blob: 5ffc8a85da8b1b3857bf009006782a042140629f [file] [log] [blame]
Bram Moolenaar8dff8182006-04-06 20:18:50 +00001*insert.txt* For Vim version 7.0c. Last change: 2006 Apr 06
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002
3
4 VIM REFERENCE MANUAL by Bram Moolenaar
5
6
7 *Insert* *Insert-mode*
8Inserting and replacing text *mode-ins-repl*
9
10Most of this file is about Insert and Replace mode. At the end are a few
11commands for inserting text in other ways.
12
13An overview of the most often used commands can be found in chapter 24 of the
14user manual |usr_24.txt|.
15
161. Special keys |ins-special-keys|
172. Special special keys |ins-special-special|
183. 'textwidth' and 'wrapmargin' options |ins-textwidth|
194. 'expandtab', 'smarttab' and 'softtabstop' options |ins-expandtab|
205. Replace mode |Replace-mode|
216. Virtual Replace mode |Virtual-Replace-mode|
227. Insert mode completion |ins-completion|
238. Insert mode commands |inserting|
249. Ex insert commands |inserting-ex|
2510. Inserting a file |inserting-file|
26
27Also see 'virtualedit', for moving the cursor to positions where there is no
28character. Useful for editing a table.
29
30==============================================================================
311. Special keys *ins-special-keys*
32
33In Insert and Replace mode, the following characters have a special meaning;
34other characters are inserted directly. To insert one of these special
35characters into the buffer, precede it with CTRL-V. To insert a <Nul>
36character use "CTRL-V CTRL-@" or "CTRL-V 000". On some systems, you have to
37use "CTRL-V 003" to insert a CTRL-C. Note: When CTRL-V is mapped you can
38often use CTRL-Q instead |i_CTRL-Q|.
39
40If you are working in a special language mode when inserting text, see the
41'langmap' option, |'langmap'|, on how to avoid switching this mode on and off
42all the time.
43
44If you have 'insertmode' set, <Esc> and a few other keys get another meaning.
45See |'insertmode'|.
46
47char action ~
48-----------------------------------------------------------------------
49 *i_CTRL-[* *i_<Esc>*
50<Esc> or CTRL-[ End insert or Replace mode, go back to Normal mode. Finish
51 abbreviation.
52 Note: If your <Esc> key is hard to hit on your keyboard, train
53 yourself to use CTRL-[.
54 *i_CTRL-C*
55CTRL-C Quit insert mode, go back to Normal mode. Do not check for
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +000056 abbreviations. Does not trigger the |InsertLeave| autocommand
57 event.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000058
59 *i_CTRL-@*
60CTRL-@ Insert previously inserted text and stop insert. {Vi: only
61 when typed as first char, only up to 128 chars}
62 *i_CTRL-A*
63CTRL-A Insert previously inserted text. {not in Vi}
64
65 *i_CTRL-H* *i_<BS>* *i_BS*
66<BS> or CTRL-H Delete the character before the cursor (see |i_backspacing|
67 about joining lines).
68 See |:fixdel| if your <BS> key does not do what you want.
69 {Vi: does not delete autoindents}
70 *i_<Del>* *i_DEL*
71<Del> Delete the character under the cursor. If the cursor is at
72 the end of the line, and the 'backspace' option includes
73 "eol", delete the <EOL>; the next line is appended after the
74 current one.
75 See |:fixdel| if your <Del> key does not do what you want.
76 {not in Vi}
77 *i_CTRL-W*
78CTRL-W Delete the word before the cursor (see |i_backspacing| about
79 joining lines). See the section "word motions",
80 |word-motions|, for the definition of a word.
81 *i_CTRL-U*
82CTRL-U Delete all entered characters in the current line (see
83 |i_backspacing| about joining lines).
84
85 *i_CTRL-I* *i_<Tab>* *i_Tab*
86<Tab> or CTRL-I Insert a tab. If the 'expandtab' option is on, the
87 equivalent number of spaces is inserted (use CTRL-V <Tab> to
88 avoid the expansion; use CTRL-Q <Tab> if CTRL-V is mapped
89 |i_CTRL-Q|). See also the 'smarttab' option and
90 |ins-expandtab|.
91 *i_CTRL-J* *i_<NL>*
92<NL> or CTRL-J Begin new line.
93 *i_CTRL-M* *i_<CR>*
94<CR> or CTRL-M Begin new line.
95 *i_CTRL-K*
96CTRL-K {char1} [char2]
97 Enter digraph (see |digraphs|). When {char1} is a special
98 key, the code for that key is inserted in <> form. For
99 example, the string "<S-Space>" can be entered by typing
100 <C-K><S-Space> (two keys). Neither char is considered for
101 mapping. {not in Vi}
102
103CTRL-N Find next keyword (see |i_CTRL-N|). {not in Vi}
104CTRL-P Find previous keyword (see |i_CTRL-P|). {not in Vi}
105
106CTRL-R {0-9a-z"%#*+:.-=} *i_CTRL-R*
107 Insert the contents of a register. Between typing CTRL-R and
108 the second character, '"' will be displayed to indicate that
109 you are expected to enter the name of a register.
110 The text is inserted as if you typed it, but mappings and
111 abbreviations are not used. If you have options like
112 'textwidth', 'formatoptions', or 'autoindent' set, this will
113 influence what will be inserted. This is different from what
114 happens with the "p" command and pasting with the mouse.
115 Special registers:
116 '"' the unnamed register, containing the text of
117 the last delete or yank
118 '%' the current file name
119 '#' the alternate file name
120 '*' the clipboard contents (X11: primary selection)
121 '+' the clipboard contents
122 '/' the last search pattern
123 ':' the last command-line
124 '.' the last inserted text
125 '-' the last small (less than a line) delete
126 '=' the expression register: you are prompted to
127 enter an expression (see |expression|)
Bram Moolenaar293ee4d2004-12-09 21:34:53 +0000128 Note that 0x80 (128 decimal) is used for
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +0000129 special keys. E.g., you can use this to move
130 the cursor up:
131 CTRL-R ="\<Up>"
132 Use CTRL-R CTRL-R to insert text literally.
Bram Moolenaar362e1a32006-03-06 23:29:24 +0000133 When the result is a |List| the items are used
134 as lines. They can have line breaks inside
135 too.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000136 See |registers| about registers. {not in Vi}
137
138CTRL-R CTRL-R {0-9a-z"%#*+/:.-=} *i_CTRL-R_CTRL-R*
139 Insert the contents of a register. Works like using a single
140 CTRL-R, but the text is inserted literally, not as if typed.
141 This differs when the register contains characters like <BS>.
142 Example, where register a contains "ab^Hc": >
143 CTRL-R a results in "ac".
144 CTRL-R CTRL-R a results in "ab^Hc".
145< Options 'textwidth', 'formatoptions', etc. still apply. If
146 you also want to avoid these, use "<C-R><C-O>r", see below.
147 The '.' register (last inserted text) is still inserted as
148 typed. {not in Vi}
149
150CTRL-R CTRL-O {0-9a-z"%#*+/:.-=} *i_CTRL-R_CTRL-O*
151 Insert the contents of a register literally and don't
152 auto-indent. Does the same as pasting with the mouse
153 |<MiddleMouse>|.
154 Does not replace characters!
155 The '.' register (last inserted text) is still inserted as
156 typed. {not in Vi}
157
158CTRL-R CTRL-P {0-9a-z"%#*+/:.-=} *i_CTRL-R_CTRL-P*
159 Insert the contents of a register literally and fix the
160 indent, like |[<MiddleMouse>|.
161 Does not replace characters!
162 The '.' register (last inserted text) is still inserted as
163 typed. {not in Vi}
164
165 *i_CTRL-T*
166CTRL-T Insert one shiftwidth of indent at the start of the current
167 line. The indent is always rounded to a 'shiftwidth' (this is
168 vi compatible). {Vi: only when in indent}
169 *i_CTRL-D*
170CTRL-D Delete one shiftwidth of indent at the start of the current
171 line. The indent is always rounded to a 'shiftwidth' (this is
172 vi compatible). {Vi: CTRL-D works only when used after
173 autoindent}
174 *i_0_CTRL-D*
1750 CTRL-D Delete all indent in the current line. {Vi: CTRL-D works
176 only when used after autoindent}
177 *i_^_CTRL-D*
178^ CTRL-D Delete all indent in the current line. The indent is
179 restored in the next line. This is useful when inserting a
180 label. {Vi: CTRL-D works only when used after autoindent}
181
182 *i_CTRL-V*
183CTRL-V Insert next non-digit literally. For special keys, the
184 terminal code is inserted. It's also possible to enter the
185 decimal, octal or hexadecimal value of a character
186 |i_CTRL-V_digit|.
187 The characters typed right after CTRL-V are not considered for
188 mapping. {Vi: no decimal byte entry}
189 Note: When CTRL-V is mapped (e.g., to paste text) you can
190 often use CTRL-Q instead |i_CTRL-Q|.
191
192 *i_CTRL-Q*
193CTRL-Q Same as CTRL-V.
194 Note: Some terminal connections may eat CTRL-Q, it doesn't
195 work then. It does work in the GUI.
196
197CTRL-X Enter CTRL-X mode. This is a sub-mode where commands can
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +0000198 be given to complete words or scroll the window. See
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000199 |i_CTRL-X| and |ins-completion|. {not in Vi}
200
201 *i_CTRL-E*
202CTRL-E Insert the character which is below the cursor. {not in Vi}
203 *i_CTRL-Y*
204CTRL-Y Insert the character which is above the cursor. {not in Vi}
205 Note that for CTRL-E and CTRL-Y 'textwidth' is not used, to be
206 able to copy characters from a long line.
207
208 *i_CTRL-_*
209CTRL-_ Switch between languages, as follows:
210 - When in a rightleft window, revins and nohkmap are toggled,
211 since English will likely be inserted in this case.
212 - When in a norightleft window, revins and hkmap are toggled,
213 since Hebrew will likely be inserted in this case.
214
215 CTRL-_ moves the cursor to the end of the typed text.
216
217 This command is only available when the 'allowrevins' option
218 is set.
219 Please refer to |rileft.txt| for more information about
220 right-to-left mode.
221 {not in Vi}
222 Only if compiled with the |+rightleft| feature (which is not
223 the default).
224 *i_CTRL-^*
225CTRL-^ Toggle the use of typing language characters.
226 When language |:lmap| mappings are defined:
227 - If 'iminsert' is 1 (langmap mappings used) it becomes 0 (no
228 langmap mappings used).
229 - If 'iminsert' has another value it becomes 1, thus langmap
230 mappings are enabled.
231 When no language mappings are defined:
232 - If 'iminsert' is 2 (Input Method used) it becomes 0 (no
233 Input Method used).
234 - If 'iminsert' has another value it becomes 2, thus the Input
235 Method is enabled.
236 When set to 1, the value of the "b:keymap_name" variable, the
237 'keymap' option or "<lang>" appears in the status line.
238 The language mappings are normally used to type characters
239 that are different from what the keyboard produces. The
240 'keymap' option can be used to install a whole number of them.
241 {not in Vi}
242
243 *i_CTRL-]*
244CTRL-] Trigger abbreviation, without inserting a character. {not in
245 Vi}
246
247 *i_<Insert>*
248<Insert> Toggle between Insert and Replace mode. {not in Vi}
249-----------------------------------------------------------------------
250
251 *i_backspacing*
252The effect of the <BS>, CTRL-W, and CTRL-U depend on the 'backspace' option
253(unless 'revins' is set). This is a comma separated list of items:
254
255item action ~
256indent allow backspacing over autoindent
257eol allow backspacing over end-of-line (join lines)
258start allow backspacing over the start position of insert; CTRL-W and
259 CTRL-U stop once at the start position
260
261When 'backspace' is empty, Vi compatible backspacing is used. You cannot
262backspace over autoindent, before column 1 or before where insert started.
263
264For backwards compatibility the values "0", "1" and "2" are also allowed, see
265|'backspace'|.
266
267If the 'backspace' option does contain "eol" and the cursor is in column 1
268when one of the three keys is used, the current line is joined with the
269previous line. This effectively deletes the <EOL> in front of the cursor.
270{Vi: does not cross lines, does not delete past start position of insert}
271
272 *i_CTRL-V_digit*
273With CTRL-V the decimal, octal or hexadecimal value of a character can be
274entered directly. This way you can enter any character, except a line break
275(<NL>, value 10). There are five ways to enter the character value:
276
277first char mode max nr of chars max value ~
278(none) decimal 3 255
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +0000279o or O octal 3 377 (255)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000280x or X hexadecimal 2 ff (255)
281u hexadecimal 4 ffff (65535)
282U hexadecimal 8 7fffffff (2147483647)
283
284Normally you would type the maximum number of characters. Thus to enter a
285space (value 32) you would type <C-V>032. You can omit the leading zero, in
286which case the character typed after the number must be a non-digit. This
287happens for the other modes as well: As soon as you type a character that is
288invalid for the mode, the value before it will be used and the "invalid"
289character is dealt with in the normal way.
290
291If you enter a value of 10, it will end up in the file as a 0. The 10 is a
292<NL>, which is used internally to represent the <Nul> character. When writing
293the buffer to a file, the <NL> character is translated into <Nul>. The <NL>
294character is written at the end of each line. Thus if you want to insert a
295<NL> character in a file you will have to make a line break.
296
297 *i_CTRL-X* *insert_expand*
298CTRL-X enters a sub-mode where several commands can be used. Most of these
299commands do keyword completion; see |ins-completion|. These are not available
300when Vim was compiled without the |+insert_expand| feature.
301
302Two commands can be used to scroll the window up or down, without exiting
303insert mode:
304
305 *i_CTRL-X_CTRL-E*
306CTRL-X CTRL-E scroll window one line up.
Bram Moolenaard2cec5b2006-03-28 21:08:56 +0000307 When doing completion look here: |complete_CTRL-E|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000308
309 *i_CTRL-X_CTRL-Y*
310CTRL-X CTRL-Y scroll window one line down.
Bram Moolenaard2cec5b2006-03-28 21:08:56 +0000311 When doing completion look here: |complete_CTRL-Y|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000312
313After CTRL-X is pressed, each CTRL-E (CTRL-Y) scrolls the window up (down) by
314one line unless that would cause the cursor to move from its current position
315in the file. As soon as another key is pressed, CTRL-X mode is exited and
316that key is interpreted as in Insert mode.
317
318
319==============================================================================
3202. Special special keys *ins-special-special*
321
322The following keys are special. They stop the current insert, do something,
323and then restart insertion. This means you can do something without getting
324out of Insert mode. This is very handy if you prefer to use the Insert mode
325all the time, just like editors that don't have a separate Normal mode. You
326may also want to set the 'backspace' option to "indent,eol,start" and set the
327'insertmode' option. You can use CTRL-O if you want to map a function key to
328a command.
329
330The changes (inserted or deleted characters) before and after these keys can
331be undone separately. Only the last change can be redone and always behaves
332like an "i" command.
333
334char action ~
335-----------------------------------------------------------------------
336<Up> cursor one line up *i_<Up>*
337<Down> cursor one line down *i_<Down>*
338CTRL-G <Up> cursor one line up, insert start column *i_CTRL-G_<Up>*
339CTRL-G k cursor one line up, insert start column *i_CTRL-G_k*
340CTRL-G CTRL-K cursor one line up, insert start column *i_CTRL-G_CTRL-K*
341CTRL-G <Down> cursor one line down, insert start column *i_CTRL-G_<Down>*
342CTRL-G j cursor one line down, insert start column *i_CTRL-G_j*
343CTRL-G CTRL-J cursor one line down, insert start column *i_CTRL-G_CTRL-J*
344<Left> cursor one character left *i_<Left>*
345<Right> cursor one character right *i_<Right>*
346<S-Left> cursor one word back (like "b" command) *i_<S-Left>*
347<C-Left> cursor one word back (like "b" command) *i_<C-Left>*
348<S-Right> cursor one word forward (like "w" command) *i_<S-Right>*
349<C-Right> cursor one word forward (like "w" command) *i_<C-Right>*
350<Home> cursor to first char in the line *i_<Home>*
351<End> cursor to after last char in the line *i_<End>*
352<C-Home> cursor to first char in the file *i_<C-Home>*
353<C-End> cursor to after last char in the file *i_<C-End>*
354<LeftMouse> cursor to position of mouse click *i_<LeftMouse>*
355<S-Up> move window one page up *i_<S-Up>*
356<PageUp> move window one page up *i_<PageUp>*
357<S-Down> move window one page down *i_<S-Down>*
358<PageDown> move window one page down *i_<PageDown>*
359<MouseDown> scroll three lines down *i_<MouseDown>*
360<S-MouseDown> scroll a full page down *i_<S-MouseDown>*
361<MouseUp> scroll three lines up *i_<MouseUp>*
362<S-MouseUp> scroll a full page up *i_<S-MouseUp>*
363CTRL-O execute one command, return to Insert mode *i_CTRL-O*
Bram Moolenaar4770d092006-01-12 23:22:24 +0000364CTRL-\ CTRL-O like CTRL-O but don't move the cursor *i_CTRL-\_CTRL-O*
Bram Moolenaar488c6512005-08-11 20:09:58 +0000365CTRL-L when 'insertmode' is set: go to Normal mode *i_CTRL-L*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000366CTRL-G u break undo sequence, start new change *i_CTRL-G_u*
367-----------------------------------------------------------------------
368
369Note: If the cursor keys take you out of Insert mode, check the 'noesckeys'
370option.
371
372The CTRL-O command sometimes has a side effect: If the cursor was beyond the
373end of the line, it will be put on the last character in the line. In
374mappings it's often better to use <Esc> (first put an "x" in the text, <Esc>
Bram Moolenaar488c6512005-08-11 20:09:58 +0000375will then always put the cursor on it). Or use CTRL-\ CTRL-O, but then
376beware of the cursor possibly being beyond the end of the line.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000377
378The shifted cursor keys are not available on all terminals.
379
380Another side effect is that a count specified before the "i" or "a" command is
381ignored. That is because repeating the effect of the command after CTRL-O is
382too complicated.
383
384An example for using CTRL-G u: >
385
386 :inoremap <C-H> <C-G>u<C-H>
387
388This redefines the backspace key to start a new undo sequence. You can now
389undo the effect of the backspace key, without changing what you typed before
390that, with CTRL-O u.
391
Bram Moolenaarf4b8e572004-06-24 15:53:16 +0000392Using CTRL-O splits undo: the text typed before and after it is undone
393separately. If you want to avoid this (e.g., in a mapping) you might be able
394to use CTRL-R = |i_CTRL-R|. E.g., to call a function: >
395 :imap <F2> <C-R>=MyFunc()<CR>
396
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000397When the 'whichwrap' option is set appropriately, the <Left> and <Right>
398keys on the first/last character in the line make the cursor wrap to the
399previous/next line.
400
401The CTRL-G j and CTRL-G k commands can be used to insert text in front of a
402column. Example: >
403 int i;
404 int j;
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +0000405Position the cursor on the first "int", type "istatic <C-G>j ". The
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000406result is: >
407 static int i;
408 int j;
409When inserting the same text in front of the column in every line, use the
410Visual blockwise command "I" |v_b_I|.
411
412==============================================================================
4133. 'textwidth' and 'wrapmargin' options *ins-textwidth*
414
415The 'textwidth' option can be used to automatically break a line before it
416gets too long. Set the 'textwidth' option to the desired maximum line
417length. If you then type more characters (not spaces or tabs), the
418last word will be put on a new line (unless it is the only word on the
419line). If you set 'textwidth' to 0, this feature is disabled.
420
421The 'wrapmargin' option does almost the same. The difference is that
422'textwidth' has a fixed width while 'wrapmargin' depends on the width of the
423screen. When using 'wrapmargin' this is equal to using 'textwidth' with a
424value equal to (columns - 'wrapmargin'), where columns is the width of the
425screen.
426
427When 'textwidth' and 'wrapmargin' are both set, 'textwidth' is used.
428
429If you don't really want to break the line, but view the line wrapped at a
430convenient place, see the 'linebreak' option.
431
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +0000432The line is only broken automatically when using Insert mode, or when
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000433appending to a line. When in replace mode and the line length is not
434changed, the line will not be broken.
435
436Long lines are broken if you enter a non-white character after the margin.
437The situations where a line will be broken can be restricted by adding
438characters to the 'formatoptions' option:
439"l" Only break a line if it was not longer than 'textwidth' when the insert
440 started.
441"v" Only break at a white character that has been entered during the
442 current insert command. This is mostly Vi-compatible.
443"lv" Only break if the line was not longer than 'textwidth' when the insert
444 started and only at a white character that has been entered during the
445 current insert command. Only differs from "l" when entering non-white
446 characters while crossing the 'textwidth' boundary.
447
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +0000448Normally an internal function will be used to decide where to break the line.
449If you want to do it in a different way set the 'formatexpr' option to an
450expression that will take care of the line break.
451
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000452If you want to format a block of text, you can use the "gq" operator. Type
453"gq" and a movement command to move the cursor to the end of the block. In
454many cases, the command "gq}" will do what you want (format until the end of
455paragraph). Alternatively, you can use "gqap", which will format the whole
456paragraph, no matter where the cursor currently is. Or you can use Visual
457mode: hit "v", move to the end of the block, and type "gq". See also |gq|.
458
459==============================================================================
4604. 'expandtab', 'smarttab' and 'softtabstop' options *ins-expandtab*
461
462If the 'expandtab' option is on, spaces will be used to fill the amount of
463whitespace of the tab. If you want to enter a real <Tab>, type CTRL-V first
464(use CTRL-Q when CTRL-V is mapped |i_CTRL-Q|).
465The 'expandtab' option is off by default. Note that in Replace mode, a single
466character is replaced with several spaces. The result of this is that the
467number of characters in the line increases. Backspacing will delete one
468space at a time. The original character will be put back for only one space
469that you backspace over (the last one). {Vi does not have the 'expandtab'
470option}
471
472 *ins-smarttab*
473When the 'smarttab' option is on, a <Tab> inserts 'shiftwidth' positions at
474the beginning of a line and 'tabstop' positions in other places. This means
475that often spaces instead of a <Tab> character are inserted. When 'smarttab
476is off, a <Tab> always inserts 'tabstop' positions, and 'shiftwidth' is only
477used for ">>" and the like. {not in Vi}
478
479 *ins-softtabstop*
480When the 'softtabstop' option is non-zero, a <Tab> inserts 'softtabstop'
481positions, and a <BS> used to delete white space, will delete 'softtabstop'
482positions. This feels like 'tabstop' was set to 'softtabstop', but a real
483<Tab> character still takes 'tabstop' positions, so your file will still look
484correct when used by other applications.
485
486If 'softtabstop' is non-zero, a <BS> will try to delete as much white space to
487move to the previous 'softtabstop' position, except when the previously
488inserted character is a space, then it will only delete the character before
489the cursor. Otherwise you cannot always delete a single character before the
490cursor. You will have to delete 'softtabstop' characters first, and then type
491extra spaces to get where you want to be.
492
493==============================================================================
4945. Replace mode *Replace* *Replace-mode* *mode-replace*
495
496Enter Replace mode with the "R" command in normal mode.
497
498In Replace mode, one character in the line is deleted for every character you
499type. If there is no character to delete (at the end of the line), the
500typed character is appended (as in Insert mode). Thus the number of
501characters in a line stays the same until you get to the end of the line.
502If a <NL> is typed, a line break is inserted and no character is deleted.
503
504Be careful with <Tab> characters. If you type a normal printing character in
505its place, the number of characters is still the same, but the number of
506columns will become smaller.
507
508If you delete characters in Replace mode (with <BS>, CTRL-W, or CTRL-U), what
509happens is that you delete the changes. The characters that were replaced
510are restored. If you had typed past the existing text, the characters you
511added are deleted. This is effectively a character-at-a-time undo.
512
513If the 'expandtab' option is on, a <Tab> will replace one character with
514several spaces. The result of this is that the number of characters in the
515line increases. Backspacing will delete one space at a time. The original
516character will be put back for only one space that you backspace over (the
517last one). {Vi does not have the 'expandtab' option}
518
519==============================================================================
5206. Virtual Replace mode *vreplace-mode* *Virtual-Replace-mode*
521
522Enter Virtual Replace mode with the "gR" command in normal mode.
523{not available when compiled without the +vreplace feature}
524{Vi does not have Virtual Replace mode}
525
526Virtual Replace mode is similar to Replace mode, but instead of replacing
527actual characters in the file, you are replacing screen real estate, so that
528characters further on in the file never appear to move.
529
530So if you type a <Tab> it may replace several normal characters, and if you
531type a letter on top of a <Tab> it may not replace anything at all, since the
532<Tab> will still line up to the same place as before.
533
534Typing a <NL> still doesn't cause characters later in the file to appear to
535move. The rest of the current line will be replaced by the <NL> (that is,
536they are deleted), and replacing continues on the next line. A new line is
537NOT inserted unless you go past the end of the file.
538
539Interesting effects are seen when using CTRL-T and CTRL-D. The characters
540before the cursor are shifted sideways as normal, but characters later in the
541line still remain still. CTRL-T will hide some of the old line under the
542shifted characters, but CTRL-D will reveal them again.
543
544As with Replace mode, using <BS> etc will bring back the characters that were
545replaced. This still works in conjunction with 'smartindent', CTRL-T and
546CTRL-D, 'expandtab', 'smarttab', 'softtabstop', etc.
547
548In 'list' mode, Virtual Replace mode acts as if it was not in 'list' mode,
549unless "L" is in 'cpoptions'.
550
551Note that the only times characters beyond the cursor should appear to move
552are in 'list' mode, and occasionally when 'wrap' is set (and the line changes
553length to become shorter or wider than the width of the screen), or
554momentarily when typing over a CTRL character. A CTRL character takes up two
555screen spaces. When replacing it with two normal characters, the first will
556be inserted and the second will replace the CTRL character.
557
558This mode is very useful for editing <Tab> separated columns in tables, for
559entering new data while keeping all the columns aligned.
560
561==============================================================================
5627. Insert mode completion *ins-completion*
563
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +0000564In Insert and Replace mode, there are several commands to complete part of a
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000565keyword or line that has been typed. This is useful if you are using
566complicated keywords (e.g., function names with capitals and underscores).
567
568These commands are not available when the |+insert_expand| feature was
569disabled at compile time.
570
571Completion can be done for:
572
5731. Whole lines |i_CTRL-X_CTRL-L|
5742. keywords in the current file |i_CTRL-X_CTRL-N|
5753. keywords in 'dictionary' |i_CTRL-X_CTRL-K|
5764. keywords in 'thesaurus', thesaurus-style |i_CTRL-X_CTRL-T|
5775. keywords in the current and included files |i_CTRL-X_CTRL-I|
5786. tags |i_CTRL-X_CTRL-]|
5797. file names |i_CTRL-X_CTRL-F|
5808. definitions or macros |i_CTRL-X_CTRL-D|
5819. Vim command-line |i_CTRL-X_CTRL-V|
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +000058210. User defined completion |i_CTRL-X_CTRL-U|
Bram Moolenaarf75a9632005-09-13 21:20:47 +000058311. omni completion |i_CTRL-X_CTRL-O|
Bram Moolenaar488c6512005-08-11 20:09:58 +000058412. Spelling suggestions |i_CTRL-X_s|
58513. keywords in 'complete' |i_CTRL-N|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000586
587All these (except 2) are done in CTRL-X mode. This is a sub-mode of Insert
588and Replace modes. You enter CTRL-X mode by typing CTRL-X and one of the
589CTRL-X commands. You exit CTRL-X mode by typing a key that is not a valid
590CTRL-X mode command. Valid keys are the CTRL-X command itself, CTRL-N (next),
591and CTRL-P (previous).
592
593Also see the 'infercase' option if you want to adjust the case of the match.
594
Bram Moolenaard2cec5b2006-03-28 21:08:56 +0000595 *complete_CTRL-E*
596When completion is active you can use CTRL-E to stop it and go back to the
597orignally typed text. The CTRL-E will not be inserted.
598
599 *complete_CTRL-Y*
600When the popup menu is displayed you can use CTRL-Y to stop completion and
601accept the currently selected entry. The CTRL-Y is not inserted. Typing a
602space, Enter, or some other unprintable character will leave completion mode
603and insert that typed character.
604
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000605Note: The keys that are valid in CTRL-X mode are not mapped. This allows for
606":map ^F ^X^F" to work (where ^F is CTRL-F and ^X is CTRL-X). The key that
607ends CTRL-X mode (any key that is not a valid CTRL-X mode command) is mapped.
608Also, when doing completion with 'complete' mappings apply as usual.
609
610The following mappings are suggested to make typing the completion commands
611a bit easier (although they will hide other commands): >
612 :inoremap ^] ^X^]
613 :inoremap ^F ^X^F
614 :inoremap ^D ^X^D
615 :inoremap ^L ^X^L
616
617As a special case, typing CTRL-R to perform register insertion (see
618|i_CTRL-R|) will not exit CTRL-X mode. This is primarily to allow the use of
619the '=' register to call some function to determine the next operation. If
620the contents of the register (or result of the '=' register evaluation) are
621not valid CTRL-X mode keys, then CTRL-X mode will be exited as if those keys
622had been typed.
623
624For example, the following will map <Tab> to either actually insert a <Tab> if
625the current line is currently only whitespace, or start/continue a CTRL-N
626completion operation: >
627
628 function! CleverTab()
629 if strpart( getline('.'), 0, col('.')-1 ) =~ '^\s*$'
630 return "\<Tab>"
631 else
632 return "\<C-N>"
633 endfunction
634 inoremap <Tab> <C-R>=CleverTab()<CR>
635
636
637
638Completing whole lines *compl-whole-line*
639
640 *i_CTRL-X_CTRL-L*
641CTRL-X CTRL-L Search backwards for a line that starts with the
Bram Moolenaar83bab712005-08-01 21:58:57 +0000642 same characters as those in the current line before
643 the cursor. Indent is ignored. The matching line is
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000644 inserted in front of the cursor.
Bram Moolenaar83bab712005-08-01 21:58:57 +0000645 The 'complete' option is used to decide which buffers
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +0000646 are searched for a match. Both loaded and unloaded
647 buffers are used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000648 CTRL-L or
649 CTRL-P Search backwards for next matching line. This line
650 replaces the previous matching line.
651
652 CTRL-N Search forward for next matching line. This line
653 replaces the previous matching line.
654
655 CTRL-X CTRL-L After expanding a line you can additionally get the
656 line next to it by typing CTRL-X CTRL-L again, unless
657 a double CTRL-X is used.
658
659Completing keywords in current file *compl-current*
660
661 *i_CTRL-X_CTRL-P*
662 *i_CTRL-X_CTRL-N*
663CTRL-X CTRL-N Search forwards for words that start with the keyword
664 in front of the cursor. The found keyword is inserted
665 in front of the cursor.
666
667CTRL-X CTRL-P Search backwards for words that start with the keyword
668 in front of the cursor. The found keyword is inserted
669 in front of the cursor.
670
671 CTRL-N Search forward for next matching keyword. This
672 keyword replaces the previous matching keyword.
673
674 CTRL-P Search backwards for next matching keyword. This
675 keyword replaces the previous matching keyword.
676
677 CTRL-X CTRL-N or
678 CTRL-X CTRL-P Further use of CTRL-X CTRL-N or CTRL-X CTRL-P will
679 copy the words following the previous expansion in
680 other contexts unless a double CTRL-X is used.
681
682If there is a keyword in front of the cursor (a name made out of alphabetic
683characters and characters in 'iskeyword'), it is used as the search pattern,
684with "\<" prepended (meaning: start of a word). Otherwise "\<\k\k" is used
685as search pattern (start of any keyword of at least two characters).
686
687In Replace mode, the number of characters that are replaced depends on the
688length of the matched string. This works like typing the characters of the
689matched string in Replace mode.
690
691If there is not a valid keyword character before the cursor, any keyword of
692at least two characters is matched.
693 e.g., to get:
694 printf("(%g, %g, %g)", vector[0], vector[1], vector[2]);
695 just type:
696 printf("(%g, %g, %g)", vector[0], ^P[1], ^P[2]);
697
Bram Moolenaarf75a9632005-09-13 21:20:47 +0000698The search wraps around the end of the file, the value of 'wrapscan' is not
699used here.
700
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000701Multiple repeats of the same completion are skipped; thus a different match
702will be inserted at each CTRL-N and CTRL-P (unless there is only one
703matching keyword).
704
705Single character matches are never included, as they usually just get in
706the way of what you were really after.
707 e.g., to get:
708 printf("name = %s\n", name);
709 just type:
710 printf("name = %s\n", n^P);
711 or even:
712 printf("name = %s\n", ^P);
713The 'n' in '\n' is skipped.
714
715After expanding a word, you can use CTRL-X CTRL-P or CTRL-X CTRL-N to get the
716word following the expansion in other contexts. These sequences search for
717the text just expanded and further expand by getting an extra word. This is
718useful if you need to repeat a sequence of complicated words. Although CTRL-P
719and CTRL-N look just for strings of at least two characters, CTRL-X CTRL-P and
720CTRL-X CTRL-N can be used to expand words of just one character.
721 e.g., to get:
722 M&eacute;xico
723 you can type:
724 M^N^P^X^P^X^P
725CTRL-N starts the expansion and then CTRL-P takes back the single character
726"M", the next two CTRL-X CTRL-P's get the words "&eacute" and ";xico".
727
728If the previous expansion was split, because it got longer than 'textwidth',
729then just the text in the current line will be used.
730
731If the match found is at the end of a line, then the first word in the next
732line will be inserted and the message "word from next line" displayed, if
733this word is accepted the next CTRL-X CTRL-P or CTRL-X CTRL-N will search
734for those lines starting with this word.
735
736
737Completing keywords in 'dictionary' *compl-dictionary*
738
739 *i_CTRL-X_CTRL-K*
740CTRL-X CTRL-K Search the files given with the 'dictionary' option
741 for words that start with the keyword in front of the
742 cursor. This is like CTRL-N, but only the dictionary
743 files are searched, not the current file. The found
744 keyword is inserted in front of the cursor. This
745 could potentially be pretty slow, since all matches
746 are found before the first match is used. By default,
747 the 'dictionary' option is empty.
748 For suggestions where to find a list of words, see the
749 'dictionary' option.
750
751 CTRL-K or
752 CTRL-N Search forward for next matching keyword. This
753 keyword replaces the previous matching keyword.
754
755 CTRL-P Search backwards for next matching keyword. This
756 keyword replaces the previous matching keyword.
757
758 *i_CTRL-X_CTRL-T*
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +0000759CTRL-X CTRL-T Works as CTRL-X CTRL-K, but in a special way. It uses
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000760 the 'thesaurus' option instead of 'dictionary'. If a
761 match is found in the thesaurus file, all the
762 remaining words on the same line are included as
763 matches, even though they don't complete the word.
764 Thus a word can be completely replaced.
765
766 For an example, imagine the 'thesaurus' file has a
767 line like this: >
768 angry furious mad enraged
769< Placing the cursor after the letters "ang" and typing
770 CTRL-X CTRL-T would complete the word "angry";
771 subsequent presses would change the word to "furious",
772 "mad" etc.
773 Other uses include translation between two languages,
774 or grouping API functions by keyword.
775
776 CTRL-T or
777 CTRL-N Search forward for next matching keyword. This
778 keyword replaces the previous matching keyword.
779
780 CTRL-P Search backwards for next matching keyword. This
781 keyword replaces the previous matching keyword.
782
783
784Completing keywords in the current and included files *compl-keyword*
785
786The 'include' option is used to specify a line that contains an include file
787name. The 'path' option is used to search for include files.
788
789 *i_CTRL-X_CTRL-I*
790CTRL-X CTRL-I Search for the first keyword in the current and
791 included files that starts with the same characters
792 as those before the cursor. The matched keyword is
793 inserted in front of the cursor.
794
795 CTRL-N Search forwards for next matching keyword. This
796 keyword replaces the previous matching keyword.
797 Note: CTRL-I is the same as <Tab>, which is likely to
798 be typed after a successful completion, therefore
799 CTRL-I is not used for searching for the next match.
800
801 CTRL-P Search backward for previous matching keyword. This
802 keyword replaces the previous matching keyword.
803
804 CTRL-X CTRL-I Further use of CTRL-X CTRL-I will copy the words
805 following the previous expansion in other contexts
806 unless a double CTRL-X is used.
807
808Completing tags *compl-tag*
809 *i_CTRL-X_CTRL-]*
810CTRL-X CTRL-] Search for the first tag that starts with the same
811 characters as before the cursor. The matching tag is
812 inserted in front of the cursor. Alphabetic
813 characters and characters in 'iskeyword' are used
814 to decide which characters are included in the tag
815 name (same as for a keyword). See also |CTRL-]|.
816 The 'showfulltag' option can be used to add context
817 from around the tag definition.
818 CTRL-] or
819 CTRL-N Search forwards for next matching tag. This tag
820 replaces the previous matching tag.
821
822 CTRL-P Search backward for previous matching tag. This tag
823 replaces the previous matching tag.
824
825
826Completing file names *compl-filename*
827 *i_CTRL-X_CTRL-F*
828CTRL-X CTRL-F Search for the first file name that starts with the
829 same characters as before the cursor. The matching
830 file name is inserted in front of the cursor.
831 Alphabetic characters and characters in 'isfname'
832 are used to decide which characters are included in
833 the file name. Note: the 'path' option is not used
834 here (yet).
835 CTRL-F or
836 CTRL-N Search forwards for next matching file name. This
837 file name replaces the previous matching file name.
838
839 CTRL-P Search backward for previous matching file name.
840 This file name replaces the previous matching file
841 name.
842
843
844Completing definitions or macros *compl-define*
845
846The 'define' option is used to specify a line that contains a definition.
847The 'include' option is used to specify a line that contains an include file
848name. The 'path' option is used to search for include files.
849
850 *i_CTRL-X_CTRL-D*
851CTRL-X CTRL-D Search in the current and included files for the
852 first definition (or macro) name that starts with
853 the same characters as before the cursor. The found
854 definition name is inserted in front of the cursor.
855 CTRL-D or
856 CTRL-N Search forwards for next matching macro name. This
857 macro name replaces the previous matching macro
858 name.
859
860 CTRL-P Search backward for previous matching macro name.
861 This macro name replaces the previous matching macro
862 name.
863
864 CTRL-X CTRL-D Further use of CTRL-X CTRL-D will copy the words
865 following the previous expansion in other contexts
866 unless a double CTRL-X is used.
867
868
869Completing Vim commands *compl-vim*
870
871Completion is context-sensitive. It works like on the Command-line. It
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +0000872completes an Ex command as well as its arguments. This is useful when writing
873a Vim script.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000874
875 *i_CTRL-X_CTRL-V*
876CTRL-X CTRL-V Guess what kind of item is in front of the cursor and
877 find the first match for it.
878 Note: When CTRL-V is mapped you can often use CTRL-Q
879 instead |i_CTRL-Q|.
880 CTRL-V or
881 CTRL-N Search forwards for next match. This match replaces
882 the previous one.
883
884 CTRL-P Search backward for previous match. This match
885 replaces the previous one.
886
887 CTRL-X CTRL-V Further use of CTRL-X CTRL-V will do the same as
888 CTRL-V. This allows mapping a key to do Vim command
889 completion, for example: >
890 :imap <Tab> <C-X><C-V>
891
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +0000892User defined completion *compl-function*
Bram Moolenaarcfbc5ee2004-07-02 15:38:35 +0000893
894Completion is done by a function that can be defined by the user with the
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +0000895'completefunc' option. See below for how the function is called and an
896example |complete-functions|.
Bram Moolenaarcfbc5ee2004-07-02 15:38:35 +0000897
898 *i_CTRL-X_CTRL-U*
899CTRL-X CTRL-U Guess what kind of item is in front of the cursor and
900 find the first match for it.
901 CTRL-U or
902 CTRL-N Use the next match. This match replaces the previous
903 one.
904
905 CTRL-P Use the previous match. This match replaces the
906 previous one.
907
908
Bram Moolenaarf75a9632005-09-13 21:20:47 +0000909Omni completion *compl-omni*
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +0000910
Bram Moolenaare344bea2005-09-01 20:46:49 +0000911Completion is done by a function that can be defined by the user with the
Bram Moolenaarf75a9632005-09-13 21:20:47 +0000912'omnifunc' option. This is to be used for filetype-specific completion.
Bram Moolenaare344bea2005-09-01 20:46:49 +0000913
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +0000914See below for how the function is called and an example |complete-functions|.
Bram Moolenaarf75a9632005-09-13 21:20:47 +0000915For remarks about specific filetypes see |compl-omni-filetypes|.
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +0000916
917 *i_CTRL-X_CTRL-O*
918CTRL-X CTRL-O Guess what kind of item is in front of the cursor and
919 find the first match for it.
920 CTRL-O or
921 CTRL-N Use the next match. This match replaces the previous
922 one.
923
924 CTRL-P Use the previous match. This match replaces the
925 previous one.
926
927
Bram Moolenaar488c6512005-08-11 20:09:58 +0000928Spelling suggestions *compl-spelling*
929
Bram Moolenaar5195e452005-08-19 20:32:47 +0000930A word before or at the cursor is located and correctly spelled words are
931suggested to replace it. If there is a badly spelled word in the line, before
932or under the cursor, the cursor is moved to after it. Otherwise the word just
933before the cursor is used for suggestions, even though it isn't badly spelled.
934
Bram Moolenaar488c6512005-08-11 20:09:58 +0000935NOTE: CTRL-S suspends display in many Unix terminals. Use 's' instead. Type
936CTRL-Q to resume displaying.
937
938 *i_CTRL-X_CTRL-S* *i_CTRL-X_s*
939CTRL-X CTRL-S or
940CTRL-X s Locate the word in front of the cursor and find the
941 first spell suggestion for it.
942 CTRL-S or
943 CTRL-N Use the next suggestion. This replaces the previous
944 one. Note that you can't use 's' here.
945
946 CTRL-P Use the previous suggestion. This replaces the
947 previous one.
948
949
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000950Completing keywords from different sources *compl-generic*
951
952 *i_CTRL-N*
953CTRL-N Find next match for words that start with the
954 keyword in front of the cursor, looking in places
955 specified with the 'complete' option. The found
956 keyword is inserted in front of the cursor.
957
958 *i_CTRL-P*
959CTRL-P Find previous match for words that start with the
960 keyword in front of the cursor, looking in places
961 specified with the 'complete' option. The found
962 keyword is inserted in front of the cursor.
963
964 CTRL-N Search forward for next matching keyword. This
965 keyword replaces the previous matching keyword.
966
967 CTRL-P Search backwards for next matching keyword. This
968 keyword replaces the previous matching keyword.
969
970 CTRL-X CTRL-N or
971 CTRL-X CTRL-P Further use of CTRL-X CTRL-N or CTRL-X CTRL-P will
972 copy the words following the previous expansion in
973 other contexts unless a double CTRL-X is used.
974
Bram Moolenaar578b49e2005-09-10 19:22:57 +0000975
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +0000976FUNCTIONS FOR FINDING COMPLETIONS *complete-functions*
977
978This applies to 'completefunc' and 'omnifunc'.
979
Bram Moolenaar8b6144b2006-02-08 09:20:24 +0000980The function is called in two different ways:
981- First the function is called to find the start of the text to be completed.
982- Later the function is called to actually find the matches.
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +0000983
984On the first invocation the arguments are:
985 a:findstart 1
986 a:base empty
987
Bram Moolenaar8b6144b2006-02-08 09:20:24 +0000988The function must return the column where the completion starts. It must be a
989number between zero and the cursor column "col('.')". This involves looking
990at the characters just before the cursor and including those characters that
991could be part of the completed item. The text between this column and the
992cursor column will be replaced with the matches. Return -1 if no completion
993can be done.
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +0000994
995On the second invocation the arguments are:
996 a:findstart 0
Bram Moolenaar8b6144b2006-02-08 09:20:24 +0000997 a:base the text with which matches should match; the text that was
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +0000998 located in the first call (can be empty)
999
1000The function must return a List with the matching words. These matches
1001usually include the "a:base" text. When there are no matches return an empty
Bram Moolenaar8b6144b2006-02-08 09:20:24 +00001002List.
Bram Moolenaar5c4bab02006-03-10 21:37:46 +00001003 *complete-items*
Bram Moolenaar8b6144b2006-02-08 09:20:24 +00001004Each list item can either be a string or a Dictionary. When it is a string it
1005is used as the completion. When it is a Dictionary it can contain these
1006items:
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00001007 word the text that will be inserted, mandatory
1008 abbr abbreviation of "word"; when not empty it is used in
1009 the menu instead of "word"
Bram Moolenaar8dff8182006-04-06 20:18:50 +00001010 menu extra text for the popup menu, displayed after "word"
1011 or "abbr"
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00001012 info more information about the item, can be displayed in a
1013 preview window
Bram Moolenaar8b6144b2006-02-08 09:20:24 +00001014 kind single letter indicating the type of completion
Bram Moolenaar0b598c22006-03-11 21:22:53 +00001015 icase when non-zero case is to be ignored; when omitted
Bram Moolenaard1f56e62006-02-22 21:25:37 +00001016 the 'ignorecase' option is used
Bram Moolenaar8b6144b2006-02-08 09:20:24 +00001017
Bram Moolenaard1f56e62006-02-22 21:25:37 +00001018All of these except 'icase' must be a string. If an item does not meet these
1019requirements then an error message is given and further items in the list are
1020not used. You can mix string and Dictionary items in the returned list.
Bram Moolenaar8b6144b2006-02-08 09:20:24 +00001021
1022The "menu" item is used in the popup menu and may be truncated, thus it should
Bram Moolenaar0b598c22006-03-11 21:22:53 +00001023be relatively short. The "info" item can be longer, it will be displayed in
1024the preview window when "preview" appears in 'completeopt'. The "info" item
1025will also remain displayed after the popup menu has been removed. This is
1026useful for function arguments.
Bram Moolenaar8b6144b2006-02-08 09:20:24 +00001027
1028The "kind" item uses a single letter to indicate the kind of completion. This
1029may be used to show the completion differently (different color or icon).
1030Currently these types can be used:
1031 v variable
1032 f function or method
Bram Moolenaar0b598c22006-03-11 21:22:53 +00001033 m member of a struct or class
1034 t typedef
1035 d #define or macro
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00001036
1037When searching for matches takes some time call |complete_add()| to add each
1038match to the total list. These matches should then not appear in the returned
1039list! Call |complete_check()| now and then to allow the user to press a key
1040while still searching for matches. Stop searching when it returns non-zero.
1041
Bram Moolenaar8b6144b2006-02-08 09:20:24 +00001042The function is allowed to move the cursor, it is restored afterwards. This
1043option cannot be set from a |modeline| or in the |sandbox|, for security
1044reasons.
Bram Moolenaar280f1262006-01-30 00:14:18 +00001045
1046An example that completes the names of the months: >
1047 fun! CompleteMonths(findstart, base)
1048 if a:findstart
1049 " locate the start of the word
1050 let line = getline('.')
1051 let start = col('.') - 1
1052 while start > 0 && line[start - 1] =~ '\a'
1053 let start -= 1
1054 endwhile
1055 return start
1056 else
1057 " find months matching with "a:base"
1058 let res = []
1059 for m in split("Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec")
1060 if m =~ '^' . a:base
1061 call add(res, m)
1062 endif
1063 endfor
1064 return res
1065 endif
1066 endfun
1067 set completefunc=CompleteMonths
1068<
1069The same, but now pretending searching for matches is slow: >
1070 fun! CompleteMonths(findstart, base)
1071 if a:findstart
1072 " locate the start of the word
1073 let line = getline('.')
1074 let start = col('.') - 1
1075 while start > 0 && line[start - 1] =~ '\a'
1076 let start -= 1
1077 endwhile
1078 return start
1079 else
1080 " find months matching with "a:base"
1081 for m in split("Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec")
1082 if m =~ '^' . a:base
1083 call complete_add(m)
1084 endif
1085 sleep 300m " simulate searching for next match
1086 if complete_check()
1087 break
1088 endif
1089 endfor
1090 return []
1091 endif
1092 endfun
1093 set completefunc=CompleteMonths
1094<
1095
Bram Moolenaar1c7715d2005-10-03 22:02:18 +00001096INSERT COMPLETION POPUP MENU *ins-completion-menu*
Bram Moolenaarebefac62005-12-28 22:39:57 +00001097 *popupmenu-completion*
Bram Moolenaar1c7715d2005-10-03 22:02:18 +00001098Vim can display the matches in a simplistic popup menu.
1099
1100The menu is used when:
Bram Moolenaara2031822006-03-07 22:29:51 +00001101- The 'completeopt' option contains "menu" or "menuone".
Bram Moolenaar1c7715d2005-10-03 22:02:18 +00001102- The terminal supports at least 8 colors.
1103- There are at least two matches.
1104
Bram Moolenaar56718732006-03-15 22:53:57 +00001105The 'pumheight' option can be used to set a maximum height. The default is to
1106use all space available.
1107
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001108There are two states:
11091. A complete match has been inserted.
11102. Only part of a match has been inserted.
Bram Moolenaarc7453f52006-02-10 23:20:28 +00001111
Bram Moolenaar80a94a52006-02-23 21:26:58 +00001112You normally start in the first state, with the first match being inserted.
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001113When "longest" is in 'completeopt' and there is more than one match you start
1114in the second state.
Bram Moolenaarc7453f52006-02-10 23:20:28 +00001115
Bram Moolenaar80a94a52006-02-23 21:26:58 +00001116If you select another match, e.g., with CTRL-N or CTRL-P, you go from the
1117second to the first state. This doesn't change the list of matches.
1118
Bram Moolenaara2031822006-03-07 22:29:51 +00001119When you are back at the original text then you are in the second state. To
1120get there right away you can use a mapping that uses CTRL-P right after
1121starting the completion: >
1122 :imap <F7> <C-N><C-P>
Bram Moolenaar76916e62006-03-21 21:23:25 +00001123<
1124 *popupmenu-keys*
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001125In the first state these keys have a special meaning:
1126<BS> and CTRL-H Delete one character, find the matches for the word before
1127 the cursor. This reduces the list of matches, often to one
Bram Moolenaar80a94a52006-02-23 21:26:58 +00001128 entry, and switches to the second state.
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001129
1130In the second state these keys have a special meaning:
Bram Moolenaar8b6144b2006-02-08 09:20:24 +00001131<BS> and CTRL-H Delete one character, find the matches for the shorter word
1132 before the cursor. This may find more matches.
1133CTRL-L Add one character from the current match, may reduce the
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001134 number of matches.
Bram Moolenaar80a94a52006-02-23 21:26:58 +00001135any printable, non-white character:
1136 Add this character and reduce the number of matches.
Bram Moolenaarc7453f52006-02-10 23:20:28 +00001137
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001138In both states these can be used:
Bram Moolenaard2cec5b2006-03-28 21:08:56 +00001139CTRL-Y Yes: Accept the currently selected match and stop completion.
1140CTRL-E End completion, go back to what was typed.
Bram Moolenaar80a94a52006-02-23 21:26:58 +00001141<PageUp> Select a match several entries back, but don't insert it.
1142<PageDown> Select a match several entries further, but don't insert it.
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001143<Up> Select the previous match, as if CTRL-P was used, but don't
Bram Moolenaar80a94a52006-02-23 21:26:58 +00001144 insert it.
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001145<Down> Select the next match, as if CTRL-N was used, but don't
Bram Moolenaar80a94a52006-02-23 21:26:58 +00001146 insert it.
1147Any other character:
1148 Stop completion without changing the match and insert the
1149 typed character. Note that typing a space or <Tab> will
1150 work in both states.
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001151
Bram Moolenaar1c7715d2005-10-03 22:02:18 +00001152
1153The colors of the menu can be changed with these highlight groups:
1154Pmenu normal item |hl-Pmenu|
1155PmenuSel selected item |hl-PmenuSel|
1156PmenuSbar scrollbar |hl-PmenuSbar|
1157PmenuThumb thumb of the scrollbar |hl-PmenuThumb|
1158
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001159There are no special mappings for when the popup menu is visible. However,
1160you can use an Insert mode mapping that checks the |pumvisible()| function to
1161do something different. Example: >
1162 :inoremap <Down> <C-R>=pumvisible() ? "\<lt>C-N>" : "\<lt>Down>"<CR>
Bram Moolenaar1c7715d2005-10-03 22:02:18 +00001163
Bram Moolenaar5c4bab02006-03-10 21:37:46 +00001164You can use of <expr> in mapping to have the popup menu used when typing a
1165character and some condition is met. For example, for typing a dot: >
1166 inoremap <expr> . MayComplete()
1167 func MayComplete()
1168 if (can complete)
1169 return ".\<C-X>\<C-O>"
1170 endif
1171 return '.'
1172 endfunc
1173
1174See |:map-<expr>| for more info.
1175
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001176
1177FILETYPE-SPECIFIC REMARKS FOR OMNI COMPLETION *compl-omni-filetypes*
1178
1179The file used for {filetype} should be autoload/{filetype}complete.vim
1180in 'runtimepath'. Thus for "java" it is autoload/javacomplete.vim.
Bram Moolenaar578b49e2005-09-10 19:22:57 +00001181
Bram Moolenaara5792f52005-11-23 21:25:05 +00001182
Bram Moolenaarf75a9632005-09-13 21:20:47 +00001183C *ft-c-omni*
Bram Moolenaar578b49e2005-09-10 19:22:57 +00001184
Bram Moolenaarf75a9632005-09-13 21:20:47 +00001185Completion of C code requires a tags file. You should use Exuberant ctags,
1186because it adds extra information that is needed for completion. You can find
1187it here: http://ctags.sourceforge.net/
1188For version 5.5.4 you should add a patch that adds the "typename:" field:
Bram Moolenaar36fc5352006-03-04 21:49:37 +00001189 ftp://ftp.vim.org/pub/vim/unstable/patches/ctags-5.5.4.patch
Bram Moolenaar8b6144b2006-02-08 09:20:24 +00001190A compiled .exe for MS-Windows can be found at:
Bram Moolenaar36fc5352006-03-04 21:49:37 +00001191 http://georgevreilly.com/vim/ctags.html
Bram Moolenaar578b49e2005-09-10 19:22:57 +00001192
1193If you want to complete system functions you can do something like this. Use
1194ctags to generate a tags file for all the system header files: >
1195 % ctags -R -f ~/.vim/systags /usr/include /usr/local/include
1196In your vimrc file add this tags file to the 'tags' option: >
1197 set tags+=~/.vim/systags
1198
1199When using CTRL-X CTRL-O after a name without any "." or "->" it is completed
1200from the tags file directly. This works for any identifier, also function
1201names. If you want to complete a local variable name, which does not appear
1202in the tags file, use CTRL-P instead.
1203
1204When using CTRL-X CTRL-O after something that has "." or "->" Vim will attempt
1205to recognize the type of the variable and figure out what members it has.
1206This means only members valid for the variable will be listed.
1207
Bram Moolenaarf75a9632005-09-13 21:20:47 +00001208When a member name already was complete, CTRL-X CTRL-O will add a "." or
1209"->" for composite types.
1210
Bram Moolenaar578b49e2005-09-10 19:22:57 +00001211Vim doesn't include a C compiler, only the most obviously formatted
1212declarations are recognized. Preprocessor stuff may cause confusion.
1213When the same structure name appears in multiple places all possible members
1214are included.
1215
Bram Moolenaar6b730e12005-09-16 21:47:57 +00001216
Bram Moolenaar4770d092006-01-12 23:22:24 +00001217CSS *ft-css-omni*
Bram Moolenaara5792f52005-11-23 21:25:05 +00001218
1219Complete properties and their appropriate values according to CSS 2.1
Bram Moolenaare2f98b92006-03-29 21:18:24 +00001220specification.
Bram Moolenaara5792f52005-11-23 21:25:05 +00001221
1222
Bram Moolenaare2f98b92006-03-29 21:18:24 +00001223HTML *ft-html-omni*
1224XHTML *ft-xhtml-omni*
Bram Moolenaar6b730e12005-09-16 21:47:57 +00001225
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001226CTRL-X CTRL-O provides completion of various elements of (X)HTML files. It is
1227designed to support writing of XHTML 1.0 Strict files but will also works for
1228other versions of HTML. Features:
Bram Moolenaar6b730e12005-09-16 21:47:57 +00001229
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001230- after "<" complete tag name depending on context (no div suggestion inside
1231 of an a tag); '/>' indicates empty tags
1232- inside of tag complete proper attributes (no width attribute for an a tag);
1233 show also type of attribute; '*' indicates required attributes
1234- when attribute has limited number of possible values help to complete them
Bram Moolenaara5792f52005-11-23 21:25:05 +00001235- complete names of entities
Bram Moolenaar1e015462005-09-25 22:16:38 +00001236- complete values of "class" and "id" attributes with data obtained from
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001237 <style> tag and included CSS files
Bram Moolenaar8b6144b2006-02-08 09:20:24 +00001238- when completing value of "style" attribute or working inside of "style" tag
Bram Moolenaar1e015462005-09-25 22:16:38 +00001239 switch to |ft-css-omni| completion
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001240- when completing values of events attributes or working inside of "script"
1241 tag switch to |ft-javascript-omni| completion
Bram Moolenaar1e015462005-09-25 22:16:38 +00001242- when used after "</" CTRL-X CTRL-O will close the last opened tag
Bram Moolenaar6b730e12005-09-16 21:47:57 +00001243
Bram Moolenaara5792f52005-11-23 21:25:05 +00001244Note: When used first time completion menu will be shown with little delay
Bram Moolenaare2f98b92006-03-29 21:18:24 +00001245- this is time needed for loading of data file.
Bram Moolenaar8b6144b2006-02-08 09:20:24 +00001246Note: Completion may fail in badly formatted documents. In such case try to
1247run |:make| command to detect formatting problems.
Bram Moolenaara5792f52005-11-23 21:25:05 +00001248
1249
Bram Moolenaare2f98b92006-03-29 21:18:24 +00001250JAVASCRIPT *ft-javascript-omni*
Bram Moolenaarb8a7b562006-02-01 21:47:16 +00001251
Bram Moolenaar8b6144b2006-02-08 09:20:24 +00001252Completion of most elements of JavaScript language and DOM elements.
Bram Moolenaarb8a7b562006-02-01 21:47:16 +00001253
1254Complete:
1255
1256- variables
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001257- function name; show function arguments
Bram Moolenaarb8a7b562006-02-01 21:47:16 +00001258- function arguments
1259- properties of variables trying to detect type of variable
Bram Moolenaar8b6144b2006-02-08 09:20:24 +00001260- complete DOM objects and properties depending on context
Bram Moolenaarb8a7b562006-02-01 21:47:16 +00001261- keywords of language
1262
Bram Moolenaar8b6144b2006-02-08 09:20:24 +00001263Completion works in separate JavaScript files (&ft==javascript), inside of
1264<script> tag of (X)HTML and in values of event attributes (including scanning
1265of external files.
Bram Moolenaare2f98b92006-03-29 21:18:24 +00001266
Bram Moolenaarb8a7b562006-02-01 21:47:16 +00001267DOM compatibility
1268
1269At the moment (beginning of 2006) there are two main browsers - MS Internet
1270Explorer and Mozilla Firefox. These two applications are covering over 90% of
1271market. Theoretically standards are created by W3C organisation
1272(http://www.w3c.org) but they are not always followed/implemented.
1273
Bram Moolenaare2f98b92006-03-29 21:18:24 +00001274 IE FF W3C Omni completion ~
1275 +/- +/- + + ~
1276 + + - + ~
1277 + - - - ~
1278 - + - - ~
Bram Moolenaarb8a7b562006-02-01 21:47:16 +00001279
1280Regardless from state of implementation in browsers but if element is defined
1281in standards, completion plugin will place element in suggestion list. When
1282both major engines implemented element, even if this is not in standards it
1283will be suggested. All other elements are not placed in suggestion list.
1284
1285
Bram Moolenaare2f98b92006-03-29 21:18:24 +00001286PHP *ft-php-omni*
Bram Moolenaar362e1a32006-03-06 23:29:24 +00001287
1288Completion of PHP code requires tags file for completion of data from external
1289files. You should use Exuberant ctags version 5.5.4 or newer. You can find it
1290here: http://ctags.sourceforge.net/
1291
1292Script completes:
1293
1294- after $ variables name
Bram Moolenaar0b598c22006-03-11 21:22:53 +00001295 - if variable was declared as object add "->", if tags file is available show
1296 name of class
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00001297 - after "->" complete only function and variable names specific for given
1298 class. To find class location and contents tags file is required. Because
1299 PHP isn't strongly typed language user can use @var tag to declare class: >
1300
1301 /* @var $myVar myClass */
1302 $myVar->
1303<
1304 Still, to find myClass contents tags file is required.
Bram Moolenaar0b598c22006-03-11 21:22:53 +00001305
Bram Moolenaar362e1a32006-03-06 23:29:24 +00001306- function names with additonal info:
Bram Moolenaar0b598c22006-03-11 21:22:53 +00001307 - in case of built-in functions list of possible arguments and after | type
1308 data returned by function
1309 - in case of user function arguments and name of file were function was
1310 defined (if it is not current file)
1311
1312- constants names
1313- class names after "new" declaration
1314
Bram Moolenaar362e1a32006-03-06 23:29:24 +00001315
1316Note: when doing completion first time Vim will load all necessary data into
1317memory. It may take several seconds. After next use of completion delay
Bram Moolenaar0b598c22006-03-11 21:22:53 +00001318should not be noticeable.
Bram Moolenaar362e1a32006-03-06 23:29:24 +00001319
1320Script detects if cursor is inside <?php ?> tags. If it is outside it will
1321automatically switch to HTML/CSS/JavaScript completion. Note: contrary to
1322original HTML files completion of tags (and only tags) isn't context aware.
1323
1324
Bram Moolenaar4770d092006-01-12 23:22:24 +00001325SYNTAX *ft-syntax-omni*
1326
1327This uses the current syntax highlighting for completion. It can be used for
1328any filetype and provides a minimal language-sensitive completion.
1329
Bram Moolenaarc06ac342006-03-02 22:43:39 +00001330To enable syntax code completion you can run: >
Bram Moolenaare2f98b92006-03-29 21:18:24 +00001331 setlocal omnifunc=syntaxcomplete#Complete
Bram Moolenaar4770d092006-01-12 23:22:24 +00001332
Bram Moolenaarc06ac342006-03-02 22:43:39 +00001333You can automate this by placing the following in your vimrc (after any
1334":filetype" command): >
1335 if has("autocmd") && exists("+omnifunc")
Bram Moolenaare2f98b92006-03-29 21:18:24 +00001336 autocmd Filetype *
1337 \ if &omnifunc == "" |
1338 \ setlocal omnifunc=syntaxcomplete#Complete |
1339 \ endif
Bram Moolenaarc06ac342006-03-02 22:43:39 +00001340 endif
Bram Moolenaar4770d092006-01-12 23:22:24 +00001341
Bram Moolenaarc06ac342006-03-02 22:43:39 +00001342The above will set completion to this script only if a specific plugin does
1343not already exist for that filetype.
1344
1345Each filetype can have a wide range of syntax items. The plugin allows you to
1346customize which syntax groups to include or exclude from the list. Let's have
1347a look at the PHP filetype to see how this works.
1348
1349If you edit a file called, index.php, run the following command: >
1350 :syntax list
1351
1352First thing you will notice is there are many different syntax groups. The
1353PHP language can include elements from different languages like HTML,
1354JavaScript and many more. The syntax plugin will only include syntax groups
1355that begin with the filetype, "php", in this case. For example these syntax
1356groups are included by default with the PHP: phpEnvVar, phpIntVar,
1357phpFunctions.
1358
1359The PHP language has an enormous number of items which it knows how to syntax
1360highlight. This means these items will be available within the omni
1361completion list. Some people may find this list unwieldy or are only
1362interested in certain items.
1363
1364There are two ways to prune this list (if necessary). If you find certain
1365syntax groups you do not wish displayed you can add the following to your
1366vimrc: >
1367 let g:omni_syntax_group_exclude_php = 'phpCoreConstant,phpConstant'
1368
1369Add as many syntax groups to this list by comma separating them. The basic
1370form of this variable is: >
1371 let g:omni_syntax_group_exclude_{filetype} = 'comma,separated,list'
1372
1373For completeness the opposite is also true. Creating this variable in your
1374vimrc will only include the items in the phpFunctions and phpMethods syntax
1375groups: >
1376 let g:omni_syntax_group_include_php = 'phpFunctions,phpMethods'
1377
1378You can create as many of these variables as you need, varying only the
1379filetype at the end of the variable name.
Bram Moolenaar4770d092006-01-12 23:22:24 +00001380
1381
Bram Moolenaare2f98b92006-03-29 21:18:24 +00001382SQL *ft-sql-omni*
1383
1384Completion for the SQL language includes statements, functions, keywords.
1385It will also dynamically complete tables, procedures, views and column lists
1386with data pulled directly from within a database. For detailed instructions
1387and a tutorial see |omni-sql-completion|.
1388
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00001389The SQL completion plugin can be used in conjunction with other completion
1390plugins. For example, the PHP filetype has it's own completion plugin.
1391Since PHP is often used to generate dynamic website by accessing a database,
1392the SQL completion plugin can also be enabled. This allows you to complete
1393PHP code and SQL code at the same time.
1394
Bram Moolenaare2f98b92006-03-29 21:18:24 +00001395
Bram Moolenaar4770d092006-01-12 23:22:24 +00001396XML *ft-xml-omni*
Bram Moolenaara5792f52005-11-23 21:25:05 +00001397
Bram Moolenaar5b962cf2005-12-12 21:58:40 +00001398Vim 7 provides mechanism to context aware completion of XML files. It depends
1399on special |xml-omni-datafile| and two commands: |:XMLns| and |:XMLent|.
1400Features are:
Bram Moolenaara5792f52005-11-23 21:25:05 +00001401
1402- after "<" complete tag name depending on context (no div suggest
1403 inside of an a tag)
1404- inside of tag complete proper attributes (no width attribute for an
1405 a tag)
1406- when attribute has limited number of possible values help to complete
1407 them
Bram Moolenaar5b962cf2005-12-12 21:58:40 +00001408- complete names of entities (defined in |xml-omni-datafile| and in current file
Bram Moolenaara5792f52005-11-23 21:25:05 +00001409 with "<!ENTITY" declarations
1410- when used after "</" CTRL-X CTRL-O will close the last opened tag
1411
Bram Moolenaar4770d092006-01-12 23:22:24 +00001412Format of XML data file *xml-omni-datafile*
Bram Moolenaara5792f52005-11-23 21:25:05 +00001413
1414Vim distribution provides two data files as examples (xhtml10s.vim, xsl.vim)
1415
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001416XML data files are stored in "autoload/xml" directory in 'runtimepath'. They
Bram Moolenaara5792f52005-11-23 21:25:05 +00001417have meaningful name which will be used in commands. It should be unique name
1418which will not create conflicts in future. For example name xhtml10s.vim means
1419it is data file for XHTML 1.0 Strict.
1420
1421File contains one variable with fixed name: g:xmldata_xhtml10s . It is
Bram Moolenaare2f98b92006-03-29 21:18:24 +00001422compound from two parts:
Bram Moolenaara5792f52005-11-23 21:25:05 +00001423
Bram Moolenaare2f98b92006-03-29 21:18:24 +000014241. "g:xmldata_" general prefix
Bram Moolenaara5792f52005-11-23 21:25:05 +000014252. "xhtml10s" name of file and name of described XML dialect
1426
1427Part two must be exactly the same as name of file.
1428
1429Variable is data structure in form of |Dictionary|. Keys are tag names and
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001430values are two element |List|. First element of List is also List with names
1431of possible children, second element is |Dictionary| with names of attributes
1432as keys and possible values of attributes as values. Example: >
Bram Moolenaara5792f52005-11-23 21:25:05 +00001433
1434 let g:xmldata_crippledhtml = {
Bram Moolenaare2f98b92006-03-29 21:18:24 +00001435 \ "html":
1436 \ [ ["body", "head"], {"id": [], "xmlns": ["http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"],
1437 \ "lang": [], "xml:lang": [], "dir": ["ltr", "rtl"]}],
1438 \ "script":
1439 \ [ [], {"id": [], "charset": [], "type": ["text/javascript"], "src": [],
Bram Moolenaara5792f52005-11-23 21:25:05 +00001440 \ "defer": ["BOOL"], "xml:space": ["preserve"]}],
Bram Moolenaare2f98b92006-03-29 21:18:24 +00001441 \ "meta":
1442 \ [ [], {"id": [], "http-equiv": [], "name": [], "content": [], "scheme":
Bram Moolenaara5792f52005-11-23 21:25:05 +00001443 \ [], "lang": [], "xml:lang": [], "dir": ["ltr", "rtl"]}]
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001444 \ "vimxmlentities": ["amp", "lt", "gt", "apos", "quot"]},
1445 \ "vimxmltaginfo": {
1446 \ 'meta': ['/>', '']},
1447 \ "vimxmlattrinfo": {
1448 \ 'http-equiv': ['ContentType', '']}
Bram Moolenaara5792f52005-11-23 21:25:05 +00001449
1450This example should be put in "autoload/xml/crippledhtml.vim" file.
1451
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001452In example are visible four special elements:
Bram Moolenaara5792f52005-11-23 21:25:05 +00001453
14541. "vimxmlentities" - special key with List containing entities of this XML
1455 dialect.
14562. "BOOL" - value of attribute key showing if attribute should be inserted
1457 bare ("defer" vs. 'defer="'). It can be the only element of List of
1458 attribute values.
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +000014593. "vimxmltaginfo" - special key with dictionary containing as key tag names,
1460 as value two element List for additional menu info and long description.
14614. "vimxmlattrinfo" - special key with dictionary containing as key attribute
1462 names, as value two element List for additional menu info and long
1463 description.
Bram Moolenaara5792f52005-11-23 21:25:05 +00001464
1465Note: Tag names in data file MUST not contain namespace description. Check
1466xsl.vim for example.
1467
Bram Moolenaar1d2ba7f2006-02-14 22:29:30 +00001468
Bram Moolenaara5792f52005-11-23 21:25:05 +00001469Commands
1470
Bram Moolenaar4770d092006-01-12 23:22:24 +00001471:XMLns {name} [{namespace}] *:XMLns*
Bram Moolenaara5792f52005-11-23 21:25:05 +00001472
1473Vim has to know which data file should be used and with which namespace. For
1474loading of data file and connecting data with prope namespace use |:XMLns|
1475command. First (obligatory) argument is name of data (xhtml10s, xsl). Second
1476argument is code of namespace (h, xsl). When used without second argument
1477dialect will be used as default - without namespace declaration. For example
1478to use XML completion in .xsl files: >
1479
1480 :XMLns xhtml10s
1481 :XMLns xsl xsl
1482
1483
Bram Moolenaar4770d092006-01-12 23:22:24 +00001484:XMLent {name} *:XMLent*
Bram Moolenaara5792f52005-11-23 21:25:05 +00001485
1486By default entities will be completed from data file of default
1487namespace. XMLent command should be used in case when there is no
1488default namespace: >
1489
Bram Moolenaar4770d092006-01-12 23:22:24 +00001490 :XMLent xhtml10s
Bram Moolenaara5792f52005-11-23 21:25:05 +00001491
1492Usage
1493
1494While used in situation (after declarations from previous part, | is
1495cursor position): >
1496
Bram Moolenaar4770d092006-01-12 23:22:24 +00001497 <|
Bram Moolenaara5792f52005-11-23 21:25:05 +00001498
1499Will complete to appropriate XHTML tag, and in this situation: >
1500
Bram Moolenaar4770d092006-01-12 23:22:24 +00001501 <xsl:|
Bram Moolenaara5792f52005-11-23 21:25:05 +00001502
1503Will complete to appropriate XSL tag.
1504
1505File xmlcomplete.vim provides through |autoload| mechanism
Bram Moolenaar6b730e12005-09-16 21:47:57 +00001506GetLastOpenTag function which can be used in XML files to get name of
Bram Moolenaar1e015462005-09-25 22:16:38 +00001507last open tag with (b:unaryTagsStack has to be defined): >
Bram Moolenaar6b730e12005-09-16 21:47:57 +00001508
Bram Moolenaar4770d092006-01-12 23:22:24 +00001509 :echo xmlcomplete#GetLastOpenTag("b:unaryTagsStack")
Bram Moolenaarbfd8fc02005-09-20 23:22:24 +00001510
Bram Moolenaar6b730e12005-09-16 21:47:57 +00001511
Bram Moolenaar1e015462005-09-25 22:16:38 +00001512
Bram Moolenaar1e015462005-09-25 22:16:38 +00001513
1514
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001515==============================================================================
15168. Insert mode commands *inserting*
1517
1518The following commands can be used to insert new text into the buffer. They
1519can all be undone and repeated with the "." command.
1520
1521 *a*
1522a Append text after the cursor [count] times. If the
1523 cursor is in the first column of an empty line Insert
1524 starts there. But not when 'virtualedit' is set!
1525
1526 *A*
1527A Append text at the end of the line [count] times.
1528
1529<insert> or *i* *insert* *<Insert>*
1530i Insert text before the cursor [count] times.
1531 When using CTRL-O in Insert mode |i_CTRL-O| the count
1532 is not supported.
1533
1534 *I*
1535I Insert text before the first non-blank in the line
1536 [count] times.
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00001537 When the 'H' flag is present in 'cpoptions' and the
1538 line only contains blanks, insert start just before
1539 the last blank.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001540
1541 *gI*
1542gI Insert text in column 1 [count] times. {not in Vi}
1543
1544 *gi*
1545gi Insert text in the same position as where Insert mode
1546 was stopped last time in the current buffer.
1547 This uses the |'^| mark. It's different from "`^i"
1548 when the mark is past the end of the line.
1549 The position is corrected for inserted/deleted lines,
1550 but NOT for inserted/deleted characters.
1551 When the |:keepjumps| command modifier is used the |'^|
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001552 mark won't be changed.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001553 {not in Vi}
1554
1555 *o*
1556o Begin a new line below the cursor and insert text,
1557 repeat [count] times. {Vi: blank [count] screen
1558 lines}
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00001559 When the '#' flag is in 'cpoptions' the count is
1560 ignored.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001561
1562 *O*
1563O Begin a new line above the cursor and insert text,
1564 repeat [count] times. {Vi: blank [count] screen
1565 lines}
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00001566 When the '#' flag is in 'cpoptions' the count is
1567 ignored.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001568
1569These commands are used to start inserting text. You can end insert mode with
1570<Esc>. See |mode-ins-repl| for the other special characters in Insert mode.
1571The effect of [count] takes place after Insert mode is exited.
1572
1573When 'autoindent' is on, the indent for a new line is obtained from the
1574previous line. When 'smartindent' or 'cindent' is on, the indent for a line
1575is automatically adjusted for C programs.
1576
1577'textwidth' can be set to the maximum width for a line. When a line becomes
1578too long when appending characters a line break is automatically inserted.
1579
1580
1581==============================================================================
15829. Ex insert commands *inserting-ex*
1583
1584 *:a* *:append*
Bram Moolenaardf177f62005-02-22 08:39:57 +00001585:{range}a[ppend][!] Insert several lines of text below the specified
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001586 line. If the {range} is missing, the text will be
1587 inserted after the current line.
Bram Moolenaardf177f62005-02-22 08:39:57 +00001588 Adding [!] toggles 'autoindent' for the time this
1589 command is executed.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001590
1591 *:i* *:in* *:insert*
Bram Moolenaardf177f62005-02-22 08:39:57 +00001592:{range}i[nsert][!] Insert several lines of text above the specified
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001593 line. If the {range} is missing, the text will be
1594 inserted before the current line.
Bram Moolenaardf177f62005-02-22 08:39:57 +00001595 Adding [!] toggles 'autoindent' for the time this
1596 command is executed.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001597
1598These two commands will keep on asking for lines, until you type a line
1599containing only a ".". Watch out for lines starting with a backslash, see
1600|line-continuation|.
Bram Moolenaardf177f62005-02-22 08:39:57 +00001601When these commands are used with |:global| or |:vglobal| then the lines are
1602obtained from the text following the command. Separate lines with a NL
1603escaped with a backslash: >
1604 :global/abc/insert\
1605 one line\
1606 another line
1607The final "." is not needed then.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001608NOTE: ":append" and ":insert" don't work properly in between ":if" and
Bram Moolenaar06fb4352005-01-05 22:10:30 +00001609":endif", ":for" and ":endfor", ":while" and ":endwhile".
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001610
1611 *:start* *:startinsert*
1612:star[tinsert][!] Start Insert mode just after executing this command.
1613 Works like typing "i" in Normal mode. When the ! is
1614 included it works like "A", append to the line.
1615 Otherwise insertion starts at the cursor position.
1616 Note that when using this command in a function or
1617 script, the insertion only starts after the function
1618 or script is finished.
Bram Moolenaar87e25fd2005-07-27 21:13:01 +00001619 This command does not work from |:normal|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001620 {not in Vi}
1621 {not available when compiled without the +ex_extra
1622 feature}
1623
1624 *:stopi* *:stopinsert*
1625:stopi[nsert] Stop Insert mode as soon as possible. Works like
1626 typing <Esc> in Insert mode.
1627 Can be used in an autocommand, example: >
1628 :au BufEnter scratch stopinsert
Bram Moolenaar325b7a22004-07-05 15:58:32 +00001629<
1630 *replacing-ex* *:startreplace*
1631:startr[eplace][!] Start Replace mode just after executing this command.
1632 Works just like typing "R" in Normal mode. When the
1633 ! is included it acts just like "$R" had been typed
1634 (ie. begin replace mode at the end-of-line). Other-
1635 wise replacement begins at the cursor position.
1636 Note that when using this command in a function or
1637 script that the replacement will only start after
1638 the function or script is finished.
1639 {not in Vi}
1640 {not available when compiled without the +ex_extra
1641 feature}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001642
Bram Moolenaar61da4982005-12-14 22:02:18 +00001643 *:startgreplace*
1644:startg[replace][!] Just like |:startreplace|, but use Virtual Replace
1645 mode, like with |gR|.
1646 {not in Vi}
1647 {not available when compiled without the +ex_extra
1648 feature}
1649
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001650==============================================================================
165110. Inserting a file *inserting-file*
1652
1653 *:r* *:re* *:read*
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00001654:r[ead] [++opt] [name]
1655 Insert the file [name] (default: current file) below
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001656 the cursor.
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00001657 See |++opt| for the possible values of [++opt].
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001658
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00001659:{range}r[ead] [++opt] [name]
1660 Insert the file [name] (default: current file) below
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001661 the specified line.
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00001662 See |++opt| for the possible values of [++opt].
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001663
1664 *:r!* *:read!*
1665:r[ead] !{cmd} Execute {cmd} and insert its standard output below
1666 the cursor. A temporary file is used to store the
1667 output of the command which is then read into the
1668 buffer. 'shellredir' is used to save the output of
1669 the command, which can be set to include stderr or
1670 not. {cmd} is executed like with ":!{cmd}", any '!'
1671 is replaced with the previous command |:!|.
1672
1673These commands insert the contents of a file, or the output of a command,
1674into the buffer. They can be undone. They cannot be repeated with the "."
1675command. They work on a line basis, insertion starts below the line in which
1676the cursor is, or below the specified line. To insert text above the first
1677line use the command ":0r {name}".
1678
1679After the ":read" command, the cursor is left on the first non-blank in the
1680first new line. Unless in Ex mode, then the cursor is left on the last new
1681line (sorry, this is Vi compatible).
1682
1683If a file name is given with ":r", it becomes the alternate file. This can be
1684used, for example, when you want to edit that file instead: ":e! #". This can
1685be switched off by removing the 'a' flag from the 'cpoptions' option.
1686
Bram Moolenaar910f66f2006-04-05 20:41:53 +00001687Of the [++opt] arguments one is specifically for ":read", the ++edit argument.
1688This is useful when the ":read" command is actually used to read a file into
1689the buffer as if editing that file. Use this command in an empty buffer: >
1690 :read ++edit filename
1691The effect is that the 'fileformat', 'fileencoding', 'bomb', etc. options are
1692set to what has been detected for "filename". Note that a single empty line
1693remains, you may want to delete it.
1694
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001695 *file-read*
1696The 'fileformat' option sets the <EOL> style for a file:
1697'fileformat' characters name ~
1698 "dos" <CR><NL> or <NL> DOS format
1699 "unix" <NL> Unix format
1700 "mac" <CR> Mac format
1701Previously 'textmode' was used. It is obsolete now.
1702
1703If 'fileformat' is "dos", a <CR> in front of an <NL> is ignored and a CTRL-Z
1704at the end of the file is ignored.
1705
1706If 'fileformat' is "mac", a <NL> in the file is internally represented by a
1707<CR>. This is to avoid confusion with a <NL> which is used to represent a
1708<NUL>. See |CR-used-for-NL|.
1709
1710If the 'fileformats' option is not empty Vim tries to recognize the type of
1711<EOL> (see |file-formats|). However, the 'fileformat' option will not be
1712changed, the detected format is only used while reading the file.
1713A similar thing happens with 'fileencodings'.
1714
1715On non-MS-DOS, Win32, and OS/2 systems the message "[dos format]" is shown if
1716a file is read in DOS format, to remind you that something unusual is done.
1717On Macintosh, MS-DOS, Win32, and OS/2 the message "[unix format]" is shown if
1718a file is read in Unix format.
1719On non-Macintosh systems, the message "[Mac format]" is shown if a file is
1720read in Mac format.
1721
1722An example on how to use ":r !": >
1723 :r !uuencode binfile binfile
1724This command reads "binfile", uuencodes it and reads it into the current
1725buffer. Useful when you are editing e-mail and want to include a binary
1726file.
1727
1728 *read-messages*
1729When reading a file Vim will display a message with information about the read
1730file. In the table is an explanation for some of the items. The others are
1731self explanatory. Using the long or the short version depends on the
1732'shortmess' option.
1733
1734 long short meaning ~
1735 [readonly] {RO} the file is write protected
1736 [fifo/socket] using a stream
1737 [fifo] using a fifo stream
1738 [socket] using a socket stream
1739 [CR missing] reading with "dos" 'fileformat' and a
1740 NL without a preceding CR was found.
1741 [NL found] reading with "mac" 'fileformat' and a
1742 NL was found (could be "unix" format)
1743 [long lines split] at least one line was split in two
1744 [NOT converted] conversion from 'fileencoding' to
1745 'encoding' was desired but not
1746 possible
1747 [converted] conversion from 'fileencoding' to
1748 'encoding' done
1749 [crypted] file was decrypted
1750 [READ ERRORS] not all of the file could be read
1751
1752
1753 vim:tw=78:ts=8:ft=help:norl: