
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000720 *E735* *E736*
721A Dictionary can only be compared with a Dictionary and only "equal", "not
722equal" and "is" can be used. This compares the key/values of the Dictionary,
723recursively. Ignoring case means case is ignored when comparing item values.
724
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000725 *E693* *E694*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000726A Funcref can only be compared with a Funcref and only "equal" and "not equal"
727can be used. Case is never ignored.
728
729When using "is" or "isnot" with a List this checks if the expressions are
730referring to the same List instance. A copy of a List is different from the
731original List. When using "is" without a List it is equivalent to using
732"equal", using "isnot" equivalent to using "not equal". Except that a
733different type means the values are different. "4 == '4'" is true, "4 is '4'"
734is false.
735
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000736When comparing a String with a Number, the String is converted to a Number,
737and the comparison is done on Numbers. This means that "0 == 'x'" is TRUE,
738because 'x' converted to a Number is zero.
739
740When comparing two Strings, this is done with strcmp() or stricmp(). This
741results in the mathematical difference (comparing byte values), not
742necessarily the alphabetical difference in the local language.
743
744When using the operators with a trailing '#", or the short version and
745'ignorecase' is off, the comparing is done with strcmp().
746
747When using the operators with a trailing '?', or the short version and
748'ignorecase' is set, the comparing is done with stricmp().
749
750The "=~" and "!~" operators match the lefthand argument with the righthand
751argument, which is used as a pattern. See |pattern| for what a pattern is.
752This matching is always done like 'magic' was set and 'cpoptions' is empty, no
753matter what the actual value of 'magic' or 'cpoptions' is. This makes scripts
754portable. To avoid backslashes in the regexp pattern to be doubled, use a
755single-quote string, see |literal-string|.
756Since a string is considered to be a single line, a multi-line pattern
757(containing \n, backslash-n) will not match. However, a literal NL character
758can be matched like an ordinary character. Examples:
759 "foo\nbar" =~ "\n" evaluates to 1
760 "foo\nbar" =~ "\\n" evaluates to 0
761
762
763expr5 and expr6 *expr5* *expr6*
764---------------
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000765expr6 + expr6 .. Number addition or List concatenation *expr-+*
766expr6 - expr6 .. Number subtraction *expr--*
767expr6 . expr6 .. String concatenation *expr-.*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000768
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000769For Lists only "+" is possible and then both expr6 must be a list. The result
770is a new list with the two lists Concatenated.
771
772expr7 * expr7 .. number multiplication *expr-star*
773expr7 / expr7 .. number division *expr-/*
774expr7 % expr7 .. number modulo *expr-%*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000775
776For all, except ".", Strings are converted to Numbers.
777
778Note the difference between "+" and ".":
779 "123" + "456" = 579
780 "123" . "456" = "123456"
781
782When the righthand side of '/' is zero, the result is 0x7fffffff.
783When the righthand side of '%' is zero, the result is 0.
784
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000785None of these work for Funcrefs.
786
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000787
788expr7 *expr7*
789-----
790! expr7 logical NOT *expr-!*
791- expr7 unary minus *expr-unary--*
792+ expr7 unary plus *expr-unary-+*
793
794For '!' non-zero becomes zero, zero becomes one.
795For '-' the sign of the number is changed.
796For '+' the number is unchanged.
797
798A String will be converted to a Number first.
799
800These three can be repeated and mixed. Examples:
801 !-1 == 0
802 !!8 == 1
803 --9 == 9
804
805
806expr8 *expr8*
807-----
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000808expr8[expr1] item of String or List *expr-[]* *E111*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000809
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000810If expr8 is a Number or String this results in a String that contains the
811expr1'th single byte from expr8. expr8 is used as a String, expr1 as a
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000812Number. Note that this doesn't recognize multi-byte encodings.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000813
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000814Index zero gives the first character. This is like it works in C. Careful:
815text column numbers start with one! Example, to get the character under the
816cursor: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000817 :let c = getline(line("."))[col(".") - 1]
818
819If the length of the String is less than the index, the result is an empty
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000820String. A negative index always results in an empty string (reason: backwards
821compatibility). Use [-1:] to get the last byte.
822
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000823If expr8 is a List then it results the item at index expr1. See |list-index|
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000824for possible index values. If the index is out of range this results in an
825error. Example: >
826 :let item = mylist[-1] " get last item
827
828Generally, if a List index is equal to or higher than the length of the List,
829or more negative than the length of the List, this results in an error.
830
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000831
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000832expr8[expr1a : expr1b] substring or sublist *expr-[:]*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000833
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000834If expr8 is a Number or String this results in the substring with the bytes
835from expr1a to and including expr1b. expr8 is used as a String, expr1a and
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000836expr1b are used as a Number. Note that this doesn't recognize multi-byte
837encodings.
838
839If expr1a is omitted zero is used. If expr1b is omitted the length of the
840string minus one is used.
841
842A negative number can be used to measure from the end of the string. -1 is
843the last character, -2 the last but one, etc.
844
845If an index goes out of range for the string characters are omitted. If
846expr1b is smaller than expr1a the result is an empty string.
847
848Examples: >
849 :let c = name[-1:] " last byte of a string
850 :let c = name[-2:-2] " last but one byte of a string
851 :let s = line(".")[4:] " from the fifth byte to the end
852 :let s = s[:-3] " remove last two bytes
853
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000854If expr8 is a List this results in a new List with the items indicated by the
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000855indexes expr1a and expr1b. This works like with a String, as explained just
856above, except that indexes out of range cause an error. Examples: >
857 :let l = mylist[:3] " first four items
858 :let l = mylist[4:4] " List with one item
859 :let l = mylist[:] " shallow copy of a List
860
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000861Using expr8[expr1] or expr8[expr1a : expr1b] on a Funcref results in an error.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000862
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000863
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000864expr8.name entry in a Dictionary *expr-entry*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000865
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000866If expr8 is a Dictionary and it is followed by a dot, then the following name
867will be used as a key in the Dictionary. This is just like: expr8[name].
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000868
869The name must consist of alphanumeric characters, just like a variable name,
870but it may start with a number. Curly braces cannot be used.
871
872There must not be white space before or after the dot.
873
874Examples: >
875 :let dict = {"one": 1, 2: "two"}
876 :echo dict.one
877 :echo dict .2
878
879Note that the dot is also used for String concatenation. To avoid confusion
880always put spaces around the dot for String concatenation.
881
882
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000883expr8(expr1, ...) Funcref function call
884
885When expr8 is a |Funcref| type variable, invoke the function it refers to.
886
887
888
889 *expr9*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000890number
891------
892number number constant *expr-number*
893
894Decimal, Hexadecimal (starting with 0x or 0X), or Octal (starting with 0).
895
896
897string *expr-string* *E114*
898------
899"string" string constant *expr-quote*
900
901Note that double quotes are used.
902
903A string constant accepts these special characters:
904\... three-digit octal number (e.g., "\316")
905\.. two-digit octal number (must be followed by non-digit)
906\. one-digit octal number (must be followed by non-digit)
907\x.. byte specified with two hex numbers (e.g., "\x1f")
908\x. byte specified with one hex number (must be followed by non-hex char)
909\X.. same as \x..
910\X. same as \x.
911\u.... character specified with up to 4 hex numbers, stored according to the
912 current value of 'encoding' (e.g., "\u02a4")
913\U.... same as \u....
914\b backspace <BS>
915\e escape <Esc>
916\f formfeed <FF>
917\n newline <NL>
918\r return <CR>
919\t tab <Tab>
920\\ backslash
921\" double quote
922\<xxx> Special key named "xxx". e.g. "\<C-W>" for CTRL-W.
923
924Note that "\000" and "\x00" force the end of the string.
925
926
927literal-string *literal-string* *E115*
928---------------
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +0000929'string' string constant *expr-'*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000930
931Note that single quotes are used.
932
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +0000933This string is taken as it is. No backslashes are removed or have a special
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000934meaning. The only exception is that two quotes stand for one quote.
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +0000935
936Single quoted strings are useful for patterns, so that backslashes do not need
937to be doubled. These two commands are equivalent: >
938 if a =~ "\\s*"
939 if a =~ '\s*'
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000940
941
942option *expr-option* *E112* *E113*
943------
944&option option value, local value if possible
945&g:option global option value
946&l:option local option value
947
948Examples: >
949 echo "tabstop is " . &tabstop
950 if &insertmode
951
952Any option name can be used here. See |options|. When using the local value
953and there is no buffer-local or window-local value, the global value is used
954anyway.
955
956
957register *expr-register*
958--------
959@r contents of register 'r'
960
961The result is the contents of the named register, as a single string.
962Newlines are inserted where required. To get the contents of the unnamed
Bram Moolenaare7566042005-06-17 22:00:15 +0000963register use @" or @@. See |registers| for an explanation of the available
964registers.
965
966When using the '=' register you get the expression itself, not what it
967evaluates to. Use |eval()| to evaluate it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000968
969
970nesting *expr-nesting* *E110*
971-------
972(expr1) nested expression
973
974
975environment variable *expr-env*
976--------------------
977$VAR environment variable
978
979The String value of any environment variable. When it is not defined, the
980result is an empty string.
981 *expr-env-expand*
982Note that there is a difference between using $VAR directly and using
983expand("$VAR"). Using it directly will only expand environment variables that
984are known inside the current Vim session. Using expand() will first try using
985the environment variables known inside the current Vim session. If that
986fails, a shell will be used to expand the variable. This can be slow, but it
987does expand all variables that the shell knows about. Example: >
988 :echo $version
989 :echo expand("$version")
990The first one probably doesn't echo anything, the second echoes the $version
991variable (if your shell supports it).
992
993
994internal variable *expr-variable*
995-----------------
996variable internal variable
997See below |internal-variables|.
998
999
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00001000function call *expr-function* *E116* *E118* *E119* *E120*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001001-------------
1002function(expr1, ...) function call
1003See below |functions|.
1004
1005
1006==============================================================================
10073. Internal variable *internal-variables* *E121*
1008 *E461*
1009An internal variable name can be made up of letters, digits and '_'. But it
1010cannot start with a digit. It's also possible to use curly braces, see
1011|curly-braces-names|.
1012
1013An internal variable is created with the ":let" command |:let|.
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00001014An internal variable is explicitly destroyed with the ":unlet" command
1015|:unlet|.
1016Using a name that is not an internal variable or refers to a variable that has
1017been destroyed results in an error.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001018
1019There are several name spaces for variables. Which one is to be used is
1020specified by what is prepended:
1021
1022 (nothing) In a function: local to a function; otherwise: global
1023|buffer-variable| b: Local to the current buffer.
1024|window-variable| w: Local to the current window.
1025|global-variable| g: Global.
1026|local-variable| l: Local to a function.
1027|script-variable| s: Local to a |:source|'ed Vim script.
1028|function-argument| a: Function argument (only inside a function).
1029|vim-variable| v: Global, predefined by Vim.
1030
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00001031The scope name by itself can be used as a Dictionary. For example, to delete
1032all script-local variables: >
1033 :for k in keys(s:)
1034 : unlet s:[k]
1035 :endfor
1036<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001037 *buffer-variable* *b:var*
1038A variable name that is preceded with "b:" is local to the current buffer.
1039Thus you can have several "b:foo" variables, one for each buffer.
1040This kind of variable is deleted when the buffer is wiped out or deleted with
1041|:bdelete|.
1042
1043One local buffer variable is predefined:
1044 *b:changedtick-variable* *changetick*
1045b:changedtick The total number of changes to the current buffer. It is
1046 incremented for each change. An undo command is also a change
1047 in this case. This can be used to perform an action only when
1048 the buffer has changed. Example: >
1049 :if my_changedtick != b:changedtick
1050 : let my_changedtick = b:changedtick
1051 : call My_Update()
1052 :endif
1053<
1054 *window-variable* *w:var*
1055A variable name that is preceded with "w:" is local to the current window. It
1056is deleted when the window is closed.
1057
1058 *global-variable* *g:var*
1059Inside functions global variables are accessed with "g:". Omitting this will
1060access a variable local to a function. But "g:" can also be used in any other
1061place if you like.
1062
1063 *local-variable* *l:var*
1064Inside functions local variables are accessed without prepending anything.
1065But you can also prepend "l:" if you like.
1066
1067 *script-variable* *s:var*
1068In a Vim script variables starting with "s:" can be used. They cannot be
1069accessed from outside of the scripts, thus are local to the script.
1070
1071They can be used in:
1072- commands executed while the script is sourced
1073- functions defined in the script
1074- autocommands defined in the script
1075- functions and autocommands defined in functions and autocommands which were
1076 defined in the script (recursively)
1077- user defined commands defined in the script
1078Thus not in:
1079- other scripts sourced from this one
1080- mappings
1081- etc.
1082
1083script variables can be used to avoid conflicts with global variable names.
1084Take this example:
1085
1086 let s:counter = 0
1087 function MyCounter()
1088 let s:counter = s:counter + 1
1089 echo s:counter
1090 endfunction
1091 command Tick call MyCounter()
1092
1093You can now invoke "Tick" from any script, and the "s:counter" variable in
1094that script will not be changed, only the "s:counter" in the script where
1095"Tick" was defined is used.
1096
1097Another example that does the same: >
1098
1099 let s:counter = 0
1100 command Tick let s:counter = s:counter + 1 | echo s:counter
1101
1102When calling a function and invoking a user-defined command, the context for
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001103script variables is set to the script where the function or command was
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001104defined.
1105
1106The script variables are also available when a function is defined inside a
1107function that is defined in a script. Example: >
1108
1109 let s:counter = 0
1110 function StartCounting(incr)
1111 if a:incr
1112 function MyCounter()
1113 let s:counter = s:counter + 1
1114 endfunction
1115 else
1116 function MyCounter()
1117 let s:counter = s:counter - 1
1118 endfunction
1119 endif
1120 endfunction
1121
1122This defines the MyCounter() function either for counting up or counting down
1123when calling StartCounting(). It doesn't matter from where StartCounting() is
1124called, the s:counter variable will be accessible in MyCounter().
1125
1126When the same script is sourced again it will use the same script variables.
1127They will remain valid as long as Vim is running. This can be used to
1128maintain a counter: >
1129
1130 if !exists("s:counter")
1131 let s:counter = 1
1132 echo "script executed for the first time"
1133 else
1134 let s:counter = s:counter + 1
1135 echo "script executed " . s:counter . " times now"
1136 endif
1137
1138Note that this means that filetype plugins don't get a different set of script
1139variables for each buffer. Use local buffer variables instead |b:var|.
1140
1141
1142Predefined Vim variables: *vim-variable* *v:var*
1143
Bram Moolenaare4efc3b2005-03-07 23:16:51 +00001144 *v:beval_col* *beval_col-variable*
1145v:beval_col The number of the column, over which the mouse pointer is.
1146 This is the byte index in the |v:beval_lnum| line.
1147 Only valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1148
1149 *v:beval_bufnr* *beval_bufnr-variable*
1150v:beval_bufnr The number of the buffer, over which the mouse pointer is. Only
1151 valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1152
1153 *v:beval_lnum* *beval_lnum-variable*
1154v:beval_lnum The number of the line, over which the mouse pointer is. Only
1155 valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1156
1157 *v:beval_text* *beval_text-variable*
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00001158v:beval_text The text under or after the mouse pointer. Usually a word as
1159 it is useful for debugging a C program. 'iskeyword' applies,
1160 but a dot and "->" before the position is included. When on a
1161 ']' the text before it is used, including the matching '[' and
Bram Moolenaare4efc3b2005-03-07 23:16:51 +00001162 word before it. When on a Visual area within one line the
1163 highlighted text is used.
1164 Only valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1165
1166 *v:beval_winnr* *beval_winnr-variable*
1167v:beval_winnr The number of the window, over which the mouse pointer is. Only
1168 valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1169
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001170 *v:charconvert_from* *charconvert_from-variable*
1171v:charconvert_from
1172 The name of the character encoding of a file to be converted.
1173 Only valid while evaluating the 'charconvert' option.
1174
1175 *v:charconvert_to* *charconvert_to-variable*
1176v:charconvert_to
1177 The name of the character encoding of a file after conversion.
1178 Only valid while evaluating the 'charconvert' option.
1179
1180 *v:cmdarg* *cmdarg-variable*
1181v:cmdarg This variable is used for two purposes:
1182 1. The extra arguments given to a file read/write command.
1183 Currently these are "++enc=" and "++ff=". This variable is
1184 set before an autocommand event for a file read/write
1185 command is triggered. There is a leading space to make it
1186 possible to append this variable directly after the
1187 read/write command. Note: The "+cmd" argument isn't
1188 included here, because it will be executed anyway.
1189 2. When printing a PostScript file with ":hardcopy" this is
1190 the argument for the ":hardcopy" command. This can be used
1191 in 'printexpr'.
1192
1193 *v:cmdbang* *cmdbang-variable*
1194v:cmdbang Set like v:cmdarg for a file read/write command. When a "!"
1195 was used the value is 1, otherwise it is 0. Note that this
1196 can only be used in autocommands. For user commands |<bang>|
1197 can be used.
1198
1199 *v:count* *count-variable*
1200v:count The count given for the last Normal mode command. Can be used
1201 to get the count before a mapping. Read-only. Example: >
1202 :map _x :<C-U>echo "the count is " . v:count<CR>
1203< Note: The <C-U> is required to remove the line range that you
1204 get when typing ':' after a count.
1205 "count" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1206
1207 *v:count1* *count1-variable*
1208v:count1 Just like "v:count", but defaults to one when no count is
1209 used.
1210
1211 *v:ctype* *ctype-variable*
1212v:ctype The current locale setting for characters of the runtime
1213 environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the
1214 current locale encoding. Technical: it's the value of
1215 LC_CTYPE. When not using a locale the value is "C".
1216 This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language|
1217 command.
1218 See |multi-lang|.
1219
1220 *v:dying* *dying-variable*
1221v:dying Normally zero. When a deadly signal is caught it's set to
1222 one. When multiple signals are caught the number increases.
1223 Can be used in an autocommand to check if Vim didn't
1224 terminate normally. {only works on Unix}
1225 Example: >
1226 :au VimLeave * if v:dying | echo "\nAAAAaaaarrrggghhhh!!!\n" | endif
1227<
1228 *v:errmsg* *errmsg-variable*
1229v:errmsg Last given error message. It's allowed to set this variable.
1230 Example: >
1231 :let v:errmsg = ""
1232 :silent! next
1233 :if v:errmsg != ""
1234 : ... handle error
1235< "errmsg" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1236
1237 *v:exception* *exception-variable*
1238v:exception The value of the exception most recently caught and not
1239 finished. See also |v:throwpoint| and |throw-variables|.
1240 Example: >
1241 :try
1242 : throw "oops"
1243 :catch /.*/
1244 : echo "caught" v:exception
1245 :endtry
1246< Output: "caught oops".
1247
Bram Moolenaar19a09a12005-03-04 23:39:37 +00001248 *v:fcs_reason* *fcs_reason-variable*
1249v:fcs_reason The reason why the |FileChangedShell| event was triggered.
1250 Can be used in an autocommand to decide what to do and/or what
1251 to set v:fcs_choice to. Possible values:
1252 deleted file no longer exists
1253 conflict file contents, mode or timestamp was
1254 changed and buffer is modified
1255 changed file contents has changed
1256 mode mode of file changed
1257 time only file timestamp changed
1258
1259 *v:fcs_choice* *fcs_choice-variable*
1260v:fcs_choice What should happen after a |FileChangedShell| event was
1261 triggered. Can be used in an autocommand to tell Vim what to
1262 do with the affected buffer:
1263 reload Reload the buffer (does not work if
1264 the file was deleted).
1265 ask Ask the user what to do, as if there
1266 was no autocommand. Except that when
1267 only the timestamp changed nothing
1268 will happen.
1269 <empty> Nothing, the autocommand should do
1270 everything that needs to be done.
1271 The default is empty. If another (invalid) value is used then
1272 Vim behaves like it is empty, there is no warning message.
1273
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001274 *v:fname_in* *fname_in-variable*
1275v:fname_in The name of the input file. Only valid while evaluating:
1276 option used for ~
1277 'charconvert' file to be converted
1278 'diffexpr' original file
1279 'patchexpr' original file
1280 'printexpr' file to be printed
1281
1282 *v:fname_out* *fname_out-variable*
1283v:fname_out The name of the output file. Only valid while
1284 evaluating:
1285 option used for ~
1286 'charconvert' resulting converted file (*)
1287 'diffexpr' output of diff
1288 'patchexpr' resulting patched file
1289 (*) When doing conversion for a write command (e.g., ":w
1290 file") it will be equal to v:fname_in. When doing conversion
1291 for a read command (e.g., ":e file") it will be a temporary
1292 file and different from v:fname_in.
1293
1294 *v:fname_new* *fname_new-variable*
1295v:fname_new The name of the new version of the file. Only valid while
1296 evaluating 'diffexpr'.
1297
1298 *v:fname_diff* *fname_diff-variable*
1299v:fname_diff The name of the diff (patch) file. Only valid while
1300 evaluating 'patchexpr'.
1301
1302 *v:folddashes* *folddashes-variable*
1303v:folddashes Used for 'foldtext': dashes representing foldlevel of a closed
1304 fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001305 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001306
1307 *v:foldlevel* *foldlevel-variable*
1308v:foldlevel Used for 'foldtext': foldlevel of closed fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001309 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001310
1311 *v:foldend* *foldend-variable*
1312v:foldend Used for 'foldtext': last line of closed fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001313 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001314
1315 *v:foldstart* *foldstart-variable*
1316v:foldstart Used for 'foldtext': first line of closed fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001317 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001318
Bram Moolenaar843ee412004-06-30 16:16:41 +00001319 *v:insertmode* *insertmode-variable*
1320v:insertmode Used for the |InsertEnter| and |InsertChange| autocommand
1321 events. Values:
1322 i Insert mode
1323 r Replace mode
1324 v Virtual Replace mode
1325
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001326 *v:key* *key-variable*
1327v:key Key of the current item of a Dictionary. Only valid while
1328 evaluating the expression used with |map()| and |filter()|.
1329 Read-only.
1330
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001331 *v:lang* *lang-variable*
1332v:lang The current locale setting for messages of the runtime
1333 environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the
1334 current language. Technical: it's the value of LC_MESSAGES.
1335 The value is system dependent.
1336 This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language|
1337 command.
1338 It can be different from |v:ctype| when messages are desired
1339 in a different language than what is used for character
1340 encoding. See |multi-lang|.
1341
1342 *v:lc_time* *lc_time-variable*
1343v:lc_time The current locale setting for time messages of the runtime
1344 environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the
1345 current language. Technical: it's the value of LC_TIME.
1346 This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language|
1347 command. See |multi-lang|.
1348
1349 *v:lnum* *lnum-variable*
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001350v:lnum Line number for the 'foldexpr' |fold-expr| and 'indentexpr'
1351 expressions. Only valid while one of these expressions is
1352 being evaluated. Read-only when in the |sandbox|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001353
1354 *v:prevcount* *prevcount-variable*
1355v:prevcount The count given for the last but one Normal mode command.
1356 This is the v:count value of the previous command. Useful if
1357 you want to cancel Visual mode and then use the count. >
1358 :vmap % <Esc>:call MyFilter(v:prevcount)<CR>
1359< Read-only.
1360
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00001361 *v:profiling* *profiling-variable*
1362v:profiling Normally zero. Set to one after using ":profile start".
1363 See |profiling|.
1364
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001365 *v:progname* *progname-variable*
1366v:progname Contains the name (with path removed) with which Vim was
1367 invoked. Allows you to do special initialisations for "view",
1368 "evim" etc., or any other name you might symlink to Vim.
1369 Read-only.
1370
1371 *v:register* *register-variable*
1372v:register The name of the register supplied to the last normal mode
1373 command. Empty if none were supplied. |getreg()| |setreg()|
1374
1375 *v:servername* *servername-variable*
1376v:servername The resulting registered |x11-clientserver| name if any.
1377 Read-only.
1378
1379 *v:shell_error* *shell_error-variable*
1380v:shell_error Result of the last shell command. When non-zero, the last
1381 shell command had an error. When zero, there was no problem.
1382 This only works when the shell returns the error code to Vim.
1383 The value -1 is often used when the command could not be
1384 executed. Read-only.
1385 Example: >
1386 :!mv foo bar
1387 :if v:shell_error
1388 : echo 'could not rename "foo" to "bar"!'
1389 :endif
1390< "shell_error" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1391
1392 *v:statusmsg* *statusmsg-variable*
1393v:statusmsg Last given status message. It's allowed to set this variable.
1394
1395 *v:termresponse* *termresponse-variable*
1396v:termresponse The escape sequence returned by the terminal for the |t_RV|
1397 termcap entry. It is set when Vim receives an escape sequence
1398 that starts with ESC [ or CSI and ends in a 'c', with only
1399 digits, ';' and '.' in between.
1400 When this option is set, the TermResponse autocommand event is
1401 fired, so that you can react to the response from the
1402 terminal.
1403 The response from a new xterm is: "<Esc>[ Pp ; Pv ; Pc c". Pp
1404 is the terminal type: 0 for vt100 and 1 for vt220. Pv is the
1405 patch level (since this was introduced in patch 95, it's
1406 always 95 or bigger). Pc is always zero.
1407 {only when compiled with |+termresponse| feature}
1408
1409 *v:this_session* *this_session-variable*
1410v:this_session Full filename of the last loaded or saved session file. See
1411 |:mksession|. It is allowed to set this variable. When no
1412 session file has been saved, this variable is empty.
1413 "this_session" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1414
1415 *v:throwpoint* *throwpoint-variable*
1416v:throwpoint The point where the exception most recently caught and not
1417 finished was thrown. Not set when commands are typed. See
1418 also |v:exception| and |throw-variables|.
1419 Example: >
1420 :try
1421 : throw "oops"
1422 :catch /.*/
1423 : echo "Exception from" v:throwpoint
1424 :endtry
1425< Output: "Exception from test.vim, line 2"
1426
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001427 *v:val* *val-variable*
1428v:val Value of the current item of a List or Dictionary. Only valid
1429 while evaluating the expression used with |map()| and
1430 |filter()|. Read-only.
1431
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001432 *v:version* *version-variable*
1433v:version Version number of Vim: Major version number times 100 plus
1434 minor version number. Version 5.0 is 500. Version 5.1 (5.01)
1435 is 501. Read-only. "version" also works, for backwards
1436 compatibility.
1437 Use |has()| to check if a certain patch was included, e.g.: >
1438 if has("patch123")
1439< Note that patch numbers are specific to the version, thus both
1440 version 5.0 and 5.1 may have a patch 123, but these are
1441 completely different.
1442
1443 *v:warningmsg* *warningmsg-variable*
1444v:warningmsg Last given warning message. It's allowed to set this variable.
1445
1446==============================================================================
14474. Builtin Functions *functions*
1448
1449See |function-list| for a list grouped by what the function is used for.
1450
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00001451(Use CTRL-] on the function name to jump to the full explanation.)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001452
1453USAGE RESULT DESCRIPTION ~
1454
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001455add( {list}, {item}) List append {item} to List {list}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001456append( {lnum}, {string}) Number append {string} below line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00001457append( {lnum}, {list}) Number append lines {list} below line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001458argc() Number number of files in the argument list
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001459argidx() Number current index in the argument list
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001460argv( {nr}) String {nr} entry of the argument list
1461browse( {save}, {title}, {initdir}, {default})
1462 String put up a file requester
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001463browsedir( {title}, {initdir}) String put up a directory requester
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001464bufexists( {expr}) Number TRUE if buffer {expr} exists
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001465buflisted( {expr}) Number TRUE if buffer {expr} is listed
1466bufloaded( {expr}) Number TRUE if buffer {expr} is loaded
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001467bufname( {expr}) String Name of the buffer {expr}
1468bufnr( {expr}) Number Number of the buffer {expr}
1469bufwinnr( {expr}) Number window number of buffer {expr}
1470byte2line( {byte}) Number line number at byte count {byte}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001471byteidx( {expr}, {nr}) Number byte index of {nr}'th char in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001472call( {func}, {arglist} [, {dict}])
1473 any call {func} with arguments {arglist}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001474char2nr( {expr}) Number ASCII value of first char in {expr}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001475cindent( {lnum}) Number C indent for line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001476col( {expr}) Number column nr of cursor or mark
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00001477complete_add( {expr}) Number add completion match
1478complete_check() Number check for key typed during completion
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001479confirm( {msg} [, {choices} [, {default} [, {type}]]])
1480 Number number of choice picked by user
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001481copy( {expr}) any make a shallow copy of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001482count( {list}, {expr} [, {start} [, {ic}]])
1483 Number count how many {expr} are in {list}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001484cscope_connection( [{num} , {dbpath} [, {prepend}]])
1485 Number checks existence of cscope connection
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001486cursor( {lnum}, {col}) Number position cursor at {lnum}, {col}
1487deepcopy( {expr}) any make a full copy of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001488delete( {fname}) Number delete file {fname}
1489did_filetype() Number TRUE if FileType autocommand event used
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001490diff_filler( {lnum}) Number diff filler lines about {lnum}
1491diff_hlID( {lnum}, {col}) Number diff highlighting at {lnum}/{col}
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00001492empty( {expr}) Number TRUE if {expr} is empty
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001493escape( {string}, {chars}) String escape {chars} in {string} with '\'
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00001494eval( {string}) any evaluate {string} into its value
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001495eventhandler( ) Number TRUE if inside an event handler
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001496executable( {expr}) Number 1 if executable {expr} exists
1497exists( {expr}) Number TRUE if {expr} exists
1498expand( {expr}) String expand special keywords in {expr}
1499filereadable( {file}) Number TRUE if {file} is a readable file
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001500filter( {expr}, {string}) List/Dict remove items from {expr} where
1501 {string} is 0
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001502finddir( {name}[, {path}[, {count}]])
1503 String Find directory {name} in {path}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001504findfile( {name}[, {path}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001505 String Find file {name} in {path}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001506filewritable( {file}) Number TRUE if {file} is a writable file
1507fnamemodify( {fname}, {mods}) String modify file name
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001508foldclosed( {lnum}) Number first line of fold at {lnum} if closed
1509foldclosedend( {lnum}) Number last line of fold at {lnum} if closed
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001510foldlevel( {lnum}) Number fold level at {lnum}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001511foldtext( ) String line displayed for closed fold
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001512foreground( ) Number bring the Vim window to the foreground
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001513function( {name}) Funcref reference to function {name}
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001514get( {list}, {idx} [, {def}]) any get item {idx} from {list} or {def}
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001515get( {dict}, {key} [, {def}]) any get item {key} from {dict} or {def}
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00001516getbufline( {expr}, {lnum} [, {end}])
1517 List lines {lnum} to {end} of buffer {expr}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001518getchar( [expr]) Number get one character from the user
1519getcharmod( ) Number modifiers for the last typed character
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001520getbufvar( {expr}, {varname}) variable {varname} in buffer {expr}
1521getcmdline() String return the current command-line
1522getcmdpos() Number return cursor position in command-line
1523getcwd() String the current working directory
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00001524getfperm( {fname}) String file permissions of file {fname}
1525getfsize( {fname}) Number size in bytes of file {fname}
Bram Moolenaard8b0cf12004-12-12 11:33:30 +00001526getfontname( [{name}]) String name of font being used
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001527getftime( {fname}) Number last modification time of file
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00001528getftype( {fname}) String description of type of file {fname}
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00001529getline( {lnum}) String line {lnum} of current buffer
1530getline( {lnum}, {end}) List lines {lnum} to {end} of current buffer
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00001531getqflist() List list of quickfix items
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00001532getreg( [{regname} [, 1]]) String contents of register
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001533getregtype( [{regname}]) String type of register
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001534getwinposx() Number X coord in pixels of GUI Vim window
1535getwinposy() Number Y coord in pixels of GUI Vim window
1536getwinvar( {nr}, {varname}) variable {varname} in window {nr}
1537glob( {expr}) String expand file wildcards in {expr}
1538globpath( {path}, {expr}) String do glob({expr}) for all dirs in {path}
1539has( {feature}) Number TRUE if feature {feature} supported
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001540has_key( {dict}, {key}) Number TRUE if {dict} has entry {key}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001541hasmapto( {what} [, {mode}]) Number TRUE if mapping to {what} exists
1542histadd( {history},{item}) String add an item to a history
1543histdel( {history} [, {item}]) String remove an item from a history
1544histget( {history} [, {index}]) String get the item {index} from a history
1545histnr( {history}) Number highest index of a history
1546hlexists( {name}) Number TRUE if highlight group {name} exists
1547hlID( {name}) Number syntax ID of highlight group {name}
1548hostname() String name of the machine Vim is running on
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001549iconv( {expr}, {from}, {to}) String convert encoding of {expr}
1550indent( {lnum}) Number indent of line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001551index( {list}, {expr} [, {start} [, {ic}]])
1552 Number index in {list} where {expr} appears
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001553input( {prompt} [, {text}]) String get input from the user
1554inputdialog( {p} [, {t} [, {c}]]) String like input() but in a GUI dialog
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001555inputrestore() Number restore typeahead
1556inputsave() Number save and clear typeahead
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001557inputsecret( {prompt} [, {text}]) String like input() but hiding the text
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001558insert( {list}, {item} [, {idx}]) List insert {item} in {list} [before {idx}]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001559isdirectory( {directory}) Number TRUE if {directory} is a directory
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00001560islocked( {expr}) Number TRUE if {expr} is locked
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00001561items( {dict}) List List of key-value pairs in {dict}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001562join( {list} [, {sep}]) String join {list} items into one String
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00001563keys( {dict}) List List of keys in {dict}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001564len( {expr}) Number the length of {expr}
1565libcall( {lib}, {func}, {arg}) String call {func} in library {lib} with {arg}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001566libcallnr( {lib}, {func}, {arg}) Number idem, but return a Number
1567line( {expr}) Number line nr of cursor, last line or mark
1568line2byte( {lnum}) Number byte count of line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001569lispindent( {lnum}) Number Lisp indent for line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001570localtime() Number current time
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001571map( {expr}, {string}) List/Dict change each item in {expr} to {expr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001572maparg( {name}[, {mode}]) String rhs of mapping {name} in mode {mode}
1573mapcheck( {name}[, {mode}]) String check for mappings matching {name}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001574match( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001575 Number position where {pat} matches in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001576matchend( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001577 Number position where {pat} ends in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00001578matchlist( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
1579 List match and submatches of {pat} in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001580matchstr( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
1581 String {count}'th match of {pat} in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00001582max({list}) Number maximum value of items in {list}
1583min({list}) Number minumum value of items in {list}
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00001584mkdir({name} [, {path} [, {prot}]])
1585 Number create directory {name}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001586mode() String current editing mode
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001587nextnonblank( {lnum}) Number line nr of non-blank line >= {lnum}
1588nr2char( {expr}) String single char with ASCII value {expr}
1589prevnonblank( {lnum}) Number line nr of non-blank line <= {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00001590printf( {fmt}, {expr1}...) String format text
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00001591range( {expr} [, {max} [, {stride}]])
1592 List items from {expr} to {max}
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00001593readfile({fname} [, {binary} [, {max}]])
1594 List get list of lines from file {fname}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001595remote_expr( {server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
1596 String send expression
1597remote_foreground( {server}) Number bring Vim server to the foreground
1598remote_peek( {serverid} [, {retvar}])
1599 Number check for reply string
1600remote_read( {serverid}) String read reply string
1601remote_send( {server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
1602 String send key sequence
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00001603remove( {list}, {idx} [, {end}]) any remove items {idx}-{end} from {list}
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00001604remove( {dict}, {key}) any remove entry {key} from {dict}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001605rename( {from}, {to}) Number rename (move) file from {from} to {to}
1606repeat( {expr}, {count}) String repeat {expr} {count} times
1607resolve( {filename}) String get filename a shortcut points to
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001608reverse( {list}) List reverse {list} in-place
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001609search( {pattern} [, {flags}]) Number search for {pattern}
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00001610searchdecl({name} [, {global}]) Number search for variable declaration
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001611searchpair( {start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip}]])
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001612 Number search for other end of start/end pair
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001613server2client( {clientid}, {string})
1614 Number send reply string
1615serverlist() String get a list of available servers
1616setbufvar( {expr}, {varname}, {val}) set {varname} in buffer {expr} to {val}
1617setcmdpos( {pos}) Number set cursor position in command-line
1618setline( {lnum}, {line}) Number set line {lnum} to {line}
Bram Moolenaar35c54e52005-05-20 21:25:31 +00001619setqflist( {list}[, {action}]) Number set list of quickfix items using {list}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001620setreg( {n}, {v}[, {opt}]) Number set register to value and type
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001621setwinvar( {nr}, {varname}, {val}) set {varname} in window {nr} to {val}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001622simplify( {filename}) String simplify filename as much as possible
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001623sort( {list} [, {func}]) List sort {list}, using {func} to compare
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00001624soundfold( {word}) String sound-fold {word}
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00001625spellbadword() String badly spelled word at cursor
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00001626spellsuggest( {word} [, {max}]) List spelling suggestions
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00001627split( {expr} [, {pat} [, {keepempty}]])
1628 List make List from {pat} separated {expr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001629strftime( {format}[, {time}]) String time in specified format
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00001630stridx( {haystack}, {needle}[, {start}])
1631 Number index of {needle} in {haystack}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001632string( {expr}) String String representation of {expr} value
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001633strlen( {expr}) Number length of the String {expr}
1634strpart( {src}, {start}[, {len}])
1635 String {len} characters of {src} at {start}
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00001636strridx( {haystack}, {needle} [, {start}])
1637 Number last index of {needle} in {haystack}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001638strtrans( {expr}) String translate string to make it printable
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001639submatch( {nr}) String specific match in ":substitute"
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001640substitute( {expr}, {pat}, {sub}, {flags})
1641 String all {pat} in {expr} replaced with {sub}
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00001642synID( {lnum}, {col}, {trans}) Number syntax ID at {lnum} and {col}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001643synIDattr( {synID}, {what} [, {mode}])
1644 String attribute {what} of syntax ID {synID}
1645synIDtrans( {synID}) Number translated syntax ID of {synID}
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00001646system( {expr} [, {input}]) String output of shell command/filter {expr}
Bram Moolenaare7eb9df2005-09-09 19:49:30 +00001647taglist( {expr}) List list of tags matching {expr}
1648tagfiles() List tags files used
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001649tempname() String name for a temporary file
1650tolower( {expr}) String the String {expr} switched to lowercase
1651toupper( {expr}) String the String {expr} switched to uppercase
Bram Moolenaar8299df92004-07-10 09:47:34 +00001652tr( {src}, {fromstr}, {tostr}) String translate chars of {src} in {fromstr}
1653 to chars in {tostr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001654type( {name}) Number type of variable {name}
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00001655values( {dict}) List List of values in {dict}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001656virtcol( {expr}) Number screen column of cursor or mark
1657visualmode( [expr]) String last visual mode used
1658winbufnr( {nr}) Number buffer number of window {nr}
1659wincol() Number window column of the cursor
1660winheight( {nr}) Number height of window {nr}
1661winline() Number window line of the cursor
1662winnr() Number number of current window
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001663winrestcmd() String returns command to restore window sizes
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001664winwidth( {nr}) Number width of window {nr}
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00001665writefile({list}, {fname} [, {binary}])
1666 Number write list of lines to file {fname}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001667
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001668add({list}, {expr}) *add()*
1669 Append the item {expr} to List {list}. Returns the resulting
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00001670 List. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001671 :let alist = add([1, 2, 3], item)
1672 :call add(mylist, "woodstock")
1673< Note that when {expr} is a List it is appended as a single
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001674 item. Use |extend()| to concatenate Lists.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00001675 Use |insert()| to add an item at another position.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001676
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001677
1678append({lnum}, {expr}) *append()*
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00001679 When {expr} is a List: Append each item of the List as a text
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001680 line below line {lnum} in the current buffer.
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00001681 Otherwise append {expr} as one text line below line {lnum} in
1682 the current buffer.
1683 {lnum} can be zero to insert a line before the first one.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001684 Returns 1 for failure ({lnum} out of range or out of memory),
1685 0 for success. Example: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001686 :let failed = append(line('$'), "# THE END")
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001687 :let failed = append(0, ["Chapter 1", "the beginning"])
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001688<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001689 *argc()*
1690argc() The result is the number of files in the argument list of the
1691 current window. See |arglist|.
1692
1693 *argidx()*
1694argidx() The result is the current index in the argument list. 0 is
1695 the first file. argc() - 1 is the last one. See |arglist|.
1696
1697 *argv()*
1698argv({nr}) The result is the {nr}th file in the argument list of the
1699 current window. See |arglist|. "argv(0)" is the first one.
1700 Example: >
1701 :let i = 0
1702 :while i < argc()
1703 : let f = escape(argv(i), '. ')
1704 : exe 'amenu Arg.' . f . ' :e ' . f . '<CR>'
1705 : let i = i + 1
1706 :endwhile
1707<
1708 *browse()*
1709browse({save}, {title}, {initdir}, {default})
1710 Put up a file requester. This only works when "has("browse")"
1711 returns non-zero (only in some GUI versions).
1712 The input fields are:
1713 {save} when non-zero, select file to write
1714 {title} title for the requester
1715 {initdir} directory to start browsing in
1716 {default} default file name
1717 When the "Cancel" button is hit, something went wrong, or
1718 browsing is not possible, an empty string is returned.
1719
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001720 *browsedir()*
1721browsedir({title}, {initdir})
1722 Put up a directory requester. This only works when
1723 "has("browse")" returns non-zero (only in some GUI versions).
1724 On systems where a directory browser is not supported a file
1725 browser is used. In that case: select a file in the directory
1726 to be used.
1727 The input fields are:
1728 {title} title for the requester
1729 {initdir} directory to start browsing in
1730 When the "Cancel" button is hit, something went wrong, or
1731 browsing is not possible, an empty string is returned.
1732
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001733bufexists({expr}) *bufexists()*
1734 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a buffer called
1735 {expr} exists.
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001736 If the {expr} argument is a number, buffer numbers are used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001737 If the {expr} argument is a string it must match a buffer name
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001738 exactly. The name can be:
1739 - Relative to the current directory.
1740 - A full path.
1741 - The name of a buffer with 'filetype' set to "nofile".
1742 - A URL name.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001743 Unlisted buffers will be found.
1744 Note that help files are listed by their short name in the
1745 output of |:buffers|, but bufexists() requires using their
1746 long name to be able to find them.
1747 Use "bufexists(0)" to test for the existence of an alternate
1748 file name.
1749 *buffer_exists()*
1750 Obsolete name: buffer_exists().
1751
1752buflisted({expr}) *buflisted()*
1753 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a buffer called
1754 {expr} exists and is listed (has the 'buflisted' option set).
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001755 The {expr} argument is used like with |bufexists()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001756
1757bufloaded({expr}) *bufloaded()*
1758 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a buffer called
1759 {expr} exists and is loaded (shown in a window or hidden).
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001760 The {expr} argument is used like with |bufexists()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001761
1762bufname({expr}) *bufname()*
1763 The result is the name of a buffer, as it is displayed by the
1764 ":ls" command.
1765 If {expr} is a Number, that buffer number's name is given.
1766 Number zero is the alternate buffer for the current window.
1767 If {expr} is a String, it is used as a |file-pattern| to match
1768 with the buffer names. This is always done like 'magic' is
1769 set and 'cpoptions' is empty. When there is more than one
1770 match an empty string is returned.
1771 "" or "%" can be used for the current buffer, "#" for the
1772 alternate buffer.
1773 A full match is preferred, otherwise a match at the start, end
1774 or middle of the buffer name is accepted.
1775 Listed buffers are found first. If there is a single match
1776 with a listed buffer, that one is returned. Next unlisted
1777 buffers are searched for.
1778 If the {expr} is a String, but you want to use it as a buffer
1779 number, force it to be a Number by adding zero to it: >
1780 :echo bufname("3" + 0)
1781< If the buffer doesn't exist, or doesn't have a name, an empty
1782 string is returned. >
1783 bufname("#") alternate buffer name
1784 bufname(3) name of buffer 3
1785 bufname("%") name of current buffer
1786 bufname("file2") name of buffer where "file2" matches.
1787< *buffer_name()*
1788 Obsolete name: buffer_name().
1789
1790 *bufnr()*
1791bufnr({expr}) The result is the number of a buffer, as it is displayed by
1792 the ":ls" command. For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()|
1793 above. If the buffer doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
1794 bufnr("$") is the last buffer: >
1795 :let last_buffer = bufnr("$")
1796< The result is a Number, which is the highest buffer number
1797 of existing buffers. Note that not all buffers with a smaller
1798 number necessarily exist, because ":bwipeout" may have removed
1799 them. Use bufexists() to test for the existence of a buffer.
1800 *buffer_number()*
1801 Obsolete name: buffer_number().
1802 *last_buffer_nr()*
1803 Obsolete name for bufnr("$"): last_buffer_nr().
1804
1805bufwinnr({expr}) *bufwinnr()*
1806 The result is a Number, which is the number of the first
1807 window associated with buffer {expr}. For the use of {expr},
1808 see |bufname()| above. If buffer {expr} doesn't exist or
1809 there is no such window, -1 is returned. Example: >
1810
1811 echo "A window containing buffer 1 is " . (bufwinnr(1))
1812
1813< The number can be used with |CTRL-W_w| and ":wincmd w"
1814 |:wincmd|.
1815
1816
1817byte2line({byte}) *byte2line()*
1818 Return the line number that contains the character at byte
1819 count {byte} in the current buffer. This includes the
1820 end-of-line character, depending on the 'fileformat' option
1821 for the current buffer. The first character has byte count
1822 one.
1823 Also see |line2byte()|, |go| and |:goto|.
1824 {not available when compiled without the |+byte_offset|
1825 feature}
1826
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00001827byteidx({expr}, {nr}) *byteidx()*
1828 Return byte index of the {nr}'th character in the string
1829 {expr}. Use zero for the first character, it returns zero.
1830 This function is only useful when there are multibyte
1831 characters, otherwise the returned value is equal to {nr}.
1832 Composing characters are counted as a separate character.
1833 Example : >
1834 echo matchstr(str, ".", byteidx(str, 3))
1835< will display the fourth character. Another way to do the
1836 same: >
1837 let s = strpart(str, byteidx(str, 3))
1838 echo strpart(s, 0, byteidx(s, 1))
1839< If there are less than {nr} characters -1 is returned.
1840 If there are exactly {nr} characters the length of the string
1841 is returned.
1842
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001843call({func}, {arglist} [, {dict}]) *call()* *E699*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00001844 Call function {func} with the items in List {arglist} as
1845 arguments.
1846 {func} can either be a Funcref or the name of a function.
1847 a:firstline and a:lastline are set to the cursor line.
1848 Returns the return value of the called function.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001849 {dict} is for functions with the "dict" attribute. It will be
1850 used to set the local variable "self". |Dictionary-function|
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00001851
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001852char2nr({expr}) *char2nr()*
1853 Return number value of the first char in {expr}. Examples: >
1854 char2nr(" ") returns 32
1855 char2nr("ABC") returns 65
1856< The current 'encoding' is used. Example for "utf-8": >
1857 char2nr("á") returns 225
1858 char2nr("á"[0]) returns 195
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00001859< nr2char() does the opposite.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001860
1861cindent({lnum}) *cindent()*
1862 Get the amount of indent for line {lnum} according the C
1863 indenting rules, as with 'cindent'.
1864 The indent is counted in spaces, the value of 'tabstop' is
1865 relevant. {lnum} is used just like in |getline()|.
1866 When {lnum} is invalid or Vim was not compiled the |+cindent|
1867 feature, -1 is returned.
1868
1869 *col()*
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00001870col({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the byte index of the column
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001871 position given with {expr}. The accepted positions are:
1872 . the cursor position
1873 $ the end of the cursor line (the result is the
1874 number of characters in the cursor line plus one)
1875 'x position of mark x (if the mark is not set, 0 is
1876 returned)
1877 For the screen column position use |virtcol()|.
1878 Note that only marks in the current file can be used.
1879 Examples: >
1880 col(".") column of cursor
1881 col("$") length of cursor line plus one
1882 col("'t") column of mark t
1883 col("'" . markname) column of mark markname
1884< The first column is 1. 0 is returned for an error.
1885 For the cursor position, when 'virtualedit' is active, the
1886 column is one higher if the cursor is after the end of the
1887 line. This can be used to obtain the column in Insert mode: >
1888 :imap <F2> <C-O>:let save_ve = &ve<CR>
1889 \<C-O>:set ve=all<CR>
1890 \<C-O>:echo col(".") . "\n" <Bar>
1891 \let &ve = save_ve<CR>
1892<
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00001893
1894complete_add({expr}) *complete_add()*
1895 Add {expr} to the list of matches. Only to be used by the
1896 function specified with the 'completefunc' option.
1897 Returns 0 for failure (empty string or out of memory),
1898 1 when the match was added, 2 when the match was already in
1899 the list.
1900
1901complete_check() *complete_check()*
1902 Check for a key typed while looking for completion matches.
1903 This is to be used when looking for matches takes some time.
1904 Returns non-zero when searching for matches is to be aborted,
1905 zero otherwise.
1906 Only to be used by the function specified with the
1907 'completefunc' option.
1908
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001909 *confirm()*
1910confirm({msg} [, {choices} [, {default} [, {type}]]])
1911 Confirm() offers the user a dialog, from which a choice can be
1912 made. It returns the number of the choice. For the first
1913 choice this is 1.
1914 Note: confirm() is only supported when compiled with dialog
1915 support, see |+dialog_con| and |+dialog_gui|.
1916 {msg} is displayed in a |dialog| with {choices} as the
1917 alternatives. When {choices} is missing or empty, "&OK" is
1918 used (and translated).
1919 {msg} is a String, use '\n' to include a newline. Only on
1920 some systems the string is wrapped when it doesn't fit.
1921 {choices} is a String, with the individual choices separated
1922 by '\n', e.g. >
1923 confirm("Save changes?", "&Yes\n&No\n&Cancel")
1924< The letter after the '&' is the shortcut key for that choice.
1925 Thus you can type 'c' to select "Cancel". The shortcut does
1926 not need to be the first letter: >
1927 confirm("file has been modified", "&Save\nSave &All")
1928< For the console, the first letter of each choice is used as
1929 the default shortcut key.
1930 The optional {default} argument is the number of the choice
1931 that is made if the user hits <CR>. Use 1 to make the first
1932 choice the default one. Use 0 to not set a default. If
1933 {default} is omitted, 1 is used.
1934 The optional {type} argument gives the type of dialog. This
1935 is only used for the icon of the Win32 GUI. It can be one of
1936 these values: "Error", "Question", "Info", "Warning" or
1937 "Generic". Only the first character is relevant. When {type}
1938 is omitted, "Generic" is used.
1939 If the user aborts the dialog by pressing <Esc>, CTRL-C,
1940 or another valid interrupt key, confirm() returns 0.
1941
1942 An example: >
1943 :let choice = confirm("What do you want?", "&Apples\n&Oranges\n&Bananas", 2)
1944 :if choice == 0
1945 : echo "make up your mind!"
1946 :elseif choice == 3
1947 : echo "tasteful"
1948 :else
1949 : echo "I prefer bananas myself."
1950 :endif
1951< In a GUI dialog, buttons are used. The layout of the buttons
1952 depends on the 'v' flag in 'guioptions'. If it is included,
1953 the buttons are always put vertically. Otherwise, confirm()
1954 tries to put the buttons in one horizontal line. If they
1955 don't fit, a vertical layout is used anyway. For some systems
1956 the horizontal layout is always used.
1957
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001958 *copy()*
1959copy({expr}) Make a copy of {expr}. For Numbers and Strings this isn't
1960 different from using {expr} directly.
1961 When {expr} is a List a shallow copy is created. This means
1962 that the original List can be changed without changing the
1963 copy, and vise versa. But the items are identical, thus
1964 changing an item changes the contents of both Lists. Also see
1965 |deepcopy()|.
1966
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001967count({comp}, {expr} [, {ic} [, {start}]]) *count()*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00001968 Return the number of times an item with value {expr} appears
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001969 in List or Dictionary {comp}.
1970 If {start} is given then start with the item with this index.
1971 {start} can only be used with a List.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00001972 When {ic} is given and it's non-zero then case is ignored.
1973
1974
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001975 *cscope_connection()*
1976cscope_connection([{num} , {dbpath} [, {prepend}]])
1977 Checks for the existence of a |cscope| connection. If no
1978 parameters are specified, then the function returns:
1979 0, if cscope was not available (not compiled in), or
1980 if there are no cscope connections;
1981 1, if there is at least one cscope connection.
1982
1983 If parameters are specified, then the value of {num}
1984 determines how existence of a cscope connection is checked:
1985
1986 {num} Description of existence check
1987 ----- ------------------------------
1988 0 Same as no parameters (e.g., "cscope_connection()").
1989 1 Ignore {prepend}, and use partial string matches for
1990 {dbpath}.
1991 2 Ignore {prepend}, and use exact string matches for
1992 {dbpath}.
1993 3 Use {prepend}, use partial string matches for both
1994 {dbpath} and {prepend}.
1995 4 Use {prepend}, use exact string matches for both
1996 {dbpath} and {prepend}.
1997
1998 Note: All string comparisons are case sensitive!
1999
2000 Examples. Suppose we had the following (from ":cs show"): >
2001
2002 # pid database name prepend path
2003 0 27664 cscope.out /usr/local
2004<
2005 Invocation Return Val ~
2006 ---------- ---------- >
2007 cscope_connection() 1
2008 cscope_connection(1, "out") 1
2009 cscope_connection(2, "out") 0
2010 cscope_connection(3, "out") 0
2011 cscope_connection(3, "out", "local") 1
2012 cscope_connection(4, "out") 0
2013 cscope_connection(4, "out", "local") 0
2014 cscope_connection(4, "cscope.out", "/usr/local") 1
2015<
2016cursor({lnum}, {col}) *cursor()*
2017 Positions the cursor at the column {col} in the line {lnum}.
Bram Moolenaar6f16eb82005-08-23 21:02:42 +00002018 The first column is one.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002019 Does not change the jumplist.
2020 If {lnum} is greater than the number of lines in the buffer,
2021 the cursor will be positioned at the last line in the buffer.
2022 If {lnum} is zero, the cursor will stay in the current line.
Bram Moolenaar6f16eb82005-08-23 21:02:42 +00002023 If {col} is greater than the number of bytes in the line,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002024 the cursor will be positioned at the last character in the
2025 line.
2026 If {col} is zero, the cursor will stay in the current column.
2027
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002028
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00002029deepcopy({expr}[, {noref}]) *deepcopy()* *E698*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002030 Make a copy of {expr}. For Numbers and Strings this isn't
2031 different from using {expr} directly.
2032 When {expr} is a List a full copy is created. This means
2033 that the original List can be changed without changing the
2034 copy, and vise versa. When an item is a List, a copy for it
2035 is made, recursively. Thus changing an item in the copy does
2036 not change the contents of the original List.
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00002037 When {noref} is omitted or zero a contained List or Dictionary
2038 is only copied once. All references point to this single
2039 copy. With {noref} set to 1 every occurrence of a List or
2040 Dictionary results in a new copy. This also means that a
2041 cyclic reference causes deepcopy() to fail.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00002042 *E724*
2043 Nesting is possible up to 100 levels. When there is an item
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00002044 that refers back to a higher level making a deep copy with
2045 {noref} set to 1 will fail.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002046 Also see |copy()|.
2047
2048delete({fname}) *delete()*
2049 Deletes the file by the name {fname}. The result is a Number,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002050 which is 0 if the file was deleted successfully, and non-zero
2051 when the deletion failed.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002052 Use |remove()| to delete an item from a List.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002053
2054 *did_filetype()*
2055did_filetype() Returns non-zero when autocommands are being executed and the
2056 FileType event has been triggered at least once. Can be used
2057 to avoid triggering the FileType event again in the scripts
2058 that detect the file type. |FileType|
2059 When editing another file, the counter is reset, thus this
2060 really checks if the FileType event has been triggered for the
2061 current buffer. This allows an autocommand that starts
2062 editing another buffer to set 'filetype' and load a syntax
2063 file.
2064
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00002065diff_filler({lnum}) *diff_filler()*
2066 Returns the number of filler lines above line {lnum}.
2067 These are the lines that were inserted at this point in
2068 another diff'ed window. These filler lines are shown in the
2069 display but don't exist in the buffer.
2070 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current
2071 line, "'m" mark m, etc.
2072 Returns 0 if the current window is not in diff mode.
2073
2074diff_hlID({lnum}, {col}) *diff_hlID()*
2075 Returns the highlight ID for diff mode at line {lnum} column
2076 {col} (byte index). When the current line does not have a
2077 diff change zero is returned.
2078 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current
2079 line, "'m" mark m, etc.
2080 {col} is 1 for the leftmost column, {lnum} is 1 for the first
2081 line.
2082 The highlight ID can be used with |synIDattr()| to obtain
2083 syntax information about the highlighting.
2084
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00002085empty({expr}) *empty()*
2086 Return the Number 1 if {expr} is empty, zero otherwise.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002087 A List or Dictionary is empty when it does not have any items.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00002088 A Number is empty when its value is zero.
2089 For a long List this is much faster then comparing the length
2090 with zero.
2091
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002092escape({string}, {chars}) *escape()*
2093 Escape the characters in {chars} that occur in {string} with a
2094 backslash. Example: >
2095 :echo escape('c:\program files\vim', ' \')
2096< results in: >
2097 c:\\program\ files\\vim
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002098
2099< *eval()*
2100eval({string}) Evaluate {string} and return the result. Especially useful to
2101 turn the result of |string()| back into the original value.
2102 This works for Numbers, Strings and composites of them.
2103 Also works for Funcrefs that refer to existing functions.
2104
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002105eventhandler() *eventhandler()*
2106 Returns 1 when inside an event handler. That is that Vim got
2107 interrupted while waiting for the user to type a character,
2108 e.g., when dropping a file on Vim. This means interactive
2109 commands cannot be used. Otherwise zero is returned.
2110
2111executable({expr}) *executable()*
2112 This function checks if an executable with the name {expr}
2113 exists. {expr} must be the name of the program without any
Bram Moolenaarf4b8e572004-06-24 15:53:16 +00002114 arguments.
2115 executable() uses the value of $PATH and/or the normal
2116 searchpath for programs. *PATHEXT*
2117 On MS-DOS and MS-Windows the ".exe", ".bat", etc. can
2118 optionally be included. Then the extensions in $PATHEXT are
2119 tried. Thus if "foo.exe" does not exist, "foo.exe.bat" can be
2120 found. If $PATHEXT is not set then ".exe;.com;.bat;.cmd" is
2121 used. A dot by itself can be used in $PATHEXT to try using
2122 the name without an extension. When 'shell' looks like a
2123 Unix shell, then the name is also tried without adding an
2124 extension.
2125 On MS-DOS and MS-Windows it only checks if the file exists and
2126 is not a directory, not if it's really executable.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002127 The result is a Number:
2128 1 exists
2129 0 does not exist
2130 -1 not implemented on this system
2131
2132 *exists()*
2133exists({expr}) The result is a Number, which is non-zero if {expr} is
2134 defined, zero otherwise. The {expr} argument is a string,
2135 which contains one of these:
2136 &option-name Vim option (only checks if it exists,
2137 not if it really works)
2138 +option-name Vim option that works.
2139 $ENVNAME environment variable (could also be
2140 done by comparing with an empty
2141 string)
2142 *funcname built-in function (see |functions|)
2143 or user defined function (see
2144 |user-functions|).
2145 varname internal variable (see
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00002146 |internal-variables|). Also works
2147 for |curly-braces-names|, Dictionary
2148 entries, List items, etc. Beware that
2149 this may cause functions to be
2150 invoked cause an error message for an
2151 invalid expression.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002152 :cmdname Ex command: built-in command, user
2153 command or command modifier |:command|.
2154 Returns:
2155 1 for match with start of a command
2156 2 full match with a command
2157 3 matches several user commands
2158 To check for a supported command
2159 always check the return value to be 2.
2160 #event autocommand defined for this event
2161 #event#pattern autocommand defined for this event and
2162 pattern (the pattern is taken
2163 literally and compared to the
2164 autocommand patterns character by
2165 character)
2166 For checking for a supported feature use |has()|.
2167
2168 Examples: >
2169 exists("&shortname")
2170 exists("$HOSTNAME")
2171 exists("*strftime")
2172 exists("*s:MyFunc")
2173 exists("bufcount")
2174 exists(":Make")
2175 exists("#CursorHold");
2176 exists("#BufReadPre#*.gz")
2177< There must be no space between the symbol (&/$/*/#) and the
2178 name.
2179 Note that the argument must be a string, not the name of the
2180 variable itself! For example: >
2181 exists(bufcount)
2182< This doesn't check for existence of the "bufcount" variable,
2183 but gets the contents of "bufcount", and checks if that
2184 exists.
2185
2186expand({expr} [, {flag}]) *expand()*
2187 Expand wildcards and the following special keywords in {expr}.
2188 The result is a String.
2189
2190 When there are several matches, they are separated by <NL>
2191 characters. [Note: in version 5.0 a space was used, which
2192 caused problems when a file name contains a space]
2193
2194 If the expansion fails, the result is an empty string. A name
2195 for a non-existing file is not included.
2196
2197 When {expr} starts with '%', '#' or '<', the expansion is done
2198 like for the |cmdline-special| variables with their associated
2199 modifiers. Here is a short overview:
2200
2201 % current file name
2202 # alternate file name
2203 #n alternate file name n
2204 <cfile> file name under the cursor
2205 <afile> autocmd file name
2206 <abuf> autocmd buffer number (as a String!)
2207 <amatch> autocmd matched name
2208 <sfile> sourced script file name
2209 <cword> word under the cursor
2210 <cWORD> WORD under the cursor
2211 <client> the {clientid} of the last received
2212 message |server2client()|
2213 Modifiers:
2214 :p expand to full path
2215 :h head (last path component removed)
2216 :t tail (last path component only)
2217 :r root (one extension removed)
2218 :e extension only
2219
2220 Example: >
2221 :let &tags = expand("%:p:h") . "/tags"
2222< Note that when expanding a string that starts with '%', '#' or
2223 '<', any following text is ignored. This does NOT work: >
2224 :let doesntwork = expand("%:h.bak")
2225< Use this: >
2226 :let doeswork = expand("%:h") . ".bak"
2227< Also note that expanding "<cfile>" and others only returns the
2228 referenced file name without further expansion. If "<cfile>"
2229 is "~/.cshrc", you need to do another expand() to have the
2230 "~/" expanded into the path of the home directory: >
2231 :echo expand(expand("<cfile>"))
2232<
2233 There cannot be white space between the variables and the
2234 following modifier. The |fnamemodify()| function can be used
2235 to modify normal file names.
2236
2237 When using '%' or '#', and the current or alternate file name
2238 is not defined, an empty string is used. Using "%:p" in a
2239 buffer with no name, results in the current directory, with a
2240 '/' added.
2241
2242 When {expr} does not start with '%', '#' or '<', it is
2243 expanded like a file name is expanded on the command line.
2244 'suffixes' and 'wildignore' are used, unless the optional
2245 {flag} argument is given and it is non-zero. Names for
Bram Moolenaar02743632005-07-25 20:42:36 +00002246 non-existing files are included. The "**" item can be used to
2247 search in a directory tree. For example, to find all "README"
2248 files in the current directory and below: >
2249 :echo expand("**/README")
2250<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002251 Expand() can also be used to expand variables and environment
2252 variables that are only known in a shell. But this can be
2253 slow, because a shell must be started. See |expr-env-expand|.
2254 The expanded variable is still handled like a list of file
2255 names. When an environment variable cannot be expanded, it is
2256 left unchanged. Thus ":echo expand('$FOOBAR')" results in
2257 "$FOOBAR".
2258
2259 See |glob()| for finding existing files. See |system()| for
2260 getting the raw output of an external command.
2261
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002262extend({expr1}, {expr2} [, {expr3}]) *extend()*
2263 {expr1} and {expr2} must be both Lists or both Dictionaries.
2264
2265 If they are Lists: Append {expr2} to {expr1}.
2266 If {expr3} is given insert the items of {expr2} before item
2267 {expr3} in {expr1}. When {expr3} is zero insert before the
2268 first item. When {expr3} is equal to len({expr1}) then
2269 {expr2} is appended.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002270 Examples: >
2271 :echo sort(extend(mylist, [7, 5]))
2272 :call extend(mylist, [2, 3], 1)
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002273< Use |add()| to concatenate one item to a list. To concatenate
2274 two lists into a new list use the + operator: >
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002275 :let newlist = [1, 2, 3] + [4, 5]
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002276<
2277 If they are Dictionaries:
2278 Add all entries from {expr2} to {expr1}.
2279 If a key exists in both {expr1} and {expr2} then {expr3} is
2280 used to decide what to do:
2281 {expr3} = "keep": keep the value of {expr1}
2282 {expr3} = "force": use the value of {expr2}
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +00002283 {expr3} = "error": give an error message *E737*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002284 When {expr3} is omitted then "force" is assumed.
2285
2286 {expr1} is changed when {expr2} is not empty. If necessary
2287 make a copy of {expr1} first.
2288 {expr2} remains unchanged.
2289 Returns {expr1}.
2290
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002291
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002292filereadable({file}) *filereadable()*
2293 The result is a Number, which is TRUE when a file with the
2294 name {file} exists, and can be read. If {file} doesn't exist,
2295 or is a directory, the result is FALSE. {file} is any
2296 expression, which is used as a String.
2297 *file_readable()*
2298 Obsolete name: file_readable().
2299
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002300
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002301filter({expr}, {string}) *filter()*
2302 {expr} must be a List or a Dictionary.
2303 For each item in {expr} evaluate {string} and when the result
2304 is zero remove the item from the List or Dictionary.
2305 Inside {string} |v:val| has the value of the current item.
2306 For a Dictionary |v:key| has the key of the current item.
2307 Examples: >
2308 :call filter(mylist, 'v:val !~ "OLD"')
2309< Removes the items where "OLD" appears. >
2310 :call filter(mydict, 'v:key >= 8')
2311< Removes the items with a key below 8. >
2312 :call filter(var, 0)
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00002313< Removes all the items, thus clears the List or Dictionary.
2314
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002315 Note that {string} is the result of expression and is then
2316 used as an expression again. Often it is good to use a
2317 |literal-string| to avoid having to double backslashes.
2318
2319 The operation is done in-place. If you want a List or
2320 Dictionary to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00002321 :let l = filter(copy(mylist), '& =~ "KEEP"')
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002322
2323< Returns {expr}, the List or Dictionary that was filtered.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002324
2325
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00002326finddir({name}[, {path}[, {count}]]) *finddir()*
2327 Find directory {name} in {path}.
2328 If {path} is omitted or empty then 'path' is used.
2329 If the optional {count} is given, find {count}'s occurrence of
2330 {name} in {path}.
2331 This is quite similar to the ex-command |:find|.
2332 When the found directory is below the current directory a
2333 relative path is returned. Otherwise a full path is returned.
2334 Example: >
2335 :echo findfile("tags.vim", ".;")
2336< Searches from the current directory upwards until it finds
2337 the file "tags.vim".
2338 {only available when compiled with the +file_in_path feature}
2339
2340findfile({name}[, {path}[, {count}]]) *findfile()*
2341 Just like |finddir()|, but find a file instead of a directory.
2342
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002343filewritable({file}) *filewritable()*
2344 The result is a Number, which is 1 when a file with the
2345 name {file} exists, and can be written. If {file} doesn't
2346 exist, or is not writable, the result is 0. If (file) is a
2347 directory, and we can write to it, the result is 2.
2348
2349fnamemodify({fname}, {mods}) *fnamemodify()*
2350 Modify file name {fname} according to {mods}. {mods} is a
2351 string of characters like it is used for file names on the
2352 command line. See |filename-modifiers|.
2353 Example: >
2354 :echo fnamemodify("main.c", ":p:h")
2355< results in: >
2356 /home/mool/vim/vim/src
2357< Note: Environment variables and "~" don't work in {fname}, use
2358 |expand()| first then.
2359
2360foldclosed({lnum}) *foldclosed()*
2361 The result is a Number. If the line {lnum} is in a closed
2362 fold, the result is the number of the first line in that fold.
2363 If the line {lnum} is not in a closed fold, -1 is returned.
2364
2365foldclosedend({lnum}) *foldclosedend()*
2366 The result is a Number. If the line {lnum} is in a closed
2367 fold, the result is the number of the last line in that fold.
2368 If the line {lnum} is not in a closed fold, -1 is returned.
2369
2370foldlevel({lnum}) *foldlevel()*
2371 The result is a Number, which is the foldlevel of line {lnum}
2372 in the current buffer. For nested folds the deepest level is
2373 returned. If there is no fold at line {lnum}, zero is
2374 returned. It doesn't matter if the folds are open or closed.
2375 When used while updating folds (from 'foldexpr') -1 is
2376 returned for lines where folds are still to be updated and the
2377 foldlevel is unknown. As a special case the level of the
2378 previous line is usually available.
2379
2380 *foldtext()*
2381foldtext() Returns a String, to be displayed for a closed fold. This is
2382 the default function used for the 'foldtext' option and should
2383 only be called from evaluating 'foldtext'. It uses the
2384 |v:foldstart|, |v:foldend| and |v:folddashes| variables.
2385 The returned string looks like this: >
2386 +-- 45 lines: abcdef
2387< The number of dashes depends on the foldlevel. The "45" is
2388 the number of lines in the fold. "abcdef" is the text in the
2389 first non-blank line of the fold. Leading white space, "//"
2390 or "/*" and the text from the 'foldmarker' and 'commentstring'
2391 options is removed.
2392 {not available when compiled without the |+folding| feature}
2393
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00002394foldtextresult({lnum}) *foldtextresult()*
2395 Returns the text that is displayed for the closed fold at line
2396 {lnum}. Evaluates 'foldtext' in the appropriate context.
2397 When there is no closed fold at {lnum} an empty string is
2398 returned.
2399 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current
2400 line, "'m" mark m, etc.
2401 Useful when exporting folded text, e.g., to HTML.
2402 {not available when compiled without the |+folding| feature}
2403
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002404 *foreground()*
2405foreground() Move the Vim window to the foreground. Useful when sent from
2406 a client to a Vim server. |remote_send()|
2407 On Win32 systems this might not work, the OS does not always
2408 allow a window to bring itself to the foreground. Use
2409 |remote_foreground()| instead.
2410 {only in the Win32, Athena, Motif and GTK GUI versions and the
2411 Win32 console version}
2412
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002413
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00002414function({name}) *function()* *E700*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002415 Return a Funcref variable that refers to function {name}.
2416 {name} can be a user defined function or an internal function.
2417
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002418
Bram Moolenaar39a58ca2005-06-27 22:42:44 +00002419garbagecollect() *garbagecollect()*
2420 Cleanup unused Lists and Dictionaries that have circular
2421 references. There is hardly ever a need to invoke this
2422 function, as it is automatically done when Vim runs out of
2423 memory or is waiting for the user to press a key after
2424 'updatetime'. Items without circular references are always
2425 freed when they become unused.
2426 This is useful if you have deleted a very big List and/or
2427 Dictionary with circular references in a script that runs for
2428 a long time.
2429
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00002430get({list}, {idx} [, {default}]) *get()*
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002431 Get item {idx} from List {list}. When this item is not
2432 available return {default}. Return zero when {default} is
2433 omitted.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002434get({dict}, {key} [, {default}])
2435 Get item with key {key} from Dictionary {dict}. When this
2436 item is not available return {default}. Return zero when
2437 {default} is omitted.
2438
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002439 *getbufline()*
2440getbufline({expr}, {lnum} [, {end}])
Bram Moolenaar661b1822005-07-28 22:36:45 +00002441 Return a List with the lines starting from {lnum} to {end}
2442 (inclusive) in the buffer {expr}. If {end} is omitted, a List
2443 with only the line {lnum} is returned.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002444
2445 For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above.
2446
Bram Moolenaar661b1822005-07-28 22:36:45 +00002447 For {lnum} and {end} "$" can be used for the last line of the
2448 buffer. Otherwise a number must be used.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002449
2450 When {lnum} is smaller than 1 or bigger than the number of
2451 lines in the buffer, an empty List is returned.
2452
2453 When {end} is greater than the number of lines in the buffer,
2454 it is treated as {end} is set to the number of lines in the
Bram Moolenaar661b1822005-07-28 22:36:45 +00002455 buffer. When {end} is before {lnum} an empty List is
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002456 returned.
2457
Bram Moolenaar661b1822005-07-28 22:36:45 +00002458 This function works only for loaded buffers. For unloaded and
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002459 non-existing buffers, an empty List is returned.
2460
2461 Example: >
2462 :let lines = getbufline(bufnr("myfile"), 1, "$")
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002463
2464getbufvar({expr}, {varname}) *getbufvar()*
2465 The result is the value of option or local buffer variable
2466 {varname} in buffer {expr}. Note that the name without "b:"
2467 must be used.
Bram Moolenaar4317d9b2005-03-18 20:25:31 +00002468 This also works for a global or buffer-local option, but it
2469 doesn't work for a global variable, window-local variable or
2470 window-local option.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002471 For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above.
2472 When the buffer or variable doesn't exist an empty string is
2473 returned, there is no error message.
2474 Examples: >
2475 :let bufmodified = getbufvar(1, "&mod")
2476 :echo "todo myvar = " . getbufvar("todo", "myvar")
2477<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002478getchar([expr]) *getchar()*
2479 Get a single character from the user. If it is an 8-bit
2480 character, the result is a number. Otherwise a String is
2481 returned with the encoded character. For a special key it's a
2482 sequence of bytes starting with 0x80 (decimal: 128).
2483 If [expr] is omitted, wait until a character is available.
2484 If [expr] is 0, only get a character when one is available.
2485 If [expr] is 1, only check if a character is available, it is
2486 not consumed. If a normal character is
2487 available, it is returned, otherwise a
2488 non-zero value is returned.
2489 If a normal character available, it is returned as a Number.
2490 Use nr2char() to convert it to a String.
2491 The returned value is zero if no character is available.
2492 The returned value is a string of characters for special keys
2493 and when a modifier (shift, control, alt) was used.
2494 There is no prompt, you will somehow have to make clear to the
2495 user that a character has to be typed.
2496 There is no mapping for the character.
2497 Key codes are replaced, thus when the user presses the <Del>
2498 key you get the code for the <Del> key, not the raw character
2499 sequence. Examples: >
2500 getchar() == "\<Del>"
2501 getchar() == "\<S-Left>"
2502< This example redefines "f" to ignore case: >
2503 :nmap f :call FindChar()<CR>
2504 :function FindChar()
2505 : let c = nr2char(getchar())
2506 : while col('.') < col('$') - 1
2507 : normal l
2508 : if getline('.')[col('.') - 1] ==? c
2509 : break
2510 : endif
2511 : endwhile
2512 :endfunction
2513
2514getcharmod() *getcharmod()*
2515 The result is a Number which is the state of the modifiers for
2516 the last obtained character with getchar() or in another way.
2517 These values are added together:
2518 2 shift
2519 4 control
2520 8 alt (meta)
2521 16 mouse double click
2522 32 mouse triple click
2523 64 mouse quadruple click
2524 128 Macintosh only: command
2525 Only the modifiers that have not been included in the
2526 character itself are obtained. Thus Shift-a results in "A"
2527 with no modifier.
2528
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002529getcmdline() *getcmdline()*
2530 Return the current command-line. Only works when the command
2531 line is being edited, thus requires use of |c_CTRL-\_e| or
2532 |c_CTRL-R_=|.
2533 Example: >
2534 :cmap <F7> <C-\>eescape(getcmdline(), ' \')<CR>
2535< Also see |getcmdpos()| and |setcmdpos()|.
2536
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002537getcmdpos() *getcmdpos()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002538 Return the position of the cursor in the command line as a
2539 byte count. The first column is 1.
2540 Only works when editing the command line, thus requires use of
2541 |c_CTRL-\_e| or |c_CTRL-R_=|. Returns 0 otherwise.
2542 Also see |setcmdpos()| and |getcmdline()|.
2543
2544 *getcwd()*
2545getcwd() The result is a String, which is the name of the current
2546 working directory.
2547
2548getfsize({fname}) *getfsize()*
2549 The result is a Number, which is the size in bytes of the
2550 given file {fname}.
2551 If {fname} is a directory, 0 is returned.
2552 If the file {fname} can't be found, -1 is returned.
2553
Bram Moolenaard8b0cf12004-12-12 11:33:30 +00002554getfontname([{name}]) *getfontname()*
2555 Without an argument returns the name of the normal font being
2556 used. Like what is used for the Normal highlight group
2557 |hl-Normal|.
2558 With an argument a check is done whether {name} is a valid
2559 font name. If not then an empty string is returned.
2560 Otherwise the actual font name is returned, or {name} if the
2561 GUI does not support obtaining the real name.
2562 Only works when the GUI is running, thus not you your vimrc or
2563 Note that the GTK 2 GUI accepts any font name, thus checking
2564 for a valid name does not work.
2565 gvimrc file. Use the |GUIEnter| autocommand to use this
2566 function just after the GUI has started.
2567
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00002568getfperm({fname}) *getfperm()*
2569 The result is a String, which is the read, write, and execute
2570 permissions of the given file {fname}.
2571 If {fname} does not exist or its directory cannot be read, an
2572 empty string is returned.
2573 The result is of the form "rwxrwxrwx", where each group of
2574 "rwx" flags represent, in turn, the permissions of the owner
2575 of the file, the group the file belongs to, and other users.
2576 If a user does not have a given permission the flag for this
2577 is replaced with the string "-". Example: >
2578 :echo getfperm("/etc/passwd")
2579< This will hopefully (from a security point of view) display
2580 the string "rw-r--r--" or even "rw-------".
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00002581
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002582getftime({fname}) *getftime()*
2583 The result is a Number, which is the last modification time of
2584 the given file {fname}. The value is measured as seconds
2585 since 1st Jan 1970, and may be passed to strftime(). See also
2586 |localtime()| and |strftime()|.
2587 If the file {fname} can't be found -1 is returned.
2588
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00002589getftype({fname}) *getftype()*
2590 The result is a String, which is a description of the kind of
2591 file of the given file {fname}.
2592 If {fname} does not exist an empty string is returned.
2593 Here is a table over different kinds of files and their
2594 results:
2595 Normal file "file"
2596 Directory "dir"
2597 Symbolic link "link"
2598 Block device "bdev"
2599 Character device "cdev"
2600 Socket "socket"
2601 FIFO "fifo"
2602 All other "other"
2603 Example: >
2604 getftype("/home")
2605< Note that a type such as "link" will only be returned on
2606 systems that support it. On some systems only "dir" and
2607 "file" are returned.
2608
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002609 *getline()*
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002610getline({lnum} [, {end}])
2611 Without {end} the result is a String, which is line {lnum}
2612 from the current buffer. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002613 getline(1)
2614< When {lnum} is a String that doesn't start with a
2615 digit, line() is called to translate the String into a Number.
2616 To get the line under the cursor: >
2617 getline(".")
2618< When {lnum} is smaller than 1 or bigger than the number of
2619 lines in the buffer, an empty string is returned.
2620
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002621 When {end} is given the result is a List where each item is a
2622 line from the current buffer in the range {lnum} to {end},
2623 including line {end}.
2624 {end} is used in the same way as {lnum}.
2625 Non-existing lines are silently omitted.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002626 When {end} is before {lnum} an empty List is returned.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002627 Example: >
2628 :let start = line('.')
2629 :let end = search("^$") - 1
2630 :let lines = getline(start, end)
2631
2632
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00002633getqflist() *getqflist()*
2634 Returns a list with all the current quickfix errors. Each
2635 list item is a dictionary with these entries:
2636 bufnr number of buffer that has the file name, use
2637 bufname() to get the name
2638 lnum line number in the buffer (first line is 1)
2639 col column number (first column is 1)
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00002640 vcol non-zero: "col" is visual column
2641 zero: "col" is byte index
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00002642 nr error number
2643 text description of the error
2644 type type of the error, 'E', '1', etc.
2645 valid non-zero: recognized error message
2646
Bram Moolenaare7eb9df2005-09-09 19:49:30 +00002647 When there is no error list or it's empty an empty list is
2648 returned.
2649
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00002650 Useful application: Find pattern matches in multiple files and
2651 do something with them: >
2652 :vimgrep /theword/jg *.c
2653 :for d in getqflist()
2654 : echo bufname(d.bufnr) ':' d.lnum '=' d.text
2655 :endfor
2656
2657
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00002658getreg([{regname} [, 1]]) *getreg()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002659 The result is a String, which is the contents of register
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00002660 {regname}. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002661 :let cliptext = getreg('*')
2662< getreg('=') returns the last evaluated value of the expression
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00002663 register. (For use in maps.)
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00002664 getreg('=', 1) returns the expression itself, so that it can
2665 be restored with |setreg()|. For other registers the extra
2666 argument is ignored, thus you can always give it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002667 If {regname} is not specified, |v:register| is used.
2668
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002669
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002670getregtype([{regname}]) *getregtype()*
2671 The result is a String, which is type of register {regname}.
2672 The value will be one of:
2673 "v" for |characterwise| text
2674 "V" for |linewise| text
2675 "<CTRL-V>{width}" for |blockwise-visual| text
2676 0 for an empty or unknown register
2677 <CTRL-V> is one character with value 0x16.
2678 If {regname} is not specified, |v:register| is used.
2679
2680 *getwinposx()*
2681getwinposx() The result is a Number, which is the X coordinate in pixels of
2682 the left hand side of the GUI Vim window. The result will be
2683 -1 if the information is not available.
2684
2685 *getwinposy()*
2686getwinposy() The result is a Number, which is the Y coordinate in pixels of
2687 the top of the GUI Vim window. The result will be -1 if the
2688 information is not available.
2689
2690getwinvar({nr}, {varname}) *getwinvar()*
2691 The result is the value of option or local window variable
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +00002692 {varname} in window {nr}. When {nr} is zero the current
2693 window is used.
Bram Moolenaar4317d9b2005-03-18 20:25:31 +00002694 This also works for a global option, buffer-local option and
2695 window-local option, but it doesn't work for a global variable
2696 or buffer-local variable.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002697 Note that the name without "w:" must be used.
2698 Examples: >
2699 :let list_is_on = getwinvar(2, '&list')
2700 :echo "myvar = " . getwinvar(1, 'myvar')
2701<
2702 *glob()*
2703glob({expr}) Expand the file wildcards in {expr}. The result is a String.
2704 When there are several matches, they are separated by <NL>
2705 characters.
2706 If the expansion fails, the result is an empty string.
2707 A name for a non-existing file is not included.
2708
2709 For most systems backticks can be used to get files names from
2710 any external command. Example: >
2711 :let tagfiles = glob("`find . -name tags -print`")
2712 :let &tags = substitute(tagfiles, "\n", ",", "g")
2713< The result of the program inside the backticks should be one
2714 item per line. Spaces inside an item are allowed.
2715
2716 See |expand()| for expanding special Vim variables. See
2717 |system()| for getting the raw output of an external command.
2718
2719globpath({path}, {expr}) *globpath()*
2720 Perform glob() on all directories in {path} and concatenate
2721 the results. Example: >
2722 :echo globpath(&rtp, "syntax/c.vim")
2723< {path} is a comma-separated list of directory names. Each
2724 directory name is prepended to {expr} and expanded like with
2725 glob(). A path separator is inserted when needed.
2726 To add a comma inside a directory name escape it with a
2727 backslash. Note that on MS-Windows a directory may have a
2728 trailing backslash, remove it if you put a comma after it.
2729 If the expansion fails for one of the directories, there is no
2730 error message.
2731 The 'wildignore' option applies: Names matching one of the
2732 patterns in 'wildignore' will be skipped.
2733
Bram Moolenaar02743632005-07-25 20:42:36 +00002734 The "**" item can be used to search in a directory tree.
2735 For example, to find all "README.txt" files in the directories
2736 in 'runtimepath' and below: >
2737 :echo globpath(&rtp, "**/README.txt")
2738<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002739 *has()*
2740has({feature}) The result is a Number, which is 1 if the feature {feature} is
2741 supported, zero otherwise. The {feature} argument is a
2742 string. See |feature-list| below.
2743 Also see |exists()|.
2744
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002745
2746has_key({dict}, {key}) *has_key()*
2747 The result is a Number, which is 1 if Dictionary {dict} has an
2748 entry with key {key}. Zero otherwise.
2749
2750
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002751hasmapto({what} [, {mode}]) *hasmapto()*
2752 The result is a Number, which is 1 if there is a mapping that
2753 contains {what} in somewhere in the rhs (what it is mapped to)
2754 and this mapping exists in one of the modes indicated by
2755 {mode}.
2756 Both the global mappings and the mappings local to the current
2757 buffer are checked for a match.
2758 If no matching mapping is found 0 is returned.
2759 The following characters are recognized in {mode}:
2760 n Normal mode
2761 v Visual mode
2762 o Operator-pending mode
2763 i Insert mode
2764 l Language-Argument ("r", "f", "t", etc.)
2765 c Command-line mode
2766 When {mode} is omitted, "nvo" is used.
2767
2768 This function is useful to check if a mapping already exists
2769 to a function in a Vim script. Example: >
2770 :if !hasmapto('\ABCdoit')
2771 : map <Leader>d \ABCdoit
2772 :endif
2773< This installs the mapping to "\ABCdoit" only if there isn't
2774 already a mapping to "\ABCdoit".
2775
2776histadd({history}, {item}) *histadd()*
2777 Add the String {item} to the history {history} which can be
2778 one of: *hist-names*
2779 "cmd" or ":" command line history
2780 "search" or "/" search pattern history
2781 "expr" or "=" typed expression history
2782 "input" or "@" input line history
2783 If {item} does already exist in the history, it will be
2784 shifted to become the newest entry.
2785 The result is a Number: 1 if the operation was successful,
2786 otherwise 0 is returned.
2787
2788 Example: >
2789 :call histadd("input", strftime("%Y %b %d"))
2790 :let date=input("Enter date: ")
2791< This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
2792
2793histdel({history} [, {item}]) *histdel()*
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00002794 Clear {history}, i.e. delete all its entries. See |hist-names|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002795 for the possible values of {history}.
2796
2797 If the parameter {item} is given as String, this is seen
2798 as regular expression. All entries matching that expression
2799 will be removed from the history (if there are any).
2800 Upper/lowercase must match, unless "\c" is used |/\c|.
2801 If {item} is a Number, it will be interpreted as index, see
2802 |:history-indexing|. The respective entry will be removed
2803 if it exists.
2804
2805 The result is a Number: 1 for a successful operation,
2806 otherwise 0 is returned.
2807
2808 Examples:
2809 Clear expression register history: >
2810 :call histdel("expr")
2811<
2812 Remove all entries starting with "*" from the search history: >
2813 :call histdel("/", '^\*')
2814<
2815 The following three are equivalent: >
2816 :call histdel("search", histnr("search"))
2817 :call histdel("search", -1)
2818 :call histdel("search", '^'.histget("search", -1).'$')
2819<
2820 To delete the last search pattern and use the last-but-one for
2821 the "n" command and 'hlsearch': >
2822 :call histdel("search", -1)
2823 :let @/ = histget("search", -1)
2824
2825histget({history} [, {index}]) *histget()*
2826 The result is a String, the entry with Number {index} from
2827 {history}. See |hist-names| for the possible values of
2828 {history}, and |:history-indexing| for {index}. If there is
2829 no such entry, an empty String is returned. When {index} is
2830 omitted, the most recent item from the history is used.
2831
2832 Examples:
2833 Redo the second last search from history. >
2834 :execute '/' . histget("search", -2)
2835
2836< Define an Ex command ":H {num}" that supports re-execution of
2837 the {num}th entry from the output of |:history|. >
2838 :command -nargs=1 H execute histget("cmd", 0+<args>)
2839<
2840histnr({history}) *histnr()*
2841 The result is the Number of the current entry in {history}.
2842 See |hist-names| for the possible values of {history}.
2843 If an error occurred, -1 is returned.
2844
2845 Example: >
2846 :let inp_index = histnr("expr")
2847<
2848hlexists({name}) *hlexists()*
2849 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a highlight group
2850 called {name} exists. This is when the group has been
2851 defined in some way. Not necessarily when highlighting has
2852 been defined for it, it may also have been used for a syntax
2853 item.
2854 *highlight_exists()*
2855 Obsolete name: highlight_exists().
2856
2857 *hlID()*
2858hlID({name}) The result is a Number, which is the ID of the highlight group
2859 with name {name}. When the highlight group doesn't exist,
2860 zero is returned.
2861 This can be used to retrieve information about the highlight
2862 group. For example, to get the background color of the
2863 "Comment" group: >
2864 :echo synIDattr(synIDtrans(hlID("Comment")), "bg")
2865< *highlightID()*
2866 Obsolete name: highlightID().
2867
2868hostname() *hostname()*
2869 The result is a String, which is the name of the machine on
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00002870 which Vim is currently running. Machine names greater than
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002871 256 characters long are truncated.
2872
2873iconv({expr}, {from}, {to}) *iconv()*
2874 The result is a String, which is the text {expr} converted
2875 from encoding {from} to encoding {to}.
2876 When the conversion fails an empty string is returned.
2877 The encoding names are whatever the iconv() library function
2878 can accept, see ":!man 3 iconv".
2879 Most conversions require Vim to be compiled with the |+iconv|
2880 feature. Otherwise only UTF-8 to latin1 conversion and back
2881 can be done.
2882 This can be used to display messages with special characters,
2883 no matter what 'encoding' is set to. Write the message in
2884 UTF-8 and use: >
2885 echo iconv(utf8_str, "utf-8", &enc)
2886< Note that Vim uses UTF-8 for all Unicode encodings, conversion
2887 from/to UCS-2 is automatically changed to use UTF-8. You
2888 cannot use UCS-2 in a string anyway, because of the NUL bytes.
2889 {only available when compiled with the +multi_byte feature}
2890
2891 *indent()*
2892indent({lnum}) The result is a Number, which is indent of line {lnum} in the
2893 current buffer. The indent is counted in spaces, the value
2894 of 'tabstop' is relevant. {lnum} is used just like in
2895 |getline()|.
2896 When {lnum} is invalid -1 is returned.
2897
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002898
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002899index({list}, {expr} [, {start} [, {ic}]]) *index()*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002900 Return the lowest index in List {list} where the item has a
2901 value equal to {expr}.
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00002902 If {start} is given then start looking at the item with index
2903 {start} (may be negative for an item relative to the end).
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002904 When {ic} is given and it is non-zero, ignore case. Otherwise
2905 case must match.
2906 -1 is returned when {expr} is not found in {list}.
2907 Example: >
2908 :let idx = index(words, "the")
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00002909 :if index(numbers, 123) >= 0
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002910
2911
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002912input({prompt} [, {text}]) *input()*
2913 The result is a String, which is whatever the user typed on
2914 the command-line. The parameter is either a prompt string, or
2915 a blank string (for no prompt). A '\n' can be used in the
2916 prompt to start a new line. The highlighting set with
2917 |:echohl| is used for the prompt. The input is entered just
2918 like a command-line, with the same editing commands and
2919 mappings. There is a separate history for lines typed for
2920 input().
2921 If the optional {text} is present, this is used for the
2922 default reply, as if the user typed this.
2923 NOTE: This must not be used in a startup file, for the
2924 versions that only run in GUI mode (e.g., the Win32 GUI).
2925 Note: When input() is called from within a mapping it will
2926 consume remaining characters from that mapping, because a
2927 mapping is handled like the characters were typed.
2928 Use |inputsave()| before input() and |inputrestore()|
2929 after input() to avoid that. Another solution is to avoid
2930 that further characters follow in the mapping, e.g., by using
2931 |:execute| or |:normal|.
2932
2933 Example: >
2934 :if input("Coffee or beer? ") == "beer"
2935 : echo "Cheers!"
2936 :endif
2937< Example with default text: >
2938 :let color = input("Color? ", "white")
2939< Example with a mapping: >
2940 :nmap \x :call GetFoo()<CR>:exe "/" . Foo<CR>
2941 :function GetFoo()
2942 : call inputsave()
2943 : let g:Foo = input("enter search pattern: ")
2944 : call inputrestore()
2945 :endfunction
2946
2947inputdialog({prompt} [, {text} [, {cancelreturn}]]) *inputdialog()*
2948 Like input(), but when the GUI is running and text dialogs are
2949 supported, a dialog window pops up to input the text.
2950 Example: >
2951 :let n = inputdialog("value for shiftwidth", &sw)
2952 :if n != ""
2953 : let &sw = n
2954 :endif
2955< When the dialog is cancelled {cancelreturn} is returned. When
2956 omitted an empty string is returned.
2957 Hitting <Enter> works like pressing the OK button. Hitting
2958 <Esc> works like pressing the Cancel button.
2959
2960inputrestore() *inputrestore()*
2961 Restore typeahead that was saved with a previous inputsave().
2962 Should be called the same number of times inputsave() is
2963 called. Calling it more often is harmless though.
2964 Returns 1 when there is nothing to restore, 0 otherwise.
2965
2966inputsave() *inputsave()*
2967 Preserve typeahead (also from mappings) and clear it, so that
2968 a following prompt gets input from the user. Should be
2969 followed by a matching inputrestore() after the prompt. Can
2970 be used several times, in which case there must be just as
2971 many inputrestore() calls.
2972 Returns 1 when out of memory, 0 otherwise.
2973
2974inputsecret({prompt} [, {text}]) *inputsecret()*
2975 This function acts much like the |input()| function with but
2976 two exceptions:
2977 a) the user's response will be displayed as a sequence of
2978 asterisks ("*") thereby keeping the entry secret, and
2979 b) the user's response will not be recorded on the input
2980 |history| stack.
2981 The result is a String, which is whatever the user actually
2982 typed on the command-line in response to the issued prompt.
2983
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002984insert({list}, {item} [, {idx}]) *insert()*
2985 Insert {item} at the start of List {list}.
2986 If {idx} is specified insert {item} before the item with index
2987 {idx}. If {idx} is zero it goes before the first item, just
2988 like omitting {idx}. A negative {idx} is also possible, see
2989 |list-index|. -1 inserts just before the last item.
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00002990 Returns the resulting List. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002991 :let mylist = insert([2, 3, 5], 1)
2992 :call insert(mylist, 4, -1)
2993 :call insert(mylist, 6, len(mylist))
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002994< The last example can be done simpler with |add()|.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002995 Note that when {item} is a List it is inserted as a single
2996 item. Use |extend()| to concatenate Lists.
2997
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002998isdirectory({directory}) *isdirectory()*
2999 The result is a Number, which is non-zero when a directory
3000 with the name {directory} exists. If {directory} doesn't
3001 exist, or isn't a directory, the result is FALSE. {directory}
3002 is any expression, which is used as a String.
3003
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00003004islocked({expr}) *islocked()*
3005 The result is a Number, which is non-zero when {expr} is the
3006 name of a locked variable.
3007 {expr} must be the name of a variable, List item or Dictionary
3008 entry, not the variable itself! Example: >
3009 :let alist = [0, ['a', 'b'], 2, 3]
3010 :lockvar 1 alist
3011 :echo islocked('alist') " 1
3012 :echo islocked('alist[1]') " 0
3013
3014< When {expr} is a variable that does not exist you get an error
3015 message. Use |exists()| to check for existance.
3016
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00003017items({dict}) *items()*
3018 Return a List with all the key-value pairs of {dict}. Each
3019 List item is a list with two items: the key of a {dict} entry
3020 and the value of this entry. The List is in arbitrary order.
3021
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003022
3023join({list} [, {sep}]) *join()*
3024 Join the items in {list} together into one String.
3025 When {sep} is specified it is put in between the items. If
3026 {sep} is omitted a single space is used.
3027 Note that {sep} is not added at the end. You might want to
3028 add it there too: >
3029 let lines = join(mylist, "\n") . "\n"
3030< String items are used as-is. Lists and Dictionaries are
3031 converted into a string like with |string()|.
3032 The opposite function is |split()|.
3033
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003034keys({dict}) *keys()*
3035 Return a List with all the keys of {dict}. The List is in
3036 arbitrary order.
3037
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00003038 *len()* *E701*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003039len({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the length of the argument.
3040 When {expr} is a String or a Number the length in bytes is
3041 used, as with |strlen()|.
3042 When {expr} is a List the number of items in the List is
3043 returned.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003044 When {expr} is a Dictionary the number of entries in the
3045 Dictionary is returned.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003046 Otherwise an error is given.
3047
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003048 *libcall()* *E364* *E368*
3049libcall({libname}, {funcname}, {argument})
3050 Call function {funcname} in the run-time library {libname}
3051 with single argument {argument}.
3052 This is useful to call functions in a library that you
3053 especially made to be used with Vim. Since only one argument
3054 is possible, calling standard library functions is rather
3055 limited.
3056 The result is the String returned by the function. If the
3057 function returns NULL, this will appear as an empty string ""
3058 to Vim.
3059 If the function returns a number, use libcallnr()!
3060 If {argument} is a number, it is passed to the function as an
3061 int; if {argument} is a string, it is passed as a
3062 null-terminated string.
3063 This function will fail in |restricted-mode|.
3064
3065 libcall() allows you to write your own 'plug-in' extensions to
3066 Vim without having to recompile the program. It is NOT a
3067 means to call system functions! If you try to do so Vim will
3068 very probably crash.
3069
3070 For Win32, the functions you write must be placed in a DLL
3071 and use the normal C calling convention (NOT Pascal which is
3072 used in Windows System DLLs). The function must take exactly
3073 one parameter, either a character pointer or a long integer,
3074 and must return a character pointer or NULL. The character
3075 pointer returned must point to memory that will remain valid
3076 after the function has returned (e.g. in static data in the
3077 DLL). If it points to allocated memory, that memory will
3078 leak away. Using a static buffer in the function should work,
3079 it's then freed when the DLL is unloaded.
3080
3081 WARNING: If the function returns a non-valid pointer, Vim may
3082 crash! This also happens if the function returns a number,
3083 because Vim thinks it's a pointer.
3084 For Win32 systems, {libname} should be the filename of the DLL
3085 without the ".DLL" suffix. A full path is only required if
3086 the DLL is not in the usual places.
3087 For Unix: When compiling your own plugins, remember that the
3088 object code must be compiled as position-independent ('PIC').
3089 {only in Win32 on some Unix versions, when the |+libcall|
3090 feature is present}
3091 Examples: >
3092 :echo libcall("libc.so", "getenv", "HOME")
3093 :echo libcallnr("/usr/lib/libc.so", "getpid", "")
3094<
3095 *libcallnr()*
3096libcallnr({libname}, {funcname}, {argument})
3097 Just like libcall(), but used for a function that returns an
3098 int instead of a string.
3099 {only in Win32 on some Unix versions, when the |+libcall|
3100 feature is present}
3101 Example (not very useful...): >
3102 :call libcallnr("libc.so", "printf", "Hello World!\n")
3103 :call libcallnr("libc.so", "sleep", 10)
3104<
3105 *line()*
3106line({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the line number of the file
3107 position given with {expr}. The accepted positions are:
3108 . the cursor position
3109 $ the last line in the current buffer
3110 'x position of mark x (if the mark is not set, 0 is
3111 returned)
3112 Note that only marks in the current file can be used.
3113 Examples: >
3114 line(".") line number of the cursor
3115 line("'t") line number of mark t
3116 line("'" . marker) line number of mark marker
3117< *last-position-jump*
3118 This autocommand jumps to the last known position in a file
3119 just after opening it, if the '" mark is set: >
3120 :au BufReadPost * if line("'\"") > 0 && line("'\"") <= line("$") | exe "normal g'\"" | endif
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00003121
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003122line2byte({lnum}) *line2byte()*
3123 Return the byte count from the start of the buffer for line
3124 {lnum}. This includes the end-of-line character, depending on
3125 the 'fileformat' option for the current buffer. The first
3126 line returns 1.
3127 This can also be used to get the byte count for the line just
3128 below the last line: >
3129 line2byte(line("$") + 1)
3130< This is the file size plus one.
3131 When {lnum} is invalid, or the |+byte_offset| feature has been
3132 disabled at compile time, -1 is returned.
3133 Also see |byte2line()|, |go| and |:goto|.
3134
3135lispindent({lnum}) *lispindent()*
3136 Get the amount of indent for line {lnum} according the lisp
3137 indenting rules, as with 'lisp'.
3138 The indent is counted in spaces, the value of 'tabstop' is
3139 relevant. {lnum} is used just like in |getline()|.
3140 When {lnum} is invalid or Vim was not compiled the
3141 |+lispindent| feature, -1 is returned.
3142
3143localtime() *localtime()*
3144 Return the current time, measured as seconds since 1st Jan
3145 1970. See also |strftime()| and |getftime()|.
3146
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003147
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003148map({expr}, {string}) *map()*
3149 {expr} must be a List or a Dictionary.
3150 Replace each item in {expr} with the result of evaluating
3151 {string}.
3152 Inside {string} |v:val| has the value of the current item.
3153 For a Dictionary |v:key| has the key of the current item.
3154 Example: >
3155 :call map(mylist, '"> " . v:val . " <"')
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003156< This puts "> " before and " <" after each item in "mylist".
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003157
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003158 Note that {string} is the result of an expression and is then
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003159 used as an expression again. Often it is good to use a
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003160 |literal-string| to avoid having to double backslashes. You
3161 still have to double ' quotes
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003162
3163 The operation is done in-place. If you want a List or
3164 Dictionary to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003165 :let tlist = map(copy(mylist), ' & . "\t"')
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003166
3167< Returns {expr}, the List or Dictionary that was filtered.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003168
3169
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003170maparg({name}[, {mode}]) *maparg()*
3171 Return the rhs of mapping {name} in mode {mode}. When there
3172 is no mapping for {name}, an empty String is returned.
3173 These characters can be used for {mode}:
3174 "n" Normal
3175 "v" Visual
3176 "o" Operator-pending
3177 "i" Insert
3178 "c" Cmd-line
3179 "l" langmap |language-mapping|
3180 "" Normal, Visual and Operator-pending
3181 When {mode} is omitted, the modes from "" are used.
3182 The {name} can have special key names, like in the ":map"
3183 command. The returned String has special characters
3184 translated like in the output of the ":map" command listing.
3185 The mappings local to the current buffer are checked first,
3186 then the global mappings.
3187
3188mapcheck({name}[, {mode}]) *mapcheck()*
3189 Check if there is a mapping that matches with {name} in mode
3190 {mode}. See |maparg()| for {mode} and special names in
3191 {name}.
3192 A match happens with a mapping that starts with {name} and
3193 with a mapping which is equal to the start of {name}.
3194
3195 matches mapping "a" "ab" "abc" ~
3196 mapcheck("a") yes yes yes
3197 mapcheck("abc") yes yes yes
3198 mapcheck("ax") yes no no
3199 mapcheck("b") no no no
3200
3201 The difference with maparg() is that mapcheck() finds a
3202 mapping that matches with {name}, while maparg() only finds a
3203 mapping for {name} exactly.
3204 When there is no mapping that starts with {name}, an empty
3205 String is returned. If there is one, the rhs of that mapping
3206 is returned. If there are several mappings that start with
3207 {name}, the rhs of one of them is returned.
3208 The mappings local to the current buffer are checked first,
3209 then the global mappings.
3210 This function can be used to check if a mapping can be added
3211 without being ambiguous. Example: >
3212 :if mapcheck("_vv") == ""
3213 : map _vv :set guifont=7x13<CR>
3214 :endif
3215< This avoids adding the "_vv" mapping when there already is a
3216 mapping for "_v" or for "_vvv".
3217
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003218match({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *match()*
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003219 When {expr} is a List then this returns the index of the first
3220 item where {pat} matches. Each item is used as a String,
3221 Lists and Dictionaries are used as echoed.
3222 Otherwise, {expr} is used as a String. The result is a
3223 Number, which gives the index (byte offset) in {expr} where
3224 {pat} matches.
3225 A match at the first character or List item returns zero.
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003226 If there is no match -1 is returned.
3227 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003228 :echo match("testing", "ing") " results in 4
3229 :echo match([1, 'x'], '\a') " results in 2
3230< See |string-match| for how {pat} is used.
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00003231 *strpbrk()*
3232 Vim doesn't have a strpbrk() function. But you can do: >
3233 :let sepidx = match(line, '[.,;: \t]')
3234< *strcasestr()*
3235 Vim doesn't have a strcasestr() function. But you can add
3236 "\c" to the pattern to ignore case: >
3237 :let idx = match(haystack, '\cneedle')
3238<
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003239 When {count} is given use the {count}'th match. When a match
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003240 is found in a String the search for the next one starts on
3241 character further. Thus this example results in 1: >
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003242 echo match("testing", "..", 0, 2)
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003243< In a List the search continues in the next item.
3244
3245 If {start} is given, the search starts from byte index
3246 {start} in a String or item {start} in a List.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003247 The result, however, is still the index counted from the
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003248 first character/item. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003249 :echo match("testing", "ing", 2)
3250< result is again "4". >
3251 :echo match("testing", "ing", 4)
3252< result is again "4". >
3253 :echo match("testing", "t", 2)
3254< result is "3".
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003255 For a String, if {start} < 0, it will be set to 0. For a list
3256 the index is counted from the end.
3257 If {start} is out of range (> strlen({expr} for a String or
3258 > len({expr} for a List) -1 is returned.
3259
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003260 See |pattern| for the patterns that are accepted.
3261 The 'ignorecase' option is used to set the ignore-caseness of
3262 the pattern. 'smartcase' is NOT used. The matching is always
3263 done like 'magic' is set and 'cpoptions' is empty.
3264
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003265matchend({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *matchend()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003266 Same as match(), but return the index of first character after
3267 the match. Example: >
3268 :echo matchend("testing", "ing")
3269< results in "7".
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00003270 *strspn()* *strcspn()*
3271 Vim doesn't have a strspn() or strcspn() function, but you can
3272 do it with matchend(): >
3273 :let span = matchend(line, '[a-zA-Z]')
3274 :let span = matchend(line, '[^a-zA-Z]')
3275< Except that -1 is returned when there are no matches.
3276
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003277 The {start}, if given, has the same meaning as for match(). >
3278 :echo matchend("testing", "ing", 2)
3279< results in "7". >
3280 :echo matchend("testing", "ing", 5)
3281< result is "-1".
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003282 When {expr} is a List the result is equal to match().
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003283
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003284matchlist({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *matchlist()*
3285 Same as match(), but return a List. The first item in the
3286 list is the matched string, same as what matchstr() would
3287 return. Following items are submatches, like "\1", "\2", etc.
3288 in |:substitute|.
3289 When there is no match an empty list is returned.
3290
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003291matchstr({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *matchstr()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003292 Same as match(), but return the matched string. Example: >
3293 :echo matchstr("testing", "ing")
3294< results in "ing".
3295 When there is no match "" is returned.
3296 The {start}, if given, has the same meaning as for match(). >
3297 :echo matchstr("testing", "ing", 2)
3298< results in "ing". >
3299 :echo matchstr("testing", "ing", 5)
3300< result is "".
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003301 When {expr} is a List then the matching item is returned.
3302 The type isn't changed, it's not necessarily a String.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003303
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00003304 *max()*
3305max({list}) Return the maximum value of all items in {list}.
3306 If {list} is not a list or one of the items in {list} cannot
3307 be used as a Number this results in an error.
3308 An empty List results in zero.
3309
3310 *min()*
3311min({list}) Return the minumum value of all items in {list}.
3312 If {list} is not a list or one of the items in {list} cannot
3313 be used as a Number this results in an error.
3314 An empty List results in zero.
3315
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00003316 *mkdir()* *E749*
3317mkdir({name} [, {path} [, {prot}]])
3318 Create directory {name}.
3319 If {path} is "p" then intermediate directories are created as
3320 necessary. Otherwise it must be "".
3321 If {prot} is given it is used to set the protection bits of
3322 the new directory. The default is 0755 (rwxr-xr-x: r/w for
3323 the user readable for others). Use 0700 to make it unreadable
3324 for others.
3325 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3326 Not available on all systems. To check use: >
3327 :if exists("*mkdir")
3328<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003329 *mode()*
3330mode() Return a string that indicates the current mode:
3331 n Normal
3332 v Visual by character
3333 V Visual by line
3334 CTRL-V Visual blockwise
3335 s Select by character
3336 S Select by line
3337 CTRL-S Select blockwise
3338 i Insert
3339 R Replace
3340 c Command-line
3341 r Hit-enter prompt
3342 This is useful in the 'statusline' option. In most other
3343 places it always returns "c" or "n".
3344
3345nextnonblank({lnum}) *nextnonblank()*
3346 Return the line number of the first line at or below {lnum}
3347 that is not blank. Example: >
3348 if getline(nextnonblank(1)) =~ "Java"
3349< When {lnum} is invalid or there is no non-blank line at or
3350 below it, zero is returned.
3351 See also |prevnonblank()|.
3352
3353nr2char({expr}) *nr2char()*
3354 Return a string with a single character, which has the number
3355 value {expr}. Examples: >
3356 nr2char(64) returns "@"
3357 nr2char(32) returns " "
3358< The current 'encoding' is used. Example for "utf-8": >
3359 nr2char(300) returns I with bow character
3360< Note that a NUL character in the file is specified with
3361 nr2char(10), because NULs are represented with newline
3362 characters. nr2char(0) is a real NUL and terminates the
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +00003363 string, thus results in an empty string.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003364
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003365printf({fmt}, {expr1} ...) *printf()*
3366 Return a String with {fmt}, where "%" items are replaced by
3367 the formatted form of their respective arguments. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003368 printf("%4d: E%d %.30s", lnum, errno, msg)
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003369< May result in:
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003370 " 99: E42 asdfasdfasdfasdfasdfasdfasdfas" ~
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003371
3372 Often used items are:
3373 %s string
3374 %6s string right-aligned in 6 characters
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003375 %c single byte
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003376 %d decimal number
3377 %5d decimal number padded with spaces to 5 characters
3378 %x hex number
3379 %04x hex number padded with zeros to at least 4 characters
3380 %X hex number using upper case letters
3381 %o octal number
3382 %% the % character
3383
3384 Conversion specifications start with '%' and end with the
3385 conversion type. All other characters are copied unchanged to
3386 the result.
3387
3388 The "%" starts a conversion specification. The following
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003389 arguments appear in sequence:
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003390
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003391 % [flags] [field-width] [.precision] type
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003392
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003393 flags
3394 Zero or more of the following flags:
3395
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003396 # The value should be converted to an "alternate
3397 form". For c, d, and s conversions, this option
3398 has no effect. For o conversions, the precision
3399 of the number is increased to force the first
3400 character of the output string to a zero (except
3401 if a zero value is printed with an explicit
3402 precision of zero).
3403 For x and X conversions, a non-zero result has
3404 the string "0x" (or "0X" for X conversions)
3405 prepended to it.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003406
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003407 0 (zero) Zero padding. For all conversions the converted
3408 value is padded on the left with zeros rather
3409 than blanks. If a precision is given with a
3410 numeric conversion (d, o, x, and X), the 0 flag
3411 is ignored.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003412
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003413 - A negative field width flag; the converted value
3414 is to be left adjusted on the field boundary.
3415 The converted value is padded on the right with
3416 blanks, rather than on the left with blanks or
3417 zeros. A - overrides a 0 if both are given.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003418
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003419 ' ' (space) A blank should be left before a positive
3420 number produced by a signed conversion (d).
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003421
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003422 + A sign must always be placed before a number
3423 produced by a signed conversion. A + overrides
3424 a space if both are used.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003425
3426 field-width
3427 An optional decimal digit string specifying a minimum
3428 field width. If the converted value has fewer
3429 characters than the field width, it will be padded
3430 with spaces on the left (or right, if the
3431 left-adjustment flag has been given) to fill out the
3432 field width.
3433
3434 .precision
3435 An optional precision, in the form of a period '.'
3436 followed by an optional digit string. If the digit
3437 string is omitted, the precision is taken as zero.
3438 This gives the minimum number of digits to appear for
3439 d, o, x, and X conversions, or the maximum number of
3440 characters to be printed from a string for s
3441 conversions.
3442
3443 type
3444 A character that specifies the type of conversion to
3445 be applied, see below.
3446
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003447 A field width or precision, or both, may be indicated by an
3448 asterisk '*' instead of a digit string. In this case, a
3449 Number argument supplies the field width or precision. A
3450 negative field width is treated as a left adjustment flag
3451 followed by a positive field width; a negative precision is
3452 treated as though it were missing. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003453 :echo printf("%d: %.*s", nr, width, line)
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003454< This limits the length of the text used from "line" to
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003455 "width" bytes.
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003456
3457 The conversion specifiers and their meanings are:
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003458
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003459 doxX The Number argument is converted to signed decimal
3460 (d), unsigned octal (o), or unsigned hexadecimal (x
3461 and X) notation. The letters "abcdef" are used for
3462 x conversions; the letters "ABCDEF" are used for X
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003463 conversions.
3464 The precision, if any, gives the minimum number of
3465 digits that must appear; if the converted value
3466 requires fewer digits, it is padded on the left with
3467 zeros.
3468 In no case does a non-existent or small field width
3469 cause truncation of a numeric field; if the result of
3470 a conversion is wider than the field width, the field
3471 is expanded to contain the conversion result.
3472
3473 c The Number argument is converted to a byte, and the
3474 resulting character is written.
3475
3476 s The text of the String argument is used. If a
3477 precision is specified, no more bytes than the number
3478 specified are used.
3479
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003480 % A '%' is written. No argument is converted. The
3481 complete conversion specification is "%%".
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003482
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003483 Each argument can be Number or String and is converted
3484 automatically to fit the conversion specifier. Any other
3485 argument type results in an error message.
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003486
Bram Moolenaar83bab712005-08-01 21:58:57 +00003487 *E766* *E767*
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003488 The number of {exprN} arguments must exactly match the number
3489 of "%" items. If there are not sufficient or too many
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003490 arguments an error is given. Up to 18 arguments can be used.
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003491
3492
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003493prevnonblank({lnum}) *prevnonblank()*
3494 Return the line number of the first line at or above {lnum}
3495 that is not blank. Example: >
3496 let ind = indent(prevnonblank(v:lnum - 1))
3497< When {lnum} is invalid or there is no non-blank line at or
3498 above it, zero is returned.
3499 Also see |nextnonblank()|.
3500
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00003501 *E726* *E727*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003502range({expr} [, {max} [, {stride}]]) *range()*
3503 Returns a List with Numbers:
3504 - If only {expr} is specified: [0, 1, ..., {expr} - 1]
3505 - If {max} is specified: [{expr}, {expr} + 1, ..., {max}]
3506 - If {stride} is specified: [{expr}, {expr} + {stride}, ...,
3507 {max}] (increasing {expr} with {stride} each time, not
3508 producing a value past {max}).
Bram Moolenaare7566042005-06-17 22:00:15 +00003509 When the maximum is one before the start the result is an
3510 empty list. When the maximum is more than one before the
3511 start this is an error.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003512 Examples: >
3513 range(4) " [0, 1, 2, 3]
3514 range(2, 4) " [2, 3, 4]
3515 range(2, 9, 3) " [2, 5, 8]
3516 range(2, -2, -1) " [2, 1, 0, -1, -2]
Bram Moolenaare7566042005-06-17 22:00:15 +00003517 range(0) " []
3518 range(2, 0) " error!
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003519<
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003520 *readfile()*
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00003521readfile({fname} [, {binary} [, {max}]])
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003522 Read file {fname} and return a List, each line of the file as
3523 an item. Lines broken at NL characters. Macintosh files
3524 separated with CR will result in a single long line (unless a
3525 NL appears somewhere).
3526 When {binary} is equal to "b" binary mode is used:
3527 - When the last line ends in a NL an extra empty list item is
3528 added.
3529 - No CR characters are removed.
3530 Otherwise:
3531 - CR characters that appear before a NL are removed.
3532 - Whether the last line ends in a NL or not does not matter.
3533 All NUL characters are replaced with a NL character.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00003534 When {max} is given this specifies the maximum number of lines
3535 to be read. Useful if you only want to check the first ten
3536 lines of a file: >
3537 :for line in readfile(fname, '', 10)
3538 : if line =~ 'Date' | echo line | endif
3539 :endfor
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00003540< When {max} is negative -{max} lines from the end of the file
3541 are returned, or as many as there are.
3542 When {max} is zero the result is an empty list.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00003543 Note that without {max} the whole file is read into memory.
3544 Also note that there is no recognition of encoding. Read a
3545 file into a buffer if you need to.
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003546 When the file can't be opened an error message is given and
3547 the result is an empty list.
3548 Also see |writefile()|.
3549
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003550 *remote_expr()* *E449*
3551remote_expr({server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
3552 Send the {string} to {server}. The string is sent as an
3553 expression and the result is returned after evaluation.
3554 If {idvar} is present, it is taken as the name of a
3555 variable and a {serverid} for later use with
3556 remote_read() is stored there.
3557 See also |clientserver| |RemoteReply|.
3558 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3559 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
3560 Note: Any errors will cause a local error message to be issued
3561 and the result will be the empty string.
3562 Examples: >
3563 :echo remote_expr("gvim", "2+2")
3564 :echo remote_expr("gvim1", "b:current_syntax")
3565<
3566
3567remote_foreground({server}) *remote_foreground()*
3568 Move the Vim server with the name {server} to the foreground.
3569 This works like: >
3570 remote_expr({server}, "foreground()")
3571< Except that on Win32 systems the client does the work, to work
3572 around the problem that the OS doesn't always allow the server
3573 to bring itself to the foreground.
3574 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3575 {only in the Win32, Athena, Motif and GTK GUI versions and the
3576 Win32 console version}
3577
3578
3579remote_peek({serverid} [, {retvar}]) *remote_peek()*
3580 Returns a positive number if there are available strings
3581 from {serverid}. Copies any reply string into the variable
3582 {retvar} if specified. {retvar} must be a string with the
3583 name of a variable.
3584 Returns zero if none are available.
3585 Returns -1 if something is wrong.
3586 See also |clientserver|.
3587 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3588 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
3589 Examples: >
3590 :let repl = ""
3591 :echo "PEEK: ".remote_peek(id, "repl").": ".repl
3592
3593remote_read({serverid}) *remote_read()*
3594 Return the oldest available reply from {serverid} and consume
3595 it. It blocks until a reply is available.
3596 See also |clientserver|.
3597 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3598 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
3599 Example: >
3600 :echo remote_read(id)
3601<
3602 *remote_send()* *E241*
3603remote_send({server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
Bram Moolenaard4755bb2004-09-02 19:12:26 +00003604 Send the {string} to {server}. The string is sent as input
3605 keys and the function returns immediately. At the Vim server
3606 the keys are not mapped |:map|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003607 If {idvar} is present, it is taken as the name of a
3608 variable and a {serverid} for later use with
3609 remote_read() is stored there.
3610 See also |clientserver| |RemoteReply|.
3611 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3612 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
3613 Note: Any errors will be reported in the server and may mess
3614 up the display.
3615 Examples: >
3616 :echo remote_send("gvim", ":DropAndReply ".file, "serverid").
3617 \ remote_read(serverid)
3618
3619 :autocmd NONE RemoteReply *
3620 \ echo remote_read(expand("<amatch>"))
3621 :echo remote_send("gvim", ":sleep 10 | echo ".
3622 \ 'server2client(expand("<client>"), "HELLO")<CR>')
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003623<
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003624remove({list}, {idx} [, {end}]) *remove()*
3625 Without {end}: Remove the item at {idx} from List {list} and
3626 return it.
3627 With {end}: Remove items from {idx} to {end} (inclusive) and
3628 return a list with these items. When {idx} points to the same
3629 item as {end} a list with one item is returned. When {end}
3630 points to an item before {idx} this is an error.
3631 See |list-index| for possible values of {idx} and {end}.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003632 Example: >
3633 :echo "last item: " . remove(mylist, -1)
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003634 :call remove(mylist, 0, 9)
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003635remove({dict}, {key})
3636 Remove the entry from {dict} with key {key}. Example: >
3637 :echo "removed " . remove(dict, "one")
3638< If there is no {key} in {dict} this is an error.
3639
3640 Use |delete()| to remove a file.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003641
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003642rename({from}, {to}) *rename()*
3643 Rename the file by the name {from} to the name {to}. This
3644 should also work to move files across file systems. The
3645 result is a Number, which is 0 if the file was renamed
3646 successfully, and non-zero when the renaming failed.
3647 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3648
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00003649repeat({expr}, {count}) *repeat()*
3650 Repeat {expr} {count} times and return the concatenated
3651 result. Example: >
3652 :let seperator = repeat('-', 80)
3653< When {count} is zero or negative the result is empty.
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00003654 When {expr} is a List the result is {expr} concatenated
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003655 {count} times. Example: >
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003656 :let longlist = repeat(['a', 'b'], 3)
3657< Results in ['a', 'b', 'a', 'b', 'a', 'b'].
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00003658
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003659
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003660resolve({filename}) *resolve()* *E655*
3661 On MS-Windows, when {filename} is a shortcut (a .lnk file),
3662 returns the path the shortcut points to in a simplified form.
3663 On Unix, repeat resolving symbolic links in all path
3664 components of {filename} and return the simplified result.
3665 To cope with link cycles, resolving of symbolic links is
3666 stopped after 100 iterations.
3667 On other systems, return the simplified {filename}.
3668 The simplification step is done as by |simplify()|.
3669 resolve() keeps a leading path component specifying the
3670 current directory (provided the result is still a relative
3671 path name) and also keeps a trailing path separator.
3672
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003673 *reverse()*
3674reverse({list}) Reverse the order of items in {list} in-place. Returns
3675 {list}.
3676 If you want a list to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
3677 :let revlist = reverse(copy(mylist))
3678
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003679search({pattern} [, {flags}]) *search()*
3680 Search for regexp pattern {pattern}. The search starts at the
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +00003681 cursor position (you can use |cursor()| to set it).
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003682 {flags} is a String, which can contain these character flags:
3683 'b' search backward instead of forward
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00003684 'n' do Not move the cursor
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003685 'w' wrap around the end of the file
3686 'W' don't wrap around the end of the file
Bram Moolenaar02743632005-07-25 20:42:36 +00003687 's' set the ' mark at the previous location of the
3688 cursor.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003689 If neither 'w' or 'W' is given, the 'wrapscan' option applies.
3690
Bram Moolenaar02743632005-07-25 20:42:36 +00003691 If the 's' flag is supplied, the ' mark is set, only if the
3692 cursor is moved. The 's' flag cannot be combined with the 'n'
3693 flag.
3694
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00003695 When a match has been found its line number is returned.
3696 The cursor will be positioned at the match, unless the 'n'
3697 flag is used).
3698 If there is no match a 0 is returned and the cursor doesn't
3699 move. No error message is given.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003700
3701 Example (goes over all files in the argument list): >
3702 :let n = 1
3703 :while n <= argc() " loop over all files in arglist
3704 : exe "argument " . n
3705 : " start at the last char in the file and wrap for the
3706 : " first search to find match at start of file
3707 : normal G$
3708 : let flags = "w"
3709 : while search("foo", flags) > 0
3710 : s/foo/bar/g
3711 : let flags = "W"
3712 : endwhile
3713 : update " write the file if modified
3714 : let n = n + 1
3715 :endwhile
3716<
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00003717
3718searchdecl({name} [, {global}]) *searchdecl()*
3719 Search for the declaration of {name}. Without {global} or
3720 with a zero {global} argument this works like |gd|. With a
3721 non-zero {global} argument it works like |gD|.
3722 Moves the cursor to the found match.
3723 Returns zero for success, non-zero for failure.
3724 Example: >
3725 if searchdecl('myvar') == 0
3726 echo getline('.')
3727 endif
3728<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003729 *searchpair()*
3730searchpair({start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip}]])
3731 Search for the match of a nested start-end pair. This can be
3732 used to find the "endif" that matches an "if", while other
3733 if/endif pairs in between are ignored.
3734 The search starts at the cursor. If a match is found, the
3735 cursor is positioned at it and the line number is returned.
3736 If no match is found 0 or -1 is returned and the cursor
3737 doesn't move. No error message is given.
3738
3739 {start}, {middle} and {end} are patterns, see |pattern|. They
3740 must not contain \( \) pairs. Use of \%( \) is allowed. When
3741 {middle} is not empty, it is found when searching from either
3742 direction, but only when not in a nested start-end pair. A
3743 typical use is: >
3744 searchpair('\<if\>', '\<else\>', '\<endif\>')
3745< By leaving {middle} empty the "else" is skipped.
3746
3747 {flags} are used like with |search()|. Additionally:
3748 'n' do Not move the cursor
3749 'r' Repeat until no more matches found; will find the
3750 outer pair
3751 'm' return number of Matches instead of line number with
3752 the match; will only be > 1 when 'r' is used.
3753
3754 When a match for {start}, {middle} or {end} is found, the
3755 {skip} expression is evaluated with the cursor positioned on
3756 the start of the match. It should return non-zero if this
3757 match is to be skipped. E.g., because it is inside a comment
3758 or a string.
3759 When {skip} is omitted or empty, every match is accepted.
3760 When evaluating {skip} causes an error the search is aborted
3761 and -1 returned.
3762
3763 The value of 'ignorecase' is used. 'magic' is ignored, the
3764 patterns are used like it's on.
3765
3766 The search starts exactly at the cursor. A match with
3767 {start}, {middle} or {end} at the next character, in the
3768 direction of searching, is the first one found. Example: >
3769 if 1
3770 if 2
3771 endif 2
3772 endif 1
3773< When starting at the "if 2", with the cursor on the "i", and
3774 searching forwards, the "endif 2" is found. When starting on
3775 the character just before the "if 2", the "endif 1" will be
3776 found. That's because the "if 2" will be found first, and
3777 then this is considered to be a nested if/endif from "if 2" to
3778 "endif 2".
3779 When searching backwards and {end} is more than one character,
3780 it may be useful to put "\zs" at the end of the pattern, so
3781 that when the cursor is inside a match with the end it finds
3782 the matching start.
3783
3784 Example, to find the "endif" command in a Vim script: >
3785
3786 :echo searchpair('\<if\>', '\<el\%[seif]\>', '\<en\%[dif]\>', 'W',
3787 \ 'getline(".") =~ "^\\s*\""')
3788
3789< The cursor must be at or after the "if" for which a match is
3790 to be found. Note that single-quote strings are used to avoid
3791 having to double the backslashes. The skip expression only
3792 catches comments at the start of a line, not after a command.
3793 Also, a word "en" or "if" halfway a line is considered a
3794 match.
3795 Another example, to search for the matching "{" of a "}": >
3796
3797 :echo searchpair('{', '', '}', 'bW')
3798
3799< This works when the cursor is at or before the "}" for which a
3800 match is to be found. To reject matches that syntax
3801 highlighting recognized as strings: >
3802
3803 :echo searchpair('{', '', '}', 'bW',
3804 \ 'synIDattr(synID(line("."), col("."), 0), "name") =~? "string"')
3805<
3806server2client( {clientid}, {string}) *server2client()*
3807 Send a reply string to {clientid}. The most recent {clientid}
3808 that sent a string can be retrieved with expand("<client>").
3809 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
3810 Note:
3811 This id has to be stored before the next command can be
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003812 received. I.e. before returning from the received command and
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003813 before calling any commands that waits for input.
3814 See also |clientserver|.
3815 Example: >
3816 :echo server2client(expand("<client>"), "HELLO")
3817<
3818serverlist() *serverlist()*
3819 Return a list of available server names, one per line.
3820 When there are no servers or the information is not available
3821 an empty string is returned. See also |clientserver|.
3822 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
3823 Example: >
3824 :echo serverlist()
3825<
3826setbufvar({expr}, {varname}, {val}) *setbufvar()*
3827 Set option or local variable {varname} in buffer {expr} to
3828 {val}.
3829 This also works for a global or local window option, but it
3830 doesn't work for a global or local window variable.
3831 For a local window option the global value is unchanged.
3832 For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above.
3833 Note that the variable name without "b:" must be used.
3834 Examples: >
3835 :call setbufvar(1, "&mod", 1)
3836 :call setbufvar("todo", "myvar", "foobar")
3837< This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3838
3839setcmdpos({pos}) *setcmdpos()*
3840 Set the cursor position in the command line to byte position
3841 {pos}. The first position is 1.
3842 Use |getcmdpos()| to obtain the current position.
3843 Only works while editing the command line, thus you must use
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003844 |c_CTRL-\_e|, |c_CTRL-R_=| or |c_CTRL-R_CTRL-R| with '='. For
3845 |c_CTRL-\_e| and |c_CTRL-R_CTRL-R| with '=' the position is
3846 set after the command line is set to the expression. For
3847 |c_CTRL-R_=| it is set after evaluating the expression but
3848 before inserting the resulting text.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003849 When the number is too big the cursor is put at the end of the
3850 line. A number smaller than one has undefined results.
3851 Returns 0 when successful, 1 when not editing the command
3852 line.
3853
3854setline({lnum}, {line}) *setline()*
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003855 Set line {lnum} of the current buffer to {line}.
3856 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|.
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00003857 When {lnum} is just below the last line the {line} will be
3858 added as a new line.
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003859 If this succeeds, 0 is returned. If this fails (most likely
3860 because {lnum} is invalid) 1 is returned. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003861 :call setline(5, strftime("%c"))
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00003862< When {line} is a List then line {lnum} and following lines
3863 will be set to the items in the list. Example: >
3864 :call setline(5, ['aaa', 'bbb', 'ccc'])
3865< This is equivalent to: >
3866 :for [n, l] in [[5, 6, 7], ['aaa', 'bbb', 'ccc']]
3867 : call setline(n, l)
3868 :endfor
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003869< Note: The '[ and '] marks are not set.
3870
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003871
Bram Moolenaar35c54e52005-05-20 21:25:31 +00003872setqflist({list} [, {action}]) *setqflist()*
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003873 Creates a quickfix list using the items in {list}. Each item
3874 in {list} is a dictionary. Non-dictionary items in {list} are
3875 ignored. Each dictionary item can contain the following
3876 entries:
3877
3878 filename name of a file
3879 lnum line number in the file
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003880 pattern search pattern used to locate the error
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00003881 col column number
3882 vcol when non-zero: "col" is visual column
3883 when zero: "col" is byte index
3884 nr error number
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003885 text description of the error
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00003886 type single-character error type, 'E', 'W', etc.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003887
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00003888 The "col", "vcol", "nr", "type" and "text" entries are
3889 optional. Either "lnum" or "pattern" entry can be used to
3890 locate a matching error line.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003891 If the "filename" entry is not present or neither the "lnum"
3892 or "pattern" entries are present, then the item will not be
3893 handled as an error line.
3894 If both "pattern" and "lnum" are present then "pattern" will
3895 be used.
3896
Bram Moolenaar35c54e52005-05-20 21:25:31 +00003897 If {action} is set to 'a', then the items from {list} are
3898 added to the existing quickfix list. If there is no existing
3899 list, then a new list is created. If {action} is set to 'r',
3900 then the items from the current quickfix list are replaced
3901 with the items from {list}. If {action} is not present or is
3902 set to ' ', then a new list is created.
3903
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003904 Returns zero for success, -1 for failure.
3905
3906 This function can be used to create a quickfix list
3907 independent of the 'errorformat' setting. Use a command like
3908 ":cc 1" to jump to the first position.
3909
3910
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003911 *setreg()*
3912setreg({regname}, {value} [,{options}])
3913 Set the register {regname} to {value}.
3914 If {options} contains "a" or {regname} is upper case,
3915 then the value is appended.
3916 {options} can also contains a register type specification:
3917 "c" or "v" |characterwise| mode
3918 "l" or "V" |linewise| mode
3919 "b" or "<CTRL-V>" |blockwise-visual| mode
3920 If a number immediately follows "b" or "<CTRL-V>" then this is
3921 used as the width of the selection - if it is not specified
3922 then the width of the block is set to the number of characters
3923 in the longest line (counting a <TAB> as 1 character).
3924
3925 If {options} contains no register settings, then the default
3926 is to use character mode unless {value} ends in a <NL>.
3927 Setting the '=' register is not possible.
3928 Returns zero for success, non-zero for failure.
3929
3930 Examples: >
3931 :call setreg(v:register, @*)
3932 :call setreg('*', @%, 'ac')
3933 :call setreg('a', "1\n2\n3", 'b5')
3934
3935< This example shows using the functions to save and restore a
3936 register. >
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00003937 :let var_a = getreg('a', 1)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003938 :let var_amode = getregtype('a')
3939 ....
3940 :call setreg('a', var_a, var_amode)
3941
3942< You can also change the type of a register by appending
3943 nothing: >
3944 :call setreg('a', '', 'al')
3945
3946setwinvar({nr}, {varname}, {val}) *setwinvar()*
3947 Set option or local variable {varname} in window {nr} to
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +00003948 {val}. When {nr} is zero the current window is used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003949 This also works for a global or local buffer option, but it
3950 doesn't work for a global or local buffer variable.
3951 For a local buffer option the global value is unchanged.
3952 Note that the variable name without "w:" must be used.
3953 Examples: >
3954 :call setwinvar(1, "&list", 0)
3955 :call setwinvar(2, "myvar", "foobar")
3956< This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3957
3958simplify({filename}) *simplify()*
3959 Simplify the file name as much as possible without changing
3960 the meaning. Shortcuts (on MS-Windows) or symbolic links (on
3961 Unix) are not resolved. If the first path component in
3962 {filename} designates the current directory, this will be
3963 valid for the result as well. A trailing path separator is
3964 not removed either.
3965 Example: >
3966 simplify("./dir/.././/file/") == "./file/"
3967< Note: The combination "dir/.." is only removed if "dir" is
3968 a searchable directory or does not exist. On Unix, it is also
3969 removed when "dir" is a symbolic link within the same
3970 directory. In order to resolve all the involved symbolic
3971 links before simplifying the path name, use |resolve()|.
3972
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003973
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00003974sort({list} [, {func}]) *sort()* *E702*
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003975 Sort the items in {list} in-place. Returns {list}. If you
3976 want a list to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
3977 :let sortedlist = sort(copy(mylist))
3978< Uses the string representation of each item to sort on.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003979 Numbers sort after Strings, Lists after Numbers.
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00003980 For sorting text in the current buffer use |:sort|.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003981 When {func} is given and it is one then case is ignored.
3982 When {func} is a Funcref or a function name, this function is
3983 called to compare items. The function is invoked with two
3984 items as argument and must return zero if they are equal, 1 if
3985 the first one sorts after the second one, -1 if the first one
3986 sorts before the second one. Example: >
3987 func MyCompare(i1, i2)
3988 return a:i1 == a:i2 ? 0 : a:i1 > a:i2 ? 1 : -1
3989 endfunc
3990 let sortedlist = sort(mylist, "MyCompare")
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00003991<
3992
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00003993 *soundfold()*
3994soundfold({word})
3995 Return the sound-folded equivalent of {word}. Uses the first
3996 language in 'spellang' for the current window that supports
Bram Moolenaar42eeac32005-06-29 22:40:58 +00003997 soundfolding. 'spell' must be set. When no sound folding is
3998 possible the {word} is returned unmodified.
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00003999 This can be used for making spelling suggestions. Note that
4000 the method can be quite slow.
4001
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00004002 *spellbadword()*
4003spellbadword() Return the badly spelled word under or after the cursor.
Bram Moolenaar488c6512005-08-11 20:09:58 +00004004 The cursor is moved to the start of the bad word.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00004005 When no bad word is found in the cursor line an empty String
4006 is returned and the cursor doesn't move.
4007
4008 *spellsuggest()*
4009spellsuggest({word} [, {max}])
4010 Return a List with spelling suggestions to replace {word}.
4011 When {max} is given up to this number of suggestions are
4012 returned. Otherwise up to 25 suggestions are returned.
4013
4014 {word} can be a badly spelled word followed by other text.
4015 This allows for joining two words that were split. The
Bram Moolenaarf461c8e2005-06-25 23:04:51 +00004016 suggestions also include the following text, thus you can
4017 replace a line.
4018
4019 {word} may also be a good word. Similar words will then be
4020 returned. {word} itself is also included, most likely as the
4021 first entry, thus this can be used to check spelling.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00004022
4023 The spelling information for the current window is used. The
Bram Moolenaar42eeac32005-06-29 22:40:58 +00004024 'spell' option must be set and the values of 'spelllang' and
4025 'spellsuggest' are used.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00004026
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004027
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004028split({expr} [, {pattern} [, {keepempty}]]) *split()*
4029 Make a List out of {expr}. When {pattern} is omitted or empty
4030 each white-separated sequence of characters becomes an item.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004031 Otherwise the string is split where {pattern} matches,
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004032 removing the matched characters.
4033 When the first or last item is empty it is omitted, unless the
4034 {keepempty} argument is given and it's non-zero.
Bram Moolenaar5c06f8b2005-05-31 22:14:58 +00004035 Other empty items are kept when {pattern} matches at least one
4036 character or when {keepempty} is non-zero.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004037 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004038 :let words = split(getline('.'), '\W\+')
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004039< To split a string in individual characters: >
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004040 :for c in split(mystring, '\zs')
Bram Moolenaar0cb032e2005-04-23 20:52:00 +00004041< If you want to keep the separator you can also use '\zs': >
4042 :echo split('abc:def:ghi', ':\zs')
4043< ['abc:', 'def:', 'ghi'] ~
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004044 Splitting a table where the first element can be empty: >
4045 :let items = split(line, ':', 1)
4046< The opposite function is |join()|.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004047
4048
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004049strftime({format} [, {time}]) *strftime()*
4050 The result is a String, which is a formatted date and time, as
4051 specified by the {format} string. The given {time} is used,
4052 or the current time if no time is given. The accepted
4053 {format} depends on your system, thus this is not portable!
4054 See the manual page of the C function strftime() for the
4055 format. The maximum length of the result is 80 characters.
4056 See also |localtime()| and |getftime()|.
4057 The language can be changed with the |:language| command.
4058 Examples: >
4059 :echo strftime("%c") Sun Apr 27 11:49:23 1997
4060 :echo strftime("%Y %b %d %X") 1997 Apr 27 11:53:25
4061 :echo strftime("%y%m%d %T") 970427 11:53:55
4062 :echo strftime("%H:%M") 11:55
4063 :echo strftime("%c", getftime("file.c"))
4064 Show mod time of file.c.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004065< Not available on all systems. To check use: >
4066 :if exists("*strftime")
4067
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00004068stridx({haystack}, {needle} [, {start}]) *stridx()*
4069 The result is a Number, which gives the byte index in
4070 {haystack} of the first occurrence of the String {needle}.
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00004071 If {start} is specified, the search starts at index {start}.
4072 This can be used to find a second match: >
4073 :let comma1 = stridx(line, ",")
4074 :let comma2 = stridx(line, ",", comma1 + 1)
4075< The search is done case-sensitive.
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004076 For pattern searches use |match()|.
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00004077 -1 is returned if the {needle} does not occur in {haystack}.
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00004078 See also |strridx()|.
4079 Examples: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004080 :echo stridx("An Example", "Example") 3
4081 :echo stridx("Starting point", "Start") 0
4082 :echo stridx("Starting point", "start") -1
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00004083< *strstr()* *strchr()*
4084 stridx() works similar to the C function strstr(). When used
4085 with a single character it works similar to strchr().
4086
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00004087 *string()*
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004088string({expr}) Return {expr} converted to a String. If {expr} is a Number,
4089 String or a composition of them, then the result can be parsed
4090 back with |eval()|.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00004091 {expr} type result ~
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004092 String 'string'
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004093 Number 123
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004094 Funcref function('name')
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004095 List [item, item]
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +00004096 Dictionary {key: value, key: value}
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004097 Note that in String values the ' character is doubled.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00004098
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004099 *strlen()*
4100strlen({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the length of the String
Bram Moolenaare344bea2005-09-01 20:46:49 +00004101 {expr} in bytes.
4102 If you want to count the number of multi-byte characters (not
4103 counting composing characters) use something like this: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004104
4105 :let len = strlen(substitute(str, ".", "x", "g"))
Bram Moolenaare344bea2005-09-01 20:46:49 +00004106<
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00004107 If the argument is a Number it is first converted to a String.
4108 For other types an error is given.
4109 Also see |len()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004110
4111strpart({src}, {start}[, {len}]) *strpart()*
4112 The result is a String, which is part of {src}, starting from
4113 byte {start}, with the length {len}.
4114 When non-existing bytes are included, this doesn't result in
4115 an error, the bytes are simply omitted.
4116 If {len} is missing, the copy continues from {start} till the
4117 end of the {src}. >
4118 strpart("abcdefg", 3, 2) == "de"
4119 strpart("abcdefg", -2, 4) == "ab"
4120 strpart("abcdefg", 5, 4) == "fg"
4121 strpart("abcdefg", 3) == "defg"
4122< Note: To get the first character, {start} must be 0. For
4123 example, to get three bytes under and after the cursor: >
4124 strpart(getline(line(".")), col(".") - 1, 3)
4125<
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00004126strridx({haystack}, {needle} [, {start}]) *strridx()*
4127 The result is a Number, which gives the byte index in
4128 {haystack} of the last occurrence of the String {needle}.
4129 When {start} is specified, matches beyond this index are
4130 ignored. This can be used to find a match before a previous
4131 match: >
4132 :let lastcomma = strridx(line, ",")
4133 :let comma2 = strridx(line, ",", lastcomma - 1)
4134< The search is done case-sensitive.
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00004135 For pattern searches use |match()|.
4136 -1 is returned if the {needle} does not occur in {haystack}.
Bram Moolenaard4755bb2004-09-02 19:12:26 +00004137 If the {needle} is empty the length of {haystack} is returned.
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004138 See also |stridx()|. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004139 :echo strridx("an angry armadillo", "an") 3
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00004140< *strrchr()*
4141 When used with a single character it works similar to the C
4142 function strrchr().
4143
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004144strtrans({expr}) *strtrans()*
4145 The result is a String, which is {expr} with all unprintable
4146 characters translated into printable characters |'isprint'|.
4147 Like they are shown in a window. Example: >
4148 echo strtrans(@a)
4149< This displays a newline in register a as "^@" instead of
4150 starting a new line.
4151
4152submatch({nr}) *submatch()*
4153 Only for an expression in a |:substitute| command. Returns
4154 the {nr}'th submatch of the matched text. When {nr} is 0
4155 the whole matched text is returned.
4156 Example: >
4157 :s/\d\+/\=submatch(0) + 1/
4158< This finds the first number in the line and adds one to it.
4159 A line break is included as a newline character.
4160
4161substitute({expr}, {pat}, {sub}, {flags}) *substitute()*
4162 The result is a String, which is a copy of {expr}, in which
4163 the first match of {pat} is replaced with {sub}. This works
4164 like the ":substitute" command (without any flags). But the
4165 matching with {pat} is always done like the 'magic' option is
4166 set and 'cpoptions' is empty (to make scripts portable).
4167 See |string-match| for how {pat} is used.
4168 And a "~" in {sub} is not replaced with the previous {sub}.
4169 Note that some codes in {sub} have a special meaning
4170 |sub-replace-special|. For example, to replace something with
4171 "\n" (two characters), use "\\\\n" or '\\n'.
4172 When {pat} does not match in {expr}, {expr} is returned
4173 unmodified.
4174 When {flags} is "g", all matches of {pat} in {expr} are
4175 replaced. Otherwise {flags} should be "".
4176 Example: >
4177 :let &path = substitute(&path, ",\\=[^,]*$", "", "")
4178< This removes the last component of the 'path' option. >
4179 :echo substitute("testing", ".*", "\\U\\0", "")
4180< results in "TESTING".
4181
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00004182synID({lnum}, {col}, {trans}) *synID()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004183 The result is a Number, which is the syntax ID at the position
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00004184 {lnum} and {col} in the current window.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004185 The syntax ID can be used with |synIDattr()| and
4186 |synIDtrans()| to obtain syntax information about text.
Bram Moolenaarce0842a2005-07-18 21:58:11 +00004187
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00004188 {col} is 1 for the leftmost column, {lnum} is 1 for the first
Bram Moolenaarce0842a2005-07-18 21:58:11 +00004189 line. 'synmaxcol' applies, in a longer line zero is returned.
4190
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004191 When {trans} is non-zero, transparent items are reduced to the
4192 item that they reveal. This is useful when wanting to know
4193 the effective color. When {trans} is zero, the transparent
4194 item is returned. This is useful when wanting to know which
4195 syntax item is effective (e.g. inside parens).
4196 Warning: This function can be very slow. Best speed is
4197 obtained by going through the file in forward direction.
4198
4199 Example (echoes the name of the syntax item under the cursor): >
4200 :echo synIDattr(synID(line("."), col("."), 1), "name")
4201<
4202synIDattr({synID}, {what} [, {mode}]) *synIDattr()*
4203 The result is a String, which is the {what} attribute of
4204 syntax ID {synID}. This can be used to obtain information
4205 about a syntax item.
4206 {mode} can be "gui", "cterm" or "term", to get the attributes
4207 for that mode. When {mode} is omitted, or an invalid value is
4208 used, the attributes for the currently active highlighting are
4209 used (GUI, cterm or term).
4210 Use synIDtrans() to follow linked highlight groups.
4211 {what} result
4212 "name" the name of the syntax item
4213 "fg" foreground color (GUI: color name used to set
4214 the color, cterm: color number as a string,
4215 term: empty string)
4216 "bg" background color (like "fg")
4217 "fg#" like "fg", but for the GUI and the GUI is
4218 running the name in "#RRGGBB" form
4219 "bg#" like "fg#" for "bg"
4220 "bold" "1" if bold
4221 "italic" "1" if italic
4222 "reverse" "1" if reverse
4223 "inverse" "1" if inverse (= reverse)
4224 "underline" "1" if underlined
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004225 "undercurl" "1" if undercurled
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004226
4227 Example (echoes the color of the syntax item under the
4228 cursor): >
4229 :echo synIDattr(synIDtrans(synID(line("."), col("."), 1)), "fg")
4230<
4231synIDtrans({synID}) *synIDtrans()*
4232 The result is a Number, which is the translated syntax ID of
4233 {synID}. This is the syntax group ID of what is being used to
4234 highlight the character. Highlight links given with
4235 ":highlight link" are followed.
4236
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00004237system({expr} [, {input}]) *system()* *E677*
4238 Get the output of the shell command {expr}.
4239 When {input} is given, this string is written to a file and
4240 passed as stdin to the command. The string is written as-is,
4241 you need to take care of using the correct line separators
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00004242 yourself. Pipes are not used.
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00004243 Note: newlines in {expr} may cause the command to fail. The
4244 characters in 'shellquote' and 'shellxquote' may also cause
4245 trouble.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004246 This is not to be used for interactive commands.
4247 The result is a String. Example: >
4248
4249 :let files = system("ls")
4250
4251< To make the result more system-independent, the shell output
4252 is filtered to replace <CR> with <NL> for Macintosh, and
4253 <CR><NL> with <NL> for DOS-like systems.
4254 The command executed is constructed using several options:
4255 'shell' 'shellcmdflag' 'shellxquote' {expr} 'shellredir' {tmp} 'shellxquote'
4256 ({tmp} is an automatically generated file name).
4257 For Unix and OS/2 braces are put around {expr} to allow for
4258 concatenated commands.
4259
4260 The resulting error code can be found in |v:shell_error|.
4261 This function will fail in |restricted-mode|.
4262 Unlike ":!cmd" there is no automatic check for changed files.
4263 Use |:checktime| to force a check.
4264
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004265
4266taglist({expr}) *taglist()*
4267 Returns a list of tags matching the regular expression {expr}.
Bram Moolenaard8c00872005-07-22 21:52:15 +00004268 Each list item is a dictionary with at least the following
4269 entries:
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004270 name name of the tag.
4271 filename name of the file where the tag is
4272 defined.
4273 cmd Ex command used to locate the tag in
4274 the file.
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004275 kind type of the tag. The value for this
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004276 entry depends on the language specific
4277 kind values generated by the ctags
4278 tool.
4279 static a file specific tag. Refer to
4280 |static-tag| for more information.
Bram Moolenaar4317d9b2005-03-18 20:25:31 +00004281 The "kind" entry is only available when using Exuberant ctags
4282 generated tags file. More entries may be present, depending
4283 on the content of the tags file: access, implementation,
4284 inherits and signature. Refer to the ctags documentation for
4285 information about these fields. For C code the fields
4286 "struct", "class" and "enum" may appear, they give the name of
4287 the entity the tag is contained in.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004288
Bram Moolenaar4317d9b2005-03-18 20:25:31 +00004289 The ex-command 'cmd' can be either an ex search pattern, a
4290 line number or a line number followed by a byte number.
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004291
4292 If there are no matching tags, then an empty list is returned.
4293
4294 To get an exact tag match, the anchors '^' and '$' should be
4295 used in {expr}. Refer to |tag-regexp| for more information
4296 about the tag search regular expression pattern.
4297
4298 Refer to |'tags'| for information about how the tags file is
4299 located by Vim. Refer to |tags-file-format| for the format of
4300 the tags file generated by the different ctags tools.
4301
Bram Moolenaare7eb9df2005-09-09 19:49:30 +00004302 *tagfiles*
4303tagfiles() Returns a List with the file names used to search for tags for
4304 the current buffer. This is the 'tags' option expanded.
4305
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004306
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004307tempname() *tempname()* *temp-file-name*
4308 The result is a String, which is the name of a file that
4309 doesn't exist. It can be used for a temporary file. The name
4310 is different for at least 26 consecutive calls. Example: >
4311 :let tmpfile = tempname()
4312 :exe "redir > " . tmpfile
4313< For Unix, the file will be in a private directory (only
4314 accessible by the current user) to avoid security problems
4315 (e.g., a symlink attack or other people reading your file).
4316 When Vim exits the directory and all files in it are deleted.
4317 For MS-Windows forward slashes are used when the 'shellslash'
4318 option is set or when 'shellcmdflag' starts with '-'.
4319
4320tolower({expr}) *tolower()*
4321 The result is a copy of the String given, with all uppercase
4322 characters turned into lowercase (just like applying |gu| to
4323 the string).
4324
4325toupper({expr}) *toupper()*
4326 The result is a copy of the String given, with all lowercase
4327 characters turned into uppercase (just like applying |gU| to
4328 the string).
4329
Bram Moolenaar8299df92004-07-10 09:47:34 +00004330tr({src}, {fromstr}, {tostr}) *tr()*
4331 The result is a copy of the {src} string with all characters
4332 which appear in {fromstr} replaced by the character in that
4333 position in the {tostr} string. Thus the first character in
4334 {fromstr} is translated into the first character in {tostr}
4335 and so on. Exactly like the unix "tr" command.
4336 This code also deals with multibyte characters properly.
4337
4338 Examples: >
4339 echo tr("hello there", "ht", "HT")
4340< returns "Hello THere" >
4341 echo tr("<blob>", "<>", "{}")
4342< returns "{blob}"
4343
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00004344 *type()*
4345type({expr}) The result is a Number, depending on the type of {expr}:
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00004346 Number: 0
4347 String: 1
4348 Funcref: 2
4349 List: 3
4350 Dictionary: 4
4351 To avoid the magic numbers it should be used this way: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00004352 :if type(myvar) == type(0)
4353 :if type(myvar) == type("")
4354 :if type(myvar) == type(function("tr"))
4355 :if type(myvar) == type([])
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00004356 :if type(myvar) == type({})
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004357
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00004358values({dict}) *values()*
4359 Return a List with all the values of {dict}. The List is in
4360 arbitrary order.
4361
4362
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004363virtcol({expr}) *virtcol()*
4364 The result is a Number, which is the screen column of the file
4365 position given with {expr}. That is, the last screen position
4366 occupied by the character at that position, when the screen
4367 would be of unlimited width. When there is a <Tab> at the
4368 position, the returned Number will be the column at the end of
4369 the <Tab>. For example, for a <Tab> in column 1, with 'ts'
4370 set to 8, it returns 8.
4371 For the byte position use |col()|.
4372 When Virtual editing is active in the current mode, a position
4373 beyond the end of the line can be returned. |'virtualedit'|
4374 The accepted positions are:
4375 . the cursor position
4376 $ the end of the cursor line (the result is the
4377 number of displayed characters in the cursor line
4378 plus one)
4379 'x position of mark x (if the mark is not set, 0 is
4380 returned)
4381 Note that only marks in the current file can be used.
4382 Examples: >
4383 virtcol(".") with text "foo^Lbar", with cursor on the "^L", returns 5
4384 virtcol("$") with text "foo^Lbar", returns 9
4385 virtcol("'t") with text " there", with 't at 'h', returns 6
4386< The first column is 1. 0 is returned for an error.
4387
4388visualmode([expr]) *visualmode()*
4389 The result is a String, which describes the last Visual mode
4390 used. Initially it returns an empty string, but once Visual
4391 mode has been used, it returns "v", "V", or "<CTRL-V>" (a
4392 single CTRL-V character) for character-wise, line-wise, or
4393 block-wise Visual mode respectively.
4394 Example: >
4395 :exe "normal " . visualmode()
4396< This enters the same Visual mode as before. It is also useful
4397 in scripts if you wish to act differently depending on the
4398 Visual mode that was used.
4399
4400 If an expression is supplied that results in a non-zero number
4401 or a non-empty string, then the Visual mode will be cleared
4402 and the old value is returned. Note that " " and "0" are also
4403 non-empty strings, thus cause the mode to be cleared.
4404
4405 *winbufnr()*
4406winbufnr({nr}) The result is a Number, which is the number of the buffer
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004407 associated with window {nr}. When {nr} is zero, the number of
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004408 the buffer in the current window is returned. When window
4409 {nr} doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
4410 Example: >
4411 :echo "The file in the current window is " . bufname(winbufnr(0))
4412<
4413 *wincol()*
4414wincol() The result is a Number, which is the virtual column of the
4415 cursor in the window. This is counting screen cells from the
4416 left side of the window. The leftmost column is one.
4417
4418winheight({nr}) *winheight()*
4419 The result is a Number, which is the height of window {nr}.
4420 When {nr} is zero, the height of the current window is
4421 returned. When window {nr} doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
4422 An existing window always has a height of zero or more.
4423 Examples: >
4424 :echo "The current window has " . winheight(0) . " lines."
4425<
4426 *winline()*
4427winline() The result is a Number, which is the screen line of the cursor
4428 in the window. This is counting screen lines from the top of
4429 the window. The first line is one.
4430
4431 *winnr()*
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00004432winnr([{arg}]) The result is a Number, which is the number of the current
4433 window. The top window has number 1.
4434 When the optional argument is "$", the number of the
4435 last window is returnd (the window count).
4436 When the optional argument is "#", the number of the last
4437 accessed window is returned (where |CTRL-W_p| goes to).
4438 If there is no previous window 0 is returned.
4439 The number can be used with |CTRL-W_w| and ":wincmd w"
4440 |:wincmd|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004441
4442 *winrestcmd()*
4443winrestcmd() Returns a sequence of |:resize| commands that should restore
4444 the current window sizes. Only works properly when no windows
4445 are opened or closed and the current window is unchanged.
4446 Example: >
4447 :let cmd = winrestcmd()
4448 :call MessWithWindowSizes()
4449 :exe cmd
4450
4451winwidth({nr}) *winwidth()*
4452 The result is a Number, which is the width of window {nr}.
4453 When {nr} is zero, the width of the current window is
4454 returned. When window {nr} doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
4455 An existing window always has a width of zero or more.
4456 Examples: >
4457 :echo "The current window has " . winwidth(0) . " columns."
4458 :if winwidth(0) <= 50
4459 : exe "normal 50\<C-W>|"
4460 :endif
4461<
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00004462 *writefile()*
4463writefile({list}, {fname} [, {binary}])
4464 Write List {list} to file {fname}. Each list item is
4465 separated with a NL. Each list item must be a String or
4466 Number.
4467 When {binary} is equal to "b" binary mode is used: There will
4468 not be a NL after the last list item. An empty item at the
4469 end does cause the last line in the file to end in a NL.
4470 All NL characters are replaced with a NUL character.
4471 Inserting CR characters needs to be done before passing {list}
4472 to writefile().
4473 An existing file is overwritten, if possible.
4474 When the write fails -1 is returned, otherwise 0. There is an
4475 error message if the file can't be created or when writing
4476 fails.
4477 Also see |readfile()|.
4478 To copy a file byte for byte: >
4479 :let fl = readfile("foo", "b")
4480 :call writefile(fl, "foocopy", "b")
4481<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004482
4483 *feature-list*
4484There are three types of features:
44851. Features that are only supported when they have been enabled when Vim
4486 was compiled |+feature-list|. Example: >
4487 :if has("cindent")
44882. Features that are only supported when certain conditions have been met.
4489 Example: >
4490 :if has("gui_running")
4491< *has-patch*
44923. Included patches. First check |v:version| for the version of Vim.
4493 Then the "patch123" feature means that patch 123 has been included for
4494 this version. Example (checking version 6.2.148 or later): >
4495 :if v:version > 602 || v:version == 602 && has("patch148")
4496
4497all_builtin_terms Compiled with all builtin terminals enabled.
4498amiga Amiga version of Vim.
4499arabic Compiled with Arabic support |Arabic|.
4500arp Compiled with ARP support (Amiga).
4501autocmd Compiled with autocommands support.
4502balloon_eval Compiled with |balloon-eval| support.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00004503balloon_multiline GUI supports multiline balloons.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004504beos BeOS version of Vim.
4505browse Compiled with |:browse| support, and browse() will
4506 work.
4507builtin_terms Compiled with some builtin terminals.
4508byte_offset Compiled with support for 'o' in 'statusline'
4509cindent Compiled with 'cindent' support.
4510clientserver Compiled with remote invocation support |clientserver|.
4511clipboard Compiled with 'clipboard' support.
4512cmdline_compl Compiled with |cmdline-completion| support.
4513cmdline_hist Compiled with |cmdline-history| support.
4514cmdline_info Compiled with 'showcmd' and 'ruler' support.
4515comments Compiled with |'comments'| support.
4516cryptv Compiled with encryption support |encryption|.
4517cscope Compiled with |cscope| support.
4518compatible Compiled to be very Vi compatible.
4519debug Compiled with "DEBUG" defined.
4520dialog_con Compiled with console dialog support.
4521dialog_gui Compiled with GUI dialog support.
4522diff Compiled with |vimdiff| and 'diff' support.
4523digraphs Compiled with support for digraphs.
4524dnd Compiled with support for the "~ register |quote_~|.
4525dos32 32 bits DOS (DJGPP) version of Vim.
4526dos16 16 bits DOS version of Vim.
4527ebcdic Compiled on a machine with ebcdic character set.
4528emacs_tags Compiled with support for Emacs tags.
4529eval Compiled with expression evaluation support. Always
4530 true, of course!
4531ex_extra Compiled with extra Ex commands |+ex_extra|.
4532extra_search Compiled with support for |'incsearch'| and
4533 |'hlsearch'|
4534farsi Compiled with Farsi support |farsi|.
4535file_in_path Compiled with support for |gf| and |<cfile>|
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004536filterpipe When 'shelltemp' is off pipes are used for shell
4537 read/write/filter commands
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004538find_in_path Compiled with support for include file searches
4539 |+find_in_path|.
4540fname_case Case in file names matters (for Amiga, MS-DOS, and
4541 Windows this is not present).
4542folding Compiled with |folding| support.
4543footer Compiled with GUI footer support. |gui-footer|
4544fork Compiled to use fork()/exec() instead of system().
4545gettext Compiled with message translation |multi-lang|
4546gui Compiled with GUI enabled.
4547gui_athena Compiled with Athena GUI.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004548gui_gtk Compiled with GTK+ GUI (any version).
4549gui_gtk2 Compiled with GTK+ 2 GUI (gui_gtk is also defined).
Bram Moolenaar843ee412004-06-30 16:16:41 +00004550gui_kde Compiled with KDE GUI |KVim|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004551gui_mac Compiled with Macintosh GUI.
4552gui_motif Compiled with Motif GUI.
4553gui_photon Compiled with Photon GUI.
4554gui_win32 Compiled with MS Windows Win32 GUI.
4555gui_win32s idem, and Win32s system being used (Windows 3.1)
4556gui_running Vim is running in the GUI, or it will start soon.
4557hangul_input Compiled with Hangul input support. |hangul|
4558iconv Can use iconv() for conversion.
4559insert_expand Compiled with support for CTRL-X expansion commands in
4560 Insert mode.
4561jumplist Compiled with |jumplist| support.
4562keymap Compiled with 'keymap' support.
4563langmap Compiled with 'langmap' support.
4564libcall Compiled with |libcall()| support.
4565linebreak Compiled with 'linebreak', 'breakat' and 'showbreak'
4566 support.
4567lispindent Compiled with support for lisp indenting.
4568listcmds Compiled with commands for the buffer list |:files|
4569 and the argument list |arglist|.
4570localmap Compiled with local mappings and abbr. |:map-local|
4571mac Macintosh version of Vim.
4572macunix Macintosh version of Vim, using Unix files (OS-X).
4573menu Compiled with support for |:menu|.
4574mksession Compiled with support for |:mksession|.
4575modify_fname Compiled with file name modifiers. |filename-modifiers|
4576mouse Compiled with support mouse.
4577mouseshape Compiled with support for 'mouseshape'.
4578mouse_dec Compiled with support for Dec terminal mouse.
4579mouse_gpm Compiled with support for gpm (Linux console mouse)
4580mouse_netterm Compiled with support for netterm mouse.
4581mouse_pterm Compiled with support for qnx pterm mouse.
4582mouse_xterm Compiled with support for xterm mouse.
4583multi_byte Compiled with support for editing Korean et al.
4584multi_byte_ime Compiled with support for IME input method.
4585multi_lang Compiled with support for multiple languages.
Bram Moolenaar325b7a22004-07-05 15:58:32 +00004586mzscheme Compiled with MzScheme interface |mzscheme|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004587netbeans_intg Compiled with support for |netbeans|.
Bram Moolenaar009b2592004-10-24 19:18:58 +00004588netbeans_enabled Compiled with support for |netbeans| and it's used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004589ole Compiled with OLE automation support for Win32.
4590os2 OS/2 version of Vim.
4591osfiletype Compiled with support for osfiletypes |+osfiletype|
4592path_extra Compiled with up/downwards search in 'path' and 'tags'
4593perl Compiled with Perl interface.
4594postscript Compiled with PostScript file printing.
4595printer Compiled with |:hardcopy| support.
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00004596profile Compiled with |:profile| support.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004597python Compiled with Python interface.
4598qnx QNX version of Vim.
4599quickfix Compiled with |quickfix| support.
4600rightleft Compiled with 'rightleft' support.
4601ruby Compiled with Ruby interface |ruby|.
4602scrollbind Compiled with 'scrollbind' support.
4603showcmd Compiled with 'showcmd' support.
4604signs Compiled with |:sign| support.
4605smartindent Compiled with 'smartindent' support.
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00004606sniff Compiled with SNiFF interface support.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004607statusline Compiled with support for 'statusline', 'rulerformat'
4608 and special formats of 'titlestring' and 'iconstring'.
4609sun_workshop Compiled with support for Sun |workshop|.
Bram Moolenaar82cf9b62005-06-07 21:09:25 +00004610spell Compiled with spell checking support |spell|.
4611syntax Compiled with syntax highlighting support |syntax|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004612syntax_items There are active syntax highlighting items for the
4613 current buffer.
4614system Compiled to use system() instead of fork()/exec().
4615tag_binary Compiled with binary searching in tags files
4616 |tag-binary-search|.
4617tag_old_static Compiled with support for old static tags
4618 |tag-old-static|.
4619tag_any_white Compiled with support for any white characters in tags
4620 files |tag-any-white|.
4621tcl Compiled with Tcl interface.
4622terminfo Compiled with terminfo instead of termcap.
4623termresponse Compiled with support for |t_RV| and |v:termresponse|.
4624textobjects Compiled with support for |text-objects|.
4625tgetent Compiled with tgetent support, able to use a termcap
4626 or terminfo file.
4627title Compiled with window title support |'title'|.
4628toolbar Compiled with support for |gui-toolbar|.
4629unix Unix version of Vim.
4630user_commands User-defined commands.
4631viminfo Compiled with viminfo support.
4632vim_starting True while initial source'ing takes place.
4633vertsplit Compiled with vertically split windows |:vsplit|.
4634virtualedit Compiled with 'virtualedit' option.
4635visual Compiled with Visual mode.
4636visualextra Compiled with extra Visual mode commands.
4637 |blockwise-operators|.
4638vms VMS version of Vim.
4639vreplace Compiled with |gR| and |gr| commands.
4640wildignore Compiled with 'wildignore' option.
4641wildmenu Compiled with 'wildmenu' option.
4642windows Compiled with support for more than one window.
4643winaltkeys Compiled with 'winaltkeys' option.
4644win16 Win16 version of Vim (MS-Windows 3.1).
4645win32 Win32 version of Vim (MS-Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP).
4646win64 Win64 version of Vim (MS-Windows 64 bit).
4647win32unix Win32 version of Vim, using Unix files (Cygwin)
4648win95 Win32 version for MS-Windows 95/98/ME.
4649writebackup Compiled with 'writebackup' default on.
4650xfontset Compiled with X fontset support |xfontset|.
4651xim Compiled with X input method support |xim|.
4652xsmp Compiled with X session management support.
4653xsmp_interact Compiled with interactive X session management support.
4654xterm_clipboard Compiled with support for xterm clipboard.
4655xterm_save Compiled with support for saving and restoring the
4656 xterm screen.
4657x11 Compiled with X11 support.
4658
4659 *string-match*
4660Matching a pattern in a String
4661
4662A regexp pattern as explained at |pattern| is normally used to find a match in
4663the buffer lines. When a pattern is used to find a match in a String, almost
4664everything works in the same way. The difference is that a String is handled
4665like it is one line. When it contains a "\n" character, this is not seen as a
4666line break for the pattern. It can be matched with a "\n" in the pattern, or
4667with ".". Example: >
4668 :let a = "aaaa\nxxxx"
4669 :echo matchstr(a, "..\n..")
4670 aa
4671 xx
4672 :echo matchstr(a, "a.x")
4673 a
4674 x
4675
4676Don't forget that "^" will only match at the first character of the String and
4677"$" at the last character of the string. They don't match after or before a
4678"\n".
4679
4680==============================================================================
46815. Defining functions *user-functions*
4682
4683New functions can be defined. These can be called just like builtin
4684functions. The function executes a sequence of Ex commands. Normal mode
4685commands can be executed with the |:normal| command.
4686
4687The function name must start with an uppercase letter, to avoid confusion with
4688builtin functions. To prevent from using the same name in different scripts
4689avoid obvious, short names. A good habit is to start the function name with
4690the name of the script, e.g., "HTMLcolor()".
4691
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00004692It's also possible to use curly braces, see |curly-braces-names|. And the
4693|autoload| facility is useful to define a function only when it's called.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004694
4695 *local-function*
4696A function local to a script must start with "s:". A local script function
4697can only be called from within the script and from functions, user commands
4698and autocommands defined in the script. It is also possible to call the
4699function from a mappings defined in the script, but then |<SID>| must be used
4700instead of "s:" when the mapping is expanded outside of the script.
4701
4702 *:fu* *:function* *E128* *E129* *E123*
4703:fu[nction] List all functions and their arguments.
4704
4705:fu[nction] {name} List function {name}.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004706 {name} can also be a Dictionary entry that is a
4707 Funcref: >
4708 :function dict.init
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00004709
4710:fu[nction] /{pattern} List functions with a name matching {pattern}.
4711 Example that lists all functions ending with "File": >
4712 :function /File$
Bram Moolenaar5b8d8fd2005-08-16 23:01:50 +00004713<
4714 *:function-verbose*
4715When 'verbose' is non-zero, listing a function will also display where it was
4716last defined. Example: >
4717
4718 :verbose function SetFileTypeSH
4719 function SetFileTypeSH(name)
4720 Last set from /usr/share/vim/vim-7.0/filetype.vim
4721<
Bram Moolenaar8aff23a2005-08-19 20:40:30 +00004722See |:verbose-cmd| for more information.
Bram Moolenaar5b8d8fd2005-08-16 23:01:50 +00004723
4724 *E124* *E125*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00004725:fu[nction][!] {name}([arguments]) [range] [abort] [dict]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004726 Define a new function by the name {name}. The name
4727 must be made of alphanumeric characters and '_', and
4728 must start with a capital or "s:" (see above).
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004729
4730 {name} can also be a Dictionary entry that is a
4731 Funcref: >
4732 :function dict.init(arg)
4733< "dict" must be an existing dictionary. The entry
4734 "init" is added if it didn't exist yet. Otherwise [!]
4735 is required to overwrite an existing function. The
4736 result is a |Funcref| to a numbered function. The
4737 function can only be used with a |Funcref| and will be
4738 deleted if there are no more references to it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004739 *E127* *E122*
4740 When a function by this name already exists and [!] is
4741 not used an error message is given. When [!] is used,
4742 an existing function is silently replaced. Unless it
4743 is currently being executed, that is an error.
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00004744
4745 For the {arguments} see |function-argument|.
4746
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004747 *a:firstline* *a:lastline*
4748 When the [range] argument is added, the function is
4749 expected to take care of a range itself. The range is
4750 passed as "a:firstline" and "a:lastline". If [range]
4751 is excluded, ":{range}call" will call the function for
4752 each line in the range, with the cursor on the start
4753 of each line. See |function-range-example|.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004754
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004755 When the [abort] argument is added, the function will
4756 abort as soon as an error is detected.
4757 The last used search pattern and the redo command "."
4758 will not be changed by the function.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004759
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00004760 When the [dict] argument is added, the function must
4761 be invoked through an entry in a Dictionary. The
4762 local variable "self" will then be set to the
4763 dictionary. See |Dictionary-function|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004764
4765 *:endf* *:endfunction* *E126* *E193*
4766:endf[unction] The end of a function definition. Must be on a line
4767 by its own, without other commands.
4768
4769 *:delf* *:delfunction* *E130* *E131*
4770:delf[unction] {name} Delete function {name}.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004771 {name} can also be a Dictionary entry that is a
4772 Funcref: >
4773 :delfunc dict.init
4774< This will remove the "init" entry from "dict". The
4775 function is deleted if there are no more references to
4776 it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004777 *:retu* *:return* *E133*
4778:retu[rn] [expr] Return from a function. When "[expr]" is given, it is
4779 evaluated and returned as the result of the function.
4780 If "[expr]" is not given, the number 0 is returned.
4781 When a function ends without an explicit ":return",
4782 the number 0 is returned.
4783 Note that there is no check for unreachable lines,
4784 thus there is no warning if commands follow ":return".
4785
4786 If the ":return" is used after a |:try| but before the
4787 matching |:finally| (if present), the commands
4788 following the ":finally" up to the matching |:endtry|
4789 are executed first. This process applies to all
4790 nested ":try"s inside the function. The function
4791 returns at the outermost ":endtry".
4792
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00004793 *function-argument* *a:var*
4794An argument can be defined by giving its name. In the function this can then
4795be used as "a:name" ("a:" for argument).
4796 *a:0* *a:1* *a:000* *E740*
4797Up to 20 arguments can be given, separated by commas. After the named
4798arguments an argument "..." can be specified, which means that more arguments
4799may optionally be following. In the function the extra arguments can be used
4800as "a:1", "a:2", etc. "a:0" is set to the number of extra arguments (which
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00004801can be 0). "a:000" is set to a List that contains these arguments. Note that
4802"a:1" is the same as "a:000[0]".
4803 *E742*
4804The a: scope and the variables in it cannot be changed, they are fixed.
4805However, if a List or Dictionary is used, you can changes their contents.
4806Thus you can pass a List to a function and have the function add an item to
4807it. If you want to make sure the function cannot change a List or Dictionary
4808use |:lockvar|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004809
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00004810When not using "...", the number of arguments in a function call must be equal
4811to the number of named arguments. When using "...", the number of arguments
4812may be larger.
4813
4814It is also possible to define a function without any arguments. You must
4815still supply the () then. The body of the function follows in the next lines,
4816until the matching |:endfunction|. It is allowed to define another function
4817inside a function body.
4818
4819 *local-variables*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004820Inside a function variables can be used. These are local variables, which
4821will disappear when the function returns. Global variables need to be
4822accessed with "g:".
4823
4824Example: >
4825 :function Table(title, ...)
4826 : echohl Title
4827 : echo a:title
4828 : echohl None
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00004829 : echo a:0 . " items:"
4830 : for s in a:000
4831 : echon ' ' . s
4832 : endfor
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004833 :endfunction
4834
4835This function can then be called with: >
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00004836 call Table("Table", "line1", "line2")
4837 call Table("Empty Table")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004838
4839To return more than one value, pass the name of a global variable: >
4840 :function Compute(n1, n2, divname)
4841 : if a:n2 == 0
4842 : return "fail"
4843 : endif
4844 : let g:{a:divname} = a:n1 / a:n2
4845 : return "ok"
4846 :endfunction
4847
4848This function can then be called with: >
4849 :let success = Compute(13, 1324, "div")
4850 :if success == "ok"
4851 : echo div
4852 :endif
4853
4854An alternative is to return a command that can be executed. This also works
4855with local variables in a calling function. Example: >
4856 :function Foo()
4857 : execute Bar()
4858 : echo "line " . lnum . " column " . col
4859 :endfunction
4860
4861 :function Bar()
4862 : return "let lnum = " . line(".") . " | let col = " . col(".")
4863 :endfunction
4864
4865The names "lnum" and "col" could also be passed as argument to Bar(), to allow
4866the caller to set the names.
4867
4868 *:cal* *:call* *E107*
4869:[range]cal[l] {name}([arguments])
4870 Call a function. The name of the function and its arguments
4871 are as specified with |:function|. Up to 20 arguments can be
4872 used.
4873 Without a range and for functions that accept a range, the
4874 function is called once. When a range is given the cursor is
4875 positioned at the start of the first line before executing the
4876 function.
4877 When a range is given and the function doesn't handle it
4878 itself, the function is executed for each line in the range,
4879 with the cursor in the first column of that line. The cursor
4880 is left at the last line (possibly moved by the last function
4881 call). The arguments are re-evaluated for each line. Thus
4882 this works:
4883 *function-range-example* >
4884 :function Mynumber(arg)
4885 : echo line(".") . " " . a:arg
4886 :endfunction
4887 :1,5call Mynumber(getline("."))
4888<
4889 The "a:firstline" and "a:lastline" are defined anyway, they
4890 can be used to do something different at the start or end of
4891 the range.
4892
4893 Example of a function that handles the range itself: >
4894
4895 :function Cont() range
4896 : execute (a:firstline + 1) . "," . a:lastline . 's/^/\t\\ '
4897 :endfunction
4898 :4,8call Cont()
4899<
4900 This function inserts the continuation character "\" in front
4901 of all the lines in the range, except the first one.
4902
4903 *E132*
4904The recursiveness of user functions is restricted with the |'maxfuncdepth'|
4905option.
4906
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00004907
4908AUTOMATICALLY LOADING FUNCTIONS ~
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004909 *autoload-functions*
4910When using many or large functions, it's possible to automatically define them
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00004911only when they are used. There are two methods: with an autocommand and with
4912the "autoload" directory in 'runtimepath'.
4913
4914
4915Using an autocommand ~
4916
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00004917This is introduced in the user manual, section |41.14|.
4918
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00004919The autocommand is useful if you have a plugin that is a long Vim script file.
4920You can define the autocommand and quickly quit the script with |:finish|.
4921That makes Vim startup faster. The autocommand should then load the same file
4922again, setting a variable to skip the |:finish| command.
4923
4924Use the FuncUndefined autocommand event with a pattern that matches the
4925function(s) to be defined. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004926
4927 :au FuncUndefined BufNet* source ~/vim/bufnetfuncs.vim
4928
4929The file "~/vim/bufnetfuncs.vim" should then define functions that start with
4930"BufNet". Also see |FuncUndefined|.
4931
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00004932
4933Using an autoload script ~
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004934 *autoload* *E746*
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00004935This is introduced in the user manual, section |41.15|.
4936
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00004937Using a script in the "autoload" directory is simpler, but requires using
4938exactly the right file name. A function that can be autoloaded has a name
4939like this: >
4940
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00004941 :call filename#funcname()
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00004942
4943When such a function is called, and it is not defined yet, Vim will search the
4944"autoload" directories in 'runtimepath' for a script file called
4945"filename.vim". For example "~/.vim/autoload/filename.vim". That file should
4946then define the function like this: >
4947
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00004948 function filename#funcname()
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00004949 echo "Done!"
4950 endfunction
4951
4952The file name and the name used before the colon in the function must match
4953exactly, and the defined function must have the name exactly as it will be
4954called.
4955
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00004956It is possible to use subdirectories. Every # in the function name works like
4957a path separator. Thus when calling a function: >
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00004958
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00004959 :call foo#bar#func()
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00004960
4961Vim will look for the file "autoload/foo/bar.vim" in 'runtimepath'.
4962
4963The name before the first colon must be at least two characters long,
4964otherwise it looks like a scope, such as "s:".
4965
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004966This also works when reading a variable that has not been set yet: >
4967
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00004968 :let l = foo#bar#lvar
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004969
4970When assigning a value to such a variable nothing special happens. This can
4971be used to pass settings to the autoload script before it's loaded: >
4972
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00004973 :let foo#bar#toggle = 1
4974 :call foo#bar#func()
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004975
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00004976Note that when you make a mistake and call a function that is supposed to be
4977defined in an autoload script, but the script doesn't actually define the
4978function, the script will be sourced every time you try to call the function.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004979And you will get an error message every time.
4980
4981Also note that if you have two script files, and one calls a function in the
4982other and vise versa, before the used function is defined, it won't work.
4983Avoid using the autoload functionality at the toplevel.
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00004984
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004985==============================================================================
49866. Curly braces names *curly-braces-names*
4987
4988Wherever you can use a variable, you can use a "curly braces name" variable.
4989This is a regular variable name with one or more expressions wrapped in braces
4990{} like this: >
4991 my_{adjective}_variable
4992
4993When Vim encounters this, it evaluates the expression inside the braces, puts
4994that in place of the expression, and re-interprets the whole as a variable
4995name. So in the above example, if the variable "adjective" was set to
4996"noisy", then the reference would be to "my_noisy_variable", whereas if
4997"adjective" was set to "quiet", then it would be to "my_quiet_variable".
4998
4999One application for this is to create a set of variables governed by an option
5000value. For example, the statement >
5001 echo my_{&background}_message
5002
5003would output the contents of "my_dark_message" or "my_light_message" depending
5004on the current value of 'background'.
5005
5006You can use multiple brace pairs: >
5007 echo my_{adverb}_{adjective}_message
5008..or even nest them: >
5009 echo my_{ad{end_of_word}}_message
5010where "end_of_word" is either "verb" or "jective".
5011
5012However, the expression inside the braces must evaluate to a valid single
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00005013variable name, e.g. this is invalid: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005014 :let foo='a + b'
5015 :echo c{foo}d
5016.. since the result of expansion is "ca + bd", which is not a variable name.
5017
5018 *curly-braces-function-names*
5019You can call and define functions by an evaluated name in a similar way.
5020Example: >
5021 :let func_end='whizz'
5022 :call my_func_{func_end}(parameter)
5023
5024This would call the function "my_func_whizz(parameter)".
5025
5026==============================================================================
50277. Commands *expression-commands*
5028
5029:let {var-name} = {expr1} *:let* *E18*
5030 Set internal variable {var-name} to the result of the
5031 expression {expr1}. The variable will get the type
5032 from the {expr}. If {var-name} didn't exist yet, it
5033 is created.
5034
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00005035:let {var-name}[{idx}] = {expr1} *E689*
5036 Set a list item to the result of the expression
5037 {expr1}. {var-name} must refer to a list and {idx}
5038 must be a valid index in that list. For nested list
5039 the index can be repeated.
5040 This cannot be used to add an item to a list.
5041
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005042 *E711* *E719*
5043:let {var-name}[{idx1}:{idx2}] = {expr1} *E708* *E709* *E710*
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00005044 Set a sequence of items in a List to the result of the
5045 expression {expr1}, which must be a list with the
5046 correct number of items.
5047 {idx1} can be omitted, zero is used instead.
5048 {idx2} can be omitted, meaning the end of the list.
5049 When the selected range of items is partly past the
5050 end of the list, items will be added.
5051
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00005052 *:let+=* *:let-=* *:let.=* *E734*
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005053:let {var} += {expr1} Like ":let {var} = {var} + {expr1}".
5054:let {var} -= {expr1} Like ":let {var} = {var} - {expr1}".
5055:let {var} .= {expr1} Like ":let {var} = {var} . {expr1}".
5056 These fail if {var} was not set yet and when the type
5057 of {var} and {expr1} don't fit the operator.
5058
5059
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005060:let ${env-name} = {expr1} *:let-environment* *:let-$*
5061 Set environment variable {env-name} to the result of
5062 the expression {expr1}. The type is always String.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005063:let ${env-name} .= {expr1}
5064 Append {expr1} to the environment variable {env-name}.
5065 If the environment variable didn't exist yet this
5066 works like "=".
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005067
5068:let @{reg-name} = {expr1} *:let-register* *:let-@*
5069 Write the result of the expression {expr1} in register
5070 {reg-name}. {reg-name} must be a single letter, and
5071 must be the name of a writable register (see
5072 |registers|). "@@" can be used for the unnamed
5073 register, "@/" for the search pattern.
5074 If the result of {expr1} ends in a <CR> or <NL>, the
5075 register will be linewise, otherwise it will be set to
5076 characterwise.
5077 This can be used to clear the last search pattern: >
5078 :let @/ = ""
5079< This is different from searching for an empty string,
5080 that would match everywhere.
5081
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005082:let @{reg-name} .= {expr1}
5083 Append {expr1} to register {reg-name}. If the
5084 register was empty it's like setting it to {expr1}.
5085
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005086:let &{option-name} = {expr1} *:let-option* *:let-star*
5087 Set option {option-name} to the result of the
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00005088 expression {expr1}. A String or Number value is
5089 always converted to the type of the option.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005090 For an option local to a window or buffer the effect
5091 is just like using the |:set| command: both the local
5092 value and the global value is changed.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00005093 Example: >
5094 :let &path = &path . ',/usr/local/include'
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005095
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005096:let &{option-name} .= {expr1}
5097 For a string option: Append {expr1} to the value.
5098 Does not insert a comma like |:set+=|.
5099
5100:let &{option-name} += {expr1}
5101:let &{option-name} -= {expr1}
5102 For a number or boolean option: Add or subtract
5103 {expr1}.
5104
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005105:let &l:{option-name} = {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005106:let &l:{option-name} .= {expr1}
5107:let &l:{option-name} += {expr1}
5108:let &l:{option-name} -= {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005109 Like above, but only set the local value of an option
5110 (if there is one). Works like |:setlocal|.
5111
5112:let &g:{option-name} = {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005113:let &g:{option-name} .= {expr1}
5114:let &g:{option-name} += {expr1}
5115:let &g:{option-name} -= {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005116 Like above, but only set the global value of an option
5117 (if there is one). Works like |:setglobal|.
5118
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00005119:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] = {expr1} *:let-unpack* *E687* *E688*
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00005120 {expr1} must evaluate to a List. The first item in
5121 the list is assigned to {name1}, the second item to
5122 {name2}, etc.
5123 The number of names must match the number of items in
5124 the List.
5125 Each name can be one of the items of the ":let"
5126 command as mentioned above.
5127 Example: >
5128 :let [s, item] = GetItem(s)
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005129< Detail: {expr1} is evaluated first, then the
5130 assignments are done in sequence. This matters if
5131 {name2} depends on {name1}. Example: >
5132 :let x = [0, 1]
5133 :let i = 0
5134 :let [i, x[i]] = [1, 2]
5135 :echo x
5136< The result is [0, 2].
5137
5138:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] .= {expr1}
5139:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] += {expr1}
5140:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] -= {expr1}
5141 Like above, but append/add/subtract the value for each
5142 List item.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00005143
5144:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] = {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00005145 Like |:let-unpack| above, but the List may have more
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005146 items than there are names. A list of the remaining
5147 items is assigned to {lastname}. If there are no
5148 remaining items {lastname} is set to an empty list.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00005149 Example: >
5150 :let [a, b; rest] = ["aval", "bval", 3, 4]
5151<
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005152:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] .= {expr1}
5153:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] += {expr1}
5154:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] -= {expr1}
5155 Like above, but append/add/subtract the value for each
5156 List item.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005157 *E106*
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005158:let {var-name} .. List the value of variable {var-name}. Multiple
Bram Moolenaardcaf10e2005-01-21 11:55:25 +00005159 variable names may be given. Special names recognized
5160 here: *E738*
5161 g: global variables.
5162 b: local buffer variables.
5163 w: local window variables.
5164 v: Vim variables.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005165
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00005166:let List the values of all variables. The type of the
5167 variable is indicated before the value:
5168 <nothing> String
5169 # Number
5170 * Funcref
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005171
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00005172
5173:unl[et][!] {name} ... *:unlet* *:unl* *E108*
5174 Remove the internal variable {name}. Several variable
5175 names can be given, they are all removed. The name
5176 may also be a List or Dictionary item.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005177 With [!] no error message is given for non-existing
5178 variables.
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +00005179 One or more items from a List can be removed: >
5180 :unlet list[3] " remove fourth item
5181 :unlet list[3:] " remove fourth item to last
5182< One item from a Dictionary can be removed at a time: >
5183 :unlet dict['two']
5184 :unlet dict.two
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005185
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00005186:lockv[ar][!] [depth] {name} ... *:lockvar* *:lockv*
5187 Lock the internal variable {name}. Locking means that
5188 it can no longer be changed (until it is unlocked).
5189 A locked variable can be deleted: >
5190 :lockvar v
5191 :let v = 'asdf' " fails!
5192 :unlet v
5193< *E741*
5194 If you try to change a locked variable you get an
5195 error message: "E741: Value of {name} is locked"
5196
5197 [depth] is relevant when locking a List or Dictionary.
5198 It specifies how deep the locking goes:
5199 1 Lock the List or Dictionary itself,
5200 cannot add or remove items, but can
5201 still change their values.
5202 2 Also lock the values, cannot change
5203 the items. If an item is a List or
5204 Dictionary, cannot add or remove
5205 items, but can still change the
5206 values.
5207 3 Like 2 but for the List/Dictionary in
5208 the List/Dictionary, one level deeper.
5209 The default [depth] is 2, thus when {name} is a List
5210 or Dictionary the values cannot be changed.
5211 *E743*
5212 For unlimited depth use [!] and omit [depth].
5213 However, there is a maximum depth of 100 to catch
5214 loops.
5215
5216 Note that when two variables refer to the same List
5217 and you lock one of them, the List will also be locked
5218 when used through the other variable. Example: >
5219 :let l = [0, 1, 2, 3]
5220 :let cl = l
5221 :lockvar l
5222 :let cl[1] = 99 " won't work!
5223< You may want to make a copy of a list to avoid this.
5224 See |deepcopy()|.
5225
5226
5227:unlo[ckvar][!] [depth] {name} ... *:unlockvar* *:unlo*
5228 Unlock the internal variable {name}. Does the
5229 opposite of |:lockvar|.
5230
5231
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005232:if {expr1} *:if* *:endif* *:en* *E171* *E579* *E580*
5233:en[dif] Execute the commands until the next matching ":else"
5234 or ":endif" if {expr1} evaluates to non-zero.
5235
5236 From Vim version 4.5 until 5.0, every Ex command in
5237 between the ":if" and ":endif" is ignored. These two
5238 commands were just to allow for future expansions in a
5239 backwards compatible way. Nesting was allowed. Note
5240 that any ":else" or ":elseif" was ignored, the "else"
5241 part was not executed either.
5242
5243 You can use this to remain compatible with older
5244 versions: >
5245 :if version >= 500
5246 : version-5-specific-commands
5247 :endif
5248< The commands still need to be parsed to find the
5249 "endif". Sometimes an older Vim has a problem with a
5250 new command. For example, ":silent" is recognized as
5251 a ":substitute" command. In that case ":execute" can
5252 avoid problems: >
5253 :if version >= 600
5254 : execute "silent 1,$delete"
5255 :endif
5256<
5257 NOTE: The ":append" and ":insert" commands don't work
5258 properly in between ":if" and ":endif".
5259
5260 *:else* *:el* *E581* *E583*
5261:el[se] Execute the commands until the next matching ":else"
5262 or ":endif" if they previously were not being
5263 executed.
5264
5265 *:elseif* *:elsei* *E582* *E584*
5266:elsei[f] {expr1} Short for ":else" ":if", with the addition that there
5267 is no extra ":endif".
5268
5269:wh[ile] {expr1} *:while* *:endwhile* *:wh* *:endw*
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005270 *E170* *E585* *E588* *E733*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005271:endw[hile] Repeat the commands between ":while" and ":endwhile",
5272 as long as {expr1} evaluates to non-zero.
5273 When an error is detected from a command inside the
5274 loop, execution continues after the "endwhile".
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005275 Example: >
5276 :let lnum = 1
5277 :while lnum <= line("$")
5278 :call FixLine(lnum)
5279 :let lnum = lnum + 1
5280 :endwhile
5281<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005282 NOTE: The ":append" and ":insert" commands don't work
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00005283 properly inside a ":while" and ":for" loop.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005284
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005285:for {var} in {list} *:for* *E690* *E732*
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005286:endfo[r] *:endfo* *:endfor*
5287 Repeat the commands between ":for" and ":endfor" for
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00005288 each item in {list}. Variable {var} is set to the
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00005289 value of each item.
5290 When an error is detected for a command inside the
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005291 loop, execution continues after the "endfor".
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00005292 Changing {list} inside the loop affects what items are
5293 used. Make a copy if this is unwanted: >
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00005294 :for item in copy(mylist)
5295< When not making a copy, Vim stores a reference to the
5296 next item in the list, before executing the commands
5297 with the current item. Thus the current item can be
5298 removed without effect. Removing any later item means
5299 it will not be found. Thus the following example
5300 works (an inefficient way to make a list empty): >
5301 :for item in mylist
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005302 :call remove(mylist, 0)
5303 :endfor
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00005304< Note that reordering the list (e.g., with sort() or
5305 reverse()) may have unexpected effects.
5306 Note that the type of each list item should be
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005307 identical to avoid errors for the type of {var}
5308 changing. Unlet the variable at the end of the loop
5309 to allow multiple item types.
5310
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005311:for [{var1}, {var2}, ...] in {listlist}
5312:endfo[r]
5313 Like ":for" above, but each item in {listlist} must be
5314 a list, of which each item is assigned to {var1},
5315 {var2}, etc. Example: >
5316 :for [lnum, col] in [[1, 3], [2, 5], [3, 8]]
5317 :echo getline(lnum)[col]
5318 :endfor
5319<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005320 *:continue* *:con* *E586*
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005321:con[tinue] When used inside a ":while" or ":for" loop, jumps back
5322 to the start of the loop.
5323 If it is used after a |:try| inside the loop but
5324 before the matching |:finally| (if present), the
5325 commands following the ":finally" up to the matching
5326 |:endtry| are executed first. This process applies to
5327 all nested ":try"s inside the loop. The outermost
5328 ":endtry" then jumps back to the start of the loop.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005329
5330 *:break* *:brea* *E587*
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005331:brea[k] When used inside a ":while" or ":for" loop, skips to
5332 the command after the matching ":endwhile" or
5333 ":endfor".
5334 If it is used after a |:try| inside the loop but
5335 before the matching |:finally| (if present), the
5336 commands following the ":finally" up to the matching
5337 |:endtry| are executed first. This process applies to
5338 all nested ":try"s inside the loop. The outermost
5339 ":endtry" then jumps to the command after the loop.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005340
5341:try *:try* *:endt* *:endtry* *E600* *E601* *E602*
5342:endt[ry] Change the error handling for the commands between
5343 ":try" and ":endtry" including everything being
5344 executed across ":source" commands, function calls,
5345 or autocommand invocations.
5346
5347 When an error or interrupt is detected and there is
5348 a |:finally| command following, execution continues
5349 after the ":finally". Otherwise, or when the
5350 ":endtry" is reached thereafter, the next
5351 (dynamically) surrounding ":try" is checked for
5352 a corresponding ":finally" etc. Then the script
5353 processing is terminated. (Whether a function
5354 definition has an "abort" argument does not matter.)
5355 Example: >
5356 :try | edit too much | finally | echo "cleanup" | endtry
5357 :echo "impossible" " not reached, script terminated above
5358<
5359 Moreover, an error or interrupt (dynamically) inside
5360 ":try" and ":endtry" is converted to an exception. It
5361 can be caught as if it were thrown by a |:throw|
5362 command (see |:catch|). In this case, the script
5363 processing is not terminated.
5364
5365 The value "Vim:Interrupt" is used for an interrupt
5366 exception. An error in a Vim command is converted
5367 to a value of the form "Vim({command}):{errmsg}",
5368 other errors are converted to a value of the form
5369 "Vim:{errmsg}". {command} is the full command name,
5370 and {errmsg} is the message that is displayed if the
5371 error exception is not caught, always beginning with
5372 the error number.
5373 Examples: >
5374 :try | sleep 100 | catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/ | endtry
5375 :try | edit | catch /^Vim(edit):E\d\+/ | echo "error" | endtry
5376<
5377 *:cat* *:catch* *E603* *E604* *E605*
5378:cat[ch] /{pattern}/ The following commands until the next ":catch",
5379 |:finally|, or |:endtry| that belongs to the same
5380 |:try| as the ":catch" are executed when an exception
5381 matching {pattern} is being thrown and has not yet
5382 been caught by a previous ":catch". Otherwise, these
5383 commands are skipped.
5384 When {pattern} is omitted all errors are caught.
5385 Examples: >
5386 :catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/ " catch interrupts (CTRL-C)
5387 :catch /^Vim\%((\a\+)\)\=:E/ " catch all Vim errors
5388 :catch /^Vim\%((\a\+)\)\=:/ " catch errors and interrupts
5389 :catch /^Vim(write):/ " catch all errors in :write
5390 :catch /^Vim\%((\a\+)\)\=:E123/ " catch error E123
5391 :catch /my-exception/ " catch user exception
5392 :catch /.*/ " catch everything
5393 :catch " same as /.*/
5394<
5395 Another character can be used instead of / around the
5396 {pattern}, so long as it does not have a special
5397 meaning (e.g., '|' or '"') and doesn't occur inside
5398 {pattern}.
5399 NOTE: It is not reliable to ":catch" the TEXT of
5400 an error message because it may vary in different
5401 locales.
5402
5403 *:fina* *:finally* *E606* *E607*
5404:fina[lly] The following commands until the matching |:endtry|
5405 are executed whenever the part between the matching
5406 |:try| and the ":finally" is left: either by falling
5407 through to the ":finally" or by a |:continue|,
5408 |:break|, |:finish|, or |:return|, or by an error or
5409 interrupt or exception (see |:throw|).
5410
5411 *:th* *:throw* *E608*
5412:th[row] {expr1} The {expr1} is evaluated and thrown as an exception.
5413 If the ":throw" is used after a |:try| but before the
5414 first corresponding |:catch|, commands are skipped
5415 until the first ":catch" matching {expr1} is reached.
5416 If there is no such ":catch" or if the ":throw" is
5417 used after a ":catch" but before the |:finally|, the
5418 commands following the ":finally" (if present) up to
5419 the matching |:endtry| are executed. If the ":throw"
5420 is after the ":finally", commands up to the ":endtry"
5421 are skipped. At the ":endtry", this process applies
5422 again for the next dynamically surrounding ":try"
5423 (which may be found in a calling function or sourcing
5424 script), until a matching ":catch" has been found.
5425 If the exception is not caught, the command processing
5426 is terminated.
5427 Example: >
5428 :try | throw "oops" | catch /^oo/ | echo "caught" | endtry
5429<
5430
5431 *:ec* *:echo*
5432:ec[ho] {expr1} .. Echoes each {expr1}, with a space in between. The
5433 first {expr1} starts on a new line.
5434 Also see |:comment|.
5435 Use "\n" to start a new line. Use "\r" to move the
5436 cursor to the first column.
5437 Uses the highlighting set by the |:echohl| command.
5438 Cannot be followed by a comment.
5439 Example: >
5440 :echo "the value of 'shell' is" &shell
5441< A later redraw may make the message disappear again.
5442 To avoid that a command from before the ":echo" causes
5443 a redraw afterwards (redraws are often postponed until
5444 you type something), force a redraw with the |:redraw|
5445 command. Example: >
5446 :new | redraw | echo "there is a new window"
5447<
5448 *:echon*
5449:echon {expr1} .. Echoes each {expr1}, without anything added. Also see
5450 |:comment|.
5451 Uses the highlighting set by the |:echohl| command.
5452 Cannot be followed by a comment.
5453 Example: >
5454 :echon "the value of 'shell' is " &shell
5455<
5456 Note the difference between using ":echo", which is a
5457 Vim command, and ":!echo", which is an external shell
5458 command: >
5459 :!echo % --> filename
5460< The arguments of ":!" are expanded, see |:_%|. >
5461 :!echo "%" --> filename or "filename"
5462< Like the previous example. Whether you see the double
5463 quotes or not depends on your 'shell'. >
5464 :echo % --> nothing
5465< The '%' is an illegal character in an expression. >
5466 :echo "%" --> %
5467< This just echoes the '%' character. >
5468 :echo expand("%") --> filename
5469< This calls the expand() function to expand the '%'.
5470
5471 *:echoh* *:echohl*
5472:echoh[l] {name} Use the highlight group {name} for the following
5473 |:echo|, |:echon| and |:echomsg| commands. Also used
5474 for the |input()| prompt. Example: >
5475 :echohl WarningMsg | echo "Don't panic!" | echohl None
5476< Don't forget to set the group back to "None",
5477 otherwise all following echo's will be highlighted.
5478
5479 *:echom* *:echomsg*
5480:echom[sg] {expr1} .. Echo the expression(s) as a true message, saving the
5481 message in the |message-history|.
5482 Spaces are placed between the arguments as with the
5483 |:echo| command. But unprintable characters are
5484 displayed, not interpreted.
5485 Uses the highlighting set by the |:echohl| command.
5486 Example: >
5487 :echomsg "It's a Zizzer Zazzer Zuzz, as you can plainly see."
5488<
5489 *:echoe* *:echoerr*
5490:echoe[rr] {expr1} .. Echo the expression(s) as an error message, saving the
5491 message in the |message-history|. When used in a
5492 script or function the line number will be added.
5493 Spaces are placed between the arguments as with the
5494 :echo command. When used inside a try conditional,
5495 the message is raised as an error exception instead
5496 (see |try-echoerr|).
5497 Example: >
5498 :echoerr "This script just failed!"
5499< If you just want a highlighted message use |:echohl|.
5500 And to get a beep: >
5501 :exe "normal \<Esc>"
5502<
5503 *:exe* *:execute*
5504:exe[cute] {expr1} .. Executes the string that results from the evaluation
5505 of {expr1} as an Ex command. Multiple arguments are
5506 concatenated, with a space in between. {expr1} is
5507 used as the processed command, command line editing
5508 keys are not recognized.
5509 Cannot be followed by a comment.
5510 Examples: >
5511 :execute "buffer " nextbuf
5512 :execute "normal " count . "w"
5513<
5514 ":execute" can be used to append a command to commands
5515 that don't accept a '|'. Example: >
5516 :execute '!ls' | echo "theend"
5517
5518< ":execute" is also a nice way to avoid having to type
5519 control characters in a Vim script for a ":normal"
5520 command: >
5521 :execute "normal ixxx\<Esc>"
5522< This has an <Esc> character, see |expr-string|.
5523
5524 Note: The executed string may be any command-line, but
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00005525 you cannot start or end a "while", "for" or "if"
5526 command. Thus this is illegal: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005527 :execute 'while i > 5'
5528 :execute 'echo "test" | break'
5529<
5530 It is allowed to have a "while" or "if" command
5531 completely in the executed string: >
5532 :execute 'while i < 5 | echo i | let i = i + 1 | endwhile'
5533<
5534
5535 *:comment*
5536 ":execute", ":echo" and ":echon" cannot be followed by
5537 a comment directly, because they see the '"' as the
5538 start of a string. But, you can use '|' followed by a
5539 comment. Example: >
5540 :echo "foo" | "this is a comment
5541
5542==============================================================================
55438. Exception handling *exception-handling*
5544
5545The Vim script language comprises an exception handling feature. This section
5546explains how it can be used in a Vim script.
5547
5548Exceptions may be raised by Vim on an error or on interrupt, see
5549|catch-errors| and |catch-interrupt|. You can also explicitly throw an
5550exception by using the ":throw" command, see |throw-catch|.
5551
5552
5553TRY CONDITIONALS *try-conditionals*
5554
5555Exceptions can be caught or can cause cleanup code to be executed. You can
5556use a try conditional to specify catch clauses (that catch exceptions) and/or
5557a finally clause (to be executed for cleanup).
5558 A try conditional begins with a |:try| command and ends at the matching
5559|:endtry| command. In between, you can use a |:catch| command to start
5560a catch clause, or a |:finally| command to start a finally clause. There may
5561be none or multiple catch clauses, but there is at most one finally clause,
5562which must not be followed by any catch clauses. The lines before the catch
5563clauses and the finally clause is called a try block. >
5564
5565 :try
5566 : ...
5567 : ... TRY BLOCK
5568 : ...
5569 :catch /{pattern}/
5570 : ...
5571 : ... CATCH CLAUSE
5572 : ...
5573 :catch /{pattern}/
5574 : ...
5575 : ... CATCH CLAUSE
5576 : ...
5577 :finally
5578 : ...
5579 : ... FINALLY CLAUSE
5580 : ...
5581 :endtry
5582
5583The try conditional allows to watch code for exceptions and to take the
5584appropriate actions. Exceptions from the try block may be caught. Exceptions
5585from the try block and also the catch clauses may cause cleanup actions.
5586 When no exception is thrown during execution of the try block, the control
5587is transferred to the finally clause, if present. After its execution, the
5588script continues with the line following the ":endtry".
5589 When an exception occurs during execution of the try block, the remaining
5590lines in the try block are skipped. The exception is matched against the
5591patterns specified as arguments to the ":catch" commands. The catch clause
5592after the first matching ":catch" is taken, other catch clauses are not
5593executed. The catch clause ends when the next ":catch", ":finally", or
5594":endtry" command is reached - whatever is first. Then, the finally clause
5595(if present) is executed. When the ":endtry" is reached, the script execution
5596continues in the following line as usual.
5597 When an exception that does not match any of the patterns specified by the
5598":catch" commands is thrown in the try block, the exception is not caught by
5599that try conditional and none of the catch clauses is executed. Only the
5600finally clause, if present, is taken. The exception pends during execution of
5601the finally clause. It is resumed at the ":endtry", so that commands after
5602the ":endtry" are not executed and the exception might be caught elsewhere,
5603see |try-nesting|.
5604 When during execution of a catch clause another exception is thrown, the
5605remaining lines in that catch clause are not executed. The new exception is
5606not matched against the patterns in any of the ":catch" commands of the same
5607try conditional and none of its catch clauses is taken. If there is, however,
5608a finally clause, it is executed, and the exception pends during its
5609execution. The commands following the ":endtry" are not executed. The new
5610exception might, however, be caught elsewhere, see |try-nesting|.
5611 When during execution of the finally clause (if present) an exception is
5612thrown, the remaining lines in the finally clause are skipped. If the finally
5613clause has been taken because of an exception from the try block or one of the
5614catch clauses, the original (pending) exception is discarded. The commands
5615following the ":endtry" are not executed, and the exception from the finally
5616clause is propagated and can be caught elsewhere, see |try-nesting|.
5617
5618The finally clause is also executed, when a ":break" or ":continue" for
5619a ":while" loop enclosing the complete try conditional is executed from the
5620try block or a catch clause. Or when a ":return" or ":finish" is executed
5621from the try block or a catch clause of a try conditional in a function or
5622sourced script, respectively. The ":break", ":continue", ":return", or
5623":finish" pends during execution of the finally clause and is resumed when the
5624":endtry" is reached. It is, however, discarded when an exception is thrown
5625from the finally clause.
5626 When a ":break" or ":continue" for a ":while" loop enclosing the complete
5627try conditional or when a ":return" or ":finish" is encountered in the finally
5628clause, the rest of the finally clause is skipped, and the ":break",
5629":continue", ":return" or ":finish" is executed as usual. If the finally
5630clause has been taken because of an exception or an earlier ":break",
5631":continue", ":return", or ":finish" from the try block or a catch clause,
5632this pending exception or command is discarded.
5633
5634For examples see |throw-catch| and |try-finally|.
5635
5636
5637NESTING OF TRY CONDITIONALS *try-nesting*
5638
5639Try conditionals can be nested arbitrarily. That is, a complete try
5640conditional can be put into the try block, a catch clause, or the finally
5641clause of another try conditional. If the inner try conditional does not
5642catch an exception thrown in its try block or throws a new exception from one
5643of its catch clauses or its finally clause, the outer try conditional is
5644checked according to the rules above. If the inner try conditional is in the
5645try block of the outer try conditional, its catch clauses are checked, but
5646otherwise only the finally clause is executed. It does not matter for
5647nesting, whether the inner try conditional is directly contained in the outer
5648one, or whether the outer one sources a script or calls a function containing
5649the inner try conditional.
5650
5651When none of the active try conditionals catches an exception, just their
5652finally clauses are executed. Thereafter, the script processing terminates.
5653An error message is displayed in case of an uncaught exception explicitly
5654thrown by a ":throw" command. For uncaught error and interrupt exceptions
5655implicitly raised by Vim, the error message(s) or interrupt message are shown
5656as usual.
5657
5658For examples see |throw-catch|.
5659
5660
5661EXAMINING EXCEPTION HANDLING CODE *except-examine*
5662
5663Exception handling code can get tricky. If you are in doubt what happens, set
5664'verbose' to 13 or use the ":13verbose" command modifier when sourcing your
5665script file. Then you see when an exception is thrown, discarded, caught, or
5666finished. When using a verbosity level of at least 14, things pending in
5667a finally clause are also shown. This information is also given in debug mode
5668(see |debug-scripts|).
5669
5670
5671THROWING AND CATCHING EXCEPTIONS *throw-catch*
5672
5673You can throw any number or string as an exception. Use the |:throw| command
5674and pass the value to be thrown as argument: >
5675 :throw 4711
5676 :throw "string"
5677< *throw-expression*
5678You can also specify an expression argument. The expression is then evaluated
5679first, and the result is thrown: >
5680 :throw 4705 + strlen("string")
5681 :throw strpart("strings", 0, 6)
5682
5683An exception might be thrown during evaluation of the argument of the ":throw"
5684command. Unless it is caught there, the expression evaluation is abandoned.
5685The ":throw" command then does not throw a new exception.
5686 Example: >
5687
5688 :function! Foo(arg)
5689 : try
5690 : throw a:arg
5691 : catch /foo/
5692 : endtry
5693 : return 1
5694 :endfunction
5695 :
5696 :function! Bar()
5697 : echo "in Bar"
5698 : return 4710
5699 :endfunction
5700 :
5701 :throw Foo("arrgh") + Bar()
5702
5703This throws "arrgh", and "in Bar" is not displayed since Bar() is not
5704executed. >
5705 :throw Foo("foo") + Bar()
5706however displays "in Bar" and throws 4711.
5707
5708Any other command that takes an expression as argument might also be
5709abandoned by an (uncaught) exception during the expression evaluation. The
5710exception is then propagated to the caller of the command.
5711 Example: >
5712
5713 :if Foo("arrgh")
5714 : echo "then"
5715 :else
5716 : echo "else"
5717 :endif
5718
5719Here neither of "then" or "else" is displayed.
5720
5721 *catch-order*
5722Exceptions can be caught by a try conditional with one or more |:catch|
5723commands, see |try-conditionals|. The values to be caught by each ":catch"
5724command can be specified as a pattern argument. The subsequent catch clause
5725gets executed when a matching exception is caught.
5726 Example: >
5727
5728 :function! Foo(value)
5729 : try
5730 : throw a:value
5731 : catch /^\d\+$/
5732 : echo "Number thrown"
5733 : catch /.*/
5734 : echo "String thrown"
5735 : endtry
5736 :endfunction
5737 :
5738 :call Foo(0x1267)
5739 :call Foo('string')
5740
5741The first call to Foo() displays "Number thrown", the second "String thrown".
5742An exception is matched against the ":catch" commands in the order they are
5743specified. Only the first match counts. So you should place the more
5744specific ":catch" first. The following order does not make sense: >
5745
5746 : catch /.*/
5747 : echo "String thrown"
5748 : catch /^\d\+$/
5749 : echo "Number thrown"
5750
5751The first ":catch" here matches always, so that the second catch clause is
5752never taken.
5753
5754 *throw-variables*
5755If you catch an exception by a general pattern, you may access the exact value
5756in the variable |v:exception|: >
5757
5758 : catch /^\d\+$/
5759 : echo "Number thrown. Value is" v:exception
5760
5761You may also be interested where an exception was thrown. This is stored in
5762|v:throwpoint|. Note that "v:exception" and "v:throwpoint" are valid for the
5763exception most recently caught as long it is not finished.
5764 Example: >
5765
5766 :function! Caught()
5767 : if v:exception != ""
5768 : echo 'Caught "' . v:exception . '" in ' . v:throwpoint
5769 : else
5770 : echo 'Nothing caught'
5771 : endif
5772 :endfunction
5773 :
5774 :function! Foo()
5775 : try
5776 : try
5777 : try
5778 : throw 4711
5779 : finally
5780 : call Caught()
5781 : endtry
5782 : catch /.*/
5783 : call Caught()
5784 : throw "oops"
5785 : endtry
5786 : catch /.*/
5787 : call Caught()
5788 : finally
5789 : call Caught()
5790 : endtry
5791 :endfunction
5792 :
5793 :call Foo()
5794
5795This displays >
5796
5797 Nothing caught
5798 Caught "4711" in function Foo, line 4
5799 Caught "oops" in function Foo, line 10
5800 Nothing caught
5801
5802A practical example: The following command ":LineNumber" displays the line
5803number in the script or function where it has been used: >
5804
5805 :function! LineNumber()
5806 : return substitute(v:throwpoint, '.*\D\(\d\+\).*', '\1', "")
5807 :endfunction
5808 :command! LineNumber try | throw "" | catch | echo LineNumber() | endtry
5809<
5810 *try-nested*
5811An exception that is not caught by a try conditional can be caught by
5812a surrounding try conditional: >
5813
5814 :try
5815 : try
5816 : throw "foo"
5817 : catch /foobar/
5818 : echo "foobar"
5819 : finally
5820 : echo "inner finally"
5821 : endtry
5822 :catch /foo/
5823 : echo "foo"
5824 :endtry
5825
5826The inner try conditional does not catch the exception, just its finally
5827clause is executed. The exception is then caught by the outer try
5828conditional. The example displays "inner finally" and then "foo".
5829
5830 *throw-from-catch*
5831You can catch an exception and throw a new one to be caught elsewhere from the
5832catch clause: >
5833
5834 :function! Foo()
5835 : throw "foo"
5836 :endfunction
5837 :
5838 :function! Bar()
5839 : try
5840 : call Foo()
5841 : catch /foo/
5842 : echo "Caught foo, throw bar"
5843 : throw "bar"
5844 : endtry
5845 :endfunction
5846 :
5847 :try
5848 : call Bar()
5849 :catch /.*/
5850 : echo "Caught" v:exception
5851 :endtry
5852
5853This displays "Caught foo, throw bar" and then "Caught bar".
5854
5855 *rethrow*
5856There is no real rethrow in the Vim script language, but you may throw
5857"v:exception" instead: >
5858
5859 :function! Bar()
5860 : try
5861 : call Foo()
5862 : catch /.*/
5863 : echo "Rethrow" v:exception
5864 : throw v:exception
5865 : endtry
5866 :endfunction
5867< *try-echoerr*
5868Note that this method cannot be used to "rethrow" Vim error or interrupt
5869exceptions, because it is not possible to fake Vim internal exceptions.
5870Trying so causes an error exception. You should throw your own exception
5871denoting the situation. If you want to cause a Vim error exception containing
5872the original error exception value, you can use the |:echoerr| command: >
5873
5874 :try
5875 : try
5876 : asdf
5877 : catch /.*/
5878 : echoerr v:exception
5879 : endtry
5880 :catch /.*/
5881 : echo v:exception
5882 :endtry
5883
5884This code displays
5885
5886 Vim(echoerr):Vim:E492: Not an editor command: asdf ~
5887
5888
5889CLEANUP CODE *try-finally*
5890
5891Scripts often change global settings and restore them at their end. If the
5892user however interrupts the script by pressing CTRL-C, the settings remain in
5893an inconsistent state. The same may happen to you in the development phase of
5894a script when an error occurs or you explicitly throw an exception without
5895catching it. You can solve these problems by using a try conditional with
5896a finally clause for restoring the settings. Its execution is guaranteed on
5897normal control flow, on error, on an explicit ":throw", and on interrupt.
5898(Note that errors and interrupts from inside the try conditional are converted
5899to exceptions. When not caught, they terminate the script after the finally
5900clause has been executed.)
5901Example: >
5902
5903 :try
5904 : let s:saved_ts = &ts
5905 : set ts=17
5906 :
5907 : " Do the hard work here.
5908 :
5909 :finally
5910 : let &ts = s:saved_ts
5911 : unlet s:saved_ts
5912 :endtry
5913
5914This method should be used locally whenever a function or part of a script
5915changes global settings which need to be restored on failure or normal exit of
5916that function or script part.
5917
5918 *break-finally*
5919Cleanup code works also when the try block or a catch clause is left by
5920a ":continue", ":break", ":return", or ":finish".
5921 Example: >
5922
5923 :let first = 1
5924 :while 1
5925 : try
5926 : if first
5927 : echo "first"
5928 : let first = 0
5929 : continue
5930 : else
5931 : throw "second"
5932 : endif
5933 : catch /.*/
5934 : echo v:exception
5935 : break
5936 : finally
5937 : echo "cleanup"
5938 : endtry
5939 : echo "still in while"
5940 :endwhile
5941 :echo "end"
5942
5943This displays "first", "cleanup", "second", "cleanup", and "end". >
5944
5945 :function! Foo()
5946 : try
5947 : return 4711
5948 : finally
5949 : echo "cleanup\n"
5950 : endtry
5951 : echo "Foo still active"
5952 :endfunction
5953 :
5954 :echo Foo() "returned by Foo"
5955
5956This displays "cleanup" and "4711 returned by Foo". You don't need to add an
5957extra ":return" in the finally clause. (Above all, this would override the
5958return value.)
5959
5960 *except-from-finally*
5961Using either of ":continue", ":break", ":return", ":finish", or ":throw" in
5962a finally clause is possible, but not recommended since it abandons the
5963cleanup actions for the try conditional. But, of course, interrupt and error
5964exceptions might get raised from a finally clause.
5965 Example where an error in the finally clause stops an interrupt from
5966working correctly: >
5967
5968 :try
5969 : try
5970 : echo "Press CTRL-C for interrupt"
5971 : while 1
5972 : endwhile
5973 : finally
5974 : unlet novar
5975 : endtry
5976 :catch /novar/
5977 :endtry
5978 :echo "Script still running"
5979 :sleep 1
5980
5981If you need to put commands that could fail into a finally clause, you should
5982think about catching or ignoring the errors in these commands, see
5983|catch-errors| and |ignore-errors|.
5984
5985
5986CATCHING ERRORS *catch-errors*
5987
5988If you want to catch specific errors, you just have to put the code to be
5989watched in a try block and add a catch clause for the error message. The
5990presence of the try conditional causes all errors to be converted to an
5991exception. No message is displayed and |v:errmsg| is not set then. To find
5992the right pattern for the ":catch" command, you have to know how the format of
5993the error exception is.
5994 Error exceptions have the following format: >
5995
5996 Vim({cmdname}):{errmsg}
5997or >
5998 Vim:{errmsg}
5999
6000{cmdname} is the name of the command that failed; the second form is used when
6001the command name is not known. {errmsg} is the error message usually produced
6002when the error occurs outside try conditionals. It always begins with
6003a capital "E", followed by a two or three-digit error number, a colon, and
6004a space.
6005
6006Examples:
6007
6008The command >
6009 :unlet novar
6010normally produces the error message >
6011 E108: No such variable: "novar"
6012which is converted inside try conditionals to an exception >
6013 Vim(unlet):E108: No such variable: "novar"
6014
6015The command >
6016 :dwim
6017normally produces the error message >
6018 E492: Not an editor command: dwim
6019which is converted inside try conditionals to an exception >
6020 Vim:E492: Not an editor command: dwim
6021
6022You can catch all ":unlet" errors by a >
6023 :catch /^Vim(unlet):/
6024or all errors for misspelled command names by a >
6025 :catch /^Vim:E492:/
6026
6027Some error messages may be produced by different commands: >
6028 :function nofunc
6029and >
6030 :delfunction nofunc
6031both produce the error message >
6032 E128: Function name must start with a capital: nofunc
6033which is converted inside try conditionals to an exception >
6034 Vim(function):E128: Function name must start with a capital: nofunc
6035or >
6036 Vim(delfunction):E128: Function name must start with a capital: nofunc
6037respectively. You can catch the error by its number independently on the
6038command that caused it if you use the following pattern: >
6039 :catch /^Vim(\a\+):E128:/
6040
6041Some commands like >
6042 :let x = novar
6043produce multiple error messages, here: >
6044 E121: Undefined variable: novar
6045 E15: Invalid expression: novar
6046Only the first is used for the exception value, since it is the most specific
6047one (see |except-several-errors|). So you can catch it by >
6048 :catch /^Vim(\a\+):E121:/
6049
6050You can catch all errors related to the name "nofunc" by >
6051 :catch /\<nofunc\>/
6052
6053You can catch all Vim errors in the ":write" and ":read" commands by >
6054 :catch /^Vim(\(write\|read\)):E\d\+:/
6055
6056You can catch all Vim errors by the pattern >
6057 :catch /^Vim\((\a\+)\)\=:E\d\+:/
6058<
6059 *catch-text*
6060NOTE: You should never catch the error message text itself: >
6061 :catch /No such variable/
6062only works in the english locale, but not when the user has selected
6063a different language by the |:language| command. It is however helpful to
6064cite the message text in a comment: >
6065 :catch /^Vim(\a\+):E108:/ " No such variable
6066
6067
6068IGNORING ERRORS *ignore-errors*
6069
6070You can ignore errors in a specific Vim command by catching them locally: >
6071
6072 :try
6073 : write
6074 :catch
6075 :endtry
6076
6077But you are strongly recommended NOT to use this simple form, since it could
6078catch more than you want. With the ":write" command, some autocommands could
6079be executed and cause errors not related to writing, for instance: >
6080
6081 :au BufWritePre * unlet novar
6082
6083There could even be such errors you are not responsible for as a script
6084writer: a user of your script might have defined such autocommands. You would
6085then hide the error from the user.
6086 It is much better to use >
6087
6088 :try
6089 : write
6090 :catch /^Vim(write):/
6091 :endtry
6092
6093which only catches real write errors. So catch only what you'd like to ignore
6094intentionally.
6095
6096For a single command that does not cause execution of autocommands, you could
6097even suppress the conversion of errors to exceptions by the ":silent!"
6098command: >
6099 :silent! nunmap k
6100This works also when a try conditional is active.
6101
6102
6103CATCHING INTERRUPTS *catch-interrupt*
6104
6105When there are active try conditionals, an interrupt (CTRL-C) is converted to
6106the exception "Vim:Interrupt". You can catch it like every exception. The
6107script is not terminated, then.
6108 Example: >
6109
6110 :function! TASK1()
6111 : sleep 10
6112 :endfunction
6113
6114 :function! TASK2()
6115 : sleep 20
6116 :endfunction
6117
6118 :while 1
6119 : let command = input("Type a command: ")
6120 : try
6121 : if command == ""
6122 : continue
6123 : elseif command == "END"
6124 : break
6125 : elseif command == "TASK1"
6126 : call TASK1()
6127 : elseif command == "TASK2"
6128 : call TASK2()
6129 : else
6130 : echo "\nIllegal command:" command
6131 : continue
6132 : endif
6133 : catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/
6134 : echo "\nCommand interrupted"
6135 : " Caught the interrupt. Continue with next prompt.
6136 : endtry
6137 :endwhile
6138
6139You can interrupt a task here by pressing CTRL-C; the script then asks for
6140a new command. If you press CTRL-C at the prompt, the script is terminated.
6141
6142For testing what happens when CTRL-C would be pressed on a specific line in
6143your script, use the debug mode and execute the |>quit| or |>interrupt|
6144command on that line. See |debug-scripts|.
6145
6146
6147CATCHING ALL *catch-all*
6148
6149The commands >
6150
6151 :catch /.*/
6152 :catch //
6153 :catch
6154
6155catch everything, error exceptions, interrupt exceptions and exceptions
6156explicitly thrown by the |:throw| command. This is useful at the top level of
6157a script in order to catch unexpected things.
6158 Example: >
6159
6160 :try
6161 :
6162 : " do the hard work here
6163 :
6164 :catch /MyException/
6165 :
6166 : " handle known problem
6167 :
6168 :catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/
6169 : echo "Script interrupted"
6170 :catch /.*/
6171 : echo "Internal error (" . v:exception . ")"
6172 : echo " - occurred at " . v:throwpoint
6173 :endtry
6174 :" end of script
6175
6176Note: Catching all might catch more things than you want. Thus, you are
6177strongly encouraged to catch only for problems that you can really handle by
6178specifying a pattern argument to the ":catch".
6179 Example: Catching all could make it nearly impossible to interrupt a script
6180by pressing CTRL-C: >
6181
6182 :while 1
6183 : try
6184 : sleep 1
6185 : catch
6186 : endtry
6187 :endwhile
6188
6189
6190EXCEPTIONS AND AUTOCOMMANDS *except-autocmd*
6191
6192Exceptions may be used during execution of autocommands. Example: >
6193
6194 :autocmd User x try
6195 :autocmd User x throw "Oops!"
6196 :autocmd User x catch
6197 :autocmd User x echo v:exception
6198 :autocmd User x endtry
6199 :autocmd User x throw "Arrgh!"
6200 :autocmd User x echo "Should not be displayed"
6201 :
6202 :try
6203 : doautocmd User x
6204 :catch
6205 : echo v:exception
6206 :endtry
6207
6208This displays "Oops!" and "Arrgh!".
6209
6210 *except-autocmd-Pre*
6211For some commands, autocommands get executed before the main action of the
6212command takes place. If an exception is thrown and not caught in the sequence
6213of autocommands, the sequence and the command that caused its execution are
6214abandoned and the exception is propagated to the caller of the command.
6215 Example: >
6216
6217 :autocmd BufWritePre * throw "FAIL"
6218 :autocmd BufWritePre * echo "Should not be displayed"
6219 :
6220 :try
6221 : write
6222 :catch
6223 : echo "Caught:" v:exception "from" v:throwpoint
6224 :endtry
6225
6226Here, the ":write" command does not write the file currently being edited (as
6227you can see by checking 'modified'), since the exception from the BufWritePre
6228autocommand abandons the ":write". The exception is then caught and the
6229script displays: >
6230
6231 Caught: FAIL from BufWrite Auto commands for "*"
6232<
6233 *except-autocmd-Post*
6234For some commands, autocommands get executed after the main action of the
6235command has taken place. If this main action fails and the command is inside
6236an active try conditional, the autocommands are skipped and an error exception
6237is thrown that can be caught by the caller of the command.
6238 Example: >
6239
6240 :autocmd BufWritePost * echo "File successfully written!"
6241 :
6242 :try
6243 : write /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
6244 :catch
6245 : echo v:exception
6246 :endtry
6247
6248This just displays: >
6249
6250 Vim(write):E212: Can't open file for writing (/i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e)
6251
6252If you really need to execute the autocommands even when the main action
6253fails, trigger the event from the catch clause.
6254 Example: >
6255
6256 :autocmd BufWritePre * set noreadonly
6257 :autocmd BufWritePost * set readonly
6258 :
6259 :try
6260 : write /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
6261 :catch
6262 : doautocmd BufWritePost /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
6263 :endtry
6264<
6265You can also use ":silent!": >
6266
6267 :let x = "ok"
6268 :let v:errmsg = ""
6269 :autocmd BufWritePost * if v:errmsg != ""
6270 :autocmd BufWritePost * let x = "after fail"
6271 :autocmd BufWritePost * endif
6272 :try
6273 : silent! write /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
6274 :catch
6275 :endtry
6276 :echo x
6277
6278This displays "after fail".
6279
6280If the main action of the command does not fail, exceptions from the
6281autocommands will be catchable by the caller of the command: >
6282
6283 :autocmd BufWritePost * throw ":-("
6284 :autocmd BufWritePost * echo "Should not be displayed"
6285 :
6286 :try
6287 : write
6288 :catch
6289 : echo v:exception
6290 :endtry
6291<
6292 *except-autocmd-Cmd*
6293For some commands, the normal action can be replaced by a sequence of
6294autocommands. Exceptions from that sequence will be catchable by the caller
6295of the command.
6296 Example: For the ":write" command, the caller cannot know whether the file
6297had actually been written when the exception occurred. You need to tell it in
6298some way. >
6299
6300 :if !exists("cnt")
6301 : let cnt = 0
6302 :
6303 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * if &modified
6304 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * let cnt = cnt + 1
6305 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * if cnt % 3 == 2
6306 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * throw "BufWriteCmdError"
6307 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * endif
6308 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * write | set nomodified
6309 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * if cnt % 3 == 0
6310 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * throw "BufWriteCmdError"
6311 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * endif
6312 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * echo "File successfully written!"
6313 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * endif
6314 :endif
6315 :
6316 :try
6317 : write
6318 :catch /^BufWriteCmdError$/
6319 : if &modified
6320 : echo "Error on writing (file contents not changed)"
6321 : else
6322 : echo "Error after writing"
6323 : endif
6324 :catch /^Vim(write):/
6325 : echo "Error on writing"
6326 :endtry
6327
6328When this script is sourced several times after making changes, it displays
6329first >
6330 File successfully written!
6331then >
6332 Error on writing (file contents not changed)
6333then >
6334 Error after writing
6335etc.
6336
6337 *except-autocmd-ill*
6338You cannot spread a try conditional over autocommands for different events.
6339The following code is ill-formed: >
6340
6341 :autocmd BufWritePre * try
6342 :
6343 :autocmd BufWritePost * catch
6344 :autocmd BufWritePost * echo v:exception
6345 :autocmd BufWritePost * endtry
6346 :
6347 :write
6348
6349
6350EXCEPTION HIERARCHIES AND PARAMETERIZED EXCEPTIONS *except-hier-param*
6351
6352Some programming languages allow to use hierarchies of exception classes or to
6353pass additional information with the object of an exception class. You can do
6354similar things in Vim.
6355 In order to throw an exception from a hierarchy, just throw the complete
6356class name with the components separated by a colon, for instance throw the
6357string "EXCEPT:MATHERR:OVERFLOW" for an overflow in a mathematical library.
6358 When you want to pass additional information with your exception class, add
6359it in parentheses, for instance throw the string "EXCEPT:IO:WRITEERR(myfile)"
6360for an error when writing "myfile".
6361 With the appropriate patterns in the ":catch" command, you can catch for
6362base classes or derived classes of your hierarchy. Additional information in
6363parentheses can be cut out from |v:exception| with the ":substitute" command.
6364 Example: >
6365
6366 :function! CheckRange(a, func)
6367 : if a:a < 0
6368 : throw "EXCEPT:MATHERR:RANGE(" . a:func . ")"
6369 : endif
6370 :endfunction
6371 :
6372 :function! Add(a, b)
6373 : call CheckRange(a:a, "Add")
6374 : call CheckRange(a:b, "Add")
6375 : let c = a:a + a:b
6376 : if c < 0
6377 : throw "EXCEPT:MATHERR:OVERFLOW"
6378 : endif
6379 : return c
6380 :endfunction
6381 :
6382 :function! Div(a, b)
6383 : call CheckRange(a:a, "Div")
6384 : call CheckRange(a:b, "Div")
6385 : if (a:b == 0)
6386 : throw "EXCEPT:MATHERR:ZERODIV"
6387 : endif
6388 : return a:a / a:b
6389 :endfunction
6390 :
6391 :function! Write(file)
6392 : try
6393 : execute "write" a:file
6394 : catch /^Vim(write):/
6395 : throw "EXCEPT:IO(" . getcwd() . ", " . a:file . "):WRITEERR"
6396 : endtry
6397 :endfunction
6398 :
6399 :try
6400 :
6401 : " something with arithmetics and I/O
6402 :
6403 :catch /^EXCEPT:MATHERR:RANGE/
6404 : let function = substitute(v:exception, '.*(\(\a\+\)).*', '\1', "")
6405 : echo "Range error in" function
6406 :
6407 :catch /^EXCEPT:MATHERR/ " catches OVERFLOW and ZERODIV
6408 : echo "Math error"
6409 :
6410 :catch /^EXCEPT:IO/
6411 : let dir = substitute(v:exception, '.*(\(.\+\),\s*.\+).*', '\1', "")
6412 : let file = substitute(v:exception, '.*(.\+,\s*\(.\+\)).*', '\1', "")
6413 : if file !~ '^/'
6414 : let file = dir . "/" . file
6415 : endif
6416 : echo 'I/O error for "' . file . '"'
6417 :
6418 :catch /^EXCEPT/
6419 : echo "Unspecified error"
6420 :
6421 :endtry
6422
6423The exceptions raised by Vim itself (on error or when pressing CTRL-C) use
6424a flat hierarchy: they are all in the "Vim" class. You cannot throw yourself
6425exceptions with the "Vim" prefix; they are reserved for Vim.
6426 Vim error exceptions are parameterized with the name of the command that
6427failed, if known. See |catch-errors|.
6428
6429
6430PECULIARITIES
6431 *except-compat*
6432The exception handling concept requires that the command sequence causing the
6433exception is aborted immediately and control is transferred to finally clauses
6434and/or a catch clause.
6435
6436In the Vim script language there are cases where scripts and functions
6437continue after an error: in functions without the "abort" flag or in a command
6438after ":silent!", control flow goes to the following line, and outside
6439functions, control flow goes to the line following the outermost ":endwhile"
6440or ":endif". On the other hand, errors should be catchable as exceptions
6441(thus, requiring the immediate abortion).
6442
6443This problem has been solved by converting errors to exceptions and using
6444immediate abortion (if not suppressed by ":silent!") only when a try
6445conditional is active. This is no restriction since an (error) exception can
6446be caught only from an active try conditional. If you want an immediate
6447termination without catching the error, just use a try conditional without
6448catch clause. (You can cause cleanup code being executed before termination
6449by specifying a finally clause.)
6450
6451When no try conditional is active, the usual abortion and continuation
6452behavior is used instead of immediate abortion. This ensures compatibility of
6453scripts written for Vim 6.1 and earlier.
6454
6455However, when sourcing an existing script that does not use exception handling
6456commands (or when calling one of its functions) from inside an active try
6457conditional of a new script, you might change the control flow of the existing
6458script on error. You get the immediate abortion on error and can catch the
6459error in the new script. If however the sourced script suppresses error
6460messages by using the ":silent!" command (checking for errors by testing
6461|v:errmsg| if appropriate), its execution path is not changed. The error is
6462not converted to an exception. (See |:silent|.) So the only remaining cause
6463where this happens is for scripts that don't care about errors and produce
6464error messages. You probably won't want to use such code from your new
6465scripts.
6466
6467 *except-syntax-err*
6468Syntax errors in the exception handling commands are never caught by any of
6469the ":catch" commands of the try conditional they belong to. Its finally
6470clauses, however, is executed.
6471 Example: >
6472
6473 :try
6474 : try
6475 : throw 4711
6476 : catch /\(/
6477 : echo "in catch with syntax error"
6478 : catch
6479 : echo "inner catch-all"
6480 : finally
6481 : echo "inner finally"
6482 : endtry
6483 :catch
6484 : echo 'outer catch-all caught "' . v:exception . '"'
6485 : finally
6486 : echo "outer finally"
6487 :endtry
6488
6489This displays: >
6490 inner finally
6491 outer catch-all caught "Vim(catch):E54: Unmatched \("
6492 outer finally
6493The original exception is discarded and an error exception is raised, instead.
6494
6495 *except-single-line*
6496The ":try", ":catch", ":finally", and ":endtry" commands can be put on
6497a single line, but then syntax errors may make it difficult to recognize the
6498"catch" line, thus you better avoid this.
6499 Example: >
6500 :try | unlet! foo # | catch | endtry
6501raises an error exception for the trailing characters after the ":unlet!"
6502argument, but does not see the ":catch" and ":endtry" commands, so that the
6503error exception is discarded and the "E488: Trailing characters" message gets
6504displayed.
6505
6506 *except-several-errors*
6507When several errors appear in a single command, the first error message is
6508usually the most specific one and therefor converted to the error exception.
6509 Example: >
6510 echo novar
6511causes >
6512 E121: Undefined variable: novar
6513 E15: Invalid expression: novar
6514The value of the error exception inside try conditionals is: >
6515 Vim(echo):E121: Undefined variable: novar
6516< *except-syntax-error*
6517But when a syntax error is detected after a normal error in the same command,
6518the syntax error is used for the exception being thrown.
6519 Example: >
6520 unlet novar #
6521causes >
6522 E108: No such variable: "novar"
6523 E488: Trailing characters
6524The value of the error exception inside try conditionals is: >
6525 Vim(unlet):E488: Trailing characters
6526This is done because the syntax error might change the execution path in a way
6527not intended by the user. Example: >
6528 try
6529 try | unlet novar # | catch | echo v:exception | endtry
6530 catch /.*/
6531 echo "outer catch:" v:exception
6532 endtry
6533This displays "outer catch: Vim(unlet):E488: Trailing characters", and then
6534a "E600: Missing :endtry" error message is given, see |except-single-line|.
6535
6536==============================================================================
65379. Examples *eval-examples*
6538
6539Printing in Hex ~
6540>
6541 :" The function Nr2Hex() returns the Hex string of a number.
6542 :func Nr2Hex(nr)
6543 : let n = a:nr
6544 : let r = ""
6545 : while n
6546 : let r = '0123456789ABCDEF'[n % 16] . r
6547 : let n = n / 16
6548 : endwhile
6549 : return r
6550 :endfunc
6551
6552 :" The function String2Hex() converts each character in a string to a two
6553 :" character Hex string.
6554 :func String2Hex(str)
6555 : let out = ''
6556 : let ix = 0
6557 : while ix < strlen(a:str)
6558 : let out = out . Nr2Hex(char2nr(a:str[ix]))
6559 : let ix = ix + 1
6560 : endwhile
6561 : return out
6562 :endfunc
6563
6564Example of its use: >
6565 :echo Nr2Hex(32)
6566result: "20" >
6567 :echo String2Hex("32")
6568result: "3332"
6569
6570
6571Sorting lines (by Robert Webb) ~
6572
6573Here is a Vim script to sort lines. Highlight the lines in Vim and type
6574":Sort". This doesn't call any external programs so it'll work on any
6575platform. The function Sort() actually takes the name of a comparison
6576function as its argument, like qsort() does in C. So you could supply it
6577with different comparison functions in order to sort according to date etc.
6578>
6579 :" Function for use with Sort(), to compare two strings.
6580 :func! Strcmp(str1, str2)
6581 : if (a:str1 < a:str2)
6582 : return -1
6583 : elseif (a:str1 > a:str2)
6584 : return 1
6585 : else
6586 : return 0
6587 : endif
6588 :endfunction
6589
6590 :" Sort lines. SortR() is called recursively.
6591 :func! SortR(start, end, cmp)
6592 : if (a:start >= a:end)
6593 : return
6594 : endif
6595 : let partition = a:start - 1
6596 : let middle = partition
6597 : let partStr = getline((a:start + a:end) / 2)
6598 : let i = a:start
6599 : while (i <= a:end)
6600 : let str = getline(i)
6601 : exec "let result = " . a:cmp . "(str, partStr)"
6602 : if (result <= 0)
6603 : " Need to put it before the partition. Swap lines i and partition.
6604 : let partition = partition + 1
6605 : if (result == 0)
6606 : let middle = partition
6607 : endif
6608 : if (i != partition)
6609 : let str2 = getline(partition)
6610 : call setline(i, str2)
6611 : call setline(partition, str)
6612 : endif
6613 : endif
6614 : let i = i + 1
6615 : endwhile
6616
6617 : " Now we have a pointer to the "middle" element, as far as partitioning
6618 : " goes, which could be anywhere before the partition. Make sure it is at
6619 : " the end of the partition.
6620 : if (middle != partition)
6621 : let str = getline(middle)
6622 : let str2 = getline(partition)
6623 : call setline(middle, str2)
6624 : call setline(partition, str)
6625 : endif
6626 : call SortR(a:start, partition - 1, a:cmp)
6627 : call SortR(partition + 1, a:end, a:cmp)
6628 :endfunc
6629
6630 :" To Sort a range of lines, pass the range to Sort() along with the name of a
6631 :" function that will compare two lines.
6632 :func! Sort(cmp) range
6633 : call SortR(a:firstline, a:lastline, a:cmp)
6634 :endfunc
6635
6636 :" :Sort takes a range of lines and sorts them.
6637 :command! -nargs=0 -range Sort <line1>,<line2>call Sort("Strcmp")
6638<
6639 *sscanf*
6640There is no sscanf() function in Vim. If you need to extract parts from a
6641line, you can use matchstr() and substitute() to do it. This example shows
6642how to get the file name, line number and column number out of a line like
6643"foobar.txt, 123, 45". >
6644 :" Set up the match bit
6645 :let mx='\(\f\+\),\s*\(\d\+\),\s*\(\d\+\)'
6646 :"get the part matching the whole expression
6647 :let l = matchstr(line, mx)
6648 :"get each item out of the match
6649 :let file = substitute(l, mx, '\1', '')
6650 :let lnum = substitute(l, mx, '\2', '')
6651 :let col = substitute(l, mx, '\3', '')
6652
6653The input is in the variable "line", the results in the variables "file",
6654"lnum" and "col". (idea from Michael Geddes)
6655
6656==============================================================================
665710. No +eval feature *no-eval-feature*
6658
6659When the |+eval| feature was disabled at compile time, none of the expression
6660evaluation commands are available. To prevent this from causing Vim scripts
6661to generate all kinds of errors, the ":if" and ":endif" commands are still
6662recognized, though the argument of the ":if" and everything between the ":if"
6663and the matching ":endif" is ignored. Nesting of ":if" blocks is allowed, but
6664only if the commands are at the start of the line. The ":else" command is not
6665recognized.
6666
6667Example of how to avoid executing commands when the |+eval| feature is
6668missing: >
6669
6670 :if 1
6671 : echo "Expression evaluation is compiled in"
6672 :else
6673 : echo "You will _never_ see this message"
6674 :endif
6675
6676==============================================================================
667711. The sandbox *eval-sandbox* *sandbox* *E48*
6678
6679The 'foldexpr', 'includeexpr', 'indentexpr', 'statusline' and 'foldtext'
6680options are evaluated in a sandbox. This means that you are protected from
6681these expressions having nasty side effects. This gives some safety for when
6682these options are set from a modeline. It is also used when the command from
6683a tags file is executed.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00006684The sandbox is also used for the |:sandbox| command.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006685
6686These items are not allowed in the sandbox:
6687 - changing the buffer text
6688 - defining or changing mapping, autocommands, functions, user commands
6689 - setting certain options (see |option-summary|)
6690 - executing a shell command
6691 - reading or writing a file
6692 - jumping to another buffer or editing a file
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00006693This is not guaranteed 100% secure, but it should block most attacks.
6694
6695 *:san* *:sandbox*
Bram Moolenaar045e82d2005-07-08 22:25:33 +00006696:san[dbox] {cmd} Execute {cmd} in the sandbox. Useful to evaluate an
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00006697 option that may have been set from a modeline, e.g.
6698 'foldexpr'.
6699
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006700
6701 vim:tw=78:ts=8:ft=help:norl: