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Bram Moolenaar20f90cf2011-05-19 12:22:51 +02001*eval.txt* For Vim version 7.3. Last change: 2011 May 17
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002
3
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004 VIM REFERENCE MANUAL by Bram Moolenaar
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005
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 Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +000012done, the features in this document are not available. See |+eval| and
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000013|no-eval-feature|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000014
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000151. Variables |variables|
16 1.1 Variable types
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +000017 1.2 Function references |Funcref|
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +000018 1.3 Lists |Lists|
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000019 1.4 Dictionaries |Dictionaries|
20 1.5 More about variables |more-variables|
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000212. Expression syntax |expression-syntax|
223. Internal variable |internal-variables|
234. Builtin Functions |functions|
245. Defining functions |user-functions|
256. Curly braces names |curly-braces-names|
267. Commands |expression-commands|
278. Exception handling |exception-handling|
289. Examples |eval-examples|
2910. No +eval feature |no-eval-feature|
3011. The sandbox |eval-sandbox|
Bram Moolenaarb71eaae2006-01-20 23:10:18 +00003112. Textlock |textlock|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000032
33{Vi does not have any of these commands}
34
35==============================================================================
361. Variables *variables*
37
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000381.1 Variable types ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +000039 *E712*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +000040There are six types of variables:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000041
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +000042Number A 32 bit signed number. |expr-number| *Number*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000043 Examples: -123 0x10 0177
44
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +000045Float A floating point number. |floating-point-format| *Float*
46 {only when compiled with the |+float| feature}
47 Examples: 123.456 1.15e-6 -1.1e3
48
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000049String A NUL terminated string of 8-bit unsigned characters (bytes).
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +000050 |expr-string| Examples: "ab\txx\"--" 'x-z''a,c'
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000051
52Funcref A reference to a function |Funcref|.
53 Example: function("strlen")
54
55List An ordered sequence of items |List|.
56 Example: [1, 2, ['a', 'b']]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000057
Bram Moolenaar39a58ca2005-06-27 22:42:44 +000058Dictionary An associative, unordered array: Each entry has a key and a
59 value. |Dictionary|
60 Example: {'blue': "#0000ff", 'red': "#ff0000"}
61
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +000062The Number and String types are converted automatically, depending on how they
63are used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000064
65Conversion from a Number to a String is by making the ASCII representation of
Bram Moolenaar24ea3ba2010-09-19 19:01:21 +020066the Number. Examples:
67 Number 123 --> String "123" ~
68 Number 0 --> String "0" ~
69 Number -1 --> String "-1" ~
Bram Moolenaar00a927d2010-05-14 23:24:24 +020070 *octal*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000071Conversion from a String to a Number is done by converting the first digits
72to a number. Hexadecimal "0xf9" and Octal "017" numbers are recognized. If
Bram Moolenaar24ea3ba2010-09-19 19:01:21 +020073the String doesn't start with digits, the result is zero. Examples:
74 String "456" --> Number 456 ~
75 String "6bar" --> Number 6 ~
76 String "foo" --> Number 0 ~
77 String "0xf1" --> Number 241 ~
78 String "0100" --> Number 64 ~
79 String "-8" --> Number -8 ~
80 String "+8" --> Number 0 ~
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000081
82To force conversion from String to Number, add zero to it: >
83 :echo "0100" + 0
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +000084< 64 ~
85
86To avoid a leading zero to cause octal conversion, or for using a different
87base, use |str2nr()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000088
89For boolean operators Numbers are used. Zero is FALSE, non-zero is TRUE.
90
91Note that in the command >
92 :if "foo"
93"foo" is converted to 0, which means FALSE. To test for a non-empty string,
94use strlen(): >
95 :if strlen("foo")
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +000096< *E745* *E728* *E703* *E729* *E730* *E731*
97List, Dictionary and Funcref types are not automatically converted.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +000098
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +000099 *E805* *E806* *E808*
100When mixing Number and Float the Number is converted to Float. Otherwise
101there is no automatic conversion of Float. You can use str2float() for String
102to Float, printf() for Float to String and float2nr() for Float to Number.
103
104 *E706* *sticky-type-checking*
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000105You will get an error if you try to change the type of a variable. You need
106to |:unlet| it first to avoid this error. String and Number are considered
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000107equivalent though, as well are Float and Number. Consider this sequence of
108commands: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000109 :let l = "string"
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000110 :let l = 44 " changes type from String to Number
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000111 :let l = [1, 2, 3] " error! l is still a Number
112 :let l = 4.4 " changes type from Number to Float
113 :let l = "string" " error!
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000114
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000115
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00001161.2 Function references ~
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +0000117 *Funcref* *E695* *E718*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000118A Funcref variable is obtained with the |function()| function. It can be used
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000119in an expression in the place of a function name, before the parenthesis
120around the arguments, to invoke the function it refers to. Example: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000121
122 :let Fn = function("MyFunc")
123 :echo Fn()
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000124< *E704* *E705* *E707*
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +0000125A Funcref variable must start with a capital, "s:", "w:", "t:" or "b:". You
126cannot have both a Funcref variable and a function with the same name.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000127
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000128A special case is defining a function and directly assigning its Funcref to a
129Dictionary entry. Example: >
130 :function dict.init() dict
131 : let self.val = 0
132 :endfunction
133
134The key of the Dictionary can start with a lower case letter. The actual
135function name is not used here. Also see |numbered-function|.
136
137A Funcref can also be used with the |:call| command: >
138 :call Fn()
139 :call dict.init()
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000140
141The name of the referenced function can be obtained with |string()|. >
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000142 :let func = string(Fn)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000143
144You can use |call()| to invoke a Funcref and use a list variable for the
145arguments: >
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000146 :let r = call(Fn, mylist)
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000147
148
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00001491.3 Lists ~
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +0000150 *List* *Lists* *E686*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000151A List is an ordered sequence of items. An item can be of any type. Items
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000152can be accessed by their index number. Items can be added and removed at any
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000153position in the sequence.
154
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000155
156List creation ~
157 *E696* *E697*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000158A List is created with a comma separated list of items in square brackets.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000159Examples: >
160 :let mylist = [1, two, 3, "four"]
161 :let emptylist = []
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000162
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000163An item can be any expression. Using a List for an item creates a
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +0000164List of Lists: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000165 :let nestlist = [[11, 12], [21, 22], [31, 32]]
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000166
167An extra comma after the last item is ignored.
168
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000169
170List index ~
171 *list-index* *E684*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000172An item in the List can be accessed by putting the index in square brackets
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000173after the List. Indexes are zero-based, thus the first item has index zero. >
174 :let item = mylist[0] " get the first item: 1
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000175 :let item = mylist[2] " get the third item: 3
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000176
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000177When the resulting item is a list this can be repeated: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000178 :let item = nestlist[0][1] " get the first list, second item: 12
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000179<
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000180A negative index is counted from the end. Index -1 refers to the last item in
181the List, -2 to the last but one item, etc. >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000182 :let last = mylist[-1] " get the last item: "four"
183
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000184To avoid an error for an invalid index use the |get()| function. When an item
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000185is not available it returns zero or the default value you specify: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000186 :echo get(mylist, idx)
187 :echo get(mylist, idx, "NONE")
188
189
190List concatenation ~
191
192Two lists can be concatenated with the "+" operator: >
193 :let longlist = mylist + [5, 6]
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000194 :let mylist += [7, 8]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000195
196To prepend or append an item turn the item into a list by putting [] around
197it. To change a list in-place see |list-modification| below.
198
199
200Sublist ~
201
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000202A part of the List can be obtained by specifying the first and last index,
203separated by a colon in square brackets: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000204 :let shortlist = mylist[2:-1] " get List [3, "four"]
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000205
206Omitting the first index is similar to zero. Omitting the last index is
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +0000207similar to -1. >
Bram Moolenaar540d6e32005-01-09 21:20:18 +0000208 :let endlist = mylist[2:] " from item 2 to the end: [3, "four"]
209 :let shortlist = mylist[2:2] " List with one item: [3]
210 :let otherlist = mylist[:] " make a copy of the List
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000211
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +0000212If the first index is beyond the last item of the List or the second item is
213before the first item, the result is an empty list. There is no error
214message.
215
216If the second index is equal to or greater than the length of the list the
217length minus one is used: >
Bram Moolenaar9e54a0e2006-04-14 20:42:25 +0000218 :let mylist = [0, 1, 2, 3]
219 :echo mylist[2:8] " result: [2, 3]
220
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +0000221NOTE: mylist[s:e] means using the variable "s:e" as index. Watch out for
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000222using a single letter variable before the ":". Insert a space when needed:
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +0000223mylist[s : e].
224
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000225
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000226List identity ~
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000227 *list-identity*
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000228When variable "aa" is a list and you assign it to another variable "bb", both
229variables refer to the same list. Thus changing the list "aa" will also
230change "bb": >
231 :let aa = [1, 2, 3]
232 :let bb = aa
233 :call add(aa, 4)
234 :echo bb
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000235< [1, 2, 3, 4]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000236
237Making a copy of a list is done with the |copy()| function. Using [:] also
238works, as explained above. This creates a shallow copy of the list: Changing
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000239a list item in the list will also change the item in the copied list: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000240 :let aa = [[1, 'a'], 2, 3]
241 :let bb = copy(aa)
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000242 :call add(aa, 4)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000243 :let aa[0][1] = 'aaa'
244 :echo aa
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000245< [[1, aaa], 2, 3, 4] >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000246 :echo bb
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000247< [[1, aaa], 2, 3]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000248
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000249To make a completely independent list use |deepcopy()|. This also makes a
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000250copy of the values in the list, recursively. Up to a hundred levels deep.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000251
252The operator "is" can be used to check if two variables refer to the same
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000253List. "isnot" does the opposite. In contrast "==" compares if two lists have
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000254the same value. >
255 :let alist = [1, 2, 3]
256 :let blist = [1, 2, 3]
257 :echo alist is blist
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000258< 0 >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000259 :echo alist == blist
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000260< 1
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000261
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000262Note about comparing lists: Two lists are considered equal if they have the
263same length and all items compare equal, as with using "==". There is one
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000264exception: When comparing a number with a string they are considered
265different. There is no automatic type conversion, as with using "==" on
266variables. Example: >
267 echo 4 == "4"
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000268< 1 >
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000269 echo [4] == ["4"]
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000270< 0
271
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000272Thus comparing Lists is more strict than comparing numbers and strings. You
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000273can compare simple values this way too by putting them in a list: >
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000274
275 :let a = 5
276 :let b = "5"
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000277 :echo a == b
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000278< 1 >
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000279 :echo [a] == [b]
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000280< 0
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000281
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000282
283List unpack ~
284
285To unpack the items in a list to individual variables, put the variables in
286square brackets, like list items: >
287 :let [var1, var2] = mylist
288
289When the number of variables does not match the number of items in the list
290this produces an error. To handle any extra items from the list append ";"
291and a variable name: >
292 :let [var1, var2; rest] = mylist
293
294This works like: >
295 :let var1 = mylist[0]
296 :let var2 = mylist[1]
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000297 :let rest = mylist[2:]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000298
299Except that there is no error if there are only two items. "rest" will be an
300empty list then.
301
302
303List modification ~
304 *list-modification*
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000305To change a specific item of a list use |:let| this way: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000306 :let list[4] = "four"
307 :let listlist[0][3] = item
308
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000309To change part of a list you can specify the first and last item to be
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000310modified. The value must at least have the number of items in the range: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000311 :let list[3:5] = [3, 4, 5]
312
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000313Adding and removing items from a list is done with functions. Here are a few
314examples: >
315 :call insert(list, 'a') " prepend item 'a'
316 :call insert(list, 'a', 3) " insert item 'a' before list[3]
317 :call add(list, "new") " append String item
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000318 :call add(list, [1, 2]) " append a List as one new item
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000319 :call extend(list, [1, 2]) " extend the list with two more items
320 :let i = remove(list, 3) " remove item 3
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +0000321 :unlet list[3] " idem
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000322 :let l = remove(list, 3, -1) " remove items 3 to last item
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +0000323 :unlet list[3 : ] " idem
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000324 :call filter(list, 'v:val !~ "x"') " remove items with an 'x'
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000325
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000326Changing the order of items in a list: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000327 :call sort(list) " sort a list alphabetically
328 :call reverse(list) " reverse the order of items
329
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000330
331For loop ~
332
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000333The |:for| loop executes commands for each item in a list. A variable is set
334to each item in the list in sequence. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000335 :for item in mylist
336 : call Doit(item)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000337 :endfor
338
339This works like: >
340 :let index = 0
341 :while index < len(mylist)
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000342 : let item = mylist[index]
343 : :call Doit(item)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000344 : let index = index + 1
345 :endwhile
346
347Note that all items in the list should be of the same type, otherwise this
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000348results in error |E706|. To avoid this |:unlet| the variable at the end of
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000349the loop.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000350
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000351If all you want to do is modify each item in the list then the |map()|
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000352function will be a simpler method than a for loop.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000353
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000354Just like the |:let| command, |:for| also accepts a list of variables. This
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000355requires the argument to be a list of lists. >
356 :for [lnum, col] in [[1, 3], [2, 8], [3, 0]]
357 : call Doit(lnum, col)
358 :endfor
359
360This works like a |:let| command is done for each list item. Again, the types
361must remain the same to avoid an error.
362
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000363It is also possible to put remaining items in a List variable: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000364 :for [i, j; rest] in listlist
365 : call Doit(i, j)
366 : if !empty(rest)
367 : echo "remainder: " . string(rest)
368 : endif
369 :endfor
370
371
372List functions ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000373 *E714*
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000374Functions that are useful with a List: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000375 :let r = call(funcname, list) " call a function with an argument list
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000376 :if empty(list) " check if list is empty
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000377 :let l = len(list) " number of items in list
378 :let big = max(list) " maximum value in list
379 :let small = min(list) " minimum value in list
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000380 :let xs = count(list, 'x') " count nr of times 'x' appears in list
381 :let i = index(list, 'x') " index of first 'x' in list
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000382 :let lines = getline(1, 10) " get ten text lines from buffer
383 :call append('$', lines) " append text lines in buffer
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000384 :let list = split("a b c") " create list from items in a string
385 :let string = join(list, ', ') " create string from list items
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000386 :let s = string(list) " String representation of list
387 :call map(list, '">> " . v:val') " prepend ">> " to each item
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000388
Bram Moolenaar0cb032e2005-04-23 20:52:00 +0000389Don't forget that a combination of features can make things simple. For
390example, to add up all the numbers in a list: >
391 :exe 'let sum = ' . join(nrlist, '+')
392
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000393
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003941.4 Dictionaries ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000395 *Dictionaries* *Dictionary*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000396A Dictionary is an associative array: Each entry has a key and a value. The
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000397entry can be located with the key. The entries are stored without a specific
398ordering.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000399
400
401Dictionary creation ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000402 *E720* *E721* *E722* *E723*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000403A Dictionary is created with a comma separated list of entries in curly
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000404braces. Each entry has a key and a value, separated by a colon. Each key can
405only appear once. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000406 :let mydict = {1: 'one', 2: 'two', 3: 'three'}
407 :let emptydict = {}
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000408< *E713* *E716* *E717*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000409A key is always a String. You can use a Number, it will be converted to a
410String automatically. Thus the String '4' and the number 4 will find the same
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000411entry. Note that the String '04' and the Number 04 are different, since the
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000412Number will be converted to the String '4'.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000413
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000414A value can be any expression. Using a Dictionary for a value creates a
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000415nested Dictionary: >
416 :let nestdict = {1: {11: 'a', 12: 'b'}, 2: {21: 'c'}}
417
418An extra comma after the last entry is ignored.
419
420
421Accessing entries ~
422
423The normal way to access an entry is by putting the key in square brackets: >
424 :let val = mydict["one"]
425 :let mydict["four"] = 4
426
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000427You can add new entries to an existing Dictionary this way, unlike Lists.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000428
429For keys that consist entirely of letters, digits and underscore the following
430form can be used |expr-entry|: >
431 :let val = mydict.one
432 :let mydict.four = 4
433
434Since an entry can be any type, also a List and a Dictionary, the indexing and
435key lookup can be repeated: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000436 :echo dict.key[idx].key
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000437
438
439Dictionary to List conversion ~
440
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000441You may want to loop over the entries in a dictionary. For this you need to
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000442turn the Dictionary into a List and pass it to |:for|.
443
444Most often you want to loop over the keys, using the |keys()| function: >
445 :for key in keys(mydict)
446 : echo key . ': ' . mydict[key]
447 :endfor
448
449The List of keys is unsorted. You may want to sort them first: >
450 :for key in sort(keys(mydict))
451
452To loop over the values use the |values()| function: >
453 :for v in values(mydict)
454 : echo "value: " . v
455 :endfor
456
457If you want both the key and the value use the |items()| function. It returns
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000458a List in which each item is a List with two items, the key and the value: >
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +0000459 :for [key, value] in items(mydict)
460 : echo key . ': ' . value
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000461 :endfor
462
463
464Dictionary identity ~
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +0000465 *dict-identity*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000466Just like Lists you need to use |copy()| and |deepcopy()| to make a copy of a
467Dictionary. Otherwise, assignment results in referring to the same
468Dictionary: >
469 :let onedict = {'a': 1, 'b': 2}
470 :let adict = onedict
471 :let adict['a'] = 11
472 :echo onedict['a']
473 11
474
Bram Moolenaarf3bd51a2005-06-14 22:11:18 +0000475Two Dictionaries compare equal if all the key-value pairs compare equal. For
476more info see |list-identity|.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000477
478
479Dictionary modification ~
480 *dict-modification*
481To change an already existing entry of a Dictionary, or to add a new entry,
482use |:let| this way: >
483 :let dict[4] = "four"
484 :let dict['one'] = item
485
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +0000486Removing an entry from a Dictionary is done with |remove()| or |:unlet|.
487Three ways to remove the entry with key "aaa" from dict: >
488 :let i = remove(dict, 'aaa')
489 :unlet dict.aaa
490 :unlet dict['aaa']
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000491
492Merging a Dictionary with another is done with |extend()|: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000493 :call extend(adict, bdict)
494This extends adict with all entries from bdict. Duplicate keys cause entries
495in adict to be overwritten. An optional third argument can change this.
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000496Note that the order of entries in a Dictionary is irrelevant, thus don't
497expect ":echo adict" to show the items from bdict after the older entries in
498adict.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000499
500Weeding out entries from a Dictionary can be done with |filter()|: >
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +0000501 :call filter(dict, 'v:val =~ "x"')
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000502This removes all entries from "dict" with a value not matching 'x'.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000503
504
505Dictionary function ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000506 *Dictionary-function* *self* *E725*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000507When a function is defined with the "dict" attribute it can be used in a
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000508special way with a dictionary. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000509 :function Mylen() dict
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000510 : return len(self.data)
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000511 :endfunction
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000512 :let mydict = {'data': [0, 1, 2, 3], 'len': function("Mylen")}
513 :echo mydict.len()
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000514
515This is like a method in object oriented programming. The entry in the
516Dictionary is a |Funcref|. The local variable "self" refers to the dictionary
517the function was invoked from.
518
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000519It is also possible to add a function without the "dict" attribute as a
520Funcref to a Dictionary, but the "self" variable is not available then.
521
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +0000522 *numbered-function* *anonymous-function*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000523To avoid the extra name for the function it can be defined and directly
524assigned to a Dictionary in this way: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000525 :let mydict = {'data': [0, 1, 2, 3]}
526 :function mydict.len() dict
527 : return len(self.data)
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000528 :endfunction
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000529 :echo mydict.len()
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000530
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000531The function will then get a number and the value of dict.len is a |Funcref|
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000532that references this function. The function can only be used through a
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000533|Funcref|. It will automatically be deleted when there is no |Funcref|
534remaining that refers to it.
535
536It is not necessary to use the "dict" attribute for a numbered function.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000537
Bram Moolenaar1affd722010-08-04 17:49:30 +0200538If you get an error for a numbered function, you can find out what it is with
539a trick. Assuming the function is 42, the command is: >
540 :function {42}
541
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000542
543Functions for Dictionaries ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000544 *E715*
545Functions that can be used with a Dictionary: >
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000546 :if has_key(dict, 'foo') " TRUE if dict has entry with key "foo"
547 :if empty(dict) " TRUE if dict is empty
548 :let l = len(dict) " number of items in dict
549 :let big = max(dict) " maximum value in dict
550 :let small = min(dict) " minimum value in dict
551 :let xs = count(dict, 'x') " count nr of times 'x' appears in dict
552 :let s = string(dict) " String representation of dict
553 :call map(dict, '">> " . v:val') " prepend ">> " to each item
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000554
555
5561.5 More about variables ~
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000557 *more-variables*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000558If you need to know the type of a variable or expression, use the |type()|
559function.
560
561When the '!' flag is included in the 'viminfo' option, global variables that
562start with an uppercase letter, and don't contain a lowercase letter, are
563stored in the viminfo file |viminfo-file|.
564
565When the 'sessionoptions' option contains "global", global variables that
566start with an uppercase letter and contain at least one lowercase letter are
567stored in the session file |session-file|.
568
569variable name can be stored where ~
570my_var_6 not
571My_Var_6 session file
572MY_VAR_6 viminfo file
573
574
575It's possible to form a variable name with curly braces, see
576|curly-braces-names|.
577
578==============================================================================
5792. Expression syntax *expression-syntax*
580
581Expression syntax summary, from least to most significant:
582
583|expr1| expr2 ? expr1 : expr1 if-then-else
584
585|expr2| expr3 || expr3 .. logical OR
586
587|expr3| expr4 && expr4 .. logical AND
588
589|expr4| expr5 == expr5 equal
590 expr5 != expr5 not equal
591 expr5 > expr5 greater than
592 expr5 >= expr5 greater than or equal
593 expr5 < expr5 smaller than
594 expr5 <= expr5 smaller than or equal
595 expr5 =~ expr5 regexp matches
596 expr5 !~ expr5 regexp doesn't match
597
598 expr5 ==? expr5 equal, ignoring case
599 expr5 ==# expr5 equal, match case
600 etc. As above, append ? for ignoring case, # for
601 matching case
602
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000603 expr5 is expr5 same |List| instance
604 expr5 isnot expr5 different |List| instance
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000605
606|expr5| expr6 + expr6 .. number addition or list concatenation
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000607 expr6 - expr6 .. number subtraction
608 expr6 . expr6 .. string concatenation
609
610|expr6| expr7 * expr7 .. number multiplication
611 expr7 / expr7 .. number division
612 expr7 % expr7 .. number modulo
613
614|expr7| ! expr7 logical NOT
615 - expr7 unary minus
616 + expr7 unary plus
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000617
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000618
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000619|expr8| expr8[expr1] byte of a String or item of a |List|
620 expr8[expr1 : expr1] substring of a String or sublist of a |List|
621 expr8.name entry in a |Dictionary|
622 expr8(expr1, ...) function call with |Funcref| variable
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000623
624|expr9| number number constant
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +0000625 "string" string constant, backslash is special
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000626 'string' string constant, ' is doubled
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000627 [expr1, ...] |List|
628 {expr1: expr1, ...} |Dictionary|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000629 &option option value
630 (expr1) nested expression
631 variable internal variable
632 va{ria}ble internal variable with curly braces
633 $VAR environment variable
634 @r contents of register 'r'
635 function(expr1, ...) function call
636 func{ti}on(expr1, ...) function call with curly braces
637
638
639".." indicates that the operations in this level can be concatenated.
640Example: >
641 &nu || &list && &shell == "csh"
642
643All expressions within one level are parsed from left to right.
644
645
646expr1 *expr1* *E109*
647-----
648
649expr2 ? expr1 : expr1
650
651The expression before the '?' is evaluated to a number. If it evaluates to
652non-zero, the result is the value of the expression between the '?' and ':',
653otherwise the result is the value of the expression after the ':'.
654Example: >
655 :echo lnum == 1 ? "top" : lnum
656
657Since the first expression is an "expr2", it cannot contain another ?:. The
658other two expressions can, thus allow for recursive use of ?:.
659Example: >
660 :echo lnum == 1 ? "top" : lnum == 1000 ? "last" : lnum
661
662To keep this readable, using |line-continuation| is suggested: >
663 :echo lnum == 1
664 :\ ? "top"
665 :\ : lnum == 1000
666 :\ ? "last"
667 :\ : lnum
668
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +0000669You should always put a space before the ':', otherwise it can be mistaken for
670use in a variable such as "a:1".
671
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000672
673expr2 and expr3 *expr2* *expr3*
674---------------
675
676 *expr-barbar* *expr-&&*
677The "||" and "&&" operators take one argument on each side. The arguments
678are (converted to) Numbers. The result is:
679
680 input output ~
681n1 n2 n1 || n2 n1 && n2 ~
682zero zero zero zero
683zero non-zero non-zero zero
684non-zero zero non-zero zero
685non-zero non-zero non-zero non-zero
686
687The operators can be concatenated, for example: >
688
689 &nu || &list && &shell == "csh"
690
691Note that "&&" takes precedence over "||", so this has the meaning of: >
692
693 &nu || (&list && &shell == "csh")
694
695Once the result is known, the expression "short-circuits", that is, further
696arguments are not evaluated. This is like what happens in C. For example: >
697
698 let a = 1
699 echo a || b
700
701This is valid even if there is no variable called "b" because "a" is non-zero,
702so the result must be non-zero. Similarly below: >
703
704 echo exists("b") && b == "yes"
705
706This is valid whether "b" has been defined or not. The second clause will
707only be evaluated if "b" has been defined.
708
709
710expr4 *expr4*
711-----
712
713expr5 {cmp} expr5
714
715Compare two expr5 expressions, resulting in a 0 if it evaluates to false, or 1
716if it evaluates to true.
717
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000718 *expr-==* *expr-!=* *expr->* *expr->=*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000719 *expr-<* *expr-<=* *expr-=~* *expr-!~*
720 *expr-==#* *expr-!=#* *expr->#* *expr->=#*
721 *expr-<#* *expr-<=#* *expr-=~#* *expr-!~#*
722 *expr-==?* *expr-!=?* *expr->?* *expr->=?*
723 *expr-<?* *expr-<=?* *expr-=~?* *expr-!~?*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000724 *expr-is*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000725 use 'ignorecase' match case ignore case ~
726equal == ==# ==?
727not equal != !=# !=?
728greater than > ># >?
729greater than or equal >= >=# >=?
730smaller than < <# <?
731smaller than or equal <= <=# <=?
732regexp matches =~ =~# =~?
733regexp doesn't match !~ !~# !~?
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000734same instance is
735different instance isnot
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000736
737Examples:
738"abc" ==# "Abc" evaluates to 0
739"abc" ==? "Abc" evaluates to 1
740"abc" == "Abc" evaluates to 1 if 'ignorecase' is set, 0 otherwise
741
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000742 *E691* *E692*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000743A |List| can only be compared with a |List| and only "equal", "not equal" and
744"is" can be used. This compares the values of the list, recursively.
745Ignoring case means case is ignored when comparing item values.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000746
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000747 *E735* *E736*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000748A |Dictionary| can only be compared with a |Dictionary| and only "equal", "not
749equal" and "is" can be used. This compares the key/values of the |Dictionary|
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000750recursively. Ignoring case means case is ignored when comparing item values.
751
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000752 *E693* *E694*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000753A |Funcref| can only be compared with a |Funcref| and only "equal" and "not
754equal" can be used. Case is never ignored.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000755
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000756When using "is" or "isnot" with a |List| this checks if the expressions are
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000757referring to the same |List| instance. A copy of a |List| is different from
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000758the original |List|. When using "is" without a |List| it is equivalent to
759using "equal", using "isnot" equivalent to using "not equal". Except that a
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000760different type means the values are different. "4 == '4'" is true, "4 is '4'"
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000761is false.
762
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000763When comparing a String with a Number, the String is converted to a Number,
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000764and the comparison is done on Numbers. This means that "0 == 'x'" is TRUE,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000765because 'x' converted to a Number is zero.
766
767When comparing two Strings, this is done with strcmp() or stricmp(). This
768results in the mathematical difference (comparing byte values), not
769necessarily the alphabetical difference in the local language.
770
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000771When using the operators with a trailing '#', or the short version and
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +0000772'ignorecase' is off, the comparing is done with strcmp(): case matters.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000773
774When using the operators with a trailing '?', or the short version and
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +0000775'ignorecase' is set, the comparing is done with stricmp(): case is ignored.
776
777'smartcase' is not used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000778
779The "=~" and "!~" operators match the lefthand argument with the righthand
780argument, which is used as a pattern. See |pattern| for what a pattern is.
781This matching is always done like 'magic' was set and 'cpoptions' is empty, no
782matter what the actual value of 'magic' or 'cpoptions' is. This makes scripts
783portable. To avoid backslashes in the regexp pattern to be doubled, use a
784single-quote string, see |literal-string|.
785Since a string is considered to be a single line, a multi-line pattern
786(containing \n, backslash-n) will not match. However, a literal NL character
787can be matched like an ordinary character. Examples:
788 "foo\nbar" =~ "\n" evaluates to 1
789 "foo\nbar" =~ "\\n" evaluates to 0
790
791
792expr5 and expr6 *expr5* *expr6*
793---------------
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000794expr6 + expr6 .. Number addition or |List| concatenation *expr-+*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000795expr6 - expr6 .. Number subtraction *expr--*
796expr6 . expr6 .. String concatenation *expr-.*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000797
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +0000798For |Lists| only "+" is possible and then both expr6 must be a list. The
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000799result is a new list with the two lists Concatenated.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000800
801expr7 * expr7 .. number multiplication *expr-star*
802expr7 / expr7 .. number division *expr-/*
803expr7 % expr7 .. number modulo *expr-%*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000804
805For all, except ".", Strings are converted to Numbers.
806
807Note the difference between "+" and ".":
808 "123" + "456" = 579
809 "123" . "456" = "123456"
810
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000811Since '.' has the same precedence as '+' and '-', you need to read: >
812 1 . 90 + 90.0
813As: >
814 (1 . 90) + 90.0
815That works, since the String "190" is automatically converted to the Number
816190, which can be added to the Float 90.0. However: >
817 1 . 90 * 90.0
818Should be read as: >
819 1 . (90 * 90.0)
820Since '.' has lower precedence than '*'. This does NOT work, since this
821attempts to concatenate a Float and a String.
822
823When dividing a Number by zero the result depends on the value:
824 0 / 0 = -0x80000000 (like NaN for Float)
825 >0 / 0 = 0x7fffffff (like positive infinity)
826 <0 / 0 = -0x7fffffff (like negative infinity)
827 (before Vim 7.2 it was always 0x7fffffff)
828
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000829When the righthand side of '%' is zero, the result is 0.
830
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000831None of these work for |Funcref|s.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000832
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000833. and % do not work for Float. *E804*
834
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000835
836expr7 *expr7*
837-----
838! expr7 logical NOT *expr-!*
839- expr7 unary minus *expr-unary--*
840+ expr7 unary plus *expr-unary-+*
841
842For '!' non-zero becomes zero, zero becomes one.
843For '-' the sign of the number is changed.
844For '+' the number is unchanged.
845
846A String will be converted to a Number first.
847
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000848These three can be repeated and mixed. Examples:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000849 !-1 == 0
850 !!8 == 1
851 --9 == 9
852
853
854expr8 *expr8*
855-----
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000856expr8[expr1] item of String or |List| *expr-[]* *E111*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000857
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000858If expr8 is a Number or String this results in a String that contains the
859expr1'th single byte from expr8. expr8 is used as a String, expr1 as a
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +0100860Number. This doesn't recognize multi-byte encodings, see |byteidx()| for
861an alternative.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000862
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000863Index zero gives the first character. This is like it works in C. Careful:
864text column numbers start with one! Example, to get the character under the
865cursor: >
Bram Moolenaar61660ea2006-04-07 21:40:07 +0000866 :let c = getline(".")[col(".") - 1]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000867
868If the length of the String is less than the index, the result is an empty
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000869String. A negative index always results in an empty string (reason: backwards
870compatibility). Use [-1:] to get the last byte.
871
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000872If expr8 is a |List| then it results the item at index expr1. See |list-index|
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000873for possible index values. If the index is out of range this results in an
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000874error. Example: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000875 :let item = mylist[-1] " get last item
876
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000877Generally, if a |List| index is equal to or higher than the length of the
878|List|, or more negative than the length of the |List|, this results in an
879error.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000880
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000881
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000882expr8[expr1a : expr1b] substring or sublist *expr-[:]*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000883
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000884If expr8 is a Number or String this results in the substring with the bytes
885from expr1a to and including expr1b. expr8 is used as a String, expr1a and
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +0100886expr1b are used as a Number. This doesn't recognize multi-byte encodings, see
887|byteidx()| for computing the indexes.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000888
889If expr1a is omitted zero is used. If expr1b is omitted the length of the
890string minus one is used.
891
892A negative number can be used to measure from the end of the string. -1 is
893the last character, -2 the last but one, etc.
894
895If an index goes out of range for the string characters are omitted. If
896expr1b is smaller than expr1a the result is an empty string.
897
898Examples: >
899 :let c = name[-1:] " last byte of a string
900 :let c = name[-2:-2] " last but one byte of a string
901 :let s = line(".")[4:] " from the fifth byte to the end
902 :let s = s[:-3] " remove last two bytes
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +0100903<
904 *sublist* *slice*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000905If expr8 is a |List| this results in a new |List| with the items indicated by
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000906the indexes expr1a and expr1b. This works like with a String, as explained
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000907just above, except that indexes out of range cause an error. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000908 :let l = mylist[:3] " first four items
909 :let l = mylist[4:4] " List with one item
910 :let l = mylist[:] " shallow copy of a List
911
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000912Using expr8[expr1] or expr8[expr1a : expr1b] on a |Funcref| results in an
913error.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000914
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000915
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000916expr8.name entry in a |Dictionary| *expr-entry*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000917
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000918If expr8 is a |Dictionary| and it is followed by a dot, then the following
919name will be used as a key in the |Dictionary|. This is just like:
920expr8[name].
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000921
922The name must consist of alphanumeric characters, just like a variable name,
923but it may start with a number. Curly braces cannot be used.
924
925There must not be white space before or after the dot.
926
927Examples: >
928 :let dict = {"one": 1, 2: "two"}
929 :echo dict.one
930 :echo dict .2
931
932Note that the dot is also used for String concatenation. To avoid confusion
933always put spaces around the dot for String concatenation.
934
935
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000936expr8(expr1, ...) |Funcref| function call
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000937
938When expr8 is a |Funcref| type variable, invoke the function it refers to.
939
940
941
942 *expr9*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000943number
944------
945number number constant *expr-number*
946
947Decimal, Hexadecimal (starting with 0x or 0X), or Octal (starting with 0).
948
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000949 *floating-point-format*
950Floating point numbers can be written in two forms:
951
952 [-+]{N}.{M}
953 [-+]{N}.{M}e[-+]{exp}
954
955{N} and {M} are numbers. Both {N} and {M} must be present and can only
956contain digits.
957[-+] means there is an optional plus or minus sign.
958{exp} is the exponent, power of 10.
959Only a decimal point is accepted, not a comma. No matter what the current
960locale is.
961{only when compiled with the |+float| feature}
962
963Examples:
964 123.456
965 +0.0001
966 55.0
967 -0.123
968 1.234e03
969 1.0E-6
970 -3.1416e+88
971
972These are INVALID:
973 3. empty {M}
974 1e40 missing .{M}
975
Bram Moolenaare37d50a2008-08-06 17:06:04 +0000976 *float-pi* *float-e*
977A few useful values to copy&paste: >
978 :let pi = 3.14159265359
979 :let e = 2.71828182846
980
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000981Rationale:
982Before floating point was introduced, the text "123.456" was interpreted as
983the two numbers "123" and "456", both converted to a string and concatenated,
984resulting in the string "123456". Since this was considered pointless, and we
Bram Moolenaare37d50a2008-08-06 17:06:04 +0000985could not find it intentionally being used in Vim scripts, this backwards
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +0000986incompatibility was accepted in favor of being able to use the normal notation
987for floating point numbers.
988
989 *floating-point-precision*
990The precision and range of floating points numbers depends on what "double"
991means in the library Vim was compiled with. There is no way to change this at
992runtime.
993
994The default for displaying a |Float| is to use 6 decimal places, like using
995printf("%g", f). You can select something else when using the |printf()|
996function. Example: >
997 :echo printf('%.15e', atan(1))
998< 7.853981633974483e-01
999
1000
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001001
1002string *expr-string* *E114*
1003------
1004"string" string constant *expr-quote*
1005
1006Note that double quotes are used.
1007
1008A string constant accepts these special characters:
1009\... three-digit octal number (e.g., "\316")
1010\.. two-digit octal number (must be followed by non-digit)
1011\. one-digit octal number (must be followed by non-digit)
1012\x.. byte specified with two hex numbers (e.g., "\x1f")
1013\x. byte specified with one hex number (must be followed by non-hex char)
1014\X.. same as \x..
1015\X. same as \x.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001016\u.... character specified with up to 4 hex numbers, stored according to the
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001017 current value of 'encoding' (e.g., "\u02a4")
1018\U.... same as \u....
1019\b backspace <BS>
1020\e escape <Esc>
1021\f formfeed <FF>
1022\n newline <NL>
1023\r return <CR>
1024\t tab <Tab>
1025\\ backslash
1026\" double quote
Bram Moolenaar00a927d2010-05-14 23:24:24 +02001027\<xxx> Special key named "xxx". e.g. "\<C-W>" for CTRL-W. This is for use
1028 in mappings, the 0x80 byte is escaped. Don't use <Char-xxxx> to get a
1029 utf-8 character, use \uxxxx as mentioned above.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001030
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00001031Note that "\xff" is stored as the byte 255, which may be invalid in some
1032encodings. Use "\u00ff" to store character 255 according to the current value
1033of 'encoding'.
1034
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001035Note that "\000" and "\x00" force the end of the string.
1036
1037
1038literal-string *literal-string* *E115*
1039---------------
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +00001040'string' string constant *expr-'*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001041
1042Note that single quotes are used.
1043
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001044This string is taken as it is. No backslashes are removed or have a special
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00001045meaning. The only exception is that two quotes stand for one quote.
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +00001046
1047Single quoted strings are useful for patterns, so that backslashes do not need
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001048to be doubled. These two commands are equivalent: >
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +00001049 if a =~ "\\s*"
1050 if a =~ '\s*'
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001051
1052
1053option *expr-option* *E112* *E113*
1054------
1055&option option value, local value if possible
1056&g:option global option value
1057&l:option local option value
1058
1059Examples: >
1060 echo "tabstop is " . &tabstop
1061 if &insertmode
1062
1063Any option name can be used here. See |options|. When using the local value
1064and there is no buffer-local or window-local value, the global value is used
1065anyway.
1066
1067
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00001068register *expr-register* *@r*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001069--------
1070@r contents of register 'r'
1071
1072The result is the contents of the named register, as a single string.
1073Newlines are inserted where required. To get the contents of the unnamed
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001074register use @" or @@. See |registers| for an explanation of the available
Bram Moolenaare7566042005-06-17 22:00:15 +00001075registers.
1076
1077When using the '=' register you get the expression itself, not what it
1078evaluates to. Use |eval()| to evaluate it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001079
1080
1081nesting *expr-nesting* *E110*
1082-------
1083(expr1) nested expression
1084
1085
1086environment variable *expr-env*
1087--------------------
1088$VAR environment variable
1089
1090The String value of any environment variable. When it is not defined, the
1091result is an empty string.
1092 *expr-env-expand*
1093Note that there is a difference between using $VAR directly and using
1094expand("$VAR"). Using it directly will only expand environment variables that
1095are known inside the current Vim session. Using expand() will first try using
1096the environment variables known inside the current Vim session. If that
1097fails, a shell will be used to expand the variable. This can be slow, but it
1098does expand all variables that the shell knows about. Example: >
1099 :echo $version
1100 :echo expand("$version")
1101The first one probably doesn't echo anything, the second echoes the $version
1102variable (if your shell supports it).
1103
1104
1105internal variable *expr-variable*
1106-----------------
1107variable internal variable
1108See below |internal-variables|.
1109
1110
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00001111function call *expr-function* *E116* *E118* *E119* *E120*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001112-------------
1113function(expr1, ...) function call
1114See below |functions|.
1115
1116
1117==============================================================================
Bram Moolenaar4a748032010-09-30 21:47:56 +020011183. Internal variable *internal-variables* *E461*
1119
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001120An internal variable name can be made up of letters, digits and '_'. But it
1121cannot start with a digit. It's also possible to use curly braces, see
1122|curly-braces-names|.
1123
1124An internal variable is created with the ":let" command |:let|.
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00001125An internal variable is explicitly destroyed with the ":unlet" command
1126|:unlet|.
1127Using a name that is not an internal variable or refers to a variable that has
1128been destroyed results in an error.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001129
1130There are several name spaces for variables. Which one is to be used is
1131specified by what is prepended:
1132
1133 (nothing) In a function: local to a function; otherwise: global
1134|buffer-variable| b: Local to the current buffer.
1135|window-variable| w: Local to the current window.
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00001136|tabpage-variable| t: Local to the current tab page.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001137|global-variable| g: Global.
1138|local-variable| l: Local to a function.
1139|script-variable| s: Local to a |:source|'ed Vim script.
1140|function-argument| a: Function argument (only inside a function).
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001141|vim-variable| v: Global, predefined by Vim.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001142
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001143The scope name by itself can be used as a |Dictionary|. For example, to
1144delete all script-local variables: >
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00001145 :for k in keys(s:)
1146 : unlet s:[k]
1147 :endfor
1148<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001149 *buffer-variable* *b:var*
1150A variable name that is preceded with "b:" is local to the current buffer.
1151Thus you can have several "b:foo" variables, one for each buffer.
1152This kind of variable is deleted when the buffer is wiped out or deleted with
1153|:bdelete|.
1154
1155One local buffer variable is predefined:
1156 *b:changedtick-variable* *changetick*
1157b:changedtick The total number of changes to the current buffer. It is
1158 incremented for each change. An undo command is also a change
1159 in this case. This can be used to perform an action only when
1160 the buffer has changed. Example: >
1161 :if my_changedtick != b:changedtick
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001162 : let my_changedtick = b:changedtick
1163 : call My_Update()
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001164 :endif
1165<
1166 *window-variable* *w:var*
1167A variable name that is preceded with "w:" is local to the current window. It
1168is deleted when the window is closed.
1169
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00001170 *tabpage-variable* *t:var*
1171A variable name that is preceded with "t:" is local to the current tab page,
1172It is deleted when the tab page is closed. {not available when compiled
Bram Moolenaardb84e452010-08-15 13:50:43 +02001173without the |+windows| feature}
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00001174
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001175 *global-variable* *g:var*
1176Inside functions global variables are accessed with "g:". Omitting this will
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001177access a variable local to a function. But "g:" can also be used in any other
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001178place if you like.
1179
1180 *local-variable* *l:var*
1181Inside functions local variables are accessed without prepending anything.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00001182But you can also prepend "l:" if you like. However, without prepending "l:"
1183you may run into reserved variable names. For example "count". By itself it
1184refers to "v:count". Using "l:count" you can have a local variable with the
1185same name.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001186
1187 *script-variable* *s:var*
1188In a Vim script variables starting with "s:" can be used. They cannot be
1189accessed from outside of the scripts, thus are local to the script.
1190
1191They can be used in:
1192- commands executed while the script is sourced
1193- functions defined in the script
1194- autocommands defined in the script
1195- functions and autocommands defined in functions and autocommands which were
1196 defined in the script (recursively)
1197- user defined commands defined in the script
1198Thus not in:
1199- other scripts sourced from this one
1200- mappings
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001201- menus
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001202- etc.
1203
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00001204Script variables can be used to avoid conflicts with global variable names.
1205Take this example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001206
1207 let s:counter = 0
1208 function MyCounter()
1209 let s:counter = s:counter + 1
1210 echo s:counter
1211 endfunction
1212 command Tick call MyCounter()
1213
1214You can now invoke "Tick" from any script, and the "s:counter" variable in
1215that script will not be changed, only the "s:counter" in the script where
1216"Tick" was defined is used.
1217
1218Another example that does the same: >
1219
1220 let s:counter = 0
1221 command Tick let s:counter = s:counter + 1 | echo s:counter
1222
1223When calling a function and invoking a user-defined command, the context for
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001224script variables is set to the script where the function or command was
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001225defined.
1226
1227The script variables are also available when a function is defined inside a
1228function that is defined in a script. Example: >
1229
1230 let s:counter = 0
1231 function StartCounting(incr)
1232 if a:incr
1233 function MyCounter()
1234 let s:counter = s:counter + 1
1235 endfunction
1236 else
1237 function MyCounter()
1238 let s:counter = s:counter - 1
1239 endfunction
1240 endif
1241 endfunction
1242
1243This defines the MyCounter() function either for counting up or counting down
1244when calling StartCounting(). It doesn't matter from where StartCounting() is
1245called, the s:counter variable will be accessible in MyCounter().
1246
1247When the same script is sourced again it will use the same script variables.
1248They will remain valid as long as Vim is running. This can be used to
1249maintain a counter: >
1250
1251 if !exists("s:counter")
1252 let s:counter = 1
1253 echo "script executed for the first time"
1254 else
1255 let s:counter = s:counter + 1
1256 echo "script executed " . s:counter . " times now"
1257 endif
1258
1259Note that this means that filetype plugins don't get a different set of script
1260variables for each buffer. Use local buffer variables instead |b:var|.
1261
1262
1263Predefined Vim variables: *vim-variable* *v:var*
1264
Bram Moolenaare4efc3b2005-03-07 23:16:51 +00001265 *v:beval_col* *beval_col-variable*
1266v:beval_col The number of the column, over which the mouse pointer is.
1267 This is the byte index in the |v:beval_lnum| line.
1268 Only valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1269
1270 *v:beval_bufnr* *beval_bufnr-variable*
1271v:beval_bufnr The number of the buffer, over which the mouse pointer is. Only
1272 valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1273
1274 *v:beval_lnum* *beval_lnum-variable*
1275v:beval_lnum The number of the line, over which the mouse pointer is. Only
1276 valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1277
1278 *v:beval_text* *beval_text-variable*
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00001279v:beval_text The text under or after the mouse pointer. Usually a word as
1280 it is useful for debugging a C program. 'iskeyword' applies,
1281 but a dot and "->" before the position is included. When on a
1282 ']' the text before it is used, including the matching '[' and
Bram Moolenaare4efc3b2005-03-07 23:16:51 +00001283 word before it. When on a Visual area within one line the
1284 highlighted text is used.
1285 Only valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1286
1287 *v:beval_winnr* *beval_winnr-variable*
1288v:beval_winnr The number of the window, over which the mouse pointer is. Only
Bram Moolenaar00654022011-02-25 14:42:19 +01001289 valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option. The first
1290 window has number zero (unlike most other places where a
1291 window gets a number).
Bram Moolenaare4efc3b2005-03-07 23:16:51 +00001292
Bram Moolenaarf193fff2006-04-27 00:02:13 +00001293 *v:char* *char-variable*
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001294v:char Argument for evaluating 'formatexpr' and used for the typed
Bram Moolenaar945e2db2010-06-05 17:43:32 +02001295 character when using <expr> in an abbreviation |:map-<expr>|.
Bram Moolenaare659c952011-05-19 17:25:41 +02001296 It is also used by the |InsertPreChar| event.
Bram Moolenaarf193fff2006-04-27 00:02:13 +00001297
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001298 *v:charconvert_from* *charconvert_from-variable*
1299v:charconvert_from
1300 The name of the character encoding of a file to be converted.
1301 Only valid while evaluating the 'charconvert' option.
1302
1303 *v:charconvert_to* *charconvert_to-variable*
1304v:charconvert_to
1305 The name of the character encoding of a file after conversion.
1306 Only valid while evaluating the 'charconvert' option.
1307
1308 *v:cmdarg* *cmdarg-variable*
1309v:cmdarg This variable is used for two purposes:
1310 1. The extra arguments given to a file read/write command.
1311 Currently these are "++enc=" and "++ff=". This variable is
1312 set before an autocommand event for a file read/write
1313 command is triggered. There is a leading space to make it
1314 possible to append this variable directly after the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001315 read/write command. Note: The "+cmd" argument isn't
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001316 included here, because it will be executed anyway.
1317 2. When printing a PostScript file with ":hardcopy" this is
1318 the argument for the ":hardcopy" command. This can be used
1319 in 'printexpr'.
1320
1321 *v:cmdbang* *cmdbang-variable*
1322v:cmdbang Set like v:cmdarg for a file read/write command. When a "!"
1323 was used the value is 1, otherwise it is 0. Note that this
1324 can only be used in autocommands. For user commands |<bang>|
1325 can be used.
1326
1327 *v:count* *count-variable*
1328v:count The count given for the last Normal mode command. Can be used
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001329 to get the count before a mapping. Read-only. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001330 :map _x :<C-U>echo "the count is " . v:count<CR>
1331< Note: The <C-U> is required to remove the line range that you
1332 get when typing ':' after a count.
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001333 When there are two counts, as in "3d2w", they are multiplied,
1334 just like what happens in the command, "d6w" for the example.
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001335 Also used for evaluating the 'formatexpr' option.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001336 "count" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1337
1338 *v:count1* *count1-variable*
1339v:count1 Just like "v:count", but defaults to one when no count is
1340 used.
1341
1342 *v:ctype* *ctype-variable*
1343v:ctype The current locale setting for characters of the runtime
1344 environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the
1345 current locale encoding. Technical: it's the value of
1346 LC_CTYPE. When not using a locale the value is "C".
1347 This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language|
1348 command.
1349 See |multi-lang|.
1350
1351 *v:dying* *dying-variable*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001352v:dying Normally zero. When a deadly signal is caught it's set to
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001353 one. When multiple signals are caught the number increases.
1354 Can be used in an autocommand to check if Vim didn't
1355 terminate normally. {only works on Unix}
1356 Example: >
1357 :au VimLeave * if v:dying | echo "\nAAAAaaaarrrggghhhh!!!\n" | endif
Bram Moolenaar0e1e25f2010-05-28 21:07:08 +02001358< Note: if another deadly signal is caught when v:dying is one,
1359 VimLeave autocommands will not be executed.
1360
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001361 *v:errmsg* *errmsg-variable*
1362v:errmsg Last given error message. It's allowed to set this variable.
1363 Example: >
1364 :let v:errmsg = ""
1365 :silent! next
1366 :if v:errmsg != ""
1367 : ... handle error
1368< "errmsg" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1369
1370 *v:exception* *exception-variable*
1371v:exception The value of the exception most recently caught and not
1372 finished. See also |v:throwpoint| and |throw-variables|.
1373 Example: >
1374 :try
1375 : throw "oops"
1376 :catch /.*/
1377 : echo "caught" v:exception
1378 :endtry
1379< Output: "caught oops".
1380
Bram Moolenaar19a09a12005-03-04 23:39:37 +00001381 *v:fcs_reason* *fcs_reason-variable*
1382v:fcs_reason The reason why the |FileChangedShell| event was triggered.
1383 Can be used in an autocommand to decide what to do and/or what
1384 to set v:fcs_choice to. Possible values:
1385 deleted file no longer exists
1386 conflict file contents, mode or timestamp was
1387 changed and buffer is modified
1388 changed file contents has changed
1389 mode mode of file changed
1390 time only file timestamp changed
1391
1392 *v:fcs_choice* *fcs_choice-variable*
1393v:fcs_choice What should happen after a |FileChangedShell| event was
1394 triggered. Can be used in an autocommand to tell Vim what to
1395 do with the affected buffer:
1396 reload Reload the buffer (does not work if
1397 the file was deleted).
1398 ask Ask the user what to do, as if there
1399 was no autocommand. Except that when
1400 only the timestamp changed nothing
1401 will happen.
1402 <empty> Nothing, the autocommand should do
1403 everything that needs to be done.
1404 The default is empty. If another (invalid) value is used then
1405 Vim behaves like it is empty, there is no warning message.
1406
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001407 *v:fname_in* *fname_in-variable*
Bram Moolenaar4e330bb2005-12-07 21:04:31 +00001408v:fname_in The name of the input file. Valid while evaluating:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001409 option used for ~
1410 'charconvert' file to be converted
1411 'diffexpr' original file
1412 'patchexpr' original file
1413 'printexpr' file to be printed
Bram Moolenaar2c7a29c2005-12-12 22:02:31 +00001414 And set to the swap file name for |SwapExists|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001415
1416 *v:fname_out* *fname_out-variable*
1417v:fname_out The name of the output file. Only valid while
1418 evaluating:
1419 option used for ~
1420 'charconvert' resulting converted file (*)
1421 'diffexpr' output of diff
1422 'patchexpr' resulting patched file
1423 (*) When doing conversion for a write command (e.g., ":w
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001424 file") it will be equal to v:fname_in. When doing conversion
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001425 for a read command (e.g., ":e file") it will be a temporary
1426 file and different from v:fname_in.
1427
1428 *v:fname_new* *fname_new-variable*
1429v:fname_new The name of the new version of the file. Only valid while
1430 evaluating 'diffexpr'.
1431
1432 *v:fname_diff* *fname_diff-variable*
1433v:fname_diff The name of the diff (patch) file. Only valid while
1434 evaluating 'patchexpr'.
1435
1436 *v:folddashes* *folddashes-variable*
1437v:folddashes Used for 'foldtext': dashes representing foldlevel of a closed
1438 fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001439 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001440
1441 *v:foldlevel* *foldlevel-variable*
1442v:foldlevel Used for 'foldtext': foldlevel of closed fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001443 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001444
1445 *v:foldend* *foldend-variable*
1446v:foldend Used for 'foldtext': last line of closed fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001447 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001448
1449 *v:foldstart* *foldstart-variable*
1450v:foldstart Used for 'foldtext': first line of closed fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001451 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001452
Bram Moolenaar843ee412004-06-30 16:16:41 +00001453 *v:insertmode* *insertmode-variable*
1454v:insertmode Used for the |InsertEnter| and |InsertChange| autocommand
1455 events. Values:
1456 i Insert mode
1457 r Replace mode
1458 v Virtual Replace mode
1459
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001460 *v:key* *key-variable*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001461v:key Key of the current item of a |Dictionary|. Only valid while
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001462 evaluating the expression used with |map()| and |filter()|.
1463 Read-only.
1464
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001465 *v:lang* *lang-variable*
1466v:lang The current locale setting for messages of the runtime
1467 environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the
1468 current language. Technical: it's the value of LC_MESSAGES.
1469 The value is system dependent.
1470 This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language|
1471 command.
1472 It can be different from |v:ctype| when messages are desired
1473 in a different language than what is used for character
1474 encoding. See |multi-lang|.
1475
1476 *v:lc_time* *lc_time-variable*
1477v:lc_time The current locale setting for time messages of the runtime
1478 environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the
1479 current language. Technical: it's the value of LC_TIME.
1480 This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language|
1481 command. See |multi-lang|.
1482
1483 *v:lnum* *lnum-variable*
Bram Moolenaar368373e2010-07-19 20:46:22 +02001484v:lnum Line number for the 'foldexpr' |fold-expr|, 'formatexpr' and
1485 'indentexpr' expressions, tab page number for 'guitablabel'
1486 and 'guitabtooltip'. Only valid while one of these
1487 expressions is being evaluated. Read-only when in the
1488 |sandbox|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001489
Bram Moolenaar219b8702006-11-01 14:32:36 +00001490 *v:mouse_win* *mouse_win-variable*
1491v:mouse_win Window number for a mouse click obtained with |getchar()|.
1492 First window has number 1, like with |winnr()|. The value is
1493 zero when there was no mouse button click.
1494
1495 *v:mouse_lnum* *mouse_lnum-variable*
1496v:mouse_lnum Line number for a mouse click obtained with |getchar()|.
1497 This is the text line number, not the screen line number. The
1498 value is zero when there was no mouse button click.
1499
1500 *v:mouse_col* *mouse_col-variable*
1501v:mouse_col Column number for a mouse click obtained with |getchar()|.
1502 This is the screen column number, like with |virtcol()|. The
1503 value is zero when there was no mouse button click.
1504
Bram Moolenaard812df62008-11-09 12:46:09 +00001505 *v:oldfiles* *oldfiles-variable*
1506v:oldfiles List of file names that is loaded from the |viminfo| file on
1507 startup. These are the files that Vim remembers marks for.
1508 The length of the List is limited by the ' argument of the
1509 'viminfo' option (default is 100).
1510 Also see |:oldfiles| and |c_#<|.
1511 The List can be modified, but this has no effect on what is
1512 stored in the |viminfo| file later. If you use values other
1513 than String this will cause trouble.
Bram Moolenaardb84e452010-08-15 13:50:43 +02001514 {only when compiled with the |+viminfo| feature}
Bram Moolenaard812df62008-11-09 12:46:09 +00001515
Bram Moolenaar8af1fbf2008-01-05 12:35:21 +00001516 *v:operator* *operator-variable*
1517v:operator The last operator given in Normal mode. This is a single
1518 character except for commands starting with <g> or <z>,
1519 in which case it is two characters. Best used alongside
1520 |v:prevcount| and |v:register|. Useful if you want to cancel
1521 Operator-pending mode and then use the operator, e.g.: >
1522 :omap O <Esc>:call MyMotion(v:operator)<CR>
1523< The value remains set until another operator is entered, thus
1524 don't expect it to be empty.
1525 v:operator is not set for |:delete|, |:yank| or other Ex
1526 commands.
1527 Read-only.
1528
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001529 *v:prevcount* *prevcount-variable*
1530v:prevcount The count given for the last but one Normal mode command.
1531 This is the v:count value of the previous command. Useful if
Bram Moolenaar8af1fbf2008-01-05 12:35:21 +00001532 you want to cancel Visual or Operator-pending mode and then
1533 use the count, e.g.: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001534 :vmap % <Esc>:call MyFilter(v:prevcount)<CR>
1535< Read-only.
1536
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00001537 *v:profiling* *profiling-variable*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001538v:profiling Normally zero. Set to one after using ":profile start".
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00001539 See |profiling|.
1540
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001541 *v:progname* *progname-variable*
1542v:progname Contains the name (with path removed) with which Vim was
1543 invoked. Allows you to do special initialisations for "view",
1544 "evim" etc., or any other name you might symlink to Vim.
1545 Read-only.
1546
1547 *v:register* *register-variable*
Bram Moolenaard58e9292011-02-09 17:07:58 +01001548v:register The name of the register in effect for the current normal mode
Bram Moolenaar446beb42011-05-10 17:18:44 +02001549 command. If none is supplied it is the default register '"',
1550 unless 'clipboard' contains "unnamed" or "unnamedplus", then
1551 it is '*' or '+'.
Bram Moolenaard58e9292011-02-09 17:07:58 +01001552 Also see |getreg()| and |setreg()|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001553
Bram Moolenaar1c7715d2005-10-03 22:02:18 +00001554 *v:scrollstart* *scrollstart-variable*
1555v:scrollstart String describing the script or function that caused the
1556 screen to scroll up. It's only set when it is empty, thus the
1557 first reason is remembered. It is set to "Unknown" for a
1558 typed command.
1559 This can be used to find out why your script causes the
1560 hit-enter prompt.
1561
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001562 *v:servername* *servername-variable*
1563v:servername The resulting registered |x11-clientserver| name if any.
1564 Read-only.
1565
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001566
1567v:searchforward *v:searchforward* *searchforward-variable*
1568 Search direction: 1 after a forward search, 0 after a
1569 backward search. It is reset to forward when directly setting
1570 the last search pattern, see |quote/|.
1571 Note that the value is restored when returning from a
1572 function. |function-search-undo|.
1573 Read-write.
1574
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001575 *v:shell_error* *shell_error-variable*
1576v:shell_error Result of the last shell command. When non-zero, the last
1577 shell command had an error. When zero, there was no problem.
1578 This only works when the shell returns the error code to Vim.
1579 The value -1 is often used when the command could not be
1580 executed. Read-only.
1581 Example: >
1582 :!mv foo bar
1583 :if v:shell_error
1584 : echo 'could not rename "foo" to "bar"!'
1585 :endif
1586< "shell_error" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1587
1588 *v:statusmsg* *statusmsg-variable*
1589v:statusmsg Last given status message. It's allowed to set this variable.
1590
Bram Moolenaar4e330bb2005-12-07 21:04:31 +00001591 *v:swapname* *swapname-variable*
1592v:swapname Only valid when executing |SwapExists| autocommands: Name of
1593 the swap file found. Read-only.
1594
1595 *v:swapchoice* *swapchoice-variable*
1596v:swapchoice |SwapExists| autocommands can set this to the selected choice
1597 for handling an existing swap file:
1598 'o' Open read-only
1599 'e' Edit anyway
1600 'r' Recover
1601 'd' Delete swapfile
1602 'q' Quit
1603 'a' Abort
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001604 The value should be a single-character string. An empty value
Bram Moolenaar4e330bb2005-12-07 21:04:31 +00001605 results in the user being asked, as would happen when there is
1606 no SwapExists autocommand. The default is empty.
1607
Bram Moolenaarb3480382005-12-11 21:33:32 +00001608 *v:swapcommand* *swapcommand-variable*
Bram Moolenaar4770d092006-01-12 23:22:24 +00001609v:swapcommand Normal mode command to be executed after a file has been
Bram Moolenaarb3480382005-12-11 21:33:32 +00001610 opened. Can be used for a |SwapExists| autocommand to have
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001611 another Vim open the file and jump to the right place. For
Bram Moolenaarb3480382005-12-11 21:33:32 +00001612 example, when jumping to a tag the value is ":tag tagname\r".
Bram Moolenaar1f35bf92006-03-07 22:38:47 +00001613 For ":edit +cmd file" the value is ":cmd\r".
Bram Moolenaarb3480382005-12-11 21:33:32 +00001614
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001615 *v:termresponse* *termresponse-variable*
1616v:termresponse The escape sequence returned by the terminal for the |t_RV|
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001617 termcap entry. It is set when Vim receives an escape sequence
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001618 that starts with ESC [ or CSI and ends in a 'c', with only
1619 digits, ';' and '.' in between.
1620 When this option is set, the TermResponse autocommand event is
1621 fired, so that you can react to the response from the
1622 terminal.
1623 The response from a new xterm is: "<Esc>[ Pp ; Pv ; Pc c". Pp
1624 is the terminal type: 0 for vt100 and 1 for vt220. Pv is the
1625 patch level (since this was introduced in patch 95, it's
1626 always 95 or bigger). Pc is always zero.
1627 {only when compiled with |+termresponse| feature}
1628
1629 *v:this_session* *this_session-variable*
1630v:this_session Full filename of the last loaded or saved session file. See
1631 |:mksession|. It is allowed to set this variable. When no
1632 session file has been saved, this variable is empty.
1633 "this_session" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1634
1635 *v:throwpoint* *throwpoint-variable*
1636v:throwpoint The point where the exception most recently caught and not
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001637 finished was thrown. Not set when commands are typed. See
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001638 also |v:exception| and |throw-variables|.
1639 Example: >
1640 :try
1641 : throw "oops"
1642 :catch /.*/
1643 : echo "Exception from" v:throwpoint
1644 :endtry
1645< Output: "Exception from test.vim, line 2"
1646
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001647 *v:val* *val-variable*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001648v:val Value of the current item of a |List| or |Dictionary|. Only
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001649 valid while evaluating the expression used with |map()| and
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001650 |filter()|. Read-only.
1651
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001652 *v:version* *version-variable*
1653v:version Version number of Vim: Major version number times 100 plus
1654 minor version number. Version 5.0 is 500. Version 5.1 (5.01)
1655 is 501. Read-only. "version" also works, for backwards
1656 compatibility.
1657 Use |has()| to check if a certain patch was included, e.g.: >
1658 if has("patch123")
1659< Note that patch numbers are specific to the version, thus both
1660 version 5.0 and 5.1 may have a patch 123, but these are
1661 completely different.
1662
1663 *v:warningmsg* *warningmsg-variable*
1664v:warningmsg Last given warning message. It's allowed to set this variable.
1665
Bram Moolenaar727c8762010-10-20 19:17:48 +02001666 *v:windowid* *windowid-variable*
1667v:windowid When any X11 based GUI is running or when running in a
1668 terminal and Vim connects to the X server (|-X|) this will be
Bram Moolenaar264e9fd2010-10-27 12:33:17 +02001669 set to the window ID.
1670 When an MS-Windows GUI is running this will be set to the
1671 window handle.
1672 Otherwise the value is zero.
1673 Note: for windows inside Vim use |winnr()|.
Bram Moolenaar727c8762010-10-20 19:17:48 +02001674
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001675==============================================================================
16764. Builtin Functions *functions*
1677
1678See |function-list| for a list grouped by what the function is used for.
1679
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00001680(Use CTRL-] on the function name to jump to the full explanation.)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001681
1682USAGE RESULT DESCRIPTION ~
1683
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001684abs( {expr}) Float or Number absolute value of {expr}
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02001685acos( {expr}) Float arc cosine of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001686add( {list}, {item}) List append {item} to |List| {list}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001687append( {lnum}, {string}) Number append {string} below line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00001688append( {lnum}, {list}) Number append lines {list} below line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001689argc() Number number of files in the argument list
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001690argidx() Number current index in the argument list
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001691argv( {nr}) String {nr} entry of the argument list
Bram Moolenaare2f98b92006-03-29 21:18:24 +00001692argv( ) List the argument list
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02001693asin( {expr}) Float arc sine of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001694atan( {expr}) Float arc tangent of {expr}
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02001695atan2( {expr}, {expr}) Float arc tangent of {expr1} / {expr2}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001696browse( {save}, {title}, {initdir}, {default})
1697 String put up a file requester
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001698browsedir( {title}, {initdir}) String put up a directory requester
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001699bufexists( {expr}) Number TRUE if buffer {expr} exists
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001700buflisted( {expr}) Number TRUE if buffer {expr} is listed
1701bufloaded( {expr}) Number TRUE if buffer {expr} is loaded
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001702bufname( {expr}) String Name of the buffer {expr}
1703bufnr( {expr}) Number Number of the buffer {expr}
1704bufwinnr( {expr}) Number window number of buffer {expr}
1705byte2line( {byte}) Number line number at byte count {byte}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001706byteidx( {expr}, {nr}) Number byte index of {nr}'th char in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001707call( {func}, {arglist} [, {dict}])
1708 any call {func} with arguments {arglist}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001709ceil( {expr}) Float round {expr} up
1710changenr() Number current change number
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001711char2nr( {expr}) Number ASCII value of first char in {expr}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001712cindent( {lnum}) Number C indent for line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001713clearmatches() none clear all matches
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001714col( {expr}) Number column nr of cursor or mark
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001715complete( {startcol}, {matches}) none set Insert mode completion
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00001716complete_add( {expr}) Number add completion match
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001717complete_check() Number check for key typed during completion
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001718confirm( {msg} [, {choices} [, {default} [, {type}]]])
1719 Number number of choice picked by user
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001720copy( {expr}) any make a shallow copy of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001721cos( {expr}) Float cosine of {expr}
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02001722cosh( {expr}) Float hyperbolic cosine of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001723count( {list}, {expr} [, {start} [, {ic}]])
1724 Number count how many {expr} are in {list}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001725cscope_connection( [{num} , {dbpath} [, {prepend}]])
1726 Number checks existence of cscope connection
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00001727cursor( {lnum}, {col} [, {coladd}])
1728 Number move cursor to {lnum}, {col}, {coladd}
1729cursor( {list}) Number move cursor to position in {list}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001730deepcopy( {expr}) any make a full copy of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001731delete( {fname}) Number delete file {fname}
1732did_filetype() Number TRUE if FileType autocommand event used
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001733diff_filler( {lnum}) Number diff filler lines about {lnum}
1734diff_hlID( {lnum}, {col}) Number diff highlighting at {lnum}/{col}
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00001735empty( {expr}) Number TRUE if {expr} is empty
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001736escape( {string}, {chars}) String escape {chars} in {string} with '\'
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00001737eval( {string}) any evaluate {string} into its value
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001738eventhandler( ) Number TRUE if inside an event handler
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001739executable( {expr}) Number 1 if executable {expr} exists
1740exists( {expr}) Number TRUE if {expr} exists
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001741extend( {expr1}, {expr2} [, {expr3}])
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001742 List/Dict insert items of {expr2} into {expr1}
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02001743exp( {expr}) Float exponential of {expr}
Bram Moolenaarbb5ddda2008-11-28 10:01:10 +00001744expand( {expr} [, {flag}]) String expand special keywords in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001745feedkeys( {string} [, {mode}]) Number add key sequence to typeahead buffer
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001746filereadable( {file}) Number TRUE if {file} is a readable file
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001747filewritable( {file}) Number TRUE if {file} is a writable file
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001748filter( {expr}, {string}) List/Dict remove items from {expr} where
1749 {string} is 0
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001750finddir( {name}[, {path}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001751 String find directory {name} in {path}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001752findfile( {name}[, {path}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001753 String find file {name} in {path}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001754float2nr( {expr}) Number convert Float {expr} to a Number
1755floor( {expr}) Float round {expr} down
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02001756fmod( {expr1}, {expr2}) Float remainder of {expr1} / {expr2}
Bram Moolenaaraebaf892008-05-28 14:49:58 +00001757fnameescape( {fname}) String escape special characters in {fname}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001758fnamemodify( {fname}, {mods}) String modify file name
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001759foldclosed( {lnum}) Number first line of fold at {lnum} if closed
1760foldclosedend( {lnum}) Number last line of fold at {lnum} if closed
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001761foldlevel( {lnum}) Number fold level at {lnum}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001762foldtext( ) String line displayed for closed fold
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001763foldtextresult( {lnum}) String text for closed fold at {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001764foreground( ) Number bring the Vim window to the foreground
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001765function( {name}) Funcref reference to function {name}
Bram Moolenaar9d2c8c12007-09-25 16:00:00 +00001766garbagecollect( [at_exit]) none free memory, breaking cyclic references
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001767get( {list}, {idx} [, {def}]) any get item {idx} from {list} or {def}
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001768get( {dict}, {key} [, {def}]) any get item {key} from {dict} or {def}
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00001769getbufline( {expr}, {lnum} [, {end}])
1770 List lines {lnum} to {end} of buffer {expr}
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001771getbufvar( {expr}, {varname}) any variable {varname} in buffer {expr}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001772getchar( [expr]) Number get one character from the user
1773getcharmod( ) Number modifiers for the last typed character
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001774getcmdline() String return the current command-line
1775getcmdpos() Number return cursor position in command-line
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00001776getcmdtype() String return the current command-line type
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001777getcwd() String the current working directory
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00001778getfperm( {fname}) String file permissions of file {fname}
1779getfsize( {fname}) Number size in bytes of file {fname}
Bram Moolenaard8b0cf12004-12-12 11:33:30 +00001780getfontname( [{name}]) String name of font being used
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001781getftime( {fname}) Number last modification time of file
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00001782getftype( {fname}) String description of type of file {fname}
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00001783getline( {lnum}) String line {lnum} of current buffer
1784getline( {lnum}, {end}) List lines {lnum} to {end} of current buffer
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001785getloclist( {nr}) List list of location list items
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00001786getmatches() List list of current matches
Bram Moolenaar18081e32008-02-20 19:11:07 +00001787getpid() Number process ID of Vim
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00001788getpos( {expr}) List position of cursor, mark, etc.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00001789getqflist() List list of quickfix items
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00001790getreg( [{regname} [, 1]]) String contents of register
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001791getregtype( [{regname}]) String type of register
Bram Moolenaar06b5d512010-05-22 15:37:44 +02001792gettabvar( {nr}, {varname}) any variable {varname} in tab {nr}
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00001793gettabwinvar( {tabnr}, {winnr}, {name})
1794 any {name} in {winnr} in tab page {tabnr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001795getwinposx() Number X coord in pixels of GUI Vim window
1796getwinposy() Number Y coord in pixels of GUI Vim window
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001797getwinvar( {nr}, {varname}) any variable {varname} in window {nr}
Bram Moolenaarbb5ddda2008-11-28 10:01:10 +00001798glob( {expr} [, {flag}]) String expand file wildcards in {expr}
1799globpath( {path}, {expr} [, {flag}])
1800 String do glob({expr}) for all dirs in {path}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001801has( {feature}) Number TRUE if feature {feature} supported
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001802has_key( {dict}, {key}) Number TRUE if {dict} has entry {key}
Bram Moolenaard267b9c2007-04-26 15:06:45 +00001803haslocaldir() Number TRUE if current window executed |:lcd|
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00001804hasmapto( {what} [, {mode} [, {abbr}]])
1805 Number TRUE if mapping to {what} exists
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001806histadd( {history},{item}) String add an item to a history
1807histdel( {history} [, {item}]) String remove an item from a history
1808histget( {history} [, {index}]) String get the item {index} from a history
1809histnr( {history}) Number highest index of a history
1810hlexists( {name}) Number TRUE if highlight group {name} exists
1811hlID( {name}) Number syntax ID of highlight group {name}
1812hostname() String name of the machine Vim is running on
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001813iconv( {expr}, {from}, {to}) String convert encoding of {expr}
1814indent( {lnum}) Number indent of line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001815index( {list}, {expr} [, {start} [, {ic}]])
1816 Number index in {list} where {expr} appears
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00001817input( {prompt} [, {text} [, {completion}]])
1818 String get input from the user
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001819inputdialog( {p} [, {t} [, {c}]]) String like input() but in a GUI dialog
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00001820inputlist( {textlist}) Number let the user pick from a choice list
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001821inputrestore() Number restore typeahead
1822inputsave() Number save and clear typeahead
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001823inputsecret( {prompt} [, {text}]) String like input() but hiding the text
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001824insert( {list}, {item} [, {idx}]) List insert {item} in {list} [before {idx}]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001825isdirectory( {directory}) Number TRUE if {directory} is a directory
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00001826islocked( {expr}) Number TRUE if {expr} is locked
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001827items( {dict}) List key-value pairs in {dict}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001828join( {list} [, {sep}]) String join {list} items into one String
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001829keys( {dict}) List keys in {dict}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001830len( {expr}) Number the length of {expr}
1831libcall( {lib}, {func}, {arg}) String call {func} in library {lib} with {arg}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001832libcallnr( {lib}, {func}, {arg}) Number idem, but return a Number
1833line( {expr}) Number line nr of cursor, last line or mark
1834line2byte( {lnum}) Number byte count of line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001835lispindent( {lnum}) Number Lisp indent for line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001836localtime() Number current time
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02001837log( {expr}) Float natural logarithm (base e) of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001838log10( {expr}) Float logarithm of Float {expr} to base 10
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001839map( {expr}, {string}) List/Dict change each item in {expr} to {expr}
Bram Moolenaarbd743252010-10-20 21:23:33 +02001840maparg( {name}[, {mode} [, {abbr} [, {dict}]]])
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00001841 String rhs of mapping {name} in mode {mode}
1842mapcheck( {name}[, {mode} [, {abbr}]])
1843 String check for mappings matching {name}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001844match( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001845 Number position where {pat} matches in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00001846matchadd( {group}, {pattern}[, {priority}[, {id}]])
1847 Number highlight {pattern} with {group}
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00001848matcharg( {nr}) List arguments of |:match|
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00001849matchdelete( {id}) Number delete match identified by {id}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001850matchend( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001851 Number position where {pat} ends in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00001852matchlist( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
1853 List match and submatches of {pat} in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001854matchstr( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
1855 String {count}'th match of {pat} in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001856max( {list}) Number maximum value of items in {list}
1857min( {list}) Number minimum value of items in {list}
1858mkdir( {name} [, {path} [, {prot}]])
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00001859 Number create directory {name}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001860mode( [expr]) String current editing mode
Bram Moolenaar7e506b62010-01-19 15:55:06 +01001861mzeval( {expr}) any evaluate |MzScheme| expression
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001862nextnonblank( {lnum}) Number line nr of non-blank line >= {lnum}
1863nr2char( {expr}) String single char with ASCII value {expr}
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00001864pathshorten( {expr}) String shorten directory names in a path
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001865pow( {x}, {y}) Float {x} to the power of {y}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001866prevnonblank( {lnum}) Number line nr of non-blank line <= {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001867printf( {fmt}, {expr1}...) String format text
1868pumvisible() Number whether popup menu is visible
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00001869range( {expr} [, {max} [, {stride}]])
1870 List items from {expr} to {max}
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001871readfile( {fname} [, {binary} [, {max}]])
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00001872 List get list of lines from file {fname}
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00001873reltime( [{start} [, {end}]]) List get time value
1874reltimestr( {time}) String turn time value into a String
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001875remote_expr( {server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
1876 String send expression
1877remote_foreground( {server}) Number bring Vim server to the foreground
1878remote_peek( {serverid} [, {retvar}])
1879 Number check for reply string
1880remote_read( {serverid}) String read reply string
1881remote_send( {server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
1882 String send key sequence
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00001883remove( {list}, {idx} [, {end}]) any remove items {idx}-{end} from {list}
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00001884remove( {dict}, {key}) any remove entry {key} from {dict}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001885rename( {from}, {to}) Number rename (move) file from {from} to {to}
1886repeat( {expr}, {count}) String repeat {expr} {count} times
1887resolve( {filename}) String get filename a shortcut points to
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001888reverse( {list}) List reverse {list} in-place
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001889round( {expr}) Float round off {expr}
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00001890search( {pattern} [, {flags} [, {stopline} [, {timeout}]]])
1891 Number search for {pattern}
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001892searchdecl( {name} [, {global} [, {thisblock}]])
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001893 Number search for variable declaration
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00001894searchpair( {start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip} [...]]])
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001895 Number search for other end of start/end pair
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00001896searchpairpos( {start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip} [...]]])
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001897 List search for other end of start/end pair
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00001898searchpos( {pattern} [, {flags} [, {stopline} [, {timeout}]]])
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001899 List search for {pattern}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001900server2client( {clientid}, {string})
1901 Number send reply string
1902serverlist() String get a list of available servers
1903setbufvar( {expr}, {varname}, {val}) set {varname} in buffer {expr} to {val}
1904setcmdpos( {pos}) Number set cursor position in command-line
1905setline( {lnum}, {line}) Number set line {lnum} to {line}
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00001906setloclist( {nr}, {list}[, {action}])
1907 Number modify location list using {list}
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00001908setmatches( {list}) Number restore a list of matches
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001909setpos( {expr}, {list}) Number set the {expr} position to {list}
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00001910setqflist( {list}[, {action}]) Number modify quickfix list using {list}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001911setreg( {n}, {v}[, {opt}]) Number set register to value and type
Bram Moolenaar06b5d512010-05-22 15:37:44 +02001912settabvar( {nr}, {varname}, {val}) set {varname} in tab page {nr} to {val}
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00001913settabwinvar( {tabnr}, {winnr}, {varname}, {val}) set {varname} in window
1914 {winnr} in tab page {tabnr} to {val}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001915setwinvar( {nr}, {varname}, {val}) set {varname} in window {nr} to {val}
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00001916shellescape( {string} [, {special}])
1917 String escape {string} for use as shell
Bram Moolenaar60a495f2006-10-03 12:44:42 +00001918 command argument
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001919simplify( {filename}) String simplify filename as much as possible
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001920sin( {expr}) Float sine of {expr}
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02001921sinh( {expr}) Float hyperbolic sine of {expr}
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001922sort( {list} [, {func}]) List sort {list}, using {func} to compare
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00001923soundfold( {word}) String sound-fold {word}
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00001924spellbadword() String badly spelled word at cursor
Bram Moolenaarc54b8a72005-09-30 21:20:29 +00001925spellsuggest( {word} [, {max} [, {capital}]])
1926 List spelling suggestions
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00001927split( {expr} [, {pat} [, {keepempty}]])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001928 List make |List| from {pat} separated {expr}
Bram Moolenaard58e9292011-02-09 17:07:58 +01001929sqrt( {expr}) Float square root of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001930str2float( {expr}) Float convert String to Float
1931str2nr( {expr} [, {base}]) Number convert String to Number
Bram Moolenaar72597a52010-07-18 15:31:08 +02001932strchars( {expr}) Number character length of the String {expr}
Bram Moolenaardc536092010-07-18 15:45:49 +02001933strdisplaywidth( {expr} [, {col}]) Number display length of the String {expr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001934strftime( {format}[, {time}]) String time in specified format
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00001935stridx( {haystack}, {needle}[, {start}])
1936 Number index of {needle} in {haystack}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001937string( {expr}) String String representation of {expr} value
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001938strlen( {expr}) Number length of the String {expr}
1939strpart( {src}, {start}[, {len}])
1940 String {len} characters of {src} at {start}
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00001941strridx( {haystack}, {needle} [, {start}])
1942 Number last index of {needle} in {haystack}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001943strtrans( {expr}) String translate string to make it printable
Bram Moolenaar72597a52010-07-18 15:31:08 +02001944strwidth( {expr}) Number display cell length of the String {expr}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001945submatch( {nr}) String specific match in ":substitute"
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001946substitute( {expr}, {pat}, {sub}, {flags})
1947 String all {pat} in {expr} replaced with {sub}
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00001948synID( {lnum}, {col}, {trans}) Number syntax ID at {lnum} and {col}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001949synIDattr( {synID}, {what} [, {mode}])
1950 String attribute {what} of syntax ID {synID}
1951synIDtrans( {synID}) Number translated syntax ID of {synID}
Bram Moolenaar483c5d82010-10-20 18:45:33 +02001952synconcealed( {lnum}, {col}) List info about concealing
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001953synstack( {lnum}, {col}) List stack of syntax IDs at {lnum} and {col}
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00001954system( {expr} [, {input}]) String output of shell command/filter {expr}
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00001955tabpagebuflist( [{arg}]) List list of buffer numbers in tab page
1956tabpagenr( [{arg}]) Number number of current or last tab page
1957tabpagewinnr( {tabarg}[, {arg}])
1958 Number number of current window in tab page
1959taglist( {expr}) List list of tags matching {expr}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001960tagfiles() List tags files used
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001961tempname() String name for a temporary file
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02001962tan( {expr}) Float tangent of {expr}
1963tanh( {expr}) Float hyperbolic tangent of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001964tolower( {expr}) String the String {expr} switched to lowercase
1965toupper( {expr}) String the String {expr} switched to uppercase
Bram Moolenaar8299df92004-07-10 09:47:34 +00001966tr( {src}, {fromstr}, {tostr}) String translate chars of {src} in {fromstr}
1967 to chars in {tostr}
Bram Moolenaard58e9292011-02-09 17:07:58 +01001968trunc( {expr}) Float truncate Float {expr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001969type( {name}) Number type of variable {name}
Bram Moolenaara17d4c12010-05-30 18:30:36 +02001970undofile( {name}) String undo file name for {name}
Bram Moolenaara800b422010-06-27 01:15:55 +02001971undotree() List undo file tree
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001972values( {dict}) List values in {dict}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001973virtcol( {expr}) Number screen column of cursor or mark
1974visualmode( [expr]) String last visual mode used
1975winbufnr( {nr}) Number buffer number of window {nr}
1976wincol() Number window column of the cursor
1977winheight( {nr}) Number height of window {nr}
1978winline() Number window line of the cursor
Bram Moolenaar7e8fd632006-02-18 22:14:51 +00001979winnr( [{expr}]) Number number of current window
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001980winrestcmd() String returns command to restore window sizes
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001981winrestview( {dict}) none restore view of current window
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00001982winsaveview() Dict save view of current window
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001983winwidth( {nr}) Number width of window {nr}
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001984writefile( {list}, {fname} [, {binary}])
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00001985 Number write list of lines to file {fname}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001986
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00001987abs({expr}) *abs()*
1988 Return the absolute value of {expr}. When {expr} evaluates to
1989 a |Float| abs() returns a |Float|. When {expr} can be
1990 converted to a |Number| abs() returns a |Number|. Otherwise
1991 abs() gives an error message and returns -1.
1992 Examples: >
1993 echo abs(1.456)
1994< 1.456 >
1995 echo abs(-5.456)
1996< 5.456 >
1997 echo abs(-4)
1998< 4
1999 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
2000
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002001
2002acos({expr}) *acos()*
2003 Return the arc cosine of {expr} measured in radians, as a
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02002004 |Float| in the range of [0, pi].
2005 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number| in the range
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002006 [-1, 1].
2007 Examples: >
2008 :echo acos(0)
2009< 1.570796 >
2010 :echo acos(-0.5)
2011< 2.094395
Bram Moolenaardb84e452010-08-15 13:50:43 +02002012 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002013
2014
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002015add({list}, {expr}) *add()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002016 Append the item {expr} to |List| {list}. Returns the
2017 resulting |List|. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002018 :let alist = add([1, 2, 3], item)
2019 :call add(mylist, "woodstock")
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002020< Note that when {expr} is a |List| it is appended as a single
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00002021 item. Use |extend()| to concatenate |Lists|.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00002022 Use |insert()| to add an item at another position.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002023
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002024
2025append({lnum}, {expr}) *append()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002026 When {expr} is a |List|: Append each item of the |List| as a
2027 text line below line {lnum} in the current buffer.
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00002028 Otherwise append {expr} as one text line below line {lnum} in
2029 the current buffer.
2030 {lnum} can be zero to insert a line before the first one.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002031 Returns 1 for failure ({lnum} out of range or out of memory),
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002032 0 for success. Example: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002033 :let failed = append(line('$'), "# THE END")
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002034 :let failed = append(0, ["Chapter 1", "the beginning"])
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002035<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002036 *argc()*
2037argc() The result is the number of files in the argument list of the
2038 current window. See |arglist|.
2039
2040 *argidx()*
2041argidx() The result is the current index in the argument list. 0 is
2042 the first file. argc() - 1 is the last one. See |arglist|.
2043
2044 *argv()*
Bram Moolenaare2f98b92006-03-29 21:18:24 +00002045argv([{nr}]) The result is the {nr}th file in the argument list of the
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002046 current window. See |arglist|. "argv(0)" is the first one.
2047 Example: >
2048 :let i = 0
2049 :while i < argc()
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002050 : let f = escape(fnameescape(argv(i)), '.')
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002051 : exe 'amenu Arg.' . f . ' :e ' . f . '<CR>'
2052 : let i = i + 1
2053 :endwhile
Bram Moolenaare2f98b92006-03-29 21:18:24 +00002054< Without the {nr} argument a |List| with the whole |arglist| is
2055 returned.
2056
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002057asin({expr}) *asin()*
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02002058 Return the arc sine of {expr} measured in radians, as a |Float|
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002059 in the range of [-pi/2, pi/2].
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02002060 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number| in the range
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002061 [-1, 1].
2062 Examples: >
2063 :echo asin(0.8)
2064< 0.927295 >
2065 :echo asin(-0.5)
2066< -0.523599
Bram Moolenaardb84e452010-08-15 13:50:43 +02002067 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002068
2069
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002070atan({expr}) *atan()*
2071 Return the principal value of the arc tangent of {expr}, in
2072 the range [-pi/2, +pi/2] radians, as a |Float|.
2073 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
2074 Examples: >
2075 :echo atan(100)
2076< 1.560797 >
2077 :echo atan(-4.01)
2078< -1.326405
2079 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
2080
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002081
2082atan2({expr1}, {expr2}) *atan2()*
2083 Return the arc tangent of {expr1} / {expr2}, measured in
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02002084 radians, as a |Float| in the range [-pi, pi].
2085 {expr1} and {expr2} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002086 Examples: >
2087 :echo atan2(-1, 1)
2088< -0.785398 >
2089 :echo atan2(1, -1)
2090< 2.356194
Bram Moolenaardb84e452010-08-15 13:50:43 +02002091 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002092
2093
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002094 *browse()*
2095browse({save}, {title}, {initdir}, {default})
2096 Put up a file requester. This only works when "has("browse")"
2097 returns non-zero (only in some GUI versions).
2098 The input fields are:
2099 {save} when non-zero, select file to write
2100 {title} title for the requester
2101 {initdir} directory to start browsing in
2102 {default} default file name
2103 When the "Cancel" button is hit, something went wrong, or
2104 browsing is not possible, an empty string is returned.
2105
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00002106 *browsedir()*
2107browsedir({title}, {initdir})
2108 Put up a directory requester. This only works when
2109 "has("browse")" returns non-zero (only in some GUI versions).
2110 On systems where a directory browser is not supported a file
2111 browser is used. In that case: select a file in the directory
2112 to be used.
2113 The input fields are:
2114 {title} title for the requester
2115 {initdir} directory to start browsing in
2116 When the "Cancel" button is hit, something went wrong, or
2117 browsing is not possible, an empty string is returned.
2118
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002119bufexists({expr}) *bufexists()*
2120 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a buffer called
2121 {expr} exists.
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00002122 If the {expr} argument is a number, buffer numbers are used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002123 If the {expr} argument is a string it must match a buffer name
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00002124 exactly. The name can be:
2125 - Relative to the current directory.
2126 - A full path.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002127 - The name of a buffer with 'buftype' set to "nofile".
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00002128 - A URL name.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002129 Unlisted buffers will be found.
2130 Note that help files are listed by their short name in the
2131 output of |:buffers|, but bufexists() requires using their
2132 long name to be able to find them.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002133 bufexists() may report a buffer exists, but to use the name
2134 with a |:buffer| command you may need to use |expand()|. Esp
2135 for MS-Windows 8.3 names in the form "c:\DOCUME~1"
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002136 Use "bufexists(0)" to test for the existence of an alternate
2137 file name.
2138 *buffer_exists()*
2139 Obsolete name: buffer_exists().
2140
2141buflisted({expr}) *buflisted()*
2142 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a buffer called
2143 {expr} exists and is listed (has the 'buflisted' option set).
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00002144 The {expr} argument is used like with |bufexists()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002145
2146bufloaded({expr}) *bufloaded()*
2147 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a buffer called
2148 {expr} exists and is loaded (shown in a window or hidden).
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00002149 The {expr} argument is used like with |bufexists()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002150
2151bufname({expr}) *bufname()*
2152 The result is the name of a buffer, as it is displayed by the
2153 ":ls" command.
2154 If {expr} is a Number, that buffer number's name is given.
2155 Number zero is the alternate buffer for the current window.
2156 If {expr} is a String, it is used as a |file-pattern| to match
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002157 with the buffer names. This is always done like 'magic' is
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002158 set and 'cpoptions' is empty. When there is more than one
2159 match an empty string is returned.
2160 "" or "%" can be used for the current buffer, "#" for the
2161 alternate buffer.
2162 A full match is preferred, otherwise a match at the start, end
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002163 or middle of the buffer name is accepted. If you only want a
2164 full match then put "^" at the start and "$" at the end of the
2165 pattern.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002166 Listed buffers are found first. If there is a single match
2167 with a listed buffer, that one is returned. Next unlisted
2168 buffers are searched for.
2169 If the {expr} is a String, but you want to use it as a buffer
2170 number, force it to be a Number by adding zero to it: >
2171 :echo bufname("3" + 0)
2172< If the buffer doesn't exist, or doesn't have a name, an empty
2173 string is returned. >
2174 bufname("#") alternate buffer name
2175 bufname(3) name of buffer 3
2176 bufname("%") name of current buffer
2177 bufname("file2") name of buffer where "file2" matches.
2178< *buffer_name()*
2179 Obsolete name: buffer_name().
2180
2181 *bufnr()*
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00002182bufnr({expr} [, {create}])
2183 The result is the number of a buffer, as it is displayed by
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002184 the ":ls" command. For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()|
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00002185 above.
2186 If the buffer doesn't exist, -1 is returned. Or, if the
2187 {create} argument is present and not zero, a new, unlisted,
2188 buffer is created and its number is returned.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002189 bufnr("$") is the last buffer: >
2190 :let last_buffer = bufnr("$")
2191< The result is a Number, which is the highest buffer number
2192 of existing buffers. Note that not all buffers with a smaller
2193 number necessarily exist, because ":bwipeout" may have removed
2194 them. Use bufexists() to test for the existence of a buffer.
2195 *buffer_number()*
2196 Obsolete name: buffer_number().
2197 *last_buffer_nr()*
2198 Obsolete name for bufnr("$"): last_buffer_nr().
2199
2200bufwinnr({expr}) *bufwinnr()*
2201 The result is a Number, which is the number of the first
2202 window associated with buffer {expr}. For the use of {expr},
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002203 see |bufname()| above. If buffer {expr} doesn't exist or
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002204 there is no such window, -1 is returned. Example: >
2205
2206 echo "A window containing buffer 1 is " . (bufwinnr(1))
2207
2208< The number can be used with |CTRL-W_w| and ":wincmd w"
2209 |:wincmd|.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002210 Only deals with the current tab page.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002211
2212
2213byte2line({byte}) *byte2line()*
2214 Return the line number that contains the character at byte
2215 count {byte} in the current buffer. This includes the
2216 end-of-line character, depending on the 'fileformat' option
2217 for the current buffer. The first character has byte count
2218 one.
2219 Also see |line2byte()|, |go| and |:goto|.
2220 {not available when compiled without the |+byte_offset|
2221 feature}
2222
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00002223byteidx({expr}, {nr}) *byteidx()*
2224 Return byte index of the {nr}'th character in the string
2225 {expr}. Use zero for the first character, it returns zero.
2226 This function is only useful when there are multibyte
2227 characters, otherwise the returned value is equal to {nr}.
2228 Composing characters are counted as a separate character.
2229 Example : >
2230 echo matchstr(str, ".", byteidx(str, 3))
2231< will display the fourth character. Another way to do the
2232 same: >
2233 let s = strpart(str, byteidx(str, 3))
2234 echo strpart(s, 0, byteidx(s, 1))
2235< If there are less than {nr} characters -1 is returned.
2236 If there are exactly {nr} characters the length of the string
2237 is returned.
2238
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002239call({func}, {arglist} [, {dict}]) *call()* *E699*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002240 Call function {func} with the items in |List| {arglist} as
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002241 arguments.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002242 {func} can either be a |Funcref| or the name of a function.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002243 a:firstline and a:lastline are set to the cursor line.
2244 Returns the return value of the called function.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002245 {dict} is for functions with the "dict" attribute. It will be
2246 used to set the local variable "self". |Dictionary-function|
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002247
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002248ceil({expr}) *ceil()*
2249 Return the smallest integral value greater than or equal to
2250 {expr} as a |Float| (round up).
2251 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
2252 Examples: >
2253 echo ceil(1.456)
2254< 2.0 >
2255 echo ceil(-5.456)
2256< -5.0 >
2257 echo ceil(4.0)
2258< 4.0
2259 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
2260
Bram Moolenaarca003e12006-03-17 23:19:38 +00002261changenr() *changenr()*
2262 Return the number of the most recent change. This is the same
2263 number as what is displayed with |:undolist| and can be used
2264 with the |:undo| command.
2265 When a change was made it is the number of that change. After
2266 redo it is the number of the redone change. After undo it is
2267 one less than the number of the undone change.
2268
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002269char2nr({expr}) *char2nr()*
2270 Return number value of the first char in {expr}. Examples: >
2271 char2nr(" ") returns 32
2272 char2nr("ABC") returns 65
2273< The current 'encoding' is used. Example for "utf-8": >
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002274 char2nr("á") returns 225
2275 char2nr("á"[0]) returns 195
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002276< |nr2char()| does the opposite.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002277
2278cindent({lnum}) *cindent()*
2279 Get the amount of indent for line {lnum} according the C
2280 indenting rules, as with 'cindent'.
2281 The indent is counted in spaces, the value of 'tabstop' is
2282 relevant. {lnum} is used just like in |getline()|.
2283 When {lnum} is invalid or Vim was not compiled the |+cindent|
2284 feature, -1 is returned.
Bram Moolenaard5cdbeb2005-10-10 20:59:28 +00002285 See |C-indenting|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002286
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00002287clearmatches() *clearmatches()*
2288 Clears all matches previously defined by |matchadd()| and the
2289 |:match| commands.
2290
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002291 *col()*
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00002292col({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the byte index of the column
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002293 position given with {expr}. The accepted positions are:
2294 . the cursor position
2295 $ the end of the cursor line (the result is the
2296 number of characters in the cursor line plus one)
2297 'x position of mark x (if the mark is not set, 0 is
2298 returned)
Bram Moolenaar477933c2007-07-17 14:32:23 +00002299 Additionally {expr} can be [lnum, col]: a |List| with the line
2300 and column number. Most useful when the column is "$", to get
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002301 the last column of a specific line. When "lnum" or "col" is
Bram Moolenaar477933c2007-07-17 14:32:23 +00002302 out of range then col() returns zero.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002303 To get the line number use |line()|. To get both use
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00002304 |getpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002305 For the screen column position use |virtcol()|.
2306 Note that only marks in the current file can be used.
2307 Examples: >
2308 col(".") column of cursor
2309 col("$") length of cursor line plus one
2310 col("'t") column of mark t
2311 col("'" . markname) column of mark markname
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002312< The first column is 1. 0 is returned for an error.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002313 For an uppercase mark the column may actually be in another
2314 buffer.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002315 For the cursor position, when 'virtualedit' is active, the
2316 column is one higher if the cursor is after the end of the
2317 line. This can be used to obtain the column in Insert mode: >
2318 :imap <F2> <C-O>:let save_ve = &ve<CR>
2319 \<C-O>:set ve=all<CR>
2320 \<C-O>:echo col(".") . "\n" <Bar>
2321 \let &ve = save_ve<CR>
2322<
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00002323
Bram Moolenaara94bc432006-03-10 21:42:59 +00002324complete({startcol}, {matches}) *complete()* *E785*
2325 Set the matches for Insert mode completion.
2326 Can only be used in Insert mode. You need to use a mapping
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002327 with CTRL-R = |i_CTRL-R|. It does not work after CTRL-O or
2328 with an expression mapping.
Bram Moolenaara94bc432006-03-10 21:42:59 +00002329 {startcol} is the byte offset in the line where the completed
2330 text start. The text up to the cursor is the original text
2331 that will be replaced by the matches. Use col('.') for an
2332 empty string. "col('.') - 1" will replace one character by a
2333 match.
2334 {matches} must be a |List|. Each |List| item is one match.
2335 See |complete-items| for the kind of items that are possible.
2336 Note that the after calling this function you need to avoid
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01002337 inserting anything that would cause completion to stop.
Bram Moolenaara94bc432006-03-10 21:42:59 +00002338 The match can be selected with CTRL-N and CTRL-P as usual with
2339 Insert mode completion. The popup menu will appear if
2340 specified, see |ins-completion-menu|.
2341 Example: >
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002342 inoremap <F5> <C-R>=ListMonths()<CR>
Bram Moolenaara94bc432006-03-10 21:42:59 +00002343
2344 func! ListMonths()
2345 call complete(col('.'), ['January', 'February', 'March',
2346 \ 'April', 'May', 'June', 'July', 'August', 'September',
2347 \ 'October', 'November', 'December'])
2348 return ''
2349 endfunc
2350< This isn't very useful, but it shows how it works. Note that
2351 an empty string is returned to avoid a zero being inserted.
2352
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00002353complete_add({expr}) *complete_add()*
2354 Add {expr} to the list of matches. Only to be used by the
2355 function specified with the 'completefunc' option.
2356 Returns 0 for failure (empty string or out of memory),
2357 1 when the match was added, 2 when the match was already in
2358 the list.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002359 See |complete-functions| for an explanation of {expr}. It is
Bram Moolenaar39f05632006-03-19 22:15:26 +00002360 the same as one item in the list that 'omnifunc' would return.
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00002361
2362complete_check() *complete_check()*
2363 Check for a key typed while looking for completion matches.
2364 This is to be used when looking for matches takes some time.
2365 Returns non-zero when searching for matches is to be aborted,
2366 zero otherwise.
2367 Only to be used by the function specified with the
2368 'completefunc' option.
2369
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002370 *confirm()*
2371confirm({msg} [, {choices} [, {default} [, {type}]]])
2372 Confirm() offers the user a dialog, from which a choice can be
2373 made. It returns the number of the choice. For the first
2374 choice this is 1.
2375 Note: confirm() is only supported when compiled with dialog
2376 support, see |+dialog_con| and |+dialog_gui|.
Bram Moolenaara800b422010-06-27 01:15:55 +02002377
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002378 {msg} is displayed in a |dialog| with {choices} as the
2379 alternatives. When {choices} is missing or empty, "&OK" is
2380 used (and translated).
2381 {msg} is a String, use '\n' to include a newline. Only on
2382 some systems the string is wrapped when it doesn't fit.
Bram Moolenaara800b422010-06-27 01:15:55 +02002383
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002384 {choices} is a String, with the individual choices separated
2385 by '\n', e.g. >
2386 confirm("Save changes?", "&Yes\n&No\n&Cancel")
2387< The letter after the '&' is the shortcut key for that choice.
2388 Thus you can type 'c' to select "Cancel". The shortcut does
2389 not need to be the first letter: >
2390 confirm("file has been modified", "&Save\nSave &All")
2391< For the console, the first letter of each choice is used as
2392 the default shortcut key.
Bram Moolenaara800b422010-06-27 01:15:55 +02002393
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002394 The optional {default} argument is the number of the choice
2395 that is made if the user hits <CR>. Use 1 to make the first
2396 choice the default one. Use 0 to not set a default. If
2397 {default} is omitted, 1 is used.
Bram Moolenaara800b422010-06-27 01:15:55 +02002398
2399 The optional {type} argument gives the type of dialog. This
2400 is only used for the icon of the GTK, Mac, Motif and Win32
2401 GUI. It can be one of these values: "Error", "Question",
2402 "Info", "Warning" or "Generic". Only the first character is
2403 relevant. When {type} is omitted, "Generic" is used.
2404
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002405 If the user aborts the dialog by pressing <Esc>, CTRL-C,
2406 or another valid interrupt key, confirm() returns 0.
2407
2408 An example: >
2409 :let choice = confirm("What do you want?", "&Apples\n&Oranges\n&Bananas", 2)
2410 :if choice == 0
2411 : echo "make up your mind!"
2412 :elseif choice == 3
2413 : echo "tasteful"
2414 :else
2415 : echo "I prefer bananas myself."
2416 :endif
2417< In a GUI dialog, buttons are used. The layout of the buttons
2418 depends on the 'v' flag in 'guioptions'. If it is included,
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002419 the buttons are always put vertically. Otherwise, confirm()
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002420 tries to put the buttons in one horizontal line. If they
2421 don't fit, a vertical layout is used anyway. For some systems
2422 the horizontal layout is always used.
2423
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002424 *copy()*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002425copy({expr}) Make a copy of {expr}. For Numbers and Strings this isn't
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002426 different from using {expr} directly.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002427 When {expr} is a |List| a shallow copy is created. This means
2428 that the original |List| can be changed without changing the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002429 copy, and vice versa. But the items are identical, thus
2430 changing an item changes the contents of both |Lists|. Also
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002431 see |deepcopy()|.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002432
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002433cos({expr}) *cos()*
2434 Return the cosine of {expr}, measured in radians, as a |Float|.
2435 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
2436 Examples: >
2437 :echo cos(100)
2438< 0.862319 >
2439 :echo cos(-4.01)
2440< -0.646043
2441 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
2442
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002443
2444cosh({expr}) *cosh()*
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02002445 Return the hyperbolic cosine of {expr} as a |Float| in the range
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002446 [1, inf].
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02002447 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002448 Examples: >
2449 :echo cosh(0.5)
2450< 1.127626 >
2451 :echo cosh(-0.5)
2452< -1.127626
Bram Moolenaardb84e452010-08-15 13:50:43 +02002453 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002454
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002455
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002456count({comp}, {expr} [, {ic} [, {start}]]) *count()*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002457 Return the number of times an item with value {expr} appears
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002458 in |List| or |Dictionary| {comp}.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002459 If {start} is given then start with the item with this index.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002460 {start} can only be used with a |List|.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002461 When {ic} is given and it's non-zero then case is ignored.
2462
2463
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002464 *cscope_connection()*
2465cscope_connection([{num} , {dbpath} [, {prepend}]])
2466 Checks for the existence of a |cscope| connection. If no
2467 parameters are specified, then the function returns:
2468 0, if cscope was not available (not compiled in), or
2469 if there are no cscope connections;
2470 1, if there is at least one cscope connection.
2471
2472 If parameters are specified, then the value of {num}
2473 determines how existence of a cscope connection is checked:
2474
2475 {num} Description of existence check
2476 ----- ------------------------------
2477 0 Same as no parameters (e.g., "cscope_connection()").
2478 1 Ignore {prepend}, and use partial string matches for
2479 {dbpath}.
2480 2 Ignore {prepend}, and use exact string matches for
2481 {dbpath}.
2482 3 Use {prepend}, use partial string matches for both
2483 {dbpath} and {prepend}.
2484 4 Use {prepend}, use exact string matches for both
2485 {dbpath} and {prepend}.
2486
2487 Note: All string comparisons are case sensitive!
2488
2489 Examples. Suppose we had the following (from ":cs show"): >
2490
2491 # pid database name prepend path
2492 0 27664 cscope.out /usr/local
2493<
2494 Invocation Return Val ~
2495 ---------- ---------- >
2496 cscope_connection() 1
2497 cscope_connection(1, "out") 1
2498 cscope_connection(2, "out") 0
2499 cscope_connection(3, "out") 0
2500 cscope_connection(3, "out", "local") 1
2501 cscope_connection(4, "out") 0
2502 cscope_connection(4, "out", "local") 0
2503 cscope_connection(4, "cscope.out", "/usr/local") 1
2504<
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00002505cursor({lnum}, {col} [, {off}]) *cursor()*
2506cursor({list})
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002507 Positions the cursor at the column (byte count) {col} in the
2508 line {lnum}. The first column is one.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00002509 When there is one argument {list} this is used as a |List|
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00002510 with two or three items {lnum}, {col} and {off}. This is like
2511 the return value of |getpos()|, but without the first item.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002512 Does not change the jumplist.
2513 If {lnum} is greater than the number of lines in the buffer,
2514 the cursor will be positioned at the last line in the buffer.
2515 If {lnum} is zero, the cursor will stay in the current line.
Bram Moolenaar6f16eb82005-08-23 21:02:42 +00002516 If {col} is greater than the number of bytes in the line,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002517 the cursor will be positioned at the last character in the
2518 line.
2519 If {col} is zero, the cursor will stay in the current column.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00002520 When 'virtualedit' is used {off} specifies the offset in
2521 screen columns from the start of the character. E.g., a
Bram Moolenaard46bbc72007-05-12 14:38:41 +00002522 position within a <Tab> or after the last character.
Bram Moolenaar798b30b2009-04-22 10:56:16 +00002523 Returns 0 when the position could be set, -1 otherwise.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002524
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002525
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00002526deepcopy({expr}[, {noref}]) *deepcopy()* *E698*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002527 Make a copy of {expr}. For Numbers and Strings this isn't
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002528 different from using {expr} directly.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002529 When {expr} is a |List| a full copy is created. This means
2530 that the original |List| can be changed without changing the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002531 copy, and vice versa. When an item is a |List|, a copy for it
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002532 is made, recursively. Thus changing an item in the copy does
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002533 not change the contents of the original |List|.
2534 When {noref} is omitted or zero a contained |List| or
2535 |Dictionary| is only copied once. All references point to
2536 this single copy. With {noref} set to 1 every occurrence of a
2537 |List| or |Dictionary| results in a new copy. This also means
2538 that a cyclic reference causes deepcopy() to fail.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00002539 *E724*
2540 Nesting is possible up to 100 levels. When there is an item
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00002541 that refers back to a higher level making a deep copy with
2542 {noref} set to 1 will fail.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002543 Also see |copy()|.
2544
2545delete({fname}) *delete()*
2546 Deletes the file by the name {fname}. The result is a Number,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002547 which is 0 if the file was deleted successfully, and non-zero
2548 when the deletion failed.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002549 Use |remove()| to delete an item from a |List|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002550
2551 *did_filetype()*
2552did_filetype() Returns non-zero when autocommands are being executed and the
2553 FileType event has been triggered at least once. Can be used
2554 to avoid triggering the FileType event again in the scripts
2555 that detect the file type. |FileType|
2556 When editing another file, the counter is reset, thus this
2557 really checks if the FileType event has been triggered for the
2558 current buffer. This allows an autocommand that starts
2559 editing another buffer to set 'filetype' and load a syntax
2560 file.
2561
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00002562diff_filler({lnum}) *diff_filler()*
2563 Returns the number of filler lines above line {lnum}.
2564 These are the lines that were inserted at this point in
2565 another diff'ed window. These filler lines are shown in the
2566 display but don't exist in the buffer.
2567 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current
2568 line, "'m" mark m, etc.
2569 Returns 0 if the current window is not in diff mode.
2570
2571diff_hlID({lnum}, {col}) *diff_hlID()*
2572 Returns the highlight ID for diff mode at line {lnum} column
2573 {col} (byte index). When the current line does not have a
2574 diff change zero is returned.
2575 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current
2576 line, "'m" mark m, etc.
2577 {col} is 1 for the leftmost column, {lnum} is 1 for the first
2578 line.
2579 The highlight ID can be used with |synIDattr()| to obtain
2580 syntax information about the highlighting.
2581
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00002582empty({expr}) *empty()*
2583 Return the Number 1 if {expr} is empty, zero otherwise.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002584 A |List| or |Dictionary| is empty when it does not have any
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002585 items. A Number is empty when its value is zero.
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01002586 For a long |List| this is much faster than comparing the
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002587 length with zero.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00002588
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002589escape({string}, {chars}) *escape()*
2590 Escape the characters in {chars} that occur in {string} with a
2591 backslash. Example: >
2592 :echo escape('c:\program files\vim', ' \')
2593< results in: >
2594 c:\\program\ files\\vim
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002595< Also see |shellescape()|.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002596
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002597 *eval()*
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002598eval({string}) Evaluate {string} and return the result. Especially useful to
2599 turn the result of |string()| back into the original value.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002600 This works for Numbers, Floats, Strings and composites of
2601 them. Also works for |Funcref|s that refer to existing
2602 functions.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002603
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002604eventhandler() *eventhandler()*
2605 Returns 1 when inside an event handler. That is that Vim got
2606 interrupted while waiting for the user to type a character,
2607 e.g., when dropping a file on Vim. This means interactive
2608 commands cannot be used. Otherwise zero is returned.
2609
2610executable({expr}) *executable()*
2611 This function checks if an executable with the name {expr}
2612 exists. {expr} must be the name of the program without any
Bram Moolenaarf4b8e572004-06-24 15:53:16 +00002613 arguments.
2614 executable() uses the value of $PATH and/or the normal
2615 searchpath for programs. *PATHEXT*
2616 On MS-DOS and MS-Windows the ".exe", ".bat", etc. can
2617 optionally be included. Then the extensions in $PATHEXT are
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002618 tried. Thus if "foo.exe" does not exist, "foo.exe.bat" can be
2619 found. If $PATHEXT is not set then ".exe;.com;.bat;.cmd" is
Bram Moolenaarf4b8e572004-06-24 15:53:16 +00002620 used. A dot by itself can be used in $PATHEXT to try using
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002621 the name without an extension. When 'shell' looks like a
Bram Moolenaarf4b8e572004-06-24 15:53:16 +00002622 Unix shell, then the name is also tried without adding an
2623 extension.
2624 On MS-DOS and MS-Windows it only checks if the file exists and
2625 is not a directory, not if it's really executable.
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00002626 On MS-Windows an executable in the same directory as Vim is
2627 always found. Since this directory is added to $PATH it
2628 should also work to execute it |win32-PATH|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002629 The result is a Number:
2630 1 exists
2631 0 does not exist
2632 -1 not implemented on this system
2633
2634 *exists()*
2635exists({expr}) The result is a Number, which is non-zero if {expr} is
2636 defined, zero otherwise. The {expr} argument is a string,
2637 which contains one of these:
2638 &option-name Vim option (only checks if it exists,
2639 not if it really works)
2640 +option-name Vim option that works.
2641 $ENVNAME environment variable (could also be
2642 done by comparing with an empty
2643 string)
2644 *funcname built-in function (see |functions|)
2645 or user defined function (see
2646 |user-functions|).
2647 varname internal variable (see
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002648 |internal-variables|). Also works
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002649 for |curly-braces-names|, |Dictionary|
2650 entries, |List| items, etc. Beware
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00002651 that evaluating an index may cause an
2652 error message for an invalid
2653 expression. E.g.: >
2654 :let l = [1, 2, 3]
2655 :echo exists("l[5]")
2656< 0 >
2657 :echo exists("l[xx]")
2658< E121: Undefined variable: xx
2659 0
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002660 :cmdname Ex command: built-in command, user
2661 command or command modifier |:command|.
2662 Returns:
2663 1 for match with start of a command
2664 2 full match with a command
2665 3 matches several user commands
2666 To check for a supported command
2667 always check the return value to be 2.
Bram Moolenaar14716812006-05-04 21:54:08 +00002668 :2match The |:2match| command.
2669 :3match The |:3match| command.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002670 #event autocommand defined for this event
2671 #event#pattern autocommand defined for this event and
2672 pattern (the pattern is taken
2673 literally and compared to the
2674 autocommand patterns character by
2675 character)
Bram Moolenaara9b1e742005-12-19 22:14:58 +00002676 #group autocommand group exists
2677 #group#event autocommand defined for this group and
2678 event.
2679 #group#event#pattern
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00002680 autocommand defined for this group,
Bram Moolenaara9b1e742005-12-19 22:14:58 +00002681 event and pattern.
Bram Moolenaarf4cd3e82005-12-22 22:47:02 +00002682 ##event autocommand for this event is
2683 supported.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002684 For checking for a supported feature use |has()|.
2685
2686 Examples: >
2687 exists("&shortname")
2688 exists("$HOSTNAME")
2689 exists("*strftime")
2690 exists("*s:MyFunc")
2691 exists("bufcount")
2692 exists(":Make")
Bram Moolenaara9b1e742005-12-19 22:14:58 +00002693 exists("#CursorHold")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002694 exists("#BufReadPre#*.gz")
Bram Moolenaara9b1e742005-12-19 22:14:58 +00002695 exists("#filetypeindent")
2696 exists("#filetypeindent#FileType")
2697 exists("#filetypeindent#FileType#*")
Bram Moolenaarf4cd3e82005-12-22 22:47:02 +00002698 exists("##ColorScheme")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002699< There must be no space between the symbol (&/$/*/#) and the
2700 name.
Bram Moolenaar91170f82006-05-05 21:15:17 +00002701 There must be no extra characters after the name, although in
2702 a few cases this is ignored. That may become more strict in
2703 the future, thus don't count on it!
2704 Working example: >
2705 exists(":make")
2706< NOT working example: >
2707 exists(":make install")
Bram Moolenaar9c102382006-05-03 21:26:49 +00002708
2709< Note that the argument must be a string, not the name of the
2710 variable itself. For example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002711 exists(bufcount)
2712< This doesn't check for existence of the "bufcount" variable,
Bram Moolenaar06a89a52006-04-29 22:01:03 +00002713 but gets the value of "bufcount", and checks if that exists.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002714
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002715exp({expr}) *exp()*
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02002716 Return the exponential of {expr} as a |Float| in the range
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002717 [0, inf].
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02002718 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002719 Examples: >
2720 :echo exp(2)
2721< 7.389056 >
2722 :echo exp(-1)
2723< 0.367879
Bram Moolenaardb84e452010-08-15 13:50:43 +02002724 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002725
2726
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002727expand({expr} [, {flag}]) *expand()*
2728 Expand wildcards and the following special keywords in {expr}.
Bram Moolenaar81af9252010-12-10 20:35:50 +01002729 The result is a String. 'wildignorecase' applies.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002730
2731 When there are several matches, they are separated by <NL>
2732 characters. [Note: in version 5.0 a space was used, which
2733 caused problems when a file name contains a space]
2734
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002735 If the expansion fails, the result is an empty string. A name
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002736 for a non-existing file is not included.
2737
2738 When {expr} starts with '%', '#' or '<', the expansion is done
2739 like for the |cmdline-special| variables with their associated
2740 modifiers. Here is a short overview:
2741
2742 % current file name
2743 # alternate file name
2744 #n alternate file name n
2745 <cfile> file name under the cursor
2746 <afile> autocmd file name
2747 <abuf> autocmd buffer number (as a String!)
2748 <amatch> autocmd matched name
2749 <sfile> sourced script file name
Bram Moolenaar81af9252010-12-10 20:35:50 +01002750 <slnum> sourced script file line number
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002751 <cword> word under the cursor
2752 <cWORD> WORD under the cursor
2753 <client> the {clientid} of the last received
2754 message |server2client()|
2755 Modifiers:
2756 :p expand to full path
2757 :h head (last path component removed)
2758 :t tail (last path component only)
2759 :r root (one extension removed)
2760 :e extension only
2761
2762 Example: >
2763 :let &tags = expand("%:p:h") . "/tags"
2764< Note that when expanding a string that starts with '%', '#' or
2765 '<', any following text is ignored. This does NOT work: >
2766 :let doesntwork = expand("%:h.bak")
2767< Use this: >
2768 :let doeswork = expand("%:h") . ".bak"
2769< Also note that expanding "<cfile>" and others only returns the
2770 referenced file name without further expansion. If "<cfile>"
2771 is "~/.cshrc", you need to do another expand() to have the
2772 "~/" expanded into the path of the home directory: >
2773 :echo expand(expand("<cfile>"))
2774<
2775 There cannot be white space between the variables and the
2776 following modifier. The |fnamemodify()| function can be used
2777 to modify normal file names.
2778
2779 When using '%' or '#', and the current or alternate file name
2780 is not defined, an empty string is used. Using "%:p" in a
2781 buffer with no name, results in the current directory, with a
2782 '/' added.
2783
2784 When {expr} does not start with '%', '#' or '<', it is
2785 expanded like a file name is expanded on the command line.
2786 'suffixes' and 'wildignore' are used, unless the optional
2787 {flag} argument is given and it is non-zero. Names for
Bram Moolenaar02743632005-07-25 20:42:36 +00002788 non-existing files are included. The "**" item can be used to
2789 search in a directory tree. For example, to find all "README"
2790 files in the current directory and below: >
2791 :echo expand("**/README")
2792<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002793 Expand() can also be used to expand variables and environment
2794 variables that are only known in a shell. But this can be
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002795 slow, because a shell must be started. See |expr-env-expand|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002796 The expanded variable is still handled like a list of file
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002797 names. When an environment variable cannot be expanded, it is
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002798 left unchanged. Thus ":echo expand('$FOOBAR')" results in
2799 "$FOOBAR".
2800
2801 See |glob()| for finding existing files. See |system()| for
2802 getting the raw output of an external command.
2803
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002804extend({expr1}, {expr2} [, {expr3}]) *extend()*
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00002805 {expr1} and {expr2} must be both |Lists| or both
2806 |Dictionaries|.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002807
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00002808 If they are |Lists|: Append {expr2} to {expr1}.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002809 If {expr3} is given insert the items of {expr2} before item
2810 {expr3} in {expr1}. When {expr3} is zero insert before the
2811 first item. When {expr3} is equal to len({expr1}) then
2812 {expr2} is appended.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002813 Examples: >
2814 :echo sort(extend(mylist, [7, 5]))
2815 :call extend(mylist, [2, 3], 1)
Bram Moolenaardc9cf9c2008-08-08 10:36:31 +00002816< When {expr1} is the same List as {expr2} then the number of
2817 items copied is equal to the original length of the List.
2818 E.g., when {expr3} is 1 you get N new copies of the first item
2819 (where N is the original length of the List).
2820 Use |add()| to concatenate one item to a list. To concatenate
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002821 two lists into a new list use the + operator: >
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002822 :let newlist = [1, 2, 3] + [4, 5]
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002823<
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00002824 If they are |Dictionaries|:
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002825 Add all entries from {expr2} to {expr1}.
2826 If a key exists in both {expr1} and {expr2} then {expr3} is
2827 used to decide what to do:
2828 {expr3} = "keep": keep the value of {expr1}
2829 {expr3} = "force": use the value of {expr2}
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00002830 {expr3} = "error": give an error message *E737*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002831 When {expr3} is omitted then "force" is assumed.
2832
2833 {expr1} is changed when {expr2} is not empty. If necessary
2834 make a copy of {expr1} first.
2835 {expr2} remains unchanged.
2836 Returns {expr1}.
2837
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002838
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +00002839feedkeys({string} [, {mode}]) *feedkeys()*
2840 Characters in {string} are queued for processing as if they
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002841 come from a mapping or were typed by the user. They are added
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002842 to the end of the typeahead buffer, thus if a mapping is still
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +00002843 being executed these characters come after them.
2844 The function does not wait for processing of keys contained in
2845 {string}.
2846 To include special keys into {string}, use double-quotes
2847 and "\..." notation |expr-quote|. For example,
Bram Moolenaar79166c42007-05-10 18:29:51 +00002848 feedkeys("\<CR>") simulates pressing of the <Enter> key. But
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +00002849 feedkeys('\<CR>') pushes 5 characters.
2850 If {mode} is absent, keys are remapped.
2851 {mode} is a String, which can contain these character flags:
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00002852 'm' Remap keys. This is default.
2853 'n' Do not remap keys.
2854 't' Handle keys as if typed; otherwise they are handled as
2855 if coming from a mapping. This matters for undo,
2856 opening folds, etc.
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +00002857 Return value is always 0.
2858
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002859filereadable({file}) *filereadable()*
2860 The result is a Number, which is TRUE when a file with the
2861 name {file} exists, and can be read. If {file} doesn't exist,
2862 or is a directory, the result is FALSE. {file} is any
2863 expression, which is used as a String.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002864 If you don't care about the file being readable you can use
2865 |glob()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002866 *file_readable()*
2867 Obsolete name: file_readable().
2868
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002869
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002870filewritable({file}) *filewritable()*
2871 The result is a Number, which is 1 when a file with the
2872 name {file} exists, and can be written. If {file} doesn't
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002873 exist, or is not writable, the result is 0. If {file} is a
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002874 directory, and we can write to it, the result is 2.
2875
2876
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002877filter({expr}, {string}) *filter()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002878 {expr} must be a |List| or a |Dictionary|.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002879 For each item in {expr} evaluate {string} and when the result
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002880 is zero remove the item from the |List| or |Dictionary|.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002881 Inside {string} |v:val| has the value of the current item.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002882 For a |Dictionary| |v:key| has the key of the current item.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002883 Examples: >
2884 :call filter(mylist, 'v:val !~ "OLD"')
2885< Removes the items where "OLD" appears. >
2886 :call filter(mydict, 'v:key >= 8')
2887< Removes the items with a key below 8. >
2888 :call filter(var, 0)
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002889< Removes all the items, thus clears the |List| or |Dictionary|.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00002890
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002891 Note that {string} is the result of expression and is then
2892 used as an expression again. Often it is good to use a
2893 |literal-string| to avoid having to double backslashes.
2894
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002895 The operation is done in-place. If you want a |List| or
2896 |Dictionary| to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
Bram Moolenaarafeb4fa2006-02-01 21:51:12 +00002897 :let l = filter(copy(mylist), 'v:val =~ "KEEP"')
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002898
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002899< Returns {expr}, the |List| or |Dictionary| that was filtered.
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00002900 When an error is encountered while evaluating {string} no
2901 further items in {expr} are processed.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002902
2903
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00002904finddir({name}[, {path}[, {count}]]) *finddir()*
Bram Moolenaar5b6b1ca2007-03-27 08:19:43 +00002905 Find directory {name} in {path}. Supports both downwards and
2906 upwards recursive directory searches. See |file-searching|
2907 for the syntax of {path}.
2908 Returns the path of the first found match. When the found
2909 directory is below the current directory a relative path is
2910 returned. Otherwise a full path is returned.
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00002911 If {path} is omitted or empty then 'path' is used.
2912 If the optional {count} is given, find {count}'s occurrence of
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00002913 {name} in {path} instead of the first one.
Bram Moolenaar899dddf2006-03-26 21:06:50 +00002914 When {count} is negative return all the matches in a |List|.
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00002915 This is quite similar to the ex-command |:find|.
Bram Moolenaardb84e452010-08-15 13:50:43 +02002916 {only available when compiled with the |+file_in_path|
2917 feature}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00002918
2919findfile({name}[, {path}[, {count}]]) *findfile()*
2920 Just like |finddir()|, but find a file instead of a directory.
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00002921 Uses 'suffixesadd'.
2922 Example: >
2923 :echo findfile("tags.vim", ".;")
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00002924< Searches from the directory of the current file upwards until
2925 it finds the file "tags.vim".
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002926
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002927float2nr({expr}) *float2nr()*
2928 Convert {expr} to a Number by omitting the part after the
2929 decimal point.
2930 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a Number.
2931 When the value of {expr} is out of range for a |Number| the
2932 result is truncated to 0x7fffffff or -0x7fffffff. NaN results
2933 in -0x80000000.
2934 Examples: >
2935 echo float2nr(3.95)
2936< 3 >
2937 echo float2nr(-23.45)
2938< -23 >
2939 echo float2nr(1.0e100)
2940< 2147483647 >
2941 echo float2nr(-1.0e150)
2942< -2147483647 >
2943 echo float2nr(1.0e-100)
2944< 0
2945 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
2946
2947
2948floor({expr}) *floor()*
2949 Return the largest integral value less than or equal to
2950 {expr} as a |Float| (round down).
2951 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
2952 Examples: >
2953 echo floor(1.856)
2954< 1.0 >
2955 echo floor(-5.456)
2956< -6.0 >
2957 echo floor(4.0)
2958< 4.0
2959 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
2960
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002961
2962fmod({expr1}, {expr2}) *fmod()*
2963 Return the remainder of {expr1} / {expr2}, even if the
2964 division is not representable. Returns {expr1} - i * {expr2}
2965 for some integer i such that if {expr2} is non-zero, the
2966 result has the same sign as {expr1} and magnitude less than
2967 the magnitude of {expr2}. If {expr2} is zero, the value
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02002968 returned is zero. The value returned is a |Float|.
2969 {expr1} and {expr2} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002970 Examples: >
2971 :echo fmod(12.33, 1.22)
2972< 0.13 >
2973 :echo fmod(-12.33, 1.22)
2974< -0.13
Bram Moolenaardb84e452010-08-15 13:50:43 +02002975 {only available when compiled with |+float| feature}
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02002976
2977
Bram Moolenaaraebaf892008-05-28 14:49:58 +00002978fnameescape({string}) *fnameescape()*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002979 Escape {string} for use as file name command argument. All
Bram Moolenaaraebaf892008-05-28 14:49:58 +00002980 characters that have a special meaning, such as '%' and '|'
2981 are escaped with a backslash.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00002982 For most systems the characters escaped are
2983 " \t\n*?[{`$\\%#'\"|!<". For systems where a backslash
2984 appears in a filename, it depends on the value of 'isfname'.
Bram Moolenaar1b24e4b2008-08-08 10:59:17 +00002985 A leading '+' and '>' is also escaped (special after |:edit|
2986 and |:write|). And a "-" by itself (special after |:cd|).
Bram Moolenaaraebaf892008-05-28 14:49:58 +00002987 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar1b24e4b2008-08-08 10:59:17 +00002988 :let fname = '+some str%nge|name'
Bram Moolenaaraebaf892008-05-28 14:49:58 +00002989 :exe "edit " . fnameescape(fname)
2990< results in executing: >
Bram Moolenaar1b24e4b2008-08-08 10:59:17 +00002991 edit \+some\ str\%nge\|name
Bram Moolenaaraebaf892008-05-28 14:49:58 +00002992
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002993fnamemodify({fname}, {mods}) *fnamemodify()*
2994 Modify file name {fname} according to {mods}. {mods} is a
2995 string of characters like it is used for file names on the
2996 command line. See |filename-modifiers|.
2997 Example: >
2998 :echo fnamemodify("main.c", ":p:h")
2999< results in: >
3000 /home/mool/vim/vim/src
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003001< Note: Environment variables don't work in {fname}, use
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003002 |expand()| first then.
3003
3004foldclosed({lnum}) *foldclosed()*
3005 The result is a Number. If the line {lnum} is in a closed
3006 fold, the result is the number of the first line in that fold.
3007 If the line {lnum} is not in a closed fold, -1 is returned.
3008
3009foldclosedend({lnum}) *foldclosedend()*
3010 The result is a Number. If the line {lnum} is in a closed
3011 fold, the result is the number of the last line in that fold.
3012 If the line {lnum} is not in a closed fold, -1 is returned.
3013
3014foldlevel({lnum}) *foldlevel()*
3015 The result is a Number, which is the foldlevel of line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003016 in the current buffer. For nested folds the deepest level is
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003017 returned. If there is no fold at line {lnum}, zero is
3018 returned. It doesn't matter if the folds are open or closed.
3019 When used while updating folds (from 'foldexpr') -1 is
3020 returned for lines where folds are still to be updated and the
3021 foldlevel is unknown. As a special case the level of the
3022 previous line is usually available.
3023
3024 *foldtext()*
3025foldtext() Returns a String, to be displayed for a closed fold. This is
3026 the default function used for the 'foldtext' option and should
3027 only be called from evaluating 'foldtext'. It uses the
3028 |v:foldstart|, |v:foldend| and |v:folddashes| variables.
3029 The returned string looks like this: >
3030 +-- 45 lines: abcdef
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003031< The number of dashes depends on the foldlevel. The "45" is
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003032 the number of lines in the fold. "abcdef" is the text in the
3033 first non-blank line of the fold. Leading white space, "//"
3034 or "/*" and the text from the 'foldmarker' and 'commentstring'
3035 options is removed.
3036 {not available when compiled without the |+folding| feature}
3037
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00003038foldtextresult({lnum}) *foldtextresult()*
3039 Returns the text that is displayed for the closed fold at line
3040 {lnum}. Evaluates 'foldtext' in the appropriate context.
3041 When there is no closed fold at {lnum} an empty string is
3042 returned.
3043 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current
3044 line, "'m" mark m, etc.
3045 Useful when exporting folded text, e.g., to HTML.
3046 {not available when compiled without the |+folding| feature}
3047
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003048 *foreground()*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003049foreground() Move the Vim window to the foreground. Useful when sent from
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003050 a client to a Vim server. |remote_send()|
3051 On Win32 systems this might not work, the OS does not always
3052 allow a window to bring itself to the foreground. Use
3053 |remote_foreground()| instead.
3054 {only in the Win32, Athena, Motif and GTK GUI versions and the
3055 Win32 console version}
3056
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003057
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00003058function({name}) *function()* *E700*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003059 Return a |Funcref| variable that refers to function {name}.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003060 {name} can be a user defined function or an internal function.
3061
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003062
Bram Moolenaar9d2c8c12007-09-25 16:00:00 +00003063garbagecollect([at_exit]) *garbagecollect()*
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00003064 Cleanup unused |Lists| and |Dictionaries| that have circular
Bram Moolenaar39a58ca2005-06-27 22:42:44 +00003065 references. There is hardly ever a need to invoke this
3066 function, as it is automatically done when Vim runs out of
3067 memory or is waiting for the user to press a key after
3068 'updatetime'. Items without circular references are always
3069 freed when they become unused.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003070 This is useful if you have deleted a very big |List| and/or
3071 |Dictionary| with circular references in a script that runs
3072 for a long time.
Bram Moolenaar9d2c8c12007-09-25 16:00:00 +00003073 When the optional "at_exit" argument is one, garbage
3074 collection will also be done when exiting Vim, if it wasn't
3075 done before. This is useful when checking for memory leaks.
Bram Moolenaar39a58ca2005-06-27 22:42:44 +00003076
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00003077get({list}, {idx} [, {default}]) *get()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003078 Get item {idx} from |List| {list}. When this item is not
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003079 available return {default}. Return zero when {default} is
3080 omitted.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003081get({dict}, {key} [, {default}])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003082 Get item with key {key} from |Dictionary| {dict}. When this
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003083 item is not available return {default}. Return zero when
3084 {default} is omitted.
3085
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00003086 *getbufline()*
3087getbufline({expr}, {lnum} [, {end}])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003088 Return a |List| with the lines starting from {lnum} to {end}
3089 (inclusive) in the buffer {expr}. If {end} is omitted, a
3090 |List| with only the line {lnum} is returned.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00003091
3092 For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above.
3093
Bram Moolenaar661b1822005-07-28 22:36:45 +00003094 For {lnum} and {end} "$" can be used for the last line of the
3095 buffer. Otherwise a number must be used.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00003096
3097 When {lnum} is smaller than 1 or bigger than the number of
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003098 lines in the buffer, an empty |List| is returned.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00003099
3100 When {end} is greater than the number of lines in the buffer,
3101 it is treated as {end} is set to the number of lines in the
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003102 buffer. When {end} is before {lnum} an empty |List| is
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00003103 returned.
3104
Bram Moolenaar661b1822005-07-28 22:36:45 +00003105 This function works only for loaded buffers. For unloaded and
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003106 non-existing buffers, an empty |List| is returned.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00003107
3108 Example: >
3109 :let lines = getbufline(bufnr("myfile"), 1, "$")
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003110
3111getbufvar({expr}, {varname}) *getbufvar()*
3112 The result is the value of option or local buffer variable
3113 {varname} in buffer {expr}. Note that the name without "b:"
3114 must be used.
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00003115 When {varname} is empty returns a dictionary with all the
3116 buffer-local variables.
Bram Moolenaar4317d9b2005-03-18 20:25:31 +00003117 This also works for a global or buffer-local option, but it
3118 doesn't work for a global variable, window-local variable or
3119 window-local option.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003120 For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above.
3121 When the buffer or variable doesn't exist an empty string is
3122 returned, there is no error message.
3123 Examples: >
3124 :let bufmodified = getbufvar(1, "&mod")
3125 :echo "todo myvar = " . getbufvar("todo", "myvar")
3126<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003127getchar([expr]) *getchar()*
Bram Moolenaar91170f82006-05-05 21:15:17 +00003128 Get a single character from the user or input stream.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003129 If [expr] is omitted, wait until a character is available.
3130 If [expr] is 0, only get a character when one is available.
Bram Moolenaar91170f82006-05-05 21:15:17 +00003131 Return zero otherwise.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003132 If [expr] is 1, only check if a character is available, it is
Bram Moolenaar91170f82006-05-05 21:15:17 +00003133 not consumed. Return zero if no character available.
3134
3135 Without {expr} and when {expr} is 0 a whole character or
3136 special key is returned. If it is an 8-bit character, the
3137 result is a number. Use nr2char() to convert it to a String.
3138 Otherwise a String is returned with the encoded character.
3139 For a special key it's a sequence of bytes starting with 0x80
Bram Moolenaar56a907a2006-05-06 21:44:30 +00003140 (decimal: 128). This is the same value as the string
3141 "\<Key>", e.g., "\<Left>". The returned value is also a
3142 String when a modifier (shift, control, alt) was used that is
3143 not included in the character.
Bram Moolenaar91170f82006-05-05 21:15:17 +00003144
3145 When {expr} is 1 only the first byte is returned. For a
Bram Moolenaar56a907a2006-05-06 21:44:30 +00003146 one-byte character it is the character itself as a number.
3147 Use nr2char() to convert it to a String.
Bram Moolenaar91170f82006-05-05 21:15:17 +00003148
Bram Moolenaar219b8702006-11-01 14:32:36 +00003149 When the user clicks a mouse button, the mouse event will be
3150 returned. The position can then be found in |v:mouse_col|,
3151 |v:mouse_lnum| and |v:mouse_win|. This example positions the
3152 mouse as it would normally happen: >
3153 let c = getchar()
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003154 if c == "\<LeftMouse>" && v:mouse_win > 0
Bram Moolenaar219b8702006-11-01 14:32:36 +00003155 exe v:mouse_win . "wincmd w"
3156 exe v:mouse_lnum
3157 exe "normal " . v:mouse_col . "|"
3158 endif
3159<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003160 There is no prompt, you will somehow have to make clear to the
3161 user that a character has to be typed.
3162 There is no mapping for the character.
3163 Key codes are replaced, thus when the user presses the <Del>
3164 key you get the code for the <Del> key, not the raw character
3165 sequence. Examples: >
3166 getchar() == "\<Del>"
3167 getchar() == "\<S-Left>"
3168< This example redefines "f" to ignore case: >
3169 :nmap f :call FindChar()<CR>
3170 :function FindChar()
3171 : let c = nr2char(getchar())
3172 : while col('.') < col('$') - 1
3173 : normal l
3174 : if getline('.')[col('.') - 1] ==? c
3175 : break
3176 : endif
3177 : endwhile
3178 :endfunction
3179
3180getcharmod() *getcharmod()*
3181 The result is a Number which is the state of the modifiers for
3182 the last obtained character with getchar() or in another way.
3183 These values are added together:
3184 2 shift
3185 4 control
3186 8 alt (meta)
3187 16 mouse double click
3188 32 mouse triple click
3189 64 mouse quadruple click
3190 128 Macintosh only: command
3191 Only the modifiers that have not been included in the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003192 character itself are obtained. Thus Shift-a results in "A"
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01003193 without a modifier.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003194
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003195getcmdline() *getcmdline()*
3196 Return the current command-line. Only works when the command
3197 line is being edited, thus requires use of |c_CTRL-\_e| or
3198 |c_CTRL-R_=|.
3199 Example: >
3200 :cmap <F7> <C-\>eescape(getcmdline(), ' \')<CR>
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003201< Also see |getcmdtype()|, |getcmdpos()| and |setcmdpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003202
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003203getcmdpos() *getcmdpos()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003204 Return the position of the cursor in the command line as a
3205 byte count. The first column is 1.
3206 Only works when editing the command line, thus requires use of
3207 |c_CTRL-\_e| or |c_CTRL-R_=|. Returns 0 otherwise.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003208 Also see |getcmdtype()|, |setcmdpos()| and |getcmdline()|.
3209
3210getcmdtype() *getcmdtype()*
3211 Return the current command-line type. Possible return values
3212 are:
Bram Moolenaar1e015462005-09-25 22:16:38 +00003213 : normal Ex command
3214 > debug mode command |debug-mode|
3215 / forward search command
3216 ? backward search command
3217 @ |input()| command
3218 - |:insert| or |:append| command
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003219 Only works when editing the command line, thus requires use of
3220 |c_CTRL-\_e| or |c_CTRL-R_=|. Returns an empty string
3221 otherwise.
3222 Also see |getcmdpos()|, |setcmdpos()| and |getcmdline()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003223
3224 *getcwd()*
3225getcwd() The result is a String, which is the name of the current
3226 working directory.
3227
3228getfsize({fname}) *getfsize()*
3229 The result is a Number, which is the size in bytes of the
3230 given file {fname}.
3231 If {fname} is a directory, 0 is returned.
3232 If the file {fname} can't be found, -1 is returned.
Bram Moolenaard827ada2007-06-19 15:19:55 +00003233 If the size of {fname} is too big to fit in a Number then -2
3234 is returned.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003235
Bram Moolenaard8b0cf12004-12-12 11:33:30 +00003236getfontname([{name}]) *getfontname()*
3237 Without an argument returns the name of the normal font being
3238 used. Like what is used for the Normal highlight group
3239 |hl-Normal|.
3240 With an argument a check is done whether {name} is a valid
3241 font name. If not then an empty string is returned.
3242 Otherwise the actual font name is returned, or {name} if the
3243 GUI does not support obtaining the real name.
Bram Moolenaarc6fe9192006-04-09 21:54:49 +00003244 Only works when the GUI is running, thus not in your vimrc or
Bram Moolenaard8b0cf12004-12-12 11:33:30 +00003245 gvimrc file. Use the |GUIEnter| autocommand to use this
3246 function just after the GUI has started.
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00003247 Note that the GTK 2 GUI accepts any font name, thus checking
3248 for a valid name does not work.
Bram Moolenaard8b0cf12004-12-12 11:33:30 +00003249
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00003250getfperm({fname}) *getfperm()*
3251 The result is a String, which is the read, write, and execute
3252 permissions of the given file {fname}.
3253 If {fname} does not exist or its directory cannot be read, an
3254 empty string is returned.
3255 The result is of the form "rwxrwxrwx", where each group of
3256 "rwx" flags represent, in turn, the permissions of the owner
3257 of the file, the group the file belongs to, and other users.
3258 If a user does not have a given permission the flag for this
3259 is replaced with the string "-". Example: >
3260 :echo getfperm("/etc/passwd")
3261< This will hopefully (from a security point of view) display
3262 the string "rw-r--r--" or even "rw-------".
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00003263
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003264getftime({fname}) *getftime()*
3265 The result is a Number, which is the last modification time of
3266 the given file {fname}. The value is measured as seconds
3267 since 1st Jan 1970, and may be passed to strftime(). See also
3268 |localtime()| and |strftime()|.
3269 If the file {fname} can't be found -1 is returned.
3270
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00003271getftype({fname}) *getftype()*
3272 The result is a String, which is a description of the kind of
3273 file of the given file {fname}.
3274 If {fname} does not exist an empty string is returned.
3275 Here is a table over different kinds of files and their
3276 results:
3277 Normal file "file"
3278 Directory "dir"
3279 Symbolic link "link"
3280 Block device "bdev"
3281 Character device "cdev"
3282 Socket "socket"
3283 FIFO "fifo"
3284 All other "other"
3285 Example: >
3286 getftype("/home")
3287< Note that a type such as "link" will only be returned on
3288 systems that support it. On some systems only "dir" and
3289 "file" are returned.
3290
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003291 *getline()*
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003292getline({lnum} [, {end}])
3293 Without {end} the result is a String, which is line {lnum}
3294 from the current buffer. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003295 getline(1)
3296< When {lnum} is a String that doesn't start with a
3297 digit, line() is called to translate the String into a Number.
3298 To get the line under the cursor: >
3299 getline(".")
3300< When {lnum} is smaller than 1 or bigger than the number of
3301 lines in the buffer, an empty string is returned.
3302
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003303 When {end} is given the result is a |List| where each item is
3304 a line from the current buffer in the range {lnum} to {end},
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003305 including line {end}.
3306 {end} is used in the same way as {lnum}.
3307 Non-existing lines are silently omitted.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003308 When {end} is before {lnum} an empty |List| is returned.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003309 Example: >
3310 :let start = line('.')
3311 :let end = search("^$") - 1
3312 :let lines = getline(start, end)
3313
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00003314< To get lines from another buffer see |getbufline()|
3315
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00003316getloclist({nr}) *getloclist()*
3317 Returns a list with all the entries in the location list for
3318 window {nr}. When {nr} is zero the current window is used.
3319 For a location list window, the displayed location list is
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00003320 returned. For an invalid window number {nr}, an empty list is
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01003321 returned. Otherwise, same as |getqflist()|.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003322
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00003323getmatches() *getmatches()*
3324 Returns a |List| with all matches previously defined by
3325 |matchadd()| and the |:match| commands. |getmatches()| is
3326 useful in combination with |setmatches()|, as |setmatches()|
3327 can restore a list of matches saved by |getmatches()|.
3328 Example: >
3329 :echo getmatches()
3330< [{'group': 'MyGroup1', 'pattern': 'TODO',
3331 'priority': 10, 'id': 1}, {'group': 'MyGroup2',
3332 'pattern': 'FIXME', 'priority': 10, 'id': 2}] >
3333 :let m = getmatches()
3334 :call clearmatches()
3335 :echo getmatches()
3336< [] >
3337 :call setmatches(m)
3338 :echo getmatches()
3339< [{'group': 'MyGroup1', 'pattern': 'TODO',
3340 'priority': 10, 'id': 1}, {'group': 'MyGroup2',
3341 'pattern': 'FIXME', 'priority': 10, 'id': 2}] >
3342 :unlet m
3343<
3344
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003345getqflist() *getqflist()*
3346 Returns a list with all the current quickfix errors. Each
3347 list item is a dictionary with these entries:
3348 bufnr number of buffer that has the file name, use
3349 bufname() to get the name
3350 lnum line number in the buffer (first line is 1)
3351 col column number (first column is 1)
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00003352 vcol non-zero: "col" is visual column
3353 zero: "col" is byte index
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003354 nr error number
Bram Moolenaar48b66fb2007-02-04 01:58:18 +00003355 pattern search pattern used to locate the error
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003356 text description of the error
3357 type type of the error, 'E', '1', etc.
3358 valid non-zero: recognized error message
3359
Bram Moolenaare7eb9df2005-09-09 19:49:30 +00003360 When there is no error list or it's empty an empty list is
Bram Moolenaar48b66fb2007-02-04 01:58:18 +00003361 returned. Quickfix list entries with non-existing buffer
3362 number are returned with "bufnr" set to zero.
Bram Moolenaare7eb9df2005-09-09 19:49:30 +00003363
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003364 Useful application: Find pattern matches in multiple files and
3365 do something with them: >
3366 :vimgrep /theword/jg *.c
3367 :for d in getqflist()
3368 : echo bufname(d.bufnr) ':' d.lnum '=' d.text
3369 :endfor
3370
3371
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00003372getreg([{regname} [, 1]]) *getreg()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003373 The result is a String, which is the contents of register
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003374 {regname}. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003375 :let cliptext = getreg('*')
3376< getreg('=') returns the last evaluated value of the expression
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003377 register. (For use in maps.)
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00003378 getreg('=', 1) returns the expression itself, so that it can
3379 be restored with |setreg()|. For other registers the extra
3380 argument is ignored, thus you can always give it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003381 If {regname} is not specified, |v:register| is used.
3382
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003383
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003384getregtype([{regname}]) *getregtype()*
3385 The result is a String, which is type of register {regname}.
3386 The value will be one of:
3387 "v" for |characterwise| text
3388 "V" for |linewise| text
3389 "<CTRL-V>{width}" for |blockwise-visual| text
3390 0 for an empty or unknown register
3391 <CTRL-V> is one character with value 0x16.
3392 If {regname} is not specified, |v:register| is used.
3393
Bram Moolenaar06b5d512010-05-22 15:37:44 +02003394gettabvar({tabnr}, {varname}) *gettabvar()*
3395 Get the value of a tab-local variable {varname} in tab page
3396 {tabnr}. |t:var|
3397 Tabs are numbered starting with one.
3398 Note that the name without "t:" must be used.
3399
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00003400gettabwinvar({tabnr}, {winnr}, {varname}) *gettabwinvar()*
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00003401 Get the value of window-local variable {varname} in window
3402 {winnr} in tab page {tabnr}.
3403 When {varname} starts with "&" get the value of a window-local
3404 option.
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00003405 Tabs are numbered starting with one. For the current tabpage
3406 use |getwinvar()|.
3407 When {winnr} is zero the current window is used.
3408 This also works for a global option, buffer-local option and
3409 window-local option, but it doesn't work for a global variable
3410 or buffer-local variable.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00003411 When {varname} is empty a dictionary with all window-local
3412 variables is returned.
3413 Note that {varname} must be the name without "w:".
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00003414 Examples: >
3415 :let list_is_on = gettabwinvar(1, 2, '&list')
3416 :echo "myvar = " . gettabwinvar(3, 1, 'myvar')
Bram Moolenaard46bbc72007-05-12 14:38:41 +00003417<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003418 *getwinposx()*
3419getwinposx() The result is a Number, which is the X coordinate in pixels of
3420 the left hand side of the GUI Vim window. The result will be
3421 -1 if the information is not available.
3422
3423 *getwinposy()*
3424getwinposy() The result is a Number, which is the Y coordinate in pixels of
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003425 the top of the GUI Vim window. The result will be -1 if the
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003426 information is not available.
3427
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00003428getwinvar({winnr}, {varname}) *getwinvar()*
3429 Like |gettabwinvar()| for the current tabpage.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003430 Examples: >
3431 :let list_is_on = getwinvar(2, '&list')
3432 :echo "myvar = " . getwinvar(1, 'myvar')
3433<
Bram Moolenaarbb5ddda2008-11-28 10:01:10 +00003434glob({expr} [, {flag}]) *glob()*
3435 Expand the file wildcards in {expr}. See |wildcards| for the
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00003436 use of special characters.
3437 The result is a String.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003438 When there are several matches, they are separated by <NL>
3439 characters.
Bram Moolenaarbb5ddda2008-11-28 10:01:10 +00003440 Unless the optional {flag} argument is given and is non-zero,
3441 the 'suffixes' and 'wildignore' options apply: Names matching
3442 one of the patterns in 'wildignore' will be skipped and
3443 'suffixes' affect the ordering of matches.
Bram Moolenaar81af9252010-12-10 20:35:50 +01003444 'wildignorecase' always applies.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003445 If the expansion fails, the result is an empty string.
3446 A name for a non-existing file is not included.
3447
3448 For most systems backticks can be used to get files names from
3449 any external command. Example: >
3450 :let tagfiles = glob("`find . -name tags -print`")
3451 :let &tags = substitute(tagfiles, "\n", ",", "g")
3452< The result of the program inside the backticks should be one
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003453 item per line. Spaces inside an item are allowed.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003454
3455 See |expand()| for expanding special Vim variables. See
3456 |system()| for getting the raw output of an external command.
3457
Bram Moolenaarbb5ddda2008-11-28 10:01:10 +00003458globpath({path}, {expr} [, {flag}]) *globpath()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003459 Perform glob() on all directories in {path} and concatenate
3460 the results. Example: >
3461 :echo globpath(&rtp, "syntax/c.vim")
3462< {path} is a comma-separated list of directory names. Each
3463 directory name is prepended to {expr} and expanded like with
Bram Moolenaarbb5ddda2008-11-28 10:01:10 +00003464 |glob()|. A path separator is inserted when needed.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003465 To add a comma inside a directory name escape it with a
3466 backslash. Note that on MS-Windows a directory may have a
3467 trailing backslash, remove it if you put a comma after it.
3468 If the expansion fails for one of the directories, there is no
3469 error message.
Bram Moolenaarbb5ddda2008-11-28 10:01:10 +00003470 Unless the optional {flag} argument is given and is non-zero,
3471 the 'suffixes' and 'wildignore' options apply: Names matching
3472 one of the patterns in 'wildignore' will be skipped and
3473 'suffixes' affect the ordering of matches.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003474
Bram Moolenaar02743632005-07-25 20:42:36 +00003475 The "**" item can be used to search in a directory tree.
3476 For example, to find all "README.txt" files in the directories
3477 in 'runtimepath' and below: >
3478 :echo globpath(&rtp, "**/README.txt")
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00003479< Upwards search and limiting the depth of "**" is not
3480 supported, thus using 'path' will not always work properly.
3481
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003482 *has()*
3483has({feature}) The result is a Number, which is 1 if the feature {feature} is
3484 supported, zero otherwise. The {feature} argument is a
3485 string. See |feature-list| below.
3486 Also see |exists()|.
3487
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003488
3489has_key({dict}, {key}) *has_key()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003490 The result is a Number, which is 1 if |Dictionary| {dict} has
3491 an entry with key {key}. Zero otherwise.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003492
Bram Moolenaard267b9c2007-04-26 15:06:45 +00003493haslocaldir() *haslocaldir()*
3494 The result is a Number, which is 1 when the current
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003495 window has set a local path via |:lcd|, and 0 otherwise.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003496
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00003497hasmapto({what} [, {mode} [, {abbr}]]) *hasmapto()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003498 The result is a Number, which is 1 if there is a mapping that
3499 contains {what} in somewhere in the rhs (what it is mapped to)
3500 and this mapping exists in one of the modes indicated by
3501 {mode}.
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00003502 When {abbr} is there and it is non-zero use abbreviations
Bram Moolenaar39f05632006-03-19 22:15:26 +00003503 instead of mappings. Don't forget to specify Insert and/or
3504 Command-line mode.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003505 Both the global mappings and the mappings local to the current
3506 buffer are checked for a match.
3507 If no matching mapping is found 0 is returned.
3508 The following characters are recognized in {mode}:
3509 n Normal mode
3510 v Visual mode
3511 o Operator-pending mode
3512 i Insert mode
3513 l Language-Argument ("r", "f", "t", etc.)
3514 c Command-line mode
3515 When {mode} is omitted, "nvo" is used.
3516
3517 This function is useful to check if a mapping already exists
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003518 to a function in a Vim script. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003519 :if !hasmapto('\ABCdoit')
3520 : map <Leader>d \ABCdoit
3521 :endif
3522< This installs the mapping to "\ABCdoit" only if there isn't
3523 already a mapping to "\ABCdoit".
3524
3525histadd({history}, {item}) *histadd()*
3526 Add the String {item} to the history {history} which can be
3527 one of: *hist-names*
3528 "cmd" or ":" command line history
3529 "search" or "/" search pattern history
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003530 "expr" or "=" typed expression history
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003531 "input" or "@" input line history
3532 If {item} does already exist in the history, it will be
3533 shifted to become the newest entry.
3534 The result is a Number: 1 if the operation was successful,
3535 otherwise 0 is returned.
3536
3537 Example: >
3538 :call histadd("input", strftime("%Y %b %d"))
3539 :let date=input("Enter date: ")
3540< This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3541
3542histdel({history} [, {item}]) *histdel()*
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003543 Clear {history}, i.e. delete all its entries. See |hist-names|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003544 for the possible values of {history}.
3545
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00003546 If the parameter {item} evaluates to a String, it is used as a
3547 regular expression. All entries matching that expression will
3548 be removed from the history (if there are any).
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003549 Upper/lowercase must match, unless "\c" is used |/\c|.
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00003550 If {item} evaluates to a Number, it will be interpreted as
3551 an index, see |:history-indexing|. The respective entry will
3552 be removed if it exists.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003553
3554 The result is a Number: 1 for a successful operation,
3555 otherwise 0 is returned.
3556
3557 Examples:
3558 Clear expression register history: >
3559 :call histdel("expr")
3560<
3561 Remove all entries starting with "*" from the search history: >
3562 :call histdel("/", '^\*')
3563<
3564 The following three are equivalent: >
3565 :call histdel("search", histnr("search"))
3566 :call histdel("search", -1)
3567 :call histdel("search", '^'.histget("search", -1).'$')
3568<
3569 To delete the last search pattern and use the last-but-one for
3570 the "n" command and 'hlsearch': >
3571 :call histdel("search", -1)
3572 :let @/ = histget("search", -1)
3573
3574histget({history} [, {index}]) *histget()*
3575 The result is a String, the entry with Number {index} from
3576 {history}. See |hist-names| for the possible values of
3577 {history}, and |:history-indexing| for {index}. If there is
3578 no such entry, an empty String is returned. When {index} is
3579 omitted, the most recent item from the history is used.
3580
3581 Examples:
3582 Redo the second last search from history. >
3583 :execute '/' . histget("search", -2)
3584
3585< Define an Ex command ":H {num}" that supports re-execution of
3586 the {num}th entry from the output of |:history|. >
3587 :command -nargs=1 H execute histget("cmd", 0+<args>)
3588<
3589histnr({history}) *histnr()*
3590 The result is the Number of the current entry in {history}.
3591 See |hist-names| for the possible values of {history}.
3592 If an error occurred, -1 is returned.
3593
3594 Example: >
3595 :let inp_index = histnr("expr")
3596<
3597hlexists({name}) *hlexists()*
3598 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a highlight group
3599 called {name} exists. This is when the group has been
3600 defined in some way. Not necessarily when highlighting has
3601 been defined for it, it may also have been used for a syntax
3602 item.
3603 *highlight_exists()*
3604 Obsolete name: highlight_exists().
3605
3606 *hlID()*
3607hlID({name}) The result is a Number, which is the ID of the highlight group
3608 with name {name}. When the highlight group doesn't exist,
3609 zero is returned.
3610 This can be used to retrieve information about the highlight
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003611 group. For example, to get the background color of the
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003612 "Comment" group: >
3613 :echo synIDattr(synIDtrans(hlID("Comment")), "bg")
3614< *highlightID()*
3615 Obsolete name: highlightID().
3616
3617hostname() *hostname()*
3618 The result is a String, which is the name of the machine on
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003619 which Vim is currently running. Machine names greater than
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003620 256 characters long are truncated.
3621
3622iconv({expr}, {from}, {to}) *iconv()*
3623 The result is a String, which is the text {expr} converted
3624 from encoding {from} to encoding {to}.
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01003625 When the conversion completely fails an empty string is
3626 returned. When some characters could not be converted they
3627 are replaced with "?".
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003628 The encoding names are whatever the iconv() library function
3629 can accept, see ":!man 3 iconv".
3630 Most conversions require Vim to be compiled with the |+iconv|
3631 feature. Otherwise only UTF-8 to latin1 conversion and back
3632 can be done.
3633 This can be used to display messages with special characters,
3634 no matter what 'encoding' is set to. Write the message in
3635 UTF-8 and use: >
3636 echo iconv(utf8_str, "utf-8", &enc)
3637< Note that Vim uses UTF-8 for all Unicode encodings, conversion
3638 from/to UCS-2 is automatically changed to use UTF-8. You
3639 cannot use UCS-2 in a string anyway, because of the NUL bytes.
Bram Moolenaardb84e452010-08-15 13:50:43 +02003640 {only available when compiled with the |+multi_byte| feature}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003641
3642 *indent()*
3643indent({lnum}) The result is a Number, which is indent of line {lnum} in the
3644 current buffer. The indent is counted in spaces, the value
3645 of 'tabstop' is relevant. {lnum} is used just like in
3646 |getline()|.
3647 When {lnum} is invalid -1 is returned.
3648
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003649
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003650index({list}, {expr} [, {start} [, {ic}]]) *index()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003651 Return the lowest index in |List| {list} where the item has a
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01003652 value equal to {expr}. There is no automatic conversion, so
3653 the String "4" is different from the Number 4. And the number
3654 4 is different from the Float 4.0. The value of 'ignorecase'
3655 is not used here, case always matters.
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00003656 If {start} is given then start looking at the item with index
3657 {start} (may be negative for an item relative to the end).
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003658 When {ic} is given and it is non-zero, ignore case. Otherwise
3659 case must match.
3660 -1 is returned when {expr} is not found in {list}.
3661 Example: >
3662 :let idx = index(words, "the")
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00003663 :if index(numbers, 123) >= 0
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003664
3665
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003666input({prompt} [, {text} [, {completion}]]) *input()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003667 The result is a String, which is whatever the user typed on
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01003668 the command-line. The {prompt} argument is either a prompt
3669 string, or a blank string (for no prompt). A '\n' can be used
3670 in the prompt to start a new line.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003671 The highlighting set with |:echohl| is used for the prompt.
3672 The input is entered just like a command-line, with the same
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003673 editing commands and mappings. There is a separate history
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003674 for lines typed for input().
3675 Example: >
3676 :if input("Coffee or beer? ") == "beer"
3677 : echo "Cheers!"
3678 :endif
3679<
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01003680 If the optional {text} argument is present and not empty, this
3681 is used for the default reply, as if the user typed this.
3682 Example: >
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003683 :let color = input("Color? ", "white")
3684
3685< The optional {completion} argument specifies the type of
3686 completion supported for the input. Without it completion is
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003687 not performed. The supported completion types are the same as
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003688 that can be supplied to a user-defined command using the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003689 "-complete=" argument. Refer to |:command-completion| for
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003690 more information. Example: >
3691 let fname = input("File: ", "", "file")
3692<
3693 NOTE: This function must not be used in a startup file, for
3694 the versions that only run in GUI mode (e.g., the Win32 GUI).
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003695 Note: When input() is called from within a mapping it will
3696 consume remaining characters from that mapping, because a
3697 mapping is handled like the characters were typed.
3698 Use |inputsave()| before input() and |inputrestore()|
3699 after input() to avoid that. Another solution is to avoid
3700 that further characters follow in the mapping, e.g., by using
3701 |:execute| or |:normal|.
3702
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003703 Example with a mapping: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003704 :nmap \x :call GetFoo()<CR>:exe "/" . Foo<CR>
3705 :function GetFoo()
3706 : call inputsave()
3707 : let g:Foo = input("enter search pattern: ")
3708 : call inputrestore()
3709 :endfunction
3710
3711inputdialog({prompt} [, {text} [, {cancelreturn}]]) *inputdialog()*
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01003712 Like |input()|, but when the GUI is running and text dialogs
3713 are supported, a dialog window pops up to input the text.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003714 Example: >
3715 :let n = inputdialog("value for shiftwidth", &sw)
3716 :if n != ""
3717 : let &sw = n
3718 :endif
3719< When the dialog is cancelled {cancelreturn} is returned. When
3720 omitted an empty string is returned.
3721 Hitting <Enter> works like pressing the OK button. Hitting
3722 <Esc> works like pressing the Cancel button.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003723 NOTE: Command-line completion is not supported.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003724
Bram Moolenaar578b49e2005-09-10 19:22:57 +00003725inputlist({textlist}) *inputlist()*
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00003726 {textlist} must be a |List| of strings. This |List| is
3727 displayed, one string per line. The user will be prompted to
3728 enter a number, which is returned.
Bram Moolenaar578b49e2005-09-10 19:22:57 +00003729 The user can also select an item by clicking on it with the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003730 mouse. For the first string 0 is returned. When clicking
Bram Moolenaar578b49e2005-09-10 19:22:57 +00003731 above the first item a negative number is returned. When
3732 clicking on the prompt one more than the length of {textlist}
3733 is returned.
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01003734 Make sure {textlist} has less than 'lines' entries, otherwise
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003735 it won't work. It's a good idea to put the entry number at
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00003736 the start of the string. And put a prompt in the first item.
3737 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar578b49e2005-09-10 19:22:57 +00003738 let color = inputlist(['Select color:', '1. red',
3739 \ '2. green', '3. blue'])
3740
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003741inputrestore() *inputrestore()*
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01003742 Restore typeahead that was saved with a previous |inputsave()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003743 Should be called the same number of times inputsave() is
3744 called. Calling it more often is harmless though.
3745 Returns 1 when there is nothing to restore, 0 otherwise.
3746
3747inputsave() *inputsave()*
3748 Preserve typeahead (also from mappings) and clear it, so that
3749 a following prompt gets input from the user. Should be
3750 followed by a matching inputrestore() after the prompt. Can
3751 be used several times, in which case there must be just as
3752 many inputrestore() calls.
3753 Returns 1 when out of memory, 0 otherwise.
3754
3755inputsecret({prompt} [, {text}]) *inputsecret()*
3756 This function acts much like the |input()| function with but
3757 two exceptions:
3758 a) the user's response will be displayed as a sequence of
3759 asterisks ("*") thereby keeping the entry secret, and
3760 b) the user's response will not be recorded on the input
3761 |history| stack.
3762 The result is a String, which is whatever the user actually
3763 typed on the command-line in response to the issued prompt.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003764 NOTE: Command-line completion is not supported.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003765
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003766insert({list}, {item} [, {idx}]) *insert()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003767 Insert {item} at the start of |List| {list}.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003768 If {idx} is specified insert {item} before the item with index
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003769 {idx}. If {idx} is zero it goes before the first item, just
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003770 like omitting {idx}. A negative {idx} is also possible, see
3771 |list-index|. -1 inserts just before the last item.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003772 Returns the resulting |List|. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003773 :let mylist = insert([2, 3, 5], 1)
3774 :call insert(mylist, 4, -1)
3775 :call insert(mylist, 6, len(mylist))
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003776< The last example can be done simpler with |add()|.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003777 Note that when {item} is a |List| it is inserted as a single
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00003778 item. Use |extend()| to concatenate |Lists|.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003779
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003780isdirectory({directory}) *isdirectory()*
3781 The result is a Number, which is non-zero when a directory
3782 with the name {directory} exists. If {directory} doesn't
3783 exist, or isn't a directory, the result is FALSE. {directory}
3784 is any expression, which is used as a String.
3785
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00003786islocked({expr}) *islocked()* *E786*
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00003787 The result is a Number, which is non-zero when {expr} is the
3788 name of a locked variable.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003789 {expr} must be the name of a variable, |List| item or
3790 |Dictionary| entry, not the variable itself! Example: >
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00003791 :let alist = [0, ['a', 'b'], 2, 3]
3792 :lockvar 1 alist
3793 :echo islocked('alist') " 1
3794 :echo islocked('alist[1]') " 0
3795
3796< When {expr} is a variable that does not exist you get an error
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00003797 message. Use |exists()| to check for existence.
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00003798
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00003799items({dict}) *items()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003800 Return a |List| with all the key-value pairs of {dict}. Each
3801 |List| item is a list with two items: the key of a {dict}
3802 entry and the value of this entry. The |List| is in arbitrary
3803 order.
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00003804
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003805
3806join({list} [, {sep}]) *join()*
3807 Join the items in {list} together into one String.
3808 When {sep} is specified it is put in between the items. If
3809 {sep} is omitted a single space is used.
3810 Note that {sep} is not added at the end. You might want to
3811 add it there too: >
3812 let lines = join(mylist, "\n") . "\n"
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00003813< String items are used as-is. |Lists| and |Dictionaries| are
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003814 converted into a string like with |string()|.
3815 The opposite function is |split()|.
3816
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003817keys({dict}) *keys()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003818 Return a |List| with all the keys of {dict}. The |List| is in
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003819 arbitrary order.
3820
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00003821 *len()* *E701*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003822len({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the length of the argument.
3823 When {expr} is a String or a Number the length in bytes is
3824 used, as with |strlen()|.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003825 When {expr} is a |List| the number of items in the |List| is
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003826 returned.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003827 When {expr} is a |Dictionary| the number of entries in the
3828 |Dictionary| is returned.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003829 Otherwise an error is given.
3830
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003831 *libcall()* *E364* *E368*
3832libcall({libname}, {funcname}, {argument})
3833 Call function {funcname} in the run-time library {libname}
3834 with single argument {argument}.
3835 This is useful to call functions in a library that you
3836 especially made to be used with Vim. Since only one argument
3837 is possible, calling standard library functions is rather
3838 limited.
3839 The result is the String returned by the function. If the
3840 function returns NULL, this will appear as an empty string ""
3841 to Vim.
3842 If the function returns a number, use libcallnr()!
3843 If {argument} is a number, it is passed to the function as an
3844 int; if {argument} is a string, it is passed as a
3845 null-terminated string.
3846 This function will fail in |restricted-mode|.
3847
3848 libcall() allows you to write your own 'plug-in' extensions to
3849 Vim without having to recompile the program. It is NOT a
3850 means to call system functions! If you try to do so Vim will
3851 very probably crash.
3852
3853 For Win32, the functions you write must be placed in a DLL
3854 and use the normal C calling convention (NOT Pascal which is
3855 used in Windows System DLLs). The function must take exactly
3856 one parameter, either a character pointer or a long integer,
3857 and must return a character pointer or NULL. The character
3858 pointer returned must point to memory that will remain valid
3859 after the function has returned (e.g. in static data in the
3860 DLL). If it points to allocated memory, that memory will
3861 leak away. Using a static buffer in the function should work,
3862 it's then freed when the DLL is unloaded.
3863
3864 WARNING: If the function returns a non-valid pointer, Vim may
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003865 crash! This also happens if the function returns a number,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003866 because Vim thinks it's a pointer.
3867 For Win32 systems, {libname} should be the filename of the DLL
3868 without the ".DLL" suffix. A full path is only required if
3869 the DLL is not in the usual places.
3870 For Unix: When compiling your own plugins, remember that the
3871 object code must be compiled as position-independent ('PIC').
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01003872 {only in Win32 and some Unix versions, when the |+libcall|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003873 feature is present}
3874 Examples: >
3875 :echo libcall("libc.so", "getenv", "HOME")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003876<
3877 *libcallnr()*
3878libcallnr({libname}, {funcname}, {argument})
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01003879 Just like |libcall()|, but used for a function that returns an
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003880 int instead of a string.
3881 {only in Win32 on some Unix versions, when the |+libcall|
3882 feature is present}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003883 Examples: >
3884 :echo libcallnr("/usr/lib/libc.so", "getpid", "")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003885 :call libcallnr("libc.so", "printf", "Hello World!\n")
3886 :call libcallnr("libc.so", "sleep", 10)
3887<
3888 *line()*
3889line({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the line number of the file
3890 position given with {expr}. The accepted positions are:
3891 . the cursor position
3892 $ the last line in the current buffer
3893 'x position of mark x (if the mark is not set, 0 is
3894 returned)
Bram Moolenaarc7453f52006-02-10 23:20:28 +00003895 w0 first line visible in current window
3896 w$ last line visible in current window
Bram Moolenaar9ecd0232008-06-20 15:31:51 +00003897 v In Visual mode: the start of the Visual area (the
3898 cursor is the end). When not in Visual mode
3899 returns the cursor position. Differs from |'<| in
3900 that it's updated right away.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00003901 Note that a mark in another file can be used. The line number
3902 then applies to another buffer.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00003903 To get the column number use |col()|. To get both use
3904 |getpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003905 Examples: >
3906 line(".") line number of the cursor
3907 line("'t") line number of mark t
3908 line("'" . marker) line number of mark marker
3909< *last-position-jump*
3910 This autocommand jumps to the last known position in a file
3911 just after opening it, if the '" mark is set: >
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01003912 :au BufReadPost * if line("'\"") > 1 && line("'\"") <= line("$") | exe "normal! g`\"" | endif
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00003913
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003914line2byte({lnum}) *line2byte()*
3915 Return the byte count from the start of the buffer for line
3916 {lnum}. This includes the end-of-line character, depending on
3917 the 'fileformat' option for the current buffer. The first
3918 line returns 1.
3919 This can also be used to get the byte count for the line just
3920 below the last line: >
3921 line2byte(line("$") + 1)
3922< This is the file size plus one.
3923 When {lnum} is invalid, or the |+byte_offset| feature has been
3924 disabled at compile time, -1 is returned.
3925 Also see |byte2line()|, |go| and |:goto|.
3926
3927lispindent({lnum}) *lispindent()*
3928 Get the amount of indent for line {lnum} according the lisp
3929 indenting rules, as with 'lisp'.
3930 The indent is counted in spaces, the value of 'tabstop' is
3931 relevant. {lnum} is used just like in |getline()|.
3932 When {lnum} is invalid or Vim was not compiled the
3933 |+lispindent| feature, -1 is returned.
3934
3935localtime() *localtime()*
3936 Return the current time, measured as seconds since 1st Jan
3937 1970. See also |strftime()| and |getftime()|.
3938
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003939
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02003940log({expr}) *log()*
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02003941 Return the natural logarithm (base e) of {expr} as a |Float|.
3942 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number| in the range
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02003943 (0, inf].
3944 Examples: >
3945 :echo log(10)
3946< 2.302585 >
3947 :echo log(exp(5))
3948< 5.0
Bram Moolenaardb84e452010-08-15 13:50:43 +02003949 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02003950
3951
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00003952log10({expr}) *log10()*
3953 Return the logarithm of Float {expr} to base 10 as a |Float|.
3954 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
3955 Examples: >
3956 :echo log10(1000)
3957< 3.0 >
3958 :echo log10(0.01)
3959< -2.0
3960 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
3961
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003962map({expr}, {string}) *map()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003963 {expr} must be a |List| or a |Dictionary|.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003964 Replace each item in {expr} with the result of evaluating
3965 {string}.
3966 Inside {string} |v:val| has the value of the current item.
Bram Moolenaar627b1d32009-11-17 11:20:35 +00003967 For a |Dictionary| |v:key| has the key of the current item
3968 and for a |List| |v:key| has the index of the current item.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003969 Example: >
3970 :call map(mylist, '"> " . v:val . " <"')
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003971< This puts "> " before and " <" after each item in "mylist".
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003972
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003973 Note that {string} is the result of an expression and is then
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003974 used as an expression again. Often it is good to use a
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003975 |literal-string| to avoid having to double backslashes. You
3976 still have to double ' quotes
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003977
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003978 The operation is done in-place. If you want a |List| or
3979 |Dictionary| to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003980 :let tlist = map(copy(mylist), ' & . "\t"')
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003981
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003982< Returns {expr}, the |List| or |Dictionary| that was filtered.
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00003983 When an error is encountered while evaluating {string} no
3984 further items in {expr} are processed.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003985
3986
Bram Moolenaarbd743252010-10-20 21:23:33 +02003987maparg({name}[, {mode} [, {abbr} [, {dict}]]]) *maparg()*
3988 When {dict} is omitted or zero: Return the rhs of mapping
3989 {name} in mode {mode}. The returned String has special
3990 characters translated like in the output of the ":map" command
3991 listing.
3992
3993 When there is no mapping for {name}, an empty String is
3994 returned.
3995
3996 The {name} can have special key names, like in the ":map"
3997 command.
3998
Bram Moolenaard12f5c12006-01-25 22:10:52 +00003999 {mode} can be one of these strings:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004000 "n" Normal
Bram Moolenaarbd743252010-10-20 21:23:33 +02004001 "v" Visual (including Select)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004002 "o" Operator-pending
4003 "i" Insert
4004 "c" Cmd-line
Bram Moolenaarbd743252010-10-20 21:23:33 +02004005 "s" Select
4006 "x" Visual
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004007 "l" langmap |language-mapping|
4008 "" Normal, Visual and Operator-pending
Bram Moolenaard12f5c12006-01-25 22:10:52 +00004009 When {mode} is omitted, the modes for "" are used.
Bram Moolenaarbd743252010-10-20 21:23:33 +02004010
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00004011 When {abbr} is there and it is non-zero use abbreviations
4012 instead of mappings.
Bram Moolenaarbd743252010-10-20 21:23:33 +02004013
4014 When {dict} is there and it is non-zero return a dictionary
4015 containing all the information of the mapping with the
4016 following items:
4017 "lhs" The {lhs} of the mapping.
4018 "rhs" The {rhs} of the mapping as typed.
4019 "silent" 1 for a |:map-silent| mapping, else 0.
Bram Moolenaar05365702010-10-27 18:34:44 +02004020 "noremap" 1 if the {rhs} of the mapping is not remappable.
Bram Moolenaarbd743252010-10-20 21:23:33 +02004021 "expr" 1 for an expression mapping (|:map-<expr>|).
4022 "buffer" 1 for a buffer local mapping (|:map-local|).
4023 "mode" Modes for which the mapping is defined. In
4024 addition to the modes mentioned above, these
4025 characters will be used:
4026 " " Normal, Visual and Operator-pending
4027 "!" Insert and Commandline mode
Bram Moolenaar166af9b2010-11-16 20:34:40 +01004028 (|mapmode-ic|)
Bram Moolenaar05365702010-10-27 18:34:44 +02004029 "sid" The script local ID, used for <sid> mappings
4030 (|<SID>|).
Bram Moolenaarbd743252010-10-20 21:23:33 +02004031
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004032 The mappings local to the current buffer are checked first,
4033 then the global mappings.
Bram Moolenaara40ceaf2006-01-13 22:35:40 +00004034 This function can be used to map a key even when it's already
4035 mapped, and have it do the original mapping too. Sketch: >
4036 exe 'nnoremap <Tab> ==' . maparg('<Tab>', 'n')
4037
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004038
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00004039mapcheck({name}[, {mode} [, {abbr}]]) *mapcheck()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004040 Check if there is a mapping that matches with {name} in mode
4041 {mode}. See |maparg()| for {mode} and special names in
4042 {name}.
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00004043 When {abbr} is there and it is non-zero use abbreviations
4044 instead of mappings.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004045 A match happens with a mapping that starts with {name} and
4046 with a mapping which is equal to the start of {name}.
4047
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004048 matches mapping "a" "ab" "abc" ~
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004049 mapcheck("a") yes yes yes
4050 mapcheck("abc") yes yes yes
4051 mapcheck("ax") yes no no
4052 mapcheck("b") no no no
4053
4054 The difference with maparg() is that mapcheck() finds a
4055 mapping that matches with {name}, while maparg() only finds a
4056 mapping for {name} exactly.
4057 When there is no mapping that starts with {name}, an empty
4058 String is returned. If there is one, the rhs of that mapping
4059 is returned. If there are several mappings that start with
4060 {name}, the rhs of one of them is returned.
4061 The mappings local to the current buffer are checked first,
4062 then the global mappings.
4063 This function can be used to check if a mapping can be added
4064 without being ambiguous. Example: >
4065 :if mapcheck("_vv") == ""
4066 : map _vv :set guifont=7x13<CR>
4067 :endif
4068< This avoids adding the "_vv" mapping when there already is a
4069 mapping for "_v" or for "_vvv".
4070
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00004071match({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *match()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004072 When {expr} is a |List| then this returns the index of the
4073 first item where {pat} matches. Each item is used as a
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004074 String, |Lists| and |Dictionaries| are used as echoed.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004075 Otherwise, {expr} is used as a String. The result is a
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004076 Number, which gives the index (byte offset) in {expr} where
4077 {pat} matches.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004078 A match at the first character or |List| item returns zero.
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00004079 If there is no match -1 is returned.
Bram Moolenaar20f90cf2011-05-19 12:22:51 +02004080 For getting submatches see |matchlist()|.
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00004081 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004082 :echo match("testing", "ing") " results in 4
Bram Moolenaar362e1a32006-03-06 23:29:24 +00004083 :echo match([1, 'x'], '\a') " results in 1
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004084< See |string-match| for how {pat} is used.
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00004085 *strpbrk()*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004086 Vim doesn't have a strpbrk() function. But you can do: >
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00004087 :let sepidx = match(line, '[.,;: \t]')
4088< *strcasestr()*
4089 Vim doesn't have a strcasestr() function. But you can add
4090 "\c" to the pattern to ignore case: >
4091 :let idx = match(haystack, '\cneedle')
4092<
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004093 If {start} is given, the search starts from byte index
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004094 {start} in a String or item {start} in a |List|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004095 The result, however, is still the index counted from the
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004096 first character/item. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004097 :echo match("testing", "ing", 2)
4098< result is again "4". >
4099 :echo match("testing", "ing", 4)
4100< result is again "4". >
4101 :echo match("testing", "t", 2)
4102< result is "3".
Bram Moolenaar5e3cb7e2006-02-27 23:58:35 +00004103 For a String, if {start} > 0 then it is like the string starts
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00004104 {start} bytes later, thus "^" will match at {start}. Except
4105 when {count} is given, then it's like matches before the
4106 {start} byte are ignored (this is a bit complicated to keep it
4107 backwards compatible).
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004108 For a String, if {start} < 0, it will be set to 0. For a list
4109 the index is counted from the end.
Bram Moolenaare224ffa2006-03-01 00:01:28 +00004110 If {start} is out of range ({start} > strlen({expr}) for a
4111 String or {start} > len({expr}) for a |List|) -1 is returned.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004112
Bram Moolenaar5e3cb7e2006-02-27 23:58:35 +00004113 When {count} is given use the {count}'th match. When a match
Bram Moolenaare224ffa2006-03-01 00:01:28 +00004114 is found in a String the search for the next one starts one
Bram Moolenaar5e3cb7e2006-02-27 23:58:35 +00004115 character further. Thus this example results in 1: >
4116 echo match("testing", "..", 0, 2)
4117< In a |List| the search continues in the next item.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00004118 Note that when {count} is added the way {start} works changes,
4119 see above.
Bram Moolenaar5e3cb7e2006-02-27 23:58:35 +00004120
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004121 See |pattern| for the patterns that are accepted.
4122 The 'ignorecase' option is used to set the ignore-caseness of
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004123 the pattern. 'smartcase' is NOT used. The matching is always
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004124 done like 'magic' is set and 'cpoptions' is empty.
4125
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00004126 *matchadd()* *E798* *E799* *E801*
4127matchadd({group}, {pattern}[, {priority}[, {id}]])
4128 Defines a pattern to be highlighted in the current window (a
4129 "match"). It will be highlighted with {group}. Returns an
4130 identification number (ID), which can be used to delete the
4131 match using |matchdelete()|.
4132
4133 The optional {priority} argument assigns a priority to the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004134 match. A match with a high priority will have its
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00004135 highlighting overrule that of a match with a lower priority.
4136 A priority is specified as an integer (negative numbers are no
4137 exception). If the {priority} argument is not specified, the
4138 default priority is 10. The priority of 'hlsearch' is zero,
4139 hence all matches with a priority greater than zero will
4140 overrule it. Syntax highlighting (see 'syntax') is a separate
4141 mechanism, and regardless of the chosen priority a match will
4142 always overrule syntax highlighting.
4143
4144 The optional {id} argument allows the request for a specific
4145 match ID. If a specified ID is already taken, an error
4146 message will appear and the match will not be added. An ID
4147 is specified as a positive integer (zero excluded). IDs 1, 2
4148 and 3 are reserved for |:match|, |:2match| and |:3match|,
4149 respectively. If the {id} argument is not specified,
4150 |matchadd()| automatically chooses a free ID.
4151
4152 The number of matches is not limited, as it is the case with
4153 the |:match| commands.
4154
4155 Example: >
4156 :highlight MyGroup ctermbg=green guibg=green
4157 :let m = matchadd("MyGroup", "TODO")
4158< Deletion of the pattern: >
4159 :call matchdelete(m)
4160
4161< A list of matches defined by |matchadd()| and |:match| are
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004162 available from |getmatches()|. All matches can be deleted in
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00004163 one operation by |clearmatches()|.
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00004164
4165matcharg({nr}) *matcharg()*
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004166 Selects the {nr} match item, as set with a |:match|,
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00004167 |:2match| or |:3match| command.
4168 Return a |List| with two elements:
4169 The name of the highlight group used
4170 The pattern used.
4171 When {nr} is not 1, 2 or 3 returns an empty |List|.
4172 When there is no match item set returns ['', ''].
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00004173 This is useful to save and restore a |:match|.
4174 Highlighting matches using the |:match| commands are limited
4175 to three matches. |matchadd()| does not have this limitation.
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00004176
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00004177matchdelete({id}) *matchdelete()* *E802* *E803*
4178 Deletes a match with ID {id} previously defined by |matchadd()|
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004179 or one of the |:match| commands. Returns 0 if successful,
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00004180 otherwise -1. See example for |matchadd()|. All matches can
4181 be deleted in one operation by |clearmatches()|.
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00004182
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00004183matchend({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *matchend()*
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01004184 Same as |match()|, but return the index of first character
4185 after the match. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004186 :echo matchend("testing", "ing")
4187< results in "7".
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00004188 *strspn()* *strcspn()*
4189 Vim doesn't have a strspn() or strcspn() function, but you can
4190 do it with matchend(): >
4191 :let span = matchend(line, '[a-zA-Z]')
4192 :let span = matchend(line, '[^a-zA-Z]')
4193< Except that -1 is returned when there are no matches.
4194
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01004195 The {start}, if given, has the same meaning as for |match()|. >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004196 :echo matchend("testing", "ing", 2)
4197< results in "7". >
4198 :echo matchend("testing", "ing", 5)
4199< result is "-1".
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01004200 When {expr} is a |List| the result is equal to |match()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004201
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00004202matchlist({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *matchlist()*
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01004203 Same as |match()|, but return a |List|. The first item in the
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00004204 list is the matched string, same as what matchstr() would
4205 return. Following items are submatches, like "\1", "\2", etc.
Bram Moolenaarf9393ef2006-04-24 19:47:27 +00004206 in |:substitute|. When an optional submatch didn't match an
4207 empty string is used. Example: >
4208 echo matchlist('acd', '\(a\)\?\(b\)\?\(c\)\?\(.*\)')
4209< Results in: ['acd', 'a', '', 'c', 'd', '', '', '', '', '']
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00004210 When there is no match an empty list is returned.
4211
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00004212matchstr({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *matchstr()*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004213 Same as |match()|, but return the matched string. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004214 :echo matchstr("testing", "ing")
4215< results in "ing".
4216 When there is no match "" is returned.
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01004217 The {start}, if given, has the same meaning as for |match()|. >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004218 :echo matchstr("testing", "ing", 2)
4219< results in "ing". >
4220 :echo matchstr("testing", "ing", 5)
4221< result is "".
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004222 When {expr} is a |List| then the matching item is returned.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004223 The type isn't changed, it's not necessarily a String.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004224
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00004225 *max()*
4226max({list}) Return the maximum value of all items in {list}.
4227 If {list} is not a list or one of the items in {list} cannot
4228 be used as a Number this results in an error.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004229 An empty |List| results in zero.
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00004230
4231 *min()*
Bram Moolenaar79166c42007-05-10 18:29:51 +00004232min({list}) Return the minimum value of all items in {list}.
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00004233 If {list} is not a list or one of the items in {list} cannot
4234 be used as a Number this results in an error.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004235 An empty |List| results in zero.
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00004236
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00004237 *mkdir()* *E739*
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004238mkdir({name} [, {path} [, {prot}]])
4239 Create directory {name}.
4240 If {path} is "p" then intermediate directories are created as
4241 necessary. Otherwise it must be "".
4242 If {prot} is given it is used to set the protection bits of
4243 the new directory. The default is 0755 (rwxr-xr-x: r/w for
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004244 the user readable for others). Use 0700 to make it unreadable
Bram Moolenaared39e1d2008-08-09 17:55:22 +00004245 for others. This is only used for the last part of {name}.
4246 Thus if you create /tmp/foo/bar then /tmp/foo will be created
4247 with 0755.
4248 Example: >
4249 :call mkdir($HOME . "/tmp/foo/bar", "p", 0700)
4250< This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004251 Not available on all systems. To check use: >
4252 :if exists("*mkdir")
4253<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004254 *mode()*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004255mode([expr]) Return a string that indicates the current mode.
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00004256 If [expr] is supplied and it evaluates to a non-zero Number or
4257 a non-empty String (|non-zero-arg|), then the full mode is
4258 returned, otherwise only the first letter is returned. Note
4259 that " " and "0" are also non-empty strings.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004260
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004261 n Normal
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004262 no Operator-pending
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004263 v Visual by character
4264 V Visual by line
4265 CTRL-V Visual blockwise
4266 s Select by character
4267 S Select by line
4268 CTRL-S Select blockwise
4269 i Insert
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004270 R Replace |R|
4271 Rv Virtual Replace |gR|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004272 c Command-line
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004273 cv Vim Ex mode |gQ|
4274 ce Normal Ex mode |Q|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004275 r Hit-enter prompt
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004276 rm The -- more -- prompt
4277 r? A |:confirm| query of some sort
4278 ! Shell or external command is executing
4279 This is useful in the 'statusline' option or when used
4280 with |remote_expr()| In most other places it always returns
4281 "c" or "n".
4282 Also see |visualmode()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004283
Bram Moolenaar7e506b62010-01-19 15:55:06 +01004284mzeval({expr}) *mzeval()*
4285 Evaluate MzScheme expression {expr} and return its result
4286 convert to Vim data structures.
4287 Numbers and strings are returned as they are.
4288 Pairs (including lists and improper lists) and vectors are
4289 returned as Vim |Lists|.
4290 Hash tables are represented as Vim |Dictionary| type with keys
4291 converted to strings.
4292 All other types are converted to string with display function.
4293 Examples: >
4294 :mz (define l (list 1 2 3))
4295 :mz (define h (make-hash)) (hash-set! h "list" l)
4296 :echo mzeval("l")
4297 :echo mzeval("h")
4298<
4299 {only available when compiled with the |+mzscheme| feature}
4300
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004301nextnonblank({lnum}) *nextnonblank()*
4302 Return the line number of the first line at or below {lnum}
4303 that is not blank. Example: >
4304 if getline(nextnonblank(1)) =~ "Java"
4305< When {lnum} is invalid or there is no non-blank line at or
4306 below it, zero is returned.
4307 See also |prevnonblank()|.
4308
4309nr2char({expr}) *nr2char()*
4310 Return a string with a single character, which has the number
4311 value {expr}. Examples: >
4312 nr2char(64) returns "@"
4313 nr2char(32) returns " "
4314< The current 'encoding' is used. Example for "utf-8": >
4315 nr2char(300) returns I with bow character
4316< Note that a NUL character in the file is specified with
4317 nr2char(10), because NULs are represented with newline
4318 characters. nr2char(0) is a real NUL and terminates the
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +00004319 string, thus results in an empty string.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004320
Bram Moolenaar18081e32008-02-20 19:11:07 +00004321 *getpid()*
4322getpid() Return a Number which is the process ID of the Vim process.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004323 On Unix and MS-Windows this is a unique number, until Vim
4324 exits. On MS-DOS it's always zero.
Bram Moolenaar18081e32008-02-20 19:11:07 +00004325
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00004326 *getpos()*
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00004327getpos({expr}) Get the position for {expr}. For possible values of {expr}
4328 see |line()|.
4329 The result is a |List| with four numbers:
4330 [bufnum, lnum, col, off]
4331 "bufnum" is zero, unless a mark like '0 or 'A is used, then it
4332 is the buffer number of the mark.
4333 "lnum" and "col" are the position in the buffer. The first
4334 column is 1.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00004335 The "off" number is zero, unless 'virtualedit' is used. Then
4336 it is the offset in screen columns from the start of the
Bram Moolenaard46bbc72007-05-12 14:38:41 +00004337 character. E.g., a position within a <Tab> or after the last
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00004338 character.
4339 This can be used to save and restore the cursor position: >
4340 let save_cursor = getpos(".")
4341 MoveTheCursorAround
Bram Moolenaardb552d602006-03-23 22:59:57 +00004342 call setpos('.', save_cursor)
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00004343< Also see |setpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00004344
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00004345pathshorten({expr}) *pathshorten()*
4346 Shorten directory names in the path {expr} and return the
4347 result. The tail, the file name, is kept as-is. The other
4348 components in the path are reduced to single letters. Leading
4349 '~' and '.' characters are kept. Example: >
4350 :echo pathshorten('~/.vim/autoload/myfile.vim')
4351< ~/.v/a/myfile.vim ~
4352 It doesn't matter if the path exists or not.
4353
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004354pow({x}, {y}) *pow()*
4355 Return the power of {x} to the exponent {y} as a |Float|.
4356 {x} and {y} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
4357 Examples: >
4358 :echo pow(3, 3)
4359< 27.0 >
4360 :echo pow(2, 16)
4361< 65536.0 >
4362 :echo pow(32, 0.20)
4363< 2.0
4364 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
4365
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00004366prevnonblank({lnum}) *prevnonblank()*
4367 Return the line number of the first line at or above {lnum}
4368 that is not blank. Example: >
4369 let ind = indent(prevnonblank(v:lnum - 1))
4370< When {lnum} is invalid or there is no non-blank line at or
4371 above it, zero is returned.
4372 Also see |nextnonblank()|.
4373
4374
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004375printf({fmt}, {expr1} ...) *printf()*
4376 Return a String with {fmt}, where "%" items are replaced by
4377 the formatted form of their respective arguments. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004378 printf("%4d: E%d %.30s", lnum, errno, msg)
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004379< May result in:
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004380 " 99: E42 asdfasdfasdfasdfasdfasdfasdfas" ~
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004381
4382 Often used items are:
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004383 %s string
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00004384 %6s string right-aligned in 6 bytes
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004385 %.9s string truncated to 9 bytes
4386 %c single byte
4387 %d decimal number
4388 %5d decimal number padded with spaces to 5 characters
4389 %x hex number
4390 %04x hex number padded with zeros to at least 4 characters
4391 %X hex number using upper case letters
4392 %o octal number
4393 %f floating point number in the form 123.456
4394 %e floating point number in the form 1.234e3
4395 %E floating point number in the form 1.234E3
4396 %g floating point number, as %f or %e depending on value
4397 %G floating point number, as %f or %E depending on value
4398 %% the % character itself
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004399
4400 Conversion specifications start with '%' and end with the
4401 conversion type. All other characters are copied unchanged to
4402 the result.
4403
4404 The "%" starts a conversion specification. The following
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004405 arguments appear in sequence:
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004406
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004407 % [flags] [field-width] [.precision] type
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004408
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004409 flags
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004410 Zero or more of the following flags:
4411
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004412 # The value should be converted to an "alternate
4413 form". For c, d, and s conversions, this option
4414 has no effect. For o conversions, the precision
4415 of the number is increased to force the first
4416 character of the output string to a zero (except
4417 if a zero value is printed with an explicit
4418 precision of zero).
4419 For x and X conversions, a non-zero result has
4420 the string "0x" (or "0X" for X conversions)
4421 prepended to it.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004422
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004423 0 (zero) Zero padding. For all conversions the converted
4424 value is padded on the left with zeros rather
4425 than blanks. If a precision is given with a
4426 numeric conversion (d, o, x, and X), the 0 flag
4427 is ignored.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004428
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004429 - A negative field width flag; the converted value
4430 is to be left adjusted on the field boundary.
4431 The converted value is padded on the right with
4432 blanks, rather than on the left with blanks or
4433 zeros. A - overrides a 0 if both are given.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004434
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004435 ' ' (space) A blank should be left before a positive
4436 number produced by a signed conversion (d).
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004437
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004438 + A sign must always be placed before a number
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004439 produced by a signed conversion. A + overrides
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004440 a space if both are used.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004441
4442 field-width
4443 An optional decimal digit string specifying a minimum
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00004444 field width. If the converted value has fewer bytes
4445 than the field width, it will be padded with spaces on
4446 the left (or right, if the left-adjustment flag has
4447 been given) to fill out the field width.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004448
4449 .precision
4450 An optional precision, in the form of a period '.'
4451 followed by an optional digit string. If the digit
4452 string is omitted, the precision is taken as zero.
4453 This gives the minimum number of digits to appear for
4454 d, o, x, and X conversions, or the maximum number of
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00004455 bytes to be printed from a string for s conversions.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004456 For floating point it is the number of digits after
4457 the decimal point.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004458
4459 type
4460 A character that specifies the type of conversion to
4461 be applied, see below.
4462
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004463 A field width or precision, or both, may be indicated by an
4464 asterisk '*' instead of a digit string. In this case, a
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004465 Number argument supplies the field width or precision. A
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004466 negative field width is treated as a left adjustment flag
4467 followed by a positive field width; a negative precision is
4468 treated as though it were missing. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004469 :echo printf("%d: %.*s", nr, width, line)
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004470< This limits the length of the text used from "line" to
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004471 "width" bytes.
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004472
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004473 The conversion specifiers and their meanings are:
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004474
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004475 *printf-d* *printf-o* *printf-x* *printf-X*
4476 doxX The Number argument is converted to signed decimal
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004477 (d), unsigned octal (o), or unsigned hexadecimal (x
4478 and X) notation. The letters "abcdef" are used for
4479 x conversions; the letters "ABCDEF" are used for X
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004480 conversions.
4481 The precision, if any, gives the minimum number of
4482 digits that must appear; if the converted value
4483 requires fewer digits, it is padded on the left with
4484 zeros.
4485 In no case does a non-existent or small field width
4486 cause truncation of a numeric field; if the result of
4487 a conversion is wider than the field width, the field
4488 is expanded to contain the conversion result.
4489
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004490 *printf-c*
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004491 c The Number argument is converted to a byte, and the
4492 resulting character is written.
4493
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004494 *printf-s*
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004495 s The text of the String argument is used. If a
4496 precision is specified, no more bytes than the number
4497 specified are used.
4498
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004499 *printf-f* *E807*
4500 f The Float argument is converted into a string of the
4501 form 123.456. The precision specifies the number of
4502 digits after the decimal point. When the precision is
4503 zero the decimal point is omitted. When the precision
4504 is not specified 6 is used. A really big number
4505 (out of range or dividing by zero) results in "inf".
4506 "0.0 / 0.0" results in "nan".
4507 Example: >
4508 echo printf("%.2f", 12.115)
4509< 12.12
4510 Note that roundoff depends on the system libraries.
4511 Use |round()| when in doubt.
4512
4513 *printf-e* *printf-E*
4514 e E The Float argument is converted into a string of the
4515 form 1.234e+03 or 1.234E+03 when using 'E'. The
4516 precision specifies the number of digits after the
4517 decimal point, like with 'f'.
4518
4519 *printf-g* *printf-G*
4520 g G The Float argument is converted like with 'f' if the
4521 value is between 0.001 (inclusive) and 10000000.0
4522 (exclusive). Otherwise 'e' is used for 'g' and 'E'
4523 for 'G'. When no precision is specified superfluous
4524 zeroes and '+' signs are removed, except for the zero
4525 immediately after the decimal point. Thus 10000000.0
4526 results in 1.0e7.
4527
4528 *printf-%*
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004529 % A '%' is written. No argument is converted. The
4530 complete conversion specification is "%%".
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004531
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00004532 When a Number argument is expected a String argument is also
4533 accepted and automatically converted.
4534 When a Float or String argument is expected a Number argument
4535 is also accepted and automatically converted.
4536 Any other argument type results in an error message.
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004537
Bram Moolenaar83bab712005-08-01 21:58:57 +00004538 *E766* *E767*
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004539 The number of {exprN} arguments must exactly match the number
4540 of "%" items. If there are not sufficient or too many
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004541 arguments an error is given. Up to 18 arguments can be used.
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00004542
4543
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00004544pumvisible() *pumvisible()*
4545 Returns non-zero when the popup menu is visible, zero
4546 otherwise. See |ins-completion-menu|.
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004547 This can be used to avoid some things that would remove the
4548 popup menu.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004549
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004550 *E726* *E727*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004551range({expr} [, {max} [, {stride}]]) *range()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004552 Returns a |List| with Numbers:
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004553 - If only {expr} is specified: [0, 1, ..., {expr} - 1]
4554 - If {max} is specified: [{expr}, {expr} + 1, ..., {max}]
4555 - If {stride} is specified: [{expr}, {expr} + {stride}, ...,
4556 {max}] (increasing {expr} with {stride} each time, not
4557 producing a value past {max}).
Bram Moolenaare7566042005-06-17 22:00:15 +00004558 When the maximum is one before the start the result is an
4559 empty list. When the maximum is more than one before the
4560 start this is an error.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004561 Examples: >
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004562 range(4) " [0, 1, 2, 3]
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004563 range(2, 4) " [2, 3, 4]
4564 range(2, 9, 3) " [2, 5, 8]
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004565 range(2, -2, -1) " [2, 1, 0, -1, -2]
Bram Moolenaare7566042005-06-17 22:00:15 +00004566 range(0) " []
4567 range(2, 0) " error!
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004568<
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00004569 *readfile()*
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004570readfile({fname} [, {binary} [, {max}]])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004571 Read file {fname} and return a |List|, each line of the file
4572 as an item. Lines broken at NL characters. Macintosh files
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00004573 separated with CR will result in a single long line (unless a
4574 NL appears somewhere).
Bram Moolenaar06583f12010-08-07 20:30:49 +02004575 All NUL characters are replaced with a NL character.
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00004576 When {binary} is equal to "b" binary mode is used:
4577 - When the last line ends in a NL an extra empty list item is
4578 added.
4579 - No CR characters are removed.
4580 Otherwise:
4581 - CR characters that appear before a NL are removed.
4582 - Whether the last line ends in a NL or not does not matter.
Bram Moolenaar06583f12010-08-07 20:30:49 +02004583 - When 'encoding' is Unicode any UTF-8 byte order mark is
4584 removed from the text.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004585 When {max} is given this specifies the maximum number of lines
4586 to be read. Useful if you only want to check the first ten
4587 lines of a file: >
4588 :for line in readfile(fname, '', 10)
4589 : if line =~ 'Date' | echo line | endif
4590 :endfor
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00004591< When {max} is negative -{max} lines from the end of the file
4592 are returned, or as many as there are.
4593 When {max} is zero the result is an empty list.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004594 Note that without {max} the whole file is read into memory.
4595 Also note that there is no recognition of encoding. Read a
4596 file into a buffer if you need to.
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00004597 When the file can't be opened an error message is given and
4598 the result is an empty list.
4599 Also see |writefile()|.
4600
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00004601reltime([{start} [, {end}]]) *reltime()*
4602 Return an item that represents a time value. The format of
4603 the item depends on the system. It can be passed to
4604 |reltimestr()| to convert it to a string.
4605 Without an argument it returns the current time.
4606 With one argument is returns the time passed since the time
4607 specified in the argument.
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00004608 With two arguments it returns the time passed between {start}
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00004609 and {end}.
4610 The {start} and {end} arguments must be values returned by
4611 reltime().
Bram Moolenaardb84e452010-08-15 13:50:43 +02004612 {only available when compiled with the |+reltime| feature}
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00004613
4614reltimestr({time}) *reltimestr()*
4615 Return a String that represents the time value of {time}.
4616 This is the number of seconds, a dot and the number of
4617 microseconds. Example: >
4618 let start = reltime()
4619 call MyFunction()
4620 echo reltimestr(reltime(start))
4621< Note that overhead for the commands will be added to the time.
4622 The accuracy depends on the system.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00004623 Leading spaces are used to make the string align nicely. You
4624 can use split() to remove it. >
4625 echo split(reltimestr(reltime(start)))[0]
4626< Also see |profiling|.
Bram Moolenaardb84e452010-08-15 13:50:43 +02004627 {only available when compiled with the |+reltime| feature}
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00004628
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004629 *remote_expr()* *E449*
4630remote_expr({server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004631 Send the {string} to {server}. The string is sent as an
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004632 expression and the result is returned after evaluation.
Bram Moolenaar362e1a32006-03-06 23:29:24 +00004633 The result must be a String or a |List|. A |List| is turned
4634 into a String by joining the items with a line break in
4635 between (not at the end), like with join(expr, "\n").
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004636 If {idvar} is present, it is taken as the name of a
4637 variable and a {serverid} for later use with
4638 remote_read() is stored there.
4639 See also |clientserver| |RemoteReply|.
4640 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4641 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
4642 Note: Any errors will cause a local error message to be issued
4643 and the result will be the empty string.
4644 Examples: >
4645 :echo remote_expr("gvim", "2+2")
4646 :echo remote_expr("gvim1", "b:current_syntax")
4647<
4648
4649remote_foreground({server}) *remote_foreground()*
4650 Move the Vim server with the name {server} to the foreground.
4651 This works like: >
4652 remote_expr({server}, "foreground()")
4653< Except that on Win32 systems the client does the work, to work
4654 around the problem that the OS doesn't always allow the server
4655 to bring itself to the foreground.
Bram Moolenaar9372a112005-12-06 19:59:18 +00004656 Note: This does not restore the window if it was minimized,
4657 like foreground() does.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004658 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4659 {only in the Win32, Athena, Motif and GTK GUI versions and the
4660 Win32 console version}
4661
4662
4663remote_peek({serverid} [, {retvar}]) *remote_peek()*
4664 Returns a positive number if there are available strings
4665 from {serverid}. Copies any reply string into the variable
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004666 {retvar} if specified. {retvar} must be a string with the
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004667 name of a variable.
4668 Returns zero if none are available.
4669 Returns -1 if something is wrong.
4670 See also |clientserver|.
4671 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4672 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
4673 Examples: >
4674 :let repl = ""
4675 :echo "PEEK: ".remote_peek(id, "repl").": ".repl
4676
4677remote_read({serverid}) *remote_read()*
4678 Return the oldest available reply from {serverid} and consume
4679 it. It blocks until a reply is available.
4680 See also |clientserver|.
4681 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4682 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
4683 Example: >
4684 :echo remote_read(id)
4685<
4686 *remote_send()* *E241*
4687remote_send({server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004688 Send the {string} to {server}. The string is sent as input
Bram Moolenaard4755bb2004-09-02 19:12:26 +00004689 keys and the function returns immediately. At the Vim server
4690 the keys are not mapped |:map|.
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00004691 If {idvar} is present, it is taken as the name of a variable
4692 and a {serverid} for later use with remote_read() is stored
4693 there.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004694 See also |clientserver| |RemoteReply|.
4695 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4696 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
4697 Note: Any errors will be reported in the server and may mess
4698 up the display.
4699 Examples: >
4700 :echo remote_send("gvim", ":DropAndReply ".file, "serverid").
4701 \ remote_read(serverid)
4702
4703 :autocmd NONE RemoteReply *
4704 \ echo remote_read(expand("<amatch>"))
4705 :echo remote_send("gvim", ":sleep 10 | echo ".
4706 \ 'server2client(expand("<client>"), "HELLO")<CR>')
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004707<
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00004708remove({list}, {idx} [, {end}]) *remove()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004709 Without {end}: Remove the item at {idx} from |List| {list} and
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01004710 return the item.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00004711 With {end}: Remove items from {idx} to {end} (inclusive) and
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01004712 return a List with these items. When {idx} points to the same
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00004713 item as {end} a list with one item is returned. When {end}
4714 points to an item before {idx} this is an error.
4715 See |list-index| for possible values of {idx} and {end}.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00004716 Example: >
4717 :echo "last item: " . remove(mylist, -1)
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00004718 :call remove(mylist, 0, 9)
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004719remove({dict}, {key})
4720 Remove the entry from {dict} with key {key}. Example: >
4721 :echo "removed " . remove(dict, "one")
4722< If there is no {key} in {dict} this is an error.
4723
4724 Use |delete()| to remove a file.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00004725
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004726rename({from}, {to}) *rename()*
4727 Rename the file by the name {from} to the name {to}. This
4728 should also work to move files across file systems. The
4729 result is a Number, which is 0 if the file was renamed
4730 successfully, and non-zero when the renaming failed.
Bram Moolenaar798b30b2009-04-22 10:56:16 +00004731 NOTE: If {to} exists it is overwritten without warning.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004732 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4733
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00004734repeat({expr}, {count}) *repeat()*
4735 Repeat {expr} {count} times and return the concatenated
4736 result. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00004737 :let separator = repeat('-', 80)
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00004738< When {count} is zero or negative the result is empty.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004739 When {expr} is a |List| the result is {expr} concatenated
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004740 {count} times. Example: >
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00004741 :let longlist = repeat(['a', 'b'], 3)
4742< Results in ['a', 'b', 'a', 'b', 'a', 'b'].
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00004743
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004744
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004745resolve({filename}) *resolve()* *E655*
4746 On MS-Windows, when {filename} is a shortcut (a .lnk file),
4747 returns the path the shortcut points to in a simplified form.
4748 On Unix, repeat resolving symbolic links in all path
4749 components of {filename} and return the simplified result.
4750 To cope with link cycles, resolving of symbolic links is
4751 stopped after 100 iterations.
4752 On other systems, return the simplified {filename}.
4753 The simplification step is done as by |simplify()|.
4754 resolve() keeps a leading path component specifying the
4755 current directory (provided the result is still a relative
4756 path name) and also keeps a trailing path separator.
4757
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004758 *reverse()*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004759reverse({list}) Reverse the order of items in {list} in-place. Returns
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004760 {list}.
4761 If you want a list to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
4762 :let revlist = reverse(copy(mylist))
4763
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004764round({expr}) *round()*
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00004765 Round off {expr} to the nearest integral value and return it
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004766 as a |Float|. If {expr} lies halfway between two integral
4767 values, then use the larger one (away from zero).
4768 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
4769 Examples: >
4770 echo round(0.456)
4771< 0.0 >
4772 echo round(4.5)
4773< 5.0 >
4774 echo round(-4.5)
4775< -5.0
4776 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
4777
4778
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00004779search({pattern} [, {flags} [, {stopline} [, {timeout}]]]) *search()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004780 Search for regexp pattern {pattern}. The search starts at the
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +00004781 cursor position (you can use |cursor()| to set it).
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00004782
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004783 {flags} is a String, which can contain these character flags:
4784 'b' search backward instead of forward
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004785 'c' accept a match at the cursor position
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004786 'e' move to the End of the match
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00004787 'n' do Not move the cursor
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004788 'p' return number of matching sub-pattern (see below)
4789 's' set the ' mark at the previous location of the cursor
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004790 'w' wrap around the end of the file
4791 'W' don't wrap around the end of the file
4792 If neither 'w' or 'W' is given, the 'wrapscan' option applies.
4793
Bram Moolenaar02743632005-07-25 20:42:36 +00004794 If the 's' flag is supplied, the ' mark is set, only if the
4795 cursor is moved. The 's' flag cannot be combined with the 'n'
4796 flag.
4797
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00004798 'ignorecase', 'smartcase' and 'magic' are used.
4799
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004800 When the {stopline} argument is given then the search stops
4801 after searching this line. This is useful to restrict the
4802 search to a range of lines. Examples: >
4803 let match = search('(', 'b', line("w0"))
4804 let end = search('END', '', line("w$"))
4805< When {stopline} is used and it is not zero this also implies
4806 that the search does not wrap around the end of the file.
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00004807 A zero value is equal to not giving the argument.
4808
4809 When the {timeout} argument is given the search stops when
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004810 more than this many milli seconds have passed. Thus when
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00004811 {timeout} is 500 the search stops after half a second.
4812 The value must not be negative. A zero value is like not
4813 giving the argument.
Bram Moolenaardb84e452010-08-15 13:50:43 +02004814 {only available when compiled with the |+reltime| feature}
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004815
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00004816 If there is no match a 0 is returned and the cursor doesn't
4817 move. No error message is given.
Bram Moolenaar362e1a32006-03-06 23:29:24 +00004818 When a match has been found its line number is returned.
4819 *search()-sub-match*
4820 With the 'p' flag the returned value is one more than the
4821 first sub-match in \(\). One if none of them matched but the
4822 whole pattern did match.
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004823 To get the column number too use |searchpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004824
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004825 The cursor will be positioned at the match, unless the 'n'
4826 flag is used.
4827
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004828 Example (goes over all files in the argument list): >
4829 :let n = 1
4830 :while n <= argc() " loop over all files in arglist
4831 : exe "argument " . n
4832 : " start at the last char in the file and wrap for the
4833 : " first search to find match at start of file
4834 : normal G$
4835 : let flags = "w"
4836 : while search("foo", flags) > 0
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004837 : s/foo/bar/g
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004838 : let flags = "W"
4839 : endwhile
4840 : update " write the file if modified
4841 : let n = n + 1
4842 :endwhile
4843<
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004844 Example for using some flags: >
4845 :echo search('\<if\|\(else\)\|\(endif\)', 'ncpe')
4846< This will search for the keywords "if", "else", and "endif"
4847 under or after the cursor. Because of the 'p' flag, it
4848 returns 1, 2, or 3 depending on which keyword is found, or 0
4849 if the search fails. With the cursor on the first word of the
4850 line:
4851 if (foo == 0) | let foo = foo + 1 | endif ~
4852 the function returns 1. Without the 'c' flag, the function
4853 finds the "endif" and returns 3. The same thing happens
4854 without the 'e' flag if the cursor is on the "f" of "if".
4855 The 'n' flag tells the function not to move the cursor.
4856
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00004857
Bram Moolenaarf75a9632005-09-13 21:20:47 +00004858searchdecl({name} [, {global} [, {thisblock}]]) *searchdecl()*
4859 Search for the declaration of {name}.
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00004860
Bram Moolenaarf75a9632005-09-13 21:20:47 +00004861 With a non-zero {global} argument it works like |gD|, find
4862 first match in the file. Otherwise it works like |gd|, find
4863 first match in the function.
4864
4865 With a non-zero {thisblock} argument matches in a {} block
4866 that ends before the cursor position are ignored. Avoids
4867 finding variable declarations only valid in another scope.
4868
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00004869 Moves the cursor to the found match.
4870 Returns zero for success, non-zero for failure.
4871 Example: >
4872 if searchdecl('myvar') == 0
4873 echo getline('.')
4874 endif
4875<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004876 *searchpair()*
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00004877searchpair({start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip}
4878 [, {stopline} [, {timeout}]]]])
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004879 Search for the match of a nested start-end pair. This can be
4880 used to find the "endif" that matches an "if", while other
4881 if/endif pairs in between are ignored.
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00004882 The search starts at the cursor. The default is to search
4883 forward, include 'b' in {flags} to search backward.
4884 If a match is found, the cursor is positioned at it and the
4885 line number is returned. If no match is found 0 or -1 is
4886 returned and the cursor doesn't move. No error message is
4887 given.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004888
4889 {start}, {middle} and {end} are patterns, see |pattern|. They
4890 must not contain \( \) pairs. Use of \%( \) is allowed. When
4891 {middle} is not empty, it is found when searching from either
4892 direction, but only when not in a nested start-end pair. A
4893 typical use is: >
4894 searchpair('\<if\>', '\<else\>', '\<endif\>')
4895< By leaving {middle} empty the "else" is skipped.
4896
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004897 {flags} 'b', 'c', 'n', 's', 'w' and 'W' are used like with
4898 |search()|. Additionally:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004899 'r' Repeat until no more matches found; will find the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004900 outer pair. Implies the 'W' flag.
4901 'm' Return number of matches instead of line number with
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00004902 the match; will be > 1 when 'r' is used.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004903 Note: it's nearly always a good idea to use the 'W' flag, to
4904 avoid wrapping around the end of the file.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004905
4906 When a match for {start}, {middle} or {end} is found, the
4907 {skip} expression is evaluated with the cursor positioned on
4908 the start of the match. It should return non-zero if this
4909 match is to be skipped. E.g., because it is inside a comment
4910 or a string.
4911 When {skip} is omitted or empty, every match is accepted.
4912 When evaluating {skip} causes an error the search is aborted
4913 and -1 returned.
4914
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00004915 For {stopline} and {timeout} see |search()|.
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004916
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004917 The value of 'ignorecase' is used. 'magic' is ignored, the
4918 patterns are used like it's on.
4919
4920 The search starts exactly at the cursor. A match with
4921 {start}, {middle} or {end} at the next character, in the
4922 direction of searching, is the first one found. Example: >
4923 if 1
4924 if 2
4925 endif 2
4926 endif 1
4927< When starting at the "if 2", with the cursor on the "i", and
4928 searching forwards, the "endif 2" is found. When starting on
4929 the character just before the "if 2", the "endif 1" will be
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00004930 found. That's because the "if 2" will be found first, and
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004931 then this is considered to be a nested if/endif from "if 2" to
4932 "endif 2".
4933 When searching backwards and {end} is more than one character,
4934 it may be useful to put "\zs" at the end of the pattern, so
4935 that when the cursor is inside a match with the end it finds
4936 the matching start.
4937
4938 Example, to find the "endif" command in a Vim script: >
4939
4940 :echo searchpair('\<if\>', '\<el\%[seif]\>', '\<en\%[dif]\>', 'W',
4941 \ 'getline(".") =~ "^\\s*\""')
4942
4943< The cursor must be at or after the "if" for which a match is
4944 to be found. Note that single-quote strings are used to avoid
4945 having to double the backslashes. The skip expression only
4946 catches comments at the start of a line, not after a command.
4947 Also, a word "en" or "if" halfway a line is considered a
4948 match.
4949 Another example, to search for the matching "{" of a "}": >
4950
4951 :echo searchpair('{', '', '}', 'bW')
4952
4953< This works when the cursor is at or before the "}" for which a
4954 match is to be found. To reject matches that syntax
4955 highlighting recognized as strings: >
4956
4957 :echo searchpair('{', '', '}', 'bW',
4958 \ 'synIDattr(synID(line("."), col("."), 0), "name") =~? "string"')
4959<
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00004960 *searchpairpos()*
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00004961searchpairpos({start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip}
4962 [, {stopline} [, {timeout}]]]])
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01004963 Same as |searchpair()|, but returns a |List| with the line and
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004964 column position of the match. The first element of the |List|
4965 is the line number and the second element is the byte index of
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00004966 the column position of the match. If no match is found,
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02004967 returns [0, 0]. >
4968
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00004969 :let [lnum,col] = searchpairpos('{', '', '}', 'n')
4970<
4971 See |match-parens| for a bigger and more useful example.
4972
Bram Moolenaar76929292008-01-06 19:07:36 +00004973searchpos({pattern} [, {flags} [, {stopline} [, {timeout}]]]) *searchpos()*
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004974 Same as |search()|, but returns a |List| with the line and
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004975 column position of the match. The first element of the |List|
4976 is the line number and the second element is the byte index of
4977 the column position of the match. If no match is found,
4978 returns [0, 0].
Bram Moolenaar362e1a32006-03-06 23:29:24 +00004979 Example: >
4980 :let [lnum, col] = searchpos('mypattern', 'n')
4981
4982< When the 'p' flag is given then there is an extra item with
4983 the sub-pattern match number |search()-sub-match|. Example: >
4984 :let [lnum, col, submatch] = searchpos('\(\l\)\|\(\u\)', 'np')
4985< In this example "submatch" is 2 when a lowercase letter is
4986 found |/\l|, 3 when an uppercase letter is found |/\u|.
4987
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004988server2client( {clientid}, {string}) *server2client()*
4989 Send a reply string to {clientid}. The most recent {clientid}
4990 that sent a string can be retrieved with expand("<client>").
4991 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
4992 Note:
4993 This id has to be stored before the next command can be
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004994 received. I.e. before returning from the received command and
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004995 before calling any commands that waits for input.
4996 See also |clientserver|.
4997 Example: >
4998 :echo server2client(expand("<client>"), "HELLO")
4999<
5000serverlist() *serverlist()*
5001 Return a list of available server names, one per line.
5002 When there are no servers or the information is not available
5003 an empty string is returned. See also |clientserver|.
5004 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
5005 Example: >
5006 :echo serverlist()
5007<
5008setbufvar({expr}, {varname}, {val}) *setbufvar()*
5009 Set option or local variable {varname} in buffer {expr} to
5010 {val}.
5011 This also works for a global or local window option, but it
5012 doesn't work for a global or local window variable.
5013 For a local window option the global value is unchanged.
5014 For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above.
5015 Note that the variable name without "b:" must be used.
5016 Examples: >
5017 :call setbufvar(1, "&mod", 1)
5018 :call setbufvar("todo", "myvar", "foobar")
5019< This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
5020
5021setcmdpos({pos}) *setcmdpos()*
5022 Set the cursor position in the command line to byte position
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005023 {pos}. The first position is 1.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005024 Use |getcmdpos()| to obtain the current position.
5025 Only works while editing the command line, thus you must use
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00005026 |c_CTRL-\_e|, |c_CTRL-R_=| or |c_CTRL-R_CTRL-R| with '='. For
5027 |c_CTRL-\_e| and |c_CTRL-R_CTRL-R| with '=' the position is
5028 set after the command line is set to the expression. For
5029 |c_CTRL-R_=| it is set after evaluating the expression but
5030 before inserting the resulting text.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005031 When the number is too big the cursor is put at the end of the
5032 line. A number smaller than one has undefined results.
5033 Returns 0 when successful, 1 when not editing the command
5034 line.
5035
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005036setline({lnum}, {text}) *setline()*
5037 Set line {lnum} of the current buffer to {text}.
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00005038 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005039 When {lnum} is just below the last line the {text} will be
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00005040 added as a new line.
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00005041 If this succeeds, 0 is returned. If this fails (most likely
5042 because {lnum} is invalid) 1 is returned. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005043 :call setline(5, strftime("%c"))
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005044< When {text} is a |List| then line {lnum} and following lines
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00005045 will be set to the items in the list. Example: >
5046 :call setline(5, ['aaa', 'bbb', 'ccc'])
5047< This is equivalent to: >
5048 :for [n, l] in [[5, 6, 7], ['aaa', 'bbb', 'ccc']]
5049 : call setline(n, l)
5050 :endfor
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005051< Note: The '[ and '] marks are not set.
5052
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00005053setloclist({nr}, {list} [, {action}]) *setloclist()*
5054 Create or replace or add to the location list for window {nr}.
5055 When {nr} is zero the current window is used. For a location
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00005056 list window, the displayed location list is modified. For an
5057 invalid window number {nr}, -1 is returned.
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00005058 Otherwise, same as |setqflist()|.
5059 Also see |location-list|.
5060
5061setmatches({list}) *setmatches()*
5062 Restores a list of matches saved by |getmatches()|. Returns 0
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005063 if successful, otherwise -1. All current matches are cleared
Bram Moolenaar6ee10162007-07-26 20:58:42 +00005064 before the list is restored. See example for |getmatches()|.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00005065
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00005066 *setpos()*
5067setpos({expr}, {list})
5068 Set the position for {expr}. Possible values:
5069 . the cursor
5070 'x mark x
5071
5072 {list} must be a |List| with four numbers:
5073 [bufnum, lnum, col, off]
5074
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005075 "bufnum" is the buffer number. Zero can be used for the
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00005076 current buffer. Setting the cursor is only possible for
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00005077 the current buffer. To set a mark in another buffer you can
5078 use the |bufnr()| function to turn a file name into a buffer
5079 number.
Bram Moolenaardb552d602006-03-23 22:59:57 +00005080 Does not change the jumplist.
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00005081
5082 "lnum" and "col" are the position in the buffer. The first
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01005083 column is 1. Use a zero "lnum" to delete a mark. If "col" is
5084 smaller than 1 then 1 is used.
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00005085
5086 The "off" number is only used when 'virtualedit' is set. Then
5087 it is the offset in screen columns from the start of the
Bram Moolenaard46bbc72007-05-12 14:38:41 +00005088 character. E.g., a position within a <Tab> or after the last
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00005089 character.
5090
Bram Moolenaar08250432008-02-13 11:42:46 +00005091 Returns 0 when the position could be set, -1 otherwise.
5092 An error message is given if {expr} is invalid.
5093
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00005094 Also see |getpos()|
5095
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00005096 This does not restore the preferred column for moving
5097 vertically. See |winrestview()| for that.
5098
Bram Moolenaar65c923a2006-03-03 22:56:30 +00005099
Bram Moolenaar35c54e52005-05-20 21:25:31 +00005100setqflist({list} [, {action}]) *setqflist()*
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00005101 Create or replace or add to the quickfix list using the items
5102 in {list}. Each item in {list} is a dictionary.
5103 Non-dictionary items in {list} are ignored. Each dictionary
5104 item can contain the following entries:
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00005105
Bram Moolenaar48b66fb2007-02-04 01:58:18 +00005106 bufnr buffer number; must be the number of a valid
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005107 buffer
Bram Moolenaar48b66fb2007-02-04 01:58:18 +00005108 filename name of a file; only used when "bufnr" is not
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005109 present or it is invalid.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00005110 lnum line number in the file
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00005111 pattern search pattern used to locate the error
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00005112 col column number
5113 vcol when non-zero: "col" is visual column
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00005114 when zero: "col" is byte index
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00005115 nr error number
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00005116 text description of the error
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00005117 type single-character error type, 'E', 'W', etc.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00005118
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00005119 The "col", "vcol", "nr", "type" and "text" entries are
5120 optional. Either "lnum" or "pattern" entry can be used to
5121 locate a matching error line.
Bram Moolenaar48b66fb2007-02-04 01:58:18 +00005122 If the "filename" and "bufnr" entries are not present or
5123 neither the "lnum" or "pattern" entries are present, then the
5124 item will not be handled as an error line.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00005125 If both "pattern" and "lnum" are present then "pattern" will
5126 be used.
Bram Moolenaar00a927d2010-05-14 23:24:24 +02005127 If you supply an empty {list}, the quickfix list will be
5128 cleared.
Bram Moolenaar48b66fb2007-02-04 01:58:18 +00005129 Note that the list is not exactly the same as what
5130 |getqflist()| returns.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00005131
Bram Moolenaar35c54e52005-05-20 21:25:31 +00005132 If {action} is set to 'a', then the items from {list} are
5133 added to the existing quickfix list. If there is no existing
5134 list, then a new list is created. If {action} is set to 'r',
5135 then the items from the current quickfix list are replaced
5136 with the items from {list}. If {action} is not present or is
5137 set to ' ', then a new list is created.
5138
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00005139 Returns zero for success, -1 for failure.
5140
5141 This function can be used to create a quickfix list
5142 independent of the 'errorformat' setting. Use a command like
5143 ":cc 1" to jump to the first position.
5144
5145
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005146 *setreg()*
5147setreg({regname}, {value} [,{options}])
5148 Set the register {regname} to {value}.
5149 If {options} contains "a" or {regname} is upper case,
5150 then the value is appended.
Bram Moolenaarc6485bc2010-07-28 17:02:55 +02005151 {options} can also contain a register type specification:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005152 "c" or "v" |characterwise| mode
5153 "l" or "V" |linewise| mode
5154 "b" or "<CTRL-V>" |blockwise-visual| mode
5155 If a number immediately follows "b" or "<CTRL-V>" then this is
5156 used as the width of the selection - if it is not specified
5157 then the width of the block is set to the number of characters
Bram Moolenaard46bbc72007-05-12 14:38:41 +00005158 in the longest line (counting a <Tab> as 1 character).
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005159
5160 If {options} contains no register settings, then the default
5161 is to use character mode unless {value} ends in a <NL>.
5162 Setting the '=' register is not possible.
5163 Returns zero for success, non-zero for failure.
5164
5165 Examples: >
5166 :call setreg(v:register, @*)
5167 :call setreg('*', @%, 'ac')
5168 :call setreg('a', "1\n2\n3", 'b5')
5169
5170< This example shows using the functions to save and restore a
5171 register. >
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00005172 :let var_a = getreg('a', 1)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005173 :let var_amode = getregtype('a')
5174 ....
5175 :call setreg('a', var_a, var_amode)
5176
5177< You can also change the type of a register by appending
5178 nothing: >
5179 :call setreg('a', '', 'al')
5180
Bram Moolenaar06b5d512010-05-22 15:37:44 +02005181settabvar({tabnr}, {varname}, {val}) *settabvar()*
5182 Set tab-local variable {varname} to {val} in tab page {tabnr}.
5183 |t:var|
5184 Note that the variable name without "t:" must be used.
5185 Tabs are numbered starting with one.
5186 Vim briefly goes to the tab page {tabnr}, this may trigger
5187 TabLeave and TabEnter autocommands.
5188 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
5189
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00005190settabwinvar({tabnr}, {winnr}, {varname}, {val}) *settabwinvar()*
5191 Set option or local variable {varname} in window {winnr} to
5192 {val}.
5193 Tabs are numbered starting with one. For the current tabpage
5194 use |setwinvar()|.
5195 When {winnr} is zero the current window is used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005196 This also works for a global or local buffer option, but it
5197 doesn't work for a global or local buffer variable.
5198 For a local buffer option the global value is unchanged.
5199 Note that the variable name without "w:" must be used.
Bram Moolenaarc6249bb2006-04-15 20:25:09 +00005200 Vim briefly goes to the tab page {tabnr}, this may trigger
5201 TabLeave and TabEnter autocommands.
5202 Examples: >
5203 :call settabwinvar(1, 1, "&list", 0)
5204 :call settabwinvar(3, 2, "myvar", "foobar")
5205< This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
5206
5207setwinvar({nr}, {varname}, {val}) *setwinvar()*
5208 Like |settabwinvar()| for the current tab page.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005209 Examples: >
5210 :call setwinvar(1, "&list", 0)
5211 :call setwinvar(2, "myvar", "foobar")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005212
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00005213shellescape({string} [, {special}]) *shellescape()*
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01005214 Escape {string} for use as a shell command argument.
Bram Moolenaar60a495f2006-10-03 12:44:42 +00005215 On MS-Windows and MS-DOS, when 'shellslash' is not set, it
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00005216 will enclose {string} in double quotes and double all double
Bram Moolenaar60a495f2006-10-03 12:44:42 +00005217 quotes within {string}.
5218 For other systems, it will enclose {string} in single quotes
5219 and replace all "'" with "'\''".
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00005220 When the {special} argument is present and it's a non-zero
5221 Number or a non-empty String (|non-zero-arg|), then special
Bram Moolenaare37d50a2008-08-06 17:06:04 +00005222 items such as "!", "%", "#" and "<cword>" will be preceded by
5223 a backslash. This backslash will be removed again by the |:!|
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00005224 command.
Bram Moolenaare37d50a2008-08-06 17:06:04 +00005225 The "!" character will be escaped (again with a |non-zero-arg|
5226 {special}) when 'shell' contains "csh" in the tail. That is
5227 because for csh and tcsh "!" is used for history replacement
5228 even when inside single quotes.
5229 The <NL> character is also escaped. With a |non-zero-arg|
5230 {special} and 'shell' containing "csh" in the tail it's
5231 escaped a second time.
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00005232 Example of use with a |:!| command: >
5233 :exe '!dir ' . shellescape(expand('<cfile>'), 1)
5234< This results in a directory listing for the file under the
5235 cursor. Example of use with |system()|: >
5236 :call system("chmod +w -- " . shellescape(expand("%")))
Bram Moolenaar60a495f2006-10-03 12:44:42 +00005237
5238
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005239simplify({filename}) *simplify()*
5240 Simplify the file name as much as possible without changing
5241 the meaning. Shortcuts (on MS-Windows) or symbolic links (on
5242 Unix) are not resolved. If the first path component in
5243 {filename} designates the current directory, this will be
5244 valid for the result as well. A trailing path separator is
5245 not removed either.
5246 Example: >
5247 simplify("./dir/.././/file/") == "./file/"
5248< Note: The combination "dir/.." is only removed if "dir" is
5249 a searchable directory or does not exist. On Unix, it is also
5250 removed when "dir" is a symbolic link within the same
5251 directory. In order to resolve all the involved symbolic
5252 links before simplifying the path name, use |resolve()|.
5253
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00005254
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005255sin({expr}) *sin()*
5256 Return the sine of {expr}, measured in radians, as a |Float|.
5257 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
5258 Examples: >
5259 :echo sin(100)
5260< -0.506366 >
5261 :echo sin(-4.01)
5262< 0.763301
5263 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
5264
5265
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02005266sinh({expr}) *sinh()*
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02005267 Return the hyperbolic sine of {expr} as a |Float| in the range
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02005268 [-inf, inf].
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02005269 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02005270 Examples: >
5271 :echo sinh(0.5)
5272< 0.521095 >
5273 :echo sinh(-0.9)
5274< -1.026517
Bram Moolenaardb84e452010-08-15 13:50:43 +02005275 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02005276
5277
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00005278sort({list} [, {func}]) *sort()* *E702*
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00005279 Sort the items in {list} in-place. Returns {list}. If you
5280 want a list to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
5281 :let sortedlist = sort(copy(mylist))
5282< Uses the string representation of each item to sort on.
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00005283 Numbers sort after Strings, |Lists| after Numbers.
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00005284 For sorting text in the current buffer use |:sort|.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00005285 When {func} is given and it is one then case is ignored.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005286 When {func} is a |Funcref| or a function name, this function
5287 is called to compare items. The function is invoked with two
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01005288 items as argument and must return zero if they are equal, 1 or
5289 bigger if the first one sorts after the second one, -1 or
5290 smaller if the first one sorts before the second one.
5291 Example: >
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00005292 func MyCompare(i1, i2)
5293 return a:i1 == a:i2 ? 0 : a:i1 > a:i2 ? 1 : -1
5294 endfunc
5295 let sortedlist = sort(mylist, "MyCompare")
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01005296< A shorter compare version for this specific simple case, which
5297 ignores overflow: >
5298 func MyCompare(i1, i2)
5299 return a:i1 - a:i2
5300 endfunc
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00005301<
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00005302 *soundfold()*
5303soundfold({word})
5304 Return the sound-folded equivalent of {word}. Uses the first
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005305 language in 'spelllang' for the current window that supports
Bram Moolenaar42eeac32005-06-29 22:40:58 +00005306 soundfolding. 'spell' must be set. When no sound folding is
5307 possible the {word} is returned unmodified.
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00005308 This can be used for making spelling suggestions. Note that
5309 the method can be quite slow.
5310
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00005311 *spellbadword()*
Bram Moolenaar1e015462005-09-25 22:16:38 +00005312spellbadword([{sentence}])
5313 Without argument: The result is the badly spelled word under
5314 or after the cursor. The cursor is moved to the start of the
5315 bad word. When no bad word is found in the cursor line the
5316 result is an empty string and the cursor doesn't move.
5317
5318 With argument: The result is the first word in {sentence} that
5319 is badly spelled. If there are no spelling mistakes the
5320 result is an empty string.
5321
5322 The return value is a list with two items:
5323 - The badly spelled word or an empty string.
5324 - The type of the spelling error:
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00005325 "bad" spelling mistake
Bram Moolenaar1e015462005-09-25 22:16:38 +00005326 "rare" rare word
5327 "local" word only valid in another region
5328 "caps" word should start with Capital
5329 Example: >
5330 echo spellbadword("the quik brown fox")
5331< ['quik', 'bad'] ~
5332
5333 The spelling information for the current window is used. The
5334 'spell' option must be set and the value of 'spelllang' is
5335 used.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00005336
5337 *spellsuggest()*
Bram Moolenaarc54b8a72005-09-30 21:20:29 +00005338spellsuggest({word} [, {max} [, {capital}]])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005339 Return a |List| with spelling suggestions to replace {word}.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00005340 When {max} is given up to this number of suggestions are
5341 returned. Otherwise up to 25 suggestions are returned.
5342
Bram Moolenaarc54b8a72005-09-30 21:20:29 +00005343 When the {capital} argument is given and it's non-zero only
5344 suggestions with a leading capital will be given. Use this
5345 after a match with 'spellcapcheck'.
5346
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00005347 {word} can be a badly spelled word followed by other text.
5348 This allows for joining two words that were split. The
Bram Moolenaarf461c8e2005-06-25 23:04:51 +00005349 suggestions also include the following text, thus you can
5350 replace a line.
5351
5352 {word} may also be a good word. Similar words will then be
Bram Moolenaarc54b8a72005-09-30 21:20:29 +00005353 returned. {word} itself is not included in the suggestions,
5354 although it may appear capitalized.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00005355
5356 The spelling information for the current window is used. The
Bram Moolenaar42eeac32005-06-29 22:40:58 +00005357 'spell' option must be set and the values of 'spelllang' and
5358 'spellsuggest' are used.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00005359
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00005360
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00005361split({expr} [, {pattern} [, {keepempty}]]) *split()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005362 Make a |List| out of {expr}. When {pattern} is omitted or
5363 empty each white-separated sequence of characters becomes an
5364 item.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00005365 Otherwise the string is split where {pattern} matches,
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00005366 removing the matched characters.
5367 When the first or last item is empty it is omitted, unless the
5368 {keepempty} argument is given and it's non-zero.
Bram Moolenaar5c06f8b2005-05-31 22:14:58 +00005369 Other empty items are kept when {pattern} matches at least one
5370 character or when {keepempty} is non-zero.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00005371 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00005372 :let words = split(getline('.'), '\W\+')
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00005373< To split a string in individual characters: >
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00005374 :for c in split(mystring, '\zs')
Bram Moolenaar0cb032e2005-04-23 20:52:00 +00005375< If you want to keep the separator you can also use '\zs': >
5376 :echo split('abc:def:ghi', ':\zs')
5377< ['abc:', 'def:', 'ghi'] ~
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00005378 Splitting a table where the first element can be empty: >
5379 :let items = split(line, ':', 1)
5380< The opposite function is |join()|.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00005381
5382
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005383sqrt({expr}) *sqrt()*
5384 Return the non-negative square root of Float {expr} as a
5385 |Float|.
5386 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|. When {expr}
5387 is negative the result is NaN (Not a Number).
5388 Examples: >
5389 :echo sqrt(100)
5390< 10.0 >
5391 :echo sqrt(-4.01)
5392< nan
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00005393 "nan" may be different, it depends on system libraries.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005394 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
5395
5396
5397str2float( {expr}) *str2float()*
5398 Convert String {expr} to a Float. This mostly works the same
5399 as when using a floating point number in an expression, see
5400 |floating-point-format|. But it's a bit more permissive.
5401 E.g., "1e40" is accepted, while in an expression you need to
5402 write "1.0e40".
5403 Text after the number is silently ignored.
5404 The decimal point is always '.', no matter what the locale is
5405 set to. A comma ends the number: "12,345.67" is converted to
5406 12.0. You can strip out thousands separators with
5407 |substitute()|: >
5408 let f = str2float(substitute(text, ',', '', 'g'))
5409< {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
5410
5411
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00005412str2nr( {expr} [, {base}]) *str2nr()*
5413 Convert string {expr} to a number.
5414 {base} is the conversion base, it can be 8, 10 or 16.
5415 When {base} is omitted base 10 is used. This also means that
5416 a leading zero doesn't cause octal conversion to be used, as
5417 with the default String to Number conversion.
5418 When {base} is 16 a leading "0x" or "0X" is ignored. With a
5419 different base the result will be zero.
5420 Text after the number is silently ignored.
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00005421
Bram Moolenaar97b2ad32006-03-18 21:40:56 +00005422
Bram Moolenaar72597a52010-07-18 15:31:08 +02005423strchars({expr}) *strchars()*
5424 The result is a Number, which is the number of characters
5425 String {expr} occupies. Composing characters are counted
5426 separately.
Bram Moolenaardc536092010-07-18 15:45:49 +02005427 Also see |strlen()|, |strdisplaywidth()| and |strwidth()|.
5428
5429strdisplaywidth({expr}[, {col}]) *strdisplaywidth()*
5430 The result is a Number, which is the number of display cells
5431 String {expr} occupies on the screen.
5432 When {col} is omitted zero is used. Otherwise it is the
5433 screen column where to start. This matters for Tab
5434 characters.
Bram Moolenaar4d32c2d2010-07-18 22:10:01 +02005435 The option settings of the current window are used. This
5436 matters for anything that's displayed differently, such as
5437 'tabstop' and 'display'.
Bram Moolenaardc536092010-07-18 15:45:49 +02005438 When {expr} contains characters with East Asian Width Class
5439 Ambiguous, this function's return value depends on 'ambiwidth'.
5440 Also see |strlen()|, |strwidth()| and |strchars()|.
Bram Moolenaar72597a52010-07-18 15:31:08 +02005441
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005442strftime({format} [, {time}]) *strftime()*
5443 The result is a String, which is a formatted date and time, as
5444 specified by the {format} string. The given {time} is used,
5445 or the current time if no time is given. The accepted
5446 {format} depends on your system, thus this is not portable!
5447 See the manual page of the C function strftime() for the
5448 format. The maximum length of the result is 80 characters.
5449 See also |localtime()| and |getftime()|.
5450 The language can be changed with the |:language| command.
5451 Examples: >
5452 :echo strftime("%c") Sun Apr 27 11:49:23 1997
5453 :echo strftime("%Y %b %d %X") 1997 Apr 27 11:53:25
5454 :echo strftime("%y%m%d %T") 970427 11:53:55
5455 :echo strftime("%H:%M") 11:55
5456 :echo strftime("%c", getftime("file.c"))
5457 Show mod time of file.c.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00005458< Not available on all systems. To check use: >
5459 :if exists("*strftime")
5460
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00005461stridx({haystack}, {needle} [, {start}]) *stridx()*
5462 The result is a Number, which gives the byte index in
5463 {haystack} of the first occurrence of the String {needle}.
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00005464 If {start} is specified, the search starts at index {start}.
5465 This can be used to find a second match: >
Bram Moolenaar81af9252010-12-10 20:35:50 +01005466 :let colon1 = stridx(line, ":")
5467 :let colon2 = stridx(line, ":", colon1 + 1)
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00005468< The search is done case-sensitive.
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00005469 For pattern searches use |match()|.
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00005470 -1 is returned if the {needle} does not occur in {haystack}.
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00005471 See also |strridx()|.
5472 Examples: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005473 :echo stridx("An Example", "Example") 3
5474 :echo stridx("Starting point", "Start") 0
5475 :echo stridx("Starting point", "start") -1
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00005476< *strstr()* *strchr()*
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00005477 stridx() works similar to the C function strstr(). When used
5478 with a single character it works similar to strchr().
5479
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00005480 *string()*
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00005481string({expr}) Return {expr} converted to a String. If {expr} is a Number,
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005482 Float, String or a composition of them, then the result can be
5483 parsed back with |eval()|.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00005484 {expr} type result ~
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00005485 String 'string'
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00005486 Number 123
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005487 Float 123.123456 or 1.123456e8
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00005488 Funcref function('name')
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00005489 List [item, item]
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +00005490 Dictionary {key: value, key: value}
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00005491 Note that in String values the ' character is doubled.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00005492 Also see |strtrans()|.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00005493
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005494 *strlen()*
5495strlen({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the length of the String
Bram Moolenaare344bea2005-09-01 20:46:49 +00005496 {expr} in bytes.
5497 If you want to count the number of multi-byte characters (not
5498 counting composing characters) use something like this: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005499
5500 :let len = strlen(substitute(str, ".", "x", "g"))
Bram Moolenaare344bea2005-09-01 20:46:49 +00005501<
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00005502 If the argument is a Number it is first converted to a String.
5503 For other types an error is given.
Bram Moolenaardc536092010-07-18 15:45:49 +02005504 Also see |len()|, |strchars()|, |strdisplaywidth()| and
5505 |strwidth()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005506
5507strpart({src}, {start}[, {len}]) *strpart()*
5508 The result is a String, which is part of {src}, starting from
Bram Moolenaar9372a112005-12-06 19:59:18 +00005509 byte {start}, with the byte length {len}.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005510 When non-existing bytes are included, this doesn't result in
5511 an error, the bytes are simply omitted.
5512 If {len} is missing, the copy continues from {start} till the
5513 end of the {src}. >
5514 strpart("abcdefg", 3, 2) == "de"
5515 strpart("abcdefg", -2, 4) == "ab"
5516 strpart("abcdefg", 5, 4) == "fg"
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005517 strpart("abcdefg", 3) == "defg"
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005518< Note: To get the first character, {start} must be 0. For
5519 example, to get three bytes under and after the cursor: >
Bram Moolenaar61660ea2006-04-07 21:40:07 +00005520 strpart(getline("."), col(".") - 1, 3)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005521<
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00005522strridx({haystack}, {needle} [, {start}]) *strridx()*
5523 The result is a Number, which gives the byte index in
5524 {haystack} of the last occurrence of the String {needle}.
5525 When {start} is specified, matches beyond this index are
5526 ignored. This can be used to find a match before a previous
5527 match: >
5528 :let lastcomma = strridx(line, ",")
5529 :let comma2 = strridx(line, ",", lastcomma - 1)
5530< The search is done case-sensitive.
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00005531 For pattern searches use |match()|.
5532 -1 is returned if the {needle} does not occur in {haystack}.
Bram Moolenaard4755bb2004-09-02 19:12:26 +00005533 If the {needle} is empty the length of {haystack} is returned.
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00005534 See also |stridx()|. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005535 :echo strridx("an angry armadillo", "an") 3
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00005536< *strrchr()*
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00005537 When used with a single character it works similar to the C
5538 function strrchr().
5539
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005540strtrans({expr}) *strtrans()*
5541 The result is a String, which is {expr} with all unprintable
5542 characters translated into printable characters |'isprint'|.
5543 Like they are shown in a window. Example: >
5544 echo strtrans(@a)
5545< This displays a newline in register a as "^@" instead of
5546 starting a new line.
5547
Bram Moolenaar72597a52010-07-18 15:31:08 +02005548strwidth({expr}) *strwidth()*
5549 The result is a Number, which is the number of display cells
5550 String {expr} occupies. A Tab character is counted as one
Bram Moolenaardc536092010-07-18 15:45:49 +02005551 cell, alternatively use |strdisplaywidth()|.
Bram Moolenaar72597a52010-07-18 15:31:08 +02005552 When {expr} contains characters with East Asian Width Class
5553 Ambiguous, this function's return value depends on 'ambiwidth'.
Bram Moolenaardc536092010-07-18 15:45:49 +02005554 Also see |strlen()|, |strdisplaywidth()| and |strchars()|.
Bram Moolenaar72597a52010-07-18 15:31:08 +02005555
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005556submatch({nr}) *submatch()*
5557 Only for an expression in a |:substitute| command. Returns
5558 the {nr}'th submatch of the matched text. When {nr} is 0
5559 the whole matched text is returned.
5560 Example: >
5561 :s/\d\+/\=submatch(0) + 1/
5562< This finds the first number in the line and adds one to it.
5563 A line break is included as a newline character.
5564
5565substitute({expr}, {pat}, {sub}, {flags}) *substitute()*
5566 The result is a String, which is a copy of {expr}, in which
5567 the first match of {pat} is replaced with {sub}. This works
5568 like the ":substitute" command (without any flags). But the
5569 matching with {pat} is always done like the 'magic' option is
5570 set and 'cpoptions' is empty (to make scripts portable).
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00005571 'ignorecase' is still relevant. 'smartcase' is not used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005572 See |string-match| for how {pat} is used.
5573 And a "~" in {sub} is not replaced with the previous {sub}.
5574 Note that some codes in {sub} have a special meaning
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005575 |sub-replace-special|. For example, to replace something with
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005576 "\n" (two characters), use "\\\\n" or '\\n'.
5577 When {pat} does not match in {expr}, {expr} is returned
5578 unmodified.
5579 When {flags} is "g", all matches of {pat} in {expr} are
5580 replaced. Otherwise {flags} should be "".
5581 Example: >
5582 :let &path = substitute(&path, ",\\=[^,]*$", "", "")
5583< This removes the last component of the 'path' option. >
5584 :echo substitute("testing", ".*", "\\U\\0", "")
5585< results in "TESTING".
Bram Moolenaar20f90cf2011-05-19 12:22:51 +02005586 The {sub} argument can start with \=, just like with
5587 |:substitute|. Example: >
5588 :echo substitute(s, '%\(\x\x\)',
5589 \ '\=nr2char("0x" . submatch(1))', 'g')
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005590
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00005591synID({lnum}, {col}, {trans}) *synID()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005592 The result is a Number, which is the syntax ID at the position
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00005593 {lnum} and {col} in the current window.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005594 The syntax ID can be used with |synIDattr()| and
5595 |synIDtrans()| to obtain syntax information about text.
Bram Moolenaarce0842a2005-07-18 21:58:11 +00005596
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00005597 {col} is 1 for the leftmost column, {lnum} is 1 for the first
Bram Moolenaarce0842a2005-07-18 21:58:11 +00005598 line. 'synmaxcol' applies, in a longer line zero is returned.
5599
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005600 When {trans} is non-zero, transparent items are reduced to the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005601 item that they reveal. This is useful when wanting to know
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005602 the effective color. When {trans} is zero, the transparent
5603 item is returned. This is useful when wanting to know which
5604 syntax item is effective (e.g. inside parens).
5605 Warning: This function can be very slow. Best speed is
5606 obtained by going through the file in forward direction.
5607
5608 Example (echoes the name of the syntax item under the cursor): >
5609 :echo synIDattr(synID(line("."), col("."), 1), "name")
5610<
Bram Moolenaar7510fe72010-07-25 12:46:44 +02005611
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005612synIDattr({synID}, {what} [, {mode}]) *synIDattr()*
5613 The result is a String, which is the {what} attribute of
5614 syntax ID {synID}. This can be used to obtain information
5615 about a syntax item.
5616 {mode} can be "gui", "cterm" or "term", to get the attributes
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005617 for that mode. When {mode} is omitted, or an invalid value is
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005618 used, the attributes for the currently active highlighting are
5619 used (GUI, cterm or term).
5620 Use synIDtrans() to follow linked highlight groups.
5621 {what} result
5622 "name" the name of the syntax item
5623 "fg" foreground color (GUI: color name used to set
5624 the color, cterm: color number as a string,
5625 term: empty string)
Bram Moolenaar6f507d62008-11-28 10:16:05 +00005626 "bg" background color (as with "fg")
Bram Moolenaar12682fd2010-03-10 13:43:49 +01005627 "font" font name (only available in the GUI)
5628 |highlight-font|
Bram Moolenaar6f507d62008-11-28 10:16:05 +00005629 "sp" special color (as with "fg") |highlight-guisp|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005630 "fg#" like "fg", but for the GUI and the GUI is
5631 running the name in "#RRGGBB" form
5632 "bg#" like "fg#" for "bg"
Bram Moolenaar6f507d62008-11-28 10:16:05 +00005633 "sp#" like "fg#" for "sp"
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005634 "bold" "1" if bold
5635 "italic" "1" if italic
5636 "reverse" "1" if reverse
5637 "inverse" "1" if inverse (= reverse)
Bram Moolenaar12682fd2010-03-10 13:43:49 +01005638 "standout" "1" if standout
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005639 "underline" "1" if underlined
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00005640 "undercurl" "1" if undercurled
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005641
5642 Example (echoes the color of the syntax item under the
5643 cursor): >
5644 :echo synIDattr(synIDtrans(synID(line("."), col("."), 1)), "fg")
5645<
5646synIDtrans({synID}) *synIDtrans()*
5647 The result is a Number, which is the translated syntax ID of
5648 {synID}. This is the syntax group ID of what is being used to
5649 highlight the character. Highlight links given with
5650 ":highlight link" are followed.
5651
Bram Moolenaar483c5d82010-10-20 18:45:33 +02005652synconcealed({lnum}, {col}) *synconcealed()*
5653 The result is a List. The first item in the list is 0 if the
5654 character at the position {lnum} and {col} is not part of a
5655 concealable region, 1 if it is. The second item in the list is
5656 a string. If the first item is 1, the second item contains the
5657 text which will be displayed in place of the concealed text,
5658 depending on the current setting of 'conceallevel'. The third
5659 and final item in the list is a unique number representing the
5660 specific syntax region matched. This allows detection of the
5661 beginning of a new concealable region if there are two
5662 consecutive regions with the same replacement character.
5663 For an example use see $VIMRUNTIME/syntax/2html.vim .
5664
5665
Bram Moolenaar9d188ab2008-01-10 21:24:39 +00005666synstack({lnum}, {col}) *synstack()*
5667 Return a |List|, which is the stack of syntax items at the
5668 position {lnum} and {col} in the current window. Each item in
5669 the List is an ID like what |synID()| returns.
Bram Moolenaar9d188ab2008-01-10 21:24:39 +00005670 The first item in the List is the outer region, following are
5671 items contained in that one. The last one is what |synID()|
5672 returns, unless not the whole item is highlighted or it is a
5673 transparent item.
5674 This function is useful for debugging a syntax file.
5675 Example that shows the syntax stack under the cursor: >
5676 for id in synstack(line("."), col("."))
5677 echo synIDattr(id, "name")
5678 endfor
Bram Moolenaar0bc380a2010-07-10 13:52:13 +02005679< When the position specified with {lnum} and {col} is invalid
5680 nothing is returned. The position just after the last
5681 character in a line and the first column in an empty line are
5682 valid positions.
Bram Moolenaar9d188ab2008-01-10 21:24:39 +00005683
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00005684system({expr} [, {input}]) *system()* *E677*
5685 Get the output of the shell command {expr}.
5686 When {input} is given, this string is written to a file and
5687 passed as stdin to the command. The string is written as-is,
5688 you need to take care of using the correct line separators
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00005689 yourself. Pipes are not used.
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00005690 Note: Use |shellescape()| to escape special characters in a
5691 command argument. Newlines in {expr} may cause the command to
5692 fail. The characters in 'shellquote' and 'shellxquote' may
5693 also cause trouble.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005694 This is not to be used for interactive commands.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005695
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00005696 The result is a String. Example: >
5697 :let files = system("ls " . shellescape(expand('%:h')))
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005698
5699< To make the result more system-independent, the shell output
5700 is filtered to replace <CR> with <NL> for Macintosh, and
5701 <CR><NL> with <NL> for DOS-like systems.
5702 The command executed is constructed using several options:
5703 'shell' 'shellcmdflag' 'shellxquote' {expr} 'shellredir' {tmp} 'shellxquote'
5704 ({tmp} is an automatically generated file name).
5705 For Unix and OS/2 braces are put around {expr} to allow for
5706 concatenated commands.
5707
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00005708 The command will be executed in "cooked" mode, so that a
5709 CTRL-C will interrupt the command (on Unix at least).
5710
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005711 The resulting error code can be found in |v:shell_error|.
5712 This function will fail in |restricted-mode|.
Bram Moolenaar4770d092006-01-12 23:22:24 +00005713
5714 Note that any wrong value in the options mentioned above may
5715 make the function fail. It has also been reported to fail
5716 when using a security agent application.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005717 Unlike ":!cmd" there is no automatic check for changed files.
5718 Use |:checktime| to force a check.
5719
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00005720
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00005721tabpagebuflist([{arg}]) *tabpagebuflist()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005722 The result is a |List|, where each item is the number of the
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00005723 buffer associated with each window in the current tab page.
5724 {arg} specifies the number of tab page to be used. When
5725 omitted the current tab page is used.
5726 When {arg} is invalid the number zero is returned.
5727 To get a list of all buffers in all tabs use this: >
5728 tablist = []
5729 for i in range(tabpagenr('$'))
5730 call extend(tablist, tabpagebuflist(i + 1))
5731 endfor
5732< Note that a buffer may appear in more than one window.
5733
5734
5735tabpagenr([{arg}]) *tabpagenr()*
Bram Moolenaar7e8fd632006-02-18 22:14:51 +00005736 The result is a Number, which is the number of the current
5737 tab page. The first tab page has number 1.
5738 When the optional argument is "$", the number of the last tab
5739 page is returned (the tab page count).
5740 The number can be used with the |:tab| command.
5741
5742
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00005743tabpagewinnr({tabarg}, [{arg}]) *tabpagewinnr()*
Bram Moolenaard04f4402010-08-15 13:30:34 +02005744 Like |winnr()| but for tab page {tabarg}.
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00005745 {tabarg} specifies the number of tab page to be used.
5746 {arg} is used like with |winnr()|:
5747 - When omitted the current window number is returned. This is
5748 the window which will be used when going to this tab page.
5749 - When "$" the number of windows is returned.
5750 - When "#" the previous window nr is returned.
5751 Useful examples: >
5752 tabpagewinnr(1) " current window of tab page 1
5753 tabpagewinnr(4, '$') " number of windows in tab page 4
5754< When {tabarg} is invalid zero is returned.
5755
Bram Moolenaarfa1d1402006-03-25 21:59:56 +00005756 *tagfiles()*
5757tagfiles() Returns a |List| with the file names used to search for tags
5758 for the current buffer. This is the 'tags' option expanded.
5759
5760
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00005761taglist({expr}) *taglist()*
5762 Returns a list of tags matching the regular expression {expr}.
Bram Moolenaard8c00872005-07-22 21:52:15 +00005763 Each list item is a dictionary with at least the following
5764 entries:
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00005765 name Name of the tag.
5766 filename Name of the file where the tag is
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00005767 defined. It is either relative to the
5768 current directory or a full path.
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00005769 cmd Ex command used to locate the tag in
5770 the file.
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00005771 kind Type of the tag. The value for this
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00005772 entry depends on the language specific
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00005773 kind values. Only available when
5774 using a tags file generated by
5775 Exuberant ctags or hdrtag.
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00005776 static A file specific tag. Refer to
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00005777 |static-tag| for more information.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00005778 More entries may be present, depending on the content of the
5779 tags file: access, implementation, inherits and signature.
5780 Refer to the ctags documentation for information about these
5781 fields. For C code the fields "struct", "class" and "enum"
5782 may appear, they give the name of the entity the tag is
5783 contained in.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00005784
Bram Moolenaar4317d9b2005-03-18 20:25:31 +00005785 The ex-command 'cmd' can be either an ex search pattern, a
5786 line number or a line number followed by a byte number.
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00005787
5788 If there are no matching tags, then an empty list is returned.
5789
5790 To get an exact tag match, the anchors '^' and '$' should be
5791 used in {expr}. Refer to |tag-regexp| for more information
5792 about the tag search regular expression pattern.
5793
5794 Refer to |'tags'| for information about how the tags file is
5795 located by Vim. Refer to |tags-file-format| for the format of
5796 the tags file generated by the different ctags tools.
5797
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005798tempname() *tempname()* *temp-file-name*
5799 The result is a String, which is the name of a file that
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005800 doesn't exist. It can be used for a temporary file. The name
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005801 is different for at least 26 consecutive calls. Example: >
5802 :let tmpfile = tempname()
5803 :exe "redir > " . tmpfile
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01005804< For Unix, the file will be in a private directory |tempfile|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005805 For MS-Windows forward slashes are used when the 'shellslash'
5806 option is set or when 'shellcmdflag' starts with '-'.
5807
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02005808
5809tan({expr}) *tan()*
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02005810 Return the tangent of {expr}, measured in radians, as a |Float|
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02005811 in the range [-inf, inf].
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02005812 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02005813 Examples: >
5814 :echo tan(10)
5815< 0.648361 >
5816 :echo tan(-4.01)
5817< -1.181502
Bram Moolenaardb84e452010-08-15 13:50:43 +02005818 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02005819
5820
5821tanh({expr}) *tanh()*
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02005822 Return the hyperbolic tangent of {expr} as a |Float| in the
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02005823 range [-1, 1].
Bram Moolenaar9855d6b2010-07-18 14:34:51 +02005824 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02005825 Examples: >
5826 :echo tanh(0.5)
5827< 0.462117 >
5828 :echo tanh(-1)
5829< -0.761594
Bram Moolenaardb84e452010-08-15 13:50:43 +02005830 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
Bram Moolenaardb7c6862010-05-21 16:33:48 +02005831
5832
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005833tolower({expr}) *tolower()*
5834 The result is a copy of the String given, with all uppercase
5835 characters turned into lowercase (just like applying |gu| to
5836 the string).
5837
5838toupper({expr}) *toupper()*
5839 The result is a copy of the String given, with all lowercase
5840 characters turned into uppercase (just like applying |gU| to
5841 the string).
5842
Bram Moolenaar8299df92004-07-10 09:47:34 +00005843tr({src}, {fromstr}, {tostr}) *tr()*
5844 The result is a copy of the {src} string with all characters
5845 which appear in {fromstr} replaced by the character in that
5846 position in the {tostr} string. Thus the first character in
5847 {fromstr} is translated into the first character in {tostr}
5848 and so on. Exactly like the unix "tr" command.
5849 This code also deals with multibyte characters properly.
5850
5851 Examples: >
5852 echo tr("hello there", "ht", "HT")
5853< returns "Hello THere" >
5854 echo tr("<blob>", "<>", "{}")
5855< returns "{blob}"
5856
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005857trunc({expr}) *trunc()*
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00005858 Return the largest integral value with magnitude less than or
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005859 equal to {expr} as a |Float| (truncate towards zero).
5860 {expr} must evaluate to a |Float| or a |Number|.
5861 Examples: >
5862 echo trunc(1.456)
5863< 1.0 >
5864 echo trunc(-5.456)
5865< -5.0 >
5866 echo trunc(4.0)
5867< 4.0
5868 {only available when compiled with the |+float| feature}
5869
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00005870 *type()*
5871type({expr}) The result is a Number, depending on the type of {expr}:
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00005872 Number: 0
5873 String: 1
5874 Funcref: 2
5875 List: 3
5876 Dictionary: 4
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005877 Float: 5
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00005878 To avoid the magic numbers it should be used this way: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00005879 :if type(myvar) == type(0)
5880 :if type(myvar) == type("")
5881 :if type(myvar) == type(function("tr"))
5882 :if type(myvar) == type([])
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00005883 :if type(myvar) == type({})
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005884 :if type(myvar) == type(0.0)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005885
Bram Moolenaara17d4c12010-05-30 18:30:36 +02005886undofile({name}) *undofile()*
5887 Return the name of the undo file that would be used for a file
5888 with name {name} when writing. This uses the 'undodir'
5889 option, finding directories that exist. It does not check if
Bram Moolenaar860cae12010-06-05 23:22:07 +02005890 the undo file exists.
Bram Moolenaar945e2db2010-06-05 17:43:32 +02005891 {name} is always expanded to the full path, since that is what
5892 is used internally.
Bram Moolenaara17d4c12010-05-30 18:30:36 +02005893 Useful in combination with |:wundo| and |:rundo|.
5894 When compiled without the +persistent_undo option this always
5895 returns an empty string.
5896
Bram Moolenaara800b422010-06-27 01:15:55 +02005897undotree() *undotree()*
5898 Return the current state of the undo tree in a dictionary with
5899 the following items:
5900 "seq_last" The highest undo sequence number used.
5901 "seq_cur" The sequence number of the current position in
5902 the undo tree. This differs from "seq_last"
5903 when some changes were undone.
5904 "time_cur" Time last used for |:earlier| and related
5905 commands. Use |strftime()| to convert to
5906 something readable.
5907 "save_last" Number of the last file write. Zero when no
5908 write yet.
Bram Moolenaar730cde92010-06-27 05:18:54 +02005909 "save_cur" Number of the current position in the undo
5910 tree.
Bram Moolenaara800b422010-06-27 01:15:55 +02005911 "synced" Non-zero when the last undo block was synced.
5912 This happens when waiting from input from the
5913 user. See |undo-blocks|.
5914 "entries" A list of dictionaries with information about
5915 undo blocks.
5916
5917 The first item in the "entries" list is the oldest undo item.
5918 Each List item is a Dictionary with these items:
5919 "seq" Undo sequence number. Same as what appears in
5920 |:undolist|.
5921 "time" Timestamp when the change happened. Use
5922 |strftime()| to convert to something readable.
5923 "newhead" Only appears in the item that is the last one
5924 that was added. This marks the last change
5925 and where further changes will be added.
5926 "curhead" Only appears in the item that is the last one
5927 that was undone. This marks the current
5928 position in the undo tree, the block that will
5929 be used by a redo command. When nothing was
5930 undone after the last change this item will
5931 not appear anywhere.
5932 "save" Only appears on the last block before a file
5933 write. The number is the write count. The
5934 first write has number 1, the last one the
5935 "save_last" mentioned above.
5936 "alt" Alternate entry. This is again a List of undo
5937 blocks. Each item may again have an "alt"
5938 item.
5939
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00005940values({dict}) *values()*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005941 Return a |List| with all the values of {dict}. The |List| is
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005942 in arbitrary order.
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00005943
5944
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005945virtcol({expr}) *virtcol()*
5946 The result is a Number, which is the screen column of the file
5947 position given with {expr}. That is, the last screen position
5948 occupied by the character at that position, when the screen
5949 would be of unlimited width. When there is a <Tab> at the
5950 position, the returned Number will be the column at the end of
5951 the <Tab>. For example, for a <Tab> in column 1, with 'ts'
5952 set to 8, it returns 8.
Bram Moolenaar477933c2007-07-17 14:32:23 +00005953 For the byte position use |col()|.
5954 For the use of {expr} see |col()|.
5955 When 'virtualedit' is used {expr} can be [lnum, col, off], where
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00005956 "off" is the offset in screen columns from the start of the
Bram Moolenaard46bbc72007-05-12 14:38:41 +00005957 character. E.g., a position within a <Tab> or after the last
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00005958 character.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005959 When Virtual editing is active in the current mode, a position
5960 beyond the end of the line can be returned. |'virtualedit'|
5961 The accepted positions are:
5962 . the cursor position
5963 $ the end of the cursor line (the result is the
5964 number of displayed characters in the cursor line
5965 plus one)
5966 'x position of mark x (if the mark is not set, 0 is
5967 returned)
5968 Note that only marks in the current file can be used.
5969 Examples: >
5970 virtcol(".") with text "foo^Lbar", with cursor on the "^L", returns 5
5971 virtcol("$") with text "foo^Lbar", returns 9
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005972 virtcol("'t") with text " there", with 't at 'h', returns 6
5973< The first column is 1. 0 is returned for an error.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00005974 A more advanced example that echoes the maximum length of
5975 all lines: >
5976 echo max(map(range(1, line('$')), "virtcol([v:val, '$'])"))
5977
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005978
5979visualmode([expr]) *visualmode()*
5980 The result is a String, which describes the last Visual mode
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00005981 used in the current buffer. Initially it returns an empty
5982 string, but once Visual mode has been used, it returns "v",
5983 "V", or "<CTRL-V>" (a single CTRL-V character) for
5984 character-wise, line-wise, or block-wise Visual mode
5985 respectively.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005986 Example: >
5987 :exe "normal " . visualmode()
5988< This enters the same Visual mode as before. It is also useful
5989 in scripts if you wish to act differently depending on the
5990 Visual mode that was used.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005991 If Visual mode is active, use |mode()| to get the Visual mode
5992 (e.g., in a |:vmap|).
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00005993 *non-zero-arg*
5994 If [expr] is supplied and it evaluates to a non-zero Number or
5995 a non-empty String, then the Visual mode will be cleared and
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00005996 the old value is returned. Note that " " and "0" are also
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00005997 non-empty strings, thus cause the mode to be cleared. A List,
5998 Dictionary or Float is not a Number or String, thus does not
5999 cause the mode to be cleared.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006000
6001 *winbufnr()*
6002winbufnr({nr}) The result is a Number, which is the number of the buffer
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00006003 associated with window {nr}. When {nr} is zero, the number of
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006004 the buffer in the current window is returned. When window
6005 {nr} doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
6006 Example: >
6007 :echo "The file in the current window is " . bufname(winbufnr(0))
6008<
6009 *wincol()*
6010wincol() The result is a Number, which is the virtual column of the
6011 cursor in the window. This is counting screen cells from the
6012 left side of the window. The leftmost column is one.
6013
6014winheight({nr}) *winheight()*
6015 The result is a Number, which is the height of window {nr}.
6016 When {nr} is zero, the height of the current window is
6017 returned. When window {nr} doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
6018 An existing window always has a height of zero or more.
6019 Examples: >
6020 :echo "The current window has " . winheight(0) . " lines."
6021<
6022 *winline()*
6023winline() The result is a Number, which is the screen line of the cursor
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006024 in the window. This is counting screen lines from the top of
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006025 the window. The first line is one.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00006026 If the cursor was moved the view on the file will be updated
6027 first, this may cause a scroll.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006028
6029 *winnr()*
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00006030winnr([{arg}]) The result is a Number, which is the number of the current
6031 window. The top window has number 1.
6032 When the optional argument is "$", the number of the
Bram Moolenaar7e8fd632006-02-18 22:14:51 +00006033 last window is returned (the window count).
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00006034 When the optional argument is "#", the number of the last
6035 accessed window is returned (where |CTRL-W_p| goes to).
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006036 If there is no previous window or it is in another tab page 0
6037 is returned.
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00006038 The number can be used with |CTRL-W_w| and ":wincmd w"
6039 |:wincmd|.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006040 Also see |tabpagewinnr()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006041
6042 *winrestcmd()*
6043winrestcmd() Returns a sequence of |:resize| commands that should restore
6044 the current window sizes. Only works properly when no windows
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00006045 are opened or closed and the current window and tab page is
6046 unchanged.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006047 Example: >
6048 :let cmd = winrestcmd()
6049 :call MessWithWindowSizes()
6050 :exe cmd
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00006051<
6052 *winrestview()*
6053winrestview({dict})
6054 Uses the |Dictionary| returned by |winsaveview()| to restore
6055 the view of the current window.
6056 If you have changed the values the result is unpredictable.
6057 If the window size changed the result won't be the same.
6058
6059 *winsaveview()*
6060winsaveview() Returns a |Dictionary| that contains information to restore
6061 the view of the current window. Use |winrestview()| to
6062 restore the view.
6063 This is useful if you have a mapping that jumps around in the
6064 buffer and you want to go back to the original view.
6065 This does not save fold information. Use the 'foldenable'
Bram Moolenaardb552d602006-03-23 22:59:57 +00006066 option to temporarily switch off folding, so that folds are
6067 not opened when moving around.
Bram Moolenaar87b5ca52006-03-04 21:55:31 +00006068 The return value includes:
6069 lnum cursor line number
6070 col cursor column
6071 coladd cursor column offset for 'virtualedit'
6072 curswant column for vertical movement
6073 topline first line in the window
6074 topfill filler lines, only in diff mode
6075 leftcol first column displayed
6076 skipcol columns skipped
6077 Note that no option values are saved.
6078
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006079
6080winwidth({nr}) *winwidth()*
6081 The result is a Number, which is the width of window {nr}.
6082 When {nr} is zero, the width of the current window is
6083 returned. When window {nr} doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
6084 An existing window always has a width of zero or more.
6085 Examples: >
6086 :echo "The current window has " . winwidth(0) . " columns."
6087 :if winwidth(0) <= 50
6088 : exe "normal 50\<C-W>|"
6089 :endif
6090<
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00006091 *writefile()*
6092writefile({list}, {fname} [, {binary}])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006093 Write |List| {list} to file {fname}. Each list item is
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00006094 separated with a NL. Each list item must be a String or
6095 Number.
6096 When {binary} is equal to "b" binary mode is used: There will
6097 not be a NL after the last list item. An empty item at the
6098 end does cause the last line in the file to end in a NL.
6099 All NL characters are replaced with a NUL character.
6100 Inserting CR characters needs to be done before passing {list}
6101 to writefile().
6102 An existing file is overwritten, if possible.
6103 When the write fails -1 is returned, otherwise 0. There is an
6104 error message if the file can't be created or when writing
6105 fails.
6106 Also see |readfile()|.
6107 To copy a file byte for byte: >
6108 :let fl = readfile("foo", "b")
6109 :call writefile(fl, "foocopy", "b")
6110<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006111
6112 *feature-list*
6113There are three types of features:
61141. Features that are only supported when they have been enabled when Vim
6115 was compiled |+feature-list|. Example: >
6116 :if has("cindent")
61172. Features that are only supported when certain conditions have been met.
6118 Example: >
6119 :if has("gui_running")
6120< *has-patch*
61213. Included patches. First check |v:version| for the version of Vim.
6122 Then the "patch123" feature means that patch 123 has been included for
6123 this version. Example (checking version 6.2.148 or later): >
6124 :if v:version > 602 || v:version == 602 && has("patch148")
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006125< Note that it's possible for patch 147 to be omitted even though 148 is
6126 included.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006127
6128all_builtin_terms Compiled with all builtin terminals enabled.
6129amiga Amiga version of Vim.
6130arabic Compiled with Arabic support |Arabic|.
6131arp Compiled with ARP support (Amiga).
Bram Moolenaara9b1e742005-12-19 22:14:58 +00006132autocmd Compiled with autocommand support. |autocommand|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006133balloon_eval Compiled with |balloon-eval| support.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00006134balloon_multiline GUI supports multiline balloons.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006135beos BeOS version of Vim.
6136browse Compiled with |:browse| support, and browse() will
6137 work.
6138builtin_terms Compiled with some builtin terminals.
6139byte_offset Compiled with support for 'o' in 'statusline'
6140cindent Compiled with 'cindent' support.
6141clientserver Compiled with remote invocation support |clientserver|.
6142clipboard Compiled with 'clipboard' support.
6143cmdline_compl Compiled with |cmdline-completion| support.
6144cmdline_hist Compiled with |cmdline-history| support.
6145cmdline_info Compiled with 'showcmd' and 'ruler' support.
6146comments Compiled with |'comments'| support.
Bram Moolenaar2a8a3ec2011-01-08 16:06:37 +01006147compatible Compiled to be very Vi compatible.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006148cryptv Compiled with encryption support |encryption|.
6149cscope Compiled with |cscope| support.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006150debug Compiled with "DEBUG" defined.
6151dialog_con Compiled with console dialog support.
6152dialog_gui Compiled with GUI dialog support.
6153diff Compiled with |vimdiff| and 'diff' support.
6154digraphs Compiled with support for digraphs.
6155dnd Compiled with support for the "~ register |quote_~|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006156dos16 16 bits DOS version of Vim.
Bram Moolenaar2a8a3ec2011-01-08 16:06:37 +01006157dos32 32 bits DOS (DJGPP) version of Vim.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006158ebcdic Compiled on a machine with ebcdic character set.
6159emacs_tags Compiled with support for Emacs tags.
6160eval Compiled with expression evaluation support. Always
6161 true, of course!
6162ex_extra Compiled with extra Ex commands |+ex_extra|.
6163extra_search Compiled with support for |'incsearch'| and
6164 |'hlsearch'|
6165farsi Compiled with Farsi support |farsi|.
6166file_in_path Compiled with support for |gf| and |<cfile>|
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00006167filterpipe When 'shelltemp' is off pipes are used for shell
6168 read/write/filter commands
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006169find_in_path Compiled with support for include file searches
6170 |+find_in_path|.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006171float Compiled with support for |Float|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006172fname_case Case in file names matters (for Amiga, MS-DOS, and
6173 Windows this is not present).
6174folding Compiled with |folding| support.
6175footer Compiled with GUI footer support. |gui-footer|
6176fork Compiled to use fork()/exec() instead of system().
6177gettext Compiled with message translation |multi-lang|
6178gui Compiled with GUI enabled.
6179gui_athena Compiled with Athena GUI.
Bram Moolenaar2a8a3ec2011-01-08 16:06:37 +01006180gui_gnome Compiled with Gnome support (gui_gtk is also defined).
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006181gui_gtk Compiled with GTK+ GUI (any version).
6182gui_gtk2 Compiled with GTK+ 2 GUI (gui_gtk is also defined).
6183gui_mac Compiled with Macintosh GUI.
6184gui_motif Compiled with Motif GUI.
6185gui_photon Compiled with Photon GUI.
Bram Moolenaar2a8a3ec2011-01-08 16:06:37 +01006186gui_running Vim is running in the GUI, or it will start soon.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006187gui_win32 Compiled with MS Windows Win32 GUI.
6188gui_win32s idem, and Win32s system being used (Windows 3.1)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006189hangul_input Compiled with Hangul input support. |hangul|
6190iconv Can use iconv() for conversion.
6191insert_expand Compiled with support for CTRL-X expansion commands in
6192 Insert mode.
6193jumplist Compiled with |jumplist| support.
6194keymap Compiled with 'keymap' support.
6195langmap Compiled with 'langmap' support.
6196libcall Compiled with |libcall()| support.
6197linebreak Compiled with 'linebreak', 'breakat' and 'showbreak'
6198 support.
6199lispindent Compiled with support for lisp indenting.
6200listcmds Compiled with commands for the buffer list |:files|
6201 and the argument list |arglist|.
6202localmap Compiled with local mappings and abbr. |:map-local|
Bram Moolenaar0ba04292010-07-14 23:23:17 +02006203lua Compiled with Lua interface |Lua|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006204mac Macintosh version of Vim.
6205macunix Macintosh version of Vim, using Unix files (OS-X).
6206menu Compiled with support for |:menu|.
6207mksession Compiled with support for |:mksession|.
6208modify_fname Compiled with file name modifiers. |filename-modifiers|
6209mouse Compiled with support mouse.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006210mouse_dec Compiled with support for Dec terminal mouse.
6211mouse_gpm Compiled with support for gpm (Linux console mouse)
6212mouse_netterm Compiled with support for netterm mouse.
6213mouse_pterm Compiled with support for qnx pterm mouse.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006214mouse_sysmouse Compiled with support for sysmouse (*BSD console mouse)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006215mouse_xterm Compiled with support for xterm mouse.
Bram Moolenaar2a8a3ec2011-01-08 16:06:37 +01006216mouseshape Compiled with support for 'mouseshape'.
Bram Moolenaar42022d52008-12-09 09:57:49 +00006217multi_byte Compiled with support for 'encoding'
6218multi_byte_encoding 'encoding' is set to a multi-byte encoding.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006219multi_byte_ime Compiled with support for IME input method.
6220multi_lang Compiled with support for multiple languages.
Bram Moolenaar325b7a22004-07-05 15:58:32 +00006221mzscheme Compiled with MzScheme interface |mzscheme|.
Bram Moolenaarb26e6322010-05-22 21:34:09 +02006222netbeans_enabled Compiled with support for |netbeans| and connected.
Bram Moolenaar2a8a3ec2011-01-08 16:06:37 +01006223netbeans_intg Compiled with support for |netbeans|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006224ole Compiled with OLE automation support for Win32.
6225os2 OS/2 version of Vim.
6226osfiletype Compiled with support for osfiletypes |+osfiletype|
6227path_extra Compiled with up/downwards search in 'path' and 'tags'
6228perl Compiled with Perl interface.
Bram Moolenaar55debbe2010-05-23 23:34:36 +02006229persistent_undo Compiled with support for persistent undo history.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006230postscript Compiled with PostScript file printing.
6231printer Compiled with |:hardcopy| support.
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00006232profile Compiled with |:profile| support.
Bram Moolenaar446beb42011-05-10 17:18:44 +02006233python Compiled with Python 2.x interface. |has-python|
6234python3 Compiled with Python 3.x interface. |has-python|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006235qnx QNX version of Vim.
6236quickfix Compiled with |quickfix| support.
Bram Moolenaard68071d2006-05-02 22:08:30 +00006237reltime Compiled with |reltime()| support.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006238rightleft Compiled with 'rightleft' support.
6239ruby Compiled with Ruby interface |ruby|.
6240scrollbind Compiled with 'scrollbind' support.
6241showcmd Compiled with 'showcmd' support.
6242signs Compiled with |:sign| support.
6243smartindent Compiled with 'smartindent' support.
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00006244sniff Compiled with SNiFF interface support.
Bram Moolenaar2a8a3ec2011-01-08 16:06:37 +01006245spell Compiled with spell checking support |spell|.
Bram Moolenaaref94eec2009-11-11 13:22:11 +00006246startuptime Compiled with |--startuptime| support.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006247statusline Compiled with support for 'statusline', 'rulerformat'
6248 and special formats of 'titlestring' and 'iconstring'.
6249sun_workshop Compiled with support for Sun |workshop|.
Bram Moolenaar82cf9b62005-06-07 21:09:25 +00006250syntax Compiled with syntax highlighting support |syntax|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006251syntax_items There are active syntax highlighting items for the
6252 current buffer.
6253system Compiled to use system() instead of fork()/exec().
6254tag_binary Compiled with binary searching in tags files
6255 |tag-binary-search|.
6256tag_old_static Compiled with support for old static tags
6257 |tag-old-static|.
6258tag_any_white Compiled with support for any white characters in tags
6259 files |tag-any-white|.
6260tcl Compiled with Tcl interface.
6261terminfo Compiled with terminfo instead of termcap.
6262termresponse Compiled with support for |t_RV| and |v:termresponse|.
6263textobjects Compiled with support for |text-objects|.
6264tgetent Compiled with tgetent support, able to use a termcap
6265 or terminfo file.
6266title Compiled with window title support |'title'|.
6267toolbar Compiled with support for |gui-toolbar|.
6268unix Unix version of Vim.
6269user_commands User-defined commands.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006270vertsplit Compiled with vertically split windows |:vsplit|.
Bram Moolenaar2a8a3ec2011-01-08 16:06:37 +01006271vim_starting True while initial source'ing takes place. |startup|
6272viminfo Compiled with viminfo support.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006273virtualedit Compiled with 'virtualedit' option.
6274visual Compiled with Visual mode.
6275visualextra Compiled with extra Visual mode commands.
6276 |blockwise-operators|.
6277vms VMS version of Vim.
6278vreplace Compiled with |gR| and |gr| commands.
6279wildignore Compiled with 'wildignore' option.
6280wildmenu Compiled with 'wildmenu' option.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006281win16 Win16 version of Vim (MS-Windows 3.1).
Bram Moolenaard58e9292011-02-09 17:07:58 +01006282win32 Win32 version of Vim (MS-Windows 95 and later, 32 or
6283 64 bits)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006284win32unix Win32 version of Vim, using Unix files (Cygwin)
Bram Moolenaar2a8a3ec2011-01-08 16:06:37 +01006285win64 Win64 version of Vim (MS-Windows 64 bit).
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006286win95 Win32 version for MS-Windows 95/98/ME.
Bram Moolenaar2a8a3ec2011-01-08 16:06:37 +01006287winaltkeys Compiled with 'winaltkeys' option.
6288windows Compiled with support for more than one window.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006289writebackup Compiled with 'writebackup' default on.
6290xfontset Compiled with X fontset support |xfontset|.
6291xim Compiled with X input method support |xim|.
6292xsmp Compiled with X session management support.
6293xsmp_interact Compiled with interactive X session management support.
6294xterm_clipboard Compiled with support for xterm clipboard.
6295xterm_save Compiled with support for saving and restoring the
6296 xterm screen.
6297x11 Compiled with X11 support.
6298
6299 *string-match*
6300Matching a pattern in a String
6301
6302A regexp pattern as explained at |pattern| is normally used to find a match in
6303the buffer lines. When a pattern is used to find a match in a String, almost
6304everything works in the same way. The difference is that a String is handled
6305like it is one line. When it contains a "\n" character, this is not seen as a
6306line break for the pattern. It can be matched with a "\n" in the pattern, or
6307with ".". Example: >
6308 :let a = "aaaa\nxxxx"
6309 :echo matchstr(a, "..\n..")
6310 aa
6311 xx
6312 :echo matchstr(a, "a.x")
6313 a
6314 x
6315
6316Don't forget that "^" will only match at the first character of the String and
6317"$" at the last character of the string. They don't match after or before a
6318"\n".
6319
6320==============================================================================
63215. Defining functions *user-functions*
6322
6323New functions can be defined. These can be called just like builtin
6324functions. The function executes a sequence of Ex commands. Normal mode
6325commands can be executed with the |:normal| command.
6326
6327The function name must start with an uppercase letter, to avoid confusion with
6328builtin functions. To prevent from using the same name in different scripts
6329avoid obvious, short names. A good habit is to start the function name with
6330the name of the script, e.g., "HTMLcolor()".
6331
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00006332It's also possible to use curly braces, see |curly-braces-names|. And the
6333|autoload| facility is useful to define a function only when it's called.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006334
6335 *local-function*
6336A function local to a script must start with "s:". A local script function
6337can only be called from within the script and from functions, user commands
6338and autocommands defined in the script. It is also possible to call the
Bram Moolenaare37d50a2008-08-06 17:06:04 +00006339function from a mapping defined in the script, but then |<SID>| must be used
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006340instead of "s:" when the mapping is expanded outside of the script.
6341
6342 *:fu* *:function* *E128* *E129* *E123*
6343:fu[nction] List all functions and their arguments.
6344
6345:fu[nction] {name} List function {name}.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006346 {name} can also be a |Dictionary| entry that is a
6347 |Funcref|: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006348 :function dict.init
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00006349
6350:fu[nction] /{pattern} List functions with a name matching {pattern}.
6351 Example that lists all functions ending with "File": >
6352 :function /File$
Bram Moolenaar5b8d8fd2005-08-16 23:01:50 +00006353<
6354 *:function-verbose*
6355When 'verbose' is non-zero, listing a function will also display where it was
6356last defined. Example: >
6357
6358 :verbose function SetFileTypeSH
6359 function SetFileTypeSH(name)
6360 Last set from /usr/share/vim/vim-7.0/filetype.vim
6361<
Bram Moolenaar8aff23a2005-08-19 20:40:30 +00006362See |:verbose-cmd| for more information.
Bram Moolenaar5b8d8fd2005-08-16 23:01:50 +00006363
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00006364 *E124* *E125*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00006365:fu[nction][!] {name}([arguments]) [range] [abort] [dict]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006366 Define a new function by the name {name}. The name
6367 must be made of alphanumeric characters and '_', and
6368 must start with a capital or "s:" (see above).
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006369
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006370 {name} can also be a |Dictionary| entry that is a
6371 |Funcref|: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006372 :function dict.init(arg)
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006373< "dict" must be an existing dictionary. The entry
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006374 "init" is added if it didn't exist yet. Otherwise [!]
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006375 is required to overwrite an existing function. The
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006376 result is a |Funcref| to a numbered function. The
6377 function can only be used with a |Funcref| and will be
6378 deleted if there are no more references to it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006379 *E127* *E122*
6380 When a function by this name already exists and [!] is
6381 not used an error message is given. When [!] is used,
6382 an existing function is silently replaced. Unless it
6383 is currently being executed, that is an error.
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00006384
6385 For the {arguments} see |function-argument|.
6386
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006387 *a:firstline* *a:lastline*
6388 When the [range] argument is added, the function is
6389 expected to take care of a range itself. The range is
6390 passed as "a:firstline" and "a:lastline". If [range]
6391 is excluded, ":{range}call" will call the function for
6392 each line in the range, with the cursor on the start
6393 of each line. See |function-range-example|.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006394
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006395 When the [abort] argument is added, the function will
6396 abort as soon as an error is detected.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006397
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00006398 When the [dict] argument is added, the function must
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006399 be invoked through an entry in a |Dictionary|. The
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00006400 local variable "self" will then be set to the
6401 dictionary. See |Dictionary-function|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006402
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006403 *function-search-undo*
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00006404 The last used search pattern and the redo command "."
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006405 will not be changed by the function. This also
6406 implies that the effect of |:nohlsearch| is undone
6407 when the function returns.
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00006408
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006409 *:endf* *:endfunction* *E126* *E193*
6410:endf[unction] The end of a function definition. Must be on a line
6411 by its own, without other commands.
6412
6413 *:delf* *:delfunction* *E130* *E131*
6414:delf[unction] {name} Delete function {name}.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006415 {name} can also be a |Dictionary| entry that is a
6416 |Funcref|: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006417 :delfunc dict.init
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006418< This will remove the "init" entry from "dict". The
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006419 function is deleted if there are no more references to
6420 it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006421 *:retu* *:return* *E133*
6422:retu[rn] [expr] Return from a function. When "[expr]" is given, it is
6423 evaluated and returned as the result of the function.
6424 If "[expr]" is not given, the number 0 is returned.
6425 When a function ends without an explicit ":return",
6426 the number 0 is returned.
6427 Note that there is no check for unreachable lines,
6428 thus there is no warning if commands follow ":return".
6429
6430 If the ":return" is used after a |:try| but before the
6431 matching |:finally| (if present), the commands
6432 following the ":finally" up to the matching |:endtry|
6433 are executed first. This process applies to all
6434 nested ":try"s inside the function. The function
6435 returns at the outermost ":endtry".
6436
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00006437 *function-argument* *a:var*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006438An argument can be defined by giving its name. In the function this can then
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00006439be used as "a:name" ("a:" for argument).
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006440 *a:0* *a:1* *a:000* *E740* *...*
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00006441Up to 20 arguments can be given, separated by commas. After the named
6442arguments an argument "..." can be specified, which means that more arguments
6443may optionally be following. In the function the extra arguments can be used
6444as "a:1", "a:2", etc. "a:0" is set to the number of extra arguments (which
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006445can be 0). "a:000" is set to a |List| that contains these arguments. Note
6446that "a:1" is the same as "a:000[0]".
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00006447 *E742*
6448The a: scope and the variables in it cannot be changed, they are fixed.
Bram Moolenaare37d50a2008-08-06 17:06:04 +00006449However, if a |List| or |Dictionary| is used, you can change their contents.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006450Thus you can pass a |List| to a function and have the function add an item to
6451it. If you want to make sure the function cannot change a |List| or
6452|Dictionary| use |:lockvar|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006453
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00006454When not using "...", the number of arguments in a function call must be equal
6455to the number of named arguments. When using "...", the number of arguments
6456may be larger.
6457
6458It is also possible to define a function without any arguments. You must
6459still supply the () then. The body of the function follows in the next lines,
6460until the matching |:endfunction|. It is allowed to define another function
6461inside a function body.
6462
6463 *local-variables*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006464Inside a function variables can be used. These are local variables, which
6465will disappear when the function returns. Global variables need to be
6466accessed with "g:".
6467
6468Example: >
6469 :function Table(title, ...)
6470 : echohl Title
6471 : echo a:title
6472 : echohl None
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00006473 : echo a:0 . " items:"
6474 : for s in a:000
6475 : echon ' ' . s
6476 : endfor
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006477 :endfunction
6478
6479This function can then be called with: >
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00006480 call Table("Table", "line1", "line2")
6481 call Table("Empty Table")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006482
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006483To return more than one value, return a |List|: >
6484 :function Compute(n1, n2)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006485 : if a:n2 == 0
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006486 : return ["fail", 0]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006487 : endif
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006488 : return ["ok", a:n1 / a:n2]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006489 :endfunction
6490
6491This function can then be called with: >
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006492 :let [success, div] = Compute(102, 6)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006493 :if success == "ok"
6494 : echo div
6495 :endif
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006496<
Bram Moolenaar39f05632006-03-19 22:15:26 +00006497 *:cal* *:call* *E107* *E117*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006498:[range]cal[l] {name}([arguments])
6499 Call a function. The name of the function and its arguments
6500 are as specified with |:function|. Up to 20 arguments can be
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006501 used. The returned value is discarded.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006502 Without a range and for functions that accept a range, the
6503 function is called once. When a range is given the cursor is
6504 positioned at the start of the first line before executing the
6505 function.
6506 When a range is given and the function doesn't handle it
6507 itself, the function is executed for each line in the range,
6508 with the cursor in the first column of that line. The cursor
6509 is left at the last line (possibly moved by the last function
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006510 call). The arguments are re-evaluated for each line. Thus
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006511 this works:
6512 *function-range-example* >
6513 :function Mynumber(arg)
6514 : echo line(".") . " " . a:arg
6515 :endfunction
6516 :1,5call Mynumber(getline("."))
6517<
6518 The "a:firstline" and "a:lastline" are defined anyway, they
6519 can be used to do something different at the start or end of
6520 the range.
6521
6522 Example of a function that handles the range itself: >
6523
6524 :function Cont() range
6525 : execute (a:firstline + 1) . "," . a:lastline . 's/^/\t\\ '
6526 :endfunction
6527 :4,8call Cont()
6528<
6529 This function inserts the continuation character "\" in front
6530 of all the lines in the range, except the first one.
6531
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006532 When the function returns a composite value it can be further
6533 dereferenced, but the range will not be used then. Example: >
6534 :4,8call GetDict().method()
6535< Here GetDict() gets the range but method() does not.
6536
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006537 *E132*
6538The recursiveness of user functions is restricted with the |'maxfuncdepth'|
6539option.
6540
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006541
6542AUTOMATICALLY LOADING FUNCTIONS ~
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006543 *autoload-functions*
6544When using many or large functions, it's possible to automatically define them
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006545only when they are used. There are two methods: with an autocommand and with
6546the "autoload" directory in 'runtimepath'.
6547
6548
6549Using an autocommand ~
6550
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00006551This is introduced in the user manual, section |41.14|.
6552
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006553The autocommand is useful if you have a plugin that is a long Vim script file.
6554You can define the autocommand and quickly quit the script with |:finish|.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006555That makes Vim startup faster. The autocommand should then load the same file
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006556again, setting a variable to skip the |:finish| command.
6557
6558Use the FuncUndefined autocommand event with a pattern that matches the
6559function(s) to be defined. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006560
6561 :au FuncUndefined BufNet* source ~/vim/bufnetfuncs.vim
6562
6563The file "~/vim/bufnetfuncs.vim" should then define functions that start with
6564"BufNet". Also see |FuncUndefined|.
6565
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006566
6567Using an autoload script ~
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00006568 *autoload* *E746*
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00006569This is introduced in the user manual, section |41.15|.
6570
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006571Using a script in the "autoload" directory is simpler, but requires using
6572exactly the right file name. A function that can be autoloaded has a name
6573like this: >
6574
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00006575 :call filename#funcname()
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006576
6577When such a function is called, and it is not defined yet, Vim will search the
6578"autoload" directories in 'runtimepath' for a script file called
6579"filename.vim". For example "~/.vim/autoload/filename.vim". That file should
6580then define the function like this: >
6581
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00006582 function filename#funcname()
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006583 echo "Done!"
6584 endfunction
6585
Bram Moolenaar60a795a2005-09-16 21:55:43 +00006586The file name and the name used before the # in the function must match
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006587exactly, and the defined function must have the name exactly as it will be
6588called.
6589
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00006590It is possible to use subdirectories. Every # in the function name works like
6591a path separator. Thus when calling a function: >
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006592
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00006593 :call foo#bar#func()
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006594
6595Vim will look for the file "autoload/foo/bar.vim" in 'runtimepath'.
6596
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00006597This also works when reading a variable that has not been set yet: >
6598
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00006599 :let l = foo#bar#lvar
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00006600
Bram Moolenaara5792f52005-11-23 21:25:05 +00006601However, when the autoload script was already loaded it won't be loaded again
6602for an unknown variable.
6603
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00006604When assigning a value to such a variable nothing special happens. This can
6605be used to pass settings to the autoload script before it's loaded: >
6606
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00006607 :let foo#bar#toggle = 1
6608 :call foo#bar#func()
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00006609
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00006610Note that when you make a mistake and call a function that is supposed to be
6611defined in an autoload script, but the script doesn't actually define the
6612function, the script will be sourced every time you try to call the function.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00006613And you will get an error message every time.
6614
6615Also note that if you have two script files, and one calls a function in the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006616other and vice versa, before the used function is defined, it won't work.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00006617Avoid using the autoload functionality at the toplevel.
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00006618
Bram Moolenaar433f7c82006-03-21 21:29:36 +00006619Hint: If you distribute a bunch of scripts you can pack them together with the
6620|vimball| utility. Also read the user manual |distribute-script|.
6621
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006622==============================================================================
66236. Curly braces names *curly-braces-names*
6624
6625Wherever you can use a variable, you can use a "curly braces name" variable.
6626This is a regular variable name with one or more expressions wrapped in braces
6627{} like this: >
6628 my_{adjective}_variable
6629
6630When Vim encounters this, it evaluates the expression inside the braces, puts
6631that in place of the expression, and re-interprets the whole as a variable
6632name. So in the above example, if the variable "adjective" was set to
6633"noisy", then the reference would be to "my_noisy_variable", whereas if
6634"adjective" was set to "quiet", then it would be to "my_quiet_variable".
6635
6636One application for this is to create a set of variables governed by an option
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006637value. For example, the statement >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006638 echo my_{&background}_message
6639
6640would output the contents of "my_dark_message" or "my_light_message" depending
6641on the current value of 'background'.
6642
6643You can use multiple brace pairs: >
6644 echo my_{adverb}_{adjective}_message
6645..or even nest them: >
6646 echo my_{ad{end_of_word}}_message
6647where "end_of_word" is either "verb" or "jective".
6648
6649However, the expression inside the braces must evaluate to a valid single
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00006650variable name, e.g. this is invalid: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006651 :let foo='a + b'
6652 :echo c{foo}d
6653.. since the result of expansion is "ca + bd", which is not a variable name.
6654
6655 *curly-braces-function-names*
6656You can call and define functions by an evaluated name in a similar way.
6657Example: >
6658 :let func_end='whizz'
6659 :call my_func_{func_end}(parameter)
6660
6661This would call the function "my_func_whizz(parameter)".
6662
6663==============================================================================
66647. Commands *expression-commands*
6665
6666:let {var-name} = {expr1} *:let* *E18*
6667 Set internal variable {var-name} to the result of the
6668 expression {expr1}. The variable will get the type
6669 from the {expr}. If {var-name} didn't exist yet, it
6670 is created.
6671
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00006672:let {var-name}[{idx}] = {expr1} *E689*
6673 Set a list item to the result of the expression
6674 {expr1}. {var-name} must refer to a list and {idx}
6675 must be a valid index in that list. For nested list
6676 the index can be repeated.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006677 This cannot be used to add an item to a |List|.
6678 This cannot be used to set a byte in a String. You
6679 can do that like this: >
6680 :let var = var[0:2] . 'X' . var[4:]
6681<
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006682 *E711* *E719*
6683:let {var-name}[{idx1}:{idx2}] = {expr1} *E708* *E709* *E710*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006684 Set a sequence of items in a |List| to the result of
6685 the expression {expr1}, which must be a list with the
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00006686 correct number of items.
6687 {idx1} can be omitted, zero is used instead.
6688 {idx2} can be omitted, meaning the end of the list.
6689 When the selected range of items is partly past the
6690 end of the list, items will be added.
6691
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00006692 *:let+=* *:let-=* *:let.=* *E734*
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006693:let {var} += {expr1} Like ":let {var} = {var} + {expr1}".
6694:let {var} -= {expr1} Like ":let {var} = {var} - {expr1}".
6695:let {var} .= {expr1} Like ":let {var} = {var} . {expr1}".
6696 These fail if {var} was not set yet and when the type
6697 of {var} and {expr1} don't fit the operator.
6698
6699
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006700:let ${env-name} = {expr1} *:let-environment* *:let-$*
6701 Set environment variable {env-name} to the result of
6702 the expression {expr1}. The type is always String.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006703:let ${env-name} .= {expr1}
6704 Append {expr1} to the environment variable {env-name}.
6705 If the environment variable didn't exist yet this
6706 works like "=".
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006707
6708:let @{reg-name} = {expr1} *:let-register* *:let-@*
6709 Write the result of the expression {expr1} in register
6710 {reg-name}. {reg-name} must be a single letter, and
6711 must be the name of a writable register (see
6712 |registers|). "@@" can be used for the unnamed
6713 register, "@/" for the search pattern.
6714 If the result of {expr1} ends in a <CR> or <NL>, the
6715 register will be linewise, otherwise it will be set to
6716 characterwise.
6717 This can be used to clear the last search pattern: >
6718 :let @/ = ""
6719< This is different from searching for an empty string,
6720 that would match everywhere.
6721
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006722:let @{reg-name} .= {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006723 Append {expr1} to register {reg-name}. If the
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006724 register was empty it's like setting it to {expr1}.
6725
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006726:let &{option-name} = {expr1} *:let-option* *:let-&*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006727 Set option {option-name} to the result of the
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00006728 expression {expr1}. A String or Number value is
6729 always converted to the type of the option.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006730 For an option local to a window or buffer the effect
6731 is just like using the |:set| command: both the local
Bram Moolenaara5fac542005-10-12 20:58:49 +00006732 value and the global value are changed.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00006733 Example: >
6734 :let &path = &path . ',/usr/local/include'
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006735
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006736:let &{option-name} .= {expr1}
6737 For a string option: Append {expr1} to the value.
6738 Does not insert a comma like |:set+=|.
6739
6740:let &{option-name} += {expr1}
6741:let &{option-name} -= {expr1}
6742 For a number or boolean option: Add or subtract
6743 {expr1}.
6744
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006745:let &l:{option-name} = {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006746:let &l:{option-name} .= {expr1}
6747:let &l:{option-name} += {expr1}
6748:let &l:{option-name} -= {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006749 Like above, but only set the local value of an option
6750 (if there is one). Works like |:setlocal|.
6751
6752:let &g:{option-name} = {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006753:let &g:{option-name} .= {expr1}
6754:let &g:{option-name} += {expr1}
6755:let &g:{option-name} -= {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006756 Like above, but only set the global value of an option
6757 (if there is one). Works like |:setglobal|.
6758
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00006759:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] = {expr1} *:let-unpack* *E687* *E688*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006760 {expr1} must evaluate to a |List|. The first item in
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00006761 the list is assigned to {name1}, the second item to
6762 {name2}, etc.
6763 The number of names must match the number of items in
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006764 the |List|.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00006765 Each name can be one of the items of the ":let"
6766 command as mentioned above.
6767 Example: >
6768 :let [s, item] = GetItem(s)
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006769< Detail: {expr1} is evaluated first, then the
6770 assignments are done in sequence. This matters if
6771 {name2} depends on {name1}. Example: >
6772 :let x = [0, 1]
6773 :let i = 0
6774 :let [i, x[i]] = [1, 2]
6775 :echo x
6776< The result is [0, 2].
6777
6778:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] .= {expr1}
6779:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] += {expr1}
6780:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] -= {expr1}
6781 Like above, but append/add/subtract the value for each
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006782 |List| item.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00006783
6784:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] = {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006785 Like |:let-unpack| above, but the |List| may have more
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006786 items than there are names. A list of the remaining
6787 items is assigned to {lastname}. If there are no
6788 remaining items {lastname} is set to an empty list.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00006789 Example: >
6790 :let [a, b; rest] = ["aval", "bval", 3, 4]
6791<
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006792:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] .= {expr1}
6793:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] += {expr1}
6794:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] -= {expr1}
6795 Like above, but append/add/subtract the value for each
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006796 |List| item.
Bram Moolenaar4a748032010-09-30 21:47:56 +02006797
6798 *E121*
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006799:let {var-name} .. List the value of variable {var-name}. Multiple
Bram Moolenaardcaf10e2005-01-21 11:55:25 +00006800 variable names may be given. Special names recognized
6801 here: *E738*
Bram Moolenaarca003e12006-03-17 23:19:38 +00006802 g: global variables
6803 b: local buffer variables
6804 w: local window variables
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00006805 t: local tab page variables
Bram Moolenaarca003e12006-03-17 23:19:38 +00006806 s: script-local variables
6807 l: local function variables
Bram Moolenaardcaf10e2005-01-21 11:55:25 +00006808 v: Vim variables.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006809
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00006810:let List the values of all variables. The type of the
6811 variable is indicated before the value:
6812 <nothing> String
6813 # Number
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00006814 * Funcref
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006815
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00006816
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00006817:unl[et][!] {name} ... *:unlet* *:unl* *E108* *E795*
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00006818 Remove the internal variable {name}. Several variable
6819 names can be given, they are all removed. The name
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006820 may also be a |List| or |Dictionary| item.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006821 With [!] no error message is given for non-existing
6822 variables.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006823 One or more items from a |List| can be removed: >
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +00006824 :unlet list[3] " remove fourth item
6825 :unlet list[3:] " remove fourth item to last
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006826< One item from a |Dictionary| can be removed at a time: >
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +00006827 :unlet dict['two']
6828 :unlet dict.two
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +00006829< This is especially useful to clean up used global
6830 variables and script-local variables (these are not
6831 deleted when the script ends). Function-local
6832 variables are automatically deleted when the function
6833 ends.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006834
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00006835:lockv[ar][!] [depth] {name} ... *:lockvar* *:lockv*
6836 Lock the internal variable {name}. Locking means that
6837 it can no longer be changed (until it is unlocked).
6838 A locked variable can be deleted: >
6839 :lockvar v
6840 :let v = 'asdf' " fails!
6841 :unlet v
6842< *E741*
6843 If you try to change a locked variable you get an
6844 error message: "E741: Value of {name} is locked"
6845
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006846 [depth] is relevant when locking a |List| or
6847 |Dictionary|. It specifies how deep the locking goes:
6848 1 Lock the |List| or |Dictionary| itself,
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00006849 cannot add or remove items, but can
6850 still change their values.
6851 2 Also lock the values, cannot change
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006852 the items. If an item is a |List| or
6853 |Dictionary|, cannot add or remove
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00006854 items, but can still change the
6855 values.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006856 3 Like 2 but for the |List| /
6857 |Dictionary| in the |List| /
6858 |Dictionary|, one level deeper.
6859 The default [depth] is 2, thus when {name} is a |List|
6860 or |Dictionary| the values cannot be changed.
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00006861 *E743*
6862 For unlimited depth use [!] and omit [depth].
6863 However, there is a maximum depth of 100 to catch
6864 loops.
6865
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00006866 Note that when two variables refer to the same |List|
6867 and you lock one of them, the |List| will also be
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00006868 locked when used through the other variable.
6869 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00006870 :let l = [0, 1, 2, 3]
6871 :let cl = l
6872 :lockvar l
6873 :let cl[1] = 99 " won't work!
6874< You may want to make a copy of a list to avoid this.
6875 See |deepcopy()|.
6876
6877
6878:unlo[ckvar][!] [depth] {name} ... *:unlockvar* *:unlo*
6879 Unlock the internal variable {name}. Does the
6880 opposite of |:lockvar|.
6881
6882
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006883:if {expr1} *:if* *:endif* *:en* *E171* *E579* *E580*
6884:en[dif] Execute the commands until the next matching ":else"
6885 or ":endif" if {expr1} evaluates to non-zero.
6886
6887 From Vim version 4.5 until 5.0, every Ex command in
6888 between the ":if" and ":endif" is ignored. These two
6889 commands were just to allow for future expansions in a
6890 backwards compatible way. Nesting was allowed. Note
6891 that any ":else" or ":elseif" was ignored, the "else"
6892 part was not executed either.
6893
6894 You can use this to remain compatible with older
6895 versions: >
6896 :if version >= 500
6897 : version-5-specific-commands
6898 :endif
6899< The commands still need to be parsed to find the
6900 "endif". Sometimes an older Vim has a problem with a
6901 new command. For example, ":silent" is recognized as
6902 a ":substitute" command. In that case ":execute" can
6903 avoid problems: >
6904 :if version >= 600
6905 : execute "silent 1,$delete"
6906 :endif
6907<
6908 NOTE: The ":append" and ":insert" commands don't work
6909 properly in between ":if" and ":endif".
6910
6911 *:else* *:el* *E581* *E583*
6912:el[se] Execute the commands until the next matching ":else"
6913 or ":endif" if they previously were not being
6914 executed.
6915
6916 *:elseif* *:elsei* *E582* *E584*
6917:elsei[f] {expr1} Short for ":else" ":if", with the addition that there
6918 is no extra ":endif".
6919
6920:wh[ile] {expr1} *:while* *:endwhile* *:wh* *:endw*
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006921 *E170* *E585* *E588* *E733*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006922:endw[hile] Repeat the commands between ":while" and ":endwhile",
6923 as long as {expr1} evaluates to non-zero.
6924 When an error is detected from a command inside the
6925 loop, execution continues after the "endwhile".
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00006926 Example: >
6927 :let lnum = 1
6928 :while lnum <= line("$")
6929 :call FixLine(lnum)
6930 :let lnum = lnum + 1
6931 :endwhile
6932<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006933 NOTE: The ":append" and ":insert" commands don't work
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00006934 properly inside a ":while" and ":for" loop.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006935
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00006936:for {var} in {list} *:for* *E690* *E732*
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00006937:endfo[r] *:endfo* *:endfor*
6938 Repeat the commands between ":for" and ":endfor" for
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00006939 each item in {list}. Variable {var} is set to the
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00006940 value of each item.
6941 When an error is detected for a command inside the
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00006942 loop, execution continues after the "endfor".
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00006943 Changing {list} inside the loop affects what items are
6944 used. Make a copy if this is unwanted: >
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00006945 :for item in copy(mylist)
6946< When not making a copy, Vim stores a reference to the
6947 next item in the list, before executing the commands
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00006948 with the current item. Thus the current item can be
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00006949 removed without effect. Removing any later item means
6950 it will not be found. Thus the following example
6951 works (an inefficient way to make a list empty): >
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01006952 for item in mylist
6953 call remove(mylist, 0)
6954 endfor
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00006955< Note that reordering the list (e.g., with sort() or
6956 reverse()) may have unexpected effects.
6957 Note that the type of each list item should be
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00006958 identical to avoid errors for the type of {var}
6959 changing. Unlet the variable at the end of the loop
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01006960 to allow multiple item types: >
6961 for item in ["foo", ["bar"]]
6962 echo item
6963 unlet item " E706 without this
6964 endfor
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00006965
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00006966:for [{var1}, {var2}, ...] in {listlist}
6967:endfo[r]
6968 Like ":for" above, but each item in {listlist} must be
6969 a list, of which each item is assigned to {var1},
6970 {var2}, etc. Example: >
6971 :for [lnum, col] in [[1, 3], [2, 5], [3, 8]]
6972 :echo getline(lnum)[col]
6973 :endfor
6974<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006975 *:continue* *:con* *E586*
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00006976:con[tinue] When used inside a ":while" or ":for" loop, jumps back
6977 to the start of the loop.
6978 If it is used after a |:try| inside the loop but
6979 before the matching |:finally| (if present), the
6980 commands following the ":finally" up to the matching
6981 |:endtry| are executed first. This process applies to
6982 all nested ":try"s inside the loop. The outermost
6983 ":endtry" then jumps back to the start of the loop.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006984
6985 *:break* *:brea* *E587*
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00006986:brea[k] When used inside a ":while" or ":for" loop, skips to
6987 the command after the matching ":endwhile" or
6988 ":endfor".
6989 If it is used after a |:try| inside the loop but
6990 before the matching |:finally| (if present), the
6991 commands following the ":finally" up to the matching
6992 |:endtry| are executed first. This process applies to
6993 all nested ":try"s inside the loop. The outermost
6994 ":endtry" then jumps to the command after the loop.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006995
6996:try *:try* *:endt* *:endtry* *E600* *E601* *E602*
6997:endt[ry] Change the error handling for the commands between
6998 ":try" and ":endtry" including everything being
6999 executed across ":source" commands, function calls,
7000 or autocommand invocations.
7001
7002 When an error or interrupt is detected and there is
7003 a |:finally| command following, execution continues
7004 after the ":finally". Otherwise, or when the
7005 ":endtry" is reached thereafter, the next
7006 (dynamically) surrounding ":try" is checked for
7007 a corresponding ":finally" etc. Then the script
7008 processing is terminated. (Whether a function
7009 definition has an "abort" argument does not matter.)
7010 Example: >
7011 :try | edit too much | finally | echo "cleanup" | endtry
7012 :echo "impossible" " not reached, script terminated above
7013<
7014 Moreover, an error or interrupt (dynamically) inside
7015 ":try" and ":endtry" is converted to an exception. It
7016 can be caught as if it were thrown by a |:throw|
7017 command (see |:catch|). In this case, the script
7018 processing is not terminated.
7019
7020 The value "Vim:Interrupt" is used for an interrupt
7021 exception. An error in a Vim command is converted
7022 to a value of the form "Vim({command}):{errmsg}",
7023 other errors are converted to a value of the form
7024 "Vim:{errmsg}". {command} is the full command name,
7025 and {errmsg} is the message that is displayed if the
7026 error exception is not caught, always beginning with
7027 the error number.
7028 Examples: >
7029 :try | sleep 100 | catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/ | endtry
7030 :try | edit | catch /^Vim(edit):E\d\+/ | echo "error" | endtry
7031<
7032 *:cat* *:catch* *E603* *E604* *E605*
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01007033:cat[ch] /{pattern}/ The following commands until the next |:catch|,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007034 |:finally|, or |:endtry| that belongs to the same
7035 |:try| as the ":catch" are executed when an exception
7036 matching {pattern} is being thrown and has not yet
7037 been caught by a previous ":catch". Otherwise, these
7038 commands are skipped.
7039 When {pattern} is omitted all errors are caught.
7040 Examples: >
7041 :catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/ " catch interrupts (CTRL-C)
7042 :catch /^Vim\%((\a\+)\)\=:E/ " catch all Vim errors
7043 :catch /^Vim\%((\a\+)\)\=:/ " catch errors and interrupts
7044 :catch /^Vim(write):/ " catch all errors in :write
7045 :catch /^Vim\%((\a\+)\)\=:E123/ " catch error E123
7046 :catch /my-exception/ " catch user exception
7047 :catch /.*/ " catch everything
7048 :catch " same as /.*/
7049<
7050 Another character can be used instead of / around the
7051 {pattern}, so long as it does not have a special
7052 meaning (e.g., '|' or '"') and doesn't occur inside
7053 {pattern}.
7054 NOTE: It is not reliable to ":catch" the TEXT of
7055 an error message because it may vary in different
7056 locales.
7057
7058 *:fina* *:finally* *E606* *E607*
7059:fina[lly] The following commands until the matching |:endtry|
7060 are executed whenever the part between the matching
7061 |:try| and the ":finally" is left: either by falling
7062 through to the ":finally" or by a |:continue|,
7063 |:break|, |:finish|, or |:return|, or by an error or
7064 interrupt or exception (see |:throw|).
7065
7066 *:th* *:throw* *E608*
7067:th[row] {expr1} The {expr1} is evaluated and thrown as an exception.
7068 If the ":throw" is used after a |:try| but before the
7069 first corresponding |:catch|, commands are skipped
7070 until the first ":catch" matching {expr1} is reached.
7071 If there is no such ":catch" or if the ":throw" is
7072 used after a ":catch" but before the |:finally|, the
7073 commands following the ":finally" (if present) up to
7074 the matching |:endtry| are executed. If the ":throw"
7075 is after the ":finally", commands up to the ":endtry"
7076 are skipped. At the ":endtry", this process applies
7077 again for the next dynamically surrounding ":try"
7078 (which may be found in a calling function or sourcing
7079 script), until a matching ":catch" has been found.
7080 If the exception is not caught, the command processing
7081 is terminated.
7082 Example: >
7083 :try | throw "oops" | catch /^oo/ | echo "caught" | endtry
Bram Moolenaar662db672011-03-22 14:05:35 +01007084< Note that "catch" may need to be on a separate line
7085 for when an error causes the parsing to skip the whole
7086 line and not see the "|" that separates the commands.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007087
7088 *:ec* *:echo*
7089:ec[ho] {expr1} .. Echoes each {expr1}, with a space in between. The
7090 first {expr1} starts on a new line.
7091 Also see |:comment|.
7092 Use "\n" to start a new line. Use "\r" to move the
7093 cursor to the first column.
7094 Uses the highlighting set by the |:echohl| command.
7095 Cannot be followed by a comment.
7096 Example: >
7097 :echo "the value of 'shell' is" &shell
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00007098< *:echo-redraw*
7099 A later redraw may make the message disappear again.
7100 And since Vim mostly postpones redrawing until it's
7101 finished with a sequence of commands this happens
7102 quite often. To avoid that a command from before the
7103 ":echo" causes a redraw afterwards (redraws are often
7104 postponed until you type something), force a redraw
7105 with the |:redraw| command. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007106 :new | redraw | echo "there is a new window"
7107<
7108 *:echon*
7109:echon {expr1} .. Echoes each {expr1}, without anything added. Also see
7110 |:comment|.
7111 Uses the highlighting set by the |:echohl| command.
7112 Cannot be followed by a comment.
7113 Example: >
7114 :echon "the value of 'shell' is " &shell
7115<
7116 Note the difference between using ":echo", which is a
7117 Vim command, and ":!echo", which is an external shell
7118 command: >
7119 :!echo % --> filename
7120< The arguments of ":!" are expanded, see |:_%|. >
7121 :!echo "%" --> filename or "filename"
7122< Like the previous example. Whether you see the double
7123 quotes or not depends on your 'shell'. >
7124 :echo % --> nothing
7125< The '%' is an illegal character in an expression. >
7126 :echo "%" --> %
7127< This just echoes the '%' character. >
7128 :echo expand("%") --> filename
7129< This calls the expand() function to expand the '%'.
7130
7131 *:echoh* *:echohl*
7132:echoh[l] {name} Use the highlight group {name} for the following
7133 |:echo|, |:echon| and |:echomsg| commands. Also used
7134 for the |input()| prompt. Example: >
7135 :echohl WarningMsg | echo "Don't panic!" | echohl None
7136< Don't forget to set the group back to "None",
7137 otherwise all following echo's will be highlighted.
7138
7139 *:echom* *:echomsg*
7140:echom[sg] {expr1} .. Echo the expression(s) as a true message, saving the
7141 message in the |message-history|.
7142 Spaces are placed between the arguments as with the
7143 |:echo| command. But unprintable characters are
7144 displayed, not interpreted.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00007145 The parsing works slightly different from |:echo|,
7146 more like |:execute|. All the expressions are first
7147 evaluated and concatenated before echoing anything.
7148 The expressions must evaluate to a Number or String, a
7149 Dictionary or List causes an error.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007150 Uses the highlighting set by the |:echohl| command.
7151 Example: >
7152 :echomsg "It's a Zizzer Zazzer Zuzz, as you can plainly see."
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00007153< See |:echo-redraw| to avoid the message disappearing
7154 when the screen is redrawn.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007155 *:echoe* *:echoerr*
7156:echoe[rr] {expr1} .. Echo the expression(s) as an error message, saving the
7157 message in the |message-history|. When used in a
7158 script or function the line number will be added.
7159 Spaces are placed between the arguments as with the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007160 :echo command. When used inside a try conditional,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007161 the message is raised as an error exception instead
7162 (see |try-echoerr|).
7163 Example: >
7164 :echoerr "This script just failed!"
7165< If you just want a highlighted message use |:echohl|.
7166 And to get a beep: >
7167 :exe "normal \<Esc>"
7168<
7169 *:exe* *:execute*
7170:exe[cute] {expr1} .. Executes the string that results from the evaluation
Bram Moolenaar00a927d2010-05-14 23:24:24 +02007171 of {expr1} as an Ex command.
7172 Multiple arguments are concatenated, with a space in
7173 between. To avoid the extra space use the "."
7174 operator to concatenate strings into one argument.
7175 {expr1} is used as the processed command, command line
7176 editing keys are not recognized.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007177 Cannot be followed by a comment.
7178 Examples: >
Bram Moolenaar00a927d2010-05-14 23:24:24 +02007179 :execute "buffer" nextbuf
7180 :execute "normal" count . "w"
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007181<
7182 ":execute" can be used to append a command to commands
7183 that don't accept a '|'. Example: >
7184 :execute '!ls' | echo "theend"
7185
7186< ":execute" is also a nice way to avoid having to type
7187 control characters in a Vim script for a ":normal"
7188 command: >
7189 :execute "normal ixxx\<Esc>"
7190< This has an <Esc> character, see |expr-string|.
7191
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007192 Be careful to correctly escape special characters in
7193 file names. The |fnameescape()| function can be used
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00007194 for Vim commands, |shellescape()| for |:!| commands.
7195 Examples: >
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007196 :execute "e " . fnameescape(filename)
Bram Moolenaar05bb9532008-07-04 09:44:11 +00007197 :execute "!ls " . shellescape(expand('%:h'), 1)
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007198<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007199 Note: The executed string may be any command-line, but
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00007200 you cannot start or end a "while", "for" or "if"
7201 command. Thus this is illegal: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007202 :execute 'while i > 5'
7203 :execute 'echo "test" | break'
7204<
7205 It is allowed to have a "while" or "if" command
7206 completely in the executed string: >
7207 :execute 'while i < 5 | echo i | let i = i + 1 | endwhile'
7208<
7209
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01007210 *:exe-comment*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007211 ":execute", ":echo" and ":echon" cannot be followed by
7212 a comment directly, because they see the '"' as the
7213 start of a string. But, you can use '|' followed by a
7214 comment. Example: >
7215 :echo "foo" | "this is a comment
7216
7217==============================================================================
72188. Exception handling *exception-handling*
7219
7220The Vim script language comprises an exception handling feature. This section
7221explains how it can be used in a Vim script.
7222
7223Exceptions may be raised by Vim on an error or on interrupt, see
7224|catch-errors| and |catch-interrupt|. You can also explicitly throw an
7225exception by using the ":throw" command, see |throw-catch|.
7226
7227
7228TRY CONDITIONALS *try-conditionals*
7229
7230Exceptions can be caught or can cause cleanup code to be executed. You can
7231use a try conditional to specify catch clauses (that catch exceptions) and/or
7232a finally clause (to be executed for cleanup).
7233 A try conditional begins with a |:try| command and ends at the matching
7234|:endtry| command. In between, you can use a |:catch| command to start
7235a catch clause, or a |:finally| command to start a finally clause. There may
7236be none or multiple catch clauses, but there is at most one finally clause,
7237which must not be followed by any catch clauses. The lines before the catch
7238clauses and the finally clause is called a try block. >
7239
7240 :try
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007241 : ...
7242 : ... TRY BLOCK
7243 : ...
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007244 :catch /{pattern}/
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007245 : ...
7246 : ... CATCH CLAUSE
7247 : ...
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007248 :catch /{pattern}/
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007249 : ...
7250 : ... CATCH CLAUSE
7251 : ...
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007252 :finally
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007253 : ...
7254 : ... FINALLY CLAUSE
7255 : ...
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007256 :endtry
7257
7258The try conditional allows to watch code for exceptions and to take the
7259appropriate actions. Exceptions from the try block may be caught. Exceptions
7260from the try block and also the catch clauses may cause cleanup actions.
7261 When no exception is thrown during execution of the try block, the control
7262is transferred to the finally clause, if present. After its execution, the
7263script continues with the line following the ":endtry".
7264 When an exception occurs during execution of the try block, the remaining
7265lines in the try block are skipped. The exception is matched against the
7266patterns specified as arguments to the ":catch" commands. The catch clause
7267after the first matching ":catch" is taken, other catch clauses are not
7268executed. The catch clause ends when the next ":catch", ":finally", or
7269":endtry" command is reached - whatever is first. Then, the finally clause
7270(if present) is executed. When the ":endtry" is reached, the script execution
7271continues in the following line as usual.
7272 When an exception that does not match any of the patterns specified by the
7273":catch" commands is thrown in the try block, the exception is not caught by
7274that try conditional and none of the catch clauses is executed. Only the
7275finally clause, if present, is taken. The exception pends during execution of
7276the finally clause. It is resumed at the ":endtry", so that commands after
7277the ":endtry" are not executed and the exception might be caught elsewhere,
7278see |try-nesting|.
7279 When during execution of a catch clause another exception is thrown, the
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007280remaining lines in that catch clause are not executed. The new exception is
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007281not matched against the patterns in any of the ":catch" commands of the same
7282try conditional and none of its catch clauses is taken. If there is, however,
7283a finally clause, it is executed, and the exception pends during its
7284execution. The commands following the ":endtry" are not executed. The new
7285exception might, however, be caught elsewhere, see |try-nesting|.
7286 When during execution of the finally clause (if present) an exception is
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007287thrown, the remaining lines in the finally clause are skipped. If the finally
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007288clause has been taken because of an exception from the try block or one of the
7289catch clauses, the original (pending) exception is discarded. The commands
7290following the ":endtry" are not executed, and the exception from the finally
7291clause is propagated and can be caught elsewhere, see |try-nesting|.
7292
7293The finally clause is also executed, when a ":break" or ":continue" for
7294a ":while" loop enclosing the complete try conditional is executed from the
7295try block or a catch clause. Or when a ":return" or ":finish" is executed
7296from the try block or a catch clause of a try conditional in a function or
7297sourced script, respectively. The ":break", ":continue", ":return", or
7298":finish" pends during execution of the finally clause and is resumed when the
7299":endtry" is reached. It is, however, discarded when an exception is thrown
7300from the finally clause.
7301 When a ":break" or ":continue" for a ":while" loop enclosing the complete
7302try conditional or when a ":return" or ":finish" is encountered in the finally
7303clause, the rest of the finally clause is skipped, and the ":break",
7304":continue", ":return" or ":finish" is executed as usual. If the finally
7305clause has been taken because of an exception or an earlier ":break",
7306":continue", ":return", or ":finish" from the try block or a catch clause,
7307this pending exception or command is discarded.
7308
7309For examples see |throw-catch| and |try-finally|.
7310
7311
7312NESTING OF TRY CONDITIONALS *try-nesting*
7313
7314Try conditionals can be nested arbitrarily. That is, a complete try
7315conditional can be put into the try block, a catch clause, or the finally
7316clause of another try conditional. If the inner try conditional does not
7317catch an exception thrown in its try block or throws a new exception from one
7318of its catch clauses or its finally clause, the outer try conditional is
7319checked according to the rules above. If the inner try conditional is in the
7320try block of the outer try conditional, its catch clauses are checked, but
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007321otherwise only the finally clause is executed. It does not matter for
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007322nesting, whether the inner try conditional is directly contained in the outer
7323one, or whether the outer one sources a script or calls a function containing
7324the inner try conditional.
7325
7326When none of the active try conditionals catches an exception, just their
7327finally clauses are executed. Thereafter, the script processing terminates.
7328An error message is displayed in case of an uncaught exception explicitly
7329thrown by a ":throw" command. For uncaught error and interrupt exceptions
7330implicitly raised by Vim, the error message(s) or interrupt message are shown
7331as usual.
7332
7333For examples see |throw-catch|.
7334
7335
7336EXAMINING EXCEPTION HANDLING CODE *except-examine*
7337
7338Exception handling code can get tricky. If you are in doubt what happens, set
7339'verbose' to 13 or use the ":13verbose" command modifier when sourcing your
7340script file. Then you see when an exception is thrown, discarded, caught, or
7341finished. When using a verbosity level of at least 14, things pending in
7342a finally clause are also shown. This information is also given in debug mode
7343(see |debug-scripts|).
7344
7345
7346THROWING AND CATCHING EXCEPTIONS *throw-catch*
7347
7348You can throw any number or string as an exception. Use the |:throw| command
7349and pass the value to be thrown as argument: >
7350 :throw 4711
7351 :throw "string"
7352< *throw-expression*
7353You can also specify an expression argument. The expression is then evaluated
7354first, and the result is thrown: >
7355 :throw 4705 + strlen("string")
7356 :throw strpart("strings", 0, 6)
7357
7358An exception might be thrown during evaluation of the argument of the ":throw"
7359command. Unless it is caught there, the expression evaluation is abandoned.
7360The ":throw" command then does not throw a new exception.
7361 Example: >
7362
7363 :function! Foo(arg)
7364 : try
7365 : throw a:arg
7366 : catch /foo/
7367 : endtry
7368 : return 1
7369 :endfunction
7370 :
7371 :function! Bar()
7372 : echo "in Bar"
7373 : return 4710
7374 :endfunction
7375 :
7376 :throw Foo("arrgh") + Bar()
7377
7378This throws "arrgh", and "in Bar" is not displayed since Bar() is not
7379executed. >
7380 :throw Foo("foo") + Bar()
7381however displays "in Bar" and throws 4711.
7382
7383Any other command that takes an expression as argument might also be
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007384abandoned by an (uncaught) exception during the expression evaluation. The
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007385exception is then propagated to the caller of the command.
7386 Example: >
7387
7388 :if Foo("arrgh")
7389 : echo "then"
7390 :else
7391 : echo "else"
7392 :endif
7393
7394Here neither of "then" or "else" is displayed.
7395
7396 *catch-order*
7397Exceptions can be caught by a try conditional with one or more |:catch|
7398commands, see |try-conditionals|. The values to be caught by each ":catch"
7399command can be specified as a pattern argument. The subsequent catch clause
7400gets executed when a matching exception is caught.
7401 Example: >
7402
7403 :function! Foo(value)
7404 : try
7405 : throw a:value
7406 : catch /^\d\+$/
7407 : echo "Number thrown"
7408 : catch /.*/
7409 : echo "String thrown"
7410 : endtry
7411 :endfunction
7412 :
7413 :call Foo(0x1267)
7414 :call Foo('string')
7415
7416The first call to Foo() displays "Number thrown", the second "String thrown".
7417An exception is matched against the ":catch" commands in the order they are
7418specified. Only the first match counts. So you should place the more
7419specific ":catch" first. The following order does not make sense: >
7420
7421 : catch /.*/
7422 : echo "String thrown"
7423 : catch /^\d\+$/
7424 : echo "Number thrown"
7425
7426The first ":catch" here matches always, so that the second catch clause is
7427never taken.
7428
7429 *throw-variables*
7430If you catch an exception by a general pattern, you may access the exact value
7431in the variable |v:exception|: >
7432
7433 : catch /^\d\+$/
7434 : echo "Number thrown. Value is" v:exception
7435
7436You may also be interested where an exception was thrown. This is stored in
7437|v:throwpoint|. Note that "v:exception" and "v:throwpoint" are valid for the
7438exception most recently caught as long it is not finished.
7439 Example: >
7440
7441 :function! Caught()
7442 : if v:exception != ""
7443 : echo 'Caught "' . v:exception . '" in ' . v:throwpoint
7444 : else
7445 : echo 'Nothing caught'
7446 : endif
7447 :endfunction
7448 :
7449 :function! Foo()
7450 : try
7451 : try
7452 : try
7453 : throw 4711
7454 : finally
7455 : call Caught()
7456 : endtry
7457 : catch /.*/
7458 : call Caught()
7459 : throw "oops"
7460 : endtry
7461 : catch /.*/
7462 : call Caught()
7463 : finally
7464 : call Caught()
7465 : endtry
7466 :endfunction
7467 :
7468 :call Foo()
7469
7470This displays >
7471
7472 Nothing caught
7473 Caught "4711" in function Foo, line 4
7474 Caught "oops" in function Foo, line 10
7475 Nothing caught
7476
7477A practical example: The following command ":LineNumber" displays the line
7478number in the script or function where it has been used: >
7479
7480 :function! LineNumber()
7481 : return substitute(v:throwpoint, '.*\D\(\d\+\).*', '\1', "")
7482 :endfunction
7483 :command! LineNumber try | throw "" | catch | echo LineNumber() | endtry
7484<
7485 *try-nested*
7486An exception that is not caught by a try conditional can be caught by
7487a surrounding try conditional: >
7488
7489 :try
7490 : try
7491 : throw "foo"
7492 : catch /foobar/
7493 : echo "foobar"
7494 : finally
7495 : echo "inner finally"
7496 : endtry
7497 :catch /foo/
7498 : echo "foo"
7499 :endtry
7500
7501The inner try conditional does not catch the exception, just its finally
7502clause is executed. The exception is then caught by the outer try
7503conditional. The example displays "inner finally" and then "foo".
7504
7505 *throw-from-catch*
7506You can catch an exception and throw a new one to be caught elsewhere from the
7507catch clause: >
7508
7509 :function! Foo()
7510 : throw "foo"
7511 :endfunction
7512 :
7513 :function! Bar()
7514 : try
7515 : call Foo()
7516 : catch /foo/
7517 : echo "Caught foo, throw bar"
7518 : throw "bar"
7519 : endtry
7520 :endfunction
7521 :
7522 :try
7523 : call Bar()
7524 :catch /.*/
7525 : echo "Caught" v:exception
7526 :endtry
7527
7528This displays "Caught foo, throw bar" and then "Caught bar".
7529
7530 *rethrow*
7531There is no real rethrow in the Vim script language, but you may throw
7532"v:exception" instead: >
7533
7534 :function! Bar()
7535 : try
7536 : call Foo()
7537 : catch /.*/
7538 : echo "Rethrow" v:exception
7539 : throw v:exception
7540 : endtry
7541 :endfunction
7542< *try-echoerr*
7543Note that this method cannot be used to "rethrow" Vim error or interrupt
7544exceptions, because it is not possible to fake Vim internal exceptions.
7545Trying so causes an error exception. You should throw your own exception
7546denoting the situation. If you want to cause a Vim error exception containing
7547the original error exception value, you can use the |:echoerr| command: >
7548
7549 :try
7550 : try
7551 : asdf
7552 : catch /.*/
7553 : echoerr v:exception
7554 : endtry
7555 :catch /.*/
7556 : echo v:exception
7557 :endtry
7558
7559This code displays
7560
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007561 Vim(echoerr):Vim:E492: Not an editor command: asdf ~
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007562
7563
7564CLEANUP CODE *try-finally*
7565
7566Scripts often change global settings and restore them at their end. If the
7567user however interrupts the script by pressing CTRL-C, the settings remain in
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007568an inconsistent state. The same may happen to you in the development phase of
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007569a script when an error occurs or you explicitly throw an exception without
7570catching it. You can solve these problems by using a try conditional with
7571a finally clause for restoring the settings. Its execution is guaranteed on
7572normal control flow, on error, on an explicit ":throw", and on interrupt.
7573(Note that errors and interrupts from inside the try conditional are converted
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007574to exceptions. When not caught, they terminate the script after the finally
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007575clause has been executed.)
7576Example: >
7577
7578 :try
7579 : let s:saved_ts = &ts
7580 : set ts=17
7581 :
7582 : " Do the hard work here.
7583 :
7584 :finally
7585 : let &ts = s:saved_ts
7586 : unlet s:saved_ts
7587 :endtry
7588
7589This method should be used locally whenever a function or part of a script
7590changes global settings which need to be restored on failure or normal exit of
7591that function or script part.
7592
7593 *break-finally*
7594Cleanup code works also when the try block or a catch clause is left by
7595a ":continue", ":break", ":return", or ":finish".
7596 Example: >
7597
7598 :let first = 1
7599 :while 1
7600 : try
7601 : if first
7602 : echo "first"
7603 : let first = 0
7604 : continue
7605 : else
7606 : throw "second"
7607 : endif
7608 : catch /.*/
7609 : echo v:exception
7610 : break
7611 : finally
7612 : echo "cleanup"
7613 : endtry
7614 : echo "still in while"
7615 :endwhile
7616 :echo "end"
7617
7618This displays "first", "cleanup", "second", "cleanup", and "end". >
7619
7620 :function! Foo()
7621 : try
7622 : return 4711
7623 : finally
7624 : echo "cleanup\n"
7625 : endtry
7626 : echo "Foo still active"
7627 :endfunction
7628 :
7629 :echo Foo() "returned by Foo"
7630
7631This displays "cleanup" and "4711 returned by Foo". You don't need to add an
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007632extra ":return" in the finally clause. (Above all, this would override the
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007633return value.)
7634
7635 *except-from-finally*
7636Using either of ":continue", ":break", ":return", ":finish", or ":throw" in
7637a finally clause is possible, but not recommended since it abandons the
7638cleanup actions for the try conditional. But, of course, interrupt and error
7639exceptions might get raised from a finally clause.
7640 Example where an error in the finally clause stops an interrupt from
7641working correctly: >
7642
7643 :try
7644 : try
7645 : echo "Press CTRL-C for interrupt"
7646 : while 1
7647 : endwhile
7648 : finally
7649 : unlet novar
7650 : endtry
7651 :catch /novar/
7652 :endtry
7653 :echo "Script still running"
7654 :sleep 1
7655
7656If you need to put commands that could fail into a finally clause, you should
7657think about catching or ignoring the errors in these commands, see
7658|catch-errors| and |ignore-errors|.
7659
7660
7661CATCHING ERRORS *catch-errors*
7662
7663If you want to catch specific errors, you just have to put the code to be
7664watched in a try block and add a catch clause for the error message. The
7665presence of the try conditional causes all errors to be converted to an
7666exception. No message is displayed and |v:errmsg| is not set then. To find
7667the right pattern for the ":catch" command, you have to know how the format of
7668the error exception is.
7669 Error exceptions have the following format: >
7670
7671 Vim({cmdname}):{errmsg}
7672or >
7673 Vim:{errmsg}
7674
7675{cmdname} is the name of the command that failed; the second form is used when
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007676the command name is not known. {errmsg} is the error message usually produced
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007677when the error occurs outside try conditionals. It always begins with
7678a capital "E", followed by a two or three-digit error number, a colon, and
7679a space.
7680
7681Examples:
7682
7683The command >
7684 :unlet novar
7685normally produces the error message >
7686 E108: No such variable: "novar"
7687which is converted inside try conditionals to an exception >
7688 Vim(unlet):E108: No such variable: "novar"
7689
7690The command >
7691 :dwim
7692normally produces the error message >
7693 E492: Not an editor command: dwim
7694which is converted inside try conditionals to an exception >
7695 Vim:E492: Not an editor command: dwim
7696
7697You can catch all ":unlet" errors by a >
7698 :catch /^Vim(unlet):/
7699or all errors for misspelled command names by a >
7700 :catch /^Vim:E492:/
7701
7702Some error messages may be produced by different commands: >
7703 :function nofunc
7704and >
7705 :delfunction nofunc
7706both produce the error message >
7707 E128: Function name must start with a capital: nofunc
7708which is converted inside try conditionals to an exception >
7709 Vim(function):E128: Function name must start with a capital: nofunc
7710or >
7711 Vim(delfunction):E128: Function name must start with a capital: nofunc
7712respectively. You can catch the error by its number independently on the
7713command that caused it if you use the following pattern: >
7714 :catch /^Vim(\a\+):E128:/
7715
7716Some commands like >
7717 :let x = novar
7718produce multiple error messages, here: >
7719 E121: Undefined variable: novar
7720 E15: Invalid expression: novar
7721Only the first is used for the exception value, since it is the most specific
7722one (see |except-several-errors|). So you can catch it by >
7723 :catch /^Vim(\a\+):E121:/
7724
7725You can catch all errors related to the name "nofunc" by >
7726 :catch /\<nofunc\>/
7727
7728You can catch all Vim errors in the ":write" and ":read" commands by >
7729 :catch /^Vim(\(write\|read\)):E\d\+:/
7730
7731You can catch all Vim errors by the pattern >
7732 :catch /^Vim\((\a\+)\)\=:E\d\+:/
7733<
7734 *catch-text*
7735NOTE: You should never catch the error message text itself: >
7736 :catch /No such variable/
7737only works in the english locale, but not when the user has selected
7738a different language by the |:language| command. It is however helpful to
7739cite the message text in a comment: >
7740 :catch /^Vim(\a\+):E108:/ " No such variable
7741
7742
7743IGNORING ERRORS *ignore-errors*
7744
7745You can ignore errors in a specific Vim command by catching them locally: >
7746
7747 :try
7748 : write
7749 :catch
7750 :endtry
7751
7752But you are strongly recommended NOT to use this simple form, since it could
7753catch more than you want. With the ":write" command, some autocommands could
7754be executed and cause errors not related to writing, for instance: >
7755
7756 :au BufWritePre * unlet novar
7757
7758There could even be such errors you are not responsible for as a script
7759writer: a user of your script might have defined such autocommands. You would
7760then hide the error from the user.
7761 It is much better to use >
7762
7763 :try
7764 : write
7765 :catch /^Vim(write):/
7766 :endtry
7767
7768which only catches real write errors. So catch only what you'd like to ignore
7769intentionally.
7770
7771For a single command that does not cause execution of autocommands, you could
7772even suppress the conversion of errors to exceptions by the ":silent!"
7773command: >
7774 :silent! nunmap k
7775This works also when a try conditional is active.
7776
7777
7778CATCHING INTERRUPTS *catch-interrupt*
7779
7780When there are active try conditionals, an interrupt (CTRL-C) is converted to
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007781the exception "Vim:Interrupt". You can catch it like every exception. The
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007782script is not terminated, then.
7783 Example: >
7784
7785 :function! TASK1()
7786 : sleep 10
7787 :endfunction
7788
7789 :function! TASK2()
7790 : sleep 20
7791 :endfunction
7792
7793 :while 1
7794 : let command = input("Type a command: ")
7795 : try
7796 : if command == ""
7797 : continue
7798 : elseif command == "END"
7799 : break
7800 : elseif command == "TASK1"
7801 : call TASK1()
7802 : elseif command == "TASK2"
7803 : call TASK2()
7804 : else
7805 : echo "\nIllegal command:" command
7806 : continue
7807 : endif
7808 : catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/
7809 : echo "\nCommand interrupted"
7810 : " Caught the interrupt. Continue with next prompt.
7811 : endtry
7812 :endwhile
7813
7814You can interrupt a task here by pressing CTRL-C; the script then asks for
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007815a new command. If you press CTRL-C at the prompt, the script is terminated.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007816
7817For testing what happens when CTRL-C would be pressed on a specific line in
7818your script, use the debug mode and execute the |>quit| or |>interrupt|
7819command on that line. See |debug-scripts|.
7820
7821
7822CATCHING ALL *catch-all*
7823
7824The commands >
7825
7826 :catch /.*/
7827 :catch //
7828 :catch
7829
7830catch everything, error exceptions, interrupt exceptions and exceptions
7831explicitly thrown by the |:throw| command. This is useful at the top level of
7832a script in order to catch unexpected things.
7833 Example: >
7834
7835 :try
7836 :
7837 : " do the hard work here
7838 :
7839 :catch /MyException/
7840 :
7841 : " handle known problem
7842 :
7843 :catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/
7844 : echo "Script interrupted"
7845 :catch /.*/
7846 : echo "Internal error (" . v:exception . ")"
7847 : echo " - occurred at " . v:throwpoint
7848 :endtry
7849 :" end of script
7850
7851Note: Catching all might catch more things than you want. Thus, you are
7852strongly encouraged to catch only for problems that you can really handle by
7853specifying a pattern argument to the ":catch".
7854 Example: Catching all could make it nearly impossible to interrupt a script
7855by pressing CTRL-C: >
7856
7857 :while 1
7858 : try
7859 : sleep 1
7860 : catch
7861 : endtry
7862 :endwhile
7863
7864
7865EXCEPTIONS AND AUTOCOMMANDS *except-autocmd*
7866
7867Exceptions may be used during execution of autocommands. Example: >
7868
7869 :autocmd User x try
7870 :autocmd User x throw "Oops!"
7871 :autocmd User x catch
7872 :autocmd User x echo v:exception
7873 :autocmd User x endtry
7874 :autocmd User x throw "Arrgh!"
7875 :autocmd User x echo "Should not be displayed"
7876 :
7877 :try
7878 : doautocmd User x
7879 :catch
7880 : echo v:exception
7881 :endtry
7882
7883This displays "Oops!" and "Arrgh!".
7884
7885 *except-autocmd-Pre*
7886For some commands, autocommands get executed before the main action of the
7887command takes place. If an exception is thrown and not caught in the sequence
7888of autocommands, the sequence and the command that caused its execution are
7889abandoned and the exception is propagated to the caller of the command.
7890 Example: >
7891
7892 :autocmd BufWritePre * throw "FAIL"
7893 :autocmd BufWritePre * echo "Should not be displayed"
7894 :
7895 :try
7896 : write
7897 :catch
7898 : echo "Caught:" v:exception "from" v:throwpoint
7899 :endtry
7900
7901Here, the ":write" command does not write the file currently being edited (as
7902you can see by checking 'modified'), since the exception from the BufWritePre
7903autocommand abandons the ":write". The exception is then caught and the
7904script displays: >
7905
7906 Caught: FAIL from BufWrite Auto commands for "*"
7907<
7908 *except-autocmd-Post*
7909For some commands, autocommands get executed after the main action of the
7910command has taken place. If this main action fails and the command is inside
7911an active try conditional, the autocommands are skipped and an error exception
7912is thrown that can be caught by the caller of the command.
7913 Example: >
7914
7915 :autocmd BufWritePost * echo "File successfully written!"
7916 :
7917 :try
7918 : write /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
7919 :catch
7920 : echo v:exception
7921 :endtry
7922
7923This just displays: >
7924
7925 Vim(write):E212: Can't open file for writing (/i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e)
7926
7927If you really need to execute the autocommands even when the main action
7928fails, trigger the event from the catch clause.
7929 Example: >
7930
7931 :autocmd BufWritePre * set noreadonly
7932 :autocmd BufWritePost * set readonly
7933 :
7934 :try
7935 : write /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
7936 :catch
7937 : doautocmd BufWritePost /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
7938 :endtry
7939<
7940You can also use ":silent!": >
7941
7942 :let x = "ok"
7943 :let v:errmsg = ""
7944 :autocmd BufWritePost * if v:errmsg != ""
7945 :autocmd BufWritePost * let x = "after fail"
7946 :autocmd BufWritePost * endif
7947 :try
7948 : silent! write /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
7949 :catch
7950 :endtry
7951 :echo x
7952
7953This displays "after fail".
7954
7955If the main action of the command does not fail, exceptions from the
7956autocommands will be catchable by the caller of the command: >
7957
7958 :autocmd BufWritePost * throw ":-("
7959 :autocmd BufWritePost * echo "Should not be displayed"
7960 :
7961 :try
7962 : write
7963 :catch
7964 : echo v:exception
7965 :endtry
7966<
7967 *except-autocmd-Cmd*
7968For some commands, the normal action can be replaced by a sequence of
7969autocommands. Exceptions from that sequence will be catchable by the caller
7970of the command.
7971 Example: For the ":write" command, the caller cannot know whether the file
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00007972had actually been written when the exception occurred. You need to tell it in
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007973some way. >
7974
7975 :if !exists("cnt")
7976 : let cnt = 0
7977 :
7978 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * if &modified
7979 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * let cnt = cnt + 1
7980 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * if cnt % 3 == 2
7981 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * throw "BufWriteCmdError"
7982 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * endif
7983 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * write | set nomodified
7984 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * if cnt % 3 == 0
7985 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * throw "BufWriteCmdError"
7986 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * endif
7987 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * echo "File successfully written!"
7988 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * endif
7989 :endif
7990 :
7991 :try
7992 : write
7993 :catch /^BufWriteCmdError$/
7994 : if &modified
7995 : echo "Error on writing (file contents not changed)"
7996 : else
7997 : echo "Error after writing"
7998 : endif
7999 :catch /^Vim(write):/
8000 : echo "Error on writing"
8001 :endtry
8002
8003When this script is sourced several times after making changes, it displays
8004first >
8005 File successfully written!
8006then >
8007 Error on writing (file contents not changed)
8008then >
8009 Error after writing
8010etc.
8011
8012 *except-autocmd-ill*
8013You cannot spread a try conditional over autocommands for different events.
8014The following code is ill-formed: >
8015
8016 :autocmd BufWritePre * try
8017 :
8018 :autocmd BufWritePost * catch
8019 :autocmd BufWritePost * echo v:exception
8020 :autocmd BufWritePost * endtry
8021 :
8022 :write
8023
8024
8025EXCEPTION HIERARCHIES AND PARAMETERIZED EXCEPTIONS *except-hier-param*
8026
8027Some programming languages allow to use hierarchies of exception classes or to
8028pass additional information with the object of an exception class. You can do
8029similar things in Vim.
8030 In order to throw an exception from a hierarchy, just throw the complete
8031class name with the components separated by a colon, for instance throw the
8032string "EXCEPT:MATHERR:OVERFLOW" for an overflow in a mathematical library.
8033 When you want to pass additional information with your exception class, add
8034it in parentheses, for instance throw the string "EXCEPT:IO:WRITEERR(myfile)"
8035for an error when writing "myfile".
8036 With the appropriate patterns in the ":catch" command, you can catch for
8037base classes or derived classes of your hierarchy. Additional information in
8038parentheses can be cut out from |v:exception| with the ":substitute" command.
8039 Example: >
8040
8041 :function! CheckRange(a, func)
8042 : if a:a < 0
8043 : throw "EXCEPT:MATHERR:RANGE(" . a:func . ")"
8044 : endif
8045 :endfunction
8046 :
8047 :function! Add(a, b)
8048 : call CheckRange(a:a, "Add")
8049 : call CheckRange(a:b, "Add")
8050 : let c = a:a + a:b
8051 : if c < 0
8052 : throw "EXCEPT:MATHERR:OVERFLOW"
8053 : endif
8054 : return c
8055 :endfunction
8056 :
8057 :function! Div(a, b)
8058 : call CheckRange(a:a, "Div")
8059 : call CheckRange(a:b, "Div")
8060 : if (a:b == 0)
8061 : throw "EXCEPT:MATHERR:ZERODIV"
8062 : endif
8063 : return a:a / a:b
8064 :endfunction
8065 :
8066 :function! Write(file)
8067 : try
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00008068 : execute "write" fnameescape(a:file)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008069 : catch /^Vim(write):/
8070 : throw "EXCEPT:IO(" . getcwd() . ", " . a:file . "):WRITEERR"
8071 : endtry
8072 :endfunction
8073 :
8074 :try
8075 :
8076 : " something with arithmetics and I/O
8077 :
8078 :catch /^EXCEPT:MATHERR:RANGE/
8079 : let function = substitute(v:exception, '.*(\(\a\+\)).*', '\1', "")
8080 : echo "Range error in" function
8081 :
8082 :catch /^EXCEPT:MATHERR/ " catches OVERFLOW and ZERODIV
8083 : echo "Math error"
8084 :
8085 :catch /^EXCEPT:IO/
8086 : let dir = substitute(v:exception, '.*(\(.\+\),\s*.\+).*', '\1', "")
8087 : let file = substitute(v:exception, '.*(.\+,\s*\(.\+\)).*', '\1', "")
8088 : if file !~ '^/'
8089 : let file = dir . "/" . file
8090 : endif
8091 : echo 'I/O error for "' . file . '"'
8092 :
8093 :catch /^EXCEPT/
8094 : echo "Unspecified error"
8095 :
8096 :endtry
8097
8098The exceptions raised by Vim itself (on error or when pressing CTRL-C) use
8099a flat hierarchy: they are all in the "Vim" class. You cannot throw yourself
8100exceptions with the "Vim" prefix; they are reserved for Vim.
8101 Vim error exceptions are parameterized with the name of the command that
8102failed, if known. See |catch-errors|.
8103
8104
8105PECULIARITIES
8106 *except-compat*
8107The exception handling concept requires that the command sequence causing the
8108exception is aborted immediately and control is transferred to finally clauses
8109and/or a catch clause.
8110
8111In the Vim script language there are cases where scripts and functions
8112continue after an error: in functions without the "abort" flag or in a command
8113after ":silent!", control flow goes to the following line, and outside
8114functions, control flow goes to the line following the outermost ":endwhile"
8115or ":endif". On the other hand, errors should be catchable as exceptions
8116(thus, requiring the immediate abortion).
8117
8118This problem has been solved by converting errors to exceptions and using
8119immediate abortion (if not suppressed by ":silent!") only when a try
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00008120conditional is active. This is no restriction since an (error) exception can
8121be caught only from an active try conditional. If you want an immediate
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008122termination without catching the error, just use a try conditional without
8123catch clause. (You can cause cleanup code being executed before termination
8124by specifying a finally clause.)
8125
8126When no try conditional is active, the usual abortion and continuation
8127behavior is used instead of immediate abortion. This ensures compatibility of
8128scripts written for Vim 6.1 and earlier.
8129
8130However, when sourcing an existing script that does not use exception handling
8131commands (or when calling one of its functions) from inside an active try
8132conditional of a new script, you might change the control flow of the existing
8133script on error. You get the immediate abortion on error and can catch the
8134error in the new script. If however the sourced script suppresses error
8135messages by using the ":silent!" command (checking for errors by testing
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00008136|v:errmsg| if appropriate), its execution path is not changed. The error is
8137not converted to an exception. (See |:silent|.) So the only remaining cause
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008138where this happens is for scripts that don't care about errors and produce
8139error messages. You probably won't want to use such code from your new
8140scripts.
8141
8142 *except-syntax-err*
8143Syntax errors in the exception handling commands are never caught by any of
8144the ":catch" commands of the try conditional they belong to. Its finally
8145clauses, however, is executed.
8146 Example: >
8147
8148 :try
8149 : try
8150 : throw 4711
8151 : catch /\(/
8152 : echo "in catch with syntax error"
8153 : catch
8154 : echo "inner catch-all"
8155 : finally
8156 : echo "inner finally"
8157 : endtry
8158 :catch
8159 : echo 'outer catch-all caught "' . v:exception . '"'
8160 : finally
8161 : echo "outer finally"
8162 :endtry
8163
8164This displays: >
8165 inner finally
8166 outer catch-all caught "Vim(catch):E54: Unmatched \("
8167 outer finally
8168The original exception is discarded and an error exception is raised, instead.
8169
8170 *except-single-line*
8171The ":try", ":catch", ":finally", and ":endtry" commands can be put on
8172a single line, but then syntax errors may make it difficult to recognize the
8173"catch" line, thus you better avoid this.
8174 Example: >
8175 :try | unlet! foo # | catch | endtry
8176raises an error exception for the trailing characters after the ":unlet!"
8177argument, but does not see the ":catch" and ":endtry" commands, so that the
8178error exception is discarded and the "E488: Trailing characters" message gets
8179displayed.
8180
8181 *except-several-errors*
8182When several errors appear in a single command, the first error message is
8183usually the most specific one and therefor converted to the error exception.
8184 Example: >
8185 echo novar
8186causes >
8187 E121: Undefined variable: novar
8188 E15: Invalid expression: novar
8189The value of the error exception inside try conditionals is: >
8190 Vim(echo):E121: Undefined variable: novar
8191< *except-syntax-error*
8192But when a syntax error is detected after a normal error in the same command,
8193the syntax error is used for the exception being thrown.
8194 Example: >
8195 unlet novar #
8196causes >
8197 E108: No such variable: "novar"
8198 E488: Trailing characters
8199The value of the error exception inside try conditionals is: >
8200 Vim(unlet):E488: Trailing characters
8201This is done because the syntax error might change the execution path in a way
8202not intended by the user. Example: >
8203 try
8204 try | unlet novar # | catch | echo v:exception | endtry
8205 catch /.*/
8206 echo "outer catch:" v:exception
8207 endtry
8208This displays "outer catch: Vim(unlet):E488: Trailing characters", and then
8209a "E600: Missing :endtry" error message is given, see |except-single-line|.
8210
8211==============================================================================
82129. Examples *eval-examples*
8213
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008214Printing in Binary ~
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008215>
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01008216 :" The function Nr2Bin() returns the binary string representation of a number.
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008217 :func Nr2Bin(nr)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008218 : let n = a:nr
8219 : let r = ""
8220 : while n
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008221 : let r = '01'[n % 2] . r
8222 : let n = n / 2
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008223 : endwhile
8224 : return r
8225 :endfunc
8226
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008227 :" The function String2Bin() converts each character in a string to a
8228 :" binary string, separated with dashes.
8229 :func String2Bin(str)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008230 : let out = ''
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008231 : for ix in range(strlen(a:str))
8232 : let out = out . '-' . Nr2Bin(char2nr(a:str[ix]))
8233 : endfor
8234 : return out[1:]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008235 :endfunc
8236
8237Example of its use: >
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008238 :echo Nr2Bin(32)
8239result: "100000" >
8240 :echo String2Bin("32")
8241result: "110011-110010"
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008242
8243
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008244Sorting lines ~
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008245
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008246This example sorts lines with a specific compare function. >
8247
8248 :func SortBuffer()
8249 : let lines = getline(1, '$')
8250 : call sort(lines, function("Strcmp"))
8251 : call setline(1, lines)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008252 :endfunction
8253
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008254As a one-liner: >
8255 :call setline(1, sort(getline(1, '$'), function("Strcmp")))
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008256
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008257
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008258scanf() replacement ~
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008259 *sscanf*
8260There is no sscanf() function in Vim. If you need to extract parts from a
8261line, you can use matchstr() and substitute() to do it. This example shows
8262how to get the file name, line number and column number out of a line like
8263"foobar.txt, 123, 45". >
8264 :" Set up the match bit
8265 :let mx='\(\f\+\),\s*\(\d\+\),\s*\(\d\+\)'
8266 :"get the part matching the whole expression
8267 :let l = matchstr(line, mx)
8268 :"get each item out of the match
8269 :let file = substitute(l, mx, '\1', '')
8270 :let lnum = substitute(l, mx, '\2', '')
8271 :let col = substitute(l, mx, '\3', '')
8272
8273The input is in the variable "line", the results in the variables "file",
8274"lnum" and "col". (idea from Michael Geddes)
8275
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008276
8277getting the scriptnames in a Dictionary ~
8278 *scriptnames-dictionary*
8279The |:scriptnames| command can be used to get a list of all script files that
8280have been sourced. There is no equivalent function or variable for this
8281(because it's rarely needed). In case you need to manipulate the list this
8282code can be used: >
8283 " Get the output of ":scriptnames" in the scriptnames_output variable.
8284 let scriptnames_output = ''
8285 redir => scriptnames_output
8286 silent scriptnames
8287 redir END
8288
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00008289 " Split the output into lines and parse each line. Add an entry to the
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008290 " "scripts" dictionary.
8291 let scripts = {}
8292 for line in split(scriptnames_output, "\n")
8293 " Only do non-blank lines.
8294 if line =~ '\S'
8295 " Get the first number in the line.
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00008296 let nr = matchstr(line, '\d\+')
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008297 " Get the file name, remove the script number " 123: ".
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00008298 let name = substitute(line, '.\+:\s*', '', '')
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008299 " Add an item to the Dictionary
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00008300 let scripts[nr] = name
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008301 endif
8302 endfor
8303 unlet scriptnames_output
8304
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008305==============================================================================
830610. No +eval feature *no-eval-feature*
8307
8308When the |+eval| feature was disabled at compile time, none of the expression
8309evaluation commands are available. To prevent this from causing Vim scripts
8310to generate all kinds of errors, the ":if" and ":endif" commands are still
8311recognized, though the argument of the ":if" and everything between the ":if"
8312and the matching ":endif" is ignored. Nesting of ":if" blocks is allowed, but
8313only if the commands are at the start of the line. The ":else" command is not
8314recognized.
8315
8316Example of how to avoid executing commands when the |+eval| feature is
8317missing: >
8318
8319 :if 1
8320 : echo "Expression evaluation is compiled in"
8321 :else
8322 : echo "You will _never_ see this message"
8323 :endif
8324
8325==============================================================================
832611. The sandbox *eval-sandbox* *sandbox* *E48*
8327
Bram Moolenaar368373e2010-07-19 20:46:22 +02008328The 'foldexpr', 'formatexpr', 'includeexpr', 'indentexpr', 'statusline' and
8329'foldtext' options may be evaluated in a sandbox. This means that you are
8330protected from these expressions having nasty side effects. This gives some
8331safety for when these options are set from a modeline. It is also used when
8332the command from a tags file is executed and for CTRL-R = in the command line.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00008333The sandbox is also used for the |:sandbox| command.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008334
8335These items are not allowed in the sandbox:
8336 - changing the buffer text
8337 - defining or changing mapping, autocommands, functions, user commands
8338 - setting certain options (see |option-summary|)
Bram Moolenaaref2f6562007-05-06 13:32:59 +00008339 - setting certain v: variables (see |v:var|) *E794*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008340 - executing a shell command
8341 - reading or writing a file
8342 - jumping to another buffer or editing a file
Bram Moolenaar4770d092006-01-12 23:22:24 +00008343 - executing Python, Perl, etc. commands
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00008344This is not guaranteed 100% secure, but it should block most attacks.
8345
8346 *:san* *:sandbox*
Bram Moolenaar045e82d2005-07-08 22:25:33 +00008347:san[dbox] {cmd} Execute {cmd} in the sandbox. Useful to evaluate an
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00008348 option that may have been set from a modeline, e.g.
8349 'foldexpr'.
8350
Bram Moolenaarb71eaae2006-01-20 23:10:18 +00008351 *sandbox-option*
8352A few options contain an expression. When this expression is evaluated it may
Bram Moolenaar9b2200a2006-03-20 21:55:45 +00008353have to be done in the sandbox to avoid a security risk. But the sandbox is
Bram Moolenaarb71eaae2006-01-20 23:10:18 +00008354restrictive, thus this only happens when the option was set from an insecure
8355location. Insecure in this context are:
Bram Moolenaar551dbcc2006-04-25 22:13:59 +00008356- sourcing a .vimrc or .exrc in the current directory
Bram Moolenaarb71eaae2006-01-20 23:10:18 +00008357- while executing in the sandbox
8358- value coming from a modeline
8359
8360Note that when in the sandbox and saving an option value and restoring it, the
8361option will still be marked as it was set in the sandbox.
8362
8363==============================================================================
836412. Textlock *textlock*
8365
8366In a few situations it is not allowed to change the text in the buffer, jump
8367to another window and some other things that might confuse or break what Vim
8368is currently doing. This mostly applies to things that happen when Vim is
Bram Moolenaar446cb832008-06-24 21:56:24 +00008369actually doing something else. For example, evaluating the 'balloonexpr' may
Bram Moolenaarb71eaae2006-01-20 23:10:18 +00008370happen any moment the mouse cursor is resting at some position.
8371
8372This is not allowed when the textlock is active:
8373 - changing the buffer text
8374 - jumping to another buffer or window
8375 - editing another file
8376 - closing a window or quitting Vim
8377 - etc.
8378
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00008379
8380 vim:tw=78:ts=8:ft=help:norl: