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Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00001*eval.txt* For Vim version 7.0aa. Last change: 2006 Mar 02
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002
3
4 VIM REFERENCE MANUAL by Bram Moolenaar
5
6
7Expression evaluation *expression* *expr* *E15* *eval*
8
9Using expressions is introduced in chapter 41 of the user manual |usr_41.txt|.
10
11Note: Expression evaluation can be disabled at compile time. If this has been
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +000012done, the features in this document are not available. See |+eval| and
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000013|no-eval-feature|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000014
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000151. Variables |variables|
16 1.1 Variable types
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +000017 1.2 Function references |Funcref|
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +000018 1.3 Lists |Lists|
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000019 1.4 Dictionaries |Dictionaries|
20 1.5 More about variables |more-variables|
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000212. Expression syntax |expression-syntax|
223. Internal variable |internal-variables|
234. Builtin Functions |functions|
245. Defining functions |user-functions|
256. Curly braces names |curly-braces-names|
267. Commands |expression-commands|
278. Exception handling |exception-handling|
289. Examples |eval-examples|
2910. No +eval feature |no-eval-feature|
3011. The sandbox |eval-sandbox|
Bram Moolenaarb71eaae2006-01-20 23:10:18 +00003112. Textlock |textlock|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000032
33{Vi does not have any of these commands}
34
35==============================================================================
361. Variables *variables*
37
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000381.1 Variable types ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +000039 *E712*
Bram Moolenaar39a58ca2005-06-27 22:42:44 +000040There are five types of variables:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000041
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000042Number A 32 bit signed number.
43 Examples: -123 0x10 0177
44
45String A NUL terminated string of 8-bit unsigned characters (bytes).
46 Examples: "ab\txx\"--" 'x-z''a,c'
47
48Funcref A reference to a function |Funcref|.
49 Example: function("strlen")
50
51List An ordered sequence of items |List|.
52 Example: [1, 2, ['a', 'b']]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000053
Bram Moolenaar39a58ca2005-06-27 22:42:44 +000054Dictionary An associative, unordered array: Each entry has a key and a
55 value. |Dictionary|
56 Example: {'blue': "#0000ff", 'red': "#ff0000"}
57
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +000058The Number and String types are converted automatically, depending on how they
59are used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000060
61Conversion from a Number to a String is by making the ASCII representation of
62the Number. Examples: >
63 Number 123 --> String "123"
64 Number 0 --> String "0"
65 Number -1 --> String "-1"
66
67Conversion from a String to a Number is done by converting the first digits
68to a number. Hexadecimal "0xf9" and Octal "017" numbers are recognized. If
69the String doesn't start with digits, the result is zero. Examples: >
70 String "456" --> Number 456
71 String "6bar" --> Number 6
72 String "foo" --> Number 0
73 String "0xf1" --> Number 241
74 String "0100" --> Number 64
75 String "-8" --> Number -8
76 String "+8" --> Number 0
77
78To force conversion from String to Number, add zero to it: >
79 :echo "0100" + 0
80
81For boolean operators Numbers are used. Zero is FALSE, non-zero is TRUE.
82
83Note that in the command >
84 :if "foo"
85"foo" is converted to 0, which means FALSE. To test for a non-empty string,
86use strlen(): >
87 :if strlen("foo")
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +000088< *E745* *E728* *E703* *E729* *E730* *E731*
89List, Dictionary and Funcref types are not automatically converted.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +000090
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +000091 *E706*
92You will get an error if you try to change the type of a variable. You need
93to |:unlet| it first to avoid this error. String and Number are considered
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000094equivalent though. Consider this sequence of commands: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +000095 :let l = "string"
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +000096 :let l = 44 " changes type from String to Number
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +000097 :let l = [1, 2, 3] " error!
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +000098
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +000099
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00001001.2 Function references ~
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +0000101 *Funcref* *E695* *E718*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000102A Funcref variable is obtained with the |function()| function. It can be used
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000103in an expression in the place of a function name, before the parenthesis
104around the arguments, to invoke the function it refers to. Example: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000105
106 :let Fn = function("MyFunc")
107 :echo Fn()
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000108< *E704* *E705* *E707*
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000109A Funcref variable must start with a capital, "s:", "w:" or "b:". You cannot
110have both a Funcref variable and a function with the same name.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000111
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000112A special case is defining a function and directly assigning its Funcref to a
113Dictionary entry. Example: >
114 :function dict.init() dict
115 : let self.val = 0
116 :endfunction
117
118The key of the Dictionary can start with a lower case letter. The actual
119function name is not used here. Also see |numbered-function|.
120
121A Funcref can also be used with the |:call| command: >
122 :call Fn()
123 :call dict.init()
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000124
125The name of the referenced function can be obtained with |string()|. >
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000126 :let func = string(Fn)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000127
128You can use |call()| to invoke a Funcref and use a list variable for the
129arguments: >
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000130 :let r = call(Fn, mylist)
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000131
132
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00001331.3 Lists ~
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +0000134 *List* *Lists* *E686*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000135A List is an ordered sequence of items. An item can be of any type. Items
136can be accessed by their index number. Items can be added and removed at any
137position in the sequence.
138
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000139
140List creation ~
141 *E696* *E697*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000142A List is created with a comma separated list of items in square brackets.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000143Examples: >
144 :let mylist = [1, two, 3, "four"]
145 :let emptylist = []
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000146
147An item can be any expression. Using a List for an item creates a
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000148nested List: >
149 :let nestlist = [[11, 12], [21, 22], [31, 32]]
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000150
151An extra comma after the last item is ignored.
152
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000153
154List index ~
155 *list-index* *E684*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000156An item in the List can be accessed by putting the index in square brackets
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000157after the List. Indexes are zero-based, thus the first item has index zero. >
158 :let item = mylist[0] " get the first item: 1
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000159 :let item = mylist[2] " get the third item: 3
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000160
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000161When the resulting item is a list this can be repeated: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000162 :let item = nestlist[0][1] " get the first list, second item: 12
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000163<
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000164A negative index is counted from the end. Index -1 refers to the last item in
165the List, -2 to the last but one item, etc. >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000166 :let last = mylist[-1] " get the last item: "four"
167
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000168To avoid an error for an invalid index use the |get()| function. When an item
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000169is not available it returns zero or the default value you specify: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000170 :echo get(mylist, idx)
171 :echo get(mylist, idx, "NONE")
172
173
174List concatenation ~
175
176Two lists can be concatenated with the "+" operator: >
177 :let longlist = mylist + [5, 6]
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000178 :let mylist += [7, 8]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000179
180To prepend or append an item turn the item into a list by putting [] around
181it. To change a list in-place see |list-modification| below.
182
183
184Sublist ~
185
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000186A part of the List can be obtained by specifying the first and last index,
187separated by a colon in square brackets: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000188 :let shortlist = mylist[2:-1] " get List [3, "four"]
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000189
190Omitting the first index is similar to zero. Omitting the last index is
191similar to -1. The difference is that there is no error if the items are not
192available. >
Bram Moolenaar540d6e32005-01-09 21:20:18 +0000193 :let endlist = mylist[2:] " from item 2 to the end: [3, "four"]
194 :let shortlist = mylist[2:2] " List with one item: [3]
195 :let otherlist = mylist[:] " make a copy of the List
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000196
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000197The second index can be just before the first index. In that case the result
198is an empty list. If the second index is lower, this results in an error. >
199 :echo mylist[2:1] " result: []
200 :echo mylist[2:0] " error!
201
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +0000202NOTE: mylist[s:e] means using the variable "s:e" as index. Watch out for
203using a single letter variable before the ":". Insert a space when needed:
204mylist[s : e].
205
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000206
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000207List identity ~
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000208 *list-identity*
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000209When variable "aa" is a list and you assign it to another variable "bb", both
210variables refer to the same list. Thus changing the list "aa" will also
211change "bb": >
212 :let aa = [1, 2, 3]
213 :let bb = aa
214 :call add(aa, 4)
215 :echo bb
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000216< [1, 2, 3, 4]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000217
218Making a copy of a list is done with the |copy()| function. Using [:] also
219works, as explained above. This creates a shallow copy of the list: Changing
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000220a list item in the list will also change the item in the copied list: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000221 :let aa = [[1, 'a'], 2, 3]
222 :let bb = copy(aa)
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000223 :call add(aa, 4)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000224 :let aa[0][1] = 'aaa'
225 :echo aa
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000226< [[1, aaa], 2, 3, 4] >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000227 :echo bb
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000228< [[1, aaa], 2, 3]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000229
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000230To make a completely independent list use |deepcopy()|. This also makes a
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000231copy of the values in the list, recursively. Up to a hundred levels deep.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000232
233The operator "is" can be used to check if two variables refer to the same
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000234List. "isnot" does the opposite. In contrast "==" compares if two lists have
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000235the same value. >
236 :let alist = [1, 2, 3]
237 :let blist = [1, 2, 3]
238 :echo alist is blist
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000239< 0 >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000240 :echo alist == blist
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000241< 1
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000242
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000243Note about comparing lists: Two lists are considered equal if they have the
244same length and all items compare equal, as with using "==". There is one
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000245exception: When comparing a number with a string they are considered
246different. There is no automatic type conversion, as with using "==" on
247variables. Example: >
248 echo 4 == "4"
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000249< 1 >
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000250 echo [4] == ["4"]
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000251< 0
252
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000253Thus comparing Lists is more strict than comparing numbers and strings. You
254can compare simple values this way too by putting them in a string: >
255
256 :let a = 5
257 :let b = "5"
258 echo a == b
259< 1 >
260 echo [a] == [b]
261< 0
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000262
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000263
264List unpack ~
265
266To unpack the items in a list to individual variables, put the variables in
267square brackets, like list items: >
268 :let [var1, var2] = mylist
269
270When the number of variables does not match the number of items in the list
271this produces an error. To handle any extra items from the list append ";"
272and a variable name: >
273 :let [var1, var2; rest] = mylist
274
275This works like: >
276 :let var1 = mylist[0]
277 :let var2 = mylist[1]
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000278 :let rest = mylist[2:]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000279
280Except that there is no error if there are only two items. "rest" will be an
281empty list then.
282
283
284List modification ~
285 *list-modification*
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000286To change a specific item of a list use |:let| this way: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000287 :let list[4] = "four"
288 :let listlist[0][3] = item
289
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000290To change part of a list you can specify the first and last item to be
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000291modified. The value must at least have the number of items in the range: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000292 :let list[3:5] = [3, 4, 5]
293
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000294Adding and removing items from a list is done with functions. Here are a few
295examples: >
296 :call insert(list, 'a') " prepend item 'a'
297 :call insert(list, 'a', 3) " insert item 'a' before list[3]
298 :call add(list, "new") " append String item
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000299 :call add(list, [1, 2]) " append a List as one new item
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000300 :call extend(list, [1, 2]) " extend the list with two more items
301 :let i = remove(list, 3) " remove item 3
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +0000302 :unlet list[3] " idem
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000303 :let l = remove(list, 3, -1) " remove items 3 to last item
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +0000304 :unlet list[3 : ] " idem
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000305 :call filter(list, 'v:val !~ "x"') " remove items with an 'x'
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000306
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000307Changing the order of items in a list: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000308 :call sort(list) " sort a list alphabetically
309 :call reverse(list) " reverse the order of items
310
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000311
312For loop ~
313
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000314The |:for| loop executes commands for each item in a list. A variable is set
315to each item in the list in sequence. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000316 :for item in mylist
317 : call Doit(item)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000318 :endfor
319
320This works like: >
321 :let index = 0
322 :while index < len(mylist)
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000323 : let item = mylist[index]
324 : :call Doit(item)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000325 : let index = index + 1
326 :endwhile
327
328Note that all items in the list should be of the same type, otherwise this
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000329results in error |E706|. To avoid this |:unlet| the variable at the end of
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000330the loop.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000331
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000332If all you want to do is modify each item in the list then the |map()|
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000333function will be a simpler method than a for loop.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000334
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000335Just like the |:let| command, |:for| also accepts a list of variables. This
336requires the argument to be a list of lists. >
337 :for [lnum, col] in [[1, 3], [2, 8], [3, 0]]
338 : call Doit(lnum, col)
339 :endfor
340
341This works like a |:let| command is done for each list item. Again, the types
342must remain the same to avoid an error.
343
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000344It is also possible to put remaining items in a List variable: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000345 :for [i, j; rest] in listlist
346 : call Doit(i, j)
347 : if !empty(rest)
348 : echo "remainder: " . string(rest)
349 : endif
350 :endfor
351
352
353List functions ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000354 *E714*
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000355Functions that are useful with a List: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000356 :let r = call(funcname, list) " call a function with an argument list
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000357 :if empty(list) " check if list is empty
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000358 :let l = len(list) " number of items in list
359 :let big = max(list) " maximum value in list
360 :let small = min(list) " minimum value in list
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000361 :let xs = count(list, 'x') " count nr of times 'x' appears in list
362 :let i = index(list, 'x') " index of first 'x' in list
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000363 :let lines = getline(1, 10) " get ten text lines from buffer
364 :call append('$', lines) " append text lines in buffer
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000365 :let list = split("a b c") " create list from items in a string
366 :let string = join(list, ', ') " create string from list items
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000367 :let s = string(list) " String representation of list
368 :call map(list, '">> " . v:val') " prepend ">> " to each item
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000369
Bram Moolenaar0cb032e2005-04-23 20:52:00 +0000370Don't forget that a combination of features can make things simple. For
371example, to add up all the numbers in a list: >
372 :exe 'let sum = ' . join(nrlist, '+')
373
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000374
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003751.4 Dictionaries ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000376 *Dictionaries* *Dictionary*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000377A Dictionary is an associative array: Each entry has a key and a value. The
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000378entry can be located with the key. The entries are stored without a specific
379ordering.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000380
381
382Dictionary creation ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000383 *E720* *E721* *E722* *E723*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000384A Dictionary is created with a comma separated list of entries in curly
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000385braces. Each entry has a key and a value, separated by a colon. Each key can
386only appear once. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000387 :let mydict = {1: 'one', 2: 'two', 3: 'three'}
388 :let emptydict = {}
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000389< *E713* *E716* *E717*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000390A key is always a String. You can use a Number, it will be converted to a
391String automatically. Thus the String '4' and the number 4 will find the same
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000392entry. Note that the String '04' and the Number 04 are different, since the
393Number will be converted to the String '4'.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000394
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000395A value can be any expression. Using a Dictionary for a value creates a
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000396nested Dictionary: >
397 :let nestdict = {1: {11: 'a', 12: 'b'}, 2: {21: 'c'}}
398
399An extra comma after the last entry is ignored.
400
401
402Accessing entries ~
403
404The normal way to access an entry is by putting the key in square brackets: >
405 :let val = mydict["one"]
406 :let mydict["four"] = 4
407
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000408You can add new entries to an existing Dictionary this way, unlike Lists.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000409
410For keys that consist entirely of letters, digits and underscore the following
411form can be used |expr-entry|: >
412 :let val = mydict.one
413 :let mydict.four = 4
414
415Since an entry can be any type, also a List and a Dictionary, the indexing and
416key lookup can be repeated: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000417 :echo dict.key[idx].key
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000418
419
420Dictionary to List conversion ~
421
422You may want to loop over the entries in a dictionary. For this you need to
423turn the Dictionary into a List and pass it to |:for|.
424
425Most often you want to loop over the keys, using the |keys()| function: >
426 :for key in keys(mydict)
427 : echo key . ': ' . mydict[key]
428 :endfor
429
430The List of keys is unsorted. You may want to sort them first: >
431 :for key in sort(keys(mydict))
432
433To loop over the values use the |values()| function: >
434 :for v in values(mydict)
435 : echo "value: " . v
436 :endfor
437
438If you want both the key and the value use the |items()| function. It returns
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000439a List in which each item is a List with two items, the key and the value: >
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000440 :for entry in items(mydict)
441 : echo entry[0] . ': ' . entry[1]
442 :endfor
443
444
445Dictionary identity ~
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +0000446 *dict-identity*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000447Just like Lists you need to use |copy()| and |deepcopy()| to make a copy of a
448Dictionary. Otherwise, assignment results in referring to the same
449Dictionary: >
450 :let onedict = {'a': 1, 'b': 2}
451 :let adict = onedict
452 :let adict['a'] = 11
453 :echo onedict['a']
454 11
455
Bram Moolenaarf3bd51a2005-06-14 22:11:18 +0000456Two Dictionaries compare equal if all the key-value pairs compare equal. For
457more info see |list-identity|.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000458
459
460Dictionary modification ~
461 *dict-modification*
462To change an already existing entry of a Dictionary, or to add a new entry,
463use |:let| this way: >
464 :let dict[4] = "four"
465 :let dict['one'] = item
466
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +0000467Removing an entry from a Dictionary is done with |remove()| or |:unlet|.
468Three ways to remove the entry with key "aaa" from dict: >
469 :let i = remove(dict, 'aaa')
470 :unlet dict.aaa
471 :unlet dict['aaa']
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000472
473Merging a Dictionary with another is done with |extend()|: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000474 :call extend(adict, bdict)
475This extends adict with all entries from bdict. Duplicate keys cause entries
476in adict to be overwritten. An optional third argument can change this.
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000477Note that the order of entries in a Dictionary is irrelevant, thus don't
478expect ":echo adict" to show the items from bdict after the older entries in
479adict.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000480
481Weeding out entries from a Dictionary can be done with |filter()|: >
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +0000482 :call filter(dict 'v:val =~ "x"')
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000483This removes all entries from "dict" with a value not matching 'x'.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000484
485
486Dictionary function ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000487 *Dictionary-function* *self* *E725*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000488When a function is defined with the "dict" attribute it can be used in a
489special way with a dictionary. Example: >
490 :function Mylen() dict
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000491 : return len(self.data)
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000492 :endfunction
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000493 :let mydict = {'data': [0, 1, 2, 3], 'len': function("Mylen")}
494 :echo mydict.len()
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000495
496This is like a method in object oriented programming. The entry in the
497Dictionary is a |Funcref|. The local variable "self" refers to the dictionary
498the function was invoked from.
499
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000500It is also possible to add a function without the "dict" attribute as a
501Funcref to a Dictionary, but the "self" variable is not available then.
502
503 *numbered-function*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000504To avoid the extra name for the function it can be defined and directly
505assigned to a Dictionary in this way: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000506 :let mydict = {'data': [0, 1, 2, 3]}
507 :function mydict.len() dict
508 : return len(self.data)
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000509 :endfunction
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000510 :echo mydict.len()
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000511
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000512The function will then get a number and the value of dict.len is a |Funcref|
513that references this function. The function can only be used through a
514|Funcref|. It will automatically be deleted when there is no |Funcref|
515remaining that refers to it.
516
517It is not necessary to use the "dict" attribute for a numbered function.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000518
519
520Functions for Dictionaries ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000521 *E715*
522Functions that can be used with a Dictionary: >
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000523 :if has_key(dict, 'foo') " TRUE if dict has entry with key "foo"
524 :if empty(dict) " TRUE if dict is empty
525 :let l = len(dict) " number of items in dict
526 :let big = max(dict) " maximum value in dict
527 :let small = min(dict) " minimum value in dict
528 :let xs = count(dict, 'x') " count nr of times 'x' appears in dict
529 :let s = string(dict) " String representation of dict
530 :call map(dict, '">> " . v:val') " prepend ">> " to each item
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000531
532
5331.5 More about variables ~
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000534 *more-variables*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000535If you need to know the type of a variable or expression, use the |type()|
536function.
537
538When the '!' flag is included in the 'viminfo' option, global variables that
539start with an uppercase letter, and don't contain a lowercase letter, are
540stored in the viminfo file |viminfo-file|.
541
542When the 'sessionoptions' option contains "global", global variables that
543start with an uppercase letter and contain at least one lowercase letter are
544stored in the session file |session-file|.
545
546variable name can be stored where ~
547my_var_6 not
548My_Var_6 session file
549MY_VAR_6 viminfo file
550
551
552It's possible to form a variable name with curly braces, see
553|curly-braces-names|.
554
555==============================================================================
5562. Expression syntax *expression-syntax*
557
558Expression syntax summary, from least to most significant:
559
560|expr1| expr2 ? expr1 : expr1 if-then-else
561
562|expr2| expr3 || expr3 .. logical OR
563
564|expr3| expr4 && expr4 .. logical AND
565
566|expr4| expr5 == expr5 equal
567 expr5 != expr5 not equal
568 expr5 > expr5 greater than
569 expr5 >= expr5 greater than or equal
570 expr5 < expr5 smaller than
571 expr5 <= expr5 smaller than or equal
572 expr5 =~ expr5 regexp matches
573 expr5 !~ expr5 regexp doesn't match
574
575 expr5 ==? expr5 equal, ignoring case
576 expr5 ==# expr5 equal, match case
577 etc. As above, append ? for ignoring case, # for
578 matching case
579
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000580 expr5 is expr5 same |List| instance
581 expr5 isnot expr5 different |List| instance
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000582
583|expr5| expr6 + expr6 .. number addition or list concatenation
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000584 expr6 - expr6 .. number subtraction
585 expr6 . expr6 .. string concatenation
586
587|expr6| expr7 * expr7 .. number multiplication
588 expr7 / expr7 .. number division
589 expr7 % expr7 .. number modulo
590
591|expr7| ! expr7 logical NOT
592 - expr7 unary minus
593 + expr7 unary plus
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000594
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000595
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000596|expr8| expr8[expr1] byte of a String or item of a |List|
597 expr8[expr1 : expr1] substring of a String or sublist of a |List|
598 expr8.name entry in a |Dictionary|
599 expr8(expr1, ...) function call with |Funcref| variable
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000600
601|expr9| number number constant
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +0000602 "string" string constant, backslash is special
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000603 'string' string constant, ' is doubled
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000604 [expr1, ...] |List|
605 {expr1: expr1, ...} |Dictionary|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000606 &option option value
607 (expr1) nested expression
608 variable internal variable
609 va{ria}ble internal variable with curly braces
610 $VAR environment variable
611 @r contents of register 'r'
612 function(expr1, ...) function call
613 func{ti}on(expr1, ...) function call with curly braces
614
615
616".." indicates that the operations in this level can be concatenated.
617Example: >
618 &nu || &list && &shell == "csh"
619
620All expressions within one level are parsed from left to right.
621
622
623expr1 *expr1* *E109*
624-----
625
626expr2 ? expr1 : expr1
627
628The expression before the '?' is evaluated to a number. If it evaluates to
629non-zero, the result is the value of the expression between the '?' and ':',
630otherwise the result is the value of the expression after the ':'.
631Example: >
632 :echo lnum == 1 ? "top" : lnum
633
634Since the first expression is an "expr2", it cannot contain another ?:. The
635other two expressions can, thus allow for recursive use of ?:.
636Example: >
637 :echo lnum == 1 ? "top" : lnum == 1000 ? "last" : lnum
638
639To keep this readable, using |line-continuation| is suggested: >
640 :echo lnum == 1
641 :\ ? "top"
642 :\ : lnum == 1000
643 :\ ? "last"
644 :\ : lnum
645
646
647expr2 and expr3 *expr2* *expr3*
648---------------
649
650 *expr-barbar* *expr-&&*
651The "||" and "&&" operators take one argument on each side. The arguments
652are (converted to) Numbers. The result is:
653
654 input output ~
655n1 n2 n1 || n2 n1 && n2 ~
656zero zero zero zero
657zero non-zero non-zero zero
658non-zero zero non-zero zero
659non-zero non-zero non-zero non-zero
660
661The operators can be concatenated, for example: >
662
663 &nu || &list && &shell == "csh"
664
665Note that "&&" takes precedence over "||", so this has the meaning of: >
666
667 &nu || (&list && &shell == "csh")
668
669Once the result is known, the expression "short-circuits", that is, further
670arguments are not evaluated. This is like what happens in C. For example: >
671
672 let a = 1
673 echo a || b
674
675This is valid even if there is no variable called "b" because "a" is non-zero,
676so the result must be non-zero. Similarly below: >
677
678 echo exists("b") && b == "yes"
679
680This is valid whether "b" has been defined or not. The second clause will
681only be evaluated if "b" has been defined.
682
683
684expr4 *expr4*
685-----
686
687expr5 {cmp} expr5
688
689Compare two expr5 expressions, resulting in a 0 if it evaluates to false, or 1
690if it evaluates to true.
691
692 *expr-==* *expr-!=* *expr->* *expr->=*
693 *expr-<* *expr-<=* *expr-=~* *expr-!~*
694 *expr-==#* *expr-!=#* *expr->#* *expr->=#*
695 *expr-<#* *expr-<=#* *expr-=~#* *expr-!~#*
696 *expr-==?* *expr-!=?* *expr->?* *expr->=?*
697 *expr-<?* *expr-<=?* *expr-=~?* *expr-!~?*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000698 *expr-is*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000699 use 'ignorecase' match case ignore case ~
700equal == ==# ==?
701not equal != !=# !=?
702greater than > ># >?
703greater than or equal >= >=# >=?
704smaller than < <# <?
705smaller than or equal <= <=# <=?
706regexp matches =~ =~# =~?
707regexp doesn't match !~ !~# !~?
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000708same instance is
709different instance isnot
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000710
711Examples:
712"abc" ==# "Abc" evaluates to 0
713"abc" ==? "Abc" evaluates to 1
714"abc" == "Abc" evaluates to 1 if 'ignorecase' is set, 0 otherwise
715
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000716 *E691* *E692*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000717A |List| can only be compared with a |List| and only "equal", "not equal" and
718"is" can be used. This compares the values of the list, recursively.
719Ignoring case means case is ignored when comparing item values.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000720
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000721 *E735* *E736*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000722A |Dictionary| can only be compared with a |Dictionary| and only "equal", "not
723equal" and "is" can be used. This compares the key/values of the |Dictionary|
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000724recursively. Ignoring case means case is ignored when comparing item values.
725
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000726 *E693* *E694*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000727A |Funcref| can only be compared with a |Funcref| and only "equal" and "not
728equal" can be used. Case is never ignored.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000729
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000730When using "is" or "isnot" with a |List| this checks if the expressions are
731referring to the same |List| instance. A copy of a |List| is different from
732the original |List|. When using "is" without a |List| it is equivalent to
733using "equal", using "isnot" equivalent to using "not equal". Except that a
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000734different type means the values are different. "4 == '4'" is true, "4 is '4'"
735is false.
736
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000737When comparing a String with a Number, the String is converted to a Number,
738and the comparison is done on Numbers. This means that "0 == 'x'" is TRUE,
739because 'x' converted to a Number is zero.
740
741When comparing two Strings, this is done with strcmp() or stricmp(). This
742results in the mathematical difference (comparing byte values), not
743necessarily the alphabetical difference in the local language.
744
745When using the operators with a trailing '#", or the short version and
746'ignorecase' is off, the comparing is done with strcmp().
747
748When using the operators with a trailing '?', or the short version and
749'ignorecase' is set, the comparing is done with stricmp().
750
751The "=~" and "!~" operators match the lefthand argument with the righthand
752argument, which is used as a pattern. See |pattern| for what a pattern is.
753This matching is always done like 'magic' was set and 'cpoptions' is empty, no
754matter what the actual value of 'magic' or 'cpoptions' is. This makes scripts
755portable. To avoid backslashes in the regexp pattern to be doubled, use a
756single-quote string, see |literal-string|.
757Since a string is considered to be a single line, a multi-line pattern
758(containing \n, backslash-n) will not match. However, a literal NL character
759can be matched like an ordinary character. Examples:
760 "foo\nbar" =~ "\n" evaluates to 1
761 "foo\nbar" =~ "\\n" evaluates to 0
762
763
764expr5 and expr6 *expr5* *expr6*
765---------------
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000766expr6 + expr6 .. Number addition or |List| concatenation *expr-+*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000767expr6 - expr6 .. Number subtraction *expr--*
768expr6 . expr6 .. String concatenation *expr-.*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000769
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +0000770For |Lists| only "+" is possible and then both expr6 must be a list. The
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000771result is a new list with the two lists Concatenated.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000772
773expr7 * expr7 .. number multiplication *expr-star*
774expr7 / expr7 .. number division *expr-/*
775expr7 % expr7 .. number modulo *expr-%*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000776
777For all, except ".", Strings are converted to Numbers.
778
779Note the difference between "+" and ".":
780 "123" + "456" = 579
781 "123" . "456" = "123456"
782
783When the righthand side of '/' is zero, the result is 0x7fffffff.
784When the righthand side of '%' is zero, the result is 0.
785
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000786None of these work for |Funcref|s.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000787
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000788
789expr7 *expr7*
790-----
791! expr7 logical NOT *expr-!*
792- expr7 unary minus *expr-unary--*
793+ expr7 unary plus *expr-unary-+*
794
795For '!' non-zero becomes zero, zero becomes one.
796For '-' the sign of the number is changed.
797For '+' the number is unchanged.
798
799A String will be converted to a Number first.
800
801These three can be repeated and mixed. Examples:
802 !-1 == 0
803 !!8 == 1
804 --9 == 9
805
806
807expr8 *expr8*
808-----
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000809expr8[expr1] item of String or |List| *expr-[]* *E111*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000810
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000811If expr8 is a Number or String this results in a String that contains the
812expr1'th single byte from expr8. expr8 is used as a String, expr1 as a
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000813Number. Note that this doesn't recognize multi-byte encodings.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000814
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000815Index zero gives the first character. This is like it works in C. Careful:
816text column numbers start with one! Example, to get the character under the
817cursor: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000818 :let c = getline(line("."))[col(".") - 1]
819
820If the length of the String is less than the index, the result is an empty
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000821String. A negative index always results in an empty string (reason: backwards
822compatibility). Use [-1:] to get the last byte.
823
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000824If expr8 is a |List| then it results the item at index expr1. See |list-index|
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000825for possible index values. If the index is out of range this results in an
826error. Example: >
827 :let item = mylist[-1] " get last item
828
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000829Generally, if a |List| index is equal to or higher than the length of the
830|List|, or more negative than the length of the |List|, this results in an
831error.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000832
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000833
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000834expr8[expr1a : expr1b] substring or sublist *expr-[:]*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000835
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000836If expr8 is a Number or String this results in the substring with the bytes
837from expr1a to and including expr1b. expr8 is used as a String, expr1a and
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000838expr1b are used as a Number. Note that this doesn't recognize multi-byte
839encodings.
840
841If expr1a is omitted zero is used. If expr1b is omitted the length of the
842string minus one is used.
843
844A negative number can be used to measure from the end of the string. -1 is
845the last character, -2 the last but one, etc.
846
847If an index goes out of range for the string characters are omitted. If
848expr1b is smaller than expr1a the result is an empty string.
849
850Examples: >
851 :let c = name[-1:] " last byte of a string
852 :let c = name[-2:-2] " last but one byte of a string
853 :let s = line(".")[4:] " from the fifth byte to the end
854 :let s = s[:-3] " remove last two bytes
855
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000856If expr8 is a |List| this results in a new |List| with the items indicated by
857the indexes expr1a and expr1b. This works like with a String, as explained
858just above, except that indexes out of range cause an error. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000859 :let l = mylist[:3] " first four items
860 :let l = mylist[4:4] " List with one item
861 :let l = mylist[:] " shallow copy of a List
862
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000863Using expr8[expr1] or expr8[expr1a : expr1b] on a |Funcref| results in an
864error.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000865
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000866
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000867expr8.name entry in a |Dictionary| *expr-entry*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000868
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000869If expr8 is a |Dictionary| and it is followed by a dot, then the following
870name will be used as a key in the |Dictionary|. This is just like:
871expr8[name].
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000872
873The name must consist of alphanumeric characters, just like a variable name,
874but it may start with a number. Curly braces cannot be used.
875
876There must not be white space before or after the dot.
877
878Examples: >
879 :let dict = {"one": 1, 2: "two"}
880 :echo dict.one
881 :echo dict .2
882
883Note that the dot is also used for String concatenation. To avoid confusion
884always put spaces around the dot for String concatenation.
885
886
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +0000887expr8(expr1, ...) |Funcref| function call
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000888
889When expr8 is a |Funcref| type variable, invoke the function it refers to.
890
891
892
893 *expr9*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000894number
895------
896number number constant *expr-number*
897
898Decimal, Hexadecimal (starting with 0x or 0X), or Octal (starting with 0).
899
900
901string *expr-string* *E114*
902------
903"string" string constant *expr-quote*
904
905Note that double quotes are used.
906
907A string constant accepts these special characters:
908\... three-digit octal number (e.g., "\316")
909\.. two-digit octal number (must be followed by non-digit)
910\. one-digit octal number (must be followed by non-digit)
911\x.. byte specified with two hex numbers (e.g., "\x1f")
912\x. byte specified with one hex number (must be followed by non-hex char)
913\X.. same as \x..
914\X. same as \x.
915\u.... character specified with up to 4 hex numbers, stored according to the
916 current value of 'encoding' (e.g., "\u02a4")
917\U.... same as \u....
918\b backspace <BS>
919\e escape <Esc>
920\f formfeed <FF>
921\n newline <NL>
922\r return <CR>
923\t tab <Tab>
924\\ backslash
925\" double quote
926\<xxx> Special key named "xxx". e.g. "\<C-W>" for CTRL-W.
927
928Note that "\000" and "\x00" force the end of the string.
929
930
931literal-string *literal-string* *E115*
932---------------
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +0000933'string' string constant *expr-'*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000934
935Note that single quotes are used.
936
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +0000937This string is taken as it is. No backslashes are removed or have a special
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000938meaning. The only exception is that two quotes stand for one quote.
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +0000939
940Single quoted strings are useful for patterns, so that backslashes do not need
941to be doubled. These two commands are equivalent: >
942 if a =~ "\\s*"
943 if a =~ '\s*'
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000944
945
946option *expr-option* *E112* *E113*
947------
948&option option value, local value if possible
949&g:option global option value
950&l:option local option value
951
952Examples: >
953 echo "tabstop is " . &tabstop
954 if &insertmode
955
956Any option name can be used here. See |options|. When using the local value
957and there is no buffer-local or window-local value, the global value is used
958anyway.
959
960
961register *expr-register*
962--------
963@r contents of register 'r'
964
965The result is the contents of the named register, as a single string.
966Newlines are inserted where required. To get the contents of the unnamed
Bram Moolenaare7566042005-06-17 22:00:15 +0000967register use @" or @@. See |registers| for an explanation of the available
968registers.
969
970When using the '=' register you get the expression itself, not what it
971evaluates to. Use |eval()| to evaluate it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000972
973
974nesting *expr-nesting* *E110*
975-------
976(expr1) nested expression
977
978
979environment variable *expr-env*
980--------------------
981$VAR environment variable
982
983The String value of any environment variable. When it is not defined, the
984result is an empty string.
985 *expr-env-expand*
986Note that there is a difference between using $VAR directly and using
987expand("$VAR"). Using it directly will only expand environment variables that
988are known inside the current Vim session. Using expand() will first try using
989the environment variables known inside the current Vim session. If that
990fails, a shell will be used to expand the variable. This can be slow, but it
991does expand all variables that the shell knows about. Example: >
992 :echo $version
993 :echo expand("$version")
994The first one probably doesn't echo anything, the second echoes the $version
995variable (if your shell supports it).
996
997
998internal variable *expr-variable*
999-----------------
1000variable internal variable
1001See below |internal-variables|.
1002
1003
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00001004function call *expr-function* *E116* *E118* *E119* *E120*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001005-------------
1006function(expr1, ...) function call
1007See below |functions|.
1008
1009
1010==============================================================================
10113. Internal variable *internal-variables* *E121*
1012 *E461*
1013An internal variable name can be made up of letters, digits and '_'. But it
1014cannot start with a digit. It's also possible to use curly braces, see
1015|curly-braces-names|.
1016
1017An internal variable is created with the ":let" command |:let|.
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00001018An internal variable is explicitly destroyed with the ":unlet" command
1019|:unlet|.
1020Using a name that is not an internal variable or refers to a variable that has
1021been destroyed results in an error.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001022
1023There are several name spaces for variables. Which one is to be used is
1024specified by what is prepended:
1025
1026 (nothing) In a function: local to a function; otherwise: global
1027|buffer-variable| b: Local to the current buffer.
1028|window-variable| w: Local to the current window.
1029|global-variable| g: Global.
1030|local-variable| l: Local to a function.
1031|script-variable| s: Local to a |:source|'ed Vim script.
1032|function-argument| a: Function argument (only inside a function).
1033|vim-variable| v: Global, predefined by Vim.
1034
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001035The scope name by itself can be used as a |Dictionary|. For example, to
1036delete all script-local variables: >
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00001037 :for k in keys(s:)
1038 : unlet s:[k]
1039 :endfor
1040<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001041 *buffer-variable* *b:var*
1042A variable name that is preceded with "b:" is local to the current buffer.
1043Thus you can have several "b:foo" variables, one for each buffer.
1044This kind of variable is deleted when the buffer is wiped out or deleted with
1045|:bdelete|.
1046
1047One local buffer variable is predefined:
1048 *b:changedtick-variable* *changetick*
1049b:changedtick The total number of changes to the current buffer. It is
1050 incremented for each change. An undo command is also a change
1051 in this case. This can be used to perform an action only when
1052 the buffer has changed. Example: >
1053 :if my_changedtick != b:changedtick
1054 : let my_changedtick = b:changedtick
1055 : call My_Update()
1056 :endif
1057<
1058 *window-variable* *w:var*
1059A variable name that is preceded with "w:" is local to the current window. It
1060is deleted when the window is closed.
1061
1062 *global-variable* *g:var*
1063Inside functions global variables are accessed with "g:". Omitting this will
1064access a variable local to a function. But "g:" can also be used in any other
1065place if you like.
1066
1067 *local-variable* *l:var*
1068Inside functions local variables are accessed without prepending anything.
1069But you can also prepend "l:" if you like.
1070
1071 *script-variable* *s:var*
1072In a Vim script variables starting with "s:" can be used. They cannot be
1073accessed from outside of the scripts, thus are local to the script.
1074
1075They can be used in:
1076- commands executed while the script is sourced
1077- functions defined in the script
1078- autocommands defined in the script
1079- functions and autocommands defined in functions and autocommands which were
1080 defined in the script (recursively)
1081- user defined commands defined in the script
1082Thus not in:
1083- other scripts sourced from this one
1084- mappings
1085- etc.
1086
1087script variables can be used to avoid conflicts with global variable names.
1088Take this example:
1089
1090 let s:counter = 0
1091 function MyCounter()
1092 let s:counter = s:counter + 1
1093 echo s:counter
1094 endfunction
1095 command Tick call MyCounter()
1096
1097You can now invoke "Tick" from any script, and the "s:counter" variable in
1098that script will not be changed, only the "s:counter" in the script where
1099"Tick" was defined is used.
1100
1101Another example that does the same: >
1102
1103 let s:counter = 0
1104 command Tick let s:counter = s:counter + 1 | echo s:counter
1105
1106When calling a function and invoking a user-defined command, the context for
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001107script variables is set to the script where the function or command was
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001108defined.
1109
1110The script variables are also available when a function is defined inside a
1111function that is defined in a script. Example: >
1112
1113 let s:counter = 0
1114 function StartCounting(incr)
1115 if a:incr
1116 function MyCounter()
1117 let s:counter = s:counter + 1
1118 endfunction
1119 else
1120 function MyCounter()
1121 let s:counter = s:counter - 1
1122 endfunction
1123 endif
1124 endfunction
1125
1126This defines the MyCounter() function either for counting up or counting down
1127when calling StartCounting(). It doesn't matter from where StartCounting() is
1128called, the s:counter variable will be accessible in MyCounter().
1129
1130When the same script is sourced again it will use the same script variables.
1131They will remain valid as long as Vim is running. This can be used to
1132maintain a counter: >
1133
1134 if !exists("s:counter")
1135 let s:counter = 1
1136 echo "script executed for the first time"
1137 else
1138 let s:counter = s:counter + 1
1139 echo "script executed " . s:counter . " times now"
1140 endif
1141
1142Note that this means that filetype plugins don't get a different set of script
1143variables for each buffer. Use local buffer variables instead |b:var|.
1144
1145
1146Predefined Vim variables: *vim-variable* *v:var*
1147
Bram Moolenaare4efc3b2005-03-07 23:16:51 +00001148 *v:beval_col* *beval_col-variable*
1149v:beval_col The number of the column, over which the mouse pointer is.
1150 This is the byte index in the |v:beval_lnum| line.
1151 Only valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1152
1153 *v:beval_bufnr* *beval_bufnr-variable*
1154v:beval_bufnr The number of the buffer, over which the mouse pointer is. Only
1155 valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1156
1157 *v:beval_lnum* *beval_lnum-variable*
1158v:beval_lnum The number of the line, over which the mouse pointer is. Only
1159 valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1160
1161 *v:beval_text* *beval_text-variable*
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00001162v:beval_text The text under or after the mouse pointer. Usually a word as
1163 it is useful for debugging a C program. 'iskeyword' applies,
1164 but a dot and "->" before the position is included. When on a
1165 ']' the text before it is used, including the matching '[' and
Bram Moolenaare4efc3b2005-03-07 23:16:51 +00001166 word before it. When on a Visual area within one line the
1167 highlighted text is used.
1168 Only valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1169
1170 *v:beval_winnr* *beval_winnr-variable*
1171v:beval_winnr The number of the window, over which the mouse pointer is. Only
1172 valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1173
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001174 *v:charconvert_from* *charconvert_from-variable*
1175v:charconvert_from
1176 The name of the character encoding of a file to be converted.
1177 Only valid while evaluating the 'charconvert' option.
1178
1179 *v:charconvert_to* *charconvert_to-variable*
1180v:charconvert_to
1181 The name of the character encoding of a file after conversion.
1182 Only valid while evaluating the 'charconvert' option.
1183
1184 *v:cmdarg* *cmdarg-variable*
1185v:cmdarg This variable is used for two purposes:
1186 1. The extra arguments given to a file read/write command.
1187 Currently these are "++enc=" and "++ff=". This variable is
1188 set before an autocommand event for a file read/write
1189 command is triggered. There is a leading space to make it
1190 possible to append this variable directly after the
1191 read/write command. Note: The "+cmd" argument isn't
1192 included here, because it will be executed anyway.
1193 2. When printing a PostScript file with ":hardcopy" this is
1194 the argument for the ":hardcopy" command. This can be used
1195 in 'printexpr'.
1196
1197 *v:cmdbang* *cmdbang-variable*
1198v:cmdbang Set like v:cmdarg for a file read/write command. When a "!"
1199 was used the value is 1, otherwise it is 0. Note that this
1200 can only be used in autocommands. For user commands |<bang>|
1201 can be used.
1202
1203 *v:count* *count-variable*
1204v:count The count given for the last Normal mode command. Can be used
1205 to get the count before a mapping. Read-only. Example: >
1206 :map _x :<C-U>echo "the count is " . v:count<CR>
1207< Note: The <C-U> is required to remove the line range that you
1208 get when typing ':' after a count.
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001209 Also used for evaluating the 'formatexpr' option.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001210 "count" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1211
1212 *v:count1* *count1-variable*
1213v:count1 Just like "v:count", but defaults to one when no count is
1214 used.
1215
1216 *v:ctype* *ctype-variable*
1217v:ctype The current locale setting for characters of the runtime
1218 environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the
1219 current locale encoding. Technical: it's the value of
1220 LC_CTYPE. When not using a locale the value is "C".
1221 This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language|
1222 command.
1223 See |multi-lang|.
1224
1225 *v:dying* *dying-variable*
1226v:dying Normally zero. When a deadly signal is caught it's set to
1227 one. When multiple signals are caught the number increases.
1228 Can be used in an autocommand to check if Vim didn't
1229 terminate normally. {only works on Unix}
1230 Example: >
1231 :au VimLeave * if v:dying | echo "\nAAAAaaaarrrggghhhh!!!\n" | endif
1232<
1233 *v:errmsg* *errmsg-variable*
1234v:errmsg Last given error message. It's allowed to set this variable.
1235 Example: >
1236 :let v:errmsg = ""
1237 :silent! next
1238 :if v:errmsg != ""
1239 : ... handle error
1240< "errmsg" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1241
1242 *v:exception* *exception-variable*
1243v:exception The value of the exception most recently caught and not
1244 finished. See also |v:throwpoint| and |throw-variables|.
1245 Example: >
1246 :try
1247 : throw "oops"
1248 :catch /.*/
1249 : echo "caught" v:exception
1250 :endtry
1251< Output: "caught oops".
1252
Bram Moolenaar19a09a12005-03-04 23:39:37 +00001253 *v:fcs_reason* *fcs_reason-variable*
1254v:fcs_reason The reason why the |FileChangedShell| event was triggered.
1255 Can be used in an autocommand to decide what to do and/or what
1256 to set v:fcs_choice to. Possible values:
1257 deleted file no longer exists
1258 conflict file contents, mode or timestamp was
1259 changed and buffer is modified
1260 changed file contents has changed
1261 mode mode of file changed
1262 time only file timestamp changed
1263
1264 *v:fcs_choice* *fcs_choice-variable*
1265v:fcs_choice What should happen after a |FileChangedShell| event was
1266 triggered. Can be used in an autocommand to tell Vim what to
1267 do with the affected buffer:
1268 reload Reload the buffer (does not work if
1269 the file was deleted).
1270 ask Ask the user what to do, as if there
1271 was no autocommand. Except that when
1272 only the timestamp changed nothing
1273 will happen.
1274 <empty> Nothing, the autocommand should do
1275 everything that needs to be done.
1276 The default is empty. If another (invalid) value is used then
1277 Vim behaves like it is empty, there is no warning message.
1278
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001279 *v:fname_in* *fname_in-variable*
Bram Moolenaar4e330bb2005-12-07 21:04:31 +00001280v:fname_in The name of the input file. Valid while evaluating:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001281 option used for ~
1282 'charconvert' file to be converted
1283 'diffexpr' original file
1284 'patchexpr' original file
1285 'printexpr' file to be printed
Bram Moolenaar2c7a29c2005-12-12 22:02:31 +00001286 And set to the swap file name for |SwapExists|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001287
1288 *v:fname_out* *fname_out-variable*
1289v:fname_out The name of the output file. Only valid while
1290 evaluating:
1291 option used for ~
1292 'charconvert' resulting converted file (*)
1293 'diffexpr' output of diff
1294 'patchexpr' resulting patched file
1295 (*) When doing conversion for a write command (e.g., ":w
1296 file") it will be equal to v:fname_in. When doing conversion
1297 for a read command (e.g., ":e file") it will be a temporary
1298 file and different from v:fname_in.
1299
1300 *v:fname_new* *fname_new-variable*
1301v:fname_new The name of the new version of the file. Only valid while
1302 evaluating 'diffexpr'.
1303
1304 *v:fname_diff* *fname_diff-variable*
1305v:fname_diff The name of the diff (patch) file. Only valid while
1306 evaluating 'patchexpr'.
1307
1308 *v:folddashes* *folddashes-variable*
1309v:folddashes Used for 'foldtext': dashes representing foldlevel of a closed
1310 fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001311 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001312
1313 *v:foldlevel* *foldlevel-variable*
1314v:foldlevel Used for 'foldtext': foldlevel of closed fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001315 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001316
1317 *v:foldend* *foldend-variable*
1318v:foldend Used for 'foldtext': last line of closed fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001319 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001320
1321 *v:foldstart* *foldstart-variable*
1322v:foldstart Used for 'foldtext': first line of closed fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001323 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001324
Bram Moolenaar843ee412004-06-30 16:16:41 +00001325 *v:insertmode* *insertmode-variable*
1326v:insertmode Used for the |InsertEnter| and |InsertChange| autocommand
1327 events. Values:
1328 i Insert mode
1329 r Replace mode
1330 v Virtual Replace mode
1331
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001332 *v:key* *key-variable*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001333v:key Key of the current item of a |Dictionary|. Only valid while
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001334 evaluating the expression used with |map()| and |filter()|.
1335 Read-only.
1336
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001337 *v:lang* *lang-variable*
1338v:lang The current locale setting for messages of the runtime
1339 environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the
1340 current language. Technical: it's the value of LC_MESSAGES.
1341 The value is system dependent.
1342 This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language|
1343 command.
1344 It can be different from |v:ctype| when messages are desired
1345 in a different language than what is used for character
1346 encoding. See |multi-lang|.
1347
1348 *v:lc_time* *lc_time-variable*
1349v:lc_time The current locale setting for time messages of the runtime
1350 environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the
1351 current language. Technical: it's the value of LC_TIME.
1352 This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language|
1353 command. See |multi-lang|.
1354
1355 *v:lnum* *lnum-variable*
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001356v:lnum Line number for the 'foldexpr' |fold-expr| and 'indentexpr'
Bram Moolenaar5c8837f2006-02-25 21:52:33 +00001357 expressions, tab page number for 'guitablabel'. Only valid
1358 while one of these expressions is being evaluated. Read-only
1359 when in the |sandbox|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001360
1361 *v:prevcount* *prevcount-variable*
1362v:prevcount The count given for the last but one Normal mode command.
1363 This is the v:count value of the previous command. Useful if
1364 you want to cancel Visual mode and then use the count. >
1365 :vmap % <Esc>:call MyFilter(v:prevcount)<CR>
1366< Read-only.
1367
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00001368 *v:profiling* *profiling-variable*
1369v:profiling Normally zero. Set to one after using ":profile start".
1370 See |profiling|.
1371
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001372 *v:progname* *progname-variable*
1373v:progname Contains the name (with path removed) with which Vim was
1374 invoked. Allows you to do special initialisations for "view",
1375 "evim" etc., or any other name you might symlink to Vim.
1376 Read-only.
1377
1378 *v:register* *register-variable*
1379v:register The name of the register supplied to the last normal mode
1380 command. Empty if none were supplied. |getreg()| |setreg()|
1381
Bram Moolenaar1c7715d2005-10-03 22:02:18 +00001382 *v:scrollstart* *scrollstart-variable*
1383v:scrollstart String describing the script or function that caused the
1384 screen to scroll up. It's only set when it is empty, thus the
1385 first reason is remembered. It is set to "Unknown" for a
1386 typed command.
1387 This can be used to find out why your script causes the
1388 hit-enter prompt.
1389
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001390 *v:servername* *servername-variable*
1391v:servername The resulting registered |x11-clientserver| name if any.
1392 Read-only.
1393
1394 *v:shell_error* *shell_error-variable*
1395v:shell_error Result of the last shell command. When non-zero, the last
1396 shell command had an error. When zero, there was no problem.
1397 This only works when the shell returns the error code to Vim.
1398 The value -1 is often used when the command could not be
1399 executed. Read-only.
1400 Example: >
1401 :!mv foo bar
1402 :if v:shell_error
1403 : echo 'could not rename "foo" to "bar"!'
1404 :endif
1405< "shell_error" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1406
1407 *v:statusmsg* *statusmsg-variable*
1408v:statusmsg Last given status message. It's allowed to set this variable.
1409
Bram Moolenaar4e330bb2005-12-07 21:04:31 +00001410 *v:swapname* *swapname-variable*
1411v:swapname Only valid when executing |SwapExists| autocommands: Name of
1412 the swap file found. Read-only.
1413
1414 *v:swapchoice* *swapchoice-variable*
1415v:swapchoice |SwapExists| autocommands can set this to the selected choice
1416 for handling an existing swap file:
1417 'o' Open read-only
1418 'e' Edit anyway
1419 'r' Recover
1420 'd' Delete swapfile
1421 'q' Quit
1422 'a' Abort
1423 The value should be a single-character string. An empty value
1424 results in the user being asked, as would happen when there is
1425 no SwapExists autocommand. The default is empty.
1426
Bram Moolenaarb3480382005-12-11 21:33:32 +00001427 *v:swapcommand* *swapcommand-variable*
Bram Moolenaar4770d092006-01-12 23:22:24 +00001428v:swapcommand Normal mode command to be executed after a file has been
Bram Moolenaarb3480382005-12-11 21:33:32 +00001429 opened. Can be used for a |SwapExists| autocommand to have
1430 another Vim open the file and jump to the right place. For
1431 example, when jumping to a tag the value is ":tag tagname\r".
1432
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001433 *v:termresponse* *termresponse-variable*
1434v:termresponse The escape sequence returned by the terminal for the |t_RV|
1435 termcap entry. It is set when Vim receives an escape sequence
1436 that starts with ESC [ or CSI and ends in a 'c', with only
1437 digits, ';' and '.' in between.
1438 When this option is set, the TermResponse autocommand event is
1439 fired, so that you can react to the response from the
1440 terminal.
1441 The response from a new xterm is: "<Esc>[ Pp ; Pv ; Pc c". Pp
1442 is the terminal type: 0 for vt100 and 1 for vt220. Pv is the
1443 patch level (since this was introduced in patch 95, it's
1444 always 95 or bigger). Pc is always zero.
1445 {only when compiled with |+termresponse| feature}
1446
1447 *v:this_session* *this_session-variable*
1448v:this_session Full filename of the last loaded or saved session file. See
1449 |:mksession|. It is allowed to set this variable. When no
1450 session file has been saved, this variable is empty.
1451 "this_session" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1452
1453 *v:throwpoint* *throwpoint-variable*
1454v:throwpoint The point where the exception most recently caught and not
1455 finished was thrown. Not set when commands are typed. See
1456 also |v:exception| and |throw-variables|.
1457 Example: >
1458 :try
1459 : throw "oops"
1460 :catch /.*/
1461 : echo "Exception from" v:throwpoint
1462 :endtry
1463< Output: "Exception from test.vim, line 2"
1464
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001465 *v:val* *val-variable*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001466v:val Value of the current item of a |List| or |Dictionary|. Only
1467 valid while evaluating the expression used with |map()| and
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001468 |filter()|. Read-only.
1469
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001470 *v:version* *version-variable*
1471v:version Version number of Vim: Major version number times 100 plus
1472 minor version number. Version 5.0 is 500. Version 5.1 (5.01)
1473 is 501. Read-only. "version" also works, for backwards
1474 compatibility.
1475 Use |has()| to check if a certain patch was included, e.g.: >
1476 if has("patch123")
1477< Note that patch numbers are specific to the version, thus both
1478 version 5.0 and 5.1 may have a patch 123, but these are
1479 completely different.
1480
1481 *v:warningmsg* *warningmsg-variable*
1482v:warningmsg Last given warning message. It's allowed to set this variable.
1483
1484==============================================================================
14854. Builtin Functions *functions*
1486
1487See |function-list| for a list grouped by what the function is used for.
1488
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00001489(Use CTRL-] on the function name to jump to the full explanation.)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001490
1491USAGE RESULT DESCRIPTION ~
1492
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001493add( {list}, {item}) List append {item} to |List| {list}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001494append( {lnum}, {string}) Number append {string} below line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00001495append( {lnum}, {list}) Number append lines {list} below line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001496argc() Number number of files in the argument list
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001497argidx() Number current index in the argument list
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001498argv( {nr}) String {nr} entry of the argument list
1499browse( {save}, {title}, {initdir}, {default})
1500 String put up a file requester
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001501browsedir( {title}, {initdir}) String put up a directory requester
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001502bufexists( {expr}) Number TRUE if buffer {expr} exists
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001503buflisted( {expr}) Number TRUE if buffer {expr} is listed
1504bufloaded( {expr}) Number TRUE if buffer {expr} is loaded
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001505bufname( {expr}) String Name of the buffer {expr}
1506bufnr( {expr}) Number Number of the buffer {expr}
1507bufwinnr( {expr}) Number window number of buffer {expr}
1508byte2line( {byte}) Number line number at byte count {byte}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001509byteidx( {expr}, {nr}) Number byte index of {nr}'th char in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001510call( {func}, {arglist} [, {dict}])
1511 any call {func} with arguments {arglist}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001512char2nr( {expr}) Number ASCII value of first char in {expr}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001513cindent( {lnum}) Number C indent for line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001514col( {expr}) Number column nr of cursor or mark
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00001515complete_add( {expr}) Number add completion match
1516complete_check() Number check for key typed during completion
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001517confirm( {msg} [, {choices} [, {default} [, {type}]]])
1518 Number number of choice picked by user
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001519copy( {expr}) any make a shallow copy of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001520count( {list}, {expr} [, {start} [, {ic}]])
1521 Number count how many {expr} are in {list}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001522cscope_connection( [{num} , {dbpath} [, {prepend}]])
1523 Number checks existence of cscope connection
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00001524cursor( {lnum}, {col} [, {coladd}])
1525 Number move cursor to {lnum}, {col}, {coladd}
1526cursor( {list}) Number move cursor to position in {list}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001527deepcopy( {expr}) any make a full copy of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001528delete( {fname}) Number delete file {fname}
1529did_filetype() Number TRUE if FileType autocommand event used
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001530diff_filler( {lnum}) Number diff filler lines about {lnum}
1531diff_hlID( {lnum}, {col}) Number diff highlighting at {lnum}/{col}
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00001532empty( {expr}) Number TRUE if {expr} is empty
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001533escape( {string}, {chars}) String escape {chars} in {string} with '\'
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00001534eval( {string}) any evaluate {string} into its value
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001535eventhandler( ) Number TRUE if inside an event handler
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001536executable( {expr}) Number 1 if executable {expr} exists
1537exists( {expr}) Number TRUE if {expr} exists
1538expand( {expr}) String expand special keywords in {expr}
1539filereadable( {file}) Number TRUE if {file} is a readable file
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001540filter( {expr}, {string}) List/Dict remove items from {expr} where
1541 {string} is 0
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001542finddir( {name}[, {path}[, {count}]])
1543 String Find directory {name} in {path}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001544findfile( {name}[, {path}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001545 String Find file {name} in {path}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001546filewritable( {file}) Number TRUE if {file} is a writable file
1547fnamemodify( {fname}, {mods}) String modify file name
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001548foldclosed( {lnum}) Number first line of fold at {lnum} if closed
1549foldclosedend( {lnum}) Number last line of fold at {lnum} if closed
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001550foldlevel( {lnum}) Number fold level at {lnum}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001551foldtext( ) String line displayed for closed fold
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001552foreground( ) Number bring the Vim window to the foreground
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001553function( {name}) Funcref reference to function {name}
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001554get( {list}, {idx} [, {def}]) any get item {idx} from {list} or {def}
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001555get( {dict}, {key} [, {def}]) any get item {key} from {dict} or {def}
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00001556getbufline( {expr}, {lnum} [, {end}])
1557 List lines {lnum} to {end} of buffer {expr}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001558getchar( [expr]) Number get one character from the user
1559getcharmod( ) Number modifiers for the last typed character
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001560getbufvar( {expr}, {varname}) variable {varname} in buffer {expr}
1561getcmdline() String return the current command-line
1562getcmdpos() Number return cursor position in command-line
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00001563getcmdtype() String return the current command-line type
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001564getcwd() String the current working directory
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00001565getfperm( {fname}) String file permissions of file {fname}
1566getfsize( {fname}) Number size in bytes of file {fname}
Bram Moolenaard8b0cf12004-12-12 11:33:30 +00001567getfontname( [{name}]) String name of font being used
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001568getftime( {fname}) Number last modification time of file
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00001569getftype( {fname}) String description of type of file {fname}
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00001570getline( {lnum}) String line {lnum} of current buffer
1571getline( {lnum}, {end}) List lines {lnum} to {end} of current buffer
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00001572getloclist({nr}) List list of location list items
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00001573getpos( {expr}) List position of cursor, mark, etc.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00001574getqflist() List list of quickfix items
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00001575getreg( [{regname} [, 1]]) String contents of register
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001576getregtype( [{regname}]) String type of register
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001577getwinposx() Number X coord in pixels of GUI Vim window
1578getwinposy() Number Y coord in pixels of GUI Vim window
1579getwinvar( {nr}, {varname}) variable {varname} in window {nr}
1580glob( {expr}) String expand file wildcards in {expr}
1581globpath( {path}, {expr}) String do glob({expr}) for all dirs in {path}
1582has( {feature}) Number TRUE if feature {feature} supported
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001583has_key( {dict}, {key}) Number TRUE if {dict} has entry {key}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001584hasmapto( {what} [, {mode}]) Number TRUE if mapping to {what} exists
1585histadd( {history},{item}) String add an item to a history
1586histdel( {history} [, {item}]) String remove an item from a history
1587histget( {history} [, {index}]) String get the item {index} from a history
1588histnr( {history}) Number highest index of a history
1589hlexists( {name}) Number TRUE if highlight group {name} exists
1590hlID( {name}) Number syntax ID of highlight group {name}
1591hostname() String name of the machine Vim is running on
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001592iconv( {expr}, {from}, {to}) String convert encoding of {expr}
1593indent( {lnum}) Number indent of line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001594index( {list}, {expr} [, {start} [, {ic}]])
1595 Number index in {list} where {expr} appears
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00001596input( {prompt} [, {text} [, {completion}]])
1597 String get input from the user
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001598inputdialog( {p} [, {t} [, {c}]]) String like input() but in a GUI dialog
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001599inputrestore() Number restore typeahead
1600inputsave() Number save and clear typeahead
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001601inputsecret( {prompt} [, {text}]) String like input() but hiding the text
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001602insert( {list}, {item} [, {idx}]) List insert {item} in {list} [before {idx}]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001603isdirectory( {directory}) Number TRUE if {directory} is a directory
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00001604islocked( {expr}) Number TRUE if {expr} is locked
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001605items( {dict}) List key-value pairs in {dict}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001606join( {list} [, {sep}]) String join {list} items into one String
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001607keys( {dict}) List keys in {dict}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001608len( {expr}) Number the length of {expr}
1609libcall( {lib}, {func}, {arg}) String call {func} in library {lib} with {arg}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001610libcallnr( {lib}, {func}, {arg}) Number idem, but return a Number
1611line( {expr}) Number line nr of cursor, last line or mark
1612line2byte( {lnum}) Number byte count of line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001613lispindent( {lnum}) Number Lisp indent for line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001614localtime() Number current time
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001615map( {expr}, {string}) List/Dict change each item in {expr} to {expr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001616maparg( {name}[, {mode}]) String rhs of mapping {name} in mode {mode}
1617mapcheck( {name}[, {mode}]) String check for mappings matching {name}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001618match( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001619 Number position where {pat} matches in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001620matchend( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001621 Number position where {pat} ends in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00001622matchlist( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
1623 List match and submatches of {pat} in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001624matchstr( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
1625 String {count}'th match of {pat} in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00001626max({list}) Number maximum value of items in {list}
1627min({list}) Number minumum value of items in {list}
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00001628mkdir({name} [, {path} [, {prot}]])
1629 Number create directory {name}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001630mode() String current editing mode
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001631nextnonblank( {lnum}) Number line nr of non-blank line >= {lnum}
1632nr2char( {expr}) String single char with ASCII value {expr}
1633prevnonblank( {lnum}) Number line nr of non-blank line <= {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00001634printf( {fmt}, {expr1}...) String format text
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001635pumvisible() Number whether popup menu is visible
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00001636range( {expr} [, {max} [, {stride}]])
1637 List items from {expr} to {max}
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00001638readfile({fname} [, {binary} [, {max}]])
1639 List get list of lines from file {fname}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001640remote_expr( {server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
1641 String send expression
1642remote_foreground( {server}) Number bring Vim server to the foreground
1643remote_peek( {serverid} [, {retvar}])
1644 Number check for reply string
1645remote_read( {serverid}) String read reply string
1646remote_send( {server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
1647 String send key sequence
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00001648remove( {list}, {idx} [, {end}]) any remove items {idx}-{end} from {list}
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00001649remove( {dict}, {key}) any remove entry {key} from {dict}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001650rename( {from}, {to}) Number rename (move) file from {from} to {to}
1651repeat( {expr}, {count}) String repeat {expr} {count} times
1652resolve( {filename}) String get filename a shortcut points to
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001653reverse( {list}) List reverse {list} in-place
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001654search( {pattern} [, {flags}]) Number search for {pattern}
Bram Moolenaarf75a9632005-09-13 21:20:47 +00001655searchdecl({name} [, {global} [, {thisblock}]])
1656 Number search for variable declaration
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00001657searchpair( {start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip} [, {stopline}]]])
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001658 Number search for other end of start/end pair
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00001659searchpairpos( {start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip} [, {stopline}]]])
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001660 List search for other end of start/end pair
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00001661searchpos( {pattern} [, {flags} [, {stopline}]])
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001662 List search for {pattern}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001663server2client( {clientid}, {string})
1664 Number send reply string
1665serverlist() String get a list of available servers
1666setbufvar( {expr}, {varname}, {val}) set {varname} in buffer {expr} to {val}
1667setcmdpos( {pos}) Number set cursor position in command-line
1668setline( {lnum}, {line}) Number set line {lnum} to {line}
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00001669setloclist( {nr}, {list}[, {action}])
1670 Number modify location list using {list}
1671setqflist( {list}[, {action}]) Number modify quickfix list using {list}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001672setreg( {n}, {v}[, {opt}]) Number set register to value and type
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001673setwinvar( {nr}, {varname}, {val}) set {varname} in window {nr} to {val}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001674simplify( {filename}) String simplify filename as much as possible
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001675sort( {list} [, {func}]) List sort {list}, using {func} to compare
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00001676soundfold( {word}) String sound-fold {word}
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00001677spellbadword() String badly spelled word at cursor
Bram Moolenaarc54b8a72005-09-30 21:20:29 +00001678spellsuggest( {word} [, {max} [, {capital}]])
1679 List spelling suggestions
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00001680split( {expr} [, {pat} [, {keepempty}]])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001681 List make |List| from {pat} separated {expr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001682strftime( {format}[, {time}]) String time in specified format
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00001683stridx( {haystack}, {needle}[, {start}])
1684 Number index of {needle} in {haystack}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001685string( {expr}) String String representation of {expr} value
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001686strlen( {expr}) Number length of the String {expr}
1687strpart( {src}, {start}[, {len}])
1688 String {len} characters of {src} at {start}
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00001689strridx( {haystack}, {needle} [, {start}])
1690 Number last index of {needle} in {haystack}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001691strtrans( {expr}) String translate string to make it printable
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001692submatch( {nr}) String specific match in ":substitute"
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001693substitute( {expr}, {pat}, {sub}, {flags})
1694 String all {pat} in {expr} replaced with {sub}
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00001695synID( {lnum}, {col}, {trans}) Number syntax ID at {lnum} and {col}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001696synIDattr( {synID}, {what} [, {mode}])
1697 String attribute {what} of syntax ID {synID}
1698synIDtrans( {synID}) Number translated syntax ID of {synID}
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00001699system( {expr} [, {input}]) String output of shell command/filter {expr}
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00001700tabpagebuflist( [{arg}]) List list of buffer numbers in tab page
1701tabpagenr( [{arg}]) Number number of current or last tab page
1702tabpagewinnr( {tabarg}[, {arg}])
1703 Number number of current window in tab page
1704taglist( {expr}) List list of tags matching {expr}
Bram Moolenaare7eb9df2005-09-09 19:49:30 +00001705tagfiles() List tags files used
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001706tempname() String name for a temporary file
1707tolower( {expr}) String the String {expr} switched to lowercase
1708toupper( {expr}) String the String {expr} switched to uppercase
Bram Moolenaar8299df92004-07-10 09:47:34 +00001709tr( {src}, {fromstr}, {tostr}) String translate chars of {src} in {fromstr}
1710 to chars in {tostr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001711type( {name}) Number type of variable {name}
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001712values( {dict}) List values in {dict}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001713virtcol( {expr}) Number screen column of cursor or mark
1714visualmode( [expr]) String last visual mode used
1715winbufnr( {nr}) Number buffer number of window {nr}
1716wincol() Number window column of the cursor
1717winheight( {nr}) Number height of window {nr}
1718winline() Number window line of the cursor
Bram Moolenaar7e8fd632006-02-18 22:14:51 +00001719winnr( [{expr}]) Number number of current window
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001720winrestcmd() String returns command to restore window sizes
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001721winwidth( {nr}) Number width of window {nr}
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00001722writefile({list}, {fname} [, {binary}])
1723 Number write list of lines to file {fname}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001724
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001725add({list}, {expr}) *add()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001726 Append the item {expr} to |List| {list}. Returns the
1727 resulting |List|. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001728 :let alist = add([1, 2, 3], item)
1729 :call add(mylist, "woodstock")
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001730< Note that when {expr} is a |List| it is appended as a single
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00001731 item. Use |extend()| to concatenate |Lists|.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00001732 Use |insert()| to add an item at another position.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001733
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001734
1735append({lnum}, {expr}) *append()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001736 When {expr} is a |List|: Append each item of the |List| as a
1737 text line below line {lnum} in the current buffer.
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00001738 Otherwise append {expr} as one text line below line {lnum} in
1739 the current buffer.
1740 {lnum} can be zero to insert a line before the first one.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001741 Returns 1 for failure ({lnum} out of range or out of memory),
1742 0 for success. Example: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001743 :let failed = append(line('$'), "# THE END")
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001744 :let failed = append(0, ["Chapter 1", "the beginning"])
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001745<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001746 *argc()*
1747argc() The result is the number of files in the argument list of the
1748 current window. See |arglist|.
1749
1750 *argidx()*
1751argidx() The result is the current index in the argument list. 0 is
1752 the first file. argc() - 1 is the last one. See |arglist|.
1753
1754 *argv()*
1755argv({nr}) The result is the {nr}th file in the argument list of the
1756 current window. See |arglist|. "argv(0)" is the first one.
1757 Example: >
1758 :let i = 0
1759 :while i < argc()
1760 : let f = escape(argv(i), '. ')
1761 : exe 'amenu Arg.' . f . ' :e ' . f . '<CR>'
1762 : let i = i + 1
1763 :endwhile
1764<
1765 *browse()*
1766browse({save}, {title}, {initdir}, {default})
1767 Put up a file requester. This only works when "has("browse")"
1768 returns non-zero (only in some GUI versions).
1769 The input fields are:
1770 {save} when non-zero, select file to write
1771 {title} title for the requester
1772 {initdir} directory to start browsing in
1773 {default} default file name
1774 When the "Cancel" button is hit, something went wrong, or
1775 browsing is not possible, an empty string is returned.
1776
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001777 *browsedir()*
1778browsedir({title}, {initdir})
1779 Put up a directory requester. This only works when
1780 "has("browse")" returns non-zero (only in some GUI versions).
1781 On systems where a directory browser is not supported a file
1782 browser is used. In that case: select a file in the directory
1783 to be used.
1784 The input fields are:
1785 {title} title for the requester
1786 {initdir} directory to start browsing in
1787 When the "Cancel" button is hit, something went wrong, or
1788 browsing is not possible, an empty string is returned.
1789
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001790bufexists({expr}) *bufexists()*
1791 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a buffer called
1792 {expr} exists.
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001793 If the {expr} argument is a number, buffer numbers are used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001794 If the {expr} argument is a string it must match a buffer name
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001795 exactly. The name can be:
1796 - Relative to the current directory.
1797 - A full path.
1798 - The name of a buffer with 'filetype' set to "nofile".
1799 - A URL name.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001800 Unlisted buffers will be found.
1801 Note that help files are listed by their short name in the
1802 output of |:buffers|, but bufexists() requires using their
1803 long name to be able to find them.
1804 Use "bufexists(0)" to test for the existence of an alternate
1805 file name.
1806 *buffer_exists()*
1807 Obsolete name: buffer_exists().
1808
1809buflisted({expr}) *buflisted()*
1810 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a buffer called
1811 {expr} exists and is listed (has the 'buflisted' option set).
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001812 The {expr} argument is used like with |bufexists()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001813
1814bufloaded({expr}) *bufloaded()*
1815 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a buffer called
1816 {expr} exists and is loaded (shown in a window or hidden).
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001817 The {expr} argument is used like with |bufexists()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001818
1819bufname({expr}) *bufname()*
1820 The result is the name of a buffer, as it is displayed by the
1821 ":ls" command.
1822 If {expr} is a Number, that buffer number's name is given.
1823 Number zero is the alternate buffer for the current window.
1824 If {expr} is a String, it is used as a |file-pattern| to match
1825 with the buffer names. This is always done like 'magic' is
1826 set and 'cpoptions' is empty. When there is more than one
1827 match an empty string is returned.
1828 "" or "%" can be used for the current buffer, "#" for the
1829 alternate buffer.
1830 A full match is preferred, otherwise a match at the start, end
1831 or middle of the buffer name is accepted.
1832 Listed buffers are found first. If there is a single match
1833 with a listed buffer, that one is returned. Next unlisted
1834 buffers are searched for.
1835 If the {expr} is a String, but you want to use it as a buffer
1836 number, force it to be a Number by adding zero to it: >
1837 :echo bufname("3" + 0)
1838< If the buffer doesn't exist, or doesn't have a name, an empty
1839 string is returned. >
1840 bufname("#") alternate buffer name
1841 bufname(3) name of buffer 3
1842 bufname("%") name of current buffer
1843 bufname("file2") name of buffer where "file2" matches.
1844< *buffer_name()*
1845 Obsolete name: buffer_name().
1846
1847 *bufnr()*
1848bufnr({expr}) The result is the number of a buffer, as it is displayed by
1849 the ":ls" command. For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()|
1850 above. If the buffer doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
1851 bufnr("$") is the last buffer: >
1852 :let last_buffer = bufnr("$")
1853< The result is a Number, which is the highest buffer number
1854 of existing buffers. Note that not all buffers with a smaller
1855 number necessarily exist, because ":bwipeout" may have removed
1856 them. Use bufexists() to test for the existence of a buffer.
1857 *buffer_number()*
1858 Obsolete name: buffer_number().
1859 *last_buffer_nr()*
1860 Obsolete name for bufnr("$"): last_buffer_nr().
1861
1862bufwinnr({expr}) *bufwinnr()*
1863 The result is a Number, which is the number of the first
1864 window associated with buffer {expr}. For the use of {expr},
1865 see |bufname()| above. If buffer {expr} doesn't exist or
1866 there is no such window, -1 is returned. Example: >
1867
1868 echo "A window containing buffer 1 is " . (bufwinnr(1))
1869
1870< The number can be used with |CTRL-W_w| and ":wincmd w"
1871 |:wincmd|.
1872
1873
1874byte2line({byte}) *byte2line()*
1875 Return the line number that contains the character at byte
1876 count {byte} in the current buffer. This includes the
1877 end-of-line character, depending on the 'fileformat' option
1878 for the current buffer. The first character has byte count
1879 one.
1880 Also see |line2byte()|, |go| and |:goto|.
1881 {not available when compiled without the |+byte_offset|
1882 feature}
1883
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00001884byteidx({expr}, {nr}) *byteidx()*
1885 Return byte index of the {nr}'th character in the string
1886 {expr}. Use zero for the first character, it returns zero.
1887 This function is only useful when there are multibyte
1888 characters, otherwise the returned value is equal to {nr}.
1889 Composing characters are counted as a separate character.
1890 Example : >
1891 echo matchstr(str, ".", byteidx(str, 3))
1892< will display the fourth character. Another way to do the
1893 same: >
1894 let s = strpart(str, byteidx(str, 3))
1895 echo strpart(s, 0, byteidx(s, 1))
1896< If there are less than {nr} characters -1 is returned.
1897 If there are exactly {nr} characters the length of the string
1898 is returned.
1899
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001900call({func}, {arglist} [, {dict}]) *call()* *E699*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001901 Call function {func} with the items in |List| {arglist} as
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00001902 arguments.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00001903 {func} can either be a |Funcref| or the name of a function.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00001904 a:firstline and a:lastline are set to the cursor line.
1905 Returns the return value of the called function.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001906 {dict} is for functions with the "dict" attribute. It will be
1907 used to set the local variable "self". |Dictionary-function|
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00001908
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001909char2nr({expr}) *char2nr()*
1910 Return number value of the first char in {expr}. Examples: >
1911 char2nr(" ") returns 32
1912 char2nr("ABC") returns 65
1913< The current 'encoding' is used. Example for "utf-8": >
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00001914 char2nr("?") returns 225
1915 char2nr("?"[0]) returns 195
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00001916< nr2char() does the opposite.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001917
1918cindent({lnum}) *cindent()*
1919 Get the amount of indent for line {lnum} according the C
1920 indenting rules, as with 'cindent'.
1921 The indent is counted in spaces, the value of 'tabstop' is
1922 relevant. {lnum} is used just like in |getline()|.
1923 When {lnum} is invalid or Vim was not compiled the |+cindent|
1924 feature, -1 is returned.
Bram Moolenaard5cdbeb2005-10-10 20:59:28 +00001925 See |C-indenting|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001926
1927 *col()*
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00001928col({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the byte index of the column
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001929 position given with {expr}. The accepted positions are:
1930 . the cursor position
1931 $ the end of the cursor line (the result is the
1932 number of characters in the cursor line plus one)
1933 'x position of mark x (if the mark is not set, 0 is
1934 returned)
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00001935 To get the line number use |col()|. To get both use
1936 |getpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001937 For the screen column position use |virtcol()|.
1938 Note that only marks in the current file can be used.
1939 Examples: >
1940 col(".") column of cursor
1941 col("$") length of cursor line plus one
1942 col("'t") column of mark t
1943 col("'" . markname) column of mark markname
1944< The first column is 1. 0 is returned for an error.
1945 For the cursor position, when 'virtualedit' is active, the
1946 column is one higher if the cursor is after the end of the
1947 line. This can be used to obtain the column in Insert mode: >
1948 :imap <F2> <C-O>:let save_ve = &ve<CR>
1949 \<C-O>:set ve=all<CR>
1950 \<C-O>:echo col(".") . "\n" <Bar>
1951 \let &ve = save_ve<CR>
1952<
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00001953
1954complete_add({expr}) *complete_add()*
1955 Add {expr} to the list of matches. Only to be used by the
1956 function specified with the 'completefunc' option.
1957 Returns 0 for failure (empty string or out of memory),
1958 1 when the match was added, 2 when the match was already in
1959 the list.
1960
1961complete_check() *complete_check()*
1962 Check for a key typed while looking for completion matches.
1963 This is to be used when looking for matches takes some time.
1964 Returns non-zero when searching for matches is to be aborted,
1965 zero otherwise.
1966 Only to be used by the function specified with the
1967 'completefunc' option.
1968
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001969 *confirm()*
1970confirm({msg} [, {choices} [, {default} [, {type}]]])
1971 Confirm() offers the user a dialog, from which a choice can be
1972 made. It returns the number of the choice. For the first
1973 choice this is 1.
1974 Note: confirm() is only supported when compiled with dialog
1975 support, see |+dialog_con| and |+dialog_gui|.
1976 {msg} is displayed in a |dialog| with {choices} as the
1977 alternatives. When {choices} is missing or empty, "&OK" is
1978 used (and translated).
1979 {msg} is a String, use '\n' to include a newline. Only on
1980 some systems the string is wrapped when it doesn't fit.
1981 {choices} is a String, with the individual choices separated
1982 by '\n', e.g. >
1983 confirm("Save changes?", "&Yes\n&No\n&Cancel")
1984< The letter after the '&' is the shortcut key for that choice.
1985 Thus you can type 'c' to select "Cancel". The shortcut does
1986 not need to be the first letter: >
1987 confirm("file has been modified", "&Save\nSave &All")
1988< For the console, the first letter of each choice is used as
1989 the default shortcut key.
1990 The optional {default} argument is the number of the choice
1991 that is made if the user hits <CR>. Use 1 to make the first
1992 choice the default one. Use 0 to not set a default. If
1993 {default} is omitted, 1 is used.
1994 The optional {type} argument gives the type of dialog. This
1995 is only used for the icon of the Win32 GUI. It can be one of
1996 these values: "Error", "Question", "Info", "Warning" or
1997 "Generic". Only the first character is relevant. When {type}
1998 is omitted, "Generic" is used.
1999 If the user aborts the dialog by pressing <Esc>, CTRL-C,
2000 or another valid interrupt key, confirm() returns 0.
2001
2002 An example: >
2003 :let choice = confirm("What do you want?", "&Apples\n&Oranges\n&Bananas", 2)
2004 :if choice == 0
2005 : echo "make up your mind!"
2006 :elseif choice == 3
2007 : echo "tasteful"
2008 :else
2009 : echo "I prefer bananas myself."
2010 :endif
2011< In a GUI dialog, buttons are used. The layout of the buttons
2012 depends on the 'v' flag in 'guioptions'. If it is included,
2013 the buttons are always put vertically. Otherwise, confirm()
2014 tries to put the buttons in one horizontal line. If they
2015 don't fit, a vertical layout is used anyway. For some systems
2016 the horizontal layout is always used.
2017
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002018 *copy()*
2019copy({expr}) Make a copy of {expr}. For Numbers and Strings this isn't
2020 different from using {expr} directly.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002021 When {expr} is a |List| a shallow copy is created. This means
2022 that the original |List| can be changed without changing the
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002023 copy, and vise versa. But the items are identical, thus
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00002024 changing an item changes the contents of both |Lists|. Also
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002025 see |deepcopy()|.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002026
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002027count({comp}, {expr} [, {ic} [, {start}]]) *count()*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002028 Return the number of times an item with value {expr} appears
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002029 in |List| or |Dictionary| {comp}.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002030 If {start} is given then start with the item with this index.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002031 {start} can only be used with a |List|.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002032 When {ic} is given and it's non-zero then case is ignored.
2033
2034
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002035 *cscope_connection()*
2036cscope_connection([{num} , {dbpath} [, {prepend}]])
2037 Checks for the existence of a |cscope| connection. If no
2038 parameters are specified, then the function returns:
2039 0, if cscope was not available (not compiled in), or
2040 if there are no cscope connections;
2041 1, if there is at least one cscope connection.
2042
2043 If parameters are specified, then the value of {num}
2044 determines how existence of a cscope connection is checked:
2045
2046 {num} Description of existence check
2047 ----- ------------------------------
2048 0 Same as no parameters (e.g., "cscope_connection()").
2049 1 Ignore {prepend}, and use partial string matches for
2050 {dbpath}.
2051 2 Ignore {prepend}, and use exact string matches for
2052 {dbpath}.
2053 3 Use {prepend}, use partial string matches for both
2054 {dbpath} and {prepend}.
2055 4 Use {prepend}, use exact string matches for both
2056 {dbpath} and {prepend}.
2057
2058 Note: All string comparisons are case sensitive!
2059
2060 Examples. Suppose we had the following (from ":cs show"): >
2061
2062 # pid database name prepend path
2063 0 27664 cscope.out /usr/local
2064<
2065 Invocation Return Val ~
2066 ---------- ---------- >
2067 cscope_connection() 1
2068 cscope_connection(1, "out") 1
2069 cscope_connection(2, "out") 0
2070 cscope_connection(3, "out") 0
2071 cscope_connection(3, "out", "local") 1
2072 cscope_connection(4, "out") 0
2073 cscope_connection(4, "out", "local") 0
2074 cscope_connection(4, "cscope.out", "/usr/local") 1
2075<
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00002076cursor({lnum}, {col} [, {off}]) *cursor()*
2077cursor({list})
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002078 Positions the cursor at the column {col} in the line {lnum}.
Bram Moolenaar6f16eb82005-08-23 21:02:42 +00002079 The first column is one.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00002080 When there is one argument {list} this is used as a |List|
2081 with two or three items {lnum}, {col} and {off}. This is
2082 useful to move the cursor to a position obtained with
2083 |getpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002084 Does not change the jumplist.
2085 If {lnum} is greater than the number of lines in the buffer,
2086 the cursor will be positioned at the last line in the buffer.
2087 If {lnum} is zero, the cursor will stay in the current line.
Bram Moolenaar6f16eb82005-08-23 21:02:42 +00002088 If {col} is greater than the number of bytes in the line,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002089 the cursor will be positioned at the last character in the
2090 line.
2091 If {col} is zero, the cursor will stay in the current column.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00002092 When 'virtualedit' is used {off} specifies the offset in
2093 screen columns from the start of the character. E.g., a
2094 position within a Tab or after the last character.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002095
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002096
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00002097deepcopy({expr}[, {noref}]) *deepcopy()* *E698*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002098 Make a copy of {expr}. For Numbers and Strings this isn't
2099 different from using {expr} directly.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002100 When {expr} is a |List| a full copy is created. This means
2101 that the original |List| can be changed without changing the
2102 copy, and vise versa. When an item is a |List|, a copy for it
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002103 is made, recursively. Thus changing an item in the copy does
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002104 not change the contents of the original |List|.
2105 When {noref} is omitted or zero a contained |List| or
2106 |Dictionary| is only copied once. All references point to
2107 this single copy. With {noref} set to 1 every occurrence of a
2108 |List| or |Dictionary| results in a new copy. This also means
2109 that a cyclic reference causes deepcopy() to fail.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00002110 *E724*
2111 Nesting is possible up to 100 levels. When there is an item
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00002112 that refers back to a higher level making a deep copy with
2113 {noref} set to 1 will fail.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002114 Also see |copy()|.
2115
2116delete({fname}) *delete()*
2117 Deletes the file by the name {fname}. The result is a Number,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002118 which is 0 if the file was deleted successfully, and non-zero
2119 when the deletion failed.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002120 Use |remove()| to delete an item from a |List|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002121
2122 *did_filetype()*
2123did_filetype() Returns non-zero when autocommands are being executed and the
2124 FileType event has been triggered at least once. Can be used
2125 to avoid triggering the FileType event again in the scripts
2126 that detect the file type. |FileType|
2127 When editing another file, the counter is reset, thus this
2128 really checks if the FileType event has been triggered for the
2129 current buffer. This allows an autocommand that starts
2130 editing another buffer to set 'filetype' and load a syntax
2131 file.
2132
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00002133diff_filler({lnum}) *diff_filler()*
2134 Returns the number of filler lines above line {lnum}.
2135 These are the lines that were inserted at this point in
2136 another diff'ed window. These filler lines are shown in the
2137 display but don't exist in the buffer.
2138 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current
2139 line, "'m" mark m, etc.
2140 Returns 0 if the current window is not in diff mode.
2141
2142diff_hlID({lnum}, {col}) *diff_hlID()*
2143 Returns the highlight ID for diff mode at line {lnum} column
2144 {col} (byte index). When the current line does not have a
2145 diff change zero is returned.
2146 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current
2147 line, "'m" mark m, etc.
2148 {col} is 1 for the leftmost column, {lnum} is 1 for the first
2149 line.
2150 The highlight ID can be used with |synIDattr()| to obtain
2151 syntax information about the highlighting.
2152
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00002153empty({expr}) *empty()*
2154 Return the Number 1 if {expr} is empty, zero otherwise.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002155 A |List| or |Dictionary| is empty when it does not have any
2156 items. A Number is empty when its value is zero.
2157 For a long |List| this is much faster then comparing the
2158 length with zero.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00002159
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002160escape({string}, {chars}) *escape()*
2161 Escape the characters in {chars} that occur in {string} with a
2162 backslash. Example: >
2163 :echo escape('c:\program files\vim', ' \')
2164< results in: >
2165 c:\\program\ files\\vim
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002166
2167< *eval()*
2168eval({string}) Evaluate {string} and return the result. Especially useful to
2169 turn the result of |string()| back into the original value.
2170 This works for Numbers, Strings and composites of them.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002171 Also works for |Funcref|s that refer to existing functions.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002172
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002173eventhandler() *eventhandler()*
2174 Returns 1 when inside an event handler. That is that Vim got
2175 interrupted while waiting for the user to type a character,
2176 e.g., when dropping a file on Vim. This means interactive
2177 commands cannot be used. Otherwise zero is returned.
2178
2179executable({expr}) *executable()*
2180 This function checks if an executable with the name {expr}
2181 exists. {expr} must be the name of the program without any
Bram Moolenaarf4b8e572004-06-24 15:53:16 +00002182 arguments.
2183 executable() uses the value of $PATH and/or the normal
2184 searchpath for programs. *PATHEXT*
2185 On MS-DOS and MS-Windows the ".exe", ".bat", etc. can
2186 optionally be included. Then the extensions in $PATHEXT are
2187 tried. Thus if "foo.exe" does not exist, "foo.exe.bat" can be
2188 found. If $PATHEXT is not set then ".exe;.com;.bat;.cmd" is
2189 used. A dot by itself can be used in $PATHEXT to try using
2190 the name without an extension. When 'shell' looks like a
2191 Unix shell, then the name is also tried without adding an
2192 extension.
2193 On MS-DOS and MS-Windows it only checks if the file exists and
2194 is not a directory, not if it's really executable.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002195 The result is a Number:
2196 1 exists
2197 0 does not exist
2198 -1 not implemented on this system
2199
2200 *exists()*
2201exists({expr}) The result is a Number, which is non-zero if {expr} is
2202 defined, zero otherwise. The {expr} argument is a string,
2203 which contains one of these:
2204 &option-name Vim option (only checks if it exists,
2205 not if it really works)
2206 +option-name Vim option that works.
2207 $ENVNAME environment variable (could also be
2208 done by comparing with an empty
2209 string)
2210 *funcname built-in function (see |functions|)
2211 or user defined function (see
2212 |user-functions|).
2213 varname internal variable (see
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00002214 |internal-variables|). Also works
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002215 for |curly-braces-names|, |Dictionary|
2216 entries, |List| items, etc. Beware
2217 that this may cause functions to be
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00002218 invoked cause an error message for an
2219 invalid expression.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002220 :cmdname Ex command: built-in command, user
2221 command or command modifier |:command|.
2222 Returns:
2223 1 for match with start of a command
2224 2 full match with a command
2225 3 matches several user commands
2226 To check for a supported command
2227 always check the return value to be 2.
2228 #event autocommand defined for this event
2229 #event#pattern autocommand defined for this event and
2230 pattern (the pattern is taken
2231 literally and compared to the
2232 autocommand patterns character by
2233 character)
Bram Moolenaara9b1e742005-12-19 22:14:58 +00002234 #group autocommand group exists
2235 #group#event autocommand defined for this group and
2236 event.
2237 #group#event#pattern
2238 autocommand defined for this group,
2239 event and pattern.
Bram Moolenaarf4cd3e82005-12-22 22:47:02 +00002240 ##event autocommand for this event is
2241 supported.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002242 For checking for a supported feature use |has()|.
2243
2244 Examples: >
2245 exists("&shortname")
2246 exists("$HOSTNAME")
2247 exists("*strftime")
2248 exists("*s:MyFunc")
2249 exists("bufcount")
2250 exists(":Make")
Bram Moolenaara9b1e742005-12-19 22:14:58 +00002251 exists("#CursorHold")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002252 exists("#BufReadPre#*.gz")
Bram Moolenaara9b1e742005-12-19 22:14:58 +00002253 exists("#filetypeindent")
2254 exists("#filetypeindent#FileType")
2255 exists("#filetypeindent#FileType#*")
Bram Moolenaarf4cd3e82005-12-22 22:47:02 +00002256 exists("##ColorScheme")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002257< There must be no space between the symbol (&/$/*/#) and the
2258 name.
2259 Note that the argument must be a string, not the name of the
2260 variable itself! For example: >
2261 exists(bufcount)
2262< This doesn't check for existence of the "bufcount" variable,
2263 but gets the contents of "bufcount", and checks if that
2264 exists.
2265
2266expand({expr} [, {flag}]) *expand()*
2267 Expand wildcards and the following special keywords in {expr}.
2268 The result is a String.
2269
2270 When there are several matches, they are separated by <NL>
2271 characters. [Note: in version 5.0 a space was used, which
2272 caused problems when a file name contains a space]
2273
2274 If the expansion fails, the result is an empty string. A name
2275 for a non-existing file is not included.
2276
2277 When {expr} starts with '%', '#' or '<', the expansion is done
2278 like for the |cmdline-special| variables with their associated
2279 modifiers. Here is a short overview:
2280
2281 % current file name
2282 # alternate file name
2283 #n alternate file name n
2284 <cfile> file name under the cursor
2285 <afile> autocmd file name
2286 <abuf> autocmd buffer number (as a String!)
2287 <amatch> autocmd matched name
2288 <sfile> sourced script file name
2289 <cword> word under the cursor
2290 <cWORD> WORD under the cursor
2291 <client> the {clientid} of the last received
2292 message |server2client()|
2293 Modifiers:
2294 :p expand to full path
2295 :h head (last path component removed)
2296 :t tail (last path component only)
2297 :r root (one extension removed)
2298 :e extension only
2299
2300 Example: >
2301 :let &tags = expand("%:p:h") . "/tags"
2302< Note that when expanding a string that starts with '%', '#' or
2303 '<', any following text is ignored. This does NOT work: >
2304 :let doesntwork = expand("%:h.bak")
2305< Use this: >
2306 :let doeswork = expand("%:h") . ".bak"
2307< Also note that expanding "<cfile>" and others only returns the
2308 referenced file name without further expansion. If "<cfile>"
2309 is "~/.cshrc", you need to do another expand() to have the
2310 "~/" expanded into the path of the home directory: >
2311 :echo expand(expand("<cfile>"))
2312<
2313 There cannot be white space between the variables and the
2314 following modifier. The |fnamemodify()| function can be used
2315 to modify normal file names.
2316
2317 When using '%' or '#', and the current or alternate file name
2318 is not defined, an empty string is used. Using "%:p" in a
2319 buffer with no name, results in the current directory, with a
2320 '/' added.
2321
2322 When {expr} does not start with '%', '#' or '<', it is
2323 expanded like a file name is expanded on the command line.
2324 'suffixes' and 'wildignore' are used, unless the optional
2325 {flag} argument is given and it is non-zero. Names for
Bram Moolenaar02743632005-07-25 20:42:36 +00002326 non-existing files are included. The "**" item can be used to
2327 search in a directory tree. For example, to find all "README"
2328 files in the current directory and below: >
2329 :echo expand("**/README")
2330<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002331 Expand() can also be used to expand variables and environment
2332 variables that are only known in a shell. But this can be
2333 slow, because a shell must be started. See |expr-env-expand|.
2334 The expanded variable is still handled like a list of file
2335 names. When an environment variable cannot be expanded, it is
2336 left unchanged. Thus ":echo expand('$FOOBAR')" results in
2337 "$FOOBAR".
2338
2339 See |glob()| for finding existing files. See |system()| for
2340 getting the raw output of an external command.
2341
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002342extend({expr1}, {expr2} [, {expr3}]) *extend()*
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00002343 {expr1} and {expr2} must be both |Lists| or both
2344 |Dictionaries|.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002345
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00002346 If they are |Lists|: Append {expr2} to {expr1}.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002347 If {expr3} is given insert the items of {expr2} before item
2348 {expr3} in {expr1}. When {expr3} is zero insert before the
2349 first item. When {expr3} is equal to len({expr1}) then
2350 {expr2} is appended.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002351 Examples: >
2352 :echo sort(extend(mylist, [7, 5]))
2353 :call extend(mylist, [2, 3], 1)
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002354< Use |add()| to concatenate one item to a list. To concatenate
2355 two lists into a new list use the + operator: >
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002356 :let newlist = [1, 2, 3] + [4, 5]
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002357<
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00002358 If they are |Dictionaries|:
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002359 Add all entries from {expr2} to {expr1}.
2360 If a key exists in both {expr1} and {expr2} then {expr3} is
2361 used to decide what to do:
2362 {expr3} = "keep": keep the value of {expr1}
2363 {expr3} = "force": use the value of {expr2}
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +00002364 {expr3} = "error": give an error message *E737*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002365 When {expr3} is omitted then "force" is assumed.
2366
2367 {expr1} is changed when {expr2} is not empty. If necessary
2368 make a copy of {expr1} first.
2369 {expr2} remains unchanged.
2370 Returns {expr1}.
2371
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002372
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002373filereadable({file}) *filereadable()*
2374 The result is a Number, which is TRUE when a file with the
2375 name {file} exists, and can be read. If {file} doesn't exist,
2376 or is a directory, the result is FALSE. {file} is any
2377 expression, which is used as a String.
2378 *file_readable()*
2379 Obsolete name: file_readable().
2380
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002381
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002382filter({expr}, {string}) *filter()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002383 {expr} must be a |List| or a |Dictionary|.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002384 For each item in {expr} evaluate {string} and when the result
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002385 is zero remove the item from the |List| or |Dictionary|.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002386 Inside {string} |v:val| has the value of the current item.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002387 For a |Dictionary| |v:key| has the key of the current item.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002388 Examples: >
2389 :call filter(mylist, 'v:val !~ "OLD"')
2390< Removes the items where "OLD" appears. >
2391 :call filter(mydict, 'v:key >= 8')
2392< Removes the items with a key below 8. >
2393 :call filter(var, 0)
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002394< Removes all the items, thus clears the |List| or |Dictionary|.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00002395
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002396 Note that {string} is the result of expression and is then
2397 used as an expression again. Often it is good to use a
2398 |literal-string| to avoid having to double backslashes.
2399
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002400 The operation is done in-place. If you want a |List| or
2401 |Dictionary| to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
Bram Moolenaarafeb4fa2006-02-01 21:51:12 +00002402 :let l = filter(copy(mylist), 'v:val =~ "KEEP"')
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002403
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002404< Returns {expr}, the |List| or |Dictionary| that was filtered.
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00002405 When an error is encountered while evaluating {string} no
2406 further items in {expr} are processed.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002407
2408
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00002409finddir({name}[, {path}[, {count}]]) *finddir()*
2410 Find directory {name} in {path}.
2411 If {path} is omitted or empty then 'path' is used.
2412 If the optional {count} is given, find {count}'s occurrence of
2413 {name} in {path}.
2414 This is quite similar to the ex-command |:find|.
2415 When the found directory is below the current directory a
2416 relative path is returned. Otherwise a full path is returned.
2417 Example: >
2418 :echo findfile("tags.vim", ".;")
2419< Searches from the current directory upwards until it finds
2420 the file "tags.vim".
2421 {only available when compiled with the +file_in_path feature}
2422
2423findfile({name}[, {path}[, {count}]]) *findfile()*
2424 Just like |finddir()|, but find a file instead of a directory.
2425
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002426filewritable({file}) *filewritable()*
2427 The result is a Number, which is 1 when a file with the
2428 name {file} exists, and can be written. If {file} doesn't
2429 exist, or is not writable, the result is 0. If (file) is a
2430 directory, and we can write to it, the result is 2.
2431
2432fnamemodify({fname}, {mods}) *fnamemodify()*
2433 Modify file name {fname} according to {mods}. {mods} is a
2434 string of characters like it is used for file names on the
2435 command line. See |filename-modifiers|.
2436 Example: >
2437 :echo fnamemodify("main.c", ":p:h")
2438< results in: >
2439 /home/mool/vim/vim/src
2440< Note: Environment variables and "~" don't work in {fname}, use
2441 |expand()| first then.
2442
2443foldclosed({lnum}) *foldclosed()*
2444 The result is a Number. If the line {lnum} is in a closed
2445 fold, the result is the number of the first line in that fold.
2446 If the line {lnum} is not in a closed fold, -1 is returned.
2447
2448foldclosedend({lnum}) *foldclosedend()*
2449 The result is a Number. If the line {lnum} is in a closed
2450 fold, the result is the number of the last line in that fold.
2451 If the line {lnum} is not in a closed fold, -1 is returned.
2452
2453foldlevel({lnum}) *foldlevel()*
2454 The result is a Number, which is the foldlevel of line {lnum}
2455 in the current buffer. For nested folds the deepest level is
2456 returned. If there is no fold at line {lnum}, zero is
2457 returned. It doesn't matter if the folds are open or closed.
2458 When used while updating folds (from 'foldexpr') -1 is
2459 returned for lines where folds are still to be updated and the
2460 foldlevel is unknown. As a special case the level of the
2461 previous line is usually available.
2462
2463 *foldtext()*
2464foldtext() Returns a String, to be displayed for a closed fold. This is
2465 the default function used for the 'foldtext' option and should
2466 only be called from evaluating 'foldtext'. It uses the
2467 |v:foldstart|, |v:foldend| and |v:folddashes| variables.
2468 The returned string looks like this: >
2469 +-- 45 lines: abcdef
2470< The number of dashes depends on the foldlevel. The "45" is
2471 the number of lines in the fold. "abcdef" is the text in the
2472 first non-blank line of the fold. Leading white space, "//"
2473 or "/*" and the text from the 'foldmarker' and 'commentstring'
2474 options is removed.
2475 {not available when compiled without the |+folding| feature}
2476
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00002477foldtextresult({lnum}) *foldtextresult()*
2478 Returns the text that is displayed for the closed fold at line
2479 {lnum}. Evaluates 'foldtext' in the appropriate context.
2480 When there is no closed fold at {lnum} an empty string is
2481 returned.
2482 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current
2483 line, "'m" mark m, etc.
2484 Useful when exporting folded text, e.g., to HTML.
2485 {not available when compiled without the |+folding| feature}
2486
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002487 *foreground()*
2488foreground() Move the Vim window to the foreground. Useful when sent from
2489 a client to a Vim server. |remote_send()|
2490 On Win32 systems this might not work, the OS does not always
2491 allow a window to bring itself to the foreground. Use
2492 |remote_foreground()| instead.
2493 {only in the Win32, Athena, Motif and GTK GUI versions and the
2494 Win32 console version}
2495
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002496
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00002497function({name}) *function()* *E700*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002498 Return a |Funcref| variable that refers to function {name}.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002499 {name} can be a user defined function or an internal function.
2500
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002501
Bram Moolenaar39a58ca2005-06-27 22:42:44 +00002502garbagecollect() *garbagecollect()*
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00002503 Cleanup unused |Lists| and |Dictionaries| that have circular
Bram Moolenaar39a58ca2005-06-27 22:42:44 +00002504 references. There is hardly ever a need to invoke this
2505 function, as it is automatically done when Vim runs out of
2506 memory or is waiting for the user to press a key after
2507 'updatetime'. Items without circular references are always
2508 freed when they become unused.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002509 This is useful if you have deleted a very big |List| and/or
2510 |Dictionary| with circular references in a script that runs
2511 for a long time.
Bram Moolenaar39a58ca2005-06-27 22:42:44 +00002512
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00002513get({list}, {idx} [, {default}]) *get()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002514 Get item {idx} from |List| {list}. When this item is not
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002515 available return {default}. Return zero when {default} is
2516 omitted.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002517get({dict}, {key} [, {default}])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002518 Get item with key {key} from |Dictionary| {dict}. When this
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002519 item is not available return {default}. Return zero when
2520 {default} is omitted.
2521
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002522 *getbufline()*
2523getbufline({expr}, {lnum} [, {end}])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002524 Return a |List| with the lines starting from {lnum} to {end}
2525 (inclusive) in the buffer {expr}. If {end} is omitted, a
2526 |List| with only the line {lnum} is returned.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002527
2528 For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above.
2529
Bram Moolenaar661b1822005-07-28 22:36:45 +00002530 For {lnum} and {end} "$" can be used for the last line of the
2531 buffer. Otherwise a number must be used.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002532
2533 When {lnum} is smaller than 1 or bigger than the number of
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002534 lines in the buffer, an empty |List| is returned.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002535
2536 When {end} is greater than the number of lines in the buffer,
2537 it is treated as {end} is set to the number of lines in the
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002538 buffer. When {end} is before {lnum} an empty |List| is
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002539 returned.
2540
Bram Moolenaar661b1822005-07-28 22:36:45 +00002541 This function works only for loaded buffers. For unloaded and
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002542 non-existing buffers, an empty |List| is returned.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002543
2544 Example: >
2545 :let lines = getbufline(bufnr("myfile"), 1, "$")
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002546
2547getbufvar({expr}, {varname}) *getbufvar()*
2548 The result is the value of option or local buffer variable
2549 {varname} in buffer {expr}. Note that the name without "b:"
2550 must be used.
Bram Moolenaar4317d9b2005-03-18 20:25:31 +00002551 This also works for a global or buffer-local option, but it
2552 doesn't work for a global variable, window-local variable or
2553 window-local option.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002554 For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above.
2555 When the buffer or variable doesn't exist an empty string is
2556 returned, there is no error message.
2557 Examples: >
2558 :let bufmodified = getbufvar(1, "&mod")
2559 :echo "todo myvar = " . getbufvar("todo", "myvar")
2560<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002561getchar([expr]) *getchar()*
2562 Get a single character from the user. If it is an 8-bit
2563 character, the result is a number. Otherwise a String is
2564 returned with the encoded character. For a special key it's a
2565 sequence of bytes starting with 0x80 (decimal: 128).
2566 If [expr] is omitted, wait until a character is available.
2567 If [expr] is 0, only get a character when one is available.
2568 If [expr] is 1, only check if a character is available, it is
2569 not consumed. If a normal character is
2570 available, it is returned, otherwise a
2571 non-zero value is returned.
2572 If a normal character available, it is returned as a Number.
2573 Use nr2char() to convert it to a String.
2574 The returned value is zero if no character is available.
2575 The returned value is a string of characters for special keys
2576 and when a modifier (shift, control, alt) was used.
2577 There is no prompt, you will somehow have to make clear to the
2578 user that a character has to be typed.
2579 There is no mapping for the character.
2580 Key codes are replaced, thus when the user presses the <Del>
2581 key you get the code for the <Del> key, not the raw character
2582 sequence. Examples: >
2583 getchar() == "\<Del>"
2584 getchar() == "\<S-Left>"
2585< This example redefines "f" to ignore case: >
2586 :nmap f :call FindChar()<CR>
2587 :function FindChar()
2588 : let c = nr2char(getchar())
2589 : while col('.') < col('$') - 1
2590 : normal l
2591 : if getline('.')[col('.') - 1] ==? c
2592 : break
2593 : endif
2594 : endwhile
2595 :endfunction
2596
2597getcharmod() *getcharmod()*
2598 The result is a Number which is the state of the modifiers for
2599 the last obtained character with getchar() or in another way.
2600 These values are added together:
2601 2 shift
2602 4 control
2603 8 alt (meta)
2604 16 mouse double click
2605 32 mouse triple click
2606 64 mouse quadruple click
2607 128 Macintosh only: command
2608 Only the modifiers that have not been included in the
2609 character itself are obtained. Thus Shift-a results in "A"
2610 with no modifier.
2611
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002612getcmdline() *getcmdline()*
2613 Return the current command-line. Only works when the command
2614 line is being edited, thus requires use of |c_CTRL-\_e| or
2615 |c_CTRL-R_=|.
2616 Example: >
2617 :cmap <F7> <C-\>eescape(getcmdline(), ' \')<CR>
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00002618< Also see |getcmdtype()|, |getcmdpos()| and |setcmdpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002619
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002620getcmdpos() *getcmdpos()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002621 Return the position of the cursor in the command line as a
2622 byte count. The first column is 1.
2623 Only works when editing the command line, thus requires use of
2624 |c_CTRL-\_e| or |c_CTRL-R_=|. Returns 0 otherwise.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00002625 Also see |getcmdtype()|, |setcmdpos()| and |getcmdline()|.
2626
2627getcmdtype() *getcmdtype()*
2628 Return the current command-line type. Possible return values
2629 are:
Bram Moolenaar1e015462005-09-25 22:16:38 +00002630 : normal Ex command
2631 > debug mode command |debug-mode|
2632 / forward search command
2633 ? backward search command
2634 @ |input()| command
2635 - |:insert| or |:append| command
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00002636 Only works when editing the command line, thus requires use of
2637 |c_CTRL-\_e| or |c_CTRL-R_=|. Returns an empty string
2638 otherwise.
2639 Also see |getcmdpos()|, |setcmdpos()| and |getcmdline()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002640
2641 *getcwd()*
2642getcwd() The result is a String, which is the name of the current
2643 working directory.
2644
2645getfsize({fname}) *getfsize()*
2646 The result is a Number, which is the size in bytes of the
2647 given file {fname}.
2648 If {fname} is a directory, 0 is returned.
2649 If the file {fname} can't be found, -1 is returned.
2650
Bram Moolenaard8b0cf12004-12-12 11:33:30 +00002651getfontname([{name}]) *getfontname()*
2652 Without an argument returns the name of the normal font being
2653 used. Like what is used for the Normal highlight group
2654 |hl-Normal|.
2655 With an argument a check is done whether {name} is a valid
2656 font name. If not then an empty string is returned.
2657 Otherwise the actual font name is returned, or {name} if the
2658 GUI does not support obtaining the real name.
2659 Only works when the GUI is running, thus not you your vimrc or
2660 Note that the GTK 2 GUI accepts any font name, thus checking
2661 for a valid name does not work.
2662 gvimrc file. Use the |GUIEnter| autocommand to use this
2663 function just after the GUI has started.
2664
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00002665getfperm({fname}) *getfperm()*
2666 The result is a String, which is the read, write, and execute
2667 permissions of the given file {fname}.
2668 If {fname} does not exist or its directory cannot be read, an
2669 empty string is returned.
2670 The result is of the form "rwxrwxrwx", where each group of
2671 "rwx" flags represent, in turn, the permissions of the owner
2672 of the file, the group the file belongs to, and other users.
2673 If a user does not have a given permission the flag for this
2674 is replaced with the string "-". Example: >
2675 :echo getfperm("/etc/passwd")
2676< This will hopefully (from a security point of view) display
2677 the string "rw-r--r--" or even "rw-------".
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00002678
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002679getftime({fname}) *getftime()*
2680 The result is a Number, which is the last modification time of
2681 the given file {fname}. The value is measured as seconds
2682 since 1st Jan 1970, and may be passed to strftime(). See also
2683 |localtime()| and |strftime()|.
2684 If the file {fname} can't be found -1 is returned.
2685
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00002686getftype({fname}) *getftype()*
2687 The result is a String, which is a description of the kind of
2688 file of the given file {fname}.
2689 If {fname} does not exist an empty string is returned.
2690 Here is a table over different kinds of files and their
2691 results:
2692 Normal file "file"
2693 Directory "dir"
2694 Symbolic link "link"
2695 Block device "bdev"
2696 Character device "cdev"
2697 Socket "socket"
2698 FIFO "fifo"
2699 All other "other"
2700 Example: >
2701 getftype("/home")
2702< Note that a type such as "link" will only be returned on
2703 systems that support it. On some systems only "dir" and
2704 "file" are returned.
2705
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002706 *getline()*
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002707getline({lnum} [, {end}])
2708 Without {end} the result is a String, which is line {lnum}
2709 from the current buffer. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002710 getline(1)
2711< When {lnum} is a String that doesn't start with a
2712 digit, line() is called to translate the String into a Number.
2713 To get the line under the cursor: >
2714 getline(".")
2715< When {lnum} is smaller than 1 or bigger than the number of
2716 lines in the buffer, an empty string is returned.
2717
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002718 When {end} is given the result is a |List| where each item is
2719 a line from the current buffer in the range {lnum} to {end},
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002720 including line {end}.
2721 {end} is used in the same way as {lnum}.
2722 Non-existing lines are silently omitted.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002723 When {end} is before {lnum} an empty |List| is returned.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002724 Example: >
2725 :let start = line('.')
2726 :let end = search("^$") - 1
2727 :let lines = getline(start, end)
2728
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00002729getloclist({nr}) *getloclist()*
2730 Returns a list with all the entries in the location list for
2731 window {nr}. When {nr} is zero the current window is used.
2732 For a location list window, the displayed location list is
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00002733 returned. For an invalid window number {nr}, an empty list is
2734 returned. Otherwise, same as getqflist().
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002735
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00002736getqflist() *getqflist()*
2737 Returns a list with all the current quickfix errors. Each
2738 list item is a dictionary with these entries:
2739 bufnr number of buffer that has the file name, use
2740 bufname() to get the name
2741 lnum line number in the buffer (first line is 1)
2742 col column number (first column is 1)
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00002743 vcol non-zero: "col" is visual column
2744 zero: "col" is byte index
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00002745 nr error number
2746 text description of the error
2747 type type of the error, 'E', '1', etc.
2748 valid non-zero: recognized error message
2749
Bram Moolenaare7eb9df2005-09-09 19:49:30 +00002750 When there is no error list or it's empty an empty list is
2751 returned.
2752
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00002753 Useful application: Find pattern matches in multiple files and
2754 do something with them: >
2755 :vimgrep /theword/jg *.c
2756 :for d in getqflist()
2757 : echo bufname(d.bufnr) ':' d.lnum '=' d.text
2758 :endfor
2759
2760
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00002761getreg([{regname} [, 1]]) *getreg()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002762 The result is a String, which is the contents of register
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00002763 {regname}. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002764 :let cliptext = getreg('*')
2765< getreg('=') returns the last evaluated value of the expression
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00002766 register. (For use in maps.)
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00002767 getreg('=', 1) returns the expression itself, so that it can
2768 be restored with |setreg()|. For other registers the extra
2769 argument is ignored, thus you can always give it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002770 If {regname} is not specified, |v:register| is used.
2771
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002772
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002773getregtype([{regname}]) *getregtype()*
2774 The result is a String, which is type of register {regname}.
2775 The value will be one of:
2776 "v" for |characterwise| text
2777 "V" for |linewise| text
2778 "<CTRL-V>{width}" for |blockwise-visual| text
2779 0 for an empty or unknown register
2780 <CTRL-V> is one character with value 0x16.
2781 If {regname} is not specified, |v:register| is used.
2782
2783 *getwinposx()*
2784getwinposx() The result is a Number, which is the X coordinate in pixels of
2785 the left hand side of the GUI Vim window. The result will be
2786 -1 if the information is not available.
2787
2788 *getwinposy()*
2789getwinposy() The result is a Number, which is the Y coordinate in pixels of
2790 the top of the GUI Vim window. The result will be -1 if the
2791 information is not available.
2792
2793getwinvar({nr}, {varname}) *getwinvar()*
2794 The result is the value of option or local window variable
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +00002795 {varname} in window {nr}. When {nr} is zero the current
2796 window is used.
Bram Moolenaar4317d9b2005-03-18 20:25:31 +00002797 This also works for a global option, buffer-local option and
2798 window-local option, but it doesn't work for a global variable
2799 or buffer-local variable.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002800 Note that the name without "w:" must be used.
2801 Examples: >
2802 :let list_is_on = getwinvar(2, '&list')
2803 :echo "myvar = " . getwinvar(1, 'myvar')
2804<
2805 *glob()*
2806glob({expr}) Expand the file wildcards in {expr}. The result is a String.
2807 When there are several matches, they are separated by <NL>
2808 characters.
2809 If the expansion fails, the result is an empty string.
2810 A name for a non-existing file is not included.
2811
2812 For most systems backticks can be used to get files names from
2813 any external command. Example: >
2814 :let tagfiles = glob("`find . -name tags -print`")
2815 :let &tags = substitute(tagfiles, "\n", ",", "g")
2816< The result of the program inside the backticks should be one
2817 item per line. Spaces inside an item are allowed.
2818
2819 See |expand()| for expanding special Vim variables. See
2820 |system()| for getting the raw output of an external command.
2821
2822globpath({path}, {expr}) *globpath()*
2823 Perform glob() on all directories in {path} and concatenate
2824 the results. Example: >
2825 :echo globpath(&rtp, "syntax/c.vim")
2826< {path} is a comma-separated list of directory names. Each
2827 directory name is prepended to {expr} and expanded like with
2828 glob(). A path separator is inserted when needed.
2829 To add a comma inside a directory name escape it with a
2830 backslash. Note that on MS-Windows a directory may have a
2831 trailing backslash, remove it if you put a comma after it.
2832 If the expansion fails for one of the directories, there is no
2833 error message.
2834 The 'wildignore' option applies: Names matching one of the
2835 patterns in 'wildignore' will be skipped.
2836
Bram Moolenaar02743632005-07-25 20:42:36 +00002837 The "**" item can be used to search in a directory tree.
2838 For example, to find all "README.txt" files in the directories
2839 in 'runtimepath' and below: >
2840 :echo globpath(&rtp, "**/README.txt")
2841<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002842 *has()*
2843has({feature}) The result is a Number, which is 1 if the feature {feature} is
2844 supported, zero otherwise. The {feature} argument is a
2845 string. See |feature-list| below.
2846 Also see |exists()|.
2847
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002848
2849has_key({dict}, {key}) *has_key()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00002850 The result is a Number, which is 1 if |Dictionary| {dict} has
2851 an entry with key {key}. Zero otherwise.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002852
2853
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002854hasmapto({what} [, {mode}]) *hasmapto()*
2855 The result is a Number, which is 1 if there is a mapping that
2856 contains {what} in somewhere in the rhs (what it is mapped to)
2857 and this mapping exists in one of the modes indicated by
2858 {mode}.
2859 Both the global mappings and the mappings local to the current
2860 buffer are checked for a match.
2861 If no matching mapping is found 0 is returned.
2862 The following characters are recognized in {mode}:
2863 n Normal mode
2864 v Visual mode
2865 o Operator-pending mode
2866 i Insert mode
2867 l Language-Argument ("r", "f", "t", etc.)
2868 c Command-line mode
2869 When {mode} is omitted, "nvo" is used.
2870
2871 This function is useful to check if a mapping already exists
2872 to a function in a Vim script. Example: >
2873 :if !hasmapto('\ABCdoit')
2874 : map <Leader>d \ABCdoit
2875 :endif
2876< This installs the mapping to "\ABCdoit" only if there isn't
2877 already a mapping to "\ABCdoit".
2878
2879histadd({history}, {item}) *histadd()*
2880 Add the String {item} to the history {history} which can be
2881 one of: *hist-names*
2882 "cmd" or ":" command line history
2883 "search" or "/" search pattern history
2884 "expr" or "=" typed expression history
2885 "input" or "@" input line history
2886 If {item} does already exist in the history, it will be
2887 shifted to become the newest entry.
2888 The result is a Number: 1 if the operation was successful,
2889 otherwise 0 is returned.
2890
2891 Example: >
2892 :call histadd("input", strftime("%Y %b %d"))
2893 :let date=input("Enter date: ")
2894< This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
2895
2896histdel({history} [, {item}]) *histdel()*
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00002897 Clear {history}, i.e. delete all its entries. See |hist-names|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002898 for the possible values of {history}.
2899
2900 If the parameter {item} is given as String, this is seen
2901 as regular expression. All entries matching that expression
2902 will be removed from the history (if there are any).
2903 Upper/lowercase must match, unless "\c" is used |/\c|.
2904 If {item} is a Number, it will be interpreted as index, see
2905 |:history-indexing|. The respective entry will be removed
2906 if it exists.
2907
2908 The result is a Number: 1 for a successful operation,
2909 otherwise 0 is returned.
2910
2911 Examples:
2912 Clear expression register history: >
2913 :call histdel("expr")
2914<
2915 Remove all entries starting with "*" from the search history: >
2916 :call histdel("/", '^\*')
2917<
2918 The following three are equivalent: >
2919 :call histdel("search", histnr("search"))
2920 :call histdel("search", -1)
2921 :call histdel("search", '^'.histget("search", -1).'$')
2922<
2923 To delete the last search pattern and use the last-but-one for
2924 the "n" command and 'hlsearch': >
2925 :call histdel("search", -1)
2926 :let @/ = histget("search", -1)
2927
2928histget({history} [, {index}]) *histget()*
2929 The result is a String, the entry with Number {index} from
2930 {history}. See |hist-names| for the possible values of
2931 {history}, and |:history-indexing| for {index}. If there is
2932 no such entry, an empty String is returned. When {index} is
2933 omitted, the most recent item from the history is used.
2934
2935 Examples:
2936 Redo the second last search from history. >
2937 :execute '/' . histget("search", -2)
2938
2939< Define an Ex command ":H {num}" that supports re-execution of
2940 the {num}th entry from the output of |:history|. >
2941 :command -nargs=1 H execute histget("cmd", 0+<args>)
2942<
2943histnr({history}) *histnr()*
2944 The result is the Number of the current entry in {history}.
2945 See |hist-names| for the possible values of {history}.
2946 If an error occurred, -1 is returned.
2947
2948 Example: >
2949 :let inp_index = histnr("expr")
2950<
2951hlexists({name}) *hlexists()*
2952 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a highlight group
2953 called {name} exists. This is when the group has been
2954 defined in some way. Not necessarily when highlighting has
2955 been defined for it, it may also have been used for a syntax
2956 item.
2957 *highlight_exists()*
2958 Obsolete name: highlight_exists().
2959
2960 *hlID()*
2961hlID({name}) The result is a Number, which is the ID of the highlight group
2962 with name {name}. When the highlight group doesn't exist,
2963 zero is returned.
2964 This can be used to retrieve information about the highlight
2965 group. For example, to get the background color of the
2966 "Comment" group: >
2967 :echo synIDattr(synIDtrans(hlID("Comment")), "bg")
2968< *highlightID()*
2969 Obsolete name: highlightID().
2970
2971hostname() *hostname()*
2972 The result is a String, which is the name of the machine on
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00002973 which Vim is currently running. Machine names greater than
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002974 256 characters long are truncated.
2975
2976iconv({expr}, {from}, {to}) *iconv()*
2977 The result is a String, which is the text {expr} converted
2978 from encoding {from} to encoding {to}.
2979 When the conversion fails an empty string is returned.
2980 The encoding names are whatever the iconv() library function
2981 can accept, see ":!man 3 iconv".
2982 Most conversions require Vim to be compiled with the |+iconv|
2983 feature. Otherwise only UTF-8 to latin1 conversion and back
2984 can be done.
2985 This can be used to display messages with special characters,
2986 no matter what 'encoding' is set to. Write the message in
2987 UTF-8 and use: >
2988 echo iconv(utf8_str, "utf-8", &enc)
2989< Note that Vim uses UTF-8 for all Unicode encodings, conversion
2990 from/to UCS-2 is automatically changed to use UTF-8. You
2991 cannot use UCS-2 in a string anyway, because of the NUL bytes.
2992 {only available when compiled with the +multi_byte feature}
2993
2994 *indent()*
2995indent({lnum}) The result is a Number, which is indent of line {lnum} in the
2996 current buffer. The indent is counted in spaces, the value
2997 of 'tabstop' is relevant. {lnum} is used just like in
2998 |getline()|.
2999 When {lnum} is invalid -1 is returned.
3000
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003001
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003002index({list}, {expr} [, {start} [, {ic}]]) *index()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003003 Return the lowest index in |List| {list} where the item has a
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003004 value equal to {expr}.
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00003005 If {start} is given then start looking at the item with index
3006 {start} (may be negative for an item relative to the end).
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003007 When {ic} is given and it is non-zero, ignore case. Otherwise
3008 case must match.
3009 -1 is returned when {expr} is not found in {list}.
3010 Example: >
3011 :let idx = index(words, "the")
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00003012 :if index(numbers, 123) >= 0
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003013
3014
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003015input({prompt} [, {text} [, {completion}]]) *input()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003016 The result is a String, which is whatever the user typed on
3017 the command-line. The parameter is either a prompt string, or
3018 a blank string (for no prompt). A '\n' can be used in the
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003019 prompt to start a new line.
3020 The highlighting set with |:echohl| is used for the prompt.
3021 The input is entered just like a command-line, with the same
3022 editing commands and mappings. There is a separate history
3023 for lines typed for input().
3024 Example: >
3025 :if input("Coffee or beer? ") == "beer"
3026 : echo "Cheers!"
3027 :endif
3028<
Bram Moolenaar1e015462005-09-25 22:16:38 +00003029 If the optional {text} is present and not empty, this is used
3030 for the default reply, as if the user typed this. Example: >
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003031 :let color = input("Color? ", "white")
3032
3033< The optional {completion} argument specifies the type of
3034 completion supported for the input. Without it completion is
3035 not performed. The supported completion types are the same as
3036 that can be supplied to a user-defined command using the
3037 "-complete=" argument. Refer to |:command-completion| for
3038 more information. Example: >
3039 let fname = input("File: ", "", "file")
3040<
3041 NOTE: This function must not be used in a startup file, for
3042 the versions that only run in GUI mode (e.g., the Win32 GUI).
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003043 Note: When input() is called from within a mapping it will
3044 consume remaining characters from that mapping, because a
3045 mapping is handled like the characters were typed.
3046 Use |inputsave()| before input() and |inputrestore()|
3047 after input() to avoid that. Another solution is to avoid
3048 that further characters follow in the mapping, e.g., by using
3049 |:execute| or |:normal|.
3050
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003051 Example with a mapping: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003052 :nmap \x :call GetFoo()<CR>:exe "/" . Foo<CR>
3053 :function GetFoo()
3054 : call inputsave()
3055 : let g:Foo = input("enter search pattern: ")
3056 : call inputrestore()
3057 :endfunction
3058
3059inputdialog({prompt} [, {text} [, {cancelreturn}]]) *inputdialog()*
3060 Like input(), but when the GUI is running and text dialogs are
3061 supported, a dialog window pops up to input the text.
3062 Example: >
3063 :let n = inputdialog("value for shiftwidth", &sw)
3064 :if n != ""
3065 : let &sw = n
3066 :endif
3067< When the dialog is cancelled {cancelreturn} is returned. When
3068 omitted an empty string is returned.
3069 Hitting <Enter> works like pressing the OK button. Hitting
3070 <Esc> works like pressing the Cancel button.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003071 NOTE: Command-line completion is not supported.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003072
Bram Moolenaar578b49e2005-09-10 19:22:57 +00003073inputlist({textlist}) *inputlist()*
3074 {textlist} must be a list of strings. This list is displayed,
3075 one string per line. The user will be prompted to enter a
3076 number, which is returned.
3077 The user can also select an item by clicking on it with the
3078 mouse. For the first string 0 is returned. When clicking
3079 above the first item a negative number is returned. When
3080 clicking on the prompt one more than the length of {textlist}
3081 is returned.
3082 Make sure {textlist} has less then 'lines' entries, otherwise
3083 it won't work. It's a good idea to put the entry number at
3084 the start of the string. Example: >
3085 let color = inputlist(['Select color:', '1. red',
3086 \ '2. green', '3. blue'])
3087
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003088inputrestore() *inputrestore()*
3089 Restore typeahead that was saved with a previous inputsave().
3090 Should be called the same number of times inputsave() is
3091 called. Calling it more often is harmless though.
3092 Returns 1 when there is nothing to restore, 0 otherwise.
3093
3094inputsave() *inputsave()*
3095 Preserve typeahead (also from mappings) and clear it, so that
3096 a following prompt gets input from the user. Should be
3097 followed by a matching inputrestore() after the prompt. Can
3098 be used several times, in which case there must be just as
3099 many inputrestore() calls.
3100 Returns 1 when out of memory, 0 otherwise.
3101
3102inputsecret({prompt} [, {text}]) *inputsecret()*
3103 This function acts much like the |input()| function with but
3104 two exceptions:
3105 a) the user's response will be displayed as a sequence of
3106 asterisks ("*") thereby keeping the entry secret, and
3107 b) the user's response will not be recorded on the input
3108 |history| stack.
3109 The result is a String, which is whatever the user actually
3110 typed on the command-line in response to the issued prompt.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00003111 NOTE: Command-line completion is not supported.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003112
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003113insert({list}, {item} [, {idx}]) *insert()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003114 Insert {item} at the start of |List| {list}.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003115 If {idx} is specified insert {item} before the item with index
3116 {idx}. If {idx} is zero it goes before the first item, just
3117 like omitting {idx}. A negative {idx} is also possible, see
3118 |list-index|. -1 inserts just before the last item.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003119 Returns the resulting |List|. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003120 :let mylist = insert([2, 3, 5], 1)
3121 :call insert(mylist, 4, -1)
3122 :call insert(mylist, 6, len(mylist))
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003123< The last example can be done simpler with |add()|.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003124 Note that when {item} is a |List| it is inserted as a single
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00003125 item. Use |extend()| to concatenate |Lists|.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003126
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003127isdirectory({directory}) *isdirectory()*
3128 The result is a Number, which is non-zero when a directory
3129 with the name {directory} exists. If {directory} doesn't
3130 exist, or isn't a directory, the result is FALSE. {directory}
3131 is any expression, which is used as a String.
3132
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00003133islocked({expr}) *islocked()*
3134 The result is a Number, which is non-zero when {expr} is the
3135 name of a locked variable.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003136 {expr} must be the name of a variable, |List| item or
3137 |Dictionary| entry, not the variable itself! Example: >
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00003138 :let alist = [0, ['a', 'b'], 2, 3]
3139 :lockvar 1 alist
3140 :echo islocked('alist') " 1
3141 :echo islocked('alist[1]') " 0
3142
3143< When {expr} is a variable that does not exist you get an error
3144 message. Use |exists()| to check for existance.
3145
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00003146items({dict}) *items()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003147 Return a |List| with all the key-value pairs of {dict}. Each
3148 |List| item is a list with two items: the key of a {dict}
3149 entry and the value of this entry. The |List| is in arbitrary
3150 order.
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00003151
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003152
3153join({list} [, {sep}]) *join()*
3154 Join the items in {list} together into one String.
3155 When {sep} is specified it is put in between the items. If
3156 {sep} is omitted a single space is used.
3157 Note that {sep} is not added at the end. You might want to
3158 add it there too: >
3159 let lines = join(mylist, "\n") . "\n"
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00003160< String items are used as-is. |Lists| and |Dictionaries| are
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003161 converted into a string like with |string()|.
3162 The opposite function is |split()|.
3163
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003164keys({dict}) *keys()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003165 Return a |List| with all the keys of {dict}. The |List| is in
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003166 arbitrary order.
3167
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00003168 *len()* *E701*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003169len({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the length of the argument.
3170 When {expr} is a String or a Number the length in bytes is
3171 used, as with |strlen()|.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003172 When {expr} is a |List| the number of items in the |List| is
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003173 returned.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003174 When {expr} is a |Dictionary| the number of entries in the
3175 |Dictionary| is returned.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003176 Otherwise an error is given.
3177
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003178 *libcall()* *E364* *E368*
3179libcall({libname}, {funcname}, {argument})
3180 Call function {funcname} in the run-time library {libname}
3181 with single argument {argument}.
3182 This is useful to call functions in a library that you
3183 especially made to be used with Vim. Since only one argument
3184 is possible, calling standard library functions is rather
3185 limited.
3186 The result is the String returned by the function. If the
3187 function returns NULL, this will appear as an empty string ""
3188 to Vim.
3189 If the function returns a number, use libcallnr()!
3190 If {argument} is a number, it is passed to the function as an
3191 int; if {argument} is a string, it is passed as a
3192 null-terminated string.
3193 This function will fail in |restricted-mode|.
3194
3195 libcall() allows you to write your own 'plug-in' extensions to
3196 Vim without having to recompile the program. It is NOT a
3197 means to call system functions! If you try to do so Vim will
3198 very probably crash.
3199
3200 For Win32, the functions you write must be placed in a DLL
3201 and use the normal C calling convention (NOT Pascal which is
3202 used in Windows System DLLs). The function must take exactly
3203 one parameter, either a character pointer or a long integer,
3204 and must return a character pointer or NULL. The character
3205 pointer returned must point to memory that will remain valid
3206 after the function has returned (e.g. in static data in the
3207 DLL). If it points to allocated memory, that memory will
3208 leak away. Using a static buffer in the function should work,
3209 it's then freed when the DLL is unloaded.
3210
3211 WARNING: If the function returns a non-valid pointer, Vim may
3212 crash! This also happens if the function returns a number,
3213 because Vim thinks it's a pointer.
3214 For Win32 systems, {libname} should be the filename of the DLL
3215 without the ".DLL" suffix. A full path is only required if
3216 the DLL is not in the usual places.
3217 For Unix: When compiling your own plugins, remember that the
3218 object code must be compiled as position-independent ('PIC').
3219 {only in Win32 on some Unix versions, when the |+libcall|
3220 feature is present}
3221 Examples: >
3222 :echo libcall("libc.so", "getenv", "HOME")
3223 :echo libcallnr("/usr/lib/libc.so", "getpid", "")
3224<
3225 *libcallnr()*
3226libcallnr({libname}, {funcname}, {argument})
3227 Just like libcall(), but used for a function that returns an
3228 int instead of a string.
3229 {only in Win32 on some Unix versions, when the |+libcall|
3230 feature is present}
3231 Example (not very useful...): >
3232 :call libcallnr("libc.so", "printf", "Hello World!\n")
3233 :call libcallnr("libc.so", "sleep", 10)
3234<
3235 *line()*
3236line({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the line number of the file
3237 position given with {expr}. The accepted positions are:
3238 . the cursor position
3239 $ the last line in the current buffer
3240 'x position of mark x (if the mark is not set, 0 is
3241 returned)
Bram Moolenaarc7453f52006-02-10 23:20:28 +00003242 w0 first line visible in current window
3243 w$ last line visible in current window
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003244 Note that only marks in the current file can be used.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00003245 To get the column number use |col()|. To get both use
3246 |getpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003247 Examples: >
3248 line(".") line number of the cursor
3249 line("'t") line number of mark t
3250 line("'" . marker) line number of mark marker
3251< *last-position-jump*
3252 This autocommand jumps to the last known position in a file
3253 just after opening it, if the '" mark is set: >
3254 :au BufReadPost * if line("'\"") > 0 && line("'\"") <= line("$") | exe "normal g'\"" | endif
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00003255
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003256line2byte({lnum}) *line2byte()*
3257 Return the byte count from the start of the buffer for line
3258 {lnum}. This includes the end-of-line character, depending on
3259 the 'fileformat' option for the current buffer. The first
3260 line returns 1.
3261 This can also be used to get the byte count for the line just
3262 below the last line: >
3263 line2byte(line("$") + 1)
3264< This is the file size plus one.
3265 When {lnum} is invalid, or the |+byte_offset| feature has been
3266 disabled at compile time, -1 is returned.
3267 Also see |byte2line()|, |go| and |:goto|.
3268
3269lispindent({lnum}) *lispindent()*
3270 Get the amount of indent for line {lnum} according the lisp
3271 indenting rules, as with 'lisp'.
3272 The indent is counted in spaces, the value of 'tabstop' is
3273 relevant. {lnum} is used just like in |getline()|.
3274 When {lnum} is invalid or Vim was not compiled the
3275 |+lispindent| feature, -1 is returned.
3276
3277localtime() *localtime()*
3278 Return the current time, measured as seconds since 1st Jan
3279 1970. See also |strftime()| and |getftime()|.
3280
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003281
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003282map({expr}, {string}) *map()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003283 {expr} must be a |List| or a |Dictionary|.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003284 Replace each item in {expr} with the result of evaluating
3285 {string}.
3286 Inside {string} |v:val| has the value of the current item.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003287 For a |Dictionary| |v:key| has the key of the current item.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003288 Example: >
3289 :call map(mylist, '"> " . v:val . " <"')
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003290< This puts "> " before and " <" after each item in "mylist".
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003291
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003292 Note that {string} is the result of an expression and is then
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003293 used as an expression again. Often it is good to use a
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003294 |literal-string| to avoid having to double backslashes. You
3295 still have to double ' quotes
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003296
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003297 The operation is done in-place. If you want a |List| or
3298 |Dictionary| to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003299 :let tlist = map(copy(mylist), ' & . "\t"')
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003300
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003301< Returns {expr}, the |List| or |Dictionary| that was filtered.
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00003302 When an error is encountered while evaluating {string} no
3303 further items in {expr} are processed.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003304
3305
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003306maparg({name}[, {mode}]) *maparg()*
3307 Return the rhs of mapping {name} in mode {mode}. When there
3308 is no mapping for {name}, an empty String is returned.
Bram Moolenaard12f5c12006-01-25 22:10:52 +00003309 {mode} can be one of these strings:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003310 "n" Normal
3311 "v" Visual
3312 "o" Operator-pending
3313 "i" Insert
3314 "c" Cmd-line
3315 "l" langmap |language-mapping|
3316 "" Normal, Visual and Operator-pending
Bram Moolenaard12f5c12006-01-25 22:10:52 +00003317 When {mode} is omitted, the modes for "" are used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003318 The {name} can have special key names, like in the ":map"
3319 command. The returned String has special characters
3320 translated like in the output of the ":map" command listing.
3321 The mappings local to the current buffer are checked first,
3322 then the global mappings.
Bram Moolenaara40ceaf2006-01-13 22:35:40 +00003323 This function can be used to map a key even when it's already
3324 mapped, and have it do the original mapping too. Sketch: >
3325 exe 'nnoremap <Tab> ==' . maparg('<Tab>', 'n')
3326
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003327
3328mapcheck({name}[, {mode}]) *mapcheck()*
3329 Check if there is a mapping that matches with {name} in mode
3330 {mode}. See |maparg()| for {mode} and special names in
3331 {name}.
3332 A match happens with a mapping that starts with {name} and
3333 with a mapping which is equal to the start of {name}.
3334
3335 matches mapping "a" "ab" "abc" ~
3336 mapcheck("a") yes yes yes
3337 mapcheck("abc") yes yes yes
3338 mapcheck("ax") yes no no
3339 mapcheck("b") no no no
3340
3341 The difference with maparg() is that mapcheck() finds a
3342 mapping that matches with {name}, while maparg() only finds a
3343 mapping for {name} exactly.
3344 When there is no mapping that starts with {name}, an empty
3345 String is returned. If there is one, the rhs of that mapping
3346 is returned. If there are several mappings that start with
3347 {name}, the rhs of one of them is returned.
3348 The mappings local to the current buffer are checked first,
3349 then the global mappings.
3350 This function can be used to check if a mapping can be added
3351 without being ambiguous. Example: >
3352 :if mapcheck("_vv") == ""
3353 : map _vv :set guifont=7x13<CR>
3354 :endif
3355< This avoids adding the "_vv" mapping when there already is a
3356 mapping for "_v" or for "_vvv".
3357
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003358match({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *match()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003359 When {expr} is a |List| then this returns the index of the
3360 first item where {pat} matches. Each item is used as a
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00003361 String, |Lists| and |Dictionaries| are used as echoed.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003362 Otherwise, {expr} is used as a String. The result is a
3363 Number, which gives the index (byte offset) in {expr} where
3364 {pat} matches.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003365 A match at the first character or |List| item returns zero.
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003366 If there is no match -1 is returned.
3367 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003368 :echo match("testing", "ing") " results in 4
3369 :echo match([1, 'x'], '\a') " results in 2
3370< See |string-match| for how {pat} is used.
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00003371 *strpbrk()*
3372 Vim doesn't have a strpbrk() function. But you can do: >
3373 :let sepidx = match(line, '[.,;: \t]')
3374< *strcasestr()*
3375 Vim doesn't have a strcasestr() function. But you can add
3376 "\c" to the pattern to ignore case: >
3377 :let idx = match(haystack, '\cneedle')
3378<
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003379 If {start} is given, the search starts from byte index
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003380 {start} in a String or item {start} in a |List|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003381 The result, however, is still the index counted from the
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003382 first character/item. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003383 :echo match("testing", "ing", 2)
3384< result is again "4". >
3385 :echo match("testing", "ing", 4)
3386< result is again "4". >
3387 :echo match("testing", "t", 2)
3388< result is "3".
Bram Moolenaar5e3cb7e2006-02-27 23:58:35 +00003389 For a String, if {start} > 0 then it is like the string starts
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00003390 {start} bytes later, thus "^" will match at {start}. Except
3391 when {count} is given, then it's like matches before the
3392 {start} byte are ignored (this is a bit complicated to keep it
3393 backwards compatible).
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003394 For a String, if {start} < 0, it will be set to 0. For a list
3395 the index is counted from the end.
Bram Moolenaare224ffa2006-03-01 00:01:28 +00003396 If {start} is out of range ({start} > strlen({expr}) for a
3397 String or {start} > len({expr}) for a |List|) -1 is returned.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003398
Bram Moolenaar5e3cb7e2006-02-27 23:58:35 +00003399 When {count} is given use the {count}'th match. When a match
Bram Moolenaare224ffa2006-03-01 00:01:28 +00003400 is found in a String the search for the next one starts one
Bram Moolenaar5e3cb7e2006-02-27 23:58:35 +00003401 character further. Thus this example results in 1: >
3402 echo match("testing", "..", 0, 2)
3403< In a |List| the search continues in the next item.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00003404 Note that when {count} is added the way {start} works changes,
3405 see above.
Bram Moolenaar5e3cb7e2006-02-27 23:58:35 +00003406
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003407 See |pattern| for the patterns that are accepted.
3408 The 'ignorecase' option is used to set the ignore-caseness of
3409 the pattern. 'smartcase' is NOT used. The matching is always
3410 done like 'magic' is set and 'cpoptions' is empty.
3411
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003412matchend({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *matchend()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003413 Same as match(), but return the index of first character after
3414 the match. Example: >
3415 :echo matchend("testing", "ing")
3416< results in "7".
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00003417 *strspn()* *strcspn()*
3418 Vim doesn't have a strspn() or strcspn() function, but you can
3419 do it with matchend(): >
3420 :let span = matchend(line, '[a-zA-Z]')
3421 :let span = matchend(line, '[^a-zA-Z]')
3422< Except that -1 is returned when there are no matches.
3423
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003424 The {start}, if given, has the same meaning as for match(). >
3425 :echo matchend("testing", "ing", 2)
3426< results in "7". >
3427 :echo matchend("testing", "ing", 5)
3428< result is "-1".
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003429 When {expr} is a |List| the result is equal to match().
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003430
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003431matchlist({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *matchlist()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003432 Same as match(), but return a |List|. The first item in the
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003433 list is the matched string, same as what matchstr() would
3434 return. Following items are submatches, like "\1", "\2", etc.
3435 in |:substitute|.
3436 When there is no match an empty list is returned.
3437
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003438matchstr({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *matchstr()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003439 Same as match(), but return the matched string. Example: >
3440 :echo matchstr("testing", "ing")
3441< results in "ing".
3442 When there is no match "" is returned.
3443 The {start}, if given, has the same meaning as for match(). >
3444 :echo matchstr("testing", "ing", 2)
3445< results in "ing". >
3446 :echo matchstr("testing", "ing", 5)
3447< result is "".
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003448 When {expr} is a |List| then the matching item is returned.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003449 The type isn't changed, it's not necessarily a String.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003450
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00003451 *max()*
3452max({list}) Return the maximum value of all items in {list}.
3453 If {list} is not a list or one of the items in {list} cannot
3454 be used as a Number this results in an error.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003455 An empty |List| results in zero.
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00003456
3457 *min()*
3458min({list}) Return the minumum value of all items in {list}.
3459 If {list} is not a list or one of the items in {list} cannot
3460 be used as a Number this results in an error.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003461 An empty |List| results in zero.
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00003462
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00003463 *mkdir()* *E749*
3464mkdir({name} [, {path} [, {prot}]])
3465 Create directory {name}.
3466 If {path} is "p" then intermediate directories are created as
3467 necessary. Otherwise it must be "".
3468 If {prot} is given it is used to set the protection bits of
3469 the new directory. The default is 0755 (rwxr-xr-x: r/w for
3470 the user readable for others). Use 0700 to make it unreadable
3471 for others.
3472 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3473 Not available on all systems. To check use: >
3474 :if exists("*mkdir")
3475<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003476 *mode()*
3477mode() Return a string that indicates the current mode:
3478 n Normal
3479 v Visual by character
3480 V Visual by line
3481 CTRL-V Visual blockwise
3482 s Select by character
3483 S Select by line
3484 CTRL-S Select blockwise
3485 i Insert
3486 R Replace
3487 c Command-line
3488 r Hit-enter prompt
3489 This is useful in the 'statusline' option. In most other
3490 places it always returns "c" or "n".
3491
3492nextnonblank({lnum}) *nextnonblank()*
3493 Return the line number of the first line at or below {lnum}
3494 that is not blank. Example: >
3495 if getline(nextnonblank(1)) =~ "Java"
3496< When {lnum} is invalid or there is no non-blank line at or
3497 below it, zero is returned.
3498 See also |prevnonblank()|.
3499
3500nr2char({expr}) *nr2char()*
3501 Return a string with a single character, which has the number
3502 value {expr}. Examples: >
3503 nr2char(64) returns "@"
3504 nr2char(32) returns " "
3505< The current 'encoding' is used. Example for "utf-8": >
3506 nr2char(300) returns I with bow character
3507< Note that a NUL character in the file is specified with
3508 nr2char(10), because NULs are represented with newline
3509 characters. nr2char(0) is a real NUL and terminates the
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +00003510 string, thus results in an empty string.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003511
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00003512 *getpos()*
3513getpos({expr}) The result is a |List| with three numbers: [lnum, col, off].
3514 This is the file position given with {expr}. For the accepted
3515 positions see |line()|.
3516 The "off" number is zero, unless 'virtualedit' is used. Then
3517 it is the offset in screen columns from the start of the
3518 character. E.g., a position within a Tab or after the last
3519 character.
3520 This can be used to save and restore the cursor position: >
3521 let save_cursor = getpos(".")
3522 MoveTheCursorAround
3523 call cursor(save_cursor)
3524
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00003525prevnonblank({lnum}) *prevnonblank()*
3526 Return the line number of the first line at or above {lnum}
3527 that is not blank. Example: >
3528 let ind = indent(prevnonblank(v:lnum - 1))
3529< When {lnum} is invalid or there is no non-blank line at or
3530 above it, zero is returned.
3531 Also see |nextnonblank()|.
3532
3533
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003534printf({fmt}, {expr1} ...) *printf()*
3535 Return a String with {fmt}, where "%" items are replaced by
3536 the formatted form of their respective arguments. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003537 printf("%4d: E%d %.30s", lnum, errno, msg)
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003538< May result in:
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003539 " 99: E42 asdfasdfasdfasdfasdfasdfasdfas" ~
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003540
3541 Often used items are:
3542 %s string
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00003543 %6s string right-aligned in 6 bytes
3544 %.9s string truncated to 9 bytes
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003545 %c single byte
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003546 %d decimal number
3547 %5d decimal number padded with spaces to 5 characters
3548 %x hex number
3549 %04x hex number padded with zeros to at least 4 characters
3550 %X hex number using upper case letters
3551 %o octal number
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00003552 %% the % character itself
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003553
3554 Conversion specifications start with '%' and end with the
3555 conversion type. All other characters are copied unchanged to
3556 the result.
3557
3558 The "%" starts a conversion specification. The following
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003559 arguments appear in sequence:
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003560
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003561 % [flags] [field-width] [.precision] type
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003562
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003563 flags
3564 Zero or more of the following flags:
3565
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003566 # The value should be converted to an "alternate
3567 form". For c, d, and s conversions, this option
3568 has no effect. For o conversions, the precision
3569 of the number is increased to force the first
3570 character of the output string to a zero (except
3571 if a zero value is printed with an explicit
3572 precision of zero).
3573 For x and X conversions, a non-zero result has
3574 the string "0x" (or "0X" for X conversions)
3575 prepended to it.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003576
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003577 0 (zero) Zero padding. For all conversions the converted
3578 value is padded on the left with zeros rather
3579 than blanks. If a precision is given with a
3580 numeric conversion (d, o, x, and X), the 0 flag
3581 is ignored.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003582
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003583 - A negative field width flag; the converted value
3584 is to be left adjusted on the field boundary.
3585 The converted value is padded on the right with
3586 blanks, rather than on the left with blanks or
3587 zeros. A - overrides a 0 if both are given.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003588
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003589 ' ' (space) A blank should be left before a positive
3590 number produced by a signed conversion (d).
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003591
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003592 + A sign must always be placed before a number
3593 produced by a signed conversion. A + overrides
3594 a space if both are used.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003595
3596 field-width
3597 An optional decimal digit string specifying a minimum
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00003598 field width. If the converted value has fewer bytes
3599 than the field width, it will be padded with spaces on
3600 the left (or right, if the left-adjustment flag has
3601 been given) to fill out the field width.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003602
3603 .precision
3604 An optional precision, in the form of a period '.'
3605 followed by an optional digit string. If the digit
3606 string is omitted, the precision is taken as zero.
3607 This gives the minimum number of digits to appear for
3608 d, o, x, and X conversions, or the maximum number of
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00003609 bytes to be printed from a string for s conversions.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003610
3611 type
3612 A character that specifies the type of conversion to
3613 be applied, see below.
3614
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003615 A field width or precision, or both, may be indicated by an
3616 asterisk '*' instead of a digit string. In this case, a
3617 Number argument supplies the field width or precision. A
3618 negative field width is treated as a left adjustment flag
3619 followed by a positive field width; a negative precision is
3620 treated as though it were missing. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003621 :echo printf("%d: %.*s", nr, width, line)
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003622< This limits the length of the text used from "line" to
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003623 "width" bytes.
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003624
3625 The conversion specifiers and their meanings are:
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003626
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003627 doxX The Number argument is converted to signed decimal
3628 (d), unsigned octal (o), or unsigned hexadecimal (x
3629 and X) notation. The letters "abcdef" are used for
3630 x conversions; the letters "ABCDEF" are used for X
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003631 conversions.
3632 The precision, if any, gives the minimum number of
3633 digits that must appear; if the converted value
3634 requires fewer digits, it is padded on the left with
3635 zeros.
3636 In no case does a non-existent or small field width
3637 cause truncation of a numeric field; if the result of
3638 a conversion is wider than the field width, the field
3639 is expanded to contain the conversion result.
3640
3641 c The Number argument is converted to a byte, and the
3642 resulting character is written.
3643
3644 s The text of the String argument is used. If a
3645 precision is specified, no more bytes than the number
3646 specified are used.
3647
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003648 % A '%' is written. No argument is converted. The
3649 complete conversion specification is "%%".
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003650
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003651 Each argument can be Number or String and is converted
3652 automatically to fit the conversion specifier. Any other
3653 argument type results in an error message.
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003654
Bram Moolenaar83bab712005-08-01 21:58:57 +00003655 *E766* *E767*
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003656 The number of {exprN} arguments must exactly match the number
3657 of "%" items. If there are not sufficient or too many
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003658 arguments an error is given. Up to 18 arguments can be used.
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003659
3660
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00003661pumvisible() *pumvisible()*
3662 Returns non-zero when the popup menu is visible, zero
3663 otherwise. See |ins-completion-menu|.
3664
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003665
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00003666 *E726* *E727*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003667range({expr} [, {max} [, {stride}]]) *range()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003668 Returns a |List| with Numbers:
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003669 - If only {expr} is specified: [0, 1, ..., {expr} - 1]
3670 - If {max} is specified: [{expr}, {expr} + 1, ..., {max}]
3671 - If {stride} is specified: [{expr}, {expr} + {stride}, ...,
3672 {max}] (increasing {expr} with {stride} each time, not
3673 producing a value past {max}).
Bram Moolenaare7566042005-06-17 22:00:15 +00003674 When the maximum is one before the start the result is an
3675 empty list. When the maximum is more than one before the
3676 start this is an error.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003677 Examples: >
3678 range(4) " [0, 1, 2, 3]
3679 range(2, 4) " [2, 3, 4]
3680 range(2, 9, 3) " [2, 5, 8]
3681 range(2, -2, -1) " [2, 1, 0, -1, -2]
Bram Moolenaare7566042005-06-17 22:00:15 +00003682 range(0) " []
3683 range(2, 0) " error!
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003684<
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003685 *readfile()*
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00003686readfile({fname} [, {binary} [, {max}]])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003687 Read file {fname} and return a |List|, each line of the file
3688 as an item. Lines broken at NL characters. Macintosh files
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003689 separated with CR will result in a single long line (unless a
3690 NL appears somewhere).
3691 When {binary} is equal to "b" binary mode is used:
3692 - When the last line ends in a NL an extra empty list item is
3693 added.
3694 - No CR characters are removed.
3695 Otherwise:
3696 - CR characters that appear before a NL are removed.
3697 - Whether the last line ends in a NL or not does not matter.
3698 All NUL characters are replaced with a NL character.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00003699 When {max} is given this specifies the maximum number of lines
3700 to be read. Useful if you only want to check the first ten
3701 lines of a file: >
3702 :for line in readfile(fname, '', 10)
3703 : if line =~ 'Date' | echo line | endif
3704 :endfor
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00003705< When {max} is negative -{max} lines from the end of the file
3706 are returned, or as many as there are.
3707 When {max} is zero the result is an empty list.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00003708 Note that without {max} the whole file is read into memory.
3709 Also note that there is no recognition of encoding. Read a
3710 file into a buffer if you need to.
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003711 When the file can't be opened an error message is given and
3712 the result is an empty list.
3713 Also see |writefile()|.
3714
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003715 *remote_expr()* *E449*
3716remote_expr({server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
3717 Send the {string} to {server}. The string is sent as an
3718 expression and the result is returned after evaluation.
3719 If {idvar} is present, it is taken as the name of a
3720 variable and a {serverid} for later use with
3721 remote_read() is stored there.
3722 See also |clientserver| |RemoteReply|.
3723 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3724 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
3725 Note: Any errors will cause a local error message to be issued
3726 and the result will be the empty string.
3727 Examples: >
3728 :echo remote_expr("gvim", "2+2")
3729 :echo remote_expr("gvim1", "b:current_syntax")
3730<
3731
3732remote_foreground({server}) *remote_foreground()*
3733 Move the Vim server with the name {server} to the foreground.
3734 This works like: >
3735 remote_expr({server}, "foreground()")
3736< Except that on Win32 systems the client does the work, to work
3737 around the problem that the OS doesn't always allow the server
3738 to bring itself to the foreground.
Bram Moolenaar9372a112005-12-06 19:59:18 +00003739 Note: This does not restore the window if it was minimized,
3740 like foreground() does.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003741 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3742 {only in the Win32, Athena, Motif and GTK GUI versions and the
3743 Win32 console version}
3744
3745
3746remote_peek({serverid} [, {retvar}]) *remote_peek()*
3747 Returns a positive number if there are available strings
3748 from {serverid}. Copies any reply string into the variable
3749 {retvar} if specified. {retvar} must be a string with the
3750 name of a variable.
3751 Returns zero if none are available.
3752 Returns -1 if something is wrong.
3753 See also |clientserver|.
3754 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3755 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
3756 Examples: >
3757 :let repl = ""
3758 :echo "PEEK: ".remote_peek(id, "repl").": ".repl
3759
3760remote_read({serverid}) *remote_read()*
3761 Return the oldest available reply from {serverid} and consume
3762 it. It blocks until a reply is available.
3763 See also |clientserver|.
3764 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3765 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
3766 Example: >
3767 :echo remote_read(id)
3768<
3769 *remote_send()* *E241*
3770remote_send({server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
Bram Moolenaard4755bb2004-09-02 19:12:26 +00003771 Send the {string} to {server}. The string is sent as input
3772 keys and the function returns immediately. At the Vim server
3773 the keys are not mapped |:map|.
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00003774 If {idvar} is present, it is taken as the name of a variable
3775 and a {serverid} for later use with remote_read() is stored
3776 there.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003777 See also |clientserver| |RemoteReply|.
3778 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3779 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
3780 Note: Any errors will be reported in the server and may mess
3781 up the display.
3782 Examples: >
3783 :echo remote_send("gvim", ":DropAndReply ".file, "serverid").
3784 \ remote_read(serverid)
3785
3786 :autocmd NONE RemoteReply *
3787 \ echo remote_read(expand("<amatch>"))
3788 :echo remote_send("gvim", ":sleep 10 | echo ".
3789 \ 'server2client(expand("<client>"), "HELLO")<CR>')
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003790<
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003791remove({list}, {idx} [, {end}]) *remove()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003792 Without {end}: Remove the item at {idx} from |List| {list} and
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003793 return it.
3794 With {end}: Remove items from {idx} to {end} (inclusive) and
3795 return a list with these items. When {idx} points to the same
3796 item as {end} a list with one item is returned. When {end}
3797 points to an item before {idx} this is an error.
3798 See |list-index| for possible values of {idx} and {end}.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003799 Example: >
3800 :echo "last item: " . remove(mylist, -1)
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003801 :call remove(mylist, 0, 9)
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003802remove({dict}, {key})
3803 Remove the entry from {dict} with key {key}. Example: >
3804 :echo "removed " . remove(dict, "one")
3805< If there is no {key} in {dict} this is an error.
3806
3807 Use |delete()| to remove a file.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003808
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003809rename({from}, {to}) *rename()*
3810 Rename the file by the name {from} to the name {to}. This
3811 should also work to move files across file systems. The
3812 result is a Number, which is 0 if the file was renamed
3813 successfully, and non-zero when the renaming failed.
3814 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3815
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00003816repeat({expr}, {count}) *repeat()*
3817 Repeat {expr} {count} times and return the concatenated
3818 result. Example: >
3819 :let seperator = repeat('-', 80)
3820< When {count} is zero or negative the result is empty.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003821 When {expr} is a |List| the result is {expr} concatenated
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003822 {count} times. Example: >
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003823 :let longlist = repeat(['a', 'b'], 3)
3824< Results in ['a', 'b', 'a', 'b', 'a', 'b'].
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00003825
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003826
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003827resolve({filename}) *resolve()* *E655*
3828 On MS-Windows, when {filename} is a shortcut (a .lnk file),
3829 returns the path the shortcut points to in a simplified form.
3830 On Unix, repeat resolving symbolic links in all path
3831 components of {filename} and return the simplified result.
3832 To cope with link cycles, resolving of symbolic links is
3833 stopped after 100 iterations.
3834 On other systems, return the simplified {filename}.
3835 The simplification step is done as by |simplify()|.
3836 resolve() keeps a leading path component specifying the
3837 current directory (provided the result is still a relative
3838 path name) and also keeps a trailing path separator.
3839
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003840 *reverse()*
3841reverse({list}) Reverse the order of items in {list} in-place. Returns
3842 {list}.
3843 If you want a list to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
3844 :let revlist = reverse(copy(mylist))
3845
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00003846search({pattern} [, {flags} [, {stopline}]]) *search()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003847 Search for regexp pattern {pattern}. The search starts at the
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +00003848 cursor position (you can use |cursor()| to set it).
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003849 {flags} is a String, which can contain these character flags:
3850 'b' search backward instead of forward
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00003851 'n' do Not move the cursor
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003852 'w' wrap around the end of the file
3853 'W' don't wrap around the end of the file
Bram Moolenaar02743632005-07-25 20:42:36 +00003854 's' set the ' mark at the previous location of the
3855 cursor.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003856 If neither 'w' or 'W' is given, the 'wrapscan' option applies.
3857
Bram Moolenaar02743632005-07-25 20:42:36 +00003858 If the 's' flag is supplied, the ' mark is set, only if the
3859 cursor is moved. The 's' flag cannot be combined with the 'n'
3860 flag.
3861
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00003862 When the {stopline} argument is given then the search stops
3863 after searching this line. This is useful to restrict the
3864 search to a range of lines. Examples: >
3865 let match = search('(', 'b', line("w0"))
3866 let end = search('END', '', line("w$"))
3867< When {stopline} is used and it is not zero this also implies
3868 that the search does not wrap around the end of the file.
3869
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00003870 When a match has been found its line number is returned.
3871 The cursor will be positioned at the match, unless the 'n'
3872 flag is used).
3873 If there is no match a 0 is returned and the cursor doesn't
3874 move. No error message is given.
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00003875 To get the column number too use |searchpos()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003876
3877 Example (goes over all files in the argument list): >
3878 :let n = 1
3879 :while n <= argc() " loop over all files in arglist
3880 : exe "argument " . n
3881 : " start at the last char in the file and wrap for the
3882 : " first search to find match at start of file
3883 : normal G$
3884 : let flags = "w"
3885 : while search("foo", flags) > 0
3886 : s/foo/bar/g
3887 : let flags = "W"
3888 : endwhile
3889 : update " write the file if modified
3890 : let n = n + 1
3891 :endwhile
3892<
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00003893
Bram Moolenaarf75a9632005-09-13 21:20:47 +00003894searchdecl({name} [, {global} [, {thisblock}]]) *searchdecl()*
3895 Search for the declaration of {name}.
3896
3897 With a non-zero {global} argument it works like |gD|, find
3898 first match in the file. Otherwise it works like |gd|, find
3899 first match in the function.
3900
3901 With a non-zero {thisblock} argument matches in a {} block
3902 that ends before the cursor position are ignored. Avoids
3903 finding variable declarations only valid in another scope.
3904
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00003905 Moves the cursor to the found match.
3906 Returns zero for success, non-zero for failure.
3907 Example: >
3908 if searchdecl('myvar') == 0
3909 echo getline('.')
3910 endif
3911<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003912 *searchpair()*
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00003913searchpair({start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip} [, {stopline}]]])
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003914 Search for the match of a nested start-end pair. This can be
3915 used to find the "endif" that matches an "if", while other
3916 if/endif pairs in between are ignored.
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00003917 The search starts at the cursor. The default is to search
3918 forward, include 'b' in {flags} to search backward.
3919 If a match is found, the cursor is positioned at it and the
3920 line number is returned. If no match is found 0 or -1 is
3921 returned and the cursor doesn't move. No error message is
3922 given.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003923
3924 {start}, {middle} and {end} are patterns, see |pattern|. They
3925 must not contain \( \) pairs. Use of \%( \) is allowed. When
3926 {middle} is not empty, it is found when searching from either
3927 direction, but only when not in a nested start-end pair. A
3928 typical use is: >
3929 searchpair('\<if\>', '\<else\>', '\<endif\>')
3930< By leaving {middle} empty the "else" is skipped.
3931
3932 {flags} are used like with |search()|. Additionally:
3933 'n' do Not move the cursor
3934 'r' Repeat until no more matches found; will find the
3935 outer pair
3936 'm' return number of Matches instead of line number with
3937 the match; will only be > 1 when 'r' is used.
3938
3939 When a match for {start}, {middle} or {end} is found, the
3940 {skip} expression is evaluated with the cursor positioned on
3941 the start of the match. It should return non-zero if this
3942 match is to be skipped. E.g., because it is inside a comment
3943 or a string.
3944 When {skip} is omitted or empty, every match is accepted.
3945 When evaluating {skip} causes an error the search is aborted
3946 and -1 returned.
3947
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00003948 For {stopline} see |search()|.
3949
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003950 The value of 'ignorecase' is used. 'magic' is ignored, the
3951 patterns are used like it's on.
3952
3953 The search starts exactly at the cursor. A match with
3954 {start}, {middle} or {end} at the next character, in the
3955 direction of searching, is the first one found. Example: >
3956 if 1
3957 if 2
3958 endif 2
3959 endif 1
3960< When starting at the "if 2", with the cursor on the "i", and
3961 searching forwards, the "endif 2" is found. When starting on
3962 the character just before the "if 2", the "endif 1" will be
3963 found. That's because the "if 2" will be found first, and
3964 then this is considered to be a nested if/endif from "if 2" to
3965 "endif 2".
3966 When searching backwards and {end} is more than one character,
3967 it may be useful to put "\zs" at the end of the pattern, so
3968 that when the cursor is inside a match with the end it finds
3969 the matching start.
3970
3971 Example, to find the "endif" command in a Vim script: >
3972
3973 :echo searchpair('\<if\>', '\<el\%[seif]\>', '\<en\%[dif]\>', 'W',
3974 \ 'getline(".") =~ "^\\s*\""')
3975
3976< The cursor must be at or after the "if" for which a match is
3977 to be found. Note that single-quote strings are used to avoid
3978 having to double the backslashes. The skip expression only
3979 catches comments at the start of a line, not after a command.
3980 Also, a word "en" or "if" halfway a line is considered a
3981 match.
3982 Another example, to search for the matching "{" of a "}": >
3983
3984 :echo searchpair('{', '', '}', 'bW')
3985
3986< This works when the cursor is at or before the "}" for which a
3987 match is to be found. To reject matches that syntax
3988 highlighting recognized as strings: >
3989
3990 :echo searchpair('{', '', '}', 'bW',
3991 \ 'synIDattr(synID(line("."), col("."), 0), "name") =~? "string"')
3992<
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00003993 *searchpairpos()*
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00003994searchpairpos({start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip} [, {stopline}]]])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00003995 Same as searchpair(), but returns a |List| with the line and
3996 column position of the match. The first element of the |List|
3997 is the line number and the second element is the byte index of
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00003998 the column position of the match. If no match is found,
3999 returns [0, 0].
4000>
4001 :let [lnum,col] = searchpairpos('{', '', '}', 'n')
4002<
4003 See |match-parens| for a bigger and more useful example.
4004
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004005searchpos({pattern} [, {flags} [, {stopline}]]) *searchpos()*
4006 Same as |search()|, but returns a |List| with the line and
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004007 column position of the match. The first element of the |List|
4008 is the line number and the second element is the byte index of
4009 the column position of the match. If no match is found,
4010 returns [0, 0].
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00004011>
4012 :let [lnum,col] = searchpos('mypattern', 'n')
4013<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004014server2client( {clientid}, {string}) *server2client()*
4015 Send a reply string to {clientid}. The most recent {clientid}
4016 that sent a string can be retrieved with expand("<client>").
4017 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
4018 Note:
4019 This id has to be stored before the next command can be
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004020 received. I.e. before returning from the received command and
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004021 before calling any commands that waits for input.
4022 See also |clientserver|.
4023 Example: >
4024 :echo server2client(expand("<client>"), "HELLO")
4025<
4026serverlist() *serverlist()*
4027 Return a list of available server names, one per line.
4028 When there are no servers or the information is not available
4029 an empty string is returned. See also |clientserver|.
4030 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
4031 Example: >
4032 :echo serverlist()
4033<
4034setbufvar({expr}, {varname}, {val}) *setbufvar()*
4035 Set option or local variable {varname} in buffer {expr} to
4036 {val}.
4037 This also works for a global or local window option, but it
4038 doesn't work for a global or local window variable.
4039 For a local window option the global value is unchanged.
4040 For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above.
4041 Note that the variable name without "b:" must be used.
4042 Examples: >
4043 :call setbufvar(1, "&mod", 1)
4044 :call setbufvar("todo", "myvar", "foobar")
4045< This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4046
4047setcmdpos({pos}) *setcmdpos()*
4048 Set the cursor position in the command line to byte position
4049 {pos}. The first position is 1.
4050 Use |getcmdpos()| to obtain the current position.
4051 Only works while editing the command line, thus you must use
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004052 |c_CTRL-\_e|, |c_CTRL-R_=| or |c_CTRL-R_CTRL-R| with '='. For
4053 |c_CTRL-\_e| and |c_CTRL-R_CTRL-R| with '=' the position is
4054 set after the command line is set to the expression. For
4055 |c_CTRL-R_=| it is set after evaluating the expression but
4056 before inserting the resulting text.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004057 When the number is too big the cursor is put at the end of the
4058 line. A number smaller than one has undefined results.
4059 Returns 0 when successful, 1 when not editing the command
4060 line.
4061
4062setline({lnum}, {line}) *setline()*
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004063 Set line {lnum} of the current buffer to {line}.
4064 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|.
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004065 When {lnum} is just below the last line the {line} will be
4066 added as a new line.
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004067 If this succeeds, 0 is returned. If this fails (most likely
4068 because {lnum} is invalid) 1 is returned. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004069 :call setline(5, strftime("%c"))
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004070< When {line} is a |List| then line {lnum} and following lines
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004071 will be set to the items in the list. Example: >
4072 :call setline(5, ['aaa', 'bbb', 'ccc'])
4073< This is equivalent to: >
4074 :for [n, l] in [[5, 6, 7], ['aaa', 'bbb', 'ccc']]
4075 : call setline(n, l)
4076 :endfor
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004077< Note: The '[ and '] marks are not set.
4078
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00004079setloclist({nr}, {list} [, {action}]) *setloclist()*
4080 Create or replace or add to the location list for window {nr}.
4081 When {nr} is zero the current window is used. For a location
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00004082 list window, the displayed location list is modified. For an
4083 invalid window number {nr}, -1 is returned.
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00004084 Otherwise, same as setqflist().
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00004085
Bram Moolenaar35c54e52005-05-20 21:25:31 +00004086setqflist({list} [, {action}]) *setqflist()*
Bram Moolenaar17c7c012006-01-26 22:25:15 +00004087 Create or replace or add to the quickfix list using the items
4088 in {list}. Each item in {list} is a dictionary.
4089 Non-dictionary items in {list} are ignored. Each dictionary
4090 item can contain the following entries:
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00004091
4092 filename name of a file
4093 lnum line number in the file
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00004094 pattern search pattern used to locate the error
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00004095 col column number
4096 vcol when non-zero: "col" is visual column
4097 when zero: "col" is byte index
4098 nr error number
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00004099 text description of the error
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00004100 type single-character error type, 'E', 'W', etc.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00004101
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00004102 The "col", "vcol", "nr", "type" and "text" entries are
4103 optional. Either "lnum" or "pattern" entry can be used to
4104 locate a matching error line.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00004105 If the "filename" entry is not present or neither the "lnum"
4106 or "pattern" entries are present, then the item will not be
4107 handled as an error line.
4108 If both "pattern" and "lnum" are present then "pattern" will
4109 be used.
4110
Bram Moolenaar35c54e52005-05-20 21:25:31 +00004111 If {action} is set to 'a', then the items from {list} are
4112 added to the existing quickfix list. If there is no existing
4113 list, then a new list is created. If {action} is set to 'r',
4114 then the items from the current quickfix list are replaced
4115 with the items from {list}. If {action} is not present or is
4116 set to ' ', then a new list is created.
4117
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00004118 Returns zero for success, -1 for failure.
4119
4120 This function can be used to create a quickfix list
4121 independent of the 'errorformat' setting. Use a command like
4122 ":cc 1" to jump to the first position.
4123
4124
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004125 *setreg()*
4126setreg({regname}, {value} [,{options}])
4127 Set the register {regname} to {value}.
4128 If {options} contains "a" or {regname} is upper case,
4129 then the value is appended.
4130 {options} can also contains a register type specification:
4131 "c" or "v" |characterwise| mode
4132 "l" or "V" |linewise| mode
4133 "b" or "<CTRL-V>" |blockwise-visual| mode
4134 If a number immediately follows "b" or "<CTRL-V>" then this is
4135 used as the width of the selection - if it is not specified
4136 then the width of the block is set to the number of characters
4137 in the longest line (counting a <TAB> as 1 character).
4138
4139 If {options} contains no register settings, then the default
4140 is to use character mode unless {value} ends in a <NL>.
4141 Setting the '=' register is not possible.
4142 Returns zero for success, non-zero for failure.
4143
4144 Examples: >
4145 :call setreg(v:register, @*)
4146 :call setreg('*', @%, 'ac')
4147 :call setreg('a', "1\n2\n3", 'b5')
4148
4149< This example shows using the functions to save and restore a
4150 register. >
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004151 :let var_a = getreg('a', 1)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004152 :let var_amode = getregtype('a')
4153 ....
4154 :call setreg('a', var_a, var_amode)
4155
4156< You can also change the type of a register by appending
4157 nothing: >
4158 :call setreg('a', '', 'al')
4159
4160setwinvar({nr}, {varname}, {val}) *setwinvar()*
4161 Set option or local variable {varname} in window {nr} to
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +00004162 {val}. When {nr} is zero the current window is used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004163 This also works for a global or local buffer option, but it
4164 doesn't work for a global or local buffer variable.
4165 For a local buffer option the global value is unchanged.
4166 Note that the variable name without "w:" must be used.
4167 Examples: >
4168 :call setwinvar(1, "&list", 0)
4169 :call setwinvar(2, "myvar", "foobar")
4170< This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
4171
4172simplify({filename}) *simplify()*
4173 Simplify the file name as much as possible without changing
4174 the meaning. Shortcuts (on MS-Windows) or symbolic links (on
4175 Unix) are not resolved. If the first path component in
4176 {filename} designates the current directory, this will be
4177 valid for the result as well. A trailing path separator is
4178 not removed either.
4179 Example: >
4180 simplify("./dir/.././/file/") == "./file/"
4181< Note: The combination "dir/.." is only removed if "dir" is
4182 a searchable directory or does not exist. On Unix, it is also
4183 removed when "dir" is a symbolic link within the same
4184 directory. In order to resolve all the involved symbolic
4185 links before simplifying the path name, use |resolve()|.
4186
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004187
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00004188sort({list} [, {func}]) *sort()* *E702*
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004189 Sort the items in {list} in-place. Returns {list}. If you
4190 want a list to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
4191 :let sortedlist = sort(copy(mylist))
4192< Uses the string representation of each item to sort on.
Bram Moolenaara23ccb82006-02-27 00:08:02 +00004193 Numbers sort after Strings, |Lists| after Numbers.
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004194 For sorting text in the current buffer use |:sort|.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004195 When {func} is given and it is one then case is ignored.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004196 When {func} is a |Funcref| or a function name, this function
4197 is called to compare items. The function is invoked with two
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004198 items as argument and must return zero if they are equal, 1 if
4199 the first one sorts after the second one, -1 if the first one
4200 sorts before the second one. Example: >
4201 func MyCompare(i1, i2)
4202 return a:i1 == a:i2 ? 0 : a:i1 > a:i2 ? 1 : -1
4203 endfunc
4204 let sortedlist = sort(mylist, "MyCompare")
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00004205<
4206
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00004207 *soundfold()*
4208soundfold({word})
4209 Return the sound-folded equivalent of {word}. Uses the first
4210 language in 'spellang' for the current window that supports
Bram Moolenaar42eeac32005-06-29 22:40:58 +00004211 soundfolding. 'spell' must be set. When no sound folding is
4212 possible the {word} is returned unmodified.
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00004213 This can be used for making spelling suggestions. Note that
4214 the method can be quite slow.
4215
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00004216 *spellbadword()*
Bram Moolenaar1e015462005-09-25 22:16:38 +00004217spellbadword([{sentence}])
4218 Without argument: The result is the badly spelled word under
4219 or after the cursor. The cursor is moved to the start of the
4220 bad word. When no bad word is found in the cursor line the
4221 result is an empty string and the cursor doesn't move.
4222
4223 With argument: The result is the first word in {sentence} that
4224 is badly spelled. If there are no spelling mistakes the
4225 result is an empty string.
4226
4227 The return value is a list with two items:
4228 - The badly spelled word or an empty string.
4229 - The type of the spelling error:
4230 "bad" spelling mistake
4231 "rare" rare word
4232 "local" word only valid in another region
4233 "caps" word should start with Capital
4234 Example: >
4235 echo spellbadword("the quik brown fox")
4236< ['quik', 'bad'] ~
4237
4238 The spelling information for the current window is used. The
4239 'spell' option must be set and the value of 'spelllang' is
4240 used.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00004241
4242 *spellsuggest()*
Bram Moolenaarc54b8a72005-09-30 21:20:29 +00004243spellsuggest({word} [, {max} [, {capital}]])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004244 Return a |List| with spelling suggestions to replace {word}.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00004245 When {max} is given up to this number of suggestions are
4246 returned. Otherwise up to 25 suggestions are returned.
4247
Bram Moolenaarc54b8a72005-09-30 21:20:29 +00004248 When the {capital} argument is given and it's non-zero only
4249 suggestions with a leading capital will be given. Use this
4250 after a match with 'spellcapcheck'.
4251
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00004252 {word} can be a badly spelled word followed by other text.
4253 This allows for joining two words that were split. The
Bram Moolenaarf461c8e2005-06-25 23:04:51 +00004254 suggestions also include the following text, thus you can
4255 replace a line.
4256
4257 {word} may also be a good word. Similar words will then be
Bram Moolenaarc54b8a72005-09-30 21:20:29 +00004258 returned. {word} itself is not included in the suggestions,
4259 although it may appear capitalized.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00004260
4261 The spelling information for the current window is used. The
Bram Moolenaar42eeac32005-06-29 22:40:58 +00004262 'spell' option must be set and the values of 'spelllang' and
4263 'spellsuggest' are used.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00004264
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004265
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004266split({expr} [, {pattern} [, {keepempty}]]) *split()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004267 Make a |List| out of {expr}. When {pattern} is omitted or
4268 empty each white-separated sequence of characters becomes an
4269 item.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004270 Otherwise the string is split where {pattern} matches,
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004271 removing the matched characters.
4272 When the first or last item is empty it is omitted, unless the
4273 {keepempty} argument is given and it's non-zero.
Bram Moolenaar5c06f8b2005-05-31 22:14:58 +00004274 Other empty items are kept when {pattern} matches at least one
4275 character or when {keepempty} is non-zero.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004276 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004277 :let words = split(getline('.'), '\W\+')
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004278< To split a string in individual characters: >
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004279 :for c in split(mystring, '\zs')
Bram Moolenaar0cb032e2005-04-23 20:52:00 +00004280< If you want to keep the separator you can also use '\zs': >
4281 :echo split('abc:def:ghi', ':\zs')
4282< ['abc:', 'def:', 'ghi'] ~
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004283 Splitting a table where the first element can be empty: >
4284 :let items = split(line, ':', 1)
4285< The opposite function is |join()|.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004286
4287
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004288strftime({format} [, {time}]) *strftime()*
4289 The result is a String, which is a formatted date and time, as
4290 specified by the {format} string. The given {time} is used,
4291 or the current time if no time is given. The accepted
4292 {format} depends on your system, thus this is not portable!
4293 See the manual page of the C function strftime() for the
4294 format. The maximum length of the result is 80 characters.
4295 See also |localtime()| and |getftime()|.
4296 The language can be changed with the |:language| command.
4297 Examples: >
4298 :echo strftime("%c") Sun Apr 27 11:49:23 1997
4299 :echo strftime("%Y %b %d %X") 1997 Apr 27 11:53:25
4300 :echo strftime("%y%m%d %T") 970427 11:53:55
4301 :echo strftime("%H:%M") 11:55
4302 :echo strftime("%c", getftime("file.c"))
4303 Show mod time of file.c.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004304< Not available on all systems. To check use: >
4305 :if exists("*strftime")
4306
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00004307stridx({haystack}, {needle} [, {start}]) *stridx()*
4308 The result is a Number, which gives the byte index in
4309 {haystack} of the first occurrence of the String {needle}.
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00004310 If {start} is specified, the search starts at index {start}.
4311 This can be used to find a second match: >
4312 :let comma1 = stridx(line, ",")
4313 :let comma2 = stridx(line, ",", comma1 + 1)
4314< The search is done case-sensitive.
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004315 For pattern searches use |match()|.
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00004316 -1 is returned if the {needle} does not occur in {haystack}.
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00004317 See also |strridx()|.
4318 Examples: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004319 :echo stridx("An Example", "Example") 3
4320 :echo stridx("Starting point", "Start") 0
4321 :echo stridx("Starting point", "start") -1
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00004322< *strstr()* *strchr()*
4323 stridx() works similar to the C function strstr(). When used
4324 with a single character it works similar to strchr().
4325
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00004326 *string()*
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004327string({expr}) Return {expr} converted to a String. If {expr} is a Number,
4328 String or a composition of them, then the result can be parsed
4329 back with |eval()|.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00004330 {expr} type result ~
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004331 String 'string'
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004332 Number 123
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004333 Funcref function('name')
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004334 List [item, item]
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +00004335 Dictionary {key: value, key: value}
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004336 Note that in String values the ' character is doubled.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00004337
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004338 *strlen()*
4339strlen({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the length of the String
Bram Moolenaare344bea2005-09-01 20:46:49 +00004340 {expr} in bytes.
4341 If you want to count the number of multi-byte characters (not
4342 counting composing characters) use something like this: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004343
4344 :let len = strlen(substitute(str, ".", "x", "g"))
Bram Moolenaare344bea2005-09-01 20:46:49 +00004345<
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00004346 If the argument is a Number it is first converted to a String.
4347 For other types an error is given.
4348 Also see |len()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004349
4350strpart({src}, {start}[, {len}]) *strpart()*
4351 The result is a String, which is part of {src}, starting from
Bram Moolenaar9372a112005-12-06 19:59:18 +00004352 byte {start}, with the byte length {len}.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004353 When non-existing bytes are included, this doesn't result in
4354 an error, the bytes are simply omitted.
4355 If {len} is missing, the copy continues from {start} till the
4356 end of the {src}. >
4357 strpart("abcdefg", 3, 2) == "de"
4358 strpart("abcdefg", -2, 4) == "ab"
4359 strpart("abcdefg", 5, 4) == "fg"
4360 strpart("abcdefg", 3) == "defg"
4361< Note: To get the first character, {start} must be 0. For
4362 example, to get three bytes under and after the cursor: >
4363 strpart(getline(line(".")), col(".") - 1, 3)
4364<
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00004365strridx({haystack}, {needle} [, {start}]) *strridx()*
4366 The result is a Number, which gives the byte index in
4367 {haystack} of the last occurrence of the String {needle}.
4368 When {start} is specified, matches beyond this index are
4369 ignored. This can be used to find a match before a previous
4370 match: >
4371 :let lastcomma = strridx(line, ",")
4372 :let comma2 = strridx(line, ",", lastcomma - 1)
4373< The search is done case-sensitive.
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00004374 For pattern searches use |match()|.
4375 -1 is returned if the {needle} does not occur in {haystack}.
Bram Moolenaard4755bb2004-09-02 19:12:26 +00004376 If the {needle} is empty the length of {haystack} is returned.
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004377 See also |stridx()|. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004378 :echo strridx("an angry armadillo", "an") 3
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00004379< *strrchr()*
4380 When used with a single character it works similar to the C
4381 function strrchr().
4382
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004383strtrans({expr}) *strtrans()*
4384 The result is a String, which is {expr} with all unprintable
4385 characters translated into printable characters |'isprint'|.
4386 Like they are shown in a window. Example: >
4387 echo strtrans(@a)
4388< This displays a newline in register a as "^@" instead of
4389 starting a new line.
4390
4391submatch({nr}) *submatch()*
4392 Only for an expression in a |:substitute| command. Returns
4393 the {nr}'th submatch of the matched text. When {nr} is 0
4394 the whole matched text is returned.
4395 Example: >
4396 :s/\d\+/\=submatch(0) + 1/
4397< This finds the first number in the line and adds one to it.
4398 A line break is included as a newline character.
4399
4400substitute({expr}, {pat}, {sub}, {flags}) *substitute()*
4401 The result is a String, which is a copy of {expr}, in which
4402 the first match of {pat} is replaced with {sub}. This works
4403 like the ":substitute" command (without any flags). But the
4404 matching with {pat} is always done like the 'magic' option is
4405 set and 'cpoptions' is empty (to make scripts portable).
4406 See |string-match| for how {pat} is used.
4407 And a "~" in {sub} is not replaced with the previous {sub}.
4408 Note that some codes in {sub} have a special meaning
4409 |sub-replace-special|. For example, to replace something with
4410 "\n" (two characters), use "\\\\n" or '\\n'.
4411 When {pat} does not match in {expr}, {expr} is returned
4412 unmodified.
4413 When {flags} is "g", all matches of {pat} in {expr} are
4414 replaced. Otherwise {flags} should be "".
4415 Example: >
4416 :let &path = substitute(&path, ",\\=[^,]*$", "", "")
4417< This removes the last component of the 'path' option. >
4418 :echo substitute("testing", ".*", "\\U\\0", "")
4419< results in "TESTING".
4420
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00004421synID({lnum}, {col}, {trans}) *synID()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004422 The result is a Number, which is the syntax ID at the position
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00004423 {lnum} and {col} in the current window.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004424 The syntax ID can be used with |synIDattr()| and
4425 |synIDtrans()| to obtain syntax information about text.
Bram Moolenaarce0842a2005-07-18 21:58:11 +00004426
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00004427 {col} is 1 for the leftmost column, {lnum} is 1 for the first
Bram Moolenaarce0842a2005-07-18 21:58:11 +00004428 line. 'synmaxcol' applies, in a longer line zero is returned.
4429
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004430 When {trans} is non-zero, transparent items are reduced to the
4431 item that they reveal. This is useful when wanting to know
4432 the effective color. When {trans} is zero, the transparent
4433 item is returned. This is useful when wanting to know which
4434 syntax item is effective (e.g. inside parens).
4435 Warning: This function can be very slow. Best speed is
4436 obtained by going through the file in forward direction.
4437
4438 Example (echoes the name of the syntax item under the cursor): >
4439 :echo synIDattr(synID(line("."), col("."), 1), "name")
4440<
4441synIDattr({synID}, {what} [, {mode}]) *synIDattr()*
4442 The result is a String, which is the {what} attribute of
4443 syntax ID {synID}. This can be used to obtain information
4444 about a syntax item.
4445 {mode} can be "gui", "cterm" or "term", to get the attributes
4446 for that mode. When {mode} is omitted, or an invalid value is
4447 used, the attributes for the currently active highlighting are
4448 used (GUI, cterm or term).
4449 Use synIDtrans() to follow linked highlight groups.
4450 {what} result
4451 "name" the name of the syntax item
4452 "fg" foreground color (GUI: color name used to set
4453 the color, cterm: color number as a string,
4454 term: empty string)
4455 "bg" background color (like "fg")
4456 "fg#" like "fg", but for the GUI and the GUI is
4457 running the name in "#RRGGBB" form
4458 "bg#" like "fg#" for "bg"
4459 "bold" "1" if bold
4460 "italic" "1" if italic
4461 "reverse" "1" if reverse
4462 "inverse" "1" if inverse (= reverse)
4463 "underline" "1" if underlined
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004464 "undercurl" "1" if undercurled
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004465
4466 Example (echoes the color of the syntax item under the
4467 cursor): >
4468 :echo synIDattr(synIDtrans(synID(line("."), col("."), 1)), "fg")
4469<
4470synIDtrans({synID}) *synIDtrans()*
4471 The result is a Number, which is the translated syntax ID of
4472 {synID}. This is the syntax group ID of what is being used to
4473 highlight the character. Highlight links given with
4474 ":highlight link" are followed.
4475
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00004476system({expr} [, {input}]) *system()* *E677*
4477 Get the output of the shell command {expr}.
4478 When {input} is given, this string is written to a file and
4479 passed as stdin to the command. The string is written as-is,
4480 you need to take care of using the correct line separators
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00004481 yourself. Pipes are not used.
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00004482 Note: newlines in {expr} may cause the command to fail. The
4483 characters in 'shellquote' and 'shellxquote' may also cause
4484 trouble.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004485 This is not to be used for interactive commands.
4486 The result is a String. Example: >
4487
4488 :let files = system("ls")
4489
4490< To make the result more system-independent, the shell output
4491 is filtered to replace <CR> with <NL> for Macintosh, and
4492 <CR><NL> with <NL> for DOS-like systems.
4493 The command executed is constructed using several options:
4494 'shell' 'shellcmdflag' 'shellxquote' {expr} 'shellredir' {tmp} 'shellxquote'
4495 ({tmp} is an automatically generated file name).
4496 For Unix and OS/2 braces are put around {expr} to allow for
4497 concatenated commands.
4498
4499 The resulting error code can be found in |v:shell_error|.
4500 This function will fail in |restricted-mode|.
Bram Moolenaar4770d092006-01-12 23:22:24 +00004501
4502 Note that any wrong value in the options mentioned above may
4503 make the function fail. It has also been reported to fail
4504 when using a security agent application.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004505 Unlike ":!cmd" there is no automatic check for changed files.
4506 Use |:checktime| to force a check.
4507
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004508
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00004509tabpagebuflist([{arg}]) *tabpagebuflist()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004510 The result is a |List|, where each item is the number of the
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00004511 buffer associated with each window in the current tab page.
4512 {arg} specifies the number of tab page to be used. When
4513 omitted the current tab page is used.
4514 When {arg} is invalid the number zero is returned.
4515 To get a list of all buffers in all tabs use this: >
4516 tablist = []
4517 for i in range(tabpagenr('$'))
4518 call extend(tablist, tabpagebuflist(i + 1))
4519 endfor
4520< Note that a buffer may appear in more than one window.
4521
4522
4523tabpagenr([{arg}]) *tabpagenr()*
Bram Moolenaar7e8fd632006-02-18 22:14:51 +00004524 The result is a Number, which is the number of the current
4525 tab page. The first tab page has number 1.
4526 When the optional argument is "$", the number of the last tab
4527 page is returned (the tab page count).
4528 The number can be used with the |:tab| command.
4529
4530
Bram Moolenaarfaa959a2006-02-20 21:37:40 +00004531tabpagewinnr({tabarg}, [{arg}]) *tabpagewinnr()*
4532 Like |winnr()| but for tab page {arg}.
4533 {tabarg} specifies the number of tab page to be used.
4534 {arg} is used like with |winnr()|:
4535 - When omitted the current window number is returned. This is
4536 the window which will be used when going to this tab page.
4537 - When "$" the number of windows is returned.
4538 - When "#" the previous window nr is returned.
4539 Useful examples: >
4540 tabpagewinnr(1) " current window of tab page 1
4541 tabpagewinnr(4, '$') " number of windows in tab page 4
4542< When {tabarg} is invalid zero is returned.
4543
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004544taglist({expr}) *taglist()*
4545 Returns a list of tags matching the regular expression {expr}.
Bram Moolenaard8c00872005-07-22 21:52:15 +00004546 Each list item is a dictionary with at least the following
4547 entries:
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00004548 name Name of the tag.
4549 filename Name of the file where the tag is
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004550 defined.
4551 cmd Ex command used to locate the tag in
4552 the file.
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00004553 kind Type of the tag. The value for this
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004554 entry depends on the language specific
4555 kind values generated by the ctags
4556 tool.
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00004557 static A file specific tag. Refer to
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004558 |static-tag| for more information.
Bram Moolenaar4317d9b2005-03-18 20:25:31 +00004559 The "kind" entry is only available when using Exuberant ctags
4560 generated tags file. More entries may be present, depending
4561 on the content of the tags file: access, implementation,
4562 inherits and signature. Refer to the ctags documentation for
4563 information about these fields. For C code the fields
4564 "struct", "class" and "enum" may appear, they give the name of
4565 the entity the tag is contained in.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004566
Bram Moolenaar4317d9b2005-03-18 20:25:31 +00004567 The ex-command 'cmd' can be either an ex search pattern, a
4568 line number or a line number followed by a byte number.
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004569
4570 If there are no matching tags, then an empty list is returned.
4571
4572 To get an exact tag match, the anchors '^' and '$' should be
4573 used in {expr}. Refer to |tag-regexp| for more information
4574 about the tag search regular expression pattern.
4575
4576 Refer to |'tags'| for information about how the tags file is
4577 located by Vim. Refer to |tags-file-format| for the format of
4578 the tags file generated by the different ctags tools.
4579
Bram Moolenaar578b49e2005-09-10 19:22:57 +00004580 *tagfiles()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004581tagfiles() Returns a |List| with the file names used to search for tags
4582 for the current buffer. This is the 'tags' option expanded.
Bram Moolenaare7eb9df2005-09-09 19:49:30 +00004583
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004584
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004585tempname() *tempname()* *temp-file-name*
4586 The result is a String, which is the name of a file that
4587 doesn't exist. It can be used for a temporary file. The name
4588 is different for at least 26 consecutive calls. Example: >
4589 :let tmpfile = tempname()
4590 :exe "redir > " . tmpfile
4591< For Unix, the file will be in a private directory (only
4592 accessible by the current user) to avoid security problems
4593 (e.g., a symlink attack or other people reading your file).
4594 When Vim exits the directory and all files in it are deleted.
4595 For MS-Windows forward slashes are used when the 'shellslash'
4596 option is set or when 'shellcmdflag' starts with '-'.
4597
4598tolower({expr}) *tolower()*
4599 The result is a copy of the String given, with all uppercase
4600 characters turned into lowercase (just like applying |gu| to
4601 the string).
4602
4603toupper({expr}) *toupper()*
4604 The result is a copy of the String given, with all lowercase
4605 characters turned into uppercase (just like applying |gU| to
4606 the string).
4607
Bram Moolenaar8299df92004-07-10 09:47:34 +00004608tr({src}, {fromstr}, {tostr}) *tr()*
4609 The result is a copy of the {src} string with all characters
4610 which appear in {fromstr} replaced by the character in that
4611 position in the {tostr} string. Thus the first character in
4612 {fromstr} is translated into the first character in {tostr}
4613 and so on. Exactly like the unix "tr" command.
4614 This code also deals with multibyte characters properly.
4615
4616 Examples: >
4617 echo tr("hello there", "ht", "HT")
4618< returns "Hello THere" >
4619 echo tr("<blob>", "<>", "{}")
4620< returns "{blob}"
4621
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00004622 *type()*
4623type({expr}) The result is a Number, depending on the type of {expr}:
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00004624 Number: 0
4625 String: 1
4626 Funcref: 2
4627 List: 3
4628 Dictionary: 4
4629 To avoid the magic numbers it should be used this way: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00004630 :if type(myvar) == type(0)
4631 :if type(myvar) == type("")
4632 :if type(myvar) == type(function("tr"))
4633 :if type(myvar) == type([])
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00004634 :if type(myvar) == type({})
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004635
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00004636values({dict}) *values()*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004637 Return a |List| with all the values of {dict}. The |List| is
4638 in arbitrary order.
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00004639
4640
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004641virtcol({expr}) *virtcol()*
4642 The result is a Number, which is the screen column of the file
4643 position given with {expr}. That is, the last screen position
4644 occupied by the character at that position, when the screen
4645 would be of unlimited width. When there is a <Tab> at the
4646 position, the returned Number will be the column at the end of
4647 the <Tab>. For example, for a <Tab> in column 1, with 'ts'
4648 set to 8, it returns 8.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004649 For the use of {expr} see |col()|. Additionally you can use
Bram Moolenaar5c8837f2006-02-25 21:52:33 +00004650 [lnum, col]: a |List| with the line and column number. When
4651 "lnum" or "col" is out of range then virtcol() returns zero.
Bram Moolenaar0b238792006-03-02 22:49:12 +00004652 When 'virtualedit' is used it can be [lnum, col, off], where
4653 "off" is the offset in screen columns from the start of the
4654 character. E.g., a position within a Tab or after the last
4655 character.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004656 For the byte position use |col()|.
4657 When Virtual editing is active in the current mode, a position
4658 beyond the end of the line can be returned. |'virtualedit'|
4659 The accepted positions are:
4660 . the cursor position
4661 $ the end of the cursor line (the result is the
4662 number of displayed characters in the cursor line
4663 plus one)
4664 'x position of mark x (if the mark is not set, 0 is
4665 returned)
4666 Note that only marks in the current file can be used.
4667 Examples: >
4668 virtcol(".") with text "foo^Lbar", with cursor on the "^L", returns 5
4669 virtcol("$") with text "foo^Lbar", returns 9
4670 virtcol("'t") with text " there", with 't at 'h', returns 6
4671< The first column is 1. 0 is returned for an error.
4672
4673visualmode([expr]) *visualmode()*
4674 The result is a String, which describes the last Visual mode
4675 used. Initially it returns an empty string, but once Visual
4676 mode has been used, it returns "v", "V", or "<CTRL-V>" (a
4677 single CTRL-V character) for character-wise, line-wise, or
4678 block-wise Visual mode respectively.
4679 Example: >
4680 :exe "normal " . visualmode()
4681< This enters the same Visual mode as before. It is also useful
4682 in scripts if you wish to act differently depending on the
4683 Visual mode that was used.
4684
4685 If an expression is supplied that results in a non-zero number
4686 or a non-empty string, then the Visual mode will be cleared
4687 and the old value is returned. Note that " " and "0" are also
4688 non-empty strings, thus cause the mode to be cleared.
4689
4690 *winbufnr()*
4691winbufnr({nr}) The result is a Number, which is the number of the buffer
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004692 associated with window {nr}. When {nr} is zero, the number of
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004693 the buffer in the current window is returned. When window
4694 {nr} doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
4695 Example: >
4696 :echo "The file in the current window is " . bufname(winbufnr(0))
4697<
4698 *wincol()*
4699wincol() The result is a Number, which is the virtual column of the
4700 cursor in the window. This is counting screen cells from the
4701 left side of the window. The leftmost column is one.
4702
4703winheight({nr}) *winheight()*
4704 The result is a Number, which is the height of window {nr}.
4705 When {nr} is zero, the height of the current window is
4706 returned. When window {nr} doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
4707 An existing window always has a height of zero or more.
4708 Examples: >
4709 :echo "The current window has " . winheight(0) . " lines."
4710<
4711 *winline()*
4712winline() The result is a Number, which is the screen line of the cursor
4713 in the window. This is counting screen lines from the top of
4714 the window. The first line is one.
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00004715 If the cursor was moved the view on the file will be updated
4716 first, this may cause a scroll.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004717
4718 *winnr()*
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00004719winnr([{arg}]) The result is a Number, which is the number of the current
4720 window. The top window has number 1.
4721 When the optional argument is "$", the number of the
Bram Moolenaar7e8fd632006-02-18 22:14:51 +00004722 last window is returned (the window count).
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00004723 When the optional argument is "#", the number of the last
4724 accessed window is returned (where |CTRL-W_p| goes to).
4725 If there is no previous window 0 is returned.
4726 The number can be used with |CTRL-W_w| and ":wincmd w"
4727 |:wincmd|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004728
4729 *winrestcmd()*
4730winrestcmd() Returns a sequence of |:resize| commands that should restore
4731 the current window sizes. Only works properly when no windows
4732 are opened or closed and the current window is unchanged.
4733 Example: >
4734 :let cmd = winrestcmd()
4735 :call MessWithWindowSizes()
4736 :exe cmd
4737
4738winwidth({nr}) *winwidth()*
4739 The result is a Number, which is the width of window {nr}.
4740 When {nr} is zero, the width of the current window is
4741 returned. When window {nr} doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
4742 An existing window always has a width of zero or more.
4743 Examples: >
4744 :echo "The current window has " . winwidth(0) . " columns."
4745 :if winwidth(0) <= 50
4746 : exe "normal 50\<C-W>|"
4747 :endif
4748<
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00004749 *writefile()*
4750writefile({list}, {fname} [, {binary}])
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004751 Write |List| {list} to file {fname}. Each list item is
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00004752 separated with a NL. Each list item must be a String or
4753 Number.
4754 When {binary} is equal to "b" binary mode is used: There will
4755 not be a NL after the last list item. An empty item at the
4756 end does cause the last line in the file to end in a NL.
4757 All NL characters are replaced with a NUL character.
4758 Inserting CR characters needs to be done before passing {list}
4759 to writefile().
4760 An existing file is overwritten, if possible.
4761 When the write fails -1 is returned, otherwise 0. There is an
4762 error message if the file can't be created or when writing
4763 fails.
4764 Also see |readfile()|.
4765 To copy a file byte for byte: >
4766 :let fl = readfile("foo", "b")
4767 :call writefile(fl, "foocopy", "b")
4768<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004769
4770 *feature-list*
4771There are three types of features:
47721. Features that are only supported when they have been enabled when Vim
4773 was compiled |+feature-list|. Example: >
4774 :if has("cindent")
47752. Features that are only supported when certain conditions have been met.
4776 Example: >
4777 :if has("gui_running")
4778< *has-patch*
47793. Included patches. First check |v:version| for the version of Vim.
4780 Then the "patch123" feature means that patch 123 has been included for
4781 this version. Example (checking version 6.2.148 or later): >
4782 :if v:version > 602 || v:version == 602 && has("patch148")
4783
4784all_builtin_terms Compiled with all builtin terminals enabled.
4785amiga Amiga version of Vim.
4786arabic Compiled with Arabic support |Arabic|.
4787arp Compiled with ARP support (Amiga).
Bram Moolenaara9b1e742005-12-19 22:14:58 +00004788autocmd Compiled with autocommand support. |autocommand|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004789balloon_eval Compiled with |balloon-eval| support.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00004790balloon_multiline GUI supports multiline balloons.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004791beos BeOS version of Vim.
4792browse Compiled with |:browse| support, and browse() will
4793 work.
4794builtin_terms Compiled with some builtin terminals.
4795byte_offset Compiled with support for 'o' in 'statusline'
4796cindent Compiled with 'cindent' support.
4797clientserver Compiled with remote invocation support |clientserver|.
4798clipboard Compiled with 'clipboard' support.
4799cmdline_compl Compiled with |cmdline-completion| support.
4800cmdline_hist Compiled with |cmdline-history| support.
4801cmdline_info Compiled with 'showcmd' and 'ruler' support.
4802comments Compiled with |'comments'| support.
4803cryptv Compiled with encryption support |encryption|.
4804cscope Compiled with |cscope| support.
4805compatible Compiled to be very Vi compatible.
4806debug Compiled with "DEBUG" defined.
4807dialog_con Compiled with console dialog support.
4808dialog_gui Compiled with GUI dialog support.
4809diff Compiled with |vimdiff| and 'diff' support.
4810digraphs Compiled with support for digraphs.
4811dnd Compiled with support for the "~ register |quote_~|.
4812dos32 32 bits DOS (DJGPP) version of Vim.
4813dos16 16 bits DOS version of Vim.
4814ebcdic Compiled on a machine with ebcdic character set.
4815emacs_tags Compiled with support for Emacs tags.
4816eval Compiled with expression evaluation support. Always
4817 true, of course!
4818ex_extra Compiled with extra Ex commands |+ex_extra|.
4819extra_search Compiled with support for |'incsearch'| and
4820 |'hlsearch'|
4821farsi Compiled with Farsi support |farsi|.
4822file_in_path Compiled with support for |gf| and |<cfile>|
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004823filterpipe When 'shelltemp' is off pipes are used for shell
4824 read/write/filter commands
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004825find_in_path Compiled with support for include file searches
4826 |+find_in_path|.
4827fname_case Case in file names matters (for Amiga, MS-DOS, and
4828 Windows this is not present).
4829folding Compiled with |folding| support.
4830footer Compiled with GUI footer support. |gui-footer|
4831fork Compiled to use fork()/exec() instead of system().
4832gettext Compiled with message translation |multi-lang|
4833gui Compiled with GUI enabled.
4834gui_athena Compiled with Athena GUI.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004835gui_gtk Compiled with GTK+ GUI (any version).
4836gui_gtk2 Compiled with GTK+ 2 GUI (gui_gtk is also defined).
Bram Moolenaar843ee412004-06-30 16:16:41 +00004837gui_kde Compiled with KDE GUI |KVim|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004838gui_mac Compiled with Macintosh GUI.
4839gui_motif Compiled with Motif GUI.
4840gui_photon Compiled with Photon GUI.
4841gui_win32 Compiled with MS Windows Win32 GUI.
4842gui_win32s idem, and Win32s system being used (Windows 3.1)
4843gui_running Vim is running in the GUI, or it will start soon.
4844hangul_input Compiled with Hangul input support. |hangul|
4845iconv Can use iconv() for conversion.
4846insert_expand Compiled with support for CTRL-X expansion commands in
4847 Insert mode.
4848jumplist Compiled with |jumplist| support.
4849keymap Compiled with 'keymap' support.
4850langmap Compiled with 'langmap' support.
4851libcall Compiled with |libcall()| support.
4852linebreak Compiled with 'linebreak', 'breakat' and 'showbreak'
4853 support.
4854lispindent Compiled with support for lisp indenting.
4855listcmds Compiled with commands for the buffer list |:files|
4856 and the argument list |arglist|.
4857localmap Compiled with local mappings and abbr. |:map-local|
4858mac Macintosh version of Vim.
4859macunix Macintosh version of Vim, using Unix files (OS-X).
4860menu Compiled with support for |:menu|.
4861mksession Compiled with support for |:mksession|.
4862modify_fname Compiled with file name modifiers. |filename-modifiers|
4863mouse Compiled with support mouse.
4864mouseshape Compiled with support for 'mouseshape'.
4865mouse_dec Compiled with support for Dec terminal mouse.
4866mouse_gpm Compiled with support for gpm (Linux console mouse)
4867mouse_netterm Compiled with support for netterm mouse.
4868mouse_pterm Compiled with support for qnx pterm mouse.
4869mouse_xterm Compiled with support for xterm mouse.
4870multi_byte Compiled with support for editing Korean et al.
4871multi_byte_ime Compiled with support for IME input method.
4872multi_lang Compiled with support for multiple languages.
Bram Moolenaar325b7a22004-07-05 15:58:32 +00004873mzscheme Compiled with MzScheme interface |mzscheme|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004874netbeans_intg Compiled with support for |netbeans|.
Bram Moolenaar009b2592004-10-24 19:18:58 +00004875netbeans_enabled Compiled with support for |netbeans| and it's used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004876ole Compiled with OLE automation support for Win32.
4877os2 OS/2 version of Vim.
4878osfiletype Compiled with support for osfiletypes |+osfiletype|
4879path_extra Compiled with up/downwards search in 'path' and 'tags'
4880perl Compiled with Perl interface.
4881postscript Compiled with PostScript file printing.
4882printer Compiled with |:hardcopy| support.
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00004883profile Compiled with |:profile| support.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004884python Compiled with Python interface.
4885qnx QNX version of Vim.
4886quickfix Compiled with |quickfix| support.
4887rightleft Compiled with 'rightleft' support.
4888ruby Compiled with Ruby interface |ruby|.
4889scrollbind Compiled with 'scrollbind' support.
4890showcmd Compiled with 'showcmd' support.
4891signs Compiled with |:sign| support.
4892smartindent Compiled with 'smartindent' support.
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00004893sniff Compiled with SNiFF interface support.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004894statusline Compiled with support for 'statusline', 'rulerformat'
4895 and special formats of 'titlestring' and 'iconstring'.
4896sun_workshop Compiled with support for Sun |workshop|.
Bram Moolenaar82cf9b62005-06-07 21:09:25 +00004897spell Compiled with spell checking support |spell|.
4898syntax Compiled with syntax highlighting support |syntax|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004899syntax_items There are active syntax highlighting items for the
4900 current buffer.
4901system Compiled to use system() instead of fork()/exec().
4902tag_binary Compiled with binary searching in tags files
4903 |tag-binary-search|.
4904tag_old_static Compiled with support for old static tags
4905 |tag-old-static|.
4906tag_any_white Compiled with support for any white characters in tags
4907 files |tag-any-white|.
4908tcl Compiled with Tcl interface.
4909terminfo Compiled with terminfo instead of termcap.
4910termresponse Compiled with support for |t_RV| and |v:termresponse|.
4911textobjects Compiled with support for |text-objects|.
4912tgetent Compiled with tgetent support, able to use a termcap
4913 or terminfo file.
4914title Compiled with window title support |'title'|.
4915toolbar Compiled with support for |gui-toolbar|.
4916unix Unix version of Vim.
4917user_commands User-defined commands.
4918viminfo Compiled with viminfo support.
4919vim_starting True while initial source'ing takes place.
4920vertsplit Compiled with vertically split windows |:vsplit|.
4921virtualedit Compiled with 'virtualedit' option.
4922visual Compiled with Visual mode.
4923visualextra Compiled with extra Visual mode commands.
4924 |blockwise-operators|.
4925vms VMS version of Vim.
4926vreplace Compiled with |gR| and |gr| commands.
4927wildignore Compiled with 'wildignore' option.
4928wildmenu Compiled with 'wildmenu' option.
4929windows Compiled with support for more than one window.
4930winaltkeys Compiled with 'winaltkeys' option.
4931win16 Win16 version of Vim (MS-Windows 3.1).
4932win32 Win32 version of Vim (MS-Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP).
4933win64 Win64 version of Vim (MS-Windows 64 bit).
4934win32unix Win32 version of Vim, using Unix files (Cygwin)
4935win95 Win32 version for MS-Windows 95/98/ME.
4936writebackup Compiled with 'writebackup' default on.
4937xfontset Compiled with X fontset support |xfontset|.
4938xim Compiled with X input method support |xim|.
4939xsmp Compiled with X session management support.
4940xsmp_interact Compiled with interactive X session management support.
4941xterm_clipboard Compiled with support for xterm clipboard.
4942xterm_save Compiled with support for saving and restoring the
4943 xterm screen.
4944x11 Compiled with X11 support.
4945
4946 *string-match*
4947Matching a pattern in a String
4948
4949A regexp pattern as explained at |pattern| is normally used to find a match in
4950the buffer lines. When a pattern is used to find a match in a String, almost
4951everything works in the same way. The difference is that a String is handled
4952like it is one line. When it contains a "\n" character, this is not seen as a
4953line break for the pattern. It can be matched with a "\n" in the pattern, or
4954with ".". Example: >
4955 :let a = "aaaa\nxxxx"
4956 :echo matchstr(a, "..\n..")
4957 aa
4958 xx
4959 :echo matchstr(a, "a.x")
4960 a
4961 x
4962
4963Don't forget that "^" will only match at the first character of the String and
4964"$" at the last character of the string. They don't match after or before a
4965"\n".
4966
4967==============================================================================
49685. Defining functions *user-functions*
4969
4970New functions can be defined. These can be called just like builtin
4971functions. The function executes a sequence of Ex commands. Normal mode
4972commands can be executed with the |:normal| command.
4973
4974The function name must start with an uppercase letter, to avoid confusion with
4975builtin functions. To prevent from using the same name in different scripts
4976avoid obvious, short names. A good habit is to start the function name with
4977the name of the script, e.g., "HTMLcolor()".
4978
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00004979It's also possible to use curly braces, see |curly-braces-names|. And the
4980|autoload| facility is useful to define a function only when it's called.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004981
4982 *local-function*
4983A function local to a script must start with "s:". A local script function
4984can only be called from within the script and from functions, user commands
4985and autocommands defined in the script. It is also possible to call the
4986function from a mappings defined in the script, but then |<SID>| must be used
4987instead of "s:" when the mapping is expanded outside of the script.
4988
4989 *:fu* *:function* *E128* *E129* *E123*
4990:fu[nction] List all functions and their arguments.
4991
4992:fu[nction] {name} List function {name}.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00004993 {name} can also be a |Dictionary| entry that is a
4994 |Funcref|: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004995 :function dict.init
Bram Moolenaar92d640f2005-09-05 22:11:52 +00004996
4997:fu[nction] /{pattern} List functions with a name matching {pattern}.
4998 Example that lists all functions ending with "File": >
4999 :function /File$
Bram Moolenaar5b8d8fd2005-08-16 23:01:50 +00005000<
5001 *:function-verbose*
5002When 'verbose' is non-zero, listing a function will also display where it was
5003last defined. Example: >
5004
5005 :verbose function SetFileTypeSH
5006 function SetFileTypeSH(name)
5007 Last set from /usr/share/vim/vim-7.0/filetype.vim
5008<
Bram Moolenaar8aff23a2005-08-19 20:40:30 +00005009See |:verbose-cmd| for more information.
Bram Moolenaar5b8d8fd2005-08-16 23:01:50 +00005010
5011 *E124* *E125*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00005012:fu[nction][!] {name}([arguments]) [range] [abort] [dict]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005013 Define a new function by the name {name}. The name
5014 must be made of alphanumeric characters and '_', and
5015 must start with a capital or "s:" (see above).
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005016
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005017 {name} can also be a |Dictionary| entry that is a
5018 |Funcref|: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005019 :function dict.init(arg)
5020< "dict" must be an existing dictionary. The entry
5021 "init" is added if it didn't exist yet. Otherwise [!]
5022 is required to overwrite an existing function. The
5023 result is a |Funcref| to a numbered function. The
5024 function can only be used with a |Funcref| and will be
5025 deleted if there are no more references to it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005026 *E127* *E122*
5027 When a function by this name already exists and [!] is
5028 not used an error message is given. When [!] is used,
5029 an existing function is silently replaced. Unless it
5030 is currently being executed, that is an error.
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00005031
5032 For the {arguments} see |function-argument|.
5033
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005034 *a:firstline* *a:lastline*
5035 When the [range] argument is added, the function is
5036 expected to take care of a range itself. The range is
5037 passed as "a:firstline" and "a:lastline". If [range]
5038 is excluded, ":{range}call" will call the function for
5039 each line in the range, with the cursor on the start
5040 of each line. See |function-range-example|.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005041
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005042 When the [abort] argument is added, the function will
5043 abort as soon as an error is detected.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005044
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00005045 When the [dict] argument is added, the function must
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005046 be invoked through an entry in a |Dictionary|. The
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00005047 local variable "self" will then be set to the
5048 dictionary. See |Dictionary-function|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005049
Bram Moolenaar98692072006-02-04 00:57:42 +00005050 The last used search pattern and the redo command "."
5051 will not be changed by the function.
5052
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005053 *:endf* *:endfunction* *E126* *E193*
5054:endf[unction] The end of a function definition. Must be on a line
5055 by its own, without other commands.
5056
5057 *:delf* *:delfunction* *E130* *E131*
5058:delf[unction] {name} Delete function {name}.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005059 {name} can also be a |Dictionary| entry that is a
5060 |Funcref|: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005061 :delfunc dict.init
5062< This will remove the "init" entry from "dict". The
5063 function is deleted if there are no more references to
5064 it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005065 *:retu* *:return* *E133*
5066:retu[rn] [expr] Return from a function. When "[expr]" is given, it is
5067 evaluated and returned as the result of the function.
5068 If "[expr]" is not given, the number 0 is returned.
5069 When a function ends without an explicit ":return",
5070 the number 0 is returned.
5071 Note that there is no check for unreachable lines,
5072 thus there is no warning if commands follow ":return".
5073
5074 If the ":return" is used after a |:try| but before the
5075 matching |:finally| (if present), the commands
5076 following the ":finally" up to the matching |:endtry|
5077 are executed first. This process applies to all
5078 nested ":try"s inside the function. The function
5079 returns at the outermost ":endtry".
5080
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00005081 *function-argument* *a:var*
5082An argument can be defined by giving its name. In the function this can then
5083be used as "a:name" ("a:" for argument).
5084 *a:0* *a:1* *a:000* *E740*
5085Up to 20 arguments can be given, separated by commas. After the named
5086arguments an argument "..." can be specified, which means that more arguments
5087may optionally be following. In the function the extra arguments can be used
5088as "a:1", "a:2", etc. "a:0" is set to the number of extra arguments (which
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005089can be 0). "a:000" is set to a |List| that contains these arguments. Note
5090that "a:1" is the same as "a:000[0]".
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00005091 *E742*
5092The a: scope and the variables in it cannot be changed, they are fixed.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005093However, if a |List| or |Dictionary| is used, you can changes their contents.
5094Thus you can pass a |List| to a function and have the function add an item to
5095it. If you want to make sure the function cannot change a |List| or
5096|Dictionary| use |:lockvar|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005097
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00005098When not using "...", the number of arguments in a function call must be equal
5099to the number of named arguments. When using "...", the number of arguments
5100may be larger.
5101
5102It is also possible to define a function without any arguments. You must
5103still supply the () then. The body of the function follows in the next lines,
5104until the matching |:endfunction|. It is allowed to define another function
5105inside a function body.
5106
5107 *local-variables*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005108Inside a function variables can be used. These are local variables, which
5109will disappear when the function returns. Global variables need to be
5110accessed with "g:".
5111
5112Example: >
5113 :function Table(title, ...)
5114 : echohl Title
5115 : echo a:title
5116 : echohl None
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00005117 : echo a:0 . " items:"
5118 : for s in a:000
5119 : echon ' ' . s
5120 : endfor
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005121 :endfunction
5122
5123This function can then be called with: >
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00005124 call Table("Table", "line1", "line2")
5125 call Table("Empty Table")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005126
5127To return more than one value, pass the name of a global variable: >
5128 :function Compute(n1, n2, divname)
5129 : if a:n2 == 0
5130 : return "fail"
5131 : endif
5132 : let g:{a:divname} = a:n1 / a:n2
5133 : return "ok"
5134 :endfunction
5135
5136This function can then be called with: >
5137 :let success = Compute(13, 1324, "div")
5138 :if success == "ok"
5139 : echo div
5140 :endif
5141
5142An alternative is to return a command that can be executed. This also works
5143with local variables in a calling function. Example: >
5144 :function Foo()
5145 : execute Bar()
5146 : echo "line " . lnum . " column " . col
5147 :endfunction
5148
5149 :function Bar()
5150 : return "let lnum = " . line(".") . " | let col = " . col(".")
5151 :endfunction
5152
5153The names "lnum" and "col" could also be passed as argument to Bar(), to allow
5154the caller to set the names.
5155
5156 *:cal* *:call* *E107*
5157:[range]cal[l] {name}([arguments])
5158 Call a function. The name of the function and its arguments
5159 are as specified with |:function|. Up to 20 arguments can be
5160 used.
5161 Without a range and for functions that accept a range, the
5162 function is called once. When a range is given the cursor is
5163 positioned at the start of the first line before executing the
5164 function.
5165 When a range is given and the function doesn't handle it
5166 itself, the function is executed for each line in the range,
5167 with the cursor in the first column of that line. The cursor
5168 is left at the last line (possibly moved by the last function
5169 call). The arguments are re-evaluated for each line. Thus
5170 this works:
5171 *function-range-example* >
5172 :function Mynumber(arg)
5173 : echo line(".") . " " . a:arg
5174 :endfunction
5175 :1,5call Mynumber(getline("."))
5176<
5177 The "a:firstline" and "a:lastline" are defined anyway, they
5178 can be used to do something different at the start or end of
5179 the range.
5180
5181 Example of a function that handles the range itself: >
5182
5183 :function Cont() range
5184 : execute (a:firstline + 1) . "," . a:lastline . 's/^/\t\\ '
5185 :endfunction
5186 :4,8call Cont()
5187<
5188 This function inserts the continuation character "\" in front
5189 of all the lines in the range, except the first one.
5190
5191 *E132*
5192The recursiveness of user functions is restricted with the |'maxfuncdepth'|
5193option.
5194
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005195
5196AUTOMATICALLY LOADING FUNCTIONS ~
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005197 *autoload-functions*
5198When using many or large functions, it's possible to automatically define them
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005199only when they are used. There are two methods: with an autocommand and with
5200the "autoload" directory in 'runtimepath'.
5201
5202
5203Using an autocommand ~
5204
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00005205This is introduced in the user manual, section |41.14|.
5206
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005207The autocommand is useful if you have a plugin that is a long Vim script file.
5208You can define the autocommand and quickly quit the script with |:finish|.
5209That makes Vim startup faster. The autocommand should then load the same file
5210again, setting a variable to skip the |:finish| command.
5211
5212Use the FuncUndefined autocommand event with a pattern that matches the
5213function(s) to be defined. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005214
5215 :au FuncUndefined BufNet* source ~/vim/bufnetfuncs.vim
5216
5217The file "~/vim/bufnetfuncs.vim" should then define functions that start with
5218"BufNet". Also see |FuncUndefined|.
5219
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005220
5221Using an autoload script ~
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00005222 *autoload* *E746*
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00005223This is introduced in the user manual, section |41.15|.
5224
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005225Using a script in the "autoload" directory is simpler, but requires using
5226exactly the right file name. A function that can be autoloaded has a name
5227like this: >
5228
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00005229 :call filename#funcname()
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005230
5231When such a function is called, and it is not defined yet, Vim will search the
5232"autoload" directories in 'runtimepath' for a script file called
5233"filename.vim". For example "~/.vim/autoload/filename.vim". That file should
5234then define the function like this: >
5235
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00005236 function filename#funcname()
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005237 echo "Done!"
5238 endfunction
5239
Bram Moolenaar60a795a2005-09-16 21:55:43 +00005240The file name and the name used before the # in the function must match
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005241exactly, and the defined function must have the name exactly as it will be
5242called.
5243
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00005244It is possible to use subdirectories. Every # in the function name works like
5245a path separator. Thus when calling a function: >
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005246
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00005247 :call foo#bar#func()
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005248
5249Vim will look for the file "autoload/foo/bar.vim" in 'runtimepath'.
5250
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00005251This also works when reading a variable that has not been set yet: >
5252
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00005253 :let l = foo#bar#lvar
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00005254
Bram Moolenaara5792f52005-11-23 21:25:05 +00005255However, when the autoload script was already loaded it won't be loaded again
5256for an unknown variable.
5257
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00005258When assigning a value to such a variable nothing special happens. This can
5259be used to pass settings to the autoload script before it's loaded: >
5260
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00005261 :let foo#bar#toggle = 1
5262 :call foo#bar#func()
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00005263
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00005264Note that when you make a mistake and call a function that is supposed to be
5265defined in an autoload script, but the script doesn't actually define the
5266function, the script will be sourced every time you try to call the function.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00005267And you will get an error message every time.
5268
5269Also note that if you have two script files, and one calls a function in the
5270other and vise versa, before the used function is defined, it won't work.
5271Avoid using the autoload functionality at the toplevel.
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00005272
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005273==============================================================================
52746. Curly braces names *curly-braces-names*
5275
5276Wherever you can use a variable, you can use a "curly braces name" variable.
5277This is a regular variable name with one or more expressions wrapped in braces
5278{} like this: >
5279 my_{adjective}_variable
5280
5281When Vim encounters this, it evaluates the expression inside the braces, puts
5282that in place of the expression, and re-interprets the whole as a variable
5283name. So in the above example, if the variable "adjective" was set to
5284"noisy", then the reference would be to "my_noisy_variable", whereas if
5285"adjective" was set to "quiet", then it would be to "my_quiet_variable".
5286
5287One application for this is to create a set of variables governed by an option
5288value. For example, the statement >
5289 echo my_{&background}_message
5290
5291would output the contents of "my_dark_message" or "my_light_message" depending
5292on the current value of 'background'.
5293
5294You can use multiple brace pairs: >
5295 echo my_{adverb}_{adjective}_message
5296..or even nest them: >
5297 echo my_{ad{end_of_word}}_message
5298where "end_of_word" is either "verb" or "jective".
5299
5300However, the expression inside the braces must evaluate to a valid single
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00005301variable name, e.g. this is invalid: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005302 :let foo='a + b'
5303 :echo c{foo}d
5304.. since the result of expansion is "ca + bd", which is not a variable name.
5305
5306 *curly-braces-function-names*
5307You can call and define functions by an evaluated name in a similar way.
5308Example: >
5309 :let func_end='whizz'
5310 :call my_func_{func_end}(parameter)
5311
5312This would call the function "my_func_whizz(parameter)".
5313
5314==============================================================================
53157. Commands *expression-commands*
5316
5317:let {var-name} = {expr1} *:let* *E18*
5318 Set internal variable {var-name} to the result of the
5319 expression {expr1}. The variable will get the type
5320 from the {expr}. If {var-name} didn't exist yet, it
5321 is created.
5322
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00005323:let {var-name}[{idx}] = {expr1} *E689*
5324 Set a list item to the result of the expression
5325 {expr1}. {var-name} must refer to a list and {idx}
5326 must be a valid index in that list. For nested list
5327 the index can be repeated.
5328 This cannot be used to add an item to a list.
5329
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005330 *E711* *E719*
5331:let {var-name}[{idx1}:{idx2}] = {expr1} *E708* *E709* *E710*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005332 Set a sequence of items in a |List| to the result of
5333 the expression {expr1}, which must be a list with the
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00005334 correct number of items.
5335 {idx1} can be omitted, zero is used instead.
5336 {idx2} can be omitted, meaning the end of the list.
5337 When the selected range of items is partly past the
5338 end of the list, items will be added.
5339
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00005340 *:let+=* *:let-=* *:let.=* *E734*
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005341:let {var} += {expr1} Like ":let {var} = {var} + {expr1}".
5342:let {var} -= {expr1} Like ":let {var} = {var} - {expr1}".
5343:let {var} .= {expr1} Like ":let {var} = {var} . {expr1}".
5344 These fail if {var} was not set yet and when the type
5345 of {var} and {expr1} don't fit the operator.
5346
5347
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005348:let ${env-name} = {expr1} *:let-environment* *:let-$*
5349 Set environment variable {env-name} to the result of
5350 the expression {expr1}. The type is always String.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005351:let ${env-name} .= {expr1}
5352 Append {expr1} to the environment variable {env-name}.
5353 If the environment variable didn't exist yet this
5354 works like "=".
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005355
5356:let @{reg-name} = {expr1} *:let-register* *:let-@*
5357 Write the result of the expression {expr1} in register
5358 {reg-name}. {reg-name} must be a single letter, and
5359 must be the name of a writable register (see
5360 |registers|). "@@" can be used for the unnamed
5361 register, "@/" for the search pattern.
5362 If the result of {expr1} ends in a <CR> or <NL>, the
5363 register will be linewise, otherwise it will be set to
5364 characterwise.
5365 This can be used to clear the last search pattern: >
5366 :let @/ = ""
5367< This is different from searching for an empty string,
5368 that would match everywhere.
5369
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005370:let @{reg-name} .= {expr1}
5371 Append {expr1} to register {reg-name}. If the
5372 register was empty it's like setting it to {expr1}.
5373
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005374:let &{option-name} = {expr1} *:let-option* *:let-star*
5375 Set option {option-name} to the result of the
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00005376 expression {expr1}. A String or Number value is
5377 always converted to the type of the option.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005378 For an option local to a window or buffer the effect
5379 is just like using the |:set| command: both the local
Bram Moolenaara5fac542005-10-12 20:58:49 +00005380 value and the global value are changed.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00005381 Example: >
5382 :let &path = &path . ',/usr/local/include'
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005383
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005384:let &{option-name} .= {expr1}
5385 For a string option: Append {expr1} to the value.
5386 Does not insert a comma like |:set+=|.
5387
5388:let &{option-name} += {expr1}
5389:let &{option-name} -= {expr1}
5390 For a number or boolean option: Add or subtract
5391 {expr1}.
5392
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005393:let &l:{option-name} = {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005394:let &l:{option-name} .= {expr1}
5395:let &l:{option-name} += {expr1}
5396:let &l:{option-name} -= {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005397 Like above, but only set the local value of an option
5398 (if there is one). Works like |:setlocal|.
5399
5400:let &g:{option-name} = {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005401:let &g:{option-name} .= {expr1}
5402:let &g:{option-name} += {expr1}
5403:let &g:{option-name} -= {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005404 Like above, but only set the global value of an option
5405 (if there is one). Works like |:setglobal|.
5406
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00005407:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] = {expr1} *:let-unpack* *E687* *E688*
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005408 {expr1} must evaluate to a |List|. The first item in
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00005409 the list is assigned to {name1}, the second item to
5410 {name2}, etc.
5411 The number of names must match the number of items in
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005412 the |List|.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00005413 Each name can be one of the items of the ":let"
5414 command as mentioned above.
5415 Example: >
5416 :let [s, item] = GetItem(s)
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005417< Detail: {expr1} is evaluated first, then the
5418 assignments are done in sequence. This matters if
5419 {name2} depends on {name1}. Example: >
5420 :let x = [0, 1]
5421 :let i = 0
5422 :let [i, x[i]] = [1, 2]
5423 :echo x
5424< The result is [0, 2].
5425
5426:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] .= {expr1}
5427:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] += {expr1}
5428:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] -= {expr1}
5429 Like above, but append/add/subtract the value for each
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005430 |List| item.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00005431
5432:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] = {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005433 Like |:let-unpack| above, but the |List| may have more
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005434 items than there are names. A list of the remaining
5435 items is assigned to {lastname}. If there are no
5436 remaining items {lastname} is set to an empty list.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00005437 Example: >
5438 :let [a, b; rest] = ["aval", "bval", 3, 4]
5439<
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005440:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] .= {expr1}
5441:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] += {expr1}
5442:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] -= {expr1}
5443 Like above, but append/add/subtract the value for each
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005444 |List| item.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005445 *E106*
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005446:let {var-name} .. List the value of variable {var-name}. Multiple
Bram Moolenaardcaf10e2005-01-21 11:55:25 +00005447 variable names may be given. Special names recognized
5448 here: *E738*
5449 g: global variables.
5450 b: local buffer variables.
5451 w: local window variables.
5452 v: Vim variables.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005453
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00005454:let List the values of all variables. The type of the
5455 variable is indicated before the value:
5456 <nothing> String
5457 # Number
5458 * Funcref
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005459
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00005460
5461:unl[et][!] {name} ... *:unlet* *:unl* *E108*
5462 Remove the internal variable {name}. Several variable
5463 names can be given, they are all removed. The name
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005464 may also be a |List| or |Dictionary| item.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005465 With [!] no error message is given for non-existing
5466 variables.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005467 One or more items from a |List| can be removed: >
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +00005468 :unlet list[3] " remove fourth item
5469 :unlet list[3:] " remove fourth item to last
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005470< One item from a |Dictionary| can be removed at a time: >
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +00005471 :unlet dict['two']
5472 :unlet dict.two
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005473
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00005474:lockv[ar][!] [depth] {name} ... *:lockvar* *:lockv*
5475 Lock the internal variable {name}. Locking means that
5476 it can no longer be changed (until it is unlocked).
5477 A locked variable can be deleted: >
5478 :lockvar v
5479 :let v = 'asdf' " fails!
5480 :unlet v
5481< *E741*
5482 If you try to change a locked variable you get an
5483 error message: "E741: Value of {name} is locked"
5484
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005485 [depth] is relevant when locking a |List| or
5486 |Dictionary|. It specifies how deep the locking goes:
5487 1 Lock the |List| or |Dictionary| itself,
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00005488 cannot add or remove items, but can
5489 still change their values.
5490 2 Also lock the values, cannot change
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005491 the items. If an item is a |List| or
5492 |Dictionary|, cannot add or remove
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00005493 items, but can still change the
5494 values.
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005495 3 Like 2 but for the |List| /
5496 |Dictionary| in the |List| /
5497 |Dictionary|, one level deeper.
5498 The default [depth] is 2, thus when {name} is a |List|
5499 or |Dictionary| the values cannot be changed.
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00005500 *E743*
5501 For unlimited depth use [!] and omit [depth].
5502 However, there is a maximum depth of 100 to catch
5503 loops.
5504
Bram Moolenaar32466aa2006-02-24 23:53:04 +00005505 Note that when two variables refer to the same |List|
5506 and you lock one of them, the |List| will also be
5507 locked when used through the other variable. Example:
5508 >
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00005509 :let l = [0, 1, 2, 3]
5510 :let cl = l
5511 :lockvar l
5512 :let cl[1] = 99 " won't work!
5513< You may want to make a copy of a list to avoid this.
5514 See |deepcopy()|.
5515
5516
5517:unlo[ckvar][!] [depth] {name} ... *:unlockvar* *:unlo*
5518 Unlock the internal variable {name}. Does the
5519 opposite of |:lockvar|.
5520
5521
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005522:if {expr1} *:if* *:endif* *:en* *E171* *E579* *E580*
5523:en[dif] Execute the commands until the next matching ":else"
5524 or ":endif" if {expr1} evaluates to non-zero.
5525
5526 From Vim version 4.5 until 5.0, every Ex command in
5527 between the ":if" and ":endif" is ignored. These two
5528 commands were just to allow for future expansions in a
5529 backwards compatible way. Nesting was allowed. Note
5530 that any ":else" or ":elseif" was ignored, the "else"
5531 part was not executed either.
5532
5533 You can use this to remain compatible with older
5534 versions: >
5535 :if version >= 500
5536 : version-5-specific-commands
5537 :endif
5538< The commands still need to be parsed to find the
5539 "endif". Sometimes an older Vim has a problem with a
5540 new command. For example, ":silent" is recognized as
5541 a ":substitute" command. In that case ":execute" can
5542 avoid problems: >
5543 :if version >= 600
5544 : execute "silent 1,$delete"
5545 :endif
5546<
5547 NOTE: The ":append" and ":insert" commands don't work
5548 properly in between ":if" and ":endif".
5549
5550 *:else* *:el* *E581* *E583*
5551:el[se] Execute the commands until the next matching ":else"
5552 or ":endif" if they previously were not being
5553 executed.
5554
5555 *:elseif* *:elsei* *E582* *E584*
5556:elsei[f] {expr1} Short for ":else" ":if", with the addition that there
5557 is no extra ":endif".
5558
5559:wh[ile] {expr1} *:while* *:endwhile* *:wh* *:endw*
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005560 *E170* *E585* *E588* *E733*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005561:endw[hile] Repeat the commands between ":while" and ":endwhile",
5562 as long as {expr1} evaluates to non-zero.
5563 When an error is detected from a command inside the
5564 loop, execution continues after the "endwhile".
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005565 Example: >
5566 :let lnum = 1
5567 :while lnum <= line("$")
5568 :call FixLine(lnum)
5569 :let lnum = lnum + 1
5570 :endwhile
5571<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005572 NOTE: The ":append" and ":insert" commands don't work
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00005573 properly inside a ":while" and ":for" loop.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005574
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005575:for {var} in {list} *:for* *E690* *E732*
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005576:endfo[r] *:endfo* *:endfor*
5577 Repeat the commands between ":for" and ":endfor" for
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00005578 each item in {list}. Variable {var} is set to the
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00005579 value of each item.
5580 When an error is detected for a command inside the
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005581 loop, execution continues after the "endfor".
Bram Moolenaar572cb562005-08-05 21:35:02 +00005582 Changing {list} inside the loop affects what items are
5583 used. Make a copy if this is unwanted: >
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00005584 :for item in copy(mylist)
5585< When not making a copy, Vim stores a reference to the
5586 next item in the list, before executing the commands
5587 with the current item. Thus the current item can be
5588 removed without effect. Removing any later item means
5589 it will not be found. Thus the following example
5590 works (an inefficient way to make a list empty): >
5591 :for item in mylist
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005592 :call remove(mylist, 0)
5593 :endfor
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00005594< Note that reordering the list (e.g., with sort() or
5595 reverse()) may have unexpected effects.
5596 Note that the type of each list item should be
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005597 identical to avoid errors for the type of {var}
5598 changing. Unlet the variable at the end of the loop
5599 to allow multiple item types.
5600
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005601:for [{var1}, {var2}, ...] in {listlist}
5602:endfo[r]
5603 Like ":for" above, but each item in {listlist} must be
5604 a list, of which each item is assigned to {var1},
5605 {var2}, etc. Example: >
5606 :for [lnum, col] in [[1, 3], [2, 5], [3, 8]]
5607 :echo getline(lnum)[col]
5608 :endfor
5609<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005610 *:continue* *:con* *E586*
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005611:con[tinue] When used inside a ":while" or ":for" loop, jumps back
5612 to the start of the loop.
5613 If it is used after a |:try| inside the loop but
5614 before the matching |:finally| (if present), the
5615 commands following the ":finally" up to the matching
5616 |:endtry| are executed first. This process applies to
5617 all nested ":try"s inside the loop. The outermost
5618 ":endtry" then jumps back to the start of the loop.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005619
5620 *:break* *:brea* *E587*
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005621:brea[k] When used inside a ":while" or ":for" loop, skips to
5622 the command after the matching ":endwhile" or
5623 ":endfor".
5624 If it is used after a |:try| inside the loop but
5625 before the matching |:finally| (if present), the
5626 commands following the ":finally" up to the matching
5627 |:endtry| are executed first. This process applies to
5628 all nested ":try"s inside the loop. The outermost
5629 ":endtry" then jumps to the command after the loop.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005630
5631:try *:try* *:endt* *:endtry* *E600* *E601* *E602*
5632:endt[ry] Change the error handling for the commands between
5633 ":try" and ":endtry" including everything being
5634 executed across ":source" commands, function calls,
5635 or autocommand invocations.
5636
5637 When an error or interrupt is detected and there is
5638 a |:finally| command following, execution continues
5639 after the ":finally". Otherwise, or when the
5640 ":endtry" is reached thereafter, the next
5641 (dynamically) surrounding ":try" is checked for
5642 a corresponding ":finally" etc. Then the script
5643 processing is terminated. (Whether a function
5644 definition has an "abort" argument does not matter.)
5645 Example: >
5646 :try | edit too much | finally | echo "cleanup" | endtry
5647 :echo "impossible" " not reached, script terminated above
5648<
5649 Moreover, an error or interrupt (dynamically) inside
5650 ":try" and ":endtry" is converted to an exception. It
5651 can be caught as if it were thrown by a |:throw|
5652 command (see |:catch|). In this case, the script
5653 processing is not terminated.
5654
5655 The value "Vim:Interrupt" is used for an interrupt
5656 exception. An error in a Vim command is converted
5657 to a value of the form "Vim({command}):{errmsg}",
5658 other errors are converted to a value of the form
5659 "Vim:{errmsg}". {command} is the full command name,
5660 and {errmsg} is the message that is displayed if the
5661 error exception is not caught, always beginning with
5662 the error number.
5663 Examples: >
5664 :try | sleep 100 | catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/ | endtry
5665 :try | edit | catch /^Vim(edit):E\d\+/ | echo "error" | endtry
5666<
5667 *:cat* *:catch* *E603* *E604* *E605*
5668:cat[ch] /{pattern}/ The following commands until the next ":catch",
5669 |:finally|, or |:endtry| that belongs to the same
5670 |:try| as the ":catch" are executed when an exception
5671 matching {pattern} is being thrown and has not yet
5672 been caught by a previous ":catch". Otherwise, these
5673 commands are skipped.
5674 When {pattern} is omitted all errors are caught.
5675 Examples: >
5676 :catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/ " catch interrupts (CTRL-C)
5677 :catch /^Vim\%((\a\+)\)\=:E/ " catch all Vim errors
5678 :catch /^Vim\%((\a\+)\)\=:/ " catch errors and interrupts
5679 :catch /^Vim(write):/ " catch all errors in :write
5680 :catch /^Vim\%((\a\+)\)\=:E123/ " catch error E123
5681 :catch /my-exception/ " catch user exception
5682 :catch /.*/ " catch everything
5683 :catch " same as /.*/
5684<
5685 Another character can be used instead of / around the
5686 {pattern}, so long as it does not have a special
5687 meaning (e.g., '|' or '"') and doesn't occur inside
5688 {pattern}.
5689 NOTE: It is not reliable to ":catch" the TEXT of
5690 an error message because it may vary in different
5691 locales.
5692
5693 *:fina* *:finally* *E606* *E607*
5694:fina[lly] The following commands until the matching |:endtry|
5695 are executed whenever the part between the matching
5696 |:try| and the ":finally" is left: either by falling
5697 through to the ":finally" or by a |:continue|,
5698 |:break|, |:finish|, or |:return|, or by an error or
5699 interrupt or exception (see |:throw|).
5700
5701 *:th* *:throw* *E608*
5702:th[row] {expr1} The {expr1} is evaluated and thrown as an exception.
5703 If the ":throw" is used after a |:try| but before the
5704 first corresponding |:catch|, commands are skipped
5705 until the first ":catch" matching {expr1} is reached.
5706 If there is no such ":catch" or if the ":throw" is
5707 used after a ":catch" but before the |:finally|, the
5708 commands following the ":finally" (if present) up to
5709 the matching |:endtry| are executed. If the ":throw"
5710 is after the ":finally", commands up to the ":endtry"
5711 are skipped. At the ":endtry", this process applies
5712 again for the next dynamically surrounding ":try"
5713 (which may be found in a calling function or sourcing
5714 script), until a matching ":catch" has been found.
5715 If the exception is not caught, the command processing
5716 is terminated.
5717 Example: >
5718 :try | throw "oops" | catch /^oo/ | echo "caught" | endtry
5719<
5720
5721 *:ec* *:echo*
5722:ec[ho] {expr1} .. Echoes each {expr1}, with a space in between. The
5723 first {expr1} starts on a new line.
5724 Also see |:comment|.
5725 Use "\n" to start a new line. Use "\r" to move the
5726 cursor to the first column.
5727 Uses the highlighting set by the |:echohl| command.
5728 Cannot be followed by a comment.
5729 Example: >
5730 :echo "the value of 'shell' is" &shell
5731< A later redraw may make the message disappear again.
5732 To avoid that a command from before the ":echo" causes
5733 a redraw afterwards (redraws are often postponed until
5734 you type something), force a redraw with the |:redraw|
5735 command. Example: >
5736 :new | redraw | echo "there is a new window"
5737<
5738 *:echon*
5739:echon {expr1} .. Echoes each {expr1}, without anything added. Also see
5740 |:comment|.
5741 Uses the highlighting set by the |:echohl| command.
5742 Cannot be followed by a comment.
5743 Example: >
5744 :echon "the value of 'shell' is " &shell
5745<
5746 Note the difference between using ":echo", which is a
5747 Vim command, and ":!echo", which is an external shell
5748 command: >
5749 :!echo % --> filename
5750< The arguments of ":!" are expanded, see |:_%|. >
5751 :!echo "%" --> filename or "filename"
5752< Like the previous example. Whether you see the double
5753 quotes or not depends on your 'shell'. >
5754 :echo % --> nothing
5755< The '%' is an illegal character in an expression. >
5756 :echo "%" --> %
5757< This just echoes the '%' character. >
5758 :echo expand("%") --> filename
5759< This calls the expand() function to expand the '%'.
5760
5761 *:echoh* *:echohl*
5762:echoh[l] {name} Use the highlight group {name} for the following
5763 |:echo|, |:echon| and |:echomsg| commands. Also used
5764 for the |input()| prompt. Example: >
5765 :echohl WarningMsg | echo "Don't panic!" | echohl None
5766< Don't forget to set the group back to "None",
5767 otherwise all following echo's will be highlighted.
5768
5769 *:echom* *:echomsg*
5770:echom[sg] {expr1} .. Echo the expression(s) as a true message, saving the
5771 message in the |message-history|.
5772 Spaces are placed between the arguments as with the
5773 |:echo| command. But unprintable characters are
5774 displayed, not interpreted.
5775 Uses the highlighting set by the |:echohl| command.
5776 Example: >
5777 :echomsg "It's a Zizzer Zazzer Zuzz, as you can plainly see."
5778<
5779 *:echoe* *:echoerr*
5780:echoe[rr] {expr1} .. Echo the expression(s) as an error message, saving the
5781 message in the |message-history|. When used in a
5782 script or function the line number will be added.
5783 Spaces are placed between the arguments as with the
5784 :echo command. When used inside a try conditional,
5785 the message is raised as an error exception instead
5786 (see |try-echoerr|).
5787 Example: >
5788 :echoerr "This script just failed!"
5789< If you just want a highlighted message use |:echohl|.
5790 And to get a beep: >
5791 :exe "normal \<Esc>"
5792<
5793 *:exe* *:execute*
5794:exe[cute] {expr1} .. Executes the string that results from the evaluation
5795 of {expr1} as an Ex command. Multiple arguments are
5796 concatenated, with a space in between. {expr1} is
5797 used as the processed command, command line editing
5798 keys are not recognized.
5799 Cannot be followed by a comment.
5800 Examples: >
5801 :execute "buffer " nextbuf
5802 :execute "normal " count . "w"
5803<
5804 ":execute" can be used to append a command to commands
5805 that don't accept a '|'. Example: >
5806 :execute '!ls' | echo "theend"
5807
5808< ":execute" is also a nice way to avoid having to type
5809 control characters in a Vim script for a ":normal"
5810 command: >
5811 :execute "normal ixxx\<Esc>"
5812< This has an <Esc> character, see |expr-string|.
5813
5814 Note: The executed string may be any command-line, but
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00005815 you cannot start or end a "while", "for" or "if"
5816 command. Thus this is illegal: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005817 :execute 'while i > 5'
5818 :execute 'echo "test" | break'
5819<
5820 It is allowed to have a "while" or "if" command
5821 completely in the executed string: >
5822 :execute 'while i < 5 | echo i | let i = i + 1 | endwhile'
5823<
5824
5825 *:comment*
5826 ":execute", ":echo" and ":echon" cannot be followed by
5827 a comment directly, because they see the '"' as the
5828 start of a string. But, you can use '|' followed by a
5829 comment. Example: >
5830 :echo "foo" | "this is a comment
5831
5832==============================================================================
58338. Exception handling *exception-handling*
5834
5835The Vim script language comprises an exception handling feature. This section
5836explains how it can be used in a Vim script.
5837
5838Exceptions may be raised by Vim on an error or on interrupt, see
5839|catch-errors| and |catch-interrupt|. You can also explicitly throw an
5840exception by using the ":throw" command, see |throw-catch|.
5841
5842
5843TRY CONDITIONALS *try-conditionals*
5844
5845Exceptions can be caught or can cause cleanup code to be executed. You can
5846use a try conditional to specify catch clauses (that catch exceptions) and/or
5847a finally clause (to be executed for cleanup).
5848 A try conditional begins with a |:try| command and ends at the matching
5849|:endtry| command. In between, you can use a |:catch| command to start
5850a catch clause, or a |:finally| command to start a finally clause. There may
5851be none or multiple catch clauses, but there is at most one finally clause,
5852which must not be followed by any catch clauses. The lines before the catch
5853clauses and the finally clause is called a try block. >
5854
5855 :try
5856 : ...
5857 : ... TRY BLOCK
5858 : ...
5859 :catch /{pattern}/
5860 : ...
5861 : ... CATCH CLAUSE
5862 : ...
5863 :catch /{pattern}/
5864 : ...
5865 : ... CATCH CLAUSE
5866 : ...
5867 :finally
5868 : ...
5869 : ... FINALLY CLAUSE
5870 : ...
5871 :endtry
5872
5873The try conditional allows to watch code for exceptions and to take the
5874appropriate actions. Exceptions from the try block may be caught. Exceptions
5875from the try block and also the catch clauses may cause cleanup actions.
5876 When no exception is thrown during execution of the try block, the control
5877is transferred to the finally clause, if present. After its execution, the
5878script continues with the line following the ":endtry".
5879 When an exception occurs during execution of the try block, the remaining
5880lines in the try block are skipped. The exception is matched against the
5881patterns specified as arguments to the ":catch" commands. The catch clause
5882after the first matching ":catch" is taken, other catch clauses are not
5883executed. The catch clause ends when the next ":catch", ":finally", or
5884":endtry" command is reached - whatever is first. Then, the finally clause
5885(if present) is executed. When the ":endtry" is reached, the script execution
5886continues in the following line as usual.
5887 When an exception that does not match any of the patterns specified by the
5888":catch" commands is thrown in the try block, the exception is not caught by
5889that try conditional and none of the catch clauses is executed. Only the
5890finally clause, if present, is taken. The exception pends during execution of
5891the finally clause. It is resumed at the ":endtry", so that commands after
5892the ":endtry" are not executed and the exception might be caught elsewhere,
5893see |try-nesting|.
5894 When during execution of a catch clause another exception is thrown, the
5895remaining lines in that catch clause are not executed. The new exception is
5896not matched against the patterns in any of the ":catch" commands of the same
5897try conditional and none of its catch clauses is taken. If there is, however,
5898a finally clause, it is executed, and the exception pends during its
5899execution. The commands following the ":endtry" are not executed. The new
5900exception might, however, be caught elsewhere, see |try-nesting|.
5901 When during execution of the finally clause (if present) an exception is
5902thrown, the remaining lines in the finally clause are skipped. If the finally
5903clause has been taken because of an exception from the try block or one of the
5904catch clauses, the original (pending) exception is discarded. The commands
5905following the ":endtry" are not executed, and the exception from the finally
5906clause is propagated and can be caught elsewhere, see |try-nesting|.
5907
5908The finally clause is also executed, when a ":break" or ":continue" for
5909a ":while" loop enclosing the complete try conditional is executed from the
5910try block or a catch clause. Or when a ":return" or ":finish" is executed
5911from the try block or a catch clause of a try conditional in a function or
5912sourced script, respectively. The ":break", ":continue", ":return", or
5913":finish" pends during execution of the finally clause and is resumed when the
5914":endtry" is reached. It is, however, discarded when an exception is thrown
5915from the finally clause.
5916 When a ":break" or ":continue" for a ":while" loop enclosing the complete
5917try conditional or when a ":return" or ":finish" is encountered in the finally
5918clause, the rest of the finally clause is skipped, and the ":break",
5919":continue", ":return" or ":finish" is executed as usual. If the finally
5920clause has been taken because of an exception or an earlier ":break",
5921":continue", ":return", or ":finish" from the try block or a catch clause,
5922this pending exception or command is discarded.
5923
5924For examples see |throw-catch| and |try-finally|.
5925
5926
5927NESTING OF TRY CONDITIONALS *try-nesting*
5928
5929Try conditionals can be nested arbitrarily. That is, a complete try
5930conditional can be put into the try block, a catch clause, or the finally
5931clause of another try conditional. If the inner try conditional does not
5932catch an exception thrown in its try block or throws a new exception from one
5933of its catch clauses or its finally clause, the outer try conditional is
5934checked according to the rules above. If the inner try conditional is in the
5935try block of the outer try conditional, its catch clauses are checked, but
5936otherwise only the finally clause is executed. It does not matter for
5937nesting, whether the inner try conditional is directly contained in the outer
5938one, or whether the outer one sources a script or calls a function containing
5939the inner try conditional.
5940
5941When none of the active try conditionals catches an exception, just their
5942finally clauses are executed. Thereafter, the script processing terminates.
5943An error message is displayed in case of an uncaught exception explicitly
5944thrown by a ":throw" command. For uncaught error and interrupt exceptions
5945implicitly raised by Vim, the error message(s) or interrupt message are shown
5946as usual.
5947
5948For examples see |throw-catch|.
5949
5950
5951EXAMINING EXCEPTION HANDLING CODE *except-examine*
5952
5953Exception handling code can get tricky. If you are in doubt what happens, set
5954'verbose' to 13 or use the ":13verbose" command modifier when sourcing your
5955script file. Then you see when an exception is thrown, discarded, caught, or
5956finished. When using a verbosity level of at least 14, things pending in
5957a finally clause are also shown. This information is also given in debug mode
5958(see |debug-scripts|).
5959
5960
5961THROWING AND CATCHING EXCEPTIONS *throw-catch*
5962
5963You can throw any number or string as an exception. Use the |:throw| command
5964and pass the value to be thrown as argument: >
5965 :throw 4711
5966 :throw "string"
5967< *throw-expression*
5968You can also specify an expression argument. The expression is then evaluated
5969first, and the result is thrown: >
5970 :throw 4705 + strlen("string")
5971 :throw strpart("strings", 0, 6)
5972
5973An exception might be thrown during evaluation of the argument of the ":throw"
5974command. Unless it is caught there, the expression evaluation is abandoned.
5975The ":throw" command then does not throw a new exception.
5976 Example: >
5977
5978 :function! Foo(arg)
5979 : try
5980 : throw a:arg
5981 : catch /foo/
5982 : endtry
5983 : return 1
5984 :endfunction
5985 :
5986 :function! Bar()
5987 : echo "in Bar"
5988 : return 4710
5989 :endfunction
5990 :
5991 :throw Foo("arrgh") + Bar()
5992
5993This throws "arrgh", and "in Bar" is not displayed since Bar() is not
5994executed. >
5995 :throw Foo("foo") + Bar()
5996however displays "in Bar" and throws 4711.
5997
5998Any other command that takes an expression as argument might also be
5999abandoned by an (uncaught) exception during the expression evaluation. The
6000exception is then propagated to the caller of the command.
6001 Example: >
6002
6003 :if Foo("arrgh")
6004 : echo "then"
6005 :else
6006 : echo "else"
6007 :endif
6008
6009Here neither of "then" or "else" is displayed.
6010
6011 *catch-order*
6012Exceptions can be caught by a try conditional with one or more |:catch|
6013commands, see |try-conditionals|. The values to be caught by each ":catch"
6014command can be specified as a pattern argument. The subsequent catch clause
6015gets executed when a matching exception is caught.
6016 Example: >
6017
6018 :function! Foo(value)
6019 : try
6020 : throw a:value
6021 : catch /^\d\+$/
6022 : echo "Number thrown"
6023 : catch /.*/
6024 : echo "String thrown"
6025 : endtry
6026 :endfunction
6027 :
6028 :call Foo(0x1267)
6029 :call Foo('string')
6030
6031The first call to Foo() displays "Number thrown", the second "String thrown".
6032An exception is matched against the ":catch" commands in the order they are
6033specified. Only the first match counts. So you should place the more
6034specific ":catch" first. The following order does not make sense: >
6035
6036 : catch /.*/
6037 : echo "String thrown"
6038 : catch /^\d\+$/
6039 : echo "Number thrown"
6040
6041The first ":catch" here matches always, so that the second catch clause is
6042never taken.
6043
6044 *throw-variables*
6045If you catch an exception by a general pattern, you may access the exact value
6046in the variable |v:exception|: >
6047
6048 : catch /^\d\+$/
6049 : echo "Number thrown. Value is" v:exception
6050
6051You may also be interested where an exception was thrown. This is stored in
6052|v:throwpoint|. Note that "v:exception" and "v:throwpoint" are valid for the
6053exception most recently caught as long it is not finished.
6054 Example: >
6055
6056 :function! Caught()
6057 : if v:exception != ""
6058 : echo 'Caught "' . v:exception . '" in ' . v:throwpoint
6059 : else
6060 : echo 'Nothing caught'
6061 : endif
6062 :endfunction
6063 :
6064 :function! Foo()
6065 : try
6066 : try
6067 : try
6068 : throw 4711
6069 : finally
6070 : call Caught()
6071 : endtry
6072 : catch /.*/
6073 : call Caught()
6074 : throw "oops"
6075 : endtry
6076 : catch /.*/
6077 : call Caught()
6078 : finally
6079 : call Caught()
6080 : endtry
6081 :endfunction
6082 :
6083 :call Foo()
6084
6085This displays >
6086
6087 Nothing caught
6088 Caught "4711" in function Foo, line 4
6089 Caught "oops" in function Foo, line 10
6090 Nothing caught
6091
6092A practical example: The following command ":LineNumber" displays the line
6093number in the script or function where it has been used: >
6094
6095 :function! LineNumber()
6096 : return substitute(v:throwpoint, '.*\D\(\d\+\).*', '\1', "")
6097 :endfunction
6098 :command! LineNumber try | throw "" | catch | echo LineNumber() | endtry
6099<
6100 *try-nested*
6101An exception that is not caught by a try conditional can be caught by
6102a surrounding try conditional: >
6103
6104 :try
6105 : try
6106 : throw "foo"
6107 : catch /foobar/
6108 : echo "foobar"
6109 : finally
6110 : echo "inner finally"
6111 : endtry
6112 :catch /foo/
6113 : echo "foo"
6114 :endtry
6115
6116The inner try conditional does not catch the exception, just its finally
6117clause is executed. The exception is then caught by the outer try
6118conditional. The example displays "inner finally" and then "foo".
6119
6120 *throw-from-catch*
6121You can catch an exception and throw a new one to be caught elsewhere from the
6122catch clause: >
6123
6124 :function! Foo()
6125 : throw "foo"
6126 :endfunction
6127 :
6128 :function! Bar()
6129 : try
6130 : call Foo()
6131 : catch /foo/
6132 : echo "Caught foo, throw bar"
6133 : throw "bar"
6134 : endtry
6135 :endfunction
6136 :
6137 :try
6138 : call Bar()
6139 :catch /.*/
6140 : echo "Caught" v:exception
6141 :endtry
6142
6143This displays "Caught foo, throw bar" and then "Caught bar".
6144
6145 *rethrow*
6146There is no real rethrow in the Vim script language, but you may throw
6147"v:exception" instead: >
6148
6149 :function! Bar()
6150 : try
6151 : call Foo()
6152 : catch /.*/
6153 : echo "Rethrow" v:exception
6154 : throw v:exception
6155 : endtry
6156 :endfunction
6157< *try-echoerr*
6158Note that this method cannot be used to "rethrow" Vim error or interrupt
6159exceptions, because it is not possible to fake Vim internal exceptions.
6160Trying so causes an error exception. You should throw your own exception
6161denoting the situation. If you want to cause a Vim error exception containing
6162the original error exception value, you can use the |:echoerr| command: >
6163
6164 :try
6165 : try
6166 : asdf
6167 : catch /.*/
6168 : echoerr v:exception
6169 : endtry
6170 :catch /.*/
6171 : echo v:exception
6172 :endtry
6173
6174This code displays
6175
6176 Vim(echoerr):Vim:E492: Not an editor command: asdf ~
6177
6178
6179CLEANUP CODE *try-finally*
6180
6181Scripts often change global settings and restore them at their end. If the
6182user however interrupts the script by pressing CTRL-C, the settings remain in
6183an inconsistent state. The same may happen to you in the development phase of
6184a script when an error occurs or you explicitly throw an exception without
6185catching it. You can solve these problems by using a try conditional with
6186a finally clause for restoring the settings. Its execution is guaranteed on
6187normal control flow, on error, on an explicit ":throw", and on interrupt.
6188(Note that errors and interrupts from inside the try conditional are converted
6189to exceptions. When not caught, they terminate the script after the finally
6190clause has been executed.)
6191Example: >
6192
6193 :try
6194 : let s:saved_ts = &ts
6195 : set ts=17
6196 :
6197 : " Do the hard work here.
6198 :
6199 :finally
6200 : let &ts = s:saved_ts
6201 : unlet s:saved_ts
6202 :endtry
6203
6204This method should be used locally whenever a function or part of a script
6205changes global settings which need to be restored on failure or normal exit of
6206that function or script part.
6207
6208 *break-finally*
6209Cleanup code works also when the try block or a catch clause is left by
6210a ":continue", ":break", ":return", or ":finish".
6211 Example: >
6212
6213 :let first = 1
6214 :while 1
6215 : try
6216 : if first
6217 : echo "first"
6218 : let first = 0
6219 : continue
6220 : else
6221 : throw "second"
6222 : endif
6223 : catch /.*/
6224 : echo v:exception
6225 : break
6226 : finally
6227 : echo "cleanup"
6228 : endtry
6229 : echo "still in while"
6230 :endwhile
6231 :echo "end"
6232
6233This displays "first", "cleanup", "second", "cleanup", and "end". >
6234
6235 :function! Foo()
6236 : try
6237 : return 4711
6238 : finally
6239 : echo "cleanup\n"
6240 : endtry
6241 : echo "Foo still active"
6242 :endfunction
6243 :
6244 :echo Foo() "returned by Foo"
6245
6246This displays "cleanup" and "4711 returned by Foo". You don't need to add an
6247extra ":return" in the finally clause. (Above all, this would override the
6248return value.)
6249
6250 *except-from-finally*
6251Using either of ":continue", ":break", ":return", ":finish", or ":throw" in
6252a finally clause is possible, but not recommended since it abandons the
6253cleanup actions for the try conditional. But, of course, interrupt and error
6254exceptions might get raised from a finally clause.
6255 Example where an error in the finally clause stops an interrupt from
6256working correctly: >
6257
6258 :try
6259 : try
6260 : echo "Press CTRL-C for interrupt"
6261 : while 1
6262 : endwhile
6263 : finally
6264 : unlet novar
6265 : endtry
6266 :catch /novar/
6267 :endtry
6268 :echo "Script still running"
6269 :sleep 1
6270
6271If you need to put commands that could fail into a finally clause, you should
6272think about catching or ignoring the errors in these commands, see
6273|catch-errors| and |ignore-errors|.
6274
6275
6276CATCHING ERRORS *catch-errors*
6277
6278If you want to catch specific errors, you just have to put the code to be
6279watched in a try block and add a catch clause for the error message. The
6280presence of the try conditional causes all errors to be converted to an
6281exception. No message is displayed and |v:errmsg| is not set then. To find
6282the right pattern for the ":catch" command, you have to know how the format of
6283the error exception is.
6284 Error exceptions have the following format: >
6285
6286 Vim({cmdname}):{errmsg}
6287or >
6288 Vim:{errmsg}
6289
6290{cmdname} is the name of the command that failed; the second form is used when
6291the command name is not known. {errmsg} is the error message usually produced
6292when the error occurs outside try conditionals. It always begins with
6293a capital "E", followed by a two or three-digit error number, a colon, and
6294a space.
6295
6296Examples:
6297
6298The command >
6299 :unlet novar
6300normally produces the error message >
6301 E108: No such variable: "novar"
6302which is converted inside try conditionals to an exception >
6303 Vim(unlet):E108: No such variable: "novar"
6304
6305The command >
6306 :dwim
6307normally produces the error message >
6308 E492: Not an editor command: dwim
6309which is converted inside try conditionals to an exception >
6310 Vim:E492: Not an editor command: dwim
6311
6312You can catch all ":unlet" errors by a >
6313 :catch /^Vim(unlet):/
6314or all errors for misspelled command names by a >
6315 :catch /^Vim:E492:/
6316
6317Some error messages may be produced by different commands: >
6318 :function nofunc
6319and >
6320 :delfunction nofunc
6321both produce the error message >
6322 E128: Function name must start with a capital: nofunc
6323which is converted inside try conditionals to an exception >
6324 Vim(function):E128: Function name must start with a capital: nofunc
6325or >
6326 Vim(delfunction):E128: Function name must start with a capital: nofunc
6327respectively. You can catch the error by its number independently on the
6328command that caused it if you use the following pattern: >
6329 :catch /^Vim(\a\+):E128:/
6330
6331Some commands like >
6332 :let x = novar
6333produce multiple error messages, here: >
6334 E121: Undefined variable: novar
6335 E15: Invalid expression: novar
6336Only the first is used for the exception value, since it is the most specific
6337one (see |except-several-errors|). So you can catch it by >
6338 :catch /^Vim(\a\+):E121:/
6339
6340You can catch all errors related to the name "nofunc" by >
6341 :catch /\<nofunc\>/
6342
6343You can catch all Vim errors in the ":write" and ":read" commands by >
6344 :catch /^Vim(\(write\|read\)):E\d\+:/
6345
6346You can catch all Vim errors by the pattern >
6347 :catch /^Vim\((\a\+)\)\=:E\d\+:/
6348<
6349 *catch-text*
6350NOTE: You should never catch the error message text itself: >
6351 :catch /No such variable/
6352only works in the english locale, but not when the user has selected
6353a different language by the |:language| command. It is however helpful to
6354cite the message text in a comment: >
6355 :catch /^Vim(\a\+):E108:/ " No such variable
6356
6357
6358IGNORING ERRORS *ignore-errors*
6359
6360You can ignore errors in a specific Vim command by catching them locally: >
6361
6362 :try
6363 : write
6364 :catch
6365 :endtry
6366
6367But you are strongly recommended NOT to use this simple form, since it could
6368catch more than you want. With the ":write" command, some autocommands could
6369be executed and cause errors not related to writing, for instance: >
6370
6371 :au BufWritePre * unlet novar
6372
6373There could even be such errors you are not responsible for as a script
6374writer: a user of your script might have defined such autocommands. You would
6375then hide the error from the user.
6376 It is much better to use >
6377
6378 :try
6379 : write
6380 :catch /^Vim(write):/
6381 :endtry
6382
6383which only catches real write errors. So catch only what you'd like to ignore
6384intentionally.
6385
6386For a single command that does not cause execution of autocommands, you could
6387even suppress the conversion of errors to exceptions by the ":silent!"
6388command: >
6389 :silent! nunmap k
6390This works also when a try conditional is active.
6391
6392
6393CATCHING INTERRUPTS *catch-interrupt*
6394
6395When there are active try conditionals, an interrupt (CTRL-C) is converted to
6396the exception "Vim:Interrupt". You can catch it like every exception. The
6397script is not terminated, then.
6398 Example: >
6399
6400 :function! TASK1()
6401 : sleep 10
6402 :endfunction
6403
6404 :function! TASK2()
6405 : sleep 20
6406 :endfunction
6407
6408 :while 1
6409 : let command = input("Type a command: ")
6410 : try
6411 : if command == ""
6412 : continue
6413 : elseif command == "END"
6414 : break
6415 : elseif command == "TASK1"
6416 : call TASK1()
6417 : elseif command == "TASK2"
6418 : call TASK2()
6419 : else
6420 : echo "\nIllegal command:" command
6421 : continue
6422 : endif
6423 : catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/
6424 : echo "\nCommand interrupted"
6425 : " Caught the interrupt. Continue with next prompt.
6426 : endtry
6427 :endwhile
6428
6429You can interrupt a task here by pressing CTRL-C; the script then asks for
6430a new command. If you press CTRL-C at the prompt, the script is terminated.
6431
6432For testing what happens when CTRL-C would be pressed on a specific line in
6433your script, use the debug mode and execute the |>quit| or |>interrupt|
6434command on that line. See |debug-scripts|.
6435
6436
6437CATCHING ALL *catch-all*
6438
6439The commands >
6440
6441 :catch /.*/
6442 :catch //
6443 :catch
6444
6445catch everything, error exceptions, interrupt exceptions and exceptions
6446explicitly thrown by the |:throw| command. This is useful at the top level of
6447a script in order to catch unexpected things.
6448 Example: >
6449
6450 :try
6451 :
6452 : " do the hard work here
6453 :
6454 :catch /MyException/
6455 :
6456 : " handle known problem
6457 :
6458 :catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/
6459 : echo "Script interrupted"
6460 :catch /.*/
6461 : echo "Internal error (" . v:exception . ")"
6462 : echo " - occurred at " . v:throwpoint
6463 :endtry
6464 :" end of script
6465
6466Note: Catching all might catch more things than you want. Thus, you are
6467strongly encouraged to catch only for problems that you can really handle by
6468specifying a pattern argument to the ":catch".
6469 Example: Catching all could make it nearly impossible to interrupt a script
6470by pressing CTRL-C: >
6471
6472 :while 1
6473 : try
6474 : sleep 1
6475 : catch
6476 : endtry
6477 :endwhile
6478
6479
6480EXCEPTIONS AND AUTOCOMMANDS *except-autocmd*
6481
6482Exceptions may be used during execution of autocommands. Example: >
6483
6484 :autocmd User x try
6485 :autocmd User x throw "Oops!"
6486 :autocmd User x catch
6487 :autocmd User x echo v:exception
6488 :autocmd User x endtry
6489 :autocmd User x throw "Arrgh!"
6490 :autocmd User x echo "Should not be displayed"
6491 :
6492 :try
6493 : doautocmd User x
6494 :catch
6495 : echo v:exception
6496 :endtry
6497
6498This displays "Oops!" and "Arrgh!".
6499
6500 *except-autocmd-Pre*
6501For some commands, autocommands get executed before the main action of the
6502command takes place. If an exception is thrown and not caught in the sequence
6503of autocommands, the sequence and the command that caused its execution are
6504abandoned and the exception is propagated to the caller of the command.
6505 Example: >
6506
6507 :autocmd BufWritePre * throw "FAIL"
6508 :autocmd BufWritePre * echo "Should not be displayed"
6509 :
6510 :try
6511 : write
6512 :catch
6513 : echo "Caught:" v:exception "from" v:throwpoint
6514 :endtry
6515
6516Here, the ":write" command does not write the file currently being edited (as
6517you can see by checking 'modified'), since the exception from the BufWritePre
6518autocommand abandons the ":write". The exception is then caught and the
6519script displays: >
6520
6521 Caught: FAIL from BufWrite Auto commands for "*"
6522<
6523 *except-autocmd-Post*
6524For some commands, autocommands get executed after the main action of the
6525command has taken place. If this main action fails and the command is inside
6526an active try conditional, the autocommands are skipped and an error exception
6527is thrown that can be caught by the caller of the command.
6528 Example: >
6529
6530 :autocmd BufWritePost * echo "File successfully written!"
6531 :
6532 :try
6533 : write /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
6534 :catch
6535 : echo v:exception
6536 :endtry
6537
6538This just displays: >
6539
6540 Vim(write):E212: Can't open file for writing (/i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e)
6541
6542If you really need to execute the autocommands even when the main action
6543fails, trigger the event from the catch clause.
6544 Example: >
6545
6546 :autocmd BufWritePre * set noreadonly
6547 :autocmd BufWritePost * set readonly
6548 :
6549 :try
6550 : write /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
6551 :catch
6552 : doautocmd BufWritePost /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
6553 :endtry
6554<
6555You can also use ":silent!": >
6556
6557 :let x = "ok"
6558 :let v:errmsg = ""
6559 :autocmd BufWritePost * if v:errmsg != ""
6560 :autocmd BufWritePost * let x = "after fail"
6561 :autocmd BufWritePost * endif
6562 :try
6563 : silent! write /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
6564 :catch
6565 :endtry
6566 :echo x
6567
6568This displays "after fail".
6569
6570If the main action of the command does not fail, exceptions from the
6571autocommands will be catchable by the caller of the command: >
6572
6573 :autocmd BufWritePost * throw ":-("
6574 :autocmd BufWritePost * echo "Should not be displayed"
6575 :
6576 :try
6577 : write
6578 :catch
6579 : echo v:exception
6580 :endtry
6581<
6582 *except-autocmd-Cmd*
6583For some commands, the normal action can be replaced by a sequence of
6584autocommands. Exceptions from that sequence will be catchable by the caller
6585of the command.
6586 Example: For the ":write" command, the caller cannot know whether the file
6587had actually been written when the exception occurred. You need to tell it in
6588some way. >
6589
6590 :if !exists("cnt")
6591 : let cnt = 0
6592 :
6593 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * if &modified
6594 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * let cnt = cnt + 1
6595 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * if cnt % 3 == 2
6596 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * throw "BufWriteCmdError"
6597 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * endif
6598 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * write | set nomodified
6599 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * if cnt % 3 == 0
6600 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * throw "BufWriteCmdError"
6601 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * endif
6602 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * echo "File successfully written!"
6603 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * endif
6604 :endif
6605 :
6606 :try
6607 : write
6608 :catch /^BufWriteCmdError$/
6609 : if &modified
6610 : echo "Error on writing (file contents not changed)"
6611 : else
6612 : echo "Error after writing"
6613 : endif
6614 :catch /^Vim(write):/
6615 : echo "Error on writing"
6616 :endtry
6617
6618When this script is sourced several times after making changes, it displays
6619first >
6620 File successfully written!
6621then >
6622 Error on writing (file contents not changed)
6623then >
6624 Error after writing
6625etc.
6626
6627 *except-autocmd-ill*
6628You cannot spread a try conditional over autocommands for different events.
6629The following code is ill-formed: >
6630
6631 :autocmd BufWritePre * try
6632 :
6633 :autocmd BufWritePost * catch
6634 :autocmd BufWritePost * echo v:exception
6635 :autocmd BufWritePost * endtry
6636 :
6637 :write
6638
6639
6640EXCEPTION HIERARCHIES AND PARAMETERIZED EXCEPTIONS *except-hier-param*
6641
6642Some programming languages allow to use hierarchies of exception classes or to
6643pass additional information with the object of an exception class. You can do
6644similar things in Vim.
6645 In order to throw an exception from a hierarchy, just throw the complete
6646class name with the components separated by a colon, for instance throw the
6647string "EXCEPT:MATHERR:OVERFLOW" for an overflow in a mathematical library.
6648 When you want to pass additional information with your exception class, add
6649it in parentheses, for instance throw the string "EXCEPT:IO:WRITEERR(myfile)"
6650for an error when writing "myfile".
6651 With the appropriate patterns in the ":catch" command, you can catch for
6652base classes or derived classes of your hierarchy. Additional information in
6653parentheses can be cut out from |v:exception| with the ":substitute" command.
6654 Example: >
6655
6656 :function! CheckRange(a, func)
6657 : if a:a < 0
6658 : throw "EXCEPT:MATHERR:RANGE(" . a:func . ")"
6659 : endif
6660 :endfunction
6661 :
6662 :function! Add(a, b)
6663 : call CheckRange(a:a, "Add")
6664 : call CheckRange(a:b, "Add")
6665 : let c = a:a + a:b
6666 : if c < 0
6667 : throw "EXCEPT:MATHERR:OVERFLOW"
6668 : endif
6669 : return c
6670 :endfunction
6671 :
6672 :function! Div(a, b)
6673 : call CheckRange(a:a, "Div")
6674 : call CheckRange(a:b, "Div")
6675 : if (a:b == 0)
6676 : throw "EXCEPT:MATHERR:ZERODIV"
6677 : endif
6678 : return a:a / a:b
6679 :endfunction
6680 :
6681 :function! Write(file)
6682 : try
6683 : execute "write" a:file
6684 : catch /^Vim(write):/
6685 : throw "EXCEPT:IO(" . getcwd() . ", " . a:file . "):WRITEERR"
6686 : endtry
6687 :endfunction
6688 :
6689 :try
6690 :
6691 : " something with arithmetics and I/O
6692 :
6693 :catch /^EXCEPT:MATHERR:RANGE/
6694 : let function = substitute(v:exception, '.*(\(\a\+\)).*', '\1', "")
6695 : echo "Range error in" function
6696 :
6697 :catch /^EXCEPT:MATHERR/ " catches OVERFLOW and ZERODIV
6698 : echo "Math error"
6699 :
6700 :catch /^EXCEPT:IO/
6701 : let dir = substitute(v:exception, '.*(\(.\+\),\s*.\+).*', '\1', "")
6702 : let file = substitute(v:exception, '.*(.\+,\s*\(.\+\)).*', '\1', "")
6703 : if file !~ '^/'
6704 : let file = dir . "/" . file
6705 : endif
6706 : echo 'I/O error for "' . file . '"'
6707 :
6708 :catch /^EXCEPT/
6709 : echo "Unspecified error"
6710 :
6711 :endtry
6712
6713The exceptions raised by Vim itself (on error or when pressing CTRL-C) use
6714a flat hierarchy: they are all in the "Vim" class. You cannot throw yourself
6715exceptions with the "Vim" prefix; they are reserved for Vim.
6716 Vim error exceptions are parameterized with the name of the command that
6717failed, if known. See |catch-errors|.
6718
6719
6720PECULIARITIES
6721 *except-compat*
6722The exception handling concept requires that the command sequence causing the
6723exception is aborted immediately and control is transferred to finally clauses
6724and/or a catch clause.
6725
6726In the Vim script language there are cases where scripts and functions
6727continue after an error: in functions without the "abort" flag or in a command
6728after ":silent!", control flow goes to the following line, and outside
6729functions, control flow goes to the line following the outermost ":endwhile"
6730or ":endif". On the other hand, errors should be catchable as exceptions
6731(thus, requiring the immediate abortion).
6732
6733This problem has been solved by converting errors to exceptions and using
6734immediate abortion (if not suppressed by ":silent!") only when a try
6735conditional is active. This is no restriction since an (error) exception can
6736be caught only from an active try conditional. If you want an immediate
6737termination without catching the error, just use a try conditional without
6738catch clause. (You can cause cleanup code being executed before termination
6739by specifying a finally clause.)
6740
6741When no try conditional is active, the usual abortion and continuation
6742behavior is used instead of immediate abortion. This ensures compatibility of
6743scripts written for Vim 6.1 and earlier.
6744
6745However, when sourcing an existing script that does not use exception handling
6746commands (or when calling one of its functions) from inside an active try
6747conditional of a new script, you might change the control flow of the existing
6748script on error. You get the immediate abortion on error and can catch the
6749error in the new script. If however the sourced script suppresses error
6750messages by using the ":silent!" command (checking for errors by testing
6751|v:errmsg| if appropriate), its execution path is not changed. The error is
6752not converted to an exception. (See |:silent|.) So the only remaining cause
6753where this happens is for scripts that don't care about errors and produce
6754error messages. You probably won't want to use such code from your new
6755scripts.
6756
6757 *except-syntax-err*
6758Syntax errors in the exception handling commands are never caught by any of
6759the ":catch" commands of the try conditional they belong to. Its finally
6760clauses, however, is executed.
6761 Example: >
6762
6763 :try
6764 : try
6765 : throw 4711
6766 : catch /\(/
6767 : echo "in catch with syntax error"
6768 : catch
6769 : echo "inner catch-all"
6770 : finally
6771 : echo "inner finally"
6772 : endtry
6773 :catch
6774 : echo 'outer catch-all caught "' . v:exception . '"'
6775 : finally
6776 : echo "outer finally"
6777 :endtry
6778
6779This displays: >
6780 inner finally
6781 outer catch-all caught "Vim(catch):E54: Unmatched \("
6782 outer finally
6783The original exception is discarded and an error exception is raised, instead.
6784
6785 *except-single-line*
6786The ":try", ":catch", ":finally", and ":endtry" commands can be put on
6787a single line, but then syntax errors may make it difficult to recognize the
6788"catch" line, thus you better avoid this.
6789 Example: >
6790 :try | unlet! foo # | catch | endtry
6791raises an error exception for the trailing characters after the ":unlet!"
6792argument, but does not see the ":catch" and ":endtry" commands, so that the
6793error exception is discarded and the "E488: Trailing characters" message gets
6794displayed.
6795
6796 *except-several-errors*
6797When several errors appear in a single command, the first error message is
6798usually the most specific one and therefor converted to the error exception.
6799 Example: >
6800 echo novar
6801causes >
6802 E121: Undefined variable: novar
6803 E15: Invalid expression: novar
6804The value of the error exception inside try conditionals is: >
6805 Vim(echo):E121: Undefined variable: novar
6806< *except-syntax-error*
6807But when a syntax error is detected after a normal error in the same command,
6808the syntax error is used for the exception being thrown.
6809 Example: >
6810 unlet novar #
6811causes >
6812 E108: No such variable: "novar"
6813 E488: Trailing characters
6814The value of the error exception inside try conditionals is: >
6815 Vim(unlet):E488: Trailing characters
6816This is done because the syntax error might change the execution path in a way
6817not intended by the user. Example: >
6818 try
6819 try | unlet novar # | catch | echo v:exception | endtry
6820 catch /.*/
6821 echo "outer catch:" v:exception
6822 endtry
6823This displays "outer catch: Vim(unlet):E488: Trailing characters", and then
6824a "E600: Missing :endtry" error message is given, see |except-single-line|.
6825
6826==============================================================================
68279. Examples *eval-examples*
6828
6829Printing in Hex ~
6830>
6831 :" The function Nr2Hex() returns the Hex string of a number.
6832 :func Nr2Hex(nr)
6833 : let n = a:nr
6834 : let r = ""
6835 : while n
6836 : let r = '0123456789ABCDEF'[n % 16] . r
6837 : let n = n / 16
6838 : endwhile
6839 : return r
6840 :endfunc
6841
6842 :" The function String2Hex() converts each character in a string to a two
6843 :" character Hex string.
6844 :func String2Hex(str)
6845 : let out = ''
6846 : let ix = 0
6847 : while ix < strlen(a:str)
6848 : let out = out . Nr2Hex(char2nr(a:str[ix]))
6849 : let ix = ix + 1
6850 : endwhile
6851 : return out
6852 :endfunc
6853
6854Example of its use: >
6855 :echo Nr2Hex(32)
6856result: "20" >
6857 :echo String2Hex("32")
6858result: "3332"
6859
6860
6861Sorting lines (by Robert Webb) ~
6862
6863Here is a Vim script to sort lines. Highlight the lines in Vim and type
6864":Sort". This doesn't call any external programs so it'll work on any
6865platform. The function Sort() actually takes the name of a comparison
6866function as its argument, like qsort() does in C. So you could supply it
6867with different comparison functions in order to sort according to date etc.
6868>
6869 :" Function for use with Sort(), to compare two strings.
6870 :func! Strcmp(str1, str2)
6871 : if (a:str1 < a:str2)
6872 : return -1
6873 : elseif (a:str1 > a:str2)
6874 : return 1
6875 : else
6876 : return 0
6877 : endif
6878 :endfunction
6879
6880 :" Sort lines. SortR() is called recursively.
6881 :func! SortR(start, end, cmp)
6882 : if (a:start >= a:end)
6883 : return
6884 : endif
6885 : let partition = a:start - 1
6886 : let middle = partition
6887 : let partStr = getline((a:start + a:end) / 2)
6888 : let i = a:start
6889 : while (i <= a:end)
6890 : let str = getline(i)
6891 : exec "let result = " . a:cmp . "(str, partStr)"
6892 : if (result <= 0)
6893 : " Need to put it before the partition. Swap lines i and partition.
6894 : let partition = partition + 1
6895 : if (result == 0)
6896 : let middle = partition
6897 : endif
6898 : if (i != partition)
6899 : let str2 = getline(partition)
6900 : call setline(i, str2)
6901 : call setline(partition, str)
6902 : endif
6903 : endif
6904 : let i = i + 1
6905 : endwhile
6906
6907 : " Now we have a pointer to the "middle" element, as far as partitioning
6908 : " goes, which could be anywhere before the partition. Make sure it is at
6909 : " the end of the partition.
6910 : if (middle != partition)
6911 : let str = getline(middle)
6912 : let str2 = getline(partition)
6913 : call setline(middle, str2)
6914 : call setline(partition, str)
6915 : endif
6916 : call SortR(a:start, partition - 1, a:cmp)
6917 : call SortR(partition + 1, a:end, a:cmp)
6918 :endfunc
6919
6920 :" To Sort a range of lines, pass the range to Sort() along with the name of a
6921 :" function that will compare two lines.
6922 :func! Sort(cmp) range
6923 : call SortR(a:firstline, a:lastline, a:cmp)
6924 :endfunc
6925
6926 :" :Sort takes a range of lines and sorts them.
6927 :command! -nargs=0 -range Sort <line1>,<line2>call Sort("Strcmp")
6928<
6929 *sscanf*
6930There is no sscanf() function in Vim. If you need to extract parts from a
6931line, you can use matchstr() and substitute() to do it. This example shows
6932how to get the file name, line number and column number out of a line like
6933"foobar.txt, 123, 45". >
6934 :" Set up the match bit
6935 :let mx='\(\f\+\),\s*\(\d\+\),\s*\(\d\+\)'
6936 :"get the part matching the whole expression
6937 :let l = matchstr(line, mx)
6938 :"get each item out of the match
6939 :let file = substitute(l, mx, '\1', '')
6940 :let lnum = substitute(l, mx, '\2', '')
6941 :let col = substitute(l, mx, '\3', '')
6942
6943The input is in the variable "line", the results in the variables "file",
6944"lnum" and "col". (idea from Michael Geddes)
6945
6946==============================================================================
694710. No +eval feature *no-eval-feature*
6948
6949When the |+eval| feature was disabled at compile time, none of the expression
6950evaluation commands are available. To prevent this from causing Vim scripts
6951to generate all kinds of errors, the ":if" and ":endif" commands are still
6952recognized, though the argument of the ":if" and everything between the ":if"
6953and the matching ":endif" is ignored. Nesting of ":if" blocks is allowed, but
6954only if the commands are at the start of the line. The ":else" command is not
6955recognized.
6956
6957Example of how to avoid executing commands when the |+eval| feature is
6958missing: >
6959
6960 :if 1
6961 : echo "Expression evaluation is compiled in"
6962 :else
6963 : echo "You will _never_ see this message"
6964 :endif
6965
6966==============================================================================
696711. The sandbox *eval-sandbox* *sandbox* *E48*
6968
6969The 'foldexpr', 'includeexpr', 'indentexpr', 'statusline' and 'foldtext'
6970options are evaluated in a sandbox. This means that you are protected from
6971these expressions having nasty side effects. This gives some safety for when
6972these options are set from a modeline. It is also used when the command from
Bram Moolenaarebefac62005-12-28 22:39:57 +00006973a tags file is executed and for CTRL-R = in the command line.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00006974The sandbox is also used for the |:sandbox| command.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006975
6976These items are not allowed in the sandbox:
6977 - changing the buffer text
6978 - defining or changing mapping, autocommands, functions, user commands
6979 - setting certain options (see |option-summary|)
6980 - executing a shell command
6981 - reading or writing a file
6982 - jumping to another buffer or editing a file
Bram Moolenaar4770d092006-01-12 23:22:24 +00006983 - executing Python, Perl, etc. commands
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00006984This is not guaranteed 100% secure, but it should block most attacks.
6985
6986 *:san* *:sandbox*
Bram Moolenaar045e82d2005-07-08 22:25:33 +00006987:san[dbox] {cmd} Execute {cmd} in the sandbox. Useful to evaluate an
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00006988 option that may have been set from a modeline, e.g.
6989 'foldexpr'.
6990
Bram Moolenaarb71eaae2006-01-20 23:10:18 +00006991 *sandbox-option*
6992A few options contain an expression. When this expression is evaluated it may
Bram Moolenaard1f56e62006-02-22 21:25:37 +00006993have to be done in the sandbox to avoid a security risc. But the sandbox is
Bram Moolenaarb71eaae2006-01-20 23:10:18 +00006994restrictive, thus this only happens when the option was set from an insecure
6995location. Insecure in this context are:
6996- sourcing a .vimrc or .exrc in the current directlry
6997- while executing in the sandbox
6998- value coming from a modeline
6999
7000Note that when in the sandbox and saving an option value and restoring it, the
7001option will still be marked as it was set in the sandbox.
7002
7003==============================================================================
700412. Textlock *textlock*
7005
7006In a few situations it is not allowed to change the text in the buffer, jump
7007to another window and some other things that might confuse or break what Vim
7008is currently doing. This mostly applies to things that happen when Vim is
7009actually doing something else. For example, evaluating the 'balloonexpr' may
7010happen any moment the mouse cursor is resting at some position.
7011
7012This is not allowed when the textlock is active:
7013 - changing the buffer text
7014 - jumping to another buffer or window
7015 - editing another file
7016 - closing a window or quitting Vim
7017 - etc.
7018
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00007019
7020 vim:tw=78:ts=8:ft=help:norl: