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Sean Dewar3d3a9152023-08-23 17:14:49 +01001*terminal.txt* For Vim version 9.0. Last change: 2023 Aug 23
Bram Moolenaare4f25e42017-07-07 11:54:15 +02002
3
4 VIM REFERENCE MANUAL by Bram Moolenaar
5
6
Bram Moolenaarb1c91982018-05-17 17:04:55 +02007Terminal window support *terminal* *terminal-window*
Bram Moolenaare4f25e42017-07-07 11:54:15 +02008
9
Bram Moolenaarb6e0ec62017-07-23 22:12:20 +020010The terminal feature is optional, use this to check if your Vim has it: >
11 echo has('terminal')
12If the result is "1" you have it.
13
Bram Moolenaare4f25e42017-07-07 11:54:15 +020014
Bram Moolenaar6bf2c622019-07-04 17:12:09 +0200151. Basic use |terminal-use|
16 Typing |terminal-typing|
17 Size and color |terminal-size-color|
18 Command syntax |:terminal|
19 Resizing |terminal-resizing|
20 Terminal Modes |Terminal-mode|
21 Cursor style |terminal-cursor-style|
22 Session |terminal-session|
23 Special keys |terminal-special-keys|
24 Unix |terminal-unix|
25 MS-Windows |terminal-ms-windows|
262. Terminal functions |terminal-function-details|
273. Terminal communication |terminal-communication|
28 Vim to job: term_sendkeys() |terminal-to-job|
29 Job to Vim: JSON API |terminal-api|
30 Using the client-server feature |terminal-client-server|
314. Remote testing |terminal-testing|
325. Diffing screen dumps |terminal-diff|
Bram Moolenaar938ae282023-02-20 20:44:55 +000033 Writing a screen dump test for Vim |terminal-dumptest|
34 Creating a screen dump |terminal-screendump|
35 Comparing screen dumps |terminal-diffscreendump|
Bram Moolenaar6bf2c622019-07-04 17:12:09 +0200366. Debugging |terminal-debug|
37 Starting |termdebug-starting|
38 Example session |termdebug-example|
39 Stepping through code |termdebug-stepping|
40 Inspecting variables |termdebug-variables|
Sean Dewar3d3a9152023-08-23 17:14:49 +010041 Navigating stack frames |termdebug-frames|
Bram Moolenaar6bf2c622019-07-04 17:12:09 +020042 Other commands |termdebug-commands|
Bram Moolenaar2f0936c2022-01-08 21:51:59 +000043 Events |termdebug-events|
Bram Moolenaar6bf2c622019-07-04 17:12:09 +020044 Prompt mode |termdebug-prompt|
45 Communication |termdebug-communication|
46 Customizing |termdebug-customizing|
Bram Moolenaare4f25e42017-07-07 11:54:15 +020047
Bram Moolenaarc572da52017-08-27 16:52:01 +020048{only available when compiled with the |+terminal| feature}
Bram Moolenaar4c92e752019-02-17 21:18:32 +010049The terminal feature requires the |+job| and |+channel| features.
Bram Moolenaare4f25e42017-07-07 11:54:15 +020050
51==============================================================================
521. Basic use *terminal-use*
53
54This feature is for running a terminal emulator in a Vim window. A job can be
55started connected to the terminal emulator. For example, to run a shell: >
56 :term bash
57
Bram Moolenaare09ba7b2017-09-09 22:19:47 +020058Or to run build command: >
59 :term make myprogram
Bram Moolenaare4f25e42017-07-07 11:54:15 +020060
61The job runs asynchronously from Vim, the window will be updated to show
Bram Moolenaare09ba7b2017-09-09 22:19:47 +020062output from the job, also while editing in another window.
Bram Moolenaare4f25e42017-07-07 11:54:15 +020063
Bram Moolenaar423802d2017-07-30 16:52:24 +020064
Bram Moolenaar1f28b4c2017-07-28 13:48:34 +020065Typing ~
Bram Moolenaar69fbc9e2017-09-14 20:37:57 +020066 *terminal-typing*
Bram Moolenaardd693ce2017-08-10 23:15:19 +020067When the keyboard focus is in the terminal window, typed keys will be sent to
Bram Moolenaar1f28b4c2017-07-28 13:48:34 +020068the job. This uses a pty when possible. You can click outside of the
69terminal window to move keyboard focus elsewhere.
Bram Moolenaare4f25e42017-07-07 11:54:15 +020070
Bram Moolenaar26967612019-03-17 17:13:16 +010071 *t_CTRL-W_CTRL-W* *t_CTRL-W_:*
Bram Moolenaar423802d2017-07-30 16:52:24 +020072CTRL-W can be used to navigate between windows and other CTRL-W commands, e.g.:
Bram Moolenaar60e73f22017-11-12 18:02:06 +010073 CTRL-W CTRL-W move focus to the next window
Bram Moolenaar423802d2017-07-30 16:52:24 +020074 CTRL-W : enter an Ex command
75See |CTRL-W| for more commands.
Bram Moolenaare4f25e42017-07-07 11:54:15 +020076
Bram Moolenaar664f3cf2019-12-07 16:03:51 +010077Special in the terminal window: *t_CTRL-W_.* *t_CTRL-W_N*
Bram Moolenaar423802d2017-07-30 16:52:24 +020078 CTRL-W . send a CTRL-W to the job in the terminal
Bram Moolenaarb59118d2018-04-13 22:11:56 +020079 CTRL-W CTRL-\ send a CTRL-\ to the job in the terminal
Bram Moolenaardd693ce2017-08-10 23:15:19 +020080 CTRL-W N go to Terminal-Normal mode, see |Terminal-mode|
81 CTRL-\ CTRL-N go to Terminal-Normal mode, see |Terminal-mode|
Bram Moolenaar26967612019-03-17 17:13:16 +010082 CTRL-W " {reg} paste register {reg} *t_CTRL-W_quote*
Bram Moolenaarf55e4c82017-08-01 20:44:53 +020083 Also works with the = register to insert the result of
84 evaluating an expression.
Bram Moolenaar8e539c52017-08-18 22:57:06 +020085 CTRL-W CTRL-C ends the job, see below |t_CTRL-W_CTRL-C|
Bram Moolenaar26967612019-03-17 17:13:16 +010086 CTRL-W gt go to next tabpage, same as `gt` *t_CTRL-W_gt*
87 CTRL-W gT go to previous tabpage, same as `gT` *t_CTRL-W_gT*
Bram Moolenaar423802d2017-07-30 16:52:24 +020088
Bram Moolenaar7dda86f2018-04-20 22:36:41 +020089See option 'termwinkey' for specifying another key instead of CTRL-W that
90will work like CTRL-W. However, typing 'termwinkey' twice sends 'termwinkey'
91to the job. For example:
92 'termwinkey' CTRL-W move focus to the next window
93 'termwinkey' : enter an Ex command
94 'termwinkey' 'termwinkey' send 'termwinkey' to the job in the terminal
Bram Moolenaardcdeaaf2018-06-17 22:19:12 +020095 'termwinkey' . send 'termwinkey' to the job in the terminal
96 'termwinkey' CTRL-\ send a CTRL-\ to the job in the terminal
Bram Moolenaar7dda86f2018-04-20 22:36:41 +020097 'termwinkey' N go to terminal Normal mode, see below
Bram Moolenaar26967612019-03-17 17:13:16 +010098 'termwinkey' CTRL-N same as CTRL-W N |t_CTRL-W_N|
99 'termwinkey' CTRL-C same as CTRL-W CTRL-C |t_CTRL-W_CTRL-C|
Bram Moolenaar69198192017-08-05 14:10:48 +0200100 *t_CTRL-\_CTRL-N*
Bram Moolenaardd693ce2017-08-10 23:15:19 +0200101The special key combination CTRL-\ CTRL-N can be used to switch to Normal
102mode, just like this works in any other mode.
Bram Moolenaar8e539c52017-08-18 22:57:06 +0200103 *t_CTRL-W_CTRL-C*
104CTRL-W CTRL-C can be typed to forcefully end the job. On MS-Windows a
Bram Moolenaar63f32602022-06-09 20:45:54 +0100105CTRL-Break will also kill the job.
Bram Moolenaar8e539c52017-08-18 22:57:06 +0200106
107If you type CTRL-C the effect depends on what the pty has been configured to
108do. For simple commands this causes a SIGINT to be sent to the job, which
109would end it. Other commands may ignore the SIGINT or handle the CTRL-C
110themselves (like Vim does).
Bram Moolenaar423802d2017-07-30 16:52:24 +0200111
Bram Moolenaar69fbc9e2017-09-14 20:37:57 +0200112To change the keys you type use terminal mode mappings, see |:tmap|.
113These are defined like any mapping, but apply only when typing keys that are
Bram Moolenaar98ef2332018-03-18 14:44:37 +0100114sent to the job running in the terminal. For example, to make F1 switch
Bram Moolenaar24a98a02017-09-27 22:23:55 +0200115to Terminal-Normal mode: >
Bram Moolenaar98ef2332018-03-18 14:44:37 +0100116 tnoremap <F1> <C-W>N
117You can use Esc, but you need to make sure it won't cause other keys to
Bram Moolenaaracc22402020-06-07 21:07:18 +0200118break (cursor keys start with an Esc, so they may break), this probably only
119works in the GUI: >
Bram Moolenaar24a98a02017-09-27 22:23:55 +0200120 tnoremap <Esc> <C-W>N
Bram Moolenaar98ef2332018-03-18 14:44:37 +0100121 set notimeout ttimeout timeoutlen=100
122
Bram Moolenaar4c5d8152018-10-19 22:36:53 +0200123You can also create menus similar to terminal mode mappings, but you have to
124use |:tlmenu| instead of |:tmenu|.
125
Bram Moolenaar7ceefb32020-05-01 16:07:38 +0200126 *options-in-terminal*
Bram Moolenaar24a98a02017-09-27 22:23:55 +0200127After opening the terminal window and setting 'buftype' to "terminal" the
Bram Moolenaar23515b42020-11-29 14:36:24 +0100128|TerminalWinOpen| autocommand event is triggered. This makes it possible to set
129options specifically for the terminal window and buffer. Example: >
130 au TerminalWinOpen * setlocal bufhidden=hide
Bram Moolenaar942db232021-02-13 18:14:48 +0100131This only works properly if the terminal is not hidden.
Bram Moolenaar23515b42020-11-29 14:36:24 +0100132
Bram Moolenaar942db232021-02-13 18:14:48 +0100133For both hidden and non-hidden terminals this works, both for buffer-local and
134window-local options: >
135 au TerminalWinOpen,BufWinEnter * if &buftype == 'terminal'
136 \ | setlocal bufhidden=hide colorcolumn=123
137 \ | endif
138Note that for a hidden terminal the options are not set until the terminal is
139no longer hidden.
140
141There is also the |TerminalOpen| event. Keep in mind this may be triggered
142for a hidden terminal, then the current window and buffer are not that of the
143new terminal.
Bram Moolenaar23515b42020-11-29 14:36:24 +0100144You need to use <abuf>, which is set to the terminal buffer. Example: >
Bram Moolenaar942db232021-02-13 18:14:48 +0100145 au TerminalOpen * call setbufvar(expand('<abuf>')->str2nr(),
146 \ '&termwinscroll', 1000)
147For a window-local option, you need to delay setting the option until the
148terminal window has been created (this only works for a hidden terminal): >
149 au TerminalOpen * exe printf(
150 \ 'au BufWinEnter <buffer=%d> ++once setlocal colorcolumn=%d',
151 \ expand('<abuf>')->str2nr(), 123)
152For a non-hidden terminal use |TerminalWinOpen|.
Bram Moolenaar69fbc9e2017-09-14 20:37:57 +0200153
Bram Moolenaar52dbb5e2017-11-21 18:11:27 +0100154Mouse events (click and drag) are passed to the terminal. Mouse move events
155are only passed when Vim itself is receiving them. For a terminal that is
156when 'balloonevalterm' is enabled.
157
Bram Moolenaar1f28b4c2017-07-28 13:48:34 +0200158
Bram Moolenaar8e539c52017-08-18 22:57:06 +0200159Size and color ~
Bram Moolenaar7f2e9d72017-11-11 20:58:53 +0100160 *terminal-size-color*
Bram Moolenaar7dda86f2018-04-20 22:36:41 +0200161See option 'termwinsize' for controlling the size of the terminal window.
Bram Moolenaar74675a62017-07-15 13:53:23 +0200162(TODO: scrolling when the terminal is larger than the window)
Bram Moolenaare4f25e42017-07-07 11:54:15 +0200163
Bram Moolenaar38baa3e2017-09-14 16:10:38 +0200164The job running in the terminal can change the colors. The default foreground
165and background colors are taken from Vim, the Normal highlight group.
166
167For a color terminal the 'background' option is used to decide whether the
168terminal window will start with a white or black background.
169
Bram Moolenaardf980db2017-12-24 13:22:00 +0100170To use a different color the Terminal highlight group can be used, for
171example: >
Bram Moolenaar38baa3e2017-09-14 16:10:38 +0200172 hi Terminal ctermbg=lightgrey ctermfg=blue guibg=lightgrey guifg=blue
Bram Moolenaar83d47902020-03-26 20:34:00 +0100173Instead of Terminal another group can be specified with the "term_highlight"
174option for `term_start()`.
175
Bram Moolenaarf59c6e82018-04-10 15:59:11 +0200176 *g:terminal_ansi_colors*
Bram Moolenaar7dda86f2018-04-20 22:36:41 +0200177In GUI mode or with 'termguicolors', the 16 ANSI colors used by default in new
Bram Moolenaarf59c6e82018-04-10 15:59:11 +0200178terminal windows may be configured using the variable
179`g:terminal_ansi_colors`, which should be a list of 16 color names or
180hexadecimal color codes, similar to those accepted by |highlight-guifg|. When
181not using GUI colors, the terminal window always uses the 16 ANSI colors of
182the underlying terminal.
Bram Moolenaar388a5d42020-05-26 21:20:45 +0200183When using `term_start()` the colors can be set with the "ansi_colors" option.
Bram Moolenaarf59c6e82018-04-10 15:59:11 +0200184The |term_setansicolors()| function can be used to change the colors, and
185|term_getansicolors()| to get the currently used colors.
Bram Moolenaar8e539c52017-08-18 22:57:06 +0200186
Bram Moolenaar423802d2017-07-30 16:52:24 +0200187
Bram Moolenaar6bf2c622019-07-04 17:12:09 +0200188Command syntax ~
Bram Moolenaar8a773062017-07-24 22:29:21 +0200189
Bram Moolenaardd693ce2017-08-10 23:15:19 +0200190:[range]ter[minal] [options] [command] *:ter* *:terminal*
Bram Moolenaar8a773062017-07-24 22:29:21 +0200191 Open a new terminal window.
Bram Moolenaare4f25e42017-07-07 11:54:15 +0200192
193 If [command] is provided run it as a job and connect
194 the input and output to the terminal.
195 If [command] is not given the 'shell' option is used.
Bram Moolenaarc572da52017-08-27 16:52:01 +0200196 if [command] is NONE no job is started, the pty of the
197 terminal can be used by a command like gdb.
Bram Moolenaare4f25e42017-07-07 11:54:15 +0200198
Bram Moolenaar1dd98332018-03-16 22:54:53 +0100199 If [command] is missing the default behavior is to
200 close the terminal when the shell exits. This can be
201 changed with the ++noclose argument.
202 If [command] is present the default behavior is to
203 keep the terminal open in Terminal-Normal mode. This
204 can be changed with the ++close argument.
205
Bram Moolenaar7ceefb32020-05-01 16:07:38 +0200206 No Vim command can follow, any | is included in
207 [command]. Use `:execute` if you must have a Vim
208 command following in the same line.
209
Bram Moolenaare4f25e42017-07-07 11:54:15 +0200210 A new buffer will be created, using [command] or
Bram Moolenaarf55e4c82017-08-01 20:44:53 +0200211 'shell' as the name, prefixed with a "!". If a buffer
212 by this name already exists a number is added in
Bram Moolenaardd693ce2017-08-10 23:15:19 +0200213 parentheses. E.g. if "gdb" exists the second terminal
Bram Moolenaarf55e4c82017-08-01 20:44:53 +0200214 buffer will use "!gdb (1)".
Bram Moolenaare4f25e42017-07-07 11:54:15 +0200215
Bram Moolenaarb2412082017-08-20 18:09:14 +0200216 If [range] is given the specified lines are used as
217 input for the job. It will not be possible to type
Bram Moolenaare09ba7b2017-09-09 22:19:47 +0200218 keys in the terminal window. For MS-Windows see the
219 ++eof argument below.
Bram Moolenaardd693ce2017-08-10 23:15:19 +0200220
Bram Moolenaardd693ce2017-08-10 23:15:19 +0200221 *term++close* *term++open*
222 Supported [options] are:
223 ++close The terminal window will close
224 automatically when the job terminates.
Bram Moolenaar4d14bac2019-10-20 21:15:15 +0200225 |terminal-close|
Bram Moolenaar1dd98332018-03-16 22:54:53 +0100226 ++noclose The terminal window will NOT close
227 automatically when the job terminates.
Bram Moolenaardd693ce2017-08-10 23:15:19 +0200228 ++open When the job terminates and no window
Bram Moolenaar8cad9302017-08-12 14:32:32 +0200229 shows it, a window will be opened.
Bram Moolenaardd693ce2017-08-10 23:15:19 +0200230 Note that this can be interruptive.
Bram Moolenaar1dd98332018-03-16 22:54:53 +0100231 The last of ++close, ++noclose and ++open
232 matters and rules out earlier arguments.
233
Bram Moolenaar8cad9302017-08-12 14:32:32 +0200234 ++curwin Open the terminal in the current
235 window, do not split the current
236 window. Fails if the current buffer
237 cannot be |abandon|ed.
238 ++hidden Open the terminal in a hidden buffer,
239 no window will be used.
Bram Moolenaarb5b75622018-03-09 22:22:21 +0100240 ++norestore Do not include this terminal window
241 in a session file.
Bram Moolenaar197c6b72019-11-03 23:37:12 +0100242 ++shell Instead of executing {command}
243 directly, use a shell, like with
Bram Moolenaar938ae282023-02-20 20:44:55 +0000244 `:!command` *E279*
Bram Moolenaar519cc552021-11-16 19:18:26 +0000245 {only works on Unix and MS-Windows}
Bram Moolenaar25cdd9c2018-03-10 20:28:12 +0100246 ++kill={how} When trying to close the terminal
247 window kill the job with {how}. See
248 |term_setkill()| for the values.
Bram Moolenaarb2412082017-08-20 18:09:14 +0200249 ++rows={height} Use {height} for the terminal window
Bram Moolenaar40962ec2018-01-28 22:47:25 +0100250 height. If the terminal uses the full
251 Vim height (no window above or below
Bram Moolenaar0b0f0992018-05-22 21:41:30 +0200252 the terminal window) the command line
Bram Moolenaar40962ec2018-01-28 22:47:25 +0100253 height will be reduced as needed.
Bram Moolenaarb2412082017-08-20 18:09:14 +0200254 ++cols={width} Use {width} for the terminal window
Bram Moolenaar40962ec2018-01-28 22:47:25 +0100255 width. If the terminal uses the full
256 Vim width (no window left or right of
257 the terminal window) this value is
258 ignored.
Bram Moolenaard2842ea2019-09-26 23:08:54 +0200259 ++eof={text} When using [range]: text to send after
Bram Moolenaare09ba7b2017-09-09 22:19:47 +0200260 the last line was written. Cannot
261 contain white space. A CR is
262 appended. For MS-Windows the default
263 is to send CTRL-D.
Bram Moolenaaref68e4f2017-09-02 16:28:36 +0200264 E.g. for a shell use "++eof=exit" and
265 for Python "++eof=exit()". Special
266 codes can be used like with `:map`,
267 e.g. "<C-Z>" for CTRL-Z.
Bram Moolenaarc6ddce32019-02-08 12:47:03 +0100268 ++type={pty} (MS-Windows only): Use {pty} as the
269 virtual console. See 'termwintype'
270 for the values.
Bram Moolenaard2842ea2019-09-26 23:08:54 +0200271 ++api={expr} Permit the function name starting with
272 {expr} to be called as |terminal-api|
273 function. If {expr} is empty then no
274 function can be called.
Bram Moolenaarc6ddce32019-02-08 12:47:03 +0100275
Bram Moolenaar8cad9302017-08-12 14:32:32 +0200276 If you want to use more options use the |term_start()|
277 function.
Bram Moolenaarfc65cab2018-08-28 22:58:02 +0200278 If you want to split the window vertically, use: >
279 :vertical terminal
280< Or short: >
281 :vert ter
Bram Moolenaardd693ce2017-08-10 23:15:19 +0200282
Bram Moolenaar25cdd9c2018-03-10 20:28:12 +0100283When the buffer associated with the terminal is forcibly unloaded or wiped out
284the job is killed, similar to calling `job_stop(job, "kill")` .
285Closing the window normally results in |E947|. When a kill method was set
286with "++kill={how}" or |term_setkill()| then closing the window will use that
287way to kill or interrupt the job. For example: >
288 :term ++kill=term tail -f /tmp/log
Bram Moolenaarb6e0ec62017-07-23 22:12:20 +0200289
Bram Moolenaare561a7e2017-08-29 22:44:59 +0200290So long as the job is running the window behaves like it contains a modified
Bram Moolenaaref68e4f2017-09-02 16:28:36 +0200291buffer. Trying to close the window with `CTRL-W :quit` fails. When using
Yee Cheng Chin42826332022-10-10 11:46:16 +0100292`CTRL-W :quit!` the job is ended. The text in the window is lost, the buffer
293is deleted. With `CTRL-W :bunload!` the buffer remains but will be empty.
Bram Moolenaaref68e4f2017-09-02 16:28:36 +0200294
295Trying to close the window with `CTRL-W :close` also fails. Using
296`CTRL-W :close!` will close the window and make the buffer hidden.
Bram Moolenaare561a7e2017-08-29 22:44:59 +0200297
298You can use `CTRL-W :hide` to close the terminal window and make the buffer
299hidden, the job keeps running. The `:buffer` command can be used to turn the
300current window into a terminal window. If there are unsaved changes this
Bram Moolenaar0b0f0992018-05-22 21:41:30 +0200301fails, use ! to force, as usual.
Bram Moolenaar8cad9302017-08-12 14:32:32 +0200302
Bram Moolenaar4d14bac2019-10-20 21:15:15 +0200303 *terminal-close*
304When the terminal window is closed, e.g. when the shell exits and "++close"
305argument was used, and this is the last normal Vim window, then Vim will exit.
306This is like using |:quit| in a normal window. Help and preview windows are
307not counted.
308
Bram Moolenaar8cad9302017-08-12 14:32:32 +0200309To have a background job run without a window, and open the window when it's
310done, use options like this: >
311 :term ++hidden ++open make
312Note that the window will open at an unexpected moment, this will interrupt
313what you are doing.
314
Bram Moolenaar8e539c52017-08-18 22:57:06 +0200315 *E947* *E948*
Bram Moolenaar78712a72017-08-05 14:50:12 +0200316So long as the job is running, the buffer is considered modified and Vim
317cannot be quit easily, see |abandon|.
Bram Moolenaarf55e4c82017-08-01 20:44:53 +0200318
319When the job has finished and no changes were made to the buffer: closing the
320window will wipe out the buffer.
321
322Before changes can be made to a terminal buffer, the 'modifiable' option must
323be set. This is only possible when the job has finished. At the first change
324the buffer will become a normal buffer and the highlighting is removed.
325You may want to change the buffer name with |:file| to be able to write, since
326the buffer name will still be set to the command.
327
Bram Moolenaarb6e0ec62017-07-23 22:12:20 +0200328
Bram Moolenaare4f25e42017-07-07 11:54:15 +0200329Resizing ~
Bram Moolenaar7f2e9d72017-11-11 20:58:53 +0100330 *terminal-resizing*
Bram Moolenaare4f25e42017-07-07 11:54:15 +0200331The size of the terminal can be in one of three modes:
332
Bram Moolenaar7dda86f2018-04-20 22:36:41 +02003331. The 'termwinsize' option is empty: The terminal size follows the window
334 size. The minimal size is 2 screen lines with 10 cells.
Bram Moolenaare4f25e42017-07-07 11:54:15 +0200335
Bram Moolenaar7dda86f2018-04-20 22:36:41 +02003362. The 'termwinsize' option is "rows*cols", where "rows" is the minimal number
337 of screen rows and "cols" is the minimal number of cells.
Bram Moolenaare4f25e42017-07-07 11:54:15 +0200338
Bram Moolenaar7dda86f2018-04-20 22:36:41 +02003393. The 'termwinsize' option is "rowsXcols" (where the x is upper or lower
340 case). The terminal size is fixed to the specified number of screen lines
341 and cells. If the window is bigger there will be unused empty space.
Bram Moolenaare4f25e42017-07-07 11:54:15 +0200342
343If the window is smaller than the terminal size, only part of the terminal can
344be seen (the lower-left part).
345
346The |term_getsize()| function can be used to get the current size of the
347terminal. |term_setsize()| can be used only when in the first or second mode,
Bram Moolenaar7dda86f2018-04-20 22:36:41 +0200348not when 'termwinsize' is "rowsXcols".
Bram Moolenaare4f25e42017-07-07 11:54:15 +0200349
Bram Moolenaarb6e0ec62017-07-23 22:12:20 +0200350
Bram Moolenaardd693ce2017-08-10 23:15:19 +0200351Terminal-Job and Terminal-Normal mode ~
Bram Moolenaar8c041b62018-04-14 18:14:06 +0200352 *Terminal-mode* *Terminal-Job*
Bram Moolenaar423802d2017-07-30 16:52:24 +0200353When the job is running the contents of the terminal is under control of the
Bram Moolenaardd693ce2017-08-10 23:15:19 +0200354job. That includes the cursor position. Typed keys are sent to the job.
355The terminal contents can change at any time. This is called Terminal-Job
356mode.
Bram Moolenaar423802d2017-07-30 16:52:24 +0200357
Bram Moolenaar7dda86f2018-04-20 22:36:41 +0200358Use CTRL-W N (or 'termwinkey' N) to switch to Terminal-Normal mode. Now the
Bram Moolenaardd693ce2017-08-10 23:15:19 +0200359contents of the terminal window is under control of Vim, the job output is
360suspended. CTRL-\ CTRL-N does the same.
Bram Moolenaar69fbc9e2017-09-14 20:37:57 +0200361
Bram Moolenaar1b9645d2017-09-17 23:03:31 +0200362Terminal-Job mode is where |:tmap| mappings are applied. Keys sent by
Bram Moolenaar69fbc9e2017-09-14 20:37:57 +0200363|term_sendkeys()| are not subject to tmap, but keys from |feedkeys()| are.
364
Bram Moolenaar8c041b62018-04-14 18:14:06 +0200365It is not possible to enter Insert mode from Terminal-Job mode.
366
367 *Terminal-Normal* *E946*
Bram Moolenaardd693ce2017-08-10 23:15:19 +0200368In Terminal-Normal mode you can move the cursor around with the usual Vim
369commands, Visually mark text, yank text, etc. But you cannot change the
370contents of the buffer. The commands that would start insert mode, such as
371'i' and 'a', return to Terminal-Job mode. The window will be updated to show
Bram Moolenaar1b9645d2017-09-17 23:03:31 +0200372the contents of the terminal. |:startinsert| is ineffective.
Bram Moolenaar423802d2017-07-30 16:52:24 +0200373
Bram Moolenaardd693ce2017-08-10 23:15:19 +0200374In Terminal-Normal mode the statusline and window title show "(Terminal)". If
375the job ends while in Terminal-Normal mode this changes to
376"(Terminal-finished)".
Bram Moolenaar423802d2017-07-30 16:52:24 +0200377
Bram Moolenaar8c041b62018-04-14 18:14:06 +0200378When the job outputs lines in the terminal, such that the contents scrolls off
379the top, those lines are remembered and can be seen in Terminal-Normal mode.
Bram Moolenaar7dda86f2018-04-20 22:36:41 +0200380The number of lines is limited by the 'termwinscroll' option. When going over
Bram Moolenaar7db25fe2018-05-13 00:02:36 +0200381this limit, the first 10% of the scrolled lines are deleted and are lost.
Bram Moolenaar8e539c52017-08-18 22:57:06 +0200382
Bram Moolenaar423802d2017-07-30 16:52:24 +0200383
Bram Moolenaarc572da52017-08-27 16:52:01 +0200384Cursor style ~
Bram Moolenaar7f2e9d72017-11-11 20:58:53 +0100385 *terminal-cursor-style*
Bram Moolenaarc572da52017-08-27 16:52:01 +0200386By default the cursor in the terminal window uses a not blinking block. The
387normal xterm escape sequences can be used to change the blinking state and the
388shape. Once focus leaves the terminal window Vim will restore the original
389cursor.
390
391An exception is when xterm is started with the "-bc" argument, or another way
392that causes the cursor to blink. This actually means that the blinking flag
393is inverted. Since Vim cannot detect this, the terminal window cursor
394blinking will also be inverted.
395
396
Bram Moolenaarb5b75622018-03-09 22:22:21 +0100397Session ~
398 *terminal-session*
399A terminal window will be restored when using a session file, if possible and
400wanted.
401
402If "terminal" was removed from 'sessionoptions' then no terminal windows will
403be restored.
404
405If the job in the terminal was finished the window will not be restored.
406
407If the terminal can be restored, the command that was used to open it will be
408used again. To change this use the |term_setrestore()| function. This can
409also be used to not restore a specific terminal by setting the command to
410"NONE".
411
412
Bram Moolenaar7f2e9d72017-11-11 20:58:53 +0100413Special keys ~
414 *terminal-special-keys*
415Since the terminal emulator simulates an xterm, only escape sequences that
416both Vim and xterm recognize will be available in the terminal window. If you
417want to pass on other escape sequences to the job running in the terminal you
418need to set up forwarding. Example: >
419 tmap <expr> <Esc>]b SendToTerm("\<Esc>]b")
Bram Moolenaar60e73f22017-11-12 18:02:06 +0100420 func SendToTerm(what)
421 call term_sendkeys('', a:what)
422 return ''
423 endfunc
Bram Moolenaarb6e0ec62017-07-23 22:12:20 +0200424
Bram Moolenaar7f2e9d72017-11-11 20:58:53 +0100425
426Unix ~
427 *terminal-unix*
Bram Moolenaarb6e0ec62017-07-23 22:12:20 +0200428On Unix a pty is used to make it possible to run all kinds of commands. You
429can even run Vim in the terminal! That's used for debugging, see below.
430
Bram Moolenaarf55e4c82017-08-01 20:44:53 +0200431Environment variables are used to pass information to the running job:
Bram Moolenaar9a993e32018-04-05 22:15:22 +0200432 TERM the name of the terminal, from the 'term' option or
433 $TERM in the GUI; falls back to "xterm" if it does not
434 start with "xterm"
Bram Moolenaarf55e4c82017-08-01 20:44:53 +0200435 ROWS number of rows in the terminal initially
436 LINES same as ROWS
437 COLUMNS number of columns in the terminal initially
438 COLORS number of colors, 't_Co' (256*256*256 in the GUI)
439 VIM_SERVERNAME v:servername
Bram Moolenaard7a137f2018-06-12 18:05:24 +0200440 VIM_TERMINAL v:version
Bram Moolenaarf55e4c82017-08-01 20:44:53 +0200441
Bram Moolenaarb6e0ec62017-07-23 22:12:20 +0200442
443MS-Windows ~
Bram Moolenaar7f2e9d72017-11-11 20:58:53 +0100444 *terminal-ms-windows*
Bram Moolenaar8a773062017-07-24 22:29:21 +0200445On MS-Windows winpty is used to make it possible to run all kind of commands.
446Obviously, they must be commands that run in a terminal, not open their own
447window.
448
449You need the following two files from winpty:
450
451 winpty.dll
452 winpty-agent.exe
453
454You can download them from the following page:
455
456 https://github.com/rprichard/winpty
457
Bram Moolenaar8e539c52017-08-18 22:57:06 +0200458Just put the files somewhere in your PATH. You can set the 'winptydll' option
459to point to the right file, if needed. If you have both the 32-bit and 64-bit
460version, rename to winpty32.dll and winpty64.dll to match the way Vim was
461build.
Bram Moolenaar5acd9872019-02-16 13:35:13 +0100462 *ConPTY* *E982*
Bram Moolenaaraa5df7e2019-02-03 14:53:10 +0100463On more recent versions of MS-Windows 10 (beginning with the "October 2018
464Update"), winpty is no longer required. On those versions, |:terminal| will use
465Windows' built-in support for hosting terminal applications, "ConPTY". When
466ConPTY is in use, there may be rendering artifacts regarding ambiguous-width
Bram Moolenaar5acd9872019-02-16 13:35:13 +0100467characters. If you encounter any such issues, install "winpty". Until the
468ConPTY problems have been fixed "winpty" will be preferred.
Bram Moolenaarb6e0ec62017-07-23 22:12:20 +0200469
Bram Moolenaar52dbb5e2017-11-21 18:11:27 +0100470Environment variables are used to pass information to the running job:
471 VIM_SERVERNAME v:servername
472
Bram Moolenaare4f25e42017-07-07 11:54:15 +0200473==============================================================================
Bram Moolenaar6bf2c622019-07-04 17:12:09 +02004742. Terminal functions *terminal-function-details*
475
476 *term_dumpdiff()*
477term_dumpdiff({filename}, {filename} [, {options}])
478 Open a new window displaying the difference between the two
479 files. The files must have been created with
480 |term_dumpwrite()|.
481 Returns the buffer number or zero when the diff fails.
482 Also see |terminal-diff|.
483 NOTE: this does not work with double-width characters yet.
484
485 The top part of the buffer contains the contents of the first
486 file, the bottom part of the buffer contains the contents of
487 the second file. The middle part shows the differences.
488 The parts are separated by a line of equals.
489
490 If the {options} argument is present, it must be a Dict with
491 these possible members:
492 "term_name" name to use for the buffer name, instead
493 of the first file name.
494 "term_rows" vertical size to use for the terminal,
Bram Moolenaar1c6737b2020-09-07 22:18:52 +0200495 instead of using 'termwinsize', but
496 respecting the minimal size
Bram Moolenaar6bf2c622019-07-04 17:12:09 +0200497 "term_cols" horizontal size to use for the terminal,
Bram Moolenaar1c6737b2020-09-07 22:18:52 +0200498 instead of using 'termwinsize', but
499 respecting the minimal size
Bram Moolenaar6bf2c622019-07-04 17:12:09 +0200500 "vertical" split the window vertically
501 "curwin" use the current window, do not split the
502 window; fails if the current buffer
503 cannot be |abandon|ed
504 "bufnr" do not create a new buffer, use the
505 existing buffer "bufnr". This buffer
506 must have been previously created with
507 term_dumpdiff() or term_dumpload() and
508 visible in a window.
509 "norestore" do not add the terminal window to a
510 session file
511
512 Each character in the middle part indicates a difference. If
513 there are multiple differences only the first in this list is
514 used:
515 X different character
516 w different width
517 f different foreground color
518 b different background color
519 a different attribute
520 + missing position in first file
521 - missing position in second file
Bram Moolenaar4466ad62020-11-21 13:16:30 +0100522 > cursor position in first file, not in second
Bram Moolenaar23515b42020-11-29 14:36:24 +0100523 < cursor position in second file, not in first
Bram Moolenaar6bf2c622019-07-04 17:12:09 +0200524
525 Using the "s" key the top and bottom parts are swapped. This
526 makes it easy to spot a difference.
527
Bram Moolenaar7ee80f72019-09-08 20:55:06 +0200528 Can also be used as a |method|: >
529 GetFilename()->term_dumpdiff(otherfile)
530<
Bram Moolenaar6bf2c622019-07-04 17:12:09 +0200531 *term_dumpload()*
532term_dumpload({filename} [, {options}])
533 Open a new window displaying the contents of {filename}
534 The file must have been created with |term_dumpwrite()|.
535 Returns the buffer number or zero when it fails.
536 Also see |terminal-diff|.
537
538 For {options} see |term_dumpdiff()|.
539
Bram Moolenaar7ee80f72019-09-08 20:55:06 +0200540 Can also be used as a |method|: >
Bram Moolenaar2e693a82019-10-16 22:35:02 +0200541 GetFilename()->term_dumpload()
Bram Moolenaar7ee80f72019-09-08 20:55:06 +0200542<
Bram Moolenaar6bf2c622019-07-04 17:12:09 +0200543 *term_dumpwrite()*
544term_dumpwrite({buf}, {filename} [, {options}])
545 Dump the contents of the terminal screen of {buf} in the file
546 {filename}. This uses a format that can be used with
547 |term_dumpload()| and |term_dumpdiff()|.
548 If the job in the terminal already finished an error is given:
549 *E958*
550 If {filename} already exists an error is given: *E953*
551 Also see |terminal-diff|.
552
553 {options} is a dictionary with these optional entries:
554 "rows" maximum number of rows to dump
555 "columns" maximum number of columns to dump
556
Bram Moolenaar7ee80f72019-09-08 20:55:06 +0200557 Can also be used as a |method|, the base is used for the file
558 name: >
Bram Moolenaar2e693a82019-10-16 22:35:02 +0200559 GetFilename()->term_dumpwrite(bufnr)
Bram Moolenaar7ee80f72019-09-08 20:55:06 +0200560
Bram Moolenaar6bf2c622019-07-04 17:12:09 +0200561term_getaltscreen({buf}) *term_getaltscreen()*
562 Returns 1 if the terminal of {buf} is using the alternate
563 screen.
564 {buf} is used as with |term_getsize()|.
Bram Moolenaar7ee80f72019-09-08 20:55:06 +0200565
566 Can also be used as a |method|: >
567 GetBufnr()->term_getaltscreen()
568
Bram Moolenaar6bf2c622019-07-04 17:12:09 +0200569
570term_getansicolors({buf}) *term_getansicolors()*
571 Get the ANSI color palette in use by terminal {buf}.
572 Returns a List of length 16 where each element is a String
573 representing a color in hexadecimal "#rrggbb" format.
574 Also see |term_setansicolors()| and |g:terminal_ansi_colors|.
575 If neither was used returns the default colors.
576
577 {buf} is used as with |term_getsize()|. If the buffer does not
578 exist or is not a terminal window, an empty list is returned.
Bram Moolenaar7ee80f72019-09-08 20:55:06 +0200579
580 Can also be used as a |method|: >
581 GetBufnr()->term_getansicolors()
582
583< {only available when compiled with GUI enabled and/or the
584 |+termguicolors| feature}
Bram Moolenaar6bf2c622019-07-04 17:12:09 +0200585
586term_getattr({attr}, {what}) *term_getattr()*
587 Given {attr}, a value returned by term_scrape() in the "attr"
588 item, return whether {what} is on. {what} can be one of:
589 bold
590 italic
591 underline
592 strike
593 reverse
Bram Moolenaar7ee80f72019-09-08 20:55:06 +0200594
595 Can also be used as a |method|: >
596 GetAttr()->term_getattr()
597
Bram Moolenaar6bf2c622019-07-04 17:12:09 +0200598
599term_getcursor({buf}) *term_getcursor()*
600 Get the cursor position of terminal {buf}. Returns a list with
601 two numbers and a dictionary: [row, col, dict].
602
603 "row" and "col" are one based, the first screen cell is row
604 1, column 1. This is the cursor position of the terminal
605 itself, not of the Vim window.
606
607 "dict" can have these members:
608 "visible" one when the cursor is visible, zero when it
609 is hidden.
610 "blink" one when the cursor is blinking, zero when it
611 is not blinking.
612 "shape" 1 for a block cursor, 2 for underline and 3
613 for a vertical bar.
614 "color" color of the cursor, e.g. "green"
615
616 {buf} must be the buffer number of a terminal window. If the
617 buffer does not exist or is not a terminal window, an empty
618 list is returned.
Bram Moolenaar7ee80f72019-09-08 20:55:06 +0200619
620 Can also be used as a |method|: >
621 GetBufnr()->term_getcursor()
Bram Moolenaar6bf2c622019-07-04 17:12:09 +0200622
623term_getjob({buf}) *term_getjob()*
624 Get the Job associated with terminal window {buf}.
625 {buf} is used as with |term_getsize()|.
626 Returns |v:null| when there is no job.
Bram Moolenaar7ee80f72019-09-08 20:55:06 +0200627
628 Can also be used as a |method|: >
629 GetBufnr()->term_getjob()
630
Bram Moolenaar6bf2c622019-07-04 17:12:09 +0200631
632term_getline({buf}, {row}) *term_getline()*
633 Get a line of text from the terminal window of {buf}.
634 {buf} is used as with |term_getsize()|.
635
636 The first line has {row} one. When {row} is "." the cursor
637 line is used. When {row} is invalid an empty string is
638 returned.
639
640 To get attributes of each character use |term_scrape()|.
Bram Moolenaar7ee80f72019-09-08 20:55:06 +0200641
642 Can also be used as a |method|: >
643 GetBufnr()->term_getline(row)
644
Bram Moolenaar6bf2c622019-07-04 17:12:09 +0200645
646term_getscrolled({buf}) *term_getscrolled()*
647 Return the number of lines that scrolled to above the top of
648 terminal {buf}. This is the offset between the row number
649 used for |term_getline()| and |getline()|, so that: >
650 term_getline(buf, N)
651< is equal to: >
652 getline(N + term_getscrolled(buf))
653< (if that line exists).
654
655 {buf} is used as with |term_getsize()|.
Bram Moolenaar7ee80f72019-09-08 20:55:06 +0200656
657 Can also be used as a |method|: >
658 GetBufnr()->term_getscrolled()
659
Bram Moolenaar6bf2c622019-07-04 17:12:09 +0200660
661term_getsize({buf}) *term_getsize()*
662 Get the size of terminal {buf}. Returns a list with two
663 numbers: [rows, cols]. This is the size of the terminal, not
664 the window containing the terminal.
665
666 {buf} must be the buffer number of a terminal window. Use an
667 empty string for the current buffer. If the buffer does not
668 exist or is not a terminal window, an empty list is returned.
Bram Moolenaar7ee80f72019-09-08 20:55:06 +0200669
670 Can also be used as a |method|: >
671 GetBufnr()->term_getsize()
672
Bram Moolenaar6bf2c622019-07-04 17:12:09 +0200673
674term_getstatus({buf}) *term_getstatus()*
Bram Moolenaar29634562020-01-09 21:46:04 +0100675 Get the status of terminal {buf}. This returns a String with
Bram Moolenaarcbaff5e2022-04-08 17:45:08 +0100676 a comma-separated list of these items:
Bram Moolenaar6bf2c622019-07-04 17:12:09 +0200677 running job is running
678 finished job has finished
679 normal in Terminal-Normal mode
680 One of "running" or "finished" is always present.
681
682 {buf} must be the buffer number of a terminal window. If the
683 buffer does not exist or is not a terminal window, an empty
684 string is returned.
Bram Moolenaar7ee80f72019-09-08 20:55:06 +0200685
686 Can also be used as a |method|: >
687 GetBufnr()->term_getstatus()
688
Bram Moolenaar6bf2c622019-07-04 17:12:09 +0200689
690term_gettitle({buf}) *term_gettitle()*
691 Get the title of terminal {buf}. This is the title that the
692 job in the terminal has set.
693
694 {buf} must be the buffer number of a terminal window. If the
695 buffer does not exist or is not a terminal window, an empty
696 string is returned.
Bram Moolenaar7ee80f72019-09-08 20:55:06 +0200697
698 Can also be used as a |method|: >
699 GetBufnr()->term_gettitle()
700
Bram Moolenaar6bf2c622019-07-04 17:12:09 +0200701
702term_gettty({buf} [, {input}]) *term_gettty()*
703 Get the name of the controlling terminal associated with
704 terminal window {buf}. {buf} is used as with |term_getsize()|.
705
706 When {input} is omitted or 0, return the name for writing
707 (stdout). When {input} is 1 return the name for reading
708 (stdin). On UNIX, both return same name.
Bram Moolenaar7ee80f72019-09-08 20:55:06 +0200709
710 Can also be used as a |method|: >
711 GetBufnr()->term_gettty()
712
Bram Moolenaar6bf2c622019-07-04 17:12:09 +0200713
714term_list() *term_list()*
715 Return a list with the buffer numbers of all buffers for
716 terminal windows.
Bram Moolenaar7ee80f72019-09-08 20:55:06 +0200717
Bram Moolenaar6bf2c622019-07-04 17:12:09 +0200718
719term_scrape({buf}, {row}) *term_scrape()*
720 Get the contents of {row} of terminal screen of {buf}.
721 For {buf} see |term_getsize()|.
722
723 The first line has {row} one. When {row} is "." the cursor
724 line is used. When {row} is invalid an empty string is
725 returned.
726
727 Return a List containing a Dict for each screen cell:
728 "chars" character(s) at the cell
729 "fg" foreground color as #rrggbb
730 "bg" background color as #rrggbb
731 "attr" attributes of the cell, use |term_getattr()|
732 to get the individual flags
733 "width" cell width: 1 or 2
Bram Moolenaar942db232021-02-13 18:14:48 +0100734 For a double-width cell there is one item, thus the list can
735 be shorter than the width of the terminal.
Bram Moolenaar7ee80f72019-09-08 20:55:06 +0200736
737 Can also be used as a |method|: >
738 GetBufnr()->term_scrape(row)
739
Bram Moolenaar6bf2c622019-07-04 17:12:09 +0200740
741term_sendkeys({buf}, {keys}) *term_sendkeys()*
742 Send keystrokes {keys} to terminal {buf}.
743 {buf} is used as with |term_getsize()|.
744
745 {keys} are translated as key sequences. For example, "\<c-x>"
746 means the character CTRL-X.
Bram Moolenaar7ee80f72019-09-08 20:55:06 +0200747
748 Can also be used as a |method|: >
749 GetBufnr()->term_sendkeys(keys)
750
Bram Moolenaar6bf2c622019-07-04 17:12:09 +0200751
752term_setansicolors({buf}, {colors}) *term_setansicolors()*
753 Set the ANSI color palette used by terminal {buf}.
754 {colors} must be a List of 16 valid color names or hexadecimal
755 color codes, like those accepted by |highlight-guifg|.
756 Also see |term_getansicolors()| and |g:terminal_ansi_colors|.
757
758 The colors normally are:
759 0 black
760 1 dark red
761 2 dark green
762 3 brown
763 4 dark blue
764 5 dark magenta
765 6 dark cyan
766 7 light grey
767 8 dark grey
768 9 red
769 10 green
770 11 yellow
771 12 blue
772 13 magenta
773 14 cyan
774 15 white
775
776 These colors are used in the GUI and in the terminal when
777 'termguicolors' is set. When not using GUI colors (GUI mode
778 or 'termguicolors'), the terminal window always uses the 16
779 ANSI colors of the underlying terminal.
Bram Moolenaar7ee80f72019-09-08 20:55:06 +0200780
781 Can also be used as a |method|: >
782 GetBufnr()->term_setansicolors(colors)
783
784< {only available with GUI enabled and/or the |+termguicolors|
785 feature}
Bram Moolenaar6bf2c622019-07-04 17:12:09 +0200786
Bram Moolenaar89a9c152021-08-29 21:55:35 +0200787
788term_setapi({buf}, {expr}) *term_setapi()*
789 Set the function name prefix to be used for the |terminal-api|
790 function in terminal {buf}. For example: >
791 :call term_setapi(buf, "Myapi_")
792 :call term_setapi(buf, "")
793<
794 The default is "Tapi_". When {expr} is an empty string then
795 no |terminal-api| function can be used for {buf}.
796
797 When used as a method the base is used for {buf}: >
798 GetBufnr()->term_setapi({expr})
799
800
Bram Moolenaar6bf2c622019-07-04 17:12:09 +0200801term_setkill({buf}, {how}) *term_setkill()*
802 When exiting Vim or trying to close the terminal window in
803 another way, {how} defines whether the job in the terminal can
804 be stopped.
805 When {how} is empty (the default), the job will not be
806 stopped, trying to exit will result in |E947|.
807 Otherwise, {how} specifies what signal to send to the job.
808 See |job_stop()| for the values.
809
810 After sending the signal Vim will wait for up to a second to
811 check that the job actually stopped.
812
Bram Moolenaar7ee80f72019-09-08 20:55:06 +0200813 Can also be used as a |method|: >
814 GetBufnr()->term_setkill(how)
815
816
Bram Moolenaar6bf2c622019-07-04 17:12:09 +0200817term_setrestore({buf}, {command}) *term_setrestore()*
818 Set the command to write in a session file to restore the job
819 in this terminal. The line written in the session file is: >
820 terminal ++curwin ++cols=%d ++rows=%d {command}
821< Make sure to escape the command properly.
822
823 Use an empty {command} to run 'shell'.
824 Use "NONE" to not restore this window.
Bram Moolenaar7ee80f72019-09-08 20:55:06 +0200825
826 Can also be used as a |method|: >
827 GetBufnr()->term_setrestore(command)
828
Bram Moolenaar6bf2c622019-07-04 17:12:09 +0200829
830term_setsize({buf}, {rows}, {cols}) *term_setsize()* *E955*
831 Set the size of terminal {buf}. The size of the window
832 containing the terminal will also be adjusted, if possible.
833 If {rows} or {cols} is zero or negative, that dimension is not
834 changed.
835
836 {buf} must be the buffer number of a terminal window. Use an
837 empty string for the current buffer. If the buffer does not
838 exist or is not a terminal window, an error is given.
Bram Moolenaar7ee80f72019-09-08 20:55:06 +0200839
840 Can also be used as a |method|: >
841 GetBufnr()->term_setsize(rows, cols)
842
Bram Moolenaar6bf2c622019-07-04 17:12:09 +0200843
844term_start({cmd} [, {options}]) *term_start()*
845 Open a terminal window and run {cmd} in it.
846
847 {cmd} can be a string or a List, like with |job_start()|. The
848 string "NONE" can be used to open a terminal window without
849 starting a job, the pty of the terminal can be used by a
850 command like gdb.
851
852 Returns the buffer number of the terminal window. If {cmd}
853 cannot be executed the window does open and shows an error
854 message.
855 If opening the window fails zero is returned.
856
857 {options} are similar to what is used for |job_start()|, see
858 |job-options|. However, not all options can be used. These
859 are supported:
860 all timeout options
861 "stoponexit", "cwd", "env"
862 "callback", "out_cb", "err_cb", "exit_cb", "close_cb"
863 "in_io", "in_top", "in_bot", "in_name", "in_buf"
864 "out_io", "out_name", "out_buf", "out_modifiable", "out_msg"
865 "err_io", "err_name", "err_buf", "err_modifiable", "err_msg"
866 However, at least one of stdin, stdout or stderr must be
867 connected to the terminal. When I/O is connected to the
868 terminal then the callback function for that part is not used.
869
870 There are extra options:
871 "term_name" name to use for the buffer name, instead
872 of the command name.
873 "term_rows" vertical size to use for the terminal,
Bram Moolenaar5300be62021-11-13 10:27:40 +0000874 instead of using 'termwinsize'; valid
875 range is from zero to 1000
Bram Moolenaar6bf2c622019-07-04 17:12:09 +0200876 "term_cols" horizontal size to use for the terminal,
877 instead of using 'termwinsize'
878 "vertical" split the window vertically; note that
879 other window position can be defined with
880 command modifiers, such as |:belowright|.
881 "curwin" use the current window, do not split the
882 window; fails if the current buffer
883 cannot be |abandon|ed
884 "hidden" do not open a window
885 "norestore" do not add the terminal window to a
886 session file
887 "term_kill" what to do when trying to close the
888 terminal window, see |term_setkill()|
889 "term_finish" What to do when the job is finished:
890 "close": close any windows
891 "open": open window if needed
892 Note that "open" can be interruptive.
893 See |term++close| and |term++open|.
894 "term_opencmd" command to use for opening the window when
895 "open" is used for "term_finish"; must
896 have "%d" where the buffer number goes,
897 e.g. "10split|buffer %d"; when not
898 specified "botright sbuf %d" is used
Bram Moolenaar83d47902020-03-26 20:34:00 +0100899 "term_highlight" highlight group to use instead of
900 "Terminal"
Bram Moolenaar6bf2c622019-07-04 17:12:09 +0200901 "eof_chars" Text to send after all buffer lines were
902 written to the terminal. When not set
903 CTRL-D is used on MS-Windows. For Python
904 use CTRL-Z or "exit()". For a shell use
905 "exit". A CR is always added.
906 "ansi_colors" A list of 16 color names or hex codes
907 defining the ANSI palette used in GUI
908 color modes. See |g:terminal_ansi_colors|.
909 "tty_type" (MS-Windows only): Specify which pty to
910 use. See 'termwintype' for the values.
Bram Moolenaard2842ea2019-09-26 23:08:54 +0200911 "term_api" function name prefix for the
912 |terminal-api| function. See
913 |term_setapi()|.
Bram Moolenaar6bf2c622019-07-04 17:12:09 +0200914
Bram Moolenaar7ee80f72019-09-08 20:55:06 +0200915 Can also be used as a |method|: >
916 GetCommand()->term_start()
917
Bram Moolenaar6bf2c622019-07-04 17:12:09 +0200918
919term_wait({buf} [, {time}]) *term_wait()*
920 Wait for pending updates of {buf} to be handled.
921 {buf} is used as with |term_getsize()|.
922 {time} is how long to wait for updates to arrive in msec. If
923 not set then 10 msec will be used.
Bram Moolenaar7ee80f72019-09-08 20:55:06 +0200924
925 Can also be used as a |method|: >
926 GetBufnr()->term_wait()
Bram Moolenaar6bf2c622019-07-04 17:12:09 +0200927
928==============================================================================
9293. Terminal communication *terminal-communication*
Bram Moolenaar8fbaeb12018-03-25 18:20:17 +0200930
931There are several ways to communicate with the job running in a terminal:
932- Use |term_sendkeys()| to send text and escape sequences from Vim to the job.
933- Use the JSON API to send encoded commands from the job to Vim.
934- Use the |client-server| mechanism. This works on machines with an X server
935 and on MS-Windows.
936
937
938Vim to job: term_sendkeys() ~
939 *terminal-to-job*
940This allows for remote controlling the job running in the terminal. It is a
941one-way mechanism. The job can update the display to signal back to Vim.
942For example, if a shell is running in a terminal, you can do: >
943 call term_sendkeys(buf, "ls *.java\<CR>")
944
945This requires for the job to be in the right state where it will do the right
946thing when receiving the keys. For the above example, the shell must be
947waiting for a command to be typed.
948
949For a job that was written for the purpose, you can use the JSON API escape
950sequence in the other direction. E.g.: >
951 call term_sendkeys(buf, "\<Esc>]51;["response"]\x07")
952
953
954Job to Vim: JSON API ~
955 *terminal-api*
956The job can send JSON to Vim, using a special escape sequence. The JSON
957encodes a command that Vim understands. Example of such a message: >
958 <Esc>]51;["drop", "README.md"]<07>
959
960The body is always a list, making it easy to find the end: ]<07>.
961The <Esc>]51;msg<07> sequence is reserved by xterm for "Emacs shell", which is
962similar to what we are doing here.
963
964Currently supported commands:
965
966 call {funcname} {argument}
967
Bram Moolenaar2a77d212018-03-26 21:38:52 +0200968 Call a user defined function with {argument}.
969 The function is called with two arguments: the buffer number
Bram Moolenaar664f3cf2019-12-07 16:03:51 +0100970 of the terminal and {argument}, the decoded JSON argument.
Bram Moolenaard2842ea2019-09-26 23:08:54 +0200971 By default, the function name must start with "Tapi_" to avoid
Bram Moolenaar2a77d212018-03-26 21:38:52 +0200972 accidentally calling a function not meant to be used for the
Bram Moolenaard2842ea2019-09-26 23:08:54 +0200973 terminal API. This can be changed with |term_setapi()|.
Bram Moolenaar2a77d212018-03-26 21:38:52 +0200974 The user function should sanity check the argument.
Bram Moolenaar8fbaeb12018-03-25 18:20:17 +0200975 The function can use |term_sendkeys()| to send back a reply.
976 Example in JSON: >
Bram Moolenaar2a77d212018-03-26 21:38:52 +0200977 ["call", "Tapi_Impression", ["play", 14]]
Bram Moolenaar8fbaeb12018-03-25 18:20:17 +0200978< Calls a function defined like this: >
Bram Moolenaar2a77d212018-03-26 21:38:52 +0200979 function Tapi_Impression(bufnum, arglist)
Bram Moolenaar8fbaeb12018-03-25 18:20:17 +0200980 if len(a:arglist) == 2
Bram Moolenaarc51cf032022-02-26 12:25:45 +0000981 echomsg "impression " .. a:arglist[0]
982 echomsg "count " .. a:arglist[1]
Bram Moolenaar8fbaeb12018-03-25 18:20:17 +0200983 endif
984 endfunc
Bram Moolenaar2a77d212018-03-26 21:38:52 +0200985< Output from `:echo` may be erased by a redraw, use `:echomsg`
986 to be able to see it with `:messages`.
987
Bram Moolenaar333b80a2018-04-04 22:57:29 +0200988 drop {filename} [options]
Bram Moolenaar8fbaeb12018-03-25 18:20:17 +0200989
990 Let Vim open a file, like the `:drop` command. If {filename}
991 is already open in a window, switch to that window. Otherwise
992 open a new window to edit {filename}.
Bram Moolenaar85eee132018-05-06 17:57:30 +0200993 Note that both the job and Vim may change the current
994 directory, thus it's best to use the full path.
Bram Moolenaar333b80a2018-04-04 22:57:29 +0200995
996 [options] is only used when opening a new window. If present,
Bram Moolenaard1caa942020-04-10 22:10:56 +0200997 it must be a Dict. Similarly to |++opt|, these entries are
Bram Moolenaar68e65602019-05-26 21:33:31 +0200998 recognized:
Bram Moolenaar333b80a2018-04-04 22:57:29 +0200999 "ff" file format: "dos", "mac" or "unix"
1000 "fileformat" idem
1001 "enc" overrides 'fileencoding'
1002 "encoding" idem
1003 "bin" sets 'binary'
1004 "binary" idem
1005 "nobin" resets 'binary'
1006 "nobinary" idem
1007 "bad" specifies behavior for bad characters, see
1008 |++bad|
1009
Bram Moolenaar8fbaeb12018-03-25 18:20:17 +02001010 Example in JSON: >
1011 ["drop", "path/file.txt", {"ff": "dos"}]
1012
1013A trick to have Vim send this escape sequence: >
1014 exe "set t_ts=\<Esc>]51; t_fs=\x07"
Bram Moolenaar2a77d212018-03-26 21:38:52 +02001015 let &titlestring = '["call","Tapi_TryThis",["hello",123]]'
Bram Moolenaar8fbaeb12018-03-25 18:20:17 +02001016 redraw
1017 set t_ts& t_fs&
1018
1019Rationale: Why not allow for any command or expression? Because that might
1020create a security problem.
Bram Moolenaar48c3f4e2022-08-08 15:42:38 +01001021 *terminal-autoshelldir*
1022This can be used to pass the current directory from a shell to Vim.
1023Put this in your .vimrc: >
Bram Moolenaarfd999452022-08-24 18:30:14 +01001024 def g:Tapi_lcd(_, path: string)
1025 if isdirectory(path)
1026 execute 'silent lcd ' .. fnameescape(path)
1027 endif
Bram Moolenaar48c3f4e2022-08-08 15:42:38 +01001028 enddef
1029<
1030And, in a bash init file: >
1031 if [[ -n "$VIM_TERMINAL" ]]; then
1032 PROMPT_COMMAND='_vim_sync_PWD'
1033 function _vim_sync_PWD() {
1034 printf '\033]51;["call", "Tapi_lcd", "%q"]\007' "$PWD"
1035 }
1036 fi
1037<
1038Or, for zsh: >
1039 if [[ -n "$VIM_TERMINAL" ]]; then
1040 autoload -Uz add-zsh-hook
1041 add-zsh-hook -Uz chpwd _vim_sync_PWD
1042 function _vim_sync_PWD() {
1043 printf '\033]51;["call", "Tapi_lcd", "%q"]\007' "$PWD"
1044 }
1045 fi
1046<
1047Or, for fish: >
1048 if test -n "$VIM_TERMINAL"
1049 function _vim_sync_PWD --on-variable=PWD
1050 printf '\033]51;["call", "Tapi_lcd", "%s"]\007' "$PWD"
1051 end
1052 end
Bram Moolenaar8fbaeb12018-03-25 18:20:17 +02001053
1054
1055Using the client-server feature ~
1056 *terminal-client-server*
1057This only works when v:servername is not empty. If needed you can set it,
1058before opening the terminal, with: >
1059 call remote_startserver('vim-server')
1060
1061$VIM_SERVERNAME is set in the terminal to pass on the server name.
1062
1063In the job you can then do something like: >
1064 vim --servername $VIM_SERVERNAME --remote +123 some_file.c
1065This will open the file "some_file.c" and put the cursor on line 123.
1066
1067==============================================================================
Bram Moolenaar6bf2c622019-07-04 17:12:09 +020010684. Remote testing *terminal-testing*
Bram Moolenaare4f25e42017-07-07 11:54:15 +02001069
1070Most Vim tests execute a script inside Vim. For some tests this does not
1071work, running the test interferes with the code being tested. To avoid this
1072Vim is executed in a terminal window. The test sends keystrokes to it and
1073inspects the resulting screen state.
1074
1075Functions ~
1076
Bram Moolenaar6dc819b2018-07-03 16:42:19 +02001077|term_sendkeys()| send keystrokes to a terminal (not subject to tmap)
1078|term_wait()| wait for screen to be updated
1079|term_scrape()| inspect terminal screen
Bram Moolenaare4f25e42017-07-07 11:54:15 +02001080
1081
1082==============================================================================
Bram Moolenaar6bf2c622019-07-04 17:12:09 +020010835. Diffing screen dumps *terminal-diff*
Bram Moolenaarda650582018-02-20 15:51:40 +01001084
1085In some cases it can be bothersome to test that Vim displays the right
1086characters on the screen. E.g. with syntax highlighting. To make this
1087simpler it is possible to take a screen dump of a terminal and compare it to
1088an expected screen dump.
1089
1090Vim uses the window size, text, color and other attributes as displayed. The
1091Vim screen size, font and other properties do not matter. Therefore this
Bram Moolenaar98ef2332018-03-18 14:44:37 +01001092mechanism is portable across systems. A conventional screenshot would reflect
Bram Moolenaarda650582018-02-20 15:51:40 +01001093all differences, including font size and family.
1094
1095
1096Writing a screen dump test for Vim ~
1097 *terminal-dumptest*
1098For an example see the Test_syntax_c() function in
1099src/testdir/test_syntax.vim. The main parts are:
1100- Write a file you want to test with. This is useful for testing syntax
Bram Moolenaar560979e2020-02-04 22:53:05 +01001101 highlighting. You can also start Vim with an empty buffer.
Bram Moolenaarda650582018-02-20 15:51:40 +01001102- Run Vim in a terminal with a specific size. The default is 20 lines of 75
1103 characters. This makes sure the dump is always this size. The function
1104 RunVimInTerminal() takes care of this. Pass it the arguments for the Vim
1105 command.
Bram Moolenaar6dc819b2018-07-03 16:42:19 +02001106- Send any commands to Vim using |term_sendkeys()|. For example: >
Bram Moolenaarda650582018-02-20 15:51:40 +01001107 call term_sendkeys(buf, ":echo &lines &columns\<CR>")
1108- Check that the screen is now in the expected state, using
1109 VerifyScreenDump(). This expects the reference screen dump to be in the
1110 src/testdir/dumps/ directory. Pass the name without ".dump". It is
1111 recommended to use the name of the test function and a sequence number, so
1112 that we know what test is using the file.
1113- Repeat sending commands and checking the state.
1114- Finally stop Vim by calling StopVimInTerminal().
1115
1116The first time you do this you won't have a screen dump yet. Create an empty
1117file for now, e.g.: >
1118 touch src/testdir/dumps/Test_function_name_01.dump
1119
1120The test will then fail, giving you the command to compare the reference dump
1121and the failed dump, e.g.: >
Bram Moolenaar0c0734d2019-11-26 21:44:46 +01001122 call term_dumpdiff("failed/Test_func.dump", "dumps/Test_func.dump")
Bram Moolenaarda650582018-02-20 15:51:40 +01001123
1124Use this command in Vim, with the current directory set to src/testdir.
1125Once you are satisfied with the test, move the failed dump in place of the
1126reference: >
Bram Moolenaar0c0734d2019-11-26 21:44:46 +01001127 :!mv failed/Test_func.dump dumps/Test_func.dump
Bram Moolenaarda650582018-02-20 15:51:40 +01001128
1129
1130Creating a screen dump ~
1131 *terminal-screendump*
Bram Moolenaarda650582018-02-20 15:51:40 +01001132To create the screen dump, run Vim (or any other program) in a terminal and
Bram Moolenaar6dc819b2018-07-03 16:42:19 +02001133make it show the desired state. Then use the |term_dumpwrite()| function to
Bram Moolenaarda650582018-02-20 15:51:40 +01001134create a screen dump file. For example: >
1135 :call term_dumpwrite(77, "mysyntax.dump")
1136
1137Here "77" is the buffer number of the terminal. Use `:ls!` to see it.
1138
Bram Moolenaar6dc819b2018-07-03 16:42:19 +02001139You can view the screen dump with |term_dumpload()|: >
Bram Moolenaarda650582018-02-20 15:51:40 +01001140 :call term_dumpload("mysyntax.dump")
1141
1142To verify that Vim still shows exactly the same screen, run Vim again with
1143exactly the same way to show the desired state. Then create a screen dump
1144again, using a different file name: >
1145 :call term_dumpwrite(88, "test.dump")
1146
Bram Moolenaar6dc819b2018-07-03 16:42:19 +02001147To assert that the files are exactly the same use |assert_equalfile()|: >
Bram Moolenaarda650582018-02-20 15:51:40 +01001148 call assert_equalfile("mysyntax.dump", "test.dump")
1149
1150If there are differences then v:errors will contain the error message.
1151
1152
1153Comparing screen dumps ~
1154 *terminal-diffscreendump*
Bram Moolenaar6dc819b2018-07-03 16:42:19 +02001155|assert_equalfile()| does not make it easy to see what is different.
1156To spot the problem use |term_dumpdiff()|: >
Bram Moolenaarda650582018-02-20 15:51:40 +01001157 call term_dumpdiff("mysyntax.dump", "test.dump")
1158
1159This will open a window consisting of three parts:
11601. The contents of the first dump
11612. The difference between the first and second dump
11623. The contents of the second dump
1163
1164You can usually see what differs in the second part. Use the 'ruler' to
Bram Moolenaar93a1df22018-09-10 11:51:50 +02001165relate it to the position in the first or second dump. Letters indicate the
1166kind of difference:
1167 X different character
1168 > cursor in first but not in second
1169 < cursor in second but not in first
1170 w character width differs (single vs double width)
1171 f foreground color differs
1172 b background color differs
1173 a attribute differs (bold, underline, reverse, etc.)
1174 ? character missing in both
1175 + character missing in first
1176 - character missing in second
Bram Moolenaarda650582018-02-20 15:51:40 +01001177
Bram Moolenaar98ef2332018-03-18 14:44:37 +01001178Alternatively, press "s" to swap the first and second dump. Do this several
Bram Moolenaarda650582018-02-20 15:51:40 +01001179times so that you can spot the difference in the context of the text.
1180
1181==============================================================================
Bram Moolenaar6bf2c622019-07-04 17:12:09 +020011826. Debugging *terminal-debug* *terminal-debugger*
Bram Moolenaare4f25e42017-07-07 11:54:15 +02001183
1184The Terminal debugging plugin can be used to debug a program with gdb and view
Bram Moolenaare09ba7b2017-09-09 22:19:47 +02001185the source code in a Vim window. Since this is completely contained inside
1186Vim this also works remotely over an ssh connection.
1187
Bram Moolenaarb3307b52018-06-17 21:34:11 +02001188When the |+terminal| feature is missing, the plugin will use the "prompt"
1189buffer type, if possible. The running program will then use a newly opened
1190terminal window. See |termdebug-prompt| below for details.
1191
Bram Moolenaare09ba7b2017-09-09 22:19:47 +02001192
1193Starting ~
Bram Moolenaar7f2e9d72017-11-11 20:58:53 +01001194 *termdebug-starting*
Bram Moolenaarc572da52017-08-27 16:52:01 +02001195Load the plugin with this command: >
1196 packadd termdebug
Bram Moolenaare09ba7b2017-09-09 22:19:47 +02001197< *:Termdebug*
Bram Moolenaard473c8c2018-08-11 18:00:22 +02001198To start debugging use `:Termdebug` or `:TermdebugCommand` followed by the
Bram Moolenaar32c67ba2018-04-16 16:21:49 +02001199command name, for example: >
Bram Moolenaar24a98a02017-09-27 22:23:55 +02001200 :Termdebug vim
Bram Moolenaare4f25e42017-07-07 11:54:15 +02001201
Bram Moolenaarc572da52017-08-27 16:52:01 +02001202This opens two windows:
Bram Moolenaarf0b03c42017-12-17 17:17:07 +01001203
Bram Moolenaar45d5f262017-09-10 19:14:31 +02001204gdb window A terminal window in which "gdb vim" is executed. Here you
1205 can directly interact with gdb. The buffer name is "!gdb".
Bram Moolenaarf0b03c42017-12-17 17:17:07 +01001206
Bram Moolenaar45d5f262017-09-10 19:14:31 +02001207program window A terminal window for the executed program. When "run" is
1208 used in gdb the program I/O will happen in this window, so
1209 that it does not interfere with controlling gdb. The buffer
Bram Moolenaar6f4754b2022-01-23 12:07:04 +00001210 name is "debugged program".
Bram Moolenaare09ba7b2017-09-09 22:19:47 +02001211
1212The current window is used to show the source code. When gdb pauses the
1213source file location will be displayed, if possible. A sign is used to
Bram Moolenaar664f3cf2019-12-07 16:03:51 +01001214highlight the current position, using highlight group debugPC.
Bram Moolenaare09ba7b2017-09-09 22:19:47 +02001215
1216If the buffer in the current window is modified, another window will be opened
Bram Moolenaar32c67ba2018-04-16 16:21:49 +02001217to display the current gdb position. You can use `:Winbar` to add a window
1218toolbar there.
Bram Moolenaare09ba7b2017-09-09 22:19:47 +02001219
1220Focus the terminal of the executed program to interact with it. This works
1221the same as any command running in a terminal window.
Bram Moolenaare4f25e42017-07-07 11:54:15 +02001222
Bram Moolenaar45d5f262017-09-10 19:14:31 +02001223When the debugger ends, typically by typing "quit" in the gdb window, the two
1224opened windows are closed.
Bram Moolenaarc572da52017-08-27 16:52:01 +02001225
Bram Moolenaarb3623a32018-04-14 18:59:50 +02001226Only one debugger can be active at a time.
Bram Moolenaar32c67ba2018-04-16 16:21:49 +02001227 *:TermdebugCommand*
1228If you want to give specific commands to the command being debugged, you can
1229use the `:TermdebugCommand` command followed by the command name and
1230additional parameters. >
1231 :TermdebugCommand vim --clean -c ':set nu'
Bram Moolenaarb3623a32018-04-14 18:59:50 +02001232
Bram Moolenaar32c67ba2018-04-16 16:21:49 +02001233Both the `:Termdebug` and `:TermdebugCommand` support an optional "!" bang
1234argument to start the command right away, without pausing at the gdb window
1235(and cursor will be in the debugged window). For example: >
1236 :TermdebugCommand! vim --clean
1237
1238To attach gdb to an already running executable or use a core file, pass extra
Bram Moolenaarb3623a32018-04-14 18:59:50 +02001239arguments. E.g.: >
1240 :Termdebug vim core
1241 :Termdebug vim 98343
1242
Bram Moolenaar32c67ba2018-04-16 16:21:49 +02001243If no argument is given, you'll end up in a gdb window, in which you need to
1244specify which command to run using e.g. the gdb `file` command.
1245
Bram Moolenaarc572da52017-08-27 16:52:01 +02001246
Bram Moolenaar24a98a02017-09-27 22:23:55 +02001247Example session ~
Bram Moolenaar7f2e9d72017-11-11 20:58:53 +01001248 *termdebug-example*
Bram Moolenaar24a98a02017-09-27 22:23:55 +02001249Start in the Vim "src" directory and build Vim: >
1250 % make
Bram Moolenaar1ff14ba2019-11-02 14:09:23 +01001251Make sure that debug symbols are present, usually that means that $CFLAGS
1252includes "-g".
1253
Bram Moolenaar24a98a02017-09-27 22:23:55 +02001254Start Vim: >
1255 % ./vim
Bram Moolenaar1ff14ba2019-11-02 14:09:23 +01001256
Bram Moolenaar24a98a02017-09-27 22:23:55 +02001257Load the termdebug plugin and start debugging Vim: >
1258 :packadd termdebug
1259 :Termdebug vim
1260You should now have three windows:
1261 source - where you started, has a window toolbar with buttons
1262 gdb - you can type gdb commands here
1263 program - the executed program will use this window
Bram Moolenaar71137fe2018-03-03 20:47:21 +01001264
Bram Moolenaar24a98a02017-09-27 22:23:55 +02001265You can use CTRL-W CTRL-W or the mouse to move focus between windows.
1266Put focus on the gdb window and type: >
1267 break ex_help
1268 run
1269Vim will start running in the program window. Put focus there and type: >
1270 :help gui
Bram Moolenaar664f3cf2019-12-07 16:03:51 +01001271Gdb will run into the ex_help breakpoint. The source window now shows the
Bram Moolenaarde1a8312018-06-19 16:59:54 +02001272ex_cmds.c file. A red "1 " marker will appear in the signcolumn where the
1273breakpoint was set. The line where the debugger stopped is highlighted. You
1274can now step through the program. Let's use the mouse: click on the "Next"
1275button in the window toolbar. You will see the highlighting move as the
1276debugger executes a line of source code.
Bram Moolenaar24a98a02017-09-27 22:23:55 +02001277
1278Click "Next" a few times until the for loop is highlighted. Put the cursor on
1279the end of "eap->arg", then click "Eval" in the toolbar. You will see this
1280displayed:
1281 "eap->arg": 0x555555e68855 "gui" ~
1282This way you can inspect the value of local variables. You can also focus the
1283gdb window and use a "print" command, e.g.: >
1284 print *eap
Bram Moolenaar71137fe2018-03-03 20:47:21 +01001285If mouse pointer movements are working, Vim will also show a balloon when the
1286mouse rests on text that can be evaluated by gdb.
Bram Moolenaar24a98a02017-09-27 22:23:55 +02001287
1288Now go back to the source window and put the cursor on the first line after
1289the for loop, then type: >
1290 :Break
1291You will see a ">>" marker appear, this indicates the new breakpoint. Now
1292click "Cont" in the toolbar and the code until the breakpoint will be
1293executed.
1294
1295You can type more advanced commands in the gdb window. For example, type: >
1296 watch curbuf
1297Now click "Cont" in the toolbar (or type "cont" in the gdb window). Execution
1298will now continue until the value of "curbuf" changes, which is in do_ecmd().
1299To remove this watchpoint again type in the gdb window: >
1300 delete 3
1301
1302You can see the stack by typing in the gdb window: >
1303 where
1304Move through the stack frames, e.g. with: >
1305 frame 3
1306The source window will show the code, at the point where the call was made to
1307a deeper level.
1308
1309
Bram Moolenaare09ba7b2017-09-09 22:19:47 +02001310Stepping through code ~
Bram Moolenaar7f2e9d72017-11-11 20:58:53 +01001311 *termdebug-stepping*
Bram Moolenaare09ba7b2017-09-09 22:19:47 +02001312Put focus on the gdb window to type commands there. Some common ones are:
Bram Moolenaar60e73f22017-11-12 18:02:06 +01001313- CTRL-C interrupt the program
1314- next execute the current line and stop at the next line
1315- step execute the current line and stop at the next statement,
1316 entering functions
Bram Moolenaar75ab5902022-04-18 15:36:40 +01001317- until execute until past the current cursor line or past a specified
1318 position or the current stack frame returns
Bram Moolenaar60e73f22017-11-12 18:02:06 +01001319- finish execute until leaving the current function
1320- where show the stack
1321- frame N go to the Nth stack frame
1322- continue continue execution
Bram Moolenaare09ba7b2017-09-09 22:19:47 +02001323
Bram Moolenaar32c67ba2018-04-16 16:21:49 +02001324 *:Run* *:Arguments*
1325In the window showing the source code these commands can be used to control
1326gdb:
Bram Moolenaar71137fe2018-03-03 20:47:21 +01001327 `:Run` [args] run the program with [args] or the previous arguments
1328 `:Arguments` {args} set arguments for the next `:Run`
Bram Moolenaar60e73f22017-11-12 18:02:06 +01001329
Bram Moolenaar589edb32019-09-20 14:38:13 +02001330 *:Break* set a breakpoint at the cursor position
1331 :Break {position}
Bram Moolenaar2e693a82019-10-16 22:35:02 +02001332 set a breakpoint at the specified position
Bram Moolenaar589edb32019-09-20 14:38:13 +02001333 *:Clear* delete the breakpoint at the cursor position
Bram Moolenaar60e73f22017-11-12 18:02:06 +01001334
Bram Moolenaar32c67ba2018-04-16 16:21:49 +02001335 *:Step* execute the gdb "step" command
1336 *:Over* execute the gdb "next" command (`:Next` is a Vim command)
Bram Moolenaar75ab5902022-04-18 15:36:40 +01001337 *:Until* execute the gdb "until" command
Bram Moolenaar32c67ba2018-04-16 16:21:49 +02001338 *:Finish* execute the gdb "finish" command
1339 *:Continue* execute the gdb "continue" command
1340 *:Stop* interrupt the program
Bram Moolenaar45d5f262017-09-10 19:14:31 +02001341
Bram Moolenaarf0b03c42017-12-17 17:17:07 +01001342If 'mouse' is set the plugin adds a window toolbar with these entries:
Bram Moolenaar71137fe2018-03-03 20:47:21 +01001343 Step `:Step`
1344 Next `:Over`
1345 Finish `:Finish`
1346 Cont `:Continue`
1347 Stop `:Stop`
1348 Eval `:Evaluate`
Bram Moolenaarf0b03c42017-12-17 17:17:07 +01001349This way you can use the mouse to perform the most common commands. You need
1350to have the 'mouse' option set to enable mouse clicks.
Bram Moolenaard13166e2022-11-18 21:49:57 +00001351See |termdebug_winbar| for configuring this toolbar.
Bram Moolenaar32c67ba2018-04-16 16:21:49 +02001352 *:Winbar*
Bram Moolenaar71137fe2018-03-03 20:47:21 +01001353You can add the window toolbar in other windows you open with: >
1354 :Winbar
1355
Bram Moolenaarc4b533e2018-04-06 22:26:25 +02001356If gdb stops at a source line and there is no window currently showing the
1357source code, a new window will be created for the source code. This also
1358happens if the buffer in the source code window has been modified and can't be
1359abandoned.
1360
Bram Moolenaarde1a8312018-06-19 16:59:54 +02001361Gdb gives each breakpoint a number. In Vim the number shows up in the sign
1362column, with a red background. You can use these gdb commands:
1363- info break list breakpoints
1364- delete N delete breakpoint N
1365You can also use the `:Clear` command if the cursor is in the line with the
1366breakpoint, or use the "Clear breakpoint" right-click menu entry.
1367
Bram Moolenaar45d5f262017-09-10 19:14:31 +02001368
1369Inspecting variables ~
Bram Moolenaar32c67ba2018-04-16 16:21:49 +02001370 *termdebug-variables* *:Evaluate*
Bram Moolenaar71137fe2018-03-03 20:47:21 +01001371 `:Evaluate` evaluate the expression under the cursor
Bram Moolenaar388a5d42020-05-26 21:20:45 +02001372 `K` same (see |termdebug_map_K| to disable)
Bram Moolenaar71137fe2018-03-03 20:47:21 +01001373 `:Evaluate` {expr} evaluate {expr}
1374 `:'<,'>Evaluate` evaluate the Visually selected text
Bram Moolenaar45d5f262017-09-10 19:14:31 +02001375
1376This is similar to using "print" in the gdb window.
Bram Moolenaar71137fe2018-03-03 20:47:21 +01001377You can usually shorten `:Evaluate` to `:Ev`.
Bram Moolenaar45d5f262017-09-10 19:14:31 +02001378
1379
Sean Dewar3d3a9152023-08-23 17:14:49 +01001380Navigating stack frames ~
1381 *termdebug-frames* *:Frame* *:Up* *:Down*
1382 `:Frame` [frame] select frame [frame], which is a frame number,
1383 address, or function name (default: current frame)
1384 `:Up` [count] go up [count] frames (default: 1; the frame that
1385 called the current)
1386 `+` same (see |termdebug_map_plus| to disable)
1387 `:Down` [count] go down [count] frames (default: 1; the frame called
1388 by the current)
1389 `-` same (see |termdebug_map_minus| to disable)
Simon Sobisch2ae7ffe2023-08-22 22:19:14 +02001390
1391
Bram Moolenaar45d5f262017-09-10 19:14:31 +02001392Other commands ~
Bram Moolenaar7f2e9d72017-11-11 20:58:53 +01001393 *termdebug-commands*
Bram Moolenaar32c67ba2018-04-16 16:21:49 +02001394 *:Gdb* jump to the gdb window
1395 *:Program* jump to the window with the running program
1396 *:Source* jump to the window with the source code, create it if there
Bram Moolenaarc4b533e2018-04-06 22:26:25 +02001397 isn't one
Bram Moolenaar82be4842021-01-11 19:40:15 +01001398 *:Asm* jump to the window with the disassembly, create it if there
1399 isn't one
laburnumT9f296212023-05-13 16:29:15 +02001400 *:Var* jump to the window with the local and argument variables,
1401 create it if there isn't one. This window updates whenever the
1402 program is stopped
Bram Moolenaare09ba7b2017-09-09 22:19:47 +02001403
Bram Moolenaar6aa57292021-08-14 21:25:52 +02001404Events ~
1405 *termdebug-events*
1406Four autocommands can be used: >
1407 au User TermdebugStartPre echomsg 'debugging starting'
1408 au User TermdebugStartPost echomsg 'debugging started'
1409 au User TermdebugStopPre echomsg 'debugging stopping'
1410 au User TermdebugStopPost echomsg 'debugging stopped'
1411<
1412 *TermdebugStartPre*
1413TermdebugStartPre Before starting debugging.
1414 Not triggered if the debugger is already
Bram Moolenaarc9a431c2022-05-23 21:49:41 +01001415 running or the debugger command cannot be
Bram Moolenaar6aa57292021-08-14 21:25:52 +02001416 executed.
1417 *TermdebugStartPost*
1418TermdebugStartPost After debugging has initialized.
1419 If a "!" bang is passed to `:Termdebug` or
1420 `:TermdebugCommand` the event is triggered
1421 before running the provided command in gdb.
1422 *TermdebugStopPre*
1423TermdebugStopPre Before debugging ends, when gdb is terminated,
1424 most likely after issuing a "quit" command in
1425 the gdb window.
1426 *TermdebugStopPost*
1427TermdebugStopPost After debugging has ended, gdb-related windows
1428 are closed, debug buffers wiped out and
1429 the state before the debugging was restored.
1430
Bram Moolenaare09ba7b2017-09-09 22:19:47 +02001431
Bram Moolenaard13166e2022-11-18 21:49:57 +00001432Customizing ~
1433 *termdebug-customizing* *g:termdebug_config*
1434In the past several global variables were used for configuration. These are
1435deprecated and using the g:termdebug_config dictionary is preferred. When
1436g:termdebug_config exists the other global variables will NOT be used.
1437The recommended way is to start with an empty dictionary: >
1438 let g:termdebug_config = {}
1439
1440Then you can add entries to the dictionary as mentioned below. The
1441deprecated global variable names are mentioned for completeness. If you are
1442switching over to using g:termdebug_config you can find the old variable name
1443and take over the value, then delete the deprecated variable.
1444
1445
Bram Moolenaarb3307b52018-06-17 21:34:11 +02001446Prompt mode ~
1447 *termdebug-prompt*
1448When the |+terminal| feature is not supported and on MS-Windows, gdb will run
1449in a buffer with 'buftype' set to "prompt". This works slightly differently:
1450- The gdb window will be in Insert mode while typing commands. Go to Normal
1451 mode with <Esc>, then you can move around in the buffer, copy/paste, etc.
1452 Go back to editing the gdb command with any command that starts Insert mode,
1453 such as `a` or `i`.
1454- The program being debugged will run in a separate window. On MS-Windows
1455 this is a new console window. On Unix, if the |+terminal| feature is
1456 available a Terminal window will be opened to run the debugged program in.
1457
1458 *termdebug_use_prompt*
1459Prompt mode can be used even when the |+terminal| feature is present with: >
Bram Moolenaarc9a431c2022-05-23 21:49:41 +01001460 let g:termdebug_config['use_prompt'] = 1
Bram Moolenaard13166e2022-11-18 21:49:57 +00001461If there is no g:termdebug_config you can use: >
Bram Moolenaarb3307b52018-06-17 21:34:11 +02001462 let g:termdebug_use_prompt = 1
Bram Moolenaar388a5d42020-05-26 21:20:45 +02001463<
1464 *termdebug_map_K*
Sean Dewar3d3a9152023-08-23 17:14:49 +01001465The K key is normally mapped to |:Evaluate|. If you do not want this use: >
Bram Moolenaarc9a431c2022-05-23 21:49:41 +01001466 let g:termdebug_config['map_K'] = 0
Bram Moolenaard13166e2022-11-18 21:49:57 +00001467If there is no g:termdebug_config you can use: >
Bram Moolenaar388a5d42020-05-26 21:20:45 +02001468 let g:termdebug_map_K = 0
Bram Moolenaar82be4842021-01-11 19:40:15 +01001469<
Simon Sobisch2ae7ffe2023-08-22 22:19:14 +02001470 *termdebug_map_minus*
Sean Dewar3d3a9152023-08-23 17:14:49 +01001471The - key is normally mapped to |:Down|. If you do not want this use: >
Simon Sobisch2ae7ffe2023-08-22 22:19:14 +02001472 let g:termdebug_config['map_minus'] = 0
1473<
1474 *termdebug_map_plus*
Sean Dewar3d3a9152023-08-23 17:14:49 +01001475The + key is normally mapped to |:Up|. If you do not want this use: >
Simon Sobisch2ae7ffe2023-08-22 22:19:14 +02001476 let g:termdebug_config['map_plus'] = 0
1477<
Bram Moolenaar82be4842021-01-11 19:40:15 +01001478 *termdebug_disasm_window*
Bram Moolenaar10e8ff92023-06-10 21:40:39 +01001479If you want the Asm window shown by default, set the "disasm_window" flag to
14801. The "disasm_window_height" entry can be used to set the window height: >
Bram Moolenaarc9a431c2022-05-23 21:49:41 +01001481 let g:termdebug_config['disasm_window'] = 1
1482 let g:termdebug_config['disasm_window_height'] = 15
Bram Moolenaard13166e2022-11-18 21:49:57 +00001483If there is no g:termdebug_config you can use: >
Bram Moolenaar82be4842021-01-11 19:40:15 +01001484 let g:termdebug_disasm_window = 15
Bram Moolenaar8a3b8052022-06-26 12:21:15 +01001485Any value greater than 1 will set the Asm window height to that value.
Bram Moolenaarb3307b52018-06-17 21:34:11 +02001486
laburnumT9f296212023-05-13 16:29:15 +02001487 *termdebug_variables_window*
1488If you want the Var window shown by default, set the flag to 1.
1489the "variables_window_height" entry can be used to set the window height: >
1490 let g:termdebug_config['variables_window'] = 1
1491 let g:termdebug_config['variables_window_height'] = 15
1492If there is no g:termdebug_config you can use: >
1493 let g:termdebug_variables_window = 15
1494Any value greater than 1 will set the Var window height to that value.
1495
Bram Moolenaare09ba7b2017-09-09 22:19:47 +02001496Communication ~
Bram Moolenaar7f2e9d72017-11-11 20:58:53 +01001497 *termdebug-communication*
Bram Moolenaare09ba7b2017-09-09 22:19:47 +02001498There is another, hidden, buffer, which is used for Vim to communicate with
1499gdb. The buffer name is "gdb communication". Do not delete this buffer, it
1500will break the debugger.
1501
Bram Moolenaarde1a8312018-06-19 16:59:54 +02001502Gdb has some weird behavior, the plugin does its best to work around that.
1503For example, after typing "continue" in the gdb window a CTRL-C can be used to
1504interrupt the running program. But after using the MI command
1505"-exec-continue" pressing CTRL-C does not interrupt. Therefore you will see
1506"continue" being used for the `:Continue` command, instead of using the
1507communication channel.
1508
Bram Moolenaare09ba7b2017-09-09 22:19:47 +02001509
Bram Moolenaarc9a431c2022-05-23 21:49:41 +01001510GDB command ~
Bram Moolenaar6aa57292021-08-14 21:25:52 +02001511 *g:termdebugger*
Bram Moolenaarc9a431c2022-05-23 21:49:41 +01001512To change the name of the gdb command, set "debugger" entry in
1513g:termdebug_config or the "g:termdebugger" variable before invoking
1514`:Termdebug`: >
1515 let g:termdebug_config['command'] = "mygdb"
Bram Moolenaard13166e2022-11-18 21:49:57 +00001516If there is no g:termdebug_config you can use: >
Bram Moolenaar6aa57292021-08-14 21:25:52 +02001517 let g:termdebugger = "mygdb"
Bram Moolenaarc9a431c2022-05-23 21:49:41 +01001518
Bram Moolenaarfa3b7232021-12-24 13:18:38 +00001519If the command needs an argument use a List: >
Bram Moolenaarc9a431c2022-05-23 21:49:41 +01001520 let g:termdebug_config['command'] = ['rr', 'replay', '--']
Bram Moolenaard13166e2022-11-18 21:49:57 +00001521If there is no g:termdebug_config you can use: >
Bram Moolenaarfa3b7232021-12-24 13:18:38 +00001522 let g:termdebugger = ['rr', 'replay', '--']
Bram Moolenaarc9a431c2022-05-23 21:49:41 +01001523
1524Several arguments will be added to make gdb work well for the debugger.
1525If you want to modify them, add a function to filter the argument list: >
1526 let g:termdebug_config['command_filter'] = MyDebugFilter
1527
1528If you do not want the arguments to be added, but you do need to set the
1529"pty", use a function to add the necessary arguments: >
1530 let g:termdebug_config['command_add_args'] = MyAddArguments
1531The function will be called with the list of arguments so far, and a second
1532argument that is the name of the pty.
1533 *gdb-version*
Bram Moolenaare09ba7b2017-09-09 22:19:47 +02001534Only debuggers fully compatible with gdb will work. Vim uses the GDB/MI
Bram Moolenaar98ef2332018-03-18 14:44:37 +01001535interface. The "new-ui" command requires gdb version 7.12 or later. if you
1536get this error:
Bram Moolenaar01164a62017-11-02 22:58:42 +01001537 Undefined command: "new-ui". Try "help".~
1538Then your gdb is too old.
Bram Moolenaare09ba7b2017-09-09 22:19:47 +02001539
Bram Moolenaar71137fe2018-03-03 20:47:21 +01001540
Bram Moolenaar8a3b8052022-06-26 12:21:15 +01001541Colors ~
Bram Moolenaard13166e2022-11-18 21:49:57 +00001542 *hl-debugPC* *hl-debugBreakpoint*
Bram Moolenaare09ba7b2017-09-09 22:19:47 +02001543The color of the signs can be adjusted with these highlight groups:
1544- debugPC the current position
1545- debugBreakpoint a breakpoint
1546
1547The defaults are, when 'background' is "light":
1548 hi debugPC term=reverse ctermbg=lightblue guibg=lightblue
1549 hi debugBreakpoint term=reverse ctermbg=red guibg=red
1550
1551When 'background' is "dark":
1552 hi debugPC term=reverse ctermbg=darkblue guibg=darkblue
1553 hi debugBreakpoint term=reverse ctermbg=red guibg=red
Bram Moolenaarc572da52017-08-27 16:52:01 +02001554
Bram Moolenaar71137fe2018-03-03 20:47:21 +01001555
Bram Moolenaar8a3b8052022-06-26 12:21:15 +01001556Shortcuts ~
1557 *termdebug_shortcuts*
Bram Moolenaarb3307b52018-06-17 21:34:11 +02001558You can define your own shortcuts (mappings) to control gdb, that can work in
1559any window, using the TermDebugSendCommand() function. Example: >
1560 map ,w :call TermDebugSendCommand('where')<CR>
1561The argument is the gdb command.
1562
1563
Bram Moolenaar8a3b8052022-06-26 12:21:15 +01001564Popup menu ~
1565 *termdebug_popup*
Bram Moolenaar71137fe2018-03-03 20:47:21 +01001566By default the Termdebug plugin sets 'mousemodel' to "popup_setpos" and adds
1567these entries to the popup menu:
1568 Set breakpoint `:Break`
1569 Clear breakpoint `:Clear`
1570 Evaluate `:Evaluate`
1571If you don't want this then disable it with: >
Bram Moolenaarc9a431c2022-05-23 21:49:41 +01001572 let g:termdebug_config['popup'] = 0
Bram Moolenaard13166e2022-11-18 21:49:57 +00001573If there is no g:termdebug_config you can use: >
Bram Moolenaar71137fe2018-03-03 20:47:21 +01001574 let g:termdebug_popup = 0
1575
1576
skywind3000e7d9ca22023-06-28 23:27:28 +01001577Change default signs ~
1578 *termdebug_signs*
1579Termdebug uses the last two characters of the breakpoint ID in the
1580signcolumn to represent breakpoints. For example, breakpoint ID 133
1581will be displayed as `33`.
1582
1583If you want to customize the breakpoint signs: >
1584 let g:termdebug_config['sign'] = '>>'
1585If there is no g:terminal_config yet you can use: >
1586 let g:termdebug_config = {'sign': '>>'}
1587
1588After this, breakpoints will be displayed as `>>` in the signcolumn.
1589
1590
Bram Moolenaard13166e2022-11-18 21:49:57 +00001591Window toolbar ~
1592 *termdebug_winbar*
1593By default the Termdebug plugin creates a window toolbar if the mouse is
1594enabled (see |:Winbar|). If you don't want this then disable it with: >
1595 let g:termdebug_config['winbar'] = 0
1596
1597
Bram Moolenaar8a3b8052022-06-26 12:21:15 +01001598Vim window width ~
1599 *termdebug_wide*
Bram Moolenaar4466ad62020-11-21 13:16:30 +01001600To change the width of the Vim window when debugging starts and use a vertical
1601split: >
Bram Moolenaarc9a431c2022-05-23 21:49:41 +01001602 let g:termdebug_config['wide'] = 163
Bram Moolenaard13166e2022-11-18 21:49:57 +00001603If there is no g:termdebug_config you can use: >
Bram Moolenaar4466ad62020-11-21 13:16:30 +01001604 let g:termdebug_wide = 163
Bram Moolenaar38baa3e2017-09-14 16:10:38 +02001605
Bram Moolenaar4466ad62020-11-21 13:16:30 +01001606This will set 'columns' to 163 when `:Termdebug` is used. The value is
1607restored when quitting the debugger.
1608
Bram Moolenaarc9a431c2022-05-23 21:49:41 +01001609If the wide value is set and 'columns' is already a greater value, then a
Bram Moolenaar4466ad62020-11-21 13:16:30 +01001610vertical split will be used without modifying 'columns'.
1611
Bram Moolenaarc9a431c2022-05-23 21:49:41 +01001612Set the wide value to 1 to use a vertical split without ever changing
Bram Moolenaar4466ad62020-11-21 13:16:30 +01001613'columns'. This is useful when the terminal can't be resized by Vim.
Bram Moolenaare4f25e42017-07-07 11:54:15 +02001614
Bram Moolenaare4f25e42017-07-07 11:54:15 +02001615
Bram Moolenaar91f84f62018-07-29 15:07:52 +02001616 vim:tw=78:ts=8:noet:ft=help:norl: