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Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00001*eval.txt* For Vim version 7.0aa. Last change: 2005 Jul 30
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002
3
4 VIM REFERENCE MANUAL by Bram Moolenaar
5
6
7Expression evaluation *expression* *expr* *E15* *eval*
8
9Using expressions is introduced in chapter 41 of the user manual |usr_41.txt|.
10
11Note: Expression evaluation can be disabled at compile time. If this has been
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +000012done, the features in this document are not available. See |+eval| and
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000013|no-eval-feature|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000014
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000151. Variables |variables|
16 1.1 Variable types
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +000017 1.2 Function references |Funcref|
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +000018 1.3 Lists |Lists|
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000019 1.4 Dictionaries |Dictionaries|
20 1.5 More about variables |more-variables|
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000212. Expression syntax |expression-syntax|
223. Internal variable |internal-variables|
234. Builtin Functions |functions|
245. Defining functions |user-functions|
256. Curly braces names |curly-braces-names|
267. Commands |expression-commands|
278. Exception handling |exception-handling|
289. Examples |eval-examples|
2910. No +eval feature |no-eval-feature|
3011. The sandbox |eval-sandbox|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000031
32{Vi does not have any of these commands}
33
34==============================================================================
351. Variables *variables*
36
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000371.1 Variable types ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +000038 *E712*
Bram Moolenaar39a58ca2005-06-27 22:42:44 +000039There are five types of variables:
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000040
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000041Number A 32 bit signed number.
42 Examples: -123 0x10 0177
43
44String A NUL terminated string of 8-bit unsigned characters (bytes).
45 Examples: "ab\txx\"--" 'x-z''a,c'
46
47Funcref A reference to a function |Funcref|.
48 Example: function("strlen")
49
50List An ordered sequence of items |List|.
51 Example: [1, 2, ['a', 'b']]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000052
Bram Moolenaar39a58ca2005-06-27 22:42:44 +000053Dictionary An associative, unordered array: Each entry has a key and a
54 value. |Dictionary|
55 Example: {'blue': "#0000ff", 'red': "#ff0000"}
56
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +000057The Number and String types are converted automatically, depending on how they
58are used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +000059
60Conversion from a Number to a String is by making the ASCII representation of
61the Number. Examples: >
62 Number 123 --> String "123"
63 Number 0 --> String "0"
64 Number -1 --> String "-1"
65
66Conversion from a String to a Number is done by converting the first digits
67to a number. Hexadecimal "0xf9" and Octal "017" numbers are recognized. If
68the String doesn't start with digits, the result is zero. Examples: >
69 String "456" --> Number 456
70 String "6bar" --> Number 6
71 String "foo" --> Number 0
72 String "0xf1" --> Number 241
73 String "0100" --> Number 64
74 String "-8" --> Number -8
75 String "+8" --> Number 0
76
77To force conversion from String to Number, add zero to it: >
78 :echo "0100" + 0
79
80For boolean operators Numbers are used. Zero is FALSE, non-zero is TRUE.
81
82Note that in the command >
83 :if "foo"
84"foo" is converted to 0, which means FALSE. To test for a non-empty string,
85use strlen(): >
86 :if strlen("foo")
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +000087< *E745* *E728* *E703* *E729* *E730* *E731*
88List, Dictionary and Funcref types are not automatically converted.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +000089
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +000090 *E706*
91You will get an error if you try to change the type of a variable. You need
92to |:unlet| it first to avoid this error. String and Number are considered
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +000093equivalent though. Consider this sequence of commands: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +000094 :let l = "string"
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +000095 :let l = 44 " changes type from String to Number
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +000096 :let l = [1, 2, 3] " error!
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +000097
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +000098
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000991.2 Function references ~
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +0000100 *Funcref* *E695* *E718*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000101A Funcref variable is obtained with the |function()| function. It can be used
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000102in an expression in the place of a function name, before the parenthesis
103around the arguments, to invoke the function it refers to. Example: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000104
105 :let Fn = function("MyFunc")
106 :echo Fn()
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000107< *E704* *E705* *E707*
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000108A Funcref variable must start with a capital, "s:", "w:" or "b:". You cannot
109have both a Funcref variable and a function with the same name.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000110
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000111A special case is defining a function and directly assigning its Funcref to a
112Dictionary entry. Example: >
113 :function dict.init() dict
114 : let self.val = 0
115 :endfunction
116
117The key of the Dictionary can start with a lower case letter. The actual
118function name is not used here. Also see |numbered-function|.
119
120A Funcref can also be used with the |:call| command: >
121 :call Fn()
122 :call dict.init()
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000123
124The name of the referenced function can be obtained with |string()|. >
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000125 :let func = string(Fn)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000126
127You can use |call()| to invoke a Funcref and use a list variable for the
128arguments: >
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000129 :let r = call(Fn, mylist)
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000130
131
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00001321.3 Lists ~
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +0000133 *List* *Lists* *E686*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000134A List is an ordered sequence of items. An item can be of any type. Items
135can be accessed by their index number. Items can be added and removed at any
136position in the sequence.
137
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000138
139List creation ~
140 *E696* *E697*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000141A List is created with a comma separated list of items in square brackets.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000142Examples: >
143 :let mylist = [1, two, 3, "four"]
144 :let emptylist = []
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000145
146An item can be any expression. Using a List for an item creates a
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000147nested List: >
148 :let nestlist = [[11, 12], [21, 22], [31, 32]]
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000149
150An extra comma after the last item is ignored.
151
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000152
153List index ~
154 *list-index* *E684*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000155An item in the List can be accessed by putting the index in square brackets
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000156after the List. Indexes are zero-based, thus the first item has index zero. >
157 :let item = mylist[0] " get the first item: 1
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000158 :let item = mylist[2] " get the third item: 3
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000159
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000160When the resulting item is a list this can be repeated: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000161 :let item = nestlist[0][1] " get the first list, second item: 12
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000162<
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000163A negative index is counted from the end. Index -1 refers to the last item in
164the List, -2 to the last but one item, etc. >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000165 :let last = mylist[-1] " get the last item: "four"
166
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000167To avoid an error for an invalid index use the |get()| function. When an item
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000168is not available it returns zero or the default value you specify: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000169 :echo get(mylist, idx)
170 :echo get(mylist, idx, "NONE")
171
172
173List concatenation ~
174
175Two lists can be concatenated with the "+" operator: >
176 :let longlist = mylist + [5, 6]
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000177 :let mylist += [7, 8]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000178
179To prepend or append an item turn the item into a list by putting [] around
180it. To change a list in-place see |list-modification| below.
181
182
183Sublist ~
184
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000185A part of the List can be obtained by specifying the first and last index,
186separated by a colon in square brackets: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000187 :let shortlist = mylist[2:-1] " get List [3, "four"]
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000188
189Omitting the first index is similar to zero. Omitting the last index is
190similar to -1. The difference is that there is no error if the items are not
191available. >
Bram Moolenaar540d6e32005-01-09 21:20:18 +0000192 :let endlist = mylist[2:] " from item 2 to the end: [3, "four"]
193 :let shortlist = mylist[2:2] " List with one item: [3]
194 :let otherlist = mylist[:] " make a copy of the List
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000195
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000196The second index can be just before the first index. In that case the result
197is an empty list. If the second index is lower, this results in an error. >
198 :echo mylist[2:1] " result: []
199 :echo mylist[2:0] " error!
200
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +0000201NOTE: mylist[s:e] means using the variable "s:e" as index. Watch out for
202using a single letter variable before the ":". Insert a space when needed:
203mylist[s : e].
204
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000205
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000206List identity ~
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000207 *list-identity*
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000208When variable "aa" is a list and you assign it to another variable "bb", both
209variables refer to the same list. Thus changing the list "aa" will also
210change "bb": >
211 :let aa = [1, 2, 3]
212 :let bb = aa
213 :call add(aa, 4)
214 :echo bb
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000215< [1, 2, 3, 4]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000216
217Making a copy of a list is done with the |copy()| function. Using [:] also
218works, as explained above. This creates a shallow copy of the list: Changing
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000219a list item in the list will also change the item in the copied list: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000220 :let aa = [[1, 'a'], 2, 3]
221 :let bb = copy(aa)
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000222 :call add(aa, 4)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000223 :let aa[0][1] = 'aaa'
224 :echo aa
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000225< [[1, aaa], 2, 3, 4] >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000226 :echo bb
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000227< [[1, aaa], 2, 3]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000228
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000229To make a completely independent list use |deepcopy()|. This also makes a
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000230copy of the values in the list, recursively. Up to a hundred levels deep.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000231
232The operator "is" can be used to check if two variables refer to the same
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000233List. "isnot" does the opposite. In contrast "==" compares if two lists have
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000234the same value. >
235 :let alist = [1, 2, 3]
236 :let blist = [1, 2, 3]
237 :echo alist is blist
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000238< 0 >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000239 :echo alist == blist
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000240< 1
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000241
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000242Note about comparing lists: Two lists are considered equal if they have the
243same length and all items compare equal, as with using "==". There is one
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000244exception: When comparing a number with a string they are considered
245different. There is no automatic type conversion, as with using "==" on
246variables. Example: >
247 echo 4 == "4"
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000248< 1 >
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000249 echo [4] == ["4"]
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000250< 0
251
Bram Moolenaar7d1f5db2005-07-03 21:39:27 +0000252Thus comparing Lists is more strict than comparing numbers and strings. You
253can compare simple values this way too by putting them in a string: >
254
255 :let a = 5
256 :let b = "5"
257 echo a == b
258< 1 >
259 echo [a] == [b]
260< 0
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +0000261
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000262
263List unpack ~
264
265To unpack the items in a list to individual variables, put the variables in
266square brackets, like list items: >
267 :let [var1, var2] = mylist
268
269When the number of variables does not match the number of items in the list
270this produces an error. To handle any extra items from the list append ";"
271and a variable name: >
272 :let [var1, var2; rest] = mylist
273
274This works like: >
275 :let var1 = mylist[0]
276 :let var2 = mylist[1]
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000277 :let rest = mylist[2:]
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000278
279Except that there is no error if there are only two items. "rest" will be an
280empty list then.
281
282
283List modification ~
284 *list-modification*
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000285To change a specific item of a list use |:let| this way: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000286 :let list[4] = "four"
287 :let listlist[0][3] = item
288
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000289To change part of a list you can specify the first and last item to be
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000290modified. The value must at least have the number of items in the range: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000291 :let list[3:5] = [3, 4, 5]
292
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000293Adding and removing items from a list is done with functions. Here are a few
294examples: >
295 :call insert(list, 'a') " prepend item 'a'
296 :call insert(list, 'a', 3) " insert item 'a' before list[3]
297 :call add(list, "new") " append String item
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000298 :call add(list, [1, 2]) " append a List as one new item
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000299 :call extend(list, [1, 2]) " extend the list with two more items
300 :let i = remove(list, 3) " remove item 3
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +0000301 :unlet list[3] " idem
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000302 :let l = remove(list, 3, -1) " remove items 3 to last item
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +0000303 :unlet list[3 : ] " idem
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000304 :call filter(list, 'v:val !~ "x"') " remove items with an 'x'
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000305
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000306Changing the order of items in a list: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000307 :call sort(list) " sort a list alphabetically
308 :call reverse(list) " reverse the order of items
309
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000310
311For loop ~
312
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000313The |:for| loop executes commands for each item in a list. A variable is set
314to each item in the list in sequence. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000315 :for item in mylist
316 : call Doit(item)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000317 :endfor
318
319This works like: >
320 :let index = 0
321 :while index < len(mylist)
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000322 : let item = mylist[index]
323 : :call Doit(item)
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000324 : let index = index + 1
325 :endwhile
326
327Note that all items in the list should be of the same type, otherwise this
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000328results in error |E706|. To avoid this |:unlet| the variable at the end of
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000329the loop.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000330
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000331If all you want to do is modify each item in the list then the |map()|
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000332function will be a simpler method than a for loop.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000333
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000334Just like the |:let| command, |:for| also accepts a list of variables. This
335requires the argument to be a list of lists. >
336 :for [lnum, col] in [[1, 3], [2, 8], [3, 0]]
337 : call Doit(lnum, col)
338 :endfor
339
340This works like a |:let| command is done for each list item. Again, the types
341must remain the same to avoid an error.
342
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000343It is also possible to put remaining items in a List variable: >
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000344 :for [i, j; rest] in listlist
345 : call Doit(i, j)
346 : if !empty(rest)
347 : echo "remainder: " . string(rest)
348 : endif
349 :endfor
350
351
352List functions ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000353 *E714*
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000354Functions that are useful with a List: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000355 :let r = call(funcname, list) " call a function with an argument list
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000356 :if empty(list) " check if list is empty
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000357 :let l = len(list) " number of items in list
358 :let big = max(list) " maximum value in list
359 :let small = min(list) " minimum value in list
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +0000360 :let xs = count(list, 'x') " count nr of times 'x' appears in list
361 :let i = index(list, 'x') " index of first 'x' in list
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000362 :let lines = getline(1, 10) " get ten text lines from buffer
363 :call append('$', lines) " append text lines in buffer
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +0000364 :let list = split("a b c") " create list from items in a string
365 :let string = join(list, ', ') " create string from list items
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000366 :let s = string(list) " String representation of list
367 :call map(list, '">> " . v:val') " prepend ">> " to each item
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000368
Bram Moolenaar0cb032e2005-04-23 20:52:00 +0000369Don't forget that a combination of features can make things simple. For
370example, to add up all the numbers in a list: >
371 :exe 'let sum = ' . join(nrlist, '+')
372
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000373
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003741.4 Dictionaries ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000375 *Dictionaries* *Dictionary*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000376A Dictionary is an associative array: Each entry has a key and a value. The
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000377entry can be located with the key. The entries are stored without a specific
378ordering.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000379
380
381Dictionary creation ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000382 *E720* *E721* *E722* *E723*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000383A Dictionary is created with a comma separated list of entries in curly
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000384braces. Each entry has a key and a value, separated by a colon. Each key can
385only appear once. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000386 :let mydict = {1: 'one', 2: 'two', 3: 'three'}
387 :let emptydict = {}
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000388< *E713* *E716* *E717*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000389A key is always a String. You can use a Number, it will be converted to a
390String automatically. Thus the String '4' and the number 4 will find the same
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000391entry. Note that the String '04' and the Number 04 are different, since the
392Number will be converted to the String '4'.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000393
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000394A value can be any expression. Using a Dictionary for a value creates a
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000395nested Dictionary: >
396 :let nestdict = {1: {11: 'a', 12: 'b'}, 2: {21: 'c'}}
397
398An extra comma after the last entry is ignored.
399
400
401Accessing entries ~
402
403The normal way to access an entry is by putting the key in square brackets: >
404 :let val = mydict["one"]
405 :let mydict["four"] = 4
406
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000407You can add new entries to an existing Dictionary this way, unlike Lists.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000408
409For keys that consist entirely of letters, digits and underscore the following
410form can be used |expr-entry|: >
411 :let val = mydict.one
412 :let mydict.four = 4
413
414Since an entry can be any type, also a List and a Dictionary, the indexing and
415key lookup can be repeated: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000416 :echo dict.key[idx].key
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000417
418
419Dictionary to List conversion ~
420
421You may want to loop over the entries in a dictionary. For this you need to
422turn the Dictionary into a List and pass it to |:for|.
423
424Most often you want to loop over the keys, using the |keys()| function: >
425 :for key in keys(mydict)
426 : echo key . ': ' . mydict[key]
427 :endfor
428
429The List of keys is unsorted. You may want to sort them first: >
430 :for key in sort(keys(mydict))
431
432To loop over the values use the |values()| function: >
433 :for v in values(mydict)
434 : echo "value: " . v
435 :endfor
436
437If you want both the key and the value use the |items()| function. It returns
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000438a List in which each item is a List with two items, the key and the value: >
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000439 :for entry in items(mydict)
440 : echo entry[0] . ': ' . entry[1]
441 :endfor
442
443
444Dictionary identity ~
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +0000445 *dict-identity*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000446Just like Lists you need to use |copy()| and |deepcopy()| to make a copy of a
447Dictionary. Otherwise, assignment results in referring to the same
448Dictionary: >
449 :let onedict = {'a': 1, 'b': 2}
450 :let adict = onedict
451 :let adict['a'] = 11
452 :echo onedict['a']
453 11
454
Bram Moolenaarf3bd51a2005-06-14 22:11:18 +0000455Two Dictionaries compare equal if all the key-value pairs compare equal. For
456more info see |list-identity|.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000457
458
459Dictionary modification ~
460 *dict-modification*
461To change an already existing entry of a Dictionary, or to add a new entry,
462use |:let| this way: >
463 :let dict[4] = "four"
464 :let dict['one'] = item
465
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +0000466Removing an entry from a Dictionary is done with |remove()| or |:unlet|.
467Three ways to remove the entry with key "aaa" from dict: >
468 :let i = remove(dict, 'aaa')
469 :unlet dict.aaa
470 :unlet dict['aaa']
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000471
472Merging a Dictionary with another is done with |extend()|: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000473 :call extend(adict, bdict)
474This extends adict with all entries from bdict. Duplicate keys cause entries
475in adict to be overwritten. An optional third argument can change this.
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +0000476Note that the order of entries in a Dictionary is irrelevant, thus don't
477expect ":echo adict" to show the items from bdict after the older entries in
478adict.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000479
480Weeding out entries from a Dictionary can be done with |filter()|: >
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +0000481 :call filter(dict 'v:val =~ "x"')
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000482This removes all entries from "dict" with a value not matching 'x'.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000483
484
485Dictionary function ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000486 *Dictionary-function* *self* *E725*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000487When a function is defined with the "dict" attribute it can be used in a
488special way with a dictionary. Example: >
489 :function Mylen() dict
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000490 : return len(self.data)
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000491 :endfunction
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000492 :let mydict = {'data': [0, 1, 2, 3], 'len': function("Mylen")}
493 :echo mydict.len()
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000494
495This is like a method in object oriented programming. The entry in the
496Dictionary is a |Funcref|. The local variable "self" refers to the dictionary
497the function was invoked from.
498
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000499It is also possible to add a function without the "dict" attribute as a
500Funcref to a Dictionary, but the "self" variable is not available then.
501
502 *numbered-function*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000503To avoid the extra name for the function it can be defined and directly
504assigned to a Dictionary in this way: >
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000505 :let mydict = {'data': [0, 1, 2, 3]}
506 :function mydict.len() dict
507 : return len(self.data)
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000508 :endfunction
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000509 :echo mydict.len()
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000510
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000511The function will then get a number and the value of dict.len is a |Funcref|
512that references this function. The function can only be used through a
513|Funcref|. It will automatically be deleted when there is no |Funcref|
514remaining that refers to it.
515
516It is not necessary to use the "dict" attribute for a numbered function.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000517
518
519Functions for Dictionaries ~
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000520 *E715*
521Functions that can be used with a Dictionary: >
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000522 :if has_key(dict, 'foo') " TRUE if dict has entry with key "foo"
523 :if empty(dict) " TRUE if dict is empty
524 :let l = len(dict) " number of items in dict
525 :let big = max(dict) " maximum value in dict
526 :let small = min(dict) " minimum value in dict
527 :let xs = count(dict, 'x') " count nr of times 'x' appears in dict
528 :let s = string(dict) " String representation of dict
529 :call map(dict, '">> " . v:val') " prepend ">> " to each item
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000530
531
5321.5 More about variables ~
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000533 *more-variables*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000534If you need to know the type of a variable or expression, use the |type()|
535function.
536
537When the '!' flag is included in the 'viminfo' option, global variables that
538start with an uppercase letter, and don't contain a lowercase letter, are
539stored in the viminfo file |viminfo-file|.
540
541When the 'sessionoptions' option contains "global", global variables that
542start with an uppercase letter and contain at least one lowercase letter are
543stored in the session file |session-file|.
544
545variable name can be stored where ~
546my_var_6 not
547My_Var_6 session file
548MY_VAR_6 viminfo file
549
550
551It's possible to form a variable name with curly braces, see
552|curly-braces-names|.
553
554==============================================================================
5552. Expression syntax *expression-syntax*
556
557Expression syntax summary, from least to most significant:
558
559|expr1| expr2 ? expr1 : expr1 if-then-else
560
561|expr2| expr3 || expr3 .. logical OR
562
563|expr3| expr4 && expr4 .. logical AND
564
565|expr4| expr5 == expr5 equal
566 expr5 != expr5 not equal
567 expr5 > expr5 greater than
568 expr5 >= expr5 greater than or equal
569 expr5 < expr5 smaller than
570 expr5 <= expr5 smaller than or equal
571 expr5 =~ expr5 regexp matches
572 expr5 !~ expr5 regexp doesn't match
573
574 expr5 ==? expr5 equal, ignoring case
575 expr5 ==# expr5 equal, match case
576 etc. As above, append ? for ignoring case, # for
577 matching case
578
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000579 expr5 is expr5 same List instance
580 expr5 isnot expr5 different List instance
581
582|expr5| expr6 + expr6 .. number addition or list concatenation
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000583 expr6 - expr6 .. number subtraction
584 expr6 . expr6 .. string concatenation
585
586|expr6| expr7 * expr7 .. number multiplication
587 expr7 / expr7 .. number division
588 expr7 % expr7 .. number modulo
589
590|expr7| ! expr7 logical NOT
591 - expr7 unary minus
592 + expr7 unary plus
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000593
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000594
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000595|expr8| expr8[expr1] byte of a String or item of a List
596 expr8[expr1 : expr1] substring of a String or sublist of a List
597 expr8.name entry in a Dictionary
598 expr8(expr1, ...) function call with Funcref variable
599
600|expr9| number number constant
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +0000601 "string" string constant, backslash is special
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000602 'string' string constant, ' is doubled
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000603 [expr1, ...] List
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000604 {expr1: expr1, ...} Dictionary
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000605 &option option value
606 (expr1) nested expression
607 variable internal variable
608 va{ria}ble internal variable with curly braces
609 $VAR environment variable
610 @r contents of register 'r'
611 function(expr1, ...) function call
612 func{ti}on(expr1, ...) function call with curly braces
613
614
615".." indicates that the operations in this level can be concatenated.
616Example: >
617 &nu || &list && &shell == "csh"
618
619All expressions within one level are parsed from left to right.
620
621
622expr1 *expr1* *E109*
623-----
624
625expr2 ? expr1 : expr1
626
627The expression before the '?' is evaluated to a number. If it evaluates to
628non-zero, the result is the value of the expression between the '?' and ':',
629otherwise the result is the value of the expression after the ':'.
630Example: >
631 :echo lnum == 1 ? "top" : lnum
632
633Since the first expression is an "expr2", it cannot contain another ?:. The
634other two expressions can, thus allow for recursive use of ?:.
635Example: >
636 :echo lnum == 1 ? "top" : lnum == 1000 ? "last" : lnum
637
638To keep this readable, using |line-continuation| is suggested: >
639 :echo lnum == 1
640 :\ ? "top"
641 :\ : lnum == 1000
642 :\ ? "last"
643 :\ : lnum
644
645
646expr2 and expr3 *expr2* *expr3*
647---------------
648
649 *expr-barbar* *expr-&&*
650The "||" and "&&" operators take one argument on each side. The arguments
651are (converted to) Numbers. The result is:
652
653 input output ~
654n1 n2 n1 || n2 n1 && n2 ~
655zero zero zero zero
656zero non-zero non-zero zero
657non-zero zero non-zero zero
658non-zero non-zero non-zero non-zero
659
660The operators can be concatenated, for example: >
661
662 &nu || &list && &shell == "csh"
663
664Note that "&&" takes precedence over "||", so this has the meaning of: >
665
666 &nu || (&list && &shell == "csh")
667
668Once the result is known, the expression "short-circuits", that is, further
669arguments are not evaluated. This is like what happens in C. For example: >
670
671 let a = 1
672 echo a || b
673
674This is valid even if there is no variable called "b" because "a" is non-zero,
675so the result must be non-zero. Similarly below: >
676
677 echo exists("b") && b == "yes"
678
679This is valid whether "b" has been defined or not. The second clause will
680only be evaluated if "b" has been defined.
681
682
683expr4 *expr4*
684-----
685
686expr5 {cmp} expr5
687
688Compare two expr5 expressions, resulting in a 0 if it evaluates to false, or 1
689if it evaluates to true.
690
691 *expr-==* *expr-!=* *expr->* *expr->=*
692 *expr-<* *expr-<=* *expr-=~* *expr-!~*
693 *expr-==#* *expr-!=#* *expr->#* *expr->=#*
694 *expr-<#* *expr-<=#* *expr-=~#* *expr-!~#*
695 *expr-==?* *expr-!=?* *expr->?* *expr->=?*
696 *expr-<?* *expr-<=?* *expr-=~?* *expr-!~?*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000697 *expr-is*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000698 use 'ignorecase' match case ignore case ~
699equal == ==# ==?
700not equal != !=# !=?
701greater than > ># >?
702greater than or equal >= >=# >=?
703smaller than < <# <?
704smaller than or equal <= <=# <=?
705regexp matches =~ =~# =~?
706regexp doesn't match !~ !~# !~?
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000707same instance is
708different instance isnot
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000709
710Examples:
711"abc" ==# "Abc" evaluates to 0
712"abc" ==? "Abc" evaluates to 1
713"abc" == "Abc" evaluates to 1 if 'ignorecase' is set, 0 otherwise
714
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000715 *E691* *E692*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000716A List can only be compared with a List and only "equal", "not equal" and "is"
717can be used. This compares the values of the list, recursively. Ignoring
718case means case is ignored when comparing item values.
719
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +0000720 *E735* *E736*
721A Dictionary can only be compared with a Dictionary and only "equal", "not
722equal" and "is" can be used. This compares the key/values of the Dictionary,
723recursively. Ignoring case means case is ignored when comparing item values.
724
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +0000725 *E693* *E694*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000726A Funcref can only be compared with a Funcref and only "equal" and "not equal"
727can be used. Case is never ignored.
728
729When using "is" or "isnot" with a List this checks if the expressions are
730referring to the same List instance. A copy of a List is different from the
731original List. When using "is" without a List it is equivalent to using
732"equal", using "isnot" equivalent to using "not equal". Except that a
733different type means the values are different. "4 == '4'" is true, "4 is '4'"
734is false.
735
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000736When comparing a String with a Number, the String is converted to a Number,
737and the comparison is done on Numbers. This means that "0 == 'x'" is TRUE,
738because 'x' converted to a Number is zero.
739
740When comparing two Strings, this is done with strcmp() or stricmp(). This
741results in the mathematical difference (comparing byte values), not
742necessarily the alphabetical difference in the local language.
743
744When using the operators with a trailing '#", or the short version and
745'ignorecase' is off, the comparing is done with strcmp().
746
747When using the operators with a trailing '?', or the short version and
748'ignorecase' is set, the comparing is done with stricmp().
749
750The "=~" and "!~" operators match the lefthand argument with the righthand
751argument, which is used as a pattern. See |pattern| for what a pattern is.
752This matching is always done like 'magic' was set and 'cpoptions' is empty, no
753matter what the actual value of 'magic' or 'cpoptions' is. This makes scripts
754portable. To avoid backslashes in the regexp pattern to be doubled, use a
755single-quote string, see |literal-string|.
756Since a string is considered to be a single line, a multi-line pattern
757(containing \n, backslash-n) will not match. However, a literal NL character
758can be matched like an ordinary character. Examples:
759 "foo\nbar" =~ "\n" evaluates to 1
760 "foo\nbar" =~ "\\n" evaluates to 0
761
762
763expr5 and expr6 *expr5* *expr6*
764---------------
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000765expr6 + expr6 .. Number addition or List concatenation *expr-+*
766expr6 - expr6 .. Number subtraction *expr--*
767expr6 . expr6 .. String concatenation *expr-.*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000768
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000769For Lists only "+" is possible and then both expr6 must be a list. The result
770is a new list with the two lists Concatenated.
771
772expr7 * expr7 .. number multiplication *expr-star*
773expr7 / expr7 .. number division *expr-/*
774expr7 % expr7 .. number modulo *expr-%*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000775
776For all, except ".", Strings are converted to Numbers.
777
778Note the difference between "+" and ".":
779 "123" + "456" = 579
780 "123" . "456" = "123456"
781
782When the righthand side of '/' is zero, the result is 0x7fffffff.
783When the righthand side of '%' is zero, the result is 0.
784
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +0000785None of these work for Funcrefs.
786
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000787
788expr7 *expr7*
789-----
790! expr7 logical NOT *expr-!*
791- expr7 unary minus *expr-unary--*
792+ expr7 unary plus *expr-unary-+*
793
794For '!' non-zero becomes zero, zero becomes one.
795For '-' the sign of the number is changed.
796For '+' the number is unchanged.
797
798A String will be converted to a Number first.
799
800These three can be repeated and mixed. Examples:
801 !-1 == 0
802 !!8 == 1
803 --9 == 9
804
805
806expr8 *expr8*
807-----
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000808expr8[expr1] item of String or List *expr-[]* *E111*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000809
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000810If expr8 is a Number or String this results in a String that contains the
811expr1'th single byte from expr8. expr8 is used as a String, expr1 as a
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000812Number. Note that this doesn't recognize multi-byte encodings.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000813
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000814Index zero gives the first character. This is like it works in C. Careful:
815text column numbers start with one! Example, to get the character under the
816cursor: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000817 :let c = getline(line("."))[col(".") - 1]
818
819If the length of the String is less than the index, the result is an empty
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000820String. A negative index always results in an empty string (reason: backwards
821compatibility). Use [-1:] to get the last byte.
822
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000823If expr8 is a List then it results the item at index expr1. See |list-index|
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000824for possible index values. If the index is out of range this results in an
825error. Example: >
826 :let item = mylist[-1] " get last item
827
828Generally, if a List index is equal to or higher than the length of the List,
829or more negative than the length of the List, this results in an error.
830
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000831
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000832expr8[expr1a : expr1b] substring or sublist *expr-[:]*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000833
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000834If expr8 is a Number or String this results in the substring with the bytes
835from expr1a to and including expr1b. expr8 is used as a String, expr1a and
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000836expr1b are used as a Number. Note that this doesn't recognize multi-byte
837encodings.
838
839If expr1a is omitted zero is used. If expr1b is omitted the length of the
840string minus one is used.
841
842A negative number can be used to measure from the end of the string. -1 is
843the last character, -2 the last but one, etc.
844
845If an index goes out of range for the string characters are omitted. If
846expr1b is smaller than expr1a the result is an empty string.
847
848Examples: >
849 :let c = name[-1:] " last byte of a string
850 :let c = name[-2:-2] " last but one byte of a string
851 :let s = line(".")[4:] " from the fifth byte to the end
852 :let s = s[:-3] " remove last two bytes
853
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000854If expr8 is a List this results in a new List with the items indicated by the
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +0000855indexes expr1a and expr1b. This works like with a String, as explained just
856above, except that indexes out of range cause an error. Examples: >
857 :let l = mylist[:3] " first four items
858 :let l = mylist[4:4] " List with one item
859 :let l = mylist[:] " shallow copy of a List
860
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000861Using expr8[expr1] or expr8[expr1a : expr1b] on a Funcref results in an error.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000862
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000863
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000864expr8.name entry in a Dictionary *expr-entry*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000865
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000866If expr8 is a Dictionary and it is followed by a dot, then the following name
867will be used as a key in the Dictionary. This is just like: expr8[name].
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000868
869The name must consist of alphanumeric characters, just like a variable name,
870but it may start with a number. Curly braces cannot be used.
871
872There must not be white space before or after the dot.
873
874Examples: >
875 :let dict = {"one": 1, 2: "two"}
876 :echo dict.one
877 :echo dict .2
878
879Note that the dot is also used for String concatenation. To avoid confusion
880always put spaces around the dot for String concatenation.
881
882
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +0000883expr8(expr1, ...) Funcref function call
884
885When expr8 is a |Funcref| type variable, invoke the function it refers to.
886
887
888
889 *expr9*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000890number
891------
892number number constant *expr-number*
893
894Decimal, Hexadecimal (starting with 0x or 0X), or Octal (starting with 0).
895
896
897string *expr-string* *E114*
898------
899"string" string constant *expr-quote*
900
901Note that double quotes are used.
902
903A string constant accepts these special characters:
904\... three-digit octal number (e.g., "\316")
905\.. two-digit octal number (must be followed by non-digit)
906\. one-digit octal number (must be followed by non-digit)
907\x.. byte specified with two hex numbers (e.g., "\x1f")
908\x. byte specified with one hex number (must be followed by non-hex char)
909\X.. same as \x..
910\X. same as \x.
911\u.... character specified with up to 4 hex numbers, stored according to the
912 current value of 'encoding' (e.g., "\u02a4")
913\U.... same as \u....
914\b backspace <BS>
915\e escape <Esc>
916\f formfeed <FF>
917\n newline <NL>
918\r return <CR>
919\t tab <Tab>
920\\ backslash
921\" double quote
922\<xxx> Special key named "xxx". e.g. "\<C-W>" for CTRL-W.
923
924Note that "\000" and "\x00" force the end of the string.
925
926
927literal-string *literal-string* *E115*
928---------------
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +0000929'string' string constant *expr-'*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000930
931Note that single quotes are used.
932
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +0000933This string is taken as it is. No backslashes are removed or have a special
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +0000934meaning. The only exception is that two quotes stand for one quote.
Bram Moolenaar3fdfa4a2004-10-07 21:02:47 +0000935
936Single quoted strings are useful for patterns, so that backslashes do not need
937to be doubled. These two commands are equivalent: >
938 if a =~ "\\s*"
939 if a =~ '\s*'
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000940
941
942option *expr-option* *E112* *E113*
943------
944&option option value, local value if possible
945&g:option global option value
946&l:option local option value
947
948Examples: >
949 echo "tabstop is " . &tabstop
950 if &insertmode
951
952Any option name can be used here. See |options|. When using the local value
953and there is no buffer-local or window-local value, the global value is used
954anyway.
955
956
957register *expr-register*
958--------
959@r contents of register 'r'
960
961The result is the contents of the named register, as a single string.
962Newlines are inserted where required. To get the contents of the unnamed
Bram Moolenaare7566042005-06-17 22:00:15 +0000963register use @" or @@. See |registers| for an explanation of the available
964registers.
965
966When using the '=' register you get the expression itself, not what it
967evaluates to. Use |eval()| to evaluate it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +0000968
969
970nesting *expr-nesting* *E110*
971-------
972(expr1) nested expression
973
974
975environment variable *expr-env*
976--------------------
977$VAR environment variable
978
979The String value of any environment variable. When it is not defined, the
980result is an empty string.
981 *expr-env-expand*
982Note that there is a difference between using $VAR directly and using
983expand("$VAR"). Using it directly will only expand environment variables that
984are known inside the current Vim session. Using expand() will first try using
985the environment variables known inside the current Vim session. If that
986fails, a shell will be used to expand the variable. This can be slow, but it
987does expand all variables that the shell knows about. Example: >
988 :echo $version
989 :echo expand("$version")
990The first one probably doesn't echo anything, the second echoes the $version
991variable (if your shell supports it).
992
993
994internal variable *expr-variable*
995-----------------
996variable internal variable
997See below |internal-variables|.
998
999
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00001000function call *expr-function* *E116* *E118* *E119* *E120*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001001-------------
1002function(expr1, ...) function call
1003See below |functions|.
1004
1005
1006==============================================================================
10073. Internal variable *internal-variables* *E121*
1008 *E461*
1009An internal variable name can be made up of letters, digits and '_'. But it
1010cannot start with a digit. It's also possible to use curly braces, see
1011|curly-braces-names|.
1012
1013An internal variable is created with the ":let" command |:let|.
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00001014An internal variable is explicitly destroyed with the ":unlet" command
1015|:unlet|.
1016Using a name that is not an internal variable or refers to a variable that has
1017been destroyed results in an error.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001018
1019There are several name spaces for variables. Which one is to be used is
1020specified by what is prepended:
1021
1022 (nothing) In a function: local to a function; otherwise: global
1023|buffer-variable| b: Local to the current buffer.
1024|window-variable| w: Local to the current window.
1025|global-variable| g: Global.
1026|local-variable| l: Local to a function.
1027|script-variable| s: Local to a |:source|'ed Vim script.
1028|function-argument| a: Function argument (only inside a function).
1029|vim-variable| v: Global, predefined by Vim.
1030
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00001031The scope name by itself can be used as a Dictionary. For example, to delete
1032all script-local variables: >
1033 :for k in keys(s:)
1034 : unlet s:[k]
1035 :endfor
1036<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001037 *buffer-variable* *b:var*
1038A variable name that is preceded with "b:" is local to the current buffer.
1039Thus you can have several "b:foo" variables, one for each buffer.
1040This kind of variable is deleted when the buffer is wiped out or deleted with
1041|:bdelete|.
1042
1043One local buffer variable is predefined:
1044 *b:changedtick-variable* *changetick*
1045b:changedtick The total number of changes to the current buffer. It is
1046 incremented for each change. An undo command is also a change
1047 in this case. This can be used to perform an action only when
1048 the buffer has changed. Example: >
1049 :if my_changedtick != b:changedtick
1050 : let my_changedtick = b:changedtick
1051 : call My_Update()
1052 :endif
1053<
1054 *window-variable* *w:var*
1055A variable name that is preceded with "w:" is local to the current window. It
1056is deleted when the window is closed.
1057
1058 *global-variable* *g:var*
1059Inside functions global variables are accessed with "g:". Omitting this will
1060access a variable local to a function. But "g:" can also be used in any other
1061place if you like.
1062
1063 *local-variable* *l:var*
1064Inside functions local variables are accessed without prepending anything.
1065But you can also prepend "l:" if you like.
1066
1067 *script-variable* *s:var*
1068In a Vim script variables starting with "s:" can be used. They cannot be
1069accessed from outside of the scripts, thus are local to the script.
1070
1071They can be used in:
1072- commands executed while the script is sourced
1073- functions defined in the script
1074- autocommands defined in the script
1075- functions and autocommands defined in functions and autocommands which were
1076 defined in the script (recursively)
1077- user defined commands defined in the script
1078Thus not in:
1079- other scripts sourced from this one
1080- mappings
1081- etc.
1082
1083script variables can be used to avoid conflicts with global variable names.
1084Take this example:
1085
1086 let s:counter = 0
1087 function MyCounter()
1088 let s:counter = s:counter + 1
1089 echo s:counter
1090 endfunction
1091 command Tick call MyCounter()
1092
1093You can now invoke "Tick" from any script, and the "s:counter" variable in
1094that script will not be changed, only the "s:counter" in the script where
1095"Tick" was defined is used.
1096
1097Another example that does the same: >
1098
1099 let s:counter = 0
1100 command Tick let s:counter = s:counter + 1 | echo s:counter
1101
1102When calling a function and invoking a user-defined command, the context for
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001103script variables is set to the script where the function or command was
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001104defined.
1105
1106The script variables are also available when a function is defined inside a
1107function that is defined in a script. Example: >
1108
1109 let s:counter = 0
1110 function StartCounting(incr)
1111 if a:incr
1112 function MyCounter()
1113 let s:counter = s:counter + 1
1114 endfunction
1115 else
1116 function MyCounter()
1117 let s:counter = s:counter - 1
1118 endfunction
1119 endif
1120 endfunction
1121
1122This defines the MyCounter() function either for counting up or counting down
1123when calling StartCounting(). It doesn't matter from where StartCounting() is
1124called, the s:counter variable will be accessible in MyCounter().
1125
1126When the same script is sourced again it will use the same script variables.
1127They will remain valid as long as Vim is running. This can be used to
1128maintain a counter: >
1129
1130 if !exists("s:counter")
1131 let s:counter = 1
1132 echo "script executed for the first time"
1133 else
1134 let s:counter = s:counter + 1
1135 echo "script executed " . s:counter . " times now"
1136 endif
1137
1138Note that this means that filetype plugins don't get a different set of script
1139variables for each buffer. Use local buffer variables instead |b:var|.
1140
1141
1142Predefined Vim variables: *vim-variable* *v:var*
1143
Bram Moolenaare4efc3b2005-03-07 23:16:51 +00001144 *v:beval_col* *beval_col-variable*
1145v:beval_col The number of the column, over which the mouse pointer is.
1146 This is the byte index in the |v:beval_lnum| line.
1147 Only valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1148
1149 *v:beval_bufnr* *beval_bufnr-variable*
1150v:beval_bufnr The number of the buffer, over which the mouse pointer is. Only
1151 valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1152
1153 *v:beval_lnum* *beval_lnum-variable*
1154v:beval_lnum The number of the line, over which the mouse pointer is. Only
1155 valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1156
1157 *v:beval_text* *beval_text-variable*
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00001158v:beval_text The text under or after the mouse pointer. Usually a word as
1159 it is useful for debugging a C program. 'iskeyword' applies,
1160 but a dot and "->" before the position is included. When on a
1161 ']' the text before it is used, including the matching '[' and
Bram Moolenaare4efc3b2005-03-07 23:16:51 +00001162 word before it. When on a Visual area within one line the
1163 highlighted text is used.
1164 Only valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1165
1166 *v:beval_winnr* *beval_winnr-variable*
1167v:beval_winnr The number of the window, over which the mouse pointer is. Only
1168 valid while evaluating the 'balloonexpr' option.
1169
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001170 *v:charconvert_from* *charconvert_from-variable*
1171v:charconvert_from
1172 The name of the character encoding of a file to be converted.
1173 Only valid while evaluating the 'charconvert' option.
1174
1175 *v:charconvert_to* *charconvert_to-variable*
1176v:charconvert_to
1177 The name of the character encoding of a file after conversion.
1178 Only valid while evaluating the 'charconvert' option.
1179
1180 *v:cmdarg* *cmdarg-variable*
1181v:cmdarg This variable is used for two purposes:
1182 1. The extra arguments given to a file read/write command.
1183 Currently these are "++enc=" and "++ff=". This variable is
1184 set before an autocommand event for a file read/write
1185 command is triggered. There is a leading space to make it
1186 possible to append this variable directly after the
1187 read/write command. Note: The "+cmd" argument isn't
1188 included here, because it will be executed anyway.
1189 2. When printing a PostScript file with ":hardcopy" this is
1190 the argument for the ":hardcopy" command. This can be used
1191 in 'printexpr'.
1192
1193 *v:cmdbang* *cmdbang-variable*
1194v:cmdbang Set like v:cmdarg for a file read/write command. When a "!"
1195 was used the value is 1, otherwise it is 0. Note that this
1196 can only be used in autocommands. For user commands |<bang>|
1197 can be used.
1198
1199 *v:count* *count-variable*
1200v:count The count given for the last Normal mode command. Can be used
1201 to get the count before a mapping. Read-only. Example: >
1202 :map _x :<C-U>echo "the count is " . v:count<CR>
1203< Note: The <C-U> is required to remove the line range that you
1204 get when typing ':' after a count.
1205 "count" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1206
1207 *v:count1* *count1-variable*
1208v:count1 Just like "v:count", but defaults to one when no count is
1209 used.
1210
1211 *v:ctype* *ctype-variable*
1212v:ctype The current locale setting for characters of the runtime
1213 environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the
1214 current locale encoding. Technical: it's the value of
1215 LC_CTYPE. When not using a locale the value is "C".
1216 This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language|
1217 command.
1218 See |multi-lang|.
1219
1220 *v:dying* *dying-variable*
1221v:dying Normally zero. When a deadly signal is caught it's set to
1222 one. When multiple signals are caught the number increases.
1223 Can be used in an autocommand to check if Vim didn't
1224 terminate normally. {only works on Unix}
1225 Example: >
1226 :au VimLeave * if v:dying | echo "\nAAAAaaaarrrggghhhh!!!\n" | endif
1227<
1228 *v:errmsg* *errmsg-variable*
1229v:errmsg Last given error message. It's allowed to set this variable.
1230 Example: >
1231 :let v:errmsg = ""
1232 :silent! next
1233 :if v:errmsg != ""
1234 : ... handle error
1235< "errmsg" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1236
1237 *v:exception* *exception-variable*
1238v:exception The value of the exception most recently caught and not
1239 finished. See also |v:throwpoint| and |throw-variables|.
1240 Example: >
1241 :try
1242 : throw "oops"
1243 :catch /.*/
1244 : echo "caught" v:exception
1245 :endtry
1246< Output: "caught oops".
1247
Bram Moolenaar19a09a12005-03-04 23:39:37 +00001248 *v:fcs_reason* *fcs_reason-variable*
1249v:fcs_reason The reason why the |FileChangedShell| event was triggered.
1250 Can be used in an autocommand to decide what to do and/or what
1251 to set v:fcs_choice to. Possible values:
1252 deleted file no longer exists
1253 conflict file contents, mode or timestamp was
1254 changed and buffer is modified
1255 changed file contents has changed
1256 mode mode of file changed
1257 time only file timestamp changed
1258
1259 *v:fcs_choice* *fcs_choice-variable*
1260v:fcs_choice What should happen after a |FileChangedShell| event was
1261 triggered. Can be used in an autocommand to tell Vim what to
1262 do with the affected buffer:
1263 reload Reload the buffer (does not work if
1264 the file was deleted).
1265 ask Ask the user what to do, as if there
1266 was no autocommand. Except that when
1267 only the timestamp changed nothing
1268 will happen.
1269 <empty> Nothing, the autocommand should do
1270 everything that needs to be done.
1271 The default is empty. If another (invalid) value is used then
1272 Vim behaves like it is empty, there is no warning message.
1273
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001274 *v:fname_in* *fname_in-variable*
1275v:fname_in The name of the input file. Only valid while evaluating:
1276 option used for ~
1277 'charconvert' file to be converted
1278 'diffexpr' original file
1279 'patchexpr' original file
1280 'printexpr' file to be printed
1281
1282 *v:fname_out* *fname_out-variable*
1283v:fname_out The name of the output file. Only valid while
1284 evaluating:
1285 option used for ~
1286 'charconvert' resulting converted file (*)
1287 'diffexpr' output of diff
1288 'patchexpr' resulting patched file
1289 (*) When doing conversion for a write command (e.g., ":w
1290 file") it will be equal to v:fname_in. When doing conversion
1291 for a read command (e.g., ":e file") it will be a temporary
1292 file and different from v:fname_in.
1293
1294 *v:fname_new* *fname_new-variable*
1295v:fname_new The name of the new version of the file. Only valid while
1296 evaluating 'diffexpr'.
1297
1298 *v:fname_diff* *fname_diff-variable*
1299v:fname_diff The name of the diff (patch) file. Only valid while
1300 evaluating 'patchexpr'.
1301
1302 *v:folddashes* *folddashes-variable*
1303v:folddashes Used for 'foldtext': dashes representing foldlevel of a closed
1304 fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001305 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001306
1307 *v:foldlevel* *foldlevel-variable*
1308v:foldlevel Used for 'foldtext': foldlevel of closed fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001309 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001310
1311 *v:foldend* *foldend-variable*
1312v:foldend Used for 'foldtext': last line of closed fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001313 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001314
1315 *v:foldstart* *foldstart-variable*
1316v:foldstart Used for 'foldtext': first line of closed fold.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001317 Read-only in the |sandbox|. |fold-foldtext|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001318
Bram Moolenaar843ee412004-06-30 16:16:41 +00001319 *v:insertmode* *insertmode-variable*
1320v:insertmode Used for the |InsertEnter| and |InsertChange| autocommand
1321 events. Values:
1322 i Insert mode
1323 r Replace mode
1324 v Virtual Replace mode
1325
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001326 *v:key* *key-variable*
1327v:key Key of the current item of a Dictionary. Only valid while
1328 evaluating the expression used with |map()| and |filter()|.
1329 Read-only.
1330
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001331 *v:lang* *lang-variable*
1332v:lang The current locale setting for messages of the runtime
1333 environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the
1334 current language. Technical: it's the value of LC_MESSAGES.
1335 The value is system dependent.
1336 This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language|
1337 command.
1338 It can be different from |v:ctype| when messages are desired
1339 in a different language than what is used for character
1340 encoding. See |multi-lang|.
1341
1342 *v:lc_time* *lc_time-variable*
1343v:lc_time The current locale setting for time messages of the runtime
1344 environment. This allows Vim scripts to be aware of the
1345 current language. Technical: it's the value of LC_TIME.
1346 This variable can not be set directly, use the |:language|
1347 command. See |multi-lang|.
1348
1349 *v:lnum* *lnum-variable*
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001350v:lnum Line number for the 'foldexpr' |fold-expr| and 'indentexpr'
1351 expressions. Only valid while one of these expressions is
1352 being evaluated. Read-only when in the |sandbox|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001353
1354 *v:prevcount* *prevcount-variable*
1355v:prevcount The count given for the last but one Normal mode command.
1356 This is the v:count value of the previous command. Useful if
1357 you want to cancel Visual mode and then use the count. >
1358 :vmap % <Esc>:call MyFilter(v:prevcount)<CR>
1359< Read-only.
1360
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00001361 *v:profiling* *profiling-variable*
1362v:profiling Normally zero. Set to one after using ":profile start".
1363 See |profiling|.
1364
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001365 *v:progname* *progname-variable*
1366v:progname Contains the name (with path removed) with which Vim was
1367 invoked. Allows you to do special initialisations for "view",
1368 "evim" etc., or any other name you might symlink to Vim.
1369 Read-only.
1370
1371 *v:register* *register-variable*
1372v:register The name of the register supplied to the last normal mode
1373 command. Empty if none were supplied. |getreg()| |setreg()|
1374
1375 *v:servername* *servername-variable*
1376v:servername The resulting registered |x11-clientserver| name if any.
1377 Read-only.
1378
1379 *v:shell_error* *shell_error-variable*
1380v:shell_error Result of the last shell command. When non-zero, the last
1381 shell command had an error. When zero, there was no problem.
1382 This only works when the shell returns the error code to Vim.
1383 The value -1 is often used when the command could not be
1384 executed. Read-only.
1385 Example: >
1386 :!mv foo bar
1387 :if v:shell_error
1388 : echo 'could not rename "foo" to "bar"!'
1389 :endif
1390< "shell_error" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1391
1392 *v:statusmsg* *statusmsg-variable*
1393v:statusmsg Last given status message. It's allowed to set this variable.
1394
1395 *v:termresponse* *termresponse-variable*
1396v:termresponse The escape sequence returned by the terminal for the |t_RV|
1397 termcap entry. It is set when Vim receives an escape sequence
1398 that starts with ESC [ or CSI and ends in a 'c', with only
1399 digits, ';' and '.' in between.
1400 When this option is set, the TermResponse autocommand event is
1401 fired, so that you can react to the response from the
1402 terminal.
1403 The response from a new xterm is: "<Esc>[ Pp ; Pv ; Pc c". Pp
1404 is the terminal type: 0 for vt100 and 1 for vt220. Pv is the
1405 patch level (since this was introduced in patch 95, it's
1406 always 95 or bigger). Pc is always zero.
1407 {only when compiled with |+termresponse| feature}
1408
1409 *v:this_session* *this_session-variable*
1410v:this_session Full filename of the last loaded or saved session file. See
1411 |:mksession|. It is allowed to set this variable. When no
1412 session file has been saved, this variable is empty.
1413 "this_session" also works, for backwards compatibility.
1414
1415 *v:throwpoint* *throwpoint-variable*
1416v:throwpoint The point where the exception most recently caught and not
1417 finished was thrown. Not set when commands are typed. See
1418 also |v:exception| and |throw-variables|.
1419 Example: >
1420 :try
1421 : throw "oops"
1422 :catch /.*/
1423 : echo "Exception from" v:throwpoint
1424 :endtry
1425< Output: "Exception from test.vim, line 2"
1426
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001427 *v:val* *val-variable*
1428v:val Value of the current item of a List or Dictionary. Only valid
1429 while evaluating the expression used with |map()| and
1430 |filter()|. Read-only.
1431
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001432 *v:version* *version-variable*
1433v:version Version number of Vim: Major version number times 100 plus
1434 minor version number. Version 5.0 is 500. Version 5.1 (5.01)
1435 is 501. Read-only. "version" also works, for backwards
1436 compatibility.
1437 Use |has()| to check if a certain patch was included, e.g.: >
1438 if has("patch123")
1439< Note that patch numbers are specific to the version, thus both
1440 version 5.0 and 5.1 may have a patch 123, but these are
1441 completely different.
1442
1443 *v:warningmsg* *warningmsg-variable*
1444v:warningmsg Last given warning message. It's allowed to set this variable.
1445
1446==============================================================================
14474. Builtin Functions *functions*
1448
1449See |function-list| for a list grouped by what the function is used for.
1450
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00001451(Use CTRL-] on the function name to jump to the full explanation.)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001452
1453USAGE RESULT DESCRIPTION ~
1454
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001455add( {list}, {item}) List append {item} to List {list}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001456append( {lnum}, {string}) Number append {string} below line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00001457append( {lnum}, {list}) Number append lines {list} below line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001458argc() Number number of files in the argument list
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001459argidx() Number current index in the argument list
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001460argv( {nr}) String {nr} entry of the argument list
1461browse( {save}, {title}, {initdir}, {default})
1462 String put up a file requester
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001463browsedir( {title}, {initdir}) String put up a directory requester
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001464bufexists( {expr}) Number TRUE if buffer {expr} exists
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001465buflisted( {expr}) Number TRUE if buffer {expr} is listed
1466bufloaded( {expr}) Number TRUE if buffer {expr} is loaded
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001467bufname( {expr}) String Name of the buffer {expr}
1468bufnr( {expr}) Number Number of the buffer {expr}
1469bufwinnr( {expr}) Number window number of buffer {expr}
1470byte2line( {byte}) Number line number at byte count {byte}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001471byteidx( {expr}, {nr}) Number byte index of {nr}'th char in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001472call( {func}, {arglist} [, {dict}])
1473 any call {func} with arguments {arglist}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001474char2nr( {expr}) Number ASCII value of first char in {expr}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001475cindent( {lnum}) Number C indent for line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001476col( {expr}) Number column nr of cursor or mark
1477confirm( {msg} [, {choices} [, {default} [, {type}]]])
1478 Number number of choice picked by user
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001479copy( {expr}) any make a shallow copy of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001480count( {list}, {expr} [, {start} [, {ic}]])
1481 Number count how many {expr} are in {list}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001482cscope_connection( [{num} , {dbpath} [, {prepend}]])
1483 Number checks existence of cscope connection
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001484cursor( {lnum}, {col}) Number position cursor at {lnum}, {col}
1485deepcopy( {expr}) any make a full copy of {expr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001486delete( {fname}) Number delete file {fname}
1487did_filetype() Number TRUE if FileType autocommand event used
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001488diff_filler( {lnum}) Number diff filler lines about {lnum}
1489diff_hlID( {lnum}, {col}) Number diff highlighting at {lnum}/{col}
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00001490empty( {expr}) Number TRUE if {expr} is empty
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001491escape( {string}, {chars}) String escape {chars} in {string} with '\'
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00001492eval( {string}) any evaluate {string} into its value
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001493eventhandler( ) Number TRUE if inside an event handler
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001494executable( {expr}) Number 1 if executable {expr} exists
1495exists( {expr}) Number TRUE if {expr} exists
1496expand( {expr}) String expand special keywords in {expr}
1497filereadable( {file}) Number TRUE if {file} is a readable file
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001498filter( {expr}, {string}) List/Dict remove items from {expr} where
1499 {string} is 0
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001500finddir( {name}[, {path}[, {count}]])
1501 String Find directory {name} in {path}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001502findfile( {name}[, {path}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001503 String Find file {name} in {path}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001504filewritable( {file}) Number TRUE if {file} is a writable file
1505fnamemodify( {fname}, {mods}) String modify file name
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001506foldclosed( {lnum}) Number first line of fold at {lnum} if closed
1507foldclosedend( {lnum}) Number last line of fold at {lnum} if closed
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001508foldlevel( {lnum}) Number fold level at {lnum}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001509foldtext( ) String line displayed for closed fold
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001510foreground( ) Number bring the Vim window to the foreground
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001511function( {name}) Funcref reference to function {name}
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001512get( {list}, {idx} [, {def}]) any get item {idx} from {list} or {def}
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001513get( {dict}, {key} [, {def}]) any get item {key} from {dict} or {def}
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00001514getbufline( {expr}, {lnum} [, {end}])
1515 List lines {lnum} to {end} of buffer {expr}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001516getchar( [expr]) Number get one character from the user
1517getcharmod( ) Number modifiers for the last typed character
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001518getbufvar( {expr}, {varname}) variable {varname} in buffer {expr}
1519getcmdline() String return the current command-line
1520getcmdpos() Number return cursor position in command-line
1521getcwd() String the current working directory
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00001522getfperm( {fname}) String file permissions of file {fname}
1523getfsize( {fname}) Number size in bytes of file {fname}
Bram Moolenaard8b0cf12004-12-12 11:33:30 +00001524getfontname( [{name}]) String name of font being used
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001525getftime( {fname}) Number last modification time of file
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00001526getftype( {fname}) String description of type of file {fname}
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00001527getline( {lnum}) String line {lnum} of current buffer
1528getline( {lnum}, {end}) List lines {lnum} to {end} of current buffer
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00001529getqflist() List list of quickfix items
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00001530getreg( [{regname} [, 1]]) String contents of register
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001531getregtype( [{regname}]) String type of register
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001532getwinposx() Number X coord in pixels of GUI Vim window
1533getwinposy() Number Y coord in pixels of GUI Vim window
1534getwinvar( {nr}, {varname}) variable {varname} in window {nr}
1535glob( {expr}) String expand file wildcards in {expr}
1536globpath( {path}, {expr}) String do glob({expr}) for all dirs in {path}
1537has( {feature}) Number TRUE if feature {feature} supported
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001538has_key( {dict}, {key}) Number TRUE if {dict} has entry {key}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001539hasmapto( {what} [, {mode}]) Number TRUE if mapping to {what} exists
1540histadd( {history},{item}) String add an item to a history
1541histdel( {history} [, {item}]) String remove an item from a history
1542histget( {history} [, {index}]) String get the item {index} from a history
1543histnr( {history}) Number highest index of a history
1544hlexists( {name}) Number TRUE if highlight group {name} exists
1545hlID( {name}) Number syntax ID of highlight group {name}
1546hostname() String name of the machine Vim is running on
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001547iconv( {expr}, {from}, {to}) String convert encoding of {expr}
1548indent( {lnum}) Number indent of line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001549index( {list}, {expr} [, {start} [, {ic}]])
1550 Number index in {list} where {expr} appears
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001551input( {prompt} [, {text}]) String get input from the user
1552inputdialog( {p} [, {t} [, {c}]]) String like input() but in a GUI dialog
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001553inputrestore() Number restore typeahead
1554inputsave() Number save and clear typeahead
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001555inputsecret( {prompt} [, {text}]) String like input() but hiding the text
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001556insert( {list}, {item} [, {idx}]) List insert {item} in {list} [before {idx}]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001557isdirectory( {directory}) Number TRUE if {directory} is a directory
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00001558islocked( {expr}) Number TRUE if {expr} is locked
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00001559items( {dict}) List List of key-value pairs in {dict}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001560join( {list} [, {sep}]) String join {list} items into one String
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00001561keys( {dict}) List List of keys in {dict}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001562len( {expr}) Number the length of {expr}
1563libcall( {lib}, {func}, {arg}) String call {func} in library {lib} with {arg}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001564libcallnr( {lib}, {func}, {arg}) Number idem, but return a Number
1565line( {expr}) Number line nr of cursor, last line or mark
1566line2byte( {lnum}) Number byte count of line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001567lispindent( {lnum}) Number Lisp indent for line {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001568localtime() Number current time
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001569map( {expr}, {string}) List/Dict change each item in {expr} to {expr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001570maparg( {name}[, {mode}]) String rhs of mapping {name} in mode {mode}
1571mapcheck( {name}[, {mode}]) String check for mappings matching {name}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001572match( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001573 Number position where {pat} matches in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001574matchend( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001575 Number position where {pat} ends in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00001576matchlist( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
1577 List match and submatches of {pat} in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00001578matchstr( {expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]])
1579 String {count}'th match of {pat} in {expr}
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00001580max({list}) Number maximum value of items in {list}
1581min({list}) Number minumum value of items in {list}
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00001582mkdir({name} [, {path} [, {prot}]])
1583 Number create directory {name}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001584mode() String current editing mode
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001585nextnonblank( {lnum}) Number line nr of non-blank line >= {lnum}
1586nr2char( {expr}) String single char with ASCII value {expr}
1587prevnonblank( {lnum}) Number line nr of non-blank line <= {lnum}
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00001588printf( {fmt}, {expr1}...) String format text
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00001589range( {expr} [, {max} [, {stride}]])
1590 List items from {expr} to {max}
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00001591readfile({fname} [, {binary} [, {max}]])
1592 List get list of lines from file {fname}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001593remote_expr( {server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
1594 String send expression
1595remote_foreground( {server}) Number bring Vim server to the foreground
1596remote_peek( {serverid} [, {retvar}])
1597 Number check for reply string
1598remote_read( {serverid}) String read reply string
1599remote_send( {server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
1600 String send key sequence
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00001601remove( {list}, {idx} [, {end}]) any remove items {idx}-{end} from {list}
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00001602remove( {dict}, {key}) any remove entry {key} from {dict}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001603rename( {from}, {to}) Number rename (move) file from {from} to {to}
1604repeat( {expr}, {count}) String repeat {expr} {count} times
1605resolve( {filename}) String get filename a shortcut points to
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001606reverse( {list}) List reverse {list} in-place
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001607search( {pattern} [, {flags}]) Number search for {pattern}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001608searchpair( {start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip}]])
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001609 Number search for other end of start/end pair
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001610server2client( {clientid}, {string})
1611 Number send reply string
1612serverlist() String get a list of available servers
1613setbufvar( {expr}, {varname}, {val}) set {varname} in buffer {expr} to {val}
1614setcmdpos( {pos}) Number set cursor position in command-line
1615setline( {lnum}, {line}) Number set line {lnum} to {line}
Bram Moolenaar35c54e52005-05-20 21:25:31 +00001616setqflist( {list}[, {action}]) Number set list of quickfix items using {list}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001617setreg( {n}, {v}[, {opt}]) Number set register to value and type
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001618setwinvar( {nr}, {varname}, {val}) set {varname} in window {nr} to {val}
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001619simplify( {filename}) String simplify filename as much as possible
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001620sort( {list} [, {func}]) List sort {list}, using {func} to compare
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00001621soundfold( {word}) String sound-fold {word}
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00001622spellbadword() String badly spelled word at cursor
1623spellsuggest({word} [, {max}]) List spelling suggestions
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00001624split( {expr} [, {pat} [, {keepempty}]])
1625 List make List from {pat} separated {expr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001626strftime( {format}[, {time}]) String time in specified format
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00001627stridx( {haystack}, {needle}[, {start}])
1628 Number index of {needle} in {haystack}
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00001629string( {expr}) String String representation of {expr} value
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001630strlen( {expr}) Number length of the String {expr}
1631strpart( {src}, {start}[, {len}])
1632 String {len} characters of {src} at {start}
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00001633strridx( {haystack}, {needle} [, {start}])
1634 Number last index of {needle} in {haystack}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001635strtrans( {expr}) String translate string to make it printable
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001636submatch( {nr}) String specific match in ":substitute"
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001637substitute( {expr}, {pat}, {sub}, {flags})
1638 String all {pat} in {expr} replaced with {sub}
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00001639synID( {lnum}, {col}, {trans}) Number syntax ID at {lnum} and {col}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001640synIDattr( {synID}, {what} [, {mode}])
1641 String attribute {what} of syntax ID {synID}
1642synIDtrans( {synID}) Number translated syntax ID of {synID}
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00001643system( {expr} [, {input}]) String output of shell command/filter {expr}
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00001644taglist({expr}) List list of tags matching {expr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001645tempname() String name for a temporary file
1646tolower( {expr}) String the String {expr} switched to lowercase
1647toupper( {expr}) String the String {expr} switched to uppercase
Bram Moolenaar8299df92004-07-10 09:47:34 +00001648tr( {src}, {fromstr}, {tostr}) String translate chars of {src} in {fromstr}
1649 to chars in {tostr}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001650type( {name}) Number type of variable {name}
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00001651values( {dict}) List List of values in {dict}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001652virtcol( {expr}) Number screen column of cursor or mark
1653visualmode( [expr]) String last visual mode used
1654winbufnr( {nr}) Number buffer number of window {nr}
1655wincol() Number window column of the cursor
1656winheight( {nr}) Number height of window {nr}
1657winline() Number window line of the cursor
1658winnr() Number number of current window
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001659winrestcmd() String returns command to restore window sizes
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001660winwidth( {nr}) Number width of window {nr}
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00001661writefile({list}, {fname} [, {binary}])
1662 Number write list of lines to file {fname}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001663
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001664add({list}, {expr}) *add()*
1665 Append the item {expr} to List {list}. Returns the resulting
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00001666 List. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001667 :let alist = add([1, 2, 3], item)
1668 :call add(mylist, "woodstock")
1669< Note that when {expr} is a List it is appended as a single
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001670 item. Use |extend()| to concatenate Lists.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00001671 Use |insert()| to add an item at another position.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001672
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001673
1674append({lnum}, {expr}) *append()*
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00001675 When {expr} is a List: Append each item of the List as a text
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001676 line below line {lnum} in the current buffer.
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00001677 Otherwise append {expr} as one text line below line {lnum} in
1678 the current buffer.
1679 {lnum} can be zero to insert a line before the first one.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001680 Returns 1 for failure ({lnum} out of range or out of memory),
1681 0 for success. Example: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001682 :let failed = append(line('$'), "# THE END")
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00001683 :let failed = append(0, ["Chapter 1", "the beginning"])
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001684<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001685 *argc()*
1686argc() The result is the number of files in the argument list of the
1687 current window. See |arglist|.
1688
1689 *argidx()*
1690argidx() The result is the current index in the argument list. 0 is
1691 the first file. argc() - 1 is the last one. See |arglist|.
1692
1693 *argv()*
1694argv({nr}) The result is the {nr}th file in the argument list of the
1695 current window. See |arglist|. "argv(0)" is the first one.
1696 Example: >
1697 :let i = 0
1698 :while i < argc()
1699 : let f = escape(argv(i), '. ')
1700 : exe 'amenu Arg.' . f . ' :e ' . f . '<CR>'
1701 : let i = i + 1
1702 :endwhile
1703<
1704 *browse()*
1705browse({save}, {title}, {initdir}, {default})
1706 Put up a file requester. This only works when "has("browse")"
1707 returns non-zero (only in some GUI versions).
1708 The input fields are:
1709 {save} when non-zero, select file to write
1710 {title} title for the requester
1711 {initdir} directory to start browsing in
1712 {default} default file name
1713 When the "Cancel" button is hit, something went wrong, or
1714 browsing is not possible, an empty string is returned.
1715
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00001716 *browsedir()*
1717browsedir({title}, {initdir})
1718 Put up a directory requester. This only works when
1719 "has("browse")" returns non-zero (only in some GUI versions).
1720 On systems where a directory browser is not supported a file
1721 browser is used. In that case: select a file in the directory
1722 to be used.
1723 The input fields are:
1724 {title} title for the requester
1725 {initdir} directory to start browsing in
1726 When the "Cancel" button is hit, something went wrong, or
1727 browsing is not possible, an empty string is returned.
1728
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001729bufexists({expr}) *bufexists()*
1730 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a buffer called
1731 {expr} exists.
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001732 If the {expr} argument is a number, buffer numbers are used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001733 If the {expr} argument is a string it must match a buffer name
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001734 exactly. The name can be:
1735 - Relative to the current directory.
1736 - A full path.
1737 - The name of a buffer with 'filetype' set to "nofile".
1738 - A URL name.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001739 Unlisted buffers will be found.
1740 Note that help files are listed by their short name in the
1741 output of |:buffers|, but bufexists() requires using their
1742 long name to be able to find them.
1743 Use "bufexists(0)" to test for the existence of an alternate
1744 file name.
1745 *buffer_exists()*
1746 Obsolete name: buffer_exists().
1747
1748buflisted({expr}) *buflisted()*
1749 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a buffer called
1750 {expr} exists and is listed (has the 'buflisted' option set).
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001751 The {expr} argument is used like with |bufexists()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001752
1753bufloaded({expr}) *bufloaded()*
1754 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a buffer called
1755 {expr} exists and is loaded (shown in a window or hidden).
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00001756 The {expr} argument is used like with |bufexists()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001757
1758bufname({expr}) *bufname()*
1759 The result is the name of a buffer, as it is displayed by the
1760 ":ls" command.
1761 If {expr} is a Number, that buffer number's name is given.
1762 Number zero is the alternate buffer for the current window.
1763 If {expr} is a String, it is used as a |file-pattern| to match
1764 with the buffer names. This is always done like 'magic' is
1765 set and 'cpoptions' is empty. When there is more than one
1766 match an empty string is returned.
1767 "" or "%" can be used for the current buffer, "#" for the
1768 alternate buffer.
1769 A full match is preferred, otherwise a match at the start, end
1770 or middle of the buffer name is accepted.
1771 Listed buffers are found first. If there is a single match
1772 with a listed buffer, that one is returned. Next unlisted
1773 buffers are searched for.
1774 If the {expr} is a String, but you want to use it as a buffer
1775 number, force it to be a Number by adding zero to it: >
1776 :echo bufname("3" + 0)
1777< If the buffer doesn't exist, or doesn't have a name, an empty
1778 string is returned. >
1779 bufname("#") alternate buffer name
1780 bufname(3) name of buffer 3
1781 bufname("%") name of current buffer
1782 bufname("file2") name of buffer where "file2" matches.
1783< *buffer_name()*
1784 Obsolete name: buffer_name().
1785
1786 *bufnr()*
1787bufnr({expr}) The result is the number of a buffer, as it is displayed by
1788 the ":ls" command. For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()|
1789 above. If the buffer doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
1790 bufnr("$") is the last buffer: >
1791 :let last_buffer = bufnr("$")
1792< The result is a Number, which is the highest buffer number
1793 of existing buffers. Note that not all buffers with a smaller
1794 number necessarily exist, because ":bwipeout" may have removed
1795 them. Use bufexists() to test for the existence of a buffer.
1796 *buffer_number()*
1797 Obsolete name: buffer_number().
1798 *last_buffer_nr()*
1799 Obsolete name for bufnr("$"): last_buffer_nr().
1800
1801bufwinnr({expr}) *bufwinnr()*
1802 The result is a Number, which is the number of the first
1803 window associated with buffer {expr}. For the use of {expr},
1804 see |bufname()| above. If buffer {expr} doesn't exist or
1805 there is no such window, -1 is returned. Example: >
1806
1807 echo "A window containing buffer 1 is " . (bufwinnr(1))
1808
1809< The number can be used with |CTRL-W_w| and ":wincmd w"
1810 |:wincmd|.
1811
1812
1813byte2line({byte}) *byte2line()*
1814 Return the line number that contains the character at byte
1815 count {byte} in the current buffer. This includes the
1816 end-of-line character, depending on the 'fileformat' option
1817 for the current buffer. The first character has byte count
1818 one.
1819 Also see |line2byte()|, |go| and |:goto|.
1820 {not available when compiled without the |+byte_offset|
1821 feature}
1822
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00001823byteidx({expr}, {nr}) *byteidx()*
1824 Return byte index of the {nr}'th character in the string
1825 {expr}. Use zero for the first character, it returns zero.
1826 This function is only useful when there are multibyte
1827 characters, otherwise the returned value is equal to {nr}.
1828 Composing characters are counted as a separate character.
1829 Example : >
1830 echo matchstr(str, ".", byteidx(str, 3))
1831< will display the fourth character. Another way to do the
1832 same: >
1833 let s = strpart(str, byteidx(str, 3))
1834 echo strpart(s, 0, byteidx(s, 1))
1835< If there are less than {nr} characters -1 is returned.
1836 If there are exactly {nr} characters the length of the string
1837 is returned.
1838
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001839call({func}, {arglist} [, {dict}]) *call()* *E699*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00001840 Call function {func} with the items in List {arglist} as
1841 arguments.
1842 {func} can either be a Funcref or the name of a function.
1843 a:firstline and a:lastline are set to the cursor line.
1844 Returns the return value of the called function.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001845 {dict} is for functions with the "dict" attribute. It will be
1846 used to set the local variable "self". |Dictionary-function|
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00001847
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001848char2nr({expr}) *char2nr()*
1849 Return number value of the first char in {expr}. Examples: >
1850 char2nr(" ") returns 32
1851 char2nr("ABC") returns 65
1852< The current 'encoding' is used. Example for "utf-8": >
1853 char2nr("á") returns 225
1854 char2nr("á"[0]) returns 195
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00001855< nr2char() does the opposite.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001856
1857cindent({lnum}) *cindent()*
1858 Get the amount of indent for line {lnum} according the C
1859 indenting rules, as with 'cindent'.
1860 The indent is counted in spaces, the value of 'tabstop' is
1861 relevant. {lnum} is used just like in |getline()|.
1862 When {lnum} is invalid or Vim was not compiled the |+cindent|
1863 feature, -1 is returned.
1864
1865 *col()*
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00001866col({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the byte index of the column
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001867 position given with {expr}. The accepted positions are:
1868 . the cursor position
1869 $ the end of the cursor line (the result is the
1870 number of characters in the cursor line plus one)
1871 'x position of mark x (if the mark is not set, 0 is
1872 returned)
1873 For the screen column position use |virtcol()|.
1874 Note that only marks in the current file can be used.
1875 Examples: >
1876 col(".") column of cursor
1877 col("$") length of cursor line plus one
1878 col("'t") column of mark t
1879 col("'" . markname) column of mark markname
1880< The first column is 1. 0 is returned for an error.
1881 For the cursor position, when 'virtualedit' is active, the
1882 column is one higher if the cursor is after the end of the
1883 line. This can be used to obtain the column in Insert mode: >
1884 :imap <F2> <C-O>:let save_ve = &ve<CR>
1885 \<C-O>:set ve=all<CR>
1886 \<C-O>:echo col(".") . "\n" <Bar>
1887 \let &ve = save_ve<CR>
1888<
1889 *confirm()*
1890confirm({msg} [, {choices} [, {default} [, {type}]]])
1891 Confirm() offers the user a dialog, from which a choice can be
1892 made. It returns the number of the choice. For the first
1893 choice this is 1.
1894 Note: confirm() is only supported when compiled with dialog
1895 support, see |+dialog_con| and |+dialog_gui|.
1896 {msg} is displayed in a |dialog| with {choices} as the
1897 alternatives. When {choices} is missing or empty, "&OK" is
1898 used (and translated).
1899 {msg} is a String, use '\n' to include a newline. Only on
1900 some systems the string is wrapped when it doesn't fit.
1901 {choices} is a String, with the individual choices separated
1902 by '\n', e.g. >
1903 confirm("Save changes?", "&Yes\n&No\n&Cancel")
1904< The letter after the '&' is the shortcut key for that choice.
1905 Thus you can type 'c' to select "Cancel". The shortcut does
1906 not need to be the first letter: >
1907 confirm("file has been modified", "&Save\nSave &All")
1908< For the console, the first letter of each choice is used as
1909 the default shortcut key.
1910 The optional {default} argument is the number of the choice
1911 that is made if the user hits <CR>. Use 1 to make the first
1912 choice the default one. Use 0 to not set a default. If
1913 {default} is omitted, 1 is used.
1914 The optional {type} argument gives the type of dialog. This
1915 is only used for the icon of the Win32 GUI. It can be one of
1916 these values: "Error", "Question", "Info", "Warning" or
1917 "Generic". Only the first character is relevant. When {type}
1918 is omitted, "Generic" is used.
1919 If the user aborts the dialog by pressing <Esc>, CTRL-C,
1920 or another valid interrupt key, confirm() returns 0.
1921
1922 An example: >
1923 :let choice = confirm("What do you want?", "&Apples\n&Oranges\n&Bananas", 2)
1924 :if choice == 0
1925 : echo "make up your mind!"
1926 :elseif choice == 3
1927 : echo "tasteful"
1928 :else
1929 : echo "I prefer bananas myself."
1930 :endif
1931< In a GUI dialog, buttons are used. The layout of the buttons
1932 depends on the 'v' flag in 'guioptions'. If it is included,
1933 the buttons are always put vertically. Otherwise, confirm()
1934 tries to put the buttons in one horizontal line. If they
1935 don't fit, a vertical layout is used anyway. For some systems
1936 the horizontal layout is always used.
1937
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00001938 *copy()*
1939copy({expr}) Make a copy of {expr}. For Numbers and Strings this isn't
1940 different from using {expr} directly.
1941 When {expr} is a List a shallow copy is created. This means
1942 that the original List can be changed without changing the
1943 copy, and vise versa. But the items are identical, thus
1944 changing an item changes the contents of both Lists. Also see
1945 |deepcopy()|.
1946
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001947count({comp}, {expr} [, {ic} [, {start}]]) *count()*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00001948 Return the number of times an item with value {expr} appears
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00001949 in List or Dictionary {comp}.
1950 If {start} is given then start with the item with this index.
1951 {start} can only be used with a List.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00001952 When {ic} is given and it's non-zero then case is ignored.
1953
1954
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00001955 *cscope_connection()*
1956cscope_connection([{num} , {dbpath} [, {prepend}]])
1957 Checks for the existence of a |cscope| connection. If no
1958 parameters are specified, then the function returns:
1959 0, if cscope was not available (not compiled in), or
1960 if there are no cscope connections;
1961 1, if there is at least one cscope connection.
1962
1963 If parameters are specified, then the value of {num}
1964 determines how existence of a cscope connection is checked:
1965
1966 {num} Description of existence check
1967 ----- ------------------------------
1968 0 Same as no parameters (e.g., "cscope_connection()").
1969 1 Ignore {prepend}, and use partial string matches for
1970 {dbpath}.
1971 2 Ignore {prepend}, and use exact string matches for
1972 {dbpath}.
1973 3 Use {prepend}, use partial string matches for both
1974 {dbpath} and {prepend}.
1975 4 Use {prepend}, use exact string matches for both
1976 {dbpath} and {prepend}.
1977
1978 Note: All string comparisons are case sensitive!
1979
1980 Examples. Suppose we had the following (from ":cs show"): >
1981
1982 # pid database name prepend path
1983 0 27664 cscope.out /usr/local
1984<
1985 Invocation Return Val ~
1986 ---------- ---------- >
1987 cscope_connection() 1
1988 cscope_connection(1, "out") 1
1989 cscope_connection(2, "out") 0
1990 cscope_connection(3, "out") 0
1991 cscope_connection(3, "out", "local") 1
1992 cscope_connection(4, "out") 0
1993 cscope_connection(4, "out", "local") 0
1994 cscope_connection(4, "cscope.out", "/usr/local") 1
1995<
1996cursor({lnum}, {col}) *cursor()*
1997 Positions the cursor at the column {col} in the line {lnum}.
1998 Does not change the jumplist.
1999 If {lnum} is greater than the number of lines in the buffer,
2000 the cursor will be positioned at the last line in the buffer.
2001 If {lnum} is zero, the cursor will stay in the current line.
2002 If {col} is greater than the number of characters in the line,
2003 the cursor will be positioned at the last character in the
2004 line.
2005 If {col} is zero, the cursor will stay in the current column.
2006
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002007
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00002008deepcopy({expr}[, {noref}]) *deepcopy()* *E698*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002009 Make a copy of {expr}. For Numbers and Strings this isn't
2010 different from using {expr} directly.
2011 When {expr} is a List a full copy is created. This means
2012 that the original List can be changed without changing the
2013 copy, and vise versa. When an item is a List, a copy for it
2014 is made, recursively. Thus changing an item in the copy does
2015 not change the contents of the original List.
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00002016 When {noref} is omitted or zero a contained List or Dictionary
2017 is only copied once. All references point to this single
2018 copy. With {noref} set to 1 every occurrence of a List or
2019 Dictionary results in a new copy. This also means that a
2020 cyclic reference causes deepcopy() to fail.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00002021 *E724*
2022 Nesting is possible up to 100 levels. When there is an item
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00002023 that refers back to a higher level making a deep copy with
2024 {noref} set to 1 will fail.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002025 Also see |copy()|.
2026
2027delete({fname}) *delete()*
2028 Deletes the file by the name {fname}. The result is a Number,
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002029 which is 0 if the file was deleted successfully, and non-zero
2030 when the deletion failed.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002031 Use |remove()| to delete an item from a List.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002032
2033 *did_filetype()*
2034did_filetype() Returns non-zero when autocommands are being executed and the
2035 FileType event has been triggered at least once. Can be used
2036 to avoid triggering the FileType event again in the scripts
2037 that detect the file type. |FileType|
2038 When editing another file, the counter is reset, thus this
2039 really checks if the FileType event has been triggered for the
2040 current buffer. This allows an autocommand that starts
2041 editing another buffer to set 'filetype' and load a syntax
2042 file.
2043
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00002044diff_filler({lnum}) *diff_filler()*
2045 Returns the number of filler lines above line {lnum}.
2046 These are the lines that were inserted at this point in
2047 another diff'ed window. These filler lines are shown in the
2048 display but don't exist in the buffer.
2049 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current
2050 line, "'m" mark m, etc.
2051 Returns 0 if the current window is not in diff mode.
2052
2053diff_hlID({lnum}, {col}) *diff_hlID()*
2054 Returns the highlight ID for diff mode at line {lnum} column
2055 {col} (byte index). When the current line does not have a
2056 diff change zero is returned.
2057 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current
2058 line, "'m" mark m, etc.
2059 {col} is 1 for the leftmost column, {lnum} is 1 for the first
2060 line.
2061 The highlight ID can be used with |synIDattr()| to obtain
2062 syntax information about the highlighting.
2063
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00002064empty({expr}) *empty()*
2065 Return the Number 1 if {expr} is empty, zero otherwise.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002066 A List or Dictionary is empty when it does not have any items.
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00002067 A Number is empty when its value is zero.
2068 For a long List this is much faster then comparing the length
2069 with zero.
2070
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002071escape({string}, {chars}) *escape()*
2072 Escape the characters in {chars} that occur in {string} with a
2073 backslash. Example: >
2074 :echo escape('c:\program files\vim', ' \')
2075< results in: >
2076 c:\\program\ files\\vim
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002077
2078< *eval()*
2079eval({string}) Evaluate {string} and return the result. Especially useful to
2080 turn the result of |string()| back into the original value.
2081 This works for Numbers, Strings and composites of them.
2082 Also works for Funcrefs that refer to existing functions.
2083
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002084eventhandler() *eventhandler()*
2085 Returns 1 when inside an event handler. That is that Vim got
2086 interrupted while waiting for the user to type a character,
2087 e.g., when dropping a file on Vim. This means interactive
2088 commands cannot be used. Otherwise zero is returned.
2089
2090executable({expr}) *executable()*
2091 This function checks if an executable with the name {expr}
2092 exists. {expr} must be the name of the program without any
Bram Moolenaarf4b8e572004-06-24 15:53:16 +00002093 arguments.
2094 executable() uses the value of $PATH and/or the normal
2095 searchpath for programs. *PATHEXT*
2096 On MS-DOS and MS-Windows the ".exe", ".bat", etc. can
2097 optionally be included. Then the extensions in $PATHEXT are
2098 tried. Thus if "foo.exe" does not exist, "foo.exe.bat" can be
2099 found. If $PATHEXT is not set then ".exe;.com;.bat;.cmd" is
2100 used. A dot by itself can be used in $PATHEXT to try using
2101 the name without an extension. When 'shell' looks like a
2102 Unix shell, then the name is also tried without adding an
2103 extension.
2104 On MS-DOS and MS-Windows it only checks if the file exists and
2105 is not a directory, not if it's really executable.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002106 The result is a Number:
2107 1 exists
2108 0 does not exist
2109 -1 not implemented on this system
2110
2111 *exists()*
2112exists({expr}) The result is a Number, which is non-zero if {expr} is
2113 defined, zero otherwise. The {expr} argument is a string,
2114 which contains one of these:
2115 &option-name Vim option (only checks if it exists,
2116 not if it really works)
2117 +option-name Vim option that works.
2118 $ENVNAME environment variable (could also be
2119 done by comparing with an empty
2120 string)
2121 *funcname built-in function (see |functions|)
2122 or user defined function (see
2123 |user-functions|).
2124 varname internal variable (see
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00002125 |internal-variables|). Also works
2126 for |curly-braces-names|, Dictionary
2127 entries, List items, etc. Beware that
2128 this may cause functions to be
2129 invoked cause an error message for an
2130 invalid expression.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002131 :cmdname Ex command: built-in command, user
2132 command or command modifier |:command|.
2133 Returns:
2134 1 for match with start of a command
2135 2 full match with a command
2136 3 matches several user commands
2137 To check for a supported command
2138 always check the return value to be 2.
2139 #event autocommand defined for this event
2140 #event#pattern autocommand defined for this event and
2141 pattern (the pattern is taken
2142 literally and compared to the
2143 autocommand patterns character by
2144 character)
2145 For checking for a supported feature use |has()|.
2146
2147 Examples: >
2148 exists("&shortname")
2149 exists("$HOSTNAME")
2150 exists("*strftime")
2151 exists("*s:MyFunc")
2152 exists("bufcount")
2153 exists(":Make")
2154 exists("#CursorHold");
2155 exists("#BufReadPre#*.gz")
2156< There must be no space between the symbol (&/$/*/#) and the
2157 name.
2158 Note that the argument must be a string, not the name of the
2159 variable itself! For example: >
2160 exists(bufcount)
2161< This doesn't check for existence of the "bufcount" variable,
2162 but gets the contents of "bufcount", and checks if that
2163 exists.
2164
2165expand({expr} [, {flag}]) *expand()*
2166 Expand wildcards and the following special keywords in {expr}.
2167 The result is a String.
2168
2169 When there are several matches, they are separated by <NL>
2170 characters. [Note: in version 5.0 a space was used, which
2171 caused problems when a file name contains a space]
2172
2173 If the expansion fails, the result is an empty string. A name
2174 for a non-existing file is not included.
2175
2176 When {expr} starts with '%', '#' or '<', the expansion is done
2177 like for the |cmdline-special| variables with their associated
2178 modifiers. Here is a short overview:
2179
2180 % current file name
2181 # alternate file name
2182 #n alternate file name n
2183 <cfile> file name under the cursor
2184 <afile> autocmd file name
2185 <abuf> autocmd buffer number (as a String!)
2186 <amatch> autocmd matched name
2187 <sfile> sourced script file name
2188 <cword> word under the cursor
2189 <cWORD> WORD under the cursor
2190 <client> the {clientid} of the last received
2191 message |server2client()|
2192 Modifiers:
2193 :p expand to full path
2194 :h head (last path component removed)
2195 :t tail (last path component only)
2196 :r root (one extension removed)
2197 :e extension only
2198
2199 Example: >
2200 :let &tags = expand("%:p:h") . "/tags"
2201< Note that when expanding a string that starts with '%', '#' or
2202 '<', any following text is ignored. This does NOT work: >
2203 :let doesntwork = expand("%:h.bak")
2204< Use this: >
2205 :let doeswork = expand("%:h") . ".bak"
2206< Also note that expanding "<cfile>" and others only returns the
2207 referenced file name without further expansion. If "<cfile>"
2208 is "~/.cshrc", you need to do another expand() to have the
2209 "~/" expanded into the path of the home directory: >
2210 :echo expand(expand("<cfile>"))
2211<
2212 There cannot be white space between the variables and the
2213 following modifier. The |fnamemodify()| function can be used
2214 to modify normal file names.
2215
2216 When using '%' or '#', and the current or alternate file name
2217 is not defined, an empty string is used. Using "%:p" in a
2218 buffer with no name, results in the current directory, with a
2219 '/' added.
2220
2221 When {expr} does not start with '%', '#' or '<', it is
2222 expanded like a file name is expanded on the command line.
2223 'suffixes' and 'wildignore' are used, unless the optional
2224 {flag} argument is given and it is non-zero. Names for
Bram Moolenaar02743632005-07-25 20:42:36 +00002225 non-existing files are included. The "**" item can be used to
2226 search in a directory tree. For example, to find all "README"
2227 files in the current directory and below: >
2228 :echo expand("**/README")
2229<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002230 Expand() can also be used to expand variables and environment
2231 variables that are only known in a shell. But this can be
2232 slow, because a shell must be started. See |expr-env-expand|.
2233 The expanded variable is still handled like a list of file
2234 names. When an environment variable cannot be expanded, it is
2235 left unchanged. Thus ":echo expand('$FOOBAR')" results in
2236 "$FOOBAR".
2237
2238 See |glob()| for finding existing files. See |system()| for
2239 getting the raw output of an external command.
2240
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002241extend({expr1}, {expr2} [, {expr3}]) *extend()*
2242 {expr1} and {expr2} must be both Lists or both Dictionaries.
2243
2244 If they are Lists: Append {expr2} to {expr1}.
2245 If {expr3} is given insert the items of {expr2} before item
2246 {expr3} in {expr1}. When {expr3} is zero insert before the
2247 first item. When {expr3} is equal to len({expr1}) then
2248 {expr2} is appended.
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002249 Examples: >
2250 :echo sort(extend(mylist, [7, 5]))
2251 :call extend(mylist, [2, 3], 1)
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002252< Use |add()| to concatenate one item to a list. To concatenate
2253 two lists into a new list use the + operator: >
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002254 :let newlist = [1, 2, 3] + [4, 5]
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002255<
2256 If they are Dictionaries:
2257 Add all entries from {expr2} to {expr1}.
2258 If a key exists in both {expr1} and {expr2} then {expr3} is
2259 used to decide what to do:
2260 {expr3} = "keep": keep the value of {expr1}
2261 {expr3} = "force": use the value of {expr2}
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +00002262 {expr3} = "error": give an error message *E737*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002263 When {expr3} is omitted then "force" is assumed.
2264
2265 {expr1} is changed when {expr2} is not empty. If necessary
2266 make a copy of {expr1} first.
2267 {expr2} remains unchanged.
2268 Returns {expr1}.
2269
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002270
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002271filereadable({file}) *filereadable()*
2272 The result is a Number, which is TRUE when a file with the
2273 name {file} exists, and can be read. If {file} doesn't exist,
2274 or is a directory, the result is FALSE. {file} is any
2275 expression, which is used as a String.
2276 *file_readable()*
2277 Obsolete name: file_readable().
2278
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002279
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002280filter({expr}, {string}) *filter()*
2281 {expr} must be a List or a Dictionary.
2282 For each item in {expr} evaluate {string} and when the result
2283 is zero remove the item from the List or Dictionary.
2284 Inside {string} |v:val| has the value of the current item.
2285 For a Dictionary |v:key| has the key of the current item.
2286 Examples: >
2287 :call filter(mylist, 'v:val !~ "OLD"')
2288< Removes the items where "OLD" appears. >
2289 :call filter(mydict, 'v:key >= 8')
2290< Removes the items with a key below 8. >
2291 :call filter(var, 0)
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00002292< Removes all the items, thus clears the List or Dictionary.
2293
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002294 Note that {string} is the result of expression and is then
2295 used as an expression again. Often it is good to use a
2296 |literal-string| to avoid having to double backslashes.
2297
2298 The operation is done in-place. If you want a List or
2299 Dictionary to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00002300 :let l = filter(copy(mylist), '& =~ "KEEP"')
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002301
2302< Returns {expr}, the List or Dictionary that was filtered.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002303
2304
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00002305finddir({name}[, {path}[, {count}]]) *finddir()*
2306 Find directory {name} in {path}.
2307 If {path} is omitted or empty then 'path' is used.
2308 If the optional {count} is given, find {count}'s occurrence of
2309 {name} in {path}.
2310 This is quite similar to the ex-command |:find|.
2311 When the found directory is below the current directory a
2312 relative path is returned. Otherwise a full path is returned.
2313 Example: >
2314 :echo findfile("tags.vim", ".;")
2315< Searches from the current directory upwards until it finds
2316 the file "tags.vim".
2317 {only available when compiled with the +file_in_path feature}
2318
2319findfile({name}[, {path}[, {count}]]) *findfile()*
2320 Just like |finddir()|, but find a file instead of a directory.
2321
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002322filewritable({file}) *filewritable()*
2323 The result is a Number, which is 1 when a file with the
2324 name {file} exists, and can be written. If {file} doesn't
2325 exist, or is not writable, the result is 0. If (file) is a
2326 directory, and we can write to it, the result is 2.
2327
2328fnamemodify({fname}, {mods}) *fnamemodify()*
2329 Modify file name {fname} according to {mods}. {mods} is a
2330 string of characters like it is used for file names on the
2331 command line. See |filename-modifiers|.
2332 Example: >
2333 :echo fnamemodify("main.c", ":p:h")
2334< results in: >
2335 /home/mool/vim/vim/src
2336< Note: Environment variables and "~" don't work in {fname}, use
2337 |expand()| first then.
2338
2339foldclosed({lnum}) *foldclosed()*
2340 The result is a Number. If the line {lnum} is in a closed
2341 fold, the result is the number of the first line in that fold.
2342 If the line {lnum} is not in a closed fold, -1 is returned.
2343
2344foldclosedend({lnum}) *foldclosedend()*
2345 The result is a Number. If the line {lnum} is in a closed
2346 fold, the result is the number of the last line in that fold.
2347 If the line {lnum} is not in a closed fold, -1 is returned.
2348
2349foldlevel({lnum}) *foldlevel()*
2350 The result is a Number, which is the foldlevel of line {lnum}
2351 in the current buffer. For nested folds the deepest level is
2352 returned. If there is no fold at line {lnum}, zero is
2353 returned. It doesn't matter if the folds are open or closed.
2354 When used while updating folds (from 'foldexpr') -1 is
2355 returned for lines where folds are still to be updated and the
2356 foldlevel is unknown. As a special case the level of the
2357 previous line is usually available.
2358
2359 *foldtext()*
2360foldtext() Returns a String, to be displayed for a closed fold. This is
2361 the default function used for the 'foldtext' option and should
2362 only be called from evaluating 'foldtext'. It uses the
2363 |v:foldstart|, |v:foldend| and |v:folddashes| variables.
2364 The returned string looks like this: >
2365 +-- 45 lines: abcdef
2366< The number of dashes depends on the foldlevel. The "45" is
2367 the number of lines in the fold. "abcdef" is the text in the
2368 first non-blank line of the fold. Leading white space, "//"
2369 or "/*" and the text from the 'foldmarker' and 'commentstring'
2370 options is removed.
2371 {not available when compiled without the |+folding| feature}
2372
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00002373foldtextresult({lnum}) *foldtextresult()*
2374 Returns the text that is displayed for the closed fold at line
2375 {lnum}. Evaluates 'foldtext' in the appropriate context.
2376 When there is no closed fold at {lnum} an empty string is
2377 returned.
2378 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|. Thus "." is the current
2379 line, "'m" mark m, etc.
2380 Useful when exporting folded text, e.g., to HTML.
2381 {not available when compiled without the |+folding| feature}
2382
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002383 *foreground()*
2384foreground() Move the Vim window to the foreground. Useful when sent from
2385 a client to a Vim server. |remote_send()|
2386 On Win32 systems this might not work, the OS does not always
2387 allow a window to bring itself to the foreground. Use
2388 |remote_foreground()| instead.
2389 {only in the Win32, Athena, Motif and GTK GUI versions and the
2390 Win32 console version}
2391
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002392
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00002393function({name}) *function()* *E700*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002394 Return a Funcref variable that refers to function {name}.
2395 {name} can be a user defined function or an internal function.
2396
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002397
Bram Moolenaar39a58ca2005-06-27 22:42:44 +00002398garbagecollect() *garbagecollect()*
2399 Cleanup unused Lists and Dictionaries that have circular
2400 references. There is hardly ever a need to invoke this
2401 function, as it is automatically done when Vim runs out of
2402 memory or is waiting for the user to press a key after
2403 'updatetime'. Items without circular references are always
2404 freed when they become unused.
2405 This is useful if you have deleted a very big List and/or
2406 Dictionary with circular references in a script that runs for
2407 a long time.
2408
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00002409get({list}, {idx} [, {default}]) *get()*
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002410 Get item {idx} from List {list}. When this item is not
2411 available return {default}. Return zero when {default} is
2412 omitted.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002413get({dict}, {key} [, {default}])
2414 Get item with key {key} from Dictionary {dict}. When this
2415 item is not available return {default}. Return zero when
2416 {default} is omitted.
2417
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002418 *getbufline()*
2419getbufline({expr}, {lnum} [, {end}])
Bram Moolenaar661b1822005-07-28 22:36:45 +00002420 Return a List with the lines starting from {lnum} to {end}
2421 (inclusive) in the buffer {expr}. If {end} is omitted, a List
2422 with only the line {lnum} is returned.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002423
2424 For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above.
2425
Bram Moolenaar661b1822005-07-28 22:36:45 +00002426 For {lnum} and {end} "$" can be used for the last line of the
2427 buffer. Otherwise a number must be used.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002428
2429 When {lnum} is smaller than 1 or bigger than the number of
2430 lines in the buffer, an empty List is returned.
2431
2432 When {end} is greater than the number of lines in the buffer,
2433 it is treated as {end} is set to the number of lines in the
Bram Moolenaar661b1822005-07-28 22:36:45 +00002434 buffer. When {end} is before {lnum} an empty List is
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002435 returned.
2436
Bram Moolenaar661b1822005-07-28 22:36:45 +00002437 This function works only for loaded buffers. For unloaded and
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002438 non-existing buffers, an empty List is returned.
2439
2440 Example: >
2441 :let lines = getbufline(bufnr("myfile"), 1, "$")
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002442
2443getbufvar({expr}, {varname}) *getbufvar()*
2444 The result is the value of option or local buffer variable
2445 {varname} in buffer {expr}. Note that the name without "b:"
2446 must be used.
Bram Moolenaar4317d9b2005-03-18 20:25:31 +00002447 This also works for a global or buffer-local option, but it
2448 doesn't work for a global variable, window-local variable or
2449 window-local option.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002450 For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above.
2451 When the buffer or variable doesn't exist an empty string is
2452 returned, there is no error message.
2453 Examples: >
2454 :let bufmodified = getbufvar(1, "&mod")
2455 :echo "todo myvar = " . getbufvar("todo", "myvar")
2456<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002457getchar([expr]) *getchar()*
2458 Get a single character from the user. If it is an 8-bit
2459 character, the result is a number. Otherwise a String is
2460 returned with the encoded character. For a special key it's a
2461 sequence of bytes starting with 0x80 (decimal: 128).
2462 If [expr] is omitted, wait until a character is available.
2463 If [expr] is 0, only get a character when one is available.
2464 If [expr] is 1, only check if a character is available, it is
2465 not consumed. If a normal character is
2466 available, it is returned, otherwise a
2467 non-zero value is returned.
2468 If a normal character available, it is returned as a Number.
2469 Use nr2char() to convert it to a String.
2470 The returned value is zero if no character is available.
2471 The returned value is a string of characters for special keys
2472 and when a modifier (shift, control, alt) was used.
2473 There is no prompt, you will somehow have to make clear to the
2474 user that a character has to be typed.
2475 There is no mapping for the character.
2476 Key codes are replaced, thus when the user presses the <Del>
2477 key you get the code for the <Del> key, not the raw character
2478 sequence. Examples: >
2479 getchar() == "\<Del>"
2480 getchar() == "\<S-Left>"
2481< This example redefines "f" to ignore case: >
2482 :nmap f :call FindChar()<CR>
2483 :function FindChar()
2484 : let c = nr2char(getchar())
2485 : while col('.') < col('$') - 1
2486 : normal l
2487 : if getline('.')[col('.') - 1] ==? c
2488 : break
2489 : endif
2490 : endwhile
2491 :endfunction
2492
2493getcharmod() *getcharmod()*
2494 The result is a Number which is the state of the modifiers for
2495 the last obtained character with getchar() or in another way.
2496 These values are added together:
2497 2 shift
2498 4 control
2499 8 alt (meta)
2500 16 mouse double click
2501 32 mouse triple click
2502 64 mouse quadruple click
2503 128 Macintosh only: command
2504 Only the modifiers that have not been included in the
2505 character itself are obtained. Thus Shift-a results in "A"
2506 with no modifier.
2507
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002508getcmdline() *getcmdline()*
2509 Return the current command-line. Only works when the command
2510 line is being edited, thus requires use of |c_CTRL-\_e| or
2511 |c_CTRL-R_=|.
2512 Example: >
2513 :cmap <F7> <C-\>eescape(getcmdline(), ' \')<CR>
2514< Also see |getcmdpos()| and |setcmdpos()|.
2515
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002516getcmdpos() *getcmdpos()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002517 Return the position of the cursor in the command line as a
2518 byte count. The first column is 1.
2519 Only works when editing the command line, thus requires use of
2520 |c_CTRL-\_e| or |c_CTRL-R_=|. Returns 0 otherwise.
2521 Also see |setcmdpos()| and |getcmdline()|.
2522
2523 *getcwd()*
2524getcwd() The result is a String, which is the name of the current
2525 working directory.
2526
2527getfsize({fname}) *getfsize()*
2528 The result is a Number, which is the size in bytes of the
2529 given file {fname}.
2530 If {fname} is a directory, 0 is returned.
2531 If the file {fname} can't be found, -1 is returned.
2532
Bram Moolenaard8b0cf12004-12-12 11:33:30 +00002533getfontname([{name}]) *getfontname()*
2534 Without an argument returns the name of the normal font being
2535 used. Like what is used for the Normal highlight group
2536 |hl-Normal|.
2537 With an argument a check is done whether {name} is a valid
2538 font name. If not then an empty string is returned.
2539 Otherwise the actual font name is returned, or {name} if the
2540 GUI does not support obtaining the real name.
2541 Only works when the GUI is running, thus not you your vimrc or
2542 Note that the GTK 2 GUI accepts any font name, thus checking
2543 for a valid name does not work.
2544 gvimrc file. Use the |GUIEnter| autocommand to use this
2545 function just after the GUI has started.
2546
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00002547getfperm({fname}) *getfperm()*
2548 The result is a String, which is the read, write, and execute
2549 permissions of the given file {fname}.
2550 If {fname} does not exist or its directory cannot be read, an
2551 empty string is returned.
2552 The result is of the form "rwxrwxrwx", where each group of
2553 "rwx" flags represent, in turn, the permissions of the owner
2554 of the file, the group the file belongs to, and other users.
2555 If a user does not have a given permission the flag for this
2556 is replaced with the string "-". Example: >
2557 :echo getfperm("/etc/passwd")
2558< This will hopefully (from a security point of view) display
2559 the string "rw-r--r--" or even "rw-------".
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00002560
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002561getftime({fname}) *getftime()*
2562 The result is a Number, which is the last modification time of
2563 the given file {fname}. The value is measured as seconds
2564 since 1st Jan 1970, and may be passed to strftime(). See also
2565 |localtime()| and |strftime()|.
2566 If the file {fname} can't be found -1 is returned.
2567
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00002568getftype({fname}) *getftype()*
2569 The result is a String, which is a description of the kind of
2570 file of the given file {fname}.
2571 If {fname} does not exist an empty string is returned.
2572 Here is a table over different kinds of files and their
2573 results:
2574 Normal file "file"
2575 Directory "dir"
2576 Symbolic link "link"
2577 Block device "bdev"
2578 Character device "cdev"
2579 Socket "socket"
2580 FIFO "fifo"
2581 All other "other"
2582 Example: >
2583 getftype("/home")
2584< Note that a type such as "link" will only be returned on
2585 systems that support it. On some systems only "dir" and
2586 "file" are returned.
2587
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002588 *getline()*
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002589getline({lnum} [, {end}])
2590 Without {end} the result is a String, which is line {lnum}
2591 from the current buffer. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002592 getline(1)
2593< When {lnum} is a String that doesn't start with a
2594 digit, line() is called to translate the String into a Number.
2595 To get the line under the cursor: >
2596 getline(".")
2597< When {lnum} is smaller than 1 or bigger than the number of
2598 lines in the buffer, an empty string is returned.
2599
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002600 When {end} is given the result is a List where each item is a
2601 line from the current buffer in the range {lnum} to {end},
2602 including line {end}.
2603 {end} is used in the same way as {lnum}.
2604 Non-existing lines are silently omitted.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00002605 When {end} is before {lnum} an empty List is returned.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002606 Example: >
2607 :let start = line('.')
2608 :let end = search("^$") - 1
2609 :let lines = getline(start, end)
2610
2611
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00002612getqflist() *getqflist()*
2613 Returns a list with all the current quickfix errors. Each
2614 list item is a dictionary with these entries:
2615 bufnr number of buffer that has the file name, use
2616 bufname() to get the name
2617 lnum line number in the buffer (first line is 1)
2618 col column number (first column is 1)
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00002619 vcol non-zero: "col" is visual column
2620 zero: "col" is byte index
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00002621 nr error number
2622 text description of the error
2623 type type of the error, 'E', '1', etc.
2624 valid non-zero: recognized error message
2625
2626 Useful application: Find pattern matches in multiple files and
2627 do something with them: >
2628 :vimgrep /theword/jg *.c
2629 :for d in getqflist()
2630 : echo bufname(d.bufnr) ':' d.lnum '=' d.text
2631 :endfor
2632
2633
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00002634getreg([{regname} [, 1]]) *getreg()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002635 The result is a String, which is the contents of register
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00002636 {regname}. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002637 :let cliptext = getreg('*')
2638< getreg('=') returns the last evaluated value of the expression
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00002639 register. (For use in maps.)
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00002640 getreg('=', 1) returns the expression itself, so that it can
2641 be restored with |setreg()|. For other registers the extra
2642 argument is ignored, thus you can always give it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002643 If {regname} is not specified, |v:register| is used.
2644
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002645
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002646getregtype([{regname}]) *getregtype()*
2647 The result is a String, which is type of register {regname}.
2648 The value will be one of:
2649 "v" for |characterwise| text
2650 "V" for |linewise| text
2651 "<CTRL-V>{width}" for |blockwise-visual| text
2652 0 for an empty or unknown register
2653 <CTRL-V> is one character with value 0x16.
2654 If {regname} is not specified, |v:register| is used.
2655
2656 *getwinposx()*
2657getwinposx() The result is a Number, which is the X coordinate in pixels of
2658 the left hand side of the GUI Vim window. The result will be
2659 -1 if the information is not available.
2660
2661 *getwinposy()*
2662getwinposy() The result is a Number, which is the Y coordinate in pixels of
2663 the top of the GUI Vim window. The result will be -1 if the
2664 information is not available.
2665
2666getwinvar({nr}, {varname}) *getwinvar()*
2667 The result is the value of option or local window variable
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +00002668 {varname} in window {nr}. When {nr} is zero the current
2669 window is used.
Bram Moolenaar4317d9b2005-03-18 20:25:31 +00002670 This also works for a global option, buffer-local option and
2671 window-local option, but it doesn't work for a global variable
2672 or buffer-local variable.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002673 Note that the name without "w:" must be used.
2674 Examples: >
2675 :let list_is_on = getwinvar(2, '&list')
2676 :echo "myvar = " . getwinvar(1, 'myvar')
2677<
2678 *glob()*
2679glob({expr}) Expand the file wildcards in {expr}. The result is a String.
2680 When there are several matches, they are separated by <NL>
2681 characters.
2682 If the expansion fails, the result is an empty string.
2683 A name for a non-existing file is not included.
2684
2685 For most systems backticks can be used to get files names from
2686 any external command. Example: >
2687 :let tagfiles = glob("`find . -name tags -print`")
2688 :let &tags = substitute(tagfiles, "\n", ",", "g")
2689< The result of the program inside the backticks should be one
2690 item per line. Spaces inside an item are allowed.
2691
2692 See |expand()| for expanding special Vim variables. See
2693 |system()| for getting the raw output of an external command.
2694
2695globpath({path}, {expr}) *globpath()*
2696 Perform glob() on all directories in {path} and concatenate
2697 the results. Example: >
2698 :echo globpath(&rtp, "syntax/c.vim")
2699< {path} is a comma-separated list of directory names. Each
2700 directory name is prepended to {expr} and expanded like with
2701 glob(). A path separator is inserted when needed.
2702 To add a comma inside a directory name escape it with a
2703 backslash. Note that on MS-Windows a directory may have a
2704 trailing backslash, remove it if you put a comma after it.
2705 If the expansion fails for one of the directories, there is no
2706 error message.
2707 The 'wildignore' option applies: Names matching one of the
2708 patterns in 'wildignore' will be skipped.
2709
Bram Moolenaar02743632005-07-25 20:42:36 +00002710 The "**" item can be used to search in a directory tree.
2711 For example, to find all "README.txt" files in the directories
2712 in 'runtimepath' and below: >
2713 :echo globpath(&rtp, "**/README.txt")
2714<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002715 *has()*
2716has({feature}) The result is a Number, which is 1 if the feature {feature} is
2717 supported, zero otherwise. The {feature} argument is a
2718 string. See |feature-list| below.
2719 Also see |exists()|.
2720
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00002721
2722has_key({dict}, {key}) *has_key()*
2723 The result is a Number, which is 1 if Dictionary {dict} has an
2724 entry with key {key}. Zero otherwise.
2725
2726
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002727hasmapto({what} [, {mode}]) *hasmapto()*
2728 The result is a Number, which is 1 if there is a mapping that
2729 contains {what} in somewhere in the rhs (what it is mapped to)
2730 and this mapping exists in one of the modes indicated by
2731 {mode}.
2732 Both the global mappings and the mappings local to the current
2733 buffer are checked for a match.
2734 If no matching mapping is found 0 is returned.
2735 The following characters are recognized in {mode}:
2736 n Normal mode
2737 v Visual mode
2738 o Operator-pending mode
2739 i Insert mode
2740 l Language-Argument ("r", "f", "t", etc.)
2741 c Command-line mode
2742 When {mode} is omitted, "nvo" is used.
2743
2744 This function is useful to check if a mapping already exists
2745 to a function in a Vim script. Example: >
2746 :if !hasmapto('\ABCdoit')
2747 : map <Leader>d \ABCdoit
2748 :endif
2749< This installs the mapping to "\ABCdoit" only if there isn't
2750 already a mapping to "\ABCdoit".
2751
2752histadd({history}, {item}) *histadd()*
2753 Add the String {item} to the history {history} which can be
2754 one of: *hist-names*
2755 "cmd" or ":" command line history
2756 "search" or "/" search pattern history
2757 "expr" or "=" typed expression history
2758 "input" or "@" input line history
2759 If {item} does already exist in the history, it will be
2760 shifted to become the newest entry.
2761 The result is a Number: 1 if the operation was successful,
2762 otherwise 0 is returned.
2763
2764 Example: >
2765 :call histadd("input", strftime("%Y %b %d"))
2766 :let date=input("Enter date: ")
2767< This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
2768
2769histdel({history} [, {item}]) *histdel()*
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00002770 Clear {history}, i.e. delete all its entries. See |hist-names|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002771 for the possible values of {history}.
2772
2773 If the parameter {item} is given as String, this is seen
2774 as regular expression. All entries matching that expression
2775 will be removed from the history (if there are any).
2776 Upper/lowercase must match, unless "\c" is used |/\c|.
2777 If {item} is a Number, it will be interpreted as index, see
2778 |:history-indexing|. The respective entry will be removed
2779 if it exists.
2780
2781 The result is a Number: 1 for a successful operation,
2782 otherwise 0 is returned.
2783
2784 Examples:
2785 Clear expression register history: >
2786 :call histdel("expr")
2787<
2788 Remove all entries starting with "*" from the search history: >
2789 :call histdel("/", '^\*')
2790<
2791 The following three are equivalent: >
2792 :call histdel("search", histnr("search"))
2793 :call histdel("search", -1)
2794 :call histdel("search", '^'.histget("search", -1).'$')
2795<
2796 To delete the last search pattern and use the last-but-one for
2797 the "n" command and 'hlsearch': >
2798 :call histdel("search", -1)
2799 :let @/ = histget("search", -1)
2800
2801histget({history} [, {index}]) *histget()*
2802 The result is a String, the entry with Number {index} from
2803 {history}. See |hist-names| for the possible values of
2804 {history}, and |:history-indexing| for {index}. If there is
2805 no such entry, an empty String is returned. When {index} is
2806 omitted, the most recent item from the history is used.
2807
2808 Examples:
2809 Redo the second last search from history. >
2810 :execute '/' . histget("search", -2)
2811
2812< Define an Ex command ":H {num}" that supports re-execution of
2813 the {num}th entry from the output of |:history|. >
2814 :command -nargs=1 H execute histget("cmd", 0+<args>)
2815<
2816histnr({history}) *histnr()*
2817 The result is the Number of the current entry in {history}.
2818 See |hist-names| for the possible values of {history}.
2819 If an error occurred, -1 is returned.
2820
2821 Example: >
2822 :let inp_index = histnr("expr")
2823<
2824hlexists({name}) *hlexists()*
2825 The result is a Number, which is non-zero if a highlight group
2826 called {name} exists. This is when the group has been
2827 defined in some way. Not necessarily when highlighting has
2828 been defined for it, it may also have been used for a syntax
2829 item.
2830 *highlight_exists()*
2831 Obsolete name: highlight_exists().
2832
2833 *hlID()*
2834hlID({name}) The result is a Number, which is the ID of the highlight group
2835 with name {name}. When the highlight group doesn't exist,
2836 zero is returned.
2837 This can be used to retrieve information about the highlight
2838 group. For example, to get the background color of the
2839 "Comment" group: >
2840 :echo synIDattr(synIDtrans(hlID("Comment")), "bg")
2841< *highlightID()*
2842 Obsolete name: highlightID().
2843
2844hostname() *hostname()*
2845 The result is a String, which is the name of the machine on
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00002846 which Vim is currently running. Machine names greater than
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002847 256 characters long are truncated.
2848
2849iconv({expr}, {from}, {to}) *iconv()*
2850 The result is a String, which is the text {expr} converted
2851 from encoding {from} to encoding {to}.
2852 When the conversion fails an empty string is returned.
2853 The encoding names are whatever the iconv() library function
2854 can accept, see ":!man 3 iconv".
2855 Most conversions require Vim to be compiled with the |+iconv|
2856 feature. Otherwise only UTF-8 to latin1 conversion and back
2857 can be done.
2858 This can be used to display messages with special characters,
2859 no matter what 'encoding' is set to. Write the message in
2860 UTF-8 and use: >
2861 echo iconv(utf8_str, "utf-8", &enc)
2862< Note that Vim uses UTF-8 for all Unicode encodings, conversion
2863 from/to UCS-2 is automatically changed to use UTF-8. You
2864 cannot use UCS-2 in a string anyway, because of the NUL bytes.
2865 {only available when compiled with the +multi_byte feature}
2866
2867 *indent()*
2868indent({lnum}) The result is a Number, which is indent of line {lnum} in the
2869 current buffer. The indent is counted in spaces, the value
2870 of 'tabstop' is relevant. {lnum} is used just like in
2871 |getline()|.
2872 When {lnum} is invalid -1 is returned.
2873
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002874
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002875index({list}, {expr} [, {start} [, {ic}]]) *index()*
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002876 Return the lowest index in List {list} where the item has a
2877 value equal to {expr}.
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00002878 If {start} is given then start looking at the item with index
2879 {start} (may be negative for an item relative to the end).
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002880 When {ic} is given and it is non-zero, ignore case. Otherwise
2881 case must match.
2882 -1 is returned when {expr} is not found in {list}.
2883 Example: >
2884 :let idx = index(words, "the")
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00002885 :if index(numbers, 123) >= 0
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00002886
2887
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002888input({prompt} [, {text}]) *input()*
2889 The result is a String, which is whatever the user typed on
2890 the command-line. The parameter is either a prompt string, or
2891 a blank string (for no prompt). A '\n' can be used in the
2892 prompt to start a new line. The highlighting set with
2893 |:echohl| is used for the prompt. The input is entered just
2894 like a command-line, with the same editing commands and
2895 mappings. There is a separate history for lines typed for
2896 input().
2897 If the optional {text} is present, this is used for the
2898 default reply, as if the user typed this.
2899 NOTE: This must not be used in a startup file, for the
2900 versions that only run in GUI mode (e.g., the Win32 GUI).
2901 Note: When input() is called from within a mapping it will
2902 consume remaining characters from that mapping, because a
2903 mapping is handled like the characters were typed.
2904 Use |inputsave()| before input() and |inputrestore()|
2905 after input() to avoid that. Another solution is to avoid
2906 that further characters follow in the mapping, e.g., by using
2907 |:execute| or |:normal|.
2908
2909 Example: >
2910 :if input("Coffee or beer? ") == "beer"
2911 : echo "Cheers!"
2912 :endif
2913< Example with default text: >
2914 :let color = input("Color? ", "white")
2915< Example with a mapping: >
2916 :nmap \x :call GetFoo()<CR>:exe "/" . Foo<CR>
2917 :function GetFoo()
2918 : call inputsave()
2919 : let g:Foo = input("enter search pattern: ")
2920 : call inputrestore()
2921 :endfunction
2922
2923inputdialog({prompt} [, {text} [, {cancelreturn}]]) *inputdialog()*
2924 Like input(), but when the GUI is running and text dialogs are
2925 supported, a dialog window pops up to input the text.
2926 Example: >
2927 :let n = inputdialog("value for shiftwidth", &sw)
2928 :if n != ""
2929 : let &sw = n
2930 :endif
2931< When the dialog is cancelled {cancelreturn} is returned. When
2932 omitted an empty string is returned.
2933 Hitting <Enter> works like pressing the OK button. Hitting
2934 <Esc> works like pressing the Cancel button.
2935
2936inputrestore() *inputrestore()*
2937 Restore typeahead that was saved with a previous inputsave().
2938 Should be called the same number of times inputsave() is
2939 called. Calling it more often is harmless though.
2940 Returns 1 when there is nothing to restore, 0 otherwise.
2941
2942inputsave() *inputsave()*
2943 Preserve typeahead (also from mappings) and clear it, so that
2944 a following prompt gets input from the user. Should be
2945 followed by a matching inputrestore() after the prompt. Can
2946 be used several times, in which case there must be just as
2947 many inputrestore() calls.
2948 Returns 1 when out of memory, 0 otherwise.
2949
2950inputsecret({prompt} [, {text}]) *inputsecret()*
2951 This function acts much like the |input()| function with but
2952 two exceptions:
2953 a) the user's response will be displayed as a sequence of
2954 asterisks ("*") thereby keeping the entry secret, and
2955 b) the user's response will not be recorded on the input
2956 |history| stack.
2957 The result is a String, which is whatever the user actually
2958 typed on the command-line in response to the issued prompt.
2959
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002960insert({list}, {item} [, {idx}]) *insert()*
2961 Insert {item} at the start of List {list}.
2962 If {idx} is specified insert {item} before the item with index
2963 {idx}. If {idx} is zero it goes before the first item, just
2964 like omitting {idx}. A negative {idx} is also possible, see
2965 |list-index|. -1 inserts just before the last item.
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00002966 Returns the resulting List. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002967 :let mylist = insert([2, 3, 5], 1)
2968 :call insert(mylist, 4, -1)
2969 :call insert(mylist, 6, len(mylist))
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00002970< The last example can be done simpler with |add()|.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00002971 Note that when {item} is a List it is inserted as a single
2972 item. Use |extend()| to concatenate Lists.
2973
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00002974isdirectory({directory}) *isdirectory()*
2975 The result is a Number, which is non-zero when a directory
2976 with the name {directory} exists. If {directory} doesn't
2977 exist, or isn't a directory, the result is FALSE. {directory}
2978 is any expression, which is used as a String.
2979
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00002980islocked({expr}) *islocked()*
2981 The result is a Number, which is non-zero when {expr} is the
2982 name of a locked variable.
2983 {expr} must be the name of a variable, List item or Dictionary
2984 entry, not the variable itself! Example: >
2985 :let alist = [0, ['a', 'b'], 2, 3]
2986 :lockvar 1 alist
2987 :echo islocked('alist') " 1
2988 :echo islocked('alist[1]') " 0
2989
2990< When {expr} is a variable that does not exist you get an error
2991 message. Use |exists()| to check for existance.
2992
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00002993items({dict}) *items()*
2994 Return a List with all the key-value pairs of {dict}. Each
2995 List item is a list with two items: the key of a {dict} entry
2996 and the value of this entry. The List is in arbitrary order.
2997
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00002998
2999join({list} [, {sep}]) *join()*
3000 Join the items in {list} together into one String.
3001 When {sep} is specified it is put in between the items. If
3002 {sep} is omitted a single space is used.
3003 Note that {sep} is not added at the end. You might want to
3004 add it there too: >
3005 let lines = join(mylist, "\n") . "\n"
3006< String items are used as-is. Lists and Dictionaries are
3007 converted into a string like with |string()|.
3008 The opposite function is |split()|.
3009
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003010keys({dict}) *keys()*
3011 Return a List with all the keys of {dict}. The List is in
3012 arbitrary order.
3013
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00003014 *len()* *E701*
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003015len({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the length of the argument.
3016 When {expr} is a String or a Number the length in bytes is
3017 used, as with |strlen()|.
3018 When {expr} is a List the number of items in the List is
3019 returned.
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003020 When {expr} is a Dictionary the number of entries in the
3021 Dictionary is returned.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003022 Otherwise an error is given.
3023
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003024 *libcall()* *E364* *E368*
3025libcall({libname}, {funcname}, {argument})
3026 Call function {funcname} in the run-time library {libname}
3027 with single argument {argument}.
3028 This is useful to call functions in a library that you
3029 especially made to be used with Vim. Since only one argument
3030 is possible, calling standard library functions is rather
3031 limited.
3032 The result is the String returned by the function. If the
3033 function returns NULL, this will appear as an empty string ""
3034 to Vim.
3035 If the function returns a number, use libcallnr()!
3036 If {argument} is a number, it is passed to the function as an
3037 int; if {argument} is a string, it is passed as a
3038 null-terminated string.
3039 This function will fail in |restricted-mode|.
3040
3041 libcall() allows you to write your own 'plug-in' extensions to
3042 Vim without having to recompile the program. It is NOT a
3043 means to call system functions! If you try to do so Vim will
3044 very probably crash.
3045
3046 For Win32, the functions you write must be placed in a DLL
3047 and use the normal C calling convention (NOT Pascal which is
3048 used in Windows System DLLs). The function must take exactly
3049 one parameter, either a character pointer or a long integer,
3050 and must return a character pointer or NULL. The character
3051 pointer returned must point to memory that will remain valid
3052 after the function has returned (e.g. in static data in the
3053 DLL). If it points to allocated memory, that memory will
3054 leak away. Using a static buffer in the function should work,
3055 it's then freed when the DLL is unloaded.
3056
3057 WARNING: If the function returns a non-valid pointer, Vim may
3058 crash! This also happens if the function returns a number,
3059 because Vim thinks it's a pointer.
3060 For Win32 systems, {libname} should be the filename of the DLL
3061 without the ".DLL" suffix. A full path is only required if
3062 the DLL is not in the usual places.
3063 For Unix: When compiling your own plugins, remember that the
3064 object code must be compiled as position-independent ('PIC').
3065 {only in Win32 on some Unix versions, when the |+libcall|
3066 feature is present}
3067 Examples: >
3068 :echo libcall("libc.so", "getenv", "HOME")
3069 :echo libcallnr("/usr/lib/libc.so", "getpid", "")
3070<
3071 *libcallnr()*
3072libcallnr({libname}, {funcname}, {argument})
3073 Just like libcall(), but used for a function that returns an
3074 int instead of a string.
3075 {only in Win32 on some Unix versions, when the |+libcall|
3076 feature is present}
3077 Example (not very useful...): >
3078 :call libcallnr("libc.so", "printf", "Hello World!\n")
3079 :call libcallnr("libc.so", "sleep", 10)
3080<
3081 *line()*
3082line({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the line number of the file
3083 position given with {expr}. The accepted positions are:
3084 . the cursor position
3085 $ the last line in the current buffer
3086 'x position of mark x (if the mark is not set, 0 is
3087 returned)
3088 Note that only marks in the current file can be used.
3089 Examples: >
3090 line(".") line number of the cursor
3091 line("'t") line number of mark t
3092 line("'" . marker) line number of mark marker
3093< *last-position-jump*
3094 This autocommand jumps to the last known position in a file
3095 just after opening it, if the '" mark is set: >
3096 :au BufReadPost * if line("'\"") > 0 && line("'\"") <= line("$") | exe "normal g'\"" | endif
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00003097
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003098line2byte({lnum}) *line2byte()*
3099 Return the byte count from the start of the buffer for line
3100 {lnum}. This includes the end-of-line character, depending on
3101 the 'fileformat' option for the current buffer. The first
3102 line returns 1.
3103 This can also be used to get the byte count for the line just
3104 below the last line: >
3105 line2byte(line("$") + 1)
3106< This is the file size plus one.
3107 When {lnum} is invalid, or the |+byte_offset| feature has been
3108 disabled at compile time, -1 is returned.
3109 Also see |byte2line()|, |go| and |:goto|.
3110
3111lispindent({lnum}) *lispindent()*
3112 Get the amount of indent for line {lnum} according the lisp
3113 indenting rules, as with 'lisp'.
3114 The indent is counted in spaces, the value of 'tabstop' is
3115 relevant. {lnum} is used just like in |getline()|.
3116 When {lnum} is invalid or Vim was not compiled the
3117 |+lispindent| feature, -1 is returned.
3118
3119localtime() *localtime()*
3120 Return the current time, measured as seconds since 1st Jan
3121 1970. See also |strftime()| and |getftime()|.
3122
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003123
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003124map({expr}, {string}) *map()*
3125 {expr} must be a List or a Dictionary.
3126 Replace each item in {expr} with the result of evaluating
3127 {string}.
3128 Inside {string} |v:val| has the value of the current item.
3129 For a Dictionary |v:key| has the key of the current item.
3130 Example: >
3131 :call map(mylist, '"> " . v:val . " <"')
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003132< This puts "> " before and " <" after each item in "mylist".
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003133
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003134 Note that {string} is the result of an expression and is then
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003135 used as an expression again. Often it is good to use a
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003136 |literal-string| to avoid having to double backslashes. You
3137 still have to double ' quotes
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003138
3139 The operation is done in-place. If you want a List or
3140 Dictionary to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003141 :let tlist = map(copy(mylist), ' & . "\t"')
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00003142
3143< Returns {expr}, the List or Dictionary that was filtered.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003144
3145
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003146maparg({name}[, {mode}]) *maparg()*
3147 Return the rhs of mapping {name} in mode {mode}. When there
3148 is no mapping for {name}, an empty String is returned.
3149 These characters can be used for {mode}:
3150 "n" Normal
3151 "v" Visual
3152 "o" Operator-pending
3153 "i" Insert
3154 "c" Cmd-line
3155 "l" langmap |language-mapping|
3156 "" Normal, Visual and Operator-pending
3157 When {mode} is omitted, the modes from "" are used.
3158 The {name} can have special key names, like in the ":map"
3159 command. The returned String has special characters
3160 translated like in the output of the ":map" command listing.
3161 The mappings local to the current buffer are checked first,
3162 then the global mappings.
3163
3164mapcheck({name}[, {mode}]) *mapcheck()*
3165 Check if there is a mapping that matches with {name} in mode
3166 {mode}. See |maparg()| for {mode} and special names in
3167 {name}.
3168 A match happens with a mapping that starts with {name} and
3169 with a mapping which is equal to the start of {name}.
3170
3171 matches mapping "a" "ab" "abc" ~
3172 mapcheck("a") yes yes yes
3173 mapcheck("abc") yes yes yes
3174 mapcheck("ax") yes no no
3175 mapcheck("b") no no no
3176
3177 The difference with maparg() is that mapcheck() finds a
3178 mapping that matches with {name}, while maparg() only finds a
3179 mapping for {name} exactly.
3180 When there is no mapping that starts with {name}, an empty
3181 String is returned. If there is one, the rhs of that mapping
3182 is returned. If there are several mappings that start with
3183 {name}, the rhs of one of them is returned.
3184 The mappings local to the current buffer are checked first,
3185 then the global mappings.
3186 This function can be used to check if a mapping can be added
3187 without being ambiguous. Example: >
3188 :if mapcheck("_vv") == ""
3189 : map _vv :set guifont=7x13<CR>
3190 :endif
3191< This avoids adding the "_vv" mapping when there already is a
3192 mapping for "_v" or for "_vvv".
3193
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003194match({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *match()*
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003195 When {expr} is a List then this returns the index of the first
3196 item where {pat} matches. Each item is used as a String,
3197 Lists and Dictionaries are used as echoed.
3198 Otherwise, {expr} is used as a String. The result is a
3199 Number, which gives the index (byte offset) in {expr} where
3200 {pat} matches.
3201 A match at the first character or List item returns zero.
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003202 If there is no match -1 is returned.
3203 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003204 :echo match("testing", "ing") " results in 4
3205 :echo match([1, 'x'], '\a') " results in 2
3206< See |string-match| for how {pat} is used.
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00003207 *strpbrk()*
3208 Vim doesn't have a strpbrk() function. But you can do: >
3209 :let sepidx = match(line, '[.,;: \t]')
3210< *strcasestr()*
3211 Vim doesn't have a strcasestr() function. But you can add
3212 "\c" to the pattern to ignore case: >
3213 :let idx = match(haystack, '\cneedle')
3214<
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003215 When {count} is given use the {count}'th match. When a match
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003216 is found in a String the search for the next one starts on
3217 character further. Thus this example results in 1: >
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003218 echo match("testing", "..", 0, 2)
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003219< In a List the search continues in the next item.
3220
3221 If {start} is given, the search starts from byte index
3222 {start} in a String or item {start} in a List.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003223 The result, however, is still the index counted from the
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003224 first character/item. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003225 :echo match("testing", "ing", 2)
3226< result is again "4". >
3227 :echo match("testing", "ing", 4)
3228< result is again "4". >
3229 :echo match("testing", "t", 2)
3230< result is "3".
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003231 For a String, if {start} < 0, it will be set to 0. For a list
3232 the index is counted from the end.
3233 If {start} is out of range (> strlen({expr} for a String or
3234 > len({expr} for a List) -1 is returned.
3235
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003236 See |pattern| for the patterns that are accepted.
3237 The 'ignorecase' option is used to set the ignore-caseness of
3238 the pattern. 'smartcase' is NOT used. The matching is always
3239 done like 'magic' is set and 'cpoptions' is empty.
3240
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003241matchend({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *matchend()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003242 Same as match(), but return the index of first character after
3243 the match. Example: >
3244 :echo matchend("testing", "ing")
3245< results in "7".
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00003246 *strspn()* *strcspn()*
3247 Vim doesn't have a strspn() or strcspn() function, but you can
3248 do it with matchend(): >
3249 :let span = matchend(line, '[a-zA-Z]')
3250 :let span = matchend(line, '[^a-zA-Z]')
3251< Except that -1 is returned when there are no matches.
3252
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003253 The {start}, if given, has the same meaning as for match(). >
3254 :echo matchend("testing", "ing", 2)
3255< results in "7". >
3256 :echo matchend("testing", "ing", 5)
3257< result is "-1".
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003258 When {expr} is a List the result is equal to match().
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003259
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003260matchlist({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *matchlist()*
3261 Same as match(), but return a List. The first item in the
3262 list is the matched string, same as what matchstr() would
3263 return. Following items are submatches, like "\1", "\2", etc.
3264 in |:substitute|.
3265 When there is no match an empty list is returned.
3266
Bram Moolenaar89cb5e02004-07-19 20:55:54 +00003267matchstr({expr}, {pat}[, {start}[, {count}]]) *matchstr()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003268 Same as match(), but return the matched string. Example: >
3269 :echo matchstr("testing", "ing")
3270< results in "ing".
3271 When there is no match "" is returned.
3272 The {start}, if given, has the same meaning as for match(). >
3273 :echo matchstr("testing", "ing", 2)
3274< results in "ing". >
3275 :echo matchstr("testing", "ing", 5)
3276< result is "".
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003277 When {expr} is a List then the matching item is returned.
3278 The type isn't changed, it's not necessarily a String.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003279
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00003280 *max()*
3281max({list}) Return the maximum value of all items in {list}.
3282 If {list} is not a list or one of the items in {list} cannot
3283 be used as a Number this results in an error.
3284 An empty List results in zero.
3285
3286 *min()*
3287min({list}) Return the minumum value of all items in {list}.
3288 If {list} is not a list or one of the items in {list} cannot
3289 be used as a Number this results in an error.
3290 An empty List results in zero.
3291
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00003292 *mkdir()* *E749*
3293mkdir({name} [, {path} [, {prot}]])
3294 Create directory {name}.
3295 If {path} is "p" then intermediate directories are created as
3296 necessary. Otherwise it must be "".
3297 If {prot} is given it is used to set the protection bits of
3298 the new directory. The default is 0755 (rwxr-xr-x: r/w for
3299 the user readable for others). Use 0700 to make it unreadable
3300 for others.
3301 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3302 Not available on all systems. To check use: >
3303 :if exists("*mkdir")
3304<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003305 *mode()*
3306mode() Return a string that indicates the current mode:
3307 n Normal
3308 v Visual by character
3309 V Visual by line
3310 CTRL-V Visual blockwise
3311 s Select by character
3312 S Select by line
3313 CTRL-S Select blockwise
3314 i Insert
3315 R Replace
3316 c Command-line
3317 r Hit-enter prompt
3318 This is useful in the 'statusline' option. In most other
3319 places it always returns "c" or "n".
3320
3321nextnonblank({lnum}) *nextnonblank()*
3322 Return the line number of the first line at or below {lnum}
3323 that is not blank. Example: >
3324 if getline(nextnonblank(1)) =~ "Java"
3325< When {lnum} is invalid or there is no non-blank line at or
3326 below it, zero is returned.
3327 See also |prevnonblank()|.
3328
3329nr2char({expr}) *nr2char()*
3330 Return a string with a single character, which has the number
3331 value {expr}. Examples: >
3332 nr2char(64) returns "@"
3333 nr2char(32) returns " "
3334< The current 'encoding' is used. Example for "utf-8": >
3335 nr2char(300) returns I with bow character
3336< Note that a NUL character in the file is specified with
3337 nr2char(10), because NULs are represented with newline
3338 characters. nr2char(0) is a real NUL and terminates the
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +00003339 string, thus results in an empty string.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003340
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003341printf({fmt}, {expr1} ...) *printf()*
3342 Return a String with {fmt}, where "%" items are replaced by
3343 the formatted form of their respective arguments. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003344 printf("%4d: E%d %.30s", lnum, errno, msg)
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003345< May result in:
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003346 " 99: E42 asdfasdfasdfasdfasdfasdfasdfas" ~
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003347
3348 Often used items are:
3349 %s string
3350 %6s string right-aligned in 6 characters
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003351 %c single byte
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003352 %d decimal number
3353 %5d decimal number padded with spaces to 5 characters
3354 %x hex number
3355 %04x hex number padded with zeros to at least 4 characters
3356 %X hex number using upper case letters
3357 %o octal number
3358 %% the % character
3359
3360 Conversion specifications start with '%' and end with the
3361 conversion type. All other characters are copied unchanged to
3362 the result.
3363
3364 The "%" starts a conversion specification. The following
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003365 arguments appear in sequence:
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003366
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003367 % [flags] [field-width] [.precision] type
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003368
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003369 flags
3370 Zero or more of the following flags:
3371
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003372 # The value should be converted to an "alternate
3373 form". For c, d, and s conversions, this option
3374 has no effect. For o conversions, the precision
3375 of the number is increased to force the first
3376 character of the output string to a zero (except
3377 if a zero value is printed with an explicit
3378 precision of zero).
3379 For x and X conversions, a non-zero result has
3380 the string "0x" (or "0X" for X conversions)
3381 prepended to it.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003382
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003383 0 (zero) Zero padding. For all conversions the converted
3384 value is padded on the left with zeros rather
3385 than blanks. If a precision is given with a
3386 numeric conversion (d, o, x, and X), the 0 flag
3387 is ignored.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003388
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003389 - A negative field width flag; the converted value
3390 is to be left adjusted on the field boundary.
3391 The converted value is padded on the right with
3392 blanks, rather than on the left with blanks or
3393 zeros. A - overrides a 0 if both are given.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003394
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003395 ' ' (space) A blank should be left before a positive
3396 number produced by a signed conversion (d).
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003397
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003398 + A sign must always be placed before a number
3399 produced by a signed conversion. A + overrides
3400 a space if both are used.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003401
3402 field-width
3403 An optional decimal digit string specifying a minimum
3404 field width. If the converted value has fewer
3405 characters than the field width, it will be padded
3406 with spaces on the left (or right, if the
3407 left-adjustment flag has been given) to fill out the
3408 field width.
3409
3410 .precision
3411 An optional precision, in the form of a period '.'
3412 followed by an optional digit string. If the digit
3413 string is omitted, the precision is taken as zero.
3414 This gives the minimum number of digits to appear for
3415 d, o, x, and X conversions, or the maximum number of
3416 characters to be printed from a string for s
3417 conversions.
3418
3419 type
3420 A character that specifies the type of conversion to
3421 be applied, see below.
3422
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003423 A field width or precision, or both, may be indicated by an
3424 asterisk '*' instead of a digit string. In this case, a
3425 Number argument supplies the field width or precision. A
3426 negative field width is treated as a left adjustment flag
3427 followed by a positive field width; a negative precision is
3428 treated as though it were missing. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003429 :echo printf("%d: %.*s", nr, width, line)
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003430< This limits the length of the text used from "line" to
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003431 "width" bytes.
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003432
3433 The conversion specifiers and their meanings are:
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003434
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003435 doxX The Number argument is converted to signed decimal
3436 (d), unsigned octal (o), or unsigned hexadecimal (x
3437 and X) notation. The letters "abcdef" are used for
3438 x conversions; the letters "ABCDEF" are used for X
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003439 conversions.
3440 The precision, if any, gives the minimum number of
3441 digits that must appear; if the converted value
3442 requires fewer digits, it is padded on the left with
3443 zeros.
3444 In no case does a non-existent or small field width
3445 cause truncation of a numeric field; if the result of
3446 a conversion is wider than the field width, the field
3447 is expanded to contain the conversion result.
3448
3449 c The Number argument is converted to a byte, and the
3450 resulting character is written.
3451
3452 s The text of the String argument is used. If a
3453 precision is specified, no more bytes than the number
3454 specified are used.
3455
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003456 % A '%' is written. No argument is converted. The
3457 complete conversion specification is "%%".
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003458
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003459 Each argument can be Number or String and is converted
3460 automatically to fit the conversion specifier. Any other
3461 argument type results in an error message.
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003462
3463 *E766* *767*
3464 The number of {exprN} arguments must exactly match the number
3465 of "%" items. If there are not sufficient or too many
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00003466 arguments an error is given. Up to 18 arguments can be used.
Bram Moolenaar4be06f92005-07-29 22:36:03 +00003467
3468
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003469prevnonblank({lnum}) *prevnonblank()*
3470 Return the line number of the first line at or above {lnum}
3471 that is not blank. Example: >
3472 let ind = indent(prevnonblank(v:lnum - 1))
3473< When {lnum} is invalid or there is no non-blank line at or
3474 above it, zero is returned.
3475 Also see |nextnonblank()|.
3476
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00003477 *E726* *E727*
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003478range({expr} [, {max} [, {stride}]]) *range()*
3479 Returns a List with Numbers:
3480 - If only {expr} is specified: [0, 1, ..., {expr} - 1]
3481 - If {max} is specified: [{expr}, {expr} + 1, ..., {max}]
3482 - If {stride} is specified: [{expr}, {expr} + {stride}, ...,
3483 {max}] (increasing {expr} with {stride} each time, not
3484 producing a value past {max}).
Bram Moolenaare7566042005-06-17 22:00:15 +00003485 When the maximum is one before the start the result is an
3486 empty list. When the maximum is more than one before the
3487 start this is an error.
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003488 Examples: >
3489 range(4) " [0, 1, 2, 3]
3490 range(2, 4) " [2, 3, 4]
3491 range(2, 9, 3) " [2, 5, 8]
3492 range(2, -2, -1) " [2, 1, 0, -1, -2]
Bram Moolenaare7566042005-06-17 22:00:15 +00003493 range(0) " []
3494 range(2, 0) " error!
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003495<
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003496 *readfile()*
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00003497readfile({fname} [, {binary} [, {max}]])
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003498 Read file {fname} and return a List, each line of the file as
3499 an item. Lines broken at NL characters. Macintosh files
3500 separated with CR will result in a single long line (unless a
3501 NL appears somewhere).
3502 When {binary} is equal to "b" binary mode is used:
3503 - When the last line ends in a NL an extra empty list item is
3504 added.
3505 - No CR characters are removed.
3506 Otherwise:
3507 - CR characters that appear before a NL are removed.
3508 - Whether the last line ends in a NL or not does not matter.
3509 All NUL characters are replaced with a NL character.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00003510 When {max} is given this specifies the maximum number of lines
3511 to be read. Useful if you only want to check the first ten
3512 lines of a file: >
3513 :for line in readfile(fname, '', 10)
3514 : if line =~ 'Date' | echo line | endif
3515 :endfor
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00003516< When {max} is negative -{max} lines from the end of the file
3517 are returned, or as many as there are.
3518 When {max} is zero the result is an empty list.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00003519 Note that without {max} the whole file is read into memory.
3520 Also note that there is no recognition of encoding. Read a
3521 file into a buffer if you need to.
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00003522 When the file can't be opened an error message is given and
3523 the result is an empty list.
3524 Also see |writefile()|.
3525
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003526 *remote_expr()* *E449*
3527remote_expr({server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
3528 Send the {string} to {server}. The string is sent as an
3529 expression and the result is returned after evaluation.
3530 If {idvar} is present, it is taken as the name of a
3531 variable and a {serverid} for later use with
3532 remote_read() is stored there.
3533 See also |clientserver| |RemoteReply|.
3534 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3535 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
3536 Note: Any errors will cause a local error message to be issued
3537 and the result will be the empty string.
3538 Examples: >
3539 :echo remote_expr("gvim", "2+2")
3540 :echo remote_expr("gvim1", "b:current_syntax")
3541<
3542
3543remote_foreground({server}) *remote_foreground()*
3544 Move the Vim server with the name {server} to the foreground.
3545 This works like: >
3546 remote_expr({server}, "foreground()")
3547< Except that on Win32 systems the client does the work, to work
3548 around the problem that the OS doesn't always allow the server
3549 to bring itself to the foreground.
3550 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3551 {only in the Win32, Athena, Motif and GTK GUI versions and the
3552 Win32 console version}
3553
3554
3555remote_peek({serverid} [, {retvar}]) *remote_peek()*
3556 Returns a positive number if there are available strings
3557 from {serverid}. Copies any reply string into the variable
3558 {retvar} if specified. {retvar} must be a string with the
3559 name of a variable.
3560 Returns zero if none are available.
3561 Returns -1 if something is wrong.
3562 See also |clientserver|.
3563 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3564 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
3565 Examples: >
3566 :let repl = ""
3567 :echo "PEEK: ".remote_peek(id, "repl").": ".repl
3568
3569remote_read({serverid}) *remote_read()*
3570 Return the oldest available reply from {serverid} and consume
3571 it. It blocks until a reply is available.
3572 See also |clientserver|.
3573 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3574 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
3575 Example: >
3576 :echo remote_read(id)
3577<
3578 *remote_send()* *E241*
3579remote_send({server}, {string} [, {idvar}])
Bram Moolenaard4755bb2004-09-02 19:12:26 +00003580 Send the {string} to {server}. The string is sent as input
3581 keys and the function returns immediately. At the Vim server
3582 the keys are not mapped |:map|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003583 If {idvar} is present, it is taken as the name of a
3584 variable and a {serverid} for later use with
3585 remote_read() is stored there.
3586 See also |clientserver| |RemoteReply|.
3587 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3588 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
3589 Note: Any errors will be reported in the server and may mess
3590 up the display.
3591 Examples: >
3592 :echo remote_send("gvim", ":DropAndReply ".file, "serverid").
3593 \ remote_read(serverid)
3594
3595 :autocmd NONE RemoteReply *
3596 \ echo remote_read(expand("<amatch>"))
3597 :echo remote_send("gvim", ":sleep 10 | echo ".
3598 \ 'server2client(expand("<client>"), "HELLO")<CR>')
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003599<
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003600remove({list}, {idx} [, {end}]) *remove()*
3601 Without {end}: Remove the item at {idx} from List {list} and
3602 return it.
3603 With {end}: Remove items from {idx} to {end} (inclusive) and
3604 return a list with these items. When {idx} points to the same
3605 item as {end} a list with one item is returned. When {end}
3606 points to an item before {idx} this is an error.
3607 See |list-index| for possible values of {idx} and {end}.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003608 Example: >
3609 :echo "last item: " . remove(mylist, -1)
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003610 :call remove(mylist, 0, 9)
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003611remove({dict}, {key})
3612 Remove the entry from {dict} with key {key}. Example: >
3613 :echo "removed " . remove(dict, "one")
3614< If there is no {key} in {dict} this is an error.
3615
3616 Use |delete()| to remove a file.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00003617
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003618rename({from}, {to}) *rename()*
3619 Rename the file by the name {from} to the name {to}. This
3620 should also work to move files across file systems. The
3621 result is a Number, which is 0 if the file was renamed
3622 successfully, and non-zero when the renaming failed.
3623 This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3624
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00003625repeat({expr}, {count}) *repeat()*
3626 Repeat {expr} {count} times and return the concatenated
3627 result. Example: >
3628 :let seperator = repeat('-', 80)
3629< When {count} is zero or negative the result is empty.
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00003630 When {expr} is a List the result is {expr} concatenated
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003631 {count} times. Example: >
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00003632 :let longlist = repeat(['a', 'b'], 3)
3633< Results in ['a', 'b', 'a', 'b', 'a', 'b'].
Bram Moolenaarab79bcb2004-07-18 21:34:53 +00003634
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003635
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003636resolve({filename}) *resolve()* *E655*
3637 On MS-Windows, when {filename} is a shortcut (a .lnk file),
3638 returns the path the shortcut points to in a simplified form.
3639 On Unix, repeat resolving symbolic links in all path
3640 components of {filename} and return the simplified result.
3641 To cope with link cycles, resolving of symbolic links is
3642 stopped after 100 iterations.
3643 On other systems, return the simplified {filename}.
3644 The simplification step is done as by |simplify()|.
3645 resolve() keeps a leading path component specifying the
3646 current directory (provided the result is still a relative
3647 path name) and also keeps a trailing path separator.
3648
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003649 *reverse()*
3650reverse({list}) Reverse the order of items in {list} in-place. Returns
3651 {list}.
3652 If you want a list to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
3653 :let revlist = reverse(copy(mylist))
3654
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003655search({pattern} [, {flags}]) *search()*
3656 Search for regexp pattern {pattern}. The search starts at the
Bram Moolenaar383f9bc2005-01-19 22:18:32 +00003657 cursor position (you can use |cursor()| to set it).
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003658 {flags} is a String, which can contain these character flags:
3659 'b' search backward instead of forward
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00003660 'n' do Not move the cursor
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003661 'w' wrap around the end of the file
3662 'W' don't wrap around the end of the file
Bram Moolenaar02743632005-07-25 20:42:36 +00003663 's' set the ' mark at the previous location of the
3664 cursor.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003665 If neither 'w' or 'W' is given, the 'wrapscan' option applies.
3666
Bram Moolenaar02743632005-07-25 20:42:36 +00003667 If the 's' flag is supplied, the ' mark is set, only if the
3668 cursor is moved. The 's' flag cannot be combined with the 'n'
3669 flag.
3670
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00003671 When a match has been found its line number is returned.
3672 The cursor will be positioned at the match, unless the 'n'
3673 flag is used).
3674 If there is no match a 0 is returned and the cursor doesn't
3675 move. No error message is given.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003676
3677 Example (goes over all files in the argument list): >
3678 :let n = 1
3679 :while n <= argc() " loop over all files in arglist
3680 : exe "argument " . n
3681 : " start at the last char in the file and wrap for the
3682 : " first search to find match at start of file
3683 : normal G$
3684 : let flags = "w"
3685 : while search("foo", flags) > 0
3686 : s/foo/bar/g
3687 : let flags = "W"
3688 : endwhile
3689 : update " write the file if modified
3690 : let n = n + 1
3691 :endwhile
3692<
3693 *searchpair()*
3694searchpair({start}, {middle}, {end} [, {flags} [, {skip}]])
3695 Search for the match of a nested start-end pair. This can be
3696 used to find the "endif" that matches an "if", while other
3697 if/endif pairs in between are ignored.
3698 The search starts at the cursor. If a match is found, the
3699 cursor is positioned at it and the line number is returned.
3700 If no match is found 0 or -1 is returned and the cursor
3701 doesn't move. No error message is given.
3702
3703 {start}, {middle} and {end} are patterns, see |pattern|. They
3704 must not contain \( \) pairs. Use of \%( \) is allowed. When
3705 {middle} is not empty, it is found when searching from either
3706 direction, but only when not in a nested start-end pair. A
3707 typical use is: >
3708 searchpair('\<if\>', '\<else\>', '\<endif\>')
3709< By leaving {middle} empty the "else" is skipped.
3710
3711 {flags} are used like with |search()|. Additionally:
3712 'n' do Not move the cursor
3713 'r' Repeat until no more matches found; will find the
3714 outer pair
3715 'm' return number of Matches instead of line number with
3716 the match; will only be > 1 when 'r' is used.
3717
3718 When a match for {start}, {middle} or {end} is found, the
3719 {skip} expression is evaluated with the cursor positioned on
3720 the start of the match. It should return non-zero if this
3721 match is to be skipped. E.g., because it is inside a comment
3722 or a string.
3723 When {skip} is omitted or empty, every match is accepted.
3724 When evaluating {skip} causes an error the search is aborted
3725 and -1 returned.
3726
3727 The value of 'ignorecase' is used. 'magic' is ignored, the
3728 patterns are used like it's on.
3729
3730 The search starts exactly at the cursor. A match with
3731 {start}, {middle} or {end} at the next character, in the
3732 direction of searching, is the first one found. Example: >
3733 if 1
3734 if 2
3735 endif 2
3736 endif 1
3737< When starting at the "if 2", with the cursor on the "i", and
3738 searching forwards, the "endif 2" is found. When starting on
3739 the character just before the "if 2", the "endif 1" will be
3740 found. That's because the "if 2" will be found first, and
3741 then this is considered to be a nested if/endif from "if 2" to
3742 "endif 2".
3743 When searching backwards and {end} is more than one character,
3744 it may be useful to put "\zs" at the end of the pattern, so
3745 that when the cursor is inside a match with the end it finds
3746 the matching start.
3747
3748 Example, to find the "endif" command in a Vim script: >
3749
3750 :echo searchpair('\<if\>', '\<el\%[seif]\>', '\<en\%[dif]\>', 'W',
3751 \ 'getline(".") =~ "^\\s*\""')
3752
3753< The cursor must be at or after the "if" for which a match is
3754 to be found. Note that single-quote strings are used to avoid
3755 having to double the backslashes. The skip expression only
3756 catches comments at the start of a line, not after a command.
3757 Also, a word "en" or "if" halfway a line is considered a
3758 match.
3759 Another example, to search for the matching "{" of a "}": >
3760
3761 :echo searchpair('{', '', '}', 'bW')
3762
3763< This works when the cursor is at or before the "}" for which a
3764 match is to be found. To reject matches that syntax
3765 highlighting recognized as strings: >
3766
3767 :echo searchpair('{', '', '}', 'bW',
3768 \ 'synIDattr(synID(line("."), col("."), 0), "name") =~? "string"')
3769<
3770server2client( {clientid}, {string}) *server2client()*
3771 Send a reply string to {clientid}. The most recent {clientid}
3772 that sent a string can be retrieved with expand("<client>").
3773 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
3774 Note:
3775 This id has to be stored before the next command can be
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003776 received. I.e. before returning from the received command and
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003777 before calling any commands that waits for input.
3778 See also |clientserver|.
3779 Example: >
3780 :echo server2client(expand("<client>"), "HELLO")
3781<
3782serverlist() *serverlist()*
3783 Return a list of available server names, one per line.
3784 When there are no servers or the information is not available
3785 an empty string is returned. See also |clientserver|.
3786 {only available when compiled with the |+clientserver| feature}
3787 Example: >
3788 :echo serverlist()
3789<
3790setbufvar({expr}, {varname}, {val}) *setbufvar()*
3791 Set option or local variable {varname} in buffer {expr} to
3792 {val}.
3793 This also works for a global or local window option, but it
3794 doesn't work for a global or local window variable.
3795 For a local window option the global value is unchanged.
3796 For the use of {expr}, see |bufname()| above.
3797 Note that the variable name without "b:" must be used.
3798 Examples: >
3799 :call setbufvar(1, "&mod", 1)
3800 :call setbufvar("todo", "myvar", "foobar")
3801< This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3802
3803setcmdpos({pos}) *setcmdpos()*
3804 Set the cursor position in the command line to byte position
3805 {pos}. The first position is 1.
3806 Use |getcmdpos()| to obtain the current position.
3807 Only works while editing the command line, thus you must use
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00003808 |c_CTRL-\_e|, |c_CTRL-R_=| or |c_CTRL-R_CTRL-R| with '='. For
3809 |c_CTRL-\_e| and |c_CTRL-R_CTRL-R| with '=' the position is
3810 set after the command line is set to the expression. For
3811 |c_CTRL-R_=| it is set after evaluating the expression but
3812 before inserting the resulting text.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003813 When the number is too big the cursor is put at the end of the
3814 line. A number smaller than one has undefined results.
3815 Returns 0 when successful, 1 when not editing the command
3816 line.
3817
3818setline({lnum}, {line}) *setline()*
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003819 Set line {lnum} of the current buffer to {line}.
3820 {lnum} is used like with |getline()|.
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00003821 When {lnum} is just below the last line the {line} will be
3822 added as a new line.
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00003823 If this succeeds, 0 is returned. If this fails (most likely
3824 because {lnum} is invalid) 1 is returned. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003825 :call setline(5, strftime("%c"))
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00003826< When {line} is a List then line {lnum} and following lines
3827 will be set to the items in the list. Example: >
3828 :call setline(5, ['aaa', 'bbb', 'ccc'])
3829< This is equivalent to: >
3830 :for [n, l] in [[5, 6, 7], ['aaa', 'bbb', 'ccc']]
3831 : call setline(n, l)
3832 :endfor
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003833< Note: The '[ and '] marks are not set.
3834
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003835
Bram Moolenaar35c54e52005-05-20 21:25:31 +00003836setqflist({list} [, {action}]) *setqflist()*
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003837 Creates a quickfix list using the items in {list}. Each item
3838 in {list} is a dictionary. Non-dictionary items in {list} are
3839 ignored. Each dictionary item can contain the following
3840 entries:
3841
3842 filename name of a file
3843 lnum line number in the file
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003844 pattern search pattern used to locate the error
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00003845 col column number
3846 vcol when non-zero: "col" is visual column
3847 when zero: "col" is byte index
3848 nr error number
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003849 text description of the error
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00003850 type single-character error type, 'E', 'W', etc.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003851
Bram Moolenaar582fd852005-03-28 20:58:01 +00003852 The "col", "vcol", "nr", "type" and "text" entries are
3853 optional. Either "lnum" or "pattern" entry can be used to
3854 locate a matching error line.
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003855 If the "filename" entry is not present or neither the "lnum"
3856 or "pattern" entries are present, then the item will not be
3857 handled as an error line.
3858 If both "pattern" and "lnum" are present then "pattern" will
3859 be used.
3860
Bram Moolenaar35c54e52005-05-20 21:25:31 +00003861 If {action} is set to 'a', then the items from {list} are
3862 added to the existing quickfix list. If there is no existing
3863 list, then a new list is created. If {action} is set to 'r',
3864 then the items from the current quickfix list are replaced
3865 with the items from {list}. If {action} is not present or is
3866 set to ' ', then a new list is created.
3867
Bram Moolenaar68b76a62005-03-25 21:53:48 +00003868 Returns zero for success, -1 for failure.
3869
3870 This function can be used to create a quickfix list
3871 independent of the 'errorformat' setting. Use a command like
3872 ":cc 1" to jump to the first position.
3873
3874
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003875 *setreg()*
3876setreg({regname}, {value} [,{options}])
3877 Set the register {regname} to {value}.
3878 If {options} contains "a" or {regname} is upper case,
3879 then the value is appended.
3880 {options} can also contains a register type specification:
3881 "c" or "v" |characterwise| mode
3882 "l" or "V" |linewise| mode
3883 "b" or "<CTRL-V>" |blockwise-visual| mode
3884 If a number immediately follows "b" or "<CTRL-V>" then this is
3885 used as the width of the selection - if it is not specified
3886 then the width of the block is set to the number of characters
3887 in the longest line (counting a <TAB> as 1 character).
3888
3889 If {options} contains no register settings, then the default
3890 is to use character mode unless {value} ends in a <NL>.
3891 Setting the '=' register is not possible.
3892 Returns zero for success, non-zero for failure.
3893
3894 Examples: >
3895 :call setreg(v:register, @*)
3896 :call setreg('*', @%, 'ac')
3897 :call setreg('a', "1\n2\n3", 'b5')
3898
3899< This example shows using the functions to save and restore a
3900 register. >
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00003901 :let var_a = getreg('a', 1)
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003902 :let var_amode = getregtype('a')
3903 ....
3904 :call setreg('a', var_a, var_amode)
3905
3906< You can also change the type of a register by appending
3907 nothing: >
3908 :call setreg('a', '', 'al')
3909
3910setwinvar({nr}, {varname}, {val}) *setwinvar()*
3911 Set option or local variable {varname} in window {nr} to
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +00003912 {val}. When {nr} is zero the current window is used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00003913 This also works for a global or local buffer option, but it
3914 doesn't work for a global or local buffer variable.
3915 For a local buffer option the global value is unchanged.
3916 Note that the variable name without "w:" must be used.
3917 Examples: >
3918 :call setwinvar(1, "&list", 0)
3919 :call setwinvar(2, "myvar", "foobar")
3920< This function is not available in the |sandbox|.
3921
3922simplify({filename}) *simplify()*
3923 Simplify the file name as much as possible without changing
3924 the meaning. Shortcuts (on MS-Windows) or symbolic links (on
3925 Unix) are not resolved. If the first path component in
3926 {filename} designates the current directory, this will be
3927 valid for the result as well. A trailing path separator is
3928 not removed either.
3929 Example: >
3930 simplify("./dir/.././/file/") == "./file/"
3931< Note: The combination "dir/.." is only removed if "dir" is
3932 a searchable directory or does not exist. On Unix, it is also
3933 removed when "dir" is a symbolic link within the same
3934 directory. In order to resolve all the involved symbolic
3935 links before simplifying the path name, use |resolve()|.
3936
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003937
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00003938sort({list} [, {func}]) *sort()* *E702*
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003939 Sort the items in {list} in-place. Returns {list}. If you
3940 want a list to remain unmodified make a copy first: >
3941 :let sortedlist = sort(copy(mylist))
3942< Uses the string representation of each item to sort on.
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00003943 Numbers sort after Strings, Lists after Numbers.
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00003944 For sorting text in the current buffer use |:sort|.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003945 When {func} is given and it is one then case is ignored.
3946 When {func} is a Funcref or a function name, this function is
3947 called to compare items. The function is invoked with two
3948 items as argument and must return zero if they are equal, 1 if
3949 the first one sorts after the second one, -1 if the first one
3950 sorts before the second one. Example: >
3951 func MyCompare(i1, i2)
3952 return a:i1 == a:i2 ? 0 : a:i1 > a:i2 ? 1 : -1
3953 endfunc
3954 let sortedlist = sort(mylist, "MyCompare")
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00003955<
3956
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00003957 *soundfold()*
3958soundfold({word})
3959 Return the sound-folded equivalent of {word}. Uses the first
3960 language in 'spellang' for the current window that supports
Bram Moolenaar42eeac32005-06-29 22:40:58 +00003961 soundfolding. 'spell' must be set. When no sound folding is
3962 possible the {word} is returned unmodified.
Bram Moolenaar24bbcfe2005-06-28 23:32:02 +00003963 This can be used for making spelling suggestions. Note that
3964 the method can be quite slow.
3965
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00003966 *spellbadword()*
3967spellbadword() Return the badly spelled word under or after the cursor.
3968 The cursor is advanced to the start of the bad word.
3969 When no bad word is found in the cursor line an empty String
3970 is returned and the cursor doesn't move.
3971
3972 *spellsuggest()*
3973spellsuggest({word} [, {max}])
3974 Return a List with spelling suggestions to replace {word}.
3975 When {max} is given up to this number of suggestions are
3976 returned. Otherwise up to 25 suggestions are returned.
3977
3978 {word} can be a badly spelled word followed by other text.
3979 This allows for joining two words that were split. The
Bram Moolenaarf461c8e2005-06-25 23:04:51 +00003980 suggestions also include the following text, thus you can
3981 replace a line.
3982
3983 {word} may also be a good word. Similar words will then be
3984 returned. {word} itself is also included, most likely as the
3985 first entry, thus this can be used to check spelling.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00003986
3987 The spelling information for the current window is used. The
Bram Moolenaar42eeac32005-06-29 22:40:58 +00003988 'spell' option must be set and the values of 'spelllang' and
3989 'spellsuggest' are used.
Bram Moolenaard857f0e2005-06-21 22:37:39 +00003990
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003991
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00003992split({expr} [, {pattern} [, {keepempty}]]) *split()*
3993 Make a List out of {expr}. When {pattern} is omitted or empty
3994 each white-separated sequence of characters becomes an item.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00003995 Otherwise the string is split where {pattern} matches,
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00003996 removing the matched characters.
3997 When the first or last item is empty it is omitted, unless the
3998 {keepempty} argument is given and it's non-zero.
Bram Moolenaar5c06f8b2005-05-31 22:14:58 +00003999 Other empty items are kept when {pattern} matches at least one
4000 character or when {keepempty} is non-zero.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004001 Example: >
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004002 :let words = split(getline('.'), '\W\+')
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004003< To split a string in individual characters: >
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004004 :for c in split(mystring, '\zs')
Bram Moolenaar0cb032e2005-04-23 20:52:00 +00004005< If you want to keep the separator you can also use '\zs': >
4006 :echo split('abc:def:ghi', ':\zs')
4007< ['abc:', 'def:', 'ghi'] ~
Bram Moolenaar2389c3c2005-05-22 22:07:59 +00004008 Splitting a table where the first element can be empty: >
4009 :let items = split(line, ':', 1)
4010< The opposite function is |join()|.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004011
4012
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004013strftime({format} [, {time}]) *strftime()*
4014 The result is a String, which is a formatted date and time, as
4015 specified by the {format} string. The given {time} is used,
4016 or the current time if no time is given. The accepted
4017 {format} depends on your system, thus this is not portable!
4018 See the manual page of the C function strftime() for the
4019 format. The maximum length of the result is 80 characters.
4020 See also |localtime()| and |getftime()|.
4021 The language can be changed with the |:language| command.
4022 Examples: >
4023 :echo strftime("%c") Sun Apr 27 11:49:23 1997
4024 :echo strftime("%Y %b %d %X") 1997 Apr 27 11:53:25
4025 :echo strftime("%y%m%d %T") 970427 11:53:55
4026 :echo strftime("%H:%M") 11:55
4027 :echo strftime("%c", getftime("file.c"))
4028 Show mod time of file.c.
Bram Moolenaara14de3d2005-01-07 21:48:26 +00004029< Not available on all systems. To check use: >
4030 :if exists("*strftime")
4031
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00004032stridx({haystack}, {needle} [, {start}]) *stridx()*
4033 The result is a Number, which gives the byte index in
4034 {haystack} of the first occurrence of the String {needle}.
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00004035 If {start} is specified, the search starts at index {start}.
4036 This can be used to find a second match: >
4037 :let comma1 = stridx(line, ",")
4038 :let comma2 = stridx(line, ",", comma1 + 1)
4039< The search is done case-sensitive.
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004040 For pattern searches use |match()|.
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00004041 -1 is returned if the {needle} does not occur in {haystack}.
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00004042 See also |strridx()|.
4043 Examples: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004044 :echo stridx("An Example", "Example") 3
4045 :echo stridx("Starting point", "Start") 0
4046 :echo stridx("Starting point", "start") -1
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00004047< *strstr()* *strchr()*
4048 stridx() works similar to the C function strstr(). When used
4049 with a single character it works similar to strchr().
4050
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00004051 *string()*
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004052string({expr}) Return {expr} converted to a String. If {expr} is a Number,
4053 String or a composition of them, then the result can be parsed
4054 back with |eval()|.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00004055 {expr} type result ~
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004056 String 'string'
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004057 Number 123
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004058 Funcref function('name')
Bram Moolenaar5f2bb9f2005-01-11 21:29:04 +00004059 List [item, item]
Bram Moolenaar9ba0eb82005-06-13 22:28:56 +00004060 Dictionary {key: value, key: value}
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00004061 Note that in String values the ' character is doubled.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00004062
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004063 *strlen()*
4064strlen({expr}) The result is a Number, which is the length of the String
4065 {expr} in bytes. If you want to count the number of
4066 multi-byte characters use something like this: >
4067
4068 :let len = strlen(substitute(str, ".", "x", "g"))
4069
4070< Composing characters are not counted.
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00004071 If the argument is a Number it is first converted to a String.
4072 For other types an error is given.
4073 Also see |len()|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004074
4075strpart({src}, {start}[, {len}]) *strpart()*
4076 The result is a String, which is part of {src}, starting from
4077 byte {start}, with the length {len}.
4078 When non-existing bytes are included, this doesn't result in
4079 an error, the bytes are simply omitted.
4080 If {len} is missing, the copy continues from {start} till the
4081 end of the {src}. >
4082 strpart("abcdefg", 3, 2) == "de"
4083 strpart("abcdefg", -2, 4) == "ab"
4084 strpart("abcdefg", 5, 4) == "fg"
4085 strpart("abcdefg", 3) == "defg"
4086< Note: To get the first character, {start} must be 0. For
4087 example, to get three bytes under and after the cursor: >
4088 strpart(getline(line(".")), col(".") - 1, 3)
4089<
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00004090strridx({haystack}, {needle} [, {start}]) *strridx()*
4091 The result is a Number, which gives the byte index in
4092 {haystack} of the last occurrence of the String {needle}.
4093 When {start} is specified, matches beyond this index are
4094 ignored. This can be used to find a match before a previous
4095 match: >
4096 :let lastcomma = strridx(line, ",")
4097 :let comma2 = strridx(line, ",", lastcomma - 1)
4098< The search is done case-sensitive.
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00004099 For pattern searches use |match()|.
4100 -1 is returned if the {needle} does not occur in {haystack}.
Bram Moolenaard4755bb2004-09-02 19:12:26 +00004101 If the {needle} is empty the length of {haystack} is returned.
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004102 See also |stridx()|. Examples: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004103 :echo strridx("an angry armadillo", "an") 3
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00004104< *strrchr()*
4105 When used with a single character it works similar to the C
4106 function strrchr().
4107
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004108strtrans({expr}) *strtrans()*
4109 The result is a String, which is {expr} with all unprintable
4110 characters translated into printable characters |'isprint'|.
4111 Like they are shown in a window. Example: >
4112 echo strtrans(@a)
4113< This displays a newline in register a as "^@" instead of
4114 starting a new line.
4115
4116submatch({nr}) *submatch()*
4117 Only for an expression in a |:substitute| command. Returns
4118 the {nr}'th submatch of the matched text. When {nr} is 0
4119 the whole matched text is returned.
4120 Example: >
4121 :s/\d\+/\=submatch(0) + 1/
4122< This finds the first number in the line and adds one to it.
4123 A line break is included as a newline character.
4124
4125substitute({expr}, {pat}, {sub}, {flags}) *substitute()*
4126 The result is a String, which is a copy of {expr}, in which
4127 the first match of {pat} is replaced with {sub}. This works
4128 like the ":substitute" command (without any flags). But the
4129 matching with {pat} is always done like the 'magic' option is
4130 set and 'cpoptions' is empty (to make scripts portable).
4131 See |string-match| for how {pat} is used.
4132 And a "~" in {sub} is not replaced with the previous {sub}.
4133 Note that some codes in {sub} have a special meaning
4134 |sub-replace-special|. For example, to replace something with
4135 "\n" (two characters), use "\\\\n" or '\\n'.
4136 When {pat} does not match in {expr}, {expr} is returned
4137 unmodified.
4138 When {flags} is "g", all matches of {pat} in {expr} are
4139 replaced. Otherwise {flags} should be "".
4140 Example: >
4141 :let &path = substitute(&path, ",\\=[^,]*$", "", "")
4142< This removes the last component of the 'path' option. >
4143 :echo substitute("testing", ".*", "\\U\\0", "")
4144< results in "TESTING".
4145
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00004146synID({lnum}, {col}, {trans}) *synID()*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004147 The result is a Number, which is the syntax ID at the position
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00004148 {lnum} and {col} in the current window.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004149 The syntax ID can be used with |synIDattr()| and
4150 |synIDtrans()| to obtain syntax information about text.
Bram Moolenaarce0842a2005-07-18 21:58:11 +00004151
Bram Moolenaar47136d72004-10-12 20:02:24 +00004152 {col} is 1 for the leftmost column, {lnum} is 1 for the first
Bram Moolenaarce0842a2005-07-18 21:58:11 +00004153 line. 'synmaxcol' applies, in a longer line zero is returned.
4154
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004155 When {trans} is non-zero, transparent items are reduced to the
4156 item that they reveal. This is useful when wanting to know
4157 the effective color. When {trans} is zero, the transparent
4158 item is returned. This is useful when wanting to know which
4159 syntax item is effective (e.g. inside parens).
4160 Warning: This function can be very slow. Best speed is
4161 obtained by going through the file in forward direction.
4162
4163 Example (echoes the name of the syntax item under the cursor): >
4164 :echo synIDattr(synID(line("."), col("."), 1), "name")
4165<
4166synIDattr({synID}, {what} [, {mode}]) *synIDattr()*
4167 The result is a String, which is the {what} attribute of
4168 syntax ID {synID}. This can be used to obtain information
4169 about a syntax item.
4170 {mode} can be "gui", "cterm" or "term", to get the attributes
4171 for that mode. When {mode} is omitted, or an invalid value is
4172 used, the attributes for the currently active highlighting are
4173 used (GUI, cterm or term).
4174 Use synIDtrans() to follow linked highlight groups.
4175 {what} result
4176 "name" the name of the syntax item
4177 "fg" foreground color (GUI: color name used to set
4178 the color, cterm: color number as a string,
4179 term: empty string)
4180 "bg" background color (like "fg")
4181 "fg#" like "fg", but for the GUI and the GUI is
4182 running the name in "#RRGGBB" form
4183 "bg#" like "fg#" for "bg"
4184 "bold" "1" if bold
4185 "italic" "1" if italic
4186 "reverse" "1" if reverse
4187 "inverse" "1" if inverse (= reverse)
4188 "underline" "1" if underlined
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004189 "undercurl" "1" if undercurled
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004190
4191 Example (echoes the color of the syntax item under the
4192 cursor): >
4193 :echo synIDattr(synIDtrans(synID(line("."), col("."), 1)), "fg")
4194<
4195synIDtrans({synID}) *synIDtrans()*
4196 The result is a Number, which is the translated syntax ID of
4197 {synID}. This is the syntax group ID of what is being used to
4198 highlight the character. Highlight links given with
4199 ":highlight link" are followed.
4200
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00004201system({expr} [, {input}]) *system()* *E677*
4202 Get the output of the shell command {expr}.
4203 When {input} is given, this string is written to a file and
4204 passed as stdin to the command. The string is written as-is,
4205 you need to take care of using the correct line separators
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00004206 yourself. Pipes are not used.
Bram Moolenaarc0197e22004-09-13 20:26:32 +00004207 Note: newlines in {expr} may cause the command to fail. The
4208 characters in 'shellquote' and 'shellxquote' may also cause
4209 trouble.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004210 This is not to be used for interactive commands.
4211 The result is a String. Example: >
4212
4213 :let files = system("ls")
4214
4215< To make the result more system-independent, the shell output
4216 is filtered to replace <CR> with <NL> for Macintosh, and
4217 <CR><NL> with <NL> for DOS-like systems.
4218 The command executed is constructed using several options:
4219 'shell' 'shellcmdflag' 'shellxquote' {expr} 'shellredir' {tmp} 'shellxquote'
4220 ({tmp} is an automatically generated file name).
4221 For Unix and OS/2 braces are put around {expr} to allow for
4222 concatenated commands.
4223
4224 The resulting error code can be found in |v:shell_error|.
4225 This function will fail in |restricted-mode|.
4226 Unlike ":!cmd" there is no automatic check for changed files.
4227 Use |:checktime| to force a check.
4228
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004229
4230taglist({expr}) *taglist()*
4231 Returns a list of tags matching the regular expression {expr}.
Bram Moolenaard8c00872005-07-22 21:52:15 +00004232 Each list item is a dictionary with at least the following
4233 entries:
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004234 name name of the tag.
4235 filename name of the file where the tag is
4236 defined.
4237 cmd Ex command used to locate the tag in
4238 the file.
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004239 kind type of the tag. The value for this
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004240 entry depends on the language specific
4241 kind values generated by the ctags
4242 tool.
4243 static a file specific tag. Refer to
4244 |static-tag| for more information.
Bram Moolenaar4317d9b2005-03-18 20:25:31 +00004245 The "kind" entry is only available when using Exuberant ctags
4246 generated tags file. More entries may be present, depending
4247 on the content of the tags file: access, implementation,
4248 inherits and signature. Refer to the ctags documentation for
4249 information about these fields. For C code the fields
4250 "struct", "class" and "enum" may appear, they give the name of
4251 the entity the tag is contained in.
Bram Moolenaar5a8684e2005-07-30 22:43:24 +00004252
Bram Moolenaar4317d9b2005-03-18 20:25:31 +00004253 The ex-command 'cmd' can be either an ex search pattern, a
4254 line number or a line number followed by a byte number.
Bram Moolenaare2cc9702005-03-15 22:43:58 +00004255
4256 If there are no matching tags, then an empty list is returned.
4257
4258 To get an exact tag match, the anchors '^' and '$' should be
4259 used in {expr}. Refer to |tag-regexp| for more information
4260 about the tag search regular expression pattern.
4261
4262 Refer to |'tags'| for information about how the tags file is
4263 located by Vim. Refer to |tags-file-format| for the format of
4264 the tags file generated by the different ctags tools.
4265
4266
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004267tempname() *tempname()* *temp-file-name*
4268 The result is a String, which is the name of a file that
4269 doesn't exist. It can be used for a temporary file. The name
4270 is different for at least 26 consecutive calls. Example: >
4271 :let tmpfile = tempname()
4272 :exe "redir > " . tmpfile
4273< For Unix, the file will be in a private directory (only
4274 accessible by the current user) to avoid security problems
4275 (e.g., a symlink attack or other people reading your file).
4276 When Vim exits the directory and all files in it are deleted.
4277 For MS-Windows forward slashes are used when the 'shellslash'
4278 option is set or when 'shellcmdflag' starts with '-'.
4279
4280tolower({expr}) *tolower()*
4281 The result is a copy of the String given, with all uppercase
4282 characters turned into lowercase (just like applying |gu| to
4283 the string).
4284
4285toupper({expr}) *toupper()*
4286 The result is a copy of the String given, with all lowercase
4287 characters turned into uppercase (just like applying |gU| to
4288 the string).
4289
Bram Moolenaar8299df92004-07-10 09:47:34 +00004290tr({src}, {fromstr}, {tostr}) *tr()*
4291 The result is a copy of the {src} string with all characters
4292 which appear in {fromstr} replaced by the character in that
4293 position in the {tostr} string. Thus the first character in
4294 {fromstr} is translated into the first character in {tostr}
4295 and so on. Exactly like the unix "tr" command.
4296 This code also deals with multibyte characters properly.
4297
4298 Examples: >
4299 echo tr("hello there", "ht", "HT")
4300< returns "Hello THere" >
4301 echo tr("<blob>", "<>", "{}")
4302< returns "{blob}"
4303
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00004304 *type()*
4305type({expr}) The result is a Number, depending on the type of {expr}:
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00004306 Number: 0
4307 String: 1
4308 Funcref: 2
4309 List: 3
4310 Dictionary: 4
4311 To avoid the magic numbers it should be used this way: >
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00004312 :if type(myvar) == type(0)
4313 :if type(myvar) == type("")
4314 :if type(myvar) == type(function("tr"))
4315 :if type(myvar) == type([])
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00004316 :if type(myvar) == type({})
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004317
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00004318values({dict}) *values()*
4319 Return a List with all the values of {dict}. The List is in
4320 arbitrary order.
4321
4322
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004323virtcol({expr}) *virtcol()*
4324 The result is a Number, which is the screen column of the file
4325 position given with {expr}. That is, the last screen position
4326 occupied by the character at that position, when the screen
4327 would be of unlimited width. When there is a <Tab> at the
4328 position, the returned Number will be the column at the end of
4329 the <Tab>. For example, for a <Tab> in column 1, with 'ts'
4330 set to 8, it returns 8.
4331 For the byte position use |col()|.
4332 When Virtual editing is active in the current mode, a position
4333 beyond the end of the line can be returned. |'virtualedit'|
4334 The accepted positions are:
4335 . the cursor position
4336 $ the end of the cursor line (the result is the
4337 number of displayed characters in the cursor line
4338 plus one)
4339 'x position of mark x (if the mark is not set, 0 is
4340 returned)
4341 Note that only marks in the current file can be used.
4342 Examples: >
4343 virtcol(".") with text "foo^Lbar", with cursor on the "^L", returns 5
4344 virtcol("$") with text "foo^Lbar", returns 9
4345 virtcol("'t") with text " there", with 't at 'h', returns 6
4346< The first column is 1. 0 is returned for an error.
4347
4348visualmode([expr]) *visualmode()*
4349 The result is a String, which describes the last Visual mode
4350 used. Initially it returns an empty string, but once Visual
4351 mode has been used, it returns "v", "V", or "<CTRL-V>" (a
4352 single CTRL-V character) for character-wise, line-wise, or
4353 block-wise Visual mode respectively.
4354 Example: >
4355 :exe "normal " . visualmode()
4356< This enters the same Visual mode as before. It is also useful
4357 in scripts if you wish to act differently depending on the
4358 Visual mode that was used.
4359
4360 If an expression is supplied that results in a non-zero number
4361 or a non-empty string, then the Visual mode will be cleared
4362 and the old value is returned. Note that " " and "0" are also
4363 non-empty strings, thus cause the mode to be cleared.
4364
4365 *winbufnr()*
4366winbufnr({nr}) The result is a Number, which is the number of the buffer
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004367 associated with window {nr}. When {nr} is zero, the number of
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004368 the buffer in the current window is returned. When window
4369 {nr} doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
4370 Example: >
4371 :echo "The file in the current window is " . bufname(winbufnr(0))
4372<
4373 *wincol()*
4374wincol() The result is a Number, which is the virtual column of the
4375 cursor in the window. This is counting screen cells from the
4376 left side of the window. The leftmost column is one.
4377
4378winheight({nr}) *winheight()*
4379 The result is a Number, which is the height of window {nr}.
4380 When {nr} is zero, the height of the current window is
4381 returned. When window {nr} doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
4382 An existing window always has a height of zero or more.
4383 Examples: >
4384 :echo "The current window has " . winheight(0) . " lines."
4385<
4386 *winline()*
4387winline() The result is a Number, which is the screen line of the cursor
4388 in the window. This is counting screen lines from the top of
4389 the window. The first line is one.
4390
4391 *winnr()*
Bram Moolenaar5eb86f92004-07-26 12:53:41 +00004392winnr([{arg}]) The result is a Number, which is the number of the current
4393 window. The top window has number 1.
4394 When the optional argument is "$", the number of the
4395 last window is returnd (the window count).
4396 When the optional argument is "#", the number of the last
4397 accessed window is returned (where |CTRL-W_p| goes to).
4398 If there is no previous window 0 is returned.
4399 The number can be used with |CTRL-W_w| and ":wincmd w"
4400 |:wincmd|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004401
4402 *winrestcmd()*
4403winrestcmd() Returns a sequence of |:resize| commands that should restore
4404 the current window sizes. Only works properly when no windows
4405 are opened or closed and the current window is unchanged.
4406 Example: >
4407 :let cmd = winrestcmd()
4408 :call MessWithWindowSizes()
4409 :exe cmd
4410
4411winwidth({nr}) *winwidth()*
4412 The result is a Number, which is the width of window {nr}.
4413 When {nr} is zero, the width of the current window is
4414 returned. When window {nr} doesn't exist, -1 is returned.
4415 An existing window always has a width of zero or more.
4416 Examples: >
4417 :echo "The current window has " . winwidth(0) . " columns."
4418 :if winwidth(0) <= 50
4419 : exe "normal 50\<C-W>|"
4420 :endif
4421<
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00004422 *writefile()*
4423writefile({list}, {fname} [, {binary}])
4424 Write List {list} to file {fname}. Each list item is
4425 separated with a NL. Each list item must be a String or
4426 Number.
4427 When {binary} is equal to "b" binary mode is used: There will
4428 not be a NL after the last list item. An empty item at the
4429 end does cause the last line in the file to end in a NL.
4430 All NL characters are replaced with a NUL character.
4431 Inserting CR characters needs to be done before passing {list}
4432 to writefile().
4433 An existing file is overwritten, if possible.
4434 When the write fails -1 is returned, otherwise 0. There is an
4435 error message if the file can't be created or when writing
4436 fails.
4437 Also see |readfile()|.
4438 To copy a file byte for byte: >
4439 :let fl = readfile("foo", "b")
4440 :call writefile(fl, "foocopy", "b")
4441<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004442
4443 *feature-list*
4444There are three types of features:
44451. Features that are only supported when they have been enabled when Vim
4446 was compiled |+feature-list|. Example: >
4447 :if has("cindent")
44482. Features that are only supported when certain conditions have been met.
4449 Example: >
4450 :if has("gui_running")
4451< *has-patch*
44523. Included patches. First check |v:version| for the version of Vim.
4453 Then the "patch123" feature means that patch 123 has been included for
4454 this version. Example (checking version 6.2.148 or later): >
4455 :if v:version > 602 || v:version == 602 && has("patch148")
4456
4457all_builtin_terms Compiled with all builtin terminals enabled.
4458amiga Amiga version of Vim.
4459arabic Compiled with Arabic support |Arabic|.
4460arp Compiled with ARP support (Amiga).
4461autocmd Compiled with autocommands support.
4462balloon_eval Compiled with |balloon-eval| support.
Bram Moolenaar45360022005-07-21 21:08:21 +00004463balloon_multiline GUI supports multiline balloons.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004464beos BeOS version of Vim.
4465browse Compiled with |:browse| support, and browse() will
4466 work.
4467builtin_terms Compiled with some builtin terminals.
4468byte_offset Compiled with support for 'o' in 'statusline'
4469cindent Compiled with 'cindent' support.
4470clientserver Compiled with remote invocation support |clientserver|.
4471clipboard Compiled with 'clipboard' support.
4472cmdline_compl Compiled with |cmdline-completion| support.
4473cmdline_hist Compiled with |cmdline-history| support.
4474cmdline_info Compiled with 'showcmd' and 'ruler' support.
4475comments Compiled with |'comments'| support.
4476cryptv Compiled with encryption support |encryption|.
4477cscope Compiled with |cscope| support.
4478compatible Compiled to be very Vi compatible.
4479debug Compiled with "DEBUG" defined.
4480dialog_con Compiled with console dialog support.
4481dialog_gui Compiled with GUI dialog support.
4482diff Compiled with |vimdiff| and 'diff' support.
4483digraphs Compiled with support for digraphs.
4484dnd Compiled with support for the "~ register |quote_~|.
4485dos32 32 bits DOS (DJGPP) version of Vim.
4486dos16 16 bits DOS version of Vim.
4487ebcdic Compiled on a machine with ebcdic character set.
4488emacs_tags Compiled with support for Emacs tags.
4489eval Compiled with expression evaluation support. Always
4490 true, of course!
4491ex_extra Compiled with extra Ex commands |+ex_extra|.
4492extra_search Compiled with support for |'incsearch'| and
4493 |'hlsearch'|
4494farsi Compiled with Farsi support |farsi|.
4495file_in_path Compiled with support for |gf| and |<cfile>|
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004496filterpipe When 'shelltemp' is off pipes are used for shell
4497 read/write/filter commands
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004498find_in_path Compiled with support for include file searches
4499 |+find_in_path|.
4500fname_case Case in file names matters (for Amiga, MS-DOS, and
4501 Windows this is not present).
4502folding Compiled with |folding| support.
4503footer Compiled with GUI footer support. |gui-footer|
4504fork Compiled to use fork()/exec() instead of system().
4505gettext Compiled with message translation |multi-lang|
4506gui Compiled with GUI enabled.
4507gui_athena Compiled with Athena GUI.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004508gui_gtk Compiled with GTK+ GUI (any version).
4509gui_gtk2 Compiled with GTK+ 2 GUI (gui_gtk is also defined).
Bram Moolenaar843ee412004-06-30 16:16:41 +00004510gui_kde Compiled with KDE GUI |KVim|
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004511gui_mac Compiled with Macintosh GUI.
4512gui_motif Compiled with Motif GUI.
4513gui_photon Compiled with Photon GUI.
4514gui_win32 Compiled with MS Windows Win32 GUI.
4515gui_win32s idem, and Win32s system being used (Windows 3.1)
4516gui_running Vim is running in the GUI, or it will start soon.
4517hangul_input Compiled with Hangul input support. |hangul|
4518iconv Can use iconv() for conversion.
4519insert_expand Compiled with support for CTRL-X expansion commands in
4520 Insert mode.
4521jumplist Compiled with |jumplist| support.
4522keymap Compiled with 'keymap' support.
4523langmap Compiled with 'langmap' support.
4524libcall Compiled with |libcall()| support.
4525linebreak Compiled with 'linebreak', 'breakat' and 'showbreak'
4526 support.
4527lispindent Compiled with support for lisp indenting.
4528listcmds Compiled with commands for the buffer list |:files|
4529 and the argument list |arglist|.
4530localmap Compiled with local mappings and abbr. |:map-local|
4531mac Macintosh version of Vim.
4532macunix Macintosh version of Vim, using Unix files (OS-X).
4533menu Compiled with support for |:menu|.
4534mksession Compiled with support for |:mksession|.
4535modify_fname Compiled with file name modifiers. |filename-modifiers|
4536mouse Compiled with support mouse.
4537mouseshape Compiled with support for 'mouseshape'.
4538mouse_dec Compiled with support for Dec terminal mouse.
4539mouse_gpm Compiled with support for gpm (Linux console mouse)
4540mouse_netterm Compiled with support for netterm mouse.
4541mouse_pterm Compiled with support for qnx pterm mouse.
4542mouse_xterm Compiled with support for xterm mouse.
4543multi_byte Compiled with support for editing Korean et al.
4544multi_byte_ime Compiled with support for IME input method.
4545multi_lang Compiled with support for multiple languages.
Bram Moolenaar325b7a22004-07-05 15:58:32 +00004546mzscheme Compiled with MzScheme interface |mzscheme|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004547netbeans_intg Compiled with support for |netbeans|.
Bram Moolenaar009b2592004-10-24 19:18:58 +00004548netbeans_enabled Compiled with support for |netbeans| and it's used.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004549ole Compiled with OLE automation support for Win32.
4550os2 OS/2 version of Vim.
4551osfiletype Compiled with support for osfiletypes |+osfiletype|
4552path_extra Compiled with up/downwards search in 'path' and 'tags'
4553perl Compiled with Perl interface.
4554postscript Compiled with PostScript file printing.
4555printer Compiled with |:hardcopy| support.
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00004556profile Compiled with |:profile| support.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004557python Compiled with Python interface.
4558qnx QNX version of Vim.
4559quickfix Compiled with |quickfix| support.
4560rightleft Compiled with 'rightleft' support.
4561ruby Compiled with Ruby interface |ruby|.
4562scrollbind Compiled with 'scrollbind' support.
4563showcmd Compiled with 'showcmd' support.
4564signs Compiled with |:sign| support.
4565smartindent Compiled with 'smartindent' support.
Bram Moolenaar69a7cb42004-06-20 12:51:53 +00004566sniff Compiled with SNiFF interface support.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004567statusline Compiled with support for 'statusline', 'rulerformat'
4568 and special formats of 'titlestring' and 'iconstring'.
4569sun_workshop Compiled with support for Sun |workshop|.
Bram Moolenaar82cf9b62005-06-07 21:09:25 +00004570spell Compiled with spell checking support |spell|.
4571syntax Compiled with syntax highlighting support |syntax|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004572syntax_items There are active syntax highlighting items for the
4573 current buffer.
4574system Compiled to use system() instead of fork()/exec().
4575tag_binary Compiled with binary searching in tags files
4576 |tag-binary-search|.
4577tag_old_static Compiled with support for old static tags
4578 |tag-old-static|.
4579tag_any_white Compiled with support for any white characters in tags
4580 files |tag-any-white|.
4581tcl Compiled with Tcl interface.
4582terminfo Compiled with terminfo instead of termcap.
4583termresponse Compiled with support for |t_RV| and |v:termresponse|.
4584textobjects Compiled with support for |text-objects|.
4585tgetent Compiled with tgetent support, able to use a termcap
4586 or terminfo file.
4587title Compiled with window title support |'title'|.
4588toolbar Compiled with support for |gui-toolbar|.
4589unix Unix version of Vim.
4590user_commands User-defined commands.
4591viminfo Compiled with viminfo support.
4592vim_starting True while initial source'ing takes place.
4593vertsplit Compiled with vertically split windows |:vsplit|.
4594virtualedit Compiled with 'virtualedit' option.
4595visual Compiled with Visual mode.
4596visualextra Compiled with extra Visual mode commands.
4597 |blockwise-operators|.
4598vms VMS version of Vim.
4599vreplace Compiled with |gR| and |gr| commands.
4600wildignore Compiled with 'wildignore' option.
4601wildmenu Compiled with 'wildmenu' option.
4602windows Compiled with support for more than one window.
4603winaltkeys Compiled with 'winaltkeys' option.
4604win16 Win16 version of Vim (MS-Windows 3.1).
4605win32 Win32 version of Vim (MS-Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP).
4606win64 Win64 version of Vim (MS-Windows 64 bit).
4607win32unix Win32 version of Vim, using Unix files (Cygwin)
4608win95 Win32 version for MS-Windows 95/98/ME.
4609writebackup Compiled with 'writebackup' default on.
4610xfontset Compiled with X fontset support |xfontset|.
4611xim Compiled with X input method support |xim|.
4612xsmp Compiled with X session management support.
4613xsmp_interact Compiled with interactive X session management support.
4614xterm_clipboard Compiled with support for xterm clipboard.
4615xterm_save Compiled with support for saving and restoring the
4616 xterm screen.
4617x11 Compiled with X11 support.
4618
4619 *string-match*
4620Matching a pattern in a String
4621
4622A regexp pattern as explained at |pattern| is normally used to find a match in
4623the buffer lines. When a pattern is used to find a match in a String, almost
4624everything works in the same way. The difference is that a String is handled
4625like it is one line. When it contains a "\n" character, this is not seen as a
4626line break for the pattern. It can be matched with a "\n" in the pattern, or
4627with ".". Example: >
4628 :let a = "aaaa\nxxxx"
4629 :echo matchstr(a, "..\n..")
4630 aa
4631 xx
4632 :echo matchstr(a, "a.x")
4633 a
4634 x
4635
4636Don't forget that "^" will only match at the first character of the String and
4637"$" at the last character of the string. They don't match after or before a
4638"\n".
4639
4640==============================================================================
46415. Defining functions *user-functions*
4642
4643New functions can be defined. These can be called just like builtin
4644functions. The function executes a sequence of Ex commands. Normal mode
4645commands can be executed with the |:normal| command.
4646
4647The function name must start with an uppercase letter, to avoid confusion with
4648builtin functions. To prevent from using the same name in different scripts
4649avoid obvious, short names. A good habit is to start the function name with
4650the name of the script, e.g., "HTMLcolor()".
4651
4652It's also possible to use curly braces, see |curly-braces-names|.
4653
4654 *local-function*
4655A function local to a script must start with "s:". A local script function
4656can only be called from within the script and from functions, user commands
4657and autocommands defined in the script. It is also possible to call the
4658function from a mappings defined in the script, but then |<SID>| must be used
4659instead of "s:" when the mapping is expanded outside of the script.
4660
4661 *:fu* *:function* *E128* *E129* *E123*
4662:fu[nction] List all functions and their arguments.
4663
4664:fu[nction] {name} List function {name}.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004665 {name} can also be a Dictionary entry that is a
4666 Funcref: >
4667 :function dict.init
4668< *E124* *E125*
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00004669:fu[nction][!] {name}([arguments]) [range] [abort] [dict]
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004670 Define a new function by the name {name}. The name
4671 must be made of alphanumeric characters and '_', and
4672 must start with a capital or "s:" (see above).
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004673
4674 {name} can also be a Dictionary entry that is a
4675 Funcref: >
4676 :function dict.init(arg)
4677< "dict" must be an existing dictionary. The entry
4678 "init" is added if it didn't exist yet. Otherwise [!]
4679 is required to overwrite an existing function. The
4680 result is a |Funcref| to a numbered function. The
4681 function can only be used with a |Funcref| and will be
4682 deleted if there are no more references to it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004683 *E127* *E122*
4684 When a function by this name already exists and [!] is
4685 not used an error message is given. When [!] is used,
4686 an existing function is silently replaced. Unless it
4687 is currently being executed, that is an error.
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00004688
4689 For the {arguments} see |function-argument|.
4690
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004691 *a:firstline* *a:lastline*
4692 When the [range] argument is added, the function is
4693 expected to take care of a range itself. The range is
4694 passed as "a:firstline" and "a:lastline". If [range]
4695 is excluded, ":{range}call" will call the function for
4696 each line in the range, with the cursor on the start
4697 of each line. See |function-range-example|.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004698
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004699 When the [abort] argument is added, the function will
4700 abort as soon as an error is detected.
4701 The last used search pattern and the redo command "."
4702 will not be changed by the function.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004703
Bram Moolenaar2fda12f2005-01-15 22:14:15 +00004704 When the [dict] argument is added, the function must
4705 be invoked through an entry in a Dictionary. The
4706 local variable "self" will then be set to the
4707 dictionary. See |Dictionary-function|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004708
4709 *:endf* *:endfunction* *E126* *E193*
4710:endf[unction] The end of a function definition. Must be on a line
4711 by its own, without other commands.
4712
4713 *:delf* *:delfunction* *E130* *E131*
4714:delf[unction] {name} Delete function {name}.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004715 {name} can also be a Dictionary entry that is a
4716 Funcref: >
4717 :delfunc dict.init
4718< This will remove the "init" entry from "dict". The
4719 function is deleted if there are no more references to
4720 it.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004721 *:retu* *:return* *E133*
4722:retu[rn] [expr] Return from a function. When "[expr]" is given, it is
4723 evaluated and returned as the result of the function.
4724 If "[expr]" is not given, the number 0 is returned.
4725 When a function ends without an explicit ":return",
4726 the number 0 is returned.
4727 Note that there is no check for unreachable lines,
4728 thus there is no warning if commands follow ":return".
4729
4730 If the ":return" is used after a |:try| but before the
4731 matching |:finally| (if present), the commands
4732 following the ":finally" up to the matching |:endtry|
4733 are executed first. This process applies to all
4734 nested ":try"s inside the function. The function
4735 returns at the outermost ":endtry".
4736
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00004737 *function-argument* *a:var*
4738An argument can be defined by giving its name. In the function this can then
4739be used as "a:name" ("a:" for argument).
4740 *a:0* *a:1* *a:000* *E740*
4741Up to 20 arguments can be given, separated by commas. After the named
4742arguments an argument "..." can be specified, which means that more arguments
4743may optionally be following. In the function the extra arguments can be used
4744as "a:1", "a:2", etc. "a:0" is set to the number of extra arguments (which
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00004745can be 0). "a:000" is set to a List that contains these arguments. Note that
4746"a:1" is the same as "a:000[0]".
4747 *E742*
4748The a: scope and the variables in it cannot be changed, they are fixed.
4749However, if a List or Dictionary is used, you can changes their contents.
4750Thus you can pass a List to a function and have the function add an item to
4751it. If you want to make sure the function cannot change a List or Dictionary
4752use |:lockvar|.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004753
Bram Moolenaar8f999f12005-01-25 22:12:55 +00004754When not using "...", the number of arguments in a function call must be equal
4755to the number of named arguments. When using "...", the number of arguments
4756may be larger.
4757
4758It is also possible to define a function without any arguments. You must
4759still supply the () then. The body of the function follows in the next lines,
4760until the matching |:endfunction|. It is allowed to define another function
4761inside a function body.
4762
4763 *local-variables*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004764Inside a function variables can be used. These are local variables, which
4765will disappear when the function returns. Global variables need to be
4766accessed with "g:".
4767
4768Example: >
4769 :function Table(title, ...)
4770 : echohl Title
4771 : echo a:title
4772 : echohl None
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00004773 : echo a:0 . " items:"
4774 : for s in a:000
4775 : echon ' ' . s
4776 : endfor
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004777 :endfunction
4778
4779This function can then be called with: >
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00004780 call Table("Table", "line1", "line2")
4781 call Table("Empty Table")
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004782
4783To return more than one value, pass the name of a global variable: >
4784 :function Compute(n1, n2, divname)
4785 : if a:n2 == 0
4786 : return "fail"
4787 : endif
4788 : let g:{a:divname} = a:n1 / a:n2
4789 : return "ok"
4790 :endfunction
4791
4792This function can then be called with: >
4793 :let success = Compute(13, 1324, "div")
4794 :if success == "ok"
4795 : echo div
4796 :endif
4797
4798An alternative is to return a command that can be executed. This also works
4799with local variables in a calling function. Example: >
4800 :function Foo()
4801 : execute Bar()
4802 : echo "line " . lnum . " column " . col
4803 :endfunction
4804
4805 :function Bar()
4806 : return "let lnum = " . line(".") . " | let col = " . col(".")
4807 :endfunction
4808
4809The names "lnum" and "col" could also be passed as argument to Bar(), to allow
4810the caller to set the names.
4811
4812 *:cal* *:call* *E107*
4813:[range]cal[l] {name}([arguments])
4814 Call a function. The name of the function and its arguments
4815 are as specified with |:function|. Up to 20 arguments can be
4816 used.
4817 Without a range and for functions that accept a range, the
4818 function is called once. When a range is given the cursor is
4819 positioned at the start of the first line before executing the
4820 function.
4821 When a range is given and the function doesn't handle it
4822 itself, the function is executed for each line in the range,
4823 with the cursor in the first column of that line. The cursor
4824 is left at the last line (possibly moved by the last function
4825 call). The arguments are re-evaluated for each line. Thus
4826 this works:
4827 *function-range-example* >
4828 :function Mynumber(arg)
4829 : echo line(".") . " " . a:arg
4830 :endfunction
4831 :1,5call Mynumber(getline("."))
4832<
4833 The "a:firstline" and "a:lastline" are defined anyway, they
4834 can be used to do something different at the start or end of
4835 the range.
4836
4837 Example of a function that handles the range itself: >
4838
4839 :function Cont() range
4840 : execute (a:firstline + 1) . "," . a:lastline . 's/^/\t\\ '
4841 :endfunction
4842 :4,8call Cont()
4843<
4844 This function inserts the continuation character "\" in front
4845 of all the lines in the range, except the first one.
4846
4847 *E132*
4848The recursiveness of user functions is restricted with the |'maxfuncdepth'|
4849option.
4850
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00004851
4852AUTOMATICALLY LOADING FUNCTIONS ~
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004853 *autoload-functions*
4854When using many or large functions, it's possible to automatically define them
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00004855only when they are used. There are two methods: with an autocommand and with
4856the "autoload" directory in 'runtimepath'.
4857
4858
4859Using an autocommand ~
4860
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00004861This is introduced in the user manual, section |41.14|.
4862
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00004863The autocommand is useful if you have a plugin that is a long Vim script file.
4864You can define the autocommand and quickly quit the script with |:finish|.
4865That makes Vim startup faster. The autocommand should then load the same file
4866again, setting a variable to skip the |:finish| command.
4867
4868Use the FuncUndefined autocommand event with a pattern that matches the
4869function(s) to be defined. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004870
4871 :au FuncUndefined BufNet* source ~/vim/bufnetfuncs.vim
4872
4873The file "~/vim/bufnetfuncs.vim" should then define functions that start with
4874"BufNet". Also see |FuncUndefined|.
4875
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00004876
4877Using an autoload script ~
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004878 *autoload* *E746*
Bram Moolenaar05159a02005-02-26 23:04:13 +00004879This is introduced in the user manual, section |41.15|.
4880
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00004881Using a script in the "autoload" directory is simpler, but requires using
4882exactly the right file name. A function that can be autoloaded has a name
4883like this: >
4884
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00004885 :call filename#funcname()
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00004886
4887When such a function is called, and it is not defined yet, Vim will search the
4888"autoload" directories in 'runtimepath' for a script file called
4889"filename.vim". For example "~/.vim/autoload/filename.vim". That file should
4890then define the function like this: >
4891
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00004892 function filename#funcname()
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00004893 echo "Done!"
4894 endfunction
4895
4896The file name and the name used before the colon in the function must match
4897exactly, and the defined function must have the name exactly as it will be
4898called.
4899
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00004900It is possible to use subdirectories. Every # in the function name works like
4901a path separator. Thus when calling a function: >
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00004902
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00004903 :call foo#bar#func()
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00004904
4905Vim will look for the file "autoload/foo/bar.vim" in 'runtimepath'.
4906
4907The name before the first colon must be at least two characters long,
4908otherwise it looks like a scope, such as "s:".
4909
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004910This also works when reading a variable that has not been set yet: >
4911
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00004912 :let l = foo#bar#lvar
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004913
4914When assigning a value to such a variable nothing special happens. This can
4915be used to pass settings to the autoload script before it's loaded: >
4916
Bram Moolenaara7fc0102005-05-18 22:17:12 +00004917 :let foo#bar#toggle = 1
4918 :call foo#bar#func()
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004919
Bram Moolenaar4399ef42005-02-12 14:29:27 +00004920Note that when you make a mistake and call a function that is supposed to be
4921defined in an autoload script, but the script doesn't actually define the
4922function, the script will be sourced every time you try to call the function.
Bram Moolenaar26a60b42005-02-22 08:49:11 +00004923And you will get an error message every time.
4924
4925Also note that if you have two script files, and one calls a function in the
4926other and vise versa, before the used function is defined, it won't work.
4927Avoid using the autoload functionality at the toplevel.
Bram Moolenaar7c626922005-02-07 22:01:03 +00004928
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004929==============================================================================
49306. Curly braces names *curly-braces-names*
4931
4932Wherever you can use a variable, you can use a "curly braces name" variable.
4933This is a regular variable name with one or more expressions wrapped in braces
4934{} like this: >
4935 my_{adjective}_variable
4936
4937When Vim encounters this, it evaluates the expression inside the braces, puts
4938that in place of the expression, and re-interprets the whole as a variable
4939name. So in the above example, if the variable "adjective" was set to
4940"noisy", then the reference would be to "my_noisy_variable", whereas if
4941"adjective" was set to "quiet", then it would be to "my_quiet_variable".
4942
4943One application for this is to create a set of variables governed by an option
4944value. For example, the statement >
4945 echo my_{&background}_message
4946
4947would output the contents of "my_dark_message" or "my_light_message" depending
4948on the current value of 'background'.
4949
4950You can use multiple brace pairs: >
4951 echo my_{adverb}_{adjective}_message
4952..or even nest them: >
4953 echo my_{ad{end_of_word}}_message
4954where "end_of_word" is either "verb" or "jective".
4955
4956However, the expression inside the braces must evaluate to a valid single
Bram Moolenaar402d2fe2005-04-15 21:00:38 +00004957variable name, e.g. this is invalid: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00004958 :let foo='a + b'
4959 :echo c{foo}d
4960.. since the result of expansion is "ca + bd", which is not a variable name.
4961
4962 *curly-braces-function-names*
4963You can call and define functions by an evaluated name in a similar way.
4964Example: >
4965 :let func_end='whizz'
4966 :call my_func_{func_end}(parameter)
4967
4968This would call the function "my_func_whizz(parameter)".
4969
4970==============================================================================
49717. Commands *expression-commands*
4972
4973:let {var-name} = {expr1} *:let* *E18*
4974 Set internal variable {var-name} to the result of the
4975 expression {expr1}. The variable will get the type
4976 from the {expr}. If {var-name} didn't exist yet, it
4977 is created.
4978
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00004979:let {var-name}[{idx}] = {expr1} *E689*
4980 Set a list item to the result of the expression
4981 {expr1}. {var-name} must refer to a list and {idx}
4982 must be a valid index in that list. For nested list
4983 the index can be repeated.
4984 This cannot be used to add an item to a list.
4985
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004986 *E711* *E719*
4987:let {var-name}[{idx1}:{idx2}] = {expr1} *E708* *E709* *E710*
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00004988 Set a sequence of items in a List to the result of the
4989 expression {expr1}, which must be a list with the
4990 correct number of items.
4991 {idx1} can be omitted, zero is used instead.
4992 {idx2} can be omitted, meaning the end of the list.
4993 When the selected range of items is partly past the
4994 end of the list, items will be added.
4995
Bram Moolenaar748bf032005-02-02 23:04:36 +00004996 *:let+=* *:let-=* *:let.=* *E734*
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00004997:let {var} += {expr1} Like ":let {var} = {var} + {expr1}".
4998:let {var} -= {expr1} Like ":let {var} = {var} - {expr1}".
4999:let {var} .= {expr1} Like ":let {var} = {var} . {expr1}".
5000 These fail if {var} was not set yet and when the type
5001 of {var} and {expr1} don't fit the operator.
5002
5003
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005004:let ${env-name} = {expr1} *:let-environment* *:let-$*
5005 Set environment variable {env-name} to the result of
5006 the expression {expr1}. The type is always String.
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005007:let ${env-name} .= {expr1}
5008 Append {expr1} to the environment variable {env-name}.
5009 If the environment variable didn't exist yet this
5010 works like "=".
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005011
5012:let @{reg-name} = {expr1} *:let-register* *:let-@*
5013 Write the result of the expression {expr1} in register
5014 {reg-name}. {reg-name} must be a single letter, and
5015 must be the name of a writable register (see
5016 |registers|). "@@" can be used for the unnamed
5017 register, "@/" for the search pattern.
5018 If the result of {expr1} ends in a <CR> or <NL>, the
5019 register will be linewise, otherwise it will be set to
5020 characterwise.
5021 This can be used to clear the last search pattern: >
5022 :let @/ = ""
5023< This is different from searching for an empty string,
5024 that would match everywhere.
5025
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005026:let @{reg-name} .= {expr1}
5027 Append {expr1} to register {reg-name}. If the
5028 register was empty it's like setting it to {expr1}.
5029
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005030:let &{option-name} = {expr1} *:let-option* *:let-star*
5031 Set option {option-name} to the result of the
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00005032 expression {expr1}. A String or Number value is
5033 always converted to the type of the option.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005034 For an option local to a window or buffer the effect
5035 is just like using the |:set| command: both the local
5036 value and the global value is changed.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00005037 Example: >
5038 :let &path = &path . ',/usr/local/include'
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005039
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005040:let &{option-name} .= {expr1}
5041 For a string option: Append {expr1} to the value.
5042 Does not insert a comma like |:set+=|.
5043
5044:let &{option-name} += {expr1}
5045:let &{option-name} -= {expr1}
5046 For a number or boolean option: Add or subtract
5047 {expr1}.
5048
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005049:let &l:{option-name} = {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005050:let &l:{option-name} .= {expr1}
5051:let &l:{option-name} += {expr1}
5052:let &l:{option-name} -= {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005053 Like above, but only set the local value of an option
5054 (if there is one). Works like |:setlocal|.
5055
5056:let &g:{option-name} = {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005057:let &g:{option-name} .= {expr1}
5058:let &g:{option-name} += {expr1}
5059:let &g:{option-name} -= {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005060 Like above, but only set the global value of an option
5061 (if there is one). Works like |:setglobal|.
5062
Bram Moolenaar13065c42005-01-08 16:08:21 +00005063:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] = {expr1} *:let-unpack* *E687* *E688*
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00005064 {expr1} must evaluate to a List. The first item in
5065 the list is assigned to {name1}, the second item to
5066 {name2}, etc.
5067 The number of names must match the number of items in
5068 the List.
5069 Each name can be one of the items of the ":let"
5070 command as mentioned above.
5071 Example: >
5072 :let [s, item] = GetItem(s)
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005073< Detail: {expr1} is evaluated first, then the
5074 assignments are done in sequence. This matters if
5075 {name2} depends on {name1}. Example: >
5076 :let x = [0, 1]
5077 :let i = 0
5078 :let [i, x[i]] = [1, 2]
5079 :echo x
5080< The result is [0, 2].
5081
5082:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] .= {expr1}
5083:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] += {expr1}
5084:let [{name1}, {name2}, ...] -= {expr1}
5085 Like above, but append/add/subtract the value for each
5086 List item.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00005087
5088:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] = {expr1}
Bram Moolenaar677ee682005-01-27 14:41:15 +00005089 Like |:let-unpack| above, but the List may have more
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005090 items than there are names. A list of the remaining
5091 items is assigned to {lastname}. If there are no
5092 remaining items {lastname} is set to an empty list.
Bram Moolenaarfca34d62005-01-04 21:38:36 +00005093 Example: >
5094 :let [a, b; rest] = ["aval", "bval", 3, 4]
5095<
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005096:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] .= {expr1}
5097:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] += {expr1}
5098:let [{name}, ..., ; {lastname}] -= {expr1}
5099 Like above, but append/add/subtract the value for each
5100 List item.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005101 *E106*
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005102:let {var-name} .. List the value of variable {var-name}. Multiple
Bram Moolenaardcaf10e2005-01-21 11:55:25 +00005103 variable names may be given. Special names recognized
5104 here: *E738*
5105 g: global variables.
5106 b: local buffer variables.
5107 w: local window variables.
5108 v: Vim variables.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005109
Bram Moolenaard7ee7ce2005-01-03 21:02:03 +00005110:let List the values of all variables. The type of the
5111 variable is indicated before the value:
5112 <nothing> String
5113 # Number
5114 * Funcref
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005115
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00005116
5117:unl[et][!] {name} ... *:unlet* *:unl* *E108*
5118 Remove the internal variable {name}. Several variable
5119 names can be given, they are all removed. The name
5120 may also be a List or Dictionary item.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005121 With [!] no error message is given for non-existing
5122 variables.
Bram Moolenaar9cd15162005-01-16 22:02:49 +00005123 One or more items from a List can be removed: >
5124 :unlet list[3] " remove fourth item
5125 :unlet list[3:] " remove fourth item to last
5126< One item from a Dictionary can be removed at a time: >
5127 :unlet dict['two']
5128 :unlet dict.two
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005129
Bram Moolenaar2ce06f62005-01-31 19:19:04 +00005130:lockv[ar][!] [depth] {name} ... *:lockvar* *:lockv*
5131 Lock the internal variable {name}. Locking means that
5132 it can no longer be changed (until it is unlocked).
5133 A locked variable can be deleted: >
5134 :lockvar v
5135 :let v = 'asdf' " fails!
5136 :unlet v
5137< *E741*
5138 If you try to change a locked variable you get an
5139 error message: "E741: Value of {name} is locked"
5140
5141 [depth] is relevant when locking a List or Dictionary.
5142 It specifies how deep the locking goes:
5143 1 Lock the List or Dictionary itself,
5144 cannot add or remove items, but can
5145 still change their values.
5146 2 Also lock the values, cannot change
5147 the items. If an item is a List or
5148 Dictionary, cannot add or remove
5149 items, but can still change the
5150 values.
5151 3 Like 2 but for the List/Dictionary in
5152 the List/Dictionary, one level deeper.
5153 The default [depth] is 2, thus when {name} is a List
5154 or Dictionary the values cannot be changed.
5155 *E743*
5156 For unlimited depth use [!] and omit [depth].
5157 However, there is a maximum depth of 100 to catch
5158 loops.
5159
5160 Note that when two variables refer to the same List
5161 and you lock one of them, the List will also be locked
5162 when used through the other variable. Example: >
5163 :let l = [0, 1, 2, 3]
5164 :let cl = l
5165 :lockvar l
5166 :let cl[1] = 99 " won't work!
5167< You may want to make a copy of a list to avoid this.
5168 See |deepcopy()|.
5169
5170
5171:unlo[ckvar][!] [depth] {name} ... *:unlockvar* *:unlo*
5172 Unlock the internal variable {name}. Does the
5173 opposite of |:lockvar|.
5174
5175
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005176:if {expr1} *:if* *:endif* *:en* *E171* *E579* *E580*
5177:en[dif] Execute the commands until the next matching ":else"
5178 or ":endif" if {expr1} evaluates to non-zero.
5179
5180 From Vim version 4.5 until 5.0, every Ex command in
5181 between the ":if" and ":endif" is ignored. These two
5182 commands were just to allow for future expansions in a
5183 backwards compatible way. Nesting was allowed. Note
5184 that any ":else" or ":elseif" was ignored, the "else"
5185 part was not executed either.
5186
5187 You can use this to remain compatible with older
5188 versions: >
5189 :if version >= 500
5190 : version-5-specific-commands
5191 :endif
5192< The commands still need to be parsed to find the
5193 "endif". Sometimes an older Vim has a problem with a
5194 new command. For example, ":silent" is recognized as
5195 a ":substitute" command. In that case ":execute" can
5196 avoid problems: >
5197 :if version >= 600
5198 : execute "silent 1,$delete"
5199 :endif
5200<
5201 NOTE: The ":append" and ":insert" commands don't work
5202 properly in between ":if" and ":endif".
5203
5204 *:else* *:el* *E581* *E583*
5205:el[se] Execute the commands until the next matching ":else"
5206 or ":endif" if they previously were not being
5207 executed.
5208
5209 *:elseif* *:elsei* *E582* *E584*
5210:elsei[f] {expr1} Short for ":else" ":if", with the addition that there
5211 is no extra ":endif".
5212
5213:wh[ile] {expr1} *:while* *:endwhile* *:wh* *:endw*
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005214 *E170* *E585* *E588* *E733*
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005215:endw[hile] Repeat the commands between ":while" and ":endwhile",
5216 as long as {expr1} evaluates to non-zero.
5217 When an error is detected from a command inside the
5218 loop, execution continues after the "endwhile".
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005219 Example: >
5220 :let lnum = 1
5221 :while lnum <= line("$")
5222 :call FixLine(lnum)
5223 :let lnum = lnum + 1
5224 :endwhile
5225<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005226 NOTE: The ":append" and ":insert" commands don't work
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00005227 properly inside a ":while" and ":for" loop.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005228
Bram Moolenaar3a3a7232005-01-17 22:16:15 +00005229:for {var} in {list} *:for* *E690* *E732*
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005230:endfo[r] *:endfo* *:endfor*
5231 Repeat the commands between ":for" and ":endfor" for
Bram Moolenaar3a7c85b2005-02-05 21:39:53 +00005232 each item in {list}. Variable {var} is set to the
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00005233 value of each item.
5234 When an error is detected for a command inside the
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005235 loop, execution continues after the "endfor".
Bram Moolenaarde8866b2005-01-06 23:24:37 +00005236 Changing {list} affects what items are used. Make a
5237 copy if this is unwanted: >
5238 :for item in copy(mylist)
5239< When not making a copy, Vim stores a reference to the
5240 next item in the list, before executing the commands
5241 with the current item. Thus the current item can be
5242 removed without effect. Removing any later item means
5243 it will not be found. Thus the following example
5244 works (an inefficient way to make a list empty): >
5245 :for item in mylist
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005246 :call remove(mylist, 0)
5247 :endfor
Bram Moolenaar9588a0f2005-01-08 21:45:39 +00005248< Note that reordering the list (e.g., with sort() or
5249 reverse()) may have unexpected effects.
5250 Note that the type of each list item should be
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005251 identical to avoid errors for the type of {var}
5252 changing. Unlet the variable at the end of the loop
5253 to allow multiple item types.
5254
5255:for {var} in {string}
5256:endfo[r] Like ":for" above, but use each character in {string}
5257 as a list item.
5258 Composing characters are used as separate characters.
5259 A Number is first converted to a String.
5260
5261:for [{var1}, {var2}, ...] in {listlist}
5262:endfo[r]
5263 Like ":for" above, but each item in {listlist} must be
5264 a list, of which each item is assigned to {var1},
5265 {var2}, etc. Example: >
5266 :for [lnum, col] in [[1, 3], [2, 5], [3, 8]]
5267 :echo getline(lnum)[col]
5268 :endfor
5269<
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005270 *:continue* *:con* *E586*
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005271:con[tinue] When used inside a ":while" or ":for" loop, jumps back
5272 to the start of the loop.
5273 If it is used after a |:try| inside the loop but
5274 before the matching |:finally| (if present), the
5275 commands following the ":finally" up to the matching
5276 |:endtry| are executed first. This process applies to
5277 all nested ":try"s inside the loop. The outermost
5278 ":endtry" then jumps back to the start of the loop.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005279
5280 *:break* *:brea* *E587*
Bram Moolenaar12805862005-01-05 22:16:17 +00005281:brea[k] When used inside a ":while" or ":for" loop, skips to
5282 the command after the matching ":endwhile" or
5283 ":endfor".
5284 If it is used after a |:try| inside the loop but
5285 before the matching |:finally| (if present), the
5286 commands following the ":finally" up to the matching
5287 |:endtry| are executed first. This process applies to
5288 all nested ":try"s inside the loop. The outermost
5289 ":endtry" then jumps to the command after the loop.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005290
5291:try *:try* *:endt* *:endtry* *E600* *E601* *E602*
5292:endt[ry] Change the error handling for the commands between
5293 ":try" and ":endtry" including everything being
5294 executed across ":source" commands, function calls,
5295 or autocommand invocations.
5296
5297 When an error or interrupt is detected and there is
5298 a |:finally| command following, execution continues
5299 after the ":finally". Otherwise, or when the
5300 ":endtry" is reached thereafter, the next
5301 (dynamically) surrounding ":try" is checked for
5302 a corresponding ":finally" etc. Then the script
5303 processing is terminated. (Whether a function
5304 definition has an "abort" argument does not matter.)
5305 Example: >
5306 :try | edit too much | finally | echo "cleanup" | endtry
5307 :echo "impossible" " not reached, script terminated above
5308<
5309 Moreover, an error or interrupt (dynamically) inside
5310 ":try" and ":endtry" is converted to an exception. It
5311 can be caught as if it were thrown by a |:throw|
5312 command (see |:catch|). In this case, the script
5313 processing is not terminated.
5314
5315 The value "Vim:Interrupt" is used for an interrupt
5316 exception. An error in a Vim command is converted
5317 to a value of the form "Vim({command}):{errmsg}",
5318 other errors are converted to a value of the form
5319 "Vim:{errmsg}". {command} is the full command name,
5320 and {errmsg} is the message that is displayed if the
5321 error exception is not caught, always beginning with
5322 the error number.
5323 Examples: >
5324 :try | sleep 100 | catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/ | endtry
5325 :try | edit | catch /^Vim(edit):E\d\+/ | echo "error" | endtry
5326<
5327 *:cat* *:catch* *E603* *E604* *E605*
5328:cat[ch] /{pattern}/ The following commands until the next ":catch",
5329 |:finally|, or |:endtry| that belongs to the same
5330 |:try| as the ":catch" are executed when an exception
5331 matching {pattern} is being thrown and has not yet
5332 been caught by a previous ":catch". Otherwise, these
5333 commands are skipped.
5334 When {pattern} is omitted all errors are caught.
5335 Examples: >
5336 :catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/ " catch interrupts (CTRL-C)
5337 :catch /^Vim\%((\a\+)\)\=:E/ " catch all Vim errors
5338 :catch /^Vim\%((\a\+)\)\=:/ " catch errors and interrupts
5339 :catch /^Vim(write):/ " catch all errors in :write
5340 :catch /^Vim\%((\a\+)\)\=:E123/ " catch error E123
5341 :catch /my-exception/ " catch user exception
5342 :catch /.*/ " catch everything
5343 :catch " same as /.*/
5344<
5345 Another character can be used instead of / around the
5346 {pattern}, so long as it does not have a special
5347 meaning (e.g., '|' or '"') and doesn't occur inside
5348 {pattern}.
5349 NOTE: It is not reliable to ":catch" the TEXT of
5350 an error message because it may vary in different
5351 locales.
5352
5353 *:fina* *:finally* *E606* *E607*
5354:fina[lly] The following commands until the matching |:endtry|
5355 are executed whenever the part between the matching
5356 |:try| and the ":finally" is left: either by falling
5357 through to the ":finally" or by a |:continue|,
5358 |:break|, |:finish|, or |:return|, or by an error or
5359 interrupt or exception (see |:throw|).
5360
5361 *:th* *:throw* *E608*
5362:th[row] {expr1} The {expr1} is evaluated and thrown as an exception.
5363 If the ":throw" is used after a |:try| but before the
5364 first corresponding |:catch|, commands are skipped
5365 until the first ":catch" matching {expr1} is reached.
5366 If there is no such ":catch" or if the ":throw" is
5367 used after a ":catch" but before the |:finally|, the
5368 commands following the ":finally" (if present) up to
5369 the matching |:endtry| are executed. If the ":throw"
5370 is after the ":finally", commands up to the ":endtry"
5371 are skipped. At the ":endtry", this process applies
5372 again for the next dynamically surrounding ":try"
5373 (which may be found in a calling function or sourcing
5374 script), until a matching ":catch" has been found.
5375 If the exception is not caught, the command processing
5376 is terminated.
5377 Example: >
5378 :try | throw "oops" | catch /^oo/ | echo "caught" | endtry
5379<
5380
5381 *:ec* *:echo*
5382:ec[ho] {expr1} .. Echoes each {expr1}, with a space in between. The
5383 first {expr1} starts on a new line.
5384 Also see |:comment|.
5385 Use "\n" to start a new line. Use "\r" to move the
5386 cursor to the first column.
5387 Uses the highlighting set by the |:echohl| command.
5388 Cannot be followed by a comment.
5389 Example: >
5390 :echo "the value of 'shell' is" &shell
5391< A later redraw may make the message disappear again.
5392 To avoid that a command from before the ":echo" causes
5393 a redraw afterwards (redraws are often postponed until
5394 you type something), force a redraw with the |:redraw|
5395 command. Example: >
5396 :new | redraw | echo "there is a new window"
5397<
5398 *:echon*
5399:echon {expr1} .. Echoes each {expr1}, without anything added. Also see
5400 |:comment|.
5401 Uses the highlighting set by the |:echohl| command.
5402 Cannot be followed by a comment.
5403 Example: >
5404 :echon "the value of 'shell' is " &shell
5405<
5406 Note the difference between using ":echo", which is a
5407 Vim command, and ":!echo", which is an external shell
5408 command: >
5409 :!echo % --> filename
5410< The arguments of ":!" are expanded, see |:_%|. >
5411 :!echo "%" --> filename or "filename"
5412< Like the previous example. Whether you see the double
5413 quotes or not depends on your 'shell'. >
5414 :echo % --> nothing
5415< The '%' is an illegal character in an expression. >
5416 :echo "%" --> %
5417< This just echoes the '%' character. >
5418 :echo expand("%") --> filename
5419< This calls the expand() function to expand the '%'.
5420
5421 *:echoh* *:echohl*
5422:echoh[l] {name} Use the highlight group {name} for the following
5423 |:echo|, |:echon| and |:echomsg| commands. Also used
5424 for the |input()| prompt. Example: >
5425 :echohl WarningMsg | echo "Don't panic!" | echohl None
5426< Don't forget to set the group back to "None",
5427 otherwise all following echo's will be highlighted.
5428
5429 *:echom* *:echomsg*
5430:echom[sg] {expr1} .. Echo the expression(s) as a true message, saving the
5431 message in the |message-history|.
5432 Spaces are placed between the arguments as with the
5433 |:echo| command. But unprintable characters are
5434 displayed, not interpreted.
5435 Uses the highlighting set by the |:echohl| command.
5436 Example: >
5437 :echomsg "It's a Zizzer Zazzer Zuzz, as you can plainly see."
5438<
5439 *:echoe* *:echoerr*
5440:echoe[rr] {expr1} .. Echo the expression(s) as an error message, saving the
5441 message in the |message-history|. When used in a
5442 script or function the line number will be added.
5443 Spaces are placed between the arguments as with the
5444 :echo command. When used inside a try conditional,
5445 the message is raised as an error exception instead
5446 (see |try-echoerr|).
5447 Example: >
5448 :echoerr "This script just failed!"
5449< If you just want a highlighted message use |:echohl|.
5450 And to get a beep: >
5451 :exe "normal \<Esc>"
5452<
5453 *:exe* *:execute*
5454:exe[cute] {expr1} .. Executes the string that results from the evaluation
5455 of {expr1} as an Ex command. Multiple arguments are
5456 concatenated, with a space in between. {expr1} is
5457 used as the processed command, command line editing
5458 keys are not recognized.
5459 Cannot be followed by a comment.
5460 Examples: >
5461 :execute "buffer " nextbuf
5462 :execute "normal " count . "w"
5463<
5464 ":execute" can be used to append a command to commands
5465 that don't accept a '|'. Example: >
5466 :execute '!ls' | echo "theend"
5467
5468< ":execute" is also a nice way to avoid having to type
5469 control characters in a Vim script for a ":normal"
5470 command: >
5471 :execute "normal ixxx\<Esc>"
5472< This has an <Esc> character, see |expr-string|.
5473
5474 Note: The executed string may be any command-line, but
Bram Moolenaard8b02732005-01-14 21:48:43 +00005475 you cannot start or end a "while", "for" or "if"
5476 command. Thus this is illegal: >
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00005477 :execute 'while i > 5'
5478 :execute 'echo "test" | break'
5479<
5480 It is allowed to have a "while" or "if" command
5481 completely in the executed string: >
5482 :execute 'while i < 5 | echo i | let i = i + 1 | endwhile'
5483<
5484
5485 *:comment*
5486 ":execute", ":echo" and ":echon" cannot be followed by
5487 a comment directly, because they see the '"' as the
5488 start of a string. But, you can use '|' followed by a
5489 comment. Example: >
5490 :echo "foo" | "this is a comment
5491
5492==============================================================================
54938. Exception handling *exception-handling*
5494
5495The Vim script language comprises an exception handling feature. This section
5496explains how it can be used in a Vim script.
5497
5498Exceptions may be raised by Vim on an error or on interrupt, see
5499|catch-errors| and |catch-interrupt|. You can also explicitly throw an
5500exception by using the ":throw" command, see |throw-catch|.
5501
5502
5503TRY CONDITIONALS *try-conditionals*
5504
5505Exceptions can be caught or can cause cleanup code to be executed. You can
5506use a try conditional to specify catch clauses (that catch exceptions) and/or
5507a finally clause (to be executed for cleanup).
5508 A try conditional begins with a |:try| command and ends at the matching
5509|:endtry| command. In between, you can use a |:catch| command to start
5510a catch clause, or a |:finally| command to start a finally clause. There may
5511be none or multiple catch clauses, but there is at most one finally clause,
5512which must not be followed by any catch clauses. The lines before the catch
5513clauses and the finally clause is called a try block. >
5514
5515 :try
5516 : ...
5517 : ... TRY BLOCK
5518 : ...
5519 :catch /{pattern}/
5520 : ...
5521 : ... CATCH CLAUSE
5522 : ...
5523 :catch /{pattern}/
5524 : ...
5525 : ... CATCH CLAUSE
5526 : ...
5527 :finally
5528 : ...
5529 : ... FINALLY CLAUSE
5530 : ...
5531 :endtry
5532
5533The try conditional allows to watch code for exceptions and to take the
5534appropriate actions. Exceptions from the try block may be caught. Exceptions
5535from the try block and also the catch clauses may cause cleanup actions.
5536 When no exception is thrown during execution of the try block, the control
5537is transferred to the finally clause, if present. After its execution, the
5538script continues with the line following the ":endtry".
5539 When an exception occurs during execution of the try block, the remaining
5540lines in the try block are skipped. The exception is matched against the
5541patterns specified as arguments to the ":catch" commands. The catch clause
5542after the first matching ":catch" is taken, other catch clauses are not
5543executed. The catch clause ends when the next ":catch", ":finally", or
5544":endtry" command is reached - whatever is first. Then, the finally clause
5545(if present) is executed. When the ":endtry" is reached, the script execution
5546continues in the following line as usual.
5547 When an exception that does not match any of the patterns specified by the
5548":catch" commands is thrown in the try block, the exception is not caught by
5549that try conditional and none of the catch clauses is executed. Only the
5550finally clause, if present, is taken. The exception pends during execution of
5551the finally clause. It is resumed at the ":endtry", so that commands after
5552the ":endtry" are not executed and the exception might be caught elsewhere,
5553see |try-nesting|.
5554 When during execution of a catch clause another exception is thrown, the
5555remaining lines in that catch clause are not executed. The new exception is
5556not matched against the patterns in any of the ":catch" commands of the same
5557try conditional and none of its catch clauses is taken. If there is, however,
5558a finally clause, it is executed, and the exception pends during its
5559execution. The commands following the ":endtry" are not executed. The new
5560exception might, however, be caught elsewhere, see |try-nesting|.
5561 When during execution of the finally clause (if present) an exception is
5562thrown, the remaining lines in the finally clause are skipped. If the finally
5563clause has been taken because of an exception from the try block or one of the
5564catch clauses, the original (pending) exception is discarded. The commands
5565following the ":endtry" are not executed, and the exception from the finally
5566clause is propagated and can be caught elsewhere, see |try-nesting|.
5567
5568The finally clause is also executed, when a ":break" or ":continue" for
5569a ":while" loop enclosing the complete try conditional is executed from the
5570try block or a catch clause. Or when a ":return" or ":finish" is executed
5571from the try block or a catch clause of a try conditional in a function or
5572sourced script, respectively. The ":break", ":continue", ":return", or
5573":finish" pends during execution of the finally clause and is resumed when the
5574":endtry" is reached. It is, however, discarded when an exception is thrown
5575from the finally clause.
5576 When a ":break" or ":continue" for a ":while" loop enclosing the complete
5577try conditional or when a ":return" or ":finish" is encountered in the finally
5578clause, the rest of the finally clause is skipped, and the ":break",
5579":continue", ":return" or ":finish" is executed as usual. If the finally
5580clause has been taken because of an exception or an earlier ":break",
5581":continue", ":return", or ":finish" from the try block or a catch clause,
5582this pending exception or command is discarded.
5583
5584For examples see |throw-catch| and |try-finally|.
5585
5586
5587NESTING OF TRY CONDITIONALS *try-nesting*
5588
5589Try conditionals can be nested arbitrarily. That is, a complete try
5590conditional can be put into the try block, a catch clause, or the finally
5591clause of another try conditional. If the inner try conditional does not
5592catch an exception thrown in its try block or throws a new exception from one
5593of its catch clauses or its finally clause, the outer try conditional is
5594checked according to the rules above. If the inner try conditional is in the
5595try block of the outer try conditional, its catch clauses are checked, but
5596otherwise only the finally clause is executed. It does not matter for
5597nesting, whether the inner try conditional is directly contained in the outer
5598one, or whether the outer one sources a script or calls a function containing
5599the inner try conditional.
5600
5601When none of the active try conditionals catches an exception, just their
5602finally clauses are executed. Thereafter, the script processing terminates.
5603An error message is displayed in case of an uncaught exception explicitly
5604thrown by a ":throw" command. For uncaught error and interrupt exceptions
5605implicitly raised by Vim, the error message(s) or interrupt message are shown
5606as usual.
5607
5608For examples see |throw-catch|.
5609
5610
5611EXAMINING EXCEPTION HANDLING CODE *except-examine*
5612
5613Exception handling code can get tricky. If you are in doubt what happens, set
5614'verbose' to 13 or use the ":13verbose" command modifier when sourcing your
5615script file. Then you see when an exception is thrown, discarded, caught, or
5616finished. When using a verbosity level of at least 14, things pending in
5617a finally clause are also shown. This information is also given in debug mode
5618(see |debug-scripts|).
5619
5620
5621THROWING AND CATCHING EXCEPTIONS *throw-catch*
5622
5623You can throw any number or string as an exception. Use the |:throw| command
5624and pass the value to be thrown as argument: >
5625 :throw 4711
5626 :throw "string"
5627< *throw-expression*
5628You can also specify an expression argument. The expression is then evaluated
5629first, and the result is thrown: >
5630 :throw 4705 + strlen("string")
5631 :throw strpart("strings", 0, 6)
5632
5633An exception might be thrown during evaluation of the argument of the ":throw"
5634command. Unless it is caught there, the expression evaluation is abandoned.
5635The ":throw" command then does not throw a new exception.
5636 Example: >
5637
5638 :function! Foo(arg)
5639 : try
5640 : throw a:arg
5641 : catch /foo/
5642 : endtry
5643 : return 1
5644 :endfunction
5645 :
5646 :function! Bar()
5647 : echo "in Bar"
5648 : return 4710
5649 :endfunction
5650 :
5651 :throw Foo("arrgh") + Bar()
5652
5653This throws "arrgh", and "in Bar" is not displayed since Bar() is not
5654executed. >
5655 :throw Foo("foo") + Bar()
5656however displays "in Bar" and throws 4711.
5657
5658Any other command that takes an expression as argument might also be
5659abandoned by an (uncaught) exception during the expression evaluation. The
5660exception is then propagated to the caller of the command.
5661 Example: >
5662
5663 :if Foo("arrgh")
5664 : echo "then"
5665 :else
5666 : echo "else"
5667 :endif
5668
5669Here neither of "then" or "else" is displayed.
5670
5671 *catch-order*
5672Exceptions can be caught by a try conditional with one or more |:catch|
5673commands, see |try-conditionals|. The values to be caught by each ":catch"
5674command can be specified as a pattern argument. The subsequent catch clause
5675gets executed when a matching exception is caught.
5676 Example: >
5677
5678 :function! Foo(value)
5679 : try
5680 : throw a:value
5681 : catch /^\d\+$/
5682 : echo "Number thrown"
5683 : catch /.*/
5684 : echo "String thrown"
5685 : endtry
5686 :endfunction
5687 :
5688 :call Foo(0x1267)
5689 :call Foo('string')
5690
5691The first call to Foo() displays "Number thrown", the second "String thrown".
5692An exception is matched against the ":catch" commands in the order they are
5693specified. Only the first match counts. So you should place the more
5694specific ":catch" first. The following order does not make sense: >
5695
5696 : catch /.*/
5697 : echo "String thrown"
5698 : catch /^\d\+$/
5699 : echo "Number thrown"
5700
5701The first ":catch" here matches always, so that the second catch clause is
5702never taken.
5703
5704 *throw-variables*
5705If you catch an exception by a general pattern, you may access the exact value
5706in the variable |v:exception|: >
5707
5708 : catch /^\d\+$/
5709 : echo "Number thrown. Value is" v:exception
5710
5711You may also be interested where an exception was thrown. This is stored in
5712|v:throwpoint|. Note that "v:exception" and "v:throwpoint" are valid for the
5713exception most recently caught as long it is not finished.
5714 Example: >
5715
5716 :function! Caught()
5717 : if v:exception != ""
5718 : echo 'Caught "' . v:exception . '" in ' . v:throwpoint
5719 : else
5720 : echo 'Nothing caught'
5721 : endif
5722 :endfunction
5723 :
5724 :function! Foo()
5725 : try
5726 : try
5727 : try
5728 : throw 4711
5729 : finally
5730 : call Caught()
5731 : endtry
5732 : catch /.*/
5733 : call Caught()
5734 : throw "oops"
5735 : endtry
5736 : catch /.*/
5737 : call Caught()
5738 : finally
5739 : call Caught()
5740 : endtry
5741 :endfunction
5742 :
5743 :call Foo()
5744
5745This displays >
5746
5747 Nothing caught
5748 Caught "4711" in function Foo, line 4
5749 Caught "oops" in function Foo, line 10
5750 Nothing caught
5751
5752A practical example: The following command ":LineNumber" displays the line
5753number in the script or function where it has been used: >
5754
5755 :function! LineNumber()
5756 : return substitute(v:throwpoint, '.*\D\(\d\+\).*', '\1', "")
5757 :endfunction
5758 :command! LineNumber try | throw "" | catch | echo LineNumber() | endtry
5759<
5760 *try-nested*
5761An exception that is not caught by a try conditional can be caught by
5762a surrounding try conditional: >
5763
5764 :try
5765 : try
5766 : throw "foo"
5767 : catch /foobar/
5768 : echo "foobar"
5769 : finally
5770 : echo "inner finally"
5771 : endtry
5772 :catch /foo/
5773 : echo "foo"
5774 :endtry
5775
5776The inner try conditional does not catch the exception, just its finally
5777clause is executed. The exception is then caught by the outer try
5778conditional. The example displays "inner finally" and then "foo".
5779
5780 *throw-from-catch*
5781You can catch an exception and throw a new one to be caught elsewhere from the
5782catch clause: >
5783
5784 :function! Foo()
5785 : throw "foo"
5786 :endfunction
5787 :
5788 :function! Bar()
5789 : try
5790 : call Foo()
5791 : catch /foo/
5792 : echo "Caught foo, throw bar"
5793 : throw "bar"
5794 : endtry
5795 :endfunction
5796 :
5797 :try
5798 : call Bar()
5799 :catch /.*/
5800 : echo "Caught" v:exception
5801 :endtry
5802
5803This displays "Caught foo, throw bar" and then "Caught bar".
5804
5805 *rethrow*
5806There is no real rethrow in the Vim script language, but you may throw
5807"v:exception" instead: >
5808
5809 :function! Bar()
5810 : try
5811 : call Foo()
5812 : catch /.*/
5813 : echo "Rethrow" v:exception
5814 : throw v:exception
5815 : endtry
5816 :endfunction
5817< *try-echoerr*
5818Note that this method cannot be used to "rethrow" Vim error or interrupt
5819exceptions, because it is not possible to fake Vim internal exceptions.
5820Trying so causes an error exception. You should throw your own exception
5821denoting the situation. If you want to cause a Vim error exception containing
5822the original error exception value, you can use the |:echoerr| command: >
5823
5824 :try
5825 : try
5826 : asdf
5827 : catch /.*/
5828 : echoerr v:exception
5829 : endtry
5830 :catch /.*/
5831 : echo v:exception
5832 :endtry
5833
5834This code displays
5835
5836 Vim(echoerr):Vim:E492: Not an editor command: asdf ~
5837
5838
5839CLEANUP CODE *try-finally*
5840
5841Scripts often change global settings and restore them at their end. If the
5842user however interrupts the script by pressing CTRL-C, the settings remain in
5843an inconsistent state. The same may happen to you in the development phase of
5844a script when an error occurs or you explicitly throw an exception without
5845catching it. You can solve these problems by using a try conditional with
5846a finally clause for restoring the settings. Its execution is guaranteed on
5847normal control flow, on error, on an explicit ":throw", and on interrupt.
5848(Note that errors and interrupts from inside the try conditional are converted
5849to exceptions. When not caught, they terminate the script after the finally
5850clause has been executed.)
5851Example: >
5852
5853 :try
5854 : let s:saved_ts = &ts
5855 : set ts=17
5856 :
5857 : " Do the hard work here.
5858 :
5859 :finally
5860 : let &ts = s:saved_ts
5861 : unlet s:saved_ts
5862 :endtry
5863
5864This method should be used locally whenever a function or part of a script
5865changes global settings which need to be restored on failure or normal exit of
5866that function or script part.
5867
5868 *break-finally*
5869Cleanup code works also when the try block or a catch clause is left by
5870a ":continue", ":break", ":return", or ":finish".
5871 Example: >
5872
5873 :let first = 1
5874 :while 1
5875 : try
5876 : if first
5877 : echo "first"
5878 : let first = 0
5879 : continue
5880 : else
5881 : throw "second"
5882 : endif
5883 : catch /.*/
5884 : echo v:exception
5885 : break
5886 : finally
5887 : echo "cleanup"
5888 : endtry
5889 : echo "still in while"
5890 :endwhile
5891 :echo "end"
5892
5893This displays "first", "cleanup", "second", "cleanup", and "end". >
5894
5895 :function! Foo()
5896 : try
5897 : return 4711
5898 : finally
5899 : echo "cleanup\n"
5900 : endtry
5901 : echo "Foo still active"
5902 :endfunction
5903 :
5904 :echo Foo() "returned by Foo"
5905
5906This displays "cleanup" and "4711 returned by Foo". You don't need to add an
5907extra ":return" in the finally clause. (Above all, this would override the
5908return value.)
5909
5910 *except-from-finally*
5911Using either of ":continue", ":break", ":return", ":finish", or ":throw" in
5912a finally clause is possible, but not recommended since it abandons the
5913cleanup actions for the try conditional. But, of course, interrupt and error
5914exceptions might get raised from a finally clause.
5915 Example where an error in the finally clause stops an interrupt from
5916working correctly: >
5917
5918 :try
5919 : try
5920 : echo "Press CTRL-C for interrupt"
5921 : while 1
5922 : endwhile
5923 : finally
5924 : unlet novar
5925 : endtry
5926 :catch /novar/
5927 :endtry
5928 :echo "Script still running"
5929 :sleep 1
5930
5931If you need to put commands that could fail into a finally clause, you should
5932think about catching or ignoring the errors in these commands, see
5933|catch-errors| and |ignore-errors|.
5934
5935
5936CATCHING ERRORS *catch-errors*
5937
5938If you want to catch specific errors, you just have to put the code to be
5939watched in a try block and add a catch clause for the error message. The
5940presence of the try conditional causes all errors to be converted to an
5941exception. No message is displayed and |v:errmsg| is not set then. To find
5942the right pattern for the ":catch" command, you have to know how the format of
5943the error exception is.
5944 Error exceptions have the following format: >
5945
5946 Vim({cmdname}):{errmsg}
5947or >
5948 Vim:{errmsg}
5949
5950{cmdname} is the name of the command that failed; the second form is used when
5951the command name is not known. {errmsg} is the error message usually produced
5952when the error occurs outside try conditionals. It always begins with
5953a capital "E", followed by a two or three-digit error number, a colon, and
5954a space.
5955
5956Examples:
5957
5958The command >
5959 :unlet novar
5960normally produces the error message >
5961 E108: No such variable: "novar"
5962which is converted inside try conditionals to an exception >
5963 Vim(unlet):E108: No such variable: "novar"
5964
5965The command >
5966 :dwim
5967normally produces the error message >
5968 E492: Not an editor command: dwim
5969which is converted inside try conditionals to an exception >
5970 Vim:E492: Not an editor command: dwim
5971
5972You can catch all ":unlet" errors by a >
5973 :catch /^Vim(unlet):/
5974or all errors for misspelled command names by a >
5975 :catch /^Vim:E492:/
5976
5977Some error messages may be produced by different commands: >
5978 :function nofunc
5979and >
5980 :delfunction nofunc
5981both produce the error message >
5982 E128: Function name must start with a capital: nofunc
5983which is converted inside try conditionals to an exception >
5984 Vim(function):E128: Function name must start with a capital: nofunc
5985or >
5986 Vim(delfunction):E128: Function name must start with a capital: nofunc
5987respectively. You can catch the error by its number independently on the
5988command that caused it if you use the following pattern: >
5989 :catch /^Vim(\a\+):E128:/
5990
5991Some commands like >
5992 :let x = novar
5993produce multiple error messages, here: >
5994 E121: Undefined variable: novar
5995 E15: Invalid expression: novar
5996Only the first is used for the exception value, since it is the most specific
5997one (see |except-several-errors|). So you can catch it by >
5998 :catch /^Vim(\a\+):E121:/
5999
6000You can catch all errors related to the name "nofunc" by >
6001 :catch /\<nofunc\>/
6002
6003You can catch all Vim errors in the ":write" and ":read" commands by >
6004 :catch /^Vim(\(write\|read\)):E\d\+:/
6005
6006You can catch all Vim errors by the pattern >
6007 :catch /^Vim\((\a\+)\)\=:E\d\+:/
6008<
6009 *catch-text*
6010NOTE: You should never catch the error message text itself: >
6011 :catch /No such variable/
6012only works in the english locale, but not when the user has selected
6013a different language by the |:language| command. It is however helpful to
6014cite the message text in a comment: >
6015 :catch /^Vim(\a\+):E108:/ " No such variable
6016
6017
6018IGNORING ERRORS *ignore-errors*
6019
6020You can ignore errors in a specific Vim command by catching them locally: >
6021
6022 :try
6023 : write
6024 :catch
6025 :endtry
6026
6027But you are strongly recommended NOT to use this simple form, since it could
6028catch more than you want. With the ":write" command, some autocommands could
6029be executed and cause errors not related to writing, for instance: >
6030
6031 :au BufWritePre * unlet novar
6032
6033There could even be such errors you are not responsible for as a script
6034writer: a user of your script might have defined such autocommands. You would
6035then hide the error from the user.
6036 It is much better to use >
6037
6038 :try
6039 : write
6040 :catch /^Vim(write):/
6041 :endtry
6042
6043which only catches real write errors. So catch only what you'd like to ignore
6044intentionally.
6045
6046For a single command that does not cause execution of autocommands, you could
6047even suppress the conversion of errors to exceptions by the ":silent!"
6048command: >
6049 :silent! nunmap k
6050This works also when a try conditional is active.
6051
6052
6053CATCHING INTERRUPTS *catch-interrupt*
6054
6055When there are active try conditionals, an interrupt (CTRL-C) is converted to
6056the exception "Vim:Interrupt". You can catch it like every exception. The
6057script is not terminated, then.
6058 Example: >
6059
6060 :function! TASK1()
6061 : sleep 10
6062 :endfunction
6063
6064 :function! TASK2()
6065 : sleep 20
6066 :endfunction
6067
6068 :while 1
6069 : let command = input("Type a command: ")
6070 : try
6071 : if command == ""
6072 : continue
6073 : elseif command == "END"
6074 : break
6075 : elseif command == "TASK1"
6076 : call TASK1()
6077 : elseif command == "TASK2"
6078 : call TASK2()
6079 : else
6080 : echo "\nIllegal command:" command
6081 : continue
6082 : endif
6083 : catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/
6084 : echo "\nCommand interrupted"
6085 : " Caught the interrupt. Continue with next prompt.
6086 : endtry
6087 :endwhile
6088
6089You can interrupt a task here by pressing CTRL-C; the script then asks for
6090a new command. If you press CTRL-C at the prompt, the script is terminated.
6091
6092For testing what happens when CTRL-C would be pressed on a specific line in
6093your script, use the debug mode and execute the |>quit| or |>interrupt|
6094command on that line. See |debug-scripts|.
6095
6096
6097CATCHING ALL *catch-all*
6098
6099The commands >
6100
6101 :catch /.*/
6102 :catch //
6103 :catch
6104
6105catch everything, error exceptions, interrupt exceptions and exceptions
6106explicitly thrown by the |:throw| command. This is useful at the top level of
6107a script in order to catch unexpected things.
6108 Example: >
6109
6110 :try
6111 :
6112 : " do the hard work here
6113 :
6114 :catch /MyException/
6115 :
6116 : " handle known problem
6117 :
6118 :catch /^Vim:Interrupt$/
6119 : echo "Script interrupted"
6120 :catch /.*/
6121 : echo "Internal error (" . v:exception . ")"
6122 : echo " - occurred at " . v:throwpoint
6123 :endtry
6124 :" end of script
6125
6126Note: Catching all might catch more things than you want. Thus, you are
6127strongly encouraged to catch only for problems that you can really handle by
6128specifying a pattern argument to the ":catch".
6129 Example: Catching all could make it nearly impossible to interrupt a script
6130by pressing CTRL-C: >
6131
6132 :while 1
6133 : try
6134 : sleep 1
6135 : catch
6136 : endtry
6137 :endwhile
6138
6139
6140EXCEPTIONS AND AUTOCOMMANDS *except-autocmd*
6141
6142Exceptions may be used during execution of autocommands. Example: >
6143
6144 :autocmd User x try
6145 :autocmd User x throw "Oops!"
6146 :autocmd User x catch
6147 :autocmd User x echo v:exception
6148 :autocmd User x endtry
6149 :autocmd User x throw "Arrgh!"
6150 :autocmd User x echo "Should not be displayed"
6151 :
6152 :try
6153 : doautocmd User x
6154 :catch
6155 : echo v:exception
6156 :endtry
6157
6158This displays "Oops!" and "Arrgh!".
6159
6160 *except-autocmd-Pre*
6161For some commands, autocommands get executed before the main action of the
6162command takes place. If an exception is thrown and not caught in the sequence
6163of autocommands, the sequence and the command that caused its execution are
6164abandoned and the exception is propagated to the caller of the command.
6165 Example: >
6166
6167 :autocmd BufWritePre * throw "FAIL"
6168 :autocmd BufWritePre * echo "Should not be displayed"
6169 :
6170 :try
6171 : write
6172 :catch
6173 : echo "Caught:" v:exception "from" v:throwpoint
6174 :endtry
6175
6176Here, the ":write" command does not write the file currently being edited (as
6177you can see by checking 'modified'), since the exception from the BufWritePre
6178autocommand abandons the ":write". The exception is then caught and the
6179script displays: >
6180
6181 Caught: FAIL from BufWrite Auto commands for "*"
6182<
6183 *except-autocmd-Post*
6184For some commands, autocommands get executed after the main action of the
6185command has taken place. If this main action fails and the command is inside
6186an active try conditional, the autocommands are skipped and an error exception
6187is thrown that can be caught by the caller of the command.
6188 Example: >
6189
6190 :autocmd BufWritePost * echo "File successfully written!"
6191 :
6192 :try
6193 : write /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
6194 :catch
6195 : echo v:exception
6196 :endtry
6197
6198This just displays: >
6199
6200 Vim(write):E212: Can't open file for writing (/i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e)
6201
6202If you really need to execute the autocommands even when the main action
6203fails, trigger the event from the catch clause.
6204 Example: >
6205
6206 :autocmd BufWritePre * set noreadonly
6207 :autocmd BufWritePost * set readonly
6208 :
6209 :try
6210 : write /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
6211 :catch
6212 : doautocmd BufWritePost /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
6213 :endtry
6214<
6215You can also use ":silent!": >
6216
6217 :let x = "ok"
6218 :let v:errmsg = ""
6219 :autocmd BufWritePost * if v:errmsg != ""
6220 :autocmd BufWritePost * let x = "after fail"
6221 :autocmd BufWritePost * endif
6222 :try
6223 : silent! write /i/m/p/o/s/s/i/b/l/e
6224 :catch
6225 :endtry
6226 :echo x
6227
6228This displays "after fail".
6229
6230If the main action of the command does not fail, exceptions from the
6231autocommands will be catchable by the caller of the command: >
6232
6233 :autocmd BufWritePost * throw ":-("
6234 :autocmd BufWritePost * echo "Should not be displayed"
6235 :
6236 :try
6237 : write
6238 :catch
6239 : echo v:exception
6240 :endtry
6241<
6242 *except-autocmd-Cmd*
6243For some commands, the normal action can be replaced by a sequence of
6244autocommands. Exceptions from that sequence will be catchable by the caller
6245of the command.
6246 Example: For the ":write" command, the caller cannot know whether the file
6247had actually been written when the exception occurred. You need to tell it in
6248some way. >
6249
6250 :if !exists("cnt")
6251 : let cnt = 0
6252 :
6253 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * if &modified
6254 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * let cnt = cnt + 1
6255 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * if cnt % 3 == 2
6256 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * throw "BufWriteCmdError"
6257 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * endif
6258 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * write | set nomodified
6259 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * if cnt % 3 == 0
6260 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * throw "BufWriteCmdError"
6261 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * endif
6262 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * echo "File successfully written!"
6263 : autocmd BufWriteCmd * endif
6264 :endif
6265 :
6266 :try
6267 : write
6268 :catch /^BufWriteCmdError$/
6269 : if &modified
6270 : echo "Error on writing (file contents not changed)"
6271 : else
6272 : echo "Error after writing"
6273 : endif
6274 :catch /^Vim(write):/
6275 : echo "Error on writing"
6276 :endtry
6277
6278When this script is sourced several times after making changes, it displays
6279first >
6280 File successfully written!
6281then >
6282 Error on writing (file contents not changed)
6283then >
6284 Error after writing
6285etc.
6286
6287 *except-autocmd-ill*
6288You cannot spread a try conditional over autocommands for different events.
6289The following code is ill-formed: >
6290
6291 :autocmd BufWritePre * try
6292 :
6293 :autocmd BufWritePost * catch
6294 :autocmd BufWritePost * echo v:exception
6295 :autocmd BufWritePost * endtry
6296 :
6297 :write
6298
6299
6300EXCEPTION HIERARCHIES AND PARAMETERIZED EXCEPTIONS *except-hier-param*
6301
6302Some programming languages allow to use hierarchies of exception classes or to
6303pass additional information with the object of an exception class. You can do
6304similar things in Vim.
6305 In order to throw an exception from a hierarchy, just throw the complete
6306class name with the components separated by a colon, for instance throw the
6307string "EXCEPT:MATHERR:OVERFLOW" for an overflow in a mathematical library.
6308 When you want to pass additional information with your exception class, add
6309it in parentheses, for instance throw the string "EXCEPT:IO:WRITEERR(myfile)"
6310for an error when writing "myfile".
6311 With the appropriate patterns in the ":catch" command, you can catch for
6312base classes or derived classes of your hierarchy. Additional information in
6313parentheses can be cut out from |v:exception| with the ":substitute" command.
6314 Example: >
6315
6316 :function! CheckRange(a, func)
6317 : if a:a < 0
6318 : throw "EXCEPT:MATHERR:RANGE(" . a:func . ")"
6319 : endif
6320 :endfunction
6321 :
6322 :function! Add(a, b)
6323 : call CheckRange(a:a, "Add")
6324 : call CheckRange(a:b, "Add")
6325 : let c = a:a + a:b
6326 : if c < 0
6327 : throw "EXCEPT:MATHERR:OVERFLOW"
6328 : endif
6329 : return c
6330 :endfunction
6331 :
6332 :function! Div(a, b)
6333 : call CheckRange(a:a, "Div")
6334 : call CheckRange(a:b, "Div")
6335 : if (a:b == 0)
6336 : throw "EXCEPT:MATHERR:ZERODIV"
6337 : endif
6338 : return a:a / a:b
6339 :endfunction
6340 :
6341 :function! Write(file)
6342 : try
6343 : execute "write" a:file
6344 : catch /^Vim(write):/
6345 : throw "EXCEPT:IO(" . getcwd() . ", " . a:file . "):WRITEERR"
6346 : endtry
6347 :endfunction
6348 :
6349 :try
6350 :
6351 : " something with arithmetics and I/O
6352 :
6353 :catch /^EXCEPT:MATHERR:RANGE/
6354 : let function = substitute(v:exception, '.*(\(\a\+\)).*', '\1', "")
6355 : echo "Range error in" function
6356 :
6357 :catch /^EXCEPT:MATHERR/ " catches OVERFLOW and ZERODIV
6358 : echo "Math error"
6359 :
6360 :catch /^EXCEPT:IO/
6361 : let dir = substitute(v:exception, '.*(\(.\+\),\s*.\+).*', '\1', "")
6362 : let file = substitute(v:exception, '.*(.\+,\s*\(.\+\)).*', '\1', "")
6363 : if file !~ '^/'
6364 : let file = dir . "/" . file
6365 : endif
6366 : echo 'I/O error for "' . file . '"'
6367 :
6368 :catch /^EXCEPT/
6369 : echo "Unspecified error"
6370 :
6371 :endtry
6372
6373The exceptions raised by Vim itself (on error or when pressing CTRL-C) use
6374a flat hierarchy: they are all in the "Vim" class. You cannot throw yourself
6375exceptions with the "Vim" prefix; they are reserved for Vim.
6376 Vim error exceptions are parameterized with the name of the command that
6377failed, if known. See |catch-errors|.
6378
6379
6380PECULIARITIES
6381 *except-compat*
6382The exception handling concept requires that the command sequence causing the
6383exception is aborted immediately and control is transferred to finally clauses
6384and/or a catch clause.
6385
6386In the Vim script language there are cases where scripts and functions
6387continue after an error: in functions without the "abort" flag or in a command
6388after ":silent!", control flow goes to the following line, and outside
6389functions, control flow goes to the line following the outermost ":endwhile"
6390or ":endif". On the other hand, errors should be catchable as exceptions
6391(thus, requiring the immediate abortion).
6392
6393This problem has been solved by converting errors to exceptions and using
6394immediate abortion (if not suppressed by ":silent!") only when a try
6395conditional is active. This is no restriction since an (error) exception can
6396be caught only from an active try conditional. If you want an immediate
6397termination without catching the error, just use a try conditional without
6398catch clause. (You can cause cleanup code being executed before termination
6399by specifying a finally clause.)
6400
6401When no try conditional is active, the usual abortion and continuation
6402behavior is used instead of immediate abortion. This ensures compatibility of
6403scripts written for Vim 6.1 and earlier.
6404
6405However, when sourcing an existing script that does not use exception handling
6406commands (or when calling one of its functions) from inside an active try
6407conditional of a new script, you might change the control flow of the existing
6408script on error. You get the immediate abortion on error and can catch the
6409error in the new script. If however the sourced script suppresses error
6410messages by using the ":silent!" command (checking for errors by testing
6411|v:errmsg| if appropriate), its execution path is not changed. The error is
6412not converted to an exception. (See |:silent|.) So the only remaining cause
6413where this happens is for scripts that don't care about errors and produce
6414error messages. You probably won't want to use such code from your new
6415scripts.
6416
6417 *except-syntax-err*
6418Syntax errors in the exception handling commands are never caught by any of
6419the ":catch" commands of the try conditional they belong to. Its finally
6420clauses, however, is executed.
6421 Example: >
6422
6423 :try
6424 : try
6425 : throw 4711
6426 : catch /\(/
6427 : echo "in catch with syntax error"
6428 : catch
6429 : echo "inner catch-all"
6430 : finally
6431 : echo "inner finally"
6432 : endtry
6433 :catch
6434 : echo 'outer catch-all caught "' . v:exception . '"'
6435 : finally
6436 : echo "outer finally"
6437 :endtry
6438
6439This displays: >
6440 inner finally
6441 outer catch-all caught "Vim(catch):E54: Unmatched \("
6442 outer finally
6443The original exception is discarded and an error exception is raised, instead.
6444
6445 *except-single-line*
6446The ":try", ":catch", ":finally", and ":endtry" commands can be put on
6447a single line, but then syntax errors may make it difficult to recognize the
6448"catch" line, thus you better avoid this.
6449 Example: >
6450 :try | unlet! foo # | catch | endtry
6451raises an error exception for the trailing characters after the ":unlet!"
6452argument, but does not see the ":catch" and ":endtry" commands, so that the
6453error exception is discarded and the "E488: Trailing characters" message gets
6454displayed.
6455
6456 *except-several-errors*
6457When several errors appear in a single command, the first error message is
6458usually the most specific one and therefor converted to the error exception.
6459 Example: >
6460 echo novar
6461causes >
6462 E121: Undefined variable: novar
6463 E15: Invalid expression: novar
6464The value of the error exception inside try conditionals is: >
6465 Vim(echo):E121: Undefined variable: novar
6466< *except-syntax-error*
6467But when a syntax error is detected after a normal error in the same command,
6468the syntax error is used for the exception being thrown.
6469 Example: >
6470 unlet novar #
6471causes >
6472 E108: No such variable: "novar"
6473 E488: Trailing characters
6474The value of the error exception inside try conditionals is: >
6475 Vim(unlet):E488: Trailing characters
6476This is done because the syntax error might change the execution path in a way
6477not intended by the user. Example: >
6478 try
6479 try | unlet novar # | catch | echo v:exception | endtry
6480 catch /.*/
6481 echo "outer catch:" v:exception
6482 endtry
6483This displays "outer catch: Vim(unlet):E488: Trailing characters", and then
6484a "E600: Missing :endtry" error message is given, see |except-single-line|.
6485
6486==============================================================================
64879. Examples *eval-examples*
6488
6489Printing in Hex ~
6490>
6491 :" The function Nr2Hex() returns the Hex string of a number.
6492 :func Nr2Hex(nr)
6493 : let n = a:nr
6494 : let r = ""
6495 : while n
6496 : let r = '0123456789ABCDEF'[n % 16] . r
6497 : let n = n / 16
6498 : endwhile
6499 : return r
6500 :endfunc
6501
6502 :" The function String2Hex() converts each character in a string to a two
6503 :" character Hex string.
6504 :func String2Hex(str)
6505 : let out = ''
6506 : let ix = 0
6507 : while ix < strlen(a:str)
6508 : let out = out . Nr2Hex(char2nr(a:str[ix]))
6509 : let ix = ix + 1
6510 : endwhile
6511 : return out
6512 :endfunc
6513
6514Example of its use: >
6515 :echo Nr2Hex(32)
6516result: "20" >
6517 :echo String2Hex("32")
6518result: "3332"
6519
6520
6521Sorting lines (by Robert Webb) ~
6522
6523Here is a Vim script to sort lines. Highlight the lines in Vim and type
6524":Sort". This doesn't call any external programs so it'll work on any
6525platform. The function Sort() actually takes the name of a comparison
6526function as its argument, like qsort() does in C. So you could supply it
6527with different comparison functions in order to sort according to date etc.
6528>
6529 :" Function for use with Sort(), to compare two strings.
6530 :func! Strcmp(str1, str2)
6531 : if (a:str1 < a:str2)
6532 : return -1
6533 : elseif (a:str1 > a:str2)
6534 : return 1
6535 : else
6536 : return 0
6537 : endif
6538 :endfunction
6539
6540 :" Sort lines. SortR() is called recursively.
6541 :func! SortR(start, end, cmp)
6542 : if (a:start >= a:end)
6543 : return
6544 : endif
6545 : let partition = a:start - 1
6546 : let middle = partition
6547 : let partStr = getline((a:start + a:end) / 2)
6548 : let i = a:start
6549 : while (i <= a:end)
6550 : let str = getline(i)
6551 : exec "let result = " . a:cmp . "(str, partStr)"
6552 : if (result <= 0)
6553 : " Need to put it before the partition. Swap lines i and partition.
6554 : let partition = partition + 1
6555 : if (result == 0)
6556 : let middle = partition
6557 : endif
6558 : if (i != partition)
6559 : let str2 = getline(partition)
6560 : call setline(i, str2)
6561 : call setline(partition, str)
6562 : endif
6563 : endif
6564 : let i = i + 1
6565 : endwhile
6566
6567 : " Now we have a pointer to the "middle" element, as far as partitioning
6568 : " goes, which could be anywhere before the partition. Make sure it is at
6569 : " the end of the partition.
6570 : if (middle != partition)
6571 : let str = getline(middle)
6572 : let str2 = getline(partition)
6573 : call setline(middle, str2)
6574 : call setline(partition, str)
6575 : endif
6576 : call SortR(a:start, partition - 1, a:cmp)
6577 : call SortR(partition + 1, a:end, a:cmp)
6578 :endfunc
6579
6580 :" To Sort a range of lines, pass the range to Sort() along with the name of a
6581 :" function that will compare two lines.
6582 :func! Sort(cmp) range
6583 : call SortR(a:firstline, a:lastline, a:cmp)
6584 :endfunc
6585
6586 :" :Sort takes a range of lines and sorts them.
6587 :command! -nargs=0 -range Sort <line1>,<line2>call Sort("Strcmp")
6588<
6589 *sscanf*
6590There is no sscanf() function in Vim. If you need to extract parts from a
6591line, you can use matchstr() and substitute() to do it. This example shows
6592how to get the file name, line number and column number out of a line like
6593"foobar.txt, 123, 45". >
6594 :" Set up the match bit
6595 :let mx='\(\f\+\),\s*\(\d\+\),\s*\(\d\+\)'
6596 :"get the part matching the whole expression
6597 :let l = matchstr(line, mx)
6598 :"get each item out of the match
6599 :let file = substitute(l, mx, '\1', '')
6600 :let lnum = substitute(l, mx, '\2', '')
6601 :let col = substitute(l, mx, '\3', '')
6602
6603The input is in the variable "line", the results in the variables "file",
6604"lnum" and "col". (idea from Michael Geddes)
6605
6606==============================================================================
660710. No +eval feature *no-eval-feature*
6608
6609When the |+eval| feature was disabled at compile time, none of the expression
6610evaluation commands are available. To prevent this from causing Vim scripts
6611to generate all kinds of errors, the ":if" and ":endif" commands are still
6612recognized, though the argument of the ":if" and everything between the ":if"
6613and the matching ":endif" is ignored. Nesting of ":if" blocks is allowed, but
6614only if the commands are at the start of the line. The ":else" command is not
6615recognized.
6616
6617Example of how to avoid executing commands when the |+eval| feature is
6618missing: >
6619
6620 :if 1
6621 : echo "Expression evaluation is compiled in"
6622 :else
6623 : echo "You will _never_ see this message"
6624 :endif
6625
6626==============================================================================
662711. The sandbox *eval-sandbox* *sandbox* *E48*
6628
6629The 'foldexpr', 'includeexpr', 'indentexpr', 'statusline' and 'foldtext'
6630options are evaluated in a sandbox. This means that you are protected from
6631these expressions having nasty side effects. This gives some safety for when
6632these options are set from a modeline. It is also used when the command from
6633a tags file is executed.
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00006634The sandbox is also used for the |:sandbox| command.
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006635
6636These items are not allowed in the sandbox:
6637 - changing the buffer text
6638 - defining or changing mapping, autocommands, functions, user commands
6639 - setting certain options (see |option-summary|)
6640 - executing a shell command
6641 - reading or writing a file
6642 - jumping to another buffer or editing a file
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00006643This is not guaranteed 100% secure, but it should block most attacks.
6644
6645 *:san* *:sandbox*
Bram Moolenaar045e82d2005-07-08 22:25:33 +00006646:san[dbox] {cmd} Execute {cmd} in the sandbox. Useful to evaluate an
Bram Moolenaar7b0294c2004-10-11 10:16:09 +00006647 option that may have been set from a modeline, e.g.
6648 'foldexpr'.
6649
Bram Moolenaar071d4272004-06-13 20:20:40 +00006650
6651 vim:tw=78:ts=8:ft=help:norl: