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Bram Moolenaard13166e2022-11-18 21:49:57 +00001*map.txt* For Vim version 9.0. Last change: 2022 Nov 14
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002
3
4 VIM REFERENCE MANUAL by Bram Moolenaar
5
6
7Key mapping, abbreviations and user-defined commands.
8
Bram Moolenaar2f0936c2022-01-08 21:51:59 +00009This subject is introduced in sections |05.4|, |24.7| and |40.1| of the user
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000010manual.
11
121. Key mapping |key-mapping|
Bram Moolenaar5b962cf2005-12-12 21:58:40 +000013 1.1 MAP COMMANDS |:map-commands|
14 1.2 Special arguments |:map-arguments|
15 1.3 Mapping and modes |:map-modes|
16 1.4 Listing mappings |map-listing|
17 1.5 Mapping special keys |:map-special-keys|
18 1.6 Special characters |:map-special-chars|
19 1.7 What keys to map |map-which-keys|
20 1.8 Examples |map-examples|
21 1.9 Using mappings |map-typing|
22 1.10 Mapping alt-keys |:map-alt-keys|
Bram Moolenaar4b570182019-10-20 19:53:22 +020023 1.11 Mapping in modifyOtherKeys mode |modifyOtherKeys|
24 1.12 Mapping an operator |:map-operator|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000252. Abbreviations |abbreviations|
263. Local mappings and functions |script-local|
274. User-defined commands |user-commands|
28
29==============================================================================
301. Key mapping *key-mapping* *mapping* *macro*
31
32Key mapping is used to change the meaning of typed keys. The most common use
Bram Moolenaar24a98a02017-09-27 22:23:55 +020033is to define a sequence of commands for a function key. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000034
35 :map <F2> a<C-R>=strftime("%c")<CR><Esc>
36
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +000037This appends the current date and time after the cursor (in <> notation |<>|).
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000038
Bram Moolenaar5b962cf2005-12-12 21:58:40 +000039
401.1 MAP COMMANDS *:map-commands*
41
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000042There are commands to enter new mappings, remove mappings and list mappings.
43See |map-overview| for the various forms of "map" and their relationships with
44modes.
45
46{lhs} means left-hand-side *{lhs}*
47{rhs} means right-hand-side *{rhs}*
48
Bram Moolenaar06b5db92006-02-10 23:11:56 +000049:map {lhs} {rhs} |mapmode-nvo| *:map*
50:nm[ap] {lhs} {rhs} |mapmode-n| *:nm* *:nmap*
51:vm[ap] {lhs} {rhs} |mapmode-v| *:vm* *:vmap*
Bram Moolenaar371d5402006-03-20 21:47:49 +000052:xm[ap] {lhs} {rhs} |mapmode-x| *:xm* *:xmap*
Bram Moolenaar531da592013-05-06 05:58:55 +020053:smap {lhs} {rhs} |mapmode-s| *:smap*
Bram Moolenaar06b5db92006-02-10 23:11:56 +000054:om[ap] {lhs} {rhs} |mapmode-o| *:om* *:omap*
55:map! {lhs} {rhs} |mapmode-ic| *:map!*
56:im[ap] {lhs} {rhs} |mapmode-i| *:im* *:imap*
Bram Moolenaar61da1bf2019-06-06 12:14:49 +020057:lm[ap] {lhs} {rhs} |mapmode-l| *:lm* *:lma* *:lmap*
Bram Moolenaar06b5db92006-02-10 23:11:56 +000058:cm[ap] {lhs} {rhs} |mapmode-c| *:cm* *:cmap*
Bram Moolenaar37c64c72017-09-19 22:06:03 +020059:tma[p] {lhs} {rhs} |mapmode-t| *:tma* *:tmap*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000060 Map the key sequence {lhs} to {rhs} for the modes
61 where the map command applies. The result, including
62 {rhs}, is then further scanned for mappings. This
63 allows for nested and recursive use of mappings.
Bram Moolenaar519cc552021-11-16 19:18:26 +000064 Note: Trailing spaces are included in the {rhs},
65 because space is a valid Normal mode command.
Bram Moolenaarcfa8f9a2022-06-03 21:59:47 +010066 See |map-trailing-white|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000067
Bram Moolenaar822ff862014-06-12 21:46:14 +020068 *:nore* *:norem*
69:no[remap] {lhs} {rhs} |mapmode-nvo| *:no* *:noremap* *:nor*
70:nn[oremap] {lhs} {rhs} |mapmode-n| *:nn* *:nnoremap*
71:vn[oremap] {lhs} {rhs} |mapmode-v| *:vn* *:vnoremap*
72:xn[oremap] {lhs} {rhs} |mapmode-x| *:xn* *:xnoremap*
Bram Moolenaar61da1bf2019-06-06 12:14:49 +020073:snor[emap] {lhs} {rhs} |mapmode-s| *:snor* *:snore* *:snoremap*
Bram Moolenaar822ff862014-06-12 21:46:14 +020074:ono[remap] {lhs} {rhs} |mapmode-o| *:ono* *:onoremap*
75:no[remap]! {lhs} {rhs} |mapmode-ic| *:no!* *:noremap!*
Bram Moolenaar61da1bf2019-06-06 12:14:49 +020076:ino[remap] {lhs} {rhs} |mapmode-i| *:ino* *:inor* *:inoremap*
Bram Moolenaar822ff862014-06-12 21:46:14 +020077:ln[oremap] {lhs} {rhs} |mapmode-l| *:ln* *:lnoremap*
Bram Moolenaar61da1bf2019-06-06 12:14:49 +020078:cno[remap] {lhs} {rhs} |mapmode-c| *:cno* *:cnor* *:cnoremap*
Bram Moolenaar69fbc9e2017-09-14 20:37:57 +020079:tno[remap] {lhs} {rhs} |mapmode-t| *:tno* *:tnoremap*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000080 Map the key sequence {lhs} to {rhs} for the modes
81 where the map command applies. Disallow mapping of
82 {rhs}, to avoid nested and recursive mappings. Often
Bram Moolenaar25c9c682019-05-05 18:13:34 +020083 used to redefine a command.
Bram Moolenaar1fc34222022-03-03 13:56:24 +000084 Note: When <Plug> appears in the {rhs} this part is
85 always applied even if remapping is disallowed.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000086
87
Bram Moolenaar06b5db92006-02-10 23:11:56 +000088:unm[ap] {lhs} |mapmode-nvo| *:unm* *:unmap*
89:nun[map] {lhs} |mapmode-n| *:nun* *:nunmap*
90:vu[nmap] {lhs} |mapmode-v| *:vu* *:vunmap*
Bram Moolenaar371d5402006-03-20 21:47:49 +000091:xu[nmap] {lhs} |mapmode-x| *:xu* *:xunmap*
92:sunm[ap] {lhs} |mapmode-s| *:sunm* *:sunmap*
Bram Moolenaar06b5db92006-02-10 23:11:56 +000093:ou[nmap] {lhs} |mapmode-o| *:ou* *:ounmap*
94:unm[ap]! {lhs} |mapmode-ic| *:unm!* *:unmap!*
95:iu[nmap] {lhs} |mapmode-i| *:iu* *:iunmap*
96:lu[nmap] {lhs} |mapmode-l| *:lu* *:lunmap*
Bram Moolenaar61da1bf2019-06-06 12:14:49 +020097:cu[nmap] {lhs} |mapmode-c| *:cu* *:cun* *:cunmap*
Bram Moolenaar37c64c72017-09-19 22:06:03 +020098:tunma[p] {lhs} |mapmode-t| *:tunma* *:tunmap*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000099 Remove the mapping of {lhs} for the modes where the
100 map command applies. The mapping may remain defined
101 for other modes where it applies.
Bram Moolenaar88a42052021-11-21 21:13:36 +0000102 It also works when {lhs} matches the {rhs} of a
Bram Moolenaar2f0936c2022-01-08 21:51:59 +0000103 mapping. This is for when an abbreviation applied.
Bram Moolenaarcfa8f9a2022-06-03 21:59:47 +0100104 Note: Trailing spaces are included in the {lhs}.
105 See |map-trailing-white|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000106
Bram Moolenaar06b5db92006-02-10 23:11:56 +0000107:mapc[lear] |mapmode-nvo| *:mapc* *:mapclear*
108:nmapc[lear] |mapmode-n| *:nmapc* *:nmapclear*
109:vmapc[lear] |mapmode-v| *:vmapc* *:vmapclear*
Bram Moolenaar371d5402006-03-20 21:47:49 +0000110:xmapc[lear] |mapmode-x| *:xmapc* *:xmapclear*
111:smapc[lear] |mapmode-s| *:smapc* *:smapclear*
Bram Moolenaar06b5db92006-02-10 23:11:56 +0000112:omapc[lear] |mapmode-o| *:omapc* *:omapclear*
113:mapc[lear]! |mapmode-ic| *:mapc!* *:mapclear!*
114:imapc[lear] |mapmode-i| *:imapc* *:imapclear*
115:lmapc[lear] |mapmode-l| *:lmapc* *:lmapclear*
116:cmapc[lear] |mapmode-c| *:cmapc* *:cmapclear*
Bram Moolenaar69fbc9e2017-09-14 20:37:57 +0200117:tmapc[lear] |mapmode-t| *:tmapc* *:tmapclear*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000118 Remove ALL mappings for the modes where the map
Bram Moolenaar25c9c682019-05-05 18:13:34 +0200119 command applies.
Bram Moolenaar251e1912011-06-19 05:09:16 +0200120 Use the <buffer> argument to remove buffer-local
121 mappings |:map-<buffer>|
Bram Moolenaar921bde82022-05-09 19:50:35 +0100122 Warning: This also removes the |mac-standard-mappings|
123 and the |dos-standard-mappings|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000124
Bram Moolenaar06b5db92006-02-10 23:11:56 +0000125:map |mapmode-nvo|
126:nm[ap] |mapmode-n|
127:vm[ap] |mapmode-v|
Bram Moolenaar371d5402006-03-20 21:47:49 +0000128:xm[ap] |mapmode-x|
129:sm[ap] |mapmode-s|
Bram Moolenaar06b5db92006-02-10 23:11:56 +0000130:om[ap] |mapmode-o|
131:map! |mapmode-ic|
132:im[ap] |mapmode-i|
133:lm[ap] |mapmode-l|
134:cm[ap] |mapmode-c|
Bram Moolenaar37c64c72017-09-19 22:06:03 +0200135:tma[p] |mapmode-t|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000136 List all key mappings for the modes where the map
137 command applies. Note that ":map" and ":map!" are
138 used most often, because they include the other modes.
139
Bram Moolenaar06b5db92006-02-10 23:11:56 +0000140:map {lhs} |mapmode-nvo| *:map_l*
141:nm[ap] {lhs} |mapmode-n| *:nmap_l*
142:vm[ap] {lhs} |mapmode-v| *:vmap_l*
Bram Moolenaar371d5402006-03-20 21:47:49 +0000143:xm[ap] {lhs} |mapmode-x| *:xmap_l*
144:sm[ap] {lhs} |mapmode-s| *:smap_l*
Bram Moolenaar06b5db92006-02-10 23:11:56 +0000145:om[ap] {lhs} |mapmode-o| *:omap_l*
146:map! {lhs} |mapmode-ic| *:map_l!*
147:im[ap] {lhs} |mapmode-i| *:imap_l*
148:lm[ap] {lhs} |mapmode-l| *:lmap_l*
149:cm[ap] {lhs} |mapmode-c| *:cmap_l*
Bram Moolenaar37c64c72017-09-19 22:06:03 +0200150:tma[p] {lhs} |mapmode-t| *:tmap_l*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000151 List the key mappings for the key sequences starting
152 with {lhs} in the modes where the map command applies.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000153
154These commands are used to map a key or key sequence to a string of
155characters. You can use this to put command sequences under function keys,
156translate one key into another, etc. See |:mkexrc| for how to save and
157restore the current mappings.
158
Bram Moolenaar5b962cf2005-12-12 21:58:40 +0000159 *map-ambiguous*
160When two mappings start with the same sequence of characters, they are
161ambiguous. Example: >
162 :imap aa foo
163 :imap aaa bar
164When Vim has read "aa", it will need to get another character to be able to
165decide if "aa" or "aaa" should be mapped. This means that after typing "aa"
166that mapping won't get expanded yet, Vim is waiting for another character.
167If you type a space, then "foo" will get inserted, plus the space. If you
168type "a", then "bar" will get inserted.
Bram Moolenaar5b962cf2005-12-12 21:58:40 +0000169
Bram Moolenaarcfa8f9a2022-06-03 21:59:47 +0100170Trailing white space ~
171 *map-trailing-white*
172This unmap command does NOT work: >
173 :map @@ foo
174 :unmap @@ | print
175
176Because it tries to unmap "@@ ", including the white space before the command
177separator "|". Other examples with trailing white space: >
178 unmap @@
179 unmap @@ # Vim9 script comment
Bram Moolenaar8a3b8052022-06-26 12:21:15 +0100180 unmap @@ " legacy script comment
Bram Moolenaarcfa8f9a2022-06-03 21:59:47 +0100181
182An error will be issued, which is very hard to identify, because the ending
183whitespace character in `unmap @@ ` is not visible.
184
185A generic solution is to put the command separator "|" right after the mapped
186keys. After that white space and a comment may follow: >
187
Bram Moolenaar8a3b8052022-06-26 12:21:15 +0100188 unmap @@| # Vim9 script comment
189 unmap @@| " legacy script comment
Bram Moolenaarcfa8f9a2022-06-03 21:59:47 +0100190
Bram Moolenaar5b962cf2005-12-12 21:58:40 +0000191
1921.2 SPECIAL ARGUMENTS *:map-arguments*
193
Bram Moolenaar72179e12013-06-29 13:58:31 +0200194"<buffer>", "<nowait>", "<silent>", "<special>", "<script>", "<expr>" and
195"<unique>" can be used in any order. They must appear right after the
196command, before any other arguments.
Bram Moolenaar4e427192006-03-10 21:34:27 +0000197
Bram Moolenaar8a3b8052022-06-26 12:21:15 +0100198 *:map-local* *:map-<buffer>* *:map-buffer*
199 *E224* *E225*
Bram Moolenaarc236c162008-07-13 17:41:49 +0000200If the first argument to one of these commands is "<buffer>" the mapping will
201be effective in the current buffer only. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000202 :map <buffer> ,w /[.,;]<CR>
203Then you can map ",w" to something else in another buffer: >
204 :map <buffer> ,w /[#&!]<CR>
Bram Moolenaar72179e12013-06-29 13:58:31 +0200205The local buffer mappings are used before the global ones. See <nowait> below
206to make a short local mapping not taking effect when a longer global one
207exists.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000208The "<buffer>" argument can also be used to clear mappings: >
209 :unmap <buffer> ,w
210 :mapclear <buffer>
211Local mappings are also cleared when a buffer is deleted, but not when it is
212unloaded. Just like local option values.
Bram Moolenaarec7944a2013-06-12 21:29:15 +0200213Also see |map-precedence|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000214
Bram Moolenaar72179e12013-06-29 13:58:31 +0200215 *:map-<nowait>* *:map-nowait*
216When defining a buffer-local mapping for "," there may be a global mapping
217that starts with ",". Then you need to type another character for Vim to know
218whether to use the "," mapping or the longer one. To avoid this add the
219<nowait> argument. Then the mapping will be used when it matches, Vim does
220not wait for more characters to be typed. However, if the characters were
Bram Moolenaar6aa8cea2017-06-05 14:44:35 +0200221already typed they are used.
Bram Moolenaar207f0092020-08-30 17:20:20 +0200222Note that this works when the <nowait> mapping fully matches and is found
223before any partial matches. This works when:
224- There is only one matching buffer-local mapping, since these are always
225 found before global mappings.
Bram Moolenaar1c6737b2020-09-07 22:18:52 +0200226- There is another buffer-local mapping that partly matches, but it is
Bram Moolenaar207f0092020-08-30 17:20:20 +0200227 defined earlier (last defined mapping is found first).
Bram Moolenaar72179e12013-06-29 13:58:31 +0200228
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000229 *:map-<silent>* *:map-silent*
230To define a mapping which will not be echoed on the command line, add
231"<silent>" as the first argument. Example: >
232 :map <silent> ,h /Header<CR>
233The search string will not be echoed when using this mapping. Messages from
234the executed command are still given though. To shut them up too, add a
235":silent" in the executed command: >
236 :map <silent> ,h :exe ":silent normal /Header\r"<CR>
Bram Moolenaar698a00f2022-11-14 22:07:45 +0000237Note that the effect of a command might also be silenced, e.g., when the
238mapping selects another entry for command line completion it won't be
239displayed.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000240Prompts will still be given, e.g., for inputdialog().
241Using "<silent>" for an abbreviation is possible, but will cause redrawing of
242the command line to fail.
243
Bram Moolenaar9c102382006-05-03 21:26:49 +0000244 *:map-<special>* *:map-special*
245Define a mapping with <> notation for special keys, even though the "<" flag
246may appear in 'cpoptions'. This is useful if the side effect of setting
247'cpoptions' is not desired. Example: >
248 :map <special> <F12> /Header<CR>
249<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000250 *:map-<script>* *:map-script*
251If the first argument to one of these commands is "<script>" and it is used to
252define a new mapping or abbreviation, the mapping will only remap characters
253in the {rhs} using mappings that were defined local to a script, starting with
254"<SID>". This can be used to avoid that mappings from outside a script
255interfere (e.g., when CTRL-V is remapped in mswin.vim), but do use other
256mappings defined in the script.
257Note: ":map <script>" and ":noremap <script>" do the same thing. The
258"<script>" overrules the command name. Using ":noremap <script>" is
259preferred, because it's clearer that remapping is (mostly) disabled.
260
Bram Moolenaar0e6adf82021-12-16 14:41:10 +0000261 *:map-<unique>* *:map-unique* *E226* *E227*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000262If the first argument to one of these commands is "<unique>" and it is used to
263define a new mapping or abbreviation, the command will fail if the mapping or
264abbreviation already exists. Example: >
265 :map <unique> ,w /[#&!]<CR>
266When defining a local mapping, there will also be a check if a global map
267already exists which is equal.
268Example of what will fail: >
269 :map ,w /[#&!]<CR>
270 :map <buffer> <unique> ,w /[.,;]<CR>
Bram Moolenaara40ceaf2006-01-13 22:35:40 +0000271If you want to map a key and then have it do what it was originally mapped to,
272have a look at |maparg()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000273
Bram Moolenaar4e427192006-03-10 21:34:27 +0000274 *:map-<expr>* *:map-expression*
275If the first argument to one of these commands is "<expr>" and it is used to
276define a new mapping or abbreviation, the argument is an expression. The
277expression is evaluated to obtain the {rhs} that is used. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar4c295022021-05-02 17:19:11 +0200278 :inoremap <expr> . <SID>InsertDot()
279The result of the s:InsertDot() function will be inserted. It could check the
Bram Moolenaar4e427192006-03-10 21:34:27 +0000280text before the cursor and start omni completion when some condition is met.
Bram Moolenaar4c295022021-05-02 17:19:11 +0200281Using a script-local function is preferred, to avoid polluting the global
282namespace. Use <SID> in the RHS so that the script that the mapping was
283defined in can be found.
Bram Moolenaar4e427192006-03-10 21:34:27 +0000284
Bram Moolenaarda9591e2009-09-30 13:17:02 +0000285For abbreviations |v:char| is set to the character that was typed to trigger
286the abbreviation. You can use this to decide how to expand the {lhs}. You
Bram Moolenaar5302d9e2011-09-14 17:55:08 +0200287should not either insert or change the v:char.
Bram Moolenaarda9591e2009-09-30 13:17:02 +0000288
Bram Moolenaar4f4d51a2020-10-11 13:57:40 +0200289In case you want the mapping to not do anything, you can have the expression
290evaluate to an empty string. If something changed that requires Vim to
291go through the main loop (e.g. to update the display), return "\<Ignore>".
292This is similar to "nothing" but makes Vim return from the loop that waits for
293input. Example: >
294 func s:OpenPopup()
295 call popup_create(... arguments ...)
296 return "\<Ignore>"
297 endfunc
Bram Moolenaar4c295022021-05-02 17:19:11 +0200298 nnoremap <expr> <F3> <SID>OpenPopup()
Bram Moolenaar4f4d51a2020-10-11 13:57:40 +0200299
Bram Moolenaarfd31be22022-01-16 14:46:06 +0000300Keep in mind that the expression may be evaluated when looking for
Bram Moolenaar18b7d862021-03-17 13:28:05 +0100301typeahead, before the previous command has been executed. For example: >
302 func StoreColumn()
303 let g:column = col('.')
304 return 'x'
305 endfunc
306 nnoremap <expr> x StoreColumn()
307 nmap ! f!x
Bram Moolenaardad44732021-03-31 20:07:33 +0200308You will notice that g:column has the value from before executing "f!",
309because "x" is evaluated before "f!" is executed.
Bram Moolenaar18b7d862021-03-17 13:28:05 +0100310This can be solved by inserting <Ignore> before the character that is
311expression-mapped: >
312 nmap ! f!<Ignore>x
313
Bram Moolenaare32c3c42022-01-15 18:26:04 +0000314When defining a mapping in a |Vim9| script, the expression will be evaluated
315in the context of that script. This means that script-local items can be
316accessed in the expression.
317
Bram Moolenaar4e427192006-03-10 21:34:27 +0000318Be very careful about side effects! The expression is evaluated while
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +0000319obtaining characters, you may very well make the command dysfunctional.
320For this reason the following is blocked:
Bram Moolenaar5c5b0942007-05-06 12:07:59 +0000321- Changing the buffer text |textlock|.
322- Editing another buffer.
323- The |:normal| command.
324- Moving the cursor is allowed, but it is restored afterwards.
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +0000325If you want the mapping to do any of these let the returned characters do
Bram Moolenaar957cf672020-11-12 14:21:06 +0100326that, or use a |<Cmd>| mapping instead.
Bram Moolenaar4e427192006-03-10 21:34:27 +0000327
Bram Moolenaar15146672011-10-20 22:22:38 +0200328You can use getchar(), it consumes typeahead if there is any. E.g., if you
329have these mappings: >
330 inoremap <expr> <C-L> nr2char(getchar())
331 inoremap <expr> <C-L>x "foo"
332If you now type CTRL-L nothing happens yet, Vim needs the next character to
333decide what mapping to use. If you type 'x' the second mapping is used and
Bram Moolenaarf1568ec2011-12-14 21:17:39 +0100334"foo" is inserted. If you type any other key the first mapping is used,
335getchar() gets the typed key and returns it.
Bram Moolenaar15146672011-10-20 22:22:38 +0200336
Bram Moolenaar4e427192006-03-10 21:34:27 +0000337Here is an example that inserts a list number that increases: >
338 let counter = 0
339 inoremap <expr> <C-L> ListItem()
340 inoremap <expr> <C-R> ListReset()
341
342 func ListItem()
343 let g:counter += 1
Bram Moolenaarc51cf032022-02-26 12:25:45 +0000344 return g:counter .. '. '
Bram Moolenaar4e427192006-03-10 21:34:27 +0000345 endfunc
346
347 func ListReset()
348 let g:counter = 0
349 return ''
350 endfunc
351
Bram Moolenaard9967712006-03-11 21:18:15 +0000352CTRL-L inserts the next number, CTRL-R resets the count. CTRL-R returns an
Bram Moolenaar4e427192006-03-10 21:34:27 +0000353empty string, so that nothing is inserted.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000354
Bram Moolenaar1c6737b2020-09-07 22:18:52 +0200355Note that using 0x80 as a single byte before other text does not work, it will
356be seen as a special key.
Bram Moolenaar8424a622006-04-19 21:23:36 +0000357
Bram Moolenaar957cf672020-11-12 14:21:06 +0100358 *<Cmd>* *:map-cmd*
359The special text <Cmd> begins a "command mapping", it executes the command
360directly without changing modes. Where you might use ":...<CR>" in the
361{rhs} of a mapping, you can instead use "<Cmd>...<CR>".
362Example: >
363 noremap x <Cmd>echo mode(1)<CR>
364<
365This is more flexible than `:<C-U>` in Visual and Operator-pending mode, or
366`<C-O>:` in Insert mode, because the commands are executed directly in the
367current mode, instead of always going to Normal mode. Visual mode is
368preserved, so tricks with |gv| are not needed. Commands can be invoked
369directly in Command-line mode (which would otherwise require timer hacks).
370Example of using <Cmd> halfway Insert mode: >
371 nnoremap <F3> aText <Cmd>echo mode(1)<CR> Added<Esc>
372
373Unlike <expr> mappings, there are no special restrictions on the <Cmd>
Bram Moolenaar4466ad62020-11-21 13:16:30 +0100374command: it is executed as if an (unrestricted) |autocommand| was invoked.
Bram Moolenaar957cf672020-11-12 14:21:06 +0100375
Bram Moolenaare32c3c42022-01-15 18:26:04 +0000376 *<ScriptCmd>*
377<ScriptCmd> is like <Cmd> but sets the context to the script the mapping was
378defined in, for the duration of the command execution. This is especially
379useful for |Vim9| script. It also works to access an import, which is useful
Bram Moolenaar5ed11532022-07-06 13:18:11 +0100380in a plugin using a, possibly autoloaded, script: >
Bram Moolenaare32c3c42022-01-15 18:26:04 +0000381 vim9script
382 import autoload 'implementation.vim' as impl
Bram Moolenaarfd31be22022-01-16 14:46:06 +0000383 nnoremap <F4> <ScriptCmd>impl.DoTheWork()<CR>
Bram Moolenaar5ed11532022-07-06 13:18:11 +0100384<
Bram Moolenaare32c3c42022-01-15 18:26:04 +0000385No matter where <F4> is typed, the "impl" import will be found in the script
Bram Moolenaar5ed11532022-07-06 13:18:11 +0100386context of where the mapping was defined. When it's an autoload import, as in
387the example, the "implementation.vim" script will only be loaded once <F4> is
388typed, not when the mapping is defined.
389
390Without <ScriptCmd> using "s:impl" would result in "E121: Undefined variable".
Bram Moolenaare32c3c42022-01-15 18:26:04 +0000391
Bram Moolenaar957cf672020-11-12 14:21:06 +0100392Note:
Bram Moolenaare32c3c42022-01-15 18:26:04 +0000393- Because <Cmd> and <ScriptCmd> avoid mode-changes it does not trigger
394 |CmdlineEnter| and |CmdlineLeave| events, because no user interaction is
395 expected.
Bram Moolenaar957cf672020-11-12 14:21:06 +0100396- For the same reason, |keycodes| like <C-R><C-W> are interpreted as plain,
397 unmapped keys.
Bram Moolenaar4466ad62020-11-21 13:16:30 +0100398- The command is not echo'ed, no need for <silent>.
Bram Moolenaar88a42052021-11-21 21:13:36 +0000399- The {rhs} is not subject to abbreviations nor to other mappings, even if the
400 mapping is recursive.
Bram Moolenaar4466ad62020-11-21 13:16:30 +0100401- In Visual mode you can use `line('v')` and `col('v')` to get one end of the
402 Visual area, the cursor is at the other end.
Bram Moolenaard799daa2022-06-20 11:17:32 +0100403
Bram Moolenaara4d131d2021-12-27 21:33:07 +0000404 *E1255* *E1136*
Bram Moolenaare32c3c42022-01-15 18:26:04 +0000405<Cmd> and <ScriptCmd> commands must terminate, that is, they must be followed
406by <CR> in the {rhs} of the mapping definition. |Command-line| mode is never
407entered.
Bram Moolenaar957cf672020-11-12 14:21:06 +0100408
409 *E1137*
Bram Moolenaare32c3c42022-01-15 18:26:04 +0000410<Cmd> and <ScriptCmd> commands can have only normal characters and cannot
411contain special characters like function keys.
Bram Moolenaar957cf672020-11-12 14:21:06 +0100412
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000413
Bram Moolenaar5b962cf2005-12-12 21:58:40 +00004141.3 MAPPING AND MODES *:map-modes*
Bram Moolenaara7241f52008-06-24 20:39:31 +0000415 *mapmode-nvo* *mapmode-n* *mapmode-v* *mapmode-o*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000416
Bram Moolenaar1588bc82022-03-08 21:35:07 +0000417There are seven sets of mappings
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000418- For Normal mode: When typing commands.
419- For Visual mode: When typing commands while the Visual area is highlighted.
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +0100420- For Select mode: like Visual mode but typing text replaces the selection.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000421- For Operator-pending mode: When an operator is pending (after "d", "y", "c",
Bram Moolenaara7241f52008-06-24 20:39:31 +0000422 etc.). See below: |omap-info|.
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +0000423- For Insert mode. These are also used in Replace mode.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000424- For Command-line mode: When entering a ":" or "/" command.
Bram Moolenaar1588bc82022-03-08 21:35:07 +0000425- For Terminal mode: When typing in a |:terminal| buffer.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000426
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000427Special case: While typing a count for a command in Normal mode, mapping zero
428is disabled. This makes it possible to map zero without making it impossible
429to type a count with a zero.
430
431 *map-overview* *map-modes*
Bram Moolenaare968e362014-05-13 20:23:24 +0200432Overview of which map command works in which mode. More details below.
433 COMMANDS MODES ~
434:map :noremap :unmap Normal, Visual, Select, Operator-pending
435:nmap :nnoremap :nunmap Normal
436:vmap :vnoremap :vunmap Visual and Select
437:smap :snoremap :sunmap Select
438:xmap :xnoremap :xunmap Visual
439:omap :onoremap :ounmap Operator-pending
440:map! :noremap! :unmap! Insert and Command-line
441:imap :inoremap :iunmap Insert
442:lmap :lnoremap :lunmap Insert, Command-line, Lang-Arg
443:cmap :cnoremap :cunmap Command-line
Bram Moolenaar69fbc9e2017-09-14 20:37:57 +0200444:tmap :tnoremap :tunmap Terminal-Job
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000445
Bram Moolenaar3ec32172021-05-16 12:39:47 +0200446Same information in a table:
447 *map-table*
448 Mode | Norm | Ins | Cmd | Vis | Sel | Opr | Term | Lang | ~
449Command +------+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+------+------+ ~
450[nore]map | yes | - | - | yes | yes | yes | - | - |
451n[nore]map | yes | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
452[nore]map! | - | yes | yes | - | - | - | - | - |
453i[nore]map | - | yes | - | - | - | - | - | - |
454c[nore]map | - | - | yes | - | - | - | - | - |
455v[nore]map | - | - | - | yes | yes | - | - | - |
456x[nore]map | - | - | - | yes | - | - | - | - |
457s[nore]map | - | - | - | - | yes | - | - | - |
458o[nore]map | - | - | - | - | - | yes | - | - |
459t[nore]map | - | - | - | - | - | - | yes | - |
460l[nore]map | - | yes | yes | - | - | - | - | yes |
461
Bram Moolenaare968e362014-05-13 20:23:24 +0200462
463 COMMANDS MODES ~
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +0000464 Normal Visual+Select Operator-pending ~
465:map :noremap :unmap :mapclear yes yes yes
466:nmap :nnoremap :nunmap :nmapclear yes - -
467:vmap :vnoremap :vunmap :vmapclear - yes -
468:omap :onoremap :ounmap :omapclear - - yes
Bram Moolenaar371d5402006-03-20 21:47:49 +0000469
Bram Moolenaar4c3f5362006-04-11 21:38:50 +0000470:nunmap can also be used outside of a monastery.
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +0000471 *mapmode-x* *mapmode-s*
Bram Moolenaar371d5402006-03-20 21:47:49 +0000472Some commands work both in Visual and Select mode, some in only one. Note
473that quite often "Visual" is mentioned where both Visual and Select mode
474apply. |Select-mode-mapping|
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +0100475NOTE: Mapping a printable character in Select mode may confuse the user. It's
476better to explicitly use :xmap and :smap for printable characters. Or use
477:sunmap after defining the mapping.
Bram Moolenaar371d5402006-03-20 21:47:49 +0000478
Bram Moolenaare968e362014-05-13 20:23:24 +0200479 COMMANDS MODES ~
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +0000480 Visual Select ~
481:vmap :vnoremap :vunmap :vmapclear yes yes
482:xmap :xnoremap :xunmap :xmapclear yes -
483:smap :snoremap :sunmap :smapclear - yes
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000484
Bram Moolenaar06b5db92006-02-10 23:11:56 +0000485 *mapmode-ic* *mapmode-i* *mapmode-c* *mapmode-l*
Bram Moolenaar371d5402006-03-20 21:47:49 +0000486Some commands work both in Insert mode and Command-line mode, some not:
487
Bram Moolenaare968e362014-05-13 20:23:24 +0200488 COMMANDS MODES ~
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000489 Insert Command-line Lang-Arg ~
490:map! :noremap! :unmap! :mapclear! yes yes -
491:imap :inoremap :iunmap :imapclear yes - -
492:cmap :cnoremap :cunmap :cmapclear - yes -
493:lmap :lnoremap :lunmap :lmapclear yes* yes* yes*
494
Bram Moolenaar5ef1c6a2019-11-10 22:09:11 +0100495* If 'iminsert' is 1, see |language-mapping| below.
496
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000497The original Vi did not have separate mappings for
498Normal/Visual/Operator-pending mode and for Insert/Command-line mode.
499Therefore the ":map" and ":map!" commands enter and display mappings for
500several modes. In Vim you can use the ":nmap", ":vmap", ":omap", ":cmap" and
501":imap" commands to enter mappings for each mode separately.
502
Bram Moolenaar69fbc9e2017-09-14 20:37:57 +0200503 *mapmode-t*
504The terminal mappings are used in a terminal window, when typing keys for the
505job running in the terminal. See |terminal-typing|.
506
Bram Moolenaara7241f52008-06-24 20:39:31 +0000507 *omap-info*
508Operator-pending mappings can be used to define a movement command that can be
Bram Moolenaar95bafa22018-10-02 13:26:25 +0200509used with any operator. Simple example: >
510 :omap { w
511makes "y{" work like "yw" and "d{" like "dw".
Bram Moolenaara7241f52008-06-24 20:39:31 +0000512
513To ignore the starting cursor position and select different text, you can have
514the omap start Visual mode to select the text to be operated upon. Example
515that operates on a function name in the current line: >
516 onoremap <silent> F :<C-U>normal! 0f(hviw<CR>
517The CTRL-U (<C-U>) is used to remove the range that Vim may insert. The
518Normal mode commands find the first '(' character and select the first word
519before it. That usually is the function name.
520
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000521To enter a mapping for Normal and Visual mode, but not Operator-pending mode,
Bram Moolenaar95bafa22018-10-02 13:26:25 +0200522first define it for all three modes, then unmap it for
523Operator-pending mode: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000524 :map xx something-difficult
525 :ounmap xx
Bram Moolenaar95bafa22018-10-02 13:26:25 +0200526
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000527Likewise for a mapping for Visual and Operator-pending mode or Normal and
528Operator-pending mode.
529
530 *language-mapping*
531":lmap" defines a mapping that applies to:
532- Insert mode
533- Command-line mode
534- when entering a search pattern
535- the argument of the commands that accept a text character, such as "r" and
536 "f"
537- for the input() line
538Generally: Whenever a character is to be typed that is part of the text in the
539buffer, not a Vim command character. "Lang-Arg" isn't really another mode,
540it's just used here for this situation.
541 The simplest way to load a set of related language mappings is by using the
542'keymap' option. See |45.5|.
543 In Insert mode and in Command-line mode the mappings can be disabled with
Bram Moolenaar7cba6c02013-09-05 22:13:31 +0200544the CTRL-^ command |i_CTRL-^| |c_CTRL-^|. These commands change the value of
Bram Moolenaar3b1db362013-08-10 15:00:24 +0200545the 'iminsert' option. When starting to enter a normal command line (not a
546search pattern) the mappings are disabled until a CTRL-^ is typed. The state
547last used is remembered for Insert mode and Search patterns separately. The
548state for Insert mode is also used when typing a character as an argument to
549command like "f" or "t".
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000550 Language mappings will never be applied to already mapped characters. They
551are only used for typed characters. This assumes that the language mapping
552was already done when typing the mapping.
553
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000554
Bram Moolenaar5b962cf2005-12-12 21:58:40 +00005551.4 LISTING MAPPINGS *map-listing*
556
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000557When listing mappings the characters in the first two columns are:
558
559 CHAR MODE ~
Bram Moolenaar5c5b0942007-05-06 12:07:59 +0000560 <Space> Normal, Visual, Select and Operator-pending
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000561 n Normal
Bram Moolenaar5c5b0942007-05-06 12:07:59 +0000562 v Visual and Select
563 s Select
564 x Visual
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000565 o Operator-pending
566 ! Insert and Command-line
567 i Insert
568 l ":lmap" mappings for Insert, Command-line and Lang-Arg
569 c Command-line
Bram Moolenaar63c4e8a2017-09-17 20:32:20 +0200570 t Terminal-Job
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000571
572Just before the {rhs} a special character can appear:
573 * indicates that it is not remappable
574 & indicates that only script-local mappings are remappable
575 @ indicates a buffer-local mapping
576
577Everything from the first non-blank after {lhs} up to the end of the line
578(or '|') is considered to be part of {rhs}. This allows the {rhs} to end
579with a space.
580
581Note: When using mappings for Visual mode, you can use the "'<" mark, which
582is the start of the last selected Visual area in the current buffer |'<|.
583
Bram Moolenaar818078d2016-08-27 21:58:42 +0200584The |:filter| command can be used to select what mappings to list. The
585pattern is matched against the {lhs} and {rhs} in the raw form.
586
Bram Moolenaard13166e2022-11-18 21:49:57 +0000587While mappings are being listed, it is not possible to add or clear mappings,
588e.g. from a timer callback. *E1309*
589
Bram Moolenaarae5bce12005-08-15 21:41:48 +0000590 *:map-verbose*
591When 'verbose' is non-zero, listing a key map will also display where it was
592last defined. Example: >
593
594 :verbose map <C-W>*
595 n <C-W>* * <C-W><C-S>*
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +0000596 Last set from /home/abcd/.vimrc
Bram Moolenaarae5bce12005-08-15 21:41:48 +0000597
Bram Moolenaar5195e452005-08-19 20:32:47 +0000598See |:verbose-cmd| for more information.
Bram Moolenaarae5bce12005-08-15 21:41:48 +0000599
Bram Moolenaar5b962cf2005-12-12 21:58:40 +0000600
6011.5 MAPPING SPECIAL KEYS *:map-special-keys*
602
603There are three ways to map a special key:
6041. The Vi-compatible method: Map the key code. Often this is a sequence that
605 starts with <Esc>. To enter a mapping like this you type ":map " and then
606 you have to type CTRL-V before hitting the function key. Note that when
607 the key code for the key is in the termcap (the t_ options), it will
608 automatically be translated into the internal code and become the second
609 way of mapping (unless the 'k' flag is included in 'cpoptions').
6102. The second method is to use the internal code for the function key. To
611 enter such a mapping type CTRL-K and then hit the function key, or use
612 the form "#1", "#2", .. "#9", "#0", "<Up>", "<S-Down>", "<S-F7>", etc.
613 (see table of keys |key-notation|, all keys from <Up> can be used). The
614 first ten function keys can be defined in two ways: Just the number, like
615 "#2", and with "<F>", like "<F2>". Both stand for function key 2. "#0"
616 refers to function key 10, defined with option 't_f10', which may be
617 function key zero on some keyboards. The <> form cannot be used when
618 'cpoptions' includes the '<' flag.
6193. Use the termcap entry, with the form <t_xx>, where "xx" is the name of the
620 termcap entry. Any string entry can be used. For example: >
621 :map <t_F3> G
622< Maps function key 13 to "G". This does not work if 'cpoptions' includes
623 the '<' flag.
624
625The advantage of the second and third method is that the mapping will work on
626different terminals without modification (the function key will be
627translated into the same internal code or the actual key code, no matter what
628terminal you are using. The termcap must be correct for this to work, and you
629must use the same mappings).
630
631DETAIL: Vim first checks if a sequence from the keyboard is mapped. If it
632isn't the terminal key codes are tried (see |terminal-options|). If a
633terminal code is found it is replaced with the internal code. Then the check
634for a mapping is done again (so you can map an internal code to something
635else). What is written into the script file depends on what is recognized.
636If the terminal key code was recognized as a mapping the key code itself is
637written to the script file. If it was recognized as a terminal code the
638internal code is written to the script file.
639
640
6411.6 SPECIAL CHARACTERS *:map-special-chars*
Bram Moolenaar345efa02016-01-15 20:57:49 +0100642 *map_backslash* *map-backslash*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000643Note that only CTRL-V is mentioned here as a special character for mappings
644and abbreviations. When 'cpoptions' does not contain 'B', a backslash can
645also be used like CTRL-V. The <> notation can be fully used then |<>|. But
646you cannot use "<C-V>" like CTRL-V to escape the special meaning of what
647follows.
648
649To map a backslash, or use a backslash literally in the {rhs}, the special
650sequence "<Bslash>" can be used. This avoids the need to double backslashes
651when using nested mappings.
652
Bram Moolenaar345efa02016-01-15 20:57:49 +0100653 *map_CTRL-C* *map-CTRL-C*
Bram Moolenaar1e015462005-09-25 22:16:38 +0000654Using CTRL-C in the {lhs} is possible, but it will only work when Vim is
655waiting for a key, not when Vim is busy with something. When Vim is busy
656CTRL-C interrupts/breaks the command.
657When using the GUI version on MS-Windows CTRL-C can be mapped to allow a Copy
658command to the clipboard. Use CTRL-Break to interrupt Vim.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000659
Bram Moolenaar345efa02016-01-15 20:57:49 +0100660 *map_space_in_lhs* *map-space_in_lhs*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000661To include a space in {lhs} precede it with a CTRL-V (type two CTRL-Vs for
662each space).
Bram Moolenaar345efa02016-01-15 20:57:49 +0100663 *map_space_in_rhs* *map-space_in_rhs*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000664If you want a {rhs} that starts with a space, use "<Space>". To be fully Vi
665compatible (but unreadable) don't use the |<>| notation, precede {rhs} with a
666single CTRL-V (you have to type CTRL-V two times).
Bram Moolenaar345efa02016-01-15 20:57:49 +0100667 *map_empty_rhs* *map-empty-rhs*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000668You can create an empty {rhs} by typing nothing after a single CTRL-V (you
669have to type CTRL-V two times). Unfortunately, you cannot do this in a vimrc
670file.
671 *<Nop>*
Bram Moolenaar446beb42011-05-10 17:18:44 +0200672An easier way to get a mapping that doesn't produce anything, is to use
673"<Nop>" for the {rhs}. This only works when the |<>| notation is enabled.
674For example, to make sure that function key 8 does nothing at all: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000675 :map <F8> <Nop>
676 :map! <F8> <Nop>
677<
Bram Moolenaar5b962cf2005-12-12 21:58:40 +0000678 *map-multibyte*
679It is possible to map multibyte characters, but only the whole character. You
680cannot map the first byte only. This was done to prevent problems in this
681scenario: >
682 :set encoding=latin1
683 :imap <M-C> foo
684 :set encoding=utf-8
685The mapping for <M-C> is defined with the latin1 encoding, resulting in a 0xc3
Bram Moolenaar85eee132018-05-06 17:57:30 +0200686byte. If you type the character á (0xe1 <M-a>) in UTF-8 encoding this is the
Bram Moolenaar446beb42011-05-10 17:18:44 +0200687two bytes 0xc3 0xa1. You don't want the 0xc3 byte to be mapped then or
Bram Moolenaar85eee132018-05-06 17:57:30 +0200688otherwise it would be impossible to type the á character.
Bram Moolenaar5b962cf2005-12-12 21:58:40 +0000689
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000690 *<Leader>* *mapleader*
Bram Moolenaarb529cfb2022-07-25 15:42:07 +0100691To define a mapping which uses the "g:mapleader" variable, the special string
692"<Leader>" can be used. It is replaced with the string value of
693"g:mapleader". If "g:mapleader" is not set or empty, a backslash is used
694instead. Example: >
695 map <Leader>A oanother line<Esc>
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000696Works like: >
Bram Moolenaarb529cfb2022-07-25 15:42:07 +0100697 map \A oanother line<Esc>
698But after (legacy script): >
699 let mapleader = ","
700Or (Vim9 script): >
701 g:mapleader = ","
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000702It works like: >
Bram Moolenaarb529cfb2022-07-25 15:42:07 +0100703 map ,A oanother line<Esc>
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000704
Bram Moolenaarb529cfb2022-07-25 15:42:07 +0100705Note that the value of "g:mapleader" is used at the moment the mapping is
706defined. Changing "g:mapleader" after that has no effect for already defined
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000707mappings.
708
709 *<LocalLeader>* *maplocalleader*
Bram Moolenaara7241f52008-06-24 20:39:31 +0000710<LocalLeader> is just like <Leader>, except that it uses "maplocalleader"
711instead of "mapleader". <LocalLeader> is to be used for mappings which are
712local to a buffer. Example: >
Bram Moolenaarb8ff1fb2012-02-04 21:59:01 +0100713 :map <buffer> <LocalLeader>A oanother line<Esc>
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000714<
715In a global plugin <Leader> should be used and in a filetype plugin
716<LocalLeader>. "mapleader" and "maplocalleader" can be equal. Although, if
717you make them different, there is a smaller chance of mappings from global
718plugins to clash with mappings for filetype plugins. For example, you could
719keep "mapleader" at the default backslash, and set "maplocalleader" to an
720underscore.
721
722 *map-<SID>*
723In a script the special key name "<SID>" can be used to define a mapping
724that's local to the script. See |<SID>| for details.
725
726 *<Plug>*
727The special key name "<Plug>" can be used for an internal mapping, which is
728not to be matched with any key sequence. This is useful in plugins
729|using-<Plug>|.
730
Bram Moolenaarcbaff5e2022-04-08 17:45:08 +0100731 *<MouseMove>*
732The special key name "<MouseMove>" can be used to handle mouse movement. It
733needs to be enabled with 'mousemoveevent'. Currently only works in the GUI.
Bram Moolenaar2d8ed022022-05-21 13:08:16 +0100734The |getmousepos()| function can be used to obtain the mouse position.
Bram Moolenaarcbaff5e2022-04-08 17:45:08 +0100735
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000736 *<Char>* *<Char->*
737To map a character by its decimal, octal or hexadecimal number the <Char>
738construct can be used:
739 <Char-123> character 123
740 <Char-033> character 27
741 <Char-0x7f> character 127
Bram Moolenaar5302d9e2011-09-14 17:55:08 +0200742 <S-Char-114> character 114 ('r') shifted ('R')
Bram Moolenaar207f0092020-08-30 17:20:20 +0200743This is useful to specify a (multibyte) character in a 'keymap' file.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000744Upper and lowercase differences are ignored.
745
746 *map-comments*
747It is not possible to put a comment after these commands, because the '"'
Bram Moolenaar036986f2017-03-16 17:41:02 +0100748character is considered to be part of the {lhs} or {rhs}. However, one can
749use |", since this starts a new, empty command with a comment.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000750
Bram Moolenaar345efa02016-01-15 20:57:49 +0100751 *map_bar* *map-bar*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000752Since the '|' character is used to separate a map command from the next
753command, you will have to do something special to include a '|' in {rhs}.
754There are three methods:
755 use works when example ~
756 <Bar> '<' is not in 'cpoptions' :map _l :!ls <Bar> more^M
757 \| 'b' is not in 'cpoptions' :map _l :!ls \| more^M
758 ^V| always, in Vim and Vi :map _l :!ls ^V| more^M
759
760(here ^V stands for CTRL-V; to get one CTRL-V you have to type it twice; you
761cannot use the <> notation "<C-V>" here).
762
763All three work when you use the default setting for 'cpoptions'.
764
765When 'b' is present in 'cpoptions', "\|" will be recognized as a mapping
766ending in a '\' and then another command. This is Vi compatible, but
767illogical when compared to other commands.
768
Bram Moolenaar345efa02016-01-15 20:57:49 +0100769 *map_return* *map-return*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000770When you have a mapping that contains an Ex command, you need to put a line
771terminator after it to have it executed. The use of <CR> is recommended for
772this (see |<>|). Example: >
Bram Moolenaar251835e2014-02-24 02:51:51 +0100773 :map _ls :!ls -l %:S<CR>:echo "the end"<CR>
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000774
775To avoid mapping of the characters you type in insert or Command-line mode,
776type a CTRL-V first. The mapping in Insert mode is disabled if the 'paste'
777option is on.
Bram Moolenaare2db6952013-07-24 19:53:36 +0200778 *map-error*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000779Note that when an error is encountered (that causes an error message or beep)
780the rest of the mapping is not executed. This is Vi-compatible.
781
782Note that the second character (argument) of the commands @zZtTfF[]rm'`"v
783and CTRL-X is not mapped. This was done to be able to use all the named
784registers and marks, even when the command with the same name has been
785mapped.
786
Bram Moolenaar5b962cf2005-12-12 21:58:40 +0000787
7881.7 WHAT KEYS TO MAP *map-which-keys*
789
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000790If you are going to map something, you will need to choose which key(s) to use
791for the {lhs}. You will have to avoid keys that are used for Vim commands,
792otherwise you would not be able to use those commands anymore. Here are a few
793suggestions:
794- Function keys <F2>, <F3>, etc.. Also the shifted function keys <S-F1>,
795 <S-F2>, etc. Note that <F1> is already used for the help command.
Bram Moolenaarf91787c2010-07-17 12:47:16 +0200796- Meta-keys (with the ALT key pressed). Depending on your keyboard accented
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +0100797 characters may be used as well. |:map-alt-keys|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000798- Use the '_' or ',' character and then any other character. The "_" and ","
799 commands do exist in Vim (see |_| and |,|), but you probably never use them.
800- Use a key that is a synonym for another command. For example: CTRL-P and
801 CTRL-N. Use an extra character to allow more mappings.
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +0100802- The key defined by <Leader> and one or more other keys. This is especially
803 useful in scripts. |mapleader|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000804
805See the file "index" for keys that are not used and thus can be mapped without
806losing any builtin function. You can also use ":help {key}^D" to find out if
807a key is used for some command. ({key} is the specific key you want to find
808out about, ^D is CTRL-D).
809
Bram Moolenaar5b962cf2005-12-12 21:58:40 +0000810
8111.8 EXAMPLES *map-examples*
812
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000813A few examples (given as you type them, for "<CR>" you type four characters;
814the '<' flag must not be present in 'cpoptions' for this to work). >
815
816 :map <F3> o#include
817 :map <M-g> /foo<CR>cwbar<Esc>
818 :map _x d/END/e<CR>
819 :map! qq quadrillion questions
Bram Moolenaar5c5b0942007-05-06 12:07:59 +0000820
821
822Multiplying a count
823
824When you type a count before triggering a mapping, it's like the count was
825typed before the {lhs}. For example, with this mapping: >
826 :map <F4> 3w
827Typing 2<F4> will result in "23w". Thus not moving 2 * 3 words but 23 words.
828If you want to multiply counts use the expression register: >
829 :map <F4> @='3w'<CR>
830The part between quotes is the expression being executed. |@=|
831
Bram Moolenaar5b962cf2005-12-12 21:58:40 +0000832
8331.9 USING MAPPINGS *map-typing*
834
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000835Vim will compare what you type with the start of a mapped sequence. If there
836is an incomplete match, it will get more characters until there either is a
837complete match or until there is no match at all. Example: If you map! "qq",
838the first 'q' will not appear on the screen until you type another
839character. This is because Vim cannot know if the next character will be a
840'q' or not. If the 'timeout' option is on (which is the default) Vim will
841only wait for one second (or as long as specified with the 'timeoutlen'
842option). After that it assumes that the 'q' is to be interpreted as such. If
843you type slowly, or your system is slow, reset the 'timeout' option. Then you
844might want to set the 'ttimeout' option.
845
Bram Moolenaar37c64c72017-09-19 22:06:03 +0200846 *map-precedence*
Bram Moolenaarec7944a2013-06-12 21:29:15 +0200847Buffer-local mappings (defined using |:map-<buffer>|) take precedence over
848global mappings. When a buffer-local mapping is the same as a global mapping,
849Vim will use the buffer-local mapping. In addition, Vim will use a complete
Bram Moolenaar14b69452013-06-29 23:05:20 +0200850mapping immediately if it was defined with <nowait>, even if a longer mapping
851has the same prefix. For example, given the following two mappings: >
852 :map <buffer> <nowait> \a :echo "Local \a"<CR>
853 :map \abc :echo "Global \abc"<CR>
854When typing \a the buffer-local mapping will be used immediately. Vim will
855not wait for more characters to see if the user might be typing \abc.
Bram Moolenaarec7944a2013-06-12 21:29:15 +0200856
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000857 *map-keys-fails*
Bram Moolenaarcdbac1e2005-12-11 21:27:22 +0000858There are situations where key codes might not be recognized:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000859- Vim can only read part of the key code. Mostly this is only the first
860 character. This happens on some Unix versions in an xterm.
861- The key code is after character(s) that are mapped. E.g., "<F1><F1>" or
862 "g<F1>".
Bram Moolenaarcdbac1e2005-12-11 21:27:22 +0000863
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000864The result is that the key code is not recognized in this situation, and the
Bram Moolenaarcdbac1e2005-12-11 21:27:22 +0000865mapping fails. There are two actions needed to avoid this problem:
866
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000867- Remove the 'K' flag from 'cpoptions'. This will make Vim wait for the rest
868 of the characters of the function key.
869- When using <F1> to <F4> the actual key code generated may correspond to
870 <xF1> to <xF4>. There are mappings from <xF1> to <F1>, <xF2> to <F2>, etc.,
871 but these are not recognized after another half a mapping. Make sure the
872 key codes for <F1> to <F4> are correct: >
873 :set <F1>=<type CTRL-V><type F1>
874< Type the <F1> as four characters. The part after the "=" must be done with
875 the actual keys, not the literal text.
876Another solution is to use the actual key code in the mapping for the second
877special key: >
878 :map <F1><Esc>OP :echo "yes"<CR>
879Don't type a real <Esc>, Vim will recognize the key code and replace it with
880<F1> anyway.
881
Bram Moolenaarcdbac1e2005-12-11 21:27:22 +0000882Another problem may be that when keeping ALT or Meta pressed the terminal
883prepends ESC instead of setting the 8th bit. See |:map-alt-keys|.
884
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000885 *recursive_mapping*
886If you include the {lhs} in the {rhs} you have a recursive mapping. When
887{lhs} is typed, it will be replaced with {rhs}. When the {lhs} which is
888included in {rhs} is encountered it will be replaced with {rhs}, and so on.
889This makes it possible to repeat a command an infinite number of times. The
890only problem is that the only way to stop this is by causing an error. The
891macros to solve a maze uses this, look there for an example. There is one
892exception: If the {rhs} starts with {lhs}, the first character is not mapped
893again (this is Vi compatible).
894For example: >
895 :map ab abcd
896will execute the "a" command and insert "bcd" in the text. The "ab" in the
897{rhs} will not be mapped again.
898
899If you want to exchange the meaning of two keys you should use the :noremap
900command. For example: >
901 :noremap k j
902 :noremap j k
903This will exchange the cursor up and down commands.
904
905With the normal :map command, when the 'remap' option is on, mapping takes
906place until the text is found not to be a part of a {lhs}. For example, if
907you use: >
908 :map x y
909 :map y x
910Vim will replace x with y, and then y with x, etc. When this has happened
911'maxmapdepth' times (default 1000), Vim will give the error message
912"recursive mapping".
913
914 *:map-undo*
915If you include an undo command inside a mapped sequence, this will bring the
916text back in the state before executing the macro. This is compatible with
917the original Vi, as long as there is only one undo command in the mapped
918sequence (having two undo commands in a mapped sequence did not make sense
919in the original Vi, you would get back the text before the first undo).
920
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000921
Bram Moolenaar5b962cf2005-12-12 21:58:40 +00009221.10 MAPPING ALT-KEYS *:map-alt-keys*
Bram Moolenaarcdbac1e2005-12-11 21:27:22 +0000923
924In the GUI Vim handles the Alt key itself, thus mapping keys with ALT should
925always work. But in a terminal Vim gets a sequence of bytes and has to figure
926out whether ALT was pressed or not.
927
Bram Moolenaar4b570182019-10-20 19:53:22 +0200928If the terminal supports the modifyOtherKeys mode and it has been enabled,
929then Vim can recognize more key combinations, see |modifyOtherKeys| below.
930
Bram Moolenaarcdbac1e2005-12-11 21:27:22 +0000931By default Vim assumes that pressing the ALT key sets the 8th bit of a typed
Bram Moolenaar97d29a12005-12-17 22:02:57 +0000932character. Most decent terminals can work that way, such as xterm, aterm and
Bram Moolenaarcdbac1e2005-12-11 21:27:22 +0000933rxvt. If your <A-k> mappings don't work it might be that the terminal is
934prefixing the character with an ESC character. But you can just as well type
935ESC before a character, thus Vim doesn't know what happened (except for
936checking the delay between characters, which is not reliable).
937
938As of this writing, some mainstream terminals like gnome-terminal and konsole
939use the ESC prefix. There doesn't appear a way to have them use the 8th bit
Bram Moolenaar97d29a12005-12-17 22:02:57 +0000940instead. Xterm should work well by default. Aterm and rxvt should work well
941when started with the "--meta8" argument. You can also tweak resources like
942"metaSendsEscape", "eightBitInput" and "eightBitOutput".
Bram Moolenaarcdbac1e2005-12-11 21:27:22 +0000943
944On the Linux console, this behavior can be toggled with the "setmetamode"
945command. Bear in mind that not using an ESC prefix could get you in trouble
946with other programs. You should make sure that bash has the "convert-meta"
947option set to "on" in order for your Meta keybindings to still work on it
948(it's the default readline behavior, unless changed by specific system
949configuration). For that, you can add the line: >
950
951 set convert-meta on
952
953to your ~/.inputrc file. If you're creating the file, you might want to use: >
954
955 $include /etc/inputrc
956
957as the first line, if that file exists on your system, to keep global options.
958This may cause a problem for entering special characters, such as the umlaut.
959Then you should use CTRL-V before that character.
960
961Bear in mind that convert-meta has been reported to have troubles when used in
962UTF-8 locales. On terminals like xterm, the "metaSendsEscape" resource can be
963toggled on the fly through the "Main Options" menu, by pressing Ctrl-LeftClick
964on the terminal; that's a good last resource in case you want to send ESC when
Bram Moolenaar6aa8cea2017-06-05 14:44:35 +0200965using other applications but not when inside Vim.
Bram Moolenaarcdbac1e2005-12-11 21:27:22 +0000966
Bram Moolenaar5b962cf2005-12-12 21:58:40 +0000967
Bram Moolenaar4b570182019-10-20 19:53:22 +02009681.11 MAPPING IN modifyOtherKeys mode *modifyOtherKeys*
969
970Xterm and a few other terminals can be put in a mode where keys with modifiers
971are sent with a special escape code. Vim recognizes these codes and can then
972make a difference between CTRL-H and Backspace, even when Backspace sends the
973character 8. And many more special keys.
974
975For xterm modifyOtherKeys is enabled in the builtin termcap entry. If this is
976not used you can enable modifyOtherKeys with these lines in your vimrc: >
977 let &t_TI = "\<Esc>[>4;2m"
978 let &t_TE = "\<Esc>[>4;m"
979
980In case the modifyOtherKeys mode causes problems you can disable it: >
981 let &t_TI = ""
982 let &t_TE = ""
983It does not take effect immediately. To have this work without restarting Vim
Bram Moolenaar5ef1c6a2019-11-10 22:09:11 +0100984execute a shell command, e.g.: `!ls` Or put the lines in your |vimrc|.
985
986When modifyOtherKeys is enabled you can map <C-[> and <C-S-{>: >
987 imap <C-[> [[[
Bram Moolenaar9a033d72020-10-07 17:29:48 +0200988 imap <C-{> {{{
989Without modifyOtherKeys <C-[> and <C-{> are indistinguishable from Esc.
990Note that <C-{> is used and not <C-S-[> or <C-S-{>. This works on most
991keyboards. Similarly, <C-}> is used instead of <C-S-]> or <C-S-}> and
992<C-|> instead of <C-S-\> or <C-S-|>. Note that '|' has a special meaning in a
993mapping, see |map-bar|.
994
995WARNING: if you map <C-[> you may very well break any key codes that start
996with Esc. Make sure it comes AFTER other mappings.
Bram Moolenaar4b570182019-10-20 19:53:22 +0200997
Bram Moolenaar9f62ea02022-10-19 13:07:03 +0100998Vim automatically detects if the modifyOtherKeys mode was enabled when it
999spots an escape sequence that must have been created by it. To see if Vim
1000detected such an escape sequence use `:verbose map`, the first line will then
1001show "Seen modifyOtherKeys: true" (possibly translated).
1002
Bram Moolenaar2547aa92020-07-26 17:00:44 +02001003A known side effect is that in Insert mode the raw escape sequence is inserted
1004after the CTRL-V key. This can be used to check whether modifyOtherKeys is
1005enabled: In Insert mode type CTRL-SHIFT-V CTRL-V, if you get one byte then
1006modifyOtherKeys is off, if you get <1b>27;5;118~ then it is on.
Bram Moolenaar4b570182019-10-20 19:53:22 +02001007
Bram Moolenaar5ef1c6a2019-11-10 22:09:11 +01001008When the 'esckeys' option is off, then modifyOtherKeys will be disabled in
1009Insert mode to avoid every key with a modifier causing Insert mode to end.
1010
Bram Moolenaar4b570182019-10-20 19:53:22 +02001011
10121.12 MAPPING AN OPERATOR *:map-operator*
Bram Moolenaar5b962cf2005-12-12 21:58:40 +00001013
1014An operator is used before a {motion} command. To define your own operator
Bram Moolenaar1b884a02020-12-10 21:11:27 +01001015you must create a mapping that first sets the 'operatorfunc' option and then
Bram Moolenaar5b962cf2005-12-12 21:58:40 +00001016invoke the |g@| operator. After the user types the {motion} command the
1017specified function will be called.
1018
Bram Moolenaara40ceaf2006-01-13 22:35:40 +00001019 *g@* *E774* *E775*
Bram Moolenaar5b962cf2005-12-12 21:58:40 +00001020g@{motion} Call the function set by the 'operatorfunc' option.
1021 The '[ mark is positioned at the start of the text
1022 moved over by {motion}, the '] mark on the last
1023 character of the text.
1024 The function is called with one String argument:
1025 "line" {motion} was |linewise|
1026 "char" {motion} was |characterwise|
Bram Moolenaarf91787c2010-07-17 12:47:16 +02001027 "block" {motion} was |blockwise-visual|
Bram Moolenaarfa3b7232021-12-24 13:18:38 +00001028 The type can be forced, see |forced-motion|.
Bram Moolenaardb84e452010-08-15 13:50:43 +02001029 {not available when compiled without the |+eval|
Bram Moolenaar5b962cf2005-12-12 21:58:40 +00001030 feature}
1031
1032Here is an example that counts the number of spaces with <F4>: >
1033
Bram Moolenaar1c6737b2020-09-07 22:18:52 +02001034 nnoremap <expr> <F4> CountSpaces()
1035 xnoremap <expr> <F4> CountSpaces()
1036 " doubling <F4> works on a line
1037 nnoremap <expr> <F4><F4> CountSpaces() .. '_'
Bram Moolenaar5b962cf2005-12-12 21:58:40 +00001038
Bram Moolenaarfa3b7232021-12-24 13:18:38 +00001039 function CountSpaces(context = {}, type = '') abort
Bram Moolenaar1c6737b2020-09-07 22:18:52 +02001040 if a:type == ''
Bram Moolenaarfa3b7232021-12-24 13:18:38 +00001041 let context = #{
1042 \ dot_command: v:false,
1043 \ extend_block: '',
1044 \ virtualedit: [&l:virtualedit, &g:virtualedit],
1045 \ }
1046 let &operatorfunc = function('CountSpaces', [context])
Bram Moolenaar0e6adf82021-12-16 14:41:10 +00001047 set virtualedit=block
Bram Moolenaar1c6737b2020-09-07 22:18:52 +02001048 return 'g@'
Bram Moolenaar0e6adf82021-12-16 14:41:10 +00001049 endif
Bram Moolenaar1c6737b2020-09-07 22:18:52 +02001050
Bram Moolenaarfa3b7232021-12-24 13:18:38 +00001051 let save = #{
1052 \ clipboard: &clipboard,
1053 \ selection: &selection,
1054 \ virtualedit: [&l:virtualedit, &g:virtualedit],
1055 \ register: getreginfo('"'),
1056 \ visual_marks: [getpos("'<"), getpos("'>")],
1057 \ }
Bram Moolenaar5b962cf2005-12-12 21:58:40 +00001058
Bram Moolenaar1c6737b2020-09-07 22:18:52 +02001059 try
Bram Moolenaar0e6adf82021-12-16 14:41:10 +00001060 set clipboard= selection=inclusive virtualedit=
Bram Moolenaarfa3b7232021-12-24 13:18:38 +00001061 let commands = #{
1062 \ line: "'[V']",
1063 \ char: "`[v`]",
1064 \ block: "`[\<C-V>`]",
1065 \ }[a:type]
1066 let [_, _, col, off] = getpos("']")
1067 if off != 0
1068 let vcol = getline("'[")->strpart(0, col + off)->strdisplaywidth()
1069 if vcol >= [line("'["), '$']->virtcol() - 1
1070 let a:context.extend_block = '$'
1071 else
1072 let a:context.extend_block = vcol .. '|'
1073 endif
1074 endif
1075 if a:context.extend_block != ''
1076 let commands ..= 'oO' .. a:context.extend_block
Bram Moolenaar0e6adf82021-12-16 14:41:10 +00001077 endif
1078 let commands ..= 'y'
1079 execute 'silent noautocmd keepjumps normal! ' .. commands
1080 echomsg getreg('"')->count(' ')
Bram Moolenaar1c6737b2020-09-07 22:18:52 +02001081 finally
Bram Moolenaarfa3b7232021-12-24 13:18:38 +00001082 call setreg('"', save.register)
1083 call setpos("'<", save.visual_marks[0])
1084 call setpos("'>", save.visual_marks[1])
1085 let &clipboard = save.clipboard
1086 let &selection = save.selection
1087 let [&l:virtualedit, &g:virtualedit] = get(a:context.dot_command ? save : a:context, 'virtualedit')
1088 let a:context.dot_command = v:true
Bram Moolenaar1c6737b2020-09-07 22:18:52 +02001089 endtry
Bram Moolenaar5b962cf2005-12-12 21:58:40 +00001090 endfunction
1091
Bram Moolenaar1c6737b2020-09-07 22:18:52 +02001092An <expr> mapping is used to be able to fetch any prefixed count and register.
1093This also avoids using a command line, which would trigger CmdlineEnter and
1094CmdlineLeave autocommands.
1095
Bram Moolenaar5b962cf2005-12-12 21:58:40 +00001096Note that the 'selection' option is temporarily set to "inclusive" to be able
1097to yank exactly the right text by using Visual mode from the '[ to the ']
1098mark.
1099
Bram Moolenaar1c6737b2020-09-07 22:18:52 +02001100Also note that the 'clipboard' option is temporarily emptied to avoid
1101clobbering the `"*` or `"+` registers, if its value contains the item `unnamed`
1102or `unnamedplus`.
Bram Moolenaar5b962cf2005-12-12 21:58:40 +00001103
Bram Moolenaar079ba762021-10-23 12:08:41 +01001104The `mode()` function will return the state as it will be after applying the
1105operator.
1106
Yegappan Lakshmanan777175b2021-11-18 22:08:57 +00001107Here is an example for using a lambda function to create a normal-mode
1108operator to add quotes around text in the current line: >
1109
1110 nnoremap <F4> <Cmd>let &opfunc='{t ->
1111 \ getline(".")
1112 \ ->split("\\zs")
1113 \ ->insert("\"", col("'']"))
1114 \ ->insert("\"", col("''[") - 1)
1115 \ ->join("")
1116 \ ->setline(".")}'<CR>g@
1117
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001118==============================================================================
11192. Abbreviations *abbreviations* *Abbreviations*
1120
1121Abbreviations are used in Insert mode, Replace mode and Command-line mode.
1122If you enter a word that is an abbreviation, it is replaced with the word it
1123stands for. This can be used to save typing for often used long words. And
1124you can use it to automatically correct obvious spelling errors.
1125Examples:
1126
Bram Moolenaarc1762cc2007-05-10 16:56:30 +00001127 :iab ms Microsoft
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001128 :iab tihs this
1129
1130There are three types of abbreviations:
1131
1132full-id The "full-id" type consists entirely of keyword characters (letters
1133 and characters from 'iskeyword' option). This is the most common
1134 abbreviation.
1135
1136 Examples: "foo", "g3", "-1"
1137
1138end-id The "end-id" type ends in a keyword character, but all the other
1139 characters are not keyword characters.
1140
1141 Examples: "#i", "..f", "$/7"
1142
1143non-id The "non-id" type ends in a non-keyword character, the other
Bram Moolenaar34162142007-05-12 13:12:19 +00001144 characters may be of any type, excluding space and tab. {this type
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001145 is not supported by Vi}
1146
1147 Examples: "def#", "4/7$"
1148
1149Examples of strings that cannot be abbreviations: "a.b", "#def", "a b", "_$r"
1150
1151An abbreviation is only recognized when you type a non-keyword character.
1152This can also be the <Esc> that ends insert mode or the <CR> that ends a
1153command. The non-keyword character which ends the abbreviation is inserted
1154after the expanded abbreviation. An exception to this is the character <C-]>,
1155which is used to expand an abbreviation without inserting any extra
1156characters.
1157
1158Example: >
1159 :ab hh hello
1160< "hh<Space>" is expanded to "hello<Space>"
1161 "hh<C-]>" is expanded to "hello"
1162
1163The characters before the cursor must match the abbreviation. Each type has
1164an additional rule:
1165
1166full-id In front of the match is a non-keyword character, or this is where
1167 the line or insertion starts. Exception: When the abbreviation is
1168 only one character, it is not recognized if there is a non-keyword
Bram Moolenaareb3dc872018-05-13 22:34:24 +02001169 character in front of it, other than a space or a tab. However, for
1170 the command line "'<,'>" (or any other marks) is ignored, as if the
1171 command line starts after it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001172
Bram Moolenaar34162142007-05-12 13:12:19 +00001173end-id In front of the match is a keyword character, or a space or a tab,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001174 or this is where the line or insertion starts.
1175
Bram Moolenaar34162142007-05-12 13:12:19 +00001176non-id In front of the match is a space, tab or the start of the line or
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001177 the insertion.
1178
1179Examples: ({CURSOR} is where you type a non-keyword character) >
1180 :ab foo four old otters
1181< " foo{CURSOR}" is expanded to " four old otters"
1182 " foobar{CURSOR}" is not expanded
1183 "barfoo{CURSOR}" is not expanded
1184>
1185 :ab #i #include
1186< "#i{CURSOR}" is expanded to "#include"
1187 ">#i{CURSOR}" is not expanded
1188>
Bram Moolenaar81695252004-12-29 20:58:21 +00001189 :ab ;; <endofline>
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001190< "test;;" is not expanded
1191 "test ;;" is expanded to "test <endofline>"
1192
Bram Moolenaar7d76c802014-10-15 22:51:52 +02001193To avoid the abbreviation in Insert mode: Type CTRL-V before the character
1194that would trigger the abbreviation. E.g. CTRL-V <Space>. Or type part of
1195the abbreviation, exit insert mode with <Esc>, re-enter insert mode with "a"
1196and type the rest.
1197
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001198To avoid the abbreviation in Command-line mode: Type CTRL-V twice somewhere in
1199the abbreviation to avoid it to be replaced. A CTRL-V in front of a normal
1200character is mostly ignored otherwise.
1201
1202It is possible to move the cursor after an abbreviation: >
1203 :iab if if ()<Left>
1204This does not work if 'cpoptions' includes the '<' flag. |<>|
1205
1206You can even do more complicated things. For example, to consume the space
1207typed after an abbreviation: >
1208 func Eatchar(pat)
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001209 let c = nr2char(getchar(0))
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001210 return (c =~ a:pat) ? '' : c
1211 endfunc
1212 iabbr <silent> if if ()<Left><C-R>=Eatchar('\s')<CR>
1213
1214There are no default abbreviations.
1215
1216Abbreviations are never recursive. You can use ":ab f f-o-o" without any
1217problem. But abbreviations can be mapped. {some versions of Vi support
1218recursive abbreviations, for no apparent reason}
1219
1220Abbreviations are disabled if the 'paste' option is on.
1221
1222 *:abbreviate-local* *:abbreviate-<buffer>*
1223Just like mappings, abbreviations can be local to a buffer. This is mostly
1224used in a |filetype-plugin| file. Example for a C plugin file: >
1225 :abb <buffer> FF for (i = 0; i < ; ++i)
1226<
1227 *:ab* *:abbreviate*
1228:ab[breviate] list all abbreviations. The character in the first
1229 column indicates the mode where the abbreviation is
1230 used: 'i' for insert mode, 'c' for Command-line
1231 mode, '!' for both. These are the same as for
1232 mappings, see |map-listing|.
1233
Bram Moolenaare344bea2005-09-01 20:46:49 +00001234 *:abbreviate-verbose*
1235When 'verbose' is non-zero, listing an abbreviation will also display where it
1236was last defined. Example: >
1237
1238 :verbose abbreviate
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00001239 ! teh the
Bram Moolenaare344bea2005-09-01 20:46:49 +00001240 Last set from /home/abcd/vim/abbr.vim
1241
1242See |:verbose-cmd| for more information.
1243
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001244:ab[breviate] {lhs} list the abbreviations that start with {lhs}
1245 You may need to insert a CTRL-V (type it twice) to
1246 avoid that a typed {lhs} is expanded, since
1247 command-line abbreviations apply here.
1248
Bram Moolenaar251e1912011-06-19 05:09:16 +02001249:ab[breviate] [<expr>] [<buffer>] {lhs} {rhs}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001250 add abbreviation for {lhs} to {rhs}. If {lhs} already
1251 existed it is replaced with the new {rhs}. {rhs} may
1252 contain spaces.
Bram Moolenaarfc1421e2006-04-20 22:17:20 +00001253 See |:map-<expr>| for the optional <expr> argument.
Bram Moolenaar251e1912011-06-19 05:09:16 +02001254 See |:map-<buffer>| for the optional <buffer> argument.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001255
1256 *:una* *:unabbreviate*
Bram Moolenaar95a9dd12019-12-19 22:12:03 +01001257:una[bbreviate] [<buffer>] {lhs}
1258 Remove abbreviation for {lhs} from the list. If none
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001259 is found, remove abbreviations in which {lhs} matches
1260 with the {rhs}. This is done so that you can even
1261 remove abbreviations after expansion. To avoid
1262 expansion insert a CTRL-V (type it twice).
1263
1264 *:norea* *:noreabbrev*
Bram Moolenaar251e1912011-06-19 05:09:16 +02001265:norea[bbrev] [<expr>] [<buffer>] [lhs] [rhs]
Bram Moolenaar25c9c682019-05-05 18:13:34 +02001266 Same as ":ab", but no remapping for this {rhs}.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001267
Bram Moolenaar61da1bf2019-06-06 12:14:49 +02001268 *:ca* *:cab* *:cabbrev*
Bram Moolenaar251e1912011-06-19 05:09:16 +02001269:ca[bbrev] [<expr>] [<buffer>] [lhs] [rhs]
Bram Moolenaar25c9c682019-05-05 18:13:34 +02001270 Same as ":ab", but for Command-line mode only.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001271
1272 *:cuna* *:cunabbrev*
Bram Moolenaar95a9dd12019-12-19 22:12:03 +01001273:cuna[bbrev] [<buffer>] {lhs}
1274 Same as ":una", but for Command-line mode only.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001275
1276 *:cnorea* *:cnoreabbrev*
Bram Moolenaar251e1912011-06-19 05:09:16 +02001277:cnorea[bbrev] [<expr>] [<buffer>] [lhs] [rhs]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001278 same as ":ab", but for Command-line mode only and no
Bram Moolenaar25c9c682019-05-05 18:13:34 +02001279 remapping for this {rhs}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001280
1281 *:ia* *:iabbrev*
Bram Moolenaar251e1912011-06-19 05:09:16 +02001282:ia[bbrev] [<expr>] [<buffer>] [lhs] [rhs]
Bram Moolenaar25c9c682019-05-05 18:13:34 +02001283 Same as ":ab", but for Insert mode only.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001284
1285 *:iuna* *:iunabbrev*
Bram Moolenaar95a9dd12019-12-19 22:12:03 +01001286:iuna[bbrev] [<buffer>] {lhs}
1287 Same as ":una", but for insert mode only.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001288
1289 *:inorea* *:inoreabbrev*
Bram Moolenaar251e1912011-06-19 05:09:16 +02001290:inorea[bbrev] [<expr>] [<buffer>] [lhs] [rhs]
Bram Moolenaar25c9c682019-05-05 18:13:34 +02001291 Same as ":ab", but for Insert mode only and no
1292 remapping for this {rhs}.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001293
1294 *:abc* *:abclear*
Bram Moolenaar25c9c682019-05-05 18:13:34 +02001295:abc[lear] [<buffer>] Remove all abbreviations.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001296
1297 *:iabc* *:iabclear*
Bram Moolenaar25c9c682019-05-05 18:13:34 +02001298:iabc[lear] [<buffer>] Remove all abbreviations for Insert mode.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001299
1300 *:cabc* *:cabclear*
Bram Moolenaar25c9c682019-05-05 18:13:34 +02001301:cabc[lear] [<buffer>] Remove all abbreviations for Command-line mode.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001302
1303 *using_CTRL-V*
1304It is possible to use special characters in the rhs of an abbreviation.
1305CTRL-V has to be used to avoid the special meaning of most non printable
1306characters. How many CTRL-Vs need to be typed depends on how you enter the
1307abbreviation. This also applies to mappings. Let's use an example here.
1308
1309Suppose you want to abbreviate "esc" to enter an <Esc> character. When you
1310type the ":ab" command in Vim, you have to enter this: (here ^V is a CTRL-V
1311and ^[ is <Esc>)
1312
1313You type: ab esc ^V^V^V^V^V^[
1314
1315 All keyboard input is subjected to ^V quote interpretation, so
1316 the first, third, and fifth ^V characters simply allow the second,
1317 and fourth ^Vs, and the ^[, to be entered into the command-line.
1318
1319You see: ab esc ^V^V^[
1320
1321 The command-line contains two actual ^Vs before the ^[. This is
1322 how it should appear in your .exrc file, if you choose to go that
1323 route. The first ^V is there to quote the second ^V; the :ab
1324 command uses ^V as its own quote character, so you can include quoted
Bram Moolenaar81695252004-12-29 20:58:21 +00001325 whitespace or the | character in the abbreviation. The :ab command
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001326 doesn't do anything special with the ^[ character, so it doesn't need
1327 to be quoted. (Although quoting isn't harmful; that's why typing 7
1328 [but not 8!] ^Vs works.)
1329
1330Stored as: esc ^V^[
1331
1332 After parsing, the abbreviation's short form ("esc") and long form
1333 (the two characters "^V^[") are stored in the abbreviation table.
1334 If you give the :ab command with no arguments, this is how the
1335 abbreviation will be displayed.
1336
1337 Later, when the abbreviation is expanded because the user typed in
1338 the word "esc", the long form is subjected to the same type of
1339 ^V interpretation as keyboard input. So the ^V protects the ^[
Bram Moolenaar81695252004-12-29 20:58:21 +00001340 character from being interpreted as the "exit Insert mode" character.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001341 Instead, the ^[ is inserted into the text.
1342
1343Expands to: ^[
1344
1345[example given by Steve Kirkendall]
1346
1347==============================================================================
13483. Local mappings and functions *script-local*
1349
1350When using several Vim script files, there is the danger that mappings and
1351functions used in one script use the same name as in other scripts. To avoid
1352this, they can be made local to the script.
1353
1354 *<SID>* *<SNR>* *E81*
1355The string "<SID>" can be used in a mapping or menu. This requires that the
1356'<' flag is not present in 'cpoptions'.
1357 When executing the map command, Vim will replace "<SID>" with the special
1358key code <SNR>, followed by a number that's unique for the script, and an
1359underscore. Example: >
1360 :map <SID>Add
1361could define a mapping "<SNR>23_Add".
1362
1363When defining a function in a script, "s:" can be prepended to the name to
Bram Moolenaar75ab5902022-04-18 15:36:40 +01001364make it local to the script (in |Vim9| script functions without a prefix are
1365local to the script). But when a mapping is executed from outside of
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001366the script, it doesn't know in which script the function was defined. To
1367avoid this problem, use "<SID>" instead of "s:". The same translation is done
1368as for mappings. This makes it possible to define a call to the function in
Bram Moolenaar81695252004-12-29 20:58:21 +00001369a mapping.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001370
1371When a local function is executed, it runs in the context of the script it was
1372defined in. This means that new functions and mappings it defines can also
1373use "s:" or "<SID>" and it will use the same unique number as when the
1374function itself was defined. Also, the "s:var" local script variables can be
1375used.
1376
1377When executing an autocommand or a user command, it will run in the context of
1378the script it was defined in. This makes it possible that the command calls a
1379local function or uses a local mapping.
1380
Bram Moolenaar90944302020-08-01 20:45:11 +02001381In case the value is used in a context where <SID> cannot be correctly
1382expanded, use the expand() function: >
1383 let &includexpr = expand('<SID>') .. 'My_includeexpr()'
1384
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001385Otherwise, using "<SID>" outside of a script context is an error.
1386
1387If you need to get the script number to use in a complicated script, you can
Bram Moolenaar4770d092006-01-12 23:22:24 +00001388use this function: >
Bram Moolenaar4466ad62020-11-21 13:16:30 +01001389 func s:ScriptNumber()
1390 return matchstr(expand('<SID>'), '<SNR>\zs\d\+\ze_')
1391 endfunc
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001392
1393The "<SNR>" will be shown when listing functions and mappings. This is useful
1394to find out what they are defined to.
1395
1396The |:scriptnames| command can be used to see which scripts have been sourced
1397and what their <SNR> number is.
1398
Bram Moolenaar25c9c682019-05-05 18:13:34 +02001399This is all {not available when compiled without the |+eval| feature}.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001400
1401==============================================================================
14024. User-defined commands *user-commands*
1403
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00001404It is possible to define your own Ex commands. A user-defined command can act
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001405just like a built-in command (it can have a range or arguments, arguments can
1406be completed as filenames or buffer names, etc), except that when the command
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001407is executed, it is transformed into a normal Ex command and then executed.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001408
1409For starters: See section |40.2| in the user manual.
1410
Bram Moolenaar166af9b2010-11-16 20:34:40 +01001411 *E183* *E841* *user-cmd-ambiguous*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001412All user defined commands must start with an uppercase letter, to avoid
Bram Moolenaar166af9b2010-11-16 20:34:40 +01001413confusion with builtin commands. Exceptions are these builtin commands:
1414 :Next
1415 :X
1416They cannot be used for a user defined command. ":Print" is also an existing
1417command, but it is deprecated and can be overruled.
1418
1419The other characters of the user command can be uppercase letters, lowercase
1420letters or digits. When using digits, note that other commands that take a
1421numeric argument may become ambiguous. For example, the command ":Cc2" could
1422be the user command ":Cc2" without an argument, or the command ":Cc" with
1423argument "2". It is advised to put a space between the command name and the
1424argument to avoid these problems.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001425
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00001426When using a user-defined command, the command can be abbreviated. However, if
1427an abbreviation is not unique, an error will be issued. Furthermore, a
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001428built-in command will always take precedence.
1429
1430Example: >
1431 :command Rename ...
1432 :command Renumber ...
1433 :Rena " Means "Rename"
1434 :Renu " Means "Renumber"
1435 :Ren " Error - ambiguous
1436 :command Paste ...
1437 :P " The built-in :Print
1438
1439It is recommended that full names for user-defined commands are used in
1440scripts.
1441
1442:com[mand] *:com* *:command*
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00001443 List all user-defined commands. When listing commands,
Bram Moolenaara561a412019-04-25 21:27:58 +02001444 the characters in the first columns are:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001445 ! Command has the -bang attribute
1446 " Command has the -register attribute
Bram Moolenaara561a412019-04-25 21:27:58 +02001447 | Command has the -bar attribute
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001448 b Command is local to current buffer
1449 (see below for details on attributes)
Bram Moolenaar818078d2016-08-27 21:58:42 +02001450 The list can be filtered on command name with
1451 |:filter|, e.g., to list all commands with "Pyth" in
1452 the name: >
1453 filter Pyth command
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001454
1455:com[mand] {cmd} List the user-defined commands that start with {cmd}
1456
Bram Moolenaar5b8d8fd2005-08-16 23:01:50 +00001457 *:command-verbose*
1458When 'verbose' is non-zero, listing a command will also display where it was
Bram Moolenaar6f4754b2022-01-23 12:07:04 +00001459last defined and any completion argument. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5b8d8fd2005-08-16 23:01:50 +00001460
1461 :verbose command TOhtml
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00001462< Name Args Range Complete Definition ~
1463 TOhtml 0 % :call Convert2HTML(<line1>, <line2>) ~
1464 Last set from /usr/share/vim/vim-7.0/plugin/tohtml.vim ~
1465
Bram Moolenaar5195e452005-08-19 20:32:47 +00001466See |:verbose-cmd| for more information.
Bram Moolenaar5b8d8fd2005-08-16 23:01:50 +00001467
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001468 *E174* *E182*
Bram Moolenaar1b884a02020-12-10 21:11:27 +01001469:com[mand][!] [{attr}...] {cmd} {repl}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001470 Define a user command. The name of the command is
Bram Moolenaar1b884a02020-12-10 21:11:27 +01001471 {cmd} and its replacement text is {repl}. The
1472 command's attributes (see below) are {attr}. If the
1473 command already exists, an error is reported, unless a
1474 ! is specified, in which case the command is
1475 redefined. There is one exception: When sourcing a
1476 script again, a command that was previously defined in
1477 that script will be silently replaced.
Bram Moolenaar55d46912018-12-08 16:03:28 +01001478
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001479
1480:delc[ommand] {cmd} *:delc* *:delcommand* *E184*
1481 Delete the user-defined command {cmd}.
Bram Moolenaard13166e2022-11-18 21:49:57 +00001482 This is not allowed while listing commands, e.g. from
1483 a timer. *E1311*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001484
Bram Moolenaarbdcba242021-09-12 20:58:02 +02001485:delc[ommand] -buffer {cmd} *E1237*
1486 Delete the user-defined command {cmd} that was defined
1487 for the current buffer.
1488
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001489:comc[lear] *:comc* *:comclear*
1490 Delete all user-defined commands.
1491
Bram Moolenaar55d46912018-12-08 16:03:28 +01001492
1493Command attributes ~
Bram Moolenaar6ebe4f92022-10-28 20:47:54 +01001494 *command-attributes*
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001495User-defined commands are treated by Vim just like any other Ex commands. They
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00001496can have arguments, or have a range specified. Arguments are subject to
1497completion as filenames, buffers, etc. Exactly how this works depends upon the
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001498command's attributes, which are specified when the command is defined.
1499
1500There are a number of attributes, split into four categories: argument
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00001501handling, completion behavior, range handling, and special cases. The
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001502attributes are described below, by category.
1503
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001504
Bram Moolenaar55d46912018-12-08 16:03:28 +01001505Argument handling ~
1506 *E175* *E176* *:command-nargs*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001507By default, a user defined command will take no arguments (and an error is
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00001508reported if any are supplied). However, it is possible to specify that the
1509command can take arguments, using the -nargs attribute. Valid cases are:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001510
1511 -nargs=0 No arguments are allowed (the default)
Bram Moolenaar9d87a372018-12-18 21:41:50 +01001512 -nargs=1 Exactly one argument is required, it includes spaces
Bram Moolenaar446beb42011-05-10 17:18:44 +02001513 -nargs=* Any number of arguments are allowed (0, 1, or many),
1514 separated by white space
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001515 -nargs=? 0 or 1 arguments are allowed
1516 -nargs=+ Arguments must be supplied, but any number are allowed
1517
Bram Moolenaar34162142007-05-12 13:12:19 +00001518Arguments are considered to be separated by (unescaped) spaces or tabs in this
Bram Moolenaar446beb42011-05-10 17:18:44 +02001519context, except when there is one argument, then the white space is part of
1520the argument.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001521
1522Note that arguments are used as text, not as expressions. Specifically,
1523"s:var" will use the script-local variable in the script where the command was
1524defined, not where it is invoked! Example:
1525 script1.vim: >
1526 :let s:error = "None"
1527 :command -nargs=1 Error echoerr <args>
1528< script2.vim: >
1529 :source script1.vim
1530 :let s:error = "Wrong!"
1531 :Error s:error
Bram Moolenaara7241f52008-06-24 20:39:31 +00001532Executing script2.vim will result in "None" being echoed. Not what you
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001533intended! Calling a function may be an alternative.
1534
Bram Moolenaar55d46912018-12-08 16:03:28 +01001535
1536Completion behavior ~
Bram Moolenaar9d87a372018-12-18 21:41:50 +01001537 *:command-completion* *E179* *E180* *E181*
Bram Moolenaar55d46912018-12-08 16:03:28 +01001538 *:command-complete*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001539By default, the arguments of user defined commands do not undergo completion.
1540However, by specifying one or the other of the following attributes, argument
1541completion can be enabled:
1542
Bram Moolenaarcd43eff2018-03-29 15:55:38 +02001543 -complete=arglist file names in argument list
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001544 -complete=augroup autocmd groups
1545 -complete=buffer buffer names
Bram Moolenaar5ae636b2012-04-30 18:48:53 +02001546 -complete=behave :behave suboptions
Bram Moolenaare9edd7f2011-07-20 16:37:24 +02001547 -complete=color color schemes
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001548 -complete=command Ex command (and arguments)
Bram Moolenaare9edd7f2011-07-20 16:37:24 +02001549 -complete=compiler compilers
Bram Moolenaar4a748032010-09-30 21:47:56 +02001550 -complete=cscope |:cscope| suboptions
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001551 -complete=dir directory names
1552 -complete=environment environment variable names
1553 -complete=event autocommand events
1554 -complete=expression Vim expression
1555 -complete=file file and directory names
Bram Moolenaare9edd7f2011-07-20 16:37:24 +02001556 -complete=file_in_path file and directory names in |'path'|
Bram Moolenaara26559b2010-07-31 14:59:19 +02001557 -complete=filetype filetype names |'filetype'|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001558 -complete=function function name
1559 -complete=help help subjects
1560 -complete=highlight highlight groups
Bram Moolenaar5ae636b2012-04-30 18:48:53 +02001561 -complete=history :history suboptions
Bram Moolenaare9edd7f2011-07-20 16:37:24 +02001562 -complete=locale locale names (as output of locale -a)
Bram Moolenaarcae92dc2017-08-06 15:22:15 +02001563 -complete=mapclear buffer argument
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001564 -complete=mapping mapping name
1565 -complete=menu menus
Bram Moolenaar9e507ca2016-10-15 15:39:39 +02001566 -complete=messages |:messages| suboptions
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001567 -complete=option options
Bram Moolenaar063b9d12016-07-09 20:21:48 +02001568 -complete=packadd optional package |pack-add| names
Bram Moolenaara26559b2010-07-31 14:59:19 +02001569 -complete=shellcmd Shell command
Bram Moolenaar4a748032010-09-30 21:47:56 +02001570 -complete=sign |:sign| suboptions
Bram Moolenaara26559b2010-07-31 14:59:19 +02001571 -complete=syntax syntax file names |'syntax'|
Bram Moolenaarcd9c4622013-06-08 15:24:48 +02001572 -complete=syntime |:syntime| suboptions
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001573 -complete=tag tags
1574 -complete=tag_listfiles tags, file names are shown when CTRL-D is hit
Bram Moolenaar24305862012-08-15 14:05:05 +02001575 -complete=user user names
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001576 -complete=var user variables
1577 -complete=custom,{func} custom completion, defined via {func}
Bram Moolenaara466c992005-07-09 21:03:22 +00001578 -complete=customlist,{func} custom completion, defined via {func}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001579
Bram Moolenaar6f4754b2022-01-23 12:07:04 +00001580If you specify completion while there is nothing to complete (-nargs=0, the
1581default) then you get error *E1208* .
Bram Moolenaar3a991dd2014-10-02 01:41:41 +02001582Note: That some completion methods might expand environment variables.
1583
Bram Moolenaara5792f52005-11-23 21:25:05 +00001584
Bram Moolenaar55d46912018-12-08 16:03:28 +01001585Custom completion ~
1586 *:command-completion-custom*
1587 *:command-completion-customlist* *E467* *E468*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001588It is possible to define customized completion schemes via the "custom,{func}"
Bram Moolenaara466c992005-07-09 21:03:22 +00001589or the "customlist,{func}" completion argument. The {func} part should be a
Bram Moolenaara7241f52008-06-24 20:39:31 +00001590function with the following signature: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001591
1592 :function {func}(ArgLead, CmdLine, CursorPos)
1593
Bram Moolenaara466c992005-07-09 21:03:22 +00001594The function need not use all these arguments. The function should provide the
1595completion candidates as the return value.
1596
1597For the "custom" argument, the function should return the completion
1598candidates one per line in a newline separated string.
Bram Moolenaar9712ff12022-09-18 13:04:22 +01001599 *E1303*
Bram Moolenaara466c992005-07-09 21:03:22 +00001600For the "customlist" argument, the function should return the completion
Bram Moolenaara5792f52005-11-23 21:25:05 +00001601candidates as a Vim List. Non-string items in the list are ignored.
Bram Moolenaara466c992005-07-09 21:03:22 +00001602
1603The function arguments are:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001604 ArgLead the leading portion of the argument currently being
1605 completed on
1606 CmdLine the entire command line
Bram Moolenaara5792f52005-11-23 21:25:05 +00001607 CursorPos the cursor position in it (byte index)
Bram Moolenaara466c992005-07-09 21:03:22 +00001608The function may use these for determining context. For the "custom"
1609argument, it is not necessary to filter candidates against the (implicit
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001610pattern in) ArgLead. Vim will filter the candidates with its regexp engine
Bram Moolenaar1588bc82022-03-08 21:35:07 +00001611after function return, and this is probably more efficient in most cases. If
1612'wildoptions' contains "fuzzy", then the candidates will be filtered using
1613|fuzzy-matching|. For the "customlist" argument, Vim will not
1614filter the returned completion candidates and the user supplied function
1615should filter the candidates.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001616
1617The following example lists user names to a Finger command >
1618 :com -complete=custom,ListUsers -nargs=1 Finger !finger <args>
1619 :fun ListUsers(A,L,P)
1620 : return system("cut -d: -f1 /etc/passwd")
1621 :endfun
1622
Bram Moolenaara466c992005-07-09 21:03:22 +00001623The following example completes filenames from the directories specified in
1624the 'path' option: >
1625 :com -nargs=1 -bang -complete=customlist,EditFileComplete
1626 \ EditFile edit<bang> <args>
1627 :fun EditFileComplete(A,L,P)
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001628 : return split(globpath(&path, a:A), "\n")
Bram Moolenaara466c992005-07-09 21:03:22 +00001629 :endfun
1630<
Bram Moolenaar5ac3b1a2010-07-27 22:50:36 +02001631This example does not work for file names with spaces!
1632
Bram Moolenaara5792f52005-11-23 21:25:05 +00001633
Bram Moolenaar55d46912018-12-08 16:03:28 +01001634Range handling ~
1635 *E177* *E178* *:command-range* *:command-count*
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00001636By default, user-defined commands do not accept a line number range. However,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001637it is possible to specify that the command does take a range (the -range
1638attribute), or that it takes an arbitrary count value, either in the line
1639number position (-range=N, like the |:split| command) or as a "count"
Bram Moolenaar5c5b0942007-05-06 12:07:59 +00001640argument (-count=N, like the |:Next| command). The count will then be
1641available in the argument with |<count>|.
1642
1643Possible attributes are:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001644
1645 -range Range allowed, default is current line
1646 -range=% Range allowed, default is whole file (1,$)
1647 -range=N A count (default N) which is specified in the line
Bram Moolenaar8e5af3e2011-04-28 19:02:44 +02001648 number position (like |:split|); allows for zero line
1649 number.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001650 -count=N A count (default N) which is specified either in the line
Bram Moolenaar32e7b2d2005-02-27 22:36:47 +00001651 number position, or as an initial argument (like |:Next|).
Bram Moolenaar25c9c682019-05-05 18:13:34 +02001652 -count acts like -count=0
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001653
1654Note that -range=N and -count=N are mutually exclusive - only one should be
1655specified.
1656
Bram Moolenaaraa3b15d2016-04-21 08:53:19 +02001657 *:command-addr*
Bram Moolenaarf1d6ccf2014-12-08 04:16:44 +01001658It is possible that the special characters in the range like ., $ or % which
1659by default correspond to the current line, last line and the whole buffer,
1660relate to arguments, (loaded) buffers, windows or tab pages.
1661
Bram Moolenaara561a412019-04-25 21:27:58 +02001662Possible values are (second column is the short name used in listing):
Bram Moolenaar25c9c682019-05-05 18:13:34 +02001663 -addr=lines Range of lines (this is the default for -range)
Bram Moolenaara561a412019-04-25 21:27:58 +02001664 -addr=arguments arg Range for arguments
1665 -addr=buffers buf Range for buffers (also not loaded buffers)
1666 -addr=loaded_buffers load Range for loaded buffers
1667 -addr=windows win Range for windows
1668 -addr=tabs tab Range for tab pages
1669 -addr=quickfix qf Range for quickfix entries
Bram Moolenaar25c9c682019-05-05 18:13:34 +02001670 -addr=other ? other kind of range; can use ".", "$" and "%"
1671 as with "lines" (this is the default for
1672 -count)
Bram Moolenaarf1d6ccf2014-12-08 04:16:44 +01001673
Bram Moolenaar55d46912018-12-08 16:03:28 +01001674
1675Special cases ~
1676 *:command-bang* *:command-bar*
Bram Moolenaar5c5b0942007-05-06 12:07:59 +00001677 *:command-register* *:command-buffer*
Bram Moolenaar519cc552021-11-16 19:18:26 +00001678 *:command-keepscript*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001679There are some special cases as well:
1680
1681 -bang The command can take a ! modifier (like :q or :w)
1682 -bar The command can be followed by a "|" and another command.
1683 A "|" inside the command argument is not allowed then.
1684 Also checks for a " to start a comment.
1685 -register The first argument to the command can be an optional
1686 register name (like :del, :put, :yank).
1687 -buffer The command will only be available in the current buffer.
Bram Moolenaar58ef8a32021-11-12 11:25:11 +00001688 -keepscript Do not use the location of where the user command was
1689 defined for verbose messages, use the location of where
1690 the user command was invoked.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001691
1692In the cases of the -count and -register attributes, if the optional argument
1693is supplied, it is removed from the argument list and is available to the
1694replacement text separately.
Bram Moolenaar7cba6c02013-09-05 22:13:31 +02001695Note that these arguments can be abbreviated, but that is a deprecated
1696feature. Use the full name for new scripts.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001697
Bram Moolenaar55d46912018-12-08 16:03:28 +01001698
1699Replacement text ~
Bram Moolenaar73b8b0a2021-08-01 14:52:32 +02001700 *:command-repl*
Bram Moolenaar5d7c2df2021-07-27 21:17:32 +02001701The {repl} argument is normally one long string, possibly with "|" separated
1702commands. A special case is when the argument is "{", then the following
1703lines, up to a line starting with "}" are used and |Vim9| syntax applies.
1704Example: >
1705 :command MyCommand {
1706 echo 'hello'
1707 g:calledMyCommand = true
1708 }
Bram Moolenaar63b91732021-08-05 20:40:03 +02001709< *E1231*
1710There must be white space before the "{". No nesting is supported, inline
1711functions cannot be used. Commands where a "|" may appear in the argument,
1712such as commands with an expression argument, cannot be followed by a "|" and
1713another command.
Bram Moolenaar5d7c2df2021-07-27 21:17:32 +02001714
Bram Moolenaar1b884a02020-12-10 21:11:27 +01001715The replacement text {repl} for a user defined command is scanned for special
1716escape sequences, using <...> notation. Escape sequences are replaced with
1717values from the entered command line, and all other text is copied unchanged.
1718The resulting string is executed as an Ex command. To avoid the replacement
1719use <lt> in place of the initial <. Thus to include "<bang>" literally use
Bram Moolenaar371d5402006-03-20 21:47:49 +00001720"<lt>bang>".
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001721
1722The valid escape sequences are
1723
1724 *<line1>*
1725 <line1> The starting line of the command range.
1726 *<line2>*
1727 <line2> The final line of the command range.
Bram Moolenaarc168bd42017-09-10 17:34:35 +02001728 *<range>*
1729 <range> The number of items in the command range: 0, 1 or 2
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001730 *<count>*
1731 <count> Any count supplied (as described for the '-range'
1732 and '-count' attributes).
1733 *<bang>*
1734 <bang> (See the '-bang' attribute) Expands to a ! if the
1735 command was executed with a ! modifier, otherwise
1736 expands to nothing.
Bram Moolenaar1d59aa12020-09-19 18:50:13 +02001737 *<mods>* *<q-mods>* *:command-modifiers*
Bram Moolenaar63a60de2016-06-04 22:08:55 +02001738 <mods> The command modifiers, if specified. Otherwise, expands to
Bram Moolenaarc95a3022016-06-12 23:01:46 +02001739 nothing. Supported modifiers are |:aboveleft|, |:belowright|,
zeertzjqd3de1782022-09-01 12:58:52 +01001740 |:botright|, |:browse|, |:confirm|, |:hide|, |:horizontal|,
1741 |:keepalt|, |:keepjumps|, |:keepmarks|, |:keeppatterns|,
1742 |:leftabove|, |:lockmarks|, |:noautocmd|, |:noswapfile|
1743 |:rightbelow|, |:sandbox|, |:silent|, |:tab|, |:topleft|,
1744 |:unsilent|, |:verbose|, and |:vertical|.
zeertzjq9359e8a2022-07-03 13:16:09 +01001745 Note that |:filter| is not supported.
Bram Moolenaar63a60de2016-06-04 22:08:55 +02001746 Examples: >
1747 command! -nargs=+ -complete=file MyEdit
1748 \ for f in expand(<q-args>, 0, 1) |
Bram Moolenaarc51cf032022-02-26 12:25:45 +00001749 \ exe '<mods> split ' .. f |
Bram Moolenaar63a60de2016-06-04 22:08:55 +02001750 \ endfor
1751
1752 function! SpecialEdit(files, mods)
1753 for f in expand(a:files, 0, 1)
Bram Moolenaarc51cf032022-02-26 12:25:45 +00001754 exe a:mods .. ' split ' .. f
Bram Moolenaar63a60de2016-06-04 22:08:55 +02001755 endfor
1756 endfunction
1757 command! -nargs=+ -complete=file Sedit
1758 \ call SpecialEdit(<q-args>, <q-mods>)
1759<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001760 *<reg>* *<register>*
1761 <reg> (See the '-register' attribute) The optional register,
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00001762 if specified. Otherwise, expands to nothing. <register>
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001763 is a synonym for this.
1764 *<args>*
1765 <args> The command arguments, exactly as supplied (but as
1766 noted above, any count or register can consume some
1767 of the arguments, which are then not part of <args>).
1768 <lt> A single '<' (Less-Than) character. This is needed if you
1769 want to get a literal copy of one of these escape sequences
1770 into the expansion - for example, to get <bang>, use
1771 <lt>bang>.
1772
1773 *<q-args>*
1774If the first two characters of an escape sequence are "q-" (for example,
1775<q-args>) then the value is quoted in such a way as to make it a valid value
1776for use in an expression. This uses the argument as one single value.
Bram Moolenaar9fbdbb82022-09-27 17:30:34 +01001777When there is no argument <q-args> is an empty string. See the
1778|q-args-example| below.
Bram Moolenaar552f8a12007-03-08 17:12:08 +00001779 *<f-args>*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001780To allow commands to pass their arguments on to a user-defined function, there
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00001781is a special form <f-args> ("function args"). This splits the command
Bram Moolenaar34162142007-05-12 13:12:19 +00001782arguments at spaces and tabs, quotes each argument individually, and the
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001783<f-args> sequence is replaced by the comma-separated list of quoted arguments.
Bram Moolenaarc9b4b052006-04-30 18:54:39 +00001784See the Mycmd example below. If no arguments are given <f-args> is removed.
Bram Moolenaar552f8a12007-03-08 17:12:08 +00001785 To embed whitespace into an argument of <f-args>, prepend a backslash.
1786<f-args> replaces every pair of backslashes (\\) with one backslash. A
1787backslash followed by a character other than white space or a backslash
Bram Moolenaar9fbdbb82022-09-27 17:30:34 +01001788remains unmodified. Also see |f-args-example| below. Overview:
Bram Moolenaar552f8a12007-03-08 17:12:08 +00001789
1790 command <f-args> ~
1791 XX ab 'ab'
1792 XX a\b 'a\b'
1793 XX a\ b 'a b'
1794 XX a\ b 'a ', 'b'
1795 XX a\\b 'a\b'
1796 XX a\\ b 'a\', 'b'
1797 XX a\\\b 'a\\b'
1798 XX a\\\ b 'a\ b'
1799 XX a\\\\b 'a\\b'
1800 XX a\\\\ b 'a\\', 'b'
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001801
Bram Moolenaar9fbdbb82022-09-27 17:30:34 +01001802
1803Examples for user commands: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001804
1805 " Delete everything after here to the end
1806 :com Ddel +,$d
1807
1808 " Rename the current buffer
1809 :com -nargs=1 -bang -complete=file Ren f <args>|w<bang>
1810
1811 " Replace a range with the contents of a file
1812 " (Enter this all as one line)
1813 :com -range -nargs=1 -complete=file
1814 Replace <line1>-pu_|<line1>,<line2>d|r <args>|<line1>d
1815
1816 " Count the number of lines in the range
Bram Moolenaar81695252004-12-29 20:58:21 +00001817 :com! -range -nargs=0 Lines echo <line2> - <line1> + 1 "lines"
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001818
Bram Moolenaar9fbdbb82022-09-27 17:30:34 +01001819< *f-args-example*
1820Call a user function (example of <f-args>) >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001821 :com -nargs=* Mycmd call Myfunc(<f-args>)
1822
1823When executed as: >
1824 :Mycmd arg1 arg2
1825This will invoke: >
1826 :call Myfunc("arg1","arg2")
1827
Bram Moolenaar9fbdbb82022-09-27 17:30:34 +01001828< *q-args-example*
1829A more substantial example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001830 :function Allargs(command)
Bram Moolenaara7241f52008-06-24 20:39:31 +00001831 : let i = 0
1832 : while i < argc()
1833 : if filereadable(argv(i))
Bram Moolenaarc51cf032022-02-26 12:25:45 +00001834 : execute "e " .. argv(i)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001835 : execute a:command
1836 : endif
1837 : let i = i + 1
1838 : endwhile
1839 :endfunction
1840 :command -nargs=+ -complete=command Allargs call Allargs(<q-args>)
1841
1842The command Allargs takes any Vim command(s) as argument and executes it on all
1843files in the argument list. Usage example (note use of the "e" flag to ignore
1844errors and the "update" command to write modified buffers): >
1845 :Allargs %s/foo/bar/ge|update
1846This will invoke: >
1847 :call Allargs("%s/foo/bar/ge|update")
1848<
Bram Moolenaar1b884a02020-12-10 21:11:27 +01001849If the command is defined in Vim9 script (a script that starts with
1850`:vim9script` and in a `:def` function) then {repl} will be executed as in Vim9
1851script. Thus this depends on where the command is defined, not where it is
1852used.
1853
Bram Moolenaar8f3f58f2010-01-06 20:52:26 +01001854When defining a user command in a script, it will be able to call functions
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001855local to the script and use mappings local to the script. When the user
1856invokes the user command, it will run in the context of the script it was
1857defined in. This matters if |<SID>| is used in a command.
1858
Bram Moolenaar91f84f62018-07-29 15:07:52 +02001859 vim:tw=78:ts=8:noet:ft=help:norl: